Caroline Wilson's Diary

An Interview with Reputations Fade Away Author, DaWayne Williams

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. It almost sounds like a cliché, but for DaWayne Williams it’s more. It is a fact of life; a testimony of how his life was snatched from the hand of the enemy by the mercy and grace of God.

In Reputations Fade Away, DaWayne takes the reader on a fast-paced journey, revealing the life of a hustler. It is his graphic story of sin and redemption.

After reading the book, I asked DaWayne for an interview. You see, this young man isn’t afraid to share his testimony. Personally, I believe that one testimony can change ten lives, and the ten may change one hundred and on and on.  Here’s what DaWayne had to say.

Caroline: Who is DaWayne Williams? And, why should we care about your story?

DaWayne: I am a man of many titles.  First and foremost, I am a child of God. I’m also a father, son, and author. 

Reputations Fade Away is the legacy I leave to inspire, empower, and challenge African American youth.  My autobiography details my journey from misguided teen to a man of great action.  My book delivers a powerful message that African American men can survive temporary obstacles if they find their purpose in life.

Caroline: I believe that testimonies are tools to help others, but I have to ask: what compelled you to write Reputations Fade Away and put yourself out there for the world to see?

DaWayne: At the tender age of twenty-one, I heard a voice. I imaged this voice to be the voice of God.  It assured me that my purpose in life is to reveal my life's story.  Before then, I had no idea of my purpose.  Several years later I saw the movie, Antwone Fisher and was finally motivated to share my story with the world.

Caroline: How'd you come up with the title for the book?

DaWayne: I was reading a book by Rick Warren called, The Purpose Driven Life. At the time, I was desperately searching for a title for my book.  While reading, I came across two words, reputations and fade.  At that moment I knew my search was over.  I later added the word away, and that's how I came up with the title.

Caroline: There’s so much you share about your family and friends – the good and bad. How did they receive the story?

DaWayne: My family and friends have been very supportive.  The message was well received and didn't cause as much commotion as I expected.  On a daily basis, I receive bundles of e-mails from people who are truly moved by my story. 

Caroline: The unimaginable happened.  You were shot by a family member, and you wrote about the need for revenge.  What can you share with our youth about forgiveness? 

DaWayne: It's almost impossible to live a fulfilling life without forgiving.  Forgiveness is a two way street, it not only relieves the person who hurt you, but it heals the person who actually extends forgiveness.

Caroline: When you sold drugs for your older friends, did you ever feel like they were stealing your innocence? 

DaWayne: I most definitely feel that my childhood was stolen when my older friends persuaded me to sell drugs.  I didn't have a male role model in my household and my friends took the place of my absent Father.

Caroline: Back then, what did you want to prove to yourself?

DaWayne: Back then I wanted to prove that I was, "one of the boys."  It was imperative to behave in the same manner as my peers and to convey the street image.

Caroline: What made you give up your old lifestyle?

DaWayne: The birth of my daughter made me want to change my lifestyle.  I went back to church and changed my life.

Caroline: When I first visited your myspace page, Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp was playing.  Why'd you pick that song?

DaWayne: Never Would Have Made It expresses my struggle and it motivates me when I'm down -- to look back over my life and see what God brought me through.  I like uplifting music that inspires me as well as others and that's why I chose the Marvin Sapp song.

Caroline: You are now a born again Christian.  Tell us about your true conversion.

DaWayne: After hearing the "Voice", I began reading the Bible.  I can't deny God because I know He truly lives.  He made me a better man.  He's still working on me but nothing can make me doubt Him. NOTHING!

Caroline:  What are you doing now in your community to help others to not stroll down the path you'd once walked?

DaWayne: I'm extremely passionate about reaching the youth through my testimony.  I strongly encourage youth and adults to read and I promote non-violence.

Caroline: This is a question that I wasn’t sure I wanted to ask you, but freedom and liberty will allow us to be as transparent as possible. You talked about pulling the trigger on a few folks yourself.  After publishing the story were you ever fearful of the judicial system catching up with you?

DaWayne: YES! Writing is therapeutic and I knew I had to reveal my story in its entirety.  The chapter, "Beef" was something I wrestled with.  What really allowed me to face this chapter head on was standing up to my fears.  I was no longer going to be held hostage by my mistakes. 

As I wrote, I told myself, "fear not them which kill the body… but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)  This scripture allowed me to battle every demon in my path as I was writing. 

I explain in the book that my heart and my prayers go out to those people I've hurt.  If the police knock on my door today and said, "Mr. Williams come with us."  I would go with no regrets because I obeyed the "Voice" that told me to write the book. 
Caroline: Now, I watched CNN’s Black In America and I had some very strong feelings about it. What’d you think of it?

DaWayne: CNN’s Black in America documentary is just scratching the surface. Personally, as someone who lives Black in America every day, I knew everything already. But I guess the same is not true for mainstream America, so it is a good introduction. However there are some glaring omissions that I do not feel comfortable overlooking. Like where was the accountability?  Where was the historical context of racism, supremacy, and oppression that reigned on the conscious and unconscious levels of American minds today? Where was the revelation of the fallacies in American textbooks? Where was the discussion about pride and love of oneself? 

We do need more honest conversation. We need to create more safe spaces for discussion. Each and every one of us–Black, White, Asian, Latino–need to make this documentary personal. We need to write, talk about, argue about, but by all means let do something about it.

Caroline: My final question to you is when you meet Jesus face-to-face what is it that you'd like Him to say to you? And Why?

DaWayne: For I was hungred, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked and you clothed me: I was in prison, and you came unto me. (Matthew 25:35-36)

I thank God for allowing me, a sinner, who has sinned countless times to be called a child of God.  Everyone is given a gift from God.  What we do with that gift shows how we bless God with what He has given us. 

What I wanted to do with Reputations Fade Away is allow God to have the Glory for I'm nothing without Him and my gift is his anointing.

Caroline: DaWayne, I thank you so much for the interview. My prayer for you and Reputations Fade Away is that it prospers and changes the lives of those who read it.

DaWayne has been busy around the Nation’s Capital sharing his story and encouraging youth to choose a different path. If you’d like to hear more from him, contact him at:Kojack Enterprise
P.O. Box 91733
Washington, D.C. 20090
202-373-2325
kojackkmw@aol.com
kojack1@sprint.blackberry.net
http://www.myspace.com/kojack_1222

She Ain't Havin' It!

This isn't really a complaint.  I'm just poking fun at my editor.  Back in January, she graciously accepted the job of editing The Redemption of Sadie Burrell -- my neverending WIP.  She, like a true professional, set up a schedule.  "We'll do this in phases.  Phase one is due to me by March 21st."  She meant 2008.

"Okay," I replied.  I was excited about her being an honest and open critter.   BTW, I highly recommend her.

Anyway, life happened.  I had to go to S.C. on emergency to take care of my mom.  Okay, yeah I had my laptop, but...but...I spent most of my free time researching some of our family and S.C. history to give Sadie a more authentic feel.  You know what I mean.  And then I had to come back and re-acclimate to my own life, and then there's work, and then Alex and the Lamb was released, and then there's housework,. Scratch that part.

Yes, we've been in contact off and on about my progress or lack thereof.  But today, I just opened my emails and there it was.  Nope, it wasn't the usual friendly "I'm just checking on you, girl" email. 

Um mmmmm.  It was the whip cracking.  Ol' girl ain't havin' it no more. 

The message started out with "Ms. Wilson" - a bad sign for sure.   She's gonna put me on a real schedule.  This means I'll have to be disciplined.  This means no more excuses about writer's block, amnesia, brain damage, etc. 

She Ain't Havin' It!   

My WIP - The Redemption of Sadie Burrell

It was early September that I started my Work in Progress, The Redemption of Sadie Burrell.  Agents have expressed interest, so I've hired an editor to help me get it publication ready.  My editor, whom I love, has given me a very thorough critique and is waiting for my final revisions.  Once in hand, she'll take her red pen  to it again, and then again, and then again until it's ready to be marketed.  Did I imply that it'll have to be revised?

I haven't shown her my new beginning yet, but here it is.  Let me know what you think, please.

It's set in the rural South.  Time period is 1930s.  Oh, it's copyrighted.

Chapter 1 - 1931

She walked through the corridors with her shoulders squared and her head held high. Humiliation would not allow her to acknowledge the sympathetic or haughty stares of her college mates. She had already been labeled poor-black-trash, but she’d prove them wrong.

Every since word came from her papa that he was coming to fetch her, she shielded herself with an armor of indifference.

“That’s what happens when they let poor-black trash in here.” The refined voice of Nella James filtered through the wall of on-lookers.

Sadie saw no need to defend herself against the stinging words. She told herself that she was just as good. No, her papa wasn’t a prominent colored citizen of his home state, but neither were most of the girls at Elizabeth City College. They’d made their way to a higher-learning status only because their fathers scraped, begged and buck-danced just like her papa. 

“Sadie, I’m going to miss you,” Marietta Clemson, her roommate said; sniffling with each step they took.

Sadie’s lips curved into a half-hearted smile. She wanted to embrace her old friend and tell her that they’d keep in touch, but it was a lie. She gave Marietta a quick nod and left behind her unfinished dream.

Either the brazen April wind or her own emotions made tears well in her eyes. She composed herself. “Sadie Louise Reynolds, just gather yourself. This is just a minor set back.”

“Sadie!” Mrs. Halbum called.

When she gazed in the woman’s direction, her heart fluttered. She remembered the countless hours she studied under Sarah Halbum.

Mrs. Halbum’s short, thin frame fought to remain balanced against the strong wind. Her sandy blond hair whipped against her freckled face. “Sadie, I’m glad you haven’t left yet.”  She paused, swiped a strand of hair from her face and said, “Well, I guess this is goodbye.”

“I know ma’am,” Sadie gulped as a clump of emotions threatened to surface.

“It’ll be alright Sadie, you’ll finish.” Mrs. Halbum paused, and looked at the open fields ahead of her. “The first in your family to go college, huh? That’s something you should be very proud of.”

“You mean the first to never finish college,” Sadie replied sarcastically. “I’m sorry. It’s just that all my life I was told that I was different and better.”

Mrs. Halbum reached for her hand. Her grayish-blue eyes held more sympathy than a white woman was supposed to show to a colored. “And Sadie, you are. Just hold on to that. It’s not over.”

“It is over. Do you know what’s waiting for me when I get back home? Nothing but a life I’ve always hated since I can remember. As a white woman, you never had to face what us blacks face.”

“I know Sadie. I’m not from here, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

“That’s not the same as being called a nigger, coon, porch monkey.  My papa told me that education was the only thing blacks could gain that would give them self-respect. Now, he’s taking it away from me.”

“Sadie, no one can ever take your self-respect.”

Sadie folded her arms and stared incredulously at Ms. Halbum. “Really? Have you ever had to dodge between bushes and fields because a car load of white men want to have a little bit of fun with you?”

Mrs. Halbum shook her head.

“What about having to use separate facilities because your pee is supposed to contaminate a whole society or having your money thrown at you like some dog. No, Mrs. Halbum I don’t think you really know what it’s like not to have any self-respect.”

“I can always send you a lesson plan. I’m sure you’ll find time to work on it.”

“Mrs. Halbum, if my papa can’t afford to send me to school, he’s got one plan for me: Marriage. Girls my age don’t sit around the house wasting their time on frivolous things like reading and writing. They keep house. They’re married by the time they’re fifteen and sixteen. By the time they’re eighteen, they’ve already had two children and expecting more.”

Mrs. Holbum nodded her compassion.

A wave of frustration began to rush through Sadie. She began to share more.  “My grandmother is a former slave. She can’t read or write. Neither can my parents. They raised me differently -- wanted me to get an education. My primary school teacher used to read me stories, and I’d become the characters. Elinor or Marianne in Sense and Sensibility; or Lydia in Pride and Prejudice. I just don’t know what happened that papa can’t afford my schooling anymore.”

Sadie saw the black Ford pick up truck turn onto the lane. A cloud of dust followed behind. She inhaled deeply, grabbed her overloaded suitcase, and walked down the stairs. Again, she squared her shoulders, and muttered a final goodbye. “My papa’s here. Thank you for everything Mrs. Halbum. It’s best that you go on in and forget about me.”   

Interview with Interrogated Author J.J. Cooper

In 2002, I came across a book entitled, Left Behind written by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim Lahaye. Many of you may know that it was one of the most successful series of the millenium. Anyway, I remember anxiously awaiting the next book and then the next. The series finally ended with Glorious Appearing. I remember standing on line outside of Borders Bookstore at Pentagon Centre wishing the sales associate would stop playing around and just open the door. Didn't she know that I wanted to read the book before the rest of my friends?

Well, I'll probably be doing the same thing in 2009. One of my fellow AWers, J.J. Cooper, has been fortunate enough to sign with Random House and o/a Father's Day, his book Interrogated will be released. I'm so excited for J.J. and of course, I wanted to ask him a few questions.

  1. Can you tell us a little bit about Interrogated?
INTERROGATED is a story of betrayal and nightmarish conspiracy firmly rooted in the highest levels of government across international alliances. Jay Ryan is an interrogator with a dark past and a tortured soul; he’s also the keeper of secrets Israeli spies will kill to get their hands on. Renowned for his skills, he is used to commanding a certain level of respect amongst his peers. Then one day Jay is drugged, tortured, tattooed and accused of rape. He is forced to reveal information that could further destabilise fragile Middle East relations and plunge the entire region into war. The story rockets toward a shattering finale that will leave the survivors changed forever.

2.  Why did you write it?
I had seventeen adrenaline-filled years with the military. After I left, I landed a nine-to-five office job. Great money, but boring as…well very boring. I needed an outlet and I found it in my writing. My writing is fast paced and it bridges that gap nicely in my life.

3. Take the unsigned and waiting author through the process of moving Interrogated from a WIP to an accepted manuscript? The rewrites, researching, critiquing, querying, etc.
Most people advise to just write the story and edit later. Not me. I write ten chapters (around 15,000 words) then edit. It helps me identify areas to strengthen the plot and look at sub-plot elements as I go. It allows me to check the flow and ensure the right characters are doing the right things. Mostly, it helps me to review and strengthen the writing early. After I have given those ten chapters a solid edit, I send them away to my Beta readers. Whilst they review those chapters I move on to the next ten chapters. After I completed Interrogated, I only needed a couple of final runs before I was happy to send it out.

Being an ex-interrogator, the research was fairly easy. I figured for the first book you write you should write about what you know. (Note to my ex-employer…it’s fiction. I know that Secrecy Act you made me sign lasts forever)

The hard part of the whole process was trying to figure out how to write the dreaded query letter. I’d prefer to write a 200,000 word romance (sorry romance enthusiasts – just not my thing) than write that query letter again. I spent a very long time researching and reading everything I could to try to understand what was supposed to be in a query letter. I must have written the query letter a couple of dozen times until I was happy enough to send it out. Then it was more detailed research to find an agent who would be a match. This took a couple of weeks to narrow down the field in some sort of order for query submission. I got lucky that the agent I wanted also liked my query and requested the full manuscript to be sent. After a few weeks wait I was offered representation.

After offering representation, my agent then did a review of my manuscript. Being an ex-editor herself, I expected to be working fairly hard with endless amounts of revision. I was pleasantly surprised to get a detailed review that took less than a day to make adjustments to.

From there my agent wrote a proposal for publishers. The first round went to three publishers and three weeks later we got the offer from Random House.

4. You know J.J., I'm always embarrassed when it comes to writing certain scenes for fear that my mother will gasp and say, "OMG, girl that scene was way toooooo graphic." Were there any parts of the book that you were uncomfortable writing for any reason?
I avoided the love-making scene. I used the excuse that, because I write thrillers, I don’t need to be writing a romantic scene. There is certainly sexual tension throughout the first book. And thankfully someone invented the chapter break to save me some embarrassment. It was something I later discussed with my agent and I’m happy that she said I didn’t need to write the scene.

I don’t recall any other uncomfortable scenes.

5. If it were made into a movie, who would you like to play the MCs?
Maybe Eric Bana as the main male character. I’m an Ashley Judd fan, so either of the two female characters (one is nice – one not so nice). The other could be played by Katherine Heigl…please. I’ll take suggestions for the evil antagonist.

6. Have you written any other books?
I know a lot of writers don’t have their first book published and that it normally takes a few before they are picked up. I am fortunate. Interrogated is my first book. And on the back of a two paragraph synopsis for another book, Random House offered a two-book deal. I am now about a quarter of the way through my second book.

7. Okay, many of us are waiting for that call from Random House, Harpers, Avon, etc.  Tell us what you were doing and how you found out that Random House won the bid for the ms?
I was at my desk at work. Because my agent is in another City (Sydney), we had never met and only ever exchanged emails. The first time we spoke on the phone was when she called and let me know of the deal. That was on a Friday and I had the weekend to think it over. All I could think about was the platform they were going to give me and the slot for the book. After the weekend we had other interest and my agent arranged for a call to the acquisition editor at Random House. At the end of the call I knew we had a very good match and I advised her I would accept the offer.

8. The release of Interrogated is 2009. Why so long? What's involved in the process once it's in the publisher's hands?
One of the reasons I accepted the offer from Random House was the timing for the book’s release. At this stage we are looking at a release for Father’s Day 2009. This is a big deal for a first-time author, and a great slot to be in.

I don’t know how much editing is required just yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I enjoy learning the process to improve my writing. In normal terms I suppose I’m fairly new to it all.

2009 seems so far away, but I’m sure it’ll be well worth it when I see Interrogated in all good bookstores.

9.  How long have you been writing?
I had the goal of writing a novel just over a year ago. Once finished I had the goal of getting an agent. That done, my next goal was getting a publisher. Fortunately, I was offered the deal with Random House three weeks after we sent them the proposal. Very quick in publishing terms.

10.  We're both Absolutewrite Fanatics. Why did you join? How long have you been a member? How has it helped you?
I landed at Absolutewrite just over a year ago with around 10,000 words that I thought were well written. I was wrong. I submitted the first part for critique and received excellent feedback. It was a make or break point, because some writers may have taken offence, and their bat and ball, and left. I spent weeks searching the site for the great tips and advice (still do). Over the next year, I wrote Interrogated and interacted with the Absolutewrite community. The advice received was, and still is, invaluable. I wouldn’t have a great agent or a two-book deal with Random House if not for the Absolutewrite forum.

11. What's next for you?
I’ll start working with the editors and marketing people at Random House shortly. I’ll also be continuing along with the follow-up book. And think about when I can quit work. I’ve recently joined the Debut Authors over at International Thriller Writers, so I’ll be spending some time learning the ropes over there.

12. Complete this sentence.  If I could, I'd discourage new authors and writers from: 
Giving up. My Journey to publication has been freakishly quick, but I worked hard to be where I am. Start with goals that lead to your dreams and believe that you can do it. If you believe you will never be published – you won’t. Beliefs drive thinking, actions and results. Also, you need support from other writers and readers in reviewing your work before sending it out. Accept constructive criticism.

J.J., I'm so happy for you and I look forward to reading Interrogated.
Thank you all for the support and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Interrogated as much as I enjoyed writing it.  Feel free to pop into my Blog for regular updates on the countdown to release http://jjcooperaus.blogspot.com/

Meet Chandler Craig - Creator of Fumbling with Fiction

One of the most creative ways to introduce new authors and provide tips to new writers is through blogging. Chandler Craig, an aspiring writer, has created a new and exciting blog entitled, Fumbling with Fiction: A Misstep in the Right Direction. Chandler and I met through an author's forum. If my memory is correct, we've critiqued each other's work. Chandler's been pretty busy, but she was kind enough to answer a few questions.

Chandler, why did you create Fumbling with Fiction:
I started Fumbling with Fiction because I'm in the middle of my agent search. After several agents began requesting fulls [manuscripts] I decided I needed to get serious. I have read on several agent blogs that having a web presence is critical, so I figured now was as good a time as any. Fumbling with Fiction launched not quite a month ago, but I'm pleased with the traffic it's getting and the comments!

What can blog lovers expect from Fumbling with Fiction?
First and foremost, they can expect regular posting. I write something new seven days a week and sometimes more than once a day. More specifically though, Fumbling with Fiction is meant to follow me down my path to publication as well as to explore other author's journeys as they work through this tough industry. The emphasis is on the traditonal publishing route, but I recognize that there are many ways to get there and that people seek to achieve different things with their writing, so I try to give a balanced view of the options for fiction writers. I really want to help struggling authors in any way that I can. I'm a research fiend, so whether it is through advice or free exposure, I'm happy to help.

When did you start writing? What was your first story?
Who knows when I first started writing? Since elementary school, I've tried to get serious about writing fiction many times. Last summer, though, is when I really decided to give it my all. My first story was a sci-fi short story about what the world would be like if there was so much technology that nobody had to do anything manually anymore and the human race as a whole got fat. The main character is guy named Bill Plimpton and he yearns to walk.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
My dad. He's an excellent writer although he has never pursued it professionally. He does my editing and that has been a huge help. I'm incredibly grateful. He also got me into reading in the first place. Together we read every sci/fi fantasy book in existence, I think. Ok, not quite, but almost.

Are you published? If yes, tell us about your writings?
I have three short stories out in Flashshot, MicroHorror, and Six Sentences. The current novel that I'm submitting is my first full length work and I enjoyed it much more than writing short stories. Let's just say short pieces aren't exactly my thing.

I read on your blog that you’ve just completed your degree and you’re on your way to law school. Why did you choose to go to law school?
I just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Health and Societies, which basically boiled down to Health Policy. I'm starting law school in the fall at the University of Texas in Austin. I wanted to go to law school because it's a profession in which you get to think every single day. That can't be said for all occupations. Also, I'm a fast reader and have an incredibly long attention span. With my J.D., I'd like to become a bioethicist at some point.

You mentioned ‘agent search’ earlier. Tell me about your WIPs
Weird Tattoos and Low IQs is the work that I am currently submitting--yep, still going crazy waiting for agent responses! It is a Young Adult mystery that features Benny Cooper, an amateur sleuth with Downs Syndrome whose disability outfits him with a unique perspective on solving crime.

My newest project is a graphic novel that I am calling Scout right now. I'm working with an artist and having a blast with it. It's urban fantasy with a chick lit voice. Scout follows the story of a gang of shape shifting bounty hunters.

Okay. I have to say that I’ve become a blog fanatic and we belong to one of same writers’ group, AbsoluteWrite (AW). Why did you join? How has it helped you?
Honestly, I joined AbsoluteWrite because it was the first writers' group I found, but it has been a huge help! I found beta readers through it, got into blogging, and use the Share Your Work forums to run things by other members. However, the number one thing I love about AW is the Query Critique Forum. I first sent a query that I came up with on my own. Big mistake. I got rejected from everyone I sent it to. Then, I used the AW forum to get input from other members. Now, out of the queries I send, about 60% garner requests for more material.

What do you expect to accomplish as a writer?

I expect to get an agent and to get published. I know it might be a long road, but at this point I have invested enough where there is no turning back.

I Can't Believe She Said That

It was just five years ago that I was able wrap my hands around my waist -- well almost.  I was reminded of that today when I rushed to the Cafe at the Pentagon.  The old building has recently been renovated and they've added some pretty decent food joints.  So everyone says to me, "you've gotta go out there and try the new sandwiches."

My appropriate response, "Well, I don't like a whole lot of heavy breads, etc. etc."  I wonder if the people I'm saying this to fears that lightening will strike them as well as me for the lie I've told.  Anyway, I strut in the Cafe like the Diva I ain't, and I see someone I haven't seen in a number of years -- five to be exact. 

She grabs her face and exclaims, "OMG, look at you.  What happened?  You've gained so much weight." 

I wanted to call her a liar in front of the millions of people she made the statement in front of, but I couldn't.  If it were appropriate for me as a Christian to conjure up some hocus pocus and vanish her off the face of the earth, I would have.  So I gave her my best Bubba Gump Shrimp Mama's expression.  "Is you stupid or is you just plain crazy?" I wanted to retort. 

Instead, I acknowledged what I look at every day when I still try to squeeze into my size 10s.  Yep, it's true I gained more than a little weight.  You know the good thing? I really didn't feel all that bad at the remark.  I mean, it is true.  However, for the sake of not embarrassing myself anymore when I go into a department store and ask the sales associate to help me find a 10, only to watch her scurry away in fear that she'll be in the line of fire when the lightening strikes, I've decided to challenge myself and return to size 10. 

Let's see that means that I'll have to lose approximately 20lbs and I publicly put it out there that I'll do it by...um...uh... I'll set the date after I finish the medium Meatsa Fest pizza that I just ordered from Dominos.  Stay tuned.

Anyone want to join me? But that means we'll be putting ourselves out there and you'll have to add your before and after photo and provide an update.

The Fear Before The Signing

My reservation at Bowiefest 2008 had been secured. The E-vites had gone out and then the equipment had to be purchased: table, canopy, giveaways, etc. I trembled at the thought of having to sit and wait for the Alex and the Lamb lovers.  Were there any other than my mother?  I was afraid that no one would come to the table and ask for a book, better yet a signed copy. There was the fear that I’d sell out too early or not sell one book.  Maybe I should just cancel the event and wait until my confidence was at a sky high level, I thought.

This is the type of anxiety I experienced leading up to the signing.   

I had planned to take Friday, June 7^th off from work because I knew I had so much to do to get ready for Saturday’s book signing, but my boss (the best boss in the world, mind you) asked me to go to the Opera Ball with him. And then the unthinkable happened, he submitted his resignation to Secretary Gates which added a damper to the thrill of going to the Ball and to having my first signing. Oh well.

Now, for the big day. As grateful as I am to God for life, health and strength, every now and then I ask for something extra. I humbly asked Him for good weather. You see, all week the local weathermen heralded the second worst news. We were in for a heat wave. Added to the news was amount of moisture that would be in the air.

Why is this bad news? I don’t fare well in the heat. I mean, we don’t get along at all. 

Saturday, June 7, 2008 was the hottest day of the 2008. Not only was the heat oppressive and suffocating, it led to overwhelming exhaustion.

I sat and w aited for those who’d heard about the book to come to my table, still anxious about whether anyone would show up. I kept praying that I didn’t ha ve to be out there all day.  Well, that didn’t happen. Those who stopped by the table were heat lovers. So you know what I did?  I smiled, passed out hugs, wiped my sweat-drench ed skin an d happily signed each book.

By 2:30, I had signed a considerable amount of books. By 3:15, I was home. I jumped in the shower, threw on a big T-shirt and fell into bed. I slept until an angry storm awoke me. That was 10:00pm.

Thank you everyone who came out to support it. A special thanks to my family and friends who came out - just because.

My reservation at Bowiefest 2008 had been secured. The E-vites had gone out and then the equipment had to be purchased: table, canopy, giveaways, etc. I trembled at the thought of having to sit and wait for the Alex and the Lamb lovers.  Were there any other than my mother?  I was afraid that no one would come to the table and ask for a book, better yet a signed copy. There was the fear that I’d sell out too early or not sell one book.  Maybe I should just cancel the event and wait until my confidence was at a sky high level, I thought.

This is the type of anxiety I experienced leading up to the signing.   

I had planned to take Friday, June 7^th off from work because I knew I had so much to do to get ready for Saturday’s book signing, but my boss (the best boss in the world, mind you) asked me to go to the Opera Ball with him. And then the unthinkable happened, he submitted his resignation to Secretary Gates which added a damper to the thrill of going to the Ball and to having my first signing. Oh well.

Now, for the big day. As grateful as I am to God for life, health and strength, every now and then I ask for something extra. I humbly asked Him for good weather. You see, all week the local weathermen heralded the second worst news. We were in for a heat wave. Added to the news was amount of moisture that would be in the air.

Why is this bad news? I don’t fare well in the heat. I mean, we don’t get along at all. 

Saturday, June 7, 2008 was the hottest day of the 2008. Not only was the heat oppressive and suffocating, it led to overwhelming exhaustion.

I sat and w aited for those who’d heard about the book to come to my table, still anxious about whether anyone would show up. I kept praying that I didn’t ha ve to be out there all day.  Well, that didn’t happen. Those who stopped by the table were heat lovers. So you know what I did?  I smiled, passed out hugs, wiped my sweat-drench ed skin an d happily signed each book.

By 2:30, I had signed a considerable amount of books. By 3:15, I was home. I jumped in the shower, threw on a big T-shirt and fell into bed. I slept until an angry storm awoke me. That was 10:00pm.

Thank you everyone who came out to support it. A special thanks to my family and friends who came out - just because.