Over a year ago I posted to this blog to tell you that I’d been struggling with my health, but that I thought things were looking up. I’m sad and humbled to come back and tell you that feeling of well-being was overly optimistic and... it didn’t last. I continued to wrestle with fatigue, weakness, lack of concentration, and brain fog.
It’s hard to describe accurately. It’s deeply personal. And I don’t think there’s any need to go into all the details, but I’m sure you can imagine that it was difficult to write under those conditions—the fear of producing an inferior product that would ruin my career was very strong and very real. I continued to seek answers with my doctors, but with symptoms that vague it can be very difficult to find answers. I do see light at the end of the tunnel now, however, and it seems to be lasting. The good news is that I received a new medical diagnosis in January. I am receiving treatment that has helped a great deal. Since January I’ve been slowly seeing my concentration come back, my problems with finding words slowly receding, and the general feeling of malaise easing. This new treatment has made a world of difference. I am writing. It’s slow-going, however I’m hopeful that I can deliver Convergence in early 2021. I’m still not fully recovered. I’m still pursuing further diagnosis and treatment, but I’m able to write again. Now, to the plea... I’ll cut to the chase and just be honest: If I’m not publishing new books regularly, I’m not making money. We’ve put on our grown-up pants and cinched up our belts, but it’s becoming rapidly apparent that is not enough. If I can’t find a way to generate some income I will have two choices: sell my house or get a job outside the home. Both options would be disruptive to my health, my family life, and my writing. If you’re here, it’s because you’ve enjoyed my books. And I know there are other readers out there who would enjoy them too—they just haven’t heard of me yet! I’m going to ask you to help me find them… in a rather round-about way. (The direct way—telling friends and family—is always welcome too!) I’ve created an omnibus of the first three books in the Confluence series, plus the three related short stories. It's called Confluence Codex 1, an Omnibus of the SciFi Series, Books 1-3 (Click here if you reside outside of the US--this smartURL will redirect you to the Amazon store in your country.) It’s well over 1000 pages of content, some of it never published outside of anthologies before. Perhaps some of this is new to you!
Normally, I will sell the digital version of the omnibus for $7.99 US (less than the cost of my first three books combined), but for a short time—just 48 hours—I have marked this collection down to $0.99 for my most loyal readers and I really hope that you’ll consider buying it while it’s set at that low price.
I know you probably already have all three of these books (Fluency, Remanence, and Inheritance), but you may not have read the related short fiction: “The Fall of the Percedus,” “Carindi,” or “The Grove.” And I believe that 99 cents is a very fair price for roughly 100 pages of story about some of the concepts and people you’ve come to love in my universe. I have never set up a Patreon page because I felt that fulfilling monthly pledge requirements would take away from my writing time. But now I’m asking you to support me. I’m asking you to buy this book while I have it on sale for 99 cents. How will such a small sum help me? Two ways. First, it will tickle Amazon’s algorithm. It will show Amazon that there is interest in this book so that the Almighty Zon will start showing it in search results. If that were to happen, the effect could snowball, and when the omnibus returns to full price, it could continue selling well on its own—helping me find new readers who will hopefully go on to buy more of my books over time. Second, I’m also hoping that you’ll find it in your heart to leave a review (an honest one, of course!). I’d like to be able to advertise this omnibus as soon as possible—but the best marketing I can buy requires that the book has enough reviews to display a kind of social metric. I could wait for those to populate organically, but honestly if this gambit is going to work, I don’t have the luxury of waiting months and months for that to happen. So, if you can, please help me out and spend the 99 cents on this omnibus. Then consider leaving a verified review about the collection. I’ll do the rest. And I’ll keep working away at bringing you Convergence, which I believe will surprise and delight you. It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but I hope you’ll consider it—but only if you can. Times are tough all around right now. If you’re struggling too, please put your family first. 99 cents. For you, the price of a candy bar. For me, if enough of you choose to help, the chance to keep working on my dream—writing more books for you to enjoy. If you can’t help—I still thank you. You’ve purchased my books in the past. You follow my social media. You’re curious about me and my life. That’s more than I could ever have asked for. I know these are hard times. I’m grateful for each and every reader. I wish all the best for you and your loved ones during this troubled time and I sincerely appreciate your support. Convergence in 2021! Read on!
54 Comments
Michael Frost
8/5/2020 07:17:08 am
Jennifer, so glad to hear you are on the path to recovery. Sending healing thoughts your way. You are a brilliant writer! Can't wait for your new book in 2021!
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Jennifer Foehner Wells
8/5/2020 10:47:38 am
Thank you Michael!
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Jack Goodwin
8/5/2020 01:27:22 pm
I will quickly buy this four book set, but I would have done it if you had charged $4.99 as well. Maybe you should take small steps at bringing it back to $7.99. I love your books.
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Jen
8/13/2020 01:31:24 pm
Thank you, Jack!
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Elizabeth
8/6/2020 12:33:20 pm
I want to thank you for your contribution to the literary world. When I picked up Fluency for the first time I fell in love with 1. the texture of the cover (weird I know) 2. Jane (she has my dream job) 3. The entire storyline (it really just spoke to me). You are one of the two authors I will buy one of everything you sell. I have the audiobooks and the paperback books and the omnibus on the way. I really hope you get to live your dream. Good luck. Remember to smile.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:36:17 pm
Thank you, Elizabeth! It's so lovely to hear that my stories speak to you!
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Patrick
8/6/2020 01:07:22 pm
I love your books, and I'm so glad this collection is coming out.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:37:02 pm
Thank you, Patrick! I'll keep the Patreon thing in mind.
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James Minges
8/6/2020 01:52:38 pm
Love your books. I agree with the other responders -I would support you on Patreon and pay $4.99 for the book. Get well soon. Real corporate jobs suck. I had one for 35 years.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:38:25 pm
Thank you, James! You're right, corporate jobs do suck! I'll keep the patreon thing in mind.
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Raymond Snijders
8/6/2020 02:13:05 pm
I can only repeat the things others have said here: i love your books, i would've bought the codex for 4.99 and i'd also gladly support you if you did decide on a Patreon page. I know the value of supporting writers and content makers in an age where so much content may be free to access but where you get the exact value for money you'd expect when you get things for free.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:39:48 pm
Raymond, thank you. A lot of people are saying the same thing about Patreon. Perhaps I should reconsider that. All my best!
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Carlos MJ Clavijo Jr
8/6/2020 02:16:44 pm
I will order it Jennifer. I teuly conmesurate with you. I am in a similar position as you. Have left my job on sick leave due to personal problems, which refuse to be resolved, and likewise my writing has suffered as well due to this. I am trying to complete the story arc of my heroic fantasy book(s); yet, my health problems keep pushing its resolution further down the line.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:41:33 pm
Carlos, thank you! Good luck with your writing endeavors--and I hope your problem resolves soon. All my best to you and yours!
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Laura S
8/6/2020 02:19:58 pm
We both know you are a great writer & I enjoy your books or I wouldn’t be on your mailing list so forgive me if I skip that part of reaching out to you.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:45:07 pm
Hey, Laura--thank you! My medical diagnosis is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. It's related to Fibromyalgia and thought to have the same cause. It flares up from time to time and for the past year or so it's been a bad one. I also have two sleep disorders which were just diagnosed in January. And I'm pursuing another diagnosis which may help with some of my symptoms. I do NOT like being sick! All my best to you for as many pain-free days as possible. <3
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Deborah Caporosso
8/6/2020 03:56:00 pm
So sorry to hear of your health issues Jennifer. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. 🙏. I purchased your book today! Wishing you a speedy recovery and much prosperity! For all the good you do returns to you ten fold, it is the law of the Universe. Know you are blessed and the Angels are watching over you 😇💕😇♥️😇💕😇♥️
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:45:59 pm
Thank you, Deborah! You are very kind. My best to you and yours.
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Madijo
8/6/2020 04:26:04 pm
Bought omnibus and left review
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:46:35 pm
Thank you!
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Ralph Niebuhr
8/6/2020 04:28:21 pm
Not a blog reader so I wasn't aware of your health challenges. So glad that's improving. I would buy anything you published because you are such an amazingly good writer and because I am already fascinated by the subjects you write about. You should charge more. I would still buy.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:47:19 pm
Aw, Ralph, you made me smile. Thank you!
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Joe Davidson
8/6/2020 07:50:04 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your continuing health troubles! I bought the omnibus for $0.99 but I would’ve been happy to pay full price. I found you and started reading your books through Kindle Unlimited so there may be one or two I don’t own yet. I’ll be sure to go check and complete my collection later. Have you considered selling signed copies of your books? I’ve bought several signed copies of books I’ve loved from small, independent authors before and I would be happy to do so again! But most importantly, please take care of yourself! I can’t imagine any of your fans would want you to prioritize writing above your health.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:48:49 pm
Joe, thank you for your help! I probably should sell signed copies. I'll try to set something up when I have a little more pep. Best to you and yours!
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Sandra
8/6/2020 08:01:47 pm
Snagged the Omnibus, left a review, and shared your blog post on Facebook. Wishing you continued improved health. <3
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:49:26 pm
Thank you so much for all of that, Sandra! It helped so much!
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Beverly Button
8/6/2020 08:34:36 pm
Jen, I miss tweeting with you. I understand about your illness-- I'm dealing with the same things.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:50:24 pm
Oh, no Beverly! I'm so sorry to hear this. Thank you for your help and all my best to you for a speedy return to good health and great days!
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8/7/2020 12:56:50 am
I much prefer to read the "dead-trees version." Thanks for making it an option! You're worth so much more than $0.99! Hang in there! A great series is worth waiting for!
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:51:23 pm
Thanks, Jan! You went above and beyond! <3
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Ashley Franks
8/7/2020 06:01:11 am
I'm sorry to hear about your health struggles. I know what it's like to visit doctor after doctor, trying to find answers. I was fortunate to eventually find mine, but I was also hurt by my family during the journey as they started to believe it was just laziness and that if I moved more, the pain would go away. In the end, my pain was validated and it was really amazing how I managed to endure it as well as I did. I was lucky that surgery helped. But it's a chronic problem that has required multiple procedures.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:54:16 pm
Ashley,
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:55:27 pm
Tom--thank you! I'm trying my best. Always happy to hear Amazon is suggesting my books. I appreciate your support!
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Park Fugate
8/10/2020 09:40:48 am
I did my part. I don’t know why one of the large movie studios has not made you a multi millionaire. The series and your universe is better than Harry Potter. Best wishes for speedy recovery.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:56:57 pm
Park, thank you! A few studios have looked at it seriously, but it seems that they'd need to do so much CGI that it would be very expensive to produce. I appreciate your support!
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L Green
8/12/2020 02:53:06 pm
I'm late to the game. I happily paid the $7.99 for the omnibus. I've read just Fluency, but i intend to buy each of the other books additionally with my audible credits. God bless you.
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Jennifer Wells
8/13/2020 01:57:49 pm
Ah! Thank you! You are too kind. All my best to you!
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Mike Alexander
8/13/2020 08:19:19 pm
Hi Jennifer,
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Jennifer Wells
8/18/2020 03:57:45 pm
Thank you, Mike! I always love to hear that I'm reaching new readers--and that Amazon is helping! Thank you for taking a chance on me. And no, I won't make you wait 10 years. :D
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ChicGeek
8/19/2020 04:18:59 am
Dear Ms. Wells,
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Jennifer Wells
8/19/2020 03:49:09 pm
Dear Chic,
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ChicGeek
8/19/2020 09:50:29 pm
Dear Ms. Wells,
Ralf Wilkowski
8/20/2020 01:40:16 pm
Hi Jen. Seeing how 2020 has been the year of "Incision" for me (2 surgeries, one more coming) and some rather perplexing health issues, I can fully relate.
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Matt Wheatley
8/20/2020 03:14:29 pm
No 99 cent pricing for me in New Zealand, but happily paid full price, especially with the hope of the next book coming in 2021! Like Ralf, would be willing to pay in advance.
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Paul Battaglia
8/23/2020 11:43:15 am
Jennifer, I hope your healing continues in rapid fashion. I just got this blog after having finished Vengeance today, Aug 23, 2020. I had first started reading Fluency in Sept 2015, so I am a long-time fan of yours. I just happily paid $7.99 for the Confluence Codex, so I can read the short stories. If you have another way to donate money to you towards your healing, please let me know!
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Bob McMillan
9/5/2020 10:28:35 am
I wanted to thank you for many hours of pleasurable reading. I recently read Fluency from a local library (through Overdrive), but couldn't find any of the others in the series locally, so I came to your blog and saw your post. I missed the $0.99 deal on Amazon, but was happy to pay the regular price on Amazon for the Omnibus, which I greatly enjoyed. I'm now eagerly looking forward to reading Valence and Vengeance for the first time (having now also purchased them from Amazon).
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Car Fisher
9/15/2020 03:45:24 pm
I purchased the omnibus today at 7.99 (even though I own the other books and audiobooks). I wish you the best and hope your health is improving. I understand the struggle with symptoms that are difficult to diagnose. Please let us know if we can support you through other methods. I am a long time fan and look forward to your next work of art!
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David Stoddard
9/20/2020 12:57:42 pm
Your writing is very enjoyable. I'm not a scifi fan boy, and it is hard for me to connect with a lot of scifi writers. The Confluence series is great.
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Liz Hales
10/30/2020 05:43:26 pm
Dear Jennifer I just came on here to see if any update on book 6 and I read that you have been struggling with health issues which I am very sorry to hear and I send you my best wishes for a speedy recovery. I too would be happy to pay for book 6 upfront if that's a possibility and I will happily purchase the trilogy also.
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Liz Hales
10/30/2020 05:43:38 pm
Dear Jennifer I just came on here to see if any update on book 6 and I read that you have been struggling with health issues which I am very sorry to hear and I send you my best wishes for a speedy recovery. I too would be happy to pay for book 6 upfront if that's a possibility and I will happily purchase the trilogy also.
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Vitas
12/4/2020 01:59:59 pm
Hey Jennifer! Haven't seen this post before, but my sincere wishes to you to get well soon and continue enjoying your life... and writing once all comes into one smooth and inspiring light for you and your family!
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Mary Lee
1/1/2021 05:38:52 pm
I love your stories and I am like many of your fans in that I'll buy anything you write. I wish you healing and a return to health. Just know that there are a lot of us who would be happy to get behind a Patreon pledge. I am grateful for your talent and creativity and hope it helps you to know you are appreciated.
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Robert
2/3/2021 10:40:36 am
Hi Jen, I loved your Confluence series and came here looking for the last book. I find your health challenge matches mine exactly and have much I can share. Your regular doctors have not a clue and will drain your bank account "looking" for the cause. I k ow the cause but cannot divulge here due to liability. Contact me at my email left with this post. I have a vested interest in your health because I wish to read the next book! I love your work....hope to hear from you. Much respect and love.
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Jennifer Foehner WellsI'm an author of the Space Opera variety. This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of CookiesArchives
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