Hey everyone,

I fully expect all of you to be reading this from your throne of toilet paper and canned goods, scrolling through this update with fingers slick with Purell.

While the world is losing its mind, I wanted to share that I recently received Round 2 of editorial feedback much quicker than expected. In short, things are moving in the right direction! It seems that Sarah, my editor, was overall pleased with the new draft. Her annotated copy of this draft had 196 margin notes, feedback, and comments, while the first one had 545. It’s a decrease that I’m incredibly pleased with. It means that while there is still work to be done, there’s considerably less of it.

Some of the “big picture” things I’ll be working on in this next draft are further strengthening characters and the relationships between them, as well as strengthening the dramatic tension in the novel’s climax (since more excitement is never a bad thing). Some of the smaller, easier stuff this time around includes fixing logical and continuity errors, eliminating run-on sentences, fixing confusing/”odd” sentences and phrasing, and improving the pace by removing repetitive narration and unnecessary scenes.

My work announced that it’ll be closed for the next two weeks, so receiving this most recent round of editorial feedback couldn’t have been timed more perfectly, as I’ll have a nice chunk of time to work on (and maybe even finish) the new draft. The last one took about a month to complete, so I’m anticipating to finish this one a little earlier. When it’s done and submitted, I’ll be sure to let you know. Hopefully the world will still be standing by then—you know, no rivers of blood or swarms of locusts like the media seems to think is on the horizon. Until then, try not to lick any doorknobs. 

Thanks again for your continued support! 

Ricky

2 days left remain in Showtime’s pre-order campaign! TWO! After that, I will thank you for your support once more, retreat back to the shadows with a slab of coconut cake (either for celebration or sadness--but either way I get cake), and never bother you again to buy another copy of this book for as long as you live. (Actually, I can’t promise that at all...but I have good intentions!)

So, for the almost, almost final time: if you’re feeling generous, have some extra change you found in the couch while you were eating Doritos, or in the mood to support books and writing, please consider ordering another copy--either for yourself or someone else. Unlike coconut cake, they won’t go bad. In fact, I’ve heard book’s age like a fine wine the longer they sit on your shelf. (Actually, I’ve never heard that. But it sounds good, right?)

As always, reviewing, following, or reading my sample pages is always a help.

Since I’m not asking for another extension, we’re so close to the end. We’ve been a Syndicate Pick, crossed multiple 100s thresholds, met and surpassed the halfway point, been the #1 reviewed Funding project, and have bounced around the Top 3 for trending books...all of these cool achievements since January when getting to this point seemed so far off and nearly impossible.

Thanks for sticking with me this long and reading my updates. And even if you see them in your inbox, roll your eyes while exasperatedly grunting, "Ugh. Another one?" well, at least you haven’t done it to my face! :)

Ricky

We are now down to the wire, everyone, as only 3 more days remain in Showtime’s pre-order campaign!

If you know anyone who said they were going to order—or if you know someone you could persuade to order—now is the time! Remember, anyone who orders an additional copy within the next three days is entered into the Dunkin’ Donuts gift card giveaway.

We’re currently at 260 copies pre-ordered in almost three months. That’s a lot (and is extra amazing to think about since we started at 0)! I have roughly 25 additional verbal yeses, but so far those orders haven’t been placed.

I’m planning on asking Inkshares for an extension and the higher the order total by Tuesday (the end of the campaign), the higher the chance that they’ll be willing to give it. Additional pre-orders and/or writing a review of what you’ve read in the sample chapters would be more than welcome. :)

Many people have said to me (either online or in person) over the last few months that they would really like to read the whole book. I want that, too, but it can’t happen without you!

Thanks for your continued support,

Ricky

P.S. A special thank-you to some awesome people who have recently gone above and beyond to show their support with their positive words and additional orders: Leo V., Liberty G., Debbie P., Charlie W., Rusty R., Pam R., Irene P., and Amanda H. You guys rock. :)

Almost a month since the last visit from the Donut Patrol? Let’s fix that! Reading my sample chapters and leaving a review by this Friday, March 22nd gets you entered to win a Dunkin Donuts gift card! It doesn’t have to be long--just a sentence or two about what you thought about what you read. Anyone who pre-orders during this time (either newbies or repeats) will receive a bonus entry.

Chapters 1 through 4 available here: www.inkshares.com/books/showtime

Looking forward to everyone’s feedback! 📖

Ricky

P.S. The results of the "Baltimore’s Best" poll will be released by the Baltimore Sun on April 15th, so stay tuned!