Good morning and welcome to the wonderful world where zombies and mythical creatures live in harmony—on the surface.

I’m so excited to share this brand new edition with you, and I can’t wait to see the cover and edits in a physical copy. We’ve taken one step toward the final goal at the end of this campaign, and I couldn't be happier!

Meanwhile, I’ve been working hard on goodies and editing. I actually created some new artwork that I plan to fit into this Kickstarter (below).

I just wanted to step out and say thank you for your support. If you don’t know who I am, my name is K. Weikel. I’ve written 67 books at this point, and I’m wanting to revamp them all—mostly because I published my first book in 2014 and was just starting to understand self-publishing.

In 2015, my book The One-Hundred won a Wattys award, and I feel like that’s the moment I believed I could do this.

And then the algorithms took over and I fell into obscurity.

However, that didn’t stop me from doing what I loved: writing.

When Dead Men Bleed actually stemmed from a Wattys contest. They were looking for fantasy ideas. I gave them three: When the Sky Eats, Saving the Fawn Prince, and When Dead Men Bleed.

Long story short, I had a book with sky monsters, a book with a deerling fae prince, and zombies. Because I REALLY wanted to write a book with zombies.

So I did. I dropped them into a post-apocalyptic earth where the human population dwindled so much, the mythical creatures lurking behind the veil found the power to overtake them and force them into a corner. Humans then became like cattle—and treated even worse. They’re hunted, collected, and killed on sight, depending on the creature that finds them.

Zombies are a staple in this community, although when Zeke’s alive, the original zombies have all died out—or at least they should all be dead. Really dead, not undead.

Now this is where the lore and present collide… and you haven’t even heard about the Bleeders, yet.
Bleeders are truly immortal mutations of zombies, or so everyon’es told. When the mythical creatures (second worlders) rose to take over the Earth, these mutations appeared, and fought alongside the humans.

Ever since, they’ve been hunted by the new government, the Council of Myth, and became more of a legend than anything.

Until Zeke, a zombie with a temper issue, unknowingly steps in a ring with one.

Once scratched, Zeke has to hide the fact he’s become this abomination, risking becoming both an outcast and a target. How do you cope when your beliefs have been influenced by society, the same society that will destroy you once you become something it disagrees with?

Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit about me and When Dead Men Bleed. This is by far one of my favorite books I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait to have this new-and-improved second edition in your hands at the end of this campaign.

Thanks again!

Hi, friends!

It’s official—my When Dead Men Bleed Kickstarter is live and I’d be thrilled to have you along from day one.

Back the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kweikel/when-dead-men-bleed-second-edition-re-edited-release

Thank you (truly!) for reading, backing, sharing, and screaming with me in the comments. This story means the world, and your support lets me make the definitive edition.


With gratitude,

• K.

This was so cute. The images were simple and adorable, and I really enjoyed what the hippo did and watching him try to figure out how to stay cool in the heat. Loved it. I think this would be perfect for any kid wanting a cute adventure with silly solutions and diverse characters. 

There are a few words in here that might need adult pronunciation, though, so maybe this would be best read aloud as say a bedtime story! 

​Join Hippo on a whimsical journey as he tries to beat the heat in a charming tale filled with humor, vibrant characters, and unexpected twists.

Hippo starts his day lounging in the sun, only to find the temperature soaring to a sweltering 103 degrees. Determined to cool down, Hippo embarks on a series of delightful misadventures. From borrowing sandals from Mr. Hemingway to trying out sunglasses and sitting at an outdoor café, Hippo’s efforts seem futile as the thermometer stubbornly reads the same high temperature.

In his quest for coolness, Hippo interacts with a host of amusing characters – a shivering snake, a perfectly comfortable ostrich, and a nonchalant crocodile.

Despite his best efforts, nothing seems to work. Not even the arrival of a Viennese doctor and a French balloonist, who weigh Hippo in the most peculiar way, can help him escape the heat.
​
This endearing story is perfect for children and families, teaching a valuable lesson about creativity, perseverance, and finding joy in the simplest of solutions. Filled with lively illustrations and a playful narrative, "Hippo" is a delightful addition to any bookshelf.

Grab your copy today and dive into Hippo’s hilarious journey to beat the heat!