What's With the Graffiti?

graf·fi·ti (gruh-fee-tee):

markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like. (Dictionary.com)

graf·fi·to: Archaeology. An ancient drawing or writing scratched on a wall or other surface. (Dictionary.com)

Since the world of the ancients, mankind has been etching drawings on cave walls, the sides of buildings and railcars, eager to leave their mark on the world.

Graffiti is a recurring element in my novel Throwaway—one that encourages the heroine, Jessie, to leave her own mark on the world.

That's why graffiti is a recurring element on the blog. I hope each of my novels in some way encourages others to go out and leave their mark on this world.

That's also the origin of the graffiti party. Every so often, I'll throw a graffiti party—an evening of fun and a chance to literally leave your mark. If I have paperback copies of my books when a party rolls around, they are offered for sale and I'm happy to sign them. More than a book signing or even a great get together, the graffiti party is about taking what you love and the talents you have to leave your mark on this world.
 
I'd love for the graffiti party idea to grow into something bigger… a sense of community, a way to connect volunteers with opportunities to make a difference—to be honest, I haven't figured out all of the possibilities. They're a work in progress.

Feel free to join in the conversation to help me figure it out!