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!

"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

Hey, folks. I have news!

It’s NOT bad news. On the other hand, it’s not quite the “Grace Above, that’s awesome!” news we have been hoping for.

But you could say I have unlocked the next level. Getting past 400 pre-orders has earned Bane of All Things a full read by Inkshares editors. The manuscript is now in their hands. I expect a decision before the end of the month.

As I have said before, earning publication with Inkshares is dependent now on the “combined score” of three different things:

·     Pre-orders to date

·     The state of the manuscript

·     Those other non-pre-order metrics Inkshares is tracking behind the scenes

Of these three, pre-orders is the only one we can obviously influence. I said over the weekend that I wouldn’t extend this campaign unless some new development justified it. Well, I’d say we got justified this afternoon. 

Inkshares editors are still watching that pre-order total. They do want to see it continue to rise. So long as the jury is out on the manuscript itself, it only makes sense to keep the campaign active with an extension.

You will see a 30-day extension appear on the campaign clock this evening. It’s not time to take the foot of the gas quite yet – helping push up that pre-order total still matters. Maybe now more than ever.

I thank you all for your patience and your support and humbly ask that you stick with me just a little while longer.

As promised, I will send the note out this coming Friday about the prize draws and winners.

Cheers

Leo

Good morning! No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. Thanks to Linda S., Ian G. and Peter B., we reached 401 pre-orders last night.

And here we are, the last day of the campaign. What will happen next? I don’t know. Nothing is certain. If you still intended to place another pre-order or nudge a friend or family member to do so, please do. The campaign ends this evening, so don’t wait!

As I said in my updates over the weekend, there will be an additional prize draw now that we have reached 400. And there will be an additional thank you souvenir for each and every one of you who pre-ordered two or more copies and/or referred someone else, if  Inkshares agrees to publish Bane of All Things.

That’s all for now. Fingers crossed!

Cheers

Leo

Howdy, folks. A quick addendum to my update from yesterday. The 400+ pre-order mark is a lot closer than it was 24 hours ago. Thank you very much for the new and additional orders from Colin G. (and Tara C.), Megan A., Dr. Andrew N., Debra F. (and Kevin F.), Howard C., Brian and Eve-Ann R., and Ashley N.

Now, for everyone – an added bonus. If this campaign succeeds (meaning Inkshares agrees to take Bane of All Things into production for publication) there will be an extra thank you for everyone who a) pre-ordered two or more copies, and/or b) enlisted a friend or family member to join the cause.

That bonus will be a 12x18 poster, featuring that custom Sword and Skull artwork that I commissioned for this crowdfund from award-winning Ottawa graphic artist Dominic Bercier. Each poster will be personalized and signed by yours truly – it might actually be worth something, someday (my signature, I mean, Dominic’s work already is :).

Once again, my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for all that you have done to help me get this far. 

Cheers

Leo