Editing, Cover Art & a Cabaret, OH MY!

​So… I’ve been very busy over the past two months getting ready for the 12/12/16 release of my debut novel, UNEXPECTED. To say I’ve been having the time of my life is an understatement… Inkspell Publishing hooked me up with a fantastic editor who helped me put the finishing touches on my story. Although the process was at times grueling due to deadlines and the fact that I also started a new, fulltime day job during this process, it was also fascinating, thrilling and exciting. She shed light on my characters that I had either tucked away as inconsequential or that I missed altogether. I cannot wait to read the final edit once it comes back from my publisher in the ebook format which will be a total thrill, as if I’m reading it for the first time.

During the crazy editing schedule I also put together my own “inspiration board” for my cover art. When the email came from the talented artist who I would be working with, I was ready, and sent off my inspirations with a click of a button. Because the artist lives in another country and time zone, her corresponding emails would come in the wee-hours of the morning. I have never been able to wait to open a present, opting to tear into it with excitement and fervor! This is how it played out with my cover artist. I would wake in the early morning and immediately grab my phone anticipating her suggestions of Shutterstock photos, fonts and color schemes. Heaven! Just this morning, I received preliminary versions of my debut novel cover. I feel like I have received a beautiful, tangible gift. I am giddy and nervous – exited and scared… How does one choose? Will the cover catch the reader’s eye and convey the depth of my characters and story by a single glance? These are some of the questions that are currently swirling and tumbling in my brain cell as I try to work a normal day, glancing at least one hundred times an hour at the screenshots saved on my phone.

And then there’s my Cabaret act… yep, you heard me. Two years ago I was a guest at the Metropolitan Room in New York where I was lucky enough to see the incomparable, Marilyn Maye perform her Cabaret act. (The picture is of me and Marilyn on that magical night!) It was a life-changing moment, and a seed was planted. I have always been a professional singer –it is part of who I am. Over the past several months, I have been putting together my own show called, “The Journey of Love.” I am excited to announce that I will be debuting this act at my book release party in December! I have found a composer to write my music charts. I have a three-piece, handsome jazz trio, and I have just finished writing the banter/story to accompany the songs. I even have a vision of what I want my floor length dress to look like! Throw in a sexy venue, some cocktails and giveaways, and you’ve got a pretty happenin’ debut book release party! I cannot wait to combine my love of singing and writing on the same night!
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So…I’ve been a very busy girl. I hope that you will be on the lookout for my cover-release, pre-order book sale and for more information on my book release party in December.
I am thrilled to have you all along this journey with me. It’s been a whirlwind! Until next time, keep going after your dreams!
KG
xoxoxo

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