Alison G. Bailey's Blog, page 7
August 12, 2015
Swoony, sweet, and perfect for Tweet. Presently Perfect Day!
Without a doubt, Presently Perfect, was the hardest book I’ve written to date. After Present Perfect came out readers constantly asked if I was going to do a book from Noah’s point of view. I immediately said no. I had no interest whatsoever in writing the same story only from a different perspective. Plus, we already knew how much Noah loved Tweet. He kind wore his heart on his sleeve. So, I go on and write Past Imperfect. Then a funny thing started to happen toward the end of writing book #2. Scenes started popping into my head. New Noah and Tweet scenes. Scenes with Noah and Brittani. Scenes with Noah and Brooke. But a few random scenes does not a book make.
My biggest concern was simply rehashing the same story. Its hard because you obviously have to revisit parts of the previous story the character appeared in. I struggled for a long with the idea of Presently Perfect before committing to it. In the end, I felt there was enough new situations and Noah had his own unique story to tell.
When putting together the playlist for Presently Perfect, I looked for alternative versions (mostly acoustic) of some of the most memorable songs from Present Perfect. Boyce Avenue dominated my playlist.
One of the songs I listened to over and over again was their version of Superman (It’s Not Easy). For me it represented Noah so well. A young man who outwardly had it all, who tried to be a good person, a loyal person, but also had doubts and fears. He wasn’t Superman. He was just a young man in a funny red sheet.
Superman
By Five for Fighting
I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me
I’m more than a bird, I’m more than a plane
I’m more than some pretty face beside a train
And it’s not easy to be me
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I’ll never see
It may sound absurd, but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me
Up, up and away, away from me
It’s all right, you can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy, or anything
I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me
I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
I’m only a man
Looking for a dream
I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy
Its not easy to be me
(Click Photo For Playlist Link)
Fun Fact
My favorite scene-toward the end of the book when Noah and Tweet are headed to the hospital. He looks over at her remembering different quotes from Present Perfect.
“I’ve shared all my firsts with you.”
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever noticed and the last girl I will ever notice.”
“My first kiss was the greatest first kiss in the history of first kisses, because it was with you.”
I HATED writing scenes between Noah and other girls.
I procrastinated on each chapter because I didn’t want to say goodbye.
In the book trailer for Present Perfect, Noah is played in some scenes by Zac Efron and in one scene by Charlie Hunnam.
Line that always makes me laugh. Tyler- “My balls! Where are my balls?!”
I cry every time I listen to The Scientist by Coldplay. EVERY. SIGNLE. TIME. THE version on Noah’s playlist is by Josie Charlwood. It was on constant repeat when wrote “the break up” scene in the park after what happened to Noah’s dad.
My cover model, Assad, felt this tub shot would be best for the back cover. it’s a proof copy, so it’s fuzzy.
I went with this shot. Oh, Assad.
NOAH LOVE
DELETED SCENE 
In Present Perfect we saw when Noah surprised Tweet with tickets to see their all-time favorite band, Lifehouse. But we never saw them go to the concert. Hope you enjoy!
(Unedited)
First Concert
Tweet and I spent the days leading up to the concert listening to and talking about Lifehouse music nonstop. We were both so excited about going to our first concert, but for me it was more than just that. I knew if I was going to the same concert with anyone else I wouldn’t be as excited. As the summer moved on the feelings I was having for Tweet and the way my body reacted when I was around her or even thought about her grew more intense and confusing. I thought at first that maybe I was just going through a phase. I was only fourteen and ruled by hormones more than anything else. I thought other girls were pretty and if I saw a pair of boobs or a nice ass my body responded automatically. But there was always this weird hollow empty feeling in my chest whenever Tweet wasn’t around.
My dad drove us to the Performing Arts Center. Because he was concerned about traffic being heavy we got there two hours before the concert was scheduled to start. The parking lot was almost deserted. Dad pulled the car up to the front of the building and put it in park. Mine and Tweet’s hands both flew to the door handles ready to bolt from the car and get our night started. Before the doors opened Dad turned facing me and Tweet sitting side-by-side in the backseat, a serious expression on his face. We knew what that expression meant. Dad was about to give us the triple R talk—rules, responsibility, and respect.
“Kids all parental units involved want y’all to have fun tonight. This is a big deal. Not only is it your first concert, but also the first time y’all will be on your own at a big event. This isn’t the same as being dropped off at the mall. You know that, right?” His eyebrows raised in my direction.
“Yes Sir,” I answered.
“There are a few things I need to go over before you head inside
Tweet and I took our hands off of the door handles and placed them in our laps
“When you leave this car go directly inside and find your seats. Don’t be afraid to ask a staff person for help if you need it.”
“Yes Sir,” I told him.
“Don’t accept anything to drink or smoke from a stranger. Noah, keep your wallet in your front pocket. Don’t pull all your money out if you buy something to eat or a concert T-shirt. And last but not least, most definitely don’t go exploring outside around the building. Noah, your mother and I have a lot of trust in you and Amanda your parents have a lot of trust in you. Be responsible and respectful of the rules we’ve set
“We will Dad.” I glanced quickly over at Tweet, we swapped slight smiles.
“Amanda’s dad will be here to pick y’all up after the concert. Have a great time,” he said, a proud and sad look on his face.
Tweet flew out the car before I had a chance to open my door. Reaching over the seat, my dad’s hand touched my arm, causing me to look up at him.
“Son, make sure you watch out for Amanda. Hold her hand while walking through the crowd so y’all don’t get separated.” He wanted to make sure I understood that I was responsible for Tweet and needed to take care of her. I smiled. Of all the rules on his list the Tweet rules were a given and as natural to me as breathing.
“I will Dad and thanks for bringing us.”
Tweet and I walked toward the building as Dad drove off. We were a few feet from the entrance when she grabbed my upper arm tugging me over to the side.
“What are you doing?” I asked, chuckling.
“Let’s go look around,” she said, cocking her head to the side.
“Tweet, what part of, “most definitely don’t go exploring outside around the building”, did you not understand?”
“I understood it all. I also understand that no one is here to tell on us, it’s not dark outside, and there’s hardly anyone here yet except staff. We’ll only go around once and then head straight to our seats. Please Noah.” Her eyebrows scrunched together as bright teal eyes pleaded with me through long dark lashes.
My gaze darted between her and the entrance. I’m not sure why I stood there pretending I was trying to make a decision. I knew I’d give in and do what she wanted to do. I never could say no to Tweet.
“Okay, we’ll go around one time and that’s it.” Her head nodded excitedly. “I mean it, Tweet. Promise me.”
“I promise,” she said, crossing her heart.
I took her hand, lacing our fingers together. When our palms touched a prickling sensation covered my body as if a million needles skimmed across my skin. Her hand was soft, warm, and fit perfectly into mine. We both glanced down then back up, locking eyes.
“My dad told me to hold your hand, so I wouldn’t lose you.” My voice was husky, low, and stuck in my throat.
“You’ll never lose me,” Tweet said, giving me a shy smile.
We made our way around the building hand-in-hand. There wasn’t much to see other than a few parked cars scattered here and there. When we rounded the corner heading behind the building we stopped in our tracks. I looked over at Tweet. She wore the same shocked expression as I did.
“Noah, do you see what I see?”
“Uh huh.”
Ten feet in front of us sat the Lifehouse tour bus. We stood staring for several seconds, neither of us moving or saying a word. We’d listened to every single song, knew every single word, and watched every single video. Our band, the ultimate band suddenly became real people to us.
“Do you think they’re in there?” Tweet whispered.
“I don’t know.”
Out the corner of my eye I saw her glance over at me. “Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
Tweet pulled her hand away from mine and headed to the side of the tour bus.
“Holy shit! What are you doing?”
“I just want to peek inside,” she threw over her shoulder as she walked away.
My stomach flip-flopped as the nerves crawled over me. I ran my hand through my hair and rubbed my neck. I knew what the right thing to do was. I should grab her before she gets any closer to that bus and haul her into the building. I was pushing it when I agreed to walk around this place. Somehow I knew my parents would find out. They always found out. I remembered the time when Tweet and I were ten and we rode our bikes around the block without permission. Tweet ended up falling and scraping her knee up really bad. We hid in my room while I cleaned her leg. I had been so careful not to let either of my parents see me take the first aid kit into my room. Tweet and I thought we had gotten away with it until the next day. Somehow Mom, Dad, and the Kellys found out. I ended up with no bike or Tweet for an entire week.
By the time I got to the side of the bus Tweet was bent over slightly, her face pressed against the glass door, hands cupped on either side. My eyes immediately zeroed in on the way her ass looked in her jeans. It was perfectly round and just the right size. The bottom of her white shirt had slid up above the waistband exposing the part of her lower back that curved in right before reaching that incredible ass. I liked watching her walk. The way her hips went back and forth. My favorite was when I walked behind her going up stairs. Her ass was firm, but it jiggled slightly when she’d run up the stairs.
“Shit!” Tweet’s loud whisper broke my jiggling dream.
“What?” I said confused.
I watched as she quickly walked back toward me. “Someone’s coming.” She passed me, grabbing my upper arm and pulling me with her across the parking lot. “Someone’s coming!” She repeated in a panic.
We kept a steady pace, so we wouldn’t catch attention, making someone suspicious. Once we had gotten a decent distance from the bus we took off running. My heart was pounding against my chest because of the sprint across the parking lot as well as the fear that we were going to get caught and end up missing the concert. I felt my teeth grind together and my neck muscles tighten. If we missed Lifehouse I was going to be pissed and it would be Tweet’s fault. She had to go looking around. We couldn’t just head to our seats. I was also pissed at myself for caving and going along with what she wanted to do.
We rounded the corner and were met by a line of people waiting to get into the concert. Tweet and I slowed our pace and took a spot at the end of the line. Bending down I placed my hands on my thighs, trying to catch my breath. I felt as if I was about to throw up. I took in a couple of good shots of oxygen before looking up at Tweet. Her chest was pumping up and down. I felt myself getting hard. Dropping my head down, I closed my eyes desperately trying to think of anything besides Tweet’s cute ass and pumping chest. I ran through baseball plays and rules in my head until I finally calmed down.
Straightening up, I looked at Tweet. I kept my expression serious. She knew I wasn’t happy. Her bottom lip disappeared into her mouth as her eyebrows came together. I sucked in my cheeks wanting to freeze my expression. That lasted all of one second before the smile broke across my face. She was too damn cute to stay mad at. When she saw my smile, hers quickly followed.
Leaning into me, she said in a low voice, “I know we shouldn’t have done it, but it was crazy fun.”
“We could have gotten into a lot of trouble.”
“But we didn’t.”
I smirked and shook my head. “Just because we didn’t get caught doesn’t mean it was okay to do it. My dad trusted me. If somehow he finds out that I didn’t listen to him…”
The line started to slowly move forward.
“We didn’t get caught and I haven’t seen anyone here that we know. He won’t find out.”
“Let’s just drop it and go have fun inside,” I said.
“Agreed.” She paused as we moved along with the line. “Can I tell you something?”
“Sure.”
“I saw Jason Wade’s knee. I mean I think it was his knee. You know a knee is a knee. It’s hard to tell one from the other, but I’m pretty sure it was him.”
Looking straight ahead, I rolled my eyes and kept heading forward as Tweet rambled on about the possible knee sighting. Girls can be so weird.
August 11, 2015
All about that Brad…bout that Brad. Past Imperfect Day
Oh Brad Johnson, you charmed me, made me laugh out loud, made me blush, and infuriated me. If you’ve read Present Perfect you understand my feelings toward Mr. Johnson. I will say this, he was a hoot and a half to write. I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. In fact, I loved writing him so much, I almost made him a good guy in Present Perfect. But alas, there can only be one hero and Noah was it.
Even though most readers hated Brad, in a good way, they wanted more of him. I wanted more of him. Little by little his story popped into my head. See, I always knew there was more to this bad boy than met the eye. When approaching the story of Past Imperfect I wanted Brad’s redemption to have already started. I didn’t want it to be the regular, “the love of a good woman redeemed him” type of story. It was his love with Mabry, another damaged soul, that gave him the desire to completely be there for another person. Brad wanted to not only be a better man for Mabry but better person in his life.
From an author standpoint, I have two books that are the most cohesive in story, editing, formatting, and cover design. Past Imperfect is one of them.
I discovered a lot of new music artist when looking to fill the PI playlist. One of my favorites is Michelle Featherston. Her music filed most of the spots on my playlist. Her song, “I Said” is Brad and Marby’s song.
(Click photo for playlist)
Fun Facts
Mabry’s name came from a girl hat worked at a local coffee shop I went to many years ago.
I love joggling boards just like Mabry.
Channing Tatum in Magic Mike was the inspiration for Brad’s window striptease.
The epilogue in PI is the favorite one I’ve written.
All the places mentioned in the book (Middleton Place Gardens, The Battery, Boons Pub, etc.) are all real places.
The song Mabry’s mom made up and sang to her, my mom made up and sang to me.
The baby picture used in the book is actually my nephew, Brandon.
The line that always makes me laugh. Brad’s brother, Peyton, introduces him to Mabry for the first time. Peyton already has his eye on Mabry.
Peyton- “Mabry, this is Brad. My little brother.”
Brad- Double entendre, motherfucker.
9. The couple on the cover are an actual married couple. She was 5 months pregnant at the time of the photo shoot.
10. Writing PI helped me belter define the type of stories I want to tell. My books will always have elements of love, friendship, drama, angst, humor, but most of all they’ll deal unique subject matter. Some will be very serious and possibly uncomfortable for people to read. But as for now, that’s the only way I know how to do it.
My Incredible Readers
The Cover
Before
After
My Cast
Brad- Jordon Legault. Mabry- Lucy Hale
Things That Make You Smile
August 10, 2015
Present Perfect Day
Ear buds in-Check.
Spotify Present Perfect playlist on phone.-Check.
Volume turned up high-Check.
(Click photo for playlist)
As I write this I’m listening to Tweet and Noah’s song, Everything by Lifehouse. I’ve listened to Jason Wade’s incredible voice so many times I’ve lost count. This song inspired me through all the Tweet and Noah scenes. I can’t hear it and not think of them. I’ll tell you a little secret. Whenever I see another author use it for their book trailer or post about it being their character’s song, I get bent and a little possessive.
Each day this week I’ll be sharing some fun stuff about each book. trivia, exclusive excerpts from lost scenes, behind-the-scenes secrets.
Thank you for making my first venture into the indie world amazing. Hope you enjoy this look back as much as I have. Now I’m going to wipe away my sentimental tears.
Very first teaser made. The book wasn’t even finished. My favorite quote from PP.
My Awesome and Talented Readers!
First fan made teaser. Thank you Kim!
Trivia
Original Title: Losses.
The first published version of Present Perfect has extra scenes that were later edited out.
Dalton was originally a 12-year-old girl. Not to get all hippy-dippy, but he was the most organic character from the book. I had no outline, no idea what his character was going to be and how he would play into Tweet’s life.
I wrote 15 drafts of the book before the final.
The line that ALWAYS makes me laugh. Tweet and Brad are at his house studying.
Tweet- “We need to get ready for that big exam.”
Brad- “I have something big you need to get ready for.”
I was told to cut the Halloween story. Glad I didn’t listen.
I am Tweet.
There was an alternate ending. 
My Cast
Tweet- Mila Kunis Noah- Matt Lanter
Dalton-Chace Crawford Brad-Jordon Legault
Brittani-Ashley Tisdale
Book Signings
Inspiration
August 4, 2015
Self-doubt
Ryan’s Review
Please forgive the bad editing job I did on the pictures.
Ryan’s mom
August Giveaway!
To enter just leave a comment anywhere on the website or sign up for my newsletter. The first edition of the Bailey Press will be coming in two weeks.
(Click photo for link)
July 28, 2015
When I was a kid . . .
When I was a kid my room was right next to our family room.
My dad was a night owl, something I inherited. He would stay up late watching TV. Many nights I fell asleep to the voices of Mike Connors in Mannix, James Arness in Gunsmoke, or Raymond Burr in Ironside.
Around the age of 14 I discovered the Radio Mystery Theater.
(Click photo for link)
These were one hour radio dramas broadcast late at night. I couldn’t wait until I could get under the covers and listen. The host was E.G. Marshall and he had an eerie tone to his voice that set the mood of the story. My imagination kicked into high gear picturing the scene as the actors said the words and the sound effects and music brought he unseen world to life for me.
Now at the age of 50, I still leave the TV on all night. Now I usually fall asleep to the voices of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey.
I’ve also discovered the world of podcasts. Some of my favorites ones are . . .
(Click photo for link)
The Moth
Strangers
Snap Judgment
Little did my dad know as he sat in his recliner watching his favorite TV shows and snacking on chips and drinking ice tea that he was setting the foundation for his youngest daughter to become an author.
Thanks, Daddy.
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(Click photo for link)
GIVEAWAY!
There are a few days left to enter for July’s giveaway. Just leave a comment anywhere on my website to enter.
Whatcha Reading?
I just finished The Bronze Horseman. Absolutely epic love story. LOVED IT! I Started on Tatiana and Alexander today.
My Shura, Henry Cavill.
I hope everyone has an awesome week.
July 21, 2015
Benton stops by for a chat.
Since I love learning about other people and I get bored talking about myself, I thought what better way to kill two birds with one stone, than to start interviewing folks.
**********SPOILER ALERT!*********
Yep, you heard me. (Read me.) While my special interviewee did give me permission to cut, change, flip, and flop any of his answers, as an author, I couldn’t bring myself to change his words. Besides, his answers are fantastic.
Buuuuuuuuuttttttt . . . I will tell you, there is a slight Stop! spoiler in one of the answers.
Benton Sorensen
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-Sorensen/492741377499382
http://www.instagram.com/benton_s
http://www.twitter.com/bentonsorensen
Tumblr
http://www.modifiedman.tumblr.com
Snap Chat: benton_s
***
Readers always ask if the characters in my books are based on real people. The answer is yes . . . kind of. Usually I take bits and pieces of myself, people in my life, or those who intrigue me to develop a character.
Although, my latest novel, Stop!, is fiction, I drew a lot of inspiration from my life as well as one other person.
While doing research for the book, I came across a young man’s YouTube channel. I watched the entire afternoon every single video he had posted. I quickly became a huge fan, so much so, that I changed the character’s name from Brice to Benton.
What is it about Benton that caught my attention? His bravery, his honesty, his generosity to help others, his openness, his positive charm, and his fantastic sense of humor. He also has that intangible quality that draws you in and makes it impossible not to like him.
I’m very excited and honored to have as my first interview on the blog, Benton Sorensen.
Benton, I hope my gushing didn’t scare you off. I appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions for us today.
When and why did you start your YouTube channel?
I’ve been making videos on Youtube for nearly 6 years! Across several channels, I began uploading videos with my friends, and it soon turned into a full time hobby. I remember watching YouTube videos as a kid and wanting to be just like the big YouTubers at the time. I decided to get serious when I started my ‘Benton’ channel. I’m finally pursuing the dream I had as a kid, and I think my hard work is paying off!
I saw on a recent post you mentioned that you hit 40,000 followers. Congratulations! Do you ever get overwhelmed by your reach and feel a huge responsibility? Thank you! I’m still blown away, and I can’t believe that number is real. Whenever someone is listening there is always pressure to say the right thing, but speaking to 40,000 people is different. You can’t please everyone, so it’s easiest to be yourself and hope that the majority is on your side. There is a responsibility that comes along with having an online following, almost an invisible contract promising that you will deliver content. I love it, I love the challenge, I love the people who support me, and I love the people who push me.
Who was the most difficult person to talk to about yourself and who was the easiest? The hardest conversation I had to have was with my Mom, for obvious reasons. The easiest conversations were with my friends, even though many turned on me after. Your parents and family are forever, but friends come and go. It didn’t bother me, it wasn’t mandatory, but the approval from my family was.
In some of your videos you discuss dealing with depression. We all have times in our lives when situations feel impossible to move on from. So many young people don’t survive. What got you through those times? I started to tell myself that I wouldn’t be someone who gives up, I would keep pushing no matter what. The one thing we are all pushed down by is time. It’s a blessing and a curse. As long as time keeps moving, our lives keep changing through our worst, and our best. Nothing is forever, so I make the good times last.
Do you feel people expect you to always be a spokesperson now? And if so, do you ever wish you could just be Benton, the guy that lives down the street? This is always what I wanted. I wanted to be watched, but only if it was for a good reason. I wanted to have a voice that made an impact. I wanted people to watch my films and give me feedback. It still blows me away that people take time out of their day to watch what I make, it’s crazy.
In Stop!, the character Benton has to deal with different forms of bullying. Were you aware of the potential of cyberbullying when you first started posting your videos? How do you handle it? You seem to have an incredibly positive attitude. There are a lot of people who don’t understand, and because of that they leave nasty comments. Cyberbullying is definitely a very overlooked tool of harassment. Ever since I posted my first video I’ve had to talk myself into ignoring hate comments, it’s all you can do. When I was a girl they would comment “looks like a boy, but talks like a girl?” Now they comment “you’re just a girl who sounds like a boy.” They will always find a way to pick on you, so don’t take it personally.
What does the future look like for you? Do you want to go into film making? I’m only 18 years old, and the pressure to plan my future has always been very overwhelming. I got a taste of what the film industry was like, and after one year I decided that it wasn’t for me. Film is, and will always be my passion, but not within the industry. With that said, I have no idea what I’m doing now. I need to travel, learn, and give myself time.
What was your reaction when you read the email from this US author who said you were the inspiration for one of the characters in her latest book? I was thrilled! I never could have imagined this happening. I’m so excited to read Stop!
The next couple of questions/comments are from members of my readers group, Bailey’s Broads. ☺
Sarah asked, “How hard was it for your friends and family to truly accept your authentic self?” Hi Sarah! A select few had a harder time accepting my transition, but I focused on myself, and let them continue hating until they finally understood.
Christie asked, “Were Benton’s parents supportive? Who does he consider his inner circle of supporters? I just think he’s incredibly courageous, and I send him my love and well wishes!!!!” Thanks Christie! I’ve been very blessed with a supportive family and a great group of friends who love and accept me for who I am. Not everyone has the same experience so I never take mine for granted.
Favorite Fast Five:
Favorite movie? Like Crazy
Favorite band? ODESZA
Favorite time of year? Spring!
Favorite place? Vancouver
Favorite food? Sushi
I want to thank Benton for taking time out of his busy schedule to spend with us and for being such a positive force in the world today. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring and talented young man.
***
Read Stop! for FREE!
Stop! is now exclusively available on Amazon.
“If ever there was a thought provoking book that makes you put your life in perspective, this is it! But it’s also sweet, with gentle humour that this author does so well. There is also angst, emotion, and heartfelt story telling. I enjoy this author’s style of writing immensely. She makes it such easy reading that it truly is a pleasure to pick up her books. I was 30% into this book before I even realised! I devoured this book within a day! I can’t wait to see what Alison G Bailey comes up with next.”
~Sian Lewis, Amazon Reviewer
July 14, 2015
What am I up to?
A Day In The Life Of Me, Alison G. Bailey
7 a.m.-Alarm goes off.
7:01-I hit snooze button.
8:30-I toss the covers off of me.
8:45-I sit up in bed and think about getting up.
9:00-I actually get out of bed.
9:05-I down the first Diet Pepsi of the day and maybe eat a banana. I’m not a big breakfast eater.
9:30ish-I take my two furry kids out for their morning walk. I’m referring to my dogs. I don’t have overly hairy human children.
Buster is my 15-year-old Pekingese/Lhasa mix. Since he’s the king of the castle, he goes out first. Then it’s my 3-legged yellow lab, Jack’s turn. I used to walk both dogs at the same time, but now that Buster is an old man, their speeds are vastly different.
Oh, I failed to mention that between breakfast and walking the dogs, I do get dressed. I didn’t want you to think I go out in public in my pj’s or worse, naked. The uniform for an author is some form of sweat or yoga pants and a T-shirt.
10:30ish-(By the way, my life is full of ishes.) I hop on my computer to check emails, my website, and my social media pages. I respond to whatever needs my attention at the moment. If I have a few extra minutes, I see what’s up in the book world. Then eight hours later . . . just kidding. I try to limit my time on social media to one hour in the morning. If I’m a good little writer and get my work done for the day, I will get on at night. It’s hard not to get lost in the world of Facebook and the Twitterverse on those days when the words aren’t flowing and your brain is mush.
12 noon-While doing the glamorous things around the house that authors do, like laundry, loading the dishwasher, and cleaning the bathroom, I’ll put my ear buds in and listen to the playlist for the particular book I’m working on. It gets me in the right mindset.
3:00-The magic starts. I sit down to write. I’ve tried writing earlier in the day, but for whatever reason I end up staring at the screen more often than tapping out words. I like the stillness of nighttime. I usually end my day around midnight or later depending on whether or not I’m on a roll or deadline.
Between 3 p.m. and midnight, I do take breaks. I walk the dogs a couple more times, I have dinner, might chat on the phone, but I try to stick with the daily routine. It gives me comfort not having to think what my schedule will be. There are occasions when my brain gets tired and needs a distraction. That’s when I turn on an episode of Friends that I’ve seen ten thousand times or that show on the Discovery channel, Naked and Afraid. Don’t judge me.
So, there you have it. My day in a nutshell. I know, it’s pretty exciting. (Insert sarcastic tone.) I do deviate from my regularly scheduled programing on occasion. Since I’m my own boss, I can go to lunch with my sister, mom, or friends whenever I want. And I get to attend book signings where I get to spend time with author and blogger friends and meet wonderful readers. All in all, being an author is a pretty fantastic way to spend the day.
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GIVEAWAY!
Don’t forget my monthly giveaway. Leave a comment anywhere on my website as often as you like to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly on the last day of the month.
July 7, 2015
Five fun facts and then some.
1. The cover model for Stop! is my niece, Paige.
2. There is a real person who was my inspiration for the character of Benton in Stop! I found him when doing my research for the book. His name is Benton.
3. There is a different line in each of my books that makes me giggle no matter how many times I read them. In Stop!, Hollis’s BFF Maggie says, “You know what I mean, right? When he revs my cho-cho.”
I’m giggling as I write this.
4. I can’t write a book without including at least one song from Lifehouse on the playlist.
5. I consume copious amounts of Diet Pepsi while writing.
Here’s an extra one for you. One time, I was approached by a guy in a bar who insisted he knew me and used to call me Sugar Britches.
Fan made teaser by Michelle
Signed Paperbacks Available
$12 (includes shipping in US ONLY).
International orders-Please contact me before placing order. (alisongaskinbailey@gmail.com)
Make payment via PayPal (alisongaskinbailey@gmail.com).
Don’t forget to include shipping address and name for personalization.
MONTHLY BLOG GIVEAWAY!
Starting this month I’ll be holding a GIVEAWAY each month. Prizes could be almost anything-signed books (mine as well as other authors), gift cards, music, lions, tigers, or bears . . . Oh my! It will be a surprise. How do you enter, you ask? Simply post a comment anywhere on my website. It could be a simple, “hello there”, on my home page or, “you’ve got to be kidding me” on my blog post. Each comment you post earns you an entry into that month’s giveaway. Enter as often as you like.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
~Alison
July 4, 2015
Ali Talk
Sorry the video quality isn’t that great. I’ll get better at this, I hope. :-)
June 25, 2015
I hate labels
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
B&N
iTunes
*Waiting for it to go live on Kobo.
