The Famous NEXT BIG THING!

Once Upon a Time....

In a far away land, Sheri, (AKA: Anne Michaels-my pen name) was tagged by an author’s blog tour. Each author who is tagged has the privilege of answering 10 questions about their current work-in-progress. I am honored to have been tagged by Allison Silver. You can see the link to Allison's blog at the end of this post or you can click her name, but only after you have finished reading my post! I've tagged another author, Jacquelyn Jaie Fourgerel, who will hopefully post her blog on or about October 30, 2012. (Her link is also at the end of this post.) After reading about my “Next Big Thing” be sure to check out the other authors to see what their NEXT BIG THING is.

What is the working title of your book?

The Bard Seeker

Where did the idea for the book come from?

While traveling in Ireland in 2007, I attended a creative writers workshop for 10 days. My inspiration came from castles, green pastures, quiet noise, and lovely people.

What genre does your book fall under?

Realistic Fiction, Adult Drama, Romance and Mystery

What actors would you choose to portray your characters in a movie rendition?

Umm, love this question! I would choose Sean Connery as the wise grandfather, "Earl," and Sandra Bullock  as "Aimiee Cassady," the thirty-something, soon to be divorced, single mother.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Aimiee leaves a violent marriage behind ready to call it quits in life, but enters into a mysterious and frightening weave of lies and deceit as she blindly enters into yet another damaging relationship; but all hope not lost, she comes face to face with a persnickety but wise grandfather in Celtic country, meets the man of her dreams whom she keeps at bay for some reason, and ultimately, finds a way to be truly free.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I'm leaning toward traditional publishing as I have already gone the self-publishing route with my children's book. Maybe this book will be a blessing in disguise!

How long did it take you to write the first-draft of your manuscript?

I'm still working on it and have been on and off for the past 5 years. It has been long, (trust me) but I am now inspired to finish it finally.

What other books would you compare to your story within the genre?

I would say Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood meets Sleeping with the Enemy meets The Notebook in Ireland.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Well, many things and many people I really need to leave un-named. The funny thing about realistic fiction is sometimes the story lines might not be too far off the beaten path.

I was inspired in Ireland, but continued writing after meeting certain individuals in my life. I am now, ever inspired to finish the book and get it out there. :-)

What else about your book my pique your readers' interests?

Aimiee is a woman who lets her emotions run wild, but her heart is genuine and true. When she discovers a web of lies that if unraveled completely, would put herself and her child in danger, she learns to play life safely, until the moment she can turn misfortune into freedom. 

I was tagged by Allison Silver

http://sssahm.blogspot.com/

I have tagged Jacquelyn Jaie Fourgerel

http://jacquelynfourgerel.com/home.html

DIY HOME PROJECT, DINING ROOM (DRP, Part 1)

DINING ROOM TRANSFORMATION

 

Before

After

 

Ok, let me begin by saying that I do not consider myself an interior decorator, but I feel pretty proud so far. My husband Matthew and I have mixed pieces of antique and modern furniture, but we are basically trying to create an "old world" Italian type of look.

 

Above pic is what I have done so far. The particular pieces I want to focus on is the small buffet server and a metal glass shelf I got for a steal at an antique shop.

 

First, the buffet server: during the moving process, my server was taken apart and the integrity of the piece was lost. It also had a off color that wasn't mixing correctly with the other pieces in the room, which we decided we didn't like.

 

1. In order to create the "antique" look, I began by sanding the pieces down, purposely placing pressure with the sander in random spots. (I used a small, electric power sander at a #60 grit, then realized I wanted to go a bit finer, so I moved up to a #120 grit). I did this for all the pieces, I just don't have all pieces shown.

 

 

 

2. Next, I vacuumed off all the pieces to remove the fine saw dust.

 

3. Staining: I am still learning how to go about this process. I chose an "antique walnut brown" (One Step) from Lowe's. It did not take just one step. I brushed on a total of 4 coats for each piece,  (allowing about 1 to 2 hours drying time between each coat due to humid climate of Georgia) creating the look below.

 

 

 

4. I then secured pieces together using locking screws, which are the only way to not have screws "showing" in a piece like this. I used the original screw holes provided in the piece, but had to drill in hidden spots to secure the piece correctly.

 

This is what it ended up looking like when done:

 

 

5. Next, the wine crate drawers. Matthew and I love to check out the antique shops here in Georgia. I mean, the shops are just too awesome. We found these wine crates for $5.00 a piece.

 

 

We even found them in succession by year- 1994, 1995, 1996 which is really cool!!

 

 

 

 

6. I have decided I will be adding a small shelf, just above the wine crate drawers, so that part will be added later. In the meantime, I put an antique vase with colors of yellow, blue, and red flowers in the center, my ceramic wine trivet that Matthew bought for me in Seaside, OR to the right, my red candle holders to draw the red  color from the wall, and my wine cork holder to the left. (Wine cork holder was purchased at a shop on our Sedona, AZ getaway on our 1st year wedding anniversary). Under the server, I placed my wine tin, and to the left, my wine holder. (You will notice the tin and wine holder are empty, which means I need to do some wine shopping!!)

 

 

(Future plans to add shelf above the drawers)

 

The drawers will soon be utilized for wine glasses, corkscrews, etc....

 

 

 

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Next, the metal shelf: I purchased the shelf for $20. The glass pieces alone was worth that! The shelf was originally stark white metal, which would have been great for maybe a sun room, but I had other ideas. I spray painted it a off black color, which took me no time at all. Two coats was enough.

 

 

I was attempting to coordinate the metal of the shelf with the candle holder on the wall, I think I did well.

 

I decided to off center this piece, which I may change after this posting. In seeing it now, I think I have a different idea of the pieces I want to switch. This means you will have to see my DRP part II, or "the conclusion" to my dining room project .If you look at the picture with the wine cabinet real closely, I have a beautiful candelabra sitting on top (the lighting wasn't great in capturing it, but I will plan on showing it in part II) that I plan on using.

 

Anyways, you can see the space I am dealing with. At the time, the corner was the perfect spot for our wine cabinet, but as I said above, this may change. The metal shelf is going to be utilized as my tableware server.

 

 

I placed my dishes from Hawaii, along with everything we usually use when eating. I decided to put the cloth napkins inside each tea cup. It adds a bit of ease. A person then just grabs a plate or bowl (dependent on what is being served) and a teacup. Then they place the napkin in their lap, and their teacup is ready for hot tea.

 

This shelf is still a work in progress. The old world teapot you see was my husband's grandfather's. I found the neat candle holder at a antique shop and just put it there for now. Not sure if I am going to leave it or not. To the right, I have the salt and pepper shakers and paper napkins just in case needed. I may move the candle holder and have that be the spot for the teabag basket, but for now, that is what I have.

 

 

 

 

So, part one of my project is complete.

 

Things on my list to do:

 

1. An "old world" round area rug for under the table and chairs.

2. DIY Epsom salt dipping & candles for all my candle holders. Ever since I saw a blog on Pinterest using Epsom salt on candles, I have been excited to try it!!

3. Possibly switching the tall wine cabinet on the opposite side of the room and tableware server shelf? If anyone else has a better suggestion, let me know, but in looking at it now, that is what I may do. I did try putting the buffet server in the center of the back wall, but it didn't leave great walking space around the table and chairs, and right now, I love where it is.

 

Stay tuned for the conclusion!!