Welcome to the 2015 A to Z Blog Challenge. Since this is my 4th challenge, I received special status. Please, feel free to call me Special Agent, Sydney (Thanks Nicole). It’s not weird, that I printed this out and carry it with me at all times. You never know when you need to show your credentials.
The A to Z Blog Challenge is the brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out. We post every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet.
The A to Z Challenge is a great way to get into the blogging habit and make new friends.
My theme: Books & Tattoos
A is for the Artist. The tattoo artist is the most important person in the tattoo process. Pick your artist carefully. I have been fortunate to get inked by some amazing artist who understood my ideas and made them better and tattooable (I make up tattoo words all the time. Deal with it.).
I’ve been tattooed by Shane (Greenich Village, New York), Jason (Dallas, Texas), Gabe Shum (Hong Kong), Coco (Shenzhen, China), Vincent (Hong Kong), Manny (Dallas, Texas) & Michael (Brooklyn, New York).
Gabe Shum is an amazing artist in Hong Kong. He is responsible for two of my tattoos. He is the first artist who drew my tattoos freehand directly on my skin. 
He created my favorite tattoo – Chinese Bull. CJ (yes, I name my tattoos) is holding three picked of bamboo, which represent happiness, long life and wealth. This tattoo was the catalyst for me pursuing my dream of becoming a writer.
Gabe has also tattooed David Beckham & NBA player Carmelo Anthony.
(Gabe did those Chinese characters. It means ‘Death and life have pre-determined appointments; riches and honor are from heaven.’
Pretty cool, huh!
I’ll share more of my ink over the month and share stories from other inked up authors. I will also introduce you to some of my favorite writer inspired tattoos and inked themed novels.
Do you have a tattoo? How important was your tattoo artist to the process?
If you have a tattoo story and want to be featured on #tattoootuesday, let me know in the comments. 
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 