A few weeks ago, i was afforded a great opportunity to speak at a local college about my book. The class was actually all about Cincinnati authors and taught by the father of one of my peers at school. The whole class purchased and bought my book, and on November 4th, i was invited to come in and discuss it with the class.

Many members of the class asked me interesting questions which i answered as best and intelligently as i could. I enjoyed talking about both my personal life and the process of writing the book. I was especially happy when one of the adult members of the class raised her hand and said that she had a niece who lived with her, so that aspect of my story particularly resonated with her. My grandparents and Aunt Chris also came along, which was nice.

On a similar vein, i was invited to participate in Books by the Banks, Cincinnati’s annual book festival which celebrates local authors in particular. I had my own book station next to Ellen Schreiber and talked to lots of people, both authors and interested readers. Though not everyone i talked to bought the book, i really enjoyed connecting with people and telling them about the book and the series. One lady said that she remembered hearing about my dad’s death when it happened and that she had been carrying me in her heart. That meant a lot to me.

Other than that, just about to head into a two-day week before a five day break from school for Thanksgiving. I’m basically done applying to college, so right now i’m just focusing on school, writing, and work. Looking forward to May and graduation immensely.

Hope you all are doing well, too!

It’s been about two months since my book was released and i’m just beginning to realize the enormous impact it’s capable of. Already it’s forged many connections for me, including being invited as an author to Cincinnati’s annual book festival called Books by the Banks and being asked to speak to a creative writing class at a local high school. My friends have told me about times they’ve seen my book on display in stores or in libraries. It’s a pretty incredible feeling.

Tonight i have my book signing at Women Writing for (a) Change, one of the places that really solidified my interest in writing. Soon, i hope to begin to volunteer at Fernside, an organization that provides free group therapy for youths who have lost a parent or close friend and their families. It would be lovely to have some sort of writing circle there, as well.

Now, i’m just waiting for eve more positive things to come into my life. I feel like if i’m open enough, more and more opportunities will just keep arising, and i’m very thankful for that.

On another note, Debbie has just told us that HCI has given the okay for another batch of Louder Than Words books, which is great to hear. I think it’s a really meaningful series, and i don’t say so just because i’m part of it.

Everyone should watch our chats on Ktye.tv next week. Join us for a live q&a and interview session. Post any questions you have here. See you there!

http://www.kyte.tv/ch/329967-louderthanwordstv/528762-chelseys-promo

I just got my advance copies of my book today. Of course, it was extremely exciting, but it also brought to the forefront a worry that’s been lingering in my mind ever since i finished the first draft: my aunt’s reaction. I love and respect my aunt very much, so i was concerned over her possible reaction to some of the content of my book, i.e. one of the fights we had shortly after i moved in with her, my views on religion, etc.

So tonight i was hanging out with my friends and when i came home, my aunt told me she’d read my whole book, so i was immediately anxious to hear her reaction. She told me she cried and really liked it, that at first she reacted negatively to the passages i’d been worried about, but then realized that was just how things were at the time—like how everything was more difficult when i first moved in—and that i was just being honest and sharing my experience. She also said i was an excellent writer, which made me beam, especially coming from her. We talked a little about the book and the times i wrote about, then, it being late, i got up to say goodnight to her.

Pulling her into a hug, i said, “I love you very much.”

“I love you too, sweetie,” she said, which made me tear up, since we so infrequently exchange such terms of endearment.

“Thank you for all you’ve done.”

She laughed. “It’s not over quite yet!”

She’s right. I still have another year of high school to go through—and, more immediately, more initial reactions to my book to experience. I hope hers will be the first of many positive reactions i’ll hear, but hers will definitely remain one of the most rewarding. When writing a memoir, it’s hard to strike a balance between honesty and prudence, acknowledging people who have been important in your life, but also portraying them in a realistic way. Since my aunt is one of the primary “characters” in my book, i’m glad she found it to be a fair, considerate, and truthful account.

Admittedly, i’m not much of a blogger, but i’ve had the topic for my first post in mind for a while: gratitude.  I wasn’t allowed enough space on the dedication page of my book to acknowledge the sheer amount of people who have enriched my life, so i’ll do so here.

First and foremost, to my parents, Amy and Blair Shannon, whose combined influence is so strong and positive even in death that it continues to shape who i am and what i do today.

To my Aunt Chris, for taking care of me when i thought i was alone in the world; to my Aunt Trish, for always listening to me with compassion and understanding; to my Aunt Erin, for taking my aspirations seriously and expanding my interests; to my Aunt Kerry, for sharing many memories of my mother that i otherwise wouldn’t have known and providing a logical outlook on most any problem; and to my Aunt Pam, for always generously supporting my endeavors.

To my grandparents, for loving me unconditionally and offering me their home as a place of comfort and rest whenever i need it.

To my Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Charles, Uncle Lester, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Myron, for loving my dad in a way only family can and always being available to me.

To Shaunda, for being a unique combination of big sister, aunt, and cousin.

To Monique, for making my father’s last days on earth truly special and filled with love, and reminding me of my fond memories with him each time we speak.

To my cousins, Nick, Andrew, Arryan, and Armmon, for lighting up my life and being the brothers i never thought i’d have.

To Roger, for treating me fairly and lovingly, from now to when we first met.

To Avery, for being the best companion to navigate these treacherous teenage years that i ever could have asked for.

To Amy, for having been my friend since we were six years old and never drifting away.

To Lily, for treating me as one of her own daughters.

To Kelsie, for being both my fierce advocate and dear friend.

To Sandrina, for broadening my horizons and helping me see the fun of life.

To Alex, Kiera, Emily, Ashley, Diamond, Autumn, Alexa, Gillis, Brianna, Heather, Caprice, Chelsea, Naomi, Ian, Brody, Keloni, and all of my other dear writing friends, for accepting me into such a loving, creative community.

To Abby, for having stayed by my side in a time when my life was the hardest and never wavering in the face of all the uncertainty.

To Bridget, for maintaining the bridge of friendship between us and always being in my life.

To Kelsey, for always treating me with kindness, especially in times when i needed it most.

To Jessica, for being one of my best friends for much of our childhoods and a young woman who i will always admire.

To Jenn, Sami, Sarah, Marissa, Megan, Karen, Gabi, Jaime, Janela, Maeve, Alicia, Jenny, Julia, and Stephanie, for being my writing sisters and teaching me the true meanings of acceptance and trust.

To KJ, for teaching me countless things about life and myself.

To Holly, for being my very first best friend, and to Mike and Peri, for graciously accepting me into their home week after week.

To Dr. Joy and Ms. Lenning, for always encouraging my writing and providing insight on how i can improve.

To Jennifer, for first alerting me of the Louder Than Words project.

To all my other relatives, classmates, acquaintances, and teachers who have ever supported me.

And finally, to Debbie, for making this wonderful opportunity possible!