This year, I'm setting out on a fairly bold quest to complete ten anthologies within a calendar year, and only adding to that challenge is the fact that some of these anthologies will be new collections, instead of sequels to long-running series.
With that in mind, I'm trying something entirely new with the "All Pumped Up" anthology! A book for lovers of all things inflatable, you'll see a wide swath of options in this one: direct inflation, pool toys, related transformations, and a few other options that might catch you off guard will all be available in the chapters of this book.
Being that we're still doing things anthology style, some of the old rules will still carry over, but in 2024, I'm trying my best to streamline the anthology process, both for the sake of the customer and their ability to understand the rewards, and my own ability to start and finish the work in a reasonable amount of time.
That being said, let's check the rules, and then review what we need to make this anthology happen.
RULES
-Your claim is binding. Do not claim a chapter if you cannot afford to pay for it! -You can claim any or all of the available chapters. -You can claim anonymously! Simply DM me on Telegram (@Joshiah) if you prefer to keep your bids hidden. -Your claim must be paid within 48 hours of the auction ending. If you fail to pay in this window, the slot will be released. -ALL SUCCESSFUL CLAIMS MUST PROVIDE A SUMMARY EMAIL WITHIN ONE WEEK OF PAYMENT. If you do not do this, you are acknowledging that you may forfeit the chance to have the appropriate details added to your story! -These prompts are open to be claimed as of 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 3rd. They will close at 10 PM on Wednesday, January 10th, or when all prompts have been purchased.
Content and Funding Goals
It's always been tough to streamline this part of the process, but this year, I'm going to make it as simple as I can. There will be four levels to choose from, and only one or two prompts will have Level 4 (the cover art level) as an option to choose from. When you claim a slot, simply add what level you'd like it to be at!
For the sake of pricing and turnaround, anthologies are slated to be done within two months, the equivalent of a "quickie" level commission. The going rate for those in 2024 is $37/1k words, so you're getting steep discounts by purchasing a chapter in one of my anthologies.
Level One: $100. This gets you a 3,000 word chapter in the book and a dedication in the front section, thanking you for your support.
Level Two: $125. This gets you a 4,000 word chapter in the book and an e-book copy of the final product, once it's finished.
Level Three: $150. This gets you a 5,000 word chapter in the book and a paperback copy of the final product, once it's finished.
Level Four: $200. This gets you 6,000 words, every benefit, and your character will be featured on the cover of the book! (For extra clarification, if you use a Level Four claim on a non-cover prompt, you will still receive every other benefit, but not a guaranteed piece of artwork to go with it.)
The funding goal for all anthologies in 2024 will be $750, to both guarantee that my time is being paid for, and that I can afford to commission an artist to do the cover art.
"All Pumped Up" Chapters
Four chapters will be featured on FA, SoFurry and Inkbunny. Mixed in with those will be one or two Level Four slots, which will be your only chance to have a character feature on the cover of the book.
Chapter Nine: "Milk Duds." Anyone that's lived through the chore of breastfeeding knows that it can be a literal and figurative pain, but in this story, the main character is just looking for some relief when their breast pump malfunctions! The suction on the cups is reversed, forcing the unlucky lady's body to inflate with milk! (One character, any species, must be a lactating female. A broken pump leads to a bloated body and fat, leaking breasts!)
Chapter Ten: "Beach Ball." A game of beach volleyball takes a wrong turn when that guy (your character) keeps knocking the ball into the parking lot. One time too many, and the ball is popped by a passing tire, leaving the game at a standstill...until that character puts on the wrong sun tan lotion. Cursed by the cream, they begin to inflate and transform, giving the players a new ball to work with! (One main character, any species, any gender ID. Plenty of side characters. A game gone wrong leads to your character being the ball!)
Chapter Eleven: "The Loon Party." There are plenty of crazy room parties to be had at conventions, but this one may be the most unique! In it, a protagonist welcomes their friends to a room party early, one at a time, inflating each one of them into the balloons to be used at the party when the rest of the guests arrive. They never see it coming! (One main character, any species, any gender ID. Up to four side characters of your choice are invited, inflated, and left to float as they watch their friends suffer the same fate!)
Chapter Twelve: "Soda Pop." Two friends are gaming on the couch when they fall victim to a unique prank. A third friend finds out he wasn't invited over, so he sends them an enchanted bottle of Cola...and as they each swill it down, their bodies blow up further and further, filling with ticklish bubbles until there's no room left on the couch! The third friend comes over at the end and plops right down on them, finding their bodies more comfortable than any cushion they've ever sat on. (Three characters, any species, any gender ID. Two characters get inflated with enchanted soda, and one sits on them afterwards!)
