Drained

Okay yeah, this is really late, but I'd just like to thank everyone who participated in the Kindle release for From the Ashes! Seriously, I can't thank you enough. You made it an amazing release day!

I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I'm actually published. Does it ever really sink in?

Anyway, as far as writing goes, I have definitely not done enough.

My soul feels deprived of writing.

Honestly, this blog post is the only writing I've done for fun in a few weeks. The rest has been for school, and yeah, okay maybe I am an author, but I'm not good at writing things people tell me to write about.

So this week, I'm going to try my best to wake up really early with my mom so that I have time to do some editing or writing. Lately, I've been feeling completely drained of energy, and I think it's due to a lack of writing. Book two needs lots of work, and I can actually say that people are waiting for me to finish it now.

And I miss Jaina, and I think she misses me. She's been left in suspense about what's going to happen.

LOTS of pressure on me.

So yeah, that's kinda the plan.

What are you guys doing this week?

–Jess

From the Ashes Kindle Release!

Okay, everyone! Today is the day! The Kindle edition of From the Ashes is LIVE!!! So you can officially buy it on Kindle now!!!

From the Ashes is a lot about overcoming your fears, and fighting for what you believe in. So that's why I chose the prompt:

"Tell us about a time when you or your character was thrown into a trial by fire situation. What biggest fears did you or your character have to face? What sort of situation would test you to the fullest?"

So I'm only sixteen, and I'll be up front with all of you guys. I haven't experienced a lot in my life yet, so I know I haven't been tested to the fullest.

But, the greatest test I've endured so far was definitely writing this book and taking it this far. Seriously, I sacrificed everything for this story. My grades, ice skating, spending time with friends…so I'm really glad to finally be officially done with my first book!

When I first started writing the story in December of 2010, I had no idea what I was getting into. And if someone had told me that I was going to get it published within the next two years, I definitely wouldn't have believed them.

But, I couldn't have come this far without all of the amazing people I've known and who've helped me through! You guys are awesome!

Oh, and you can add my book on Goodreads now!

To visit other people who participated in the blogfest, here's the linky list:

Have you faced your biggest fears? What sort of trials have you or your characters endured? Please share!

Have a wonderful Friday!!

–Jess

Everything's Spinning Out of Control!!

Ever feel like no matter how long you work during the day, it's never enough?

Well then, don't worry, you're not alone, I know exactly how you feel right now. I could not be more swamped with life in general. Not that that's a bad thing…if you're not busy then I guess you're not living every moment to the fullest, but damn it can be so stressful!

Anyway, today is the IWSG, and I know I'm really late in posting, but here goes anyway.

I'm really insecure about how my blogfest is going to go on Friday. And I'm insecure about what people will think of my writing.

I know we're not supposed to care what other people think, and you should only write the story you want to write. And I did write the story I wanted to write, but I'm just afraid that other people might not like that story as much as I liked writing it.

It's a silly fear, I know, but a very real one, at that.

Anyway, the Kindle edition of From the Ashes goes live on Friday!

So I'm really excited about that, but it's still really scary. Not only will my book be available to people, it'll be very accessible! That's a great thing, but I'm so scared about it! The more people that read it, the more chances my baby has to be not liked. Or liked, but I'm clearly not afraid of that.

For those of you that have already signed up, I promise, I'm sending the info you need for my blogfest TONIGHT. Some of you have asked for me to send it, and I felt really bad that I hadn't already, but life has just been so pushy lately I haven't gotten to it.

If you'd like to sign up, it's going to be on Friday and you can sign up below.

Rules:

1. Sign up on the linky list below
2. Grab the blogfest button above
3. On Friday, March 8th, tell us about a time when you or your character was thrown into a trial by fire situation. What biggest fears did you or your character have to face? What sort of situation would test you to the fullest?
4. Post the pre-written info I will send you by email with the cover and a few more details about From the Ashes

Thanks so much, you guys, you're awesome!!

–Jess

From the Ashes Blogfest!!!

BIG NEWS TODAY!

I'm finally announcing the FROM THE ASHES BLOGFEST to celebrate the publication of my first book, From the Ashes.

If you'd like to help me spread the word, here are the rules:

1. Sign up on the linky list below
2. Grab the blogfest button above
3. On Friday, March 8th, tell us about a time when you or your character was thrown into a trial by fire situation. What biggest fears did you or your character have to face? What sort of situation would test you to the fullest?
4. Post the pre-written info I will send you by email with the cover and a few more details about From the Ashes

(If you only feel like doing #4 that's fine, too :)

So PLEASE SIGN UP! I need all the help I can get, here.

If you can't make the blogfest, that's okay. If you'd be willing to help me spread the word with an interview on your blog, that would be perfect! (You can email me at jessicamckendry@icloud.com) Or you could just help me announce that I'm actually published now.

Anyway, yup, that's all for today.

Happy Friday!

–Jess

FIRST REVIEW. EVER.

Morning everyone!

Yes, yes, I know, I haven't been really good about blogging lately. Had quite a lot on my plate recently with make-up work, homework, publishing, and well…just everything.

Anyway, I know you guys don't want to hear my lame excuses, so here comes the real big news.

I GOT MY FIRST FIVE STAR REVIEW!!

This is how I felt:

I absolutely can't get over it :)

--Jess

Done.

Okay, this is a tiny bit awkward, but…

I'm published now!

It's a little bit awkward because, well, I didn't know if when I clicked the "Publish My Book" button on CreateSpace it would immediately publish it, or if the whole process would start then.

So, I pressed it.

Apparently, it publishes to Amazon.com the MOMENT you press "Publish My Book."

So, the date of publication for From the Ashes was Monday, February 11, 2013.

On Monday, February 11, 2013, I became A PUBLISHED AUTHOR.

Since I had no clue what I was doing, I never exactly set up a release date. And since I didn't set up a release date, I didn't exactly set up anything like a blogfest or something to announce or even celebrate the fact that I was published!

I hadn't even realized From the Ashes was available on Amazon until WEDNESDAY.

So, if you have any ideas or suggestions about what I should do, please tell me! Because I have negative five days to get this done!

–Jess

P.S.
My book's available in paperback on Amazon.com HERE and will be available soon for Kindle :)