About this project
Greetings fellow Kickstarters and visitors,
I am more than half finished with my memoir, tentatively titled "Alienus Tempus". Alienus Tempus is latin for "Strange Times", and is indeed applicable to my life, especially the latter half. It begins with a series of synchronous events (events that seem to have some purpose behind them; not coincidental) that led me to the life and works of science fiction writer, Philip K Dick. My life would be forever changed that day (6-23-2002).
Even more synchronous events, multiple deja vu accounts at key times, and other nearly impossible to believe situations would occur. They ultimately lead back to two mystical or anomalous experiences I had at the age of 12 and 15. My life since then has been akin to actually living in one of Phil's surrealist scifi novels. As if these absurd events weren't enough, I suffer from Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and lesser known Depersonalization Disorder.
I will examine existential issues and other philosophical topics such as free will, knowledge, identity, ontology and many more in an attempt at putting together all the pieces and searching for the meaning I need to derive from it. I realize that I may never get to the bottom of it, but it is the search, especially the internal search that has been revealing. I would be working on my fiction right now (I do have several short stories and a novella written, but not published) especially the autobiographical novel I was working on, but I seem to be led in the direction of memoir. This is simply something I must do... it is the Tao, for me.
I know this is cliche, but I tell you for what it's worth: My life is stranger than fiction, even science fiction. The events that I will portray to you did indeed happen, and can be backed up by multiple sources. However, I don't expect everyone to have the same interpretation as I do, and that's okay. I do believe many readers will be left scratching their heads, wondering just what is reality, anyway.
You can preview some of these experiences in an unpolished, diary-like fashion on my blog Impermanent Insanity. Just look to the top right for the PKD related posts. Please note that not all the experiences and events are on this blog, but will be included in the memoir. They are rough and unedited (I don't like changing something once it has been posted).
You can also view my personal writing blog (not intended to be professional by any means) at Impermanent Insanity Writes.
About the Funds
Any amount you could give to help me accomplish this goal would be eternally appreciated.
Please remember: Kickstarter and Amazon combined require 8-10% of the funds for processing.
If the project is funded I will use those funds for the following:
- Self Publication using CreateSpace from Amazon.com (a nice package that includes editing, cover art, promotion, etc.). I may shop locally for an editor and cover artist, however.
- Shipping and handling of and orders of the copies of books to give to you, the backers of this project
- Approximately 100 copies to sell at local bookstores
- Promotion of book
- The time necessary to work on the project
- Traveling expenses. I will need to make a trip or two across a few states to review copies of therapy records, etc. for factual details, and to take pictures of key places where some of these "events" occurred.
- Other incidental expenses tied to the creation of this memoir, even before it reaches the editors.
- I currently live in a one room efficiency apartment, so I would like to get out to the bookstore or coffee shops to work. These places are anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour away. I would like to be able to do this 2-4 times a week.
- Pennwriters (of which I am a member) offers critique groups. The nearest one to me is about 40 minutes and meets once a month. Funds would help me get there and receive valuable advice on my work. In March there will be a weekly "mindful writers" meeting in the same location. I started "mindful writers" this year but had to stop because I couldn't afford to make it to them. It would be productive to be able to go next year when it restarts.
- And for the high end backers, I'll use some of the proceeds for traveling to their destinations.
- I plan on this project being very interactive with my backers, so I would like to also purchase an inexpensive camcorder with hard drive to be able to record some of the places where these events unfolded as well as video and interviews of me while I work, and goof around (I do have a lighter side!)
- I also have more rewards planned, but I need to do more research. Stay tuned!
- I've been on disability for the last year due to depression and "pure O" form of OCD. That being said, I am much better than I was, and will see this project to it's completion. The extra funds will go to the project and will not be used for personal gain.
*** If I don't meet the goal then you will not be charged. It's an All-or-nothing deal.
- Thank you for visiting my project page. I hope to be sending you copies of my memoir and other items soon.
FAQ
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Regardless of when you pledge, you will not be charged until 11:59 Dec 31 2011.
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Yes. Kickstarter allows for pledges of my project up to the deadline on Dec 31 2011. Any amount over will also be used for book promotion. Exceeding the amount would present a great opportunity for advancement of future plans for the memoir.
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Yes, as long as you do it before my project deadline. Just click on the "Manage your Donation" button.
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I'm glad you asked! There is much more to the memoir, other than Philip K Dick. Although he has played an important part of my life, I will also be discussing mental illness, particularly depression, OCD, and depersonalization disorder. And some serious philosophy. And, how can you resist someone who is able to laugh at the absurd? I will also discuss how attempting to deal with the absurd has affected relationships with those whom I am/was close to.
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I leave that for you to ultimately decide for yourself. I tell you for what it is, and how it happened to me... to be conscious of it as I was. I just ask that you allow me the chance to tell you about it. I don't claim to understand most of what has happened. However, that is primarily why I'm writing this memoir. I'd rather show it in my fiction, but I feel compelled to write the memoir first. I would also like you to see how I turn around these different theories (not scientific obviously) around in my mind. You could even be a part of helping me with this situation at a later date.
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Not at all! If anything, this situation was thrust upon me, before I knew anything about Philip K Dick. I am not that kind of person. Everything I mention in my blog about PKD and my prior two anomalous experiences are true. Many people will have different interpretations than I, or even with each other about what it means, or if it means anything. There simply has been too many strange occurrences for this to be a coincidence, and I hope to provide evidence for that in the memoir.
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on December 31.
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Heart felt appreciation and access to my updates page on Kickstarter.
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The above and a digital copy of the memoir when available.
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The above and a spot on the acknowledgement section on two of my blogs.
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The above and a spot on the acknowledgement section on two of my blogs and access to a private youtube channel where I will post video updates.
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The above including a paperback of the memoir when available. Please add $15 for international orders.
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The above with the exception that the paperback will be signed
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The above plus another signed paperback copy.
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The above including a signed hardcover edition
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The above including special acknowledgement in the paper editions
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The above including a personal and sincere hand written letter of appreciation sent out ASAP
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The above and you can choose a minor character's name in my first novel (as long as it fits well with the setting and style). If for some reason, I should go with a different title than I have, all backers at this level are invited to collaborate with me and each other to think of a substitute.
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The above (minus the minor character naming) plus the naming of a major character in my first novel (as long as it fits well with the setting and style)
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The above (minus the character naming for the first novel, but an oppurtunity to name for a subsequent novel) and I will travel to your location and spend 3 days working and/or socializing with you, your family and closest friends or any variation thereof. If outside the US, I will travel to your area as long as you provide travel (including documents) and lodging.
Project By
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Connected as Marvin Kirkland (159 friends)
I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science. I worked on a Masters for a while but due to needing job security for my daughter I began work as a clinical laboratory scientists working in hospital settings. The muse hunted me down (quite literally) in 2002 and I have been writing since. The last two years I have focused primarily on writing science fiction.
