Hello everyone - thank you all for the support! In our first week we are just up to 13% of the funding goal. Hopefully things will continue along as they have so far, and we'll be able to see The Motif come to print!
Just added to the campaign page this morning, is the brand new book trailer, with original music by Michael Daniel (http://michaeldaniel.net). You can view the trailer either on the campaign page or directly on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/-IsNZX8dSLk?list=UUo0_yCwQFmm5UkKIT_uv1vQ
Thank you all, again, for being among the first supporters of The Motif, and hopefully by the end of April we will have raised the funds necessary to bring this book to publication!
Best,
Mark
I fucking hate when I’m asked, “So, what do you do?”
I find it painful to explain my vocation. I’m not really an asshole; I just play one on TV. To someone just meeting me, it can be a risky interaction. Explaining my anti-nine-to-five lifestyle tends to border on arrogance. Is this all an act? Hardly. I think of it as more of a performance.
Because I don’t do; I am. This glorious, repellent, beautiful train wreck of a life is my own fabulous creation and gift to the world. You’ve . . .
I just wanted to send out another quick update, as I've realized that there is some confusion about the release date of my book. Right now, I'm waiting to hear back from my editor, who is reading the manuscript and jotting down her notes. She is going to get in touch with me by April 4th, at which point I'll start addressing her concerns. (We talked on the phone a few weeks ago, and she said that she doesn't expect there to be a ton, given how long I've been working on the manuscript and her impressions from the first chapter, so fingers crossed.) Once that's done, we'll move onto marketing, layout, design and printing. Currently, the release date for the novel is set for some time in September. (E-books may be out sooner.) I know that's a long time to wait, so that's why I really appreciate the support. Orders are still coming in, so please help me to continue spreading the word. I've been doing some guerrilla marking in Oakland, but every little bit helps, especially for a first-time author. Can't wait for you all to read it!
Quincy
1
Immortally Wounded By Robbie Stockman
PART I: Suicide is a Dish Best Served by Professionals
Chapitre Un (1)
“Merde,” Michel gasped. “Shit!”
Forty-thirty a.m. in the middle of a residential street corner in San Carlos, California felt as solitary and frigid as the Siberian tundra. The street was still slippery from El Niño rains. It seemed like this was the only night in months the rains had subsided. Only a new substance was flowing now. His. . .
“I’m nothing buta drunk,” she thought.
“No. I’mnothing. And I’m a drunk.”
And then she fell asleep.
Outside, thestorm’s wind had pushed the grill a foot or so from the wet, slatted patiowall. Rain had filled the heavy glass ashtray until it spilled over the sideand dripped greyish water down onto the rusting metal bistro table.
Water had comein through the slightly open window in the living room. The wind had blown itagainst the screen until it made its way down onto . . .
Most people in today's society know someone who is food obsessed. The proliferation of the internet and television channels devoted to the pursuit of perfection and dare I say gluttony have created a culture that at one time was amongst the fringe of societal norms. We all had a family member or a friend who took things to the extreme when to came to gustatory quests. For me there are two glaring examples that exemplify what I am talking about. I knew this one guy in college who lived life on . . .
Dearest Folks,
As of today, I’ve sold 1,108 books. There are 11 first edition copies left. There are just two things I wanted to mention before the second edition is air-dropped into the hands of rabid, screaming fans:
Book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads
I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not good at this. Reviewing books online is not something I’m accustomed to. BUT, for better or for worse, it makes a HUGE difference going forward. And since I created a Goodreads account, I’ve actually found that it’s a pretty awesome website (think of it as a digital library that evolves with you, reminds you of what you like, and provides great recommendations). The truth of the matter is: the more reviews I receive, the more readers I get. It’s that simple. So if you’ve read the book and have a few minutes to jump on Goodreads or swing over to Amazon to tell the world (and me) what you think, it really does make a huge difference (even if you just give me “stars”). Just as every backer counted towards the 232 who originally funded me, every review now counts in getting me to “the next step.” (Note: please be honest if you do review it … hearing actual opinions is the only way for me to improve as a writer).
(Secret double note: my twin brother, Aaron, and I are envisioning an artistic adventure, a twin tour extravaganza—a TWOUR if you will. Combining his blues/folk singer/songwriting skills, vocal harmonies, Slim and The Beast and my harmonicas, we’re hoping to travel around the U.S. and spread the brotherly love. But for this to happen, we need to gain more of a following. So pop on some tunes and write that Goodreads review—it’s a major help for the next step).
Inkshares Credit System
You may have noticed Inkshares’ new “credit system.” At its most basic level, you are being rewarded for funding a “best-seller” (we’ve sold over 1,000 copies, and that’s awesome). This is kind of like a “buy one get one free” system, except better: Inkshares is reinvesting book sales in readers. As far as I know, that’s unprecedented. So jump on your Inkshares account and bask in the glory of believing in humanity. Browse the website to see what tickles your toes ... I suggest you check out Yann Rousselot’s poetry collection, Dawn of the Algorithm, which includes beautiful, unique illustrations from around the world (Aaron was an illustrator, as was my girlfriend). Yann is one of my Parisian writers in arms. We met at a book swap. Call it romantic.
LOGIC FLOW
If you are going to drive your audience from point “A” to point you had better have a map.
That is what Logic Flow is your map to keep you on track, on point, and always focused on your Crystal Clear Objective, from start to finish.
In too many cases, slides are isolated islands, with no logical connection from one to the next -- not exactly a straight line between point "A" and point
Your slides headlines should form a straight line right up to your destina. . .