MANKILLERS

You never know what the future holds...

2010-12-27T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my genre friends,

It's been a busy few months, and I felt I owe it to whoever might still check here for updates to keep them abreast of any plans/developments for the future of the Mankiller Universe.

I've finished 3 parts of the novel "The Siege: Attack of the Amazons." I'm about 80% done with the 4th part. I'm enjoying the process and people seem genuinely intrigued by the story and have said some nice things about it via email; it is appreciated greatly, I'm glad readers are enjoying it. I plan to continue it, (and it is going to be VERY, very long) but the rate at which new chapters come to light is going to slow down even further, for reasons I'll get to in a moment. I hope the project is completed some day, but I can't promise anything, again, for reason I'll get to in a moment.

I have also decided AGAINST starting a paysite....a lack of time, a lack of resources, etc., all played into the decision...for the same reasons. So, many ideas I had will probably go unrendered, as I've done very little Poser work as of late. I've mainly retreated to "lurker" status on all the familiar boards, and will probably reduce my footprint even further, and gladly,....because...

We never know what the future holds for each of us. We hope that universe sees fit to grant us with good tidings; sometimes we win, sometimes we are not so fortunate.

Well, my friends, in the past few months I've met and courted the most intriguing, delightful, gentle soul I've ever known, and I'm glad to say that after her eyes traveled from the ring in my hand to my own gaze, she fell tearfully into my arms while repeating "of course I will."

I am fortunate indeed. I have been blessed with happiness, the likes of which I did not know were possible. I hope each of you find a similar measure this holiday season.

The Siege, Parts 1, 2, and 3

2010-08-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

After much ado (and the blog closing, more or less), the third part of 'The Siege: Attack of the Amazons' is ready for comsumption.

I've combined all the parts into one RTF file; from now on, I'll just be adding onto it rather than breaking it up. Part 3 is longest yet, clocking in at nearly 90 pages, for a total of 212 so far. It's too early to estimate on a final page count for the book, but it might be around the 450-500 mark.

In Part 3, things go from bad to worse. Dan and Cassie are on the run and are hunted by new merciless foes; Jennifer Carnes finds herself in way over her head; several new (minor) characters are introduced; and Det. Mitch Herndon sees things he cannot bring himself to believe....all while the country...and the world...comes to a sudden grinding halt.

How will the people of the world react to their way of life changing, literally, overnight? What will become of our heroes? Only time will tell. Part 4 is underway.

Enjoy.
http://rapidshare.com/files/415567627/THE_SIEGE__Parts_1-3___8-27-10.rtf.html

If you have any questions or thoughts on the story, (or even constructive criticisms...emphasis on constructive), I'd love to hear them.
dustybottums2002@yahoo.com. Please be nice. Thanks.

D

PS: I still haven't decided if The Mankiller Universe proper will ever return as a pay site. Unfortunately, I still have to stand by the decision of not posting any more free material, with the exception of this story (or, book, as it's looking now). Will the MKU return? Only time will tell...

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story as much as I do 'writing down the bones.'
D

Blog to stay closed...."The Siege" to continue on DTV

2010-07-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I hope this message finds you well.

I won't dwell on the blog's closing. "Been there, done that," hopefully most MK fans will understand the decision, if not endorse it. :)

I have gotten SO many nice messages (and more than one cry of distress) over the fiction side of things, however, that it's made me rethink not posting the continuation of "The Siege." Thank you to all who took time to send your thoughts and comments on the tale; it's kind of my favorite MK aspect. There have been so many readers ask for it that I would feel guilty hiding it from those who really would like to see how it progresses (and, eventually, end)...so...I will post the story, probably through the library at Diana the Valkyrie's site. It's free, I have a named bookshelf there, and the other parts are there, so it would make the most sense. Believe it or not, I STILL haven't gotten my PC back from the repair shop (again), but when I do, the chapters will start flowing again.

What it means: So, if you're a fan, and would like to see if Cassie and Dan can overcome the enormous odds against them...you will. I don't want to stand in the way of that.

What it doesn't mean: the blog is NOT reopening. I won't be providing any free content besides the conclusion to the story. I still haven't made a final decision on trying a pay site; the longer it takes to make the decision, the less likely it becomes....time will tell.

But, to the readers...my best to you, as always.
D

A few thoughts as the MKU goes on...hiatus of indeterminate length

2010-06-24T11:31:00.001-07:00

I just want to say that you fellows are too kind, truly. I absolutely appreciate all the kind words, I can't say it enough. It actually makes the decision to close the blog down harder, as you guys are the reason it was created in the first place.

The kind words here from all you posters about the art (and especially the fiction, my true favorite) are great, especially when it comes from longtime genre friends, feedbackers, and posters (you know who you are. THANK YOU).

Have no fear; I too am addicted to the genre (the mere mention in one of the posts about 'evil, superwomen bent on destruction' alone made me want to start some new projects, haha)....This stuff is way too fun for me to walk away from it, plus, I feel...not an obligation, exactly, but some kind of sense, some compulsion to get it to people that want it, some way, some how.

True, I always wanted to make a $-free haven to material that guys like me wanted, but years of frustration caused by those 1%-ers (some dating waaay back even before the blog existed, through Yahoo groups, etc), had taken a toll.

So, the only way I see a way to still get the material out there to those who want it, plus somewhat insulate myself from the jerks, is to go subscriber.

Problem is, I don't know how to do it. I've gotten some help (thanks, Tigersan!), and I picked up some books on site building at the bookstore last night.

I also got a call from my PC tech; the motherboard is toast, but the rest of the computer is fine. It's still covered by warranty, I just have to wait for the new one to come in. (3 weeks or so). Thanks for the PC tips --- I'm just glad I don't have to reinstall my Poser runtime AGAIN (it's huge, repopulating it takes DAYS.)

I'm 90% the Mankiller Universe will live on, but in slightly different form. When? I'm not sure. Might take a while. But I'm on it.

Until then, I'll work on content. That way, it'll explode when I re-open. I'm rendering and writing, and I've started working with an artist to create a Scarlett-themed line art comic...more stuff will be created. More stuff will be seen....eventually.

In the meantime...

If you were drawing a MK-inspired piece of art, or writing a MK-themed story....feel free to send it along if you want to. Know that I LOVE each submission that comes in, seeing the characters I've dreamed up taken over by someone else is a big treat, and I love it.

So, once again, my genre friends, thank you so much. We'll meet again, hopefully soon, and may there be many new stories to tell.

But for now, I must be going. There's a few ladies who demand my attention. You might know them. Their names are Scarlett....and EVE...and Blue Steel....and Styxx....and the Titaness....

D