Wow. The support here is great. So many authors checking out to see what other people are writing about. So many great ideas. So many talented writers. It’s both inspiring and daunting at the same time.

My plan is to post a new chapter every few weeks.

But I’m also in this contest to win it and I’ve got a lot of ground to make up. As Captain Kirk said in Star Trek 2: Wrath of Khan: "I don’t like to lose." So for every 25 pre-orders, I will automatically post a new chapter. Immediately. No waiting. So if you like the premise of the book, and if you like the writing sample thus far, and if you don’t want to wait to see what happens next...tell your friends and followers.

Let’s get this thing rolling!

Thanks all.

Ladies and gentlemen; or, if I might be so bold: dear friends....

Things appear to be going swimmingly. I count 98 of you, and I welcome you all. I hope you all enjoy a good mystery, and I hope "Murder at the Veterans’ Club" lives up to expectations.

We have run into a slight issue with our project dashboard. As far as I can tell, this might affect up to five of you; or perhaps it might not affect you at all. This ought to be sorted out soon, and time will tell if the momentary blip will have any further repercussions.

In real life, I am working on an outline for a story game at choiceofgames.com. I do encourage everyone to have a look at what they’ve got going there. These interactive stories are all excellent diversions, and I have enjoyed a good number of them.

This is not to say that "Murder at the Veterans’ Club" is being backburnered! I’m hoping to get some artwork done--perhaps a new cover--over the next week, and editing continues apace. Some of you might have noticed the drastically reduced prologue, which I think serves the purpose of appetiser a lot better than a lengthier segment of prose. The current plan (subject to developments at Choiceof Games) is to go into pre-orders at Easter, though if things move quickly enough I might move the pre-order date somewhat earlier.

Do check out Faith A.’s "A Cup for the Dead", which is another excellent detective story in the "golden age" tradition.

Ok guys, I’m completely lost on inkshares, and have discovered modern media has surpassed my ability to keep up, but.... I’m going to try something. I have another hilarious snippet to add, but it’s so good, I’m reluctant to share it. I have to be convinced. So please, feel free to convince me.