I have a tendency to disappear sometimes. Actually, to escape. And at times escape so thoroughly that it’s like I can feel the whole Earth turning beneath me, forgetting it’s left me behind. ...but then I snap out of it, and I realize it’s really just my fault. I’ve been quiet a little too long. This reader update is long, long overdue.
As of this writing, The Animal in Man has sold 495 copies. As of months and months ago, that number was practically the same. I realized today I would very much like to see 500, and I’m asking all of those who have followed the novel recently to make a pre-order and help me achieve that goal. Of course, I’ve also been working on my sales pitch:
The Animal in Man is like Lord of the Flies, but instead of asking whether young men beguiled by the beast inside can ever be human again, the story asks if there’s something human already in every beast. Instead of stumbling, terrified, through a jungle of fear, they are born in a world of constant violence, perhaps designed that way by its creator. Are we so very different, I wonder.
The original description I typed years ago when I first launched the inkshares page are still true, perhaps more than ever before: The Animal in Man “is our story. The story of mankind." But if words alone aren’t enough to earn your pre-order, then consider these images.
When you read The Animal in Man, what you’ll see first is this:

But it’s really all about this:

It’s about why anyone would ever think violence could be the answer. It’s about my belief that all of us at some point in our life have heard that whisper inside our hearts that says this it might just be.
Is it?
Quick update!
Thank you for hanging in there, everyone!
I’m nearing the end of the first phase of developmental editing, which means that the story itself is getting a polished shine so bright you’ll be able to see your face in the cover when you get the book (subject to glossiness of the actual cover). This means in the coming weeks I will be moving on to rewrites. The developmental editing process has been incredible. Mr. Butler and friends have truly come out on top through this process. Endless thanks to Matt Harry, my editor, for his patience with me during a difficult summer, his ability to see the story the same way I see it, and his willingness to challenge me along the way.
"Cool. So when do I get my book?"
I’m working hard to try and get it into your hands during the first half of next year. I can’t thank you all enough for your investment in my dream to become a published author. I realize it’s unconventional to buy a book two years before getting it, but the end will pay off, I promise. Inkshares books are still getting published faster than traditional publishers’s books, and all the while they are gaining international attention, securing TV, movie, and audiobook deals, and winning awards. This momentum is no doubt part of the careful attention they are giving to books like mine. This is a dream, and I thank you all for your investment.
If you wish to see my other writing, poetry, and music while you wait, please take a look at talltalestold.com. It’s my personal blog and home for all things writing. You can watch me become a Viking and play guitar...but not in the same entry...yet.
If you’re on Facebook, stop by and give Tall Tales Told a "like." There’s also a group on that page where I post the Mr. Butler news and updates, in case you’d prefer seeing them on there rather than through an email.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’d better get back to work.
Thank you for your support, as always.
Love,
Michael
Hey everyone,
This is just a quick little pre-update of sorts. You see, Ghosts of War is right on the tippy top precipice of being ready for submission to Inkshares. You’ve no doubt noticed that in the past I’ve been at this point before, or close to it in some capacity, and that I also tend to only put general, wishy-washy type of deadlines on things. And that hasn’t worked so well. Y’know, this sort of thing:

Well. This is different (no, really). Because on Monday the 28th of August 2017, I, Paul Robinson, will be handing Ghosts of War over to Inkshares.
No if’s, and’s or but’s (heh…butts).
It’s happening.
I’m telling everyone.
So it has to happen.
I’d look like a right wally if I missed the big red deadline wouldn’t I?
MONDAY 28TH OF AUGUST 2017
(Okay, so I couldn’t make it red. Or overly big...use your imagination)
Anywho, I’ll see you then with the good news.

Happy Friday!
Hi Gamers!
