You had a challenge and we rose to it.

Thank you to everyone who helped Highwings take the #1 trending spot on Inkshares!

Putting this book out there in the world has been difficult. When you write a book, it sort of feels like a piece of your soul exploding onto the pages (does that mean books are horcruxes). And sharing it with the world leaves your little soul exposed to criticism (and I’m not talking about the constructive kind), it leaves your soul exposed to failure.

I honestly chose to use a penname for that reason. I didn’t want people knowing I was a writer, I was never planning on having people in my life know. I was scared to fail publicly.

However I have learned two very important things throughout this process:

1) Fear keeps us from the things we want to do. We shouldn’t let it.

2) The people in our lives really do shape us. And I am blessed that the people who I have crossed paths with in my life are the most wonderful, supporting people that I could ask for.

The goal is 750 pre-orders. We may never make it there. 

That is just a number though. And no number, no amount of books sold, can ever give me that same feeling that I have right now, sitting here basking in the overwhelming warmth and support from all those around me.

So from the depths of my heart (deeper than a well, deeper than the ocean, deeper than the Marianas Trench, deeper than a volcano, deeper than a... all right you get it, it’s deep), I want to say thank you for all of the joy that you’ve brought to my life.

And even if Inkshares doesn’t work, you’re damn right this book will be published one way or another 

(Because I am Voldemort - and my soul must live forever)

Happy new year!

Please take a moment and consider this (if you haven’t already): Is there one person in your circle of friends and family, just one, whom you could reach out to right now and encourage to lend their support to Bane of All Things over the weekend?

It could be your spouse, a sibling, a parent, one of your children, a co-worker, a neighbour, a friend in a book club, a buddy in the beer league or a classmate. 

If each of you who has kindly supported this campaign so far with a purchase were able find one other person willing to do the same, we would be halfway to that pre-sales target by this time next week. (I don’t think I could sleep if that happened.) They would only have to purchase a single ebook.

In my last update, I talked about the media coverage provided by my local community papers. This did yield modest results over the holidays. I continue to build audience with other Inkshares users and authors. At every turn, I look for opportunities to engage with new contacts and old ones at local events and through social media.

Heck, last night at a business networking event, I even pitched the staff working the cash bar, BoAT business cards in hand.

Your good word matters more than mine

Here is a simple truth I have learned from established authors, agents and publishers – word of mouth from existing supporters remains the most effective way for an author, at any stage of their career, to sell books.

Now for the good news: BoAT clung to top spot among titles in funding on Inkshares for most of the three-week period that ended Sunday past.

And the not so good news: BoAT achieved this by averaging just one sale a day. (Yes, that does mean every title in funding on Inkshares suffered a holiday slump, which was only to be expected.)

Over the holidays, more than one supporter said to me, “But I don’t want my money back, I want my copy of the book,” when I told them how Inkshares works.

I would much rather you get a book instead of a refund, too.

So, let’s make it happen … together. It is, after all, the birth of a new year—a time for fresh optimism and second chances.

If we hit some milestones in the near future, like 300, 400 and 500 pre-sales, there just might be a contest announcement or two!

As always, your continued support is deeply appreciated. 

(And remember, you can always purchase an additional copy yourself to give as a gift :).

Happy reading.

Cheers

Leo

Oh My Darlings, Happy New Year!

Sent version three of MINE back to the Inkshares Dev Editor today.

That Dev Letter document was a powerful learning vehicle for me. I’ve read it many, many times, and the guidance it provided should translate into an improved story for your enjoyment. (Not to mention my other secret weapon...)

Also, took time to work up another cover comp for the project entry. Can’t go back to the original title. Although nothing is for certain, the current title, MINE, is working well for me.

Check it out: https://www.inkshares.com/books/murder-happens

A lot of excitement around the recent contest winners here on Inkshares. Looks like a lot of original work and promising premises from talented authors. Looking forward to seeing those projects in print.

Also, picked up ESCAPE! Writers Bloc Anthology, available here: https://www.amazon.com/ESCAPE-Writing-Bloc-Anthology-Cooperative-ebook/dp/B07KPZRP39/ and savored a couple delicious stories already.

So, things are progressing. Thank you for your support, and your patience.

Dean Fearce