The debut of "Less Than Human" last week was a success!
The video is racking up views and comments (mostly good ones for now).
If you missed it you can check it out by tapping/clicking below.
"Prompted Hearts" Updates
A few weeks ago, I wrapped writing on the main narrative of the novel.
From there I set out to write a side story focused on developing Kyoko's (Sam's ex-wife) story.
The plan was to write a brief short story, and be done. Shouldn't have taken more than a week.
Wellll, that didn't happen.
What started as a short story, that was supposed to be exclusive the the physical releases of the novel, has evolved into what's on track to be a 20K+ addition.
After a trip to Costco, watching a documentary about a romantic conman, digging into the exploding–fast growing—wearable technology market, and running into a local veteran comedian - I knew this was a story that deserved to be fleshed out.
(I promise all these things come together in an entertaining and somewhat tragic manner. You'll have to wait and see!)
So obviously that's taking longer to write than I anticipated.
But I'm about 60% done with the first draft now.
Ebook Status
Next there's the formatting for the ebook.
This is my most hated task of the entire publishing process, but it's an important one. Here I have a surprise that I've developed that is sure to change the way you view fiction.
You'll also have to wait and see on that one ;)
Join the Review Team
Currently I'm searching for folks to join the book review team.
Yes I know, you might have already read the entire draft as I sent it out. But those were drafts. Since then, I've made tweaks and tightened things.
Plus reading the story all at once is different from experiencing it in serialized fashion.
So if you're interested in getting a review copy, send me a reply to this email and you'll get it as soon as I complete the ebook draft.
"Less Than Human" Remix!?
That's right! I produced a 2020s version of "Less Than Human."
This was meant to be a bonus track. One exclusively available after release of the book. But I liked it so much I decided to release it early.
I didn't sing on this one, but I did produce it with a melancholy string countermelody, as well as add my voice in to make it mine.
Great for rainy days and dark moods.
Listen below.
Brand Building Series
As a creator who writes, raps, draws, and more it can be difficult to answer the question: "What do you do?"
Even after hours and hours writing, making videos, posting on social, and everything else I do (including writing these emails), I noticed I'm still not seeing much movement as far as sales and engagement for Prompted Hearts.
Why is that?
One reason is lack of brand definition.
Simply put: based on what I put out and create, it's not immediately apparent what I do and how it's beneficial to you as a consumer.
That's why I'm creating this mini-series.
Through a collection of videos, you'll see me answering a battery of questions about HAC Studios as a brand.
Hopefully, this encourages you to consider your own brand story. Or if you don't have a business, it makes you more aware of the background and origin of Hayden Academy Collective (HAC) Studios and what you can expect from it going forward.
Watch the intro below.
(And don't forget to sub so you get notified about future videos in the series.)
Back to Japanese
And finally, I'm back to reading "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in Japanese.
I've started the book over for what is (hopefully) the last time.
They're pretty strict about sharing readings and text from the book online. But I do plan to do periodic updates on my progress.
Check out the intro video on the page below.
Keith Hayden
That's all for now!
Word of the Day (Japanese)
活躍 (katsu-yaku) - to play an active role