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Insight into the behind the scenes of my writing, exciting news, project updates, and release information.
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Deep in the heart of winter!

 

I hope this newsletter finds each of you well and that your winter has been going smoothly so far. This can be a tough time of year; winter seems to keep dragging on, the snow begins to take on a dirty, slushy look, and your body cries for sunlight. This is all the more reason to grab a book and dive into another world with a hot drink and persevere until spring. We are almost done!

Adding to the gloomy time of year is the increased tensions which can be felt around the world. It can all become very overwhelming, which is why each of us needs to take time out of our day to unplug our electronics and reconnect with ourselves. It does not need to be for long, just a few minutes of checking in and deep breathing can go along way. Whenever I am faced with rough times, I embrace the words my mother spoke to me long years ago, "This too shall pass." It will, it always does, and you have always survived.

Remember, the sun still shines behind even the darkest of clouds.

News
The Extinction Protocol had been placed on pause while I finished some work on Project Persyphious. That work has been completed, allowing more time to be devoted to my other projects as well as The Extinction Protocol. More new pieces and regular site updates will be resuming.

I am very pleased to announce that the full first draft of Project Persyphious has been completed and the book is now well underway in revision and 2nd stage drafting. While It is still being released as monthly serial on Channillo.com, I will be looking for several test readers to read the story cover to cover. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please contact me via the website. Look for more exciting updates to be coming.
 
While I tend to spend most of my time writing short stories and novels, every once in a while I am struck with an idea and I run with it. Recently this happened and I penned a poem titled "How Many?". It was inspired by the recent events around the world and I hope it will bring you a small light of hope. A link can be found below. 

The first round of the Short Story Challenge has come and gone, yet the judging still remains until March 21, 2017. I was given the prompts of Science-Fiction, Heat Wave, and Scientist. I had one week to come up with a story in the given genre while including the two prompts. After a bit of struggling a damn of ideas burst forth in my head and I created Terraforma. I enjoyed this story so much, it will eventually be turned into a full book. I hope you enjoy.

Links to stories mentioned above. (As usual, please feel free to share if you feel inclined.)
Terraforma
How Many?
 
Project Persyphious

The story is racing forward as the stakes continue to be raised for Preston and new questions arise. Have you started reading Project Persyphious? If not, now is the time. Curl up with a  warm blanket and dive in! Chapter 7 is available on Channillo.com.

Loose Ends

The Extinction Protocol work has begun anew and several short stories are being complied for a novel. All of the excitement and action in the Calm Scribe office means that more test readers are needed. Details can be found on my website along with the application form. If you or someone you know may be interested, please fill out the application and be sure to mark what type of books you are interested in and which type of books you will not read. i.e. horror, thriller, romance, etc.

Be sure to follow The Calm Scribe on social media to stay informed and up-to-date!
Recommendations of the month:

Website: Niume
Niume is a writing platform which allows readers to easily connect with their favorite writers. The different articles are divided into "spheres", allowing the reader to quickly find articles on their specific interests. I have recently begun posting to this site and have had a wonderful experience. It is definitely worth looking taking a minute to check out. I would like to thank all of my supporters and followers on Niume, I look forward to sharing more with you.

Book Challenge 2017:

Each year I set a goal for how many books I will read. Last year I did not hit my goal, yet this year I am already deep into my challenge. In 2017 my goal is to read 26 books. I have found a fun list which makes this goal easier to attain. Each book is a challenge, for example, a book you can read in a day or a book with over 500 pages. So far I am into my third book and will keep track of them here so they may serve as suggestions. Follow me on Litsy or Goodreads to read my reviews of each book.

1 of 26: A book from your childhood.
The Bear a.k.a. The Grizzly King- James Oliver Curwood 

2 of 26: A previously banned book.
The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger

3 of 26: A book with over 500 pages.
501 Must-Know Speeches

4 of 26: A book you read in school.
Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck

5 of 26: A book that will improve a specific area of your life.

Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite- Paul Arden

Respecting our planet: How The Calm Scribe helps.

The Calm Scribe commitment to sustainability page is now live. Follow the link to see how you can help!

One Tree Planted

As we all know, we need to live in harmony with our planet. We are all a part of a great cycle and must not take more than we need. Being a writer consumes a lot of paper. From the draft stages, straight through to the final books or magazines, paper is used. While this is not something that can be avoided, there is something that can be done about it. This is why I reached out to Matt with One Tree Planted and had a great conversation. We discussed how much paper is typically used and came up with an offset number, leading to an exciting announcement.

A portion of each sale of my books will be going to replant trees. A new page will be created on my website soon with all the details and how you can contribute if you wish.


That is it for this month's newsletter, thank you for your continued support.

Travis J. Croken

Have a suggestion for the recommendation of the month? Email me at travis.croken@me.com.
 
Chapter seven of Project Persyphious is now live on Channillo. A new chapter will be added the fifth of every month. http://channillo.com
NaNoWriMo Submission 2016
New novel coming 2017
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Copyright © 2016 The Calm Scribe, Travis J. Croken, All rights reserved.

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Ottawa, ON
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