Back to Myself
Looking back on my first released book, If Tears Could Talk, I was inspired to write again. This self-reflection led me to a deep-dive into vulnerability. A place I am no longer afraid to venture into with my poetry. Vulnerability is my everflowing creative spring. Once I tap into it, poetry flows out of me. The past 8 months have been some of the worst I’ve lived, from a mental and emotional point of view. But this time away has done me some good. It has given me a chance to find myself again and to write authentically. In a way, the separation I feared most relieved me in the best of ways.
I’m not just existing anymore, I’m living. Every day is not perfect, but I’m grateful for the fuck ups along the way. I’m just happy to be getting back to myself. May the writing never stop. Cheers.
Check out the Poems page for a new poem!
A New Story to Write
Wow. It’s been a while since I posted so I have some book updates and a life update to share. First, my book has done really well in terms of sales and overall reaction to the content. I have had overwhelming support from friends, family, and strangers alike. This whole experience has really helped me grow and it continues to inspire me to write book #2. I have many, many ideas for this next book but I haven’t decided on a theme just yet. You’ll have to stick around and wait for that ;)
Second, I am working on a project related to If Tears Could Talk that I’m hoping to have completed by the time book #2 is ready to be published (so around July 2023!). It’s a very exciting project and I wish I could say more about it, but I cannot ruin this surprise. I just can’t. Just stay tuned for updates I post on my social media and here on my blog.
Lastly, I am dealing with the worst time of my life. This is not an exaggeration, it’s my current reality. My best friend of 14 years, partner of 5 years, and fiancé of 1.5 years and I are no longer together. We are officially cutting ties so he can discover himself and figure out his path in life. As much as I am trying to be understanding of his need for self-discovery, I am also completely shattered and heartbroken. This is the person I proposed to and hoped to have a family with in the future. We were looking at houses, planning a wedding, and just looking forward to our forever future. Man, did forever come quick.
I’m cycling through many difficult emotions and unfortunately this is impacting my creative process and my ability to post on my blog so I appreciate your patience as I start this new, unexpected chapter in my life story. I know I’ll be okay, it’s just going to take time.
Check out the Poems page for a sample poem from book #2. It’s raining here today so the poem fits the vibe :)
Photo by Hello I’m Nik (@helloimnik) from the Unsplash photo database.
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*