This is the McNew.

I have made a nice niche for myself by writing for other people’s projects. Sometimes they are fleshed out and just need me to assemble them and others have the barest of notions. I have no preference either way so I tend to be easy to work with.

That being said, sometimes a project comes along that leaves me breathless.

A woman named Elizabeth Gerald contacted me and told me the story she wanted to tell. It was tough to hear. Even tougher to write. Her teenage daughter, Marcie, had taken her life after being bullied and abused incessantly. However, out of that tragedy, she wanted to share something positive for other girls facing similar dilemmas.

After some back and forth, I drafted the first script. The hero would be a super-powered young girl named Marcie. She would scour her city looking for girls being harassed or abused and rescue them. She would also, and always, let them know none of this was their fault.

The story, unlike much of my other work, is aimed squarely at teenage girls. It will, despite the darker themes we’ll be exploring, have humor and hope in every issue.

There is a coloring book, designed by a young woman who went through similar issues, and a comic book which is currently being brought to life by the wildly talented Eko Prihanto.

I imagine you’ll be able to snag copies by the time you’re reading my next newsletter.

More below

Bill McSciFi
Bill McSciFi

This is the McOld

While I like a good mystery as much as the next Columbo, there are times I wish things were less opaque. Case in point, my relationship with Walmart. Follow along as this gets fun.

You can buy SPLICE: HIT BIT TECHNOLOGY on their website. In fact, it’s currently on sale as part of a larger promotion. If you’ve been dilly dallying now would be a good time to click THIS LINK and get your copy for under $10.00.

YAY!

While you’re online you can also buy Goptri of the Mists: Kitaab Ek and have it delivered in two days. So that’s nice.

In fact, the nice people at Azoth Khem are seeing more and more of their titles added to Walmart’s catalog. This is good news.

But …

You knew there was a “but,” didn’t you?

Just to keep things interesting, they’re carrying The Brittle Riders too, but only in select stores. But, because God is a whimsical pixie, we have no way of finding out which ones. Which means you can go to Walmart online and buy the book related to The Brittle Riders but not The Brittle Riders itself.

However you can walk into a rural Walmart, those are the only ones that seem to be carrying it based on notifications from fans who’ve seen it, and pick up a copy, read it, and then go get Goptri of the Mists: Kitaab Ek delivered.

Not to fear, you need not miss a thing. You can still order The Brittle Riders online. CLICK HERE to get your copy. Just not from Walmart.

For the record, no one is upset by these events. Just amused. It gives us something to talk about around the water cooler.

Or the vodka bowl. Whatever the case may be.

Until next time, stay safe and sane and wear a freaking mask. I’ve buried enough friends, I have no desire to add any of you to that list.

Bill McSciFi