Welcome to Booktopia 2024! š a literary extravaganza of creativity and collaboration from a diverse group of writers and artists collectively running book crowdfunding projects from September 5th toSeptember 26th.
The more Booktopia projects you back, the more limited FREEBIES you will earn āØĀ
āļø 2 FREE Cross Collaborative Freebies for every Cross Collab Project Pair you support!
š 1 FREE Limited Edition Booktopia 2024 reward if you back FIVE [5] or more projects at a reward tier*
*Only pledges to physical reward tiers or main digital offerings qualify towards earning these FREEBIES. Please refer to individual campaigns for unlock requirements.Ā
Stay updated on Booktopia 2024
Get news and updates to your inbox
Join the fun - Back Booktopia 2024 projects to qualify for
free rewards!
A quick update today. The story is moving along, albeit, slowly at the moment. I've had a few health problems the last couple of weeks, which has hampered my progress, but hopefully things are starting to pick back up now.
As long as the characters behave themselves, I should still be on track to finish early in the new year. Once the book is finished, it'll spend some time in editing before being sent to Beta readers. After I've received the feedback from the Beta team, I'll do some final tweaks and formatting and then it'll be sent off for printing.
I don't have a timeline for production and shipping just yet, but I'll post an update as soon as I have that information.
Just a reminder that I will be locking surveys at the end of December. I'm still waiting on a few people to fill in their surveys, so if you haven't filled yours in yet, please do so by the end of this month.
Look what arrived today! A box full of Midnight Blade MC enamel pin badges š The skull is black, but it comes with a little surprise that makes it appear lighter in some angles/lights. I'm not going to give away the surprise, but I think you'll love it as much as I do!
This box is full to bursting!
I'm in love with these pins š
Surveys won't be locked until at least the end of December, so there's still time to add one of the MC enamel pins to your rewards pack. I'll post an update and send out an email before locking the surveys. After that time, you'll no longer be able to adjust your survey because I'll need the final numbers to order the books and the rest of the rewards.
There are still a few outstanding surveys, so if you haven't filled it in yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Once the surveys have been locked and I have all of the books/rewards, I'll be able to work out and add shipping costs before charging cards (this will be next year closer to fulfillment). Then it'll be time to lock shipping addresses and begin fulfillment. I'll post updates and send emails before each stage in the process, giving you plenty of notice before locking/charging/fulfillment begins.
Thank you for going on this journey with me ā¤ļø I can't wait for you to receive your books and rewards! š
Much love and happy reading Georgina x
P.s. Digital rewards will be sent when physical fulfillment is ready to begin.
I had planned on posting this update on Sunday after Mr K and I returned from Shrewsbury, but I was exhausted and in pain from traveling, so I took the night off. The trip was well worth the pain, though. I had an amazing time in Shrewsbury Prison for the Author's Behind Bars signing event! I got to meet and chat with so many wonderful readers as well as spend time with my fellow authors. And the prison setting was just epic! Unfortunately, I didn't get my own cell because there was a problem with the lights (I'm convinced a ghost was behind the problems), but I had a great time sharing the prisoner kitchen with Jade West's PA's (unfortunately Jade couldn't be there) and author Tracy Jukes.
Right, that's enough signing event talk. Now it's time for the update. The poll has ended for the colour of the skull and there was a clear winner. The black skull received 100% of the votes š„³ I must admit, I do love this design exactly as it is š Ā
Midnight Blade MC Enamel Pin
I've already placed the order and production has begun on the Midnight Blade MC pin, but the good news doesn't end there. My collab partner, Cara, has received both parts of the collab pin badges and she's sent me some pictures! Cara will be sending my pins over to me soon š
White Pearl Wolf
Red Glitter Bats
I have received some more goodies! The Booktopia Oracle Cards arrived while I was in Shrewsbury and they are lush š I can't wait to see the complete pack together with the box!
Booktopia Oracle Cards
One more thing before I go. Now that I'm back from Author's Behind Bars, I can finally make a start on Ruthless Wolves. I only have the last couple of chapters to hash out, but I'm sure they will come to me as I begin to write (the story will probably change slightly by then as well š ). The first draft begins tomorrow š
I have some exciting news to share! The first book in the Midnight Blade MC series, Savage Wolves, has now been released into the wild, which means my attention has turned to Ruthless Wolves. I've almost finished with the rough outline, which should be done by the end of next week, so I plan on starting the first draft once I'm back from the Author's Behind Bars signing event next weekend (Nov 9th). I have a lot of prep work to get done between now and the signing, so I won't be able to make a start beforehand.
I have a couple of updates about the other rewards. I have most of the postcards and Storyteller's Oracle Cards already, but the good news is, the Booktopia Oracle Cards are now on their way to me as well. I've also been working with my collab partner, Cara, on the pin badges. We want both halves to fit together perfectly, like in the pictures we've shared, so we decided to order both parts together as one order. Both Cara and the manufacturer are based in the USA, so to save on shipping costs and time, the cross collab pins badges will be sent to Cara and then she'll forward mine to me. They've already been sent to production and will hopefully be shipped to Cara soon. Once she's confirmed they're on the way to me, I will post an update.
I've also been in talks with another manufacturer about the Midnight Blade MC logo pin badge. After a little back and forth about the colour of the skull, the manu have sent me these two mock-ups. I love both versions, but alas, there can only be one. I can't decided between the two, so I need your help. Which one do you prefer? Black Skull or White Skull? Vote for your favourite on the attached poll by Sunday 10th November š
Much love and happy reading Georgina x
P.s. I'm going to start numbering these updates so it's easier to keep track of what information is in which update.
If you love enamel pin badges, then you won't want to miss Pintopia in January 2025
Or more like, letters from the future. I hope you all enjoyed the in character updates during the campaign! WE FUNDED!!! And hit some stretch / community goals to boot. Iām working with BackerKit to figure out how to send the survey to get your rewards, which is much more involved and confusing than I first imagined. So sorry that is taking so long to send. Also, my partner Shiloh will be sending out the cross collab reward on my behalf so donāt worry when itās not in your package! More updates soon, including a date for a livestream! And since the carnies won the trivia challenge, Iāll have something special for you all soon as well.
We are almost at the very end of the campaign which is just crazy to me!
I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the current backers and welcome the new ones coming in!
Your help is making this novel a reality and Iām so excited to grow Akeroth alongside you!
Mana Dragon by WynterCreates
We are less than 70 people away from unlocking the Novella and less than Ā£3000 away from getting a full soundtrack made!
If youāre still on the fence then your support before this campaign ends would unlock both of these rewards for everyone. So we can all enjoy these creations together!
Remember that if you want to upgrade your pledge you can do so very easily by heading to āmanage your pledgeā.
I am blown away! I truly am! Thank you so much! I am humbled by your love and support. Thank you to all those who have shared on social media or have told your friends! Keep sharing. It makes a huge difference!
With just 30 hours or so away from our finishing line, we have just a few hundred dollars left to unlock all the digital goodies! WE CAN DO IT!
Don't forget about my amazing collab partner! I had a lovely chat with her last Saturday and we have so much in common. She also loves Japanese anime. If you haven't had a chance to check out her project, I highly recommend hopping over there. She is also fully funded. I was impressed with her story when we talked during our streaming event. And she just seems like an amazing person.Ā PLUS if you back both projects at a physical tier, you get six oracle cards delivered with your goodies. Thanks for taking part in Booktopia! It's been so much fun!
Once we reach $3000, we will upgrade both maps and include a digital download for an arrangement of a song and get digital downloads for coloring pages!
Goal: $3,000 reached! ā We did it! This project reached this goal!
I hope all is well. I'm sending out updates and getting ready to fulfill everyone's pledges, but there's just something I have to know:Ā
For those who haven't pledged yet, what's stopping you?Ā
I'd love to include you in my decision-making process, but the only way I can do that is if you respond to my polls and discussions. So, be honest with me.Ā
In fact, make it as brutal as it needs to be, because I value your opinion and I'm hoping to build a long-term community.Ā
So, drop a comment telling me what I can do better, or if there's something I need to explain better, or just to vent. Whatever it is, let me know in the comments, and I'll do my best to offer you the reward you deserve.Ā
Time is of the essence, matron, so Iāll make this message quick! Your gold was safely delivered via portal, giving me the resources to survive in Crownhill. For that, I am most grateful.
I will host a magic lesson, as you commanded, once I am home. And yes, yes, I give you permission to record it too.
Iāve been in touch with a fellow traveler, Shiloh Walker, who will share her most popular assassin manual with our coven and any new recruits before Iām scheduled to return home five days from now! *** (Current backers and backers within the final week will get a FREE eBook). It is always a pleasure to support other Sisters of the Sword.
Mark my words, matron, Jacob Mosley will be in his grave before midnight strikes and this ghost town will be freed.
For now, I lie in wait for the opportune hour one week from today. Until then, wait for me.
And it's a game where nobody loses...unless you just don't play.
There will be a series of questions and as long as you participate in 80% of the questions, you'll get a prize, a little symbol of Ivy's heritage, to be mailed out with your rewards when it's time.
The questions will be posted in the polls...but be warned. As the poll progressed, people might figure out Ivy's secret.
If you don't want to have the secret spoiled...well, I guess you shouldn't play. However, there are layers to her secrets. Like ogres and onions. Cakes and parfaits. Yes, that's a Shrek reference. And some of that secret, you will never guess without reading the story.
Now...pick your team!
FYI, team names don't indicate *anything* at this point other than that's just the name you like, although, you willĀ see this list again.
A week in the White City, but Iām no closer to rescuing Nicolette. Thankfully, Wolfgang and his men were able to secure some extra firepower for me before I enter the vampireās blood den. But if I can get moreā¦ maybe Websterās head can be skewered on a pike sooner rather than later.
+4 Comic Pages ($2,000) LOCKED š
Merch Upgrade ($3,000) LOCKED š
In the meantime, Ms. Button has brought me my targetās suitcase. Itās filled with some ratherā¦ peculiar items, and many volumes of literature. Some more entertaining than others. Most with a hint of romance, and all featuring their fair share of action and adventure.
Iāve thumbed through them for clues, and must say Ryanās spectacular tale of time traveling to the Middle Ages kept me entertained. Brownās grotesque horror was almost as thrilling as slaying real monsters, and a much safer thrill.
The final item in the suitcase was the most baffling of them all. A metallic feather šŖ¶ bookmark left at the scene of the crime. A distraction or a clue? I would think it belonged to Nicolette, but Button doesnāt recognize it. Her whole disappearance is a mystery yet to be unraveled. For now, Iāll keep the bookmark and all her possessions handy, and have a werewolf track her scent.
(Backers OR followers who answer all the polls correctly between now and the end of the campaign will enter a raffle to win a metallic feather bookmark created by my collab-partner! Are you Team Carnie or Automaton? The winning team at the end of the campaign will also get a secret special perk!)
After enjoying a few days with the Fae, Paddy learned that they are planning a special ceremony just for him.
By John Bauer - Illustration of Alfred Smedberg's The seven wishes in Julbocken, 1907, Public Domain
āThatās it, then?ā Paddy blurted, disgusted. What Alastar was suggesting was more than he wanted to deal with. āYou stole me away. Friended me. Trained me, promised me youād help my family and friends, and now you tell me there are strings attached?ā
āNot strings. Wings.ā
āOh, begging my pardon! Thatās what I meant. Wings.ā Paddy snickered and tossed a stone over the cliff. The pebble bounced against the boulders and disappeared. āSo, off Iāll fly and help you win your battle, and then what shall I do with my wings when I go home?ā
Alastar didnāt respond.
āWhat? I donāt go home?ā Paddy pried for an answer, but he didnāt get one. Were the Fae suggesting he would change from a human being into a faerie forever? Was that how they kidnapped children? By luring them into something wonderful and then asking them to give up who they were? His admiration for Alastar was diminishing.
The music had begun again, and Alastarās attention turned to the dancers. The female Fae had joined the soldiers in their jig, and there was much laughing and merriment. The meadow sparkled with joy. Paddy scooted against a lichen-covered rock. The celebration made him homesick. Everyone back home danced. All his friends, relatives, and neighbors would gather in the park, bring their favorite food and drink, and strike up a tune on their harps and uilleann pipes. Why, even this week a cĆØilidh was planned in Kilbritteny to raise funds for the Volunteers. He would miss the celebration if he stayed here. The money was going to be used to buy guns for the Volunteers.
Paddy moved restlessly. His duty was elsewhere, not with the Fae folk. This had all been a crazy mistake, and it was time to get away.
He hadnāt noticed that Alastar slipped away and joined the others. Nor was he aware when Periwinkle took the Fiannaās place. She surprised him when she interrupted his thoughts.
āToday was a good day, PĆ”draig,ā she said softly. āWe worked and played and loved one another. And now the sun leaves us in a symphony of color. What a beautiful sunset!ā
Paddy was still in his memories, still wishing he were home with his mother and father and Ailis, and with Michaelāhis older brother who had left for America after the Great War, and whom he missed terribly. He opened his eyes but failed to see the beauty she spoke of.
āItās not fair,ā he said.
āWhatās not fair?ā
āMe being here while my friends at home are fighting to survive. Dying.ā
āIām sorry your people are at war,ā Periwinkle said, though she didnāt sound sorry. āHumans are unkind to each other. The Fae cannot change their hearts.ā
āYouāre not a smidgeon better than they are, what with you robbing me away to fight your war when I should be home fighting mine.ā Paddy breathed deeply.
āGive this careful thought, PĆ”draig. What weāve given you is a far better choice than what you were facing. Should you return now, youāre a fugitive.ā
His body stiffened. All the options were laid out in front of him and none of them were choices he wanted. āItās my family I aspire to be with. Thatās all. I just want things to be right,ā he said.
Periwinkle took the hem of her robe and touched his eyes with the magic fabric. His worry left him instantly and strength returned to him. āDid Alastar explain your initiation?ā
āAbout wings? Yes. Thatās the problem.ā
āOnce you go through the ceremony, youāll be with us in whole,ā Periwinkle urged. āThen you will have no doubts.ā
The dancing had ceased, but many of the Fae folk lingered. Some gathered around him and Periwinkle and listened to their conversation. They seemed to be drawn to Paddyās sadness. They looked at him with sympathetic eyes.
āYou have a home with us, whatever you fancy,ā one Fianna said as he sat at Paddyās feet. āI was a lad just like you. Lived in Limerick. We were well-off for the most part, busy as any family in the city. My sisters were all older and had little time for me. I was hardly a speck of lint on the windowsill until the Fae came and took me away. Scared to grow wings I was, but I couldnāt help but wish to fly, seeing how free the Fianna were. I could never be happier than I am now. I would wager the same be for you.ā
āWhy would you want to go back?ā another boy wondered. āThereās no light in that world. Sunlight, but not the kind of light that lifts your spirits. Here we make our own light,ā he said.
āWeāre here for you, PĆ”draig,ā a little girl faerie said. Her wings fluttered gently as she sat on his knee. āI hope you choose to stay. You will never have to hide in the thorny bushes again.ā
āI like you being here, Paddy.ā Tommy came to his side.
Tommyāof all the people in this crazy world, Tommy should have understood why Paddy wanted to go home. He was Paddyās friend and knew his family. But Tommy was young and an orphan, and maybe he was put under a Fae spell of some sort, because he didnāt understand.
āYouāre my friend, Paddy. You made things right for me when I was alone. Iād like you to stay.ā
Paddy looked him in the eyes. It didnāt seem like this was the same Tommy at all.
āLetās let PĆ”draig have some time to think,ā Periwinkle said as she urged the Fae away. āThis is a big step for him.ā
Just then, a guard called out, interrupting the mood and startling everyone. āLady Periwinkle! Come quickly! Someone has disturbed the gateway!ā
Periwinkle turned her attention to the Fianna rushing toward her.
Iāve arrived. If Iāll survive is yet to be determined.Ā
Thankfully, my smugglers got what I needed just in time. But itās only enough to find my target, not carry out my secret missionāeradicating the vampires too far gone to be tamed, under the control of R. W. Webster and his demented carnies.
For that, Iāll have to go underground, and work my connections.
But Chicago isnāt too bad, I suppose, despite the roving werewolf gangs, blood-drunk vampire junkies, and other oddities on the streets.
And while I donāt trust little Ms. Button, the freakshowās leader, sheās been more helpful than I imagined sheād be.
Sheās small in stature, but has a big heart. Buttonās also a surprisingly talented artist, as well. Sheās provided a sketch of Nicolette that has proven very helpful.
Letās just hope I get to her before Roadkill kills her first.
By sunrise, I will arrive at Crownhill, ready to face the supernatural entity that resides there. The conductor of this ghostrail is an overly chatty fellow, but I donāt mind the living company much. Itās a welcome change from the chilly reception Iāve received from the living dead so far.
The Frontier remains more mystery than mapped, harsh and unforgiving. You and I both know the first forty-eight hours investigating a murder or disappearance is crucial. And, we are well aware that recruiting friends when facing demonic familiars is of equal importance.
So Iām sending you this letter in hopes that you can send reinforcements my way.
Finally, while I enjoyed the literature you placed in my suitcase, please reprimand Imperial Wizard Pierre swiftly! I know he was the last to possess that grimoire.
While thumbing through the historical document, vulgarities slipped from the pages and gave my fellow passengers quite a fright! I worried theyād meet their untimely ends a second time by the looks on their ghastly faces.
FREE for First 48 Hour Backers
FREE for Returning Kickstarter Backers
Time is short, and so I must end my musings. Until we meet again, Dear Matron, I endeavor to never allow the Department of Magic and Alchemy to be disgraced. Your faith in my abilities fills me with gratitudeĀ more than youāll ever know.
Hope you had a lovely December and new year. As noted, I waited till the new year to get things moving to me, and right now they are in talks to get the freight going. Once I have confirmation those are on the way, I'm ordering the copies of This Map is Just a Suggestion and Every Day in Love from my print on demand printer.
With how late it seems to be for them to ship the packages out, I expect I might not have them until the end of the month, or the first days of February. Sorry for the slowness, there's been some slow communications between my manufacturer and the freight agent who are the ones getting the books to me from China. But they're doing it now.
And yet, I'm still thinking about other books I want to write. But that's the Pub Gob life! I hope you're all well, and hope to have news of books arriving/heading out soon!
Inheriting a dilapidated mansion with a tattooed butler would throw anyone's world into a tither. Just think what it might do to an already dysfunctional vampire family.
The Kickstarter is launching at this very moment with some discounts for early birds, some tempting stretch goals, and prices that accommodate every pocketbook.
Aside from a fun novel whatās in the campaign?
Limited exclusive to Kickstarter hardcover edition signed and numbered according to pledge order.
Paperback and hardcovers are 6 X 9
289 pages
Illustrated chapter headings and other black and white illustrations.
All books are signed and shipped by the author
The 100 prints of Dusty the Chipmunk will be 5 X 7 hard stock, signed and numbered.
Bookmark with a possibility of upgrade to foil.
Printed in the USA
Audio book narrated by award winning narrator Brad Wills.
Some awesome stretch goals in the works including printed edges if we make them!
Thanks so much for your patience -- most of you should have your copies of Nuclear Strudel, but we're continuing to experience delays with new QM copies. Here's where we stand
US shipping of Nuclear Strudel Chapter 1, Oracle cards, and stickers: DONE
INT. shipping of Nuclear Strudel Chapter 1, etc.: DONE
US/ INT. shipping of Quantum Marmalade Chapters 1-4: (still) Delayed -- I got an incorrect delivery for the reprint of QM Chapter 3 and I've notified the printers; we're working through it
Although "Ghoul Friends" looks great, I figured it probably doesn't quite fit within the QM narrative lol. Anyway, hopefully I'll get the correct shipment within the next week.
Again, thanks so much for your patience -- always a new adventure with each crowdfunding campaign! Oh, and Happy New Year btw!
I just wanted to check in to say Hello and Happy 2025! I am almost done with this story and ready to send it over to the final editing process before loading and printing. Since they are being printed here in the US, I do not anticipate any delays.
I will also be sending the cross colab pins to those who backed both campaigns. You are going to love them!
Can you beleive Valentine's Day is 42 days away? Sheesh!Ā
We're so happy to have you here and want to pop in with a short update.
It's Tina here to give you an update.
The holiday season is over, but the holiday decorations are still up in the Glasneck household. We love the Christmas lights and I will keep them up until we start forgetting to turn them off. The longest they've ever remained was until April. LOL. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
LOL.
Now, on to updates from the writing desks.
Things continue to remain on track as we work in the background on our story and world for Curse of the Fallen Fairy. Here's a sketch of one of the cards. Isn't it cute?
Lovely sketch for Curse of the Fallen Fairy
ACTIVE PREORDERS (for TINA GLASNECK)
1. A DRAGON'S QUEEN:Ā A DRAGON ROMANTASY SPECIAL EDITION
Did you miss A Dragon's Queen on Kickstarter?
Reality sucks. Fall into this romantasy instead.Ā Ā Destiny. Duty. Defiance...and DRAGONS. Empires will fall, legacies will rise, but some bonds transcend it all in this steamy romantasy.Ā Reserve your copy from this limited print run! Once the books are gone, they're gone.
Please note: The Kickstarter for A Dragon's Queen ended and is now up for preorder on the bookshop. This is a preorder and is scheduled for a September delivery (those who backed it through Kickstarter will receive it earlier).Ā Here's the link to check it out.
A Dragon's Queen with beautiful edges, black velvet, special edition hardback
But wait there is more happening that you don't want to miss...
Do you love dystopian fantasy like "The Hunger Games," "Divergent" or "Fallout?" Can't get enough of high stakes or life-or-death scenarios?
In a world where rebellion is a death sentence, one captive's fate will ignite the flames of freedom.
Kristen Sumner, a daring rebel, is thrust into the depths of Grave Warden, a merciless supernatural prison, where the ruthless Dark Elves wield absolute control.
Forced to participate in a deadly game of survival, Kristen must confront her darkest fears and unleash her latent powers to outmaneuver the treacherous forces manipulating her destiny.
With the fate of the rebellion hanging in the balance, Kristen's defiance will either spark a revolution or succumb to the crushing darkness.
When the apocalypse comes, do you know which side you will be on? A villain or a rebel?Ā
Welcome to the supernatural prison. The only way to freedom is to win the gladiatorial games.
We are rebels with a cause. The only way to survive is to fight back!
Please note: This is a preorder with an August 2025 delivery date. Learn more about Captive, here. These special editions will only be printed with this special, limited edition print run.
Coming Soon to Backerkit: Pintopia
Elemental Dragon Enamel Pins
Lastly, I'm happy to share that I'll be participating in Pintopia for my enamel dragon pins.
Dragon Pins created for Pintopia!
Not only will you have a chance to get these amazing pins, but we're also offering an early bird for backers who support us during the first 24 hours.
Before I get into the full update, I wanted to wish you all an amazing new year! Thank you for helping make 2024 an amazing year!
I know it's a little early, but had a few backer questions I wanted to address instead of waiting till the 31st.Ā
Payment plans & surveys:
To those who completed the payment plans and are only now able to do suveys, you can rest assured that your pledge are secure. Since I was able to count those books (only book boxes qualified), they weren't as critical to get done by Nov 30th.Ā
That being said, since there has been a delay due to editing, there's still time to complete your survey to anyone else who hasn't done so yet. But please do so as soon as possible as I'll be adding the names as soon as I can format the book.
Possible delay:
I had hoped to have my manuscript back the week before Christmas, but due to health & family reasons, my new editor still hasn't sent me the line edited copy back. š To say I'm dissapointed and frustrated is an understatement as this means there's a very real chance I might not be able to deliver the eBook by the end of January.Ā
She promised that I'll have it by Jan 1st, but until I have it in my hands I'm not holding my breath. Once I receive it, there's 3 rounds of proofreading and formatting left. I don't want to rush it (since that's how mistakes happen) so for now I'm not going to put a definite date on delivery. But my optimistic self still hopes for late January/early February.Ā
I am really sorry for this delay. But unfortunately these things are out of my control. But as soon as I get the manuscript I'll let you know.Ā
Going forward I'll definitely wait to run book campaigns until after all edits are done as I normally do. But alas having been one of the people who encouraged Booktopia, meant I didn't follow my own rules so I could participate. š Lesson learned.Ā
Book printing updateĀ
The deposit for the books have been made. And signed tip-ins will be mailed now that Canada Post is no longer on strike.Ā
Unfortunately, due to the delay in editing, the final order won't be placed until after the big new year holiday in February. Which will mean that there's a good chance that the physical books will also be delayed. But I'm still hoping for a late spring delivery timeline.Ā
While you wait:
Just because there isn't much I can do for the novel while we wait doesn't mean I'm idle. I have 3 derpy dragon campaigns planned for 2025!
In less than a month my Bookish Derpy Dragons pin campaign launches as part of Pintopia! And there's a lot of new dragons who just joined the designs!
Naturally this past month had me in a festive mood. And I had promised my derpy backers a Christmas in July campaign.
Well, the first derpies have been revealed and you can follow the Festive Derpies here. And as all adventures tend to go, one thing leads to another and I ended up with another side quest, the Dungeons & Derpies campaign!
While these will be spread out throughout 2025, you can follow all the campaigns now to get notified when they launch!
Alas, I don't have new Star Awakened art this time around. But with yet another delay, you never know what might happen between now and the book formatting.
If you like to see more of my art, you can check out my Patreon. You can follow for free, or I currently have a 25% off your first month sale running!
Hopefully the next update will show more progress for the novel! And as always if you have questions, the best way to reach me is via email at [email protected]
Happy 2025, everyone! Here is what's happening at Hagens Alley!
We eagerly await the arrival of the advanced copy of The Complete Genesis, followed by the main print run. It will take a while for things to clear customs. As we all know, we're currently navigating the challenges posed by the Chinese New Year, leading to some congestion at shipping ports during the holidays. Unfortunately, this means we might experience some delays, but it's nothing I wasn't anticipating. We're closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. Once the advanced copy arrives, I'll post some pictures and do a video!
For The Complete Genesis, I've identified all early bird backers and those who have supported a previous project. I'm pleased to inform you that your bonus items will be sent out soon!
I have also been busy working on the Kickstarter stretch goal during the holiday season. This goal involves creating a separate Sega CD and 32X "mini-book." It's shaping up to be a comprehensive 116-page manual that covers everything related to those add-on consoles! While I still have some work ahead of me, I'm making progress! Additionally, I plan to start the porting process for the pocket version of The Complete Genesis, which will be ordered in January.
I will have extra Complete Genesis Coins for sale on the website for those of you who missed out on being an early bird supporter on BackerKit. These turned out amazing!
https://youtube.com/shorts/dl9QhSlCGrk
The Metroidvania Chronicles Phase 02 books should arrive any day now. They were at customs two weeks ago but were stuck because of the holidays. I'll begin the shipping process when they arrive at the warehouse!
For those of you who supported the limited slipcases, I will personally ship them out to avoid damage, as there won't be many replacements. If you want, I can sign your copy. Just let me know in your survey!
Ā
Lots of other things I have going on...
By popular demand, I'm bringing back my Hagens Alley Patreon. It is an easy way to keep track of everything I'm doing in one place. At the end of the year, there is even a tier that gives you a free book. As an executive producer, we will mention you on every podcast and YouTube video!
I recently appeared in the documentary Nintendo 64 Quest, where I discussed my nostalgia. Be sure to check it out.
(I'm not the owner of Premium Edition Games, I do design work!)
I have also been making weekly YouTube videos about Indie Gaming Gems. New episodes drop every Friday afternoon. The games covered in the episodes will be part of a new book I'm creating, covering indie games as a spiritual successor to Hidden Gaming Gems!
Finally, we have a Discord Channel for Hagens Alley Books. There are many updates there, so be sure to check it out if you want updates more than once a month.
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you an even better 2025!
Did you get your books?Ā
Did anyone get them before Christmas? I sure hope so.
If you haven't received your books yet, please let me know.
For my Canadian Heroes, the post office is still telling me to wait before I send your parcels, but rest assured that they will be in the mail just as soon as I get the go-ahead.
A favour to ask
If you've already read Gamer:
I hope you stayed up waaaay too late reading it, and
would you mind leaving a review for Gamer?
Reviews are like virtual high-fives for authors! Since I spend most of my time crafting stories rather than meeting readers in person, your feedback is my connection to you. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you enjoyed, your review helps fellow readers discover Gamer and lets me know what resonates with you. This helps me write more of the stories you love.
You can leave a review anywhere you like buy or talk about books ā on my website, Apple Books, Kobo, B&N*, Goodreads, a billboard in Times Square, laser cut into the moonā¦ I won't complain.
And that's a wrap
Once again, thanks for going with me on this journey with Gamer, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I look forward to seeing you again, possibly even on my next project... likeā¦ really, really soon.
Happy reading,
Belinda
P.S. When I said "really, really soon" I meant likeā¦ in a couple of hours. (Wednesday, 1 Jan @ 12pm PST / Thursday, 2 Jan @ 6am AEST.) Check it out here ā> Short Bits Volume 5, Special Limited Edition
P.P.S. Apologies to anyone looking for Gamer on Amazon, because it ain't there; the 'Zon and I have a beef, but don't worry, we'll get it sorted.
As 2024 comes to a close, I wanted to share some exciting updates on the progress of Bugzee and the Bees!
Book Updates
Our artistic director, Melinda Martin, has been working tirelessly to add some special features to the book as a thank-you to our incredible supporters:
Special Fold-Out Pages: Weāve included four fold-out pages featuring beekeeping terminology, definitions, and even photos from my own backyard apiary.
Duplex Dust Jacket: This double-sided dust jacket is a real treat! The front showcases the stunning cover art, while the back unfolds into Bugzeeās Beekeeping Basics, an infographic packed with honeybee facts we couldnāt fit into the main book.
Duplex Dustjacket
Illustrator Projects
Our talented illustrator, Tyrus Goshay, has also been busy with some exciting Bugzee extras:
Exclusive Campaign Sticker: Introducing the āIād Rather Bee Readingā sticker, created just for our supporters!
Free Sticker for everyone
Ā Ā 2. Bugzeeās Big Book of Activi-Bees: Tyrus and his team have begun work on a companion activity bookĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā filled with hands-on projects, jokes, puzzles, and coloring pagesāall honeybee-themed.
Production Timeline
With all the amazing additions, weāre running about a month behind schedule, but hereās where we stand:
Iāve officially placed an order for 4,000 copies (OMG!).
A sample copy of the book has been ordered to ensure everything looks great.
The final edits are wrapping up to ensure the dust jacket, cover, and interior are error-free.
Delivery is now expected in late March to early April 2025. (But it could be earlier)
Keep an eye out for a survey in the coming weeksāplease complete it promptly to ensure timely delivery of your book!
Whatās Next
Later in 2025, look out for Book 2 in the Global Beekeeping Tales series: The Legend of the Boisterous Bear. This story, set in Georgia, will be illustrated by the talented Lika Labadee, who lives in Tbilisi, and guided by Melinda Martin as our artistic director once again.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Youāll ābeeā hearing from me soon! š
