Monday Giveaway

*TL;DR: Read the bold-ed words.

Prior to the launch of The Battle for Oz, my publisher threw a Goodreads giveaway. 20 copies were up for grabs and over 1,000 people entered. I’m still in shock at the number of readers interested in the book. I know some books get way more participants, but for me, 1,000 is a lot! So anyway… now that it’s a little over six months, my publisher and I have decided to throw another giveaway.

Just like round one, there are 20 paperback copies to be won. And don’t worry, despite the blog title, the giveaway is not just open for today. In fact, it runs from March 28th to April 25th. The only downside is this paperback giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, my publisher cannot extend it globally… yet. However, they’re more than happy to give 10 free e-books to my readers living outside of US and Canada.

So, if you’re living in the US and Canada, you can enter the Goodreads giveaway HERE. But if you’re not from either of these two countries, you can leave a comment below stating who you like better, Dorothy Gale or Alice Liddell, and stand a chance to win an e-book! Sounds cool?

I’m not sure if any of my blog followers won the Goodreads giveaway the last round. I saw a familiar name, but I cannot be certain. This time, I hope one of you do win a copy. It would be awesome to hear your thoughts on the book. So be sure to join! You have close to one month to enter, and I don’t advise waiting. What if you forget? Ok, ok, fine, I’ll remind you when the date is nearer. But if you have nothing to do now, enter/leave a comment today!

That’s it! I used a lot of ‘so’s in this post didn’t I? So I better end this here. Happy Monday dear reader! And thanks for always sticking around 🙂

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Let’s Go To War

*This is a special note to those who have supported The Battle for Oz. If you’ve not supported the book, READ ANYWAY.

1,000 copies sold!

I’ve hit a milestone in my publishing career that I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. Thank you for being a part of this journey and helping me accomplish this feat 🙂 I have never sold this many books before, that’s for sure. So thank you, thank you, thank you!

That being said, the question that begs to be answered now is, will it be possible to sell another 1,000 copies?

I say, yes. If and only if you’re still willing to stand beside me. I need an army to fight my way in this competitive publishing industry, and I could really use your help. Will you enlist?

If you think I’m worth partnering, if you think this war is worth fighting, here’s what I need you to do:

#1 Share The Battle for Oz with your friends.
Conveniently, the book can be bought on Amazon and Barnes & Noble at a lower price. The cover is also green… which makes for an awesome Christmas present! (Look —>)

#2 Leave reviews.
On Amazon.
On Goodreads.
And on your own blog, if you own one.

These are the only two things I need from you. I can only do so much, but you can help me do more. So, I’m leaving it in your hands.

You’re in command of this battle now, General. Should we go for war? It’s your call.

On a side note, The Battle for Oz was pitched to United Talent Agency. This book needs to get more attention should it stand a chance at becoming a movie! This fight might be all it needs, and this fight needs you.

(If you read this and have yet to get your copy of The Battle for Oz, please check the book out! You might like it. You really might. You might end up loving it, for all I know. So please, pretty please, give it a look.)

Celebrating (Almost) 7K With A Giveaway!

This day has arrived. Never thought it ever would. I mean, 7,000 6,900 subscribers… who would imagine? Well, I have imagined, but I never thought I would reach it. A month or so ago, Big Bang had a concert in Malaysia. They had 15,000 attendees. 7,000 6,900 is less than half of 15,000, but the sight of half a stadium packed with people is still mind blowing. (No, I’m not a Big Bang fan. I didn’t attend the concert. But I think T.O.P is cute though.)

Anyway, that being said, I am just so honoured to have each and every one of you as my reader. I’m not sure how many of you are still reading my posts every week, but even if you don’t, you subscribing shows your support. Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me. Every single reader is a boost of morale. Thank you for being that one. Without you, it wouldn’t be 7,000 6,900. Thank you 🙂

So, to celebrate this awesome milestone, I have a special announcement to make.

As some of you might know, my latest novel, The Battle for Oz, will be out in September. It will be on bookshelves in the US and Canada. Some bookstores have already placed orders to have my book in stock. I’ll list them out in the near future. But that is not the special announcement today. As per the post title, there is a giveaway!

If you’re on Goodreads, there’s a Goodreads giveaway happening right now. 20 copies of the book will be freely given to those living in US and Canada! Click HERE to join the giveaway – it ends on September 15th.

Unfortunately, it’s not open to all the countries in the world. So perhaps I’ll throw my own giveaway in the future. That being said, if you would like to get your hands on The Battle for Oz, you can find it listed on many online bookstores worldwide. If you live in Asia, Open Trolley in Singapore has my book listed. You can also get it from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you want most of your money to be sent to me, you can buy it from Inkshares. I make the most profit from direct sales there. Inkshares also offers free shipping 🙂 Win-win!

On a side note, if you are a game developer, music composer, filmmaker, visual effects expert, artist, jewellery maker,  or anyone along those professions, that would like to collaborate on expanding the world of The Battle for Oz, send me an email. Let’s create another win-win situation 🙂

Well, that’s all for this post. Thanks again for your readership! Do continue to stick around for more awesome adventures ahead. And have a great weekend!

2015, Here We Go!

The crowd-funding project for The Battle For Oz is over and guess what? It is a success!

I have never imagined raising this much money in such a short time and I’m just so excited! I had a super huge backer a few days before it ended, who practically gave enough to cover the remaining shortage. Thank God! Yes, thank God and that backer!

But they are not the only ones that deserve my gratitude. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their support. They really went out of their way and helped me seek potential funders among their friends. They were more gung ho than me, boldly getting their friends on board. It’s safe to say, the majority of funds were raised because of their friends. And to be honest, I did not even ask them to do so, they just did. Thanks mum and dad ❤

Secondly, I want to say thank you to every casual adventurer, realm traveller, and chosen one. The project was funded by 147 people, but the actual number is more than that. A lot of people handed me cash, and though their names are not in the system, I’m extremely grateful for their support.

And lastly, thank YOU 🙂 All those who tweeted, Facebooked, reblogged and funded the project, thank you so, so much.

That being said, I promised to do a lucky draw for subscribers who funded a minimum of 5USD to the project during the crowd-funding stage. But since not many participated, I’ve decided to just give a free copy to each subscriber that funded the project. I have sent you guys an email about it, so be sure to hit reply with your details 🙂 *If I left you out, let me know.

If you are new to my blog and would like to know more about The Battle For Oz, you can pre-order the book HERE. It is currently priced at 17.99$, which includes shipping. I would definitely update you on the progress of publication through this blog as days go by. Hopefully, I would be able to hold the book in my hands soon. Gosh, I can’t wait!

The Battle For Oz could finally be my big break. But even though I do not know where this book will take me or how my career as an author will take off after this, I know I could not have done it without the faith I’ve gotten from every supporter. My journey might still be a long one, but I know that dreams CAN come true, if you and I believe 🙂

Thank you once again! Now, excuse me while I digest the fact that this is really happening.

*Shameless plugging time: it has been awhile so… like me on Facebook! Follow me on Twitter!
#TheBattleForOz if you have any questions or would like to find updates through social media. O.k, goodbye!

We Are Definitely Not in Kansas Anymore!

Check out what this book blogger has to say about The Battle For Oz: Exitium!

Exitium is the first out of three parts in the complete novel. It can be downloaded HERE for free. If you wish to see the complete novel in bookstores near you, be sure to check out the crowd-funding project for it. I need all the help I can get, and your support would mean a lot to me 🙂

*Do note that the artworks in Exitium would not be in the complete novel.

Scale of Books

The Battle For Oz – Book one: Exitium by Jeyna Grace:

I think we have all, at the very least, heard of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. A delightful children’s novel by L. Frank Baum. The novel has had countless remakes, movies and plays, it has inspired new stories and been the focus of many literary commentaries, not to mention its presence in various classrooms.

Is it not then refreshing to find a whole new take on this beloved classic? Is it not intriguing to find out what might have happened after the death of the Wicked Witch and Dorothy’s return to Kansas?

I thought so, at any rate, when I started reading the first few pages of The Battle For Oz, Book 1: Exitium by Jeyna Grace. And in truth, that thought remained with me throughout. Evil queens, magic, monstrous guards, and a heroine or two? What’s not to…

View original post 1,041 more words

Win A Paperback Copy Of The Battle For Oz

Yes, you heard me right! I have decided to give back.

If my crowd-funding project for The Battle For Oz is a success, I would get a few copies of the book in paperback myself. AND I intend to give those books away to 10 lucky subscribers!

I would write you a personal message, sign the book, and mail it to you. I hate going to post offices, but I will go anyway.

Note: This is only open to the subscribers of my blog, why? No legitimate reason. 

So, how do you enter?

#1 Visit The Battle For Oz crowd-funding page and fund a minimum of 5 USD. (Payable via credit/debit cards)

#2 Once you do so, I will receive an email with your name and contact. Since I get contributions from non-blog subscribers as well, I’ll need you to reply to my email stating you’re a subscriber.

#3 You can fund as many times as you like, which will increase your chances of winning the paperback copy.

Once the project is fully funded and the books are delivered to me, I will do a video with me drawing names out of a box to choose the winners 🙂

Now, you’re probably wondering, is this really a giveaway when you have to put in at least 5 USD?

The answer is yes and no.
Yes, because to get a paperback, you need to at least fund 25 USD, but now you only do so with 5 USD.
No, because your 5 USD goes to supporting me in achieving my dreams 🙂

And who knows, when I make it as a best-selling author one day, that book can be sold as the only 10 autographed first editions in the world! It’s an investment worth considering, no?

This contest will run from now till the book is fully funded. So the faster you guys enter this contest, the faster you would receive the book and the higher your chances are of wining it.

Stop hesitating and visit the project page now!

*Jonas L., Douglas R., Kirsten L., & Michelle P., your names have already been added into this giveaway for funding this project before the announcement of this contest. If I missed your name, send me an email 🙂

Help Me Debut!

Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about my blog project. I will release the introduction next week, as I do not want to crowd my blog with too many posts.

Now, you might be asking why; why did I push back the exciting blog project I have been talking so much about? Well, it’s because of The Battle For Oz.

If you did not read my last post, this will seem new to you, but if you did, I hope this post will nudge you to check out the project. I honestly do not like to repeat the topic of my posts, but I have to be certain I did my best to raise funds for my book.

So, what’s going on with The Battle For Oz?

I have put the novel up on a crowd-funding publishing website.

What is crowd-funding?

Crowd-funding is when you and everyone else decides to fund my book. If the funding goal is met, the book will be published. If it’s not met, you will be refunded.

Inkshares is similar to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, except it is only for books.

How much is the goal?

$7,700. That is why I need all of your help!

What happens after the project meets the goal?

The Battle For Oz will be professionally edited, designed, printed, and distributed to bookstores.

What do funders (a.k.a backers) get?

Depending on the amount funded, some will get e-books while others will receive paperbacks delivered to their doorsteps.

How do you fund this project?

Click HERE and you will be taken to the project page. There, you will be able to read about the project and select an amount to give. You can give any amount you like by clicking ‘Back This Book’.

Inkshares accepts funds through credit and debit cards.

*Minimum funding is 5USD, but with that you can get an e-book.

Until when can you fund this project?

The campaign runs from Oct 2nd 2014 to January 5th 2015.

But from today till October 11, the publisher will add an extra 5USD whenever a person decides to fund the project.

If 1,000 of you fund 5USD in the next few days, the project would be 90% completed. So you see, the minimum can make a HUGE difference! 

I hope this simple break down answers any of your questions. Thank you for all the support you have shown so far and I hope you would consider supporting me in this endeavour too. I also appreciate all the Facebook shares, re-blogs, and tweets on this project. You guys are amazing!

Keeping this short and sweet, I’ll end with a shout out to all my current funders/backers: Joan Tan, Mrs Roberts, Calvin Ng, Jonas Lee, Fuibee, May Foo, Tony To, Mr Ray, Jay Low, Yean Ching & Greg, Kenny Saw, Mei Mei Yap, Angelyn Looi, Douglas, Sharon Lim, Kok Kin, Peng Sheng, Katherine Law, Elaine Ong, Cheng Yee,  and all those friends who have said they would back me up. Thank you for believing in me 🙂

Have a nice day!

Would you… invest in me?

Hey there!

Yes, you over there; the well-dressed human with good looks staring at this screen. Oh, don’t be modest. I am indeed referring to you. The very person I know would give me a few minutes to make this pitch. So, how was your day? Good? Well I sure hope so, but let’s not dilly dally, I’ll get straight to the point.

So… if you’ve been following my blog, you would know that I write. A lot. I’ve also released a few books, but most of them electronically. Today, I hope to change that. How? By starting a crowd-funding project! I’ve decided to take one of my works, The Battle For Oz (novel), and put it on a platform where you, yes you, still speaking to you, can help fund! Think of it as an investment 🙂

You’re probably going, what’s an investment with no returns? I can only say, the returns would be tons more of my work, and The Battle For Oz in paperback! Doesn’t sound compelling enough? I’ll put it this way, if you invest in me, you’re finally helping an indie author go global. There are a handful of indie (a.k.a self-published) authors that have managed to make it big, but they would not have been able to do so without their readers. I’m hoping that you, my dear awesome reader, would consider backing me up this time. If one person donates 2 USD, I would be well on my way to getting this book out. 2 USD might be a lot to some, but please do consider. That amount would go a long… long… way.

Are you sold by my terrible investment pitch? If you are and would like to know how you can fund my book, these are the steps:

#1 Visit The Battle For Oz project page.

#2 Pledge any amount. Any amount would do. Yes, ANY amount! (Certain amounts will have perks though.)

#3 Spread the word! Clicking share will determine how successful the project will be.

I’m doing this project on Inkshares, a crowd-funding publishing platform. If my project is a success, they would edit, design, print, and distribute my books worldwide! It will be a huge deal to actually have a successful project! I know the monetary goal seems huge, but Inkshares sets the optimum amount for a well published book. (Fellow writers, be sure to check Inkshares out!)

I do hope you seriously consider in giving this project a shot. It would mean the world to me to finally see a book of mine in bookstores! I know some of you have asked if you could find my books in your countries, well… this will give me the chance to say ‘yes, you can’. For those who are planning on funding The Battle For Oz, thank you in advance! I really appreciate the support, I really do 🙂

If you would like to read the first 1/3 of the book, you can download it here for free. The free copy is just a teaser, collaborated with an artist. Do note there will not be any in-book illustrations in the complete novel, as that would make the project goal too high.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t think too much now, just check out the project!

***For the first 10 days, starting today, Inkshares will donate 5USD to my project every time a person backs it. SO, it would be a huge help even if you’re donating 1USD in the next 10 days. 

(Tl;dr? Read bold words.)

Thanks for reading!

All 4,500 Of Oz

All of Oz makes a good team, wait… I mean all of US make a good team. Everyone is important in this team, which means YOU are important. My blog needs a writer and it needs a reader too, and for my blog to keep going, it takes teamwork! So yea, all of us make a good team and I appreciate your teamwork.

Thank you, all 4,500 team players! Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and readership. Thank you for being on my team! I could not have asked for better teammates.

Now speaking of Oz (pun intended)… I hope you guys are enjoying The Battle For Oz: Exitium so far.

If you have not downloaded it, you can do so here, it’s free! But if you have, thank you and I look forward to your feedback.

As you can see, that image (on the right) designed by Zaquard is so pun-y that you HAVE to consider leaving Oz a feedback. You can save Oz too with your comments and thoughts on Exitium! But of course, heroes don’t go home empty handed.

In return, Oz will pull all the feedback together to create a little album of cute badges just like this one (<—). We won’t edit your feedback if you don’t want to, but we would love to add your thoughts to our collection. I guess you can say, we are thought collectors from Oz. So, make sure you let us know what you think! If you’re relatively new here, you can read the book release post on ways to leave feedback.

Well, that is all for this post. Thank you again for tagging along and backing me up. I hope to go on more great adventures with all of you… and trust me, I have a pretty cool one planned out just for this blog which I can’t wait to start. What is it? Stick around and you’ll find out!