The video link apparently did not work in that update, soooo here you go! Sorry for double updates. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO.

Not sure if the video is going to work down at the bottom, so if the embed link doesn’t work, click here! 

I decided to do a video update before heading on vacation. I’ve never done a video blog before, but I thought it would be a good way for me to get over the fears I have about talking about my book in public (sort of public). Hopefully, the embed link works. If it doesn’t, just scroll past the mess of code for a rehash (unless you clicked the link above!)

;;

You guys have been wonderful this week. I cannot tell you how thankful I am. I waned to talk to you a little bit about what the book means for me. I plan on getting a better video very soon with the help of a good friend, Andrew Ludewig at MTI Photography. 

The book is important to me for many reasons. It is something that I’ve worked on for a very long time, like many writers. I started dabbling with it in high school and then really went to work on it in college. I somehow managed to balance being a caretaker to my elderly grandmother, putting myself through college, working nearly full-time, staying up until 2 AM doing design homework, and finding the spare minutes between classes to write. I’ve given a lot in life to people, sometimes too much. I’ve been through a lot. This book was my refuge. It was my saving grace. I’ve poured all of myself into for many years and it is time for me to let go, and time for me to show it to others.

For me, publishing the book just as much about healing as it is about achieving a goal. Thank you to those who support me and those considering supporting me.

After tomorrow evening I’ll be gone for a few days, in the mountains and away from technology. I’m very concerned about losing all the ground I’ve managed to gain in a relatively short time. If you could make recommendations and pass the link to the book along, even if you haven’t pre-ordered and are still on the fence, I would greatly appreciate it.

(That ended up being more detailed than the video! I’m so much better at writing my thoughts than speaking them, which is why I need some professional video help)

Thank you and much love!

Monday.

With the first week of the contest down, I’m still in the Top Ten with 41 pre-orders. I’m thrilled, but I know I can do more. A Beast Requires received two amazing reviews, and it is now up to 19 recommendations.  I crave reviews and recommendations. They’re crack to a writer, and feed my need to ensure that everyone is laughing their asses off. 

Good news. Laughing your ass off is an amazing weight loss program.

Speaking of asses, my ass will never be an artist. I have created concept art for a lot of the locations in A Beast Requires, and some of them aren’t completely awful. 

This is the Effenwood, because even an enchanted forest is ripe for urban renewal.

Thank you everyone for following me, and supporting my endeavor to publish A Beast Requires, and make it into one hell of a melee weapon.

- Jay