Here is the latest illustration for SQUIDS IN from Eugene.

In this scene, Toby’s friend Baker is drinking beer while Toby looks up the details of the animal lab break in on his phone. I really like how Eugene has made Baker look. I’m not great on describing people and scenes in my writing but the process of getting illustrations created by someone has forced me to figure out how these the scene looks, what the people are wearing, how they would act in certain situations. I’m really enjoying working on both the actual writing of my book and working with Eugene on the artwork.

SQUIDS IN has received a good run of orders over the past few days and this will hopefully continue given some interesting things that will be happening soon:

The weekly WriteBrain podcast that discusses the Inkshares platform and community will be mentioning the book in next weeks episode (recording tonight). Hopefully JF and Paul like my project page and give it at least one thumbs up out of the four (I assume) they have.

Also, Angela from Inkshares has been in touch to ask me to write something for an upcoming Inkshares/Nerdist blog post, so hopefully that will spread the word to a few people who have not heard of the contest previously and bring them to the site.

Thank you to all of you for your continued support!

Matthew

Time for the Wednesday author spotlight update!

This week I’d like to shine the spotlight on The Test, by Tabi Card.

Here is a story that fits right in with current YA hits like The Maze Runner and Divergent, but the writing is handled far more exquisitely than the genre typically offers. Her characters are well-rounded and complex, rather than seeming like simple archetypes drawn out of a genre-approved list. Her world-building is extensive and fascinating.

The test creates a palpable tone of tension and miasmic uncertainty that perfectly intimates the central characters state of mind to the reader. You feel as if you are present in the events, that they are happening to you. Even so, Nik is very much her own character, and as readers we cannot help but feel her struggles.

Definitely give The Test a look. This book is going places, and you’ll want to be a part of that.

Also, of course, please consider pre-ordering Tantalus Depths, if you’ve not already done so. (Had to throw that in there somewhere)