Hello, Mission 51 family!

It has been three quick months since you pushed Mission 51 into the top three of the Nerdist Sci-Fi Contest on Inkshares, guaranteeing its publication. I have taken this time to continue polishing the story before turning in the manuscript to the Inkshares editing gods. I have now come to realize that I might never be satisfied. I might always want to change this, delete that, embellish and refine, cut and paste, drag and drop, etc., etc., etc.

I had given myself this three-month limit for final polishing, and my time is up. Overall, I am happy with the story, so I am going to hand it in by the end of the week and get in line for the real editorial work. I fully anticipate making further changes as I work with Inkshares’ developmental editing team. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be starting the process.

Along with the manuscript, I am to hand in my responses to an extensive questionnaire that will direct the Inkshares team on how to best approach my story, create a stunning book cover, and develop a successful marketing plan. It will be a long process, and I look forward to the hard work of putting it all together. I will keep you updated with progress reports from time to time.

Again, I want to thank you very much for this tremendous opportunity. It is only through your kind and generous support that Mission 51 will come into existence. I will never forget what you all have done for me!

Before I go, let me recommend four books that are currently in Inkshares contests, written by authors I greatly admire. They would certainly love your crowdfunding support. Please check them out!

In the prestigious Launch Pad Contest:

Susan K. Hamilton’s The Devil You Don’t https://www.inkshares.com/books/the-devil-you-don-t

TCC Edwards’ Far Flung.     https://www.inkshares.com/books/far-flung

In the Inkshares 2017 Horror Contest:

André Brun’s Arcadia.     https://www.inkshares.com/books/arcadia

M. Robert Randolph’s The Dark Mountain https://www.inkshares.com/books/wings-of-the-crallow

Thanks again! Peace and love to all!

~Ferd

I am interrupting my day at work because of this unbelievable happening, and I simply had to share it with you! I have gotten the highest honor I have ever received for my writing! I was notified a few minutes ago by @Matthew Isaac Sobin, the syndicate lead of the GREAT SCIFI for the 21st CENTURY and BEYOND SYNDICATE that Mission 51 is their July selection!!!!

Like I told Matt, this honor has left me spinning with feelings. I am humbled that anyone would think of me and my work like this. I am overjoyed! And I feel like a funny fear has been lifted, a fear that my thought and words are insignificant. This honor is very encouraging!

Here is what Matt had to say:

The SciFi syndicate is thrilled to support Mission 51 with our July selection! Ferd Crôtte has created something truly intoxicating. The perfect premise, which takes one of the great mysteries / intrigues of the 20th century and puts us directly in the alien’s shoes; it’s SciFi and historical fiction wrapped into one. In addition, there is special artwork which illuminates the story with a deft touch. We can’t wait to read more, and for this story to become a book on our shelves. We encourage our fellow Inkshares authors and readers to support this praiseworthy project!

Matt, thank you very, very much from the bottom of my heart for this valued honor! I am re-energized to continue making Mission 51 the absolutely best it can be! Thank you!!!

I am feeling dizzy with gratitude! This was truly a special night. Mission 51 reached a funding milestone in a truly heartwarming way. I simply asked on Facebook, and friends responded. We now sit a 100 pre-orders! I am overjoyed!

Thank you Marie Nall for helping us get there, and Sally Johnson Reed for your friendship and support! You are the greatest! :-)

And a very special thank you to Michael Haase and wife Margie, who took time off from new baby duties, to dial the pre-orders up to 100! Thank you!! :-)

Michael, as you all must know, is the author of The Madness of Mr. Butler, winner of the Nerdist Space Opera Contest (in production), and of An Adventure With Dada which is currently in funding. Please give them both a look and send some love his way! :-)

I have essentially completed the chapter previously titled "Mat." The name of the chapter has now changed to "Mat and Dirk," though who knows, it may change again on a fickle whim. ;-)

The first two parts of the book serve to establish Mat’s "humanity." (Picture me doing big air quotes with my fingers.) It has been fun doing that, and I really want you to be able to read it some day. But I don’t think I will upload this chapter. In fact, from now on I may be just uploading excerpts instead of entire chapters, you know, to build  suspense/anticipation and stuff.

The fun really builds after the crash at the end of the second part of the story. That you really don’t want to miss, and I really won’t be uploading any more chapters from the third part of the book!

So just help ease my anxiety and place your pre-order, so the book sees the light of day, and you get to read about the crazy shit that happens to Mat!

If you have already pre-ordered, again I thank you, and ask you to:

• point a friend this way, or

• write a review, or

• make an Inkshares recommendation, or

• all of the above.
  

I do believe that together we can reach the 250 pre-order mark to get Mission 51 published.

Thank you, everyone!

Peace and love!

Ferd. :-) 

I interrupt the regularly scheduled writing frenzy to share with you, dear readers, this precious little bit of my real life.

No secret to those who know us, Princess Gail and I love birding. We spent most of this last week with old friends and new at the New River Birding and Nature Festival in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia. We are in the midst of the spring migration, and we were all there to see as many of our feathered friends as possible, as they make their way to their northern breeding habitats. Despite a few days of cold and wet weather, Gail and I managed to see 80 species. Our group as a whole saw 135 species, and we had a whole lotta fun before, during and after!

For me, the highlight of the trip was a prolonged view of the Swainson’s Warbler, one of the most secretive and elusive birds in all of North America. It was a special treat to see him in beautiful breeding plumage and singing loudly. I’ll remember those moments always! Here is a picture I took of this lovely individual, for your viewing pleasure.

I return you now, to your regularly scheduled frenzy!

Peace!

Ferd. :-)

This is a "BIG Welcome" sort of update!

First of all, welcome new readers and followers! I am humbled and truly grateful for your support and encouragement! I am glad you are with me on Mission 51!

And, I am SO excited to announce an artistic collaboration! A very warm welcome to Idan Carré, an awesome young artist who will certainly enhance Mission 51 with her unique vision. As pictures speak louder than words, I will let this one speak  for itself. This is a water color by Idan, an interpretation of the opening moments of the chapter titled "The Crash." Enjoy! :-)