New Book, New News

So what's going on with Shiver and Fears lately? Well it's been on a pause since the so called "Number one fan" had a complaint that could have ruined my whole career! But with a few helpful encouraging words from other fans, I decided to do some things. Well one thing that I did while on a break was start a new book series "Magical Times" that is already on it's 3rd book. Right now this book is found on Lulu.com, but hopefully it can go other places as well.
Right now I'm on vacation in Grand Turk, it's been really hard keeping in touch with my readers, but I think I've gained a few more as I cruised around the sea on Carnival Sunshine. I'll be home giving the 411 soon, but as for now let me tell you about my plan in 2019. If you're reading this, you'll be the only one's to know about this secret plan. Here I go, Shiver and Fear is going audio! I know, I know it's already audio, but think about the millions of people who don't have an audible account, or can't have an audible account, or don't WANT an audible account! In 2019 Shiver and Fears will go audible on disk.
Do people still listen to CD's... Maybe not, but in this case they can download an audio book without remembering a password. This audio book will be on Amazon and ITunes... I think, I'm not sure how this new system is going. My old book publisher decided to change things, which aren't good on my side, so I decided to try another publishing system, Lulu.com, let's see where that takes me, from the looks of it not very far. I might just stay with Createspace.
Meanwhile, on this cruise I met a couple of kids, they are going to be in my next book: Cursed Cruise Trip. I was going to work with a book on a puppet family, but this one seems more exciting. These boys I met, I decided to place them in the story as the main characters, hopefully they'll email me so I can work with them on this story.
Got any question on what's new? Or maybe there's something that I didn't explain well enough, well whatever it is, comment on this blog and I'll give you what you need.

Tons of Work

Have you been keeping up with Shiver and Fears? Well Shiver and Fears has been on a break for the past week weeks. It's been mostly about Magical Times and the new Christmas album.

yes, so this author has his own Christmas CD. You want one? Buy it here. Meanwhile a few other things that's been happening as well. Shiver and Fears has donated audio books, which isn't easy, since it cost to give away your own work.

What else is going on? Well, it's not all about Shiver and Fears, Magical Times has been working hard. In fact, as we speak, copies of Magical Times are sold on Lulu. What is Magical Times? The new series, but don't worry Shiver and Fears isn't over.

  It's a new series about the author himself living a fantasy life with 3 kids in a mansion with his family. There's a surprise twist in the story that I don't want to spoil for you. Get your copy soon so you can find out the secret. Let me see, am I forgetting anything? Shiver and Fears donation, new CD, new book series, I guess that's it. Unless I include the new idea of audio books on disc. It's just an idea, but I thought about selling audio books on CD's. What do you think? Instead of wasting your time getting an Audible account get your audio book on disc. Leave a comment and explain your opinion. Should Shiver and Fears be sold on disc?

Sibling Subtraction's new cover

So we've decided to go with this for Shiver and Fears Sibling Subtraction cover. What do you think? So for those of you who don't know the story Sibling Subtraction, it's a story about a girl and her friends who all have a little sibling. Well, they play a mean prank on them leaving the young siblings in a cave they rumored was haunted. (how original, huh?)
 One girl has twin brother's and as she planned to go through with the plan, she decides it's a bad idea and turns back. Now, what happens next? You have to read it! You can buy it here ← (yes, click it!)
The cover idea comes from a boy who drew this↴

 It's a picture of the twin brothers. (One is actually a ghost) We changed it just a little: Our entree artist made them both seem mad, well there's only one ghost brother so we gave the other brother something to be afraid about. We hope this cover fits well with the story, tell us what you think of it

Should we get monsterfied this year?

For the past 4 years we have taken pictures and  twisted them with creepy eyes, horrifying noses, and dead red mouths.... What do you think, should we do it again this year? If you are unaware it's  actually not easy finding pictures to monsterfied. I guess our monsters are THAT scary! But question is are YOU that brave?  If we get enough yays then we'll accept any photos to monsterfy. See some of our old monsters:
 
we are hoping to upgrade this year to these:

 yep, that's Justin Beiber and no he, didn't send us that picture. But this year we hope to collect photots to use and share.

So tell us Yay or Nay?

Shiver and Fears Brand New

The last AJ Hard book signing was August 11, watch this video and see what you think. Meanwhile, for those of you who are interested Shiver and Fears will be making a new appearance in 2019. As for this Christmas season, The first new Magical Times books will be published.
What is so new about Shiver and Fears in 2019? The books are getting a new cover, some books new another look through, but sometimes you as the unexpected reader need to get your hands on a copy. Have you ever written something, ever? Well, I'm sure if someone has read it there's something about the story that doesn't quite make sense. Like, why is the brave character not the hero in the story? Or who did the monster eat? You know little details that in your head make sense, but not to others.
My best example for that was in The Unlucky Charm. Rabbits appeared in the hospital, but why? And where did this doctor come from? But as a writer, you don't think about those things. You want something to happen in a story, but never really think why or how or you do but never mention how the why and how happened.
Anyway, Shiver and Fears is making a few new appearances. As for Magical Times, the rough draft is on sale now, the book itself will be ready... Both 1 and 2. When will 3 come out? Give it some time I'm doing a lot of work here.

Real Life Story

So, in 7 days Shiver and Fears will be in Edmond signing copies of "The Chill House" Now understand I've done my part. I've sent a collection of email, text messages, social media posts. Now in this whole process tell me, who are the first people who are suppose to know about this? I'm sure there are many answers, but the answer I'm looking for is family. Your mom, dad, uncle, aunt, cousins those are the people I think should be the first to know about the book signing, and I think they should also be the one who wouldn't miss it for the world. I mean unless their out of state which for me is 3 quarters of my family.

Now, here is the part of the story that not only confuses me, but upsets me a little too. So let's all agree family is suppose to be the first in line. You know, the first to know about you public appearance. For me, that would be my mother. She calls herself the "number 1 fan" for obvious reasons. The parents are the number 1 fans because they created you, they've known you since birth, they now about you from beginning to end. That's fine, but if my "number 1 fan" is truly my number one fan why am I getting a call (after all the texting, emails, social media posts) from this fan asking why wasn't she told about this event?

Before you start thinking of the reasons, let me first say, the first people who got the 411 was the family! Yes, this would include the cousins, uncles, aunts, mom and dad. Now let me also include that I was repeatedly sending this message early in June. By now I'm getting "OH WOW, CONGRATS", "GOOD LUCK", "I'LL TRY TO MAKE IT", "I'LL BE THERE" ect. And then I get a call  from my "number 1 fan" asking "when is it?" "where's it at?"  "Why did you tell me?" Information that I REPEATEDLY posted, texted, and emailed.

Now you know about connection growth, right? That how information can grow the more people you tell. Information doesn't grow when it's not spread. Now you only know 5 people, ok? That's not going to start a crowd, but those 5 people know you 5 people and 5 others. In a total that's 30 people. Now those 25 others people told know a few people as well, so it just grew some more! ... Well my "number 1 fan" hasn't really told anyone, not to mention, she can't tell anyone because she doesn't know anything about it. You know, about the event that was post, and emailed, and texted.Now if you're not understanding the struggle here, then this GIF is for you as well.

Do me a favor, bring your friends, tell your family, spread the word. "AJ Hard is having a book signing at Best of Books" If you don't, you're no better than my "number one fan".

Best of Books starring Shiver and Fears

   For the first time ever Shiver and Fears is having a book signing at a book store. Edmond's Best of Books will have Shiver and Fears for 11 to 12:30. The author AJ Hard (that's me) will be selling the book The Chill House for $8. However, in order to get a free book signed  you can bring your own Shiver and Fears product here or maybe you just want a book signed, get one here.
   But whether you get a hat autographed, The Chill House, or any other Shiver and Fears book/ product just know your support is what matters. You might be wondering why did I choose Best of Books all the way in Edmond. The answer is I didn't, they chose me. I was offering a collection of Shiver and Fears books to the store and they asked if I would be interested in having a book signing there.
   Sorry to say through, it'll be the  first and maybe the last. Do understand in order to place a book signing it takes at least $100 to  order a collection of books to give/sell to others. Now I'm not completely sure but I think a book store provides those copies. Well, not in my case. I have to provide copies and really that's not easy for me. Raising money is not my strong point, it never was, not even in elementary school when we were selling candy bars.
Now if you're reading this and want to help. I know for sure there are a few people you know who would jump up to the fact an author is making an appearance in Edmond. And it's not just me who'd be getting help, Best of Books would be getting attention as well. I mean celebrities at a book store? How cool would that be. Not to mention I can only connect with my friends, but you can connect with others in the world and if each person who help promote this event to their friends and family then Best of Books will get a lot of attention. And you can say, "I helped with that!"

Event #2 Annual Book Signing

If you missed the book signing then boo hoo for you! There were a load of guests at Duffner Park. Most guest got splashed with water others won very cool prizes. Maybe you can get a Shiver and Fears book next month at Best of Books in Edmond. There will be the Shiver and Fears book: The Haunted Cell Phone. This will be the last book signing of the year, so you miss this you're just going to have to get an autograph book the hard way: order it, contact me, and ask for it. Good luck, I got a busy schedule.
Here some news though, I announced it at the book signing. Shiver and Fears is selling two more audio books; The Rules of Horror and The Haunted Cell Phone. That's right, so if you're lucky you can have the book AND have someone read it to you too.
I will also announce next year there won't be another annual book signing. Wow, you are just getting the bad end of the stick! You really shouldn't miss this book signing in Edmond. Don't worry, it's on a Saturday. August 11th at 1. Can't get to Edmond? Well sorry I don't have the answers to everything.
Back to the book signing today, There was an amazing cake shaped like a real crystal ball! Tons of pizza for everyone to eat. And a few friends were made as well. What haven't a mentioned about this party? Oh, people were lined up to get there magic mark in face painting. A.J.'s icon was the most popular, some wanted A.J.'s mark. Wow! Everyone LOVES A.J.! Well why not? He is my son. (In the book)
Newsflash: I've decided to send Magical Times to the other book stores this Christmas! So be on the look out!

Event #1 of 3 Juneteenth Film Festival

   Yesterday June 16th, 2018 I was down at The Jewel Theater presenting Shiver and Fears books to the public. If you are a fan then you should know about Shiver and Fears annual audio books give-a-way during the Christmas season. Well I was selling those audio books just yesterday for $5 each. Here is the live video, you can find on facebook:

   You know, it's a small world. And in this small world I've ran into 6 family members, a student from Ridgeview elementary who was present when I made a presentation there, two kids from church who are fascinated into Shiver and Fears, a woman who could be the future LT. Governor and a young dance group called Joyful Praise that just so happens to include my niece.
  Now that Shiver and Fears has made a summer appearance in June, now we can focus on the event in July. So far we have a few things set. The park is paid for, the water balloons are ready, prizes are collected. But there are a few things missing: the cake, the dunk tank, and the guest list. But we'll have everything in place this July 14th.
   Stay in tuned, because coming this July is the new book Magical Times, only $8. I'm sure your be surprised in what we have in store.

Save the date(s)

Here's the drill, I wasn't really expecting for Shiver and Fears to make a come back, but it is. Although, there aren't any books coming out this year doesn't mean this author isn't making a few appearances:

  The first place I plan to be is at Juneteenth Film Festival. June 16th at 2. There I'll be working with Shiver and Fears and selling free audio books with special codes...I know, I know sounds awkward. You can't sell free things, but in my case you can. You don't pay for the audio book, for pay for chance to have an audio book.

Still not making sense? 

Ok, so lets say you want an audio book. You pay $5, sign your email, and you'll receive an audio book with a code to listen to it for free.

Still don't get it? Forget it, ask me at the Juneteenth Festival

  Next, is of course the book signing party. This year we have only 10 books to sell, so be sure to get there on time. This will be July 14th at 4 Now Shiver and Fears won't be involved here, but the book that will be at the signing will be Magical Times in a Deal of a Situation. We will have a dunk tank with two boys who love the chance to get dunked, I'm working on face painting, and  prizes will given away in a raffle. Don't worry, tickets are free.

What are the prizes this year?

Three water squirters and three hats. Only be cause we've already done shirts. We'll be serving hotdogs this year. This year we're low on money, so we're making it simple.

  The final appearance I will be is at Best of Books. If you don't know where that is, it's in Edmond.

Edmond? Really? is probably what you're saying, but they were glad to hear a book writer wanted to make an appearance. This will be happening in August 11th at 1-2. There you can get your own copy of The Chill House, and I'm sure there's enough to go around.

At any one of these events you decide to get a free autograph bring your own AJ Hard book. There will be no charge for any fan who bring their own book to sign.

But remember:

• $5 for the audio
• $8 for the Magical Times
• $6 for Shiver and Fears

A Magical Series



So giving it so time I wan to start by saying Shiver and Fears will return in 2019!

 
I gave it thought and realized that although many people look at horror fiction as evil, those people never even read a Shiver and Fears book. And like the saying goes, you can't judge a book by it cover... or it's genre.

Now that I've made that announcement, I want to explain about the new series, Magical Times. It's a series that's starting to make a premiere, but is still getting settled. For those of you who don't know Magical Times is about my fictional life in the future. I have 3 kids, a wife, and a talking dog. But the talking dog isn't the only fictional part of the story. My three kids were given magical powers when they were born. And their pet dog, Steve is training them to better control their powers and understand more about them.
Now you think that's interesting here's where it gets real good. In the series I have invited my whole family to stay with me in my house. And that's not something I want to do (in the book and in real life). But I've settled for an agreement that forces me to do so.
My three kids A.J., Britt and C.J.



can move things with their mind, see the future, and cast spells. (In the story of course)

Now at this moment the only place you can buy Magical Times is Barnes and Noble. By next winter this book will be polished and ready for reading. Right now, think of it as a manuscript prototype, a pilot story.
This year's book signing party (Yes, there is going to be one this year) will be autographed for 4*. But do remember, bringing your own A.J. Hard book, Shiver and Fears or Magical Times will get autographed for free. In fact, buying a product from the zazzle store with also get autographed free.

Just saying...



The Growth Begins

AJ Hard is back in the BLOG! But not for Shiver and Fears. Although, it is obvious people want Shiver and Fears back. So they might reboot next year.
Now back to the real reason for this blog. The new series, Magical Times, is making a big appearance this year. Not only is the hard-back cover version published, but we're also making a video based off the book.

You don't have to be a pro to be in the video. And we have a lot of open parts:

• The Dad: A hard working man as a teacher, tutor, coach, and children program volunteer
• The Mom: A nurse at a nursing home.
• A.J. Hardwick: C.J.'s twin brother A teenage with a "cool factor" has the power to cast his own spells
• C.J. Hardwick: A.J.'s twin brother with the "smart factors" has the power the see the future
• Brittnie Hardwick: twin's little sister. Shy, but independent has the power to lift things with her mind
• Steve (voice): The talking pet dog, trainer for twins
• Aunt: a "negative nancy", pushy and demanding, lazy/ self observes with likes, and thoughts
• Uncle: a free thinker, rap lover, agreeable listener, interested in cars
• Skylar: Male cousin, video game lover, sports fan kind and conversational
• Carson: Female cousin, selfish careless, dancer, and tv hog
• Great Grandma/ Great Aunt:  twin angles of heaven, kind hearted, stern but fair.
• Grand Pap: Lazy, always complaining, loud chatter, insults as joke
• Granny: Christian by heart, loves family, involves herself in everything, not a magic fan
• Ian Alexander: Jerk next door, enemy of the twins, not very smart

yep, that's a lot of open positions. Now this video is about a African American family all living in the same giant house owned by the dad. His kids all have magic powers which were given to them by their great grandma and her twin sister for being the next generation of twins in the family. A.J. must learn how to create spells that work perfectly for certain situation and C.J. learning how to control his visions.
You want a part? Give me an email.