Che-Michelle Tales

Pre-Pandemic, a friend asked in a group chat, “Hey does anyone want to go with me to  a Meet and Greet for Jasmine Guillory?” Collectively, most people in the group chat said no. The no’s range from, “I  have to work,” “I haven’t read her books,” and just “no.” No shade to people who said No. I agreed to it cause I  had just finished her first book, “The Wedding Date” a novel I enjoyed. I thought, why not take Shonda Rhimes advice and say “Yes”. I agreed and prepared myself to go to a book signing. Just as Christopher Moore inspired me to keep writing. Listening to  Ms. Guillory’s path to becoming a published writer, re-inspired me to not just write but aim for publishing. I love Ms. Guillory’s journey of getting started in her writing career. She began her writing career because of NaNoWriMo month. She decided to participate in NaNoWriMo, and she completed her first book,” The Wedding Date”.

What intrigued me is Guillory’s determination and consistency. She wrote every day during NaNoWriMo, worked through her lunch break, and wrote at a local coffee shop or Starbucks. She wrote this fantastic book in technically 30 days and on her lunch break ( technically). At that moment, I realized that becoming a writer and publishing is just a matter of determination. *Tangent* This moment took me back to an episode of “Murder, She Wrote,” where Jessica Fletcher (fictional character/World-class Novelist/Amateur Detective) would sometimes meet aspiring authors, and read their manuscripts along with offering pointers to those Authors. I felt like I was one of those aspiring authors getting the secret to keep going. Don’t get me wrong, so many authors offer tips and tricks. There are Masterclasses about the writing process, story crafting, and story boarding. But by talking to an author, you can gauge their authentic advice or suggestions. At that moment, I could tell Ms. Guillory explaining her training from Law school, her determination, and consistency was how she crafted her path to her new career as a novelist. But I digress; the rest of the event was great; she was friendly and gracious with every person who came to the event. That event was pivotal in keep going on my writing journey.

Also, below is a list of books that I either have read or need to read by Ms. Guillory current books:

The Wedding Date-  Yes! It was a cute story ( a throwback review in the works)

The Proposal –  No! On my 2023 list (I started but didn’t finish) Updated finished late January 2023!!!!

The Wedding Party-  On my 2023 list!

Royal Holiday-  No (  I am seeing a pattern that I don’t like)

Party of Two-  Oh my, what was I doing in 2020. I  could have been reading Ms. Guillory’s books.

While We were Dating-  On my list…

By the Book- Yes! I LOVED THIS STORY!

Drunk on Love- Yes! Go read this book!

I read the “Southern Belle Insults” Collection, narrated by the fabulous Keke Palmer. You should check it out. It was fantastic. ( maybe I will re-read it and give a full review)

I am sorry this is not more of a deep philosophical blog. I just wanted to ramble about my love of Jasmine Guillory as a writer. The Books I would like to read in 2023 will be full of romance.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle