Asylum Earth: Aftermath: Manhattan Protocol

 This is the latest and greatest box for the game, which should be arriving at my door on Monday, according to Fedex. Hey folks, it's been a while, and I've had my ups and downs these days. I've worked so hard to get this game done, but I feel it's probably not quite ready for prime time. If the game arrives Monday, I'll be setting it up and playing it to see how it works.

That's a nailbiter for sure, even though I've got all the instructions and the artwork as close to finished as I can get it. I'm just not sure about the board yet. But, time will tell and I'll be doing my best to make sense of it all and get it out there on the Game Crafter website for now until I can put it for sale on Amazon, Walmart, etc.

I also dug up several other games I had designed years ago that I'm looking to finish, also. Those games sat inside a slow HP laptop I'm still nursing and extracting files from. I'm in the middle of switching out to Windows 11 on my desktop, and I need a new keyboard and mouse that are on their way today.

There's so much to tell about this new version of the game, but until I lay it out and give it a whirl in real time, I just don't know where it stands. 

Luckily, the book, Asylum Earth: Age of the Apocalypse, has been out on Amazon for several weeks, parked until I get the game going in full swing so I can promote both the game and the book at the same time. Although my focus is on the board game for now. It's all quite the undertaking that needs to fall into place, but there are always delays and problems to be had along the way. Right now, the promotional video is finished, but its conversion to MP4 by Filmora is a bit dubious, to say the least.

Filmora claims that I have not purchased enough digital assets to convert the video to MP4 format, which is not accurate. So, as it stands, I'm trying to fix that glitch.

Much more to come, folks. Standby for the best part.

ASYLUM EARTH SUPREME SURVIVOR [Board Game Update]

 

Image from Can Stock Photo

Here's a nice image I considered for the box cover but I would have to add a weapon in her hands and that might work with an interesting background. That's what I originally wanted to use, a fierce female image like this because she (Andrea) is the star or main character of Asylum Earth.

But as you can see on the current cover, I opted for a butt shot with a weapon in hand. Not bad because it is provocative but I might give this image a try someday. With a bit of Photoshop magic, you'd be surprised how good it can work. She has the right stare in place so that's a plus.

Yes, my friends, it's all about sex appeal regardless of what you're trying to sell and you'll have to add a good dose of curiosity along with it. A dead-end image won't work. Your cover image must tell part of the story without solving or giving away too much. At its best, a cover image should feature the star of the game engaged in some interesting way. But you must also include a bit of world-building in the background to set the stage and present the main theme in a believable way.

Come to think of it, I'll work on that image and post it here to see what you make of it. You never know, I might wind up using it after all.

Right now the latest update is the QR Code I added so you can download the Rulebook onto your phone. I think this is a much better option than having only one printed rulebook that everyone needs to share. Besides, the online Rulebook will have hyperlinks so you can navigate the rules easier and faster and every player gets their own copy. Try the QR Code on the upper right and see for yourself. The rulebook is not finished yet but it's a good start.

New Asylum Earth game board sample

Above, you can get a peek at the new game board I'm working on. I've also added several card decks that really take this game to the next level. If anything, the new cards will add another layer of interesting options that players can branch off into in search of a winning strategy.

If I've learned one thing about designing a board game it's that you never really know where it's going. And I suspect that even after this game hits the market, I'll be coming up with better ideas all the time. Of course, there comes a time when you leave it alone but if on the road to developing your game, you come across a far better idea than what you have, by all means, shake things up and add that great idea to your game. So far, I've changed the name and the entire board several times and I don't regret it because the game is much better for it.

And you can't argue with better ideas. Sometimes original ideas lack depth and visual appeal so I always opt to improve even at the expense of delaying the game. Let's face it, if you publish a weak game you're going to get weak results overall. You've got to hit a grand slam or nothing at all. Product development is all about presenting not just your best but the best your product wants to be. That's not always evident from the start but as you move along with it you'll find better ways to achieve the ultimate design, which is to produce an interesting, provocative game that players fall in love with and will want to go along for the ride, wherever it takes them.

Come on back next week for the new box cover based on the image above to see which one is best.

Your comments or questions are always welcome.

Play on, players!

New Tabletop Post-Apocalyptic Game (Remnants: Supreme Survivor)

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3 Essential Design Elements (Board Game Packaging Box)

New Remnants Box

Hungry For The New Board Game Box?

Here are the 3 essential ingredients.

Hooks, Hooks, and more Hooks.

If you're a subscriber to this blog, you probably already know about the importance of hooks. And it's worth repeating because, without the proper hooks, your audience will dismiss your game and look for another image or a catchy phrase in another game that piques their interest and excites them.

In other words, your packaging must instantly push all the right buttons for the genre. It's just that simple and that important.

Let's break it down

First things first. Your main image must grab their eye and mind all at once. For Remnants, Andrea's face, her expression, says it all. She's not startled or surprised by what she sees, but something has caught her attention.

Next, you'll notice the big-ass Glock in her bionic hand. After all, she is an Android, with a backstory, mind you. And that says a lot about her already. She knows how to protect herself. So far, so good. And who doesn't carry a weapon these days? Many people do and whether they carry one lawfully or not is another matter. But in the near future, personal protection is a must. And all the doomsday preppers said, AMEN.

Aside from all that, she's dressed to survive. Not to mention her one blue eye. That detail is mentioned in the first book, Edge of The Apocalypse (featured on the bottom right side of the box).

Other Hooks

As far as the background goes, there are subtle messages that inform the audience. In this case, the New York City skyline is rushing by and there's a massive planet looming on the horizon. (Another Earth?) Plus, you'll notice the flash of sunlight on the left. That's not part of the original image but I included it to evoke a sense of hope or normalcy. Yes, the world is a blur, but the sun still shines. That's the metaphor, in a nutshell, folks.

Okay, so much for the imagery. What about the all-important copy? Well, that's another beast altogether but let's get into it.

Tagline Closeup

Taglines

We all know about hierarchy when it comes to copywriting for advertising or packaging of any kind and as you can see, the 2 lines read:

1. Welcome to the edge of the apocalypse and beyond.
2. "Take her to the edge."

I hadn't come up with this until now because that's just the way things go sometimes but I think this is good enough to stick with for the next printing.

As a side note, these two lines are at the top of the box (first lines) but they're not what the viewer sees first because the name or title of the game is front and center in a much larger size, as it should be. Nevertheless, the hierarchy still works as-is and potential buyers most likely will read those first two lines after viewing the name, Remnants right in the middle of the box, and the all-important subtitle, Supreme Survivor.

The word Remnants has a built-in curiosity and that's an advantage right there. Then there's the sub-title, which has a good ring to it because it evokes the object of the game in a catchy way. Yes, I could have used lone survivor or last survivor, but the word supreme is fresh and on point for the genre.

What's effective about that first line is that it mentions the title of the first book and evokes the title of the last book. That's clever enough and a great choice of first words.

The second line is of course a double entendre. No explanation is needed but suffice to say, it's a good and effective line for those two reasons. It ties in with the first line and evokes not just a sexual innuendo, but two books in the process.

Copywriters are fond of double, or multiple meanings and I'm no different because you get your money's worth when good copy does the heavy lifting. So remember that when you write your copy next time.

Here's a good example of multiple meanings in the media today:

"Pizza lovers get it."

Dogs get it too!

Short and sweet as Marco's Pizza declares in their new ad. But that didn't stop Papa John's from using the same, exact tagline. Who's line is it, anyway? (See what I did there. Right. Let's move along.)

The last line, or bottom line, as it were, evokes the subgenre and the author's name, which right now is not as important because no one has ever heard of A. R. Arias. (Hopefully, that will change next year.)

A Cyberpunk Strategy Game by A. R. Arias

So this line mentions the genre, the game mechanics, and its author. All very important elements that help sell the game in short order.

So there you have it, folks. We've dissected the front of the box and made sense of it all for aspiring copywriters and we've added strong sales copy that should help towards the long and winding road or sales funnel that hones in on prospects of the genre and beyond.

It's a win-win-win for all.

In my next post, I'll cover all the juicy details on the back of the box (so many). Now that's a can of delicious and tempting lines that should make your mouth water for more.

Bon appetite!

All comments or questions are welcome so please post them below.

See you soon. Be safe and play on!

Remnants of The Apocalypse - The All New Cyberpunk Board Game

New Box Bottom

Here's the bottom, or back of the new box. As you can see, I've divided it into halves, or two columns because it's easier to read that way. And it's packed to the gills with a lot of good stuff.

The goal of this copy is to intrigue players with the theme and highlight several unique features of the game. In this case, I've included the words Cyberpunk and epic, and I've mentioned the video links, which are exclusive to this game. That shows potential buyers that this game is unique and unlike many new games, they can look forward to something truly new and different.

Walking A Fine Line

There's a fine line one has to straddle when it comes to originality. Sure, you want your game to have new and unique features but you must also include familiar features and game mechanisms so players won't feel so isolated and lost from the start.

In Remnant's case, I've chosen to start the game with character placement. That way the game opens with a familiar mechanism that most players of worker placement games already know. From there, more options allow players to choose their best strategy and paths they might take to win the game.

Game Overview and Cyberpunk Themes

You'll also notice that above the main text I've added a short summary of the game (gray box) including the features that make it unique. That helps players imagine how the game plays and its overall tone. In essence, this short paragraph must hook the player at first read. Keywords are important so I've included the word Cyberpunk to reflect the theme and tone of the game. Plus, the character images above also serve as a hook. One of the main characters is Pucho, a notorious hacker of his time.

Story Hooks - How Many do you Need?

In fact, that short paragraph in the gray box includes no less than five hooks. Count them and see why this is so important in attracting and intriguing players right away. Let's face it, there's not a lot of room on the box for long-winded text. You must highlight your game's unique features and what it has to offer from the top in very short order.

As you read the remaining copy (about 6 short paragraphs) you'll need to include even more hooks throughout so make sure to highlight all the exciting and engaging stuff your game is made of. Remember, you only get one brief chance to make a great impression so make it count.

When writing copy, always keep in mind the main theme of your game and its unique features, and work all that into your writing. In this case, I've mentioned Cyberpunk and also worked in the CTA or call to action with two lines:

The Moment is Here, The Time is Now.

About Themes

As far as themes go it's worth mentioning the difference between the main theme and minor themes in your story. In Remnant's case, the main theme is survival during the apocalypse but the overall tone and backdrop are Cyberpunk. That means, digital events, including but not limited to hacking, digital tech, screen displays, advertising references, holograms, and more. Something along the lines of Blade Runner 2049, which has been an inspiration for this game and its three books.

To Buy or Not to Buy

Asking potential buyers to buy your game can be stated in many ways. I tend to never use the word "buy" because it has a connotation of loss built into it, as in spending. Although, if you use the word buy it's okay, I suppose as long as buyers feel that they're getting their money's worth.

Otherwise, I do prefer to include a soft CTA, as I've done in the text for this new box.

Sidebar:

I've also included a promo for the first book in the series, Edge of The Apocalypse on the lower right. The paperback is available on Amazon but players can download a free PDF copy on The Game Crafter Downloads website.

For my next post, I'll feature the new collectible hardcover novel that will be out next year to accompany the new game. It has a new cover! By the way, the difference between the hardcover novel and the three paperback books is subtle but somewhat obvious. For example, the novel features the three short stories integrated as one continuous story as opposed to the three books, which each have their own ending. Also, the full-length novel includes several chapters, e.g., The Notorious P.I.G., aka, Pucho Is Great, not featured in the short books. More about this in an upcoming post.

Please leave your comments and questions below and I'll be back with much more about Remnants and its progress along the way.

Until then, play on, folks!

New Post-Apocalyptic Board Game and Books for 2022

Here's a sample for the new hardcover novel, Edge of The Apocalypse 2058. The three short stories are available on Amazon separately but this full-featured novel with illustrations will be available only on B&N. That's Barnes and Noble, of course, and it will be a hardcover with dust jacket edition. For now, I've opted for this cover, which I think works well. As much as I like the paperback edition of the short story, with the backdrop of New York City blowing by, this cover really works for this edition. What I really like about this cover is that it recalls the game box so that's a better fit.

It's one of those things where I want to keep using a familiar image although, that's not typically how it's done. So before I finish the board game, which should be by the end of this year around December, I might have another image for this hardcover edition, but most likely I'll stick with this one.

I'll be posting more about this new novel, including the back cover, flaps, and publication date.

There are many options but I can only use one proper image and so that's where all the indecision comes in or maybe using an image that's too busy is often an easy mistake to make. It's a lot like when I couldn't find a proper cover for the game and I went through so many designs that I wasn't crazy about until I found the one closeup image of Andrea that worked nicely. And even though I did alter the image slightly, it was by far a better option than all the other covers I had tried.

Again, I'll give credit to Mystic Art Design on Pixabay.com for such a fine image:

Pixabay Image

So in a way, I got lucky and hadn't printed another prototype that I really didn't like. As you can see below, I changed the background to fit with the story and added a Glock in her right hand. I also made one of her eyes blue to make her even more interesting. I mention that detail about her eyes in the early chapters of the book.

Current Millennium Prototype Box

Right now, as far as the board game goes, I'm tweaking the new board and adding several cards to match the board as far as Actions go. The board is all but done and I'm working out the new designs for the playing cards. I've given myself plenty of time to get all that done so I should be finished by December.

That means that I'm also trying to finish a short promo video to go along with everything and I hope to have everything done early next year. If that works out I'll be looking to score several good reviews and finally release this game on September 11, 2022. If I keep working at my current pace, I should be able to get there.

I'm also learning all the nuances of Instagram, and there are plenty, so I can build an engaged audience by next year before September. 

I've got so many other things going on that I have to get this done once and for all. It's high time after 4 years of development and in a perfect world I would've been finished a year ago but I am working all by myself and don't have a huge team behind this game. But maybe that's a good thing.

Let me know what you think about this new cover in the comments below and if you want updates on the game and books, sign up for email updates up top on the right. I only use your email to send you updates maybe once a month so no worries because your privacy is secure.

Until then, folks, play on!

New Board Games - A Millennium Update [ The Apocalypse is Alive and Well ]

New Game board

 

Hey folks, I just wanted to post the latest update for Millennium. I'm still using the six-fold game board but I've added wide borders to accommodate playing cards. As you can see, I've also added several graphics keeping the theme in mind, of course.

I think this works and even though the map is a bit smaller, I think it will still be legible enough to play without straining your eyes to read. I've slowed down my pace and still working on the new role-playing card deck but I plan to get back into that this coming week and hopefully finish it before this coming month is gone.

The main difference here is that I'm replacing the states with territories. Based on current demographics and other criteria, race and ethnicity dominance will be a major factor after an apocalypse and so I'm working all that out as we speak.

How Time Flies

We're quickly heading into September and that's when I wanted to launch this game but I insist on not rushing the process because that will only result in putting out an inferior version. Every time I turn around I find ways to improve the graphics and overall design so all these delays are for the good of the final product.

I'd regret launching this game only to realize that I've figured out a better design via game mechanics or graphics so I'll be working long hours by the end of this year to print another prototype early next year in 2022.

That's just the way it is and so no worries because the game keeps getting better, although that's not to say that I'm striving for perfection either. I realize that small changes can be made along the way after I launch next year. My main concern is to produce a playable version with minimal corrections afterward.

Main Goal

My goal is to launch an interesting and fun game ready to hook new players in this genre with something different but familiar that has a strong storyline. New games simply cannot afford to launch with bad or tepid reviews. 

And so it takes time to develop a great game that hooks and engages players in the genre and beyond. I'm also working by myself for the most part except for the help of my teenage kids that said the rulebook was not clear enough. I don't doubt that because I'm trying to keep the rules to a minimum but I can't leave anything out. I've since revisited the booklet and made several changes to clarify the rules and gameplay.

Play Testing

At this point, I won't ask them to play the game until I reprint the next prototype because I've made quite a few changes and corrections to the rulebook, the board, and the box. Right. It's an entirely new look and feel and the best changes going forward.

Thanks for your comments and questions. I'll be back soon as I get more work done. 

Until then, stay safe and play on, people.

BTW, soon you'll be able to download the new Rule Booklet on the right column under Andrea. Believe it or not, I'm confident that I can really finish the game by the end of this year. At that point, early next year, I'll be posting Youtube videos about the game and sending out free game boxes in exchange for reviews before the game officially launches on September 11, 2022.

Who's Who? Amazing New Characters in Millennium Board Game

 

Here's a cyberpunk image I found on Canstockphoto.com for one of Millennium's role card decks. 

I'm calling him, Pucho (pooch-o) and he brings some much-needed levity to the game. I'll simply add a sly smile with Photoshop and set him free inside the game.

I've added some "funny" dialog between him and Andrea when they meet in the novel edition of the three books. Otherwise, you can also read the short introduction in Edge of The Apocalypse, Andrea's Journal.

For aspiring writers, check out how I presented this character by not using gratuitous humor as you might expect from a Joker. Humor comes later in the story. When you read the passage, this mugshot will make total sense.

Actually, I did hit the jackpot by finding CanStockPhoto.com because they have a great selection of apocalyptic and cyberpunk scenes. The only drawback is when the model's mug for the camera. I can hardly use any images when you pose or stare into the camera unless your character is trying to make a statement about their demeanor or connect with the player in some odd way.

On the left is another main character, Freedom, also from CanStockPhoto. This is an original shot that I've modified for the playing card where she has a weapon (for self-defense). 

BTW, several of my posts are out of order because this was a previous draft I'm finishing now but you can see the finished playing cards for these 2 characters in the post below.

I just wanted to include this short article so you can see the difference between the original photos and the final playing cards. As you can see, in a post-apocalyptic world, these characters fit in perfectly, and as I've said before, I'm going for a certain look and feel for this game so it's evolving nicely so far.

My next hurdle is to design interesting mechanics to give these characters meaningful actions that bring players closer to winning the game. That's easier said than done but it's not rocket science, so I should be able to figure it out soon enough.

Yes, it's an unusual way to design a game but for me, it makes sense because I'm starting with the end product in mind and working my way backward until I find the perfect blend of imagery and gameplay that's fun and interesting. 

I'm not your typical board game fanatic and that can be either an advantage or disadvantage but I know enough about playing board games to design the kind of game I can't find but I'd like to play. And so that's where Millennium comes in. This is the kind of game that's different yet familiar enough to attract players in this genre.

And speaking of genres, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic board games are not usually runaway best-sellers by any means but there's still an active audience that enjoys playing these kinds of games. Besides, Millennium is a different kind of post-apocalyptic game with a focus on positive outcomes, as opposed to the doom and gloom of other games in this genre.

That's a fine line to walk but I don't mind taking chances especially when so many of those dark-themed games are so played out. Not to mention this game is female-centric so it's a different POV angle altogether.

Everything remains to be seen. It's a roll of the dice as everything in life is so we'll see if I can get to the finish line by next year and finally put the game out there. Either way, it's an accomplishment and a stepping stone to other games and stories that are worth telling.

As the old saying goes, "no risk, no reward." 

I'll see you back here soon. 

Say it in the comments, please.

Millennium Board Game - A Nod to Cyberpunk 2077

 

Cyberpunk Prototype Box Design

Here's the latest update on the next prototype box. As you can see, Andrea, true to form, has robotic titanium-reinforced arms below her elbow. You can read more about that in the ebook, Edge of The Apocalypse available on Amazon.com.

So, this box has been through quite an evolution. This new design is probably the most direct and focused image based on the story in the three books. Andrea's Journal, included in each box, hints at events behind the scenes in detail about how the coming apocalypse gets underway and everything that happens to Andrea and her best friend, Maria.

Printed Journal Booklet

It's a fun story despite the fact that it takes place during an apocalyptic event, but hey, even the apocalypse should be entertaining at some level. But from my point of view, or Andrea's, there's so much more to Doomsday than doom and gloom.

And so, there are quite a few light-hearted moments and funny, albeit, tense situations, like their trip northeast when they pick up a suspicious hitchhiker in Jacksonville, Florida. Yes, Florida rears its dubious head, rightfully so, and not just because I live there.

My only reservations about Andrea's new image is the goggles, which give it a bit of Cyberpunk vibe, but I think I'll get over that and probably embrace it a bit more as I go along. Check out the robitic arms in a scene from the video game, Cyberpunk 2077.

These yellow marvels are attached at the shoulders, unlike Andrea's, which start at her elbows, sort of like the one Furiosa (Charlize Theron) sports in Mad Max: Fury Road. Yes, plenty of inspiration to feed from. Not to mention Blade Runner, which in my opinion leads the way with Cyberpunk history, if you will.

And so, I'll admit that while the Millennium game and Edge books are not hardcore Cyberpunk stories, they certainly lead into Cyberpunk territory. What separates my stories is that they reveal the seeds of Cyberpunk somewhat just as the recent Capitol insurrection revealed an underbelly that until that point had only been referenced and uttered in the deepest parts of the internet and among rogue QAnon groups.

Cyberpunk 2077 Game Trailer

Also, Andrea's one blue eye might suggest some sort of 3D camera lens capability but she was just born with a rare condition known as, heterchromia iridum, or different colored eyes, among several other odd birth defects mentioned in the books.

To really appreciate the board game, you should read the books because they give all the important backstory and juicy details that the game leaves out. And those ommissions are not intentional but they certainly are necessary because each product has its own vibe as far as feasability to inform.

And so, the books round out the game and vice-versa. It's a win-win all around.

In my next post, I'll talk about several other characters, which are still under development; namely Alex, Freedom, and Adam. These names are subject to change, maybe to a more descriptive image and so that remains to be seen.

Otherwise, Millennium lives on as a very ambitious board game with a scope unlike most others. I only wish I was further along with it but at this point I don't want to rush it out to market because in all reality, it's just not quite ready for prime time.

Getting it ready to meet the needs and wants of savvy players is what it's all about. And so the work goes on until the game is beyond awesome.

Stay tuned. It's getting close.

*** Remember to sign up here for private email updates about the Millennium Board Game. I hope to release the first edition this September 11, 2021. ***

Say it below in the comments.

Post-Apocalyptic Steampunk in the New Millennium

 

New Millennium Box

And the winner is . . . ?

Heck if I know. I've been through dozens of designs and not really crazy about any of them. This comes as close to what could make it into the final design.

It does have a Steampunk or Cyberpunk vibe to it, which is not what I'm going for but, I'll run with this amazing image because it's very close to what I want for this box cover.

This is a free Pixabay image and the only two things I did were change one eye to blue and desaturate the overall color. I love it so far and I hope to print the next prototype with this design.

If you're familiar with this game's backstory, (Edge of The Apocalypse) its protagonist is Andrea Estrella, who originally had platinum hair. I might change her to this image, for now, otherwise, I can give this cool chick a haircut and hair color change.

Guest what? It's much easier to leave her as is and make new playing cards for Andrea. Stay tuned for that in the coming days. I might add a gun to her.

Let me know what you think in the comments. I might print the new prototype in March or April if I can pin down a few more game mechanics. It's all finally coming together and it's about time so onward it is gamers.

Play on.

Millennium Boardgame's New Box Design . . . Here's the Lesson

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3. Anybody out there? Not yet. I get it. I haven't posted here in a while so any momentum I had going with SEO a few months ago has gone back to zero.

Good news is that after several mishaps and unforeseen delays, I'm finally printing the second prototype box for the new Millennium board game, so here it is in all it's glory, for whatever this is worth, just for kicks and giggles. I've decided to give this cover a bit of sepia-tone instead of full black and white. I think it works and most likely this will be the box cover that goes into production.

This time around I'm happy to say this current version of the game is playable on all levels from start to finish so I'll be play-testing the heck out of it and fine-tuning anything that needs tweaking. The new launch date is September 11, 2020 so I hope I can stick to that and meet that deadline this time around.

Blah, blah, blah. nobody cares. In fact, all the pretty packaging doesn't mean a thing unless the game is totally playable and engages gamers on a deep level. Superficial game concepts will never cut it so you need something meaningful beyond all the great artwork.

Sure, you need amazing artwork as click-bait, so to speak. But once gamers get a hold of your game and play it out in real life and in real time, you'll need a stronger hook to keep them engaged and interested until the game ends.

And in case you're wondering, the box cover must tell a story. Most games don't because they leave most of the game imagery to the player's imagination and that's a good thing but a better idea is to tell a story with your cover art so you can not only attract potential buyers but also engage them with a storyline at first glance.

Your marketing needs to be worked into

 your stories so you can

use stories to market your books. 

In this case, I've featured an Android, Andrea, holding a gun (central protagonist) front and center with her dog Apollo beside her, smack dab in the middle of traffic--a scene set in the 1930's. Yes there's a story in there somewhere and it's deep, wide, and long. How long? Well, that's the real hook. There's an entire novel (300 pages featured on the front of the box) about Andrea and this fascinating cast of characters.

I'm about half way done writing the novel, which in fact will also be released as 3 separate short stories that tie in all the game activity with scenes from where the apocalypse first struck in Austin, Texas.

Here's a behind the scenes preview: 

Around the middle of book 2 (Epic Apocalypse) Andrea and Maria are stuck with their stolen Tesla pickup, now running low on power in Jacksonville, Florida after fleeing from Austin weeks ago. So they're deep into their adventurous trip north to New York City along with everything that happened since, which is documented in book 1 (Edge of The Apocalypse).

I'm slowly but surely working my way into book 3 (Beyond The Apocalypse). This is where things take an unexpected turn (again) and the girls are blind-sided with another life-altering dilemma. You gotta love it folks! I'm having a blast putting this down and can't wait to finish it and present it to fans of apocalyptic stories. This is the core audience, by-the-way, but I'm weaving in a bunch of sub-plots that have mass appeal.

I know, I'm a long way from promoting this new series but it helps to be inspired along the way. Otherwise, what's the point in living at all? Your marketing needs to be worked into your stories so you can use stories to market your books. That's something to keep in mind as you write. In fact, movie trailers are designed around specific throw-away scenes so think about that while you're writing your next book because it works both ways.

Millennium is alive and well!

Okay, I didn't plan to write such a long, short post but you get the idea. Millennium is alive and well and coming to a store online soon enough so it's an exciting time all around. I really look forward to playing this game in person with several different players to see how they respond to it overall.

I have a feeling they're going to love it and get hooked. And that's the beginning recipe for going viral. Everything must click so that everyone engages and gets excited at the same time and for the same reasons. That's how things are shared and word-of-mouth turns into a flashpoint that fires up the masses and therefore boosts sales in the long-run. Those initial sales also help potential positive reviews, which in turn starts conversations and begins to convert curious shoppers. There's a lesson in here somewhere but I digress.

Check out the game and if you're a curious reviewer, let me know and I'll send you a free game box in exchange for an honest review on Youtube or your game blog.

Your comments or feedback are welcome!

See the Millennium Game on the Developer Website

The Edge of Time Book Series [An Accidental Series]

The Edge of Time Book Trilogy

You've heard it before. You've seen it before.

You've probably been advised before.

Never Quit.

Wise words this author now lives by because I have a good feeling about this amazing new series of books.

What is amazing to me is how this story has seized my mind and soul to the point where I think of very little else except to immerse myself into this apocalyptic world and go along for the ride of a lifetime because writing this series is the most fun I've ever had professionally. What more can one ask for?

I'm constantly taking mental notes, taking notes on my phone, notes on napkins, I'll scribble scene ideas wherever I can at any given time. I often wake up in the middle of the night or early morning to jot down plot events or chapter headings. I am totally obsessed with this story and that's a good thing because I'll have to live with it for a good while until I finish it.

The idea for the book(s) came to me as soon as I thought of including a journal for Andrea's character for the Millennium board game. Nice touch for the game, I thought as I proceeded to outline Andrea's journal. But in the back of my mind, all I could think of was; this could make a good novel or a series of books. Who am I kidding? I barely have time to breathe just trying to finish the board game.

But as the months went by, the journal kept growing and ideas just kept flowing and I couldn't stop writing. Still can't. 

Long story, short.

I wrote the first draft of book one in about a week and started outlining and writing the second book as I went along. Before long I had the concept for the series locked-in and hope to publish the two remaining books by early next year.

None of this was planned. It just evolved out of the journal and I am so grateful that I've seized the moment and I've run with it. Best part is that I'm enjoying and savoring every word and every scene as if I was there.

And I am.

I hope you will be too.

Join me on this extraordinary odyssey of words, events, and short stories that I believe can brighten our outlook of the future and add meaning to our days.

The Edge of Time Trilogy
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