Wow.
It’s been a week since my debut book, MERGER OF THE HEART, released from Entangled Publishing. It’s been a phenomenally fun time interacting with readers, begging for reviews (yes, friendlies, these are SOOO important to an author!), and hitting the “refresh” button to see where the book ranks. Yep, I admit I’m one of those authors!
But the biggest thrill came when the UPS guy dropped off this:
So. Yeah. I’m gonna take some time to savor this moment.
Have an awesome week,
Melia
Happy New Year!
This Take Me Back Thursday comes to you from the point in my life where Mr. A and I would go to the opera on New Year’s Eve. It seemed a fitting, civilized way to greet the New Year…We don’t do that anymore.
Still, pics like this are fun to revisit.
From our home to yours, we wish you all a happy, healthy, joyful 2015!
Hugs,
Melia
It isn’t every day that an author gets to see her first book published. Which was 
partly why I decided that a book launch party would be such a fun idea. ‘Course, I made this decision two days before MERGER OF THE HEART’s debut. AND, I decided to hold it the evening it released. Two words: Not. Smart.
I’ll attribute it to ignorance. After all, how was I supposed 
to know all the fine details of launching a story out into the world? Of the countless hours on social media, and of hitting the “refresh” key to get updates of sales stats on Amazon? Right? Right?
Midway through the afternoon I realized that: 1) People were due at my house in three hours. 2) There was no food and I had to make a grocery store run. 3) There was the whole set-up thing that involved tracking down platters and serving spoons (how did they get to be so danged dusty?), and 4) I had yet to bathe….
I have to admit I was impressed that it all got done – especially the bathing part! And as exhausted as I was, it was so much fun.
‘Course, the first four guests were drafted into kitchen prep, but that serves them right for being on time! The cucumber got sliced, the salami was rolled, and the store-bought mini-cupcakes and cookies were artfully arranged.
The best part? People actually showed up!
Have you thrown a party together at the last minute? How’d it go?
Happy eating,
Melia
Happy Travel Bug Tuesday!
Now, personally, I’d prefer the beach this time of year. And not anything like the Pacific Northwest type, you know. More like some place that doesn’t require a windbreaker over a really cute bikini.
But for those who actually like snow, a dear friend trekked through some hills in our part of the world, and sent me this pic:
Don’t know about you, but I’m thinking there are at least a couple of great stories here. Stranded damsel in distress? Or maybe a stranded hero saved by the heroine? Maybe he was running from some bad dudes, or chasing after them? Maybe he was saving the heroine! *Sigh*
What do you all think? I’d be interested in what you come up with, so please step up and share!
Happy travels,
Melia
So. I’m pretty much dazed today. I mean, it isn’t every day that a writer
gets to see her first book published. Excuse me a moment while I pinch myself…
OUCH!
Well. I’m not dreaming…And yet, the entire experience feels strangely surreal. Kinda like when you ask Santa for a Betty Crocker Baking Oven, swearing up and down you’re gonna be good, making deals that you’re gonna quit picking on your little brother as soon as you get the present you’ve wanted in FOREVER. And when it shows up, you’re actually stunned silly because it did. Yeah. That.
While I marvel at all that it took to get here – the 4 a.m. writing times, the weekend writing times, writer friends who encouraged, cajoled, and threatened (that’s a whole ‘nother story) – I have to admit I’m beyond thrilled MERGER OF THE HEART has arrived!
Okay. Gonna go try and calm down now…But if you’d like to read an excerpt, please click here.
Happy Mash-Up Monday,
Melia
Welcome to Fashionista Friday!
One of the things I most love about being a girl are the chances to do girly-girl things like facials, shopping, and mani-pedis. Not that I’ve necessarily got the time or patience for them, mind you, but I can admire them, too, can’t I?
Case in point? These.
Aren’t they pretty? I love, love, LOVE the detail! And the artistry that went into them. Makes me wish I could sit down long enough to have my own nails done! Ah, well…I can live vicariously through others, can’t I? 😉
Do you take the time for a great manicure? What was your fave design?
Happy Friday,
Melia
Merry Christmas!
Welcome to Take Me Back Thursday. Today’s post comes courtesy of Mr. Alexander and the wonderful surprise he gave me a couple of years ago.
If you want to read the original blog post (because I couldn’t figure out how to re-post the danged thing!), please click here.
And have a wonderful Christmas!
Hugs,
Melia
Welcome to Food and Wine Wednesday!
I love the fact that life at The Male Observation Lab includes some fun downtime at the end of the year. To me, it’s the little touches that make this party so special.
Our party favors at this year’s celebration was a pair of mini cupcakes. Dusted with gold. Seriously. 24-carat edible gold flown in from New York!
I’m kinda thinking topping this one’s gonna be kind of hard next year. Then again, there have been all sorts of wonderful surprises through the years. Like the magician. But that’s another story…. 😀
What wonderful touches have you seen at holiday celebrations?
Happy holiday eating,
Melia
Welcome to Travel Bug Tuesday!
One of the bestest parts of the holidays is visiting with friends and family. 
Especially when you actually like them! So it was when I trekked over hill and dale and through mud and sleet in bare feet…Well, okay…So I really packed a bag and shoved it into the car trunk before heading up the freeway, but still…
Anyhoo, I got to spend some wonderful quality time with my lovely writer pal Fiola Faelan! We talked writerly stuff and life stuff, and I was reminded yet again how incredibly lucky I am to have amazing people in my life. And that includes you all!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for leaving a message or two. As I continue on this publishing journey, your presence here means more to me than I could ever express!
Happy travels,
Melia
