Hey there Groovy Ghoulies,
We're still working to finalize the content of ToBaR no. 4. We already have a lot of amazing stuff lined up. As always, I'm surprised by some of the submissions. I can genuinely say, this will be our best issue yet. And we won't stop here. Please reach out and let us know what you'd be interested in for our publications. I still plan to put together a special something for all of our backers. That'll be coming eventually. I'm currently focusing on ToBaR no. 4, though.

Our Cross-Collab partner -DGL Publishing Imprint's I Forgot To Live – A journey through memory, and meaning campaign is in its final hours. If you haven't already, check it out. And pledge soon before its over.

I Forgot to Live is a restrained, introspective work that examines a modern condition: a life that continues to function, progress, and succeed while inwardly remaining absent from itself.



Thank you again for making our campaign a success. I'm really looking forward to sharing what we're putting together. I'll be updating the website and list of contributors this weekend. There's a lot going on. 

Sinisterly yours,

Jeffrey L. Shipley

Hey there Groovy Ghoulies!

So, again. You all have my sincere thanks for helping me bring Tales of Blood and Roses back!

There's so much going on with getting ToBaR 4 together. It's a bit overwhelming actually. We're getting a a lot of high quality prose submissions. We have some amazing art and poetry already accepted. Even at around 100 pages or so, I'm having challenges with factoring everything in! I really want to share what we have already coming with you now, but we'll get there.

Additionally, we're going to have two separate release parties after publication!

Annapolis MD (September, 2026, date TBD)
Charlotte, NC (October, 2026, date TBD)

If you're near us, join us. We are looking to possibly add a third event in Florida. If you were with us in 2011 & 2012, you know how fun and interesting these release parties are.



Sinisterly yours,

Jeffrey L. Shipley
[email protected]

Hi Groovy Ghoulies,

The real fun and games are about to start. The BackerKit is nearly over. And as we already mentioned, the survey will be sent out, and the campaign will be finalized by BackerKit. While this is my first crowdfunding project, this is my fourth zine. We put out three back in 2011 and 2012. I'm still choosing content, but I can say this: it's gonna be amazing. I'm pushing for 120 pages, and I still have too many color pieces to fit this issue, so some have spilled over to our next project. I'm still deciding on a name. All I considered has already been taken in some manner. You'll hear more on this later.

Thank you for everything. I'm glad that we're all here in the dark together. I want to thank my Cross-Collab partner https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/dgl-solutions-llc/i-forgot-to-live-a-journey-through-memory-and-meaning?ref=bk-social-project

There's still time to back both projects, as they'll remain open for some days past ours. 

I'll be working on a bonus for all my wonderful backers. Thanks to you all, we're back, and it seems like we're just getting started here. (If anyone has any questions, reach out.)

The issue should go out in August. Keep an eye on the website, www.talesofbloodandroses.com 

Sinisterly yours,

Jeffrey L. Shipley
[email protected]

Hey there Groovy Ghoulies!

Thank you for making our dark dreams a reality! You were a part of this, whether you backed us or not. We appreciate you being here. A few things are going to happen before we get to production and our August fulfillment.

Our BackerKit Drive is nearly over. And we'll be finalizing that and work towards finalizing contributors and layout. I'm certain there will be more surprises as things continue to their end. Keep a watch on our websites for updates.

There's only a couple days left, if you decide to back us. But hey, it doesn't have to end here. That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die.

Sinisterly Yours,

Jeffrey L. Shipley
[email protected]

Unpopular Publications
www.unpopularpublications.com
Tales of Blood and Roses
www.talesofbloodandroses.com

Hi,

We made our goal. ToBaR no 4 has been fully funded! I'm working out the publication details, but I expect to have the printed zines mailed on August 11. The PDF will be sent out on the same day. 

I'm told that with the scope of issue no. 4 we have officially moved out of 'zine' territory and into the province of 'literary journal'. Thanks to all our backers and followers, you're the ones making this possible. Thank you all! There is plenty to look forward to.  

Don't forget to take part in our genre poll. We want your input on future projects.  

I want to extend a sincere thanks to those of you who have backed both Tales of Blood and Roses: Dangerous Games, issue no. 4, along with our Cross-Collab partner DGL Publishing and their I Forgot To Live - A Journey Through Memory and Meaning campaign. Your support for both campaigns strengthens this creative partnership and helps bring two distinct works to life.

If you've only backed one project so far, this is a perfect moment to consider supporting both. Backers of both campaigns receive exclusive cross-project rewards created specifically to honor this collaboration.

You can explore and support each project here (Only 4 days left):

Tales of Blood and Roses – Issue 4: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/unpopular-publications/tales-of-blood-and-roses-issue-4?ref=bk-discover-partner-project-9140

I Forgot To Live – A Journey Through Memory and Meaning: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/dgl-solutions-llc/i-forgot-to-live-a-journey-through-memory-and-meaning?ref=bk-discover-user-profile


Thank you for being part of our shared journey. Your support continues to expand what's possible for both projects.

Sinisterly yours,

Jeff