While attending the Lexicon Writers' Conference this summer, I was drawn to a man who looked a lot like my grandpa. He passed away from cancer about five years ago and he was my number one supporter in everything that I did. The minute I saw Dave Kilby, I knew that I was supposed to be there. I had this feeling that both God and my grandpa were looking down on me and supporting my decision to be a writer. I went up to Dave and told him how I felt drawn to talk to him and come to find out...he lived in Kingwood!! He was there supporting his wife Karen Kilby. Karen approached me later that day and she was the nicest lady ever. She even reminded me of my grandma (another huge supporter of mine). Anyways, Karen has written many articles for Chicken Soup for the Soul and decided to write her own book entitled Becoming a Woman of Purpose A Thirty-One Day Devotional. Just recently Karen held a book signing at the Kroger located at the end of my street, so I just had to go!! I picked up a signed copy for my friend Christiana and me and can't put it down! I look forward to reading each story every morning before heading off to work. I suggest you click on the title of the book and purchase one today!!
I promised another sneek peek of Dust to my Facebook friends, so here it is!! If you haven't liked my Facebook page, you should!! Just click here and like my page for updates on what's going on with my writing!!
The sneak peek is taken from about halfway through the book. Emily keeps being recognized everywhere she goes and she has no idea why.... I decide to load up on sugar and caffeine - I’m going to need it to keep me awake. Making my way over to the cashier, I notice the two women from the bathroom staring at me. I pretend that it doesn’t bother me, but I having that watching feeling gives me the willies (just like at Yellowstone). I pay for my candy bar and soda and head for the door - the two women following right behind me. I make it to the car, but before I can get in, I feel a hand on my shoulder. “Do I know you from somewhere?” I spin around and find myself face to face with Norma and her friend. “I don’t think so, not unless you’ve ever been to Vegas. I’m just passing through on my way to Colorado. I don’t want any trouble.” I climb into the car and lock the door. Norma motions for me to roll down the window. “Well, Stacy here was in a peep show in Vegas a few years back. What was it called?” “Boobs, Boobs, Boobs was the name of it. I made good money, but got tired of showing my boobs all day long. But now that I think about it, it’s not really that much different than I’m doing now.”Stacey gives a little laugh and lights up a cigarette. “No, that’s not it. I’ve seen you before somewhere recently; I just can’t put my finger on it.” “Well, I was on a local channel for getting lost in the Grand Canyon a few days ago. Maybe that’s where you saw me?” “No, I don’t watch anything on any local channels.” “Well, it was nice meeting you ladies, but I really need to get on the road.” “I remember! I saw you on some late night talk show when I was working at the Downtown Inn just last night!” Norma lights herself a cigarette too and looks like she’s not going to offer up anymore information. “A late night talk show? Are you sure it wasn’t someone else you saw? I think I would’ve remembered being on some talk show.” She takes a few more drags before she realizes I’m waiting for her to go on. “Well, you weren’t on the actual talk show. The host, whatever his name is, shows funny YouTube videos on his show. There was one of you trying to fight off some bear and the guy said that the ladies name was something like Erica Longston. I can’t remember exactly, but I’m pretty sure that’s what he said.” “Well, my name isn’t Erica Longston, it's Emily Johnson.” “That was it! He said Emily Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada. That’s you! Didn’t you say you lived in Vegas?” “I was on a YouTube video? How is that possible?” “Maybe one of them campers had one of them fancy cell phones and took a video of you. You know what? I had a guy a few weeks back that wanted to video tape us on his cell phone. I picked that thing up and threw it out the window. I didn’t need anyone seeing my business on no internet. He got so mad and just stomped out the door. Too bad, cause he was a really good tipper.” “Girl, I get that all the time. There are some nasty men out there. If only their wives knew what they were up to.” Norma and Stacy both shake their heads and look at me. I have no idea what to say. I’m not sure if it comes from the shock of what Norma and Stacy just said, or that I was featured on a late night talk show. I pull a wad of cash from my purse and hand it to Norma - I hate to think that these nice ladies have to do this for a living. “Well ladies, I’d like to stay and chat, but I really have to make it to Rawlins by tonight.” I roll up the window just as Norma and Stacy realize what it was that I had just handed them. The look on their faces was priceless as I pulled out of the parking lot. It feels good that I can help someone out like that. I saw this image while thumbing through some websites tonight and I thought it fit me perfectly. I either have a day job that gets in my way (even though I love it) or I have two little boys and a husband to take care of 8. Sometimes I wish I could just stop everything I'm doing, freeze time, and just allow myself to get these edits done. Am I just making up excuses? Am I trying to make myself fail so I can just say, "Oh well, I tried"? I've had a ton of hits on my website lately, one day was over 150!! I am grateful to all of the awesome writers I've been interviewing for allowing me into their world, but when I told my husband about it, he said, "That's great honey, but when are you going to start being the one people want to interview about your book?" I simply replied, "When I find the right agent that can see my vision for my career." But then I got to thinking, what if that never happens? What if that agent never comes around? And then I started thinking, how will I ever know if I don't finish these edits and put myself out there? I do have an agent that asked for a full manuscript after I've edited it, but I keep putting it off and making excuses for not sending it. Well, now it's time to get it done. So I'm sorry in advance for putting myself and my dreams first for a change, but I need to be a writer at work. I need to see this through. I promise to myself that by mid-September, I will have sent Dust off to the agent I want. all of my friends and family need to help me keep this promise. I need you now more than ever!! |
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