Well, here we are into a long weekend and Bane of All Things’fate remains undecided. That’s the way it often goes in the publishing world. Editors are busy folk. It’s usually the busiest who are the ones an author wants to work with most. 

Getting a novel published and levering that into a career is a long game that demands patience and persistence. In the meantime, here is Smokey and Snowbelle to wish you a Happy Easter, even if neither of them was willing to play along and stay in that basket this morning for the photo opp ;)

Enjoy your time with friends and family this weekend, however you chose to observe it.

I will just leave you with the usual thought – so long as the jury is still out on BoAT, additional pre-orders continue to matter to help influence the editors in our favour. We are at 425 now, let’s nudge that total a little higher!

Cheers

Leo

I am overwhelmed at the financial support you’ve all given to GOING, GOING, GONE! Last night we reached our pre-funding mark of 750. You might be relieved to know that I will no longer be requesting that you dust off your credit card and type in your numbers. 

Instead I ask that you mention GOING, GOING, GONE! to your baseball-loving friends. If you feel comfortable, bring up the topic in conversation, in email, or social media. PLEASE give out my email address. Mention that I’m on Facebook and Instagram. People can always order the book on Inkshares.

For now we celebrate as if we’ve resoundingly won our division in the regular season. Various levels of playoffs loom (7,500, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 sales), and the World Series (which is a significant book contract for the next novel in the GOING, GOING, GONE! series). But for now, we celebrate, and I say THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

Please email me your street address so I can say thank you with a real letter! SteveHermanos@yahoo.com / www.SteveHermanos.com

Good evening. Well, this coming week may be the one we have been waiting for -- I might hear from Inkshares with their assessment of Bane of All Things and whether it has made the grade for publication. Stay tuned with fingers crossed!

Whatever the outcome, know that each and every one of you have my deepest thanks and appreciation for all that you have done and the patience and support you have so graciously provided.

Bane of All Things is of course not the only title in funding on Inkshares. Another is Steve Hermanos’s baseball/time travel mash up Going, Going Gone!, in which a trio of over-pampered, modern-day baseball players are thrust back in time to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Today, Steve hit the 750 pre-order funding goal, which immediately put GGG! into the production pipeline for publication! It’s a huge accomplishment and a testament to his hard work. Steve is a baseball guy and well tapped into that community. He’s done an excellent job of mustering support from baseball fans and the results speak for themselves.

As I have said before, many titles are selected for publication by Inkshares without hitting that 750 pre-order target and I am hoping BoAT will be the next one.

Until the very last minute before I get that fateful email from an Inkshares editor, every additional pre-order does count to help swing the vote in my favour. So, if you have any inclination at all to order another copy (or your first copy) of BoAT, now is the time! Right now, before you go to sleep tonight!

Happy reading.

Cheers

Leo

Dave Geisler, Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Gerri L., Ecuador All-Stars, SS
Bobby Michener, Diamond Sports Cards San Rafael Cardflippers, P
Lou Farese, Philadelphia Royal Pythians, 2B
John Cecchi, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, SS
Bill Forrest, Albuquerque Isotopes, CF
Julie Sessions, Albuquerque Isotopes, P
Mike Testa, Team Free Solo, Safety Advisor
Eivor Taylor, Sausalito Sense Diviners, P
Patrick T. Sr., Sausalito Brain Mixologists, Captain
Joan Metsch, Guilford Syrup Tappers, SS
Mike Knapp, Brattleboro Yankees, CF
Charles Mandel, Helmar Baseball Cardcrafters, Genius
Katie Zang, Albuquerque Isotopes, RF
Patrice McC., Baltimore Friends, P
Liz Lawrence, Santa Fe Solons, 1B
Stephanie Adler, Baltimore Friends, LF
Robert M.G., New York Lifesavers, RF
Ben Knapp, New Orleans Flatboaters, 2B / New Orleans Fanboaters (football), RB
Jacob Knapp, New York Grandmasters, 3B
Tom Skuda, Sausalito Crooners, SS
Mike Hart., Atlanta Slicers, 1B
Victoria H-M., Mill Valley Educators, Positive Attitude Coach
Gabby Chan, Marin County Child Herders, P
Leon Silv., Sausalito Mets, SS
Patrick Taylor Jr., Wisconsin Fatemakers, P
Rob Taylor, Brooklyn Vibemakers, RF
Phil Taylor, Portland River Rafters, LF
Grace Cricket, Wisconsin Sensemakers, Mgr.
Julie Ov., NYC Tech Crunchers, CF
Veronica Perez, Mill Valley Flag Football, RB
Tim Ural, Tam Junction Fogcutters, C
Regan Ural, Tam Junction Linchpins, SS
Mark Humphries, San Francisco Connoisseurs, RP
Gail Stark, S.F. Property Flippers, 2B
Tracy Dutt., Virginia Lasers, P
Sundude, Kitty Hawk Flyers, C
Ted Hall., Albany Bookgrinders, CF
Leo Valiquette, Bane Of All Things, Writer
Charlie Denby, Mill Valley Educators, P
John S., California Helmar Collectors, 1B
Kris & C. Gas., Del Ray Ray-Rays, Owners
Scott Jamp., Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, P
Stefano Scali, Sausalito Floating Homers, C
Joe Burns, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, Mayor
Linzy Coll., Iowa Soul Redeemers, SS
Paul Winston, New York Cosmos, Goalie
Jennifer F., New York Stockflippers, Mgr.
Joanna P., New York Stockflippers, Owner
Miles R., New York Stockflippers, P
Jeff Holl., Sausalito Lumber Reclaimers, P
Doug Simon, New York Frisbee Flingers, 3B
Dan Fost, Mill Valley Millers, Coach
Gerry R., Sausalito Boatriders, Cpt.
Mike Hood, Greenbrae Houseflippers, P
Bradford Peck, New York Dealmakers, SS
Arthur Orduna, New York Lookouts, P
Ronald Grels., New York Kneecappers, P
Ariana C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, P
Yovani Cast., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Chef
Elizabeth Cuervo, Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Manager
Gordon H., Sausalito Picture Framers, SS
Lia M. & Carter J., Night Cafe Hall of Fame 
Chris Ryan, New York Cineastes, Film Crew 
Peter Gelfman, New York Prop Magicians, SS
Kerry Barlas, Mill Valley Millers, SS
Alistair Goldfisher, Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, RF
Laura Metsch, Brattleboro Yankees, Mgr.
Mike Knapp, Green River Yankees, Driver
Charlie Crawford, Toll Bros. Demolition, SS
Ed Burns, SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, CF 
Beth Burns, SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, LF

D. Krasnoff, Team Navy, Coach
E. Krasnoff, Team Navy, G.M.
Elizabeth C., Team DiVino, Nutritionist
Brian S., Prudential All-Stars, CF
Barnaby Conrad, Washington Absinthe Sippers, P/2B
Charles Garner, New York Limo Hailers, CF
Jacqui L-W., Mill Valley Visionaries, SS-2B
James R., Marin County Muckrakers, P
Stefan Smith, Sports Massage Marin, 3rd base coach
Christine Smith, Marin County Hairclippers, P
Devin Crowley, Amsterdam Guffawmeisters, P
Robert H., New York Skiiers, CF
Susan H., New York Mahjohn All-Stars, Owner
T. Wexler, L.A. Dealmakers, SS
Adam Klausner, Ithaca Royal Palmists, P
Adam Klein, Ithaca Royal Palmists, RP
Scott Knapp, Ithaca Royal Palmists, SS
Tracy Dutton, Ithaca Royal Palmists, 2B
Al Schulzycki, Ithaca Royal Palmists, C/CF 
Bennett Johnston, Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Jonathan Weintraub, Trader Vic’s Scorpions, P
Kenneth Palmer, Houston Stan Keys, Team Doctor
Douglas Zang, Southern Comfort Bottle Hoarders, C 
Jon Rutchik, Mill Valley Troubadors, P
David B., East Hampton Fly Casters, 1B 
Joe Paulino, Sausalito Voiceovers, P
Jason Abrams, Dalton Tigers, 2B
Stephanie Ader, Dalton Tigers, 1B
Jim C., San Francisco Dealmakers, P
Helen Yang, Tiburon Sharks, SS
Ansel H., Sausalito Yankees, P/SS
Karin Taylor, Sausalito Winemakers, Mgr.
Adam Tattlebaum, Dalton Tigers, 2B
Duncan Plexico, L.A. Guitar Riffers, P/OF
Ellen H., Sibling Hall of Fame, CF
Robert & Susan H., New York Giants, Owners
Kirk Davis, Arizona Blacktop Melters, LF
Kate Stamps, Arizona Paint Sprayers, CF
Adam Klein, Ontario Seal Clubbers, CF
Beth B., San Francisco Elites, RF
John Bader, San Juan All-Stars, P
Leila Samrad, Sausalito Sartajians, Mental Health Coach

695 GOING, GOING, GONE! pre-orders.

Bill Forrest, Albuquerque Isotopes, CF
Patrick T. Sr., Sausalito Brain Mixers, Captain
Ben Kn., New Orleans Flatboaters, 2B / New Orleans Fanboaters (football), RB
Jacob Kn., NYC Grandmasters, 3B
Tom Sk., Sausalito Crooners, SS
Mike Hart., Atlanta Slicers, 1B
Eivor T., Sausalito Sense Diviners, P
Victoria H-M., Mill Valley Educators, Positive Attitude Coach
Gabby Ch., Marin County Child Wranglers, P
Leon Silv., Sausalito Mets, SS
Patrick T. Jr., Wisconsin Fate Deciders, P
Rob Taylor, Brooklyn Vibemakers, RF
Phil Taylor, Portland River Rafters, LF
Grace C., Wisconsin Sensemakers, Mgr.
Katie Z., Albuquerque Isotopes, RF
Julie Ov., NYC Tech Crunchers, CF
Veronica P., Mill Valley Supermoms, P
Tim U., Tam Junction Fogcutters, C
Regan U., Tam Junction Linchpins, SS
Mark Humphries, San Francisco Connoisseurs, RP
Gail Stark, S.F. Property Flippers, 2B
Liz L., Santa Fe Solons, P

Tracy Dutt., Virginia Satellites, P
Sundude, Kitty Hawk Flyers, C
Ted Hall., Albany Bookgrinders, CF
Leo Valiquette, Bane Of All Things, Writer
Charlie Denby, Mill Valley Educators, P
John S., California Helmar Collectors, 1B
Kris & C. Gas., Del Ray Ray-Rays, Owners
Scott Jamp., Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, P
Stefano Scali, Sausalito Floating Homers, C
Joe Burns, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, Mayor
Linzy Coll., Iowa Soul Redeemers, SS
Paul Winst., New York Cosmos, Goalie
Jennifer F., New York Stockflippers, Mgr.
Joanna P., New York Stockflippers, Owner
Miles R., New York Stockflippers, P
Jeff Holl., Sausalito Lumber Reclaimers, P
Doug Simon, New York Frisbee Flingers, 3B
Dan Fost, Mill Valley Millers, Coach
Gerry R., Sausalito Boatriders, Cpt.
Mike Hood, Greenbrae Houseflippers, P
Bradford P., New York Dealmakers, SS
Arthur O., New York Lookouts, P
Ronald Grels., New York Kneecappers, P
Ariana C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, P
Yovani Cast., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Chef
Elizabeth C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Manager
Gordon H., Sausalito Picture Framers, SS
Lia M. & Carter J., Night Cafe Hall of Fame 
Chris Ryan, New York Cineastes, Film Crew 
Peter Gelf., New York Prop Dusters, SS
Kerry B., Mill Valley Millers, SS
Alistair G., Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, RF
Charles Mandel, Helmar Antiquifyers, Owner
Laura M., Brattleboro Yankees, Mgr.
Mike Knapp, Green River Yankees, DH
David B., East River Fishsnaggers, P/Captain
Charlie Craw., Toll Bros. Demolition, SS
Ed B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, CF 
Beth B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, LF

D. Krasnoff, Team Navy, Coach
E. Krasnoff, Team Navy, G.M.
Elizabeth C., Team DiVino, Nutritionist
Brian S., Prudential All-Stars, CF
Barnaby C., Washington Absinthe Sippers, P/2B
Charles G., New York Limo Hailers, CF
Jacqui L-W., Mill Valley Visionaries, SS-2B
James R., Marin County Muckrakers, P
Stefan Smith, Sports Massage Marin, 3rd base coach
Devin Crowley, Amsterdam Guffawmeisters, P
Robert H., New York Skiiers, CF
Susan H., New York Museum Researchers, Mgr.
T. Wexler, L.A. Dealmakers, SS
Adam K., Ithaca Royal Palmists, CF
Bennett, J., Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Jonathan W., Mitzi Potted Parrot Fan Club, P
Jon R., Mill Valley Troubadors, P
David B., East Hampton Fly Casters, 1B 
Joe P., Sausalito Voiceovers, P
Jason A., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Stephanie A., Dalton Tigers, 1B
Jim C., San Francisco Dealmakers, P
Helen Y., Tiburon Sharks, SS
Karin T., Sausalito Winemakers, Mgr.
Adam T., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Duncan Plex., L.A. Guitar Riffers, P/OF
Ellen H., Sibling Hall of Fame, CF
Robert & Susan H., New York Giants, Owners
Kirk Davis, Arizona Blacktop Melters, LF
Adam K., Ontario Seal Pups, CF
Beth B., San Francisco Elites, RF
Kenneth Palmer, Houston Stan Keys, Team Doctor
Douglas Z., Santa Fe Steakmakers, C 
John Bad., San Juan All-Stars, P
Leila S., Sausalito Sartajians, Mental Health Coach

HIT A HOMER AND HELP US CLIMB TO THE TOP!!!!

Barry Bonds 762

Hank Aaron 755

Babe Ruth 714

Alex Rodriguez 696

G O I N G , G O I N G , G O N E ! 6 7 8

Willie Mays 660

Albert Pujols 633

Ken Griffey, Jr 630

Jim Thome 612

Sammy Sosa 609

Frank Robinson 586

Mark McGwire 583

Harmon Killebrew 573

Rafael Palmeiro 569

Reggie Jackson 563

Manny Ramirez 555

Mike Schmidt 548

David Ortiz 541

Mickey Mantle 536

Jimmie Foxx 534

Willie McCovey 521

Frank Thomas 521

Ted Williams 521

Ernie Banks 512

Ernie Banks said, "Let’s play two!"

"The novel will make great holiday gifts for baseball fans!" a reader emailed me. Yes, that’s the idea! 

A higher-up at Inkshares emailed last week and told me that they are impressed by what YOU HAVE BEEN DOING--the pre-orders and support. He also came up with the catchphrase, "Field of Dreams" meets "The Time Traveler’s Wife." That’s the way to talk to Hollywood!

If you’re exhausted by me cajoling you to click on the GOING, GOING, GONE! page and pre-ordering more books (I sure am), then please click on the GOING, GOING, GONE! page and pre-order more holiday gifts for baseball fans! We are at 634, see below. 763 is in sight!

And.........THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

GOING, GOING, GONE! CLIMBS THE ALL-TIME HOME RUN LEADER BOARD WITH YOUR HOMERS!!!!!!!

Barry Bonds 762

Hank Aaron 755

Babe Ruth 714

Alex Rodriguez 696

Willie Mays 660

G O I N G , G O I N G , G O N E ! 6 3 4

Albert Pujols 633

Ken Griffey, Jr 630

Bill Forr., Abuquerque Isotopes, P

Tracy Dutt., Virginia Satellites, P

Ben Kn., New Orleans Shrimp Haulers, SS

Jacob Kn., New York Chessmasters, CF

Tom Skuda, Sausalito Velvet Voicers, 1B

Sundude, Kitty Hawk Flyers, C
Ted H., Albany Bookflippers, CF
Leo V., Bane Of All Things Writermen, C
Charlie Denb., Mill Valley Educators, P
John S., California Helmar Collectors, 1B
Kris & C. Gas., Del Ray Rays, Owners
Scott Jamp., Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, P
Stefano Scali, Sausalito Floating Homers, C
Joe Burns, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, Mayor
Linzy Coll., Iowa Soul Redeemers, SS
Paul Winst., New York Cosmos, Goalie
Jennifer F., New York Stockflippers, Mgr.
Joanna P., New York Stockflippers, Owner
Miles R., New York Stockflippers, P
Jeff Holl., Sausalito Lumber Reclaimers, P
Doug Simon, New York Frisbee Flippers, 3B
Dan Fost, Mill Valley Millers, Coach
Gerry R., Sausalito Boatriders, Cpt.
Mike Hood, Greenbrae Houseflippers, P
Bradford P., New York Dealmakers, SS
Arthur O., New York Lookouts, P
Ronald Grels., New York Kneecappers, P
Ariana C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, P
Yovani Cast., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Chef
Elizabeth C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Manager
Gordon H., Sausalito Picture Framers, SS
Lia M. & Carter J., Night Cafe Hall of Fame 
Chris Ryan, New York Cineastes, Film Crew 
Peter Gelf., New York Prop Dusters, SS
Kerry B., Mill Valley Millers, SS
Alistair G., Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, RF
Charles Mandel, Helmar Antiquifyers, Owner
Laura M., Brattleboro Yankees, Mgr.
David B., East River Fishsnaggers, P/Captain
Charlie Craw., Toll Bros. Demolition, SS
Ed B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, CF 
Beth B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, LF

Brian Stadt., San Francisco Tech Reclaimers, SS

D. Krasnoff, Team Navy, Coach
E. Krasnoff, Team Navy, G.M.
Elizabeth C., Team DiVino, Nutritionist
Brian S., Prudential All-Stars, CF
Barnaby C., Washington Absinthe Sippers, P/2B
Miles R., New York Value Seekers, 3B
Charles G., New York Limo Hailers, CF
Jacqui L., Mill Valley Visionaries, SS-2B
James R., Marin County Muckrakers, P
Stefan Smith, Sports Massage Marin (his real team), 3rd base coach
Devin C., Amsterdam Guffawmen, P
Robert H., New York Skiiers, CF
Susan H., New York Museum Researchers, Mgr.
T. Wexler, L.A. Dealmakers, SS
Adam K., Ithaca Royal Palmists, CF
Bennett, J., Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Jonathan W., Mitzi Potted Parrot Fan Club, P
Jon R., Mill Valley Troubadors, P
David B., East Hampton Fly Casters, 1B 
Joe P., Sausalito Voiceovers, P
Jason A., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Stephanie A., Dalton Tigers, 1B
Jim C., San Francisco Dealmakers, P
Helen Y., Marin County Architects, P
Karin T., Sausalito Winemakers, Mgr.
Adam Tatt., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Duncan Plex., L.A. Guitar Riffers, P/OF
Ellen H., Sibling Hall of Fame, CF
Robert & Susan H., New York Giants, Owners
Kirk D., Arizona Tar Melters, LF
Adam K., Ontario Seal Pups, CF
Beth B., San Francisco Elites, RF
Kenneth Palmer, Houston Stan Keys, Team Doctor
Douglas Z., Albuquerque Isotopes, C 
John Bad., San Juan All-Stars, P
Leila S., Sausalito Sartajians, Mental Health Coach

This month’s update is a few days late because I wanted to wait until I could say I FINISHED THE REWRITE! 

That’s the second complete rewrite, for those keeping track. This one changed the whole book from first person to third, focused on the quality of prose, and added lots of historical detail. 

I’ve treated the last six months or so as a giant research project for the historical parts, reading, watching films, and interviewing people. The novel now stands at 115,416 words! The last draft was 90-something thousand, and the original manuscript I sent to Inkshares was 54k!

I’m letting the draft stand for a week before I go back and read the whole thing out loud to polish it and send it in. Please send me "take a break" vibes and also "don’t lose your mind while you’re waiting for feedback on this thing you’ve worked your ass off on for half a year" vibes. 

Thank you, as always, for your support!

This month’s update is a few days late because I wanted to wait until I could say I FINISHED THE REWRITE! 

That’s the second complete rewrite, for those keeping track. This one changed the whole book from first person to third, focused on the quality of prose, and added lots of historical detail. 

I’ve treated the last six months or so as a giant research project for the historical parts, reading, watching films, and interviewing people. The novel now stands at 115,416 words! The last draft was 90-something thousand, and the original manuscript I sent to Inkshares was 54k!

I’m letting the draft stand for a week before I go back and read the whole thing out loud to polish it and send it in. Please send me "take a break" vibes and also "don’t lose your mind while you’re waiting for feedback on this thing you’ve worked your ass off on for half a year" vibes. 

Thank you, as always, for your support!