It is a brand-new month and as we begin the transition to my favorite time of year (autumn), it’s time to give you another progress update! Honestly, there isn’t much to cover but there will be a couple of juicy tidbits.
From Ashe
As of the time of this writing, From Ashe Vol. 6 is done and in the books. The paperback and hardcover versions are up on Amazon and the ebook will launch on September 5. Those who have ordered an autographed copy either have theirs or it’s in the mail en route!
As for Volume 7, the outline is done (as well as a little bit of Volume 8’s outline) and all that is left is to start writing it. Although I will not make any promises, the idea is to get it out before year’s end in December. I am taking a little bit of a breather to recharge and look to get that book going towards the middle or end of the month.
That’s all there is to report on From Ashe as far as a writing/publishing aspect goes. More on that in a section down below.
MyGF
The day that this comes out (September 1) is the day that the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed contest submissions come to a close. I gave it my shot and I loved writing that story. Tomorrow (September 2), the judging will begin and I will know if I’m a finalist on November 2. So, that’s the next step. Three long months to wait, sweat, and be nervous. YAY!
So… the question is… what if I don’t become a finalist and/or if I do, I don’t win?
Well, I will publish the book anyway but I’m going to take some time to expand on it some. In order to fit the web novel format, I cut each chapter short and left out some things that I wanted to do. So, I will do another round of editing and expansion as well as commission Alex for some scenes. Then it’s off to Amazon for your standard fare of ebook, paperback, and hardcover.
But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
I know there will be more views as time goes on but at the end of the contest, the book earned 26,300 views!
That’s more than I ever imagined it would have gotten so I thank you very much if you took the time to read it.
If you haven’t, just because it’s submitted, doesn’t mean it can’t be read. Go check it out, leave some likes and comments, too if you do! https://www.honeyfeed.fm/novels/7634
Artwork
They say to never judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, in the world of anime, light novels, and manga, people can, will, and do. I know the artwork for my books isn’t super top-tier. I do have to work on a budget, after all; however, I decided that in order to reach a broader audience, I need to have better covers.
I don’t know if there will be a time where I will be able to redo EVERY cover of every series so I decided to focus on From Ashe.
I’ve asked Alex to step up his game and he is currently redoing Volumes 1 and 2. The interior art and characters will probably change as well but that will be later. I simply just can’t afford to redo everything right now.
I will be sure to reveal the new covers once they are done but Volume 1 will have a nice CG-style background showing Ashe’s house. Ashe and Renji will grace the cover in almost the same exact pose. Ashe will be a little different but both of them will be updated to a more anime-like style.
Volume 2 will have a completely different cover but it will also be the same-ish. You’ll get what I mean when you see it (and yes, I will be doing side-by-side comparisons).
Volume 3’s cover will be the same as far as Renji goes… probably just a more updated anime-style look but there will be a different background. If you read the story, you’ll be familiar with the Crow. You might be able to imagine what that cover will be like.
Volume 4 will have the same pose but probably a little bit tighter. I’m thinking of using Ashe’s living room/kitchen as the background there.
Volume 5 will have the same pose with Ashe, just updated and a different background.
Volume 6’s characters are already updated. I’ll probably need Alex to just do a background for that one.
Then for Volume 7 on, we won’t have to worry about redoing the covers.
Also, yes… MyGF will get a new cover along with artwork if the need arises to publish it on my own. If I luck out and win, then I’ll let Kodansha worry about the artwork! lol (I know… wishful thinking, right?
Final Hope
I am still wanting to revisit Final Hope and get that cleaned up, re-edited etc. I also want artwork for it since the series never got the same treatment as A.R. Dragonfly and From Ashe. I was just starting out so I didn’t have the money or knowledge to get art made for it.
It’s still on the table as a project. It’s just another matter of money and time. Mostly money. I can only do so much at one time.
Until Next Time
That’s about it for this monthly update! Don’t forget to pick up your copy of From Ashe Vol. 6. Read MyGF and give it some love and support, and I hope you look forward to all the good things that are to come!
Until October,
Ja ne!
Joshua J. Piedra 