While in Georgia earlier this spring, I attended a charity event for the Ian Somerhalder Foundation held at the Lockwood Mansion. Many of you know Ian as the tough, arrogant and devilishly handsome Damon Salvatore. You may also know that he is actively involved in charity work devoted to helping animals and the environment. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend some time with him at this event. Was I nervous? Absolutely! I’ve never met a celebrity before.  But he was very relaxed and put me at ease right away.

Earlier this spring, I took a fun trip to Covington, GA and learned that it’s known as the Hollywood of the South.  Many movies and TV shows have been filmed there including my all-time favorite, The Vampire Diaries.  Let me just say that I was not disappointed!  I spent an evening in the town square outside the clock tower and the Mystic Grill to watch the season finale of the show.  Then, over the weekend, my sister and I took a Vampire Stalkers tour.  This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.  Oh, the stories we heard!  I’d love to mention some of them, but they aren’t my stories to tell.  I highly recommend the tour if you’re a Vampire Diaries fan.  If you love the show and have the chance to visit Covington, do it.  You won’t regret it!

Click here to check out the Vampire Stalkers website.

I used to think that nothing could make me happier than to see my first book published.  But as I've gotten closer to this dream coming true, I found something that would make me happier.  To see all animals treated humanely and with respect.

As a writer, I try to read as often as I can.  Unfortunately, between a full-time job, a family and my own writing, that’s easier said than done.  That said, I’m not giving up on my growing list of books to read.  Last year, I discovered so many new authors, many of whom I met through my publisher, Black Opal Books.  It seemed like every time I finished a book on my list, I added four or five more to it!  There are so many great titles out there to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start.  For 2015, I hope to read books by some of my favorite authors as well as those of new authors.  To list them here would be endless!  So I will forge ahead as I did last year by adding the books to this blog as I finish them.  Already in February 2015, I have three titles to add.  Impressive, right?  I wish I could say I’ve read more so far this year, but life tends to get in the way!

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Broken by Julia Joseph

Compass by Jennifer Gibson

Destiny by Jennifer Gibson

Twisted Dreams by Marissa Farrar

The Truth About Kadenberg by T. E. Ridener

Guardians of the Dead by S.L. Wilson

Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown

Fire in the Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown

Dwellers of Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown

Alora by Megan Linski

Indigo by Fiona Lund

Debut author Ashlee McNicol is releasing her first book this week!  I had the pleasure of getting to know Ashlee over the last few months.  Her book series sounds incredible, and her drive and work ethics are admirable.  I wish I could be as dedicated as this talented young woman!