We did it. 751 copies. Expect a more thoughtful update when I’m lucid, but I just wanted to say Thank you! You made me a published author. You rule so hard. Hit me up about that coffee I owe you.

Ok, sorry. Here is a direct link to order since the last update was a little confusing. That’s it for the week. I promise.

https://www.inkshares.com/books/training-to-be-myself-an-indulgent-odyssey-of-

Hello Heroes!

70% and 10 days to go! Forgive me as this might ramble on as I had no expectation that I would be writing something like this. With ten days left in the campaign, we only need 222 more pre-orders. I say "we" because this is a joint effort. I once heard someone say writing for tv was like being in a band, and writing a book was like being in a one-man band. That has not been my experience. I would not be where I am without the incredible support and collaboration of so many people. A one-man band sounds lonely and I do not feel lonely. With every ounce of who I am, thank you for your company!

I am forever grateful for each and every one of you for contributing your time, energy, and money to this project. It is incredibly gracious and kind, and I will likely spend the rest of my life trying to repay your generosity. And please if you can think of a way, let me know. I’m going to be like Morgan Freeman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves; following you around until my debt is cleared. And wondering why you don’t have an English accent.

So here’s the pester. I need 222 pre-orders and only have ten days to do so. However, there are far more than 222 readers on this list, so if each of you knows just one friend or acquaintance who might be inclined to read my book, this lofty goal is totally achievable. I know this is a little Bernie Madoff of me, but the upside is you know what you’re getting, and maybe one day Robert De Niro will play me. Or if you want to order an additional copy, you can do so and get a say in the next tattoo I get. Currently the choices are a donut, a sailboat, a train, or a lemon. So if you want to further impact my life forever, you have that option as well. Just order a copy and reply to this with your vote. Or maybe your Mom would like a copy. It seems to be very popular with moms. I’m so sorry for the last minute plea. I’m sure the last three months have felt like wandering in a Target with me as your son, just pointing out the toys I want you to buy me, while you’ve got more important things to do, like picking out a summer jumper. But I figured at the very least, you’d forgive me, and at the very most, you’d send an enthusiastic reader my way. Below are links to selected audio chapters if that’s your jam. Thank you, and I promise only one or two more of these. Hang there. We’re doing great!

https://soundcloud.com/jake-jabbour/til-death-do-us-depart

https://soundcloud.com/jake-jabbour/training-to-be-myself-audiobook-day-1-maricopaphoenix

https://soundcloud.com/jake-jabbour/chapter-from-training-to-be-myself-day-9-new-orleans

https://soundcloud.com/jake-jabbour/day-11-chicago-chapter-from-training-to-be-myself

https://soundcloud.com/jake-jabbour/try-hard-does-not-a-die-hard

Warmest regards,

Jake

Dear Kind Souls,

I’m writing to say thank you! With your gracious support, we’ve reached 300 pre-orders! I’m grateful that you took the time and money and effort to help me out. All of those are finite so to lend them to this project is an act of generosity not lost on me or soon forgotten. You’re a good person and a hero! There are just over fifty days left in the campaign, and still copies to sell, but thanks to you all, this already feels like an accomplishment.  And to those of you who have shared my book, that has been a tremendous help and one redeemable for a cocktail, an ice cream or a bike ride on the beach. And if you haven’t, but those things sound enticing, please give it a share, or tell a friend, or get them a copy, and I’ll be your own personal postmates. Thank you again! Enjoy your weekend and know I’ll be thinking fondly of you.

Sincerely yours,

Jake