I won.

When you read that, how do you hear it? If it’s something in your mind like a soft, shocked whisper, the kind of sound you hear when someone speaks in the stillness of a slow snowfall, then you’re pretty close to how I’m hearing myself say it. I won. I won… I won? ...I WON!?! 

Whether it’s the Sword and Laser’s Tom and Veronica, journalist Alicia Smock, or other authors mentioning my name in their own reader updates or raffle videos, the experience of being exposed and showered with praise for my story has really validated all this hard work I’ve done.

And, …. wow… this campaign has been some hard work.

Somewhere in an article or something I said to somebody that I was back on what I call “The Skyrim Sleeping Schedule.” (I’m sure some former students of mine will recall EXACTLY how loopy I got soon after 11/11/11.) Basically 4 to 5 hours of fitful sleep every night for the past month has really racked my body. Even as I type this, my mind’s eye glances over its shoulder and sees my body tapping its watch, shaking its head. I hear it say “Joe, it’s time, man.” And I’m like, “Hey, wait! I got a raffle video to do! Six new winners, six more $20 giftcard giveaways, six titles gone from my priceless video game collection!” But in this vision, my body wraps its arm warmly around me and escorts me from the premises of health, and it says, “Maybe this weekend, pal.” So I’m about to give in and just get sick…

I am utterly exhausted. ...and I’m kind of numb. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m typing this all right now secretly from my work cubicle, clicking back to the work window whene….. …. …. …. ver someone walks by. But right at this moment, I can’t celebrate. I’m happy. I’m BEYOND EUPHORIA, in fact, but I can’t jump for joy just yet.

I haven’t yet mastered the art of embedding gifs or whatever the cool kids are doing these days - so this little graphic here will have to do to express my current state of existence:

(!!!!)

(What? I’m a man of letters, I tell ya!)

“Thank you all so much.” I know that track’s been on repeat for quite some time, but there’s no other phrase that can contain all of my feelings and gratitude toward your support. Thank you.

Sorry for the double update - for everyone in or around Ottawa we're celebrating at Darcy McGee's in Orleans.  Just ordered my first pint!

I want to write something deep and meaningful but in truth I can barely see straight. I can't stop smiling and I want jump up and down and yell at the top of my lungs!!! 

Hello Everyone,

I don't put my personal recommendation on a lot of books. I'm not a miser, but I'm not exactly the most generous person with my seal of approval. A lot of that has to do with passion. I want to tell you about stories that are worthy of your time. The other part has to do with faith. I only want to tell you about authors who I believe can get the job done. When I say I stand behind the words of Amanda Ornek and her book, Deus Hex Machina, you better believe it!

If you like science fiction, cyberpunk, or rad stories (yes I said rad grammar checker and I mean it,) then you need to check out this book. There is so much about it that is nails the aesthetic. Let me throw a couple words your way. The main characters name is Isidore RAM, sister of the Chuch of Technology. Can you get behind that? What if I said she was investigating technology in a dystopian Orange County? Not far from reality right? I've talked with Amanda about this book, and there are things in there that you are not going to want to miss. I believe this book has legs, so get in on the ground floor and be one of the ones that helped make it happen. You won't be disappointed.

Pre-order Deus Hex Machina before it's too late.

Deus Hex Machina has hit 100 readers (Actually 101 so I'll run the drawing through to that number)! It's time for another giveaway!  Congrats to...Julian Green and Finn Mcrae!

Dear Readers,

You amazing, fantastic, beautiful humans!!! WE DID IT!!!!! WE DID IT IN 3 DAYS!!!!!! Do you know how wonderful you are? You made my dream come true today, and I am grateful beyond measure!

Today is a day of great hope. There have been far too many times in my life, and in yours I'm sure, where others have told you that my dream was impossible.  That I weren't smart enough, strong enough or good enough for my dream to come to fruition.  It happened to me while I was healing after this accident, it happened while I was pitching this book - and both times I considered giving up.  But luckily, somewhere inside of me there was this well of hope that wouldn't let me give up - and here I am living, walking and going to publish a book! 

Please take a good hard look at what happened over the last three days, and know in your heart that no matter what anyone else says - there is always hope. 

Also, if you have a minute, can you give yourself the BIGGEST hug. The hug is from me, and make it a good one, because I REALLY mean it.

Love,

Katie 

#Katie1Truck0