Busy & Blessed

Let’s start with the blessed part of this post first.

I’m blessed to have all of your guys as my readers. Today, I’ve officially hit the 5,400 subscriber mark! A big thank you for all of your support and readership. I honestly don’t know what else to say, because there’s only gratitude for your subscription 🙂 I hope you will continue to support me in my future endeavours, as there are bigger adventures to come.

Now on to the busy part of this post.

I’ve been rather busy these past 10 days; contacting everyone I know, asking for funding for my crowd-funding project. I’ve exhausted my email and Facebook contacts, and I’ve even gone through 2,400 subscribers’ gravatar profiles in search for emails to send a personal message regarding the project. If you’ve gotten an email, please do consider funding me, if you have not, I’m so sorry. I could not find your email, but please consider funding me too! *I’ll still be going through the other 3,000 gravatar profiles, but it’ll take some time.*

So, how has the funding been going? Rather well actually.

In the first 10 days, today being the 10th day, I’ve hit 40% of my goal! So a huge thank you to all my family, friends and readers who have supported me so far. No matter what amount you guys gave, you helped me get this far in such a short period of time. For those who are still on the fence about backing this project, I would be so happy if you would hop on board and give me a hand. In other words, I NEED YOUR HELP! With your help, the project will be completely funded in no time! And that would mean a lot me 🙂

Click HERE to go to the project’s page.

The incentives have been tweaked to cater to smaller backers. Now, you can get an e-book for 5 USD and a paperback for 25 USD! If you would like to be the first few to read The Battle For Oz novel, don’t waste anymore time and visit the project page right now! Or at least check it out 🙂

Anyway, that’s all for this short post. Please do check out the project and thank you once again for all the support. Stay awesome guys and have a wonderful weekend!

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4,900 Subs, 3 Steps, 1 Interview

100 more and I’ll hit 5,000 subscribers! But I shall not get ahead of myself. Hitting 4,900 is an exciting moment itself. Who would have thought that I would have this many readers? Certainly not me when I first started. I remember being so happy with my first 100 subscribers and I never expected my blog to keep growing. So I’m very thankful for all of you and your support.

Thank you for being the eyes and ears to my stories, thank you for the encouragement that keeps me writing, and thank you for being the 1 in the 4,900. Without you I wouldn’t be here today, so thank you for being awesome! Your presence makes a difference 🙂

Now, while you accept the fact that you are wonderful, I have something extra to add.

Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of clicks on The Battle For Oz: Exitium but the downloads do not match up. I think I know why; those new on my blog do not know how to get the book for free!

So, I shall use this space to tell you how you can download any of my books that has a ‘0+’ price tag for free.

Step 1: Visit the Gumroad book page and click I want this.

Step 2: Type ‘0’ in the name your price column.

Step 3: Insert your email and download the book.

It’s that easy! I know the credit card part scares a lot of people, but don’t worry, if you’re downloading for free you don’t need to fill that section up 🙂 Now that you know, go ahead and click The Battle For Oz: Exitium book cover again!

If you want to check out my other books, head on to the bookshop page. There, you will find Magnum Opus at ‘0+’ too 🙂 So what are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

On a side note, I recently did an interview on another blogger’s blog. If you wanna read what I have to say about writing, click here! I like doing interviews, because I get to share more about myself without sounding brag-y or know-it-all-ish. So thanks for the platform, Aj Chaudhury 🙂

Well, that is all for this post. Thank you for being awesome and continue on with your awesomeness!

*Current blog post schedule: A post every Thursday alternating between an original short story and a Harry Potter fan fic novel.

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!

31st May Is Here

The day has arrived!

Have you been eagerly waiting for the release of The Battle For Oz: Exitium? If yes, you’re awesome but if no, just nod your head and pretend alright 🙂

The Battle For Oz is a project that I partnered with Zaquard, the artist who worked along side me artistically, which I completed writing last year. Since it’s completion, Zaquard has drawn up a visually beautiful storm while I worked on improving the content. So today, we are both very excited to release the first book to you!

To not delay any longer, here’s the secret to getting your e-book copy of TBFO: Exitium completely free! Just click… on the… book cover in this post. Wow, what a secret! To download, just fill in your email address and you should be able to get the book immediately. Simple, eh?

All links to The Battle For Oz: Exitium on this blog will lead you to a free download, but if you find a link that is not free, just type ‘free’ into the offer code section. You should get your 100% discount 🙂

Now on to the IMPORTANT PART, which I underlined, capitalized and bolded because it is very important!

Since Exitium is the first book of The Battle For Oz novelette trilogy, the response that we (Zaquard and I) get from this book will determine how we release the other two books and possibly a concept art novel as a fourth book. So it is very, very, very important for us to hear from you.

There are a few ways you can leave us a feedback after you’ve devoured the book.

#1 Goodreads – If you have a Goodreads account, we would appreciate if you leave a rating and a review.

#2 Email – If you don’t have Goodreads and you prefer to take the more personal route, you can send me an email at jeynagrace[at]gmail.com. If you wish to contact Zaquard separately, you can find his information at the back of the e-book.

#3 Facebook – If you don’t have Goodreads and you’re not a fan of emails, you can visit The Battle For Oz fan page and leave us a message or write on our wall.

#4 Comment – Lastly, if you’re not comfortable with any of the above, you can visit the teaser post for Exitium on this blog and leave a comment there.

We really hope to hear from you guys and we will definitely appreciate all the feedback we receive. We also hope you will enjoy the story and look forward to the second book!

Lastly, I just wanna say thank you in advance to everyone who intends to download and read the book. If you love it, do tell your family, friends, neighbours, and even your pets! I bet your pets will love it, after all, there’s a dog in the story… unless… unless you pet is a cat. Then we’re in trouble.

3,900 Raindrops

If the rain slowed down for you, how long would it take to collect 3,900 raindrops? Much faster than it is obtaining 3,900 subscribers… but much less valuable. Now forget the strange question while I tell you how amazing you guys are. Yes, you guys are awesome!

Thank you so much for subscribing to my blog, if awesomeness had a face, it would be yours. I appreciate your readership and your support, and I am grateful for all of you. I always refrain from comparing my blog with other bigger blogs because I really have nothing to complain or be upset about. Having all of you makes my day and I am happy just knowing people read my works 🙂 Thank you so much!

So, how shall I celebrate this achievement?

I’ve decided to release my ‘much-anticipated’ (I hope it was) novella, Raindrops!

I wrote Raindrops for the 30-hour novel challenge by Kernel Magazine and Harper Collins in January 2013. I spent a weekend writing over 20k words with barely any sleep. I remember typing away in the darkness hoping to complete this challenge. Even though I did not win the competition, I was proud of myself. The tired eyes, sore back, and aching wrists were all worth it. So after the competition, I decided to self-publish it… and to give it to my readers for free.

Why free? Because I worked hard on it and it would be a shame if no one reads it. I just want as many people to read it as possible. I’m hoping my story inspires and entertains, and that comes first before profit.

That being said, Raindrops will only be free until the middle of the year. Once The Battle For Oz: Exitium is released, I will put a price tag on Raindrops. I hope you understand that a self-pub author constantly struggles on putting a price on their books, because ‘free’ has its downsides too.

Now, how to download the e-book?

Click HERE and you will be taken to the download page. All you have to do is insert ‘0’ into the ‘Name a fair price’ column and you are set. There’s no need to fill in credit card details, just simply provide your email address and you will be able to download the book immediately.

But, if you wish to support me for working hours, days, and months on the book… you can name whatever price you wish to pay for the book and proceed with filling out your credit card details. You don’t have to, but if you want to, I just want to say thank you in advance. It means the world to me knowing you would pay for my work 🙂

Ok, now you’re probably wondering what Raindrops is about. Here’s the synopsis that I hope gets you interested:

What would you do if the rain slowed down for you?

Robb was no ordinary boy. He did not look like the other children in Scriptorium and he did not fit in either. Despite being only 12 years old, Robb had long accepted his fate as an outcast. But on one rainy afternoon, Robb saw a face of a girl that looked just like him in a raindrop. Will Robb be able to unravel the magic in rain and unlock the secret of his past? An adventure awaits this lost boy, but a very slippery one for that matter.

Sounds cool? Download it now! It may be targeted for young readers, but we are all young at heart 🙂 You are not an exception!

Last but not least, I wanna thank Danielle and Tham for helping design the cover art. Danielle did the cover art traditionally with colour pencils and water colour, while Tham added on to it and digitalized it. The two of them are very talented artists and they deserve an applause. Thanks guys, for helping me out 🙂 I’m glad God put such talented people in my life.

Well, that is all for this post! Thank you for your subscription and thank you for reading Raindrops! I hope you enjoy it and if you have a Goodreads account, please leave a review after you’ve swept through the pages 🙂

Have a great weekend everyone and happy reading!

Wait!

Before I barely have enough time to think of a title for my 1,900 sub count, here I am having to write it. Man, you guys gather fast!

Well, I just want to say thanks for your speedy subscription and loyalty. I have always dreamt of having over a thousand subscribers and today I’m nearing two thousand! It’s exciting yet… kind of scary as I have a lot of expectations to meet. But I’m really grateful for all of your support. I have said this before and I will say it again, all of you help me become a better writer. Your presence itself makes me want to do better every week! So thank you 🙂

Just a little update: My free e-book is still in progress. I’ll probably have to run through it a few more times while my friend finishes up the illustrations. It’ll definitely be out before Christmas, but I don’t want to push it till then. If possible, I’ll try to get it out sooner.

Secondly, if you are new subscriber I would like to inform you on the current blog post ritual. I publish a post every Thursday, alternating with an original short story and a Harry Potter fan fiction novel. The fan fiction is for  those awesome Potterheads out there and for writing practice, the original short story is for everyone to read, share and hopefully be inspired.

My goal as a writer is to write stories that carries a message. Sometimes, I’ll try out different genres for fun, but ultimately I want to create fiction that is meaningful. If you have read my past short stories, you would have noticed the trend.

I believe in the power of words, and words that can touch, inspire and bring a positive change can really make a difference. Here is me trying to make a difference 🙂

Anyways, enough of heart sharing. Thanks once again everyone, and stay awesome!

A Quick Update!

You’re probably wondering, ‘Another post so fast?’

Well, yes. I have an announcement.

I recently revamped the Bookshop page and added a new book to the shelf! I have compiled a PDF version for Dream World: The Lost Child, and you can purchase it for USD 1.50!

If you would like to support me, and if you have not read The Lost Child, let me assure you that its pretty cool 🙂

I’ve been told by some of the readers, that journeyed with the mini series, that it was a good ride, and I’m sure you would enjoy it too.

Besides, today’s my birthday, what better birthday gift than to purchase one of my works? Haha! Ok, I shouldn’t be using my birthday as a reason, but I hope you would personally give me a shot to impress you 🙂

By the way, today is also Bryan’s birthday. Bryan who? One of the main characters of The Lost Child. Actually, THE lost child to be exact.

If you are skeptical, you can check out the first 3 chapters on The Lost Child page. It would give you a little taste of what the main course will be.

And you know what, since it is December and Christmas is just around the corner, I’m throwing an offer! If you buy The Dreamer at USD 3, you get The Lost Child for free 🙂  I’ll call this the Christmas Bundle! On the bookshop purchasing form, just write Christmas Bundle on the Purchasing Title and I’ll know what to do.

I hope you guys would drop by the bookshop!

While you are at it, I’ll carry on writing more chapters for Dr. Slubgob’s Letters. I was born to write; what better day to do it than today 🙂

A Week and One Third

Hey guys!

You have 9 more days to submit your short stories for a chance to win a copy of my e-book, The Dreamer! Your story would also be featured here with a customized banner 🙂

So be sure to post them in the comments of THIS post, with all the information required, by the 14th of July, 2012.

I’m really looking forward to reading some awesome stories, so get your thinking caps on and let that imagination of yours soar!

Till next time, enjoy this weeks fan fiction and the newest chapter of Dreamworld!

For the 800 Subscribers!

This is a writing contest open to the subscribers of my blog.

The prize is a copy of my e-book, emailed to you for free!

(If you have bought my e-book, you can still join, as the winner would be featured here!)

To join this contest, you need to follow these 3 easy steps:

1) Subscribe to this blog. As this contest is only open to subscribers.

2) Like my Facebook page as I will be posting up a shortlist of 3 stories on that page.The 1 with the most “likes” will be the winner.

3) Write an 800 words, or less, story revolving around the theme of Dream/er/s. (It could be an original or a HP/HG fan fic.)

Submission Requirements:

Once you have written it, publish it on your blog. If you do not own a blog, you can write your story on Facebook notes.

Then leave a comment on this post following the below example:

Title: Finding The Dreamer

Link: https://jeynagrace.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/for-the-800-subscribers/

Facebook account name:  Jeyna Grace

Word count: 274

Original story or fan fiction: Original

Note: You are only allowed one submission.

Contest Timeline:

Submission of story: 16th June – 14th July, 2012 (GMT +8)

Posting of shortlisted stories on FB page:  26th July, 2012

“Liking” the link: 26th July – 26th August, 2012 (GMT +8)

The winner will be notified on 1st September, and their story will be featured in this blog on the following Thursday 🙂

Wishing you guys all the best! I can’t wait to read some really good stories!

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Also, Dream World series is starting very soon (the 21st of June, 2012). If you have not subscribed to it yet, do so ASAP! Visit the Dream World page for more information and join the Facebook event!

Can’t.Stop.Writing

I’m in the midst of writing and planning a new book. It’s themed fantasy and I’m planning on getting my dear friend with his artsy skills to illustrate. I guess he is pretty busy at the moment, that is why you don’t see any of his new illustrations, but he is still working on some of the older Joanna posts, and it’ll be up soon, I hope.

So my new book, that’s right. I’m planning on a collection of short stories, well, not too short, but short enough. Since my short HP fan fictions are getting many likes, I thought of honing my writing skills in the area of short stories.

If you guys hope to read this new book, in which I plan to be published by the end of next year, you could support me by buying my recently published book. The profits I collect from this book will, no, not go to a new computer, even though I want one so badly, but to the printing and developing of my new book. So your support is greatly appreciated! If you would like to donate, do let me know as well, I will be really grateful.

On a side note, I might be putting up more of Joanna’s fan fiction more frequently (taking over the weeks of which I post up my short fan fics) as I have cooked up some spicy twist and turns I can’t wait to share. And as for the requested stories for the short fan fictions, I am still cracking my brain. Too much to write at the moment 🙂

Anyway, that is just a short update. To those awesome people who have purchased my book, do send me a review via email! I would love to post some of it up in the book shop!

That’s all for now! Till next time, have a snowy Christmas! (Even though it doesn’t snow where I come from.)

*In case you are wondering what my recently published book is about, you can read the first chapter here, and a bonus prologue here.