Happy Thursday everybody. This will be short as there’s no new news on the Monkey Business front. We’ve had quite a few new readers and followers since my last update so I just wanted to remind everybody of this:

So if you’ve read, are reading or even feel like you might at some point consider reading the book, please go here and leave a review on Amazon. 

And of course, the $0.99 ebook sale continues so if you care to spread the word to your various social media outlets, that would be very sexy of you.

You guys and gals are all the very, very best. Thank you so much for reading.

- Landon

Thank you.

 Those two words carry so much weight, yet they can hardly express my gratitude. The initial support A Beast Requires has received has been incredible, and I’m flailing like the muppet I am every time a new order comes in. Yes, I am a muppet, which totally explains my hair.

 A year ago I joined Inkshares. It was a different contest, and while that campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, I came away from it as a better writer, and a better human being. I met other writers from all over the world, each hoping and working towards funding their campaigns. Our backgrounds were as varied as our manuscripts, but we all shared the same struggle. Writers are an odd fellowship. We’re all fighting the same battles, waging the same war against deadlines and doubt, and sometimes we feel as if we’re out there alone. But we aren’t. We all struggle together. Writers support other writers because we know how hard it is.

 I met a lot of amazing writers last year, including my soul siblings A.C. Weston and Rick Heinz. Their support last time around carried me through to the end, even when that ending resulted in an unsuccessful campaign. I am forever thankful that I’ve been fortunate enough to meet such amazing people like G. Derek Adams, Dave Barrett, and Thomas Arnold. Trust me, there’s more, and as this campaign goes on I’ll be giving them as many shout outs as I can.

 I know this is going to be a long campaign. I know how difficult it is to constantly work at promotion, and making your enthusiasm spread like wild fire. I’m ready for it. I’ve been chomping at the bit for a second chance to put my book out there in the world. A Beast Requires is a work of blood, sweat, and tears. Seriously, this book has tasted its author’s blood.

 I know it’s impossible to do this alone, and every one of you following me is signed up to ride the crowdfunding crazy train. I’m working on some campaign goals, things to unlock as more people sign on and pre-order a copy of A Beast Requires. I already have the first goal ready, so at 100 pre-orders I will unleash Chapters 6 – 10 upon the world. Exciting, right? Well, one of my favorite combat sequences occurs in Chapter 10, and it brings on a whole new perspective in battling an ogre.

 I hope everyone enjoys Chapters 1 -5. Comment, critique, or scream at me as much as you want. All of your input is appreciated and valued.

So thank you again for your support. I love you all. Yes, even you, Zachary Tyler Linville.

 Until the next update,

 Jay

Hello everyone,

I guess I should talk about this shouldn’t I?

There’s a minuscule little article on The Tracking Board that talks about me and my upcoming book; A God in the Shed. Go read it. It’s fun. I’ll wait.

You’re back? Awesome. So what do you think? Yeah, I was a bit overwhelmed. Still sort of am. I’m not exactly wired to take compliments or bask in the glory of good news on that scale. I’d love to pretend that it’s because I’m humble and level-headed but in truth I’m just terrified of disappointment and incapable of processing success. My own issues aside, I think it’s important to know a few things about this announcement.

What this isn’t:

• The rights to A God in the Shed haven’t been sold.
• You’re not going to see A God in the Shed on TV any time soon.
• I’m not rich and famous.

What this is:

• An important step in the right direction.
  
• A sign that the rights might one day sell, which still wouldn’t mean a series would get produced, let alone distributed, but again; step in the right direction.
• Nic Pizzolatto is now my new best friend and can come to all my birthday parties.

The great Mike Mongo (Astronaut Instruction Manual) once told me; "However long you think this process is going to take, double that." and the awesome Adam Gomolin also shared this nugget of wisdom; "It’s a no until it’s a yes."

So I’m going to try and take it easy. Keep the day job and continue chipping away at my other projects (check out Arch-Android, the sequel to The Life Engineered, along with Too Many Controllers).

Thanks again for the support everyone. Go read that article again and while you do that, keep telling yourself; ’I’m part of this.’

Because you are.

JF

Just a quick update to let you all know that I am still working quite hard on Mr. Butler. I enrolled in Camp NaNoWriMo for July and set a goal of writing 70,000 words for the book in 31 days...and I did it in 30:

All 70,024 (and counting!) words were written for Butler. Every day I’m working to make this the best damn book I can make it. 

Just thought you, my wonderful investors, my support system, and most importantly, my friends, should know that I am giving this project every single spare moment I have. I’m still aiming for a September manuscript submission. I will keep you updated!

Thanks for hanging in there!

Love to all.

-Michael.

Hey. What’s up? You’re looking good today.

Monkey Business is up to 45 Amazon reviews, which is awesome! I have you fine folks to thank for that. Unless you haven’t left a review in which case I just happen to have this handy little link right here:

Review Monkey Business now?

Also you can buy the ebook everywhere for $0.99 right now so please invite, beg, threaten and cajole your friends and loved ones to buy a copy. 

Thank you! Hugs and Kisses,

-Landon

P.S. Sorry no fancy graphic today #sadface