CoG, Lend Me Your Swords!

[Spectre-7]

And axes, and bows... But most of all, your voices.

As you probably all know by now, I've been working to establish a self-publishing imprint after years of plotting, planning, and slowly laying groundwork. Things jumped into motion about two months ago when I put out my first release, Vengar the Barbarian. It was something small and harmless I could gamble on while working out the kinks, in preparation for a more significant project.

The one thing that became crystal clear was that I needed more marketing, and with that thought in mind, I applied for a Kickstarter project (http://www.kickstarter.com/) about two weeks ago. To my complete shock and amazement, my project was approved.

If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, it's a site devoted to bringing patrons and creators together. They offer a platform for creators to seek out financial aid from generous supporters, often in exchange for small rewards. A project runs for a set period, during which time the project owner tries to drum up attention and hopefully meet their financial goal. If the goal isn't met, the whole thing is called off.

I launched my project this morning (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down) after pulling an all-nighter, with the goal of raising $3,500 to cover marketing and publicizing for my upcoming sci-fi novel, Stars Rain Down. In exchange, supporters will receive a variety of gifts, including prints of the cover art, printed copies of the novel itself, and USB thumbdrives packed full of art sourcefiles, notes and other assorted goodies.

https://sites.google.com/site/spectre7/Home/SRD_Banner.png (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down)

Now, I want to be clear that I'm not here asking for your money. I consider everyone in this place a friend, and that would strike me as rather crass. However, I'm not too proud to ask for your help. This project will only work if people hear about it, and I'm asking you all to please help me spread the word. If you just mention it or pass the link to a few friends, you'll be doing me an immeasurable favor.

I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic, but I can't help feeling like this might be a major turning point for me... the sort of thing that could really change my life. I'm hoping you folks can help me make that happen.

In any event, thanks for being such an awesome community full of thoughtful, interesting people, and for taking a few minutes out of your day to skim this post. There isn't another place on the internet where I'd care to spend my days, and I only hope I can somehow repay the support you've already given me.

~Chris

PS - This post seems entirely too serious, so... shit fuck monkeycock. Ahhhh. That's better.

[Squidbot]

Consider yourself Facebooked, Spectre. Good luck man, if I had the funds I would help more directly.

[Generation ABXY]

Ah, congrats on getting accepted then, Chris! (I thought that might be what you were talking about in the Drunk Thread, but alcohol-induced ramblings aren't really the best barometer, in my experience.) If I had a Facebook, Twitter, or whatever else, I'd certainly put it there... perhaps I can add a mentions to a few sig forums, instead.

[Spectre-7]

Thank you muchly, Mr. Van Cleef, and I certainly know the feeling.

[Bandango]

I wish you the best of luck. Can't wait to read it. You should think about releasing the book as a podcast as well. http://www.podiobooks.com/

[Purple Santa]

Facebook it is.

[Spectre-7]

. . .

Thanks, and yup... figured a few people would put it together. You didn't disappoint.

. . .

It's an idea that's occurred to me (although I hadn't seen that site before), but hoo-boy... It's a 500 page novel. Think o' the cotton-mouth. :)

Facebook it is.

Thank you, Santa. You got me just what I wanted for Christmas!

[Shrinn]

Spread it where I could.

[Libuke]

It's an idea that's occurred to me (although I hadn't seen that site before), but hoo-boy... It's a 500 page novel. Think o' the cotton-mouth. :)


500! I would definitely want a paper copy then (like mentioned before I don't have an e-reader and I don't want to read that much on my computer), looks like I'll have to pony up some dough (plus you know, I like your stuff and all and want to support it). I guess i'll also plug you on my facebook, I got some nerds on there so you might see some stuff out of that.

[roboninja]

Your kick is a little closer to started ;)

Good luck, dude.

EDIT: Yeah, should mention I do not FB or Twitter, so I used the more direct support method.

[Mashidar]

Tossing the link on the old facebook page. Hope it helps some.

[Jason]

I don't do facebook or twitter, but perhaps I can send an email out at work tomorrow. Good luck!

[LiquidRain]

Out of curiosity, what happens if the 3.5k fails to get raised?

[astranoir]

tweeted :)

[Spectre-7]

Your kick is a little closer to started ;)

Good luck, dude.

EDIT: Yeah, should mention I do not FB or Twitter, so I used the more direct support method.

And one that is, I assure you, fantastically appreciated. Thanks a ton, bro! :D

500! . . . looks like I'll have to pony up some dough (plus you know, I like your stuff and all and want to support it). I guess i'll also plug you on my facebook, I got some nerds on there so you might see some stuff out of that.

Yeah, it's a long one. At the time, I was aiming at traditional publishing, and most publishers seem to prefer long-ish sci-fi. As for getting a copy, I should also mention (just to be clear) that the book will be available for sale at a much more reasonable price once the Kickstarter project is over, so please don't think you need to drop 50 bones for a copy.

Thanks a bunch Shrinn, Mashidar, and Jason. Every shout out helps! :)

And now, I'll commemorate the occasion with some Mötley Crüe:
KQMBz6HvSoM

[Spectre-7]

Out of curiosity, what happens if the 3.5k fails to get raised?

The project fails, angels weep, and everyone takes their ball and goes home. Not sure whether I'd need to re-apply before starting another project, or if I'm just generally approved to start them now.

tweeted :)

Thanks you!

[SilentScreams]

Facebooked it. Good luck, Spectre.

[Vandabo]

So now that I'm a backer, does that mean I get some 'back-end'? And I'm not talking about money...

I enjoyed Vengar, so I hope this works out for you. It's cool that it goes through Amazon, since I already do everything through there anyway.

Are you going to be putting this book up on the Kindle store?

[Spockrocket]

Tossed in five bucks. Hope it all comes together for you!

[Widgetcraft]

I went ahead and posted it to my Facebook. I don't use it personally, but I have 80-odd friends, and some of them read science fiction and might be interested.

[Krispy]

Facebooked, friend.

[johnperkins21]

I'm going to link this on my Facebook profile, which is read by I think 2, maybe even 3 people, even though you wrongly attributed Tim O'Reilly to Cory Doctorow. Cory paraphrases Tim (http://openp2p.com/pub/a/p2p/2002/12/11/piracy.html) with the quote, "the greatest threat to an author isn't piracy, it's obscurity."

[Hawkzombie]

Yep, passing the word along through facebook, and I want to read this. Then I can say I have other 'writer' friends and I don't seem as sad and pathetic when I haven't written anything :p

Good luck, old chum.

[shunoshi]

Consider yourself linked on Facebook. I don't frequent it often, but I have a good number of friends; hopefully it will help you out.

[fitbabits]

Shared on facebook. Good luck to you.

[BigJonno]

Yep, shared too. Wish I could donate lots of money because I've always wanted to have a character named after me by someone else.

[Crittias]

Shared, and contributed. I wish you the best of luck!

[Jboy001]

I enjoyed Vengar, 10 bucks coming your way I hope everything works out!

[LiquidRain]

Spectre: I meant what happens to my money. :) Does it vanish into somebody's coffers, does it go to you, does it get refunded?

[National Kato]

Spread like VD. Godspeed.

[Generation ABXY]

Spectre: I meant what happens to my money. :) Does it vanish into somebody's coffers, does it go to you, does it get refunded?

It gets refunded to you; I think that's what he meant by "everyone takes their ball and goes home."

[civil]

Man, Spectre that is just awesome. Fucking awesome. Good for you. I was thinking of using Kickstarter when I moved to NYC for my film (a friend of a friend used it to finance his film and he's been able to show it in a few different film festivals in different countries). I'm also thinking of going through the Awesome Foundation (http://awesomefoundation.org/).

I don't have a FB account, but I will scratch out some dough to throw your way before the deadline. In the meantime, congrats. Very inspiring, kudos to you.

[Shrinn]

From the site, just for more specificity. When is my card charged followed by what happens if it's not funded? (http://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq#IfIMakeAPledWhenIsMyCardChar)

[Spectre-7]

Whoa! Got some catching up to do...

. . .

Thanks, man. And actually, there's sliding scale of sex acts I perform for the different pledge levels. At yours, I twerk (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=twerk) it just a little bit.

And yes, it will definitely be available through the Kindle store.

Tossed in five bucks. Hope it all comes together for you!

Thanks! Seems I've got my twerkin' cut out for me. :)

. . .

Thanks for the linkage, even if it's only 2-3 people. Those are 2-3 people I absolutely wouldn't have reached otherwise.

Now, in my own defense regarding the quote, Cory drops it a half-dozen times in Content and never attributes it (that I recall), so I'm blaming him. The worst part is that I've read that essay by Tim O'Reilly, too. *facepalm*

. . .

Appreciated... and as for having other writer friends, it never made me feel any less sad or pathetic. Especially since my writer friends wouldn't let me kidnap their agents and ransom them for representation. ;)

Shared, and contributed. I wish you the best of luck!

And my pledge chart shows I owe you, "some hand stuff." :)

Thanks, Ted!

I enjoyed Vengar, 10 bucks coming your way I hope everything works out!

Thank you, Jboy! I've got you marked down for one, "mildly erotic massage."

Spectre: I meant what happens to my money. :) Does it vanish into somebody's coffers, does it go to you, does it get refunded?

Ahhh, gotcha. It looks like other folks have it covered, but I'll just toss in my $.02; pledges aren't charged at all until the project completion date. If the project fails, no money ever changes hands and the whole thing disappears in a puff of sadness and regret.

. . .

Hadn't heard of the Awesome Foundation, but it looks like it lives up to its name. There's also IndieGoGo (http://www.indiegogo.com/) which is startlingly similar to Kickstarter, although I believe they pay out regardless of whether you hit your target or not, and I imagine there are more that I simply haven't found yet. Honestly, the existence of these kinds of sites gives me really warm feeling; I have a pretty sour idea of mankind sometimes, and this is the sort of stuff that makes me reconsider it.

Thanks a ton for the kind words and the effort, civil, and I wish you the best of luck with your own challenges. If there's ever anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to let me know.

Big thanks and giant hugs to SilentScreams, Heretic Machine, Krispy, shunoshi, fitbabits, BigJonno, and National Kato. Thanks for helping me spam, fellas. :)

Now, a morning song. The topic? twerkin'.
Dl6ew6ftTYM

[Wasson_]

YOU HAVE MY AXE!
http://th.interia.pl/40,b87d0d28f3734169/gimli.jpg

[johnperkins21]

Now, in my own defense regarding the quote, Cory drops it a half-dozen times in Content and never attributes it (that I recall), so I'm blaming him. The worst part is that I've read that essay by Tim O'Reilly, too. *facepalm*

I have a copy of that book sitting on my shelf. I went through the HTML version and he certainly did forget to attribute the quote to O'Reilly, even though he actually gives a shout-out to that article at one point. The bastard.

[Spectre-7]

YOU HAVE MY AXE!
http://th.interia.pl/40,b87d0d28f3734169/gimli.jpg

I always knew I could count on you, Gimli!

I have a copy of that book sitting on my shelf. I went through the HTML version and he certainly did forget to attribute the quote to O'Reilly, even though he actually gives a shout-out to that article at one point. The bastard.

The rat bastard. Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive him?

Speaking of which, I should go edit that. :)

[Hawkzombie]

Well, I guess I'll just have to kidnap you and assume your identity. Write me a sequel novel or I shoot this dog.

http://tonova.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/shootdog_1.jpg

[Pale Ale]

Spectre: I meant what happens to my money. :) Does it vanish into somebody's coffers, does it go to you, does it get refunded?

I was kinda hopeing that he'd hit like 1200 and embezzle it. Spend it on hooker and blow! Crack addiction, sober up in jail, and start writing sci fi based on broken, cracked out dreams!

[Spectre-7]

Well, I guess I'll just have to kidnap you and assume your identity. Write me a sequel novel or I shoot this dog.

You don't have the stones.

I was kinda hopeing that he'd hit like 1200 and embezzle it. Spend it on hooker and blow! Crack addiction, sober up in jail, and start writing sci fi based on broken, cracked out dreams!

Now that... that's a helluva an idea. Can I steal that? ;)

[Handmade.Mercury]

YOU HAVE MY AXE!
http://th.interia.pl/40,b87d0d28f3734169/gimli.jpg

AND MY BOW!Too bad we're going in reverse order, eh?
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6941/legolas.jpg

[Spectre-7]

AND MY BOW!Too bad we're going in reverse order, eh?
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6941/legolas.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/dceg4x.jpg

:)

So, for anyone who hasn't gone to the Kickstarter site, here's the trailer I spent all night Sunday hacking together. It's kind of crappy, but still infinitely better than the boatload of fail that me talking into a camera would've been.

ChcYrUW2Frg

[Hawkzombie]

You don't have the stones.

Granted, mine aren't made out of fucking huge swords...


And that was a neat little trailer.

[Zagrash]

Facebook'd and pledged, best of luck!

I just picked up Vengar today in the Kindle store, and I look forward to reading it! The first few pages of the sample were more than enough to make me realize I'd like it.

[Spectre-7]

Granted, mine aren't made out of fucking huge swords...

It's really not all it's cracked up to be. For instance, you should hear the god awful clatter when I try to run. Ugh.

And that was a neat little trailer.

Thanks. It's the one of the few things I've ever animated and shown to people (the unreleased works being exciting movies like a box spins for five seconds and camera test for uncompleted project), so I'm mostly just glad it came together at all. The soundtrack was a similarly rushed exercise in trying to figure out cabling at 5:00am, and then struggling to recall how to play after letting my bass sit in the corner for a few years.

Facebook'd and pledged, best of luck!

I just picked up Vengar today in the Kindle store, and I look forward to reading it! The first few pages of the sample were more than enough to make me realize I'd like it.

Hell yeah! Thank you, thank you, and one more just for being a very welcome pick-me-up at the end of a very slow day. :D

BTW - I posted a guide to help folks who desperately want to raise more money for me but don't know how. (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts/25219) What it lacks in seriousness, it more than makes up for in stick-figure illustrations.

Edit: And today's musical selection is Bach's Little Fugue in G Minor.
pVadl4ocX0M

[Spectre-7]

Four days in and I seem to have completely stalled out. Fuck.

I think I may need some kind of publicity stunt. Anyone know of a gorge I can jump? Preferably one that isn't very wide, and is full of mattresses which were deemed too soft to sell?

[NoName]

I'm a bit late to the party, but I've pledge a small bit and I'll try the facebook sharing when I get home (blocked at work).

If nothing else, staying with the late to the party theme, this thread has led me to Vengar which I plan on buying when I'm done with WoT. :)

You should send Tycho (from PA) a digital copy of Vengar and the link to your project and ask if he'd help a fellow gamer/writer out by posting it. :)

[Dukefrukem]

Tweeted 10char

[Superman's Dead]

You should send Tycho (from PA) a digital copy of Vengar and the link to your project and ask if he'd help a fellow gamer/writer out by posting it. :)

This is a fantastic idea. Hit up gamer podcasts, computer podcasts, anywhere they'll dig your idea and writing, and send the link and Vengar.

Being hilarious won't hurt, and you're hilarious. Don't be too straight-laced.

[MrBibbz]

I threw down.... so explain in detail what the mega carwash pack has in store for me?

And when is the book due cause I may or may not be at my current residence by then. I'll either be in South Carolina; cut off from the rest of the world for a few months or in Kentucky; not so cut off from the world but learning out how fix big tanks.

Facebooked and Twitted as well

[Spectre-7]

I'm a bit late to the party, but I've pledge a small bit and I'll try the facebook sharing when I get home (blocked at work).

If nothing else, staying with the late to the party theme, this thread has led me to Vengar which I plan on buying when I'm done with WoT. :)

You should send Tycho (from PA) a digital copy of Vengar and the link to your project and ask if he'd help a fellow gamer/writer out by posting it. :)

Thank you! Oddly enough, I've already tried emailing Tycho about Vengar, and my email was met with complete silence. Here's the whole (fairly long-winded) letter just for giggles, and so that someone somewhere might actually read it.

Dear Mr. Holkins,

I can't for the life of me figure out a way to start this letter that doesn't sound awkward, fawning or mildly creepy. I suppose my best bet is to just embrace all of the above and see where that leads me. I offer a multitude of apologies in advance.

I'm a long time fan of your work--the strip as well as the few thousand words you publish each week--and I'm writing to plug both a short story I've recently (*cough*self*cough*) published and my indie publishing label. Like yourself, I'm a writer and gaming enthusiast with a penchant for the melodramatic and a vocabulary that strays toward the obscure. After realizing just how little faith I have in the publishing industry, I've decided to strike out and try something new.

I chose Rapture. Wait, that's not quite right...

My label is called Oktopod Digital Press, and our (read: my) mission is twofold: to write excellent stories and to fully embrace digital distribution, warts and all. Now, some writers out there are fiddling around with digital distribution, but most are doing so in a half-assed fashion; unlike them, I intend to embrace it with the grim totality of my ass. I can't apologize enough for the image that surely conjures.

My first release is a parody of pulp barbarian fiction, specifically in the vein of Robert E. Howard's Conan, with a pinch of Jim Theis' incomparable The Eye of Argon. It takes place in a forgotten era known as the Hyperbolic Age, when the Earth was plagued with wicked sorcerers, distressed damsels, strange monstrosities and even stranger hedge sculptures. Also, there are dick jokes. The story's called (deep breath here) Vengar the Barbarian in... The King, His Son, Their Sorcerer and His Lover, and it's available over Amazon's Kindle service and through Smashwords.

As far as plugging products is concerned, I regret that I don't have any wand-shaped DS styli or ill-fitting t-shirts to ship along with this missive. Instead, I've included a link to a free download of the story itself, and I can only hope it fills some otherwise unoccupied sliver of your time with a wry smirk and a belly laugh or two. While I'd love to claim I'm giving it to you free because you're so darned special, the truth is I'm handing out free copies like a Hari Krishna hopped up on crystal meth. Each is distributed under a Creative Commons license, just as all future Oktopod releases will be, and they should soon be available on P2P networks everywhere.

Well, there you have it. I can only imagine that you receive several hundred emails just like this each week, and so I offer my final apology of the morning for subjecting you to yet one more. I'd ask for a shout out, but I understand how slim the chances are of such a thing happening... I mean, you are slightly more influential than the president and all. I'm sure you know how difficult it is starting out, though, and I suspect you understand why I had to try.

I may, however, be interested in purchasing some ad space in the future, and I understand that you and Mr. Krahulik only sell space for products you personally endorse. If this is a possibility, I'd love to hear from you... hell, I'd just generally love to hear from you anyway.

Download Links:
http://sites.google.com/site/spectre7/Home/Vengar01.pdf?d=1 -- PDF version
http://sites.google.com/site/spectre7/Home/Vengar01-ReleasePackage.zip -- Archive includes most common ebook formats, and anything else a boy could wish for.

I hope you enjoy it... or failing that, at least hate it passionately.

Tweeted 10char

Appreciated!

This is a fantastic idea. Hit up gamer podcasts, computer podcasts, anywhere they'll dig your idea and writing, and send the link and Vengar.

Being hilarious won't hurt, and you're hilarious. Don't be too straight-laced.

Have any particular podcasts in mind? I have this problem that I don't actually listen to any, so I wouldn't even know where to begin.

So, the floor's open, CoG. Suggestions? Where do you think I can get some traction?

Also, for anyone who wants new and innovative ways to raise me money, I posted a guide to help with precisely that. Take a look, and start mugging people today! (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts/25219)

[Scull]

Hey, I know Gabe and Tycho, and even my e-mails go ignored, so don't feel too bad. They get a ton of mail, and I don't think they manage to get through it all.

[Spectre-7]

I threw down.... so explain in detail what the mega carwash pack has in store for me?


1 signed copy of the Special Edition with collector's cover
A call out in the Thank You section at the start of the book
A 1GB USB thumbdrive containing: all of the original art source files (Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator), a collection of variant covers and their source files, all of the behind-the-scenes notes and diagrams that I used while writing, and a collection of Free/Open Source Software including Blender, Inkscape, and my beloved Notepad2
If the earlier parts of this thread are to be believed, I think I may have to sleep with you. :(


And when is the book due cause I may or may not be at my current residence by then. I'll either be in South Carolina; cut off from the rest of the world for a few months or in Kentucky; not so cut off from the world but learning out how fix big tanks.

Headed out for AIT?

The book will be out at the end of September, a few weeks after the Kickstarter project wraps. I'm supposed to solicit mailing addresses at the end, but if you're not going to be available, we can find some other way to get your goodies mailed out to you.

And a huge fucking thanks. I really appreciate it, man. :D

Hey, I know Gabe and Tycho, and even my e-mails go ignored, so don't feel too bad. They get a ton of mail, and I don't think they manage to get through it all.

Don't get me wrong; I didn't take it personally. I figured he's constantly slammed with email, and I knew it was a long-shot going in. :)

[MrBibbz]

If the earlier parts of this thread are to be believed, I think I may have to sleep with you.

Just name a character after me in to your next story like someone mentioned earlier?


Headed out for AIT?

The book will be out at the end of September, a few weeks after the Kickstarter project wraps. I'm supposed to solicit mailing addresses at the end, but if you're not going to be available, we can find some other way to get your goodies mailed out to you.

And a huge fucking thanks. I really appreciate it, man. :D



Actually Basic in SC then AIT in Kentucky but if it's that soon then I might still be home, I ship in October. Also just bought your first book, haven't read it yet but I look forward to it. Hopefully I'll kick some backing your way soon.

Also keep me in the loop for future projects :D with uncle sam paying me a salary I might be able to do more once I'm settled.

[Spectre-7]

Actually Basic in SC then AIT in Kentucky but if it's that soon then I might still be home, I ship in October. Also just bought your first book, haven't read it yet but I look forward to it. Hopefully I'll kick some backing your way soon.

Also keep me in the loop for future projects :D with uncle sam paying me a salary I might be able to do more once I'm settled.

Is that Fort Jackson? I wish ya the best of luck, and hope it works out for you. In a previous life, I washed out of BCT at Fort Benning. Turns out the Army lifestyle wasn't quite right for me, but it's still a vivid memory and a very weird part of my past.

I'll definitely keep you updated, and I really hope you like what you get. You've certainly paid handsomely for it. Oh, and the character naming is a special prize for the highest pledger (which you're currently tied for), but if someone ends up beating you, I think I can still find a place to work you in.

PS - Enjoy the CS gas. I know I did. :)

[MrBibbz]

Is that Fort Jackson? I wish ya the best of luck, and hope it works out for you. In a previous life, I washed out of BCT at Fort Benning. Turns out the Army lifestyle wasn't quite right for me, but it's still a vivid memory and a very weird part of my past.

I'll definitely keep you updated, and I really hope you like what you get. You've certainly paid handsomely for it. Oh, and the character naming is a special prize for the highest pledger (which you're currently tied for), but if someone ends up beating you, I think I can still find a place to work you in.

PS - Enjoy the CS gas. I know I did. :)

Aye, Fort Relaxin Jackson SC. And I probably would wash out at Fort Benning as well, being the home of the Infantry and all.
I look forward to the story and from what I've perused of Vengar I have no doubt I will like your new book.

mmm.... CS gas...

[Spectre-7]

Aye, Fort Relaxin Jackson SC. And I probably would wash out at Fort Benning as well, being the home of the Infantry and all.

Yeah, we were something like the third group there who weren't infantry, too. It was an interesting time.

[Shrinn]

At the very least hit up IGC. I'm sure they have a lot of listeners that don't go to the site.

[Spectre-7]

At the very least hit up IGC. I'm sure they have a lot of listeners that don't go to the site.

*self facepalm*

Yep. I shoulda thought of that.

[roboninja]

Just a little bumpity-bump-bump ;)

[Generation ABXY]

Also, for anyone who wants new and innovative ways to raise me money, I posted a guide to help with precisely that. Take a look, and start mugging people today! (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts/25219)

Heh, I got a real kick out of #6, I must say. :D

Oh, and nice Basil King quote.

[Spectre-7]

Just a little bumpity-bump-bump ;)

Heh... Thanks for the bumpage. This makes a fine example of why I usually don't worry too much about weekends, though. There just isn't any traffic to speak of. Now Mondays... Mondays are a different matter altogether. :)

Heh, I got a real kick out of #6, I must say. :D

Oh, and nice Basil King quote.

Worth a few laughs, I hope. :)

As for the quote, I heard it the other day while listening to Almost Famous in the background, and it just seemed terribly apropos. There's a similar Paulo Coelho quote I may toss up for some variety, assuming I can find it again.

[diablopath]

Actually Basic in SC then AIT in Kentucky but if it's that soon then I might still be home, I ship in October. Also just bought your first book, haven't read it yet but I look forward to it. Hopefully I'll kick some backing your way soon.

Also keep me in the loop for future projects :D with uncle sam paying me a salary I might be able to do more once I'm settled.

If you're around when I'm not busy, we can buy each other some beers.

@Spec: I plan on contributing, but not until I get my check.
That's right, I'm sharing some tax money with you, my friend.

[Pale Ale]

Now that... that's a helluva an idea. Can I steal that? ;)

Considering I was thinking of only a mild hyperbole of Dick, I don;t think it can be considered stealing! :p

Also was there a front page vote you did not win? Seams for more relevant that Bobby Kotick farted extra hard this week.

[Shrinn]

Good news (everyone!), I've come into some money, I might be able to throw some your way in a week.

Maybe there are some book/novel podcasts you can get at? That'd go past the nerd barrier and directly to people who actually read.

[Spectre-7]

@Spec: I plan on contributing, but not until I get my check.
That's right, I'm sharing some tax money with you, my friend.

Just so long as it doesn't smell like the IRS. You'd be surprised how long it takes to get the reek of ham-on-whitebread, stale coffee and starched shirts out of a place. ;)

Considering I was thinking of only a mild hyperbole of Dick, I don;t think it can be considered stealing! :p

Also was there a front page vote you did not win? Seams for more relevant that Bobby Kotick farted extra hard this week.

Ya know, I haven't approached the founders at all, and in retrospect, I should've at least asked for their blessing before starting the thread. Certainly would've been more polite. As for the front page, it's a nice thought but it seems like that might stretch my welcome a bit. I'm trying not to hit the why-won't-this-guy-shut-up-and-get-out-of-my-face-already level.

Good news (everyone!), I've come into some money, I might be able to throw some your way in a week.

Maybe there are some book/novel podcasts you can get at? That'd go past the nerd barrier and directly to people who actually read.

Come into some money? Now I've got this image of you inheriting a fortune and packing up for the Hamptons.

The book podcast thing sounds like a good idea. I'll have to take a look around for 'em.

[Generation ABXY]

Come into some money? Now I've got this image of you inheriting a fortune and packing up for the Hamptons.

Bah! We all know how he really did it.

So... what exactly does a greed demon look like, Shrinn, and - more importantly - where did you find thirteen virgins in New Jersey? ;)

[Shrinn]

My greed demon looked like a change jar with a surprising $75 in it.

13 virgins was the challenging part... but I can't reveal my secrets.

[Spectre-7]

My greed demon looked like a change jar with a surprising $75 in it.

Damn, that really is surprising. You must've been providing some awesome service.

13 virgins was the challenging part... but I can't reveal my secrets.

Is your secret leaving New Jersey? ;)

[Stoke]

I have no monies and no contacts, so I don't have a lot to offer. However, if you haven't already I suggest you try to drum up some interest over at SFFWorld (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/). They have a writing section for aspiring authors and if nothing else you know that everyone over there likes to read.

Good luck!

[Spectre-7]

Thanks for the suggestion, Stoke. Unfortunately, forums are sort of a minefield for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that they tend to be strongly committed to their sense of community. Most view newcomers (especially ones who show up advertising something) with suspicion and disdain.

For example, if I weren't a regular poster here and just showed up one day with this thread, I doubt anyone would've even bothered to reply. If they did, it would probably be to ask who the hell I am or to tell me to get lost.

I took a glance over there, and they also happen to be quite explicit about this:
Posting advertisements at SFFWorld is not something we allow in the Forums. Members who sign up to SFFWorld to do nothing else than advertise their own products/sites/blogs etc will have their threads removed and membership removed. This may be without warning. Multiple threads of such a type will automatically lead to the membership being revoked and posts removed.

So, as a pretty general rule, I try not to look at forums as an advertising opportunity. If you're earnestly interested in becoming part of the community, you can find some wonderful support there, but it takes time and effort, and people tend to see through fakers quickly.

I learned this the hard way.

And as far as forums go, I've already got mine. :)

[Zagrash]

I had a chance to finish Vengar today, and just wanted to say that it was excellent. I can't wait to read more of your stuff! Also, bump!

[Spectre-7]

Thank you so much! It's been a sorta crummy day, and that just made it loads better. :D

[Spectre-7]

New update today with a full chapter from the book. (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts/26543) This excerpt is a bit more low-key and character focused than the last, complete with a dash of nudity and making out.

It's also been a full week now since the last pledge, and I'm running into some bad luck trying to raise awareness. Nothing quite like getting the silent treatment from small sites run by friends of the family to kick your spirits in the junk (yeesh). Gotta just keep at it, though.

Darkwing Duck emerges once again, singed but triumphant.

[johnperkins21]

I don't have much cash right now since I'm planning a trip to the Big Easy next week, but I pledged a bit.

[Spectre-7]

Thank you! I really appreciate it, John! Hope you have a great time out in n'awlins. I've always wanted to visit, but haven't made it out that way just yet.

[Spectre-7]

Poppin' in to repost my new press release. The final blurb (for the back-cover and whatever else) will look astonishingly similar.

Pre-Release Announcement:

Chris J. Randolph (http://www.amazon.com/Chris-J.-Randolph/e/B003UEKA8U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1) and Oktopod Digital Press (http://oktopods.wordpress.com) are proud to announce their first full-length novel, a brave new science-fiction epic called Stars Rain Down, which is set to be released at the end of September.

In the near future, Earth comes under attack by a mysterious coalition of alien races, and our civilization is dashed apart in the blink of an eye. The few scattered survivors are forced to wage a desperate terrorist war against the invaders, living like rats and striking from the shadows, but a series of shocking revelations will turn the entire conflict on its head.

Stars Rain Down is an action packed and startling chronicle of a future war, in which the value of our ideals and the dangers of retaliation are tested. Sometimes vicious and other times darkly funny, the story is ultimately about courage, convictions in the face of impossible odds, and the horrors of modern warfare.

Three years in the making, Stars Rain Down is now finally nearing release. As with all Oktopod titles, Stars Rain Down will be available from a variety of ebook stores (including Amazon Kindle and Smashwords), and will also be available as a free, Creative Commons licensed download. You can sample a few chapters of Stars Rain Down and find out how to help us launch the novel at the Stars Rain Down Kickstarter project page. (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down)

Oktopod Digital Press (http://oktopods.wordpress.com) is an author-run independent publisher that’s deeply committed to digital distribution. Our goal first and foremost is to bring you excellent writing—the sort that touches your heart and tickles your brain—but we’re also so much more. Oktopod is a vision for the future of publishing, and we want you to be involved.

Chris J. Randolph (http://www.amazon.com/Chris-J.-Randolph/e/B003UEKA8U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1) is a writer, futurist and possible killer robot originally from Redwood City, CA. When not talking about himself in the third person, he’s usually writing about fictional people who pilot spaceships, fight dinosaurs and seduce green women… and somewhat less often about green women who pilot dinosaurs, fight people and seduce spaceships.

His other interests include linguistics, cooking, video games and digital publishing advocacy. He’s the proud recipient of several literary awards he made up himself, and he currently resides in Rocklin, CA, with a family who somehow puts up with his shenanigans. He hopes to someday own his own tropical dictatorship.

[Crittias]

Poppin' in to repost my new press release. The final blurb (for the back-cover and whatever else) will look astonishingly similar.I think I'd change "terrorist" to "guerilla." Other than that nitpicking detail, I very much like the description, and it's definitely a book I'd be interested in reading.

[Spectre-7]

I think I'd change "terrorist" to "guerilla."

I understand the impulse, but that would conceal the truth. These characters aren't conducting raids against military targets. They begin a campaign against a civilian population, and some central themes of the book are the kind of desperation that would drive a person to such extremes, and whether terrorist actions are ever truly justified.

What can I say? I'm trying not to pussy-foot around about the subject anymore. Terrorism is a hot-button word and maybe I'm openly courting controversy, but it's right at the core of the story.

[Crittias]

What can I say? I'm trying not to pussy-foot around about the subject anymore. Terrorism is a hot-button word and maybe I'm openly courting controversy, but it's right at the core of the story.I wasn't trying to dodge a hot-button word, I was assuming your story involved guerilla warfare and not attacks against the general populace in order to cause fear and mayhem. If that's not the case, clearly your choice of words is more accurate than mine.

[Spectre-7]

Apologies if my post came off as unduly aggressive and argumentative. I wasn't accusing you of dodging a hot-button word (or at least, that wasn't my intent), and the "pussy-footing" remark wasn't about your suggestion, but rather in reference to the way I've been advertising the story so far.

I was just trying to explain the choice of words, which was very, very much intentional. Sorry if it seemed otherwise.

[Crittias]

Apologies if my post came off as unduly aggressive and argumentative.No worries, I didn't think that at all.

P.S. I still miss my treasured dime...

[Zagrash]

This may have been listed somewhere else, and by looking around I could probably find the answer, but this serves the dual purpose of bumping this thread, which deserves more attention...

when is the book actually getting released? I am definitely looking forward to reading it.

[Spectre-7]

This may have been listed somewhere else, and by looking around I could probably find the answer, but this serves the dual purpose of bumping this thread, which deserves more attention...

when is the book actually getting released? I am definitely looking forward to reading it.

Actually, I haven't formally announced a date yet, and there's still a little bit of wiggle room. This is partially because of things that depend on the Kickstarter project (the existence of a print version hinges on it) which wraps up on the 8th, and other variables such as the slightly unpredictable nature of Amazon's digital text platform.

All that being said, I'm ideally looking to release on Monday, September 20th.

And thanks for the bump, Zagrash. :)

[Zagrash]

Actually, I haven't formally announced a date yet, and there's still a little bit of wiggle room. This is partially because of things that depend on the Kickstarter project (the existence of a print version hinges on it) which wraps up on the 8th, and other variables such as the slightly unpredictable nature of Amazon's digital text platform.

All that being said, I'm ideally looking to release on Monday, September 20th.

And thanks for the bump, Zagrash. :)

anytime!

and that's a pretty good date (my anniversary, actually)! I really hope you're able to meet your goal.

[Hawkzombie]

So what happens if you DON'T get the money? Will you still release on time?

[Spectre-7]

So what happens if you DON'T get the money? Will you still release on time?

Good question. If the project fails (and I should note, that if is looking increasingly like when), I plan on having myself a good old-fashioned Peter O'Toole style bender, complete with comic misadventures I'll surely never remember. Once I sober up and find my way back home from whatever foreign land I wake up in, I'll release the ebook.

So, yeah... the plan is to release on the 20th, one way or another.

[Doctor Setebos]

Maybe you should start a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a campaign to get your Kickstarter campaign moving. ;)

[Hawkzombie]

Maybe you should start a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a campaign to get your Kickstarter campaign moving. ;)

I'd give 5 bucks :p

I was going to give money, actually, but the moving has hit me harder than I thought. Still, when the e-book is released I'll be in better financial order and be able to afford it!

[Spectre-7]

Maybe you should start a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a campaign to get your Kickstarter campaign moving. ;)

I was thinking more along the lines of a Kickstarter campaign to buy me a steel drum full of hooch the day after the other Kickstarter campaign closes, but your idea's none too shabby. Shades of turtles turtles turtles, all the way down.

I'd give 5 bucks :p

I was going to give money, actually, but the moving has hit me harder than I thought. Still, when the e-book is released I'll be in better financial order and be able to afford it!

Hey, no worries. Times are tough for everyone, and if you want to save a buck or three, the book will be available free of charge day-and-date with the other versions.

[Hawkzombie]

I was thinking more along the lines of a Kickstarter campaign to buy me a steel drum full of hooch the day after the other Kickstarter campaign closes, but your idea's none too shabby. Shades of turtles turtles turtles, all the way down.



Hey, no worries. Times are tough for everyone, and if you want to save a buck or three, the book will be available free of charge day-and-date with the other versions.

I'd love free, but I actually want to support you :p...so I'm gonna actually BUY a copy. lol

[Spectre-7]

I'd love free, but I actually want to support you :p...so I'm gonna actually BUY a copy. lol

That's simply awesome, and I really appreciate it. Just wanted to make sure you knew you could get it otherwise, since my biggest goal right now is just building readership. If you end up having to decide between my book and a delicious cup of coffee, you can actually have both. :)

[Zagrash]

That's simply awesome, and I really appreciate it. Just wanted to make sure you knew you could get it otherwise, since my biggest goal right now is just building readership. If you end up having to decide between my book and a delicious cup of coffee, you can actually have both. :)

I don't drink coffee, so I guess I'll just have to buy your book...either way, I'm looking forward to reading it. If I hadn't just dropped a WHOLE lot of money on property tax, bills, and whatnot, I'd probably have pledged more, but I'll definitely pick up the book as soon as it's available.

[Hawkzombie]

What about a delicious cup of book?

BAM! I just named your next masterpiece.

[Spectre-7]

I don't drink coffee...

I'm not sure you and I are the same species. :confused:

What about a delicious cup of book?

BAM! I just named your next masterpiece.

Reminds me of a movie I kept trying to make in high school called A Bowl Full of Kung-Fu. It was going to be about Chinese restaurants going to war with one another, and it would've been fabulously terrible.

[Shrinn]

Reminds me of a movie I kept trying to make in high school called A Bowl Full of Kung-Fu. It was going to be about Chinese restaurants going to war with one another, and it would've been fabulously terrible.

I'd kickstart it.

[MagGnome]

I don't drink coffee either, but I did just link your project on Facebook. I hope it helps, even though I'm rather late to the party.

[Spectre-7]

I'd kickstart it.

Great, at least I know what to pitch next. ;)

I don't drink coffee either, but I did just link your project on Facebook. I hope it helps, even though I'm rather late to the party.

Truly appreciated, my magnanimous friend. Better late than never.

[Spectre-7]

Posted an update today: the gripping history of how Stars Rain Down came to be. (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts/27823) The story's so fucking exciting that I screamed over and over again while writing it, and once I finished editing, I collapsed into a quivering, jelly-like puddle on the floor.

I'm probably lying. I can't even tell anymore.

[Hawkzombie]

Do you live in a van down by the river?

[Spectre-7]

Used to, until the van was towed away. *sob, sob*

[Spectre-7]

Big update today! I've posted a new video with my smiling, awkward mug addressing the camera. If you've ever wondered what I look like, now's the time to find out.

There are now only 7 days left in the project, and I'm at ~14% pledged. If you're terrible at math, that pretty much means I'm screwed. However, I've issued a new challenge. If the pledge count reaches $1,000, I will dance like a monkey on camera. Awesome deal, right?

So, let's make it happen. Help me humiliate myself on video. We can do it. :D

Click here to see embarrassing new video! (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down)

[Generation ABXY]

Heh, love the commentary, man! :D

On a side note, I used to think you looked like the guy from Clerks... that joke in the Colonizers thread seemed spot-on, to me.

[Spectre-7]

Heh, love the commentary, man! :D

On a side note, I used to think you looked like the guy from Clerks... that joke in the Colonizers thread seemed spot-on, to me.

Wait, wait, wait... you no longer think I look like Dante? I mean, sometimes I catch my reflection in a window and expect the guy to tell me he's not even supposed to be here today. ;)

[Doctor Setebos]

Who is this mysterious co-conspirator you mention, and why hasn't he shown his face?

I just tweeted and Facebooked your video. Not sure how much that might help, but at the moment, it's the best I can do. Wish I had thought to do something like that earlier in your campaign.

[Spectre-7]

Who is this mysterious co-conspirator you mention, and why hasn't he shown his face?

I don't want to be too mysterious, so let's just call him Mr. X. He hasn't shown his face yet because I can never seem to find him after I take my pills. *scratches head*

I just tweeted and Facebooked your video. Not sure how much that might help, but at the moment, it's the best I can do. Wish I had thought to do something like that earlier in your campaign.

Hey, it's more than you had to do, and I really appreciate it. And if it makes you feel any better, I did think of that but it doesn't seem to have helped much. :)

[Spectre-7]

Just posted the last substantial update, (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts) including some reflections on the past 30-some-odd days and a final excerpt from the novel. Despite there being more than a day left, this thing is dead.

Thanks again to everyone here who helped spread the word, or even just stopped by to share a little encouragement. When I'm eventually made God-Emperor, you and those you love shall be spared, and forced to build pyramids no more than 60 hours a week.

[MagGnome]

I'm really sorry you didn't make your money. :(

I wish you the best, seriously!

[Zagrash]

I'll still definitely buy the ebook, for what that's worth!

[Vandabo]

Sorry the project didn't really pay off for you man, but I'll be getting it on Kindle. I'll even review it. Hope you can still get some exposure that way.

[Spectre-7]

Thanks fellas, and no worries... I probably woulda just spent the money on new hats anyway. ;)

And a review would most definitely be appreciated, Vandabo. Seems tags are also sort of important, so I may try and get something of tagging drive going on around these parts.

Looks like I've got about two weeks to come up with a new marketing plan... so far, my ideas include shouting in the streets and streaking sporting events with the title written on my back. I may need to go back to the drawing board.

[civil]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that Spectre. I feel bad because I forgot to pledge, but I know my pledge wouldn't have been anywhere near $2.5K. Closer to $.025K, sadly.

But keep on keeping on.

[Pale Ale]

Just posted the last substantial update, (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectre7/chris-novel-aspirations-stars-rain-down/posts) including some reflections on the past 30-some-odd days and a final excerpt from the novel. Despite there being more than a day left, this thing is dead.

Thanks again to everyone here who helped spread the word, or even just stopped by to share a little encouragement. When I'm eventually made God-Emperor, you and those you love shall be spared, and forced to build pyramids no more than 60 hours a week.

1.I would have rather stolen the book and given you ten dollars through PayPal.
2. I think haveing to gather something like a hundred and 30 bucks a day may have been too much.
3. I'm glad I'll have a day off in supplication to you!

[Hawkzombie]

Who sets the amount needed anyway? It seemed a bit high to me to begin with, and they didn't seem to (as Pale Ale pointed out) give enough time.

[Spectre-7]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that Spectre. I feel bad because I forgot to pledge, but I know my pledge wouldn't have been anywhere near $2.5K. Closer to $.025K, sadly.

But keep on keeping on.

Can I just pretend your pledge would've brought me over the top? It feels so much better having someone to blame. ;)

Who sets the amount needed anyway? It seemed a bit high to me to begin with, and they didn't seem to (as Pale Ale pointed out) give enough time.

I set the amount and the time limit, and neither was out of the ordinary... and honestly, this could've run for another 3 months and the results would look the same.

[Hawkzombie]

Lies...LIES!!!!

In 8 months I would have saved up enough :p

[muddi900]

I wish I still had that American account. Or even a local credit card. Those 25 bucks have been totally worth it. :D

Yeah, sorry to hear your project didn't go forward.

[Spectre-7]

I wish I still had that American account. Or even a local credit card. Those 25 bucks have been totally worth it. :D

Wanna know the best part? A friend and his wife had originally pledged 25 bucks, and while talking to them at a barbecue this weekend, they decided to cover the last stretch just to see me dance.

He didn't do his math quite right, though. It needed another $430 at the time, but instead of raising his pledge by $430, he raised it to $430... leaving it $25 short of the mark. :D

Yeah, sorry to hear your project didn't go forward.

Thanks. I'm a little disappointed, but it was still a net positive. It got me promoting a little more aggressively, helped me identify some roadblocks, and I lost nothing but time in the process.

And, in other news:
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