Latest from the Creator
Therena Carlin
3 months ago
🌟⛵When fair seas are hit by a hurricane - MAJOR update, delays, and changes⛵🌟Fulfilment starting April for some pledges
Greetings Star Seekers,
You know how sometimes characters set out on a sailing adventure, and all they see are fair winds and calm seas. But then as they are sailing happil...
3
0
8
Therena Carlin
6 months ago
New art & editing update. Warning: Story spoilers in art. TL:DR - things are coming along, and there's more art ^_^
Greetings Star Seekers,
In my last update I told you about the delay in editing due to my original editor being ill. I also implied that there may be new art in the nove...
3
0
0
PROJECT UPDATE
Therena Carlin
CREATOR
4 days ago
Project Update: ⛵🌟 Surviving the hurricane 🌟⛵
Greetings Star Seekers,
A quick update on the book
There's rough waters ahead, but the horizon is visible through the mist... barely.
Book progress (the rough waters and choppy winds):
The manuscript is still with the editor for proofreading. I'd been holding off making an update that was positive that I had it back in hand, but alas, I am still waiting. 🥺
I'm looking at finding another proofreader as we speak if I don't get it back by the end of the week.
But that adds another delay.
Once I get the book back, I will format it and order a printed proof as a final quality check.
Good news (the visible horizon):
In good news, however, I finally managed to set up the Canadian import CARM program and can once more import to me! 🤗 Yay!
This means that I can do what I originally planned for a print run with signed copies!
The mist obscuring the horizon:
Unfortunately, with trade between the US & Canada being caught in it's own storm, the book box company I originally planned to purchase boxes from are no longer shipping to Canada 🥺😭😭😭🥺.
Once more I'm looking for boxes. If I go with the off-set printing, I'll probably use them, however the cost doubles per box. So if I can avoid that price jump without compromising quality, I will. I'll keep you posted either way.
While we haven't weathered the storm yet, at least we are still afloat and headed in the right direction, albeit slightly delayed.
With these delays, I plan to make a bonus illustration for the book as my way of saying thanks for sticking around.
Those without physical books or the eBook have already received your pins! Which makes me really happy that at least some of the haul have washed ashore to their forever homes.
While I know these delays are out of my control, and that they are often part of crowdfunding, I have learned a lot on how I will do it differently going forward. I am very grateful for each of you being a part of this journey with me. And will take what I have learned to do better going forward in future campaigns. (Starting with only "finished" & edited books)
Hopefully my next update will have more good news.
Yours in art,
Therena
PROJECT UPDATE
Therena Carlin
CREATOR
about 2 months ago
Project Update: ⛵🌟Good news at last!🌟⛵
Greetings Star Seekers,
I am finally able to bring some good progress news.
Some of you may have noticed that I locked & charged your orders this past week. That's because I'm going to be fulfilling those pledges over the next 2 or so weeks.
For the 7 of you who ordered the deluxe physical copy of Star Found only, your book will ship directly from the printer (in the UK) while your other items, including a signed book plate, will ship from me. The books still take 1 month to produce, so it won't arrive until next month at the earliest, but it will arrive!
For the pin only backers, those will ship next week from me.
And for digital backers everything except the Star Awakened eBook will start fulfillment over the next 3 weeks too.
Now the news most of us have been waiting for.
🌟I finally received the proofread copy of Star Awakened back!🌟
So there's finally movement on that front 😁.⛵
- This week I'll go through the proofreading suggestions (this might take 2-3 weeks as I squeeze it between other commitments and responsibilities).
- But as soon as I go through it I am going to start formatting the book. (Another 2 ish weeks.)
- After that I send it for the final proofreading (because sometimes formatting errors sneak in at this stage) but also order my paperback & physical proof to make sure everything looks perfect. (This takes about a month for the same reason as Star Found).
- If all looks good, I'll lock and charge remaining pledges at this stage and start sending your books to you! (Once again separate from other physical items as it'll come directly to you from the printer.)
- Except for the book boxes/pledges with both books who qualified for the nice boxes... I have decided to swallow the extra shipping costs to have those mailed to me first so I can still create your beautiful book box experience for you. This means another few weeks wait, but hopefully it'll be worth the wait.
But... the end is in sight at last! I'm hoping that the worst of the storm has passed and hopefully going forward it'll be smooth sailing.
Thank you for staying on this journey with me and weathering the storm alongside me and my characters as I work to bring you these beautiful books.
Yours in art,
Therena
⛵🌟
I'll leave you with this character art of the new book I wrote (Resonant Rage) while waiting for edits on Star Awakened as it perfectly sums up the frustration I'm sure we've all felt.
As always, if you want to see more of my art while you wait, I'd love to invite you to join my Patreon (you can follow for free or join any of the exclusive tiers)
PROJECT UPDATE
Therena Carlin
CREATOR
3 months ago
Project Update: 🌟⛵When fair seas are hit by a hurricane - MAJOR update, delays, and changes⛵🌟Fulfilment starting April for some pledges
Greetings Star Seekers,
You know how sometimes characters set out on a sailing adventure, and all they see are fair winds and calm seas. But then as they are sailing happily, and far from any type of land or safety, a hurricane strikes and they have to do everything just to stay afloat? (This may actually happen in Star Found)
Well, that is this project. Only unlike my book where I hold godlike powers as the author, I am powerless as I fight against the winds of life and political changes.
This will be a lengthy update because there is a lot to go over.
TL:DR
- All Star Awakened eBook/Deluxe Books delayed - no exact dates available at this time (Details & reasons below - most of it is out of my control)
- Star Found & pin fulfillment starting in April / shipping charged in April
- Pivoting to print-on-demand (reasons below) - signatures will now be a digital signature vs physical, with a backer exclusive acknowledgement page
Let's start with the hurricane
ROUGH SEAS: (Canadian CARM/imports - all book pledges affected)
Unbeknownst to me, the Canadian government implemented a new imports requirement for small businesses at the end of last year after the campaign ended. (October) There was no email, no nothing. Just the sudden expectation that businesses needed to have a CARM number as well as a BN, in order to import goods.
Luckily I discovered this in December (no sweat, right?) and fill in my application. (Without it I can't import the printed books to sign and send to you because it is a large shipment!)
I have been fighting to get this number since December. The system broke during my application, and there is no way to move forward or go back. I have spend hours (Probably days by now if you total the time I spent on the phone) waiting on the phone for support. But it is a literal hellscape and there has been no progress on that front, even when I manage to get through to speak to a person. (They are so swamped with issues, the wait time has been 4-6 hours per call for me!)
Talk about a poorly implemented government program. Anyways, this is one of my current battles, and I have no idea how long this will take to fix. It could be months, since it has already taken months...
Luckily I discovered this in December (no sweat, right?) and fill in my application. (Without it I can't import the printed books to sign and send to you because it is a large shipment!)
I have been fighting to get this number since December. The system broke during my application, and there is no way to move forward or go back. I have spend hours (Probably days by now if you total the time I spent on the phone) waiting on the phone for support. But it is a literal hellscape and there has been no progress on that front, even when I manage to get through to speak to a person. (They are so swamped with issues, the wait time has been 4-6 hours per call for me!)
Talk about a poorly implemented government program. Anyways, this is one of my current battles, and I have no idea how long this will take to fix. It could be months, since it has already taken months...
HIGH WINDS: (EU GPSR - EU backers affected)
Well, the storm just keeps getting better (insert sarcasm). Because another thing that got implemented after the campaign ended, was the EU's new GPSR program. It is yet another nightmare for small businesses like myself. This only affects EU backers, and while there are only a small number of you, I need to tell you about it.
As of Dec 15, 2024, I need to have an EU rep to ship to backers there. This would be fine and well, if it didn't cost $200-500 per product, per year, to be represented! (Not really practical when you make less than that per year in those countries...)
Now, there are work arounds to this one. There is a print-on-demand printer who offers an EU rep and does all the deluxe features I offered that also ships directly to customers. It costs me double to print, and it would mean direct shipping to backers, but at least I can get the books to you. I would have to do a signed book plate/digital signature instead of signing directly.
I would have to figure out how to ship any add-ons etc. individually, however. But...this will take time to organize and sort through.
As of Dec 15, 2024, I need to have an EU rep to ship to backers there. This would be fine and well, if it didn't cost $200-500 per product, per year, to be represented! (Not really practical when you make less than that per year in those countries...)
Now, there are work arounds to this one. There is a print-on-demand printer who offers an EU rep and does all the deluxe features I offered that also ships directly to customers. It costs me double to print, and it would mean direct shipping to backers, but at least I can get the books to you. I would have to do a signed book plate/digital signature instead of signing directly.
I would have to figure out how to ship any add-ons etc. individually, however. But...this will take time to organize and sort through.
THE EYE OF THE STORM - where do I sail to now?: Drop-ship or Off-set Printing
All these changes have led me to evaluate the feasibility of off-set printing (For which I already paid a sizable deposit, plus the cost of signed tip-ins which has already been received by them.)
If I wait for the paperwork, CARM, EU GSPR, and other shenanigans to happen, it might mean months, if not longer, before I can even import the books to myself to sign. Not to mention shipping delays caused by real life rough seas. (We could easily be looking at longer than 1-1.5 years after my original projected fulfillment.)
If I wait for the paperwork, CARM, EU GSPR, and other shenanigans to happen, it might mean months, if not longer, before I can even import the books to myself to sign. Not to mention shipping delays caused by real life rough seas. (We could easily be looking at longer than 1-1.5 years after my original projected fulfillment.)
If I drop-ship, it will cost me more per book (for me, not you), and I would only be able to do digital signatures. (I can still add a personalized global message for backers that will be exclusive to your editions) But, it means that there won't be a delay due to CARM, and the EU GPSR will be dealt with. With US tariffs kicking in, it would hopefully also mean that the packages will remain under the $800 limit. And hopefully books can be sent before they remove the import minimus rule. (So no one will be affected - I am also looking at US printers and distribution with small print runs right now for this reason should those rules change.)
Another thing with drop shipping, is add-ons, rewards, etc, will be shipped separately.
- What I am doing about this: I am speaking with my printer to see if I can get back my deposit, or at the very least decrease the quantity so I can do part drop-ship/ part off-set. I am also hard at work dealing with CARM, EU GPSR rule stuff, etc.
- What I need from you: I need you to tell me if you would rather wait for the legaleze storm to pass, or if you want to have your books sooner. (They will be just as beautiful, you'll just get digital signatures and a separate package with other rewards) I will make a signed bookplate to ship with anyone receiving physical rewards other than the books. If we do drop shipping, the book boxes will be shipped separately without the books. But will be shipped sooner than with off-set. (To be clear, drop-shipping was always the default option in the campaign, I just funded high enough to have done a print run.)
LEAKY BOAT: personal factors affecting the campaign
In the past few months, life has thrown other challenges at me that I have had to navigate around. (Family death, son getting run over by a car...) Some of these caused delays, others just drained my creative and productive energy. I am plugging those holes as fast as I can, and while there are still some emotional leaks in my little sail boat, I have become quite adept at bilging. I have set aside April to prioritize everything to do with this campaign and these books. (I delayed my next Derpy campaign so I can focus on this one). That includes pin fulfillment, and Star Found fulfillment.
TORN SAILS: Editing delays...again
Aside from the storm outside our little sailboat (the project), I have experienced delay after delay with getting the manuscript edited (You can read more details in previous updates).
So, while the sails are flapping in the storm and we were moving slower than I hoped, at least we were still moving forward...or so I thought. I just received the first half back after the first round of proofreading, and then my editor let me know she is being hospitalized for a few days, and that she hasn't finished the second half of the book. Which means more delays on that front too.
(Someone throw me a lifeline? Or a sea druid who can control storms?😟Please?)
Anyways, as soon as I have the full manuscript, I will go through the proofreads, format the book, order a paperback for proofreading, and send it back for the final post-format proofreading before I print the deluxe editions.
So, while the sails are flapping in the storm and we were moving slower than I hoped, at least we were still moving forward...or so I thought. I just received the first half back after the first round of proofreading, and then my editor let me know she is being hospitalized for a few days, and that she hasn't finished the second half of the book. Which means more delays on that front too.
(Someone throw me a lifeline? Or a sea druid who can control storms?😟Please?)
Anyways, as soon as I have the full manuscript, I will go through the proofreads, format the book, order a paperback for proofreading, and send it back for the final post-format proofreading before I print the deluxe editions.
INEXPERIENCED CAPTAIN: Learning and growing pains
Yea, this would be me. If there is anything I have learned from this campaign, it is to not only have books fully written, but pretty much ready to publish before launching. So going forward, I will only run campaigns with finished books (Except for extra art, which happen during a campaign and doesn't rely on outside sources. So I can promise what I know I can handle without having to rely on others.)
I truly feel like I have been navigating through a storm with this project. And each update I made that didn't go according to my well-intentioned plan was like a wave crashing over the ship deck, threatening to wash me over. (At least emotionally, since we are talking metaphors 😟)
At this point, I don't want to make any date promises, no matter how badly I want to say soon. I have learned there are a lot of external factors I can't control that I never faced before because I always had everything done.
I'm trying to give myself grace with the delays. Both due to external or internal factors. Making updates like this one is hard, because I have really high expectations of myself and my art. And I hate disappointing people (I feel like I am failing you all, and that is one of my worst fears because I value your support so much.)
I'm not launching any book projects until this one is in your hands. Though I still plan to run derpy pin campaigns, they are much less labour intensive and easier to do while I wait on external factors for this campaign, like editing.
My promise to you is to still make the most beautiful books I can. And while it is taking longer than expected, I will do everything in my power to make things right by you with that promise. In some cases, this might look different (like a POD book vs off-set).
I truly feel like I have been navigating through a storm with this project. And each update I made that didn't go according to my well-intentioned plan was like a wave crashing over the ship deck, threatening to wash me over. (At least emotionally, since we are talking metaphors 😟)
At this point, I don't want to make any date promises, no matter how badly I want to say soon. I have learned there are a lot of external factors I can't control that I never faced before because I always had everything done.
I'm trying to give myself grace with the delays. Both due to external or internal factors. Making updates like this one is hard, because I have really high expectations of myself and my art. And I hate disappointing people (I feel like I am failing you all, and that is one of my worst fears because I value your support so much.)
I'm not launching any book projects until this one is in your hands. Though I still plan to run derpy pin campaigns, they are much less labour intensive and easier to do while I wait on external factors for this campaign, like editing.
My promise to you is to still make the most beautiful books I can. And while it is taking longer than expected, I will do everything in my power to make things right by you with that promise. In some cases, this might look different (like a POD book vs off-set).
🌟A SILVER LINING? Fulfillment plan and pivoting...🌟
- Since I'm no longer planning on doing the off-set print run, I can actually start fulfillment on pledges that have only the deluxe edition of Star Found and the pin/eBooks. I will start this fulfillment in April, so, at least half of you should receive your pledges sometime in May/June. [APRIL]
- Star Awakened eBooks will be delivered as soon as the second proofread has been made. And well, I have no date I can promise for anything related to Star Awakened other than that I promise to deliver it and make it the best book I can. [Who knows]
- Stretch goals: In April, I will put together the digital flipbook eBook for SFW & NSFW art featured in both Star Found and Star Awakened. As well as the wall papers. [APRIL]
Since fulfillment for those pledges will start in April, I will be locking and charging those pledges in April as well for shipping.
Well, I suppose that just as characters need to shift and improvise when all hell breaks loose, so too must we. Like them, we can only make the best of what we are given.
Our little ship hasn't sunk yet, and while it may look like I am abandoning ship on the outside when I take on other projects or create other art, please know that I am fully invested in making this project as good as I promised. Perhaps with a few emotional scars to show for it, but in the end, they all tell a story of perseverance and survival.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Without your support, my little ship would already be at the bottom of the ocean.
Yours in art,
Therena
PROJECT UPDATE
Therena Carlin
CREATOR
3 months ago
Project Update: 🌟⛵🌟Book progress🌟⛵🌟Delays & good news
Greetings Star Seekers,
Today's update is a bit of a mix of good and less than desirable.
First the less than ideal news. I only just found out that my editor never received the finished line edits I sent her on Jan 18th... So I had waited for news which would never have come. 🤦🏽♀️ And with my bookish derpy dragon campaign running this past month, I never double checked with her. So the delay is on me this time. And for that I apologize.
The good news is that she confirmed that she has it now. And I did get back the feedback from my other proofreader to start working on in the meantime. 😊🙃.
I don't have an ETA on the proofreading, my editor didn't tell me how long it'll take. So, I'm planning for 2-3 weeks before I can start formatting and resubmit it for the final proofread.
Now the good news is that the signed tip-ins arrived with the printer! (Or should be soon as they just paid customs for it.)
There was about a week we feared it may have gotten lost in the mail. Which would have really sucked. But fortune favors us and everything is there. (Phew)
I wish I had more art to share at least, but alas it's all done and I am busy with a new project while I'm waiting for edits to come in. So I'll share this black and white version of Evie & Cain.
I'm not sure if I'll add it to Star Found or wait for book 3... What do you think?
Well that's all the news for now.
Hopefully my next update is actual progress.
Yours in art,
Therena
PROJECT UPDATE
Therena Carlin
CREATOR
5 months ago
Project Update: 🌟⛵✨ Happy New Year!✨⛵🌟 Payment plans update & surveys✨⛵🌟Timeline update - possibly a delay
Greetings Star Seekers,
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.
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.
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.
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. 😞 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.
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.
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.
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. 😅 Lesson learned.
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.
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.
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. 😅 Lesson learned.
Book printing update
The deposit for the books have been made. And signed tip-ins will be mailed now that Canada Post is no longer on strike.
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.
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.
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!
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]
Thank you for your support ☺️
Yours in art,
Therena
