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!

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!

 

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!

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. 

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!!!

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...

You Want Me To Explain?

You may have missed the fact that you can purchase the self-published version of Attack of the Headless Robot. If you have already bought it, you might be wondering how it's different from the Writer's Republic version. Or maybe you didn't notice it at all and are curious about what I'm talking about.

The truth is that working with Writer's Republic was a time-consuming and challenging process. At one point, I wasn't even sure if the book was going to be published at all. It's frustrating to think that I spent two months preparing a book that might not see the light of day. Everyone, including you, was eagerly waiting for this book to be published, but I had to hold back because of various problems that Writer's Republic was facing.

In the end, I decided to publish the book the same way I did with all Shiver and Fears books. A day or two after the self-publishing, I received an email stating that the book was on its way. I couldn't believe it when I received the book in the mail, and kids were already trying to snatch it out of my hand! They were so eager to read it that they were even bending it. That's when I knew the self-published version had to come out, and the new book hadn't even reached the shelf yet.

So, nothing can change until I get the final results. I'll keep you updated on that! #selfpublishing #kidlit #booklovers #amwriting

Chill out! School Starts!

 So what's been up with Shiver and Fears? I'm sure you've been sitting at the edge of your seat waiting to hear.

Well can you believe you favorite author has a new product? No, not the mug, not the shirts, no, the cookies were already a thing! I'm talking about ice-cream. Before I give you the full 411, let me tell you, if this Shiver and Fears product makes a good impression on a few people before making it to sales. If enough likes are given, then this product will be sold in the summer of 2024.

Don't give me any confusion looks! Ice-cream is a hit throughout the summer. So why so late making it? Well, most of the summer was dedicated to Shiver and Fears' bookaversary. After that, the idea was made, what if a new product was made? Hence, Chill Out Ice Cream was made! Now this is no ordinary ice-cream; coming from the author, it never is. This blue ice cream is made from White chocolate and caramel. 

Yes, you heard me, BLUE ice cream! and sprinkled on top is almond bark. This is different from Sugar and Fears cookies, which might sell this fall. (That is just blue sugar cookies with which chips.) Because this is a product that needs to be tested first. Our taste tester, Shiver and Fears' #1 fan, is trying it and will give the announcement soon. 

If this ice cream fails, a new set of ingredients will be placed. However, if passed, this new product will be not only served at the next bookaversary, but will be sold in 2024 along with Shiver and Fears self printed books.

At this moment, I want to give thanks to those who have my back in making Shiver and Fears what it needs to be.

Now, let's talk about what my next move for Shiver and Fears is doing the Monster Contest. hosted on Shiver and Fears website. all you do is simple:

put together a monster

save it to your computer

give the monster a name

write his hobbies

place in your name

email it to shiverandfears@gmail

and leave the rest to the other Shiver and Fears fans as they vote in September!

Meeatkids is our first entry.

Remember, we're not looking for scary, just your best look for a monster.

These Pens are worth $4

 Well fans it's happening! Shiver and Fears is still growing as we continue passing around the merch to our young fans. As of now Animated Eclectic and Elevated Growth have started to introduce Shiver and Fears perch and now we have another product to introduce.

Check out Shiver and Fears Light-up pens!

These pens work as a stylist and a pen, but I'm sure you'll be more interested in the lighting up part. There is a long story to go with what it took to make this process happen. You can catch the video of it all on Youtube.

Now, about the pens. Yes, they cost only $4 each. Now as a fan who loves to see Shiver and Fears grow into more than just books, then this product needs your attention! 

Instead of having such an amazing pen for yourself, you should share! Buy a pen and give it to someone special. Now don't be sitting there stating that this pen isn't worth $4 even if it does glow. Because here's the thing, the young ones will LOVE it. How often do kids come across a pen that lights up? 

Don't believe me? Well last year I sold Shiver and Fears color changing pencils. To this day, I still have kids/ fans asking for pencils. Sadly, I ran out the market for those pencils and went to pens. Now, these kids haven't seen these pens, BUT I've already shown a few people and they already want to buy a pen.

I suggest, you look into this. Email me or comment this blog post.

Happy Valentines day fan!

 Check this out fans of Shiver and Fears! We have created our own secret code! How do you solve our messages, only a true fan would know. Because only a true fan gets link to the secret video!

Now, you might be a fan of Shiver and Fears. If that's true, all you have to do is leave a comment. You'll receive the location of this video and a valentine card with a coded message.

If you solve the code, send the message to AJ. and guess what? Yep, you guessed it, you'll get a prize! Best of luck!

Now this was earlier this month. Fans have already gotten their prize and have been claimed SUPER FANS. Why didn't you hear about this? well it was on the website. You should visit more often.

Do you claim to be a super fan? Well then, let put you to the test. Before we give you the test there are a few simple rules you must follow when being a super fan:

This code is a secret. You can't go telling people how the code works, otherwise ANYONE can solve these messages and don't have to prove they're worth knowing the code, you know?

a super fan isn't just someone who knows the code. It's proof that you exist! Let me explain. For these fans to know the code, this means they saw the video. A video that a simple fan can't locate just by asking. These fans watched this video and understood how it works. That shows effort.

So here is the SUPER FAN test. Solve this code and email me your answer. If you are already a Super fan, this means the trick I've placed in this code doesn't faze you. Can you solve this:

yra rbiln ey toG rofe htnide Kco lsiko Obsr ae fdnAre vi hst xenehtofe Ltiteht

Now remember you can't tell anyone how to solve this code! Now if you want to know how to solve this code, here is a hint (I want to see how much dedication you have to do this) Go to the website, you have found the video when you see the valentine.

Best of luck!

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.

Scary Creepsmas!

 "Phew" It was been a hard working month of December. I have nearly every gift given away!

This year we have a good collection of gifts to give. Visaprint has donated 2 scarfs to new Shiver and Fears fans. (One is actually going to Alburquerque!) There are Shiver and Fears beanies being given away. There was even a gift given to our story tellers nearly a year ago!

If you've seen the YouTube fan art videos you'd recognize these!

There were given to young creative kids who LOVED the videos so much they had no problem finding them a home.

So what was all a part of this give-away? well, we had some beanies custom made by Vistaprint who also donated two scarfs as well! Barnes and Noble donated a collection of books which we gave to 17 excited fans. One being new and another who loves to read a good story!

Another thing I did with our Giveaway is have Creepsmas Elves. Two being Monsters of Shiver and Fears. Yep, Skinny Creeps and Vicious Clown are helping spread Creepsmas cheer by sending a Shiver and Fears Creepsmas gifts to new viewers.

We are now at our last gifts, which will be delivered this weekend. One is actually to a recent fan. Because with his birthday coming soon it fits him well.

Another fan asked to get his first Shiver and Fears book, signed and all! We just couldn't refuse! Now what about this artist winner we posted about on Instagram? They will get a gift too! Don't ask us how. We don't share ALL our secrets!

Scary Creepsmas!

4th Grade Contest- Shiver and Fears Madlib

 4th grade kids have started entering in Shiver and Fears new contest: It's called The Shiver and Fears Madlib contest. Kids will choose between 4 different MADLIBS I've created and have them read on youtube. 

The most popular one now is "The Mystery Shadow". Here's the original story:

He didn't know a shadow was behind him. Until he walked down the dark alley outside the school. He started to run as the sound of moaning made his heart pound. He turned around, all he saw was a tall shadow. He ran faster, but could not escape the shadow. He tripped on a rock and landed on his shoulder. The shadow laughed as his hand gripped him by his shirt. He wanted to scream, but his scream was silent!

Now when the 4th graders start including their own words, some pronouns might have to change. I'm aware of that. And it might not be that scary in the end, or make a lot of sense. That fine. They aren't really for scarying, just for laughs and giggles.

If you want he hear these stories being read, go to Shiver and Fears youtube page > here< to be exact! Right now we're starting off with our first two entries with their choice "Ghost Eyes". See if you can figure out which words were replaced in this story. Does it make you shiver or just laugh? If you don't comment on the blog, comment on the videos!

Secret Site

 Guess what? Shiver and Fears is found on a secret site! Don't believe me? Want to know how? It's a very interesting story:

A few years ago, around the time Shiver and Fears was first in the making, I had found a website where writers can post their stories for the public to read. It was a great idea at the time. However, things didn't work out well. For one thing, Shiver and Fears was still in work in progress in gaining attention, so the original plot was to write books. 

This would mean no story ideas would be finished because all the attention would go the books, not the stories. Another issue about this site was so many ideas would come to mind all at once, So some ideas weren't published for the public. This means that time on writing had been avoided so much, the process had been forgotten.

This leads to the final reason why this secret site has been kept in the dark. This was around the time that "Magical Times" was beginning to become an idea. First, it was supposedly a story about my family living in my house. This was an idea because at the time, My sister and her daughter moved in with us temporarily. It was an idea that would never make it to books, because it was too realistic and rude to the family. The idea had been scraped!

Shiver and Fears was picking up a few years later, at this point the site was forgotten and was never mentioned again.Once other sites were gaining popular noticed by Shiver and Fears, search sites, such as GOOGLE began finding the most popular sites to mention Shiver and Fears. These sites include: Barnes and Noble,  Amazon,  Blogger, ACX, and the official site: Shiverandfears.com

Can anyone find this said site and recall any AJ Hard originals story ideas? Don't think so! You know why? Because I don't even remember this site. And so this mystery site will remain a story FOREVER!

The Real Facts

So, as some of you know I've presented videos of familiar stars claiming they were around to help Shiver and Fears. How does a famous author get such busy stars to take a moment of their schedule to help Shiver and Fears? Well the best way, is to pay them. These stars are bought at a site called Cameo. 

Before getting into more detail, the main question is: What is this all about? *sigh* I am not famous! I am not some-what friends with tv stars, I don't have 1600 followers on instagram, and if you think Shiver and Fears sales like hot cakes, they don't!

Let me tell you the truth behind Shiver and Fears. Book sites around the U.S. have Shiver and Fears included, but no store has them themselves. The only stars that know anything about Shiver and Fears is Kamran Lucas who can name at least one title.

 So why am I explaining this? I've been a jerk to people just by believing I'm a star. It's funny how just by believing your an important person can make you act so stuck up.

I mean are all stars REALLY as sweet as they appear on tv? Even behind the scene? The truth, from what I see, no. We don't really know the actual personalities behind these guys, not until we really meet them. I mean, how many tv stars have you messaged on social media and they replied back? And are they not replying because they can't answer to everyone, or could it be they don't want to answer to you?

I'll tell you, I've messaged Alisa Reyes, Kel Mitchell, Isaac Ryan Brown and yes, Kamran Lucas. I never get a response back. Kyle has replied once or twice after replying to his posts, and Leon Frierson chat once in a while. But my first step into not being a snob, like some stars is by admitting: I've had my interviews, I'm placed on socal medias and had a moment on the newspaper and tv, but I AM NO STAR!

 

Author live in person

School is finally out for this teacher, and what a month of work. Just earlier Shiver and Fearshad been presented in front of young readers of the grade of 3rd. After reading An Old Bite, A Puppet Family and a summary of The Ghost of Future Me, students were wowed with dozens of questions. Even the teachers were amazed with the story behind Shiver and Fears.

Throughout the week, I was no longer known to those kids as a teacher they've seen in the hall. I was now Mr. AJ Hard, the teacher who published books. Although, it's ashame. Today 4 of our student will be making their way to 5th grade. Them and the other 8 never knew this about their own teacher! Why were they never told? It wasn't because I was ashamed or anything. It was because I didn't want to lose the realationship I already had with them.

To those students of mine I was a teacher and I wasn't ready to advance that title, not just yet. Although I did think, maybe if I had shown them one of my books, maybe they would better understand  how a book is formed.

Anyway, I hope that next year  Shiver and Fears can reach out to more students. In fact my plan is to have a book published by the school, for the school. But we'll have to see what this year holds for us!