Thomas Sweeney's Blog, page 5

The Harem Kickstarter Campaign

We are excited to announce that The Harem Kickstarter campaign has launched! Check out The Harem’s Kickstarter video below!

Get your very own copy of The Harem Kickstarter Limited 1st Edition print. These prints (ebooks, paperback and hardcover) will have a very specific book cover that will not be issued after the Kickstarter campaign has finished. All supporters will have the opportunity to vote on which book cover art they’d like on The Harem Limited 1st Edition.

Also, supporters at certain levels will be able to have The Harem Kickstarter Support Recognition in the book. That’s right, YOUR name will be listed in the book for every print issued in all ebooks, paperbacks and hardcovers that are printed for the Limited 1st Edition and all copies printed after The Harem Kickstarter campaign.

We have a variety of Rewards for supporters! Check out the campaign for more specific information and ordering.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Questions or Comments? We’re happy to answer them all.

Wednesday – The Harem and Tom – The Author

Like The Harem on Facebook for a Chance to WIN a Free Signed Paperback Copy

During its Kickstarter campaign, The Harem is offering for everyone who likes The Harems Facebook Page a chance to WIN a FREE SIGNED copy of The Harem. To have your name in the drawing, simply like The Harem’s Facebook page now thru September 11, 2014, the last day of The Harem kickstarter campaign.

No purchase necessary to be entered. Just click the like button to enter. Those who already liked The Harem on Facebook are already entered.

The Winner of this contest will be contact via facebook by October 11, 2013 for their needed information and will be promoted and announced on all The Harem social media! The Winner will receive one signed limited first edition paperback copy of The Harem and will receive the winning copy when all prints are shipped to all The Harem Kickstarter campaign supporters.

The odds of winning this contest are strictly based on the number of Facebook likes The Harem receives until the contest deadline.

Good Luck and Thanks for all of your support!

Wednesday – The Harem

Press Release : New Twist on Crowdfunding Sets LA Author Apart From The Rest

LA based author uses Kickstarter to fund publishing his first novel and offers supporters unique incentives like permanently appearing in the book as Kickstarter backers, using supporters’ names for characters in the story, voting on the book cover artwork and more.

A recent trend has many major artists and celebrities pulling away from large companies and utilizing the internet for promoting their works and careers. New and different strategies appear daily. A good example of the strength of this trend is the growing use of crowdsource funding. One Los Angeles based author, Tom Sweeney, has taken the use of this platform to a whole new level by incorporating his supporters into the creative process and launching a campaign on kickstarter.com that runs from August 12 to September 11, 2014, that allows them to appear in his story, The Harem, as characters. Supporters will also have the opportunity to vote on the novel’s cover art and appear permanently in the final pages of the publication as financial backers. Mr. Sweeney intends to have every future version of The Harem include the list of Kickstarter supporters.

This is one of the first times an author or artist has allowed the general public to actively participate in the creation of a work. The internet has enabled personal customization on a mass scale and the wide spread appeal of fan fiction. Now, The Harem will allow initial fans and supporters to be remembered forever. Only Kickstarter supporters will receive The Harem with the book cover artwork they vote for, making their Limited First Edition copies collector’s items. Who knows where a trend like this could lead? Soon, crowd writing platforms could become all the rage. The entire community could vote on each story line, character development, and message.

For now, Tom Sweeney and The Harem have the edge by engaging audiences on Kickstarter in new and exciting ways. Let’s hope he can keep that edge sharp by offering unique incentives and quality writing for his fans in the future. Be sure to check out Mr. Sweeney’s title, The Harem, at www.theharembook.com and www.kickstarter.com/projects/tom_logi... where you can read or listen to The Harem’s preface and first chapter.

Sneak Peak: The Harem Chapter One

Wanted to know more about The Harem after reading the Preface? We’ll, here’s your chance to read The Harem Chapter One. Listen or Read below. Enjoy!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 1 The Inquisition

Sitting inside a hearing room of the United States Congress can be an intimidating experience. The chambers are designed specifically for emotional and psychological impact, consisting of ancient dark polished woods, stark navy blue curtains, enormous high arched ceilings, official effigies everywhere and a strange, almost alien, hush similar to some sort of sacred sanctum where human sacrifices are offered to the gods daily, mixed with the sickeningly pervasive scent of cologne and your grandmother’s coat closet.

Add to that, the notion of being questioned by professional politicians and their skillful word craft, while simultaneously being microscopically dissected by the public at large and the global media, and suddenly any stout heart grows hesitant. Sweat is the direct result of that kind of pressure cooker, no matter who you are. Fortunately, I’ve been trained for this type of escapade. My own personal experience has proven very helpful also.

My first experience with public humiliation was a pain I hoped to forget quickly and never revisit. Most people would consider nearly being torn limb from limb by an angry mob enough to cause anyone to become a buddhist monk, but most people aren’t me and haven’t learned what I know.

Tried and true experience has taught me the valuable lesson of how the world really operates. Anyone brave enough to forge their own path will be visited by many violent challenges, all motivated by jealousy, greed and envy. Many times it works, and kills great people and ideas. For me, today is simply one of those many challenges. It will not stop me.

A panel of eleven professional politicians sits before me, and several of my dearest friends, behind a raised pulpit of thick finished wood that hides their bodies, allowing only their shoulders and heads to appear above the line of sight. I briefly imagine them all as bobble heads and stifle the urge to laugh out loud. The raised semi-circle, decorated with the flag of our great nation and several iconic images representing the United States Congress, spreads out before us, forcing our necks to crick uncomfortably and eyes to look up from a position of subservience. The officials of this proceeding wallow in their assumed power by claiming the higher ground and swiveling in their high back leather recliners. Their faces scream of boredom and apathy. It occurs to me that this is the look of impending death, no real joy or passion for life present. Briefly, I pity them.

The congressman seated in the center of the pulpit leans forward smugly in his seat toward his microphone to speak. “Please give your names for the record.” The orator looks ancient and ill. His skin is incredibly wrinkled, pale and blotchy from liver spots. The thin hair he has remaining is grey and combed over the glowing crown of his head. These characteristic wouldn’t normally be offensive if he weren’t so horribly obese and sweating profusely from the effort of sitting still.

After glancing at each other, my friends and I lean forward toward the microphones placed on the table at each of our positions and begin taking turns at introductions.

“My name is Sylvia Charleson.”

“My name is Milisent Hollister.”

“My name is Gloria Chiraque.”

“My name is Susan Winthrop.”

“My name is Kathryn Ulrich.”

“My name is Francesca Montlebon.”

“My name is Cherry Heffner.”

After scribbling something that I’m sure is unimportant on his notepad, especially since the entire proceeding is simply a charade, the lead congressman leans forward to speak again, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth to the best of your ability?” His delivery of this powerful question has the very distinct air of nonchalant boredom. It causes me to long for the introduction of mandatory limited terms to prevent career politicians from digging in so deeply and spreading their diseased thoughts like a tick.

I respond in unison with the young women I’ve come to love more than life itself, “I do.”

”This assembly will now review the case of the state of California vs. Robert J. Montgomery Jr.” As the congressman finishes his sentence, the news cameras swing wildly toward me and my companions in the hopes of catching any hint of emotional reaction, milking the sensational tit of voyeurism and jabbing their filthy noses into our personal lives.

The congressman looks directly at me first. This has been anticipated for various reasons, but doesn’t make the first round any easier. My heart starts to race and I find myself consciously controlling my breathing.

“Ms. Susan Winthrop, yes?” He queries almost mockingly.

“My name is Susan Winthrop.” My answer remains calm and controlled as if we are having lunch together and becoming newly acquainted.

“Ms. Winthrop…that is your legal name, is it not? Are you aware of why you’ve all been called to testify before this assembly?” The congressman’s words weigh of a thousand different agendas.

My legal name? Ha. Evidently, his emphasis on the word, “legal,” is an effort to exert ownership over me. Government loves to acquire assets for it’s own benefit and never misses a trick. As for his question about my forced attendance, it takes a good deal of will power not to explain that, actually, I have decided to put my life on hold and spend the next few weeks smelling his foul breath for the shear unique entertainment it provides me. He might not appreciate the sarcasm.

“Yes sir.” I respond.

“Ms. Winthrop, I see you have legal representation with you.” The congressman’s ability to state the obvious is astounding.

Placing my elbows on the witness table now, I speak into the microphone closer. “I do.”

My inquisitor continues with faux empathy. “That’s wise, considering the gravity of today’s hearing, but I’d like to explain to you that this assembly does not hold any contempt for you personally. In fact, the very real purpose of these proceedings is to discover the truth, and help find resolution should any wrong doing be uncovered.”

His face twists into what appears to be a painful half smile. I suppose he is attempting the projection of an emotion most people would label as friendliness. The result of this warping of aged skin and normally unused facial muscles is to distort the man’s face in such a way that he now appears grotesquely clown-like.

Curiously, the congressman decides to continue with the very distinct tone of a loving father explaining to his toddler why the dead bird isn’t able to fly away anymore. “In other words, we’ve only asked you here to share your experience with us, and help us to understand exactly what happened. You are not on trial and there are no accusations against you or these other young ladies.”

He briefly waves his hand in the direction of my friends with a peculiar sparkle in his eye. It would not do to indulge the thoughts that probably fill this twisted man’s mind when enjoying the view of the stunningly beautiful young women currently laid out before him. An idea flits across my consciousness. This man speaking might have a stroke if he becomes too aroused by us. I store that in the back of my mind to share with the other girls later. They’re sure to enjoy it too.

The panel director continues, “I would only hope to encourage you to understand that we are here to assist, as best we can, and hope that you would see this gathering and it’s processes as helpful in discovering that truth. Our hope is to impress upon you that this assembly has your best interests in mind and would truly appreciate your cooperation.”

“I bet you would,” is the first thought that springs to mind, but I manage to wrestle that instinct back into it’s corral and remain stoic and impassive, leaving the very distinct impression with the assembly that their half-hearted attempt at courtesy has failed miserably.

This is only the beginning of weeks of interviews, testimonials, inquiries, panels and discovery, all leading to some kangaroo court version of a decision. Millions and millions of taxpayer dollars thoroughly wasted for the advancement and celebrity of this serpent sitting before me as judge and jury of everything I love.

Already, I’m completely uninterested in this panel and disgusted by it’s representatives, and the hearings have only just begun.

I didn’t used to be so bold or brave. In fact, most people never noticed me at all. It’s not difficult to go unnoticed when your performance is consistently average. Don’t misunderstand me. There were a few special individuals I would consider friends. Perhaps by other’s standards, they would be described as acquaintances, but that was all I had, save one very dear girl, Sylvia Charleson.

We met while I was still in high school and became instant friends. Real friends. Sylvia was from a wealthy family that had trouble sharing emotions and showing affection. After attending boarding schools for most of her childhood, her college experience was nothing new. She helped me secure grants for my college attendance and even put in a good word for me. Her family name has influence.

Sylvia was a natural at making friends and took me on as her personal project. It quickly became her mission to correct all of my social awkwardness and grow me into the queen of the ball that she believed I could be. She can be a bit delusional at times, possibly manic even.

I didn’t mind the attention, though. No one had ever paid much attention to me after all. What’s more, I believe she really wanted to help; no hidden agenda or position to secure. She just had a way about her that drew me and others to her, and she loved it. Anyone could see she needed the attention. Boys usually took advantage of that. Afterwards, Sylvia would always come and cry on my shoulder. I would feign mild irritation at the drama, but deep down I really loved her and her need for me. It’s nice to have someone who counts on me like that.

Come to think about it, she’s the main reason I’m here at all. An argument would spring forth immediately if she heard me suggest such a thing. “It’s all your own responsibility,” she would insist. Eventually, I would agree. However, without her the last three years of wonderment might not have happened. Sylvia Charleson prompted me to become the person I am now and I love her for it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Until more . . .

Thanks for reading and listening!

- The Harem

The Harem Book Trailer

Since when did Books start having their own Video Trailer? Since Now!

The Harem is starting a new trend by creating it’s first ever The Harem Book Trailer video! While the book is being finished and your dying to know more, we’ll be releasing sneak peak insights about The Harem and its main charachter Susan Winthrop, aka Wednesday, via our blog and Youtube Channel.

Currently, you can read The Harem’s Preface and Chapter One; or listen to The Harem’s preface on The Harem YouTube Channel.

Soon you’ll be able to listen to more audiobook files, watch more The Harem book trailer videos, read more chapters on our blog and website, and find out about our Pre-Order launch on Kickstarter.

The Harem will be offering a Pre-Order of The Harem exclusively on Kickstarter. The Harem will be offering it’s Limited First Edition Copy on Kickstarter. What does this mean? It means that once the campaign has finished, there will not be any more prints of The Harem with the same book cover which will include the “Funded with Kickstarter” badge for those ordered ebooks, paperbacks and hardcover copies! All of these Limited First Edition copies will be the first sent out to our Kickstarter supporters in early Winter 2014. Plenty of time for your winter holiday gift wrapping and gift giving!

Don’t fret if you miss out on The Harem’s Limited First Edition, we will immediately begin offering the Unlimited Second Edition of The Harem online via all of your favorite bookstores and in your favorite formats (ebook, paperback and hardcover).

We’ll let you know when the campaign has officially started. Lots of fun things planned for those who support us during our Kickstarter launch campaign. Like what, you ask? Like the ability to have your name in The Harem as either a main character and or as a special section recognizing all of our supporters at certain support levels of The Harem Kickstarter campaign. There will even be special perks added as The Harem’s campaign grows for everyone who contributes!

More to come soon!

- The Harem

The Harem Preface Sneak Peak

Here’s a sneak peak of The Harem via the Preface. Read or listen below. Enjoy!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Have you ever believed in something so completely that you were willing to give up everything and everyone in your life to protect it? Some people might suggest that I haven’t lived long enough to fully understand the consequences of a decision like that. I disagree. I believe completely that the last three years of my life contain more than most people have experienced in an entire lifetime, and by the end of my story, I believe you’ll agree.

My name used to be Susan Winthrop. That name really meant something to me for a large part of my life. My identity. It was the way most of the world viewed me and how I imagined myself according to what others insisted was appropriate. Honestly, I never really thought much about it. Most of the time, I wasn’t aware that I had any say at all in who I was or how others viewed me. I never felt like I had any control in my life. My name was also the only connection I had left to my parents after they passed away. Losing them began a series of events and decisions that I had no say in. I was just along for the ride. Being so young when you loose both parents has few advantages. Not remembering much of them is one. At least I don’t really know what I’m missing.

What cut that silver cord that binds me to my bloodline? It’s complicated.

Now, I go by the very simple name of Wednesday. I’m not the first Wednesday either. There have been many, and God willing, there will be many more. If I have anything to say about it, there will be an endless river of women who walk a similar path to mine.

Many times I’ve carefully considered all the events that turned my world completely upside down and brought me to this moment. Then, my mind turns toward where I am now and what I have to face; imagining all the possible outcomes, rehearsing my part over and over again, making lists, writing the steps down again and again, double and triple checking everything. The comfort I draw from preparation is fleeting as the day finally is upon me.

Everything I love is being scrutinized and threatened in the most public of forums, the US Congress. The pit of sin and perversion that stretches across the entire globe disguised as a democracy.

No one is ever interested in anything about you until you find success in some form. Then, everyone wants their piece, all while pretending they have a right to their share of your hard work.

The destruction of something beautiful can appear so entertaining.

Yet, even this is temporary. I will endure. The Program will continue. The Bond must remain.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Until more . . .

Thanks for reading and listening!

- The Harem

The Harem – Book Release Coming Early Winter 2014

It’s finally coming! The Harem Book Release will take place early Winter 2014!

The first round of The Harem print (paperback and hardcover) will be limited edition copies that will be offered only via Kickstarter – through our Kickstart Campaign that will be launching shortly.

The Harem prints that will be published for supporters through Kickstarter will be as it says above, limited edition copies. These prints will have an exclusive book cover that will not be available for additional prints after The Harem Kickstarter campaign has concluded. Any prints (paperback or hardcover) offered after the Kickstarter campaign will be issued a different book cover. Further details will be explained within the campaign, and we’ll let you know when the campaign has begun.

Upon the completion of the Kickstarter campaign, ebooks will issued prior to the printed books. All printed books will be sent to the Kickstarter supporters prior to Christmas, in time for your gift giving needs and winter holiday reading!

To stay informed on all things The Harem, be sure to follow our blog and/or connect with us via social media!

In the meantime, get access to The Harem’s Preface and Chapter One ;

or listen to these sections;

Sharing more soon!

- The Harem