On Monday, I spent the morning at the Sacramento County Fair with my camera. As a former 4-H member, I had a wonderful time chatting with the kids about their animals. I was especially interested in the goats, as I’ve started working on a re-write of my middle-grade novel which features a tiny goat by the name of Grizz. Research and cuteness—double win!
Let me know if you have a favorite photo and I hope you have a fantastic day.
Note: I’m sorry my blog has been so sporadic the last year. I’ve been terrible about reading blogs and posting. So many things are happening. I had my second book-signing. The poetry book honoring Neil Reid is halfway completed. I’m working on launching a new monthly newsletter. My daughter, my baby, is turning 18. I’m not giving up on this blog or my connection to this beautiful WordPress community. I’m working out ways to be more involved soon. Stay tuned and thank you for continuing to support me. It means the world to me!
It can be hard right now to think about light streaming through ribbons, flowers, and youthful hearts, but the world still contains all the beautiful things it always has. Let me take you away from the news for a moment as we dance around the May pole and celebrate the spirit of spring. Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a wonderful day.
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” —Rainer Maria Rilke
On the last weekend in April, I celebrated the release of my first book, Watering Words: 52 Short Stories, with a book signing and reading at my favorite independent bookstore, A Seat at the Table Books. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for most of my life and…it was better than I could have hoped for. Let me give you a brief rundown of how it went.
On the 40-minute drive to the bookstore, my family gave me a series of much-needed pep talks and distracted me with every stupid joke they know. My favorite from my daughter: Did you hear about the crime that took place in the parking garage? It was wrong on so many levels!
We got to the store a bit later than I wanted, so we had to hit the ground running. With the help of my friends and family, we got everything setup pretty quickly. A few people trickled in at first, but within twenty-minutes, the place filled up! The store had to make an announcement about not blocking the aisles, and many people had to stand. I honestly couldn’t believe it!
Our first speaker was Larisa Bryski, the director of my favorite non-profit G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento. She told the audience about our connection and the wonderful work her non-profit does to help young girls find their voice. A portion of my book sales and the speciality drink sales go to support their mission and I’m so grateful she could join us. Thank you!!
Next, my childhood best friend Angy Cring told stories about us as middle schoolers, including a story of us sneaking out in the middle of the night to meet boys, and how we changed our names to reinvent ourselves before high school. She traveled from Las Vegas to assist me all weekend, handling backend promotion and even filming the event. I’m so fortunate to have her in my life! Thank you!!
Fantasy author and close friend Jason Denzel, author of the Mystic books, then introduced me. He talked about our writing group, playing D&D together, and watching me grow in confidence through our time together. Jason inspires me daily and helped make the entire event run more smoothly. I’m so lucky! Thank you!!
Finally, it was my turn to speak. I was incredibly nervous and forgot I was going to thank a bunch of people to start off, but once I got talking about the book, I calmed down. After reading the short story Striders, I took questions. This is where I truly surprised myself. The audience asked such thoughtful and amazing questions, and I found it easy to talk about my writing. Far easier than I thought! By the time I read my second story, Coffee and Cloves, I really felt good. I thanked people and then setup for the book signing.
You guys! The line went ALL THE WAY around the store. It took me over an hour to sign all the books. So many hugs and pictures and joy! I’ll honestly never, ever forget the feeling of this first author event. My heart is still so full more than a week later.
To date, I’ve sold over 100 books! Thank you to everyone who has supported me. If you want to help support me further, buy a book for a friend, or consider leaving me a review on Goodreads or wherever you do such things. Also, if you’ve read the book, I want to hear from you! Tell me what you liked. Do you have a favorite story? Tell me!
Hope you enjoy these pictures from the event:
My table at the author market on Saturday (the day before the big event).Me and my childhood friend Angy about to start the event.Larisa Bryski of my favorite non-profit G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento.Fantasy writer and good friend Jason Denzel introducing me.What is this face?Me signing books for over an hour!A portion of the book sales, as well as this special drink, went to support G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento.My amazing writing group! I’m so lucky to have these people in my life.My fantastic editor Laurie Fox.My dear friend and writing partner Anna Loscotoff. She made me the beautiful scarf I was wearing.My nephew Wyatt brought his little gnome to the signing and his scarf matched mine!Me and my beautiful friend Jenny.My momma!My daughter, her bestie (my second-daughter) and my husband busy at work. My son was behind the camera and took video.When I’m with my brother, I apparently make silly faces.Not sure why I’m making this face 🙂The after-party crew!I sure love my beautiful writing friends. Thank you!
Real talk: I try to be honest and vulnerable with my readers, so I’ve got to mention two things.
First, even though I’ve sold over 100 books, I’ve still not broke even. Self-publishing is expensive and I couldn’t do this at all without the support of my husband. I’ll never be able to support myself financially with my writing, but it’s still worth it. Creating and putting my words out into the world is something I’ll forever be proud of, regardless of any monetary success. As a friend reminded me earlier this week, years from now, some distant relative might read my book to get a peek at their ancestral lineage. That’s pretty amazing to think about. So, future great-grandchild, this is for you.
Second, and this one I say with a bit of hesitation, it was hard to see myself in these photos. I’ve put on a lot of weight since a hip injury a few years ago, and it is hard looking at the reality of it. My hair has started to thin, something I inherited from my mom, and I noticed it. Big time. I’m so freaking proud of myself for putting this book out into the world, for being brave to share it at the bookstore, and for everything I did…but man…it’s hard to face our changing bodies sometimes. But you know what? I’m glad I’m where I am right now. I’m in the best place mentally I’ve been in my life and I’m surrounded by inspiring and talented friends, so I’m going to embrace myself—flaws and all.
Let me leave you with this: Love yourself right where you are, friends, and write the words, paint the painting, do the thing! Don’t wait. It’s never the right time. I’m here to cheer you on! Tell me about it! We are in this together.
My writing group did a challenge today for May Fourth and I wanted to share my story with you. I also dragged up some favorite Star Wars photos from over the years for fun.
Tomorrow I’ll have a recap of my book signing for you with lots of pictures. You guys, it was a full house! I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Have a great rest of your Sunday.
New Friend
In the shadow of an enormous fake moon, a child drags the top-half of a battle-droid through the dark red sand and into the home she used to share with her father.
“Roger, Roger,” it says again and again, the pitch changing as she lifts it, dropping it in an empty metal bowl.
“We’re friends now,” Skylara says, taking her helmet off. “So, no more fighting, okay?”
“I wasn’t programmed for this….” it whirs, its head swiveling, scanning the room. Dozens of incomplete droids lay scattered about—some discarded on the floor, others perched in makeshift cradles of cups and bowls.
“Hey everyone, meet our new friend,” Skylara says.
“Roger, Roger,” the droids reply, and the sound is almost loud enough to drown out the memory of her father’s screams. Almost. She’ll head back out in the morning to scavenge the battlefields once more.
This Sunday, I’ll be standing in myfavorite bookstore reading from my book. It’s literally a dream come true, and while I’ve still got a little voice telling me how embarrassing/cringe this all is, I’m letting myself be excited. It’s also my birthday today, so I’m feeling all celebratory and reflective. Maybe even a bit proud.
You still have a few days to pre-order yourself a copy and get the bonus stuff:
Autographed copy of the book
Bookmark with links to a photo collage and Spotify playlist for all 52 stories
A printed and autographed copy of an additional story not in the book titled Through the Glass Windshield
Thanks for cheering me on.
Books, books and more books.Giant sign for the event.Shipping boxes.My pretty pen for signing books.Stickers, anyone?
And here’s some pretty flowers blooming in my garden, because it’s Spring and I’m feeling all hopeful and stuff.
These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
I haven’t chased the moon for ages, but this morning I did. With my daughter in the passenger seat, we drove through country roads looking for ways to capture the beauty in the sky before us. The pink moon, the moon of rebirth and change, played with us. It hid behind the puffs of a factory, near a barbed wire fence, between trees, within flowers, and amongst the birds. It even tried to compete with the sunrise. I found it for you. I hope it reminds you it’s never too late to try again. Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a fantastic week!
Pulling us closer into its orbit, shining the light of its fullness into the room, we turn to hold in our hands each other’s face as if for the first time, and the last— Pink Moon, Egg Moon, Moon of New Grass. —Cathy Song, April Moon
within chest, flowers climb worry weavers, petals purple down drooping, up growing Valkyrie songs, deep humming no, deeper reach another another one more press fingers together pollen falls, tight places explodes out, spreads green shrugs we know nothing
I’ve taken another leap forward in my creative journey and self-published my first book. I’ve spent the last few months rewriting every story, working with a book cover artist, figuring out how to format a book, and taking on each challenge as it presented itself—and there were many! I had no idea what this journey would look like, and although I’m still in the weeds of doing new things, I’m ready to share it with you.
I’m thrilled and grateful to present my debut book, Watering Words: 52 Short Stories.
Isn’t it beautiful! The official release date is April 27, but you canpre-order it now! What you get if you pre-order:
Autographed copy of the book
Bookmark with links to a photo collage and Spotify playlist for all 52 stories
A printed and autographed copy of an additional story not in the book titled Through the Glass Windshield
A portion of my book sales will go to support my favorite nonprofit, G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento. My daughter attended their camps for eight years, and it changed her life. Please, check them out and consider a donation. Right now, more than ever, we need organizations helping girls find their voice.
If you ARE local, you can also attend my book release partyat 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at A Seat of the Table Books in Elk Grove, California. Not only is this my favorite independent bookstore, but they strive to create a “place that is safe and affirming for all identities.” Seriously, I’ve never felt so comfortable in any store. They’re tremendous supporters of local authors and will carry my book on their shelves.
Did you catch that? My book will be IN A BOOKSTORE. {Pinch me}
Now, what’s this book all about? Readers of my blog will recognize most of these stories from the writing challenge I did two years ago, but they’ve all undergone extensive rewriting and editing. Here’s the blurb from the back cover of the book:
The Blinking Day arrives for a mother after she drops her kids off at school. A starving child follows a rabbit to a house of candy. Orange trees kill a father. An alien must learn one true thing. A girl wants to be a fish tank. An old couple paints with blood. Apple stars unlock memories. Goldilocks gets what’s coming to her.
Written over one year, Bridgette Kay’s debut collection crosses genres and time as it explores the complexities of being human. With a unique ability to capture deep emotion, she tells fictional stories through the lens of lived truth. Read one story a week or devour them all at once. Your next favorite adventure starts now.
For a sneak peak at the stories, check out my Instagram
Real talk. This post feels big and scary. While I’m excited to have this book in the world, it also comes with all the insecurities and fear of being a creative. Will people buy it? If they do, will they read it? If they do, will they like it? I’ve had many moments over the last few months where I’ve said, “I’m not ready for this.” I’m not. I’ll never be.
There’s a creative on Instagram I love named Amie McNee. She just published a book titled We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something. I’ve got a copy beside me as I type this, and I keep flipping through and reading her words. “Imposter Syndrome is a clear sign from the universe that you’ve leveled up, baby.” “Other people will have made art similar to your art. It’s not a cause for panic. It isn’t a threat. It’s proof of market. There’s room for you.” “Nothing truly wonderful is made without first being a little bit cringe.” Her words are exactly what I need to read right now. Thank you, Amie.
It feels cringe to ask you to buy my book. It feels scary to say I’m proud of myself. But, I’m saying both. I finally finished a creative project and I’m going to let myself celebrate.
If you are considering self-publishing, starting a blog, or any act of creativity—go for it! I’ve got people coming up to me excited about my book. A friend posted on FB, “You are bringing light into the world, light that will help me on my way. Congratulations!” and another said “Just the best thing ever!!! And it’s about time!” How cool is that?
We need art right now. Make your art. Use your voice. We need you.
And buy my book. It will look pretty on your bookshelf 🙂
On Saturday, I attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Old Sacramento. Although I have mixed feelings about how the holiday portrays Irish people and the history around St. Patrick, it felt nice to forget politics and wave at dogs for a while.
I ran into a co-worker from my old Sacramento Bee days and met her adorable daughter. She remembered I always wore Docs and Converse. While many things have changed about me in the last 20 years, I still wear the same shoes.
Let me know if you have a favorite photo. Have a wonderful Monday!
In 44 days, my book will be out into the world. A book with my words inside and my name on the cover. It’s a strange feeling still buried beneath all the details of self-publishing, but I wanted to acknowledge it here. With you.
This week, I got the Library of Congress number and started Instagram promotions. Next week, I’ll receive my proof copy, meet the bookstore manager to plan the book signing event, reveal the cover, and begin pre-orders.
It’s all happening.
It feels like it did when I published my first blog post—terrifying. Will anyone but my mom buy it? I recently came across an interview with David Bowie where he said, “If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth, and when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”
I’m going out of my depth, and it’s scary.
So for today, I’m going to share with you photos from a recent trip I took to Dillion Beach. Photos of water, birds, and starfish. These photos make me feel safe and I hope you like them. Let me know if you have a favorite, and I’ll see you next week with my heart in my hands.
Bridgette Tales 