Happy May readers! ...Is that a thing? Wishing people a happy month of May? Ugh, now I just reminded myself it’s the 1st and rent is due. Lame...
Anyway, a few bits of business:
First off, the book status. I am eagerly awaiting some detailed reviews/critiques from my test readers. Thus far, I’ve received a couple quick responses from people still in the process of reading, and the going trend seems to be "I have notes, but I’m loving it so far". So that’s nice. That’s very nice actually. I’m sure I will soon hear all the details regarding the parts of the book that could use some improvement. But in the meantime, feel free to join me as I do my own personal happy dance to the tune of this awesome end credits theme from Iron Man 3. I wonder what the credits music will sound like when Dax becomes a movie... (Hey, I can dream can’t I?)
And now, let me turn your attention for a moment to some other Inkshares projects that need your help!
Beyond the Code, by Kelsey Rae Barthel
This fantasy book has only 12 days left to fund and is just 34 pre-orders away! The story features a group of warriors with extraordinary powers, locked in a war against their corrupt former order and redeeming themselves on a path toward becoming true heroes. Deep-seated conspiracies and fast-paced action. Check it out!

The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising, by Alexander Barnes
I’m giving you the exact pitch on this one because it’s perfect: "A group of freedom fighters join forces with a cybernetic killer to escape a totalitarian government that wants them dead." This has sci-fi blockbuster written all over it. Just take a look at Alexander’s project page and you’ll see the amount of love put into this sci-fi universe. 52 orders away and only 5 days left!!!

To Live and Die in Avalon, by Jason Chestnut
This book has a bit more time to spare, but I’m sharing it anyway because it’s a personal favorite. It follows a spacefaring secret agent in a 60s-spy-film-meets-Buck-Rogers retro-futuristic setting. It’s a lady James Bond in space! What’s not to love? I believe Jason has been granted an extension from the Inkshares team, so the book currently has 66 days to go with 169 orders to fill. Make it happen!

That’s all for tonight. Until next time!
-Tony
Well the reality of it all is sadly setting in. The Girl Who Blinked is just not going to make it to even the Quill goal here on Inkshares, and therefore won’t be getting published through them at this time. More than anything this experience has been a lesson for me in marketing and having things in place before I launch. With those lessons learned, it’s time for me to get back to my own revision process while I debate if and when I will relaunch here on Inkshares or pursue other options.
Whoa! My fellow thinking beings, what a ride the last few weeks have been.
In case you haven’t heard, my second book, A God in the Shed, on Inkshares has funded successfully and will be seeing publication in a few months. It’s pretty exciting stuff but unfortunately I have no time to dwell on it. What else is taking up my thoughts?
DragonCon is starting its own awards. I won’t bury the lead; I want to see The Life Engineered nominated. I mean, I’ll be happy if any Inkshares book gets a nomination but obviously I’d be deliriously happy if The Life Engineered got a nod in there. So this will fusion reaction powering my communications with you for the next little while: Let’s get Inkshares a Dragon Award. Have a look at the nomination page and please consider putting in The Life Engineered for the Science Fiction category. While you’re there, here are some suggestions for other categories if you feel like supporting the Inkshares platform:
Click here for the nomination page.
Next up: one of my friends is nearing the end of her funding campaign and she is so very close to her goal of 250 pre-orders. I know I’ve been asking a lot from you guys lately, but if you have a few credits rolling around or you’re just curious about her book, check out A.C. Baldwin’s The Traveller’s Cup. It’s a great book and A.C. is a tremendously promising author and a tireless artist. She deservers this.
Finally, while I’m still asking for favours, currently The Life Engineered is sitting at 80 reviews on Amazon.com. That’s awesome and I love to read the comments and critiques of readers. However, if I can get to 100 reviews, magical things start happening on Amazon. If you’ve read The Life Engineered and enjoyed it, consider leaving a review on Amazon. It helps me more than you can imagine and I’d love you forever.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go prep the funding campaign for Arch-Android.
JF