An Author's Inspiration

Since publishing my first book, I find that I am ask one question repeatedly, "Where do you get your inspiration?" I think all authors are ask that question and it is a good question, especially since the answer is so different for everyone. Today, I am answering that question on paper. I am opening myself up and sharing a very personal part of what has carved me, influenced me and inspired me to write. When I was just a little girl, not even four years old yet, my mom died from cancer. She was only 29 years old, a baby in the grand scheme of things. Now you might think that I was so young that her death was inconsequential to me, but that is not true. I have been told many times by people who knew her well that she was an amazing woman, kind and loving, a teacher of children and most important to me, a good mother. While her meaningful life does inspire me to be a good person, it was her untimely death that has profoundly impacted me the most. You see, by her absence(and her absence is felt every day) I am keenly aware that each day our heart beats and we are with the ones we love, we are given a gift. Each day we wake up, we have another day to do good, to watch the sun set, to choose happiness. So, I guess, because of her death, I feel the precious and fleeting nature of time. So how does this relate to what inspires me to write. When you appreciate the gift of life, you savor it more. You take in life greedily, learning and chasing your dreams, because, one day, your time may be spent. I don't want to have regrets, so I savor my time and dream up stories inspired by the people around me, both those who are living and those who have already passed on. What inspires me when I write, the simple wonderment of being alive.  Now, the question I want to leave hanging out there for you, is what inspires you?  

My upcoming trip to Palm Springs

Growing up in Palm Springs California was a unique experience. In the small valley nestled in the shadows of an intimate grouping of mountains are a handful of cities that cater to a diverse group of people. There is a culture there created and cultivated by seven months of warm balmy weather, wealth and a strong influx of vistors from all over the world.. This was the backdrop for my young life. I graduated from Palm Springs High and when it came time to write Unbreakable Love I knew it woudl be the perfect setting for my story. Now on the 23rd and 24th of January, I get the privilage of going back to my Alma Mater to visiting with the kids that are currently Palm Springs High School students. To make the experience even more memorable, a reporter by the name of Tamara Sone will be there to take photos to use for an article that will be pulished in the Desert Sun(the valley's newspaper) in the next couple of weeks. I first had the privilage of meeting her when we sat down and talked about Unbreakale Love just after it was released. When the article comes out, I'll be sure to post a link. Why do I tell you all this? Partly because I want to share the experiences with you and partly because I feel so lucky to have these oppportunities and I just wanted to say thank you to those who have helped and supported me. Until next time.....

Thank You!

Unbreakable Love has been out for over a month now and I have so much I wish I could share with you.  I wasn't kidding when I said publishing a book is like having a baby(see past posts).  Most days I vacillate between elation and discouragement, wondering what was I thinking when I got into all this. Now, here's the thing I really wanted to get to....this dream couldn't happen and wouldn't happen without the support of my family, friends and of course total strangers that were willing to take a chance on my talent and purchase my book. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for taking a chance on me. Thank you for your support. Thank you for you amazing reviews of my book on Amazon, Goodreads, and B&N. It makes me feel brave and grateful and lucky. It makes me want to write stirring and funny stories that make yo feel good and let you escape for just a little while. I promise I will always give it my best and I will always, forever be greatful for you. And as for the future, I can't wait to share with you Shackled, my next book. It is written and going in for editing this month, but that is a blog for another time.  Until then..