Note from the author:
On this historic date 47 years ago, Mat the alien chose to make his escape from captivity, holding the late JFK to his word. He adopted this day as his Earth birthday.
I promised if Tantalus Depths reached 500 pre-orders by July 16, I would upload the first chapter for all to read. Well, as promised, here it is.
I also promised I would upload a special video of me reading it to you. Also as promised, here it is.
I hope you all enjoy. It is a shorter chapter, and mainly consists of setting the stage and making introductions to our cast (which is why I chose to use chapter 3 as my main sample chapter instead of chapter 1, since I felt it gave a better impression of the book’s overall tone).
When Tantalus Depths reaches 600 pre-orders, I’ll release chapter 2 and another video reading. I might even throw in a video of me reading chapter 3, if it’s something people want.
Keep up the good work everyone! This insurmountable task is starting to feel really doable. Thanks to all your help, we’ve made it this far. We can make it the rest of the way too.
Tantalus Depths has just received one of the biggest conceivable honors it could have been given on Inkshares.
I am indescribably honored to announce that Tantalus Depths has been selected as the July pick by the Break the Bechdel with Strong Female Characters Syndicate.
I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears mentioning again now: one of the primary reasons why Tantalus Depths was written in the first place was to create a story with a strong female lead. I wanted to do my part to break the gender imbalance in sci-fi media. I wanted to write a female lead that could inspire and impress male and female readers alike. I took great pains throughout the entire writing process to make Mary Ketch feel like a real person, her experiences relatable and accessible.
To be honored by the Bechdel Syndicate is to be assured that I have, at least in part, realized my goal. Truthfully, this moment is almost as important to me as earning my full publication goal. If Tantalus Depths hadn’t been worthy of an honor like this, in my own eyes it wouldn’t be worthy of publication either.
With the support of the Bechdel Syndicate, Tantalus Depths is now ahead of schedule. We’re only 214 pre-orders away from our full publishing goal, and we will not settle for anything less than 100% success.
To the Depths!
