Month: May 2024

Wrapping Up My Kickstarter: Insights from “Anna, Daughter of Creed”

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

As my Kickstarter campaign for my upcoming novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed gets close to wrapping up, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. There are just three days left! I figured this would be a good time to reflect on the journey so. Here, I’ll share some strategies for wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign, drawing from my experience with this project and past Kickstarters.

 

The Journey So Far: Anna, Daughter of Creed

 

The Kickstarter for Anna, Daughter of Creed has invited fans who share a passion for my Creedverse/Bodacious Creed novels. This upcoming novel, a spin-off from my The Adventures of Bodacious Creed trilogy, takes readers into the life of James Creed’s daughter, Anna Lynn Boyd, during the same time period when Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake and Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate take place.

As the campaign wraps up, it’s essential to keep the momentum going and ensure potential backers are aware of what’s still available. Let’s look at what I’m focusing on, and what I suggest for others wrapping up their Kickstarter projects.

Strategies for a Successful Wrap-Up

 

1. Engage the Community

One of the most effective ways to maintain momentum is by engaging with the community. Regular updates, interactive Q&A sessions, and engaging content can keep backers invested. Throughout this campaign, I’ve tried to keep everyone informed with updates. Could I have done more? Yes, but when you’re busy in other parts of your life, work smart, and I think I did that.

2. Highlight Unique Rewards

As the campaign draws to a close, let me highlight the rewards. You can get copies of the upcoming novel and copies of the previous trilogy in digital or print formats. Anyone who donates $3 or more gets their name in the acknowledgements, and as for the add-ons… Check those out! Get additional book copies, perhaps for friends, become a walk-on character in the novel, or name a character. There’s even going to be a deck of “Anna, Daughter of Creed” playing cards you can add to your rewards! If you’re finishing up a Kickstarter, keep in mind that emphasizing the exclusivity of certain rewards can create a sense of urgency.

3. Leverage Social Proof

Social proof is something I didn’t learn about until I was over forty, but it makes so much sense, and affects all of us. When we know what others think of something, it informs what we think of it. When people give a book great reviews, or back a Kickstarter, people new to the book or project see it has some popularity, and that shows there’s a good chance it’s worth paying attention to. I read a few book reviews before I purchase a book. If a movie is critical reviews, I’ll often put off giving it a shot until it’s available for streaming. So, as your Kickstarter winds down and you post to social media about it, mention how much it’s made or how many excited backers you have!

4. Countdown to the Deadline

Creating a sense of urgency is crucial in the final days. Regular reminders about the ticking clock can encourage last-minute backers to pledge. Using countdowns in updates and social media posts can effectively highlight the limited time left to support the project.

5. Stretch Goals and Bonus Rewards

If the initial goal is met, introducing stretch goals can maintain enthusiasm. These could be additional content, special editions, or enhanced rewards. For “Anna, Daughter of Creed,” potential stretch goals might include additional chapters, exclusive artwork, or a special audiobook edition narrated by a woman. I admit, I didn’t do stretch goals this time, but I have in the past, and I certainly will for future projects. These are usually best for when a Kickstarter is really making a lot of money, making bonuses more affordable for the creator.

6. Thank the Backers

Expressing gratitude is essential. Thanking backers for their support and highlighting how their contributions are making the project possible can strengthen the community. Personal messages or shout-outs can make backers feel appreciated and connected to the project. I make sure to thank my backers on every update.

 

A Closer Look at “Anna, Daughter of Creed”

 

Anna, Daughter of Creed delves into the life of Anna Lynn Boyd, a visionary entrepreneur navigating a steampunk-infused Santa Cruz, California, in the late 1870s. While her father, the resurrected investigator James Creed, chases justice in San Francisco, Anna faces her own battles against societal challenges and personal threats. This novel promises the action, diversity, and depth that fans of the Creedverse love.

 

The Story Behind the Novel

In Anna, Daughter of Creed, we experience Anna’s struggle to champion women’s rights and create new opportunities beyond the traditional roles of the era. Her journey is filled with blackmail, libel, and the fight for personal and societal advancement. The novel promises a blend of historical intrigue and futuristic innovation, a hallmark of my storytelling.

Praise and Anticipation

I’m grateful for the positive feedback from fans who appreciate the compelling female characters in my stories. Anna Lynn Boyd represents the strength and resilience that I aim to portray in my characters. In this novel, I expand the Creedverse and strive to push the boundaries of the genre.

Wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign involves a mix of strategic engagement, highlighting unique aspects, and creating a sense of urgency. By focusing on these elements, I hope to maximize the campaign’s potential and ensure a successful conclusion. With its unique blend of steampunk and Wild West, interesting characters, and rich narrative, “Anna, Daughter of Creed” will captivate readers and expand my fictional world.

As the finish line approaches, every update, every thank you, and every bit of enthusiasm can make a difference. Here’s to a successful campaign and the exciting adventures that await in Anna, Daughter of Creed. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

“I really like Kickstarter because you don’t have to be a Medici to fund the arts and sciences or to get behind a big idea or a person that sparks your imagination. It’s a type of microfunding directed toward creators.” ~ Lisa Gansky

The House of Amber Doves: A Glimpse into the Creedverese

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

My Kickstarter for my upcoming novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed, is just about to enter its forth week! This novel covers the life of Anna Lynn Boyd, the remarkable woman who runs The House of Amber Doves, during the last half of 1877. The story unfolds in Santa Cruz and explorers her challenges as she pushes for more rights for the women who work in her brothel.

So far, we’ve raised $1,187, and there’s still time to contribute. Even readers in certain foreign countries can get the book in print when it comes out. Plus, there are some fantastic add-ons, like the opportunity to name a character in the novel or even appear in the finished book!

Today, I want to share a bit about The House of Amber Doves. Located in the heart of 1870s in my alternate version of Santa Cruz, California’s business district, this establishment serves as both an upscale restaurant and a premier brothel. Owned by the enterprising Anna Lynn Boyd, The House of Amber Doves is much more than it appears.

A Legacy of Transformation

Originally a modest two-story building owned by Margarita Fullerton, The House of Amber Doves was transformed when Anna Lynn Boyd took over. Anna’s vision led to significant renovations, expanding the building to three stories and ensuring that each woman employed at the brothel now has her own private room. The cherry-red exterior and elegantly designed interior reflect the upscale nature of the establishment. Despite its luxurious ambiance, The House of Amber Doves remains relatively affordable, attracting a diverse clientele and making it a distinguished fixture in the fictional city of Santa Cruz.

Fair Treatment and Empowerment

Anna prides herself on the fair treatment of her employees. The women keep most of their earnings, with only a small portion going towards the maintenance of the brothel and payment for the kitchen staff. This approach ensures a positive and safe environment, earning Anna respect and loyalty from her staff.

Services and Pricing

The House of Amber Doves offers a range of services to its patrons. A standard brothel token costs $5.00, entitling the bearer to intercourse with a willing dove. Clients are expected to arrive clean or pay an additional $0.50 for bathing services in the dove’s room. The cost of other services varies according to the individual preferences and boundaries of the doves. This transparent pricing and the high standards of cleanliness and respect for personal boundaries further enhance the establishment’s appeal.

A Secret World Below

One of the most intriguing aspects of The House of Amber Doves is the secret underground laboratory located beneath Anna’s room. This hidden facility, added during the major rebuilding project, serves as a workspace for Anna’s various scientific endeavors. The lab is equipped with four tall support beams, an operating table, a wheeled table, a regular table, two desks, shelves, and cupboards arranged around the walls. In the corner stands a blacksmith’s forge and the 7-foot-tall automaton, Zero. The walls are outfitted with extra sound dampeners, making it nearly impossible to hear anything outside the lab. Only James Creed, with his enhanced hearing, and some automatons, can perceive what transpires within.

Innovating the Future

Anna and her partner, Jonathan Johns, spend much of their time in this lab, inventing cutting-edge technology for Miles Morgan’s corporations. It was here that they achieved one of their most remarkable feats: bringing James Creed back to life. While most of Anna’s tasks are assigned by Morgan, she still has the freedom to work on her own projects, pushing the boundaries of steampunk innovation. This secret laboratory not only underscores Anna’s brilliance but also highlights her commitment to advancing technology while maintaining her role at The House of Amber Doves.

Anna and Jonny’s Sanctuary

Above the secret lab, Anna and Jonathan reside in a large suite located towards the back of the establishment. Their living quarters, accessible through a short hallway that opens into an alley, include a bedroom, bathroom, and spare room. This arrangement provides them both comfort and privacy, a necessary retreat from their demanding work.

A Pillar of the Community

Under Anna ownership, The House of Amber Doves has become a distinguished establishment that embodies elegance, innovation, and fair treatment. Anna’s vision and leadership have not only transformed the physical space but have also created a positive and empowering environment for her employees. As a prominent local business in the Creedverse, The House of Amber Doves continues to thrive, leaving a lasting legacy in Santa Cruz.

The Kickstarter

If Anna and The House of Amber Doves intrigues you, I encourage you to check out and maybe back my Kickstarter! You can even get the entire trilogy that introduced her, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, which begins with Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, as part of your backer’s rewards. Check it out on Kickstarter! It’s running until the morning of May 30, 2024.

“Women’s work is never easy, never clean.” ~ Tayari Jones

Gearing Up for Weird West Month

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

May has rolled around, and with it brings Welcome to the Weird West Month at Weird West Fiction. As a steampunk western author, as soon as I heard about it I contacted them to make sure my novel, Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, and the series, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, would be included. I just sent them back my answers to the interview questions.

So, I’m honored to announce that I will be one of the featured authors on this fantastic platform. I can’t wait to share the ins and outs of my journey through the trails of Creedverse with an audience that appreciates the grit and whimsy of the Weird West as much as I do.

Tall tales and grand adventures, fill the Weird West genre. We find gleaming guns and robots, and the echoes of horse hooves meeting the whir of mechanical wonders. Whether steeped in fantasy or sticking with science fiction, the Weird West allows us to reimagine the dusty, sunbaked streets of frontier towns. It’s about pushing the boundaries of traditional western stories into the realms of the fantastical and the eerie.

During “Weird West Month,” WeirdWestFiction.com is hosting interviews, guest posts, and discussions that delve into the minds of creators who dare to explore this niche. The site does a marvelous job of bringing together a community that promotes a genre where anything is possible—if you can dream it, you can write it.

Taking part in Welcome to the Weird West Month feels like coming home. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what draws me to this intersection of genres and to explore how it influences my work. My passion for steampunk and westerns is about deepening the story possibilities of historical settings, and exploring modern concerns in a familiar, yet changed, context.

For those who follow my work, you know the Creedverse is a labor of love that challenges the norms of what westerns can be. In my books, you’ll find not only gunfights and horseback chases but also walking, talking steely companions that might just have a heart of gold (or at least a heart of finely-tuned gears and circuitry).

As Welcome to the Weird West Month progresses, I encourage you all to visit WeirdWestFiction.com. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, there’s something wonderfully wild waiting for you. And keep an eye out for my interview—I look forward to sharing it with you and hearing your thoughts.

 

Important Reminder

The Kickstarter for my latest Creedverse novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed, is running until May 30, 2024! Now’s a great time to back it for signed copies of the novel, copies of the previous series (if you’re interested!), and much more! You can even appear as a Weird West version of yourself in the upcoming book!

“May your belly never grumble, may your heart never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break.” ~ The Cowboy Blessing

The Genesis of “Anna, Daughter of Creed”

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

Welcome to the exciting journey of bringing Anna, Daughter of Creed to life through my latest Kickstarter campaign, which is running from April 30 to May 30, 2024. This project is for the new spin-off trilogy from my series, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed. (See the sidebar for more!) It represents a deepening of my steampunk western alternate timeline, which I call the Creedverse, and the beginning of The Anna Lynn Chronicles,” a trilogy that promises to expand Creedverse lore.

The Genesis of Anna, Daughter of Creed

The inspiration to focus on my inventor and brothel madam character, Anna Lynn Boyd, originated from the overwhelming response she received from readers, particularly women, who praised her depth and realism—qualities they felt were often lacking in female characters written by male authors. This feedback, along with a moment of revelation while writing Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake, sparked the idea for a new series centered around Anna. As James “Bodacious” Creed pursued justice in San Francisco, it became clear that Anna would have her own set of challenges to face back in Santa Cruz.

Developing Anna Lynn Boyd

Anna’s character is a blend of genius intellect and profound resilience, shaped by her early experiences and the societal constraints of the 1870s. Despite her innovations and contributions to technology, she found herself constrained by the limited roles available to women during the era, initially forcing her into prostitution—an occupation she turned to out of necessity but left behind due to her inventions and subsequent partnership with business mogul Miles Morgan.

I knew it was important to portray her not as a victim of her circumstances, but as a proactive agent of change. Her story is one of overcoming adversity through intelligence and determination, using her wealth and influence to challenge and change the status quo for women—an endeavor that is central to Anna, Daughter of Creed.

Crafting the Narrative

The narrative of Anna, Daughter of Creed intertwines historical elements with steampunk inventions in a plot rich with blackmail, societal critique, and personal growth. The story delves into themes of libel and misogyny, exploring how Anna navigates these challenges in a society that is simultaneously captivated by and cautious of her achievements. This interplay of historical realism and imaginative steampunk elements provides a fertile ground for exploring timeless issues through the lens of speculative fiction.

Reader Engagement and Community Building

A fun aspect of this Kickstarter campaign is how I’m letting backers have a bit of input into the story. This interactive approach has been a cornerstone of my writing process, allowing readers to name characters or even appear as characters within the novel. This level of engagement not only enriches the story but also fosters a stronger connection between the narrative and its audience, making the Creedverse a collaborative space for creativity and community.

Overcoming Creative Challenges

Writing Anna, Daughter of Creed has been an exercise in persistence and creativity. The initial drafts, while extensive, did not capture the story I wanted to tell. Through multiple rewrites and revisions, I have honed in on a narrative that feels true to both the character of Anna and the world of the Creedverse. It’s been a challenge, but incredibly rewarding.

The Future of The Anna Lynn Chronicles

With the broad outlines for the next two books already in place, the journey ahead for Anna Lynn Boyd is vibrant and full of potential. These novels will continue to build on her legacy, exploring new dimensions of her character and the impact of her inventions on society. The trilogy will follow her personal growth and reflect broader societal changes, providing a mirror to the ongoing discussions around gender and innovation.

Your Role in This Journey

By supporting this Kickstarter, you’re playing a pivotal role in the realization of a project that merges historical intrigue with speculative innovation. Every pledge supports the continuation of a saga that champions the indomitable spirit of its characters.

I am committed to transparency and communication throughout this process. I will share regular updates on the progress of the novel, from the first draft through to publication, ensuring that backers are not just contributors but true partners in this creative journey.

Join Us

I invite you to join us on this adventure, to be part of a story that blends the past with futuristic technology and social commentary. Your support is not for a book, yes, and also for a vision of the world where the fierce the fearless, and the compassionate lead the way.

Thank you for considering this journey with me. Anna, Daughter of Creed is a project born from love—for the characters, for the world, and for the readers who have made the Creedverse what it is today. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.

“Writing is an act of willed understanding.” ~ Stephen King