Good morning, my awesome people!
Today’s episode is packed with all the fun, randomness, and life updates you didn’t know you needed.
First up, I’m thrilled to share some fantastic health news—I’ve been fighting the good fight with diabetes, and my A1C dropped faster than I ever expected. We’re talking record-breaking stuff here! Then, I take you on a little trip down memory lane as I introduce my teenage daughters to the best video game ever, EverQuest.
They loved it—so now I have more gamers in the house, which is kind of a big win for Dad.
I’ll also give you the scoop on The Underlings launching next week, and talk about some choices (pun intended) I’m making for the upcoming YA book Choices.
Oh, and Kristie—big shoutout to you for winning the referral contest! You’re going to spend an hour with me on Zoom, so get ready for some fun!
Now, if you're in a rush or just want a quick breakdown of the episode, here’s the “microwave version” of what I cover today:
The Microwave Version:
Open up about overcoming some old insecurities with a little humor and a lot of heart.
Health update: my A1C dropped from 12 to 7.3 in just 90 days—setting records with the doc!
Spent time introducing my teenage daughters to EverQuest, and now we have more gamers in the house. #DadWin
Updates on creative projects: The Underlings launches next week, and I’m still working on the cover of Choices.
Missed Spooktober this year, but I’m aiming for a badge with a Godzilla theme because…who doesn’t love Kaiju, right?
Big shoutout to Christy for winning the Life of Fiction referral contest—Zoom time with me coming up!
As always, closing with a little motivation for you: "You are more than you think you are!"
Thanks for hanging out with me this morning. You make life awesome!
Have a WONDERFUL day AND week, and Don’t forget your coffee!! […support a great cause…]
I got it! And I'm weird: I love illustrations inside books. I love pretty books.
Okay, well,....I do too,...but what KIND of books?
Picture books, okay...middle grade I can see, and maps inside YA or adult books, but unless it's a bestiary, do you usually see illustrations in books for older teens/adults?
No. And I think it is sad. I'm currently formatting a poetry book that has art. And chapter header images are great. But it does add a lot of work.
I...don't know how to answer this.
I think things go wrong because we plan so meticulously lol
I'm so glad to hear how well you're doing health wise! 30 lb? AWESOME.
I love Ever Quest! That's the first game you showed me how to play dad, I only stopped because you and Evan switched to W.O.W.
So excited about this weekend with mom, it's going to be so much fun 😁
I can't wait for the next part in your books too.
I hope you have a fantastically wonderfully AWESOME week, daddy. 👍🏻😀👍🏻
Wait.
WHAAAAAAA???
...you mean you WOULD play EQ?!???
I AM A BAD FATHER!!
[bangs head against desk...]
So, Jessie, we should talk then. Cause, EQ is free now...you know that, right? You just need a PC and a smart phone internet and you can play without interruption. The file sizes are SO small.
Huh.
So I have FOUR kids that would play?
....
....ya know, Travis stopped by last night to grab a furniture stapler from mom and we started talking about how we want to start collecting decent laptops so we can do regular family LAN parties. Get 10-15 of us in a room and al play EQ.
Life goals, ya know?
LOL
Love you, sweetie. Have a great week!!
I have to agree with Deleyna, I love pictures in books. Also, they aren’t common, but a couple of authors do do them. Most often they are black and white, and they are very sporadic… as in there aren’t many throughout the book, but they add so much to the book, so I would highly recommend it
Huh.
Now you guys have me thinking on this.
Okay, Benjamin, let me ask this...
...what kind of pictures do these books you like create?
Are they scenes? Characters? Objects? Maps?
I'd really like some suggestions from you, IF you are willing, of what would excite you for the Choices book??
Some of them are scenes, one in particular is sketches that a character draws, so it’s a mix of scenes and creatures, I only really see male at the very beginning of the book, but not throughout.
As for what would excite me, I would love images of really important scenes, or really intense moments. I wouldn’t put a lot of pictures in there, but I think it would highlight intense/important moments
Huh....
...huh.
...well I'm up for suggestions, if you want to shoot me a private message, or suggest them here for others to give feedback.
I absolutely love that you have something specific that you want, Benjamin. Make me grin from ear to ear!
Firstly, Thank you so much for the happy birthday shoutout Jaime! I was so shocked and happy when I saw it. (I was reading the book on my lunch break when I saw this and I got cheesy smiley). I totally can’t wait to zoom it’ll be so …FUN!!!!
Secondly, congratulations on the health transformation. I couldn’t be more happy to hear you’re doing better now, especially in such a short time.
Thirdly, THAT PHOTO OF THE KIDS IS SO CUTE!
And lastly, you’re friggin amazing. I honestly enjoy a lot of the art and stories and anything u post, something cool would be a video or series of videos explaining tips and tricks but things you have picked up over time nobody talks about or how you have learned to create amazing stories. Things like that are cool, I do love hearing your stories with family and friends too. Basically, just keep doing what u love to do and share it with us. 😊
I wrote a lot here but I’d also totally give a video testimonial.
Well, I have to find a way to provide that kind of content and stay true to Life of Fiction being about the Wanted Hero world.
...so now you have me thinking!
First, you are SO welcome, sweetie, for the shoutout. Love doing them and if you have not noticed yet, this community is a profound love of mine [grin].
Secondly, THANK you...I'M excited about the progress. Still have to figure out how to counter the gut problems, then life will be SO much better. One day at a time, though...
Lastly...well, I'm tickled you think so. I'm full of stories, and as long as my hands hold out, I'll draw as well...
Maybe I'll have to do the videos and such in the 'Behind the Curtain' section...where I can go off-topic for the supporters...?
That might work.
...I'll think on that more.
Ooo yeah like a “4am Jaime talks” kinda thing. But also what if you told ur stories from the perspective of ur characters too. The interaction would be funny. (Lots of ideas I have but u can of course choose as you please).
I remember being sad when pictures in books went away because I got old. I didn’t want to get old! It didn’t seem fair, but (sigh) ya, I agree: YA with chapter headers or no pics, I imagine best advice would come from school librarians. They see what is getting the love 💕
Hoping I get to hear Underlings. You’re such a great narrator! Stoaked about that! 👌😻🤩
Great updates! Glad to hear you’re doing so well!
Thank you, Shannon =)
Jaime!!! You’re the sweetest most awesome person—anyone who loves on my kids—won me for life! Thanks for your kindness in making Jules feel extra special!
I’m also sooooooo happy to hear you’re doing so much better!! You’re in the prediabetic zone!!! Which means you’ll be within normal range soon and will have reversed the diabetes diagnosis forever!! Woooohoooo! Seriously—congratulations!!! I’m sure you, your wife and family are all thrilled! Means we get to hear your stories for many, many, many years to come! This is the BEST news! As for your gut health, I’m sure your team is on top of it but there are solutions for your gut and hopefully you’ll have relief and you won’t have to continue stressing your body—even if you feel it’s worth it. There’s ways to combat the side effects naturally. Sending positive thoughts for positive outcomes!!
As for our Zoom, I’m grateful for your time and excited to get on with the kids. Mostly Jules. Lucas will be shy and maybe poke in and say hello. 😊
Looking forward to all the things coming soon. Hugs.
I saw on your HDC video that Jules will be off for a couple days and your trip got canceled (sorry you're missing mom)... would you like to do that today or tomorrow??
lol I know I'm watching this late, but you said this is November 21st lol, dang does time fly 😅😝
OH MY GOODNESS,....did I REALLY!???
[....hangs head....]
Ohhhhhhhhhh.
lol no worries. Like you said, it was just 'one of those mornings'. Anyways, glad to hear of all the good stuff. Sending prayers, love, and hugs to you and your family always.