Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Tattoo Tuesday – @EmilyRPearson

Published on July 8, 2014July 7, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

I’m so excited to present to some, introduce to others Ms. Emily R. Pearson. Her novel Two Steps Back will be released on Friday, July 11, 2014.

Emily, your four questions start now:

1. How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday. I actually designed it for my dad who passed away when I was 8. I went to a local shop a couple months in advance with my design and they took it and completely vamped it up for me.

2. How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more?

I have 4. I have a star on my foot and plan on adding to it. The star is because of the moment in The Lion King when Mufasa and Simba talk about all the kings of the past being stars in the sky. I also have the word ‘inspire’ that matches a close friend of mine’s as well. I have that tattoo for my dad and then I have a tattoo for my writing that I just got last month. It’s the quote I use to sign my books with; “Never let the past get in the way of your future.”

I have plans for many more 🙂

3. What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo? Tell me your tattoo story.

My first tattoo is my favorite one. It’s for my daddy and it holds a special place in my heart. If you look at the picture, you’ll see the wings are blue and green. That’s because my dad had a green eye and a blue eye. The antlers are obvious; he was a hunter. The barbed wire is actually a funny story. When I was little, I took a barbed wire fence out with my eye. I still have the scar to prove it. We were out of town because my dad and his friends were putting on a fireworks show and when he saw my battle wound, he tried to take me to the hospital instead of putting on his show. I told him I wanted to see the pretty lights so he cleaned me up and called me his champ. This tattoo means so much to me.

4. Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why?

Of course I like! Tattoo’s are hot! They aren’t required though. I love that someone can tell a story on their body though. That’s what makes tattoo’s special to me. It’s not just a fashion statement. It’s a story. I love stories, obviously!

I have several more planned myself. 🙂 Thanks so much Emily.

If you want to learn more about Emily, check out her stuff:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Check out her work:

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I am hanging out with Emily this Friday for her Two Steps Back Release Day Facebook Party, be sure to stop by. There will be giveaways and prizes all day.

If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Published on July 2, 2014July 1, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle26 Comments

Is this what begin an author is all about?

First, big thank you to the host for July 2nd IWSG, Krista McLaughlin, Kim Van Sickler, Heather Gardner, and Hart Johnson!

Shout out to our leader, Mr. Cavanaugh and the rest of the IWSG crew!

Let me tell you about my day:

I wrote 1,000 words in Book #2 of a series.
I edited three chapters in Book #1 of a series.
I researched some promotional opportunity for debut novel.
I sent out some questions for future blog posts.
I wrote this blog post.
I networked with some writers.
I promoted another writers upcoming blog tour.
I checked in with my NA Street Team and discussed other promotional opportunities.
I think I slept, ate and cheered Team USA, too. (So sorry they didn’t win!)

Is this what being an author feels like? How do you keep all the balls in the air without going nuts. (Hehe! I just got that.)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Tattoo Tuesday – @SeasonVining

Published on July 1, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Season Vining is a talented new author and in celebration of her debut novel, I asked her to be a part of Tattoo Tuesday. Besides, she has a quote from one of my favorite books on the back of her neck. So beautiful.

Take is away Season.

My first tattoo is something my best friend and I got together. It’s a ladybug on my shoulder. Everyone kept telling me, “It’s going to hurt like hell.” So, I prepared myself for the worst. When I was finished, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Sure, it was uncomfortable, but the pain wasn’t bad at all. It left me with a burning desire for more ink.

My second tattoo was something I got on my honeymoon. It represents my Louisiana heritage and New Orleans, the place we got married. There is an infinity symbol placed in there to show our love for each other. We walked into a tattoo shop in Reno and asked for a fleur de lis tattoo. They said, “A Florida what?” After a google search and a quick sketch, we were ready to go. This tattoo is on my wrist. It was more than any other tattoo I’ve gotten, but it only took a half hour. What’s 30 minutes of pain for a lifetime of pretty?

Third was the tattoo I’d been wanting for years. Two old school swallows on each side of my chest. I love these birds so hard. I am a fan of the more traditional tattoo flash and these are my tribute to that. They took three hours to complete and are still my favorite.

The last tattoo I got was in Las Vegas on a GIRLS ONLY vacation. It is my only literary tattoo, though I have more planned. My favorite book as a teenager was The Outsiders. It changed my life and touched me in a way that has never faded. On the back of my neck, in swirling script, the words Stay Gold remind me to be my best self, all the time.

Tristan Fallbrook, in my debut novel Beautiful Addictions, is covered in ink. He’s got full sleeves and work on his chest and back. My inspiration for this wasn’t simply the fact that I find tattooed boys sexy–but, let’s be honest, I do. I wanted to represent Tristan’s enormous departure from his sheltered, privileged childhood. I wanted him to be the guy who literally carves into his skin all of the emotions, hardships, and triumphs of his life. They are only a part of his character, but they say so much.

Thanks so much Season. I love your ink and I can’t wait to talk more ink in the future.

If you want to learn more about Season, check out her stuff:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments.

Tattoo Tuesday – Jennifer Allis Provost

Published on June 24, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle5 Comments

Are you ready for some tattoo greatness.

Jennifer, your five questions start now:

1. How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

2. How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more?

I have five: the aforementioned fairy, a band of Celtic knot work around my right ankle, a rendering of Yggsdrasil on my upper left arm, a Vevsiger (Viking compass) on my left forearm, and a full back piece based on this image from Elfquest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/489766528198134416/

3. What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo? Tell me your tattoo story.

Oh, I don’t know if I have a favorite. My first (the fairy) is based on a mural I painted on my bedroom wall when I was about fourteen. (You could say that my grandmother was unpleased by that.) My most recent, the Vevsiger, holds a special place in my heart; the symbol means that you will always find your way, even when the way is not known. What writer couldn’t use that?

4. Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why?

Love it! My husband has two full sleeves and a smattering of other tattoos, which I find incredibly sexy 😉

5. Do the characters in your books have tattoos? If so, pick a character and tell me his or her tattoo story? Why was this story incorporated in the book?

My characters don’t have tattoos exactly; they’re Elementals, and as such have been marked by their elements. My main character, Sara, is a metal elemental, and has a copper raven emblazoned across her back. Micah, the Lord of Silver, has silver wings arching across his back. So, instead of having to go out and get a tattoo, Sara and Micah were born with theirs. How cool is that?

That is so cool. I wish I was born with tattoos, but half the fun is picking them out and designing them, too.

Thanks so much Jennifer.

If you want to learn more about Jennifer, check out her stuff:

Website | Facebook | Copper Raven Facebook | Twitter

Check out her work:

Copper Legacy – book one, Copper Girl is now available.

Look for the sequel,Copper Ravens, available in June 2014!

The relaunch of The Chronicles of Parthalan will be available June 2014.

If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments.

Breaking Fences by @juliana_haygert

Published on June 20, 2014June 20, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Breaking Fences (The Breaking Series, #2)

by Juliana Haygert

Genre: NA contemporary romance

Word Count: ~80,000

Release date: June/2014

Cover by: Okay Creations

Summary from Goodreads:

All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.

But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.

However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.

** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order.**

Available from:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooksCompanion Book:

About the Author:

New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links: