Sorry for the lack of updates and the length of this update. Even though I haven't made any updates that doesn't mean that A Distant State is fading. Matter of fact, I've been hard at work getting ready for November where I will complete the manuscript for the complete first draft. The outline for the last dozen chapters are all completed, with some room to the let the story grow organically. I saved the last bit of the first draft for National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo, which is held the month of November.
If you have ever thought about writing a novel or wanted to do some creative writing, I encourage to try it some time. It's a good time even if you never wanted to be published.
In case you didn't know what it is, here is a blurb from their website (http://nanowrimo.org/): National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.
Actually the first part of A Distant State was written in November of 2013 and shelved to be reviewed later. Tearing into the novel has renewed my interest in getting it finished and see if I can get this bad boy published in one shape or another. Inkshares was the first real attempt to see if A Distant State was ready to be published.
The good news is that I've doubled down to make this an obtainable goal, whether it is from Inkshares, Lulu.com, Createspace, or a traditional publisher. With the outline and notes in place, I'm just waiting for November 1st to pick up the story with Aleski and Cloee in their adventures on the Libertad.
Now for the bad news, the deadline for Inkshares e-book goal is down to twenty three days. There are only seventeen pre-orders which is a far shot from the goal of 750. I really appreciate the support that everyone has provided throughout this process, but it doesn't look that the book is going to reach the finish line with Inkshares on this pass. We will see what happens when I have the manuscript completed and a complete first draft edit has taken place.
In the meantime, I have created a Facebook page for A Distant State that I'm going to continue to update after the completion of the Inkshares campaign. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/adistantstate if you would like to follow on in the journey to the completion of A Distant State.
As I have said numerous times before, thank you very much for your support and pre-orders. Just a reminder that if the book doesn't reach the goal, your account will not be charged and you aren't short any cash.
As always, Comrade, the Republic over the individual.
A brief break from writing to unveil something exciting!

These are four custom-made emblems for houses from my world named after GOD-KING backers of Blood Dawn (those who buy 3 copies).
As of right now, if you become a GOD-KING, I will do two things for you:
If you want a house named after you, then become a GOD-KING now by following this link: https://www.inkshares.com/projects/blood-dawn/orders/card?amount=29.97&quantity=3
Those who are already GOD-KINGS, your customized emblems are in progress right now, and as soon as they are all done, I will be adding them on a special filigree background to the Blood Dawn page. I'll send you a .jpg of your emblem too, and when your house enters the story you can brag to your friends that it was named after you.
So why this new incentive for GOD-KING backers? While I've been thrilled at the ranks of DRAGONS growing (now at 13), I also want to provide something special for those who are excited about Blood Dawn, but not quite wanting to invest $69.93 in 7 books as DRAGON backers.
If you become a GOD-KING, that means you spend $29.97 to buy 3 books. That's about what you'd pay for a hardcover in bookstores. It means you can enjoy Blood Dawn, and two of your friends can enjoy it too.
For those who haven't backed Blood Dawn yet, now is a great time to become a GOD-KING. Right now there are 10 GOD-KINGS, and with the growing ranks of DRAGONS outnumbering them, they are in danger of being burnt to a crisp. We need more GOD-KING strength in the war to come, so here is what you can do to restore the natural order to the universe:
But maybe you prefer this disorder and want to see the DRAGONS rule. That's fine too, since it is said that at the end of time the dragons will awaken and burn the world to a crisp, ushering in a new and final age of wonder. Go ahead and become a DRAGON (CLICK HERE TO INCREASE THE ENTROPY).
GOD-KINGS, now is your time to shine and master the dragonfires. For $29.97, the price of a hardcover book, you can become a GOD-KING by pre-ordering 3 copies of Blood Dawn. I will name one of the houses in my world after you, which is fitting since in the magical revolution to come, power to master the fires will lie in the hands of many, the great and the humble. As the dragons awaken, opportunity abounds to those who aspire high.
So what are you waiting for? Become a GOD-KING now and make your stamp on the world that is growing up around Blood Dawn:
Acolytes of the Church!
As some of you may already know, Inkshares is changing the way they do business. The good news? A small goal! 250 copies sold for a light publishing deal, and 750 copies for the full publishing. The bad news? No more free copies. (NOOOOOO!) Actually, this is a smarter move by Inkshares, so I can't say I'm surprised.
Starting on October 30th, the price of a pre-order will rise from $10 to $20. You can still get $10 in credits if you sign in and leave a quick review. (This is greatly appreciated.) But from the 30th, you will have to spend some real cash.
If you've been putting off buying a novel, please do so for free while you still can!!
In other news, we're just one copy short of 75! That's so awesome! Remember, I'll be uploading Chapter 3 when we reach 100! I'm also pleased to say that I will soon have maps to show you all.
Thank you all for your support thus far. This story is very important to me, and I really appreciate the effort you are putting into making this story a reality! Keep sharing and I'll see you all next week. Thanks again!
Your illustrious leader, Zealot Andrew
G'day Rebels and Royals,
Time for an update of epic proportions!
Nano and the crazy month of November.
I'll be going radio dark from here until early December. You won't be hearing from me during November because I'll be shackled down with cramping fingers, a drip feed of coffee in one arm, beer in the other. Nanowrimo is a week away.
Cue Rocky-like training montage with far more sitting.
I've sworn a blood oath to finish the draft during the month of November, and right now I am embracing the crazy like a teddy bear filled with razor blades. For those of you that don't know anything about Nano, it's a challenge to write a fifty thousand word novel in 30 days. That is 1666 words a day. Mind you I already feel Finn and I are doing Nano. We smashed out a section of the novel last night and when I calculated the word count...6666 words. I wonder if my muse is trying to tell me something? I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
Laptop story!
It happened. My poor abused laptop pushed me over the edge. Not only did the G and H key decide to go on strike, other keys joined the revolution. The quote tag key went next in an early showing of support followed closely by the left shift key. When the touch pad decided to join the party, there was a brutal police action. It wasn't pretty. I now have a new laptop just in time for Nano and so far, all good. It's performing nicely. I'm keeping a small memento of the previous laptop nearby, just in case. Remember, if you can't rule with love and kindness, abject terror works just as effectively in the short term.
Pre-order!
Hah! Made you look. Nope, I haven't pushed that button yet. I'm only going to push that button when the first draft is done. I'm a man of my word. BUT, I am going to tell you I think I'm right on track for the beginning of December. There will be ceremony...and beer, lots of beer. Of course, Inkshares just changed the funding goal structure. 750 is the goal.
Right now if I take off my shoes I can count my followers and because I haven't pushed that button yet, or done any kind of social media campaign, I have a grand total of 0 pre-orders. So I have a fair bit of work to do. It's time to get a little bit creative and put on my stunningly handsome hat of temptation +5. I'm thinking about what to offer very deeply and I'd like suggestions. What do you want? I know what I want. I want to go on a plane. "Every author who hits the new pre-order goal will receive a trip to San Francisco to sign copies for their backers, including a round-trip ticket, one-night’s hotel, and lunch with the Inkshares team."
I'm not sure if Jeremy realized the cost of flying me out to America to sign books and enjoy lunch with the Inkshares team. Can't take it back now Jeremy, please don't make me fly long-haul coach. Maybe Finn can go, he's in SoCal. He could probably drive there.
Awesome daughter!
I've said I have an awesome daughter. It was in my description until Finn joined the crazy train. Not sure if you appreciate how awesome she is, like I do. She's very creative and she's done images of the main characters...anime style. Now to see if I can upload an image into this update somehow...
That's all the time my muse is giving me readers, back to the manuscript. Where was I? Oh right, North Pole...