The Inferiors

Hi guys!

So I have some pretty big news.

Life has been absolutely crazy, I think you can tell by how long it has been since I last posted. But I have successfully finished my first year of college, had lots of amazing adventures this summer, and finally finished my second novel!

And by finished, I don't mean I finished writing it.

I finished writing it, editing it, and it is almost ready to be published! The only thing I'm waiting for currently is for the proof to get here, and then I can click the publish button!

I can't believe it's been four years since I was last published, but it's better late than never!

I'm so excited to officially release my book cover, front and back :)

I'm really gonna try to get back into the blogging world. Of course college makes everything hard, but let's be honest if I have time for a boyfriend as well as a job and then I'm able to do some writing on the side, I'm sure I can fit in some time to blog with you guys again.

Hope you guys are having a lovely day!

Jess

IWSG Post… :(

Hi guys. Sorry I'm late posting today, but I've definitely been feeling a bit sorry for myself. It's really stupid and silly, but I've been very insecure.

First and foremost, I finally took my driving test today to get my license aaaaand…I failed.

Literally, I failed both parts of it.

I know it has nothing to do with writing at all, but I've been pretty upset about it since I took the test. Luckily, Ohio law says that I can take it again one week from today, which I'll be doing. So yes.

Anyway, it isn't just the driving stuff that's been making me feel insecure.

My wonderful, amazing editor, Nicole Zoltack is looking at The Inferiors right now. I've already started the publishing process on CreateSpace and they're in the process of creating my book cover, and that's freaking me out just a little bit too.

They created my cover for From the Ashes which turned out really great…

But I've just been incredibly anxious because I'm supposed to get it any day now. I've found myself refreshing my email over and over again like a crazy-clingy obsessive girlfriend (I sort of am though, ask my boyfriend haha).

So yes.

I want the cover to look really good but also have similar features to From the Ashes so that it ties in to the series. And I'm also nervous about getting my final draft done, once my editor sends my manuscript back to me. Oh lordy.

Anyway, that's what I'm insecure about this month.

How about you guys?

Visit other IWSG posts here. Thank you Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this!

–Jess

MY SECOND BOOK IS PUBLISHED!!

Sooooo I have some kinda big news. If the title didn't give it away, yes. I finally got my second book published!

Sadly, no, it's not The Inferiors, the sequel to From the Ashes.

It's actually a completely new book, a short eBook in fact that I wrote just in time for Valentine's Day. It's not fiction, more of a 'how to' guide.

It's called How To Get A Guy To Kiss You!

It's a book aimed at young adults, middle school through high school aged girls, so if you know anyone who could use this book, please feel free to share this!

The biggest reason why I wrote this book wasn't just to explain "how to get a guy to kiss you", I also touched a bit on the subject of self confidence. Because to me, being confident in yourself should come before you get into a relationship, and I've noticed how confidence can also effect the quality of a kiss.

I've had friends with very low self-esteem who want to be in a relationship just because they want to feel wanted. And in the end, their relationships become destructive and they end painfully.

I think I'll touch upon this again in another blog post soon, but I'm actually really exhausted right now and I'm not thinking straight!

Anyway, please check it out if you'd like on Amazon.com. Here's another link for it: How To Get A Guy To Kiss You! by Jessica McKendry

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend!

Happy Monday!

–Jess

Marketing Is Scary

I guess my plan for blogging more over the summer didn't go down so well.

Either way, I'm done with excuses, because there's really no excuse, nothing I have to say in my own defense as to why I didn't write more over the summer.

Anyway, what's done is done.

Okay, so I'm sort of nervous.

See, I love to write.

I mean, obviously.

Then again, you wouldn't say you love to breathe. You only do it because if you didn't, you would die. I live to write, and write to live. My world, and writing are dependent on each other. It's become a fact of my existence, I guess.

The thing is…

With my book out, and everything, I have to worry about marketing now.

And I don't like marketing, I just like writing.

Let's put it this way.

I'm not really a "people" person.

I'm a writer because I'm not a good speaker.

Although I could probably write a good speech for myself, there's no guarantees I'll actually say it well.

No, really, all I want to do is write.

And meet some hot male protagonist, but that's beside the point.

So my mom has kind of taken the role of a marketing advisor, and been helping me get my books into local book stores. Actually only one bookstore so far, and I haven't even given them the copies they requested yet, but hey, it's a start.

I'll admit, it scares me a little.

Like, a lot.

And it makes me wanna go like this "ASL;DKFJAS;DFJKL" all over the keyboard.

Seriously though…not that I'm going to have one any time soon, but…what exactly do you do at a book signing? I mean, besides sign books? Do you have to answer questions? Are there certain questions that people tend to ask?

Ahhh I'm making myself nervous.

Please, though, if you have any suggestions let me know.

–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

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 :)

Almost Over…

Okay.

I'll fully admit that I'm pretty nervous.

I should be getting my final proof back by February 4th.

After that, all I have to do, is press "publish."

I'm not sure how long it takes to go from pressing "publish" to it actually being published. And I'm not really sure how setting up a release date goes, but by the stars, I'm really nervous.

I assumed that a decent amount of people would buy it. Like some of you guys, and some of my friends from the ice rink…but I hadn't really expected people I used to know from public school to get it. Or people I knew a long time ago.

People keep asking me when it's coming out, and suddenly I'm really scared of what people might think.

Yes, I wrote the story I wanted to write.

It's exactly what I wanted it to be.

But what if people don't like it for what it is?

Anyway, that's just what I've been worrying about lately. How are you guys?

Happy Wednesday!

--Jess

The "Publish" Button

First of all, I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped out with my Cover Release! You guys made it all truly epic, and I feel like I can't thank you enough!

If you didn't see the cover, just scroll down.

Anyway, I was so scared for quite a while about releasing it. I was afraid people might think it sounded too much like The Hunger Games or something (which a few did unfortunately…)

But overall, I think it went really well.

Okay, what I'm really excited for now, is getting the long awaited Author's Review Copy. Like, I'm literally finding it hard to sit still just waiting for it. CreateSpace said that I should get it within five to seven days.

And they said that about four days ago, so I'm dying to see my book in print.

I also realized that after I submit my final revisions for the story…

There's a "publish" button.

So like, when I click publish, it will be published.

I mean how cool and scary is that!?

Anyway, I'm just sorta freaking out about all this.

Happy Monday!

--Jess
麥潔思

From the Ashes Cover Reveal!

Alright.

I'm nervous.

But here goes.

I'm not sure how it all went wrong.

The concept was simple.

The Trials were made to test us. They were made to challenge our strengths; our bravery.

We were supposed to come out better.

Winning the Trials would make us Superior citizens.

It would bring us honor and demonstrate our loyalty to the Imperial Alliance.

I knew exactly what I wanted.

Until I met him.

There was something about him. Something dark. If only I had known the danger it would put us in.

I thought I knew the risks.

But I never imagined the price we'd pay.

***

An insightful look at the good and bad that exist within us, McKendry's debut is a high-octane adventure that pushes the imagination to the limit as it lays bare the nature of self-reliance, self-confidence, and teamwork. Playing with the concepts of dark and light and how they affect our lives in multiple forms, her novel is a complex coming of age story that encapsulates the heroine's journey from student to leader. A dark tale of love and revenge, From the Ashes is a powerful reminder to think for yourself instead of blindly following what you've been taught to believe.

***

So…

What do you think?

I honestly find it hard to believe that when I first started writing this blog, I was only halfway through writing the first draft of From the Ashes. And to think that now, I have the cover, which has completely brought the story to life!

I can't believe I've gotten this far!

Then again, I couldn't have made it without all of your great help and support. Truly, you guys are all just so awesome!

Thanks so much for everything :)

--Jess

In 2013, I Will

Hey guys!

Today, I'm featuring a video made by a friend of mine, the one and only Nick Hight! It's really cool and inspirational, so make sure you "like" it and comment on youtube once you've watched it!

Let's see.

In 2013, I'll write more novels.

I'll learn how to drive.

I'll draw more pictures.

I'll write some short stories.

I'll keep a consistant journal.

I'll pass my Novice Moves figure skating test.

I'll get better grades, and focus more on school.

I'll pass my Pre-Juvenile Freestyle figure skating test.

I'll read more.

I'll write more poetry.

I'll write some music.

I'll play my violin.

Yet best of all,

I'll become a published author!

What will you do in 2013? (If the world doesn't end, that is…)

－麥潔思
(-Jess)

P.S.
I start winter break TOMORROW! So, I'm going to be really mad if the world ends on the 21st. One day of winter break is not enough!

Launched!

Okay, I finally did it!

Made a facebook author page, AND a website. So, if you haven't "liked" me already, I'd really appreciate it if you took the time to check my Facebook Author Page. Oh and here's My Website. The site isn't very helpful yet, due to the lack of information, but I'm still only in the middle stages of publishing, so it WILL be updated once I've got more content.

I still can't believe that I'm ACTUALLY getting published. For the longest time, it seemed so far off in the distance, and I never fully thought I'd get here.

Anyway, I have to take two ice dancing tests today, so wish me luck! I'll tell you how they went on Wednesday :)

I will be revealing the cover to all of you soon!

--Jess

IWSG: Yes, I'm Very Insecure

Okay.

Here's the dealio.

I'm going to be published sometime in February.

At least that's the plan.

Yet, unlike those of you awesomely amazing people who have landed agents and publishers, I decided that I want to go indie.

Which is cool, because it moves along quite nicely, and I've got tons of input on the final product.

I love my story. If I didn't, I wouldn't have written it.

Yet as a writer in the process of being published, I also long for public approval. I mean, I know everyone isn't going to like my story, and that's alright. I just hope that the number of people who do like it outweigh the people that don't.

What makes me more insecure is the simple fact that I haven't been accepted by a publisher. No one (except for you super nice peeps :) ever said my writing was any good. No editor looked at it and said, "Oh, I like this and I think other people will like it."

The scariest part of going alone is that… well… I'm pretty much alone.

Anyway, I should be getting the first draft of my cover either today, tomorrow or Friday. I'm so nervous about it, and I really hope it's absolutely amazing. But it's been so excruciatingly painful waiting for it!

I even dreamed about it last night. I remember it looked really cool though, so hopefully it was one of those prophetic dreams. I'll be sure to tell you when I get it :)

What are you guys insecure about?

Don't forget to stop by Alex Cavanaugh's site to check out other insecure writers!

Have a nice day!

--Jess

Uploaded.

Dear fellow bloggers,

Please excuse my absence from the blogosphere yesterday, I got pretty much nothing done. As far as school work, and stuff other that writing goes.

So yeah, yesterday was quite busy for me.

Why?

I uploaded From the Ashes to CreateSpace.

Yes.

I did.

But it took quite a long time because I had to fill out a TON of information about my book, which is actually much harder than it sounds. For some reason, when it comes to talking about my own story, I get all tongue tied. Or keyboard tied, since I actually had to type it all out.

Then again, I get to talk on the phone again to the people at CreateSpace about my answers and other stuff… yeah haha I'm not quite sure what to expect. I'm just such an awkward speaker. That's kinda why I'm a writer.

Anyway, I'm really excited to see how things turn out!

How are you guys doing?

--Jess

IWSG~ Publishing

Um, yeah.

I'm very insecure about publishing.

Only a few weeks ago, publishing From the Ashes was a dream far off in the distance. Actually reaching it was a silly fantasy I had, not really believing the day would ever come where I'd have to worry about that rough, rocky shore of publishing.

Now that I've considerably closed the distance between me and that "rocky shore," I'm realizing it looks much more difficult to navigate than it did from far off.

Maybe I'd be a little more comfortable if I'd secured a publisher. At least I would feel like I'd been "accepted" by editors, and other people because they liked my story.

See, my mom has read my story like… ten thousand times for me. Okay, not ten thousand but probably around ten times. She's helped me edit it each time, and she always tells me it's really good, and it's getting a lot better and all the stuff a mom has to say. She's very critical, don't get me wrong.

As I'm reading through it one last time (as a reader, not an editor), I haven't found a single gramatical error. And I'm already on page 200.

Now maybe I'm just blind. But I have found a lot of stuff to reword, to make things flow better.

Anyway my biggest insecurity is… what will everyone else think about it?

I know some of you have read through it for me as beta readers and such, but that was the first few drafts.

(Very embarrassing that I actually let you read such a rough draft… I know…)

But what if you don't like the final version? What if no one likes it?

That'd be really awkward.

Anyway, what are you guys insecure about?

--Jess

Sometime in 2013

Due to hurricane Sandy, Halloween was "rescheduled" in our neighborhood from October 31st to November 4th.

The one problem with this is that now I'm VERY confused about what day it is, unless I click on the time display on my computer every few minutes to remind myself that today ISN'T Friday, November 2nd.

So if any of my posts are quite confusing, please note that I may have forgotten the date.

I've been writing quite a lot lately, but not the things I should be. Mostly flash fiction and some Star Wars fanfic now and then. I know I should start writing Book 3 in my trilogy soon, but I just can't bring myself to do it yet. Maybe it's because I know I'll be sad when I finish it.

I'll probably start it once From the Ashes is published.

Oh, SPEAKING of From the Ashes being published, I will "officially" be a published author in early 2013!

Yeah, I won't be in 2012. So, I am really hoping the world doesn't end ;)

--Jess

I Actually Have to TALK?

Well, it looks like I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year. I really wanted to, and I made a last effort to prepare for it on October 31st, but I wrote absolutely nothing yesterday. Sure, I have today to catch up, but that'd mean a TON of work.

I have a story idea.

Not a storyline, or a plot, or characters.

Just an idea.

And I like to have things planned out before I write it, otherwise I get lost halfway through the draft.

So, yes, this is my explanation for not being able to do NaNo this year. I feel like I'm betraying all of you who are joining in. This is the first year I haven't participated since I started writing novels.

I'm pretty sad about it.

Secondly, I have some exciting (or scary, either way works) news. I have to talk to a Senior Publishing Consultant at CreateSpace today.

OH. MY. GOD.

What scares me the most is that I have to really talk. Not email, or IM.

I have to USE MY VOICE BOX and talk on the TELEPHONE.

You see, I'm not a very good talker. I have a writing voice, not a speaking voice. Of course, it's all right once I'm talking to friends, but my "writing voice" is still much better.  My speaking vocabulary is filled with an overuse of teen words like "like," and "cool," and "totally."

Worst of all, I say "um" a LOT. Especially when I get excited.

Another thing is, I'm not sure if these people know I'm only 16. I'd kind of like to see how long it takes them to figure it out. Oh well. They'll probably realize that today after listening to my limited vocabulary, lol :)

I'm really scared.

Wish me luck, guys!

--Jess

I'm Stunned.

Oh my gosh.

I can't believe it.

It doesn't quite seem possible, despite how long I've been working on it.

Time seems to have come to a halt. After hours and days, and weeks, months and even years, have I finally finished editing my first book?

The urge to read through it one last time is so hard to resist, but I told everyone else this is the final draft. I keep thinking I should just tell them I was wrong. That it needs just one more read through.

But honestly.

How many read throughs will it take to make it perfect?

Never enough.

It's finally as close to perfect as it'll ever be. So with all it's flaws (I know it has them), I'm starting the publishing process with CreateSpace today.

Oh my gosh.

I'm absolutely stunned.

Any suggestions? If you've self published through CreateSpace, is there anything I need to know?

--Jess

Finally Decided: Indie vs Self Publishing

Okay.

I finally made up my mind.

I'm going to self publish.

Now, I don't want to go into that whole indie/traditional debate.  There are upsides and downsides to both.  But the main reason I decided to go indie is because of time.


I'm only going to be fifteen for a few more months, and I'm sure my 16th year will fly by just as fast.  I want to be a young, published author.  And the younger the better.


But I'm afraid if I spend my time trying to find a company that wants what I write, then (if they actually decide to accept me) make changes their editor wants, then wait who knows how long for it to be released...


Well, let me just say I'm very impatient.


I've been working on From the Ashes for two years now.  I'm done waiting!

And that, my friends, is why I'm going indie.

The decision was very hard to make, I can assure you.  For a long time, I wanted to self pub and then I wanted to go traditional!  My choice has really been back and forth for quite a while, but it's about time I decide.

So, what do you guys think about indie publishing?  Would you rather go traditional?  Tell me your thoughts!

--Jess

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, meaning it's Insecure Writer's Support Group day!

Now, I'm getting sort of insecure about my book. For a long time I've thought about going the traditional publishing route. Sending off queries and searching for publishers... it always sounded kind of fun. Well, maybe not, but still. It was just something I expected myself to do.

But now, with some convincing from my dad and a little thought on my own, I've decided that I might want to try to self publish.

And I'm insecure about self publishing because I don't have a clue about marketing. (That's where my dad comes in, but still.) I mean, if it's something I'm going to do, I should probably know something about it. My dad says it's a good way to learn... from experience. But that doesn't mean it's not scary.

Okay, I guess 'scary' isn't quite the word for it. Still, I think you guys get the picture.

So yeah. I'm insecure about my knowledge of marketing.

What about you guys? What are you insecure about?

--Jess