Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Celebrating One Year & the Blogging From the Heart Tour


Last week, I was nominated by Paul over at his blog, Message in a Bottle, for the "Blogging From the Heart Blog Tour."  If you haven’t had a chance to visit his blog, please be sure to check it out.  He writes on sobriety and his musings are stunning.  His writing will leave you inspired.

Since I am celebrating the anniversary of my first whole year in blogging, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to conjure up a celebratory post.
 

Before I answer the four questions each one of the nominees are asked, I want to take a few moments to express my gratitude to all of my readers.  I have been blessed to have made some AMAZING new friends and connections throughout this journey.  I know how busy all of you are so I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you stopping Dawning On a New Day.    

I took this shot outside of my window in the early hours of a winter's morning which is my favorite time to write.
 
 
When I first began blogging last July, I honestly had no idea where to begin.  I already had a successful children’s book business and brand to keep me busy but I needed another outlet for a different audience.  Writing for adults is quite different than coming up with stories for our youth.  Both of these brands are equally fulfilling but they are defined by their transformations and means of self-growth.  I love sharing experiences and networking with adult authors and writers just as much as I love being in a classroom or assembly giving author presentations to children. 

 
Last July, however, my expedition began as I slowly learned to digress from the coattails of a darkness which both my mother and I had battled for years.  Unfortunately, my mother’s war was lost when she almost drank her life away.  Alcoholism had defeated her tired and battered body where it was almost laid to rest six feet under the ground.
However, God had different plans for us.  On December 26th, 2012, my mother received a phone call which would change her life forever.  We knew she was going to die come January if she didn’t undergo liver transplant surgery.  Her liver failed exactly one year prior to that desperate December day and the doctors said she should have been dead already.   So on the day after Christmas, she was given a new liver and a chance to save the lives of others by sharing her story.



It was a long recovery.  I mean, I can’t stress how LONG her recovery was.  There were times when she was hospitalized and told she would have to have another liver transplant because the one she received was rejecting her body.  So when I began blogging in July of 2013, I was suffering through an impeccable amount of emotions.  I’m talking like all colors of the rainbow here… rage, self-loathing, anger, sadness, gratitude, hope, and at times, I would see tendrils of light reaching through the darker days.  The more I blogged, the better I felt.  And the more I shared our meanderings, the more people I helped. 

 
When readers ask me if I am ever embarrassed about my past, I simply tell them that is not who I am anymore.  Our past doesn’t have to define who we are and who we are capable of becoming.  It will always be a part of me but through blogging, writing, and my children’s work, my past becomes scattered like tiny pebbles along a cold, damp Maine shore.  Where they once crippled my toes and brought great pain to my heart, now, I look back and see a more pristine picture.  Because hovering above those pebbles is a warm, caring sun.  He was always there but I was too blinded by the charades and numbness alcohol once provided for me.

The epic shoreline in Camden, Maine.
 
So cheers to a year in blogging!  And to the woman I am finally comfortable with and glad to discover more about as I continue trotting down the path of a writer’s journey. 

Now for the questions on “Blogging From the Heart.”

What am I working on?

Currently, I am working on my 2nd children’s picture book and crime fiction novel. 

 
How does my work differ from others in its genre?

When I first tapped into the adult blogosphere, I had a mission in my mind; to help others struggling with drugs and alcohol discover their potential and leave those demons behind.  I’m still open to discussing this disease because I suffered like many addicts still do today.  And sadly, I know more people than I would like to who are currently throwing their life away by drinking every day or almost every day.

But as I mentioned before, this disease does not define who I am and it will never jeopardize my future again. 

Presently, most of my work focuses on celebrating life and storytelling.  I use my experiences and struggles within the depths of my heart and soul to create beautiful stories.  I have been using my children’s picture book as a means of establishment within various school districts throughout New Jersey. 

I guess I don’t simply write to create novels and picture books.  I write so I can help others reach their potential by discovering and utilizing their talents to the best of their abilities.  Whether it’s engaging in workshops, author assemblies, or trying to lend my heart out to those who need courage and advice, I am constantly trying to better this world and put an end to self-pity and destruction.

 
Why do I write/create what I do?

Ahh… this is simple.  I write because I love to move people.  I create worlds where kids and adults can disappear into because when I was a child, I adored both reading and hearing stories from my mom or Levar Burton from Reading Rainbow.  Whenever I see the kids’ eyes light up with excitement and enthusiasm, my heart flutters.  And the best are the “Thank You” letters and cards I receive in the mail after my author visits.  There are times when I tear up because I still can’t believe how far I have come. 

 
How does my writing/creating process work?

As far as my children’s books go, I always write them out in journals before I put them on the computer.  I’ve been writing in journals since I was eight years old and this is a part of me that will never change.  Whenever I am in a bookstore, I am always tempted to purchase new journals even though I have tons lying around. 

Ideas come to me all of the time.  My boyfriend is constantly reminding me about how I have to actually say “Yes, I heard you,” because most of the time, I nod my head but I’m not listening.  It’s not because I don’t want to hear what he  has to say but my mind is constantly on the go and ideas are always brewing.  For this, I usually have my journals handy so I can write down whatever is being conjured up. 

As far as blogging goes, I usually type all of my posts in Word and then edit and paste them onto my blog.  I’m always pondering about life so whenever I think of something that I can connect to writing, I will blog about it.  I’ve often thought about remodeling my blog so it’s more equipped for reviews and what not.  I have several upcoming blog tours for books I am excited about and have signed up for in the Fall.  I will have to wait and see where this takes Dawning on a New Day.

The novel I wrote over the winter was one of the greatest experiences to date.  I never thought I would be able to accomplish such an intense project but I did.  It is still a long way away from being refined enough to query agents but I will get there… one brand at a time!  I’m anticipating a busy school year for my children’s book author work and this blog keeps me very busy. 

But for all of my readers who are authors, you already know how hectic the life of a writer can be.  But we can all agree that we wouldn’t trade this gift, nor our endless imagination, for anything else in the world!
 

 

Now for my three nominees:

Sandra from Sandra's Blog is quite the busy author, day job dweller, grandmother and wife but still manages to keep her readers occupied and laughing over at her blog.  I can always look forward to a nice smile on my face as she usually posts something amusing or inspiring for authors five days a week.  I am looking forward to reading her books and I am taking her novel, “Silverhills,” with me to Cozumel next week!

I’ve known Kimberly for quite some time now.  We actually met at a fair last year where we shared a table for our children’s books.  As soon as I saw how she was with her aunt and dad, I knew she would be a special friend.  Whenever I need advice about ANYTHING, I can always count on Kim.  She has one picture book published and another one coming out soon.  Her blog is always filled with book reviews and author advice.  She also writes from the heart and readers are sure to enjoy her blog and books!  You can find her blog at her website for Kimberly Sentek.

Recently, I stumbled across Carol and her blog, Carol's Notes.  Boy, can she write!  I’m blown away by her intelligence in the genres she reads and posts about.  Reading her blog reminds me about how I need to really add more books to my list of TBR.  Carol is kind, intelligent and her writing is beautiful.  Check out her blog and an array of recommendations.  You will be happy you did!
 
 

42 comments:

  1. I applaud you for your change, and I'm so happy your mother came through! I lost my father several years back, and it's been hard not having him, but my mom is my best friend. (Next to my husband.) It's these moments in life that make us truly grateful for what we have, eh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sure is, Crystal. I'm sorry to hear about your father. I lost both of mine... One was murdered when I was 17 and I don't speak to my biological father. When we lose loved ones, especially our parents, it forever leaves an emptiness our hearts for them. I'm glad you have your mother and I'm sure she is quite proud of your writing and the mother you have become. Like yourself, both my mother and companion are my best friends:) It helps to have such amazing support, doesn't it? I'm thankful for both of them every single day of my life.

      Delete
  2. Hi, Gina:

    I applaud you for not only making a change but for being willing to discuss issues that may be uncomfortable. You are such a wonderful person; your strength is inspiring to me and so many others, I am sure!

    It’s been such a pleasure to call you a friend for the past few years. You are always so supportive, generous, and optimistic—such great qualities to be admired!

    Thank you for inviting me not only on this blog journey, but into your many worlds (children’s books, adult writing, and personal space). My life has been enriched by your friendship!

    Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Kim! This was so lovely to read. I can't thank the author realm enough for your kindness, advice and friendship. Not to mention the fact that you make me laugh ALL of the time!

      It's been quite the journey but I'm a better writer and author with you to look up to and confide in. Your father would be very proud of all of your endeavors!

      Delete
    2. Gina:

      You are too sweet with all of your comments! If I already wasn’t sunburned I would blush. :)

      There is no need to thank me for anything. I am happy to help whenever I can! My door is always open, and my phone is usually always on. LOL

      And that is very sweet of you to say that about my dad. You know how much he means to me and how much I miss him. I would like to think he’s proud. I am hoping, too, that he will pull some strings for us to get our writing and promotions kicked into higher gear! LOL

      Kim

      Delete
    3. LOL, both your dad and my Daddy C are up in Heaven together rubbing their chins as they come up with a plan to pull some strings for us! If your father is anything like mine, he will get it done! Their energy will always be with us which is why I know great things are in our future. And I know this because of all of the wonderful accomplishments we both have already made=)

      And you always know where to find me! I'm just a ride and a phone call away so if you ever need anything, you can always count on me. I'm so excited for your second book and can't wait to help you spread the word!!

      Delete
  3. I can't believe you've only been blogging for one year! My goodness! I'm sure lots of people will find inspiration here on your blog. You're very honest about your life and road to sobriety, and I definitely admire you for that. Very happy for you and your mom! Good luck with your upcoming projects. I have your children's book waiting for me on my Kindle and I can't wait to read your crime novel. Congrats to all the nominees!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Quanie! I must admit, I wasn't sure where my blogging would take me but I couldn't be happier. By sharing life's honest and sometimes, dreadful moments, I have been able to open up and hopefully, help others to do so. Sadly, there are so many talented people out there who risk their potential by falling to their demons.
      BUT, with that being said, there are success stories like my mother and me. And hopefully, it will get even better!
      Yes, a whole year! I can't believe it! I'm so thankful for friends like you because your writing and author advice inspires me. The blogging world has blessed me with you, Quanie! And I, too, can't wait to read your next book! You know how much I enjoyed "It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy" =)

      Delete
  4. Congratulations on your nomination and a HUGE congratulations on your one year anniversary of blogging!!!! I am so blessed to have found you through She Writes and our blogs, and to have developed a precious friendship with you. You are an amazing person, and all the things you have conquered proves that. I am honored to have been part of your blogging journey thus far. You've helped so many, including me. And I am beyond happy that your mom is happy and healthy today.

    I am thrilled to read your new children's book and your crime novel when they are ready. I know they will both be brilliant!

    Haha! I have the same problem sometimes. If someone is talking to me face to face I appear to be listening but then I ask, "Wait, what did you say? I wasn't listening." I feel bad, but I just can't turn off my mind. I do this to my mom all the time.

    Oh, and I am thankful that I am one of those blog tours you signed up for. :D

    Have a beautiful day, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys, you really melt my heart with your words about our friendship and my writing... Truly. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to have met you on She Writes and have been able to connect even further. You are one of the sweetest bloggers and friends I know. So many people can learn from your author advice every single week!
      I can't wait for the blog tours! It will be neat to see the small changes Dawning On a New Day undergoes but one thing is for sure... I will always try to be the best storyteller and writer I can possibly be:)

      Delete
  5. Congrats on a year of blogging! What an emotional journey to share. I'm glad your mom is OK now. the great thing about blogs is we can change them whenever we feel like it. Sharing is good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, M Pax! We are very blessed to have her still here. It's been a long road for her and my blog but change is good:) We can only grow through changing. I'm really excited to see what this year brings!

      Delete
  6. Congrats on the blogiversary. I enjoy coming here. I was worried reading about your mother and am glad for her recovery. Our pasts do not define us.

    I was great to read about your writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so happy to hear you enjoy coming here, Medeia=) That really means a lot to me!

      Delete
  7. Happy one year blogiversary! Your blog has become one of my favorites to visit, Gina. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thank you my sweet, Kelly! Your blog has always been one of my favorites=)

      Delete
  8. Thanks for the kind words and blog tour invite, Gina.
    Congrats on the one year anniversary and all the wonderful things you've accomplished. I don't know the woman you were, but the woman you've become is a keeper. Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Sandra=) You have been such an avid supporter of me and my thoughts here and I can't say thank you enough! Hugs

      Delete
  9. Thanks for the kind words and blog invite, Gina dear. Many congrats on your one year anniversary and successes. I don't know the woman you were, but the woman you've become is a keeper. Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is hard to believe that a year has swept by for you in blog land. I have read each & every one of them, as I anxiously await the next. Every new one, proves just how close, you are, to becoming an "Accomplished Author." In my eyes & those of your followers, you already are one. Love, Mommy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't thank God enough how grateful I am to have you here, sharing this journey with me mom. You are my best friend and I wouldn't know what I would do without you! To know how much my blog means to you fills my heart with such fulfillment and joy. I hope you know how much you mean to me and I can't even begin to tell you how much you inspire me. Thank you for being there whenever I needed you the most; especially by helping me get over my nerves and listen to my author stories=) Love you!!

      Delete
    2. Thank U, Gina. Comments such as these, mean the world & more 2 me. I am so happy I've had this 2nd chance in life, 2 be here with u!

      Delete
  11. Holy congrats on one year! Talk about great timing about this whole thing! I too can't believe it's been a year. You seem to have a maturity here that made me think you were at this for some time longer.

    What can I say about your work here, Gina, that hasn't been said before? Your writing is truly inspiring, hopeful, honest and enlightening. Your book is wonderful too (glad I have a copy!) and look forward to your next books. You have created a warm and inviting space here, and I see it in how others respond to your work and to you. Your personal story no doubt has helped others in your position, and who can identify.

    I am so glad that you were able to be a part of this - I knew that you needed to be a part of this, and I am glad that you are still writing like a fiend :)

    Blessings,
    Paul

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It feels like I have been blogging for much longer. I'm not sure why but I guess it is because this process feels so natural to me and at the moment, I don't know where I would be without it. You know how that goes. Even though this is our personal space, we still manage to invite others in through our storytelling, experiences and advice.
      Thank you so much for thinking about me when you decided to nominate other bloggers for this tour. Your blog is one of my favorites and I couldn't be more grateful for gaining such amazing person as a fellow blogger, writer and friend=)

      Delete
  12. You've only been blogging a year? That's amazing! You're doing a great job at it. I am amazed at how supportive you always are. Few people are that giving. I'm in awe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thank you, Stephanie! I truly believe in giving out to the universe because someday, when I need it the most, the universe will give back to me. I also believe in the success of others, especially my fellow authors and the children I visit and spend time with. So I am willing to do whatever I can to help aid in them reaching for their dreams=)

      Delete
  13. First of all congratulations on your blogging anniversary. I am happy to have discovered your blog and think you are a fantastic and very honest writer. Thank you for sharing the amazing story of your mother. I love your idea of writing your stories out in journals first. It is similar to my process. In any case, I always have to write a thing somewhere other than it's final format, so almost everything I write goes through a minimum of two drafts and usually more. Thank you for nominating me and for your kind words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your most welcome, Carol. Your writing is quite unique in owning a certain intelligence and elegance. I'm often inspired to read books which are out of my realm whenever I visit your blog.
      I love writing in journals. I used to keep a daily journal which I wrote in often but now with both of my brands, I keep the journals for my children's books, poetry, and the outlines of my novels. I also carry one around with me in my purse because I'm always inspired wherever I go. So journals are a must!

      Delete
  14. Have fun in Cozumel. Thanks for the plug for Silverhills. Hope you enjoy it and your vacation:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anytime, Sandra! I'm posting one more piece before I leave and I will plug Silverhills in again=)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats on your blogging anniversary! I love your answer for why you write.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I loved you pictures you chose to go with your post - that sunrise is amazing and so is the rainbow-color pic! I enjoyed reading the four-part interview, especially this: "Whenever I see the kids’ eyes light up with excitement and enthusiasm, my heart flutters." That was my favorite part! Have a great week! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thanks Lexa=) I couldn't be more honest about how my heart lights up whenever I see excitement tumbling off of the kids' faces. Those moments are really what keep me motivated when it comes to my children's work.
      I love seeing the sunrise outside of my window where I write. I'm actually waiting for it right now=)

      Delete
  18. Thanks, Gina:) When do you leave?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We leave on Saturday! I can't wait because I love Mexico and desperately need a break. I will be posting one more piece before I leave and then photos to follow in about three weeks or so=)

      Delete
  19. I read As A Child of An Alcoholic about 15 years ago and it changed my life. I suddenly realized why I felt and acted the way I so often did. I might have the title wrong, but it doesn't matter. I think you are a very brave lady, Gina, and I'm proud to call you my cyberfriend. Congratulations on your first year! Yay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Joylene. For a long time, I never understood why things happened the way they did or why I acted out over and over again. I guess when your mind is clouded, its hard to see through the fog... especially when you have no idea where to begin.
      I found my new beginning almost three years ago and now, I'm basking in the light of forgiveness and growth.
      I, too, am quite proud to call you a cyberfriend! I will be looking forward to reading one of your books this year=)

      Delete
  20. Happy Anniversary, Gina! You pour your heart out in your posts and they emit so much strength. Love that picture of the morning sky!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you, Claudine, for such kindness toward my writing. I really appreciate it.
    I love waking up when the world is still sleeping and seeing such a pristine skyline.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gina, you were quite brave to write about your past and your recovery. You are absolutely right that experiences from your past may define who you are today, but they don't dictate your decisions for today and for tomorrow. You have the freedom to choose your future.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Pam. It's been a long road but I've chosen to take a completely different route now. I'm in awe at how much my life has changed for the better. Our past will always be a part of us but the one great thing about the past is we can leave it there.

    ReplyDelete