The Haunted Cell Phone Blooper and Cast Interview

Now that the video is FINALLY published for youtube, it's time to look at what happens behind the scene. Meet the cast and how humble they can be being in a Shiver and Fear original! What kind of fun did these teens have while skiing over the spring break?

Well you might find out just by watching the video. Recording this adventure was not easy. It was only a 4 day trip and the skiing didn't start until day 2. Not to mention with all the pre-scheduled event for the trip squeezing in filming time was difficult. But what was hard after getting home?

Well, crazy story. So Isaac Grave (a.k.a.) Jeff Davis was only available on Sunday. Which, if you don't know, that's church time. I was a part of the church choir and Isaac had to leave first thing afterwards. So the only time to film was DURING church time. But things kept getting in the way. Isaac would show up late, I would have other responibilities at the church, or even we had other plans.

What was even more challenging was getting to interview the cast. If you notice not everyone got the same questions. There's another story.

Just know, me and the cast all come together at different days of the week. Some show up on Sundays, some on Wednesdays. But we are always together at the church.

Becoming Legends

    It's been a wild adventure for these 7 kids. They are nearly out of the school year and have accomplished so much. More than a few others.

If you haven't yet, meet the amazing 3rd grader from Shiver and Fears: Into the Legendary Store:

Mya Ivory

Carter Fuller

Aria Wilson

Cristal Lopez

Angelique Boyd

Nhayla Garcia

 and Jacob Huerta

     Although Shiver and Fears books had been published based on real people, such as The Secret Saturday featuring Trey Hardwick, No Body Park, featuring Kyle Massey and Boys Don't Play with Dolls featuring Michael Maw. So what makes this book so different?

    This is Shiver and Fears first contest that has reached over 100 pair of eyes and ears. What does that mean? For one thing, this contest actually included readers at the proper age Shiver and Fears books is made for. Secondly, I was able to gain interest to more people.

    I feel that this book might have reached out to more readers than what is questionable on social media.

This is what these kids had to say to show it:

Why did you enter this contest?

This question was asked because nearly every 3rd grader was interested, yet only a few of them turned in a sheet. These are the answers that were given:

Nhayla Garcia: Wanted to write my own book, if I didn't win.

Aria Wilson: It's cool! Books are cool, I love to read.

Angelique Boyd: I like reading books

Jacob Huerta: Don't have a reason

Mya Ivory: Wanted to be noticed by others around me

Carter Fuller: To show it to my family

Cristal Lopez: Not sure why

How did you feel knowing your book is good enough for a book?

The kids' titles were not handpicked. It all depended on the first and last name. So what word best show how much they appreciate being picked?

Nhayla Garcia: Had some doubt

Aria Wilson: Confident

Angelique Boyd: Happy

Jacob Huerta: Excited

Mya Ivory: not sure

Carter Fuller: Proud

Cristal Lopez: Felt Good

Are you interested in reading Shiver and Fears books?

Being placed in a book is one thing, but will these kids spread their interest farther?

Nhayla Garcia: yes

Aria Wilson: yes

Angelique Boyd: yes

Jacob Huerta: yes

Mya Ivory: yes

Carter Fuller: yes

Cristal Lopez: yes

Would you like to learn about the other events Shiver and Fears offers?

I've explained how I am always coming up with something for fans to include themselves into. such as the bookaversary, give-a-ways, and the Get Monsterfied Contest. Would these kids want to try?

Nhayla Garcia: yes, it may require hard work, but I enjoy reading

Aria Wilson: yes

Angelique Boyd: yes 

Jacob Huerta: maybe

Mya Ivory: don't know

Carter Fuller: yes

Cristal Lopez: yes

Is there a chance you'll be entering Shiver and Fears contest next year?

These 3rd graders will be moving up a level to the 4th grade. I might be making another contest at some point. Are they willing to go for another round of excitement?

Nhayla Garcia: yes

Aria Wilson: yes

Angelique Boyd: yes

Jacob Huerta: yes

Mya Ivory: yes

Carter Fuller: yes

Cristal Lopez: I don't know

What will Shiver and Fears provide next year? There's no plan just yet, but I'll know who to turn to when I do!

read this book as the official copy is coming out soon

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!

Meet with the Stars- Heather Bertram

 Back in May 1994 R..L Stine had published his 20th Goosebumps book. a story about two teenagers who visit their grandparents on their farm. Meanwhile, they run into an old friend, Sticks and his father Stanley. Things are strange during their visit as they come to realize Stanley had an evil scheme involving the creepy scarecrows found around the farm. That's right! The story I'm talking about is: The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight.

Two years and 6 months passed before it became the 14th episode of season 2. This story starred John Campbell as one of the crucial leads, but the person Shiver and Fears got to interview was the head character. You "Goosebumps" fans know her as Jodie, but her accurate name is Heather Bertram.

After chatting with Heather, I asked if I could write her in this blog for the "Shiver and Fears" fans (and the Goosebumps fan as well)

1. How did you get the part?

Many talented actresses auditioned for the part of Jodie, including Heather herself. But out of all the tryouts, there was something about Heather that won the crew's heart.

2. How was it being in a story made by R. L. Stine?

 Like you and myself, many people admire Goosebumps. Whether book or tv series fans love each chill thrill of a Goosebumps book from 1990s to today. "I liked doing the show episode I did," Heather says. 

3.Who played the brother and how is your friendship now?

As you may know, John E. Campbell played the brother, Mark, in the tv episode Scarecrow Walks at Midnight. After the preformance, Heather and John went on with their lives and has no contact with him today, "I don't keep in touch with many of my co-stars these days." Like Heather, however, John also has done a few performances after "Goosebumps" as well.

4. Are you a Goosebumps fan, before or after you got the part?

Goosebumps started back in 1992 while the tv series started 3 years later in 1995, but Heather Bertram was always a fan! She enjoyed Goosebumps before even casting the part. To this day, she still is. Heather has even introduced Goosebumps to her family, "I am introducing my daughter, nephew and niece to it." she says.

5. What are you doing now as an adult?

When doing a little research, it was discovered that Heather's latest piece of work was back in 1999 in a film called "In the Company of Spies" as Julie Marko. But what is she doing now? "I am now a Connected Kids Tutor, Reiki Master ( which means I do mediation to kids and adult)" she has also stated of founding a company called Guided Hearts where she does Reiki Master.

Heather soon decided to leave acting to pursue this life dream. When asked if there was another Goosebumps episode she wanted to be a part of, Heather stated, "I am not really acting anymore, because of me wanting to live a normal life." She is now happy with her husband, Jason and her daughter Sadie.

6. How is your family life? Any Siblings?

Heather isn't the only one with an acting life. In fact, she has two sisters who also had a taste for thrills and chills. For any "Are You Afraid of the Dark" fans, you might remember of the story about a girl visiting in a haunted house. There she came across a young ghost girl. This story was called The Tale of the Lonely Ghost. And the girl who played Amanda Cameron was Laura Bertram. Who also starred in The Tale of the Mystical Mirror as Laurel.

Later in the season, Heather's younger sister played in another "Are You Afraid of the Dark" episode called The Tale of the Hunted as Laura. Heather and Jennifer later played in a Disney Channel Original Halloween movie about a phantom in a movie theater! You guessed it, "Phantom of the Megaplex"! with Heather as Caitlin and Jennifer as Lisa. "Laura is 42 now and is still acting in movies and guest starring roles," Heather explains, "Jennifer is 37 and is living a private and normal life." Heather also states her mother is still living.

 Although this actress is done being on the big screen, what amazes me the most is being able to chat with her. This kind-hearted woman was not only patient enough to answer questions, but also bold to reveal her moment in the spotlight. It's not everyday you can conversate with a tv star, even if their moment was brief. So I'd like to give thanks to this 39-year-old former actress, Heather Bertram for her time.