Release day: Thank yous & Kindle Countdown

Good evening everyone!

This is the day I've been waiting for. "The Aeonians" are here! I was going to do a video celebration speech thingy, but let's face it, I'm camera shy. Let's keep this post simple:

[1] "The Aeonians" is (obviously) now available. BUT, there is a special going on! My fantasy novel is participating in the Kindle Countdown Deal- which means, for the next week, you can get the Kindle version for only $2.99 vs $9.99! I don't know about you, but that's a steal! I really want people to READ my book, and lowering the price can make it more accessible. So, please, if you have a Kindle, buy "The Aeonians" before it's too late!

Kindle countdown deal!

[2] I want to express my deepest gratitude to many of those in my life. Publishing your FIRST work is always an emotional milestone, and it certainly hit me hard today. I grew up with significant pressure to excel in school, then professionally in the medical field. I was told that my dreams of drawing and writing were stupid and useless. I would never make money, and therefore, I shouldn't bother.  I'm sure there are many people out there who can understand the feeling I went through.
While I do not regret my professional work, I am happy that I choose to work harder so I can make the time to draw/write. I wanted to prove people wrong. (Well, I don't think I'll be making money any time soon- but to my point: that I should still write because it is my passion). 

It took me FIFTEEN years to write "The Aeonians". No, it's not the next great American novel. It's surely lightyears away from perfect. But, it is the product of great love and imagination. So, here are my list of thanks... of things and people that were paramount to my journey to achieve my dream:
- NaNoWriMo. It all began in 2014. A challenge to write 50k words. I was a competitive person. I took it on. And it transformed into something larger than life.
-Scribophile. Signed on after winning NaNoWriMo. I met AMAZING people on this friendly writing circle. I even was invited to the honorable "Just-Us-League", where I not only met and collaborated with other authors, but made friends. Writing is a lonely hobby.... Or so I thought. But when you channel into the writing community, whether it's an online group, Twitter, etc, you find like-minds and warm hearts.
-Tom Durant: A former co-worker whom I always looked forward to working with. You are a light in my life and was the first to read my VERY VERY VERY rough draft. Some recommendations turned into key elements that you will find in the story today.
-Cassandra Fear. You were one of the first to read through the entire 100k+ script on Scrib. You were helpful AND most importantly, encouraging. I couldn't give up after reading your words of critique.
-Kateyln Barbee. Another wonderful writer friend who took the plunge and read the entire novel and provided significant feedback. Your advice was gold.
-Matt Dewar. You beta read for me with such enthusiasm. There were times your words of encouragement and positivity almost moved me to tears. Thank you.
-Many other Scribbers: Kristen Kooistra, Renee Harvey, Heather Hayden, Elise Edmonds, Allie Mae, Melion Traverse (and so much more). You took me into JL, provided me with moral support, feedback, help with the blog tour etc.
-Becky Van Niel: Words can't describe the friendship we have. You elected to help me in any way you could without me even having to ask. You are a kind, loving, and supportive human being. Without you, I probably would've given up. (And she is still helping me today!)
-Silver Leaf Books (My publisher): Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you for looking at "The Aeonians" and recognizing its potential. THANK YOU. I look forward to many successes ahead.
-Sophie Edwards: You are an AMAZING, TALENTED book cover artist.
-Svetlana Nesterovich: The sister I never had. You are AN INCREDIBLE photographer!
-Those that pulled me up instead of push me down throughout the process. Those that BELIEVED in me: Sue Josselyn, Katie Van Niel, Jeff Van Niel, Anna Madrigal, Steph Dumond, and Emily Sneade (I had to remind myself to change the name!! ;] ), and my work family [you know who you are!].
-Last but certainly not least, the Good Lord above.

Okay, so that was long. BUT, I feel that this book release is not about me. It's about everyone that believed in me. Their help and care is powerful force just as potent as the magic in my story... I hope that I made you all proud.

​And for those that happen to stumble on this blog with vague/indifferent interest, I hope you found something here. If you have dreams to write/creature any kind of art but afraid to make that leap, I hope this serves as inspiration. For those looking for something to read, I am humbled that you are giving "The Aeonians" a chance.

​Truly yours,
​J.E. Klimov