Ninth Suture

So, just to give ample warning, I wanted to let you guys that December 7th is my 21st birthday.  Everyone seems amped up to get me as fucked as possible–to which I am resisting.  I want to have fun, not get sick!  But enough of that…this announcement has an actual purpose.

You see, a week from my birthday will mark the one year anniversary since Eikasia has received its last review from the Web Fiction Guide.  The story has progressed much since then, and I’ve even edited the beginning a number of times…so here’s my request:

Starting on my birthday (not before) if ANY OF YOU give me ONE review on Web Fiction Guide on the 7th of December, you’ll have automatically earned a bonus update from me!  For every additional review up to the 14th, I’ll add 1000 words to the update.  So the first review earns the initial 2000, then a second review makes it 3000, a third makes it 4000, and so on…

Am I crazy for practically ASKING you guys to give me more work?  Maybe.  But I know that Eikasia is long overdue for a proper review, and I want it to come from people who know the story intimately.

Your opinions need not be kind–it’s a review after all.  But I still require you guys to lay down at least 300 words, and make sure to speak to possible readers, NOT me.  The goal of the review is to give newcomers an idea of what Eikasia is about, and whether or not they’ll like it.  If your review consists of two lines telling ME how awesome Eikasia is, I’m afraid it won’t count for the bonus update.  So please don’t do that!

…So there’s my offer.  You guys have THREE WEEKS to do a 300 word review for me!  Be honest, be sincere, and be detailed.  WFG won’t like a hurricane of flimsy reviews, and quite frankly, neither will I.  This is a really easy request to meet, and you guys get a lot in return for little work.  Take advantage of this offer!

Remember, this starts on the 7th of December and ends on the 14th!  Exactly seven days!  Any reviews before the 7th or after the 14th do not count.  Only reviews on Web Fiction Guide will be counted–but reviews to other sites still work toward the normal bonus point pool!

I look forward to hearing what you all have to say!

P.S.

In the instance that I get more than four reviewers before the 14th, the bonus update may have to be split.  I can only do so much in a short period of time!  Don’t worry, you’ll still get your word count.  :P

P.P.S .

Oh…and hey!  Eikasia’s Facebook page is two fans away from earning you all another bonus update!  Did’ja guys know there’s exclusive Eikasia artwork on FB? Do you have friends you can bug?  Have you added yourself yet!?  Get to it!

Hey there everyone! Just wanted to post up some quick news–MCM, the madman behind 3D1D and also the writer of the television show “Rollbots” is releasing the Collector’s Edition of Typhoon! It includes lots of fun extras, and will also be featuring two special black and white ads for Eikasia–one of which contains photographic art of Hakeem! You can pre-order the eBook and the printed book now. I’ll likely be grabbing a copy myself, so please check it out!

Please forgive my tardiness! Chapter 11.4 is now available for your reading pleasure.

I would’ve done something particularly special for Halloween, but I didn’t think to until…well, just now. I won’t have time to slap some special update together, unfortunately. I’ve been going through some weird situations, and I can’t say it’s all been bad–some of it has been very good. But it’s also been draining on my (already) stretched energy. Luckily, my distraction did not prevent me from updating this week, even if the update was a tad shorter than usual. (and with a great deal more mistakes–to be cleaned up later, but I’ll just leave you guys the opportunity for bonus points. )

Y’know, Eikasia has been up for a little more than a year now. I should have recorded the exact date I started it, but unfortunately, I did not. I know it was some time in September (not counting the month of planning before hand). I feel like I can come up with concrete storytelling on command without having to bleed my fingers to do it, thanks to this project. It’s been a pleasure to write, and I look forward to doing much more!

Now if you’ll pardon my sudden segue–I’d like to bring you all some weblit news.  A.M. Harte, author of Above Ground, is hosting the second round of her search term writing challenge.  It looks quite fun, and I think I’ll be participating–though you won’t know who I am as participants will remain anonymous during voting week.  So if you think you’d like to give it a shot, be sure to have your submission ready by midnight November 8th GMT!

So for tonight I dress up as a detective from the 40′s. Just like the Untouchables. Yes, I’m doing drag–to my mother’s horror. Despite my recent emotional tangle (actually still ongoing), I think I might have some fun tonight. I hope the same for all of you!

Happy Halloween!

Everyone (meaning all of you readers) work towards a grand total of 100 points.  This goal does not include number of Facebook fans (until further notice) since bonus updates every 10 new fans seems to be working fine.  So here’s how it’ll go:

1. Every unique reader who comments on a chapter earns 2 points.*
2. Every unique reader who points out a new SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) mistake or continuity error earns 5 points.
3. Every unique reader who links to Eikasia earns 3 points. You must contact me with the page where the link is located–or if you’re linking on Twitter, just reply with @cajeck and/or the #Eikasia hashtag and be sure to mention that you actually read the story (as now and again I’ll have a kind non-reader give me a shout out)
4. Speaking of Twitter, every RT of #Eikasia OR #weblit tagged posts earns 1 point.
5. Every unique review on Web Fiction Guide, Muse’s Success, or any other review site for that matter (at a minimum of atleast 300 words, unless the site prevents that) earns 15 points.  Be sure to contact me and link to the review so that I know.**
6. Every time someone donates 5 USD or more through paypal, they earn 8 points.  Donations of 20 USD or more automatically get a special chapter from me, your choice of subject.  You can choose to share this with others, or keep it for yourself.  You may instead request special artwork from me, depicting a scene from the story, or something nutty you thought up (i.e. Nyx cosplaying as Rukia from Bleach, or Elmiryn battling Wolverine from the X-men.)***
7. Submit fan art by either emailing it to me or submitting artwork to the “fan art” album on Eikasia’s Facebook page. It gets a bit subjective here, but I think everyone can understand the reasoning behind how points are given after that: For “sketchy” simple artwork (i.e. no/minimalistic background, low detail, low contrast, no color, etc.–here’s an example) you earn 2 points. For works that look like you spent time on it (i.e. high detail, full background, good contrast, color, shading, etc.–here’s an example) you earn 8 points. If I use the work for advertising (i.e. banners, buttons, youtube, etc.) then you earn 15 points!****

*Just to clarify, you get 2 points for every chapter you comment on–but you don’t get more points for commenting on a chapter more than once. Comments on Ninth Suture do not count, as this is neutral ground so to speak.

**The 300 word minimum is necessary, as the point of a review is to give a potential reader a well-articulated idea of what the story is about, and whether they would be interested in it.  These can’t be written as if they were directed at me–if you wish to critique, feel free to message me or leave a comment on a chapter.  These reviews should be geared towards readers. Any other rules set by the review site in question should also be followed.

***Monetary donations, though very much appreciated, do not earn as much as reviews because they do not have the potential to attract new readers.  However, every time the points are reset, you can donate to earn points again.  As for large donations ($20+), the minimum amount of words I’ll write you are 15,000 (no joke!)–and you can only expect this from me once a month per person. If I have multiple large donators in a month, I may have to spread your requests apart to keep sane.  My gratitude would be endless, but in consideration of other readers and my own personal obligations (work, school, family etc.) I can only do so much at once.  Regarding the option of special artwork from me, please note that I cannot send original work through the mail, all work would be sent digitally via email.  I guarantee not to send you a scribble, but you should be specific on whether you want/care if it’s in color or not.  Also, some ground rules:  I will not do nudity or anything outright sexual (subtext is fine); I’m not an art major and I don’t have all the time in the world, so I can’t really handle doing mechs, highly detailed outfits, or big crazy backgrounds–remember, you’re getting this for 20$, not 500$!;  I’m not a sadist, so let’s not put in weird requests for Elmiryn fucking someone with a knife, m’kay?;  I will not do anything even remotely racist, religious, or politically motivated;  lastly, you just donated to Eikasia–so therefor, the artwork you will receive shall be in some way relevant to Eikasia! Special work for large donations have a six month period. That doesn’t mean I’ll take all six months, but hey, I have a life too!

****I will always ask for permission to do this first. While the logic may stand that the art is based off of my work, I think it’d also be polite and justified to consider the feelings of the artist in question. If you think I might consider your work for advertisement use, simply let me know if you’d be okay with it or not. I can also attribute the work to you, and/or link to your website so that curious birdies can see more of your art.

If you think the end goal is too high, keep in mind that the 100 points is a common pool also contributed to by your fellow readers.  Also, please remember that these bonus updates are extra work that I’m willing to take on to show my gratitude.  In the instance that the points go over, they will roll over to the next update.

Thanks guys!

So there’s a guy who goes by MCM, determined to write the first draft of his novel, “Typhoon”, in 3 days. He’s the author of “The Pig and the Box” and “Torrent Boy”, and the creator of the television series “Rollbots”.  He’s set aside little time to sleep, take care of basic hygiene, and do fatherly responsibilities.  Every HOUR he cranks out a new chapter. I had to let you guys know this was going on.  Today (Oct 6th) is the first day, and as of right now he’s only up to Chapter 2.

Video made by Jan Oda, prominent member of the weblit community.

Be sure to check in and read it. Seems like this’ll be fun.  Crazy.  But fun.  :)

“Doorways are passages to new realms.  I have opened many doors in my life, and shut many behind me…but this time, I have ripped the door from its hinges, leaving an opening without end.  I would have others follow me.  I would have you follow me.”

So Chapter 10 is now finished, its ending signaling a change in the overall feel of Eikasia.  Nothing drastic, but still important.  I love introducing new characters, and as some may have noticed in the site’s Story Navigation under “Character POVs”, these newcomers are especially important.  Whereas other characters may still be of particular importance to the story, returning now and again to take part in the adventure, and even to offer a brief and very occasional look at the world through their eyes–the ones to watch for are the ones listed under POVs by name.

It’s the only hint I’ll give as to their relationship in the story.  These recently introduced characters, I am not afraid to say, will be around for a while.  Why?  How?  Only the course of their adventure will tell.  I may occasionally shift views to auxilliary characters or other frequent cast members, but not nearly as much.  When that happens, they’ll be filed under “Other” beneath POVs.  I prefer stories with multiple viewpoints, and while I admit–large casts and convolution has been one of my bigger problems in writing–I mean to avoid head-hopping.  Hopefully some of you, along with my great and wonderful editor, will keep me from going overboard.

In a way, I have reached a point of no return, but still, the door is open.  What new wonders will stumble in, now that Eikasia has taken this route?

Speaking of open doorways, I’ve come up with some other ways for all of you to earn bonus updates!  Currently, Facebook is only 3 fans away from reaching another update.  But not everyone likes Facebook, and there’s only so many friends and family for you all to badger.  So in light of this, I decided it was time to show some appreciation for the other things you folks do.  Commenting on chapters, pointing out typos, linking to Eikasia, leaving reviews, donating money… Those are some of the major things that help me out, that encourage me, that encourage others to give the story a chance.

Starting today, all of you will be working towards a total of 100 points.  This goal does not include number of Facebook fans (atleast for this first go around) since bonus updates every 10 new fans seems to be working fine, and you guys are currently only 3 away from another update anyway.  So here’s how it’ll go:

1. Every unique reader who comments on a chapter earns 2 points.*
2. Every unique reader who points out a new SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) mistake or continuity error earns 5 points.
3. Every unique reader who links to Eikasia earns 3 points. You must contact me with the page where the link is located–or if you’re linking on Twitter, just reply with @cajeck and/or the #Eikasia hashtag and be sure to mention that you actually read the story (as now and again I’ll have a kind non-reader give me a shout out)
4. Speaking of Twitter, every RT of #Eikasia OR #weblit tagged posts earns 1 point.
5. Every unique review on Web Fiction Guide, Muse’s Success, or any other review site for that matter (at a minimum of atleast 300 words, unless the site prevents that) earns 15 points.  Be sure to contact me and link to the review so that I know.**
6. Every time someone donates 5 USD or more through paypal, they earn 8 points.  Donations of 20 USD or more automatically get a special chapter from me, your choice of subject.  You can choose to share this with others, or keep it for yourself.***

*Just to clarify, you get 2 points for every chapter you comment on–but you don’t get more points for commenting on a chapter more than once.

**The 300 word minimum is necessary, as the point of a review is to give a potential reader a well-articulated idea of what the story is about, and whether they would be interested in it.  These can’t be written as if they were directed at me–if you wish to critique, feel free to message me or leave a comment on a chapter.  These reviews should be geared towards readers.

***Monetary donations, though very much appreciated, do not earn as much as reviews because they do not have the potential to attract new readers.  However, every time the points are reset, you can donate to earn points again.  As for large donations ($20+), the minimum amount of words still applies–2000–and you can only expect this from me once a month per person.  If I have multiple large donators in a month, I may have to spread your requests apart to keep sane.  My gratitude would be endless, but in consideration of other readers and my own personal obligations (work, school, family etc.) I can only do so much at once.

If you think the end goal is too high, keep in mind that the 100 points is a common pool also contributed to by your fellow readers.  Also, please remember that these bonus updates are extra work that I’m willing to take on to show my gratitude.  In the instance that the points go over, they will roll over to the next update.  To get you guys started, I’ll include all comments and corrections posted since Part 2 began. That leaves you all with 43/100!

If I can find a nice visual progress bar, I’ll use that.  For now, I’ll just post the point total in text on both sites–to be updated manually by me as time goes on.  These conditions may be tweaked in the future, as this is the first time I’ve tried this.  In the meantime, chat on Facebook with other readers, or message me with your ideas of what you’d like to see for the next bonus update.  If not, I’ll just put up my own list when the time comes.

…The doorway is open you guys.  You gonna step through?

So if you’ve followed my tweets, you’ll know that Chapter 10.2 is done at 4,369 words.  Tomorrow I post it in the morning after it goes through its final round of editing.  I’m very excited!

And aren’t you guys just awesome?  Eikasia’s facebook page has reached 16 fans! What does that mean?  Bonus update this weekend!  With Chap 10.2 done, I can now focus on writing the bonus chapter.  You guys voted for what you wanted to see, and I answer your call happily.  This bonus chapter will be a moment from Elmiryn’s past, and will be 2000 words minimum.  It’s at a tentative 171 words right now, but this number will jump up fast, believe me.  Want another bonus update next week?  Help Eikasia reach 21 fans next!  I know it can happen!  With time, I think I’ll be able to strike up a functional points system that’ll reward comments, reviews, and trackbacks as well, but for now–show some love.  Bug your friends.  Get them to read and become a fan!

So, just as I did a special playlist for Part 1: Tributaries, I also have done one for Part 2: In Sight, In Mind.  Just thought I’d share it with you all!

The themes are less obvious in this playlist.

A note–it’s out of order and it’s missing two songs:  “Golden and Green” by the Builders and the Butchers, and “Concentrate/The Funk” by Dr. No’s Ethiopium.  FYI, Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition can be downloaded for free here.

In other news, Meilin Miranda (author of the much beloved, “An Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom”) launched WebLit.Us this week, which is still in beta stage.  The online writing community is rallying together under the proud term “weblit”.  Just like “webcomics” it refers to literature offered free online, and we hope to let the world know that we are every bit as good as published, mainstream writers.  Wanna show some support?  Be sure to use the #weblit hashtag in Twitter, mention it in chatrooms and forums, and remember to use it when referring to my work and others like it.  I’ve already edited Eikasia’s “New Readers” page to reflect this.

I’m a weblit author, and proud of it!

Just wanted to let everyone know about a few things.  Nothing huge, just some fun news:

So we’re nearly to our target number of 10 facebook fans! (It’d actually read as 11 on the site, but that’s because I added myself, and I don’t count.) Be sure to add yourself, if you haven’t already.  Then, afterwards, put in your vote for what you’d like to see for a bonus update!  The update will likely be posted on the following weekend, just to give me time to write it.  The minimum length will be no less than 2,000 words (and considering what’s winning in the discussion vote, I’ll easily pass that.)

So get on there guys.  Show Eikasia some love!

In other news, A.M. Harte, the author of Above Ground, did a very cool blog post about web fiction villains.  Eikasia’s very own Meznik was included in the list, along with nine other awesome bad guys (and gals).  Check it out, it’s a great read, and be sure to check back for A.M. Harte’s follow-up post!

My last bit of news–just found out yesterday (actually, by A.M. Harte’s links page) that there’s a new listing out there for free online fiction.  Tonya R. Moore is a speculative fiction writer, who started a web fiction directory for others to list their sites.  Eikasia has been added.  Go ahead, check it out, and be sure to drop a rating!

…And happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!!

I just got through writing up a review for “Courier’s Creed”, which is a pretty neat story for anyone into coming-of-age fantasy adventures.  As a fellow webnovelist, I enjoyed this alot.  Please check it out if you haven’t already.

I’m working on a few sidebars for Eikasia that I think some might find interesting. I don’t know when I’ll post them, but hopefully I’ll be done with them soon enough.

I plan on doing some heavy editing for Eikasia. Chapters 1.1 and 1.2 are all ready in their second drafts, but I’m still going to be doing another pass to try and eliminate the crappiness. Chapter 5.1 is probably the one I’m most eager to get to, because I feel the overall quality of it is low and I probably could’ve described the scenes in a better and more plausible way. But despite my eagerness to re-work it, I’m going to hold off until I can revise the earlier chapters–after all, I need a good base before I can hope to work at the top.

I did a review last week on Chris Tejeda’s “Lifting of the Veil”, which is a very interesting science fiction web serial that I think you folks should check out.

I’ve also started doing the next installment for Eikasia. However, if I’m actually productive this week, it may be tossed out in favor of something better.

Recently watched “The Mindscape of Alan Moore”…which really told me a lot about the man, and tore down my earlier belief that he was just an egotistical creep. In fact, a lot of the things I’ve thought about when writing, or dreaming, or while staring blithely at my ceiling at 2 in the morning, he echoed, in a fascinating and evocative narrative detailing his career and his beliefs on politics, science, sex, and religion. It was eerie. I won’t say that everything that came out of his mouth was gold–but I was surprised at how much I did agree with him on things. I recommend it to anyone who has read any of his work, or who appreciates an alternative view on things, or who simply reads comic books. It really is worth a look.

Gonna sign off here…Some part of me wants to vent recent personal frustrations in this entry–they are “personal” but they’ve affected my work on Eikasia, so I guess it’s partly relevant. But I’m not sure what good it will do but make me seem attention-seeking and like any other silly bitch under the esteemed banner of “Generation Y”.

Ah well. This really isn’t a personal blog anyways. Who the heck reads my non-personal stuff to begin with? (oh whoops, I’m fulfilling the stereotype again, ha ha)