IT'S MY BIRTHDAYS! (Yes, that's meant to be plural)

My hubby. My heart. My support.

I am posting some random memories from my journey on here. Look at the pretty pictures while I get sentimental.

Let me tell you a story...

Once upon a time, I wanted to be a writer. I was thirteen. I was devouring a series that was about a teenage detective. I think her name began with a J. 

My editing t-shirt.

Following the story arc had me salivating to put my own spin on it. My VERY patient teacher (Thank you Mrs. Hinkleman) put up with me turning in chapters of my own middle grade book. 

This was before kids turned in projects from computers. I had to write it out longhand. I remember turning in dozens and dozens of pages. The story rambled, and probably made sense to no one but me. I loved every hand cramp I got.

I got distracted in high school by what I was supposed to do. By sophomore year I was expected to start thinking about college. At the age of sixteen, I decided that I needed to be responsible and pick a major based on marketability of skills, and I knew darn well that English majors tended to end up teaching. 

I should never teach. Trust me. I did the world a favor.

Aside from a few poems and random journaling, I left writing behind. I graduated, got married, and bought a home. I had bills to pay, and had to be responsible.

My Sexy, Spicy, Fun Roxy button.
If you ever want one, just send me
an email. I'll drop one in the USPS.

About five years ago, I was broke. (Student loans are scary things.) And I went to the library, because I didn't have money to do anything else. It was the best thing I ever did. I rediscovered my love for genre fiction. 

I read EVERYTHING. And then I found the kindle. *angels singing*

After the kindle, came Goodreads and the wonderful women (and a few brave men) of Kindle Smut. The words "This is the dirtiest book I've ever read" were uttered, and I never looked back.

Erotic romance invaded my life, and I found my home.

The next few years were a happy blur of kindred spirits, book conferences, and finally...my writing hand itching again.

October 1st 2013 was my birthday. I turned 33, and although I couldn't pay any bills with this new gig, I was never prouder of myself than getting to say the words, "I'm a published author." 

My very first book published at Samhain

I still can't pay my bills yet, but I'm doing something I love, and something tells me I've started the journey of my heart. I'm where I'm supposed to be.

Meeting Lexi Blake for the second time.
I'm pretty sure I actually formed words.

I would write "The End" to finish up this story, but my story's not over yet.  I'm just beginning, and to celebrate the joy I feel as I head out into this strange and wonderful world, I wanted to give something back. 

So your reward for listening to me be sentimental and cheesy on my birthday is a chance to win a $25 eGift Card (Samhain, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble). 

Just comment below. What is your dream? Are you following it?  Tell me what you're doing for your soul, tell me something happy, or tell me Happy Birthday. I'm easy today. (Just don't tell my hubby)

This giveaway will be open for comments until Oct 13th at midnight EST. I can't wait to talk happy things with all of you. 

Bringing Booty Back.
Happy Birthday to
Both Me's.

                                                                          ~Roxy