Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

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:

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***GIVEAWAY***

Book Blitz Organized by:

NA Street Team Summer Reads Giveaway

Published on June 16, 2014June 17, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

It is my honor and pleasure to share with you the 2014 NA Street Team Summer Reads List. To celebrate this occasion, we are conducting a rafflecopter giveaway.

GIVEAWAY RAFFLECOPTER

Grand Prize Package (One Winner)

Signed paperback copy of Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc. (US Only) – Sponsored by Author Pk Hrezo
Signed paperback copy of Another New Life & $10 Starbucks Gift Card – Sponsored by Author Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Ebook version of Winning the Player & $10 Amazon Gift Card – Sponsored by Author Leesa Bow
$25 Amazon Gift Card – Sponsored by Author Katlyn Duncan
Signed paperback copy of Adam’s List – Sponsored by Author Jennifer Ann
Ebook version of Walk with Me & $10 Starbucks Gift Card – Sponsored by Author Kaitlyn Stone
Signed paperback copy of Impulsion & $5 Amazon Gift Card – Sponsored by Author Jamie Magee

Check out our Summer Reading List:

Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc by Pk Hrezo

Book Blurb: It’s the year 2069 and even though eighteen-year-old Bianca Butterman is heir to the family biz, she may never see the day her time-craft license becomes official. When a government agent starts nosing around the operation, Butterman Travel, Inc. gets stuck with a full audit—part of a government take-over scheme to shut down all private time travel agencies. Enter former boy band superstar, Tristan Helms, desperate to retrieve a lost item from his past and willing to pay triple fare for a time-trip to get there, and Bianca has to find a way to complete the job and return home before the government gets wind and shuts down the family biz for good.

Check out Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc. on Amazon

Connect with Pk Hrezo: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Another New Life by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Book Blurb: Miranda Preston is a walking contradiction. Talented, smart and beautiful on the outside and insecure, haunted and damaged on the inside. Despite these contradictions, she’s ready for college and ready to start Another New Life. An easy task, until the first guy who catches her eye happens to be someone, she’s known all her life.Eight years have passed since the last time Miranda and Troy saw each other. He reminds her of the best and worst times of her life, but she can’t think about one without dwelling on the other. As they grow closer, every day their attraction reminds them they are no longer kids. Can Miranda focus on her future with Troy while preventing her past from tearing them apart all over again?

Check out Another New Life on Amazon

Connect with Sydney Aaliyah Michelle: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Winning the Player by Leesa Bow

Book Blurb: When injury destroyed her dream of playing college basketball, Aubree Taylor fled overseas. Now she’s finally home again and ready to move on with her life. Until she runs into Hunter Stone on her first night out, the only guy who’s ever meant anything to her – and the last person she wants to see. Since she ran out on him two years ago, Hunter hasn’t been able to get Aubree off his mind. The sexy football star has had girls all over him for years, but Aubree is the only one to have ever seen behind the cocky persona he puts on for the crowd. Despite her attempts to keep her distance, Aubree is unable to resist the strong attraction between them and it isn’t long before they fall into a passionate relationship. She has never been afraid of a challenge, but Hunter’s arrogance and inablity to trust are testing her to her limits. Aubree must decide whether to follow her heart and lower her guard…or risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Check out Winning the Player on Amazon

Connect with Leesa Bow: Website | Facebook | Twitter

This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

Book Blurb: Before college, before responsibilities, Hadley Beauman and best friend Lily are determined to have a summer to remember. There will be all the usual dramas – ex-boyfriends who don’t seem to know what ‘ex’ means, pesky younger brothers with unrequited crushes, but what Hadley didn’t anticipate was the out-of-the-blue return of the seriously hot boy-next-door, Will Carson. The boy who broke her heart when he skipped town two years ago. Will may have shot up a foot and filled out (oh yes), but inside he carries the weight of guilt – for leaving, for coming back… Now he’s just passing through to tie up loose ends but it’s clear the old chemistry still crackles between him and Hadley. Trouble is, it’s built on two years of lies… This summer might just be the best time of their lives, but is Hadley ready for everything to change – again?

Check out This Summer on Amazon

Connect with Katlyn Duncan: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Adam’s List by Jennifer Ann

Book Blurb: Everyone wanted to be Jewels Peterson in high school. Naturally beautiful, exceptionally smart, talented cheerleader, life of the party, and with an All-American boyfriend to boot. One regrettable choice and fatal accident later, and Jewels found herself unceremoniously knocked off her pedestal. Now she’s in college, going through the motions, but not really living. Adam Murphy is easy-going, charming, considerate, and crazy good looking; he’s exactly the kind of guy Jewels pictures herself being happy with. But Jewels is already involved with someone, and Adam makes it known that he’s guarding a dark secret, one that makes him the wrong guy for her. Trumped by the promise of an innocent friendship, Jewels is forced to ignore her overwhelming hunger for Adam. After Jewels unknowingly helps Adam create a bucket list, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime that pushes their platonic relationship to its limits. But does she want to be with Adam without knowing the truth behind the skeletons in his closet, or is being with him just another pointless thing in her life?

Check out Adam’s List on Amazon

Connect with Jennifer Ann: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Walk with Me by Kaitlyn Stone

Book Blurb: What dictates the path in life we take and who we choose to walk with? After escaping her abusive parents, nineteen-year-old Kenna Sloane is determined to create an independent life, free of emotional distraction. The last thing this focused college student wants is a relationship, especially with a hot rookie cop popular with the badge bunnies. When Kenna reluctantly agrees to a double date with Santa Monica cop Donovan Alexander, she’s launched on an exciting and dangerous journey. With time, she discovers some souls are instinctively drawn together to quiet the pain of their traumatic pasts. But even after the revelation of Donovan’s own secret burden, Kenna continues to battle the fear she may be too broken for her modern day knight in blue.

Check out Walk with Me on Goodreads – Available July 2014

Connect with Kaitlyn Stone: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Impulsion by Jamie Magee

Book Blurb: With a glance Wyatt Doran stole Harley Tatum’s heart. With each summer that passed, touch by touch, they robbed each other’s innocence, birthing a love that was so deep that it scorched within. Without warning, they were ripped from the clutches of each other, placed in lives that were worlds apart. Only to cross paths after a freak accident where Harley’s horse rig was flipped. An accident that Wyatt Doran, from fire station 32, responded. The tension was immediate, the emotions were raw. One breath told them they were not the same as before, one touch…changed their world.

Check out Impulsion on Amazon

Connect with Jamie Magee: Website | Facebook | Twitter

The rafflecopter will run for one week. We will announce the winner at our Facebook Party on June 23, 2014 at 8:00 pm Central!

Good luck and happy reading!