Surreal

If someone were to ask me, if I would write a book a year ago or even six months ago, I probably would have laughed. I kind of always wanted to write a book, but I was always worried I couldn't up with enough of an intriguing story line. Or have enough to make a whole book.

But about two months ago I had a dream. No not in the sense of having a dream to write a book or an ambition. No, I literally had a dream while sleeping. I could see 'Chatz' the bar perfectly in my head. I could see Ben. The whole second chapter was my dream and I was able to create a story from it.

That next morning I woke up and started taking fast, sloppy notes. Anything I could remember before I would forget. And I kept taking more notes. In that week I started typing out my first chapter. I was obsessed with my characters (still am) and I was curious on how things would turn out. I let my characters take control, I know that sounds weird, but they did.

After four weeks I was done. I had typed over 58,000 words. I kept my book a secret up until the very end. I then shared the information with my girl on InstaGram. I got the most amazing out pour of love and encouragement  anyone could as for. I then asked if anyone wanted to be a beta reader and I was shocked to see how many wanted to help me!

I am even lucky enough to have a good friend start to help me edit my work, before it went to my official editor. So Randy, thank you so much! You have helped strengthen my writing skills.

And what blew me away was the random act of kindness, from a certain male model, Joseph Marvullo. I just made a comment on a photo of him, saying that I thought he would make the perfect lead guy in my book and the cover. Never did  I imagine him replying or offering to do my cover! Its not too often where a complete stranger would help someone out like Joe did, its an amazing thing and I am more than grateful.

Now that I have sent my book to my editor, only a few minutes ago, I am stunned and proud of myself. To have started and finished a whole book. A book that I am proud of. Thank you to everyone who has supported me from day one. Especially my husband and mother. My bestfriends: Katie, Heather and Christy, Elise, Abby, Jessy for putting up with my rambling. I love you all.

Boston! Good Books, Good Authors, Good Times.

A couple weeks ago had the opportunity to make my way to Boston MA, to attend a fabulous book event. More than a dozen of my favorite authors were signing books and talking to their readers.

The morning of the event, my husband and I woke up at 4am to start our long six hour drive. I am one who loves a good road trip so this was exciting to me! Stopping for coffee and breakfast a few hours later to “refuel” ourselves (thank goodness for Starbucks at those thruway rest stations!)

When we were driving into Boston, we were amazed at the commotion. It wasn’t anything like NYC, but a little more compact. When we had to drive through an underground tunnel that had split offs in the road, I found it to be quit amusing (doesn’t take much for me!)

We got to our hotel way before check in, but thankfully they had a room ready for us. We went up and threw our stuff in the room and made our way outside to start heading to the Omni Parker House Hotel, where the event was being held.

Now when I registered for the event I had to choose a time slot, one of 4 and I chose the 2pm option. We got in a long line at about 12:30 and found out that they were letting people in the building according to the line and not the time slots. This wasn’t a bad thing necessarily. I was able to meet a few girls from my book club! We all froze in line together and chatted. We froze our butts off for over 4 hours! I lost all feeling in my feet. Boston in March is COLD! Hahaha

The girls and I with Author Kate Ashley (middle)

Once inside, we signed in and made our way in to the small room filled with the masters of the books I love. Not only was I there to meet them and have em’ sign my books, but I was also delivering some paintings! And a few other small gifts for my author friends :)

I wanted to buy every book from every author, but I was pretty sure my bank account wouldn’t have appreciated it.

The highlight of the event was handing SC Stephens her painting. She is so quiet and reserved and when she opened her piece she almost started to cry and she jumped up to give me a big hug!

Jessica Park was amazing! I love her so much! I had a painting for her also and a cute little hand painted coffee collar (she’s a caffeine addict just like me!)

And Jenn Sterling the one I have talked about a lot here on my blog was to die for! So fun and full of energy and spirit! I gave her a little handmade gift also! And he flipped when she got to see the tattoo in dedication to her J and I am still angry that I never got a photo with her!!!

It all went by way too fast, I wish I had more time there at the event and Boston, but with two boys at home missing their mama I had to make the long drive back the next morning (which was St. Patrick’s day by the way!)

I thought this was the cutest Starbucks

That night after my husband Jeff and I were invited along for some food with my new friends. We hung out for a short while and chit chatted. Latter in the night we grabbed some pizza and headed back to our room to chill.

It was a great little trip and I have a stack of signed book, that I just adore!

Book Obsession Is Skin Deep

How books have inspired me and my ink :)

Boston Author Event

So next weekend I am making my very first trip to Boston MA. No not for St. Patty's day, no I am going for the books and the authors who wrote them!

On March 16th, in Boston they are housing so many amazing authors its insane! a few of my favorites are going to be there signing books, such as SC Stephens, Jenn Sterling, Jessica Park and Colleen Hoover!

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My husband and I are driving 6 hours just for the one night stay and it is going to be so worth it!
I have also been working on a few paintings for my favorite authors to give them as gifts.

I have about 8 books that I will be hauling around the room, with my eyes wide with amazement and excitement  looking to meet the greats. And I know I will be leaving with even more than that.

I am also looking forward to meeting some of the girls from my book club! That is going to be very exciting for me (even though I am sure I'll be too shy to really talk) 

I cannot wait for the day to come! And to share every detail with all of you. 

A Special Request

Something exciting happened to me this past week, and I am still excited about it! 
One of my all time favorite authors came and asked for me to paint a custom painting to use as a giveaway on her Facebook page to promote her third book in her series, Reckless. 
I was one o the many many readers anxious for the release of book, so you can only imagine my reaction when she asked this of me.

Here is the final painting piece:

Here is the Facebook post:

The photo is small, because I could only screen hot it from my dinky iPod, but the post reads:

"Today is one of my favorite prizes – #4, Reckless inspired art!

Today’s lucky winner will receive this one-of-a-kind painting that was designed especially for this giveaway. I am truly jealous of the person who gets to take home this amazing piece of art! 

Contest is open for 24 hours, and I’ll ship worldwide. Comment below with your favorite artist (A professional, a friend, a family member…a pet…whatever!)! (Winner to be chosen randomly)

I would like to thank Pushy Girl Paintings for this incredible piece of artwork! Check out her online gallery (and order your own custom painting) at: www. Facebook.com/PushyGirlPaintings"

I feel so honored to have her ask this of me, and to see so many people enter to win a piece of my art. 

I am attending the Boston Author Event this month and SC is signing her books there, among so many other amazing authors, and I am doing a second painting to add to her collection. 

I am BLOWN away. Thank you SC Stephens!

The Power of Book Club

The story of my love for books, my passion for painting and the book club that has brought so much greatness into my life.

The Perfect Game