#WriterRevelations: He Holds It All by @ChelseaDeVries

This post has been in the works for a while but I made the decision to discontinue my books with Outskirts Press.

That is why, you may or may not have noticed that I took away the link to my books on Goodreads

but guess what?

Goodreads will forever keep the books and all the bad reviews on the site forever.

I guess I can never technically erase my poor reviews and equally unfair one-star reviewer.

Yet, when I decided to discontinue them, it wasn't because the one-star reviewer had won but it was because I wanted to rid myself of that ball and chain.

Outskirts Press ripped me off from the start. They did little to help me market my books, and because I owed them money for the yearly fee, they kept my last royalty check.

So basically when I wrote them a final email asking how I could cancel the contracts for both books, they were a little taken aback but they discontinued them. Twitter erupted with panic and comfort from author friends new and old, but I reassured them I was totally ok with this decision.

In fact to be completely honest, I felt more free in that moment than I had in a while.

I want to be known as a YA author whose books were well-liked and accepted so I will anxiously see what God has in store for me and the future home of Kickflip My Heart in the meantime.

Yet, if an agent or publisher does not reach out for a full manuscript request or begin the process of publishing the novel by December 10, 2018, I will be moving toward publishing with a publishing house that welcomed me from the get-go, and even offered to publish my memoir once I get copyright permission for all included song lyrics.

Yet, I can't forget The Lovely Review done by McKenzie:






Yet, I penned an essay about being One-Star reviewed for a contest for The Writer Magazine and unfortunately did not win but still think it's worthy to share:

     Being that I’m a go-getter who believes anyone can do anything at any age and they don’t have to wait for the right time or circumstance to achieve something, I published my first novel at 15 years of age. It all came about when my creative writing teacher in high school always made it a point to let everyone know in the class who her favorite was: not me. And even worse, she always gave me B minuses and C’s on all my writing assignments.
At fourteen, I took a chance and submitted a poem I was proud of to a student anthology and got accepted. This momentum made me enjoy the glory of seeing my name in print and made me realize my love for the written word came less from my love of reading but an almost innate heart of a writer.
Yet, you will know you are a writer when you know how to embrace rejection because it will be a common obstacle on this path. If you have always been accepted by your peers and never done anything truly awkward or weird or like me to blatantly stand out, then you are not yet a writer. Not everyone is a writer but that’s okay. Writers are only as good as the encouragement they get from their readers. 
My teacher who already made me feel second best assigned us a short story and what resulted for me was this idea for a young adult romance set in Walt Disney World featuring a half-Latina lead female character named Jessica Cortez, who happens to be a famous actress, deciding to take a Disney vacation to escape the hastiness of Hollywood to pursue love full-time by inviting three male suitors. These include her teenage celebrity crush Jeremy Koeingzfield, her high school crush that got away, Pete Young, who is now a male model, and her first love, sexy thrasher Bryan Snyder. It starts out bachelorette-style where she dates the guys in groups and then goes on one on ones but we all know what they say: three is a crowd. In a rebellious move, I self-published the book with a vanity press when self-publishing was still completely taboo.

To read the rest of the essay, please feel free to download a complete copy by clicking the image below.

So far I've cut my hours at work and it has allowed me to focus on God's purpose or calling outside of writing, and that is The Smart Cookie Philes.

You can benefit both The Smart Cookie Philes and Bess The Book Bus with a purchase from the new merch shop.

 Shirts with this design will always and forever benefit Bess The Book Bus.
They start at $21.

For more on Bess The Book Bus, find out more here.

Buy One Here or to the right via The Smart Cookie Philes link.

 Mugs with this design allow you to ESPRESSO YOURSELF literally while reading the newest review or watching the next Booktube installment fully benefitting the maintenance and content of The Smart Cookie Philes.

They start at $15.

To find out more about The Smart Cookie Philes, view this page and video here.

This sticker design starts at $6 and you can make all your notebooks look SMART from the start of the school year and beyond. 

Click The Graphic below to shop SMART.

So I am trusting that either the Smart Cookie keeps growing or I find a better opportunity doing something I love and not feeling frustrated because my job feels like empty time and just a paycheck.

Yet, I know God's got my back regardless of what comes next. And in the meantime, I can find strength in the wholeness of his all-encompassing grace.

So I must stop looking at the circumstances in front of me, the wind and the crashing waves, and realize that my Lord is calling me to walk on the water amidst the storm, and asking me to step out in faith.

After all, we walk by faith and not by sight.

Until next time, remember this insightful revelation from Dr. Charles Stanley:

In Christ-Like Confidence and Love,

Chelsea

xoxo

#FitnessMotivation: Week 1 of The Bikini Body Challenge

I plan to do a new blog post March 1 but I wanted to let you all know that I am starting a new lifestyle change regarding my health. For more, please check out my video below:

Bikini Body Challenge Week 1

While we are here, Kickflip My Heart is 10 chapters strong with a word count that has exceeded the original three novels it was readapted from that I wrote and published in high school. God is good!

Click the title to read.

#WriterWednesday: KickFlip My Heart (New Chapter)

So I know you all think it's way lame that I haven't updated you on anything but let's just say that as of now, I still have nothing new to report or words to express things I want to share.

Yet, I knew I had to keep you guys happy so for the month of November (This year flew by) I will be adding a new chapter to my novel, Kickflip My Heart, every Wednesday.

Unless I have news then I will share that here instead.

I didn't want you guys to think that I don't care about you or forgot about you.

You, my blog readers, have given me some of the most encouraging words during some of the darkest times in my life, and I just wanted to find a way to thank you!

Without further ado, enjoy chapter six.

Clink the hyperlinked text in this blog post to read or click the following picture to your  upper right.

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

Don't just give gifts this holiday season. Give Smart. 

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#WriterWednesday: Why I Deleted My Tinder

Spoiler Alert: It's not for the reasons you are thinking. No, I am not off the market. I am not settling down with a studly man and moving into his Great Gatsby style mansion.

I got a Tinder account because my sister basically put a metaphorical gun to my head and blatantly seemed like she was concerned that I don't put myself out there enough.

I was perfectly okay with creating one because I love meeting new people and I like talking to people. Yet, I knew when I made the account, that I was never going to go on a date with any of the guys I talked on there with.

Why?

I don't like dating. And I know that comes off really weird simply because I have no experience with dating but it's because for the most part, I already know what I am looking for in a man and can tell if he's someone I can develop a relationship with even before we go on a date.

What's the secret?

Tinder is known for being a sex app. And people every day use it for that sole purpose. Yet, I wasn't one of those people.

See, for every guy that messaged me on there, I could instantly tell if he was just on there for sex and to buy me a drank, or if he really wanted to get to know me.

It's no mystery that guys don't really like texting. Yet, for me, if a guy can hold a descent conversation via text or in this case, Tinder, I will not only give him my number but I will also open up to him.

The true test of whether a guy is worth my time is how he reacts when he finds out I'm not only a writer but I'm already published.

As a girl who since my teens has a habit of obsessing and fangirling over guys I like (celebrity or average joes alike), I finally realized why Tinder didn't work for me.

When it comes down to it, one trait I am looking for in a potential mate or date is that they are willing to become my biggest fan. As a writer and also as a person, I face rejection every single day. Now I know I'm not alone there but still, it's a little hard to be me.

The reason I decided to delete my Tinder is because I was snapping and texting a few guys from Tinder about a new poem I wrote. The reason I told everyone about it is because I figured it wasn't a crime to share my writing with them. I had talked to them for a good month or so and figured what would be the harm in sharing a poem with everyone. I mean it was on my public blog.

As a result, I found out that a lot of the guys were not supportive in the slightest. A few wrote back: "Are you looking for more followers? others said, "Is this an ad?" It really hurt at first because they showed absolutely no interest in my writing and my writing is a reflection of me especially when it comes to poetry. With poetry, I really release a lot of emotions I've been experiencing.

One guy texted me this: It's a thought provoking piece that may or may not intimidate a prospective lover.

It all comes down to me being too intimidating. Ahahaha story of my life.

Well at least that guy was honest. Which is why I've deleted my Tinder.

When it comes to love, I'm not interested in settling at being anyone less than who I am:

Bold
Colorful
Creative
Emotional
Mouthy (especially when I have too much coffee)
Addicted to coffee
and reading a good book
lover of Jesus
doesn't trust people too easily
because of the rejection I've faced throughout my life
College educated
Loves working out but likes a good cookie or brownie every now and then
Dog guru

Who also happens to be someone who refuses to settle inside a man's shadow and I set out every day to do something to make my dreams a reality and in the meantime, I hope I inspire you to do the same, and be all you are and never let anyone tell you that you intimidate them or to tone down who you are for them.

Speaking of not giving up or toning myself down for anyone, I recently shared that I left Chanillo.com. Yet, I know a lot of you wanted to read my new re-write project, Kickflip My Heart.

You can do that here. ABSOLUTELY FREE I MIGHT ADD. So far, only the first two chapters are up but once I reach 100 views, I will add another installment.

Until next time remember,

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#MondayBlogs: Update on my recent series, Kickflip My Heart

Unfortunately, I decided that Chanillo wasn't the proper home for it.

It reminded me too much of how it felt to be self-published I was paying to use the site to publish and although it was only five dollars a month for me, it just felt like I was paying and nobody was buying.

I apologize to all the winners of my giveaway but this doesn't mean you can't use Chanillo and read some other series on there. I still hope you enjoy it.

This was a creative decision I jumped into and didn't really think through.

Sometimes those types of decisions work themselves out but I personally felt like Chanillo was a bit prejudiced to me as a young author. And for demanding that all writers pay 4.99, it sure wasn't a bargain investment when they don't even help their writers by marketing them.

I will announce soon where my new home is for the re-write (most likely free for now) but thank you so much for helping me come to realize this. It was the lack of support I received while on Chanillo that made me feel too much like I was selling my book chapters when all I really want to do is write them and for them to sell themselves.

Plus, my Chanillo effort showed me who my true friends were so there's also that positive to realize.

And for any writer who is considering Chanillo, you'd be better off releasing your chapters on your blog or on another platform site because no one really even knows what Chanillo is.

Just be warned! It's a scam of sorts.

Until next time,

#WriterWednesday: The Power of a Wink

A wink is defined by Webster's dictionary as: close and open one eye quickly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret or as a signal of affection or greeting.

We all know how awesome it is when someone winks at you. You get that first text from your crush that has a wink at the end. For me, I'm blown away when my dogs wink at me. Now that is something you just have to witness in the flesh and not at all virtually. ;-)

Recently, I got a job offer I just couldn't refuse. It was in my field, it was local, and it was everything I was looking for in a public relations job for someone whose college degree is literally fresh off the printer.

I got up early on a Friday morning about two weeks ago and I took a Snapchat video, said a prayer, and headed into the office wearing a nice business professional outfit and a smile.

I headed to the elevator because this company had their particular office suite on the second floor. I got a little lost on the second floor but found my way to the suite and arrived to be greeted by the receptionist warmly.

They asked me to fill out a candidate information sheet including my hobbies and interests. I listed writing, reading, listening to music, and street skateboarding. Sitting down in the waiting room along with two other potential candidates, ESPN was playing on the tv and Demi Lovato's "Confident" came on as part of the ESPN Sports Center promo showing basketball players heading out on the court ready to play the game. Here was the first God wink: The ball is in your court, Chelsea. Aim high and slamdunk this interview. ;-)

Finally, the hiring manager came in and shook my hand and led me to his office about five steps from the waiting room I was walking out of. I sat in a chair adjacent his desk.

As soon as we sat down, the interview started out with an icebreaker.

Hiring manager: I see you're a writer. I myself have started writing a book and am looking for some tips on how to go about the writing process. Should I take some writing classes?

Me: Yeah, definitely. I just have learned about the craft by basically reading books on the craft and I definitely recommend the Writer Magazine.

The interview was instantly a breeze after that because I felt comfortable with him because common ground had been established. The hiring manager went on to tell me what kind of marketing the company did.

They worked with big brands like Vizio, Samsung, etc, doing direct marketing campaigns in Costco's and Best Buy stores.

As soon as I heard marketing for Best Buy, my ears started ringing and I can't begin to tell you anything else he said. God wink number two: You didn't get that job working in Best Buy because I'd rather you work marketing for Best Buy. ;-)

I left very excited for the possibility of working for this company. I actually laughed with my mom on the drive back home at God's sense of humor with this one.

Time passed and I never received another call from them regarding the second interview, and it kind of bummed me out at first.

Then I realized this whole interview was a God wink in itself. To show me what I could attract and what God has planned for me.

I can see pieces coming together today but I urge you to look at your own life, and maybe even look twice. Because God is winking at you in big and small ways, believe me.

Recently, I felt God urging me to apply to publish my re-write of Dream Girl and Jessica's Choice on an online platform and it was accepted, and my series is now live:

http://channillo.com/series/kickflip-my-heart/

To subscribe, you only pay $4.99 where you end up getting access to not only my series but 9 other series. That's about ten books for $5. Now that's a bibliophile's dream come true.

Until next time, Remember: 

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#Congratulations To the Winners of My Giveaway!!!

This is a formal announcement of the official winners of my giveaway in promotion of the release of my book, KickFlip My Heart on Chanillo.

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#Giveaway: Tell all your friends (KickFlip My Heart by @ChelseaDeVries Release give-away)

I don't want my loyal blog readers to miss out on this. I'm having a giveaway to promote the release of my upcoming novel, KickFlip My Heart on Chanillo.com. In case you don't win the giveaway, you can subscribe for 4.99 to read my novel along with nine other authors also on the site. There are a lot of good writers there so it's a bargain.Subscribe here.

For those who want the chance to save $15 or read my book for free for 3 months, here you go:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends Monday February 1, 2016 at midnight.

Hurry, tell all your friends (or don't) and good luck!

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea 

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~