What I am reading now...

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman's Journey Through Poems
by Caroline Kennedy

I found this book on the Lemuria Bookstore
list of books for Mother's Day. My mother-in-law
loves to read, and I am always looking for
a new book for her. When I saw Caroline's
new book it jumped out at me and I bought
a copy for her.

Since then, I have been eyeballing it at the bookstore.

You know Borders Bookstore is going out of business, everywhere.
As an author, that's a big ouch...they had this book 10% off .
I know it's not much,
but I'd been wanting it and my oldest
daughter looked at me and said, "Mom, just get it,
they aren't gonna have it by the time it's marked
down anymore."

This is what I do when I get a new book:

I browse the cover, front and book
read the inside jacket, about the book
read about the author
read the acknowledgments
look to see if they have a facebook
look for a interview/trailer
read reviews

I know, some of it might be
backwards, but it helps me get on a deeper level
with the author and gain so much insight before hand!

Here's an interview of
She Walks in Beauty: A Woman's Journey Through Poems
by Caroline Kennedy





What do you do when you get a book or before you get one?
Do you like poems?

Someone asked the question...

Recently, someone asked,
"Will you write another book?"

My response was, "Why yes! I will."

Which then leads to the next question, "When?"

I will tell you like I told them,
"Not with in the year, at least, that's for sure!"

I really do see another book in my future.
For now, I am gonna focus on the sales of Daddy's Briefcase and
my artwork. My art because it's what I have always
really wanted to do, and I really feel the timing is perfect!

It's like I had to go there, writing Daddy's Briefcase, to get to here, ART!

Here is a list of books when the time comes...
1. Summer, a verse novel about a girl name Summer getting married, this story will be bits and pieces complied of weddings I have photographed over a ten year period.
2. In my Backyard, a photography coffee table book
3. Daddy's Shed, a memoir, about my childhood
4. In the Darkness, this will be about my journey through my first book
5. Between Friends: a years worth of text messages

So what do you think?
Good list?
Which book would you like to see first?

Create some BUZZ

Just in time for Father's Day,
I am posting my picture
from April at Lemuria Bookstore in Banner Hall.

In honor of MY Daddy

Enter to WIN a free copy of Daddy's Briefcase
Today it's been 14 years since he went to be with Jesus!



my handsome Daddy

on my wedding day

my favorite picture of my Daddy and me

Simply enter by emailing me at ashleysartcloset@yahoo.com
(deadline is Tuesday night-May 31st)

Below is a poem I wrote while
I was writing Daddy's Briefcase!

Daddy

The only smell of you still lingers on

In your briefcase

It’s a shelter of protection

For my own peace of mind

I wish someone could have prepared me

Not a day goes by I don’t think of you

It’s been ten years now

How could that be

I can’t breathe as I shed a tear

The other day I freaked out

When I looked out the corner of my eye

I saw a red dodge caravan

And turned my head

Our stamp collection tucks deep in the bottom of my closet

One day I hope to share them with my kids

Your braided belt and shirts have been transferred

Three years ago

When we moved into our new home

I pulled the shirts close to me grasping for you

As I placed them into a box for the attic

I miss your smile and your strong hands

I was your Jack Daniel baby

I hope you know

I never wanted to see you go

I miss you

Wish you could see

Everything happening for me

You would be so proud of Tony and me

Thinking of the past

It’s different now

Momma and Angela are happy

Many people here remind me of you

Your still here somehow

I just can’t let you go

Once in a while I still shed a tear

It’s scary to me

I remain to stand tall and strong, just like you taught me

I’ve got to get a move on with my life

I can’t wait to see you again

I know you’re in a better place

On the other side

Wish I could see your face

But you’re where you need to be

Even though it’s not with me

My heart will never let you go

It’s getting dark now, I better go



What other's are saying....

Finally, finally it's SuMmEr, summer
at my house, my house....

So celebrating that I want to share
with you what other's are saying about
Daddy's Briefcase:


My doorbell rang, I jumped up and hoped it was Fed Ex
with your book.... It was! Just sat down and I can't wait to read it.
-Kelly, Alabama

I recently read your book and just wanted to let you know
I loved it! Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your story.
It takes a lot of strength and courage to put your life out there.
Congratulations on your success!
-Casey, Montana

Look what I got today!!! Excited to read it.
-Melissa, North Carolina

I finally got my book in the mail yesterday afternoon from Amazon,
and I just could not put it down! I finished it last night around 11:30
or so because it was just so interesting I couldn't stop!
I wanted to let you know that I am so thankful to you for sharing your story.
It really helps those of us who go through hardships ourselves.
-Mandy, Mississippi

Please, remember once you have read Daddy's Briefcase you can
share also by posting a review over at amazon.com
under customer reviews, thanks.

Happy readings...
ashley :)