About
Mechalarum: A Science Fiction Novel
$7,115
74
SUCCESS!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone for making this Kickstarter project a success! I'm blown away by how much everyone has gotten behind my vision, you guys are the absolute best :)
I'll continue to post updates on my novel as the project progresses, want to make sure that everyone knows how things are going. Look forward to delivering the finished product!
You can also go to the Mechalarum website to learn more, or check out my blog, website, Facebook, or Twitter.
Updates
I built a Mechalarum suit mock up! Check out more pics!
I have art of Kiellen!
Hungry for more? Read updates on my blog, or follow along on Facebook.
Overview
Love. Power hunger. Betrayal. The theft of a part-organic, part-machine prototype flying suit and the threat of interplanetary war. The actions of a strong but foolhardy woman setting off a sequence of events that will determine the future of at least one world.
Synopsis
In a desperate bid to save her home, The Citadel, from an overwhelming force, outcast Kiellen steals a state-of-the-art biomechanical Mechalarum flight suit from her former school. She deals a damaging blow to the mysterious foe, but her foolhardy heroism is not received as she'd hoped it would be. Hurtling back to earth after the Council disables the Mechalarum, she wonders if she'll survive long enough to save her homeland. And is it still worth saving? A gripping tale filled with love and betrayal, the first novel of this series will leave you breathless.
Excerpt
As Taim watched, too far away to get to her in time, Kiellen grabbed the fabric of her woven tunic and pulled it over her head, then took off her pants and stripped out of her undergarments. In a moment she stood completely naked. The quickness of the motion caught Taim by surprise, and he tripped over a drain, nearly falling face-first into a mixer before catching himself.
By the time he raised his head, he saw Kiellen easing into the hungry embrace of the Mechalarum. He started towards her once more as the suit wrapped itself around her, the sensing wires slithering over her skin, the electrodes working their way into position to pick up on signals from her nerves and synapses.
It wasn’t pretty to watch. A look of shock crossed Kiellen’s face as the armature spasmed. The suit switched from an exploratory mode to a predatory one, swallowing her exposed skin inch by inch like a particularly virulent case of gangrene. She fought back, arching her spine and contorting her body until it looked like she might dislocate a shoulder or snap an elbow.
Finally, Taim got close enough to grab her by the waist, but it was too late. Although he pulled with all his might, his puny human arms were no match for the suit’s strength.
The muscles in Kiellen’s face relaxed as she gave into the experience of pairing. The Mechalarum sensed her acceptance, and its antagonism lessened.
“Please,” Taim begged, fighting as the suit worked its way between Kiellen’s skin and his fingers. “This is insane. I don’t know what you have in mind, but I’m sure there’s a better way.”
Want to Read More of My Fiction?
I recently resurrected an old folk-style story I wrote in the vein of a traditional Norwegian tale. Very different from Mechalarum, but an interesting example of my writing!
The Story Behind Mechalarum
I live for challenging boundaries with my work. In Mechalarum, i explore...
- What it's like to take on the role of strong heroine.
- Love, friendship, and romance, and how the forms those things take don't always fit in pretty little packages.
- The distinctions between biology and machine, organics and man-made things.
- The meaning of power, and the lengths people will go to cling to it when the alternative is opening up and exposing their deep-seated vulnerabilities.
I want to make science fiction that is accessible, that teases the edges of your imagination without making you feel like your brain has gone through a blender. I like characters who can snark at and tease each other, even as the world comes crashing down around them.
And, finally, I want to tell an adventure story with lots of action. What's the point of a tall tale if it doesn't make your heart race?
My Influences
Far too many to mention, but here's a short list. Tamora Pierce, for her ability to create strong female characters recasting their roles in new and interesting ways. Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams for making science fiction and fantasy stories that are exceedingly accessible and hilarious at the same time (although I did resist the urge to pun in this particular work)! Dan Simmons, who I only recently became acquainted with, for creating fiction that spans genres, demonstrating that you can be fresh simply by refusing to stick to the rules. Classic authors like Tolkien and Lewis; I will always aspire to create such richly realized fictional worlds. And Michael J. Sullivan, for his accessibility to fans and fellow writers alike.
Why Me?
I still have a crystal-clear memory of the first time I watched Star Wars. I'd already seen plenty of TNG, and watched with starry eyes as Davey helped Max find his way home, so science fiction wasn't exactly new to me. But the universe brought into existence by alien dive bars, mystical telekinetic powers, and radiant swords of light burned itself indelibly into my nine-year-old brain. Of course, if I had my druthers, I'd be working to encourage the discovery of space-time manipulation in the search of the solution to the problem with FTL travel. But until I figure out a way to help with that, I find it absolutely necessary to explore new frontiers with my imagination (instead of my corporeal being).
Why Kickstarter?
I'm giving my all to make this project come to life. I want to build a movement. I want to release a fictional universe onto the world for fans, artists, and visionaries from all mediums and realms to play in. My life would have been sad and miserable without the fantastical stories of my youth, and if I can give the same experience to even one new person who desperately needs it, it will all be worth it. But I need your help! My story won't be complete unless I get a cadre of talented people on my team. With your assistance, they will be the masters to my padawan.
Note: You need an Amazon Account to support a project through Kickstarter, but I've done a tweak that lets you use PayPal or your credit card!
IF YOU WANT TO PAY WITH PAYPAL, CLICK HERE!
Interpretive Dance Video
Check out an awesome interpretive dance version of the suit-bonding in my novel!
Funding Breakdown
Where will the money go?
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Reward costs: $1600
Printing books, ordering prints, shipping, etc. - Kickstarter/Amazon fees: $700
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Cover Art: $1000
I have a terrific artist lined up to make sure that my novel puts its best foot forward. -
Content Editing: $1800
No writer creates in a vacuum. Often, we get too close to our work and start to miss things. A good editor is essential to point out inconsistencies when we've made plot or character jumps in our heads without actually writing them down. - Book Tour: $1100
I'm thrilled to be able to provide my book to wonderful people pledging on Kickstarter, but wouldn't you like to say that you were the first of many, many readers? In order to get the book in front of more eyes, I'll have to physically and virtually take my show on the road. Even better, I'll be partnering with you the fans to bring live events - and me - to a tavern, meeting hall, pub or hidden bunker near you. -
ISBNs, barcodes, formatting, copyediting, other: $700
I've got a good grasp of all I'll need to get the book in finished form, but something always comes up that you don't quite expect! - Total: $6900
Rewards
And now, the good part!
Of course, actual copies of the book (ebook, paperback, or hardcover) will be included at most reward levels.
But that's not all. There's more!
Amazing Etsy jewelry artist Noadi will be designing a custom piece of jewelry to ship at the $50 level.
UPDATE!
Here's the sketch for the piece Noadi is working on. So excited to see this in production!
Below is an example of her beautiful handicraft!
(NOT ACTUAL IMAGE OF REWARD JEWELRY)
Thank You For Stopping By!
Hope you like my project :) Feel free to ask questions here or elsewhere, I'd love to hear what you have to say!
Risks and challenges
Although the novel still needs a lot of work, the first draft is complete. I have a cover artist on board, I'm in the process of making the final editor selection, and I've got a swarm of excited readers ready to give me feedback throughout the process. As someone who has worked as a professional freelance writer for four years, and who has written several novels and worked on other large-scale projects, I don't foresee any major hiccups in the process. I have advisers to help guide me through the process of creating the ebook, printing hard copies, and generally making this a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterQuestions about this project? Check out the FAQ
Support
Funding period
- (32 days)