Dissolution Blast

Posted on February 20, 2013 by fundinmental

KICKSTARTER PROJECT LIVE LINK: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1027835983/dissolution-volume-one

Information from the Dissolution: Volume One project page.

Summary:
Exploring the questions of life after death, the realm of the supernatural, and how characters’ lives unexpectedly interweave.

Project Write-Up:

What is Dissolution?

What if there is another world, just beyond our own? It’s there, it’s footfalls are in sync with ours, but just slight enough that we fail to notice – and if we do, it’s a barely-perceptible scratching noise that makes our hair stand on end. A shadowy movement out of the corner of our eye. The smell of roses where there is no reason for them to exist. A heartbeat whose source cannot be traced by our human ears. A world we fail to notice – but most definitely notices us. Now, imagine the veil being lifted and that world revealed at last – would you cling to your sanity or feel it slip between your fingers?

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2012 saw a creative flowering of several projects in which I was involved as an illustrator. I decided that I needed to make time for Dissolution, which I first wrote as a 300+ page novel in 2005. I wanted to see it in color, in images, give the characters faces to go with their names, and above all, SHARE the story so that others could see it too. I established a website in September of 2012 where I could share comic pages (and random thoughts/recipes) weekly.

Can I see any samples of your work?

Samples? Heck, you can go see exactly what you’ll be getting! Well, the first half of it or so. Visit Dissolution, I update weekly with a new page! The printed version you are backing encompasses the first 48 pages of the story, far more than the website currently displays, but it’s all set and ready to go and you hopefully will be able to tell from what’s already available if it’s a story that piques your interest! There are also several pages shown below, at the bottom of this write-up. Warning: There IS some mature content (language, violence, nudity) in this story!

What is the money going to be used for?

I will print a run of at least 200 copies of Volume One – the first 48 pages of Dissolution. If I get more backers, I will print more copies! That may seem like a small amount, but I am excited to even start with that. In addition, funds will cover merchandise included in tier level rewards – t-shirts, stickers, mini-buttons, and art prints. If there is a little left over, it will be funneled into purchasing an artist’s booth at one of our local (or close-to-local) conventions (Shooting for one of the following: April 6-7, 2013 – Planet Comicon (in Kansas City); June 21-23, 2013 – Trek Expo ; or July ?? 2013 – Tokyo in Tulsa).

Why should I pay for it when it’s free online?

This is a savvy question, and one that I struggled with in creating this Kickstarter. It’s true, Dissolution is free and viewable online – there aren’t even any ads on the website. However, I can think of three reasons why you might choose to back this project in spite of that!

Dissolution: Volume One will cover the first 48 pages of the story.You will notice that there are nowhere near 48 pages on the site yet. This is because I’ve been building a backlog in preparation for this printing, and yet have kept my online updating to once-weekly. Backers will be WAY ahead of online readers when it comes to knowing what happens and where the story is going!!
By supporting this project, you are also supporting the continuation of the story in all its forms. Being able to print and market Dissolution is a dream come true – and it means that the website will be going strong for a long time in the future! A successful project here tells me that enough people are interested in the story and art that it is vital to continue.
You are an amazing person who likes to support authors and illustrators by purchasing their work. This can’t be overstated. People who choose to back art and literature in spite of it being available online are among my favorite people (along with Jacques Cousteau, Michio Kaku, Georgio Tsoukalos and Neil deGrasse Tyson – what a list to join!). Seriously though, it’s a big deal – your decision to back my project humbles me, and I thank you.

“But wait,” you may say. “I WILL be ahead of the story – but then I’ll have to wait SOOOOO long for the website to catch up!” Ah, but I’ve got you covered! If this Kickstarter is successful, I’m considering moving to faster updates – updates aiming for the reveal of the end of Volume One online (page 48) to correspond to the offer of Volume Two in the future. Backing this project will mean faster reveal of the storyline in TOTAL, for those online and in print. EVERYBODY wins! But especially you. Because you get to hang out with Kaku, deGrasse Tyson, Tsoukalos and Cousteau in my head.

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Indi Martin. I write, I illustrate, I don’t sleep as much as I should. I’ve been drawing and writing all of my life – I actually have several completed novels, but am generally too much of a perfectionist to be happy enough with them to shop them around. Though I’ve done a lot of illustrating for projects, I still consider myself amateur simply because I have never been paid – or paid much – to complete them. My largest and longest dream has always been to someday make a living – even a super-meager one – through my creative endeavors!

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I love to Geocache in my spare time (I’m “Starbuck2011” in the Tulsa Area Geocachers group!) and really bliss out when I find high terrain-high difficulty caches first! I don’t consider myself an “avid” hiker, but I’d love to be. I took some time out from life to hike the Appalachian Trail a few years ago and completed about 1000 miles of it – considering I had never actually camped out more than one night at a time prior to that, I’m glad the risk paid off and I grew to love it!

Do you have any of those nifty Stretch Goals?

I DO!!!!
$4,000: ALL BACKERS (no limit!) will receive a PDF File of the Novel-So-Far – see how the graphic novel differs from the actual written version, and read everything that didn’t make it in.
$5,000: Character cards! All backers above $15 will also receive trading cards of the characters that have been revealed so far – their profile and description, their connections and potential motives.
$6,000: TO BE REVEALED if we break $5k!

Explain these tier level rewards, would you?

I’d love to!

PDF Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – All backers at all levels receive this, and you don’t have to wait for everything else. I’ll send this to all backers’ emails as soon as funding is successful. This is a high-resolution digital copy of the first 48 pages of the story – and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Printed Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – This will be a 48 page full-color perfect-bound comic book printed on 60# high-bright pages with a 80# glossy full-color cover. I will cry tears of joy when I first hold one in my hand, no lie. But I promise I won’t send you the tear-stained copy. Unless maybe you want it. Weirdo.
Signed Print Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – Exactly what it sounds like!
Sketch-Cover Variant Copy of Dissolution: Volume One – These are limited (only 25 available), and have a slightly longer fulfillment date. This is because I will hand-draw and hand-ink each cover myself. You will have a one-of-a-kind (not even one of 25, because every one will be different!) item, and I will work tirelessly to fulfill these on time. As I mentioned, I don’t sleep as much as I should. ^_~
Mini-Buttons – 1.5 inch buttons with a cool Dissolution splatter-logo
Stickers – 4.5 x 3 inch tri-color vinyl stickers so you can sport your Dissolution swag anywhere that you can stick a sticker!
T-Shirts – 100% pre-shrunk cotton men’s style tees
Art Prints – 9×12 inch matte print of the Dissolution cover
Custom Art Prints – Whatever you want, I will pencil, ink, and color, then send to you in a lovely 9×12 inch matte print!

Tier Level Rewards:

Pledge $1 or more
0 backers
Pay what YOU think it’s worth! Backers at this tier receive a PDF copy of all 48 pages in Volume One! You’ve backed my project and I am eternally grateful!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013
Pledge $6 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + sweet Dissolution sticker! Swag on!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $3 to ship outside the US
Pledge $12 or more
0 backers
Enjoy a PDF + print copy of Volume One! I will also send you a personal thank-you email and list you as a backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $5 to ship outside the US
Pledge $18 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + print copy of Volume One + awesome mini-button + sticker! Show off your Dissolution swag! I will also send you a personal thank-you email and list you as a backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $6 to ship outside the US
Pledge $25 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + SIGNED copy of Volume One + mini-button + sticker, and a personal thank-you email! You’ll be listed as a SILVER backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $6 to ship outside the US
Pledge $50 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + a SIGNED copy of Volume One + awesome T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a GOLD backer on my website! WHEW!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $75 or more
0 backers
PDF copy + a SIGNED copy of Volume One + awesome T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + 9×12 matte art print + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a GOLD backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $125 or more
0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)
PDF copy + SKETCH COVER VARIANT of Volume One + standard print copy + sweet T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + 9×12 matte art print + personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a PLATINUM backer on my website!
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US
Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
PDF copy + signed print copy of Volume One + sweet T-Shirt + mini-button + sticker + CUSTOM REQUEST 9×12 FULL COLOR matte print of whatever you request! + a personal letter from me thanking you for your support! AND you’ll be listed as a SUPER DOUBLE UNOBTANIUM backer on my website! (Fulfillment on all pieces except the custom art will be completed separately in May 2013).
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $12 to ship outside the US

Page 20 - Example of Page Art.

Page 28 - Example of Page Art

Dissolution Splatter Logo Design for Merchandise Rewards

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

I’m very happy to say the risk on this project is very small. I ensured that ALL 48 pages were ready to go before I launched this project – ditto the merchandise designs for t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and cover! So, the only risk for delays is that which might arise from receiving shipment from Ka-Blam (who have been very awesome in responding to my queries about their printing!) and the vendors printing the merchandise.

I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, and I am not about to ruin this first impression by failing to deliver to my backers! In fact, it is possible you may receive your shipments a few weeks ahead of schedule, but as printing and shipments are not ENTIRELY within my control, I played it safe and set the estimated delivery dates to months that I felt very comfortable promising.

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn’t help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Ask a question

Report this project to Kickstarter

Is he a ghost? A vampire? Is he even real or just a figment of her imagination?

Posted on December 6, 2012 by fundinmental

Giveaway and Review

lancaster house by taylor dean

Lancaster House

Zoe was in Serenity Hills because she had tried to kill herself. She was also accused of killing two men. Dr. Channing had taken over her care and was weaning her from the heavy medications she had been on since her admittance. When he told her there was no such thing as ghosts, she told him they had nothing to talk about. He asked her to tell him about Lancaster House. He didn’t think she would answer, but she slowly began to tell him how she fell in love with the house and why she was so desperate to return to it.

The realtor explained about the old Victorian home. It needed a lot of work. She tried to discourage Zoe from going in, let alone buying it, but Zoe could feel the house calling to her. For the second time she thought she saw someone in the window. She laughed with delight at the unexpected finds and oddities of the house. She was intrigued by its idiosyncrasies, the hidden rooms and secret passageways. She loved it. The real estate agent, Barbara, called the builder, Andre Lancaster, peculiar, but Zoe thought him amazing.

The neighbor lady, Mrs Pearson, had come in with them and, while Barbara was busy on the phone, she told Zoe the story of the house. The builder’s wife and a vagrant were found dead in the house. The husband was never found. Everyone thought the house was haunted. But that wasn’t going to stop Zoe.

After making the place livable, her first project was the banister. She worked late into the night, and even though she wanted to finish it, she quit with ten rails to go. In the morning she found it was done. She thought she must have been high from the fumes and turned her mind to the next project.

Halloween Small Ghost When she arose the next morning, the piece of wallpaper she had deliberately left unhung, was put up. Also, during the night a blanket had been placed over her. Did she have an uninvited quest living with her? As she thought about it, all the acts were helpful and caring towards her, so she wasn’t afraid, was she?

Still… She went to the courthouse and got the original blue prints. She found the builder had intentionally created an illusion on the outside of the house to hide the additional room. She tore through the wall and found the wife’s bedroom and knew she had been murdered there. But the room was covered in dust and no one could have been in there for a long time. So where was her elusive guest staying?

That night someone broke in and attacked her. Zoe was surprised when another man came to her rescue.

He was shocked that she could see him and speak to him. It wasn’t long before she was wanting more than his help with the house. She wanted him. She wanted to see him, speak to him, be held by him.

Where in the house did he Live? Why can’t he leave? He had told her his name was Andre, but she had never done her research on the house, so the name held no meaning for her.

She questioned if he really existed, but she felt his presence. He was physical, because she saw him, talked to him, touched him, loved him. She couldn’t be imagining him, could she?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 – Would Highly Recommend To Others

This was definitely a different twist on a vampire (?), ghost (?) or madwoman (?) story. I got about halfway through and thought WT. Never saw that coming. Now I get it, or do I?

A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. The minute you think you have the answer, you better think again.

The plot had me guessing if HE was real or not, but I’m a reader, not Zoe, so it is totally feasible to me. The book was well written and I liked that it took a twist here and there. Not your typical vampire or ghost story. Or even that of a locked up mad woman. As soon as I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and I would be wondering, what now? Definitely messed with my mind, had my head spinning. And still does.

What would you do if you had an uninvited guest in your house? Would you believe it was supernatural or would you think your mind was playing tricks on you? Even though you felt him, touched him, kissed him, would you be able to hold to your belief while everyone is telling you that you are wrong? That is Zoe’s situation.

Zoe was confident in her knowledge of Andre, no matter what anyone else tried to tell her. All she cared about was being with Andre. He tried to make her see they couldn’t have a relationship, that they lived in different worlds – his was supernatural and she couldn’t join him there, or could she?

I felt the doctor was arrogant and controlling, and I really didn’t like him. He became obsessed with Zoe and lost his perspective. Maybe he’s the one who needs help. lol

Shortly into the book, I thought, this will be a three. It quickly turned into a four, for the simple reason I began to read faster and faster. I had to know what was going to happen next. The writing was captivating and took me deeper into the story as it built to its suspenseful ending.

The end will take you away. Just hope you don’t end up in Serenity Hills with Zoe.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Book II: the middle aisle has just been released. To get your copy of either book, scroll down and click on the cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Website

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Taylor Dean is offering up this wonderful giveaway:

A signed set of lancaster house and the middle aisle to one lucky winner. There will be only one winner chosen, either US or International.

If the winner is from the US, they will receive their choice of signed paperbacks or ebooks.

If the winner is international, they will receive a set of ebooks.

Entry is easy, as always. Simply leave your email and answer the question – Do you believe in ghosts ? Have you ever had a supernatural experience?

CLOSED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AND CONFIRMED.

Giveaway runs from 12/6/12 – 12/2/0/12.

Be sure to tweet it out to your friends, family and followers, not required.

Always appreciated if you follow my blog, not required.

To order any book, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Giveaway/Guest Post and Review of Love Travels Forever by Jaye Frances

Posted on November 13, 2012 by fundinmental

Jaye Frances has some of the most beautiful covers for her books and Love Travels Forever is another beauty.

Jaye Frances has been kind enough to offer fundinmental a guest post, promo and giveaway of her new book, Love Travels Forever. I will also include my review after her post, so keep reading.

Welcome Jaye.

Thank you, Sherry, for hosting me today with my new release Love Travels Forever, an anthology of my favorite short stories and essays. Inspired by interviews and personal recollections, each one takes the reader on an emotional journey of love, passion, and inspiration that lifts the spirit and touches the heart. In “What Might Have Been,” you’ll revisit those angst-filled high school years, courtesy of a twenty-fifth class reunion and the surprise revelation of a secret love. Here’s an excerpt:

The reunion party was earmarked by all the usual characteristics: a rented banquet hall, some hastily prepared table decorations, and a few balloons taped over doorways. As I made my way to the reception table, it was impossible to ignore the unmistakable uncertainty in the air. The electric charge of youthful anticipation ever-so-present at seventeen had been replaced by awkward pauses and quick scans at nametags, making it clear how time had affected our memories—and expectations.

As I ate my wilted salad and pretended to enjoy the overdone roast beef, I reminisced with girlfriends about hairstyles, prom nights, the teachers we liked, and of course, some of the boys we dated. As we picked at the dessert—dry chocolate cake—prizes were awarded for the person who had traveled the farthest, changed the most, and been married the longest. One of the gals at the table wondered out loud if the emcee was the same overly aggressive twerp who hadn’t been able to keep his hands off the typing instructor.

As we began to run out of small talk, it became obvious that four years of high school was, in most cases, our only commonality, and a few adolescent memories could not compete with the twenty-five years of life that had passed since. As the conversation turned to career concerns, aging parents, and unappreciative offspring, I found myself drifting away from the group. Retreating to an outside patio, I sat at an empty table to collect my thoughts. I had been there less than a minute when I was approached by someone I didn’t recognize.

“Hi, Jaye, I was hoping you’d be here.”

I couldn’t place him. He was definitely familiar, but I couldn’t make the connection. I managed a few clumsy questions about mutual friends and teachers, yet I was still clueless. Then he asked if I had kept the old Chevy Nova I drove in my senior year. I felt terrible. He had recognized me, even remembering the car I used to drive. I finally had to admit it—I didn’t remember him.

“That’s okay,” he said. “It’s my fault for not wearing my nametag. I’m Neil Graham. My locker was across the hall from yours. We were also in senior English together.”

The memories came rushing back. In high school, he’d been an anomaly—good looking, athletic, smart—and painfully quiet. Seldom seen at school dances or other social functions, he didn’t seem to have a lot of friends, and yet he usually offered a smile to anyone passing by, as if silently inviting them to stop and chat.

SYNOPSIS

In Love Travels Forever, Jaye Frances captures the reader’s heart with an inspiring collection of seventeen stories filled with romance and passion, the hopeful innocence of youth, and a love so strong that it transcends the mortality of life. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet:

Evan and Frankie, a loving couple traveling through life hand-in-hand, are unaware that the shadow of fate is about to tear them apart. Helpless to change their shortened future together, one of them makes a promise—a promise of devotion and courage, honoring a love that surpasses the boundaries of time.

Mark and Janice, the perfect couple with the perfect life, are on the threshold of finally seeing their dreams come true—until an unexpected circumstance changes their lives forever.

Danny, a young soldier fresh out of boot-camp, is desperate to find a way to travel home and marry his sweetheart before being shipped overseas. Stranded in a train station on a three day pass with no hope in sight, Danny meets Wanda, an incredible woman who vows to find a way to bring Danny and his fiance together.

Nora and Georgia are two eight-year-old best friends who share giggles, dolls, and secrets. But when one of them faces sudden danger, the other responds with an unconditional act of love and forges a lifelong bond between them unaffected by fear or prejudice.

So find a quiet spot, get comfy, and grab a box of Kleenex. You’re about to take an unforgettable journey of the heart, to a place where compassion and hope have no limits, and where love continues to travel forever.

Love Travels Forever is available now

in kindle eBook on Amazon for $1.99

Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters, a humorous adult satire about love on the high seas, The Beach, a sci-fi supernatural tale about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish, and Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes.

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MY REVIEW

The cover is beautiful and leads you into the seventeen short stories of life and love.

Travel through life – not necessarily to places but to times and memories.

Love Travels Forever – the opening story, sums up the collection.

Valentines Day – holds a special surprise and has a special meaning for Jaye.

Life is Too Short For Regrets – as Cassie said, “Admit it, get over it and get on with it.”

Halloween Man – put a smile on my face and made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Packed With A Promise – I fought to read the words through the blur of tears in my eyes.

What Might Have Been – why she wrote The Possibilities of Amy.

The Angels of Ellis Island – The angels do make this a true Thanksgiving story.

Middle Age Crazy – now what? In youth we think we are invincible and are allowed to make mistakes and have fun. Then mid-life crisis – where we make adjustments to find out where we want to go and how to get there.

A Gift From the Mayans – superb ending to a captivating collection.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Full of gems of wisdom.

“Mary Ann Evan, writing as George Eliot, “The strangest principle of growth lies in human choice.”

The stories are full of choices people made. The choices we make don’t always make sense to others, but are so vital to us! Will make you feel good about your life, or maybe let you know you need to change it.

Sometimes the most important things are the little things.

Packed full of love, life, emotion, tears, happiness, smiles, heartbreak, warm and fuzzy, kindness, compassion, hope and giving. Moving, touching, beautiful, poignant stories.

Be sure to be alone, with your hanky or tissue and take time to think about what you read as you travel on Jaye’s wonderful voyage through life.

This is a book you will want to pull out again and again to read this story or that story. Not necessarily front to back. Excellent. Must have.

With so many examples of the generosity and kindness of strangers, this is the perfect time of year to give this as a gift.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and impartial review.

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

Jaye Frances has offered one kindle copy of Love Travels Forever to one lucky commenter. Just answer the question – WHERE IS YOUR DREAM DESTINATION? – and leave an email address. Giveaway ends November 27, 2012.

TO SEE ALL MY GIVEAWAYS, GO HERE.