Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for Human Resources

Good evening from Tasmania!

Tonight marks the end of day fourteen in The Launchpad Manuscript Competition (crowdfunding stream) and the funding campaign for Human Resources. As I’ve mentioned before, this is a short competition compared to others Inkshares runs, so there is now only seven days left!

Thank you everyone who has pre-ordered, written a review or recommendation, or shared the project on social media. Your support has been amazing — as a direct result, Human Resources is doing well in a competition packed with talent.

We have now entered the stage where most campaigns settle in for the long haul — a regular crowdfunding campaign on Inkshares is three months. However, with such a short competition window, we will be sprinting all the way to the finish. Keep up the great work — I still need your help!

For those of you who haven’t pre-ordered yet, but are considering it, I’d love the opportunity to convince you before the end of the competition. There are eight excerpts on the project page for you to read, and I’m happy to chat online!

This week, I wanted to reward you all for the hard work and support you have provided me. I’ve been scouring the available research, and can now pull back a little of the curtain shrouding the world of Human Resources. Below is your explainer on the vampires of HR.

Have a great night,

Robert

NB: I would like to acknowledge the above has been developed from the Wikipedia / MediaWiki template, who retain all rights to their intellectual property. Obviously all references are intended to be fictional. 

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    Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for Bad Medicine: Slay it queen!

    Friends, drag enthusiast and horror aficionados

    We made it!!

    (literally me at the end of the contest)

    Bad Medicine: Slay it, Queen! Finished in the top 3 of the Crypt TV contest, and now it is on its way to becoming my second published novel. Just writing those words gives me chills.

    Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

    I don’t take your support for granted. I know that there are many ways in which you could spend your money; the fact that you chose to support my dreams is reassuring and humbling.

    What’s next?

    Well, three chapters and a detailed outlined of Bad Medicine are already done, so today I started participating in National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) with the hopes of finishing the first draft in 30 days. It sounds crazy, but I’m confident it will be done. Also, I love a challenge, and this is certainly one.

    This morning I wrote the first six hundred words. My editor Penny Lane was there to support me. Too bad she’s not really a morning person (yes, she is a person).

    Again, thank you, my friends. I will keep updating you through the production of this crazy and fun book.

    Best

    Ricardo

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      Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for Ageless

      Ladies and gentleman,

      Tomorrow marks a very special day! That’s right, tomorrow is wonderful. Why, you ask? Because tomorrow is my amazing daughter’s BIRTHDAY! 14 years ago she blessed this world with her presence! She made me an honest man! I am proud of everything she does and I know she will change this world!

      Also, tomorrow marks the beginning of NaNoWriMo (for those in the dark, National Novel Writing Month). I’ve never participated in NaNoWriMo, and thought I might test the waters a bit. I have two clear goals: 1) Write EVERYDAY during the month November, and 2) try to finish as much as I can on TIMELESS: The Life and Times of Eugene Trickens. 


      Now, most writers usually stick to the 1,700 words per day tract to end up with a 50,000+ novel by Dec 1. I am NOT going to be doing that, unless it comes naturally. The ultimate goal for me is to learn how to be consistent with my writing. Consistency is integral to be a success at anything! I need to get that rolling, then we can worry about word counts. 

      I’m excited, aren’t you? 

      Great things are happening at Inkshares. Big, amazing, wonderful things. 

      Congrats to all the winners of the Crypt TV contest and I look forward to reading your books!


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        Matthew Isaac Sobin followed Love, Derric: My Journey From Laboratory Experiment to Freagle (who eats burritos at the beach!)
        Love, Derric: My Journey From Laboratory Experiment to Freagle (who eats burritos at the beach)
        Love, Derric: My Journey From Laboratory Experiment to Freagle (who eats burritos at the beach)
        Derric was a laboratory test subject rescued by the Beagle Freedom Project. This is the story of his journey to freedom.
        Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for The Catcher’s Trap

        Dear Friends

        What better day to release The Catcher’s Trap e-book than the first day of Halloween weekend!

        This afternoon you will receive an e-mail from inkshares with a link and instructions to download your digital copy of The Catcher’s Trap. Fear not, if you purchased a physical copy you will receive yours very soon. The e-book is just a nice perk Inkshares offers to their readers so you can have access to your books on the go.

        You all have done so much for me already, but I have to be shameless and ask you for more. Getting reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads is key for a book to succeed. There is, actually, a magic number: 100

        Books with over 100 reviews are featured more prominently on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Visibility is key when you are a new author trying to make a splash in an industry that releases over 3,000 books a day.

        Please follow the links and leave an honest review. Seriously, be honest. If you love The Catcher’s Trap as much as you love your mama, then leave a five stars review, but if not 4 or 3 are perfectly fine. A book with all five stars reviews looks fishy to readers.

        Goodreads

        Barnes and Noble

        Amazon

        Finally, don’t forget to join me on Thursday, November 10th, at 6 PM at North Haven Barnes and Noble, to celebrate the release of The Catcher’s Trap.

        You can RSVP here.

        Have a thrilling weekend!


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          Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for Illegal

          All of you have received an email from Inkshares this week informing you of a refund for ILLEGAL. It was sent out in error. I’ve been struggling to figure out what is going on and how this will be fixed and I wish I could write and tell you what will happen but I can’t. Basically the Inkshares team says they don’t know what triggered the mass refund but they can recharge credit cards and get those orders back. However, they do not want to re-issue orders that used credits--when the campaign began the platform gave you credits to encourage participation and they have since discontinued that practice. This seems unfair to me and I’m trying to reach out to them to come up with a better resolution. I don’t know what that will be but I’m also not sure how long it will take to figure out and I know many people were confused and curious about what was happening and I wanted to be transparent and share all I know. As you can imagine this is a very frustrating situation for me and I appreciate your patience and support, probably more now than ever. 

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            Matthew Isaac Sobin followed J. S. Chlapowski
            J. S. Chlapowski
            Writer and teacher living in Oslo.
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            Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for Rune of the Apprentice

            Hello Masters and Apprentices! 

            1. Hardcovers Shipping This Week!
            2. Exclusive Letter In Hardcover Edition
            3. Signings / Events
            4. Reviews

            1. Hardcovers Shipping This Week

            For the past few weeks, I feel like I have been in a mental daze as I’ve watched RUNE’s official release date quickly approach. This emotive state of tense anticipation--filled with excitement, fear, and hope--is now coming to its apex, because after so many long months of waiting, the physical copies of Rune of the Apprentice are finally being shipped out!

            This whole experience has been been both an exciting and terrifying experience. Some of you will be surprised to hear this, but I am actually a deeply introverted person. So going to conventions and meeting new people and sharing such an intimate thing as my first novel has been personally challenging beyond words. (In truth, the only way I could do it was by dressing up in cosplay!) Although immeasurably stress provoking, putting myself out there in such a personal way--and risking humiliation, failure, and ridicule--has forced me to grow in ways I never imagined possible. You all have allowed me this opportunity to share myself on such a visceral level, and for that I am eternally grateful. It is my deepest hope that you enjoy the epic journey that is Rune of the Apprentice and take as much pleasure in its world and characters as I have. 

            In that vein, many of you have already downloaded your ebooks and told me via email and Twitter (@stonejamison) how much you are enjoying the novel--thank you so much for your kind notes! It also warmed my heart to see a new blog review posted by THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS yesterday. Words cannot describe the joy I feel when learning of a new set of readers who resonates so deeply with my story and its characters. RUNE was a labor of love and I am filled with gratitude knowing that people are enjoying reading it as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing it with the world. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for making this experience possible not only for me, but each and every reader, too! 

            (An excerpt of THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS review is at the bottom of this update -- but click HERE to read the full version.)


            2. Exclusive Letter In Hardcover Edition

            Sadly, due to logistics outside of our control, we were unable to get the hardcovers signed by launch date. In fact, Inkshares actually had to perform some publishing magic to get the books printed and shipped to you on time. 

            BUT to make it up to you all, I have personally (at my own expense) designed and printed a special letter to be included in each physical copy of the novel. This letter includes the fateful and prophetic message to RUNE’s main character, Aleksi--sent by his exiled mentor, Master Rudra. This is the letter which not only spurs the epic journey of Rune of the Apprentice, but also serves as a cryptic guide to our young hero upon his tumultuous adventure.

            Embedded within the letter is both guidance and warning to Aleksi, and although confusing (for both him and you, the reader!) it is my hope that having your own physical copy will help you discern, decipher, and be able to find each and every prophetic hint and reference hidden within Rudra’s message. Seriously, every line of this letter is in direct reference to the events of the story and directly correlate to Aleksi’s trials and tribulations. I think I will run a special giveaway for people who can find all of the references. Think you "catch’em" all?

            The only way to get this physical version of the letter is either by pre-ordering the book like you all have, or meeting me in person at a convention or book signing. I have also included a brief thank you note from me at the end, too. I want to mention, I won’t be the one physically folding and inserting these letters into the books being shipped to you this week--that noble task was graciously accepted by Elena Stofle of Inkshares, who has truly earned over a thousand thank-you’s (there are a lot of books being sent out, folks.) I have been folding my own set of letters in preparation for upcoming signings, and I can tell you this is no small feat.

            Which leads me to my next topic...

            3. Signings / Events

            As a reminder to Boston people, this Saturday at 2:00 pm is the Official launch of RUNE at the Prudential Center Barnes & Noble so please come get your copy signed and/or tell a Massachusetts friend about the event! But if you do not live close to Boston, fear not, we have some other awesome signings scheduled. Here is our ever growing list below! 

            • Oct 29th, Barnes & Noble Prudencial Center - Boston, MA (2:00 - 4:00)
            • Nov 10th, Proctor Academy - Andover, NH (all day)
            • Nov 11th, Buffalo Books - Ithaca, NY (5:30 - 7:00 pm)
            • Nov 13th, South Maryland Comic Con (all day)
            • Nov 18th Bookends & Beginnings - Evanston, IL (6:00 - 7:30 pm)
            • Nov 19th, Barnes & Noble Napersville - Napersville, IL (12:00 - 2:00)
            • Dec 1st, Fort Lee Exchange - Fort Lee, VA (all day)
            • Dec 9th, Langley AFB - Hampton, VA (all day)
            • Dec 12th Third Eye Comics - Annapolis, MD (7:00 pm)
            I will be making Facebook events for each of these signings on RUNE’s Official Facebook page HERE so please head on over and hit it up with a "like" so you don’t miss the invite! 

            4. Reviews

            I cannot stress this enough: Rune of the Apprentice and I NEED NEED NEED your review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble! I know it’s a pain, and most people don’t know what to say--but just stars a few honest words is all that is required, and that small time investment from you will help both this project and me tendentiously. You can start posting reviews on all three sites NOW, so once you have read the book, PLEASE click the links below and share your stars and review. And if you have already read the book, please post your review NOW! It really means the world to me and will have a profound impact on the book’s success. THANK YOU!

            1. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rune-Apprentice-Jamison-Stone/dp/1941758916
            2. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28650517-rune-of-the-apprentice
            3. Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rune-of-the-apprentice-jamison-stone/1123466804

            This has already been a really long update, so I will keep my sign off quick: Words cannot convey the feelings in my heart. I am so humbled to be able to have my book in your hands. It is both an honor and privileged. Thank you. 





            "With Jamison Stone, you get a writer who clearly understands the epic fantasy audience, yet also must find a way to appeal to readers who rarely explore these kinds of books. I belong to the latter group. The key here is to excel at characterization and plot, as Stone does. In addition, I found that Stone’s writing has an almost poetic allure where there is a beautiful and insightful rhythm to his word choices. Stone’s writing style is quite seductive. Like an artist, Stone uses descriptive words as his brush, meticulously painting each character... I applaud Stone for demonstrating his incredible writing ability, psychological insight and descriptive flair in his first novel. Rune of the Apprentice offers readers a memorable experience." --THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS (click HERE to read the full review.)
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              Matthew Isaac Sobin followed S.G. Meine
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              Matthew Isaac Sobin liked an update for These are my Friends on Politics

              Greetings from Hell frozen over, home of the World Series-hosting Chicago Cubs...

              First, the good news

              Okay folks, this is it. By now, if you ordered a physical book, you should have received notice that it’s in the sky or on the highway and en route to your front door. (It may have even arrived already.) The books took a little longer than we’d hoped to get from the printer to the office, but I think the wait is worth it. Speaking honestly, they look even better than I’d hoped they would. I’m delighted with the finished product, and I hope you are too when it reaches your door. (Quick note: Despite what the email said, they are jacketed hardback copies and not paperback.)

              (Quick note #2: If you haven’t received a shipping notice, check your spam folder, and if nothing’s there, let me know and I’ll pass the word on to Inkshares. They’re a small but terrific group of folks and they’ll get it sorted.)


              Now some bad news, followed immediately by good news

              Due to circumstances and scheduling issues, there was no time to reschedule my September flight to Inkshares HQ to sign the books. But because I want to make good on that, I commissioned a big sheet of personalized illustrated bookplates (fancy word for sticker) that I’ve signed and will send out to all who want them for their copies. Just send your address to me via email (billyok@mac.com) and I’ll take care of the rest. It’s not quite the same as me writing my name in your book, but it’s close. (Alternatively, if you’re local, let’s just meet up and I’ll sign it right before your eyes.)

              Now some more good news

              In fact, if you’re in the Chicago area on the evening of Saturday, November 5th, you can get them signed in person by attending a launch party at one of Chicago’s best independent bookstores. I’ll be at Lincoln Square’s The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., starting at 6 p.m. It’s right down the street from the Western Brown Line stop and there’s plenty of street parking in the vicinity as well. Come on by, say hi, and celebrate the imminent passing of this horrid election season.

              And finally, a quick but hugely important favor

              I’ll spare you the details and make this quick, but I cannot emphasize enough how crucial reviews are to an author’s ability to attract new readers on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. The benefits of receiving at least 100 ratings/reviews on each are tangible, and given how much weight those three sites carry, those benefits can be of make-or-break importance. So if you have accounts on any or all of these sites and can spare a few more minutes, I’m asking for your help in hitting that magic number. Even just a click on the star rating thing helps (though if you have some kind words to throw in, those are of course appreciated).

              Here are links to take you straight to all three, all of which are accepting reviews now. Thank you so much (yet again) for whatever you can do.

              — Amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1942645236#customerReviews]

              — Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/30007120] 

              — Barnes & Noble: [http://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/these-are-my-friends-on-politics-billy-okeefe/1123852462?ean=9781942645238] 

              That’s all for now. Be nice to each other. November 9 is almost here.

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