Hello, my post-scary goblins! I hope you all had an excellent Halloween and indulged in a delightful amount of candy! As for me, I spent the spooky evening immersed in editing my latest work, the creative process flowing amidst the Halloween vibes. While I was engrossed in perfecting my craft, my youngest took on the role of spreading joy by handing out treats to the eager trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood, adding a touch of warmth and festivity to the night.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who graced the book signing event at Next Chapter Books & Art in New Bern, NC, this past Saturday. The experience was truly enriching and inspiring, as I had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful individuals, each with their own unique stories and perspectives. Your presence and support meant the world to me, and I am genuinely touched by the enthusiasm and positivity you shared during the event.
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Each year, I reflect on my New Year's Resolutions with gratitude in the month of November. In January 2024, I set intentions for personal growth, mental health, & my writing career. These resolutions guide me towards well-being, happiness, and development. They remind me of the power of intention and the importance of aligning goals with values. Reflecting on past resolutions, I appreciate the journey, progress, and lessons learned, seeing endless possibilities for growth and fulfillment ahead. My 2024 NYE resolutions were to:
Read More- I have completed 6 out of 8 books, including various genres and authors. Excited for the last two: a new release by Richard Paul Evans and the first Practical Magic Series book recommended by my daughter. Reading inspires and enhances my writing, offering new ideas, techniques, and challenges for personal growth and professional development. Grateful for the chance to learn from the masters of the written word.
Set Realisitic Writing Goals - Throughout this and previous years, I've grappled with setting expectations too high, leading to disappointment, or setting expectations too low, resulting in burnout. Despite this, I've maintained a daily output of 800-1000 words or editing two pages. Balancing productivity and self-care is crucial to my writing journey and mental well-being. I aim for a sustainable creative process that nurtures both my writing and personal growth. I'm learning to navigate creative expression with resilience and insight by pacing myself and prioritizing self-care.
Take more creative breaks - Recognizing the significance of mental health, I struggled with overworking, but learned to take breaks for physical and mental well-being. Incorporating leisure activities helped me recharge and enhance my writing process, emphasizing the importance of self-care for creativity and a healthy mindset.
Overall, I am pleased to report that I have made significant progress towards achieving my goals. It has been a fulfilling journey thus far, and I am determined to maintain this momentum in the coming months and even years ahead. I am grateful for the dedication and effort I have put into pursuing these goals, and I am excited about the prospect of setting new objectives for the upcoming year and beyond. As I look towards 2025, which is just 59 days away, I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I am committed to continuing this path of growth and self-improvement, knowing that each goal achieved is a step towards a more fulfilling and successful future.
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Here's what's upcoming:
Burgaw's Hometown Holiday Market
is next week!
Join us on Courthouse Avenue on November 8 from 4 to 8 pm. Rai's Plushies and I will be there along with live bluegrass will be on site. Enjoy the classic car cruise in downtown while you're here.
We're excited to see you at Early Bird Holiday Market on November 10th at The Bend (7227 Market Street, Wilmington, NC) from 12 pm to 4 pm. This is a great place to start your holiday shopping. Rai's Plushies and I will be there. Plus they will have dogs up for adoption. How awesome is that?
Check Everyone Off Your Gift List at the Annual GIFT EXPO!
The events fill the Convention Center inside and out. Vendors offering everything thing from crafts to clothes and toys to tools. You'll find something for everyone on your gift list! Plus, Raffle Prizes, Santa, Holiday Food & More!
Saturday, November 23 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, November 24 10 am - 3 pm
Riverfront Convention Center
203 S Front St, New Bern
Kick off the holiday shopping season with A REALLY COOL CHRISTMAS!
The event will have amazing vendors, live music, street decorations, and “day of” surprises.
REALLY COOL STUFF is celebrating SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY by hosting many of the area's finest artisans and vendors. The event will take place in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington.
Come, explore and experience the many small neighborhood businesses at the festival located downtown.
We are planning a special day full of fun and surprises, we hope to see all of you there!
A Small Business Saturday Celebration In The Heart Of Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC - November 30 from 11 am - 4 pm.
Experience the enchanting festivities of Christmas on the Square, a delightful event set to take place on Saturday, December 7th, in the charming town of Burgaw, North Carolina. From 10 AM to 4 PM, the heart of the town will come alive with the spirit of the season, offering visitors a wonderful array of activities and attractions to enjoy. Among the highlights of the event is the presence of Rai's Plushies, a popular vendor known for their adorable and cuddly creations. In addition, attendees can look forward to a diverse selection of food trucks serving up an enticing variety of delicious treats, ensuring that there will be something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're seeking unique gifts, delectable snacks, or simply a festive atmosphere to immerse yourself in, Christmas on the Square promises to be a memorable celebration for all who attend.
If you can't make it to the upcoming Meet-n-Greets, don't worry! More events are scheduled until December. The book series is now at Barnes & Noble, offering readers new ways to enjoy the captivating stories.
Moreover, the books are also available at local bookshops such as Next Chapter Books & Art in New Bern, NC, demonstrating a dedication to backing independent sellers and engaging with communities on a more personal basis. By being present in various places, the series not only improves accessibility but also promotes inclusivity, encouraging readers from diverse areas to delve into the author's crafted world.
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In the upcoming year, I will host more events in SC, GA, VA, and UT with increased gaps between them due to the holiday season. Updates on the Zelina series, The Glyph Master series, Ream stories, Rise of the Vanquisher, and other books by Vella will be provided through interviews, podcasts, and festival participation. Stay informed by reading my blogs and following my social media accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Check out bookstores, Barnes & Noble, libraries, and thrift stores! 🍽️🦃🌽
See you at all the festivals, book signings, and on social media! 📔
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