Hello folks!

Simon is building simple machinery that takes used plastic, a precious resource mined from mountains of refuse, and turns it into priceless building material; and he’s taking his machinery with him to Haiti to help locals set up sustainable recycling businesses.

Simon is an ex-colleague of mine who was gracious enough to give me permission to share his story, here: https://medium.com/@DonnaMLitt/meet-your-maker-simon-clark-c471b75e2c69#.x4scm9v7o 

Since launching this crazy harebrained thing, I’ve been thrashing about, trying to find my way forward. I’ve met with Makers and tech workers, artists and friends. People who I believe understand the spirit of curiosity, where the best of the arts and sciences overlap in innovation, that I want to use my craft (writing) to help preserve. People who, like me, are invested in seeing this spirit scale as our community rapidly grows so that we don’t dilute out that special part of our DNA.

By sharing Simon’s story and following his journey, my hope is to demonstrate just how powerful this spirit of curiosity is, and why it’s so important to preserve and grow.

Thank you,

Donna

Hello Adventure Readers! 

We’re just 2 orders away from the 250 mark and guaranteed publishing with Inkshares!  Anyone with that green "preorder button" along the bottom of their email, please consider grabbing a copy of "Wings of the Pirate" and helping us get this book in your hands and bookstores worldwide. 

After we cross the 250 mark, I will be updating everyone with a special raffle for a Grumman model seaplane and will be giving away some "Wings of the Pirate - Adventure Coloring Books" as well.  Artist Al Bringas did over 30 illustrations for the novel and the coloring book features most of ’em.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement in making "Wings of the Pirate" happen!

Sincerely,

Eric H. Heisner

www.leandogproductions.com

Hello hello!

I promised frequent updates, and here’s the first of hopefully not too many. 

For you, a secret website that talks more about what I’m up to http://www.donnalitt.com/secret-mission (secret = available only through this URL, not in navigation) and the organizations I’m courting to support. (Eek! Very exciting!)

All feedback, questions, criticisms, comments, and unrelated anecdotes are welcome. If you take a peek, you’ll see that this is a community initiative, and the more community involvement the better. 

Donna

Dearest Readers,

The end of the Geek and Sundry Fantasy contest approaches, and while Fae Child is in about 18th place out of nearly 400 entries (respectable), I’d like to bring your attention to WITHERFIST, a book written by my good friend Jenny Graham-Jones. She has gotten up to 9th place, and could go even higher in the two weeks left in the contest. "The true name of a demon is inked into her flesh. To return to her daughter and home, the warrior Irusai must break the binding the ink has created. In doing so, she will ally with a princess in exile and together bring justice to the Last Empire." There are three sample chapters up, each from a different character’s point of view, and they are well worth reading to find out how wide and amazing the world of Witherfist is.

There is also another contest running on Inkshares right now, sponsored by Crypt TV, for horror books. APEX is written by my fellow Oregonian, Deborah Munro, and she is in third place right now and guaranteed publication if she can hold onto third until Halloween. If you would enjoy a Critchon-esque thriller, check it out! "When Jason, an undercover FBI agent, goes to Oregon to investigate reported wolf-attacks on livestock, he’s already skeptical. After seeing that five hundred pound cattle are being decimated by their mysterious predator, he becomes increasingly convinced that something else is responsible. Meanwhile, a scientist named Claire who Jason knows used to work at a research facility in Japan some years back before it exploded under suspicious circumstances, is conducting top secret research behind high walls. What is the connection between the work she was doing in Japan and the work she’s doing now in Oregon? The only things he knows for sure are that she has secrets to hide, and that whatever is causing these deaths is NOT an ordinary wolf…"

Now, back to Fae Child’s news! We have crested 70 books ordered, which means I drew the next winner! Julie Rebideaux chose the pink unicorn as her prize, which means after we hit 80 orders I’ll give away the last toy, the pink dragon. And then, who knows, I might just buy some more because these are fun to hand out. ;) Please keep on recommending my book to your friends who like to read, every mention helps.

Enjoy your evening/day, and thank you for your support!

Jane-Holly

Hi everyone, 

My campaign is almost a 1/3 of the way through, and it’s not looking good. There is no way I will ever give up, but I am stuck at only 10 pre-orders. Maybe I made a mistake by choosing the hardcover option, but I don’t think so. When I first envisioned my book, that is what I saw. It’s what I still see. I’m confident the book I’ve written is something people will want to read. I’ll admit it’s not for everyone, but neither is any other book that’s ever been written. 

I know we are all here for the same thing. We have all written something we feel is worthy of publication. Most of us have the rejection letters from agents or publishers, and each one stings, but we don’t give up. We know our stories are stories people need to read. They allow readers to escape the monotony of everyday life. There are stories of pirates. There are stories of those that stop time. There are stories which give us a glimpse into the minds of those we all fear. There are stories that break break down societal barriers with strong female leads. This list goes on an on, and all of our stories have one thing in common. They were all written by people who refuse to give up.We won’t take no for an answer. If we get knocked down, we get right back up and keep fighting. I know I do. 

I won’t give up. I can’t. 

Dear readers & supporters: 

Thanks to you, I’m almost at 30% of my Quill goal!!!! *insanely happy dance* 

THANK YOU.

You can learn more about the story here: https://youtu.be/raE1OpHenZs

In the video I also talk about a bit about why I’m crowdfunding the publication of my first manuscript, and that is to help empower more people to become creators, while raising awareness & funds for organizations that believe the best innovation comes from the arts and sciences coming together.

In other words, my goal with this publication is to support local creators who have an appreciation of what the arts AND sciences have to offer!`

The way I can do this right now is by using my own creation (Where the Sun Sets) as an opportunity- to talk about my experience as a creator, and by using the funds generated to support partner local organizations.

Over the coming weeks you can expect to learn more about:
- The incredible organizations I’m partnering with & Why;
- How our (mine and yours) collective efforts are supporting each one;
- How these organizations will be supported in perpetuity (or at least, as long as book sales are a thing) by our efforts;
- And how you can get involved!

For all my design friends: If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your work (your own illustrations or designs) on the cover of a published book, stay tuned for BOOK COVER CONTEST DETAILS!!!

Please stay tuned for updates   

Thank you for reading & as always, I welcome your feedback and comments.

- Donna