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Heartbreaker

To the first boy that breaks my daughter‘s heart, RUN. Just kidding, I’m not coming after you...even though, I want to— with some very sharp hedge clippers. What I really came here to say was, thank you. I know in  this exact moment, mothers all around the world are scrunching their faces as they read this and mumbling under their breath that I’ve lost my ever-loving mind but I haven’t. I’ve had my heart broken before. Probably everyone reading this has had their heart broken before. I’ve been lied to, cheated on(I can still remember, very  vividly, the time my best friend punched a polar pop styrofoam cup because I got a random phone call from a girl who said “your boyfriend was with me last night.” Enunciating the would “me”, of course.  Yeah, teenagers are cruel!) So, I’ve been there. I’ve felt low, ugly, and sad because of some boy. But I still want to thank them, I didn’t at the time, but I do now. Because of them, I learned how to pick myself up, I learned what I deserved in
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LUCK prologue!

By S.J. Sylvis Copyright © by S.J. Sylvis One Year Ago             “Stop it, Rowen.” I said through my fits of laugher. I hate being tickled but it’s one of those ‘love to hate’ kind of things. I fumble with putting my shirt back over my head because Rowen’s taking his fingers and jabbing them into my ribs.             “Seriously, stop! We’re gonna ge—” More laughter, “We’re gonna get caught, now stop!” I swat his arm playfully and he jumps back just in time to hit the broom stick; it clashes to the ground with a loud swish and bang, sending a tremor throughout the restaurant. I guess that’s what you get when you dip out of work and end up in the supply closet with your boyfriend/co-worker.             We both pause at the sound of the broom stick falling, waiting for someone to come investigate. I stare at his deep brown eyes, and he stares back at mine, both of our ears perked. We wait a few more minutes and no one comes. I quickly throw on my red polo and Rowen tucks his s
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ATTENTION FUTURE WRITERS!

So, this week in one of my graduate classes we're learning all about publishing models. As some of you know, I went with a small publisher for my book, "Just Maybe". I have no idea what I'll do with my second book so it was really interesting reading these articles to broaden my intelligence on the different types of publishing models out there; specifically self-publishing, which appeals to me in the worst of ways! I thought I'd share the articles on here for those of you that are still deciding on what to do with those manuscripts! Enjoy! Op-Ed: Indie Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing- The Debate Goes On  http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/331773 The Benefits of Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing  https://www.amarketingexpert.com/the-benefits-of-self-publishing-vs-traditional-publishing/ Traditional Publishing and Self-Publishing Are Not Mutually Exclusive  https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2012/04/26/traditional-self-publishing-not
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Dear Future Mothers

Being a mom is so many things that I never thought it’d be. From the time I was three, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be. I distinctly remember carrying around my very expensive lifelike Lee Middleton dolls throughout the house, feeding them, bathing them, putting them to sleep—playing house was my absolute favorite pastime. When I found out I was pregnant, it was quite the surprise. We weren’t trying, we had just moved from North Carolina to Louisiana and were about to start the journey of recruiting duty, which meant long hours—very long hours and a lot of lonely nights for me. I remember the moment perfectly. My husband and I wanted margaritas. It was one of the first few nights in our new house. Cardboard boxes were still splayed on our dark mahogany wood floors, the kitchen was a disaster from unpacking, bare walls surrounded us. It was overwhelming and exhausting, just as every move typically is. So, we had the bright idea to get tipsy to help with the uneasy task of m
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New book?

I haven't written in such a long time and I feel really bad about that. With the Marine Corps ball, family coming to visit for over a week, and Thanksgiving, I've been swamped! I also started a new set of grad classes too, so my mind has been occupied. I finished writing my third book and I think it's my favorite one so far. It came to me in a dream and holy crap, I wrote it so fast and when I did my re-read of it, I didn't even want to change anything, which is a first for me. Normally I go back through and I revise things, add some stuff but nope, not with this one. It's perfect how it is (except for the grammar, of course). That kind of brings me to my next topic; I slept really good last night and actually had dreams. I rarely have dreams anymore because I barely sleep (thanks, Emma!), but last night was the first night she slept really well in a few weeks so I dreamt (or is it dreamed? I always have this battle with myself, I'm sure you guys get the pictur
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I have lots to say!

I feel like I have so much to say today! It's been a little while since I've given any updates about "Just Maybe" (my first novel) and I have some good news. I sent in my contract and my book is in the editing process right now, (squeal!!) and, I got to send in the blurb and my own cover vision yesterday. I'm not giving anything away, though I really want to share everything with you guys! But, I think it's best if it's a surprise. I'll be releasing the synopsis/blurb and cover reveal at some point before it's published--so keep following my Instagram/Facebook posts for more details. The publisher said that my book should be on the shelves sometimes between January and March!! That's so soon and I literally wanted to jump with joy when I read her e-mail! I feel like my dreams are coming true! Even if my book doesn't sell that many copies, I'm just proud to have it out there. I'll be able to hold my own book, in my hands! I've
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A little Halloween story!

Happy Halloween, readers! I wrote this piece titled, Willow's Hue in celebration of my second favorite holiday (Christmas and 4th of July are tied for first). Enjoy! Willow's Hue By S.J. Sylvis Copyright © by S.J. Sylvis             The day started off normal. When I woke up that morning, I looked out the tiny window beside my bed and took in the view. There was a greyish hue to the sky, and it was especially fitting for how I was I feeling. I would describe it just as the color poured into my windows…grey. I was grey . I wasn’t happy or sad, I wasn’t white or black…I was that in-between feeling. That muddled grey feeling. My parents weren’t the best parents in the world, but I’m sure they weren’t the worst either. They didn’t beat me and they fed me…most of the time, but really their main focus in life was their hatred for each other. The night before, I was normal, well semi-normal. Never really clicking with anyone, and being called a freak on the daily at school, b
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