Punchlines and Promises: how you can be a part of the sequel
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Sometimes a single story refuses to end on the last page.
Rainbows and Lollipops left my desk—and landed in your hearts—with a riot of colour, hope, and just enough mischief to hint at more. I’m still signing the indie edition hardback, but the characters are already tapping me on the shoulder: We aren’t finished.
That nudge is set to grow into Punchlines and Promises, the book we’re about to bring to life together.
And so it begins
Sequels can feel like gate‑crashing your own celebration: the balloons are half‑deflated, cake crumbs everywhere, and you’re expected to deliver an encore better than the opening act. I started by rereading Rainbows—not as its author, but as a critical, coffee‑fuelled fan. I noted every loose thread, every character quirk, every whispered secret not quite tied into a neat bow.
Then I asked the big question: What happens when the bad guys (TM) want revenge?
Drafting in the wild
I already wrote the first draft during dawn raids on my own sanity: 5 a.m. alarms, mismatched socks, and a dogged promise never to polish yesterday’s paragraphs until a complete skeleton existed. There were terrible jokes (some survived, many died glorious deaths), side‑plots that ballooned like rogue hot‑air balloons, and moments of pure, delirious discovery.
Those scribbles turned into scenes, and scenes into chapters that swung between laugh‑out‑loud and lump‑in‑the‑throat. By draft three I realised the book’s heartbeat wasn’t just punchlines—it was the promises we make to ourselves when life stops playing fair.
This is where you come in
As an indie author, my work has to be as good as – if not better than – any traditionally published novel. It needs to go through round after round of edits, someone has to come up with a winning cover design. I need to hire a publicist. And then there’s warehousing and distribution, not to mention advertising and advance copies to chalk up reviews.
For he first time, I’m asking for help. because I’m determined that this book will be the big break through novel that I’ve been building to for ten years. Obviously I’m ploughing Rainbows profits into Punchlines and Promises, but I’m using a Kickstarter campaign to match me pound for pound.
What’s in it for you?
Obviously the joy of an elevated place in whatever afterlife you believe in (or not). A warm feeling of helping out someone trying to tell stories that resonate. But also free stuff, like signed books, a supporter-only edition, first eyes on the ebook, and your name in print!
I’ll keep in touch with you as the book progresses and seek input when I hit brick walls and the characters face a fork in their fiction road.
How you can help
Obviously, you can pledge support, but also…
- Share the pre‑launch link on social media, group chats, or that one cousin’s book‑loving Discord.
- Comment on the Kickstarter preview—questions, emoji reactions, favourite lines from Rainbows.
- Tell a friend who could use a boost of technicolour optimism.
Here’s the link to get on board
