A Year in Review & An Offer

I’m late. I’m late. For what? A very important date!

Yes, somehow I neglected to realize that impromptugameof52.wordpress.com celebrated its first birthday on August 5th. What kind of careless parent am I? My baby boy (or is it a girl?) is one year older than when I started and I didn’t even throw a party (or make a post)!

We’ll have to rectify that, won’t we? Behold, a year in review…in the form of a dull list of statistics:

771 Total Views

380 Visitors

155 Likes

20 Comments

37 Followers

66 Blog Posts (now 67)

Most Views in a Month: November 2016 (102)

Least Views in a Month: June 2017 (13)

Most Viewed Post: Don’t Work Yourself Into a Shoot (Really?)

Least Viewed Post: Deception & Sneak Preview #3 (Huh…)

Time doesn’t just fly. I’m pretty sure it has a rocket strapped to it at this point. So what do I think about my year of blogging?

I’m glad I’m no longer the man who barely concealed his bitterness behind humor. As well as I might have hid it at the time, it’s clear that my initial volley of posts (until September 24th) were at least somewhat motivated by my growing dissatisfaction with life and my existence. I was in a horrid, miserable, nihilistic place until I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

https://impromptugameof52.wordpress.com/2016/09/26/a-public-confession/

As I recounted in the above post, I’m truly grateful to be a changed man and to have real faith in Him. I like to think that the turn in my posting efforts toward evangelism reflects that. No, I’m not a perfect man. Nor do I claim to be a biblical authority. I don’t think I ever will be. But I love and appreciate Him for His sacrifice and rescuing me from the all-consuming darkness of sin. In this crazy, topsy-turvy, and evil world, there’s no better hope or cure for the ailment that affects us all.

But that’s not the only life-changing event of last year, is it? While not nearly as important (and nothing can be as important as one’s salvation), I also released my first ever novel in December of last year: The Shadow Over Lone Oak.

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Over-Lone-Evils-World-ebook/dp/B01MZ2SB4W/

One year after I started this blog, almost a year after coming to Christ, and eight months after releasing my debut novel, I’m currently in the last week of my Kindle Scout campaign for the sequel: The Smiling Man Conspiracy. If you still want the chance for a free ebook (if Amazon’s editors select it for publication), it’s available for nomination here:

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2ISVGY4MGES30/

With all of this in mind, a new question arises: how do I celebrate such an occasion? First, by thanking Him for everything at all possible. I couldn’t do a thing without Him. He’s my Rock, my Lord, my God. May all the glory be His forever and ever. Amen.

Second, by offering my readers the chance to receive their own print copy of The Shadow Over Lone Oak. That’s right. I have three FREE copies of the original print run available for anyone who wishes to have this horror/thriller on their bookshelf.

The Rules:

There are no rules. Just kidding. You must live in the U. S. to receive the pre-paid priority envelope containing your copy.
I will pick at random in the interest of fairness. This will not be a first come, first served thing.
The winners will need to supply their mailing address once they’re chosen. I will contact you via either email or Facebook message, whichever you prefer.

As supplies are limited, I wouldn’t expect the offer to last long. I won’t set a strict time limit, but it’s probably better to err on the side of sooner rather than later. You can post here, on Facebook, or even get hold of me on Twitter (@CJSearsAuthor) if you like.

Thanks for reading and supporting this site and my work for over a year. I can’t express my gratitude for how this experience has shaped (and will continue to shape) my life. Peace be to you and God bless.