*Scroll down if you’re here for IWSG, or read the first part too if you want to win some cool YA books*
Well, it’s been a nonstop joyride of swashbuckling fun this past month participating in the Buccaneer Blogfest. Many thanks to our charming rogue pirates Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. I know the last post is supposed to be on Friday but as a teacher, I’m back to school this week (hence, missing my post on Monday) and it’s just madness this time of year. Now I know I’ll have a blood debt to pay for this, so no worries, I’m giving away 5 books. Hosting a Rafflecopter or even adding a Google Friend Connect Widget seems super complicated on wordpress (anyone have tips they can share??) so instead I’ll use my trusty Mega Timer I utilize in my classroom. I’ll number the comments one through . . . well, however many people comment (you think we can beat my record of 55 comments from one post? Hmm, I wonder what Alex’s is? No doubt that’ll look pathetic next to his, lol), then I hit the random selector button and TA-DA! I’ll have 5 different winners and will announce them here next Wednesday as I return to my regular weekly schedule. Once I announce them, you’ll need to email me within 24 hrs and tell me which book you’d like. That means the early bird gets the worm . . . if someone else already emailed me and chose the book you wanted, you’ll have to pick your 2nd choice (sorry, Charlie!). Here are the books I’m giving away from my bookshelf (all YA paranormal/fantasy/science fiction and in great condition).
by Lisa McMann, even autographed!
by Amanda Hocking, the exemplar of self-publishing eBooks
by James A. Moore, twice nominated for Bram Stroker Award & writer for Marvel Comics
by Pam Bachorz, loved the FL setting & twisted ending
by Julia Karr, this one is my fav out of the five
Thanks to everyone who visited my blog during the month of July . . . somehow I reached the 1,000 followers mark during it *throws confetti* Quite a few from other countries too like Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Ireland! Yay:-) I’d love it if you gave me a follow before entering the contest, or visit the Follow Me button at the top of my site for other choices at stalking me;-)
Okay, now it’s time for Alex J. Cavanaugh’s IWSG! This is my first one since my pub deal (since I missed July’s posting).
According to the Ninja Master’s website, the Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Jamie Ayres 
Yay, I’m first! I think you pretty much nailed the feeling of insecurity with your rocking seven stages and the lovely Edna quote. I think I’m still on step three!
I just love reading about your publishing journey! Your enthusiasm inspires me to keep at it, and the seven stages are very cool.
I can see that you’re numbers gal like me–seven stages, Eighteen things …maybe you have other lists for me?
(Am I entered in the book drawing too, even though I’m here for IWSG? Yay, if I am! 🙂 )
Totally . . . and you should see all my numbered lists around the house, lol
Sounds about right. I like how you have put a tag on the so called ‘stages’.
Definitely agree with your stages!
I love your stages, it is very nerve racking when you first get published, I just had my first book Insane Reno published and I was so worried that people wouldn’t like it or it wouldn’t be good enough. I guess that’s why I choose the publisher route over the self publishing route, I just needed a little bit of extra reassurance, in other words I’m a wimp lol
I think there’s a shock stage that comes after all of that as well!
Lol! Nope, I think you’ve pretty much summed up the stages to a “T”. Wow, congratulations on reaching 1000 followers. How exciting to have them from all over the world 🙂 I haven’t made the time to watch the Olympics except when I’m in and out of patient’s homes, but I hear about us winning a lot of the events. So, go USA!!
Yes, we’re tied with China . . . but they’re getting more gold than we are. It was very exciting to watch Michael become the most decorated Olympian EVER last night!!!
Love your stages. However I sadly must admit I only got through receiving the contract and then everything fell apart. Now I am at the beginning again hoping someone will pick me up again. The trails of publishing. Love following your blog. Good luck with you book. I have really enjoyed the little tid bits I’ve read. Will definitly get it when it comes out.
Thanks, Connie! I think things fall apart for a reason . . . just means something better is coming along for you. I applaud you for not giving up:-)
First off thanks Jamie for stopping by my blog earlier today. Appreciate it. So to your blog post. PLEASE, PlEASE, PlEASE let me go through the 7 stages — I will even take 14. I have my *squeal* all ready to go. But I guess I need to finish my MS first 🙂 Love following your publishing journey, hope to post my own some day. IWSG #170
Ooh I love those stages. very true. love Edna’s quote as well. Great book choices for the Buccaneer Blogfest. 🙂 And now I’m stalking you everywhere.(I think)
There’s always something to be insecure about as a writer…but I love how you end your list with hope.
Too funny. I did a similar post, but mine has 5. LOL
IWSG #179 (At least until Alex culls the list again. :P)
Hey Jamie!! That’s so funny! Love that list. I can imagine the vulnerability. I feel that just submitting to agents. Regardless of what happens or reviews, just be proud of your work.
Good luck on your crazy weeks. I’m still in mine and summer is kicking my butt. Can’t wait for school to start!!! 😀
Love it Jamie, nicely done! I feel like I’ve been running around with my pants down around my ankles for weeks now…I’m so glad I found this blogfest and so many nice people who understand this writing journey! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve yet to have anything accepted for publication! But I like your list. Sounds like what every writer might go through during something like that. I’m excited for you!
Hey, another teacher! I definitely empathize with the difficulty of juggling both. Good luck, and have a fun school year!
Are you a teacher, Ben? It’s hard to keep everyone from the blogfest straight . . . not that you’re not unique, lol. I just have a horrible, terrible, no good memory.
I’ve seen Alex as high as 167 comments. Don’t know if that is his top. You might want to ask his clone. 🙂
Have a fun school year!!
Wow! I can’t even imagine that!! He has a clone for sure and I have clone envy;-)