Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 4

"Ah, she's tuckered out, little ankle bitter."

 In which Jack plans to bake bread and other mishaps.
 Because when food and I are involved it always turns into a mishap.
 I am behind on The Broken Blade, but I haven't been writing every day. I am still writing, it is just when I come home from work now I spend time finishing up the one or two gifts I have left to finish. So I plan to finish The Broken Blade in January instead. ALSO I am going to begin and finish the rewrite of Haphazard! So excited for that one.
 Today after work I hope to make some bread and drop by the library. I don't really like the library in my new home. It is loud and bright and too white. So I mostly just swing in and pick up the book I want and leave. I browse my old library when I feel like visiting a snug and safe library.
 I got rather behind on my reading list as well. I got side tracked with the creepy anime, Another, and finishing the final Ghost Hunt manga. I really wish that whole series was translated into English. I have this dream of one day learning Japanese so I can always have my hands on good stories, but with my dyslexia that dream is going to be a long time coming and I'm impatient. I want good stories NOW.
 If you haven't gathered from my quotes, I am in the mood to watch Rise of the Guardians again. And read the final book. I. Want. That. Book so much!!!!
 That's all. Dog is telling me I should go and take her on a walk in`the cold and dark. Or feed her. Or pet her. Or all of the above all at once.

"Snow day!"

Wherein Jack sometimes doesn't make her bed

Usually it's my first morning chore. Wake up and make the bed. Tidy up while drinking coffee and head to work. Not that I'm ocd by any means. I just like a tidy place which is easy to accomplish since I live alone and Dog isn't messy.

But some mornings I turn off my alarm and snuggle under the blankets for a few minutes of dozing. Why? Because it's SOOOOOOOOOO warm. And Dog lays on my feet and I wouldn't want Dog to feel I don't love her.

That was this morning. So I'll do my chores when I'm home from work. Post about the giveaway. Hide under a blanket and read. The usual things I do to pass an evening. (Watch a creepy anime before it gets too dark out.)

Said creepy anime is creeeeeepy. Another old fashioned type ghost story. Just slightly creepier than Lockwood.

Anyway. I have no point to this post. Except maybe to remind the world to be wary of elevators. Had another dream about one deflating. Don't trust those things. You never know when one will fail and the door will come off and shoot down the hall.

And that's all I have for you. Happy Monday

"Buckle up. Funny."

Wherein Jack has the chills.

So I'm murdering them with tea.

Besides the chills it's been a pleasant weekend. At least today. I finished up all but two gifts and wrapped all but said to. Can't wrap them if they're not done. I also took an extremely long nap because I've not felt well.

It's been foggy here for the past three days. I. Miss. The. Sun. It would be nicer if the fog was thicker and I could go stalking in it.

I got all my shopping done yesterday. And when I say all I mean all. I was out of everything. So o bought a store worth of food and household supplies. Being an adult, I realized, is like playing house. Have I accepted being an adult yet, pssh no. But it is fun playing house.

I went to a tree lot for my Christmas tree. Sadly they cost a small fortune there. Instead I settled for a darling fake one. It's very small but it's grown on me and when I get a real one next year for the living room I'll keep this bitty one for my bedroom.

I really have little of excitement to share tonight. I mean other than buying the store and the weirdest looks I got. As If everyone who saw me knew I lived alone and thought I had too much food. I like to stock up though so I only have to shop every other week. Unless my milk turns into a science experiment but then I just nip down to the little store a block from home.

The giveaway ends next week!! Leave a comment for a chance to win! 

Farewell dear readers

"Am I right, Sandy?"

 Wherein Jack is excited.
 I don't really get excited for shopping, unless it is going to Bucky and Donna's. But today, after work, I get to go buy my tree. I also get to pick up some Christmas gifts, coming home and decorate, and spend all afternoon baking bread, listening to Christmas music, and finishing up the last little gifts I am making. I cannot wait to be off work!
 Today I am also sharing a title from a book I usually only talk about on another blog I have set up. This book has been the hardest for me to write, and one I've not wanted to talk of more than I had to. But I feel called to share it so I submitted it to my publisher and am now waiting to hear back from them. I am also editing it and seeking out reviews, so if you are interested let me know.
 Some of you know about the book as you follow me on my other blog, anthembirdwithabrokenwing.blogspot.com. You also know some of my past story. You can find more information on there, but it is time I stop hiding I think. I wrote this book to help me heal, and in the hopes that those who read it might find healing as well.
 So, here I go. Here is the summary followed by the title.
 Adam Clark has just returned from the war in Iraq. He has come home to a family which has rejected him and wants nothing to do with him. He feels all he has left is the house his grandpa left him and the God he put his trust in. Dealing with PTSD because of what he experienced in the war, Adam sometimes wonders how he will get through each day.
 India Lee struggles with PTSD for different reasons. Suffering trauma from her past, India is often scared to leave her house. Depressed and lonely, her only companion is her older brother Jared and her only occupation her little flower garden. She doesn't trust her new neighbor anymore than she trusts anyone.
Then comes the day when Adam steps outside his own shell to help India. A small act of kindness changes their lives and sets them on a path which could bring them healing if only they are willing to open up and face their broken pasts and their present pain. Their battles are long and frightening, but both believe God can bring them through the darkness until they see the light face to face.
 
 Again, let me know if you are interested in getting an early copy in exchange for a review on Goodreads and wherever else you would like to share. I will be putting the book on Goodreads today, before or after work, depending on when I get the time.
 Have a lovely day all of you! And thank you for being my readers!

"I feel it...in my belly."

Wherein Jack could do with going back to bed.

Usually I'm fine but today would be a lovely day to not go into work. Oh well. Afterward I get to visit friends and tomorrow I get paid which means I get to buy my tree!!

For now...well I'm slowly getting work done on The Broken Blade. I remember now why I always took December off writing. Most of my day after work is spent doing Christmas things. So I might not get this book done end of December. But I'm still writing so that's a good thing.

That and the fact I feel no stress over the coming holiday. I have one more gift to make but I have never seen the point in stressing over Christmas. It takes all the joy from it. And there is a lot of joy involved at least for me. Christmas is my favorite holiday after all. I can't help it. I love the meaning behind it, the lights and warmth, and the fact it feels so magical.

This year I'm doing extra preparations. I've been celebrating advent and even have a little advent devotional I'm going though. It's a reminder even more of keeping my focus on Jesus and His birth.

Now it's your turn. What's your favorite holiday and why?

"You have a name, Guy." "Do I, do I?!"

Wherein Jack struggles

Naming characters is hard. Sometimes, in the case of Peter Jones from my Haphazard books they come baring their name and ready to share it because they're good characters who understand one can't fully know them without a name. Then you have the Blade Boys from The Legend of the Blade series.

My brilliant blade boys and their many companions. And their even many, many more secrets. I've never written a series of books in which the characters thrill keeping me in the dark, be it from their names to how the series will end...you know, stuff the author needs to know.

I've started to rewrite the series and my plan is to have book one finished by the end of December.

This would be easier if I knew what to call everyone. Of course at this point I know all the blade boys names. Their families names not so much. And when I ask they just laugh and make me hunt around for them.

I'm on chapter three of the rewrite of The Broken Blade and it is coming along much better as far as world building is going. Guess that's what happens with a story you've been plotting for ten or so years.

That said today is the first day of the blog tour for Finding the Magic. Adam Prince was interviewed at my dear kindred spirits blog at jenelleleanneschmidt.com. Be sure to pop by and check it out!

"What are you waiting for?" "I don't know. Something amazing I guess..."

Wherein Jack has returned to her Blade Boys.

And typical of them they're back to keeping secrets.

Tomorrow begins the blog tour for Finding the Magic. The giveaway has already started, check out Instagram.

I don't have much today. It's too cold to type basically. And my wit is out of commission thanks to a cold. But I shall survive!!

"As much as I hate to say it, this time Easter is more important than Christmas."

 In which Jack feels happy
 It is December at last! Though I've been listening to Christmas music year round it is now socially acceptable. (Not that I've ever been one for social appearances.) Advent is tomorrow and I get to light candles and start my new devotional. I get paid on Friday and get to buy my tree. In the words of a song, "IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!"
 Today I devoured books, went on a walk in a blizzard, and completed some Christmas gifts I've been working on. I also dusted off The Broken Blade and am hoping to get some work done on that after dinner.
 But that is not why I'm here right now. Instead, I want to announce there is going to be a giveaway, held mostly on Instagram, and a blog tour for Finding the Magic!! The giveaway starts today. I think all of my readers are on Instagram but if you're not you can still enter. Comment below and I will add your name into the giveaway. I am giving away a paperback copy of Finding the Magic and a box of rose tea. 
 There will be several chances to enter. The giveaway ends the 14th, so keep coming back for fun things happening!
 I took the quote from Rise of the Guardians which I plan to watch again soon. I know it isn't necessarily a Christmas movie but I count it as one.

"You're here!" "Oh yes!" "And naked..." "Oh yes!"

 Wherein Jack has things coming together nicely.
 But, shocker, I lost my wrist brace again. *GASP* 
 I am posting today about two books. So they are kind of mini book reviews I guess. Shout outs. I will be posting the real reviews on Amazon and my review blog, but I would like to give them attention on this blog where most people tend to visit.
 First is Lacy by Jaye L. Knight.
 Lacy is one of her novellas, connected to the Ilyon series. This little novella focuses on Aaron, a not so main, main character from the main series. In this book he meets Lacy, who is working to provide for her family the only way she can, as a prostitute.  The story is tender and delicate and shows God's love in how He saves us from all our sins, even the ones we are most shamed of. Aaron shows this love to Lacy when he pays for her to escape the life she hates and provides for her family as if they were his own. It's a beautiful example of God's love, on top of being a chance to get to know Aaron and his brother Timothy even better.
 Next is a shout out to my friend Grace Kent. She is a new author setting out on the quest for a publisher and I am pleased to have the chance to edit for her, help her out where I can, and read her books. (Okay, so it is fun to get the chance to read good books before they are published. An early sneak peak.) So, before I talk about her book, here is where she can be found. She has a lovely website set up HERE where you can learn about her current books and find her blog posts. Now, about her book. Defiant is set in a dystopian world where all technology fell apart after the Last War and religion is banned. Gabriel lives in this world, fighting to provide for his family - which consists of his sisters and a whole little village hidden away - while still trying to practice his faith which could get him killed.  Gabe meets Rosie during one of his trips to get supplies for his family and is instantly fascinated by the look of hope in her eyes. When his actions to help Rosie get her in deeper trouble Gabe saves her and takes her back to his village where she is taught the love of God, only to be forced to decide if she too is willing to give up her life for her new found beliefs.  I saw this story come such a long way from its rough draft and I am so excited for it and the hopes it will get to see the world soon. The hope and faith in this story, and the excitement Gabe feels when he gets a real Bible, is a wonderful reminder to hold dear our own freedom of religion and a reminder that it is worth dying for. I am also excited to follow Grace on her writing journey and pleased that this journey has brought into my life such a special friend.  So you should pop by Grace's website, have a look around, and say hi. She has three books with summaries on her site and each sounds wonderful.
 Okay, now to finish up here so I can go bury my nose back into another book, I have some up coming events of my own to remind everyone about like a broken record.
 December first I will be starting a giveaway on Instagram for Finding the Magic. I will reveal what I am giving away the morning of December first and leaving details how to enter.
 I am also revealing the title for my secret project in December, probably in the middle of it. I need to select a date tonight. If anyone wants to join in the blog tour I am holding for it email or comment and I will add you to the list.
 Lastly I am finally open to taking beta reads and book reviews again. So if you want me to do either for your books let me know. 
 And that is all. I leave you with a Doctor Who quote today.

"The humans think us immortal. Shall we test it?"

 Wherein Jack Finished. A. Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 I am most pleased at the moment. Today I finished the rough draft for Four and Twenty Blackbirds. It feels wonderful to be completing books...well a book...again.
 The ending feels a little abrupt to me so I will have to iron it out when I edit, but the first draft is completed and I am one happy potato.
 On top of that things are under way for the giveaway and now Blog Tour for Finding the Magic. A couple more days and the giveaway begins! Check out Instagram, where I will be hosting it.
 I am nearly caught up on all my book reviews and have finished reading more books this month that I've done all year, not counting the manga, because I did finish a lot of manga this year.
 As you can tell, it's been a pleasant day And now....well....I started a book about Vincent Van Gogh on a whim and would like to get back to it because it's turning out to be really good.