Looking for Nirvana

Hello, Friends!

I can't believe it's June and my birthday month is almost over! I must say, I've earned every shimmering silver stripe in my hair--and I'm wearing them like a BOSS! 

I periodically do live events--this year, I have two more and I will only be doing local events in 2020 (i.e., day trips). While ticketing is closed for Literary Love Savannah, you can still attend the public signing on Saturday, July 27, 2019. I'll also be live-and-in-person in Bucks County, PA for East Coast Authors Convention the first weekend in October. If you'll be attending any of these, drop me an email and we can make plans for coffee or a drink. 

Which brings me to my topic for this month: anxiety. 

I have social anxiety. I am perfectly happy to hole-up in my office and hold FB live chats or sit behind my monitor and chat with strangers. It doesn't take any effort, on my part. I can just DO it. But, when it comes to a live event, I don't have the familiar sounds or smells or a reliable Puck (one of my cats) to 'help' me through the physical symptoms. 

I'm likely the quiet one, paying attention to the conversation and getting a 'read' on everyone. I don't have a lot to say in a group setting. But, in smaller groups? Totally a different story. And, if you put me in my element--making stuff up, because YEAH! Cards Against Humanity, trivia games, word games, etc.,--it makes the anxiety a little less because I feel like I know what to expect. 

So, why the American Sign Language fingerspelling of LOVE? Watching ASL communication puts me at ease because it's something my daughters and niece do when they're together. I may not understand a lot--hardly any--but the patterns are familiar. 

I like to say that I write to exorcise my own demons, but that isn't 100 percent truthful, either. Writing isn't therapy, either. But, what writing does--when a piece is finished--is make me feel like I'm not alone with my anxiety. At least I have my characters, right?

Now, I realize that there are a lot of readers with anxiety, too. If you're at a book event and I'm there, too, just know I'm as uncomfortable as you are, but I employ the fake-it-to-make-it tactic. And, I've got you. Feel free to hang out with me. We don't have to talk, although I'll probably ask you about what you like to read because I can talk about that for HOURS. 

I turned 51 on my birthday. The field in which my f*cks are grown is barren. I don't have to pretend anymore--I can be my neurotic self. People can like me, not like me--whatever--because I'm not here to make everyone happy. At some point in our lives, we have to realize that making ourselves happy needs to come first. Then, everything else falls into place. 

Much love, 

Deelylah

Where Are You Traveling? #RB4U #book_signings

Where Are You Traveling??

Thank you for stopping by Romance Books 4 You! It's 2019 and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I'm looking forward to a new year. 

Book signings are a wonderful way to connect with readers. They have the opportunity to get a personalized, signed book as well as giveaways and swag. Not only that, it's a great time to get photos and find out the answers to your burning questions. I often do deals on my books at the book signings, allowing readers a chance to get the books cheaper than ordering online. 

Since book signings fill up quickly, most authors sign up for them at least a year in advance. Some of the big signings such as Lori Foster's sell out in minutes! While most authors do not break even at events, it is a great chance to rub elbows with readers and revitalizes you as nothing else can!



This year, I have three big signings that I'm attending. The first is Dreaming Dirty in Michigan on April 13th in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is the first time for this signing but with it being close by home, I'm excited to get a chance to hang out with other local authors.



The second event is one I've been to for since the first year. Once Upon a Book takes place on July 19th and 20th in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Once Upon a Book is amazing and features a "costume" dinner and awards show in addition to the book signing. This year theme is Comic Book Bash and I'm sure the costumes will be off the wall! I really enjoy getting a chance to sit down to a meal with readers and chat about life. Over the past few years, I've come to become friends with some readers who have never missed this event.

My third book signing is Romancing the Capital in Ottawa, Canada on August 1st-3rd. This will be my first time at this event but I'm really excited to get to meet some of my favorite authors like Eve Langlais and Milly Taiden. In addition, I will get to see Desiree Holt (another RB4U author) who I've been friends with for years. She's my idol and I would love to be her when I grow up. Since this is my first time at this event, I'm not sure what to expect but I know there are so many fun events planned for readers such as reader lunches and dinners as well as the book signing. 

In addition to these big signings, I will have some smaller ones around Livingston County, Michigan but those aren't planned yet. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook. I also have giveaways in my FB group for tickets to some of these events. 

Do you have any book signings you like to go to? Are there any events you wish you could attend? What is your author you MUST see when they are in town?

Are you looking for a book which will renew your faith in a higher power? I Believe will have you searching for those miracles in your life.

Miracles Surround Us.

Do you believe in miracles? Have you ever heard a voice urging you to do something or not to do something? Have you had a prayer answered? Has someone who has passed come to help you? 

Miracles happen to everyday people.This book shares real experiences from ordinary people. Miracles occurred. Some are profound and demonstrate the work of a higher power. Some appear as happenstance but are life changing. These are their stories in their own words.

Grab this book and be prepared to be amazed. There is more to life than what we see and Miracles Surround Us.

**Proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network which provides miracles to children everywhere.**

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Until next month,

Melissa
www.melissakeir.com

Love Books? #FreeReads #contests

I'm delighted to tell you about a new book group. I'm a charter member with so many  awesome authors. We've come together to present Book Escape, a FB group that will have monthly events, contests, free reads and a chance for you to chat with your fave authors and meet new ones on a daily basis!

Our first FB event will be Jan 16-17 - 24 hours of non-stop fun. 

We're looking for other authors to join our group as guest members and to participate in these events. Interested? Click here. We'll get in touch about your membership and booking you.

If you're a reader and want to come to our Jan 16-17 event, friend me on Facebook and I'll send you an invite. :)

Website  –  FB  – FB Fanpage  – Twitter  –  Amazon Author Page