Kickstarter is a great way to support authors directly. This is a collection of projects that, since I’ve found them interesting, I figure you might, too. I’m trying to keep it mostly up to date, but that’s a real game of whack-a-mole, now, isn’t it? Let’s just say I’ll do my best! Note that if something launches in the future, you can sign up to get notified when they go live.
First: Here are two sets of projects that are mostly Halloween-related. Halloween is a big deal for our family. Once you scroll to the end of this list, you’ll understand why I’ve been fixated on such projects!
Anne Mollova – The Maeblec’s Apprentice
Lovely cover, and a story that feels compelling. Here, for example, is the opening of the first chapter, which Anne gives us a link to:
The maeblec lived in the woods; not so deep that she couldn’t be found, but deep enough to discourage all but the most earnest of visitors.
I was most earnest.
Definitely worth a look.
Karenza Grant – The Piano Tuner’s Song
This one looks beautiful on every level. The cover is gorgeous, and the story description promises a marvelous jigsaw mishmash of intrigue and fairy tale retellings—all based on the foundation of synaesthesia, which has always enthralled me. What would it be like so see music?
L.M. Hatchell – Feline Familiar Society
Here is a fascinating project all on its own, but add feline witchy familiars and you’ve got a project that almost has to align with Halloween Hearts, now, doesn’t it? The story itself sounds interesting, so good on that…but I love this project for the tête-bêche special edition aspect, which reminds me of the old Ace Doubles that were always so fun. One book, two covers. So Much Fun, and a great idea of what is possible for Indie authors if we just set our minds to it.
Kristine Kathryn Rusch – Seavy County (Three Fantasy Novels)
Kristine Kathryn Rusch was one of my “must reads” as I was coming up as a baby writer. She is always a good read (and she’s got the awards to back that statement up). These are set in a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest, but they’ll feel as real as when Stephen King does his thing in Maine. A little spooky, a lot of magic. Have fun.
Alissa Lace – Neon Pulse
I stumbled upon this project by somewhat random, but couldn’t stop looking at it. Let’s be clear that I can’t tell much about how strong the story will be. The project is in pre-launch and is picking up some support, so that’s good. But the material on the page is slight when it comes to storytelling. But I couldn’t stop looking at the graphics–which are apparently up my alley. Looking at the property more closely, I see that on its Amazon pre-order the author is using the Kickstarter Background as the cover, which I think is probably more wide-appeal commercial for this genre, but is presenting a different, and more intricate cover for the Kickstarter. It has me intrigued.
Kari Kilgore – Voices Through Time
This one is in pre-launch, but I’m looking forward to it. I’d recommend Kari’s work across the board, but when she brings her Appalachian heritage into play, it’s Game Over. If the tagline: A Ghostly Appalachian Novella Trio – Special edition omnibus full of romantic suspense, ornery ghosts, and antique postcards and images holds any interest at all, this one is highly recommended.
Beth Deweese (Launches in October) – Penned Fate, Spelled Inkwell, Book 1
This is interesting in so many ways. First, the story itself catches my eye…a magic shop selling pens. Hmmm…interesting. The art is cute and gives the vibe of a nice read in which the romance is character-driven (and then the whole fantasy vibe of the dragon. Don’t get me started!). The project itself has a ton of fun things in it, and then we get to the point that this is Beth’s first project and she’s already crested 150 followers. Follow the buzz, right? This one could be a lot of fun. (Launching in September!)
DeAnna Knippling & Jamie Ferguson – Monsters in Love
Hey! I’m in this one.
And, finally, here’s the next one that I’m planning. In this case, it’s an anthology edited by me and Brigid Collins (hey, that last name is familiar, isn’t it?).
Brigid and Ron Collins (Launches Sept 1) – Halloween Hearts
I don’t usually promote my own project in these “here’s another thing” bits, but this is a special case. Halloween Hearts is an anthology that Brigid and I are editing. Twelve spooky love stories we love by twelve amazing writers we love. Check out that Table of Contents! You can also get work from us as Add-ons and Stretch goals. The project is in prelaunch now, so you can sign up to get notified of its release. We expect it to deliver in time to put into your special someone’s Trick or Treat bag.