November, New!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to join The Morning Show, hosted by the dynamic Melissa Farley and Marshall Shore. Produced by Ann Cabano, they all do a fabulous job highlighting what’s happening in Arizona. I shared a few things about myself and my debut novel, including a bit about the first chapter, a moving scene about a grandmother’s final hours and a granddaughter’s failure to see the finality of the situation, caught in her own turmoil and self-destruction. Based on true events, writing Jade’s Broken Bridge has been a way for me to transform buried shame into an artistic offering and to make peace with my past, an ongoing journey. Although I can’t rewind time and complete a final task requested by my grandmother, I can honor her memory and perhaps encourage readers to understand the urgency of a final moment and the consequences of decisions.

My kin (in this photo) are gone, however, as guardian angels, they are always with me. Knowing this gives me strength to step forward in courage with the goal of doing right by them and making a difference before I too become a photo memory. Earlier this week I had another opportunity to share my book and writing journey, including the tumbleweed backstory, with a local reporter. We met in my hometown, at a park I played in as a child, with dozens of cousins. Of course, I was honored by the invitation and the reporter’s willingness to meet me in this special location, an overwhelming experience for me. I held it together for the questions () then let the emotions flow after he left, recording my thoughts into a video that I shared on my IG feed, stopping myself from feeling my share needed to be perfect or polished. That’s not what this journey is about for me. It’s about being real, believing that my story and authenticity will land where it’s supposed to, with those who might benefit from something I’ve shared. Watching a heartfelt video reaction to my book last night, affirms that I am on the right path.

Seeing the need for an author website, and with the help of two amazing professionals (Jeniffer T. and Kim C.), I began that journey a few months ago. The site (msefton.com) is now ready to go! Drawing from the same spirit as my blog, it is a digital space to buy books directly from me (signed with a bonus gift), to feature and schedule book talks, and of course, my blog and poetry, which aren’t going away, are part of the mix. In other book news, Jade’s Broken Bridge is now available as an audiobook.

Living in one of the “last” time zones, I’m always tardy to the party, as other Pacific Time Zone bloggers know, but my plans of sharing a few Halloween photos yesterday fell short when my time downtown ran long. We’ll just call it fashionably late with these shares. The climbing skeleton (in St. Helens, Oregon) reminded me of pole dancing. Thanks to my friend Patricia for driving to “Halloween Town” and cheers to my fellow dancers who shared the dance floor with me last night. We had a grand Halloween time! Thanks for stopping by and a wonderful weekend to you! Michele

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