New Book in the Making

So Shiver and Fears is making some changes to it's book series. You might have seen a few upgrades over time. The logo, the slogan, the website, and even the books have gone through a few changes as well. Well, my books are making another change. This change isn't very effective, but I think it's time.

Last changes we did for book was the cover idea. Each book cover was postered on a poloid photo, now readers can view the book cover as though walking through the door.

This year we're changing the back cover. As you, the reader, knows back covers are usually where a summary of the book is placed. Shiver and Fears has always place it there, but now the summary is going to be changed. It'll be told in 1st person form instead of the original 3rd person.

I didn't say these changes were big, just different. Another thing that I'm working on is with another illustration partner. So the covers will be a bit different... again.

One thing that I hope will change is the thickness of the book. If you are new, then you might want to read about this. Shiver and Fears is only 20 chapters long. But most books haven't even reached to 100 pages. Although most have, each chapter of a book is about 5 or less pages long, and rarely more than that. This year my books are expanding. Want to know why? Check this out.

During the first set of years writing. I was a little impatient. I had an idea of the plot, but didn't know how to really widespread a chapter without being dull. For example, check out how I change this simple snip:

Sam ran through the forest. The wolf was behind him. Sam tripped over a branch. He knew it was over.

Now this is an idea of how I would write a story. Kind of simple and not much to work with. After doing some reading and years of studying, I think I've improved a little:

Sam's heart pounded against his chest running through the forest. Growls and snarls came from the wolf as it chased behind him. Sam rushed full speed, not realizing the branch was bound to stop him. He fell headfirst into the leaves and dirt. Sam was too tired to make another move. He knew that he had reached his end.

What do you think? I'm trying to be more detailed in my books now. But I tend to have a fear to overdose the chapters. I mean, I want to expand them, but I don't want 20 page chapters. Just want to go over the 100 page mark. So my estimate is 130-200 pages nothing near 400. It might mean Shiver and Fears will be a little more expensive. We'll see...

Now, you might be wondering what is the next book about. Well.. I'll give a hint. It not as detailed as you might think. So don't put too much thought into it. 

Now here is my clue. The cover has nothing to do with the book. Skinny Creeps isn't a part of the book either. But what Skinny Creeps is has is the whole plot of the story.

Think you got it? We'll see once this book get's finished. Right now, 1 have 10 chapters to write!

MLK Parade 2023- Shiver and Fears

There were so many fans at that parade, but just not enough cards and candy to pass out, not to mention not enough hands to get to everyone. It's hard work. To pass out to dozens of hands, catch up with your ride, and reload yourself every time.

Here's what I learned: 

  Don't share with those behind your ride, share with those in front. If you run ahead and hand candy or whatever to people in front, instead behind, the ride will catch up with you. That makes it easy to grab more candy than being behind, racing up to the car every few seconds and going further back to reach more people.

  Get a load of 500+ I only had a load of 100 cards, I ran out before even getting to the heart of the parade and about 500 pieces of candy. We ended with a small load, (like 3 candies for each team member)

  Everyone can't get what they want. There are over 10,000 hands who are begging for candy. My advice for that is only hand out candy to those who acknowledge you. I would wave around with a smile, not even showing off the candy, if they wave back, I give them a piece, especially if they were kids. That way you have a reason to give people your attention. It's like a secret message to the people. That way you're not choosing whoever and giving people a chance to greet you.

  The last piece of a advice I is present your business with a catch phrase, shirt, or poster. There I was without a card to give to anyone, But, it was on my shirt, I had it on my poster, but what I felt helped people the most was saying "READING IS IMPORTANT, SO CHILL OUT WITH SHIVER AND FEARS!" Not sure how much it helped, but with that phrase hopefully people understand Shiver and Fears has to do with books and check it out based on the phrase, "chill out" 

The video i have here may not show much. But you get whatever you can when you put together a team. But i want to know what you think we should do differently for next year's parade. Comment your thoughts.

What's on it's way...

 If you recall last year, this was about the time the idea for What's Your Story was created and the book: Terror Tales 2 was published a few months afterwards. Well, get this. It's that time again, but this time it's not going to books, it's staying right here! Why go to Barnes and Noble to read a book made by kids, when you can catch them here.

Which means Shiver and Fears is making some changes. 1st of all, with ebooks being given away the website will have to add a QR code reader, since those are hard to come by (I've tried) and with kids writing stories, that mean we'll have to set up a whole new page for just them!

Wow, Shiver and Fears really is expanding. I just received news this week that Shiver and Fears has been welcomed into a public elementary school! Meanwhile, right now I am putting together a team for the Martan Luther King Parade 

This is going to take time and money to get done, I'm sure it can happen. Meanwhile, with this being 2023 it's time to get back into the groove of writing, but what do the fans want? More fears? or maybe a little magic... We'll see. Just hang out tight, because this year, your chills are getting bigger.