Category: My Life

My Top 10 Best Moments of 2014 . . .

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle5 Comments

I had a great years. I accomplished some goals and reached some milestones.

Here are my top 10 moments:

  1. Published my first novel, Another New Life on June 2, 2014.
  2. Got my first fan letter from a reader who told me her story and express to me how much my story touched her. –Huge thank you to everyone who contact me and told me how my books effected them. 
  3. Published my second novel, Hope for Her (Hope Series Book #1).
  4. Discovered two amazing groups of writers who helped me celebrate the good and got me through the bad. New Adult Street Team & 80,000 Words – Thank you both for giving me a safe place. Love you. 
  5. Took a life changing trip to New York – Will schedule a solo writing retreat every year from now on.
  6. My tattoos – one to remind me why I do this, one to celebrate milestone #1 & one that turned into a bonding ritual  with my friend (love you Maggie) and my brother (love you Kevin).
  7. Published my third novel, Hope for Him (Hope Series Book #2) – My favorite book I’ve written up to that point. 
  8. Help create and publish an anthology, Love Addiction. It hasn’t done as well as expected, but I gain so much knowledge about myself and others from the experience.
  9. Started a new business, SAM & Associates LLC. -One step closer to being my own boss. 
  10. Achieve ALL my writing/reading/watching Goals in 2014.

Favorite Books of 2014:  

  • Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  • 11/22/63 by Stephen King
  • Bound by Lorelei James
  • The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Favorite Movies of 2014:  

  • Lone Survivor
  • The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
  • Her
  • Interstellar
  • The Wolf of Wall Street

Favorite Movie Character: 

hobbit_legolas_poster

LOVE LEGOLAS!!!

It’s your turn. What’s on your list for 2014? Favorite moments, movie, book, trips? 

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

#IWSG – My Release Day

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle72 Comments

InsecureWritersSupportGroup

 

Huge thank you to the awesome co-hosts for the June 4 posting of the IWSG C. Lee McKenzie, Tracy Jo, Melanie Schulz, and LG Keltner!  Special shout out to our captain, Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh. Make sure you visit them and as many of the support group as you can.

I’m not sure if I’m actually looking for advice. I’ve heard it all. I feel the need to share. In hopes that others have had this particular issue.

The night before my release, I posted on a FB Group how I didn’t think I would need a  peep talk prior to my book release, but later that night, I couldn’t sleep and it seemed like I was seconds away from an anxiety attack.

What was I so scared of, well, no sales. That’s what scared me. What if not one person bought my book. Ridiculous, I know.

Well, the first day went better then expected, but now I’m depressed again.

Anyone else experience the Book Release Blues? What did you do to get over it?

I also wanted to thank everyone who supported me during the release of my debut novel, Another New Life. I need to remind myself it’s not every day a person get’s to realize a dream. I am so grateful.

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My Monthly Update – Crazy Busy Month Ahead

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Latest News

 

It is going to be a busy month. Here I what I am getting into this month:

 

The NCAA Final Four is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. It is on my mother’s bucket list, so we are going.

Nascar is at Texas Motor Speedway and I’ve never been. Given how great Dale, Jr. is doing this season, I have to go.

My Cover Reveal for Another New Life is schedule for April 10th. You want to participate, please sign up here.

Oh, yeah, and there is a little thing called the A to Z Blogging Challenge. 26 posts in 30 days. Click on the badge to the left if you haven’t signed up, yet.

Movies Coming out in April

Captain America 2 – already rented the first movie and will watch it and the Avengers again the night before opening day.

Rio 2 – I loved the first one and Bruno Mars is in this one.

Draft Day – So excited for this one. Love any movie that shows behind the scenes of professional sports.

Transcendence – It’s Johnny Depp. Enough said.

Goals for April

Finish proofreaders notes on Another New Life

Finalize cover for Another New Life

Continue prep for the May release

Edit About You & Me (Book #1) – Prepare to pitch during RT Conference in May and RWA in July.

Awards

I received an award in March and although I don’t follow the award rules, I have to acknowledge the amazing blogger and one of my beta readers for recognizing me.

Thanks so much Tianna for the Being a Light in the World Award. The award was created to celebrate those wonderful people in our world who spread light, love, hope and peace in the name of humanity. – What a beautiful thought.

What’s on your April to do list? What movies are you looking forward to seeing in April? What are your writing goals for April?