That is all.

Yours,
~A.R. Ivanovich

These were sitting neatly in a folder in my computer and I thought I may as well post them. These are a pair of screenshots taken (very excitedly, I might add) during Haven's free promo with Kindle.

Life in our economy and present society can be stressful and overwhelming. Dreams, ambitions and goals can seem like monumental uphill battles. It's easy to become overwhelmed. It's easy to want to give up. Don't!
   
"Try Daily Victories!" I say like a salesperson in a 1950's television commercial.

But seriously, there's something to this. As a writer, I spend most of my days indoors, sitting in a chair. It's easy to get lost in work, and, as an outdoorsy person, I began to fear my own physical lethargy. I won't lie, as of a couple years ago, I began to put on some weight. So, for the past 6 months or so, I've been eating cleaner, and doing P90X (an intense, 3 month, 6 day per week, 90 minute workout commitment). Sounds like fun, huh? Yeah, it is. ;)

At first I dreaded and loathed those 90 minutes. I tried to find reasons to cancel a workout here and there. It's easy to say I'm too busy. A writers work is never finished so long as there are ideas in her head. The fiancé kept me on track in those earlier months. It just seemed like I'd never get into shape. For all my hard work, huffing and puffing, the results were not immediate. I began to feel overwhelmed by hard work and little reward.

It struck me after yoga one day: my 90 minute workout was actually a daily victory! When I looked at it that way, the strenuous exercises didn't feel quite so long. I had something to be proud of at the end of every single workout session. It's still a work in progress, but since beginning, I've lost 15 pounds. My work is paying off, and the process doesn't feel slow anymore.

The very same concept can be shared with other parts of your life. Look at your tasks as daily victories, let yourself feel good about achieving each one, and celebrate!

All yours,
~A.R. Ivanovich

Haven's Amazon Kindle Promo Comes to a Close
I'm pleased to say that Haven's 5 day free period with Amazon's KDP Select promo went extremely well.
In one day, Haven rose to #1 in Amazon's Free Top Science Fiction list, and by day two, it was #1 in Fantasy.
A great many new faces have entered Haven Valley to follow Kat on her journey, and, to me, that in itself is priceless. As most of you know, I am busy writing Haven's sequel. I honestly cannot wait to invite all of you to the next installment (wink, wink). As I'm still in the thick of it, I can't say exactly when it will be released. Until then, keep spreading the word about Haven! With our combined efforts, let's see how far Katelyn can go!

As I've mentioned in the previous blog, I have also blocked out part of my day to write some short stories. My intention is to submit them to some magazines, once they're polished and ready to go. I'll post updates about them and where they are published, when the time comes. The one I'm working on now is a 3rd person fantasy, eerie and charming in equal parts. Knowing me (and I hope I do by now), I'll probably end up with some concept art to post for that too.

Dear Headphones, I love you.
I would like to take this moment to bear-hug a man named Nathaniel Baldwin. Unfortunately, the only hugging going on will occur in my mind, as the man has been dead for 51 years. "Why are you hugging dead people?" you ask? Well, Nathaniel Baldwin invented the first version of the headphone in 1910, and I am very appreciative of that.

Yes, I am a professional writer, able to summon up the kind of steadfast motivation that allows me to write books. I am also a human being who breathes oxygen, bleeds when scratched by cats, and groans when I'm too busy to play the latest video game. Diablo 3 was released two days ago (yes I have my copy, yes it was a pre-order). Because I'm a responsible adult (boo), I won't allow myself to play until my brain is so fried from writing that I can't remember what my initials stand for.

Why the headphone bit? Because the fiancé finished his work before me and is currently playing. The torture! So, I love you, headphones. Thank you for keeping me focused. I'd also like to thank The Used and Silversun Pickups for recording the awesome music I'm listening to.

All yours,
A. R. Ivanovich

Get Haven for Free
Haven, War of the Princes: Book 1 will be available for free, from Friday, May 11th, through Tuesday, May 15th. This is a great opportunity to pick up a copy and enjoy the adventure without spending a dime. Seriously, who doesn't love free stuff?

You can find Haven for Kindle by clicking this link.

If you'd prefer the classic comfort of holding a print copy in your hands, you can always order one here, for $14.99.

A Day in the Life
As for the personal side of the blog, I have been working on Haven's sequel, doodling away on some concept art in my spare moments, frolicking with my dog, and squeezing in a bit of work on an upcoming short story. There's always a level of excitement that goes along with writing a new story. From flash fiction to full length novels, I find a certain thrill in the possibilities. It's like stepping off the plane in a country you have never visited before. Where will this new path lead you? Who will you meet along the way? Will your cab driver lead you around in circles to charge you an exorbitant fare? I hope this new story will be a little more like sunning in Bali and a little less like getting shanked by muggers in a Russian alley. On a side note, I am not besmirching Russia. I would love to visit Moscow someday. Muggings happen everywhere, it was just an example. ;)

All yours,
A. R. Ivanovich