It was a Saturday afternoon and when I initially woke my plans were to find something amazing on Netflix to binge and simply relax.  As I started cleaning I realized I had never hung a picture behind my headboard.  If you knew how OCD I could be at times you would know that every single morning it bothered me that there was this empty space looking all naked and lonely.  Trust that it wasn't from lack of searching, but the problem was I had never found the perfect picture to hang, so I decided to wait until I saw what I was looking for.  Well, no time like the present to skip on over to my favorite accessory store and just take a peek.  After all it's free to look and I probably won't find anything anyway.  This is my internal way of attempting to convince myself that I did not need to go shopping, but who needs that type of negativity in their life???  Off I go!

Twenty minutes later, 4 candles, a box of tea, and one amazing picture in my shopping cart, I was smiling from ear to ear because I knew that I had found the perfect picture after all of this time.  It's the little things right?  So they say.  I have stepped into the chapter of my life where things have to be balanced with purpose.  Where is that gonna go?  Don't I already own 5 of those?  Will it fit in my car is truly the only question that requires an answer, because I will find a way to make it work even if I am doing a tiny bit of hoarding in the process.  

A complete honor to hear from Clancy Tucker who wears many hats as a Storyteller, Author, Publisher, Photographer, Human Rights Activist, Social Justice Campaigner and poet.  Wow!  Such a pleasure to chat with him about my love for writing and how it all got started.  Take a peek and see what I have to say!  

​G'day folks,

Today, I'm happy to introduce a blogger from Georgia, U.S.A. 

Welcome, AJ ...

•      TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BLOG’S JOURNEY. 

I had a conversation with a great friend and told her I always wanted to write on a different level and share that with others.  I started thinking of ways to make that happen and decided to start my blog site in 2018.  It was important for my site to be genuine and reflect my true personality, from the colors of the pages, down to the way my website flows.  It's been almost two years and my blog is finally finding her voice and I couldn't be happier with the progress and what's to come.


•      WHAT IS THE AIM OF YOUR BLOG?

When you visit my page I hope that you receive a good vibe and feel my energy.  What you see is what you get, and it's all me.
​

There are so many topics we would rather not discuss, and death is most certainly one of them but it's part of a necessary agenda that we all must face.  Can we block those uncomfortable discussions and feelings and replace them with thoughts that only bring joy?  Sure, but that doesn't change the inevitable doom lingering in the background.  Faced with despair, loss of direction on what to do next and the feeling that there is no hope, you find yourself stuck in a spiral of doubt that often times gets much worse before it gets better.  If we could erase thoughts like a bad dream it would be an easy task but unfortunately that's not reality.  

The one truism in life that I have learned to accept as I grow older is that we are all born into this world, and we will all surely die.  What that day is we will never know and quite honestly I don't think it would bring on an amazing sense of comfort if we did.  Take a movie for example.  Part of the excitement is trying to figure out what is going to happen and preparing yourself for the ending.  Would you still watch that movie if you knew the ending in advance?  The answer is likely no as it would take away the mystery and excitement and give you nothing to look forward to.  And for some the answer quite possibly might be yes, either way we have to learn to accept that everyone has their own way of dealing with the inevitable fate that is death.

What a pleasure it was to chat with Emily Collins who is a Creative Writer/Freelance Copywriter and Editor.  I appreciated the memories the interview brought back to life and the subtle reminder of why I continue with my passion.  See what I had to say below!

Welcome back to the Literary Copywriter spotlight where I feature professional writers with creative pursuits. Today I interviewed Alicia Jones, a creative writer/blogger and founder of AJ’s Diary.  I sat with Alicia to learn more about her journey. Let’s hear from Alicia!

Literary Copywriter: Tell me about your writing journey. When did you first realize that a.) you are a writer, and b.) you want to make a living off of your writing?

A.J.  I think I was around 12 or 13 years old when I got my first diary.  Back in the day there were mobile libraries where the bus would come up to the school and the students would have about an hour to buy whatever they wanted.  I recall begging my mom for money just to buy one book.  When you stepped inside this mystical bus, it was a book lovers dream.  Books upon books, beautiful bookmarks and little quirky boxes with locks and keys.  That is when I saw my first diary.  My eyes lit up, and I'm certain my heart skipped a few beats.  The smell of the new pages turn after turn is something that is hard to describe.  You either love it, or run towards the nearest exit.  I couldn't begin to tell you how much I wrote in my diary or what I actually had to say.  As much as I would love to see that old diary I would likely cringe at my thoughts back then.  At that age I am sure it made absolutely no sense or perhaps it would have gone down in history as the most profound writing from a pre-teen.  Either way, buying that diary on that day sparked something in me that would be everlasting. Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
​
For me I truly felt like that I could claim the title of author when I wrote my first short story, 'The Scent Of A Woman'.  I allowed myself to have fun creating the characters and just going with it.  My readers have requested a sequel, so we shall see what happens with part two of this story.  Stay tuned!

Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
​

You know how the lyrics go, "I gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good good night feel, tonight's the night, let's live it up, I got my money , let's spend it up".  We all have a song that makes us feel this way, a moment where we forget everything, let go and just let the vibe completely take over.  There are so many different genres of music, Rock, Classic, Gospel, R&B, Country, Jazz, Folk, Rap, Funk Fusion, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, and the list goes on and on.   I typically listen to my music at deafening levels, but depending on the mood I sometimes keep it nice and mellow.  If you have never shouted "huh" over your headphones then you have absolutely no idea what I mean!  Music has a way of speaking for itself and it will let you know just how the song should be treated.  Finding that perfect balance of bass and treble will create an unforgettable combination and you have now entered into what I like to call musical euphoria.  
   

Alex knew if he hit snooze too many times he would be late for work and miss the monthly financial meeting.  He missed the last one and ever since his boss seemed to scowl at him whenever he had an idea.  It would be in his best interest to make sure that did not happen again, and besides, it was time to get back in his good graces and show his worth since he was highly recommended from his last firm.  The pressure was on and Alex needed to find his place within the team and stake his claim as a top producing associate.  If only him and Laura didn't have those last few shots this wouldn't be so hard.  One last hit of the snooze button and then it's time to spring into action.  He wasn't really hung-over, just tired from the long night that continued after they arrived home from Diane and Brandons party.  Who has an anniversary party during the weekday?  Even still, they had an amazing time and would do it all over again.  There were bits and pieces of the night that seem like a blur, but there were certainly things he would never forget.  

Cold shower, black coffee no sugar no cream always did the trick to revive him.  Surely Laura would get up from her angelic sleep to make the coffee by the time he showered and got dressed.  Twenty minutes later, and she hadn't moved one inch.  She was sleeping so peacefully he couldn't bring himself to wake her.  There was a new bagel shop on the way to work at the corner of Bransford Avenue he wanted to try.  He would grab coffee and breakfast there.  Briefcase, wallet, tie, favorite suit jacket and off to the office.   As he made his way downstairs the reminders of last night were everywhere.  He saw one of his shoes and one sock on the stairwell, the other was nowhere in sight.  Lauras panties were on the floor in the foyer and is that her dress hanging over the back of the sofa?  Oh my...

I knew the moment I saw them that they were coming home with me as long as the shoe Gods had a pair in my size.  Fingers tightly crossed, a hope and a prayer and the mad search begins.  As I walked closer, I saw a half size too large, a half size too small and the exact size.  I'm serious about my shoes, so I went with what I thought was the perfect size.  The moment comes when I need to try it on.  Inhale in, exhale out!  This is the moment of truth folks.  Either my day is about to be ruined or in approximately 36 seconds I'll be skipping through the store like a kid whose mom just allowed them to get another pair of light up sneakers.  

After years of trying on shoes, breaking in shoes, loving and hating shoes, I know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't.  The fit has to be just right and if my toes are out I usually go a half size down.  No overlapping of the toes either, and if I can fit a finger in the back of the heel it's just not going to work.  Suede doesn't give very much so the size has to be on point.  Leather will stretch over time and that gives me a little wiggle room.  There is a fine art to this, so I gotta get it right in order to rock out an amazing pair of shoes.  Now that the shoes are all mine, what in the world am I going to wear with them?
​

Make no mistake about it, every single person on the face of this planet has an opinion and most aren't afraid to voice it, be ostracized because of it, unfriended at the tone of it, or simply looked at as weird, unforgiving and downright rude because you expressed it.  Speaking up and owning your voice is a cocky move and you should be prepared for those who just don't and will never get it.  So, make sure your skin is thick and your sensitivity meter is turned all the way down, past zero.  

What makes a person feel bold enough to say exactly what's on their mind without thinking twice?  Some are born this way, with aggression and fierceness so powerful that everyone not only sits up and listens, but they dare not say anything against what you have just proclaimed as the truth.  Some are a little meek and take their time finding their true voice, but once they arrive it's like new energy has been lifted and those in the path better take cover, and quick!  I hope you're ready because this level of awesomeness is not for everyone.
​

Julie M. Tuttle who is an amazing author and chef reached out to me and asked if I would be a part of her Featured Foodie Interview.  It was an honor to speak with her and tell her more about my writing journey.  See what I have to say below!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW WE CAN CONNECT WITH YOU. What you see with my work is always authentic. I have many things swirling around in my head, so you never know what you are going to get.  My website is where you can find my blog, a bit more about me and a few of my favorite pictures.  www.ajsdiary.com/blog.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplymeaj and on twitter I can be found @Ajonesy8)

WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG OR BOOK AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? AJ’s Diary.  I started in 2018, I’ve always had so much to say and so many thoughts in my head and had an idea to bring that to life in a broader approach, so I started my website.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican, the sauces and the flavors create this excitement within me that make me want to dance.  Literally!

WHAT FOODS DO YOU CRAVE ALL THE TIME? Rice. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.  A little butter and a pinch of salt and I have a meal

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD? Homemade soup

IF YOU COULD LEARN HOW TO MAKE ANY FOOD WHAT WOULD IT BE? Gnocchi

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BLOGGER, WRITER, OR AUTHOR? Speaking from my heart.  I love the ability to create something that not only I have enjoyed but others have as well.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW WRITERS JUST STARTING OUT?  Don’t be too critical of yourself.  Just go with your first instinct.  As you continue writing, you will see how much you have changed over time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?  Garden.  I like watching things grow.  It’s amazing

WHAT HELPS YOU TO STAY MOTIVATED AND KEEP WRITING?  Quite simply, the passion for it.  It makes me feel so good.

HOW DO YOU ATTRACT NEW READERS?  Of all the social media platforms, I would have to say Twitter is the most active, so I do most of my promoting there.

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AS A WRITER?  Other writers who have paved the way.  Whether new or seasoned.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ?  Fables.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Just started The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I am a huge tattoo lover.  Working on my idea for a beautiful sleeve

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?  Every single thing that has a beat.  If I can groove to it I’m adding it to my music library.

IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY BOOK WHAT WOULD IT BE?  Tara Road by Maeve Binchy.  I fell in complete and total love with this book.  It’s like I was there.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE FAVORITE AUTHORS?  Maeve Binchy, James Patterson & Clive Barker

DO YOU HAVE ANY BLOGS OR BOOKS YOU CAN RECOMMEND?  I highly recommend The Thief of Always by Clive Barker.  Also, Any and Everything written by Maeve Binchy.

IF YOU COULD HAVE SUPERPOWERS WHAT WOULD THEY BE?  Eradicate hatred from hearts.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY OF WRITING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?  I never have a draft, I have the thought that came to me at 3 a.m. and I start there.  I edit it over and over to ensure it flows. Once I feel that it is ready to be published, I pour myself a glass of wine in celebration.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?  Started my first book at the beginning of this year, still going, not sure when it will be published but it’s coming.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE TO OUR READERS?  I always want to know what they think about my work, but most importantly I appreciate their support.  And just stay tuned to see what I’m up to next.

Thank you Alicia for such a great interview! 

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/
​
To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/