Dreams CAN Come True!

Today was my first local public appearance as V.J. Allison. I visited LaHave River Books in LaHave, Nova Scotia, to talk with the owner and see about getting some of my books put up for sale there. I was shaking in my sneakers but the trip down to the store was worth it, and more.

First of all, this little bookstore is amazing. It’s so cozy, warm, and inviting. It’s the type of place you want to hang out all day, reading and enjoying a coffee and a pastry from LaHave Bakery, which is next door. The scent of books in there is intoxicating, and although it’s tiny, it’s just perfect for someone to come in and hang out for hours, browsing and reading a new treasure. I hope to hang out there a little longer the next time I visit!

I had one copy of Stricken, Away to Me, and Under Your Scars with me – the only three books I have in paperback right now. The owner looked at them, and told me that romance novels have been selling well since COVID hit the province 2 years ago. 

We talked about pricing, and how hard it is to write a book, let alone get it published and then market it. She isn’t an author herself, but she is big on helping out local ones like me and others I’ve seen on her Facebook Page.

It was then that my dream of being an author reached another pinnacle. After pricing them, she put them on the Local Interest/Local Authors area. 

They are on the left here, right at eye level. Stricken is black, Away to Me is white, and Under your Scars is blue. SQUEE!!!!!!!

My books are now on sale at a local bookstore. For sale. 

My books.

Holy stinking catnip.

My dream of seeing my books on a local store's shelf, for sale, finally came true! 

I've been waiting for this moment ever since I was 9 years old, and my Grade 4 teacher at Petite Riviere Elementary School, Mrs. Hache, told me I had a knack for storytelling. It took almost 40 years, but it finally happened!

We chatted for a few more minutes before I left. Unfortunately it’s a drizzly day, so I couldn’t really get pictures of the outside, or its wharf on the LaHave River. Next time!

We also talked about a possible author signing event if my books sell fast. I’ll be shaking in the sneakers but it’s something that I am willing to do.

There are not a lot of romance books set in Nova Scotia, or a lot in Atlantic Canada. I’m trying to fill that gap, and thanks to Extasy Books, I’m able to put Nova Scotia on the map as a romantic location. Come on, we have tons of beaches, a beautiful tartan, tons of amazing places to visit, lots of history a great view of the ocean, and the highest tides in the world, for starters. What’s not to like?

A huge thank you to Tina, Jay, Angie, and everyone else at Extasy Books, for giving this old girl a chance. Love you all!

WRITING UPDATE

At 12:03 PM April 13, 2022, I typed “THE END/To Be Continued” at the end of Honestly (Feathered Tartan 3). It’s had a read-through, and is now in stasis. This past week was insane with me trying to wrap it up. Between Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, it was a 15K week. Tuesday was an 11K day on its own – thank you to my son for being an angel while I worked on it after he got home from track practice! I was so bad that I was writing this one in my sleep. I was seeing everything happening in my dreams…

Oh, I was a flipping mess. I’m so glad it’s written and out of my head. I’m able to sleep again! It does need tons of work – me and my first drafts are FILTHY – but it’s done and patiently waiting for cleanup, which I hope to do in a few weeks.

I’m now in the prelim stages of getting its sequel started, a two part story – first a short love story, then a full romance novel. It’s going to be a wild ride, but hopefully Universe helps out and lets me work.

I’m thinking the two new ones and maybe one more should wrap up the series, unless I do one I’ve been considering for a while. What it is, is between myself, my publisher and my co-conspirators.

Nova Scotia Remembers, 2 Years Later…

As we Nova Scotians mark the second anniversary of the Portapique Shootings that took place on April 18^th and 19^th, 2020 this coming week, I want everyone to remember the victims. Please say their names and remember them, even if you never met any of them.

The name of the monster who took them from their families, friends and loved ones should never be remembered. Let him fade into obscurity, and remember the lost, their families, friends and loved ones. Thank you.

Just a note to say my old school friend Sammy Oickle Lowe passed away in March, after a battle with cancer. Miss you tons, girl!

Have a great weekend everyone! I leave you with “Angel” by Nova Scotia’s own Sarah McLachclan.