Deleted Scene (Snippet) + More Artwork
almost 3 years ago – Sun, Jul 02, 2023 at 10:24:14 PM

Buna ziua! (Hello!) 

I thought everyone may want to see an example of what to except if/when we get to the first stretch goal (deleted scenes). I've also been receiving new artwork from the artists working on AWAKEN THE DAWN and wanted to share... :) 

This is a snippet taken from a previous version of the prologue that gave readers a glimpse into what happened to Kat's dad. It's not much (just enough to provide an example)....

And some artwork....

Jonna B. is working on scene art for the Limited Edition, too, and it looks AMAZING (of course). I'll give an update on that soon! 

Celebrate + Time to Streeetchhh
almost 3 years ago – Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 12:55:19 PM

A quick update to let everyone know...WE HAVE REACHED OUR INITIAL GOAL! If we do not receive another pledge, and as long as current backers don't decrease their pledges, we will be able to fulfill the campaign! THAT'S EXCITING. 

We have 12 days left, so we're pressing forward to Stretch Goals. Reaching these will allow us to create more artwork for the books (above and beyond what we've already planned), and they'll help us cover more of the business expenses for the imprint.

Each time we unlock a stretch goal ALL BACKERS AT THE TIER LEVEL will receive these rewards. We'll begin at $4500: DELETED SCENES.

Some of these scenes had to be cut for technical reasons (e.g., one scene that would have given readers a glimpse into what happened to Kat's dad).  Others were cut because, well, they just weren't that great (some of these are embarrassingly cringe-worthy...you've been warned!).

Thank you so much to everyone who has backed the project and is cheering us on! We are so grateful for you!

Digital Rendering of Kat
almost 3 years ago – Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 10:12:16 PM

We have some original digital artwork coming in the next few days for Kat, Maksim, and Stefan. Here's the first (Kat). 

This digital artwork will be available through the stretch goals! There's also a special rendering of a scene between Kat and Maksim (stay tuned for that announcement). 

So if you haven't pledged yet, or if you know someone who's been meaning to, your support will help us STRETCH. And if you know any suspense or YA junkies, or even just anyone who likes to read, be sure to share the link with them: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/awakensaga1/awaken-the-dawn-ya-suspense-with-a-supernatural-twist

More soon! -K

Stretch Goals
almost 3 years ago – Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 12:34:29 AM

We are almost fully funded for our campaign in the first week! I can hardly believe it! 

I've been working on Stretch Goals and wanted to let everyone know about them in case, you know, someone might be wondering if they should share this campaign with friends/family...the answer is YES, you totally should!

HOW WILL FUNDS BE USED? 

My main goal ($3900) is the bare minimum for launching AWAKEN THE DAWN and starting the imprint, but there are additional expenses that aren't yet covered (ecommerce site for the imprint, business filings, legal fees...all the not-so-fun parts of running a business).

Anything above and beyond our main goal will go toward these costs and any expenses associated with the AWAKEN Saga or the imprint.

 These stretch goals are for anyone who has pledged at a rewards-based tier or higher, and they'll be delivered digitally (those who've backed at the SuperFan tier or higher will also receive printed copies of the artwork). 

IF YOU'VE BACKED WITHOUT A REWARD AND STILL WANT ONE OF THESE, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE. 

$4500: This stretch goal unlocks DELETED SCENES.
     Some of these scenes have fun characters that got axed in editing, some scenes had to be trimmed or nixed completely. There are also a few scenes that are kinda cringy (you've been warned!).  

$5000: This stretch goal unlocks digital artwork of my protagonist and antagonist - Kat and Stefan.
     This story is American teen vs Romanian crime boss, and you'll get to see how I've envisioned these two this whole time.

$5500: This stretch goal unlocks digital artwork of Kat and Maksim (woot!).
     What I would say to Kat in real life: "Sure, he's a 10, but...he's also part of a crime syndicate you thought was a small-time scamming operation, and it sure does seem like he's luring you into something other than his arms. Red flag much?" (Nevertheless, I love these two and have thoroughly enjoyed writing their romancy scenes. I can't wait to show my backers more of them!)

$6000: This stretch goal unlocks digital artwork of Emilien, Andrei, and Drago.
     Come on, who doesn't love Andrei? And who doesn't love to hate Emilien and Drago? If we stretch here, we'll get to see them in full color, digitally rendered in detail.

$7000: This stretch goal unlocks specially commissioned artwork by Jonna Blankenship. Stay tuned. We'll be making an announcement about this soon.

$8000:  This stretch goal unlocks an audiobook of AWAKEN THE DAWN, narrated by yours truly Ellis Kaye. We would LOVE to be able to gift this to all of our wonderful backers. Help us make it happen!

 More soon! X

61% to Our Goal + E-Book Early Bird
almost 3 years ago – Sat, Jun 24, 2023 at 09:01:09 PM

Just a quick update: we are 61% TO OUR GOAL!

Thank you so much to everyone who has pledged so far. Every single pledge helps, no matter how small, because the activity boosts us in the rankings (most recently, we've been showing up as #2 in the search results under the Popular Young Adult subcategory - this is HUGE).

The Early Bird for the ebooks ends this weekend (Sunday, June 25), so it's a great time to support. You can even add the Limited Edition of the ebooks to your order if you want the exclusive artwork and photography (just look for the ADD-ON section before you get to the checkout).

If you haven't pledged yet, be sure to do that soon. And if you have pledged but didn't realize you could add the Limited Edition e-books, just log in to your Kickstarter account and make the adjustment).

Thanks so much for all your encouragement and support! Now for cute pics of Jacques Clouseau....