Furry Writers' Guild Forum

Open Call - Fragments of Life's Heart

That looks like a great lineup!

However, I strongly recommend fixing the names to actually be the ones that the authors want attached to their stories. It can be difficult to keep the correct author name attached to a story – I’ve had to ask websites to make corrections to my stories multiple times, and I’m not even trying to balance a pseudonym. So, by posting story titles in an anthology attached to incorrect author names, you’re creating inaccuracy and confusion that’s searchable on the internet.

Also, I know for a fact that one of those stories is currently attached to a pseudonym that won’t be used for it – and you don’t know how much authors are or are not trying to keep their different identities separate.

Sorry, been so immersed in CB I’ve been neglecting… Way too much x.x

Interesting, I haven’t gotten a word of complaint from any of the authors thus far, though it’s true that chances are not all have seen it. I had come here to fix the one person you said in your email that you knew of even though in the same email you said they didn’t care either way, but I suppose it’s not worth the risk.

I’ll take down the whole list until it’s near project’s end then- when we were planning on specifically asking for the names folks will prefer to be published under (as stated in the original post of the ToC). Until then, back to work!

Oh, quick update! I already announced it on my Twitter, but I’m case anyone missed it:

Edits have already begun! All authors, please keep an eye on your inboxes for a schedule, including deadlines and when you expect your story for editing.

And now you’re discussing the content of privately sent email on a public forum?

Very professional.

Okay, so a quick update: Due to technical and personal problems that sprang up, we are running late on the first two waves. We are currently working to amend that, but rest assured that we made sure to schedule for possible delays, so writers will still get a full month for edits.

Hey guys, I apologize that it’s been so long since our previous update. In part that was because we were doing what we could to keep the authors updated directly via email, and in part it was to avoid frivolous drama at a time when I was struggling the most. At one point, Mando had tests at the university to focus on. At another, I had a job scare, change in work site and shift (from first shift to third shift), medical problems, insurance problems, and a loss in the family all hit within a few of months of each other. Mando took over second edits while I took some time to heal. Now the proverbial scabbing has had the chance to form, and I need to stay busy to keep from scratching and picking at it. So it’s time for that final push.

We have received all but two stories with final edits, and those two have given us solid dates to expect them. All that should be left now is basic copy/editing and formatting. I get to do a little homework since I haven’t had to indent without the tab key since elementary school while using Word Perfect >.> We’re debating the best arrangement and order for the stories while organizing what information we do and don’t have. There are some changes in the wind and a few things that need to be finalized, so expect another update soon.

I apologize for all the personal updates in a thread for an anthology, but it just… felt appropriate, I guess.

Alright folks, emails have already been sent to the folks who this directly effects- writers included- so I figured it would be good to announce it here now. Through no fault of, well, anyone’s, Mando and I have decided to switch publishers. We’re now running with Weasel Press. We waited until so late in the game in the hope that things might get better, but they only grew more difficult for all involved. I’ve worked with Weasel for Civilized Beasts, and I believe Fragments will do well in his hands. Though WP doesn’t have as big of a con presence, there’s a great push online and they do a lot to advertise locally, and offer amazing discounts to any writers or publishers who would like to distribute. I hope to make a push to advertise here on the west coast as well.

Other than that, there are a couple more exciting things in the works. It’s crunch time though and I want to make sure things go through before making any promises. Thanks again to all who participated!

Hey guys. We are literally waiting on just two stories now. One has been sent in and I’ll be working on it tonight between my roves. The second should be in by night’s end. To everyone else, great job! Take a breath. Start planning your next project. Because other than the contract signing and getting to peek at the formating, you’re set!

Speaking of contracts, we should have them out to you before the end of the week. Please be sure to keep your eyes open. I’ll be sure to announce on here when they’re sent out for those who might check this site a bit more often than their emails.

Bit of exciting news. I got to peek at a couple of the WIPs for the cover and it looks amazing so far! Mando and I had decided, upon seeing all the full color illustrations for the covers, to keep things on the simpler side so that the anthology will stick out more on a table full of books. It turns out the artist is having a lot of fun with it, and the results so far have been incredible! I can’t wait to share a peek :smiley:

That’s pretty much everything. Go on and take a breather. You guys have been amazing and more than earned it. Thank you for being so awesome for these first-time editors <3

Okay, so the cover is pretty much done! Just need to finalize one last nitpick and then I’ll be able to share it. Btw, if anyone is looking for a cover artist, I recommend Darkomi in a heartbeat. Their patience is insane, and they were able to take my simple idea and run with it in ways I hadn’t imagined, in the best ways possible. They allowed us to nitpick the hell out of it, and was okay with offering suggestions of their own without being pushy about it when we asked. Just, phenomenal experience.

All the stories are officially sent off, and the bios and blurbs will be sent off a bit later today. Mando and I are working a last minute shuffled on the order of the stories, but once that’s complete, I’ll post the official ToC. There’s also some very exciting news coming up that I’ll be able to share tonight, so be sure to check back when you’re able!

We’re doing this folks! This is a thing that’s actually happening, and becoming reality! I cannot thank you guys enough for all your work and patience, and for adding your own fragments to the heart of this anthology <3 Thank you.

As promised, here’s the official ToC for Fragments!

Tending the Fires - Jess E Owen
Transitions - Mog Moogle
The Mistress of Tidwell Manor - Renee Carter Hall
Yet Time and Distance - Kris Carver
Polynomials - Fever Low
Raise Your Voice - Stefano “Mando” Zocchi
Going Out - T C Powell
Harvest Home - Altivo Overo
The Foreigner - Dwale
Trade All the Stars - Watts Martin
Draw to the Heart - Ocean Tigrox
Paint the Square-Cut Sky - Slip-Wolf
Hearth Soup - Laura “Munchkin” Lewis
Brass Candy Girl - M C A Hogarth
Footsteps - Televassi
Rain Check - Field T Mouse
The Soul of Wit - Daniel Lowd

That’s a lot of good authors! I’m looking forward to reading this!

Ah so exciting!! Hope we can peek at the cover soon.

Alright folks, here’s what we decided on for the cover! I still can’t praise Darkomi’s hard work, patience, and creativity with enough. The idea I gave her was so simple and basic, and she went to town on it in all the best ways possible <3 Thanks again to such an awesome artist!

Please click here to view

http://puu.sh/pvRBy/99f80795e8.jpg <<<

Looks so very good!

The curtain is drawn, the stage is set. Everything is now officially in the hands of the editor. Mando and I will be taking the rest of the week to recover from one amazing roller coaster ride of determination, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and- most importantly- incredible stories. We’ll also be doing be organizing how we’re going to wrap up the very last odds and ends. Don’t worry, we know what still needs to be done and, now that the works are sent off, we’re on it.

Oh, and that little surprise I had mentioned? We’re still holding our breath, hoping the stars will align and shipments will get out in time, but RV has agreed to purchase ten copies to be sold at Anthrocon. Should those ten copies sell, they’ll purchase more copies in the future to distribute. I’ll keep you updated on if the copies arrive in time. Wish us luck!

In the meantime, here’s the blurb to appear on the back of the anthology. Mando wrote it, and I tweaked and edited it some. I hope you enjoy it! And thanks again for all your support. You guys have been amazing.

"They say Love is the oldest story on Earth, but we don’t have to tell it the same way every time. How many ways are there to explore our feelings that we may have never even considered? Countless fragments of different worlds, all held together by the greatest force of all.

Join us as we explore the many different forms of love–family love, forbidden love, love that embraces what society has always taught was wrong. Seasoned veterans and brand new talents bring you seventeen anthropomorphic stories with all different forms of sexuality and relationships, in a journey across genres, worlds, and time.

Love can bloom, thrive, and end. Love can heal, mesh, and blend. We’re all Fragments trying to stick together."

Looks really good, can’t wait!

For those who don’t yet know, Fragments of Life’s Heart is now available five different ways! Be sure to follow the link and get your copy, be it through Amazon, Rabbit Valley, or directly from the publisher’s Storenvy account!

And once more, I’d like to thank everyone who helped bring Fragments into reality. You guys have been absolutely amazing <3

http://www.weaselpress.com/#!fragments/u9lvo

If someone will mail a paper copy of Fragments of Life’s Heart to me, I’ll be glad to review it.

Fred Patten
c/o Sherrill Patten
11333 Moorpark Street, #471
Studio City, CA 91602
U. S. A.

Wonderful, thank you very much! I’ll see what I can do to make that happen :slight_smile: