Born To Be A Dragon Scavenger Hunt
This month a great friend of mine's middle grade fantasy novel, Born To Be A Dragon, is debuting! Congratulations to Eisley Jacobs on her first novel. Eisley is a talented story teller and an incredibly giving person, as is evident in the massive giveaway/scavenger hunt that she is putting on to celebrate her debut. Not only has she given away fun swag and books, but she's also giving away a Nook! Yep, you read that right. And you've come to the right place to get the last clue to win it. To enter to win, read the rest of this post to find the clue, then go here to answer the question!
Welcome to Heather's Odyssey Eisley! I'm honored to be the last stop on your scavenger hunt. Take it away!
Eisley: First of all, thank you, Heather, for inviting me to guest blog today. Some of you know that today ends the Scavenger Hunt in celebration of my book launch for my middle grade novel BORN TO BE A DRAGON! It’s been an awesome two weeks, and I’m so thrilled to spend my last day celebrating here on Heather’s blog. If you want to get in on the last day’s scavenger Hunt, visit my blog! You’ve still got time to enter!
Now here at the end of my two weeks, I’m grateful for my friends and family for seeing me through this whole process. I haven’t been the easiest to live with, nor the most sane. To say that independently publishing my book has been an emotional rollercoaster would be the understatement of the century. You know that anticipation you feel when you’re standing in line waiting for the latest and greatest coaster? That is the feeling I got when I decided to go the independent route. The excitement. Then the queasy stomach. More excitement when I saw others get off the ride. Then the fears crept in, as I wondered if I’d made the right choice. Then even more excitement. Then, oh dear, was I going to die…? Wait, maybe that’s only on a real coaster, but it’s not far from the anxiety I experienced during this wait in line.
Then the real freak show hit -- when I was sure I’d made the wrong choice because one reviewer had some negative things to say. I threatened to get out of line, but my friends held fast to my hand, encouraging me to get on the ride and enjoy it. So I stood firm. I came to the turnstile; it was time to get on the ride. The thought of barfing even before the ride began crossed my mind. Instead, I buckled up and closed my eyes, praying I’d make it to the end of the ride. When the ride truly began I dared to open my eyes and OH MY GOODNESS! The ride was amazing. Sure, it’s had its twists and turns and a few moments of upside down madness, but it’s truly been the ride of my life!
It’s hard to realize this is a normal process of independent publishing, maybe even traditional publishing as well. You see, authors are putting themselves out there for criticism. We all know, at least I hope we all know, people will find fault in our writing. This is a fact and the moment we embrace this, the road becomes easier. We also know people will like it, dare I even say, LOVE IT! This is the part that keeps our eyes open, ready to enjoy the ride and its twists and turns.
You would think that this feeling of utter euphoria would subside now that I’m a “published” author and I would come down off the high to get back to normal, but I don’t. I wonder if the ride ever really ends. And furthermore, do I want it to end? I don’t think I do. The excitement bubbling through me at any given moment of my recent days is awesome. Why would I want that to leave? I’m sure the honeymoon will end… but for right now, I’m loving this. Knowing that possibly there are children out there reading and squealing with delight at the last words on the page… It’s a phenomenal feeling and the reason I write, the reason I will continue to write and get back in line to experience the ride all over again.
It takes firm resolve to get through the indie publishing door. It’s not for the queasy stomach but for the steadfast writer who believes in their characters and their story.
So now, here at the end of my launch week, I might be a little less sane and a little more scattered, but the adventure has only begun! I wish I could express just how thankful I truly am for every person who has accompanied me on this journey. From my husband, my children, my critique partners, my family and friends… every one of you have been an integral part of this voyage, and I will never forget this feeling and love poured out through the blogs, posts, tweets, and status updates. It has meant so much to me that you are part of this fabulous experience!Heather, thank you again for sharing the journey with me! I can’t wait to be in line with you while you wait to get on your coaster.
For those of you who haven’t heard, I’m giving away a NOOK tonight at 10:00pm. All you have to do is read this blog (which I assume you’ve already done—LOL) and then hop over to my blog and answer a question regarding the content here on Heather’s blog. Then you too will be entered into the drawing to receive the brand new NOOK and Kandle. Good luck and thank you so much for celebrating with me!
Thank you for joining us Eisley! You're so sweet. I'm honored to be a part of your debut celebration. Okay peeps, peruse that post thoroughly and go answer the question on Eisley's blog for a chance to win a Nook! Before you go though, you can stop by here to order your copy of Born To Be A Dragon, or you can order a signed copy straight from Eisley!
Welcome to Heather's Odyssey Eisley! I'm honored to be the last stop on your scavenger hunt. Take it away!
Eisley: First of all, thank you, Heather, for inviting me to guest blog today. Some of you know that today ends the Scavenger Hunt in celebration of my book launch for my middle grade novel BORN TO BE A DRAGON! It’s been an awesome two weeks, and I’m so thrilled to spend my last day celebrating here on Heather’s blog. If you want to get in on the last day’s scavenger Hunt, visit my blog! You’ve still got time to enter!
Now here at the end of my two weeks, I’m grateful for my friends and family for seeing me through this whole process. I haven’t been the easiest to live with, nor the most sane. To say that independently publishing my book has been an emotional rollercoaster would be the understatement of the century. You know that anticipation you feel when you’re standing in line waiting for the latest and greatest coaster? That is the feeling I got when I decided to go the independent route. The excitement. Then the queasy stomach. More excitement when I saw others get off the ride. Then the fears crept in, as I wondered if I’d made the right choice. Then even more excitement. Then, oh dear, was I going to die…? Wait, maybe that’s only on a real coaster, but it’s not far from the anxiety I experienced during this wait in line.
Then the real freak show hit -- when I was sure I’d made the wrong choice because one reviewer had some negative things to say. I threatened to get out of line, but my friends held fast to my hand, encouraging me to get on the ride and enjoy it. So I stood firm. I came to the turnstile; it was time to get on the ride. The thought of barfing even before the ride began crossed my mind. Instead, I buckled up and closed my eyes, praying I’d make it to the end of the ride. When the ride truly began I dared to open my eyes and OH MY GOODNESS! The ride was amazing. Sure, it’s had its twists and turns and a few moments of upside down madness, but it’s truly been the ride of my life!
It’s hard to realize this is a normal process of independent publishing, maybe even traditional publishing as well. You see, authors are putting themselves out there for criticism. We all know, at least I hope we all know, people will find fault in our writing. This is a fact and the moment we embrace this, the road becomes easier. We also know people will like it, dare I even say, LOVE IT! This is the part that keeps our eyes open, ready to enjoy the ride and its twists and turns.
You would think that this feeling of utter euphoria would subside now that I’m a “published” author and I would come down off the high to get back to normal, but I don’t. I wonder if the ride ever really ends. And furthermore, do I want it to end? I don’t think I do. The excitement bubbling through me at any given moment of my recent days is awesome. Why would I want that to leave? I’m sure the honeymoon will end… but for right now, I’m loving this. Knowing that possibly there are children out there reading and squealing with delight at the last words on the page… It’s a phenomenal feeling and the reason I write, the reason I will continue to write and get back in line to experience the ride all over again.
It takes firm resolve to get through the indie publishing door. It’s not for the queasy stomach but for the steadfast writer who believes in their characters and their story.
So now, here at the end of my launch week, I might be a little less sane and a little more scattered, but the adventure has only begun! I wish I could express just how thankful I truly am for every person who has accompanied me on this journey. From my husband, my children, my critique partners, my family and friends… every one of you have been an integral part of this voyage, and I will never forget this feeling and love poured out through the blogs, posts, tweets, and status updates. It has meant so much to me that you are part of this fabulous experience!Heather, thank you again for sharing the journey with me! I can’t wait to be in line with you while you wait to get on your coaster.
For those of you who haven’t heard, I’m giving away a NOOK tonight at 10:00pm. All you have to do is read this blog (which I assume you’ve already done—LOL) and then hop over to my blog and answer a question regarding the content here on Heather’s blog. Then you too will be entered into the drawing to receive the brand new NOOK and Kandle. Good luck and thank you so much for celebrating with me!
Thank you for joining us Eisley! You're so sweet. I'm honored to be a part of your debut celebration. Okay peeps, peruse that post thoroughly and go answer the question on Eisley's blog for a chance to win a Nook! Before you go though, you can stop by here to order your copy of Born To Be A Dragon, or you can order a signed copy straight from Eisley!
I can imagine any route to publishing is an emotional rollercoaster. Looks like you made it through Eisley! Great interview and blog tour/contest! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great story/interview. Congrats Eisley!
ReplyDeleteHeather and Eisley, thanks so much for sharing this. Not only is it amazing that Eisley's giving away a Nook, but it's so great to read about the journey, and how it feels to be in that place. Sounds pretty darned wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Eisley's, on your book launch! :D
ReplyDeleteWeeee! Are your hands up? Mine are! Weeee!!!
ReplyDeleteMajor congratulations Eisley! Your book is going to be a fabulous success! Thank you so much Heather for a great interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the guest blog today!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Eisley on her debut!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure! Eisely, you're an inspiration. <>
ReplyDeleteCongrats Eisely. Your book sounds awesome. Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story, and congrats to Eisley on her debut (and I love her name, btw!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Eisley. The book sounds awesome, and I *love* the cover. Thanks for hosting, Heather!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post, Eisley, and a big congratulations! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteTalli: Thanks so much! It's been a wonderful "ride!"
ReplyDeleteVR: Thanks for the cover love. It's certainly a labor of love!
Lydia: Thanks for the congrats and name love! It's my pen name but I do love it! :)
Natalie: Thanks so much.
Carolina: YOU are the inspiration to a lot of folks... including me!
Elle: Thanks again for the congratualtions!!! :)
Kelsy: I get to see you in person soon... we can squeel together!
Karlene: Success is in the eye of the beholder! My true hope is that is makes ONE child feel that hope... :)
Stina: Thank you!!! :)
Linda: It is wonderful. It's a feeling like no other. Now, on the other side of the zigs and zags... I totally want to go again!
Christa: Thanks! I hope I inspired SOMEONE to take the plunge! :)
Laura: Yes, I figured traditional publishing is probably similar... but no way to know. At least not yet. When/If I ever go that route, I will let you know!
Thanks again Heather for having me!!! :)
I truly get your feeling of being nervous to get on the ride. :D But I'm also glad you did. The book sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteWOW, neato!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book promo idea!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, nervous doesn't even go there. It was like complete hysteria... LOL
ReplyDeleteAlexia, it was a great promo! I definitely will do it again! It was as much fun for me as it was for my participants! :)