Well September came with a vengeance to August's behavior. That has been stated, written, and approved by yours truly. However she has came with the upmost BUSY schedule I have seen in a long time.
The rewards have been, incredible. Truly I have been amazed at just how amazing life can be and I have been cultivating some amazing things for myself (& Ari) as I walk this author's journey. To which had brought some spaces out in my life where I felt necessary to tend to, much like a garden...
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
A TIME was HAD I tell you!!
In my few hours at Greenville, I had the most memorable time with every single person who happened to stop by. There is always that subtle anxiety that speaks "Will I sell a single book?", "Will a single person care to hear what I have to say?", "Will I get to take any memorable moment from this?".
Let me tell you, I DID have a memorable moment. I had one 13 year old girl come up to me, told me all about middle school strife and BOY do I...
I have had little time to myself, let alone even remember to eat (as I currently eat dinner at 12:26a) which has been rewarding but also....draining.
To catch you all up:
So August 23rd author event, Charlotte Book Lovers Expo, what a dream. The whole thing, a dream. Ari came with me, got to indulge with authors and other vendors. Made some amazing friends and supporters. She also had her first open mic Poetry contest to which she won. Her reward was her first trophy AND a whole publishing...
I am still coming down from being high off life (chill out, no drugs here, just pure and utter euphoria)!!
Yesterday at the Book Lovers Expo in CLT was an incredible experience. One I hope to be apart of again should it roll back around to CLT. I met so many incredible authors, artists, vendors, and people that will forever be imprinted in my memory bank.
However, I have to tell you, what really made yesterday a dream was watching Ari (my 9 year old daughter who inspired me to publish) get up...
There is one thing I have learned in life and that is what can be taken, if you have enough faith, will be replaced with something better. Regardless of what belief or religion you follow, there is a lesson that revolves around not mourning what was taken or lost but anticipate and be excited for what is coming.
August 1st (that darn Mercury Retrograde) took my most favorite car to date (lil' mazzy girl) but I welcomed a new Dodge Durango recently. She got allllll the gazmos and gadgets,...
August 23rd is going to be here in a blink of an eye and I have been putting the final touches on everything. I come with some super fun goodies and fun things so this is about to a DAY! Outside of what I have to offer I can't wait to meet a whole bunch of people AND be surrounded by people who have worked hard in their niche.
I do have a solid 15 copies of Unlearning Forever, only 15. (eeeekkk). Unlearning Forever will not be on shelves until......9/23/2025 so if you want a head start on the...
Well all,
Mercury retrograde went out with a bang, taking my 2 year old Mazda CX-9 with it.
I have been healing and recovery but today brought some not so great news. I appreciate the patience and the understanding as I navigate the tides of chaos.
That doesn't take away from the excitement I have for the Charlotte Book Lovers Expo coming up on the 23rd.
Also, Unlearning Forever copies are HERE in the flesh & will be accessible to purchase BEFORE they release publicly.
All my love,
Shay
Book IV is in the works, however will not be completed until, 2026.
It's time I put the pen down for the moment, enjoy the moment and all these wonderful events coming up. I AM SO excited, too excited.
Number 4, my favorite number, the number that has followed me through my whole life, will take time. I can promise however, it'll be worth it.
All my love
Shay
Whewwww, vacation is calling my name with a purr in her voice and a whispered promise of a good time.
I will be on my way to **NOLA** in less than 24 hours and I have to tell you
I CANT WAIT
NOLA has been on my bucket list since high school. I can not wait to immerse myself in the music, the food, the HISTORY (huge history buff). Although NOLA is known for a 'party' it is also extremely rooted in spirituality. I cannot wait to see, learn, and change the scenery.
However, all I can say, like a...
Today I checked my sales and book orders as I find myself doing most Mondays. I feel that little panic in my chest of "Is there another order?" and always, by the grace of GUSS (God, Universe, Spirit, Source) I find one more order or more pages read of each book. I find gratitude in that my words, the spaces of myself that I told to "Be Quiet" are being seen, acknowledged, and cared for. My heart SWELLS each time.
To my surprise TODAY, I saw a little green outline in GERMANY! Somehow, some...
Books sold as of today is....... 58.
Which is absolutely mind blowing. Sure, the number is on the smaller side but that is 58 people who are reading my words, supporting. 58 books printed, sent, and read when they have only been available for 19 days.
My heart- full, bursting really.
Thank you ALL for your support
Shay
Being a momma to F O U R (yes you read that right, four) kiddos, a mental health professional who specializes in crisis, a college student (honestly, I think I will always be in school), and a professional photographer (https://shquellebrownphotography.mypixieset.com/ if you're interested in my art), finding the time to sit down and continue to proof, edit, create poetry, gets limited. I find myself having to be extremely dedicated AND stern on time management.
I have found myself some nights...
As of date, I have sold 4 books. I know that number is probably alarming to some. That subtle, "all that hard work and ONLY 4?" however I come to say.... I SOLD 4 FRICKEN BOOKS!!!! Wildly amazing because just ehhhhh, 3 months ago, I didn't even think I'd sell any. I thought to myself, "who will want to read my poetry book, be for real with yourself." However I stand (well sit) here to say, 4 people have my whole heart on those pages. 4!!?
I know the numbers will grow eventually, but the...
Although the day had passed, the excitement and wonder has not. I woke up this morning still on the new adventure high that I seem to chase time to time in life. Although sales were minimal yesterday, I still find myself encouraged and more less proud.
Proud that the younger version of myself who felt like there was no room for my voice, has one now. I know she is content that she no longer has to hold her breath. If that isn't the purpose of it all, what is?
All my love,
Shay
As some of you know, outside of being an author, mother, wife, student, and employee I also add photographer to that list too.
This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph some amazing athletes at a volleyball tournament. I walked away with some amazing photographs but also remembered some of the best memories from when I played. One of those memories triggered when the team I was shooting was 24/23 on the scoreboard and down to the wire. I remember when I played these moments hit HARD....
Emotions.
That's it, that's the word.
When you read it, how did it make you feel? Slightly off center? Did you shift a little in your seat? Did you roll your eyes?
As much as you try not to feel any that aren't lead with testosterone, you still have them, all of them. As much as this society crams down your throat that you are to NOT feel them and if you do, you're weak...I still want you to know they matter. You matter. Your mental health MATTERS.
I know it is a taboo topic of our men being...
This weekend I get to not only watch my baby sister get married but I also have the honor of being her Maid of Honor. I can't begin to explain the bittersweet feelings that rise seeing the once little blue eyed beauty that fit in my arms, becoming. Not only becoming a woman, but a whole WIFE.
This brought me to a thought about sisterhood, particularly being the oldest sister. Little did I know at the young age of eight, that she would be setting some foundations I carry with me as a parent....