Ghreman Vhen, ruler of the Iron Empire, wants to change his nation’s oppressive policies and find a way to finally end the Incursions that threaten to destroy the world. His good intentions may be what pave the way for the Outsiders’ victory.
Wednesday updates are becoming my favorite updates. I really enjoy taking a day off my campaigning to throw recommendations at other people’s books that I think really deserve at least as much of your attention as my own.
This week, I want to spotlight M. Robert Randolph’s book, Wings of the Crallow.
In the first paragraph alone, Wings of the Crallow snatches up your attention, then immediately subverts your expectations. This is the kind of experience you can expect to have throughout all of the story currently available to read. The highly symbolic prose of the story’s content lies somewhere between Stephen King’s Dark Tower and ancient epic poetry. Modern writing terminology doesn’t even properly convey what this story is. It’s not merely a story, it’s a journey. Wings of the Crallow is a timeless, utterly phenomenal story I cannot recommend higher. Pre-order it immediately.
And on a separate note, Tantalus Depths has just passed 600 pre-orders!
I’m completely over the moon about this. Tantalus Depths is so close to that finish line...
We still have a lot left to do, but we’ve made it so much farther than most books manage here. I feel destined to reach that sweet, sweet 750. We only have 19 days to get there, though, so everyone get ready for the final push!
Also, as promised, I’ll be releasing chapter 2 as a reward for getting us to 600. Expect me to upload that and my video reading of it some time tomorrow!
You are all such incredible people for getting Tantalus Depths this far. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Greetings fellow Pirates!!
Its been a while, I know. I’ve been working in overdrive at night to make sure I can get my manuscript into Inkshares’ hands by my self-imposed deadline of next month. They are so chill though, they really don’t give deadlines, just support. This is a wonderful platform, and I’m grateful to be member of it.
BUT I have something so amazing to show you. Last month I decided I wanted a change, and thought a new cover would be a good idea. I enlisted a talented artist, Elizabeth Rupp, to design the book’s new cover. What do you think?
I think it looks amazing! Thank you Elizabeth!
So you ask, what does a dragon have to do with dinosaur paleontology? Pre-order The Pirates of Montana to find out!
No need for a fun dinosaur meme on this update. The Dragon Lizard will rise again!
Excelsior,
Erin
Stephen Carignan
Every time I click Update Readers, it always comes pre-loaded with a default message starter. Maybe it’s just me, but I kinda want to start using that to start EVERY. SINGLE. UPDATE.
But that’s not what this update is about. I’m working on some promotional stuff. Pictures and meta stuff to help spread the word. Marketing is my weakness, so I’m really cracking down trying to come up with ways to catch people’s eye and draw them to the project. A lot of it feels gimmicky, but I don’t know what to do that doesn’t feel gimmicky without stopping people on the streets and saying, "READ MY BOOK!"
But that leads to police, and that’s no good for anyone.
From a development front, I’ve found a couple of artists I’m about to approach for cover art, but I need a couple more logistical things in place before that can get moving. and have made a checklist for things to do in case I don’t suddenly become a marketing genius in the 77 days left in this campaign and don’t get the 243 preorders needed for Inkshares to make this happen. Because this book is happening, one way or another. The only question is when and how.
But gimmicky things. I’ve got some promotional images I’m putting together. Some playlists, since music is a big thing for both of the protagonists. And... a special something nice for anyone who wants a little surprise happy. Why? Because I like taking things from my stories and giving it some way to interact with the real world. For my novel New Tricks, the book came with sheet music for the drinking song the characters sing, so the reader can sing along.
For this one, I’d like to send a little something to anyone who wants it. Don’t worry. It’s not an assassin. Just a fun little prop from the book. If you’re an interested follower, send me a direct message with a place where you can get physical mail and I’ll drop a thank you letter and a little promotional surprise in the mail for you. Because I also am secretly in love with the United States Postal Service and love sending stuff in the mail.
In the mean time, keep your eyes peeled. I’ll keep posting updates and pushing out fun little things like this promotional image:
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And if there’s anything you’d like to see more of or anything you think might help get the word out, or just thoughts about the book in general (or if I need to put out more chapters. I don’t know how that’s typically done here), let me know! I’m always happy to hear from you!
