Rebecca, a record shop owner who think in songs, and William, a bookshop owner currently being taunted by dead authors, switch shops in an attempt to mend current heartbreaks. Will this work plan work or just make things messier than ever?
Hello everyone,
Well, today is the day.
After years of drafts and edits, over 100 literary agent rejections, a lengthy pre-order campaign, delays related to pandemics, supply chain issues, and swarms of locusts, and a college advisor whose best advice to me was that I “pick a real career”, my debut novel, Showtime, has been released into the wild. While it’s the second one I’ve written, it’s the first one that has been published, and it’s crazy to think that something I wrote for me, that once existed only in my imagination, now belongs to…well, everyone (yes, you).
The first draft (written way back in the summer of 2017 took about 6 months to write. I remember exactly where I was when I wrote the first line—in a shoebox of an office, during a break while substitute teaching an elementary music class (which I don’t recommend, by the way)—and the feeling that the story I was waiting to tell wasn’t going to get written unless I sat down and actually wrote it. So, I did. I didn’t end up using any of the first chapter (or the second, or the third) of that first draft, but I got words on paper, and that’s what counts. Which is a long-winded way of me saying that the book has evolved a lot (re: a lot) over the past five years. There were countless rewrites and revisions, drafts and edits, late nights and weekends, and more than a few times when I wanted to hurl my laptop out the window and stuff my face with cake rather than write another damn word (I definitely did that last one, though). But giving up would’ve been easy. It also would’ve given the win to anyone who’s ever told me “no”. Plus, I’m stubborn.
So, while it has taken a lot longer than I thought it would take to get here, I’m so grateful that we’re here together. Your copies of Showtime will be arriving shortly (if not already) and, if you’re lucky, maybe you’ve even got a comfy reading chair, a roaring fireplace, and perhaps a warm beverage or two to pair it with.
Stories are unique in that they allow us to be transported, for however brief a time, into the other: other times, other places, and into the shoes of other people. They’re a blissful escape, but also a vital part of what makes us human, as integral to our lives as a heart and brain, food and water. They make us feel, make us think, and, most importantly, they build empathy in a world and time that could really use a whole lot more of it.
I hope you enjoy Showtime, and the stories of Jordan, Sam, Charity, and Matt. They’re flawed people, but I like them a whole lot. After living alone with them for so long, I’m excited for you to meet them. If their adventures make you think differently about someone or something, or act as an escape as you unwind after a rough day, or make your heart skyrocket with adrenaline—if they make you feel—then I’ve done my job.
I mention this in the Acknowledgements, but it’s worth repeating: while writing the book was a solidary endeavor, it literally would not be in your hands (or on its way into your hands) without the unwavering support, enthusiasm, excitement (and more than a dash of saintly patience) of my family, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers who offered me their time, eyes, and hard-earned dollars. Thank you for your support of my writing, your confidence and trust, and for coming together to support books.
I’ll only ask for one more thing: after you finish the book, would you please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? Early reviews generate buzz, and buzz is vital to an author’s securing of another book deal. I’ve got another one written and ready for you (it’s called Monsters, and boy is it a doozy), and I’d love for it to make it into your hands as well.
But for now, let’s read. I’ve got a story I want to share with you.
Ricky Ruszin
12/6/2022
Hello, hello!
This coming Thursday (Dec 8th) Eudaimonia will have been out in the world (officially) for a whole month!
Thank you so much to all of the folks who came out to our little launch party on Nov 12th. Truly, it was such a nice bow to top this whole experience.
And THANK YOU for all of your nice text messages, comments, and reviews! I am beyond pleased with the feedback that I have gotten from those of you who have read Eudaimonia. The fear, the worry, the white-knuckle anxiety of putting a piece of yourself in the world for everyone to judge seems like a recipe for insanity. (She spent five years on this?! *disdainful incredulity*) The only hope after it is out there is simply not to humiliate yourself. Based on early reviews, I think I have averted utter humiliation. *whew*
For those of you that have already read Eudaimonia would you please consider rating/reviewing it on Goodreads & Amazon? (It really gives Mr. Godwin something to look forward to, as he checks these sites daily.)
Thank you, again, to all the folks who have already read and reviewed Eudaimonia. Reviews help. There are more books coming out than people can possibly read. For those of you who haven’t read it yet, do not worry. I am a very slow reader and have piles of books around my house that "I’m meaning to get to." Whenever you get to Eudaimonia is a perfect time. I appreciate that it is even in your world sitting on a shelf or an e-reader somewhere.
Also, please keep Eudaimonia in mind as you are looking for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts. Books are always an excellent gift :)
Since this project is concluding with Inkshares, I’ll be moving away from this platform for updates. In the coming weeks, you should see a test newsletter from "hello@meghangodwinauthor.com". I am not a fan of spam or writing useless copy, so I assure you this will be an "as-needed" update email. Of course, you are welcome to unsubscribe at any time.
I hope your holidays are merry and bright.
Thank you,
Meghan Godwin
Apologies for the looong delay in this update! I can hardly believe it’s been four years since my raw manuscript was chosen as a winner of Inkshares’ mystery and thriller contest. Since then, myself and the force of nature that is Adam Gomolin have been working tirelessly on the project. And now, after no fewer that eight - yes, eight! - drafts, The Unforgiven Dead is done. Finished! Finito!
Although the exact publication date is yet to be confirmed, we’re looking at spiring or summer of 2023. Until then, you can get a taste of what to expect by checking out the first five updated chapters on Inkshares.com. You can also see the new cover, courtesy of the ludicrously talented Tim Barber at Dissect Designs.
I can’t wait for everyone to meet Angus, Gills, and the colourful cast of characters that populate this supernatural thriller. Thanks to everyone for their patience - good things come to those who wait...
Hey everyone,
It’s hard to believe that after edits, pandemic delays, printer shutdowns, and supply chain issues, Showtime will officially be released exactly 4 weeks from today! Copies have been printed and are waiting to be read, sniffed, and cradled in your waiting arms.
If you know anyone who still wants a copy, the easiest, cheapest, and best way to ensure that it arrives on time is to order directly from Inkshares. For those of you who are local, I’ll also have stock on hand to sell and deface with my signature. As a matter of fact, take a gander at what just arrived!
GETTING YOUR INKSHARES COPIES
If you ordered directly from Inkshares, make sure you log in to your Inkshares account and double check that your shipping address is accurate, especially since some of you have moved in the past few years. Once you sign in, click your profile circle like in the pic below, then SHIPPING ADDRESS. If it’s correct, you’re golden. If not, update it so your copies don’t go to the stranger squatting in your previous residence.
E-BOOK REMINDER
If you pre-ordered an eBook, you’ll be receiving it early, around November 22nd. The reasoning behind this is to give digital readers a chunk of time to read the book and post reviews on Amazon and Goodreads so we have a head start on press for release day.
More news in the coming weeks, but that’s all for now. Thanks again for your support and patience. Let the countdown begin!
Ricky
7 days. 1 week from TODAY is the official publication date for Eudaimonia.
E-books are out. I know the Kindle download was a little funny, so at the end of this email, I have a little trick.
Paperbacks are on their way (in fact, some of you have already received them).
For any questions, issues, or problems email: hello@inkshares.com
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you’re all having a great time filled with all the best kinds of dread.
It’s been a full month since Tantalus Depths launched, so an update is definitely warranted. Things have been a bit chaotic on my end, with some pretty drastic unexpected shakeups in my personal life that really threw me for a loop. But if Mary can keep getting up again every time she gets knocked down, so can I. I’m finally bouncing back, and things should reach a new level of normality soon (fingers crossed).
Unfortunately this obstacle has definitely disrupted my post-launch plans for Tantalus Depths. I had hoped to have multiple signings and events booked by now, but so far Galaxycon is all I have on the agenda. Hopefully I’ll be able to line up some more opportunities soon, but I’m definitely not where I’d hoped I’d be at this stage.
But one area where we have made pretty solid progress is our reviews. At the time of writing this, we have 22 reviews on Amazon and 26 on Audible, which is not shabby at all. The algorithm starts to notice and promote books when they hit 50 reviews, so we’re nearly to that first goal! So far our reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and I am beyond thrilled to see such a strong positive response from the community.
If you haven’t left a review yet, please consider doing so soon. Even the simplest reviews are tremendously helpful, and each one serves to elevate the book’s success and increase the potential of my career as an author.
Follow this link to leave your fair and honest review on Amazon. Every review makes a difference!
That’s all I have for an update today, but hopefully there will be a lot more exciting news very soon!