Yesterday Inkshares finished the final layout of The Punch Escrow and sent it off for galley printing (that’s book biz talk for advance reader copies). The book’s gotten some AMAZING blurbs from some AMAZING people. I wanted to share my favorites with you:

"An alt-futuristic hard-science thriller with twists and turns you’ll never see coming. I couldn’t put it down." - Felicia Day, author of the bestselling You’re Never Weird On The Internet (Almost), Geek & Sundry founder, and soon to be Kinga Forrester in Mystery Science Theatre 3000!

"This book angered me to my core, because it’s based on an idea that should have occurred to me. The fact that Tal executed it so well, and made such a page-turner out of it, just adds insult to injury." - Scott Meyer, author of the Magic 2.0 series

"The Punch Escrow will have you rooting for its plucky, sarcastic hero as he bounces between religious fanatics, secret agents, corporate hacks and megalomaniacs in a quest to get his life back." - Robert Kroese, author of the Mercury Falls series, Starship Grifters series

More news soon!

-Tal

Exciting news

Hello loyal Derric followers! Arrrooooooo, as the beagles would say! I know, I know...you’ve probably been wondering what’s up with the book, because things have been a bit quiet, and with beagles that’s always suspect...they’re usually getting into some sort of trouble.

Well, the truth is it’s me -- dad’s -- bad. I launched this campaign in the middle of finishing up a second novel -- a follow up to WOMEN LIKE US -- and it took way more of my time and attention than I figured it would to get it ready to get it shopped around. (Side note: if you don’t have a copy of WOMEN LIKE US, why not order one?  10% of all royalties still go the Beagle Freedom). Anyway, now that the bulk of work on the second novel is out of the way, I can focus back on helping Derric get his story out. To that end, the kind folks at Inkshares have extended the campaign for the book, which gives me and the beagle more time to work. 

So...couple of things to announce soon -- first and foremost news on a chapter that will be about The Beagle Freedom Project itself, so thank you everybody for your kind patience and please stay tuned for more!! 

Love, Derric (and, of course, me Jason!) 

Squirrelfriends , glamazons and beautiful people in general

It has been a while. Actually, it has been a long, long time, but I have a good excuse. I’ve been dedicating every minute to finishing Bad Medicine: Slay it queen!

I have to admit, this book took me on an unexpected ride. I know how to write horror, I know how to scare people, however, mixing horror and comedy resulted harder than I expected.

This project means a lot to me. As a gay man, I was raised by drag queens. Life was rough after I came out and my friends became my family and my lifeline. Many of them were too fabulous to live within the constrictions of one gender, so they became drag queens. I saw them go from timid performers to fierce queens and their journey is what inspires me. That is why I want to get it right. I want to show the soul of a culture that is rich in history and struggle.

Of course, I am a twisted horror writer, so I threw zombies into the mix. I am a huge zombie fan and writing the frightening scenes in which the monsters lurk in the allies of a post-apocalyptic New York is just great.

I am happy to report that the final manuscript is almost done. I will go over it one more time, just to make sure all ends are tied and then I will send it to my friend and editor extraordinaire, Koleen, who also happens to be a drag-culture expert.

I am excited. I know the wait has been long and we still have a while to go until you can read Bad Medicine. I promise you, the wait will be worth it.

That is it for now. Have a wonderful, glamorous and gorgeous rest of your week.

Yes, I’ve been quiet for a while. Didn’t feel like blowing you guys up with the same old "stuff is happening, *clickety clack*" even though I’ve been diligently at work.

I was awaiting the final round of feedback, and it was monstrously wonderful. Michael Haase provided it. He’s the author of The Madenss of Mr. Butler and all around swell dude. Having incorporated many of his fine suggestions I can say ...

Bombs away!

That is: I’ve submitted the manuscript to Inkshares!

What does this mean? It means that I cannot tinker and putter any longer. It means that however long it takes Inkshares to copyedit it, for me to approve the changes, and then for them to send it to press is how long you’ll wait to have it in your hands. It means that it’s finally happening. This book that seemed like it might never exist is coming. It’s real. It’s happening.

And it feels wonderful.

Thanks to all of you for all you’ve done for me. I’m grateful.