Pay attention to the connections you make...

I got my manuscript back from my phenomenal editor, Lisa Martinez. I read it again. I can't tell you how many times I've read it but maybe at least six times just while working with her. I can't memorize it yet but eventually I'll be able to. It has been a lot of hard work but nothing in this life comes easy. For me, easy would've been sharing a book with my family, friends, and readers that wasn't been professionally edited.  I think more of them and my work to do that. I absolutely cringe when I find books that are unedited. I do not think anyone deserves to buy a book that hasn't been professionally edited. Actually, it has been an amazing ride. I wouldn't change it for the world. And yes, I will be doing it all over again soon.

I met Russell Brooks (Thriller Author-buy his books on Amazon!) when he asked me to review his books. Those two reviews resulted in him being very helpful on my publishing journey. Russell then introduced me to (The Finicky Editor) Lisa Martinez, his phenomenal editor. Now I can say she is also my editor and sister friend. We have not met aside from emails but we connected right away. Lisa was helpful and I learned a great deal from her. I can honestly say that I will recommend her to everyone that I meet. She is a phenomenal spirit and that means more to me than anything. Her character shines through every email. She was instrumental in BrookLyn's Journey becoming the book that it has.

Russell then connected me with Carol Webb who designed the book cover with my niece, Rachael Ames on it. I went back and forth with the cover and Ms. Webb (Bella Media Managment) was very patient, kind and thoughtful. The paperback cover will be done soon. I will be working with Signe Nichols of Firedbird Media Management who was also referred by Russell. I love his book cover and am confident mine will look great too. It will be done soon...

I say all of this to say that I have always believed that every connection that we make in life is very important. It doesn't matter how big or small that connection is. One book review has allowed me to connect with amazing people that have helped me get closer to my dream. Only one word comes to mind for me: GRATEFUL. I am truly grateful for the kindness of others, the connections I've made, and the guidance they have all provided. 

You get back what you give. I do my best to be a light in the lives of others and am riding on a high as my dreams come true. One connection leads to new friendships. Pay attention to each connection you make along the way. If you don't you just might miss the blessing...

Stacey aka Coffey Brown

BrookLyn's Journey

July 2012

BrookLyn's Journey

My book will be released this summer! Brooklyn's Journey by Stacey aka Coffey
Brown will be available in July 2012. Are you ready for this LGBT YA fiction story?

A to Z Challenge Reflections...

I am glad I came across the challenge. I gained some followers and followed some blogs that I might not have ever come across.  I had a lot of fun being a part of it.  I will definitely participate in the challenge next year.

Being new to the challenge, I didn’t have a theme and might not have been as creative as some. I basically flew by the seat of my pants. Next year, I will probably do the same thing. I think that’s best for me. I might spice it up a little, but I am not sure. The only thing that I know for sure is that I will be a part of the challenge.

I thank everyone that stopped by my blog leaving a comment and those that just read it. I will stop by as many reflections as I can… be well, keep writing and see you next year!

Stacey~

BrookLyn's Journey book cover revealed...

Self-proclaimed nerd, BrookLyn Scott, is an eighteen-year-old high school senior in upstate New York who has never held a boy’s hand let alone one’s interest. She has some friends at school and church but is never far from the watchful eye of her abusive parents. BrookLyn’s plan is to escape the abuse by excelling in high school and running safely to college just as her older siblings did. Her plan is derailed after she’s invited and attends her first party. By the end of the night, BrookLyn finds out that church friend, Gabriella Michaels wants more than a friendship, and although her head says no, her heart thinks of the possibility. BrookLyn is focused on her escape plan while flying under the radar of her father’s swinging belt when she is thrust onto an emotional roller coaster. The question is, when the ride ends, where will BrookLyn stand?

I wrote this book with the goal of supporting teens and young adults that are often ignored, abused, and tossed out onto the street. I ask you to help me support them. I want to be the voice they need. Please remember that I am writing my LGBT fiction (both YA and adult) under the pen name Coffey Brown to prevent confusion when my other projects are published. 

My books don't encourage teens and young adults to live one lifestyle over the other. They do, however, support them while creating a fiction novel that might mirror their experiences. I write for one reason and that is to inspire and encourage. 

BrookLyn's Journey will be available in digital and paperback formats this summer... 

FYI...that is my beautiful niece Rachael on the cover. 

Thanks!

Stacey aka Coffey Brown

My other blog: coffeybrownbooks.wordpress.com

Cover designed by Carol Webb of Bella Media Management

Edited by Lisa Martinez

Insecure blogger...

Am I an insecure blogger? Yes. I love to write but don't always sit down to with a topic. Truth be told, nine times out of ten, I don't have a topic. I just put my finger tips on the keyboard and whatever happens basically just happens. Sometimes it's good while other times it just is.

I enjoy the creativity of others and often wonder if my posts are as interesting or as humorous as theirs. I hope so. People always tell me that I'm funny but I don't know if I come across that way in my posts.
Somedays I have just shared a poem that I wrote or an idea that I had. Other days, I write about something that occurred during my day. I would like to sometimes just vent about my coworkers juvenile behavior but I worry about the backlash of someone coming across the post. Maybe I'll write a poem about it. Ha!

Insecure blogger. Yes. I think I'm insecure just because there are some really great blogs out there. Mine doesn't necessarily have to mesh with theirs. I just want my posts to be enjoyed...