memorial tattoo – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

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.

I hope you all are ready for this one. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Ms. Jones.

Tomara Jones, your five questions start now:

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

I was 18 when I got my first tattoo… I was a freshman in college and needed my tramp stamp lol.

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

I had five but the massive piece on my back covered my original lower back tattoo so I guess it’s just four now.

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

A few years ago my daughter’s father passed away. While we weren’t in an intimate relationship we were great co-parents. It was a very hard time for my daughter and me. I had this great idea to get his name tattooed with his sunrise – sunset dates, much to the disliking of my boyfriend at that time. So I did some thinking and as the months went by I finally decided what I wanted to do. The one thing my daughter’s father taught me is that pain is temporary… So while his memory is very much alive, the pain doesn’t hurt as much, almost to the point now I only smile when he crosses my mind. I grew past the pain and evolved into someone a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser. The phoenix is one of the most symbolic creatures of change and rebirth. Going through that tragedy was almost like a rebirth for me. It was my chance to do what I wanted to do with my life. So I did. This phoenix on my back is symbolic of a very pivotal point in my life. I changed direction, I started my company Phoenix Jones Publishing, and I’m doing what I love to do. And I think I’m pretty damn good at it too. Some of an artist’s best work comes out of those feelings of sadness and pain.

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

I love ink on everyone, especially significant others. I’ve been judged by non-tattooed guys like there was something wrong with me because I chose to express a moment in my life on my body. If you’re tattooed, I feel like you have a fairly open mind which is the kind of people I love to be around. I know that if even for a small moment you decided to add some permanent art to your body you can grasp why I love what I do so much. As an author, a painter, an illustrator, my art is a direct correlation to who I am and if you understand that freedom of expression, and undying dedication to creativity we’re kindred spirits.

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 latest release Loving Blake spawned a sequel Loving Nina which is set to be released July 2014! The character Wren is a lover of the main character Ana, in Loving Nina. Wren has an enormous chest piece of a wolf fighting a snake. The piece is meant to symbolize the struggle between the man he used to be and the man he has become. He’s always been a protector, especially with the women in his life, but now it’s slightly different. The piece is also there to cover up some scars he got while on the job as a bodyguard. He didn’t want to keep looking at it as a constant reminder that he had failed at what he was hired to do. It was incorporated into this story because his character is pivotal to the plot and once his truth is revealed it makes the story come full circle.

Thanks Tomara Jones for sharing your tattoo story. The phoenix is beautiful. To fine out more about Ms. Jones and Phoenix Publishing, connect with her:

Website | Facebook | Instagram Phoenix Jones | Instagram A Love Jones

Pick up a copy of Loving Blake and keep a look out for her new release in July 2014, Loving Nina.

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

Tag: memorial tattoo

Tattoo Tuesday – @EmilyRPearson

Tattoo Tuesday – T.N. Jones