About this project
Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One--she’s in love with her best friend, Seth. Two--he’s gay.
As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affection--though phony--to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever.
I LOVED YOU FIRST is a new adult love story told through the eyes of Alex, an African-American/Caucasian student, who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality.
Find out what Queer as Folk and I Loved You First have in common: Update #2.
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Current Status
I've already written I Loved You First and given it a good polish based on reader feedback.
I'd like to say that's it; let's go to publication. Except, I still have a few more steps before I Loved You First is ready to greet the world. Most importantly, I would like to hire a freelance editor. A professional editor would greatly improve the quality of my work.
It's all well and good for me to want to put out a excellent product, but without the resources, my story is dead in the water. The idea of releasing this story with shoddy editing makes me sad. I won't do it. Readers deserve better, and honestly, so does I Loved You First.
I Can't Hire an Editor without Your Help
My goal is small -- $800. For many, that's pocket change. For me, it comes down to fulfilling my dreams of publishing this story or making ends meet. I wish I could offer a better excuse, but that's it. I'm tapped for resources.
Beyond Editing
I've learned a lot from my last publication. I know how to format my work for digital and print. I'm savvy to which marketing avenues are most effective and give the most bang for my buck.
I'm frugal; I've had to learn to be with my household being in a depression. Rest assured, any funds over the goal will not go to waste and will be used efficiently to provide I Loved You First with the most successful launch we can provide.
Please Help Me Turn This Dream into a Reality
Thank you for taking an interest... and good luck to all of us participating in this Kickstarter project.
The origin of I Loved You First
FAQ
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August 2011. Hopefully we'll have no glitches or delays and meet this goal.
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Absolutely not. :) In fact, I'd classify I Loved You First as pg-13. It's a work I'd let my teenage daughters read without batting an eye.
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It's been a while since I've done a critique at Scribophile... or a critique period for anyone other than my writing buddies. As I become more focused on my own work, I simply have less time to pick over others. And with the Scribophile community being so large, the chances of me (even if I did a critique there) finding yours is slim to none. :)
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Simple answer: I totally have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to web cameras.
All I can say, is thank you for putting up with my amateur videos. XOXO
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
12
Backers
$416
pledged of $800 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 23, 2011.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
My heartfelt gratitude for pushing the project one step closer to the funding goal. *** Don't be afraid to pledge a dollar. You might be the tipping point and my eternal hero.
Pledge $2 or more Pledge $2 or more
*NEW* A postcard featuring the cover of I Loved You First on the front and a personalized message of thanks from me on the back. :) I can't change rewards that have already been selected, however those who pledge more than $2 also receive a postcard. XOXOX
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
NEW--If you stop me on the street and either you or I have a writing utensil, I will autograph anything on your person, including your person with some exceptions. Chiefly, I will avoid the area above mid-thigh to your belly button at all cost. Most everything else is game (nothing soiled). Sorry... folks get weird, so I had to put that. I will sign paper, a copy of any of my books, a copy of a book I did not write, your purse, the lucky troll you bring to bingo. You name it.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
Digital ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of I Loved You First - PLUS - mention on my website with optional link for backers who have a website or blog
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
(US Only) Everything at the $10 pledge - PLUS - a print copy of I Loved You First // (International) Please add $10 // *Will send an additional unsigned print copy for $10 (US) and $15 (International)
Pledge $35 or more Pledge $35 or more
(US & Canada only) Everything at the $10 pledge - PLUS - first print, hand numbered (x of 50) signed copy of I Loved You First personalized with a handwritten note of your choice (up to 25 words) - PLUS - name mentioned in the back acknowledgements // (International) Please add $10 // *Will send an additional unsigned print copy for $10 (US) and $15 (International)
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
NEW!!! NAME A CHARACTER! Everything at the $35 pledge except a mention in the back acknowledgements - PLUS - Special Thanks in front of the book - PLUS - I will rename a minor character who has one or two mentions or appearances in the book. Sarena (Seth's sister - does not appear, only mentioned), Bill (Frat boy - makes 2-3 appearances), Sam (Frat boy - makes 1 appearance), Mr. Richards (Seth's father - does not appear, only mentioned 2-3 times), Mrs. Richards (Seth's mother - does not appear but speaks on the phone), Mr. Dober (One of Alex's instructors - makes 2-3 appearances). First pledge, first serve. Some exceptions apply. For example, nothing goofy like Turdball, if you get my drift.
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
NEW!!! NAME A CHARACTER! Everything at the $35 pledge except a mention in the back acknowledgements - PLUS - Special Thanks in front of the book - PLUS - I will rename Seth's love interest to a name of your choice (including his last name). His current name is Bruce. He shows up often and plays an important role. Nothing goofy.
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
NEW!!! NAME A CHARACTER! Everything at the $35 pledge except a mention in the back acknowledgements - PLUS - Special Thanks in front of the book - PLUS - I will rename Cheyenne (an antagonist) to a name of your choice (including her last name). She makes quite a few appearances. Again, nothing goofy.
Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more
NEW!!! NAME A CHARACTER! Everything at the $35 pledge except a mention in the back acknowledgements - PLUS - Special Thanks in front of the book - PLUS - I will rename Seth Richards to a name of your choice (including his last name, which will affect his family's name also). Nothing goofy.
Pledge $175 or more Pledge $175 or more
BE IMMORTALIZED AS THE STAR - If you've watched the Vlog about the origin of I Loved You First, you probably know Alexandria Carmichael is named after my youngest daughter. To help support this Kickstarter project, my little girl has donated her character to the cause! Thank you, baby. So, one person will have the opportunity to rename Alex Carmichael to a name of choice (including last name) - PLUS - Everything at the $35 pledge except a mention in the back acknowledgements - PLUS - Special Thanks in front of the book // Remember. Nothing goofy, name wise.
Project By
Connected as Reena Jacobs (456 friends)
Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, and Smashwords.
