From Cyberspace to Wedding Grace

Dear Sillies,

When I started blogging circa 15 years ago, I aimed only to post a handful of short scenes. Perhaps someone will read them, I figured. *Insert shoulder shrug.*

Wow. How naive I was to the transformational blessings I'd appreciate from our little niche of cyberspace. Namely, YOU, my friends. You've changed my life. 

Specifically too, this one guy, Bryan Pedas. His blog with Brandon Meyers, A Beer for the Shower* (no longer in existence, but stay tuned for much more brilliance from Mr. Pedas), quickly rose to blogland fame. For fitting reason. Their cartoon artistry; their sardonic wit, their weekly investment in a full-blown relevant, goofy, and entertaining blog production; their warmth and kindness.

Bryan and I connected approximately 13-14 years ago. He'd become my book editor and cover designer. Through regular email exchanges that total approximately 700 e-letters to date, we've supported each other's respective creative endeavors and life in general. 

Plus, I got to be Bryan's groomsman. (We're all gender fluid in CA, after all.) Psst, I kinda rocked it.  

Being able to support Bryan's wedding to Meg last month did me proud. They're a beautiful, fun loving couple I'm honored to have in my life. 

The magic of the written word, my friends. It can take us to unimaginably fantastical  places. I've no words but gratitude. 

Have a great, grateful second-half of November.

  

InSanity for the WIN, WIN, WIN! 2nd Place in BookFest!

Dear Sillies,

We interrupt our Halloween "treats" to bring a burst of personal excitement. 

I know, it doesn't look official. The certificate and stickers are en route, though.

I WON! I WON! I WON! 2nd place and Honorable Mention for InSanity in BookFest Fall '23 for Nonfiction, Mental Health! WOOT! Both my memoirs (this and Woman on the Verge of Paradise) are award winning babes. 

One never knows where life will take you. I began this journey on blogspot 14 years ago. Here I met my good friend and editor, Bryan Pedas* of the former A Beer for the Shower blog, and current blogger, HRH, who spent countless hours helping me fine-tune my writing. Wait, did I say HRH? No, no, no, that feisty dead cat didn't help at all. It's her servant woman, DebraSheWhoSeeks. Sorry for the mix-up, Deb. Do forgive me.  

*Stay tuned for the extraordinary entertainment Bryan's been busily crafting. 

Congratulations,

You Are a Winner in

The BookFest® Awards!

You are receiving recognition with a BookFest Award for outstanding literary achievement.

We're thrilled to honor you with a BookFest Award, recognizing your exceptional literary achievement. Your submission was meticulously evaluated by The BookFest judging team, passing through multiple stages of review. Plus, many of the esteemed BookFest Bellwethers lent their expertise to ensure the integrity and thoroughness of the judging process.

The caliber of entries received this season was truly impressive, making your win all the more noteworthy. We're deeply appreciative of your contribution to the literary world. At The BookFest, we hold a strong belief in the transformative power of storytellers. Your award underscores your significant impact on readers across the globe.

A Beer for the Chocolate or Life by the Shower

Dear Sillies,
Joanne Faries already won our Giveaway Game, when she guessed that those Tornado Shelter signs are in fact in Denver Colorado's Airport.  I went to Denver for a needed getaway, and to visit with friends. One of those friends is someone we all know, love, and miss a lot.

When I first saw their blog, I figured they were obnoxious frat guy types --so cute, couple-y, and confident. Years later, one of them is now a busy Daddy to a one year old. The other has become a very dear friend.

This was our first in-person meeting.

Yeah, I got to meet Bryan Pedas of A Beer for the Shower fame! We had a yummy Vietnamese meal, plus great discourse about our respective lives and creative endeavors. Bryan had to take the blog down, when blogger made for all sorts of complications with his responding to readers. Don't worry, though. He's working on an animated film. I've been honored to be privy to the process, and I'm beyond impressed. It's like nothing I've ever seen. He's amazing, as we know. Very thoughtful and as nice as can be too. The same could be said for Brandon. I think. We just don't know if he actually exists, but I'm told he does. Oh and the cat on Bryan's shirt? He's been asked if that's an actual photo. As in: Is that truly an astronaut cat? Naturally, he responded to the effect of "Yes, it is. Only monkeys get credit for going into outer space, but this cat has been to the moon and back."

There you go. Making the cross from virtual to real life. A Beer for the Chocolate, Life by the Shower, or something. Our connections run deep and keep us going. Tis a wonderful world, this blog land.

Take care of yourselves, my friends.
Love you.

A Splash of Celibacy and Suburbia: Don't Worry, This Isn't Another Quality Book to Add to Your Reading List!

I judge a book by its cover. If an author puts zero effort into a book cover, I put zero effort into reading it. But if an author, say for example, gets drunk on chocolate for the sake of a memorable if not embarrassing book cover, by all means, everyone who can laugh should make the purchase. Hypothetically speaking. Say, for example, it's only a few bucks for the e-book and less than ten for the paperback.  And you'll laugh until you cry, for example. 

                       Cover art by my friend and Graphic Designer Helen Duval.
Paperback here. Ebook here. 
I'm told they'll marry and be on same page (as if marriage works that way) this week.

Celibacy and Suburbia is NOT another relevant book to add to your growing pile of literary brilliance. No, this 78 pager provides countless typos by single men seeking "nteligent womans;" Author Engel's brazen and failed attempts to seduce Taylor Swift and other famed hotties half her age and twice her height; Queen Elizabeth II's shockingly disturbing horse fetish; and to alas end this run-on-and-on sentence, poetic erotica for every month of the year. Oh BIG Santa, take me on your sleigh.

A friend said this one makes for good bathroom reading. Not that kind of bathroom reading, Al!* Well, whatever works for you. But it's not that long. I mean, the book. Oy vey, look what you started, Al! 

Extra thanks to Bryan Pedas, Janie Junebug, and Captain Alex for helping me put out. Geeze, Al, quit it. I meant: extra thanks for helping me put out Celibacy and Suburbia.

*I tease Al Penwasser because I love him, and he's the best at commenting on my comments about my commenters' comments. And Al's written a number of excellent hilarious and heartfelt books. I highly recommend you buy, read, and review them.

Please also have fun reading, laughing and sharing my third one: Celibacy and Suburbia!

Thank you kindly and lovingly, my dear sillies.

Thanksgiving Erotica: Basting the Turkey & Giving Thanks

 Stagehand Macaulay Culkin messed up as usual. He cut off a few letters from the end of lines, and the words "I need it all" from the line that starts "Out of the bag..." Apologies on his behalf.

The crew at Life by Chocolate (Robyn, Macaulay Culkin, Mario Lopez--he insists that I mention that he's A LOT bigger in person than he appears in the above photo, and DuPont--dressed to be eaten), wishes you and yours a delicious Thanksgiving.  To everyone, whether or not you celebrate the holiday, may you experience a sense of deep gratitude for your blessings.  Enjoy all that's sweet and savory.

I appreciate every one of you...for sticking around, indulging my quirkiness, laughing with and at me (it's all good), and for your ongoing warmth and support. You continue to make a meaningful difference in my life - so meaningful that I'll be dedicating my novel* to the followers of Life by Chocolate.

*Woman on the Verge of Paradise: The Anti-Fairytale, which is now in the very competent hands of Elsie Amata, Bryan Pedas and...drumroll & guitar strumming, please...Alex J Cavanaugh! The writing is done. The editing is just beginning. The querying and other stuff is yet to come...after we move to a bigger studio and get the holidays behind us. For now...

 

Happy Thanksgiving!