Tattoo Tuesday – @SeasonVining

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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.

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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?

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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.

 

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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.

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

Tattoo Tuesday – Jennifer Allis Provost

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Are you ready for some tattoo greatness.

Jennifer, your five questions start now:

1.   How old were you when you got your first tattoo? 
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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?
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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: 
Check out her work:
Copper Legacy – book one, Copper Girl is now available.
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Look for the sequel,Copper Ravens, available in June 2014!
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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. 

Tattoo Tuesday – Laura Jamez

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I’ve got a good Tattoo Tuesday post for you today.

Laura Jamez, your five questions start now:

1.   How old were you when you got your first tattoo? 
I’d always wanted a tattoo but due to how I was brought up, in that tattoos weren’t acceptable especially on women, it took me till I was 29. At that point I thought to hell with it, I want one and stuff everyone I’m going to get one. Obviously I was still a little bit of nervous about what people would think so got it on my lower back to keep it hidden lol
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2.     How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more? 
I currently have three, two on my back one on my foot. I have a new one planned for my inner left wrist, a bat design I’m still working on.
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3.     What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo?  Tell me your tattoo story.
My favourite tattoo is the one on my foot. It’s a quill drawing a small line. I got this when I decided I was happy writing short stories and wanted to have a permanent reminder that, despite not having much work published, I am a writer and I love it.
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4.     Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why?   
I’d love my other half to get a tattoo but so far he hasn’t. I love seeing them on men, especially the rugged dirty looking blokes – makes them seen even more dangerous – I know it’s such a stereotype but hey what can I say I’m shallow lol
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? 
When I first read this my immediate response was no, none of the characters I have ever written has a tattoo but then I remembered a novel that I have shelved. The main character has a stamp on the back of his hand that allows uploading of data to his subconscious. The symbol is celtic in design and is created by an extremely painful process involving the “stabbing of a thousand needles”, everyone in the world has them to allow data transfer.
Thanks Laura for sharing your tattoo story. My favorite is the quill on your foot, too. Be sure to connect with Laura James:
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Click on the cover to purchase your copy of Kitchen Antics & Other Tales by LE Jamez.
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If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments. 

Tattoo Tuesday – @Megan Erickson_

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Super excited to bring you today’s Tattoo Tuesday. Not only is the author a New Adult author, like me and she has a book coming out in June, like me, but I actually got to meet her last week at RT in New Orleans.

Welcome Megan, your five questions start now:

1.   How old were you when you got your first tattoo? 
My son had recently turned one in the beginning of 2012 and that writing bug was buzzing around me hard. But I couldn’t seem to put pen to paper — or fingers to keyboard — and actually DO it. So at 27, I went to get a tattoo to kick my butt into gear.
2.     How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more? 
I have three tattoos. I’m sure I’ll get more.
3.     What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo?  Tell me your tattoo story.
My first tattoo is on my ribs (ouch!) and it is a feather quill and ink bottle, with the words, “Carpe diem.” I got that tattoo so that every day, when I looked in the mirror, I was reminded to seize the day, make it count, and WRITE. Two months after I got that tattoo, I wrote my very first book.
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My other writing related tattoo is an ellipsis on the inside of my left arm. I got it after I signed my first publishing contract.
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4.     Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why?   
I love tattoos on guys! My husband doesn’t have any, though, and I’m okay with that. 🙂
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? 
In MAKE IT COUNT (out June 3 with William Morrow/HarperCollins), my hero, Alec has a tattoo. I’m not saying where (haha), but it does have a significance. He got it after a breakup and the tattoo symbolizes what he wants to do with his life. It also ends up symbolizing a lot about his relationship with the heroine, Kat.
Thanks so much Megan and good luck with your new release. To find out more about Megan Erickson, connect with her:
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And, her new release, MAKE IT COUNT (Bowler University Series, Book #1) is available for pre-order.
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If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments. 

Tattoo Tuesday – T.N. Jones

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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.
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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:
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Pick up a copy of Loving Blake and keep a look out for her new release in July 2014, Loving Nina.
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If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments.