Well that's pretty cool, isn't it?  Not only did you folks carry me into the top five, but you carried me into the Nerdist collection.  If you haven't already seen the announcement, you can read it here:  http://nerdi.st/1WA7ZjJ

The Aftermath...

It took me a couple of hours to move from the corner of my couch where I usually sit when I am depressed. “One book, you lost by one book.” I kept telling myself while wondering whose fault that was. Was it me for not moving fast enough? For not asking enough people? For skipping doors in my neighborhood? Or was it that friend who said she was pre-ordering 3 weeks ago and after 5 reminders never did?

If I have learned anything from 50 years of Doctor Who, is that there are moments fixed in time that cannot be changed no matter what we do. I believe this was one of them. I was not meant to win The Nerdist contest, and I have to live with that.

Yesterday’s urgency and  later on grief made me miss something magical happening around me. A chain of people from all over the world; from Eugene –Oregon-  to Sydney; and from Hamden to the Chilean Atacama Desert, spent a day fighting shoulder to shoulder with me to help me win.

My phone was ringing the whole day with messages and texts from friends who decided to turn yesterday into a global “get out the vote” day for The Catcher’s Trap.

 It certainly felt like an election day. By noon –Eastern Time- I knew it was going to come down to 1 or 2 books. I was hopeful, though; orders were pouring, and an entire contingency from the University of Utah had joined the campaign mid-morning. In the opposite side of the globe, my massive Chilean family worked as a team trying to figure out a website written in a language unfamiliar to them.

At 2:58 I knew I had fallen short. I watched the seconds fly away as a landslide of rage and sadness overcame me. For the next two hours, I obsessed over the failure.

Today I feel nothing but blessed. The universe decided that the best way to show me how many people care about me was making me lose one of the most important campaigns I’ve ever run. Well played universe; I get it, I totally get it.

The Catcher’s Trap will become a reality one day. I am not sure when, though. I am really close to the 750 copies needed for an electronic run of the book, but I am not sure I will go that road.  I need an actual book, one that I can sign and personally deliver to that core group of people who yesterday put their lives on hold, just to support a friend’s silly dream.

Thank you all for your support. I promise I’ll be in touch.  

Dear friends

Just a quick and final update to thank you all for your support. The contest will be over in a couple of hours and it seems like the most likely outcome will be that I end up in 6th place. Being so close, and at the same time, so far away from the prize is going to sting. But that’s life.

If I have learned anything during my years living in this country is that everything is possible; so who knows, maybe those of you who are following me but have not ordered the book will get inspired and make a difference.

No matter what, I am thankful for this whole process. Through it I learned a lot about the author’s community, my friends and myself; all good things.

If I don’t make it to top 5, I have to think what the future of The Catcher’s Trap will be. I can tell you that one way or another I will make sure this book gets published. I believe in my work, I believe in the inspiration behind it, and I believe in the good that it can do.

That’s it!

Love you all

Have a fantastic day!

"What is this madness? An update on a Tuesday?"

Yes, yes, I know. But it's the final update in regards of the contest! So, here is the deal. After this contest, my work is not done. I still have to polish everything up, work with Inkshares, and do copy editing. Also: I have to do other things... like... get a website.... annnnd a blog... but the best part: Hitting conventions along with an avid amount of gaming and storytelling. The Seventh Age is mere hours away from actually living. 

Don't worry. I'll keep everyone posted. For everyone who is still following. Last chance to have your vote matter for the contest!

Speaking of having your vote matter. There is a book from a new awesome friend of mine that I've plugged before, both on facebook, and in an update. I'm sure if you read this and log into inkshares.. your time could very well be spent picking up this book. 

Runes of the Apprentice. Which can be ordered: Here

I mean. LOOK AT THIS TOTAL GEEK!!!! (He's totally gonna break me for this...)

He's got a katana, make up, and glowy lighty things. With maps! If you remember last update I did featuring Runes. I highlighted fantasy maps. I have a thing for them. This is some geek pride.

So here is the story, Runes is near the top 10 and trying to crack into that before the contest ends. If you really enjoy some epic fantasy, or want to help out this fine gentleman who spent all weekend at a convention.... go check out his work.  For those of you who don't want to scroll up. Here is the link again: Right Here

Particularly Bella Kraft. Who has been flooding my facebook feed with other authors she's been backing. Jason Peercy, you need to convince him to come play in your game. Ellen, his style should fit you well. I've noticed more than a few of my friends getting addicted to checking out new authors. So, go his way and read a chapter.

As for me, it's the final day of the contest. I really just want to say thank you for everyone's support so far. I will do you proud and deliver unto you one hell of a urban fantasy book. 

Let's cross our fingers and hope our hardwork and luck holds! Thank you everyone so much! I'm going to go out and see if I can't knock on a few more doors myself!