Hendrix is still doing his bit to raise awareness for SQUIDS IN. Not only did he hang out in Times Square at stupid o’clock in the morning the other day, he managed to get a few of his minions a free ride on some Porsche Carrera Cup racing cars.

It’s becoming very apparent that Hendrix and I will not manage our target of 250 pre-orders alone. If you know anyone who has a rude sense of humor, please point them to the sample SQUIDS IN chapters. Thanks!

Matthew 

 Hi everyone!

Firstly, a huge thank you for choosing to support me and “First on Mars.” I cannot thank you enough for ordering a copy (or even several copies!) and I hope you realize how much it means to me. Before I started, I wasn’t sure that anyone would like what I have to write, but I have been blown away by the amount of positive feedback and support I’m getting. Thank you!

It’s people like you that make it all possible. What is a book without readers?

I’m sending this out to you all to ask for one more thing so that this book can actually be edited and published and become something more…

Please join me this Thursday, August 4th for “First on Mars Share-a-thon.” I’m going to post and tweet a message about “First on Mars” and then I’m asking you to retweet it, share it on facebook, recommend it on goodreads, and/or to your local reading club. If every one of you do this, I will be virtually guaranteed to reach Quill and you will get the best possible version of this book in your hands (or computer/Kindle)!

Remember, here’s what supporters of “First on Mars” get:

• An ebook and updates forever.
• A chance to win a copy of “The Martian” (whichever version you prefer).
• A signed paperback and mission patch if ordering a physical copy.
• Support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to the tune of $250 (this is coming out of my own pocket, I get nothing for the first 250 orders).
• My gratitude forever.

There are only 33 days left in the funding campaign, so please help. Thanks!

Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/175379712879833/

Despite all of my emails, facebook posts, tweets, videos, and posting of fliers around town, very few people have actually even heard of “First on Mars.” If you doubt me, here are some video view numbers:

This means more people have actually pre-ordered than have watched the latest book trailer (which is slightly longer than one minute).

Here’s the link again: https://www.facebook.com/events/175379712879833/

Thanks!

What’s this? A second update in two days after months of silence? Just wanted to share that "Lena" has a new column today: 

http://bay-ata.com/sparked/blog/2016/07/26/should-i-finish-my-book/ 

Thanks to former student Patricia, the soul of wit (and brevity), who made us laugh with her letter about the self-doubt that sometimes creeps in and makes her want to give up (and burn her manuscript) because she is sure that none of the "real" authors with books on her shelves ever felt that way. If you’re a real writer (which of course you are), you know what she’s talking about. We certainly do. Sometimes it’s comforting just to know that others share your neuroses. 

This is actually familiar territory for us not just as writers (ie: personally) but because the protagonist of Sparked, Laurel Goodwin, is also an aspiring writer, who becomes seized with insecurity after her sophomore English teacher suggests that she’s not digging deep enough or writing to her potential. This silences her for a while, but later she uses this advice to unlock a gift she wasn’t aware that she possessed. I won’t give any more away, but suffice it to say: this topic is near and dear to Lena’s heart! 

Greetings fellow Pirates!!

Its been a while, I know. I’ve been working in overdrive at night to make sure I can get my manuscript into Inkshares’ hands by my self-imposed deadline of next month. They are so chill though, they really don’t give deadlines, just support. This is a wonderful platform, and I’m grateful to be member of it.

BUT I have something so amazing to show you. Last month I decided I wanted a change, and thought a new cover would be a good idea.  I enlisted a talented artist, Elizabeth Rupp, to design the book’s new cover. What do you think?

I think it looks amazing! Thank you Elizabeth!

So you ask, what does a dragon have to do with dinosaur paleontology? Pre-order The Pirates of Montana to find out!

No need for a fun dinosaur meme on this update. The Dragon Lizard will rise again!

Excelsior,

Erin