Birthday Ecard of 2025

I bet you have a friend with a birthday coming up. We always provide a card for these occasions. 

   Last year, we tried making it special by using cards from Greetingisland, but I discovered that those cards expire at some point. I wonder if you need an account to access them; I might look into that. 

   This experience reminds me of a situation I had with a fan, whom I'll refer to as Barry. He mentioned that he sent the ecard to his friend, but the friend never received it. Naturally, I looked into the issue.

   Unfortunately, I couldn't resolve the problem. If the card can't be saved for keeps, what's the point of making another one? That’s a solution that will have to wait for another day. 

   This year, we created an e-card, but I recorded it as well. It turns out that not only do you need an account, but you also have to pay monthly! This isn't related to Greetingisland; we haven't checked that option yet. We are already purchasing business cards, stickers, and materials for more buttons. The answer is no—we are non-profit. 

   As of now, we don't have the new link ready. So if you have a friend with a birthday coming up, please send them this link: HERE.

Only a True Fan Can Get This

 So folks, most of you have been reading my blog for a while now, but question, how many of you are really fans of my work?

Well let put it to the test. Here below is a secret code that only fans can solve. Some people have given it a try and can't get it. Can you?

Edocs i htdevlo se vah uoyf itnemm ocae vael. 

There are two videos which teach you how to solve codes. You can find them on YouTube today. But just to see if you can become a #1 fan, I'll add instructions here:

1. Write the whole message in reverse order.

2. Space the words out the same way they are placed in the coded message.

3. Follow the instructions.

That easy, see? Now, if you want, you can write me a coded message back and I'll enlist you as a number one fan. What is so special about #1 fans? Well ... Only they get to know that!

Happy Hallows-week

Magical Times are Slow

 Everyone is waiting for the next Magical Times book to be published. WHAT?! You have no idea what I'm talking about? Magical Times, you know. The book series...

You never read one, have you? *sigh* I've written a total of 9 going on 10 Magical Times books and YOU NEVER HEARD OF IT? WHY???

Ok, I'm sure I've done this before, so I shouldn't do it again... but, here we go. *groan*

Magical Times is about my life in the future. But it's not about me, it's about my kids. Twin brothers, August and Chadly, and their little sister, Britt. This is an amazing series, because it's fiction, but with a small speck of truth. Now, even though this book is called Magical Times, it's not really focused on magic... It's about miracles! So, yes, this is a Christian book series.

You see, the three kids are training to use their special powers, a gift from Heaven, to learn to help other people. But there are some complications with the series, too. Ya see, the boys are neighbors with their dad's worst enemy from high school, and their sons are rivals as well. But August wants to learn why there's a feud between the two families, because his father... me, doesn't know what happened.

Meanwhile, his brother gets tied up in this mess when all he wants to do is learn how to control his own powers. The story gets a bit serious sometimes. However, it's all about teaching friendship, family, and Christian values.

Now, I shouldn't be doing this, because you should have been reading Magical Times since 2020. But here, Purchase here < click on that link and you get a copy of the book.

I'm only doing this because if you don't read these books, you're going to miss out on drama, action, and cliff hangers. Yep, this series is THAT good. So what are you waiting for? Buy a book now!

Next Event of the Year

 So as of now we are doing the monster voting portion of the contest. So I have about 11 entries to place in the voting category. But people are wondering what does Shiver and Fears have going on next? Well let me tell you because you might want to get involved! 

Once we have announced the winner of the Boo's Beastly Buddy Contest, we will start the Share your Scare contest. The Share Your Scare contest is a chance to find scary, spooky, and creepy images around the neighborhood. How it works is, you take a video or picture of something you see for the Halloween season. This can be a decoration you find at a store, A prop around the neighborhood, or a scary prank you pull at home. You can even present a craft or Halloween treat you saw online! You ever heard of mummy hotdogs? Or eyeball cake pops? We just want a chance to share your spirit of Halloween season. 

Here's a good example: One day I was in a store and found a Halloween prop that lights up with a push of a button. I filmed myself saying a small poem to make it come on. It was as if I had casted a spell to make it work! 

Not a fan of that idea? Try this one:

 The rules are very simple. 

1.  Each person can send 1-5 videos and/or pictures of their scares.
2. Each entry turned in will recieve an audiobook for each entry.
3. We request not to send them all at once, gives us time to set up.
4. Pictures and videos will be posted on our Tiktok page, so be sure anyone IN the photo/video is ok with being presented.
5. Editing is fine with entries but NO FILTERS. (Example: walking ghost video above is an edit with no special effects.)
6. to send video/ photo is best sent by email shiverandfears@gmail.com

Now, what happens when you share your scare?  By Halloween night, we will check which is the most popular image and post it on other social media platforms! Everyone is a winner in this contest! 

Now, some of you might have been informed about a calendar. We are working on that now. If you are a contestant from the Boo's Beastly Buddy Contest, (even if you didn't win) you get one.

I want to also inform you about the Scary Creepsmas Give-a-way. All true fans will be given a gift to give to someone special. But this will be explained later in the fall. 

If you have any questions on ANY events. (Past, present, or future) you know how to contact me. If you don't, read the blog again!

Voting is canceled

 So the first week of voting for the best monster has started just last week. But to my surprise. No one cared to vote! Last year we had 54 vs55 vote or 71 vs 29. but this year... Polls were weak.

It is time for our polls to make an appearance somewhere else. Or maybe we'll get some judges. I don't know, it was just a sad week a few days a go. I mean, we even had ties! WE NEVER HAD TIES! And some weak ties. I'm talking about 2 vs 5 or 0 vs 1. This surprised me. So I had to announce to the public the polls were no longer posted on Tiktok. You think anyone cared? Nope. It was like Shiver and Fears has lost it's audience. 

I can't blame them, it's nearly been a year since a Shiver and Fears book or event or ANYTHING has been mentioned. I haven't promoted Magical Times to anyone. and hadn't even finished the 10th book in the series. 

But hey, I'll let you know that Magical Times
is on sale. So, if you want this Christian/ fantasy book. You can get it here: Book shopping. I always lead people to Walmart first because that's not an easy accomplishment. For one thing, Walmart is hard to contact about selling a product. And they don't accept just anyone. But something about Shiver and Fears was something for them to fall for.

Meanwhile, we'll see what happens this year as we come up with a new idea for this years monster contest. 

Yes, this is one of our contestants. Before you ask or say anything. This is Tikelmare, he likes to tickle his friends. I know what your thinking, but looks can be deseaving. I mean look at Casper. He's a ghost, like Boo, but he's a friend. And that what this contest is about. Making friends!

An Exclusive Year

 Things for Shiver and Fears aren't going too well. This is the place to get the news on Shiver and Fears events and reports on what's been happening and the causes of these things, but this time. Things aren't going well, and that's all I can tell.

So, no I can't tell you why things are difficult, if you haven't already heard, BUT I can let you know what this means for your favorite author. I'm sorry to say, but Shiver and Fears has to be exclusive to outsiders. Does that mean you can't purchase a book? No, you can buy one at Walmart whenever you want to, or even the ever-so-popular Barnes and Noble. 

So what's so exclusive about Shiver and Fears, the blog? No. But we might be writing less for a while. Truth is, it's the events. Yep, the monster drawing contest, the Share Your Scare, Scary Creepsmas to All, yep, all of it! Events will not be publicly announced. In fact, if you hadn't noticed, Shiver and Fears isn't even publishing this year, so nothing is being added to the books. 

So what does this mean for the monster drawing contest? Well, until this situation gets settled and passes on only contestants who have been invited can enter the contests and events. In fact, we are even still thinking if we should even make public appearances.

I know, I know. We might not be in the parade this year, or have a book signing, or even appear at Enid Library.

I'm sure hearing all this makes you wonder what's going on. But I've told you this is... exclusive. It's best if you don't know. I'm not even sure writing this blog is even allowed. All we ask for you is to keep supporting us. and for you Christian fans, we ask for your prayers. We truly do need it more than you may think!

Entries Are Being Delivered

 Ok, so if you haven't heard then you CAN'T be a fan of Shiver and Fears because that contest that I have been telling you about, that happens every year, has started. We already have kids drawing monsters right now. 

Now, I can't tell you how many people tell me how they can't draw or whatever. Well, some time before, the monster drawing contest was a photo editing contest. During the first contest, there was an app where you could take a picture and add moster addings to it. Well strangely, that feature disappeared. It was a year afterwards when an app was discovered to make scary faces from photo images.

At some point it was noted as too scary for kids—Only from the parents, anyway. So after some time we tried a new method where monsters weren't scary, but friendly. Sad part was, there wasn't an area for kids to create monsters cretures... So, we made one!

This game  was created for kids to create monster figures. But this feature had not been made in time for it to work. So, the drawing contest would have to do until then. Now the game is all set. Here's an example of it now:

Now, yearly we get dones of voters, but we don't get a lot of entries trying out this game. Now, don't get me wrong. We want kids to draw their monsters, but we want to include those who can't draw BUT we won't allow that to be the reason why they won't enter.

Those of you who are reading this blog should really try and enter this contest. It's fun! If you haven't already check it out HERE

As of now we want to inform as many kids as possible to enter in this contest. Rumor has it, we even have an adult entering as well! So don't be draw draw a monster... or just create it.

New Book published

So Shiver and Fears is still on vacation, but Magical Times is taking huge leaps! As of now all 9 books of the series can be located at Walmart, as well as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. So have we even talked about this book series? Maybe I need to make a Bio about it, well here's the gist of it all.

The book series is about my future life. I married my highschool sweetheart became a teacher and famous for the books i write. But the book isn't about all about me. It about my boys. I have 3 kids; twin boys and a daughter, they all have magical powers given to the m by angels.

Now there's a lot going on in this series. There's friendship, love, enemies, problem solving, magic, and Christian values. I'm not going to give it  all away, but there is some fun going on within the Hardwick family. Every character has a special part in the story.

And as my life continues, there more stories to tell. It's exciting to write this book. Mostly because it's like a timeline. This is my first time writing a story where everything is consistant.I don't know how some author's do it. Keeping the facts straight. Keeping knowledge of every character and every action. I mean it's already hard retacting facts in a cartoon. You know, like when a character makes a return after a while, or when a character goes through memory lane. Everything has to enline. Age, behavior, locations... EVERYTHING! Otherwise you get those readers who question everything: She had brown hair before, when did she turn blond? Or, I thought he was 10 years when he learned to ride a bike, how was that 6 years ago? 

I don't know, the point is there are some things you have to keep track of when writing a connected series. I do enjoy Magical Times, and hope others do too, but I do enjoy Shiver and Fears creative storyline. ANYTHING can happen that way!

 

13th Bookaversary Plans

 It's been 13 years since the day Shiver and Fears was founded and became a popular icon to most people. But here's the drill on what's happening for the bookaversary and why it's a fuss this year.

Things have been difficult because for one thing money has been tight. Secondly, things haven't gone as planned. In fact, I think the most successful plan was a year or so after the quarentine of 2020. We set up a quick drive by with little gifts to give to our fans. 

This year the plan was going to be simple. We weren't going to focus on fans or attracting new people, this year we were going to call some friends and host a pool party... Well- that was the plan...

The plan was simple, go to my brother's apartment and swim at the pool. Eat some food and play some Jackbox games... The thing about the world is plans get changed whether you want them to or not.

First of all, my brother moved into a new house. An area without a pool. So my mission was to call my aunt, figured she had an idea... Nope, not at all. she'd be out for the whole month... Now, you might start to see where the fuss is coming in. 

My official plan was to just have a simple BBQ. That was a simple solution, but the thing about simple solutions is that sometimes you get help and they go over and beyond to do so.

Long story short, this simple BBQ is now a BQQ party with Shiver and Fears gifts and books to give to every guest along with a game for someone to win a Shiver and Fears prize.😣😣So now I have 2 weeks to find prizes and gift with what I have available as well as come up with a guest list...

Bookaversaries only come once a year, and sometimes the simple answer isn't the correct answer. But luckily I can make it work!

In the meantime, do me a favor. Go up to the closest icy station and get yourself a Shiver and Fears Chill Out Cone (Silver Fox with Blue raspberry) and share it with your followers, and comment what you think.

Happy 4TH of July folks!

Beastly Buddy Rules

It's crazy to think about how rules are made. They can be simple, but at some point, when things get a bit crazy more get added. You start wondering who the person was who might have caused that rule to apply. Well, because of our entries last year, we had to stand up and add some rules to this contest. Some were made just to be clear.

**Boo's Beastly Buddy Contest Rules:**

1. Contestants may choose to draw or create a monster friend.

2. If the monster is drawn, it must be colored in.

3. Each monster must have a name and a hobby. 

4. The monster's hobby must not include any disturbing behavior, such as harming others, committing crimes, or engaging in gross or demeaning actions.

5. If a monster violates any rules, the contestant will be contacted and asked to make the necessary changes.

6. Contestants have a total of 30 or 31 days to submit their monster entry. Late entries will be denied.

7. Each contestant is allowed only one entry.

8. Entries will be set for voting on the TikTok channel "Shiver" one month after the submission period ends.

9. Although polls will remain open, the vote results will be counted at the end of the day.

10. Contestants are allowed to vote.

11. The 1st and 2nd place winners will be asked to provide their locations to receive delivered prizes. Prizes vary, but typically include holiday cards, stickers, a pillow (only for the 1st place winner), etc.

12. Winners will be invited to help create a video short that will be posted on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Winners may decline this offer if they wish.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Boo the Ghost and his friends of 2025

What's Happened in May?

 Have I really let a whole month go by without  blogging? You bet. This is a very important season for the Shiver and Fears crew. We have many things to work on, not to mentions we have other things to work on too.

What, you may ask?

Before I start answering that question, watch this VIDEO.

Now you know as well as everyone else that this is the month of graduation. Which means tons of hard working student have made an accomplishment, and as a teacher I have to attend. I have watched these students make great progress and happy for them too.

Next I still have 4 more chapters to work on this book! Magical Times new book is almost done, and it's slowly making progress because of all these other things to do. A.J. and C.J. are trying to figure out the issue with Ian and their powers. When will these 4 chapters ever be done?

Well, hopefully soon. That is if a friend of mine quits asking and begging to play games. Now, I enjoy a good game. But I can't focus on the work that needs to be done, if I keep being asked to play everyday! Now, I know you're saying "Just tell him no." Well you watched that video I showed earlier? It might explain why.

Shiver and Fears team is working with a few new people this year and are trying to get things set.

But one thing is for sure, The monster contest will have some great entries this year, so be ready. We almost are!

Find the Giggling Ghost

 If you are reading this blog, that must mean you were at the AuthorFest at the Enid Library! Otherwise, you're reading this because you like a good story. Well, either way, listen.

If you were at the AuthorFest, then you must have purchased a book with a Giggling Ghost sticker in it. Well, congratulations! You have won a free supply of AJ Hard audio book collection. Want to know how to claim that prize? Of course you do! Well then follow these instructions:

1. Take a picture of the Giggling Ghost sticker.
   
   
    
2. Email the picture to shiverandfears@gmail.com with "BOO IS LAUGHING WITH (your name/nickname here)" as the Subject
3. You will receive an email back within the week that will include a list of codes to redeem or give to a friend.
4. Go to audible.com/acx-promo and type in each code to redeem each book you wish to claim
5. Check your AUDIBLE LIBRARY for your claimed books and enjoy.

If you don't have the Giggling Ghost sticker but have bought a book, don't fret. You have a free audio book too... You see that bookmark? Yeah, it should have a code on it. Type in that code to claim YOUR audio book! Wow, so it's a win-win for everyone.

Now here are some things you'll need to know. Just in case there are some struggles:

• For one thing, you must have an account with Audible to claim your collection of books. So if you don't have an Amazon account, your books are on hold.
• Secondly, you can't claim two of the same books, so if one of your codes isn't working, that must mean you already own it the audiobook.
• Next, be sure to go through your code list before your code on the bookmark. A code might have been provided by the UK which requires a different link here 
• Lastly, any questions can be answered by email at shiverandfears@gmail.com

Thank you for coming to the annual Enid AuthorFest. We have a few other contests and events coming up so be sure to follow and like our social media to get the heads up on our next event!

Hidden From Social Media

So, I'm sure you've heard about that Powerpuff Girl live-action movie being canned a few years ago. But can you believe no one wants you to know about this disaster? Not only are they trying to mop up their mistake and ignore it, they won't let people see it.

Where do I get this idea from? Easy, because the day that it got leaked, I watched the trailer and the second I wanted to share the news... IT WAS GONE!

People were talking about it, but no one could show the trailer. Not even segments of it. Everywhere I tried posting it, it was cast as copyright and was not allowed to be shared!

Crazy! Well, what I have here is the trailer of that failed project...

Question lies to thousands of people why this idea was scraped. The answer? Because the audience were not pleased of the idea of making 3 kind children into destructive adults. Catch this: Bubbles, our sweet, innocent heart throb, is supposed to be a wannabe diva who apparently drinks and lives a wild life.

Blossom our fearless, smart leader can't get her life together. Now we don't know much about what's going on in her mind, but apparently she has been slacking in her duties and has ran away because of it.

Buttercup the tomboy, the girl with a tude, is a rebel? She's against all things that girls stand for, not only as being simple and sweet and 'soft', but also as a general girl. Almost as if Buttercup doesn't like the idea of being a girl.

Now I'm sure there are some other things that you have to say about this movie idea, but one thing I was not pleased with was how this whole idea was focused on... us!

You see, I like my cartoons the way they always were, zaney, funny, and childish. What this movie is doing is having our childhood grow up with us! I don't know about you, but I don't want my childhood to grow up, if you know what I mean.

How would you like it if  Scooby Doo were a police crew instead and solved murders instead? What would it be like if Rugrats were smoking and drinking while suffering from divorce and family matters? Would you want to watch Jimmy Neutron working giving up inventing stuff because they don't pay the bills?

Point is, even if these characters do grow up, they shouldn't be living a "real" life. With "real" problems and "real" difficulties.

If I were in charge of the movie plot. The Powerpuff Girls would move out of Townsville and join an agency. Then have their next mission be in Townville where they learn that after the mysterious disappearance of Mojo Jojo he has returned with a plot to cause a downfall on the girls' agency. The girls blame each other for their fail attempt and leave Blossom to finish the mission.

That's all I got so far, but if you have an idea, comment below!

 

Enid AuthorFest of 2025

 So coming up this April is the Enid Author Fest. It's one of my favorite events of the year. Dozens of authors come and present their books to sell to new viewers... Wait. You should know about this, I talk about it every year...

Wait, are you new?? Ok, well here is a link about it, HERE. Anyway, I want to talk about what I have planned for the AuthorFest this year.

Shiver and Fears is taking a break this year... Oh yeah, I've said that too. Ok, ok. So the books we will be presenting are The Origin: The story that explains the start of the whole magical twins thing:

Although this is the 7th book of the series, Magical Times. It doesn't really affect the order of the series. This book is a prequel to the whole series and will answer most questions people tend to have after reading the first book.

Next, we have the first book, In a Deal of a Situation, which starts the book series. It introduces all the characters you will learn to love and hate while reading the book.

Both of these books have been republished by Ingram Spark which is the reason why, although I'm taking a break from it, one of Shiver and Fears' books is also to be sold at the signing.

Shiver and Fears: There's a Ghost in My Film is the first Shiver and Fears book to be published by Ingram and is being introduced at the signing.

Now, although you can come and purchase the book at the AuthorFest, it is perfectly fine to purchase this book at your local retailers such as Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and Book A Million (If those still exist)

But, do know. We will have a few other things to share at the AuthorFest. Each book purchased at the event will be a free audiobook provided by Audible and visitors will get a free open chance for free merch, whether or not a book is purchased.

But, I encourage you, wherever you live- Kansas, Kentucky, Texas. Take a trip to Enid for the AuthorFeast. Dozens of authors would be pleased with your appearance!

New Year, New Trades

Things have been running a bit different lately. Videos aren't as popular as they use to on youtube. They seem to be catching attention on TikTok, but Content ideas are slim. Check this one out yourself CLICK FOR VIDEO. Meanwhile books have been traveling to many places, and even though Walmart has added Magical Times to their website, they rejected adding it to their shelf.

Walmart has been getting on my nerves lately, just a few weeks ago, I ordered some equipment in December. Not only did I get it late in January, but the picture was NOTHING like what I received. I was completely tricked. It was obviously an online seller trying to sell a useless device.

Anyway, that's a whole different story. Magical Times is now spreading to more countries and states. In fact, a few books has sold over time. That was new!

Another thing that I have noticed is that music is becoming more noticeable. "On the Shelf" has gotten a couple of views, Although when I brought up the Valentine song, everyone seemed to turn their heads. As catchy as it is, and as close as Valentine's Day was, not one was interested in playing it.

Meanwhile, I'm sure you've heard about the snow attacking our states. It might become Shiver and Fears next hit. "Shiver and Fears: Trapped with Cabin Fever" 

You might not think that's seems scary. Well, you don't know the story. And believe me, it's not as easy of a plot as you think.

Meanwhile, a new channel has arrived a while back. J.U.S.T Got Game. Have you heard of it? Let me just say, Shiver and Fears is not my only channel I work with.

Books and... Video games?

Let’s take a break from discussing books and talk about video games! Since "Shiver and Fears" is on a break this year, I’ve created a new video segment on social media focused on playing video games. Sometimes, my friends and I come together to play a variety of online games. While we often play on Roblox, we explore other games as well.

One game we really enjoy is *TOGETHER*, which was introduced to us by the founder of J.U.S.T. Got Game. However, it’s not the only game in our lineup. We also play games like Scribbl.io, Gartic Phone, and Dress to Impress, among others. The tricky part is that we need to keep the content kid-friendly since we’re creating videos for a younger audience. Some members of our group struggle with maintaining a child-appropriate rating.

We recently finished a video where we tackled a maze of levels. Some levels required a lot of time and teamwork, while others were quite simple—we just made them more challenging for fun!

If you're a video gamer, check out the games we've played! And hey, don’t forget to leave a comment. I see a lot of views, but I’d love to hear from the audience as well. Share your thoughts, and we’ll respond—don’t worry! ✌✌

Last minute Blog

 Ok so we just got finished republishing all 7 Magical Times books. #8 is on it's way now. What's it about? A.J. and C.J. have to figure out why Ian's friends have deserted him. This series is getting really good. Magical Times isn't just about boys learning magical powers, it's also about learning life's twists and turns and how sometimes magic isn't the answer, but it can help.

For those of you who may not like thriller stories, which I hear alot, you might like a fantasy series instead!

New Year, New Book

I bet you're wondering why it's taken nearly 17 days to start the blog of 2025. Things have been runningon a complicated edge at the moment. Not in a bad way though.

So here's what the news is. Shiver and Fears is on a break, but monsters Boo, Bling Bing, and Nettspend are still at the go. Their creators seemed to have ditched them and now they don't have much of a place to be. A comic of Boo and his earlier friends have a comic that's been viewed over 100 times. Will Nettspend and Bling bing get a chance? Maybe not. I mean, they aren't given much attention from their creators, and I have other things to do.

Which comes to what is going on here with the books, Magical Times is making it's reappearance as a new book. Now, this is taking a lot of process, mostly because the manuscripts were lost. Luckily all were found and were ready for publishing. Then I had to create one cover template for each book to be published in.

 Then, after each book has gotten matched with it cover, now come the easy (but still complicated ) part. Working with a new publishing company is always hard to do. But it promises good things for these books. 

For example, My books are now being sold at Walmart! Now I've stated this before, but it was always a bit of luck that got them there. 

Now that i work with this new publishing area, they can get Magical Times books is locations a lot more noticable.

Now, let's talk about distributors. So it turns out there is a busy that wants my work in store, but the process will cost. Not much of a problem, BUT it'll take a lot of work to get it done. This means, merch will have to be processed, books will have to be collected, and promotions will have to be made.

So that's all that's been happening with books, let's talk about videos...

STOP!

I decided to save that for later, that's a whole other story to tell!