Hey, everyone!

I’m happy to be able to share that I recently received editorial notes on the manuscript for Showtime so we can officially check off that box on the Long List of Things to Do Before Publication. Now it’s a matter of deciding what changes, additions, deletions, and edits to make before it goes back to the editor. I’m currently in the home-stretch of writing Book #3, so I may end up finishing it to keep the momentum going, then start working on Showtime re-writes. Publication is a long process no matter the publisher, so thanks again for your patience. Showtime is officially one step closer to being in your hands, and I’m looking forward to finally being able to share the full, finished product with everyone!

Ricky

Also, just a reminder—since its been such a long process—to update your mailing address through your inkshares account. Just in case you have moved since you’ve pre-ordered your copy of Under The Rug.

It’s official! Under The Rug releases October 22nd. I look forward to hearing what you all think. Thanks for the continued and patient support. 

We did it! The campaign has ended, I’ve had a wonderful talk with Adam, the CEO of the publishing company, and the sequel to The Seclusion is officially in production. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who supported over the past few months!

I’m going to give everyone’s inbox(and myself) a break for a bit, but there is exciting news in the pipeline and I will keep all of you updated as I can with news and behind-the-scenes developments every month or two. While I don’t have a timeline yet, my best guess after having been through this process before is a early/mid 2021 release. Again, I’ll let you know more as I do. Try and stop me. 

For now, I’m going to turn my attention to something I haven’t been able to focus on as much as I would have liked to these past couple months - finishing the story! Right now, it is about 85% of the way finished, and my goal is to have the first draft turned in to the developmental editor by the end of October or early November.

From there we will talk through how to make the story stronger. Then, we go through the old song and dance of revising, editing, revising, editing... and rinsing and repeating until everything is shiny and perfect. 

For those of you who supported by ordering 3 copies or more, look out for occasional emails from me regarding polls and surveys for behind-the-scenes decisions. 

Tomorrow evening I will be at the Author Reception and Signing at the NC School Library Media Association Conference in Winston-Salem. If you will be be there, let me know so we can connect! 

Thank you again, and until next time! 

-Jacqui

P.S. - The winner of the $100 Air BnB Gift Card is Jason Stokes who referred over ten supporters!!! Congrats Jason!

------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to these final backers! 

Catherine Evans, Anya Pavelle, Mike Donald, Anthony Bassignani, and Glen Cantrell  

Check out some of their work below: 

              FANCY A CHANCE TO GRAB A FREE KINDLE PAPERWHITE E-READER!

Hello there fellow authors, 

 Just a quick update for all of you who helped me launch Louisiana Blood onto an unsuspecting world. I’ll get straight to the point. I’m running a giveaway for a KindlePaperWhite E-reader for the next week or so. And as a reward for all your help, I’d love you to enter the contest for a chance to snap one up. It’s free to enter, and as another bonus, I’ll throw in a copy of my latest short story anthology "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT." Whether you win or not. 

 Once you paste the link into your browser you’ll be taken to the competition where you just answer a simple question and you’re off. If you forward the link to a friend, or post the link on Twitter or Facebook, you get extra entries FOR FREE! So don’t forget to spread the love and confirm your email. 

 And there’s MORE! My riddle competition is still running in Bruges Blood, which gives you a chance to win $50 if you can identify the mystery message on the postcard left to Chandler by his father. You’ll find details on how to grab a copy of Bruges Blood in your free copy of "What Happens Next?’ THE LINK TO ENTER IS BELOW...

 http://louisianablog.louisianablood.com/giveaways/kindlepaperwhite-contest/? Okay, good luck with both of the competitions and any questions or problems with the link just contact me at:touchwoodpicturesltd@hotmail.com. 

 Happy comping!

 Mike Donald         

Howdy, folks. Just a quick note to confirm that the Editorial Letter is in my hand and first round revisions have begun in earnest. My intention is to turn around the new draft of BoAT by Christmas. Only then, when Inkshares can assess how well I have executed on said revisions, will it be time for a serious conversation about a release date.

But a wordsmith can dream, can’t he? My hope would be a release for the fall of 2020, but we will see. I REPEAT – that is my hope, not a given. It may even be wildly unrealistic, but we will see where we stand in the new year.

What is the significance of next fall? Each October, Ottawa plays host to CAN•CON – the Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature. This is the place to cross paths with authors, gamers, poets and illustrators of fantasy, science fiction and horror. The creative community of the National Capital Region turns out in force, joined by colleagues and special guests from across Canada and the U.S. I support CAN•CON on the media relations side as a volunteer and am also a recurring panelist.

It would be fantastic to have a launch event for BoAT at CAN•CON 2020!

But before we get there, there is lots of work to do. For Inkshares, it’s not just about how quickly we can arrive at a strong and polished product, but when it makes the best business sense to launch it into the market.

For now, my focus must be on taking to heart the awesome insight that my editor, Sarah, has provided on the manuscript and forging ahead with those revisions. She has made great observations about some things I need to work on with character and pacing and effectively getting the reader oriented and grounded in this world that I have created.

But while there is still much work to do, Sarah’s overall assessment of the manuscript was as follows:

“Bane of All Things is an exciting, rich novel that creates a truly vivid and complex world that is original and interesting. Obviously, comparisons will be drawn between your novel and A Song of Ice and Fire and perhaps An Ember in the Ashes, but it is a unique entity. Your novel is engaging because the fantasy realm that it draws us into is intricate and compelling and the themes of loyalty, faith, and loss help you to tell human stories in a fantasy setting. You’ve created a fascinating cast of characters and creatures.”

That works for me.

YASTRZEMSKI HOMERS AT FENWAY. From 1960 to 1983, Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski hit 237 homers at Fenway Park. Yesterday, Mike Yastrzemski, Carl’s grandson, playing for the San Francisco Giants against the Red Sox, hit a homer at that ballpark. The unique name, Yastrzemski, conjures déjà vu. Then to see the grandson playing left field, like the grandfather, the name on the scoreboard, the homer, to see him circling the bases, mixes 40-year-old memories of Carl, thoughts of decades passing, more déjà vu, and the feeling that everything in this messed-up world is going to be all right as long as Yastrzemski is playing baseball.
 
SUPERLATIVE: THE OAKLAND A’S  AND TAMPA RAYS. Corporate America loves the phrase uttered from boss to underling, “Do more with less.” And that’s what the A’s and Rays do. The “less” is less money. They amass cheap-as-dirt players, instruct them beautifully, let them blossom into stars, trade some for more abundant and cheap talent, and win. The A’s and Rays are in a three-way race with Cleveland for the two slots to qualify for American League wild card game, and a chance to make a playoff run to the World Series. The latter phrase is not applicable to the super-wealthy Red Sox, Angels, and (gulp) San Francisco Giants.
 
BALLPARK TOUR. S.F., Oakland, Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, White Sox, & Milwaukee. In all my years I’ve never been to so many major league stadiums in one season. My wonderful wife and son were in the seats next to me for almost all of the games, and that was the best part. My son deftly snagged baseballs at five of the six parks.
 
GO. If you can see a game at Wrigley Field, go.
 
BARGAIN. Upper deck behind home plate at Yankee Stadium. Great view of the field. Humungous elevators zoom from ground level to the 3rd/4th level concourse. Seat price on Stubhub less than a pair of hot dogs and a Coke.
 
CHEAP HOMERS. In the AAA Pacific Coast League, homers were 158% of what they were last year. This year the league switched baseballs to match those used by MLB. It’s a thrill to experience a home run. In the process, a homer sweeps the runners from the bases, and hence, most of the hitting team’s strategy. Subtlety gets blasted.
 
MR. 2000. Congratulations to Giants manager Bruce Bochy for reaching 2000 wins. He also has 2022 losses. And he deserves a Hall of Fame plaque for guiding the Giants to World Series triumphs in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
 
GOING, GOING, GONE! The extraordinarily-talented Inkshares staff is working on GOING, GOING, GONE! And it looks like the novel will be published during Spring Training 2020. That’s when you will, hopefully, receive your pre-orders. However, don’t be surprised if that timeframe is pushed back. After all, it’s the book business!
 
Any of your baseball-loving and/or well-read friends are welcome to pre-order through Inkshares at any time. Feel free to contact me.
 
Thanks so much & Swing For The Fences!
 
Please keep mentioning GOING, GOING, GONE! to baseball fans. I’ve been enjoying Instagram; look me up if you feel like it. Thanks!
TO PRE-ORDER, CLICK THE BOOK COVER!

Brian Walder, Ithaca Double Rainbows, SS/Scooper
Erik Taylor, Petaluma Chicken Packers, C
Stephanie Taylor, Petaluma Chicken Packers, SS
Dave Geisler, Mill Valley Millers, 3B
K.C. Hubble, San Francisco Jungians, CF
Gerri L., Ecuador All-Stars, SS
Bobby Michener, Diamond Sports Cards San Rafael Cardflippers, P
Lou Farese, Philadelphia Royal Pythians, 2B
John Cecchi, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, SS
Bill Forrest, Albuquerque Isotopes, CF
Julie Sessions, Albuquerque Isotopes, P
Mike Testa, Team Free Solo, Safety Advisor
Eivor Taylor, Sausalito Sense Diviners, P
Patrick Taylor Sr., Sausalito Brain Mixologists, Captain
Joan Metsch, Guilford Syrup Tappers, SS
Mike Knapp, Brattleboro Yankees, CF
Charles Mandel, Helmar Baseball Cardcrafters, Genius
Katie Zang, Albuquerque Isotopes, RF
Patrice McC., Baltimore Friends, P
Liz Lawrence, Santa Fe Solons, 1B
Stephanie Adler, Baltimore Friends, LF
Robert M.G., New York Lifesavers, RF
Ben Knapp, New Orleans Fanboaters (football), RB
Jacob Knapp, NYC Grandmasters, 3B
Tom Skuda, Sausalito Crooners, SS
Mike Hart., Atlanta Slicers, 1B
Victoria H-M., Mill Valley Educators, Positive Attitude Coach
Gabby Chan, Marin County Child Herders, P
Leon Silverman, Sausalito Mets, SS
Patrick Taylor Jr., Wisconsin Fatemakers, P
Rob Taylor, Brooklyn Vibemakers, RF
Phil Taylor, Portland River Rafters, LF
Grace Cricket, Whitewater Sensemakers, Mgr.
Julie Ov., NYC Tech Crunchers, CF
Veronica Perez, Mill Valley Flag Football, RB
Tim Ural, Tam Junction Fogcutters, C
Regan Ural, Tam Junction Linchpins, SS
Mark Humphries, San Francisco Connoisseurs, RP
Gail Stark, S.F. Property Flippers, 2B
Tracy Dutt., Virginia Lasers, P
Sundude, Kitty Hawk Flyers, C
Ted Hall., Albany Bookgrinders, CF
Leo Valiquette, Bane Of All Things, Writer
Charlie Denby, Mill Valley Educators, P
John S., California Helmar Collectors, 1B
Kris & C. Gas., Del Ray Ray-Rays, Owners
Scott Jamp., Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, P
Stefano Scali, Sausalito Floating Homers, C
Joe Burns, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, Mayor
Linzy Coll., Iowa Soul Redeemers, SS
Paul Winston, New York Cosmos, Goalie
Jennifer F., New York Stockflippers, Mgr.
Joanna P., New York Stockflippers, Owner
Miles R., New York Stockflippers, P
Jeff Holl., Sausalito Lumber Reclaimers, P
Doug Simon, New York Frisbee Flingers, 3B
Dan Fost, Mill Valley Millers, Coach
Gerry R., Sausalito Boatriders, Cpt.
Mike Hood, Greenbrae Houseflippers, P
Bradford Peck, New York Dealmakers, SS
Arthur Orduna, New York Lookouts, P
Ronald Grels., New York Kneecappers, P
Ariana C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, P
Yovani Cast., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Chef
Elizabeth Cuervo, Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Manager
Gordon H., Sausalito Picture Framers, SS
Lia M. & Carter J., Night Cafe Hall of Fame 
Chris Ryan, New York Cineastes, Film Crew 
Peter Gelfman, New York Prop Magicians, SS
Kerry Barlas, Mill Valley Millers, SS
Alistair Goldfisher, Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, RF
Laura Metsch, Brattleboro Yankees, Mgr.
Mike Knapp, Green River Yankees, Driver
Charlie Crawford, Toll Bros. Demolition, SS
Ed Burns, SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, CF 
Beth Burns, SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, LF

D. Krasnoff, Team Navy, Coach
E. Krasnoff, Team Navy, G.M.
Elizabeth C., Team DiVino, Nutritionist
Brian Stadtmiller, Prudential All-Stars, CF
Barnaby Conrad, Washington Absinthe Sippers, P/2B
Charles Garner, New York Limo Hailers, CF
Jacqui L-W., Mill Valley Visionaries, SS-2B
James R., Marin County Muckrakers, P
Stefan Smith, Sports Massage Marin, 3rd base coach
Christine Smith, Marin County Hairclippers, P
Devin Crowley, Amsterdam Guffawmeisters, P
Robert H., New York Skiiers, CF
Susan H., New York Mahjohn All-Stars, Owner
T. Wexler, L.A. Dealmakers, SS
Adam Klausner, Ithaca Royal Palmists, P
Adam Klein, Ithaca Royal Palmists, RP
Scott Knapp, Ithaca Royal Palmists, SS
Tracy Dutton, Ithaca Royal Palmists, 2B
Al Schulzycki, Ithaca Royal Palmists, C/CF 
Bennett Johnston, Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Jonathan Weintraub, Trader Vic’s Scorpions, P
Kenneth Palmer, Houston Stan Keys, Team Doctor
Douglas Zang, Southern Comfort Bottle Hoarders, C 
Jon Rutchik, Mill Valley Troubadors, P
David B., East Hampton Fly Casters, 1B 
Joe Paulino, Sausalito Voiceovers, P
Jason Abrams, Dalton Tigers, 2B
Stephanie Ader, Dalton Tigers, 1B
Jim C., San Francisco Dealmakers, P
Helen Yang, Tiburon Sharks, SS
Ansel H., Sausalito Yankees, P/SS
Karin Taylor, Sausalito Winemakers, Mgr.
Adam Tattlebaum, Dalton Tigers, 2B
Duncan Plexico, L.A. Guitar Riffers, P/OF
Ellen H., Sibling Hall of Fame, CF
Robert & Susan H., New York Giants, Owners
Kirk Davis, Arizona Blacktop Melters, LF
Kate Stamps, Arizona Paint Sprayers, CF
Adam Klein, Ontario Seal Clubbers, CF
Beth B., San Francisco Elites, RF
John Bader, San Juan All-Stars, P
Leila Samrad, Sausalito Sartajians, Mental Health Coach

GOING, GOING, GONE  791 

Steve
 
SteveHermanos@yahoo.com
www.SteveHermanos.com
Facebook
Instagram
415-497-4480

HELLO EVERYONE!! 

Long time, no hear from. Alot has happened since I started with Inkshares to publish my first novel, Beyond the Code. I got to have book signings at big bookstores like Chapters and Indigo, I have had several good reviews from professionals, I put myself out there in the writing world and now, I’m proud to say that Beyond the Code is now available on AUDIOBOOK!! Check it out through the link 

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Code-Kelsey-Rae-Barthel/dp/1947848097

It was a great experience and the narrator, Lisa Beacom, did an amazing job. She delivered an awesome performance that brought the characters to life and I couldn’t be happier. 

Check it out and spread the word!!! 

Kelsey Rae Barthel 

I recently went to one of those indoor rock-climbing joints. There are a lot of things that cross your mind as a high school Junior blazes through an insufficient safety briefing and then holds out a borrowed harness for you to step into. 

I’m going to sweat through this shirt. Why didn’t I trim my nails? Is this bra even up to the task? Who am I and what do I do in the world? (Thoughts whir out of control quickly in the insecurity spiral.)

One of the things I found myself thinking about as I stared up that wall studded with multicolored handholds was stamina- figurative and literal. I don’t have a ton of experience with the latter. I’m not a marathon runner or even a 5k walker. But I thought I might have just enough will to get up that wall.

Partway up and approaching the first protruding ledge I found myself stuck. With shaking forearms, gritted teeth, and (as promised) sweat there was a resounding internal “NOPE”. I couldn’t make myself move past this man-made wall jetty. I leaned back because someone said that I could simply “float back to earth” when I needed to. (That high-schooler was a damn liar). My stomach squealed and clawed like a lobster under the lid of a boiling pot. Expletives were uttered. 

Rattled, I sat drinking water and wondering where all this sweat was coming from. There was an 11-year-old girl grappling the wall in front of me, as sure footed as a baby mountain goat. I’ll admit, my first inclination was jealousy. It soon passed into curiosity and I noticed how she was working. 

She wasn’t muscled or tall and she didn’t have spider webs shooting out her wrists. She was careful and thoughtful as she assessed each handhold. She wasn’t self-conscious. I don’t think she even knew anyone else was in that crowded gymnasium. She strategically plotted the course, deliberately placed her hands, and pushed with her legs when needed. It was incredible to watch. And there was a lot I could learn from her.

I eventually got up and over that ledge. I pushed with my legs and didn’t stop until I made it to the top. 

Stamina has also been on my mind these days with regards to this editing and rewriting business. Writing and deleting, deleting and writing, writing and rewriting and then deleting, forever and ever. Amen. If the stamina holds out (I still have some shaking forearms and gritted teeth) I’m hoping to have this current draft wrapped up in October. If it doesn’t, then I’ll regroup and try again for November.

I’ll get up this wall, too. Just you watch :)

 Thanks for everything,

Meghan Godwin 

Good morning to all of you!

Last week, I received my editorial letter from my new editor, Sarah. I am so excited to start working on my next draft with their fantastic and intuitive feedback. Sarah had many good things to say and praised the ingenuity and uniqueness of the story, the world I’ve created, and the characters at its heart. There are still improvements to be made, as I expected, and I am thrilled to have new, specific goals to keep readying this work for publication. 

With this fresh draft, I will be delving into a few more aspects of world-building that I had only glossed over in previous drafts, namely the more intricate details concerning Paz government and the criminal justice system. Sarah’s simple suggestion regarding those two needs sparked my imagination to weave in a compelling new aspect of paz society that I think will not only address the necessary specifics, but will impact Inquieto and Carmen in powerful ways throughout the story.

In addition, I will be really flexing my writing muscles to perfect my first-person prose. "First-person" is the term used when a book is told directly from a character’s perspective. Example: "I went to the store yesterday, and an employee asked me if I needed help." Alternatively, the term "third-person" is used to describe a book that is told from the author/narrator’s perspective. Example: "The woman went to the store yesterday, and an employee asked her if she needed help."

Some of you know that Curio Citizen is the first and only novel that I have ever written in first-person. I naturally gravitate toward third-person, but I really felt from the beginning that Curio Citizen needs to be told from Carmen’s perspective. Her personal experience on Paz is vital to this "fish-out-of-water" tale, and while that is achievable through third-person prose, I think this novel will be far more powerful if the readers (you!) can experience everything exactly as Carmen does.

First-person prose can be tricky and is, in ways, a different art form than third-person. The ideal outcome would be for my voice as an author to disappear completely from the narrative, and only Carmen’s unique voice would shine through. In this round of revisions, I will be digging further into Carmen’s head to develop the natural course of her inner monologues and to describe the world as she sees it at a deeper level than what I have written in my previous draft.

After ten months of writing other books to practice my craft, I am certain I am up for the challenge for these new improvements. I am beyond ecstatic to dive back into Curio Citizen and return my focus to the heart and soul of the book--Carmen and Inquieto.

Thank you again for you interest and support! I will keep the updates coming!

Best,

Katherine