Hallie Lee's Blog, page 5
December 20, 2020
Celebration!
Cover RevealI’m an avid reader. I love books in all shapes and forms and genres. I enjoy Thrillers, Book Club Fiction, Criminal Procedurals, Inspirational stories, Literary Fiction, and--
Well, I digress.
The thing is, until I signed a publishing contract, I had NO IDEA what went into getting a book on the shelf. Or on a Kindle. And I had no idea how many decisions had to be made.
The cover is without a doubt the hardest decision of them all. Although picking a title was pretty dicey. And of course, there was that angsty comma drama in Chapter Four.
My point is…
Decisions are my enemy. I mean, talk about a commitment, right? To complicate my Decision-Making-Disorder, I’m a People-Pleaser. So, my DMDPP syndrome made selecting cover art difficult.
How could one image, one face, one picture incapsulate over a year’s worth of work? Much less, all the amazing and complex women in the story?
In the end, the image I chose is yours.
It’s Desi. It’s Robin. It’s Sunny. It’s you. It’s me. It’s every woman. It’s all of us. And beneath all the layers—and the hair—we all have the power to be... FEARLESS .
January 6, 2021
Book One of The Shady Gully Series
Paint Me Fearless
welcome new subscribers!If you joined the newsletter before december 18th, you got a first look at the prologue and chapter one of paint me fearless!
if you're just joining the party now...here's a little Christmas slide show just for you!
Merry christmas everyone!
November 19, 2020
Sneak PeEK!
Title News!
Thank you loyal and faithful Newsletter Subscribers! Because you’ve supported me from the beginning, I have a little surprise for you. How about a SNEAK PEEK—a special presentation—of the title of the FIRST BOOK in the SHADY GULLY SERIES?
***
Do you remember yourself at thirteen or fourteen years old? Around the time junior high ended and high school began? If you were anything like DESI and ROBIN—and I know I was—you were preoccupied with lip liner, curling irons, and the latest diet.
Like Desi and Robin, you may have even engaged in a daily tug of war with your insecurities. And sometimes…like me, the battle left you frustrated, hopeless, and fearful.
***
DESI, having moved to Shady Gully from Albuquerque, is miserable as she tries to adjust to small town life, while ROBIN, forever doomed at the "bottom of the popularity pyramid" is terrified she’ll never measure up.
When SUNNY, Desi’s flamboyant mother, sets out to paint a portrait of the girls, they’re adamant about the image they want to project: “Paint me skinny," Robin begs.
Paint me perfect. Paint me pretty.
As they journey into adulthood, they eventually learn that the world’s prizes—beauty, recognition, and approval—are fleeting.
Once they're finally able to confront the mistruths that wrecked their lives, they end up at the beginning. To Sunny’s portrait…and to the truth that was there all along.
And with that truth they finally find the freedom to live unashamed.
And unafraid.
Come to Shady Gully for the journey.
How do YOU want to be painted?
January 2021
Watch Title Reveal Below
Thank you loyal and faithful Newsletter Subscribers! Because you’ve supported me from the beginning, I have a little surprise for you. How about a SNEAK PEEK—a special presentation—of the title of the FIRST BOOK in the SHADY GULLY SERIES?
***
Do you remember yourself at thirteen or fourteen years old? Around the time junior high ended and high school began? If you were anything like DESI and ROBIN—and I know I was—you were preoccupied with lip liner, curling irons, and the latest diet.
Like Desi and Robin, you may have even engaged in a daily tug of war with your insecurities. And sometimes…like me, the battle left you frustrated, hopeless, and fearful.
***
DESI, having moved to Shady Gully from Albuquerque, is miserable as she tries to adjust to small town life, while ROBIN, forever doomed at the "bottom of the popularity pyramid" is terrified she’ll never measure up.
When SUNNY, Desi’s flamboyant mother, sets out to paint a portrait of the girls, they’re adamant about the image they want to project: “Paint me skinny," Robin begs.
Paint me perfect. Paint me pretty.
As they journey into adulthood, they eventually learn that the world’s prizes—beauty, recognition, and approval—are fleeting.
Once they're finally able to confront the mistruths that wrecked their lives, they end up at the beginning. To Sunny’s portrait…and to the truth that was there all along.
And with that truth they finally find the freedom to live unashamed.
And unafraid.
Come to Shady Gully for the journey.
How do YOU want to be painted?
January 2021
Watch Title Reveal Below
October 30, 2020
It's Getting Real!
In my last newsletter, I said, Happy Fall, Y’all, but seeing as how I live in the south, fall was merely a promise of crisp mornings to come.
But now, as October comes to a close, and we prepare to turn our clocks back (do y’all hate that as much as I do?) it truly IS fall in Kentucky!
Check out this view from my back yard.
The lovely, noble creatures you see across the fence are Busy Bev and Ash, lovers of peppermints and playful games of tag. (Pssstttt, I cannot confirm or deny, but you may meet a few regal equines with similar preferences in Book One of the Shady Gully Series.)
Lucy Belle, our lively Papillion—and my CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer)—assumes that Busy Bev and Ash are dogs, albeit super-sized dogs, but dogs none-the-less. Lucy feels it necessary to bark at them on occasion. Well, often. Just so they know who’s boss.
Speaking of Lucy, I have a bit of sad news to report. After a string of antibiotics and cough meds couldn’t cure her lingering, hacking cough, X-rays indicated a mass on her heart. Another round of tests, and finally an ultrasound, confirmed that she has a heart-based tumor. Typically, chemodectoma is a slow-moving tumor, so the plan is to treat her symptoms and keep her comfortable.
She’s doing well. Certainly well enough to boot Patches off her coveted spot on the couch as soon as she got home from the vet.
Still feisty, Lucy insists I cheer up and get to work on Book Two of the Shady Gully Series. There’s a good chance you’ll see a spirited Papillion in Book Two who bears a striking resemblance to my Lucy Belle.
On another note, I’m thrilled to report that the winner of last month’s release-date contest, John Brothers , already read the book! Here are a few teasers from his rave review:
“Great character development…very relatable and thought provoking…I can’t wait for the second book in the series!”
Lastly, get ready for lots of BIG NEWS coming out of Shady Gully this month! You’ll finally get a look at Book One’s beautiful cover! And you'll learn the official title! I think you’re going to love it! I want to tell you now!!! But I can’t. I won’t. I mustn’t.
Stay tuned for the news! If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter, now’s the time. You'll hear it here on "Random Ramblings" first. Meanwhile, follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Because things are getting REAL! Just like fall in Kentucky!
Patches...while Lucy was away 
Lucy Belle...claiming her spot
September 30, 2020
News! Release Date! Contest Winner!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Thank you all for entering the “Guess the Release Date” contest! I’m happy to say we have a winner …!!! The lucky guesser came within Two Days of the actual release date!
Even if you didn’t win, stay tuned, because we have more contests coming—and even BIGGER REVEALS!
**********
COMING SOON
COVER REVEAL & OFFICIAL TITLE OF BOOK ONE
I know, I can’t wait either!
Thank you all for entering the “Guess the Release Date” contest! I’m happy to say we have a winner …!!! The lucky guesser came within Two Days of the actual release date!
Even if you didn’t win, stay tuned, because we have more contests coming—and even BIGGER REVEALS!
**********
COMING SOON
COVER REVEAL & OFFICIAL TITLE OF BOOK ONE
I know, I can’t wait either!
August 31, 2020
Patience and Trust
Happy Fall Y'all!
Thank you for the overwhelming response to my newsletter sign-up!!
I’m thrilled to hear from folks as far away as California, Florida, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona! And my beloved New Mexico . . .oh, how I miss the hatch green chilis this time of year. And of course, my classmates in Louisiana – Blue and Gold forever, yes?
Seriously, thank you all. Especially those I’ve never had the privilege of meeting. I’m encouraged and inspired by your interest. I can’t wait for y’all to read Book One in the Shady Gully Series!
Special News Coming Soon!! Guess what? I have an actual, honest to goodness release date! How about we celebrate a little? Anybody up for a little contest? A little giveaway? Keep reading to learn the details . . .Yes, I know --> patience. Don’t you just hate it? It’s hard, especially when you’re excited, and it’s so close . . . and you must wait a little longer.
That’s me. Right now. Hand-twisting the days away. Not really, I’m working on Book Two of the Shady Gully Series, but that’s a story for another newsletter. My point is, I’m learning patience. And trust. And I’m letting the professionals do their jobs.
My debut novel is now in the very capable hands of my publisher, who along with a team of experts is diligently working on a beautiful cover for my book, along with painstaking details like printing and digital formatting . . . and other particulars way above my pay grade.
So, while I’m being patient, I thought I’d tell you a little more about my book. Beyond what you’ve read on my website, or on Facebook. How about what inspired me to write my book? And why I wrote it?
**
Wouldn’t it be sad if we woke up one day, perhaps around middle age, and realize we’d wasted the best years of our lives chasing things that didn’t matter?
That’s what happens to my main characters, Désirée and Robin, who meet just before high school. They’re insecure, and full of self-doubt. They don’t fit in, or feel pretty enough. No matter what they do, they always fall short.
Have you ever felt like this?
But what if over time, we become defined by our insecurities? To the point that fear drives every decision we make, and shame beats us into isolation, preventing us from enjoying a full life?
Can you imagine?
As guilt and regret shape Desi and Robin’s choices, their worlds become smaller, and they begin to believe the lies the devil tells them about themselves. Shame escalates into distrust and suspicion . . .and as they grow older and have families of their own, it pits them against one another.
Desi and Robin inspire me because they’re relatable. And redeemable. They’re journey depicts real struggles in our lives, things like our doomed quests for perfection, feelings of inadequacy, loneliness – and jealousy.
When I was young, I remember asking my mama questions like: “Am I pretty enough?” “Will the other kids like me enough?” “Am I good enough to make it?”
She’d take a moment, squinting as she considered me.
And then she’d wink and say: “You’ll do.”
Yes. I will.
And so will Desi and Robin. And so will you.
That’s why I wrote the book.
**
And now, (see how patient you were!), on to the contest!
June 25, 2020
Kids these days
Kids These Days
Millennials. I know. I get it. Even the word--millennials—sounds ominous, right? Can’t you almost hear the rising crescendo of the Da-dumf . . . Da-dumf from the JAWS soundtrack? I’m joking, of course, but let’s be honest: millennials are different. Born between 1980—1994, this generation has a reputation for being soft and entitled. They evoke eyerolls from Gen Xers, and apocalyptic mutterings from Boomers.
They’re wired differently. They’re digitally driven, digitally motivated and sometimes even digitally enhanced. These rascals were hatched around the time the internet was invented, so they never had a chance to be normal!
They can’t do things that older people can do. Really important things. Like dialing a telephone. Reading a map. Or using a card catalog. Without these basic life skills, you might wonder, how would they ever fend for themselves? Well, it turns out, their talents lie elsewhere.
For instance, they can book a reservation on Open Table before you can put your glasses on, dial the number, and ask to speak to a real, live person.
They can call an Uber quicker than you can spell it.
They can jot down notes on their phone before you can find old school tools like pen and paper.
They can order groceries and have them delivered before you can decide if getting out in the rain is worth it.
Only a super sharp millennial, or a beloved daughter, would give up an evening wading through a colossal header/footer/page number mishap in a 360 page document . . . all to help a technically challenged middle-ager. Thanks sweet Bree :)
Pretty impressive, right? Well, sure, those are generalizations, but let me tell you a true story that involves a friend . . . of a friend . . . of a friend.
This lady, I won’t say her age, because that would be rude, but let’s just say she qualifies for AARP. She’s a writer. She’s written a few screenplays, some novels, and finally, at this …ahem . . .mature stage in her life, she is called upon to “get a website.”
She does her research. You know, the ads that pop up on Facebook? ANYBODY can create a website, the flashy ads say—in an hour! How cool is that? Now I …uh … this lady, considers herself to be reasonably intelligent, so she generously pencils in a whole week on her calendar. That should do it.
Fast forward a month later. Why? Because I . . .I mean, this friend . . .doesn’t want to relive it. Let’s just say this reasonably intelligent woman has now been reduced to a miserable basket case. Truly wrecked. Consumed with despair and self-doubt. How would she ever publish a book when she couldn’t even create a website in a month? Much less an hour! Surely this was a sign that her time had passed, and it simply wasn’t meant to be.
And then, one day, in a particularly bad moment of dejection, she receives a text. (What? You thought it would be a letter in the mailbox?) Yes, a text.
And in that one magnificent, glorious, “ding” . . .everything changed. Her burden lifted. A month of frustration instantly fell away. All because a smart, capable, and kind millennial—let’s call her Rachel—rescued her. “Of course,” Rachel said. “I can totally do a website for you! It won’t be a problem at all.”
Folks, this wasn’t just a halfhearted toss of a life preserver. This was an all-out SEAL Team mission complete with enthusiasm, willingness and confidence.
Amid a horrible pandemic, Rachel showed great fortitude and patience with me. Yes, me. And beyond that, I acquired a whole slew of life skills from her, and learned the benefits of virtual teamwork.
So now, as we slowly tip-toe our way out of the Covid 19 crisis, I want to celebrate not only our seniors, who endured the brunt of the pandemic of 2020, but also our young, whippersnapper millennials, like Bree and Rachel, whose digital cleverness kept us laughing amid the fear. Gave us hope. Lifted our burdens.
Bravo to all millennials! You make our world better!
Hallie Lee
Take a look around. Sign up for my newsletter. Share a post about your favorite millennial.
Millennials. I know. I get it. Even the word--millennials—sounds ominous, right? Can’t you almost hear the rising crescendo of the Da-dumf . . . Da-dumf from the JAWS soundtrack? I’m joking, of course, but let’s be honest: millennials are different. Born between 1980—1994, this generation has a reputation for being soft and entitled. They evoke eyerolls from Gen Xers, and apocalyptic mutterings from Boomers.
They’re wired differently. They’re digitally driven, digitally motivated and sometimes even digitally enhanced. These rascals were hatched around the time the internet was invented, so they never had a chance to be normal!
They can’t do things that older people can do. Really important things. Like dialing a telephone. Reading a map. Or using a card catalog. Without these basic life skills, you might wonder, how would they ever fend for themselves? Well, it turns out, their talents lie elsewhere.
For instance, they can book a reservation on Open Table before you can put your glasses on, dial the number, and ask to speak to a real, live person.
They can call an Uber quicker than you can spell it.
They can jot down notes on their phone before you can find old school tools like pen and paper.
They can order groceries and have them delivered before you can decide if getting out in the rain is worth it.
Only a super sharp millennial, or a beloved daughter, would give up an evening wading through a colossal header/footer/page number mishap in a 360 page document . . . all to help a technically challenged middle-ager. Thanks sweet Bree :)
Pretty impressive, right? Well, sure, those are generalizations, but let me tell you a true story that involves a friend . . . of a friend . . . of a friend.
This lady, I won’t say her age, because that would be rude, but let’s just say she qualifies for AARP. She’s a writer. She’s written a few screenplays, some novels, and finally, at this …ahem . . .mature stage in her life, she is called upon to “get a website.”
She does her research. You know, the ads that pop up on Facebook? ANYBODY can create a website, the flashy ads say—in an hour! How cool is that? Now I …uh … this lady, considers herself to be reasonably intelligent, so she generously pencils in a whole week on her calendar. That should do it.
Fast forward a month later. Why? Because I . . .I mean, this friend . . .doesn’t want to relive it. Let’s just say this reasonably intelligent woman has now been reduced to a miserable basket case. Truly wrecked. Consumed with despair and self-doubt. How would she ever publish a book when she couldn’t even create a website in a month? Much less an hour! Surely this was a sign that her time had passed, and it simply wasn’t meant to be.
And then, one day, in a particularly bad moment of dejection, she receives a text. (What? You thought it would be a letter in the mailbox?) Yes, a text.
And in that one magnificent, glorious, “ding” . . .everything changed. Her burden lifted. A month of frustration instantly fell away. All because a smart, capable, and kind millennial—let’s call her Rachel—rescued her. “Of course,” Rachel said. “I can totally do a website for you! It won’t be a problem at all.”
Folks, this wasn’t just a halfhearted toss of a life preserver. This was an all-out SEAL Team mission complete with enthusiasm, willingness and confidence.
Amid a horrible pandemic, Rachel showed great fortitude and patience with me. Yes, me. And beyond that, I acquired a whole slew of life skills from her, and learned the benefits of virtual teamwork.
So now, as we slowly tip-toe our way out of the Covid 19 crisis, I want to celebrate not only our seniors, who endured the brunt of the pandemic of 2020, but also our young, whippersnapper millennials, like Bree and Rachel, whose digital cleverness kept us laughing amid the fear. Gave us hope. Lifted our burdens.
Bravo to all millennials! You make our world better!
Hallie Lee
Take a look around. Sign up for my newsletter. Share a post about your favorite millennial.
