Beautiful Artwork + First Batch of Surveys
over 2 years ago – Fri, Jul 28, 2023 at 10:37:51 PM

Tears came to my eyes as I was reviewing the latest artwork for the limited edition. It's beautiful. I had to share it.   

This is a recreation of a painting (oil on canvas) that one of the characters sees when she's in Transylvania. The artist Jonna Blankenship brought it to life!

The first batch of surveys went out. I've been working with BackerKit, ensuring everything is set up for the various pledge levels. If you received the survey, please be sure to answer the questions as soon as you're able (if you have questions, I have Backer Support activated).

The remaining surveys will go out next week! -Ellis

Clue Art Progress Pic + Wrong Week
over 2 years ago – Tue, Jul 18, 2023 at 11:59:19 AM

Progress Pic

I received a progress pic on some of the clue art Jonna has been working on. This is the last clue for the limited edition (the rest are FINISHED! woot!), and this one is unique because it's a piece that's both clue art AND scene art (medium: pastels). 

Wrong Week

I had said I would be sending out the surveys yesterday because BackerKit suggested sending them out at the beginning of the week. That's true, BUT they were suggesting at the beginning of the week at least TWO WEEKS after the campaign ends. 

Here is their suggested timeline for reference (they explain why):

In case there are any issues (e.g., expired cards, transaction or payment issues, etc.), I'm going to wait the suggested timeframe. I don't see anyone's payment info, but Kickstarter does, so hopefully they'll have everything sorted next week and we can stay on schedule for getting the surveys out. 

A REMINDER: Everyone who backed at a rewards-based tier level is getting the Stretch Goals. I'll be sending out the character art first, with the bonus I mentioned last week, and then you can expect the deleted scenes after that. 

The deleted scenes are going to be fun, because it's going to be something of a BTS (Behind the Scenes) wherein I'll explain why the scene got cut and also show what it was replaced with (if anything). 

The only exception here (with the deleted scenes) will be any that would give away too many spoilers. There's one in particular, an epilogue with a certain mystery villain, this applies to. This epilogue will come WITH your bundles.

Can't wait for everyone to see what we've got cooking over here! Loves-n-Hugs-n-Snugs! -Ellis

A Little Bonus for Backers
over 2 years ago – Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 01:24:13 PM

A quick update!  

I'm using BackerKit to help with the surveys and fulfillment, and that's all coming along well. They suggested sending surveys at the beginning of the week, so I'll be doing that Monday. 

I've got the digital artwork for Stretch Goal #2, but I'm also doing a little bonus for backers....

All backers who backed at a rewards tier level will receive high resolution artwork of Maksim (this is in addition to the artwork of Stefan and Kat you'll be receiving!). 

Stay tuned! 

Success!
over 2 years ago – Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 09:48:35 AM

GREAT NEWS

It's official! AWAKEN THE DAWN has met and exceeded the initial funding goal and even made it to Stretch Goal #2 (high resolution digital illustrations of Stefan and Kat). 

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - a huge MERSI MULT (thanks very much!) to everyone who pledged to the campaign and also to those who've been cheering on the project. I couldn't have done this without you.

An extra special MULTUMESC to all the artists who've been contributing to the Limited Edition and Stretch Goals: Jonna Blankenship, Krystal_1204, Brianna O'Keefe. You're all so talented, and it's been a huge blessing to work with each of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your hard work. 

Fulfillment

As mentioned in the campaign, AWAKEN THE DAWN is going to into the final stage of editing/proofreading. In the meantime, I'm getting the stretch goals ready and plan to send what I can of those digitally (minus anything that might be too much of a spoiler in advance of getting your copy of the book). 

About Stretch Goal #1: Anyone who ordered a signed hardback will receive a printed and signed copy of the ORIGINAL opening of the book (circa 2010). Everyone else will receive this opening digitally.

About Stretch Goal #2: Anyone who backed at the SuperFan tier or higher will receive printed copies of the high resolution character art with their order (that's in addition to the digital copies I'll be emailing sooner rather than later). 

What's Next

Everyone should expect to receive a survey in the next few days. Credit cards will be charged thereafter. You may see a hold on your card currently - I'm told the actual transaction will take place in the next week or so, after the surveys are sent, shipping is calculated, and everything is sorted.

Those backer surveys are IMPORTANT. In those, you'll be confirming the add-ons you want and also the email address where you want digital items sent, etc. 

Also be on the watch for updates about when I'll be sending the digital copies of the stretch goals. I have a plan for the deleted scenes so that you, as the reader, will have context for what they are, why they were cut, and even what they may have been replaced with (if anything). 

Please feel free to comment or message with any questions. More soon! -Ellis

Deleted Scenes: UNLOCKED
almost 3 years ago – Thu, Jul 06, 2023 at 09:09:17 AM

I'm excited to announce we have UNLOCKED the deleted scenes after reaching Stretch Goal #1! Everyone backing at a rewards-based tier level (ANY of those levels) will receive DELETED SCENES from AWAKEN THE DAWN! 

REALLY COOL, UNEXPECTED NOTE: I just found the original opening from the very first draft of the book (2010). This will be one of the deleted scenes included. 

*Any backers getting a SIGNED HARDBACK (whether it comes in your bundle or you select the Signature Upgrade) will receive a signed, printed copy of this original opening scene. Everyone else will receive the scene digitally. 

 IMPORTANT + 2 DIGITAL ITEMS (instead of 1)

I received multiple reports of backers experiencing issues with the $4 THE WEEK OF THE 4TH deal. We tested it out, and we had problems too. To say we're sorry, any backers who opt in for this deal can now pick TWO digital items from the list (instead of one). 

Just follow these instructions to grab the deal:
1. Click the “manage your pledge” button on the project’s page.
2. Instead of searching for the ADD-ON section, just increase your pledge by the amount needed to claim the add-on.
3. Save your pledge. *Do not change the tier you originally pledged at.

Kickstarter's system will note your increased pledge, and when I send the post-campaign survey, you'll let me know which add-on(s) you want.  

We're only $472 from Stretch Goal #2, which will unlock hi-res character art of Stefan and Kat (the antagonist and protagonist of the story). THAT'S AMAZING. Thank you to everyone who's been sharing and pledging and cheering us on! 

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS....