Break the Bechdel with Strong Female Characters Syndicate

  • members:
    10
  • books supported:
    81
  • monthly committments:
    $130.00

This is the time for strong female leads! From Rey to Lisbeth to Precious to Jade Daniels - what makes a Katniss jump from a strong-willed 16-year-old to a cultural phenomena? This group will celebrate characters who identify as women who are well-crafted and multi-dimensional. Let's find the unique and diverse female characters on Inkshares and help them become reality!

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Contribute $10 or more per month to the syndicate. Your contribution will be pooled with other members' and allocated by the syndicate lead to one Inkshares book each month. You'll get a copy of the book and be a recurring supporter of our authors! All funds are allocated to our authors - the syndicate will make no money off your contribution.

Books Supported

Members

Joined: Jan 22, 2016
Joined: Sep 30, 2016
Joined: Apr 16, 2021
Joined: May 27, 2023
Joined: Jul 8, 2016
Joined: Jun 11, 2017
Joined: Jan 20, 2016
Joined: Aug 14, 2018
Joined: Jul 30, 2017
Joined: Jun 16, 2016

Discussion

Caren Simpson McVicker · Author · added almost 3 years ago
Many thanks to Janna Grace and the whole syndicate! What a surprise to wake up this morning and learn that my novel Henderson House was picked for May 2021.  I’m even more pleased to have my characters, Bessie, Florence, & Mrs. Henderson, honored in this manner. Cheers to more novels with strong and well-developed female characters. Onward!
Nirmani Walpola · Author · added about 3 years ago
Thank you to Ms. Grace and everybody! I just got the e-mail that "The Midnight Warriors" is the pick for February 2021! Cheers to strong ladies, whether they are assassins or headstrong empresses, they matter in this world and should be heard a lot more these days.
Nirmani Walpola · Author · edited about 3 years ago
Thank you! I have been trying to publish my book for now 11 months, and I am hoping to end my journey here. I vote for this month, The Midnight Warriors, my book and Tears of Venus.
Janna Grace · Author · added about 3 years ago
Welcome to the Syndicate Nirmani Walpola and thanks for joining!
Nirmani Walpola · Author · added about 3 years ago
Hi I’m new to this syndicate. I started funding for my book two months ago, and now I currently have 214 pre-orders with 31 days left. 
Mary Dezember · Author · added over 3 years ago
Thank you Janna and everyone! I just learned that my novel Wild Conviction is the pick for this month, October 2020! I am very excited and honored. Here’s to Strong Female Characters!
Kristina Brune 📚 · Author · added over 4 years ago
I got an email today that my story was chosen as the October 2019 pick and I am SO excited, thank you so much! I had a lot of fun writing a story about a bunch of strong women and I hope everyone enjoys it :)
Janna Grace · Author · added over 4 years ago
Poll is up because there were a few options this month-- head on over!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/192163-some-new-options-again-this-month-so-here-s-the-poll
Janna Grace · Author · added over 4 years ago
@Kris Calvin thank you so much for joining and for your wonderful story! Maren is an inspiration-- anyone who has not read "One Murder More" yet is in for a treat =)
Kris Calvin · Author · added over 4 years ago
 I received notice today that my book was  your Aug 2019 pick! I saw all the great reads that had come before and joined. (I have catching up to do, added  several to my To Be Read pile.) Looking forward to  supporting new authors who feature strong women characters!  Best, Kris  
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 5 years ago
Hi Everyone,

We went with Jacqui Castle’s The Seclusion Part 2 for this month’s pick! So excited to see Patch back and trying to save this nation again! Please send nominations by DM for next month if you want me to put them in the poll.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 5 years ago
Same as last month, but the poll is up. Please head over and feel free to send nominations!

Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 5 years ago
Unfortunately I could not find any funding books to meet our criteria (please send them if you have found any for next month!), but that means that we are able to support an already funded book to help make it more visible/contribute to its order numbers! This month I went back to one of our previous contenders and selected "A God in the Shed." Looking forward to options for next month! 
Janna Grace · Author · added about 5 years ago
Poll is up and the previous months are all fixed so we are back on track...unfortunately though, I only found one for this month. Please write in any projects that I missed as an option!

Janna Grace · Author · added about 5 years ago
Hey everyone, I just wanted to update you that there is a problem again with the syndicate pick. I have been working with members of the Inkshares team since January 14th, when I noticed the problem when I went to make our selection and it should be resolved soon. Thank you for your patience!!
Janna Grace · Author · added about 5 years ago
Happy New Year everyone! Which story should we choose for January? 


Janna Grace · Author · added about 5 years ago
Hey everyone, Inkshares is still working on fixing the issue-- I was finally able to select our December pick and now it is showing up as January’s. Hope it will all be settled soon! In the meantime, here’s what I said about our pick:

In "A Taste of Darkness" we meet Blaire Moreau, a woman in crisis, life upended, and trying to start over. Makayla Love’s story moves quick, brings in tons of characters you feel you know, and still maintains a strong sense of who is at the center of this mystery-- a woman who must learn about herself if she wants to stay alive (at least that is how it seems!)

Patrick R Delaney · Reader · added over 5 years ago
Ah, okay, that makes sense then. Thanks for the update!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
Thank you @Patrick R Delaney for pointing that out-- something happened with the November pick and Inkshares is figuring it out. Grimalken was the choice! I selected it again, and it chose it for December, but it should be figured out in the next day or two so it will reflect as November’s choice so whatever we choose this month will be updated as our December pick. Happy Holidays everyone and don’t forget to go vote!
Patrick R Delaney · Reader · added over 5 years ago
I got my vote in! Who did we end up choosing for November? 
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
Happy Holidays everyone! Which story should we choose for December? 

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/181544-what-project-should-we-choose-for-december
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
Thanks for joining @Patrick R Delaney  and we are excited for your story! 

Poll is up for November-- please head over to cast your votes!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/180376-plenty-of-options-for-november--which-should-we-choose
Patrick R Delaney · Reader · added over 5 years ago
Wow, what an amazing night! I just happened to join the Break the Bechdel syndicate no more than a couple hours ago, so you can imagine my surprise to hear the news that "The House that fell from the Sky" was selected as October’s winner.  I can’t thank everyone enough for the opportunity and support, and I know you won’t be disappointed when you see some inspiring female characters navigate the dangers of "The house" once the book comes out (if I win). Thanks again, and I look forward to meeting all of you!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
@Melissa W. Hunter we can’t wait to read it!! Thanks for sharing her story with us =)


Also, everyone- the poll is up! I was hoping to see some more funding stories for the horror contest, so I waited a few days-- I only have two up for now. If you can find any others, please send them asap and I can incorporate them. If not, head over and vote! Happy Halloween!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/179328-which-of-these-should-we-choose-for-the-wonderfully-spooky-month-of-octo
Melissa W. Hunter · Author · added over 5 years ago
@Janna Grace and the rest of the Break the Bechdel syndicate, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making What She Lost the September selection!  I am truly honored by your support.  This has been a labor of love for many years and I’m proud to share my story with such wonderful readers.  My grandmother has always been my hero and it means so much to have her strength and struggle recognized.  Happy reading to you all ❤️
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
@Tonya Mitchell Thank you for writing such a wonderful story! I have always wondered why there wasn’t more about Nellie Bly- she has been an inspiration for a long time. Also, welcome to the group! 

Hello everyone! The poll for September is up-- head on over to vote:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/177946-which-story-should-we-choose-for-september
Tonya Mitchell · Reader · added over 5 years ago
Janna and friends,
Admission: I had to look up what Bechdel meant, but once I did I realized how much my protagonist, Nellie Bly, passed the Bechdel test (with flying colors as a matter of fact). 
Thank you for choosing A Feigned Madness for this month’s pick! I’m forever grateful for your support. I’m so proud my page is now sporting the Bechdel badge.
-Tonya  
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 5 years ago
Janna Grace · Author · added over 5 years ago
July poll is up! Sorry it’s so last minute and hope everyone is well!!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/175574-which-project-should-we-choose-for-july
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 6 years ago
June poll is up! Head on over and happy summer everyone!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/174136-which-of-these-should-we-choose-for-june
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Some of the reasons we chose our May pick:

"In Prop Replica, Alisia Compton mixes the old with the new in a refreshing and original way- she throws her readers into another world, that is somehow, still our own, through the eyes of an aging starlet’s clone. Hints of the ethical complexities of Westworld  combined with Old-World Hollywood and maybe a murder mystery?  Count us in! "
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
May poll is up and April was fixed! Thanks everyone and head on over to goodreads to vote:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/172683-which-story-should-we-choose-for-may
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Hi everyone! Inkshares said they were looking into what happened last month and I am going to ping them again before our next pick if I still haven’t heard back to make sure we are only supporting funding projects. Now accepting nominations for May- please DM me and I will have the poll up soon!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Hi @Robert Batten ! Thank you so much for the heads up-- It was showing as in funding when I selected it-- will check in with Alex and Inkshares to figure out what happened. If Alex is going to stay in draft, we had a very close second and I will have Inkshares change our choice. Appreciate you watching out =)
Robert Batten · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Hi @Janna Grace — looks like a great choice! Oddly, when I load the book page, it’s showing as in draft.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
This month’s pick was Blood in the Shadows by Alex Chesstell. Here’s why:

In Blood in the Shadows, Alex Chesstell takes a tale we all know and breathes new life into it-- Erzsebet Bathory ’s story is senstional, but Chesstell challenges its origins as well  its legacy through another great female character’s eyes- her attendant, Katarina. History has one version of the Bloody Countess,  legend another, and Blood in the Shadows adds a bit of magic tin an exciting new take on this powerhouse of a woman’s life.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Poll is up!!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/171019-which-book-should-help-us-bring-in-the-spring
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 6 years ago
Now accepting April nominations!
Janna Grace · Author · added about 6 years ago
Exciting pick for March and here’s why:

"It seems ’My Place Among Men’ was made for our syndicate- not only is it a fascinating look at gender in an unconventional and uninviting landscape, it is about a woman’s adventures, struggles and successes, from her own point of view. Kris Millgate shares a raw and exciting journey of a world few get to explore and we can’t wait for more!"
Janna Grace · Author · added about 6 years ago
Hey everyone! March is up- head on over to goodreads to vote:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/169805-what-should-we-choose-for-march
Janna Grace · Author · added about 6 years ago
Great pick this month!! Here’s why-

In Rock of Ages, Becca Spence Dobias explores identity, sexuality, death, love and so much more with an instantly recognizable character- she’s real from the first page-  our narrator is our inner monologue, our best friend, our sister...and there’s some talk of magic as well!
Janna Grace · Author · added about 6 years ago
Hey guys! February poll us up. Head on over to vote for this month’s syndicate pick!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/168448-what-should-we-choose-for-february
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 6 years ago
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hey guys- still accepting nominations for our December pick- poll will go up asap!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Poll is up- head on over!


https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/164134-what-story-are-we-thankful-for-this-month
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hi @Luis Almonte  and welcome!

Also, accepting nominations now and will get the poll up within the next 2 days! Please DM any projects you think should be considered everyone and thanks in advance!
Luis Almonte · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hi everyone! Nice to meet you all.  I’m grateful to be a part of this venture that helps writers dreams of publication become a reality.  When you get a chance, check out my debut young adult novel Rise. I self-published the first edition back in August of 2016.  I’m looking to publish the second edition via Inkshares. Any feedback you can provide on the prologue and first chapter will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to exchanging ideas and collaborating with you all. 
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hey everyone!

Having an issue with the syndicate button but Inkshares is taking care of it-- in the meantime-- our October pick is Eudaimonia by Meghan Godwin!! Here’s why:

Need more Handmaid’s Tale to get through the year? Meghan Godwin’s Eudaimonia brings exactly what you need, with a hint of 1984 and definitely some Girl Interrupted. Bette Donovan is everything because she’s not...not fertile that is. In a world where women are reduced to their ability to procreate, Bette has to find her way through the secrets that surround to a purpose that is more. Also-- run ins with cannibalistic madmen on the fringe? Yes please!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hey everyone! New poll is up. Head on over to our goodreads page and happy halloween month!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/162594-what-should-be-our-october-pick-happy-halloween
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
New poll up! Sorry for the delay- so many wonderful options this month! There are still so many more. Head on over- 

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/161200-september-pick-tons-of-great-nominations--what-do-you-think
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Now accepting nominations! I’ve had a few, but there is still time before I post the poll tonight or tomorrow. Post them here or DM me. Tons of great options this month!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Hey everyone! So happy to announce that with the final tally (including DM’s and negating votes from people not actually in the group) that our August’s Syndicate pick is The Technicolor Prohibition by Jessica S. Carter. Here’s why:

"The Technicolor Prohibition has it all! Brilliant writing, a complex and intelligent female lead and world building in spades.  Throw in a fascinating take on sexuality’s role in society and the grim future that could very well lay ahead if we don’t take heed and you have a technicolor nightmare. Jessica S. Carter has created a character who will not only face her inner fears and desires, but the very society that aims to demean and threaten her freedom to love."
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
August poll is up! Still time to write-in or DM me nominations too. Hope you are all doing well!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/159909-all-the-way-into-august-which-story-should-we-choose
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Accepting nominations!! Will get poll up within the next 2 to 3 days. As always, DM me or post here!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
Proud to announce Crow’s Gambit by Patrick Tebbe as our July pick. It was a close call (once I clicked to change the votes from anonymous to visible I found that one of the votes for A Word in a Glass Mind was from someone not in the group here on Inkshares, which ended the apparent tie). Here’s the reason why:

"Patrick Tebbe’s Crow’s Gambit takes the reader into another world that is fascinating and realized. Luckily for us, our guide is Cassie--a smart, savvy protagonist who will pilot her way through both politics and alien interactions with a calm, cool and collected brilliance." 
Janna Grace · Author · added over 6 years ago
July poll is up everyone!! Still time to add nominations too- just DM me or you can write them in on the poll page. Here’s a link and hope you are all having a happy summer!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/158181-which-should-be-our-july-pick
Helen McKeon · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Congratulations @J. Graham-Jones!
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Congratulations @J. Graham-Jones! Keep pushing that campaign!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
So excited to announce 1000 Faces by J. Graham-Jones as our June pick. Here’s why:

In 1000 Faces, J. Graham-Jones has captured one of the most insidious fears that waits below the surface of almost every modern interaction- privacy. Kara, the protagonist, is a woman who seems to wear a mask to keep out those around her as well as all those who read her story. Jones’ voice is crisp and mysterious, masterfully easing us into this very possible future through the eyes of a woman we can’t wait to see come into her own.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
June poll is up!! Some amazing stories to take a look at and remember that our vote could really sway the nerdist contest! 

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/156640-tons-of-great-choices-foe-june
Jacqui Castle · Author · added almost 7 years ago
+1 for 1,000 Faces
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
I agree- excellent nomination!! I have a few others and will post the poll later today. Message me or post here if you would like to nominate any others!
Robert Batten · Author · added almost 7 years ago
I’m loving @Evan Graham’s recommendation.
Evan Graham · Author · edited almost 7 years ago

I’d like to nominate 1000 Faces for our June pick. I think it’s one of the worthier choices among the competitive entries in the Nerdist contest. It has a fascinating premise full of potential, and @J. Graham-Jones has already proven herself as an excellent writer of strong female characters with Witherfist. I expect Kara Finch will kick no less butt than Arren Kalendra.

Robert Batten · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Great choice this month 😊.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Honored to select Fury From Hell by Rochelle Campbell, as it is:

 "the perfect pick because not only is Jennifer Holden a badass detective who fights crime, she’s a woman who will have to fight for freedom from two types of possession-- one named Fury and the other perhaps the most frightening of foes...the demons from her past."
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Poll is up! We have 3 excellent stories to choose from, but so many of my favorite stories are just in draft mode at the moment---so please feel free to write in answers! As usual, the poll will close on the 14th. Happy spring!

Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Hi guys!! Accepting nominations and will get the poll up in the next 2-3 days! As always, you can post them here or DM me!!
Carol D. Marsh · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Congratulations, Helen!
Helen McKeon · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Wow!  What a lovely email to login and see first thing in the morning, just as I was about to start writing for the day.  Thank you all so very much for the support, at this early stage of the funding process I need all the help I can get - and I am over the moon to have the Break the Bechdel badge on my page!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Congratulations to our very own Helen McKeon! Her book, Rule Britannia is our April pick. Here’s why:

McKeon has gifted us with not one, but two incredible female characters in her novel Rule Britannia. Queen Victoria is a force to be reckoned with and Miranda just might be that force! Add some alt-history steampunk and there’s no way you can put this one down!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
April’s poll is up!! Head on over and please feel free to write-in more options or message me to add them in. 

Janna Grace · Author · added almost 7 years ago
Hey guys!! Sorry I’m a bit late-night taking nominations and will have the poll up tonight or tomorrow latest! 
Helen McKeon · Author · added about 7 years ago
Congrats Carol, well-deserved. I’m looking forward to sitting down with it this weekend.
Carol D. Marsh · Author · added about 7 years ago
I’m excited and proud and humbled and grateful that this syndicate chose "Nowhere Else I Want to Be: A Memoir" for the March pick. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Hey guys!! So excited to announce that our March Syndicate pick is Nowhere Else I Want to Be by Carol D. Marsh. Not only is it a perfect example of what this group stands for, but it is already in production, so you can start reading right away! Here’s what I said:

"Carol D. Marsh’s Nowhere Else I Want to Be is a poignant, realistic and heart-wrenching memoir that will make you laugh, cry and inspire you to try to be more.  The strength and dignity of the women of Miriam’s House   lives in every page of this tribute and our narrator inspires the reader with a humility and transparency that is as rare as it is refreshing.  I’m excited to own another copy because I have already read mine and gifted it to another strong woman in my life."

Please feel free to start submitting nominations as soon as you’d like for next month too, so we can start reading and discussions! Thanks, as always for your support and welcome to new members!
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 7 years ago
Hey guys! Our March poll is up. Please feel free to still send me nominations as well! As usual, if we have a tie by the 12th, I will make a tie-breaking poll. Here’s the link and don’t forget to add me on goodreads to get updates there if you want them:

Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Hello everyone!! Now accepting nominations for our March pick! As usual, you can post them here, on the Goodreads page or DM me. And welcome to all new members; we are so happy to have you!!
Elena Stofle · Inksharesian · added about 7 years ago
Hi Everyone, the issue is fixed. You all should only have one copy of The Walls are Closing In in your order history. Please feel free to email me at hello(at)inkshares.com if you have any issues or concerns.
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Hey guys, Elena already filled you in, but wanted to let you know that she and Thad got back to me immediately and are fixing it asap! Thanks, as always for being such great members and congratulations again to Jacqui Castle!
Elena Stofle · Inksharesian · added about 7 years ago
Hi Everyone! The members of this syndicate may have noticed that they were charged twice for February selection. Never fear, we are fixing it now! 
Jacqui Castle · Author · added about 7 years ago
Oh, and let me know if there is something that I need to do from my end to ensure that no one was charged twice. 
Jacqui Castle · Author · added about 7 years ago
Just got off of a plane to see the news! Thank you everyone for the support. I am happy to say that The Walls are Closing In has passed Quill and I am going to continue to strive for full funding. I feel so honored to wear the Break the Bechdel badge. Thank you again!
Evan Graham · Author · added about 7 years ago
My bookshelf shows that I have two copies now as well.
Which I’m okay with. It’s a quite deserving book :)
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Hey guys!! There’s a weird glitch right now with the Syndicate, that arose as I made our pick, so please let me know if anything went wrong on your end (at the moment it shows the story picked twice for February). But, besides that, I am excited to announce that Jacqui Castle’s The Walls Are Closing In is our Feb pick. Here’s what I said:

Jacqui Castle’s The Walls Are Closing In is a particularly relevant warning about the implications of walls and a surveillance state. At its center is Patricia Evans- a fully developed female character who will stop at nothing to discover the hidden truth behind her curtailed reality. We can so easily apply "Nevertheless, she persisted" to Patricia’s strength of purpose and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Hey everyone!! The poll is up! Go check it out and if you want to add, the "write-in" option is enabled. Hope everyone is well and the poll will end on the 14th (Happy Valentine’s!)

Janna Grace · Author · edited about 7 years ago
Wonderful nominations are coming in here, through my DM’s and email. Please send more if you have them and I will get the poll up by the 8th! Thanks everyone!
Jane-Holly Meissner · Author · added about 7 years ago
I’d like to nominate The Walls are Closing In by Jacqui Castle for February.
Jane-Holly Meissner · Author · added about 7 years ago
Congratulations @Liz Kerin !!
Jacqui Castle · Author · added about 7 years ago
Congrats, @Liz Kerin Worthy indeed!
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 7 years ago
Thank you Evan for the feedback and I agree with you: I think it would be great if we could have more discussions through out the month as well as just in general when we pick books to support. 

Next, congratulations to Liz Kerin, as The Phantom Forest is our January pick. Here’s why:

Seicha is a character readers hope for: she’s smart and she has Hell to deal with. And deal with it she will. Liz Kerin’s the Phantom Forest takes us on an adventure into the Underworld with a guide you don’t want to miss!
Evan Graham · Author · added about 7 years ago
I’m not against the idea of selecting books that are already funded, although I think we are at our most useful when we’re helping unfunded books reach their goals. We’re the largest syndicate on Inkshares right now, so any books we back do get a tremendous push in the right direction. I know I’m going to tend to want to pick unfunded books over funded ones, just because I know from extensive personal experience just how much help syndicate backing is. But I’m not against the idea of picking funded ones, and I do understand the benefits to those books as well.
I’d also really like to see more general discussion happen around here. It’s pretty much dead around here in-between selection weeks, and the conversation is always pretty brief and to-the-point. I’ve always thought it’d be nice to use this space for more discussion about writing and reading from a feminist perspective. There’s a lot of like-minded people here who care about common causes, and I think we have a lot to offer each other
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Apologies for the delay guys, life caught up for a minute there! Yes, there is definitely still a poll, though I agree with @Evan Graham that it looks like The Phantom Forest is in the lead.

Finally, before you head over, I wanted to let you all know that I have been looking into other Syndicates and had some thoughts. Would love your feedback, ideas, two- cents etc. on what I came up with. 

So first, I wanted to thank you all again for continuing to make our Syndicate the most successful in not only # of members, but in the quality and quantity of discussion topics/nominations/general queries and opinions shared between members (at least as far as I can tell from the varying public pages).

Second, I really liked the idea one of the syndicates had: to support a book that is already published every now and again for two purposes-- 1) I think it would be nice to get to hold an actual book in our hands right after ordering to have a concrete reminder of how important this Syndicate is, and 2) When it might be particularly helpful to a book that has recently published, as a bump in preorders and our Syndicate’s support might really help it take off as it enters "the wild." For example, I just received our very own group member’s book Nowhere Else I Would Rather Be, by Carol D. Marsh and I couldn’t imagine a more deserving book. I cried and laughed within the first few chapters, couldn’t put it down and have been so inspired by the author and the women she lived and worked with. I, personally, think that stories that have already "made it" are no longer in need of our support, especially when they encompass all that we stand for AND the first 90 days after publication are so vital in a book’s success--but I would love your input on this matter.

Third, if you are on Goodreads, def send me a friend request if you would prefer to receive notifications for when the poll goes up on that platform.

Lastly, I just wanted to note that we are seeming to choose many of the same projects as the other syndicates (for example, it looks like the CEO Syndicate is picking The Phantom Forest for this month), and though overlap may be due to similar considerations (quality of the work and marketing efforts as well as how close a book is to funding etc), I was hoping I could ask you all to help me seek out those not receiving attention in the future! I think there are so many deserving projects out there and I’m sure that I’m missing them in my scourings. 

Thank you so much everyone and Happy New Year!! Looking forward to starting 2017 by helping bring yet another fully-realized female character one step closer to publication (or supporting her in "the wild" if we decide to go that route in the future)!
Evan Graham · Author · added about 7 years ago
Do we need one? It looks like it’s pretty unanimous right now, from the nomination standpoint

J. Graham-Jones · Author · added about 7 years ago
Do we have a poll to vote on this month?
Janna Grace · Author · added about 7 years ago
Fully support The Phantom Forest for a nomination and now accepting any other nominations! Looking forward to your input and thank you to all who have already jumped in!

J. Graham-Jones · Author · added about 7 years ago
I would be happy to support that nomination.
Jane-Holly Meissner · Author · added about 7 years ago
I think The Phantom Forest would be a great pick. :)
Evan Graham · Author · added about 7 years ago
I’ll gladly second Phantom Forest. Liz only has two weeks left in her campaign, so I think we can really help her out with her goal if we pick her. Beyond that, the story itself seems really solid. Strong female lead, original storytelling, and a nuanced, multilayered narrative: I see nothing not to like about it.
Jacqui Castle · Author · added about 7 years ago
I would like to nominate The Phantom Forest for January.
Jane-Holly Meissner · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’m way too excited about this to be properly coherent, but THANK YOU so very much for this. It means a great deal to me that you can see the strength in Abbie, and the possibilities in my book. Thank you!!!!!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello everyone! So excited to announce Jane-Holly Meissner’s Fae Child as our December pick! I love that the magical winterland of the story fits the month of our pick (for those of us in parts of the world where it means winter!) and am excited to add an 8 year old heroine to our growing list of fully realized female characters. Here’s what I said about the story:

Jane-Holly Meissner’s Fae Child has magic, mystery and a precocious 8 year old heroine we can’t wait to follow through her Narnia-like adventure. Add elves, faeries, the mysterious Cat and the darkness of a changeling and we’re hooked. Here’s an Alice for the next generation.
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you Maggie and Evan-- you answered better than I could and made excellent points. Best of luck when you do launch @Jacqui Castle 

Next, the poll is up for our December Syndicate pick! If we are at a tie by December 12th I will set up a tie breaker. Please let me know if you want to add any projects as well and welcome to new members!!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/146364-tis-the-season-for-syndicate-picks-what-story-should-we-choose-for
Jacqui Castle · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you, Maggie and Evan! Great insights. I will plan to launch mid-January. I appreciate it!
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hey, Jacqui! I was in the process of writing a longer comment and lost it all, but basically my opinion is, "What Evan said."

For one, I don’t think a lot of my orders would have really come through for me if I hadn’t had face-to-face contact with many of them (so that I could pressure them with my angelic visage). In my crowd of friends, at least, too many people are out of town/on winter break this month. I’m pretty certain if I had to start now, I’d leave December feeling behind.

I also really second taking some time to set up your page and interact with people here. I didn’t know a thing about Inkshares until the first day of the Geek and Sundry Contest when I said, "hey, let’s see what happens," so I started out not really knowing anyone here. I was still successful, but looking back, I’d have loved to start my campaign as a more involved community member.

Good luck!
Maggie
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi Jacqui!
Personally, I would recommend waiting until after the holidays to launch your campaign for a couple of reasons. For one, campaigning takes a LOT of time and effort, so you’ll want to make sure when you start you have enough free time to give your campaign as much attention as possible. The holidays being as crazy as they are, you’re likely not going to be able to do that.
In addition to that, everybody’s broke around Christmas. If you think you can convince people that pre-ordering a book that won’t come out for a very long time is a good gift idea, I guess you could try that, but you’ll probably have more luck if you wait for people to come out of that post-holiday poverty before you start asking them to order your book. 
But! You can set everything up for your book while keeping it in the draft stage and tell everyone about it. That way you’ll build up an early support base, and when you do finally put it into campaign mode you’ll already have people ready to get on board. It’s never a bad idea to start getting people interested in your book before you launch your campaign. It can only make your launch stronger
Jacqui Castle · Author · added over 7 years ago
What a wonderful syndicate. Happy to be joining all of you! I am planning on launching my pre-order campaign and was hoping to draw on some wisdom. Do you think it wise to start in the next week or two, or to wait until after the holidays?
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thanks for the nominations and please keep them coming! Will put up the poll in the next few days. Thanks guys!
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’d like to nominate Fae Child for our December pick. I believe the author intends to ask for an extension to her campaign funding, as she has seen some real increase in sales momentum lately. 
Liz Kerin · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hey Bechdel-Breakers! So I’m not entirely sure if this is kosher (sorry in advance if it’s not!), but I’d so love to drum up some support to be your December pick with The Phantom Forest. I’m just about 50% to Quill right now with 59 days to go, and I’ve been fighting the good fight in the top 10 of the Launchpad Competition for the past month or so. My story revolves around a seriously scrappy young woman who must protect her family from beyond the grave and hinges upon some pretty timely themes about oppression, feminism, and the cyclical nature of peace and unrest in the world. Would love for everyone to swing by and check it out! Thanks again so much for all the awesome support I’ve found in this community thus far. You’re a stellar bunch and I can’t wait to read the October and November picks! :)
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Yes! I’m so pleased with this pick. Congratulations, Kaytalin!

Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, Kaytalin!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations to Kaytalin Platt! Our November pick is The Living God and it couldn’t be more deserved. Here is what I said about it:

 The Living God may very well be an epic in the making. The first line starts with a sense of something great and the narrative picks up right from there. Saran is witty, sharp, and compassionate--even to her own detriment. She’ll lose her magic, but I sense that won’t stop her.  We can’t wait to see where this strong female lead takes us!
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Hello lovely people!! This has been a rough week, month, year--wherever you stand on the election. Let’s come together in celebrating strong female characters with our November Syndicate pick! The poll is up on the goodreads page, so head on over. If we are at a tie by the 12th I will run a second round.  Much love and thanks for such lovely nominations =)

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/144964-this-month-more-than-ever-we-need-strong-female-leads---which-project
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
I second the nomination for Kaytalin’s The Living God. She’s been working hard and definitely deserves it. 
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’m gonna nominate The Living God again, for the same reasons as last time. Very interesting premise, strong characters and plot, and Kaytalin’s been a very helpful member of the community here all around
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Yes!! Please send nominations!
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’ll chip in a nomination for The Phantom Forest
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added over 7 years ago
If  it’s not too early I’d like to nominate Catching Stars for our November pick. 
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, Maggie! I’m so excited for you!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, Maggie! Well deserved!
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi, everyone! So The Fairy Stepmother, Inc. just reached Quill yesterday! (Squeeeeeee!) I know so many people in this syndicate have reviewed, recommended, and pre-ordered, and I wanted to say THANK YOU so much to everyone! I’m brand new to Inkshares (I joined on a whim when I heard about the contest), but I really love how much everyone supports each other here! So thanks!!
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
Everyone, thanks so much for your support! It’s such an honour. 
Darcy Conroy · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thanks @Janna Grace  I’d be honoured again, if so :) Looking forward to supporting lots of great books in the mean time! 
Darcy Conroy · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, J! Well deserved. I can’t wait to read it! :D 
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, J!!! So well deserved! I love your work and I can’t wait to see it in print!
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Yay! J, I’m so happy for you! You’re even #9 in the contest, now! I’m so excited for you I actually almost started crying. Congratulations!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you Darcy and best of luck as you move forward! We can’t wait to put it to a vote again in the future 😁 

Next! I am excited to announce Witherfirst, by John. Graham-Jones as our October Syndicate pick. Here’s why: 

Witherfirst is an exciting, magical and breathtaking work of fiction. Readers get not one, but two incredible female leads- a haunted warrior and a princess who must fight for her truths. Throw in name magic, dragons and caravans and there is no way you’ll put it down. Do not miss J. Graham-Jones gripping tale.
Darcy Conroy · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello everyone, 
I hope this isn’t too much of a headache but I’d like to ask you to withdraw Wind and Moon from the poll this month, as I’ll be switching it from ’funding’ to ’draft’ soon. 

I want to thank @Evan Graham for his support and advice, it made me think. The fact is I’m still in a very early stage of development (the chapters I’ve shared are from the very first draft and all I’ve written so far) and I think I jumped in too soon. The Geek and Sundry post, then reading through this site and finding so many books to pre-order got me all aflutter but I think neith me or my story are really ready to be funding yet. So I’ve decided to switch it to ’draft’ mode and continue developing it here until it is ready. 
So thank you so much for your nomination, I hope that you will consider it again when I’m ready to try funding properly. Perhaps some of you will follow it as a draft and be kind enough to give me feedback as I develop it :) 

Wishing you all courage and creativity! 
Darcy. 
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
@Darcy Conroy  I know what you mean. It feels beyond weird to try and be a door-to-door salesman for your own book. It feels strangely narcissistic to go around to people and try and convince them that "My book is very good and you need to spend some money on it right now because everyone needs to see it." But really, it isn’t. Good writers put their heart and soul into their work. They try their hardest to fill it with meaning, and seed it with important truths. A book written by a dedicated author really is something worth promoting in its own right.
Terrifying though it is (and trust me, it scares me to death too), it’s a jump well worth taking. If you’ve written a story that’s important to you, that you’ve worked hard on and have filled with your creativity, it does deserve to be seen. You owe it to yourself and to your book to put the necessary work into it to help it reach the success it deserves.

Darcy Conroy · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello everyone, 
I just popped in to check on my syndicates for this month only to find that the lovely @Avalon Marissa Radys suggested The War of Wind and Moon for nomination! Thank you so much for the nomination, I’m honoured and grateful. 
I’m afraid I’ve found the whole crowdfunding/campaigning utterly terrifying, as I always finding promoting myself or talking/writing about my work rather than just quietly doing it - I know self-promotion is a skill ’every writer needs now’ but I’m afraid I just can’t seem to force myself to feel right about saying or doing much more than offering my best work for consideration. 
So, if you would consider my work, I’d be so grateful and if you think it worthy of your vote, that would be a marvelous bonus. 
Warm wishes to all nominated,
Darcy. 
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
First- welcome to all new members! We are so excited to have you =)

Second- Our October poll is up! Please have your votes in by October 7th, so if we have a tie I can run another poll. If no tie, decision will be made October 8th, if there’s a tie we can push it to the 10th. Thank you everyone for such wonderful nominations: I’ve got some lovely reading ahead of me! Here’s the link to the poll:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/143073-october-is-here--what-story-will-we-back-in-this-beautiful-month
Kathy Schubel Sullivan · Reader · edited over 7 years ago
I would like to second the recommendation of The Living God.  I am just in love with this book.  What’s really unique about Saran is that she is so strong in character, even with her magic gone.  She flies in the face of the male figures around her and goes her own way - even the romantic lead(s) of the book can only grab her and hang on for the ride.  She is almost symbolically stripped of her "power", but uses a different kind of strength to create the kind of world she wants to live in.

Also: Hi everyone!  I’m new.
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
I definitely want to second the nomination for Witherfist. The beginning is so exciting, and Jenny’s writing just sounds beautiful.

I also think we should nominate Raven and Bone, by Allison Waechter--if you haven’t checked it out yet, you so should. I like Ava already, and Allison absolutely nails suspense (it’s one of those where I badly want to know what happens but I know I’m kind of a baby so I’m not sure I should and I just end up reading it in very broad daylight).
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Janna-- congratulations on your wedding! I am incredibly excited for you!

As for the pick-- wow! There really ARE so many amazing female characters in the community, and without this syndicate I wouldn’t have found most of them.

Evan Graham is completely right about Ms. Platt and The Living God. She is a wonderful person and it is a wonderful book. Also, that’s incredibly hard for me to say because she’s just a tiny bit ahead of me in the contest and I know that I’m already going to have a time overtaking her. lol. But I can’t deny it-- she’s very deserving of the pick and it really is our last chance to help her out before the contest ends. I vote we support her this month and Blue Water next month before that campaign ends.
Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. · Author · edited over 7 years ago
I’d like to consider The Fairy Stepmother, Inc, by Maggie Holt as well. It’s such a great twist on one of my favorite genres. 

I think The Living God, Blue Water, and Witherfist are also excellent selections. Love that there are so many strong female characters in our community! 
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Hey everyone! Sorry to be late to the convo. Tahani- thank you! I think it’s a great idea to start nominations sooner, especially this month....because I’m getting married on the 15th!! I probably won’t be able to do the syndicate pick that day or the few days before, so if we can all make an earlier date our deadline for this minth, it would be helpful! Let’s say we are open to nominations this week and I will put the poll up in a few days. If we can make the pick by the 7th I think I will be able to give it the time it deserves 😀 Thank you guys for the nominations so far-- some great points raised about worthy titles. Looking forward to a couple more nominations (here, on goodreads or you can private message me)!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
True, but Blue Water does still have almost two months left. I like it as well and would very much like to see us back it for November, but I think we can benefit The Living God more this month by helping it advance in the contest before it ends.
Penny S · Author · added over 7 years ago
Blue Water has almost half as much time to reach goal as Living God, and it’s closer to Quill, too. We’ve had it on our nominations list for a long time now, and it’s always been just a little behind the first place book. I’d like to see it finally make it instead of making it go through the entire process again.
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
If it’s not too early to throw in recommendations, I have one that I’m feeling really confident in.
I’d like to heartily recommend The Living God by Kaytalin Platt.
Her protagonist is a female mage who faces the daunting obstacle of having her magic stripped from her while trying to simultaneously overthrow her corrupt father’s kingdom and prevent a primordial dark deity from consuming her lover’s soul from within. Saran is an absolute butt-kicker through-and-through.
The Living God is currently holding fifth place in the Geek and Sundry Fantasy contest, which ends next month, and it’s also sitting at 66 orders away from Quill. I think picking it for this month could stand to really help her out a lot.
Also, I think Kaytalin herself is a person well worth supporting. She’s been a huge help to the community, and has been giving free cover design services to a bunch of people (which is normally her actual paying job). I honestly don’t think there’s anyone I’d want to give the recommendation to more this month. I am super enthusiastic about this recommendation.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thanks again, everyone. I’m still just so thrilled and humbled. 

Is it too early to bring up nominations for next month? I thought maybe if we started the discussion early then people would have more of a chance to read through the material before voting. 

For example: Can we look at Blue Water again for next month’s nomination? And Witherfist? I think either would be a fine addition to our repertoire, but I’d love to hear what others think about either (or both). Blue Water is closer to Quill and has less days left to reach goal, but Witherfist is in the current contest, and our backing would bring it really close to the top 10 list. Should we consider things like this when making nominations? Opinions?

Also-- I totally promise that this time my suggestions fit the syndicate. Sorry about last time. :S
Allison C Waechter · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congrats, Tahani!!! So well deserved. 

(Ryan Cook -- thank you for nominating Raven and Bone -- I’ve been deathly ill and missed that a few days ago. xo) 
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, Tahani!!
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congrats, Tahani!
Sammy Bee · Author · added over 7 years ago
Big congratulations!!
Penny S · Author · added over 7 years ago
Yay! I knew you’d be up there eventually, Tahini! Maybe next month you’ll get other syndicate picks. Good luck in the contest!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
About time! Congrats Tahani! :D
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you all so, so much. I don’t know if I can adequately portray how honored I am by your nomination and decision. Thank you.
Ryan Cook · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations Tahani!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
First, I am so excited to announce that our September pick is The Last Faoii by our very own Tahani Nelson! Here’s the description I wrote for why we picked it:
Nelson has created a fully realized world with many amazing fully developed badass female characters. At the helm of this adventure is a protagonist to keep your eye on- she’said smart, she’s flippant, she’s unstoppable with a sword and she’s about to undergo the loss of her sisters...Join the Faoii now for fierce battles, witty banter and a main character you’ll fall in love with!

Next, thasks Avalon for suggesting The War of Winds and Moon-- heading to check it out right now! And great point about Sunshine--seems right up the Syndicate Staff Pick’s alley! 
Avalon Marissa Radys · Inksharesian · edited over 7 years ago
Hi Everyone! Has anyone mentioned Darcy Conrad’s The War of Wind and Moon yet? It’s fantastic but has only sold about 25 copies so far. Maybe it could be submitted for the October pick since it looks like we’re down to 4 for this month. I agree with @Janna Grace that Sunshine doesn’t quite work here; it’s also likely it will be the staff syndicate pick.
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Excellent choices everyone!! You covered the main ones I was looking at for this month, so head on over to our goodreads site to vote on the new poll! As usual, if we are still at a tie by the 12th, I will do a second round.



One note, I didn’t add Sunshine is Forever by Kyle T. Cowan for the moment after very carefully reading each chapter posted. I think Corin may well prove to be a great candidate for our group, but the story doesn’t quite pass the guidelines we established from the excerpts currently posted. I read through twice and didn’t see any interactions between Corin and Therapist Jess (@Tahani Nelson  maybe he took it down or maybe I missed this interaction?), so it doesn’t pass the Bechdel (which isn’t a necessity if the main character is female and clearly full-developed etc., but is extremely important if the female character is not the lead). I think we just need Kyle to post some more evidence that Corin is not another manic-pixie dream girl there only to help the main male character achieve maturity/fulfilment etc. I am def not saying that is what she is, but there isn’t quite enough in his few interactions with her in the posted chapters to pass the guidelines we set up two months ago/prove that she will be fully developed later in the book. If she does prove to either become a main character, or if one of the other characters/campers/counselors/therapists that they interact with a lot is also a full-developed female character and they have interactions that are not solely about the male lead, I think this will be a great option for our Syndicate!! This, of course, is just my take, so please know that this is open to discussion on the goodreads page. I am opening a thread on the poll page for your opinions, so please chime in and if I missed a convo between Corin and a female psychiatrist etc and we can add it to the poll) Thanks, as always, for your support and participation!
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’d like to nominate Blue Water. 
Penny S · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’m also excited to see The Last Faoii finally make it! Tahini motivates me and makes me feel like a warrior with just her updates! They give me chills and make me want to kill something with a stick, even if they’re only a paragraph long. I want to see what she can do with an entire book! 
Ryan Cook · Author · added over 7 years ago
I nominate Raven and Bone by Allison C Waechter, a chilling fantasy mystery
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’d like to throw in a nomination for The Fairy Stepmother
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Honestly, I think I just want to throw all my support to Tahani this time. She’s been working her butt off for a good long while now trying to get The Last Faoii’s campaign moving. Halting her campaign to relaunch it again for the contest was gutsy as heck, and it really seems like a fine story to receive our seal of approval. It’s been nominated a bunch of times now and has always done well. I’d really like to see that land our support this time around.
Tahani Nelson · Author · edited over 7 years ago
I really like Sunshine is Forever by Kyle T. Cowan. I know that Corin is a strong female who breaks barriers (I LOVE her) but I actually don’t remember if it passes the Bechdel test. Anyone know for sure? I don’t want to nominate something that doesn’t fit the criteria. 

Edit: It does, and even in the chapters that are posted. Corin and her psychiatrist talk about lots of things. So there we go.
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Hello all wonderful new members! Welcome indeed =)  Great time to join, as it is now that time again-- now accepting nominations for this month’s syndicate pick! Please post them here, DM me, or on our companion page on goodreads:

Allison C Waechter · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you for the sweet welcome. (Passes a pot of tea around, snacks of choice as well)
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Welcome, Allison! Your dragon response made me chuckle-snort my tea, so I like you already. You’ll fit in well here. :)
Allison C Waechter · Author · added over 7 years ago
I like to whisper when I talk to authors for the first time, in case they have pet dragons who might be sleeping... Safety first. 
J. Graham-Jones · Author · edited over 7 years ago
(whispers) why are we whispering? (shifty glance)
...oh, hello Allison!
Maggie Hoyt · Author · added over 7 years ago
(whispers back) Hi, Allison! I’m pretty new too! Go women!
Allison C Waechter · Author · added over 7 years ago
(whispers) Hi, y’all. I love supporting women (whether they’re "real" or fictional -- what is real anyway??), so I’m so happy to be your newest member. I thought I’d say hullo. Hullo!
Sammy Bee · Author · added over 7 years ago
Whee!!! Well done Regina :D
Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. · Author · added over 7 years ago
Thank you so much! I am truly honored to be selected by this syndicate. It means so much to me to tell this story. Thank you for helping me be able to do so. :)
H.A. Paaso · Author · added over 7 years ago
Yessss! I’m so happy for you Regina!
Erin S. Evan · Author · added over 7 years ago
Wonderful!! Congrats Regina!!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congratulations, Regina! Extremely well-deserved!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello everyone! So happy to announce our August Syndicate pick! 

If you haven’t checked out Mothering: The Game yet--you are missing out! And what’s better than an incredible fictional female character? A real-life inspiration! McMenomy has brought us a creative approach to perhaps the most difficult job out there, all through the lens of games. We are proud to support this imaginative memoir and this powerful woman!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hahahaha Sammy Bee I laughed out loud at that...and now I really want some bechamel...and thank you Tahani for your honasty! I think what you are doing is a great idea and I, for one, will support your story when you enter the contest! Best of luck
Sammy Bee · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Moment of honesty here - I keep reading the title of this group as Break the Bechamel whenever I log on.  I think I might be hungry.

EDIT: Please don’t throw me out.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi, everyone!

I’m about to do something that may or may not make some of you angry-- and if you think that it’s "cheating" the inkshares system please DM me because I want to make this book happen legitimately rather than underhandedly. But I saw that The Last Faoii is up for syndicate pick again, and I’m going to please please please ask you guys not to vote for it this month. I know that I’ve come in 2nd or 3rd place the last few times and I am SOO grateful for your continued support-- and am hoping you’ll still support me in the future-- but I think that a vote right now would be a waste of the money that some of you gave up Netflix for. I couldn’t be okay with that.

Here’s the thing-- on August 1st they put up the new G&S contest-- fantasy. At the time I knew I could get to 250 pre-orders with Faoii’s remaining  time (and get select publishing) but someone convinced me instead to ask people to stop ordering, let the campaign "fail" and then enter it into the contest on the 20th when I’m allowed to start back up again. So I’m going to do that.

Again, I would be so honored to be your syndicate pick-- more honored than I think I could possibly say because this syndicate has introduced me to SO many amazing books, peoples, and ideologies-- but since I’m letting the project "fail" I can’t rightfully ask you to support The Last Faoii at this time.

I hope that all makes sense. Take care.
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’ve cast my vote! :D Exciting.
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
The poll is up! Also, it is not too late to make nominations, so send ’em over. Here’s the link to the poll:

Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Also! Another, very valid, way of suggesting your book to me or our members is by doing so through the trusty Inkshares "recommend" option! I follow as many projects as I can and read every single one (in time). Thanks guys!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hooray for all of the new members and great questions! First-- wow--trading Netflix for us is incredible. I am so looking forward to both of your input! Next, thank you @Erin S. Evan for directing new members to the goodreads page. I completely understand the points made about self-nominations and encourage all new members to offer insights on the goodreads page. Unfortunately, before I made the rule about no self-nominations, I, and this forum, were inundated with self-nominations. It stopped being a platform for discourse and was turning into a cacophony of voices yelling "Pick me, pick me!" Thus, the rule. But, I do want people to know that I, and many members of this syndicate, look at projects by those who join the syndicate as well as those who don’t. I am always searching for new projects that exemplify the values of this syndicate and will, in time, find yours. Also, you can always become friends with fellow members of the group (highly encouraged) and nominate each other. I wish this wasn’t the case, but it was necessary to keep the goal of this syndicate focused. Anyway, I am taking all of your nominations into consideration and will have the poll up by tomorrow latest! If we are at a tie by the 13th, we will, as always, go to Round 2. Thanks everyone and again, welcome to all new members!

Link to the goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate
Sammy Bee · Author · edited over 7 years ago
This is brilliant - I am so excited to see what kind of books you lovely humans have supported!  I’ve too traded in my Netflix account...already finished my binge on Stranger Things anyway ;)
H.A. Paaso · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi everyone! I’m very happy to have this opportunity to be in the Break the Bechdel with Strong Female Characters Syndicate. In planning my budget I actually traded this for my Netflix account. Talk about time better spent, turning all my worthless binge watching into supporting books with a great cause :) Nice to meet you all!
Marta Luchi · Reader · added over 7 years ago
+1 for "Mothering: The Game". I’m a mother too and I’d love to read the everyday life through a gamer point of view.
Erin S. Evan · Author · added over 7 years ago
There is an excellent Goodreads page for this Syndicate that everyone should join when they have a second. It outlines the rules of the Syndicate as well acts as  a location for voting, when the time comes: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate
A. White · Author · edited over 7 years ago
@Brian Guthrie, I’ve no problem with that. None...whatsoever. I wasn’t aware that that had been cut out or even ever existed. But if one doesn’t recommend themselves, then who will? That was my point in the recommendation. Belief in oneself was the ideal behind my recommendation for "Clash with the Immortals," and belief in oneself will take one a whole lot further than anything anyone else can say or do. But why is my recommendation such an ire, no one here is brave enough to recommend it anyway so I really don’t see the problem with my recommending it. But rules are rules so I’m following them and withdrawing my recommendation and nominating Karen Kenyon’s "The Legend of Madog."

J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
That seems fair.
Brian Guthrie · Author · added over 7 years ago
self-nominations were specifically stopped a couple months ago.  You can DM the curator of this syndicate if you have any questions about that.  
A. White · Author · edited over 7 years ago
@J. Graham-Jones, I don’t know either, for I’m new here just like you but seeing no one else was going to recommend it I stepped forward and did so myself. I’ve recommended scores of work since arriving at Inkshares in May but have received so few in return so I decided to do what I do in the real world. Step up and make myself heard, that’s what real strong women do in the real world. I recommend my work in the real world so I did it here. Is it the procedure?  Again, I don’t know.
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
@A. White are we allowed to suggest/nominate our own books? Again, as a new member, I don’t know if that’s in the spirit of the syndicate or not. If it is, I am sure there are a number of us who are writing projects that might qualify, myself included.
A. White · Author · edited over 7 years ago
I recommend "Clash with the Immortals," I feel a woman strong enough to go up against immortals; it doesn’t get any stronger than that.
Erin S. Evan · Author · added over 7 years ago
Mothering: The Game is one I’ve had my eye on for a while, and I think its a great fit, if we accept non-fiction novels. If you need a second, I second that nomination!
Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. · Author · added over 7 years ago
Wow! Thank you. I am honored to be considered for this Syndicate. Well told, female centered stories are so important and have been a passion of mine since I argued with one of the prof’s in my MA program that he skipped over every female poet in the book.  Although the chapters on my campaign page don’t show this, the primary relationship I discuss in the book other than mine with my daughter is with my mom. There are several chapters recounting the discussions we’ve had about becoming a mom and mothering. :)
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Great question! It’s one we have touched on briefly in the past, but never made a final decision on. I, for one, am all for nonfiction books with a character who embodies what we are looking for. I have nominated two nonfiction books in the past and will go check out McMenomy’s book right now. I have been meaning to and there’s no time like the present!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
I do definitely have one in mind. I’ve been a big fan of Regina McMenomy’s Mothering: The Game ever since it first caught my attention in the last competition. It’s a memoir, so it doesn’t fit our usual type. But even though we focus on fiction, her book deals with all kinds of issues and themes that I think embody a lot of this syndicate’s values.
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
The Bechdel test specifically targets fiction as far as I know, but as a new member of the syndicate I’m not sure how strict we are with following the letter of the law, so to speak. Did you have a book in mind?
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
How do we feel about nonfiction? I know we place a focus on stories with strong female protagonists and well-written female characters in general, but would a non-fiction book that deals with women’s issues be something we’d consider?

Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Welcome new members!! We are now open to nominations for August 😀
J. Graham-Jones · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello all. I’ve just joined the syndicate and am looking forward to reading some excellent books here in the future!
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
I have just become aware that I have neglected to post my thanks here in this syndicate. I did put them in a reader update but I wanted to post them here for the group as well.
I honestly can’t even effectively put into words how big of an honor it is to have been given the support and approval by this syndicate. It was more than a simple boost in pre-orders for me: I honestly coveted the Bechdel selection almost as much as I did the publishing deal.
My primary purpose when I first started writing Tantalus Depths, before I knew any details of the plot or even that it was going to end up a full-length novel, was to tell a compelling sci-fi story with a truthful-seeming, independent, kick-butt female protagonist. I wanted to do my part to break down barriers and be a part of the solution modern media needs for better gender representation.
The whole time, though, I did worry. I worried about being seen as under-qualified, as a man, to write such a story. I worried at every step of developing Mary’s character that the character flaws she overcomes throughout her arc might be seen as some form of misogyny on my part, or that her character might not feel believable as a real woman. 
But getting the support of this syndicate encouraged me so much. It made me feel like I had, at least on a small scale, succeeded in my goal. I want nothing more than to embody the ideals held by this group in my story, and now that I’ve earned our seal of approval, I feel like I’ve managed to live up to those lofty standards.
Thank you all, for believing in me. I hope I make this syndicate proud.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
Yay!! Congratulations, Evan! :D
Jason Chestnut · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congrats, Evan! 
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added over 7 years ago
Congrats!!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi Everyone,

Apologies for the delay, there has been an issue with the Syndicate Selection button that I am trying to resolve. In the meantime, I am excited to announce that Evan Graham’s Tantalus Depths is our July Syndicate Pick! It is a very worthy choice with a lead female character who is forced to face one of the most difficult of foes: artificial intelligence. A hint of Aliens, a touch of Lovecraft and a whole lotta awesome makes Tantalus Depths and the adventures of its heroine Mary Ketch an adventure not to be missed!
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
July’s poll is up! Head over to goodreads to cast your vote! If we hit a tie, by the 13th, I will move to round two.

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/138861-what-should-be-our-july-syndicate-pick-reminder-only-members-of-the-i
Erin S. Evan · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hi Everyone! I’ve been noticing that we’ve got some new members, so I thought I would direct folks to our Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate.  Janna has posted some really good points (with fabulous counterpoints and ideas from other members) about the syndicate. Its been really helpful to read.  Happy Monday!
Joni Dee · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Big fan of both Tantalus Depths that has a real crack at full funding, and The Technicolor Prohibition which is an amazing and important project, but sadly i think the author isn’t putting efforts in, which is also a factor in my book. I, however, nominate both.
Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. · Author · added over 7 years ago
I would also like to nominate Tantalus Depths. Evan’s book has a female protagonist and several other well developed female characters. Just check out this week’s character description he sent out to read about Dr. Becky Traviss. Female scientists FTW! :)
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’d like to nominate Tantalus Depth this month. It’s been nominated before and I think it would really help bring it to full funding. 
Eric H. Heisner · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’d like to nominate "To Live and Die in Avalon" for some fun retro space adventure.

Brian Guthrie · Author · added over 7 years ago
Blue Water.  Such an intriguing book. 
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello Everyone! For my American friends, hope you had a lovely 4th of July! Now taking nominations, so DM me or post them on goodreads:

Penny S · Author · added over 7 years ago
Can I suggest The Last Faoii by Tahani Nelson again? She put up an AWESOME excerpt this month and doubled her chapters so we FINALLY got to meet BBEG (big bad evil guy). 
Jason Chestnut · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hello everyone, happy to now be a member of this syndicate and immediately I’m saying Proxy by Bekki Leber for July! 

Also, I keep seeing these discussions about the Bechdel test and I want to be a part of them in some kind of official capacity. 
Anna Sallic · Author · added over 7 years ago
The main villain in Project Penny is a woman! She is very strong, complex, and terrible. Machiavellian would be a kind way of describing her. I think true to life female characters, good and bad, are important and still too rare...Which is why my book is going to be majority female characters with men really only as supporting roles. This sounds like shameless self promotion...I didn’t intend for it to go that way.

Anyway all this to say I agree completely. More ladies of all kinds!
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
Ha I know what you mean and definitely see the significance! Too often females are reduced, and it is true in villains as well as protagonists. Often they are a simple mechanism for evil and are portrayed and provide catalysts for male hero plots for no reason other than vanity or jealousy. Think of witches and evil step mothers. Goes back to Eve listening to the Devil and an entire history of blaming women for the downfall of oblivious and innocent men. I think the White Witch from Narnia is a great example, or even Elphaba in Wicked. Yet again, both witches. One of my all time favorites, and I mentioned before, is Scarlett O’Hara. Though arguably problematic in some ways still, in the book she is much more than even her depiction in the film (and in many ways a villain). She exists with and without men (I think she goes through like 4 husbands and ends up alone at the end) and her amazing drive stems from ambition and providing for her family rather than because she is trying to catch a man, seek revenge from a broken heart or because she’s jealous or insecure.
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
Well, yeah, the Bechdel test itself is pretty morally neutral. But then, I figure this group is more than just "Does this pass the Bechdel Test or not?" I think there’s room for discussion beyond that.
Maleficent was actually one of the characters I was thinking of when I wrote that. In the original Sleeping Beauty, she definitely was a really strong, intimidating villain. She was powerful, menacing, and answered to no one but herself. The Angelina Jolie version was noticeably different, though: they moved to make her more sympathetic and three-dimensional (not a bad idea, but I always thought she was a stronger villain when we knew less about her) but in the process they made her arc essentially centered on her relationship with the king. She was jilted by him in her youth, and spends most of the rest of the movie trying to get back at him. This character who had previously been only known as a dark sorceress with unknown ambitions was converted into a misunderstood antiheroine with a vendetta against her ex.
As for the others, yeah, they do exist. Cruella Deville scared me more as a kid than most other villains I’d ever come across. I would say that the Evil Queen in Snow White is a poor example, since the entire motivation of her character is the fact that she wants to be the prettiest, and she’ll kill anyone prettier than her, since being pretty is the most important thing. 
It’s also probably significant that most of those characters are witches, but I can’t entirely put my finger on what the significance of that may be
Janna Grace · Author · added over 7 years ago
Hahah thanks Brian for a full list! Clearly we were thinking the same things 😀
Janna Grace · Author · edited over 7 years ago
I, for one, am and always have been for well developed female villains! There is nothing so far in this Syndicate that says they have to be good or bad-just real. I find there are too few female anti or tragic heroes, say like Walter White, as well, and applaud them when they arise (especially when it has nothing to do with their sex appeal, but rather the complexity they show when they face problems and sometimes fail or become morally corrupt). Like I said in another post too, the character doesn’t have to necessarily be "strong" either, but of course that is always a good thing to look for. What I really hope to support are characters who are real, well-developed and have their own goals and desires (for good or evil). I don’t know about anyone else, but I always liked the female villains in Disney movies when I was growing up- Ursula and Maleficent are way more badass than a princess like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty). 

As to another comment from Tahani- I apologize for not chiming in earlier as I thought Kelsey Rae addressed it well and I also wanted to see what others think. Honestly, the test is just a jumping point that we need to get away from, and hopefully, get rid of entirely someday when there is equal representation. The history of the test has differing accounts,  but I always thought of it as a glaringly depressing way to view how little agency most females had and still have. And from there, it was a blanket minimum that served to bring to light major flaws in female "characters" (or more likely tropes). I think the romantic (and sexual/marriage etc) interest is a major part of it, but it also makes it more jarring to realize that even when two women get to talk, they usually only talk about a man. 

As to two females discussing another women purely for sexual purposes, it doesn’t bother me as much as two women talking about a man because LGBTQ desires and dialogues are also almost entirely absent in mainstream representation.  Even if two women are minimalizing another women to a purely sexual object, I may, on a personal level,  find some issues with the objectification part, but would perhaps find it fresh to see the power and furthermore, the reality, of female sexual desire (in  any way,  traditional or not). But, that all being said, I think the question we always need to ask is whether or not that is all the women have to offer/if it’s their sole purpose in the scene/story. 

Hope that all made sense and I would love feedback, bc honestly, it was a great question and one that I am still trying to figure out for myself. 
Brian Guthrie · Author · edited over 7 years ago
The bechdel test only specifies two women talking about something other than a man. Sometimes they need to be named.  It doesn’t specify that they need to be heroine or villain. 

As for a female villain that isn’t in your list: Cruella Deville. Malificent. The Wicked Witch of the West. The Evil Queen (Snow White). Ursula. The White Witch (Narnia). The Snow Queen. The witch in Hansel and Gretel. Wicked Stepmother (Cinderella). The Red Queen. The Queen of Hearts.  Maybe the orphanage mistress from Annie. Witch Mother in Rapunzel. Dotty in Agent Carter.  Birds of Prey early 2000’s show Harley Quinn and Lady Shiva. Madam Hydra. Possibly Madam Masque (defined by her hatred of being forced into powerless positions by men) Agent Carter.  Mystique.  Dark Phoenix. 

They exist.  You just have to think about it. 
Evan Graham · Author · added over 7 years ago
I’ve had a thought recently that I thought I could bring to the table here. Not strictly relevant to deciding which books to back (unless, I don’t know, maybe it is), but something potentially worth thinking of.
Obviously we want to see more strong female heroes in fiction, but what about more strong female villains? I’ve always felt that having a complex and well-developed antagonist is as important to a story as having a well developed protagonist. I’ve been wracking my brain trying to come up with good examples of strong female villains, and I legitimately can’t think of any. 
For one thing, when you see female villains in fiction, they’re hardly ever the main villain. 9 times out of 10 they serve as some variant of the "sexy henchwoman" trope, serving no real purpose other than to either kick the hero’s butt for a little bit in the sexiest way possible before being inevitably overpowered, or as a double agent who’s job is to get in close with the male hero, seduce him, then betray him.
In the extremely rare case that the central villain is female, she almost always has some previous personal relationship with the male lead, and in the even rarer cases where the female villain has a female hero as her nemesis, they always seem to have had some kind of rivalry with the male romantic interest.
Obviously villains are, by nature, not persons who we want to uphold as good examples of well-adjusted people, so I’m sure as a syndicate we still want to prioritize supporting books that show primarily positive qualities where the media tends not to. But I figured it’s an observation worth making that female villains seem to be as subject to the male gaze as the heroes are, if not more so.
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added over 7 years ago
I think that would only be a problem if that was the characters only focus. That the show Birds Of Prey for example. The show had alot of potential with the crime fighting and conspiracies involving super humans but those issues always seemed to play second act to the girls relationship status. Relationships shouldn’t be entirely discounted if they grow organically simply getting into a relationship should never be the only thing they work towards. 
Tahani Nelson · Author · added over 7 years ago
So... I’ve started compiling a list of TV shows/books/whatever I watch/read and recording whether or not they pass the Bechdel. But I’ve hit a snag. What if two women talk together on occasion, but only discuss a (female) love interest? They’re not talking about a man, but... they’re basically still only discussing how a marriage would improve their life. 

Opinions? Which issue do you think the test is supposed to address (or which do you think is more important)? Is it focused on the trope of a man’s "superior" strength and dominance (in story, conversation, etc) or on female characters that have nothing to offer the world/story other than being someone’s future wife?

Hopefully this question makes sense. I would really love to hear some opinions.
J. Danielle Dorn · Author · added almost 8 years ago
You guys, thank you so much. This is a wonderful community, and I am beyond humbled to have so much support. Thank you, thank you.
Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
 Congrats!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Quite well deserved. :) I have two copies now too.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Yay! I’m so excited about Devil’s Call. Congratulations!
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Congratulations!!! 
Brian Guthrie · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Great pick!  Great author.  Looking forward to all of these.
Eric H. Heisner · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Congratulations!!  It’s always great to have another good Western on the bookshelves, especially one from a unique and well written perspective.

Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I’m so thrilled that Devil’s Call,  won. This is a sterling book, and J. Danielle Dorn is one of my favorite writers on Inkshares right now. This was a big win for her, and I can’t begin to express how happy I am about it. Happy enough I have 2 e-copies and plan to pre-order a physical copy for myself later. I want this book on my book shelf.

AMAZING!
Joni Dee · Author · added almost 8 years ago
congrats @J. Danielle Dorn on a very worthy selection for June. couldn’t have lost to a better book. i now own 2 copies :P
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Hello everyone! After counting all of the votes on the poll and the ones I received through Gmail and DM, I am so excited to announce that Devil’s Call, by J. Danielle Dorn, has won our June Syndicate pick! This month’s nominations and votes raised some incredibly important points about the purpose of this syndicate and our general mission statement/requirements. I want to give major props to everyone for remaining (mostly) civil on a topic that usually gets way out of hand, way too quickly. I will be drafting up something to the purpose of clarification on our accompanying goodreads page, and hope that everyone will feel free to weigh in with their ideas. Again, I want to stress that this is a democracy and I appreciate your participation more than you can imagine! So, I am adding a link below to a new discussion page and encourage you to tell me what you think (also, always feel free to DM me if you feel more comfortable).

As to the newest pick, here is what I wrote for our reasons: "Why choose J. Danielle Dorn’s Devil’s Call? There are too many reasons to list. But, we’ll start with the badass pregnant witch who ran away on a wagon when she was just a girl. Dorn then takes the reader on an adventure of a lifetime, through the eyes of a heroine whose voice is cutting, clear and determined. We can’t wait to see this character wreak her revenge as she carefully prepares her unborn child for the harshness of this world (reminiscent of Kill Bill’s Beatrix Kiddo) in a "Wild West" landscape that dreams are made of. The protagonist perhaps says our thoughts best about many wonderful women and female characters, ’If you are a girl I hope you are a wild one...’"

Goodreads discussion page:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18153304-mission-statement-requirements-for-nomination

Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Everyone is welcome to join the discussion on goodreads. It is no secret but you may have to add an alert if you want to be informed about any new comments. And yes when I started this group, I did so as a democracy, and as a democracy, everyone’s voice and vote matters. I recommend everyone interested go read the discussion and participate, rather than calling some members’ legitimate concerns a "feminist tirade." I hope that I have adressed the concerns that were raised and that going forward there will be no confusion as to this group’s mission statement (I am asking for everyone’s feedback now as I try to build one, so please join in). I think you will find in the answer I wrote on goodreads that I agree about the inportance of inclusiveness of writers from all walks of life, but it is perfectly fine for others to have their own priorities as they make nominations and choose to vote. The only thing that really matters to m5 in regards to the books we choose for our syndicate is that we "break the Bechdel" with the female characters we support and that we can all express our opinions in a tolerant and respectful manner. I really do hope that going forward this group can unite to continue to highlight the best, multi-dimensional and strong female characters out there on Inkshares.  
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Here here! Also this group is a democracy. Everyone’s vote is counted 
Eric H. Heisner · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hello Everyone,  I don’t think most of us have been informed about these major discussions on goodreads.  I haven’t seen them but have been hearing whisperings of them from other authors.  I think we are all here to support and encourage strong female characters in storytelling - ones that are truly great characters no matter if they were played as women or men, regardless of color or age.  Let’s not let this great group of support turn into a feminist tirade that excludes characters that are influential and necessary in all levels of storytelling. 
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Some major discussions going on over on goodreads, so if you haven’t put in your two cents, it’s not too late! There will be some guidelines posted about minimum requirements needed in order for a book to be nominated after this vote, but in the meantime, we are at a tie once again! Please head over to goodreads and cast your vote to decide the winner of this month’s syndicate pick!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate?type=group
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hey everyone! First, welcome new members! And to Penny and Tahani; anyone can be nominated and I am so glad Penny brought Last Faoii to our attention =) Next line of business! The June poll is up so head over to goodreads! We have a tough choice ahead of us, so if we do reach a tie (as we often do), I will narrow it down the the second round by the 12th. Happy voting!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/137082-reminder-only-votes-from-paying-members-of-the-syndicate-on-inkshares

Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Also, yeah, I generally agree that we should focus on female leads. I do think And the Wolf Shall Dwell does merit consideration, though, since it seems to be more of an ensemble cast and does have a couple pretty compelling female characters.
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Tahani, you can definitely be nominated. My understanding is that any book funding on inkshares is fair game, within our syndicate or not :)
Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
All of these nominations look amazing!! I second (or third!) all of them
Penny S · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I follow your blog! That’s how I found out about inkshares! I just put up the beginning of my first book today! I’ll find you on facebook. Sorry I got your name wrong down below.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Penny S-- Thanks for nominating me, but I think I’m too new to the group to be up for nomination yet. Still, your kind words made me smile. 

I’m afraid I don’t recognize your name, but you know more about the book than I’ve posted on here. Were you one of my beta’s? Or one of the people that told me about inkshares? If you can, will you contact me on facebook or e-mail me so I can chat with you? I don’t want to take up space here.

Thanks.
Penny S · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I just found this group and I’m thrilled to be here! 

I’ve looked over the books that you all have nominated so far. They’re really good. Even though I’m brand new can I nominate someone, too? I really like The Last Faoii by Tahini Nelson. A whole cast of strong female characters and Kaiya at the head of their army. Perfect for slicing the Bechdel Test in half with a sword.
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Thanks for the feedback already! I’m glad you guys agree. Please keep sending input though of course. 

Next, I am so excited that Proxy by our very own Rebekka S. Leber went live today...definitely throwing it into the nominations! Look for the poll tomorrow 😀
Brian Guthrie · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I’m of the opinion the lead needs to be female as that’s the spirit of this syndicate. Additionally as we’re saying break Bechdel the book should pass the test as it’s laid out
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Hello everyone!! Going to put our June picks up in the next few days. Wanted to let you know these are the nominations so far (from my own and other members here) : 
Jump the Gun by Suaine
Devil’s Call by J. Danielle Dorn
Tantalus Depths by Evan Graham
The Test by Tabi Card
And the Wolf shall Dwell by Joni Dee 

If you have any other nominations please post them here asap or DM me! Also, to answer Evan Graham- I personally would like to focus on strong female leads as there are too few out there and I’m honestly tired of reading books with men as literally all the main parts, but this is open to discussion. Great question and please everyone feel free to chime in!

Thanks,  as always,
Janna
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I had been wondering about that: should we focus exclusively on books with strong female leads, or would strong female secondary characters merit consideration as well?

Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I nominate And The Wolf Shall Rain. It’s new chapters has a really cool female character 
Brian Guthrie · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I second The Test.  It looks like something you’ve read before but it definitely has a very good feel to it and I think a shot in the arms will help it get moving considering how long that campaign is.
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I’d like to happily nominate J. Danielle Dorn’s "Devil’s Call" -- it needs help getting  orders up, its one of my personal FAVORITE works on Inkshares right now, and it was chosen as a Staff Pick
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Well, I know we’re not really supposed to self promote, so I won’t even mention that Tantalus Depths is only 29 pre-orders away from Quill. Won’t even bring that up at all. ;)
But actually the one that has recently caught my attention is The Test, by Tabi Card. It reminds me of Maze Runner and Divergent, only without the parts of those stories I hated. She has a strong premise, good writing in the parts we’ve seen so far, and a really kick-butt trailer.
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Yes absolutely!! And welcome to all of the lovely new members! Please start throwing up some nominations and thanks for joining!
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Are we taking any nominations yet?
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Welcome Tahani! Yeah, I think a lot of us are sick of the self-fulfilling prophesy that "People won’t buy books with strong female characters" when it’s pretty obvious the only reason there isn’t a big existing market there is because those books just don’t get published. I’ve personally always hated the way literary agencies and publishing houses decide what their readers want to see rather than actually listening to what the readers say they want to see. That’s one area where the inkshares system really shines; things can get published here that might never even hit a literary agent’s desk elsewhere, if they bring in enough support.
Tahani Nelson · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Gaaaah! Oh, my good goddess. I’m so excited I found this syndicate! I’ve been doing everything in my power to support (and create) strong, disciplined, realistic heroines for as long as I could remember! Of course I nearly jumped out of my seat when I saw this. You guys, you don’t even know how awesome this is to me. My book was rejected by agent after agent because it 1) is comprised almost exclusively of female leads and 2) none of them end up with a man at the end. They said it wasn’t something young adults could "relate to." So I want to support the authors that prove them wrong! I’m so excited to see the awesome books that get nominated here. Thank you for creating this. 
Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
So excited to read it  @Michael Molisani!
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Finally completed the short story I created as a thank-you-gift for the Syndicate. Anyone who wants a copy, of course, just DM me. Once again, thanks to everyone who honored "Seeking the Elephant" last month. I’ve never been so humbled!
Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Thank you all!! I appreciate the support and encouragement!! Winning yesterday was seriously a dream come true! Evan, glad we’re on the same Team Evan :-) 
Evan Graham · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hello, all! Just joined the syndicate, and I’d like to give a hearty congratulations to Erin S. Evan on 1) winning this month’s nomination, 2) winning the Geek and Sundry competition, and 3) being a fellow Evan.
Also, I’m honored to have been considered for nomination last round, I hadn’t been expecting that at all.
Eric H. Heisner · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Congratulations!  Looking forward to reading more!  EH

Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Wow!! I am  humbled beyond belief. Thank you everyone for your vote of confidence and support! It means the world to me, and I’m so excited to share with you Molly Tanner’s story!

Now to raise a toast to you all! It’s 5 pm somewhere right?
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Whoohoo! Congrats!!

Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Congratulations 
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Proud to announce that The Pirates of Montana by Erin S. Evan is our May Syndicate pick! We love that the protagonist is a 15 year old girl who is not only smart and interesting, but who will have to face a government intrigue with all of the bravery and strength we know she has. Also we knownthat it’should about time for the first woman to win an Inkshares Conest! 
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Looks like we might not even need a round 2; first time no tie! If you haven’t voted yet--time is running out!
Anna Sallic · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Wow, thank you for the nomination! I thought I’d be way to low on orders to even be considered. This means a ton!
Erin S. Evan · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Wow! I just saw this thread and the results of round 1! I’m so honored to be nominated!! Thank you all!!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Sounds good to me! Was going to nominate it, but already had once and saw it got picked by another syndicate. But, I love it too, let’s go for it! Adding now.

The first round of the poll is now up; go check it out everyone!

Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Thank you soo much for the nomination. and i totally support the idea of nomination They are the Last 
Ronald D Valle · Reader · added almost 8 years ago
Hey, thanks for nominating We Clocked the T-Rex! Really super cool and spine-tingling to see it on that great list! 

How do we feel about adding @Elayna Mae Darcy’s book They Are the Last to the pool? It’s got a fair amount of orders and it looks like it received a funding extension. It also reads well as all hell! 
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Welcome to all new members!! 

It’s that time again--please send your nominations my way! Also, after discussing this with some members, I think that we should squelch the self-nominations and keep it to projects that have been brought to our attention by someone else. Another update is that Inkshares has made it so that only syndicate members can post on our page--which should help with the spamming!! As usual, please send me your thoughts/concerns and questions as a private message on here or at my email: jliggan@gmail.com

1. Tantalus Depths by Evan Graham - I see some Ripley here and I love it:
Mary Ketch signed on to the deep space survey mission to Tantalus 13 to get some time and distance between her and her problems at home. It was supposed to be a simple piloting job to help an artificially intelligent, self-constructing factory called SCARAB build a mining base on a barren rock.

2. Project Penny by Anna Willoughby - Curious to see where Kara will go:
Orbital colonies are tapped out, Earth is nearly spent, & the world’s superpowers start to see value in expanding beyond the solar system. With a habitable planet 93 years from Earth, 18,000 people pile into the Century 1 Exodus.

3. We Clocked the T-Rex by Ronald D. Valle - Love the idea of Vee Whelan, a 29-year-old oceanographer who’s spent her life trying to protect the seas being involved with a T-Rex:
In the near-future the dark forces of secret science & big money engineer the world’s First De-Extinction Event. With her life’s work & all civilization on the line, Vee Whelan aims to stop them - but what’s so evil about a scientific miracle?

4. Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James - not sure how everyone feels about non-fictional characters, but I find anyone who gives up the safety of normal life to follow their passion inspiring.:
A grand adventure through Europe/Asia brings us closer to strangers, wildlife, history and each other in this satirical mix of humor, love and philosophical thoughts. We dropped everything to travel the world. Risking our future for a happier now.

Also, Not Afraid of the Fall has already funded (really well too!), so I wanted to put it up to hear people’s thoughts--should we try to only select books that are nearing Quill/Full Publication? I kind of like the idea that we push projects over the edge, or support them the month they are getting published to help increase their visibility. What are your thoughts?

Lastly, I was going to nominate Beyond the Code again because it’s a wonderful story, but I just checked...and it has hit QUILL!! Congratulations to one of our own members: Kelsey!!! I think in a couple months we should definitely think of nominating it again; it is a perfect story for our badge!
Eric H. Heisner · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hey Writers, glad to be a part of the group.  As a Writer & Filmmaker, there is nothing so off-putting as a crying whimpering gal who doesn’t move the story along!  I mostly specialize in Westerns (where women have to be strong to keep up with and sometimes take care of the men) but my project on Inkshares is a little different.  "Wings of the Pirate" is a post WWII adventure in the South Pacific with a female "Indiana Jones" type character who teams up with a rascally seaplane pilot.  Check it out!  I look forward to supporting other strong, interesting women characters in storytelling!  EH
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
This is *overwhelming* news! I honestly never thought we had a chance! I don’t want to say much, since I’m toasty after toasting a few shots of 12-year-old MacCallan my amazing wife &  amazing best friend, but I am humbled to no end and I’ve had some tears in my eyes since I read the email. I can’t begin to say THANK YOU enough for all the support and wonderful connections on here!

I’m also true to my word, I’ll be hard at work on a thank-you-short-story just for the Syndicate, this coming week!


Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Woot woot. Congrats 
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
After counting all of the votes (from paying members) that were on the poll and received via email, I am proud to announce that Michael Molisani’s Seeking the Elephant is our April Syndicate pick!! Molisani has created a fully-developed female character who is strong, flawed and powerful and I can’t wait to read more about her!
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Oh snap! Tie-breaker-round!

If by some amazing chance, Seeking the Elephant wins this, (vote!) I will sit my happy self down and write a short-story in the same universe as Seeking, as a thank you gift for everyone in the Syndicate. All good things deserve a good thing in return!

Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Preliminary round is over! There was a three way tie so I have put up a new poll to decide the final winner for our April nomination. It will be open until early evening tomorrow, so email me your vote or head on over:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/133435-damn-guys-we-re-at-a-3-way-tie-i-am-including-two-votes-i-received-via
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
So I have received several votes through email and we are at a tie for the win at the moment. Please submit your preliminary vote by midday today, and if there is still a tie, I will create another poll. Thanks everyone, get your votes in now!
Zack Budryk · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Not to self-promote too hard but please vote Judith! I’ve come really close to being an official selection for two separate syndicates and I’d love to finally get it before my funding period ends.
Janna Grace · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
Two new members!! Welcome guys and please head over to goodreads for our most recent poll and email or private message me with any questions!!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/133381-which-of-these-wonderful-stories-should-be-our-april-nomination-once-ag
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
I’m jumping on the self promotion band waggon. Vote Beyond the Code. Help make the final push to Quill!!
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Obligatory self-promotion to earn few votes!

If you haven’t already discovered Seeking the Elephant, take a look now before you vote!

Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
April’s poll is up! All members please head over to goodreads, or email me your vote: jliggan (at) gmail.com

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/133381-which-of-these-wonderful-stories-should-be-our-april-nomination-once-ag
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hello everyone!! It’s that time of the month =)  My nominations are up on the companion page to this group on goodreads. As usual, please add your own nominations and I will put a poll up tomorrow! Looking forward to everyone’s ideas and if you don’t have/want goodreads, feel free to email me with nominations and votes at jliggan (at) gmail.com  

Here’s the link for nominations:

Joni Dee · Author · edited almost 8 years ago
hi guys, 
Chapter 4 of "And The Wolf Shall Dwell" introduces MI6 agent Liz Huntington, who plays a major role in the plot-line. Is she a strong female character as I imagined her? Would you a agree or disagree? Am I doing strong women injustice ? Would  love to hear your thoughts (the manuscript is still very open to changes)


This is probably the worst chapter to upload as I have edited and changed it five times now, but decided to risk it and take a chance here! 
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
@Anna Willoughby no worries of course!!! It’s so kind of you to even offer 😀
Anna Sallic · Author · added almost 8 years ago
@Janna Grace I’m definitely interested! Sorry, it’s been a crazy busy week at my day job. Haven’t even gotten through all the to-dos for that half of my life :( But I will get them to you as soon as I can! :)
Zack Budryk · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Thanks so much, @Janna Grace ! And there’s still a month left in the funding period so even though I’m actually, really making this book a reality, anyone who hasn’t preordered yet should check it out!
Janna Grace · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Lots to update! 

First: CONGRATS @Zack Budryk on reaching Quill!! I’m so excited to eventually get a copy of Judith in my hands! Everyone should preorder their copy now--I promise some great female characters abound.

Second: Huge welcome to all new members ! Thanks for coming aboard and please always feel free to comment/critique here, on our companion goodreads page, or directly to me through email: jliggan (at) gmail.com. You have all brought amazing projects that I have been pouring through. Please feel free to make nominations for April too!

Third: @Anna Willoughby thank you so much for generously offering to help create a new design for the badge! What an amazing group of people this little syndicate has gathered =) If you are still interested, please send ideas along; I know I can’t wait to see them!!
Anna Sallic · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Just wanted to say that I’m a professional graphic and UI designer, and would be happy to volunteer my help with the design of the badge I saw mentioned here! I’ll post some ideas tonight or tomorrow. Love the purpose of this syndicate, and am striving hard as an author to develop full, realistic characters along the gender spectrum. Glad to be a part of a group dedicated to supporting better representation of women in fiction!
Michael Molisani · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Introducing myself to the group. I’ve been on Inkshares for a few months now, learning about how to promote and how to support the community. I decided to join this Syndicate because it contained some of my favorite Inkshares authors, and because my book is a very good match. I look forward to supporting the community and look forward to many great turns of the day!

Gregg Roe · Reader · added almost 8 years ago
Greetings! I am new to Inkshares and decided to join this syndicate because my first book Audrey of Farmerton is a fantasy with a female protagonist and has strong female supporting characters as well. I have put the first chapter up and would welcome comments and constructive criticism.
Kevin Smith · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hi everyone, I just joined and wanted to drop a hello. I’m new to Inkshares and also recently started my project Samba: Princess of Thieves which features the main protagonist, a spunky, tough thief who has to set the guys straight. Hope to meet some people and help some people out!
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Congratulations Zack. Good work
Zack Budryk · Author · added almost 8 years ago
Hey everyone, just wanted to announce Judith reached the Quill goal (and then some) today! I’m so excited this book is finally going to become a reality (with nearly two months left, no less!) and I want to thank everyone here for their support. 
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 8 years ago
That’s a wonderful idea!! Thanks @A.C. Weston for thinking of it and @Jeremy Thomas for jumping right on it. If anyone has any design ideas, definitely throw them out here! And @Zack Budryk there are no formal rules as of yet and I don’t see any issue with renominating projects-what are your thoughts everyone? I’ll put a query our on the syndicates page on goodreads to see what other groups are doing.

Zack Budryk · Author · added about 8 years ago
So I have a question (and I promise this isn’t me being a sore loser)--is a nominee eligible for selection of the month more than once if it lost out earlier?
A.C. Weston · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hey everyone - what do you think about designing an emblem/sticker sort of thing to be bestowed on books that are chosen by this syndicate? Authors could add them to their book images or just to their synopsis, to show that the book is an "Official Selection of the Breaking the Bechdel with Strong Female Characters Syndicate".

I am not a designer, myself, but I think we should make something like this!
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added about 8 years ago
Congrats Webster for winning the pick and making Quill. Time for another DIGITAL PARADE!!!!
RH Webster · Author · added about 8 years ago
I want to say a very sincere, heartfelt, warm-and-fuzzy-all-over OMG THANK YOU for this nomination. I feel truly honored to have had my novel Lucky nominated by this syndicate. - Webster

Zack Budryk · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hey everyone! Congratulations to "Lucky" and thank you so much for the nomination! I just wanted to update everyone "Judith" and note that I’m nearing the homestretch of my Quill goal, with 190 preorders; if you can, please preorder a copy and help me get over the line! https://www.inkshares.com/books/judith/dashboard
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 8 years ago

Hey everyone! After adding all of the votes on the poll (only counting ones from members of this group) we came to a three-way tie. Please head over to the new poll to decide who will be the winner by midnight tonight...just in time for any that are competing in The Nerdist Competition. Also, as usual, if you do not have a goodreads account you can post your vote here or email me jliggan (at) gmail.com


@Matt Kaye  @Jeremy Thomas  @Jason Pomerance  @Thaddeus Woodman  @Rebekka Leber  @Carol D Marsh @Brian Guthrie  @J. Danielle Dorn  @Tabi Card  @Cleveland Gary  @C. L. Craven  @L.D. Rosen @Zack Jordan  @Teri Donahugh  @Kelsey Rae Barthel  @A.C. Weston  @Alex Bittner  @Alexander Barnes  @Sarah Bryant @Zack Budryk @Stefan Woick 


https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate?type=group

Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hi guys and a big welcome to all new members! The March poll is up on goodreads, but if you don’t have an account there, feel free to write your nomination here or to email me to keep your vote anonymous: jliggan (at) gmail.com. Also, I made the option available for you to write in a nomination for your vote in case you didn’t do so before the poll went up. Don’t forget we have to choose by the 15th, so the poll will end the 14th at midnight EST. Thanks everyone! 

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/131651-which-of-these-lovely-stories-should-be-our-march-nomination
Zack Budryk · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hey everyone! My book Judith has been on sale for just under a month but I just found out this was a thing and I’m excited. Check the book out when you have a chance! inkshares.com/books/judith
Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hello everyone! My March nominations are up on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18040701-march-nominations

Please feel free to add your own or weigh in on the ones I put up. I’ll make a poll to narrow down to a shortlist if we get a lot of nominations by the 10th and either way, will have the final poll ready by the 13th. Thanks as always =)
@Alexander Barnes @Alex Bittner @A.C. Weston @Kelsey Rae Barthel @Teri Donahugh @Zack Jordan @L.D. Rosen @C. L. Craven @Cleveland Gary @Tabi Card @J. Danielle Dorn @Brian Guthrie @Carol D Marsh @Rebekka Leber @Thaddeus Woodman @Jeremy Thomas @Jason Pomerance @Matt Kaye 
Alexander Barnes · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hey guys. I’m so glad I found this syndicate. My story The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising feature several strong female characters. Just wanted to bounce some of my book’s promotional art for International Women’s Day and get your feedback before I launch my campaign on social media.

...
"Imagine if everyone knew they could change the world" - Katrina Tarja
...
"There is no such thing as face squids..." Lithia Boson
...

"You can leave the word if out of your vocabulary while you’re on my bridge" - Sarah Rin
...
"We gotta see what you don’t suck at before we trust you with anything serious." Nyreen Marso

Alexander Barnes · Author · added about 8 years ago
Congo rats @Amanda Orneck ! I’ts so awesome to see your book nominated! You’re book was one one of the first I bought in the Sword and Laser Sequel contest.
Amanda Orneck · Author · added about 8 years ago
Wow thanks!!  *blushes* I’m honored!
Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added about 8 years ago
Congratulations!!! I hope that gives you enough momentum to make Quill
Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hey everyone! I am so happy and excited to announce Deus Hex Machina by @Amanda Orneck  as the official winner of our first syndicate choice! Congratulations Amanda and thanks for creating badass female characters! 
William Schiele · Author · added about 8 years ago
Tears of the Assassin has begun its publishing campaign.  Please pop on over and give the chapters a read. Comments are appreciated and a review would be great.  I hope you enjoy the story.  Thanks.
Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hello Everyone! So, for our first month, I thought we would try a Preliminary vote because we have so many nominations. Let’s see how it goes for this month, and if you want, we can adjust the process next time. Please take a look at the 8 nominated projects and cast your vote at the poll I created on Goodreads (you can still also add nominations if you didn’t get a chance to yet!). This vote will help us narrow down the choices for our final vote- which will decide the book we will back on February 15th. Please feel free to email me if there are any bugs/issues or if you have any questions: jliggan@gmail.com

I sent poll invitations to all of the members who joined on Goodreads and here’s a link to the poll:


Kelsey Rae Barthel · Author · added about 8 years ago
I think you can post a poll on Goodreads. 
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 8 years ago
Hi guys! Just wanted to let you know that my nominations are now up on Goodreads and A.C. Weston also posted some. If you have a chance, take a look and/or nominate some of your own! Lastly, I’m trying to figure out the best way to take a vote; if anyone knows of a simple platform that I can modify to do an anonymous questionnaire/poll, let me know! Looking around now. Also, feel free to email me if you want to address anything/have questions or concerns: 
jliggan (at) gmail (dot) com

And here’s a link to the goodreads page:
Janna Grace · Author · added about 8 years ago
Hello everyone! Just letting you know that we can start accepting nominations! If you want to head over to the goodreads page, I think it will be easier for everyone to chime in. Also, I have been looking at how the other syndicates function, and if everyone agrees, thought we would follow John Robin's guidelines. All members can make recommendations for books to back, but the final vote will be decided by paying members. If I am reading everything correctly, our first book will be decided on February 15th-so we have a little less than three weeks to look through projects. I will nominate some on the goodreads page soon, and please everyone feel free to do the same! Thanks!

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate
Janna Grace · Author · edited about 8 years ago
Thank you so much for jumping on board so quickly! I can't wait to get some discussions going on Goodreads! There are so many amazing characters I've found on Inkshares already, but I hope this group will bring even more to light. Also, @A.C. Weston I was thinking of your badass poster when I made this....thanks for the inspiration! Here is a link to a Goodreads group that will facilitate discussions and I promise more will come soon:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/181421-break-the-bechdel-with-strong-female-characters-syndicate
A.C. Weston · Author · added about 8 years ago
I'M SO HAPPY! THANK YOU!!! I was hemming and hawing on starting a syndicate to focus on supporting female authors, but this works, too!
John Robin · Author · added about 8 years ago
Janna, so AWESOME to see you here doing this! If you want to create a Goodreads group for your syndicate to discuss books, I found it so helpful. Here's a link to my group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/177754-john-robin-s-epic-fantasy-syndicate
to get some ideas. If you create one, list your group link in our "affiliated syndicate links" folder.