Saints & Sinners
Good afternoon, my Lovelies!
How the hell are ya? It has been a little bit since I’ve blogged, and we are now on a new platform! I’ve wanted to have my blog on my website for quite some time, so I’m excited it has finally happened. I hope things are just peachy in your part of the world. I’m talking personally – we won’t get into that whole globally thing where it seems as if we’re a hair’s breadth from total destruction. I’m just talking about your tiny corner of this great big world!
Last weekend, I attended TNTNC in Raleigh, North Carolina. Did I sell as many books as I’d hoped? Nope. But I had a fabulous time hanging with my book world friends, meeting new readers, and, at long last, meeting some model friends that I’ve known online for years. Yes, one of my author friends motorboated my boobs in the middle of the bar. It was hilarious!
During the event, I had several people stop to chat, and one of those conversations worked its way around to how I, as an author, come up with some of the story ideas I get. The best answer I could give pretty much went, “I have no fucking clue.” Sometimes, I’m just driving along, and an idea pops into my head. Sometimes, I pull from personal experiences – not exact details – but general ideas. And then there are times when an idea just digs in there, takes root, and won’t let go.
That is what happened with Blood Moon Bayou.
In 2024, I got the opportunity to go to New Orleans for the first time. It was something I had always wanted to do, so when an author signing event popped up, I applied and was accepted. (I previously did a blog on that particular trip, and if you want to read it, you’ll have to scroll a bit, but the blog is titled “The Sound of Silence.”) Two weeks before that event, another event was held in Biloxi, Mississippi. I was accepted to that event, as well, and ended up making a huge trip out of all of it, ending with my annual girls’ trip in Nagshead, North Carolina. (I was a traveling bitch for a few weeks, y’all!)
During the two weeks between the Biloxi and NOLA events, I planned to visit a friend and just do some exploring. Well, I managed it for about a week before I got seriously sick. I ended up spending the next week in my hotel room, hoping it would pass before the NOLA event. (Luckily, it did.) But with me being sick, I didn’t get to do as much as I wanted.
Not. At. All.
When I finally started feeling better, I decided I was going to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. Well, I chose a swamp tour. It ended up being the absolute best choice! I loved it. And sitting on the dock of the tour company, waiting for my call time, the idea for Blood Moon Bayou was born. It was one of those… “What if…” moments. I added the story idea to my list (my list is long), and it sat there for a bit. When I finally decided to start writing it, it just flowed.
I love this story so much. I mean, I love all my stories, but this one grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go. I’ve been told I’m good at writing ambiance into my books. I feel as if this one seriously showcases that.
Time to get real with y’all. I love writing. I love getting these stories out to you all. But I could really use some help spreading word about my books. I’m struggling. I beg of you, if you are one of my fans (writing – because I know there are a lot of my other fans who read my blogs), please help give ya girl a boost! Talk about my work. Share my posts. Buy my books or read them on Kindle Unlimited. Go to Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub and leave me a review or rating!
Everything helps, I promise!
Okay, I guess that’s it for now. To all of my newbies, welcome! I’m so fucking glad you’re here! To all my long-time, loyal readers – I love you guys! Thank you for helping to make my dreams come true!
Until next time and always…
Have courage. Be kind. Be happy!
Much love and spicy romance from me to you,
Shelly (a/k/a Dawn Love)
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