Fundraising Page: Alex Morrissey

Clarion West Write-a-thon 2021

Alex Morrissey

June 7, 2021 12:00am - July 31, 2021 11:59pm

Hello, I'm Alex.

Since 1991 I've written and drawn comics professionally, worked as a designer and art director for some fancy brands, and finally written the book I've always wanted to read; BLACKFIRE! The first novel in the Unity Song Trilogy—a science fiction/fantasy epic.

My Writing Goals

Recently, I was blessed with critical feedback from eight generous and insightful Beta Readers. I've added, crammed, and spliced all the relevant notes into the manuscript in the last few weeks. Now I'm ready to make it sing. So I will re-write the first act of BLACKFIRE and post character sketches for the Write-a-thon

Writing Sample

The black vignette filled in the edges of Hamilton’s vision as he struggled up to the top of the stairs with Finwë and Celia’s help. Celia nodded to the closed door, and Hamilton saw a sliver of dark blue slicing along one edge. Instinct said this was the outside, and that meant safety from the pursuing hounds and guards.

“Doc, you have to get this open. “Celia’s voice came from behind.

Hamilton groaned as he heaved his ample frame against the exit, and the corroded metal door howled in protest.

“Keep going. “His friend sounded scared.

A cacophonous roar filled the chamber below as the guard dogs flooded in. At first, Hamilton thought it was the animals but then remembered the terrifying look on Ph’avell’s face before he swatted him away. The sound of gnashing teeth and slavering fury drew Hamilton’s attention away from the seized egress. 

Below, Ph’avell backed up the curved stairs, his tail whipped back and forth as he fought with two of the sleek hounds. Celia yelled as another pair of dogs worked their way around the Thandarian’s flank, crouching for the attack. It looked as if she was about to charge down when Finwë’s hand stayed her action, and he stepped to the landing’s edge. The resolute Enari handed Celia the tarnished ewer and drew the ancient knife from his waistband. 

“The door, if you would, good Doctor; “Finwë turned and leaped down into the scrum of fur and flesh.

Jacey and Celia edged forward, forcing Hamilton back when his heel caught on the uneven stonework, and he stumbled back into the door. The corroded portal shrieked its’ final protest and swung open into the night.

The grass was cold and damp against his skin, and the star-packed sky loomed far out of reach. Every one of the celestial pinpricks seemed a safer option than where they were. Hard footsteps softened when they hit the turf. Hamilton looked up to see Jacey eyeing him with a sharp severity.

“C’mon Doc; I’ve got orders to get you to the ship. “Jacey and Hamilton groaned as the young pilot helped the Doctor to his tired feet.

The two moved into the darkness as the terrifying sound of something losing its hold on life issued from the open doorway behind them.

Where can I find BLACKFIRE?

Visit my website, or join my newsletter to keep up to date with the status of my novel.

 

What I Write

I enjoy many genres and literature, but the ones I choose to spend my hours behind a keyboard are speculative fiction, like science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and superheroes.

If asked to describe the perfect workday, it would start early with a solid four hours of novel writing, then a walk, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, I would write my comic book scripts. 

Publications

Founder and co-host of the Big Story Podcast. Weekly interviews w/ amazing comic book pros!  @bigstorypod

 

Contributor to The Burnbox blog, where I mostly talk about gear for adventuring outdoors.

 

Writer and artist for Marvel, DC, Image, and independent comic publishers.
@jalexmorrissey

 

Join my newsletter. 

 

UPCOMING PROJECTS

  • CROSSOVER #7 Store variant cover for Image comics (pencils) Order Here
  • Crash Over #1 Multi-creator anthology comic with continuous story (Writer) KIckstarter in October

$1,920.00

achieved

$5,000.00

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Donate Now

My Supporters

  • Anonymous Thank you for all your support and promotion this summer Alex! Looking forward to reading this story! July 2021
  • Erin O'Day Way to go Alex! July 2021 $25.00
  • Louis Asaro Congratulations Alex July 2021 $100.00
  • Flatiron Writers Room Yay Alex - keep writing!!! --Your Friends at the FWR July 2021 $50.00
  • N Blake Seals nice work Alex July 2021 $50.00
  • Anonymous Love you brother. aa June 2021
  • Salvatore Tramuto June 2021
  • Anonymous I’m hoping this book gives Newtown the good press it deserves. June 2021
  • Anonymous June 2021
  • John Corbett June 2021 $50.00
  • Kerry Clayton June 2021 $250.00
  • Eric Hamilton Flight jumpsuit ready! June 2021 $150.00
  • Louis Asaro Congratulations Alex July 2021 $100.00
  • Jesse Benson Best of luck, hope it helps...! June 2021 $100.00
  • Flatiron Writers Room Yay Alex - keep writing!!! --Your Friends at the FWR July 2021 $50.00
  • N Blake Seals nice work Alex July 2021 $50.00
  • John Corbett June 2021 $50.00
  • Nicholas Unger Go, Alex, go! If you want a choice Latin quote somewhere in your novel, I'm your man. So impressive that you're doing this. Good luck! June 2021 $50.00
  • William Bausch Rock on, Alex! June 2021 $50.00
  • Salesforce Yay Alex! June 2021 $50.00

My Badges

  • Profile Completed
    Profile Completed

    Awarded when Anyone completes their profile

    Awarded 06/18/2021

  • Fundraising Fire Lizard!
    Fundraising Fire Lizard!

    Awarded when Anyone reaches $100.00 in donations

    Awarded 07/04/2021

  • Social Cephalopod
    Social Cephalopod

    Awarded when Anyone is the most active each week in Slack. This badge is awarded on Saturday evenings.

    Awarded 07/11/2021

  • Running Robot
    Running Robot

    Awarded when Anyone meets their writing goals for the Write-a-thon! You must let us know when you have earned this badge!

    Awarded 07/16/2021

  • Overachiever
    Overachiever

    Awarded when Anyone has flown past their writing goals for the Write-a-thon! You must let us know when you've earned this badge.

    Awarded 07/16/2021

  • I completed the 2021 Write-a-thon!
    I completed the 2021 Write-a-thon!

    Awarded when Anyone completes the 2021 Write-a-thon! You've earned this! Thank you for writing with us!

    Awarded 07/31/2021

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J. Hamilton Merriweather
J. Hamilton Merriweather

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Major Skandii
Major Skandii

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The Unity Sculpture
The Unity Sculpture

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Chief Warrant Officer Ph'avell
Chief Warrant Officer Ph'avell

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Ensign Jacey Cort
Ensign Jacey Cort

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My Website

Writing Progress

6/2–7/30 Wordcount 77,794

Sunday, June 20th

  • 2,517 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Monday, June 21st

  • 3,259 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Tuesday, June 22nd

  • 2,527 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Wednesday, June 23rd

  • 2,287 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Thursday, June 24th

  • 2,610 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Friday, June 25th

  • 3,833 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Monday, June 28th

  • 1,115 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Tuesday, June 29th

  • 1,314 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Wednesday, June 30th

  • 3,459 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Thursday, July 1st

  • 2,414 words
  • Social media updates
  • Website update

Friday, July 2nd 

  • 2,033 words
  • Social media updates
  • Posted on Slack

Saturday, July 3rd

  • First draft, PR pack for upcoming comic
  • Built out writing audience in Mailchimp

Sunday, July 4th

  • Updated & tweaked my WAT page
  • Updated copy & hierarchy on website

Monday, July 5th

  • 2,721 words
  • Week 3 group email sent
  • Social media updates
  • Website update
  • Posted on Slack
  • Attended Releasing Your First Book panel
  • Second draft, PR pack for upcoming comic

Tuesday, July 6th

  • 2,759 words
  • Posted on Slack
  • Website update
  • Social media updates
  • Added newsletter subscription form on website

Wednesday, July 7th

  • 2,838 words
  • Resent Week 3 email
  • Reformatted & updated Writing Progress section of WAT page
  • Website update
  • Social media updates\

Thursday, July 8th

  • 3,324 words
  • Met with writing buddy
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Friday, July 9th

  • 2,588 words
  • First draft; Week 4 email
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Saturday, July 10th

  • Second draft; Week 4 email
  • First draft; Comic book newsletter
  • Social media updates

Sunday, July 11th

  • Sent Week 4 email
  • Second draft; Comic book newsletter
  • Blog post
  • Social media updates

Monday, July 12th

  • 2,634 words
  • Sent Comic book newsletter
  • Website update
  • Social media updates
  • Character sketches

Tuesday, July 13th

  • 3,872 words
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Wednesday, July 14th

  • 1,044 words
  • Re-sent Comic book newsletter
  • Website update
  • Social media updates
  • Character sketches

Thursday, July 15th

  • 2,683 words
  • Website update
  • Posted on Slack
  • Social media updates
  • Information meeting w/ Big 5 publishing friend ?
  • Character sketches
  • First draft Week 5 email

Friday, July 16th

  • 4,733 words
  • Rewrote last chapter I will post for WAT
  • Website update
  • Social media updates
  • Dinner with writer friends

Saturday/Sunday, July 11/18

  • Rewrote Week 5 email
  • Character sketches
  • Wrote wedding vows for others
  • Migrated blog to website
  • Social media updates
  • Sent Week 5 email

Monday, July 19

  • 4,733 words
  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Tuesday, July 20

  • 2,026 words
  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Wednesday, July 21

  • 1,082 words
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Thursday, July 22

  • 2,623 words
  • Writing biz email
  • Social media updates

Friday, July 23

  • 2,378 words
  • Website update
  • Social media updates

Saturday/Sunday, July 24/25

  • Wrote Week 6 email
  • Character sketches
  • Wrote wedding vows for others
  • Social media updates

Monday, July 26

  • Sent Week 6 email
  • Posted character sketch
  • Character Sketches
  • Website update
  • WAT page update
  • Social media updates

Tuesday, July 27

  • 2,165 words
  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • WAT page update
  • Social media updates

Wednesday, July 28

  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • WAT page update
  • Social media updates

Thursday, July 29

  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • WAT page update
  • Social media updates

Friday, July 29

  • Character sketches
  • Website update
  • WAT page update
  • Social media updates