Friday, August 16, 2013

Happy Friday everyone!

I have seen this badge for a while now and have never participated in Viklit's celebrate the small things.

Well, lately I have been a very fortunate man. After such a long journey to publication, this past month has finally steered me on the right road.

I have just recently had an illustration for Siv Ottem's novel published, and that was the first in a whirlwind of excitement for me. I had finally decided to take a chance and begin an author service to put my creative talents to work. And shortly after the announcement, I was approached by an amazing author, Yolanda Renee, to help tweak her cover and blurb on her debut and second novel.  That same week a new publisher approached me to illusrtate their logo. WHAT A WEEK! I am so grateful...

Today I finished the second stage of the illustration, and the publisher is thrilled. Which of course, sends me into orbit! This new publisher has some exciting ideas and being involved on the ground floor can only bring more exciting opportunities for me and for all of you!

On Monday, I wish to invite all of you, personally to Yolanda Renee's launch of her debut novel, Murder, Madness, and Love. I'm planning quite the intro to this AMAZING story, so I hope you can all drop in to help celebrate Yolanda's exciting day! Not to mention, this will be my first published BLURB.... What a way to start the week!

I'd also like to take this time to talk to those who are struggling on their journey. At times it can be so hard that you just want to give up. I know that feeling. We all do. Remember you're not alone. We are here to pick you up, send you a hug, or just listen to your frustration. In time, the obstacles on your road will clear. It may take years to find your niche. It has for many of us, BUT if you give up, you will never know the joy, satisfaction, and relief to know you've always had the talent. WE plant the seeds, water, add fertilizer, allow for plenty of light and give our hearts and souls. Once we find the delicate balance, our gardens will flourish!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. May you celebrate the small things AND LARGE things in your life. It can be as simple as a song. Who hasn't been affected by a glorious piece of music?

HOPE to see you on Monday!

32 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

Thanks for the inspiration, Michael. So awesome that the pubisher loved your illustrations.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That one cover has led to great things!
Ready to kick off Yolanda's book and tour on my site Monday as well.

Mark Koopmans said...

Michael!

So happy to hear things are going well for you - and I *LOVE* your "paying it forward" message :)

Congrats to you and Yvonne... have a great weekend, too and MUCH SUCCESS Monday :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Michael, that's wonderful it's taken off for you!

Laura Clipson said...

That's really great advice, I'm glad everything is going so well for you :)

Summer Ross said...

Huge congratulations!!! sprinkles fairy dust-
Such happy news. You've earned it.
Have a great day!
~Summer

Roland D. Yeomans said...

May the future prove ever brighter for you, Michael. It is odd how you never know which kindness to another may lead you to the success you have been searching for. :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael .. lovely thoughts here - and I'm so pleased you're enjoying exploding out of the blocks with your illustrations - seems like you've hit some great rapport with bloggers and publishers alike ..

Looking forward to Monday .. and in the meantime I will celebrate all the small things of life ... cheers and have a happy weekend ... Hilary

Suzanne Furness said...

So glad you are finding your niche, Michael. Thanks for sharing some inspiration to help keep us all moving along the road. See you Monday!

Julie Flanders said...

So glad you've found your path, Michael. I know you will just be more and more successful with it!

Looking forward to Yolanda's launch on Monday.

Unknown said...

What a sweet spot you're in- and of course you deserve every minute of it!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Your story is so cool and inspiring. Have a great weekend.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Thanks for the words of inspiration, Michael, I needed it this week as I was feeling a bit low. Have a great weekend.

Hart Johnson said...

Oh, congrats on all your successes, and good luck to you and Yolanda with her release!

cleemckenzie said...

How great! Not only do you have a cover on it's way, you have cover that someone is in love with already. Hurray for you.

Simply Sarah said...

Congrats on your accomplishments and thank you for the encouraging post.

VR Barkowski said...

Inspiring post, Michael, and I can't say I'm surprised the publisher appreciated your illustrations. Talent wills out again. Huge congratulations!

Hope your weekend is magical. That's the plan for mine. :)

VR Barkowski

Misha Gerrick said...

Oh wow I'm THRILLED that your new venture is doing so well. ^_^

Carrie Butler said...

Yay! I'm so glad to hear things are going well. :D

Unknown said...

How awesome for you, Michael. Wishing you much continued success.

mshatch said...

I can't wait to see! And what fabulous news! I am so happy for you :)

Shannon Lawrence said...

Sounds like a wonderful week. I'm so happy for Yolanda! And thank you for the message at the end of your post. Definitely needed and felt.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Carol Kilgore said...

It's great to see all your hard work pay off. Very inspiring post, Michael.

Happy Weekend!

Jemi Fraser said...

Awesome! So glad the publisher loves your work too! :) Have a great weekend!!

Yolanda Renée said...

Welcome the the celebration blog hop, it's contagious and such a lovely idea. I am so glad things are going so well for you, but not surprised in the least! I knew once your work got out there you'd become a valuable addition for publishers and writers alike! Congratulations, and thanks for the mention. I'm so looking forward to Monday!

Nicki Elson said...

Hooray, hooray, confetti all around. So thrilled that your business has already led to great things. :D And I'm sure your clients are just as thrilled.

I'm getting curiouser & curiouser about this new publisher...

Do you know what's been my go-to "glorious" piece of music lately? Run DMC "Tricky" I canNOT listen to that song without smiling. "They even bother my poor father cuz he's down with me..." See what I mean?

randi lee said...

Glad things are going well for you, Michael :D

Al Diaz said...

Your joy is such that gets through the screen and makes me feel like dancing, hahahaha. Good for you, Michael! I'm glad to hear you're doing great. :) And thanks for the cheering up.

Chancelet said...

So glad you've joined in, and I'm proud of you for starting your new business! It is very exciting. Great job you've done so far! Writer’s Mark

Michelle Wallace said...

Great news Michael! You are soooo talented. The hard work is paying off!
Writer In Transit

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Congratulations on your successes! Nothing feels more wonderful than venturing into a new enterprise!

Samantha May said...

I've seen the cover and it looks wonderful! So glad things are going well for you.

Thanks for the encouraging words. They came at a perfect time :)