Behind the Scenes: Makeshift Book
Make It Work with Mod Podge!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get an Author’s Copy of my book for the promo pictures I wanted to take before my big launch. So what did I do? I printed off a few copies of my book cover. After cutting and piecing together a cover that looked similar to the actual paperback cover I glued it to one of my proof books. Why couldn’t I just use a proof for the photos? Well, the proofs had a watermark that wrapped around the book that said “Not for Resale” so I wouldn’t be able to take pictures with a proof without the watermark being all in the way. After I glued the printed cover to the proof book, I painted Mod Podge all over the makeshift book to give it some type of gloss. Even with all this extra work, my book still looked washed out, but I was able to get some good shots of the book from the promo shoot. As you can see from the side-by-side the actual paperback has very vibrant colors on its own. No Mod Podge needed!
When you’re passionate about a project your hustle never fails! I was pushed to my limits with getting this book out and advertising it. But I mean it when I say I would ABSOLUTELY do it all over again!
Behind the Scenes: Photo Backdrop
PVC Piping for the Win!
I looked up a DIY for a photo backdrop on YouTube and came across a webpage that showed me step by step how to make a 5’x7’ photo backdrop. I had no idea that you could use PVC piping to create a photo backdrop structure. It was definitely cheaper than buying one online so I went with this DIY method. I swear my arms got swole af from sawing through the PVC pipes! It was definitely a workout that was worth the results. There’s just nothing like building/creating something with your own hands. In my opinion you value it more because you know the time and energy you used to create it.
This is your sign to build and/or create something and make it your own :)
If Tears Could Talk
May 14, 2022 will go down in my history book as the day I followed through on my promise to my younger self. This will forever be the day, I made my writing dreams come true! This journey has not been easy. I spent thousands of my own money to create, find editing services, promote, and publish this book. Not to mention the countless evenings I spent conceptualizing promo ideas and going out after work to find tools and materials for every single thing I would need. This has been a trying time but in the best way because this process pushed me creatively in ways I never imagined it would. Honestly, I can’t wait to do this all again when I publish book #2 :)
I know I have to give you all time to read my book so, in the meantime I will be posting “behind the scenes” content right here on my blog to give you an idea of the leaps and bounds I had to make to get to this point. Feel free to browse my posts from time to time as you read! And don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts on my book via the Contact Me tab in the top left corner of this blog or by leaving reviews on Amazon!
Also, big SHOUTOUT to my momma for taking the pictures you see on this post! She did THAT! *Snaps in zigzag*
The Countdown!
I can hardly contain my excitement! We are officially 5 days away from the launch/publishing of If Tears Could Talk. I’ve received so much love ever since I made my announcement three weeks ago. It warms me up inside and I cannot thank everyone enough for the outpouring of support.
As of right now, my book will be available for purchase through online purchasing only. However, I am still working out the possibility of getting up to 50 copies (to start) available for in-person purchase as I know not everyone may have access to online purchasing. This is an option that will most likely be available sometime in July. I will keep you posted ;)
Follow my social media stories throughout this week for final information regarding purchasing.
Snapchat: grinerfanatic42
Balance
I adventured out into the Garden of the Gods with some friends from college during our Girls Trip. We came across this marvel of sandstone called “Balanced Rock.” It stands 35 feet tall, weighing 140 million pounds and yet it balances on a a very small connecting base. This boggled my mind. How could this giant rock balance its enormous weight on such a small base area? It got me thinking about the enormous weight each of us carries through our daily lives, trying to find a way to balance it all. There are times when balance seems inconceivable but just like this rock, it is possible to defy the odds to find your own form of balance.
Check out the Poems page for a third sample poem from my upcoming book :)