"Today, I did a crazy thing,” I said to Joan. She’s a Dev Editor, and one of my cohorts in the Black Hats Writers Group. She got me mixed up in this Inkshares meshugas in the first place. God bless her for that.
Last year when the Inkshares Horror Contest was heating up, Michael Welch and I had a friendly rivalry going. Some even called it a bromance. (That might have been me.) Mostly, he was kicking my ass. He floated the idea of collaborating on a project. We even discussed plot ideas, characterization, and what-not in some detail.
“Hell no,” I said back then. "Maybe later when this contest is over."
When it was over, I needed to write, and so did he, and now I’m re-writing and yes, I have high hopes that book might drop in 2019. I’m talking about MINE, of course, which started out as Murder Happens. I’m still not settled on the title, but MINE works for me right now.
Today, Mike floats the idea of putting the collaboration together again because Inkshares has a new contest going. The first of this year. Might be the only one of this year. And, it’s a Mystery Contest.
“I can’t ask my supporters to fork over for another book when the one I promised isn’t done yet,” I said.
There might have been more swearing involved. Or maybe that’s a conversation that occurred in my head. Still, the excitement of the contest worked its way into my evil little brain. Next thing I know, Mike’s putting us up as a team. He even gave me first billing in the author profile. It should be him. The concept is his. But, I’m going to grab a hunk for myself. That’s how I roll. The creative tension between us will be epic. Definitely worth the price of admission, right?
Oh, wait. I need to give you a link so you can go follow the book. I’m not going to ask, beg, extort or otherwise pressure anyone to pre-order. (But, shit happens.) I’ll throw this link out there, and let you decide what to do. The URL has 666 in it. That’s righteous.
https://www.inkshares.com/books/ruining-boise-060666
There’s some serious talent running away with this contest already, and I’m sure I’ll support those projects, but hey, just call me crazy.
September 25, 2018
One week left! Only seven days between now and the official "Shadow King" launch date.
At this point, everyone who supported this adventure during the funding period should have received their book in the mail or via download. If you have not, please let Inkshares know so they can sort that out for you (hello@inkshares.com).
So, now what?
Post a review online!
Now that you have your copy, I truly hope you enjoy the story. Once you’re done, please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. It only takes a minute or two, and it doesn’t have to be long (one or two sentences is fine), but it is hugely important for the book.
Many people take reviews very seriously when considering what books to buy. Plus, the more Amazon reviews I have, the more likely, Shadow King will get recommended via Amazon’s algorithms to potential new readers.
As an FYI: Amazon will not let you review until the official launch day.
Join me at a launch month event!
I’ll be doing author events (readings/Q&A/book signings--plus there will be snacks) at two different locations in October, and hoping to find a third venue in November. Would love to see you there.
Beyond launch month...
Plans are not set yet, but I’m planning on being at the Arisia convention in Boston (Jan. 18 - 21), and am looking into attending Boskone (Feb. 15-17) and Readercon (date tbd). More info to come on this in the upcoming months.
I also have a short story that will be included in the "Escape" Anthology, which will have stories from a number of outstanding writers. I’ll keep you posted on when that will be available.
Thank you.
That’s it for this update. Thank you all again for being part of bringing Shadow King from idea to reality.
Best,
Susan
