Video and Photos This Season

So it's been adventure this November.

Let me explain this video. So very rarely, my friends and I play a round of JackBox. This is a small load of games to play on devices. There are a few to pick from. One we played was Quiplash. The best way for me to explain it is to imagine a game of Apples to Apples BUT everyone makes their own answers AND everyone gets points.

When it comes to this game, I keep my answers pretty simple. I'll have to show you how well these games go on YouTube... That is if the other players can calm down enough and not be so dirty with their choice of words.

Meanwhile, another thing that happened is the preparation for Christmas. I was working on a video on TikTok and made an interesting picture...

This is a re-creation of my book "A Creepier Christmas" This wasn't made for the books, BUT it looks pretty good! I do want to re-create a lot of Shiver and Fears covers. Some aren't good and with this new cover design, I want to go back and fix others. (Just a thought) Anyway, there's a lot getting done before the finish of 2024. And I got to get it done now. 

The new book was supposed to be done forever a go, but because of the search of an artist is so difficult, it may have to be delayed. But keep with us. You'll love it!

 

Youtube Bannings

My most popular video just got banned on Sunday afternoon. I don't know if you’ve seen it, but it was a fairly odd scene from "The Fairly OddParents" where Poof sees his parents for the first time. 

That video was my most popular upload ever, even more so than any trailers or Disney-related shorts. It’s the reason I gained 1,500 followers, but now it has been banned due to copyright issues. 

Isn't it crazy how long a video can be up before it gets blocked by YouTube? It had been available throughout the entire fall season, and only now has it had to be deleted. This situation seems even crazier than when I received a notice for using my own songs in my videos.

Who knows what will happen now that the video is gone? It was still getting tons of views, and I believe it contributed to the popularity of my other videos. With 1,500 followers, I'm sure there will be another video that they will like.

The Madeline video seems to be popular; it's consistently in the top three most-watched videos every day. However, I'm still trying to figure out the best time to post my videos. According to the information I’ve received, my peak viewing times are typically in the middle of the day and mostly on weekends.

Well, who knows what will happen to this blog now that the video is posted. But one thing is for sure, YouTube is very particular about what videos can be posted, Even when most of the time they don't catch it right away.

Share Your Scare

 Shiver and Fears always has something set for Halloween. This year we are giving a way a smart watch. This is the last chance to win this watch for this is our first gift given to give a way. I'm sure you are wondering how to enter this contest... WHY ARE YOU NOT VISITING MY WEBSITE???

Fine, fine. You want to know?

 First of all you have to take a picture of Halloween decor. That means a piece of decoration that represents Halloween. You can find this in a store, a neighborhood, or make it yourself. Film it or take a picture. 

Then you post the picture on your profile. This includes Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Youtube. After you post it, you have to tag Shiver and Fears. If you don't, then I'll never be able to see it. 

That simple! Now there are a few do not rules. Like:

DO NOT repost a video made from another profile.

DO NOT use filters and Special effects

DO NOT post anything PG. (You know, ADULT EYES ONLY)

DO NOT post more than one entry.

Sound easy right? Because it is! And yes, If you win, you will receive a smartwatch. But remember, turn it in before Halloween night!! You got time!

I Want the Prize

 Now I can make a full story about how this started, but instead I'll get to the point.

Friday is my birthday. I had received  a special gift yesterday, and what was so special about that gift was that it came with a free gift as well. I made the choice to use that extra gift as a give a way prize!

Now, if you are wanting this prize, then here's what you have to do:

1. Go to https://www.audible.com/acx-promo 2. Redeem the audiobook by using one of these codes: E98EZUGGSEWJ5 ER6L86UL66Y9R HCESN98RE2ANU 3. Email shiverandfears.gmail.com and let us know you've read the book 4. Be present for the next live video 9-18-2024 at 9 PM 5. Answer 3 questions about the book

Now, if there is anything that I'm leaving out in this information, let me know. Because it's simple to me.

The book you have to read is Shiver and Fears: Rules of Horror. Now the only suggestion I have for you (If you tried a code and it didn't work, ) is to just purchase the audiobook. Hopefully, you can answer the three questions that will be received this coming Wednesday on the live video. So be sure to be there.

Now, I will say this. If every person who tries to answer the question does not get all three correct, then the give a way will continue. Want to know what this prize is? Go to YouTube!

You've Haven't Been Around

Gosh where have you been?

Here I am making videos and all over social media and what have you been doing?

That's right, I've been making tons of videos, because content has been growing wildly! I've met with dozen of vendors and been reeling in (like for real) new followers ever since then. You want to know a few?

Got a sweet tooth? Go to The 3 appleteers! They have something for you to sink your teeth into! Or do you need some peace in your life? Check out some cool wear from 🚫B+E  No B plus E?? NO! Nothing But Positive Energy! And the amazing things I found at Blossom Creations by Jess That's just a few amazing places to go to. But if you want more, then you should be more present on my social media areas.

 I have gotten my hands on some interesting content. Have I already told you that? Well what are you waiting for? Go to Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and see what I'm talking about!

 I mean you already missed the monster adoption!

Shiver and Fears shopping

Well, I've done it again. Shiver and Fears is growing... more! We just set up a store! No not a public local store, of course. As of now Shiver and Fears is only local online. Maybe we'll talk about the reason why later.

As of now, there's not much there. Just the three most common talked about products: Cups, stickers, and audiobooks. Check it out here.< But before I tell you more about that...

Let me introduce you to: S

hadale Creates

This business is ran by Shadale Thomas. Her business sells bacelets, necklaces, earrings, keychains, and rings. There is something outthere that is calling your name and believe me, Shadale has it! Check out her site which is located here > Styles you'll like < You can find her social media pages in every location. TikTok, Facebook, and of course Instagram! So don't be shy and find a style calling you.

Now, back to the blog story!

So Shiver and Fears still have a few more merchandise to sell. One of the main reasons is to get rid of our monsters Blaze and Monster Ghost. Now, that might sound a bit harsh. but it's not as harsh as it seems. It's not that we're trying to toss them and forget them, they are Boo's friends. Boo wouldn't like the thought of forgetting them for new friends.

It's really to make more room for our new monsters, which will be announced in October. But let's talk about this store!

Well for one thing, with so many cool, amazing subscribers it's time to connect a store to this YouTube channel, which apparently is attracting mostly in New York! Yep, I did the research. The more time that passes, the more we learn how to improve.

We will be working a lot on public attention outside of  just books. With posts becoming more popular, and more store adding Shiver and Fears it is time.

Local Retailer Introduction

 What you see here is not just another book. This right here is Shiver and Fears first book to be distributed to local retailers!

This book has the new and approved cover illustration that everyone is excited to see. With it's ripped title reveal, slightly slanted door and the series number now included. Now, you as a familiar fan will recognize that Shiver and Fears books have been constantly been upgraded repeatedly starting off with it polaroid image and it's usage of icicles side frame. These cover ideas were not bad, but needed something to stand out. The open door image idea was still a working progress and let's hope it's made a final choice. But we all know things continue to change when it comes to creative ideas.

Now back to this retailer business.

Ingram Spark has accepted Shiver and Fears books to work and distribute this and other books. Now question is? How does this work? I'll be honest, I'm still learning myself. I mean, how does this make a difference from when I was going to Barnes and Noble telling them to place this book in the store and them stating "It's not possible?"

Well there are a few words, that I'm still learning and understanding such as Wholesaler, Distributor, Retailer that make the whole marketing system be put into place. From how I'm seeing it, if you have a business, you need to buy your products somewhere, and you need to buy it in bulk. Well, of course if you buy online, they don't come in bulk. They come individually, so maybe that's one thing.

But if you need a product, you still need to buy it. And you'll want to buy it somewhere where it's always provided and they have everything you need.

Now imagine, if you are starting a business, buying your products one by one takes too much time. So of course you go to your supply closet,  the distributor, and buy it there. Now, if someone tries to sell you their product, they probably sell it in a bundle. That means you're repeatedly buying it from them to use and sell it. But why get something that's not in your supply closet? You may need it you may not, right?

So, in that case it shouldn't go straight to the seller, retailer, it should go into their closet... Not that's how I see it. Now this wholesaler is a mystery to me at the moment. And even what retailers to turn to for such a request is a mystery. Especially when contacting them. 

Can you imagine how a business has a social media and a website, but no email address? or phone number? and then not to mention the email or phone number provided doesn't even lead you to where your trying to go. Imagine driving to a location to find a park, but there instead is a map that leads you to other placed BUT a park!

Oh brother!

Shiver and Fears: There's a Ghost in My Film ISBN: 979-8-3303-0720-3

What to Look Forward to

 We are nearly in the middle of the month of July. What has this author been up to? Well for you true Shiver and Fears fans, you know the Bookaversary is Saturday... no, not this Saturday. Usually we host a get-together for the fans and give away prizes, but this year we're hosting a private party.

Me and the chosen guests will be a part of a potluck picnic. How can you be involved in the Bookaversary this year? Well, we always have free audiobooks to giveaway, get your hand on one and post about it. Don't forget to use the #shiverandfears. You may not know this, but every now and then, we look for hashtag posts from you we want to share your attention with everyone.

Before I forget, I do want to remind everyone about the new audiobook being worked for publishing. This is an AJ Hard original of course, but it's a part of the Magical Times series. For anyone who might be interested in fantasy fiction instead of thrillers.

But anyway, a lot has been going on, the new book, "There's a Ghost in My Film" is still being worked on, while as we are still giving away special audiobooks to those who want one. The library system is adding another Shiver and Fears book to the shelf.

Yep, there's a lot going on this summer, and you probably a part of it too. In fact!

Here: A5ZRNKD9WH2X6 That is a code for you to use at  https://www.audible.com/acx-promo for an audio copy of The Ghost of Future Me. This a one-time use code. I have more if you ever want another one! But keep in contact for any more news from Shiver and Fears. 

An Author's Word of Faith

 I heard stories of people who trusted God and ended up in terrible places. Lion dens, mouth of a whale, prison. People who were publicly humiliated, people who's happy lives were broken and stripped away. 

Those people stayed true to God. I will too. 

There are bible verses that state to trust God, never show fear, listen to his words. Some people sometimes have to question the path and start to mistrust the path. I can't,so I won't.

I've learned that God places tests in your path, mostly to see how you respond. Some freak out and run off the trail, never to follow the path ever again. Others try to make their own path and end up hurt and broken, dirty and in pain. But they still follow that path. I don't know the whole facts, but I'm sure some go through those tests. The grade for that test aren't always an A, but those who take those test I image spread a smile across their face.

I want to be one of them. As I takes this test, I trust that my new destination will result in peace and happiness. 

Sometime we feel comfortable where we are. And we believe that's where we are meant to be for the rest of our lives, I don't know why God changes it. But I was told it's for something better.

If I am going to stand in the heart of Jesus, then I have to believe it. So I do.

Order on Layaway

I'm glad that most of our merchandise is on layaway. 😊 We're trying something new 💡 by asking customers if they'd like to place an order on hold.

This idea is still new, but it seems to reduce the pressure on customers to make immediate purchases. Here's how it works: you can buy any of our available products, and if you're unable to pay right away, I can hold onto your items until you're ready.

I have four customers who have purchased cups, books, and pillows and put them on layaway. Could this be the new process that Shiver and Fears can use to increase sales? We'll see, as we still have more products available for purchase and we're open to placing them on layaway too.

Perhaps you're interested in taking advantage of this option? Do you want to put your order on layaway? 😊

Hello, you there? Oh, I guess not...

 So I posted a video, that questions how important it is. You can find this on the TikTok page or later in this blog. But let me tell you about this video and where this thought came from. It basically started after posting about camp this upcoming week.

I had made a post about heading to camp and figured with it being a week or so away post another one to spread the excitement a bit more. It was strange how at this moment now, People are still watching the first video and still commenting, but the new one is slowly getting attention. I didn't think much of it, but then something upset me later. I've noticed that in Instagram, the only videos that got the most attention were the ones that had to do little of what I wanted to share and more about anything else.

If the video was about a monster drawing for the contest more followers would have watched it and reached 86 views. However, if the video was about the time aligning with the date it would reach to more non-followers and have 294 views. Now I tested this to see what caused this. Was it the cover? I used a picture to basically hide what the video was about and wait for results. It was one of those "I'm a - or course I -" videos. More followers watched it and low views.

This was an interesting event. It seemed that no one was attracted to or wanted to know about Shiver and Fears. So one day I was thinking of my next video project and thought no one wanted books, so what would happen if a statement was placed that basically stated that writing is a waste of time? Would it get viewers? comments? questions? or would it just be ignored? I tested this, which you can find here attention grabber <<

You watch it? So tell me, what are your thoughts? I'll explain it to you in the next blog!

Shiver and Fears fan fiction

 We have recieved a book cover illustration from a young boy, who has an art for story telling. This  young artist made a Shiver and Fears cover to be placed in the art gallery. His story idea: The Farmer and the Werehare has impressed me.

When hearing the title, it made me think about fables. Now, fables are not scary, but are life lessons within stories. So this is very unique to me. This cover makes me want to write the story in the form of a fable. It would be something different is Shiver and Fears history! However due to this title not being my idea, I can't do so. But that doesn't mean that Shiver and Fears can not start an idea from this.

Now, I won't give it away, but maybe one day I will create a book with this fan art as my inspiration. The ideas are endless!

Now, as for you, maybe your book cover idea can do the same. I saw give it a shot. Create a perfect title for Shiver and Fears to want to read and create the cover for it. Kids can do it, and they tend to draw a lot of fun shapes. So I encourage you to give it a shot. 

So, what are you waiting for MAKE THAT COVER!

Shiver and Fears Creative Cover contest

 

 Ok, it's not a contest, but it is a chance for you to make your idea of a Shiver and Fears book!

Now, before you ask, no this will not become a new book. Instead, the drawing cover will be presented in the art gallery of the Shiver and Fears website. Here is how to enter:

• Get the cover template from our Facebook page - Shiver and Fears
• Print out the design at home or at the library
• Design your cover illustration in the door frame and place a title underneath.
• with parent's permission, email the picture to shiverandfears@gmail.com
• You'll be messaged back if it's placed in the gallery.

Any age may turn in a drawing, just remember a few simple rules:

• No copyright of any published story
• must be colored with crayons, paint, marker, or any other colorful tool
• Entries must be child friendly; and appropriate for ages 8-13.
• Sequels to the original Shiver and Fears books are acceptable, but no other familiar book series
• Only one entry per person. Include your name

This is named a contest, but it's not, because there's no time limit and there's more than one winner. In fact, it's a shoe-in that if you send me your best work it'll be placed on our website. I will also announce that if you don't have a Facebook account, we can deliver you the template however fits best, just let us know.

Well, what are you waiting for? GET TO DRAWING!!!

Shiver and Fears: in color!

Do you like Shiver and Fears? Well get ready for another Shiver and Fears item to start passing around. Shiver and Fears coloring sheets! The first idea for a coloring page starts when the new cover template was created. So now fans can create their own Shiver and Fears books ideas

cool right? Well then the idea came that with so many images we have to use, why not make it used for creativity. We have just a few coloring sheet ideas, but we plan to branch out in the future. Our 2025 monster of the year, Shiver and Fears logos and icons will also be used in this process.

One thing this project requires is how you and anyone else who wants to color Shiver and Fears picture can get to it. 

We could do the obvious and place it on our website, but we actually want to place it somewhere more noticable. So we are looking into that.

As of now, we have a book cover sheet, Boo with friends sheet, and we plan to recreate some book images for this project. As well as get some fans to draw some as well. This will take a lot of time. So don't espect this to be complete right away.

What do you think about our new idea? Comment!

Welcome to New Monsters

 You might be familiar with the Shiver and Fears monster contest. It is now known as Boo's Beastly Buddy Contest. Within the year, you have gotten to meet. Blade and Monster Ghost.

Blade jump roping

Monster Ghost and Boo

Blade wearing new clothes

 Boo and Blade are inseparatable, meanwhile Boo is kind enough to include Monster Ghost in his free time. But it is a task to watch over him as Monster Ghost is always stealing. 

Blade has been teaching dance moves, baking, and having a good time. Now naturally, having a freind who steals and one who likes to dance and cook would be a no-brainer who to hang out with, but Boo is kind enough to look past this.

Now, we are coming to the ending of Blade and Monster Ghost's year of fame. and we are going to end it with something special, just you wait! What new monster friends are on their way this year and what's going to happen to Blade and Monster Ghost?

Well here's the question to think of, would you ditch some friends after a year of hanging with them? I hope your answer is no. Blade and Monster Ghost are sure to make an appearance once in a while. This will grow the club Boo has started and welcome more monsters in the Shiver and Fears group.

Can you believe there is no monster making games online? Don't believe it, check it out yourself and comment if you find one. But I do know of a place where you can make a monster. Click here NO, JUST KIDDING. Don't go there! They still hadn't fixed that game. go here instead >>> HERE

You have a choice. You can either play this game and email your monster to me and enter in the contest, or just play the game and share it amongst your friends.

Want to make a monster yourself for the contest? You can. Just comment below and I can help you get started.

Remember, your monster must have a name and a hobby. Now it's funny how many kids have drawn a monster and placed a hobby of their monster to be to eat kids... so original! But whatever the monster's hobby hope it doesn't affect it's chance of winning.

The Big Mistake

I've been holding on to a story for a while now. It's time to talk about it. It's a true story, but for the protection of others, the characters have been replaced. Yeah, it's one of those stories.

So I won't give much away, but this story happened to a teacher, Mr. Drake. Today was supposed to be like any other day, but Mr. Drake was in for a surprise. He was to work with a specific student. He had just transferred into the school a while back. He had already made enemies with a few of his classmates, but all the teachers felt his pain. The student was no other than Heath. This made Mr. Drake nervous. Heath was aggressive. Too aggressive for Mr. Drake to maintain. But he had no choice. He was an assistant to the head teacher Mr. Summers He was already working with another student.

Mr. Drake decided there was no need to work hard with an aggressive student, so he did the easiest thing to do. 

Mr. Drake asked Heath to color a picture. That young boy didn't want to do that! Mr. Drake was told to stay strong, was it worth it? Heath was getting angry, annoyed, and disapproved of anything until he was to get his way.

That's when it happened, Heath watched as his innocent classmate, Omar was playing around. It was obvious Omar wanted to play with a deck of cards, but Heath wouldn't allow him.

Omar was a playful kid and had a hard time understanding social clues. This was obvious to Mr. Drake as he saw the anger in Heath's eyes. He stayed calm as he made sure both students were safe Heath was ready to attack. Mr. Drake watched as Heath reached for Omar. He had to be stopped. Mr. Drake's arm jerked to block his attack, but at that point, his life was in danger.

Mr. Drake watched in terror as Heath's nose was bleeding. Blood was running like a faucet. 

Heath blew a gasket, directly at Mr. Drake. All the blame was on him. Mr. Summers suggested to help. Heath had to go see the nurse. Meanwhile, Mr. Drake was left behind to watch over the remaining students and clean up the struck disaster.

Mr. Drake was devastated. Throughout the whole day, all Mr. Drake could think about was how everyone would treat him. He felt like a criminal. This teacher was loved by dozens of students, and one was about to ruin his career!

He stayed home for three weeks. He couldn't go back to work. He was restricted from his job. All he could think about was how those dozen students may never see him again. How the staff were going to live without his kind heart and helpful presence.

Within those three weeks, Mr. Drake talked to the school board, officers, and a few others about this mistake. He repeatedly told them his actions were just a mistake. But didn't help. 

Mr. Drake tried to call Mr. Summers. but it was like he was blocked out of existence. It made sense, Mr. Summers had accused Mr. Drake of hitting Heath with anger. But everyone knew the truth, Mr. Drake had no reason to hit a kid. Mr. Drake was kind to everyone. Some would even say his feelings for Heath were mostly fear.

But it was clear, the ones who accused Mr. Drake as a guilty assaulter didn't truly know the man like I did.

But those who knew Mr. Drake the most, continue to show him trust and love. It's unknown now what Mr. Drake will do. School is nearly over. but his love of teaching will forever follow in his next career.

Tough Butter part 2

  If you've read the blog from yesterday, then you've been informed about the hard struggle of telling people about the Author Fest event. But what is this blog about? This blog is about everything else that I am responsible for.

For one thing, I just got word that after 2 months the new audiobook has FINALLY been published. Now I have 50 codes to give away, and I have no idea how to give them away!

I also have over 100 cups, over 20 books, 50 stickers, and 5 pillows to sell. Where does a person like me get this stuff sold at? There are nearly a dozen marketers who say they wish to help make progress, but of course, they are wishing for payment. I don't have time for this!

I would give payment to someone who is willing to help grab attention, but there are no promises. I have dealt with some marketers before; they have grown my followers list on Instagram, posted me in multiple areas on Facebook, and have had interviews which are somewhere on a podcaster's list, but look where I've gotten to...

So I'm not in the mood to pay someone who can't promise me a change in public attention. Have you been messaged by someone on Instagram who states they want to present you? I've told them multiple times to go ahead and present me with no cost. I never hear from them again.

That's why I'm hoping to get some attention with my idea of publishing other young writers. They shouldn't have to go through junk like this. Someone who wants their story and get paid for it. TOTAL SHAME. Editorial service costs about $50 for every 500 characters. PLEASE! It's even more struggling when you try publishing audiobooks. Payment, payment, payment, that's the only way to get help.

Not for me. I'm willing to help young authors write stories because I'm not concerned about money. I have a job already, so why ask for more just to be helpful? I get companies, but some of these people work for Fiverr. They mostly get paid when they get a position for their work. It's like celebrities who present themselves at Cameo.

Anyway, enough complaining about this "help" that I get offered. It's hard to try to get attention to sell books, pillows, audiobooks, and stickers when there's nowhere to present yourself. I mean, a video about the cool stickers I have gets about 120 views on TikTok, 23 on Instagram, and 20 on YouTube and completely unknown on Facebook, but I can only guess 0-3. That doesn't include comments or likes. Those are around 0-7, and that's IF you combine them.

In other words, publicity is complicated!

Tough Butter

I wasn't really planning on doing a blog story today. But this had to be announced, because I can't hold this information any longer. Before I tell you what it is that's got me pacing the floors, let me tell you what's rolling through my mind first.

So this month is the author Fest at Enid Library. If you've seen any posts on social media you know I've been bringing this up for a while now. It's almost getting to the point of being annoying. But you can understand the concern when you've made an announcement about this and you end up questioning if anyone has seen it. Let me tell you, Facebook keeps no record of views, just likes and that's not much since facebook mostly presents to close related people. Let's talk about Instagram. That is a site that might get attention, but only for popular information, funny clips, and celebrity content. It seems to only reach out to those who have a relation to the topic, and (correct me if I'm wrong)  new author's don't have a place in that. Youtube does no good. Once again, it's mostly the attention for movie/ tv buffers, pointless "funny" clips, video games, and sometimes music.

Lastly there is TikTok. Now you an get away with a lot on Tik Tok. But it's mostly for good laughs. 

What is the point of all this bashing on different social medias? This all leads to the point I'm trying to make about what it takes to get attention from an audience from social media. It's the quick terms that seems to spread out the most. Those are the videos that stand for about 60 seconds or less. Hard to get full information of that. Reels seem to spread pretty far, but they only seem to spread to the best categorized audience. Which of course are for those who make pointless funny videos.

Now this is coming from experience. Because some videos reach to 200 views, others reach to 1000. What makes them different? What your audience care about more. Art, TV, and jokes.At least, that's what I tend to notice.

This all leads to the question of who is interested in the Author Fest in Enid?

Now that's half of the story. If you want more, read the next blog, coming tomorrow!

Enid Library AuthorFest

Guess what? It's that time of year again! Enid Library has invited AJ Hard to their annual Author Fest. This year we will have a whole load of stuff! Books, pillows, cups, and stickers! Even Boo the ghost will make an appearance!

We will have a collection of 5 books, including:
Lost in the Forgotten Library
Attack of the Headless Robot
Sibling Subtraction
Magical Times
Haunting of the Halloween Kids
What other authors will be present at the event? I'm not sure, but I'll let you know as soon as I know myself. But I can tell you this, there will be dozens, which means there will be multiple genres for multiple ages. So don't feel like your too old or too young for this event. It will be located at Enid Library 120 W Maine Ave, Enid, OK 73701 to be exact!

 Hope you'll be there, or at least tell somebody who can. You'll enjoy and be upset when you miss it.

A Story with a sad ending.

 There were four authors, each with their own amazing store. They all sat in a room together. They were Christmas presents waiting for Christmas day and were thrilled to meet their fans. They watched as the sun traveled from one side of the building to the other. People came in, but none of them claimed their author. The four authors wondered, was today their day? Had they appeared in the wrong bookstore?

Soon it was time to go, after a long wait the author's had realized no one had came to meet them. Not a single person was interested in meeting them. Each author collected their supplies: their pens, their books, and their papers and began to walk out the door. 

People still continued to pass the authors, but none of them were special enough to catch their attention. 4 authors went home without a single gleam in their eyes...

Sad huh? 

Why did I tell this sad story? Because it happened.

Can you image 4 authors meeting in a bookstore sharing a signing event, and not ONE selling a thing?

Now, be truthful. If you were to walk into a bookstore thinking about your favorite book series and you saw an unfamiliar author sitting in the back, what would you do?

Well, here's what you should do: give them consideration! Some people don't get noticed for their creations. Artists, singers, authors, actors, etc. all because no one takes the time to notice them. Now, many of course will go on social media and join a group of these people to draw attention to themselves, however, everyone in the group is all for the same thing. reaching out for attention. Chances are you won't get a like, comment, or post because no one in the group cares about you getting attention, just about themselves. 

Anyway... I'm ranting. the thing I'm trying to say here is that we authors don't get a lot of attention!

Love to Read for Obvious Reasons

 Let's take a break from books for a moment. Let's discuss music and holidays. No, I'm not talking about the Super Bowl. I'm talking about Valentine's Day. Now before I tell you more. I want to play a little game: There is a link hidden within this blog. Can you find the link and see where it leads you? Here's a hint: You'll LOVE it.

Now, anyway. I want to tell you about Valentine's Day. It's strange to me, these special days don't seem to be as admired as they used to. Valentine's Day was the perfect time to show your admirer how you felt. It was the perfect time for love songs. Shiver and Fears even made a book on Valentine's Day, and you true fans, know which book it is.

As for now, I am spreading the love with these:

, Every year a different set of Valentine's cards is made for the kids. One thing I've learned over the years is that the card isn't what matters, it's the candy. 

I will never forget as I got older passing around cards and candy somewhere in my path I'd find a card I'd given laid out on the floor. Completely forgotten.

In fact one girl didn't want a valentine, because she thought I was in love with her!

I can't say you'll get one, but what you can do is save the image of one and send it to a friend.

Hey, were you able to find that link? You didn't forget, did you? Well, try to find it, I promise you'll like the link. Don't know where it is? If you notice, you'll see it's different for any other word in this blog...

Best Books go to Best of Books.

I'm about to give you the whole scoop about the book signing, so pay attention.

THis year I have ordered 25 total books for the book signing. Which I know doesn't seem to be a lot, but there is actually another book signing in April to attend and so the remaining books (Which, I'm sure there'll be) will attend the Author Fest in Enid.

These books include Sibling Subtraction, Attack of the Headless Robot, Locked in the Forgotten Library, Haunting of the Halloween Kids, and the 5th book from the Magical Times series.

But there is more to this adventure  than this. This would be the merch included. For every person who buys a book, they will receive a free cup, sticker, and card which may include a special code for an audio book! CAn you believe this only costs $5? That's right, only $5 to get a whole collection.

Now you might be asking what if I want just the book? Or what if I want to purchase the cup... not sure why, it's free. But anyway, my best advice is to accept it and pass it on to your favorite young one.

Now i will say a donation is perfectly fine, not that you have to. 

Now am I forgetting anything? Let me think...

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...

Nope, I think that's everything. But if there is another piece of information i need to tell, i place it in the next blog. As for the picture, well here it is

My only request is for you to spread the news. I hope to see you there. 

WAIT! One more thing, If you do have any question, just comment and ask. 

Work is in Process...

Hey, just wanted to share with you that I'll be participating in the parade on Saturday representing Shiver and Fears 🎉🎊. I'll be passing around candy to the crowd downtown 🍬🍭. However, I'm not fully prepared yet. I still need to buy banners for the car, candy packets, and collect business cards. Passing out candy during the parade has always been a challenge for me 🤔. I can't throw it from the vehicle and there isn't enough candy to give to everyone. It will take around 5 packets to make one good load for just one side of the parade. I haven't even gone shopping for the candy yet and I know we won't have enough business cards to distribute to the crowd. 

Winter has slowed down the progress, but I'm hoping to see you at the parade. It's going to be cold, but it'll be great to see our fans 👥. If you're coming, I have a "contest" for you. Take a picture of me at the parade and post it on social media with the hashtag #shiverandfears. You can also send it to my account. I'd love to share it on my stories 📸. You can find Shiver and Fears on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram 📱.

FYI if you haven't already, follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day... even if it was already on Monday.

First Thing's First

I mentioned before that I have a few plans to start the new year. The first thing that is coming up is the MLK Parade coming in a couple of weeks.
This will be a difficult task since finding a partner will be a part of the challenge My partner Rane has been a big help for the past 3 years, and hope he continues. But who will pass around the candy to the kids? or hold the sign? of help go live? I surely don't know. It's still a working progress.
Another event I want you to know about is the book signing in the spring. I've chatted with a few people and come to the idea that selling the stickers at the book signing is not such a good idea. Meanwhile, we agree that the cups should be presented.
Those items are still involved with the Shiver and Fears fundraiser, as we still continue passing around the news. This book signing will be hosted in Edmond at the Best of Books store. The plan is to sell multiple books instead of the original one.
For sure we will have to visit that store and have a chat for an idea, for that was the location of the first bookstore signing Shiver and Fears ever attended.

I won't reveal any more plans set for the future, instead, I want to announce that Shiver and Fears has not one, but TWO new games for you to try!

Our first game is called Boo's Book Hunt, it was on a link, but now it is embedded to our site instead. The object of the game is to collect as many books as possible WITHOUT getting hit by the witch's spell (Don't Mock a Witch) and the evil rabbit (The Unlucky Charm) It's not an easy-to-play game. It's kind of flawed in some ways, but hopefully it's still fun to play.

The 2nd game is called Avoid the Thief. I just made it today. Now, when you play, you think that Blade is the bad guy, carrying a load of money, but it's not true. Blade is trying to send the money back to the bank. 

WHy?

Because Monster Ghost is the one who has taken the money and wants to stop Blade from returning it. You have to hop over Monster Ghost by clicking your left-side mouse, if you don't Monster Ghost will take the money and run off. What a drag!

Go to shiverandfears.com and try out both these games and tell me which one is best! Meanwhile, I hope to see you at one of the events Shiver and Fears has this new year. So, chill out and see you soon!