Tiffany Sunday

Author | Poet | TEDx Presenter

Blog

Hello Spring Time

By

Hello Readers! Happy Spring!

I love March and watching the tiny new leaves emerge from the tree branches in my backyard. A sense of excitement permeates my being, as I watch nature’s rebirth with its various shades of green blanketing the horizon in every direction. My thoughts instantly fill with book ideas.

As a kid, I loved spring and waited to the very last minute to come insight. I spent hours exploring, building, and creating from the treasures I found. As an adult, spring always energizes me, and I want to spend hours outside exploring like I did as a kid.

Earlier this month, I spent the weekend sitting for hours under my tree, on the ground, reading. The birds chattered, a lonely cricket sang as I enjoyed the lovely, warm pre-spring day. No lawn chairs, nothing fancy, just me and the backyard feathered and furry attendees.

The simplicity of enjoying the afternoon, with no distractions, felt luxurious, and a rarity. Especially today, with our digital devices, streaming subscriptions, and computers demanding our attention. Remember to enjoy the newness of spring time, go outside, leave digital technology inside, and savor your surroundings. 

Mystic Book Update

Last November, I started posting book updates on my author Facebook page. I have yet to come up with a book title, which is a bit concerning as the editing team continues to work through the manuscript. Editing is laborious and tedious, taking dozens of hours to complete, but it’s the most important part of book writing. 

 In April, I will launch a crowdfunding / pre-book sale to raise funds to cover the book’s costs. For the latest updates, please follow my Facebook Page. Next month, I will resume posting book updates on Instagram.

Many of you may have heard or read about ChatGTP or GPT4. It’s an open-source artificial intelligence – machine learning system that can create poetry, write plays, research papers, and get accepted to college. I am concerned how this technology will impact the literary and book publishing industry. Already, individuals are using the machine learning to write books to sell on Amazon.

I can’t imagine outsourcing my creativity and imagination to an AI or read a book written by a machine.

Testing New Products

In the past month, I’ve started researching the viability of expanding product offerings under the Dillon 5 brand. These products would include a calendar styled personal journal, limited edition artistic quality die-cut stickers, and adult coloring books.

I would love to hear your feedback, and if you regularly purchase these products. And, if you are a fan of stationery and journaling.

Thank you for your continued support! I love hearing from you!

Cheers,

Tiffany

Authentic Approach to the New Year

By

Cape Cod 2021

Hello,

Five years ago, I stopped making new years resolutions. I realized the statements were empty chatter – eat better, work more, run more miles, go to sleep earlier, reduce screen time, and so forth. The open-ended goals had no context and were often imposed by others. So, instead of writing empty resolutions, I wrote specific, defined goals.

On January 1st, I reviewed my 2022 goals. As I read through the list, my stomach dropped as I realized only one goal, resembled who I was. Once again, the statements I wrote were a representation of what others expected me to be. Not who I was or what I wanted. A sense of emptiness washed over me as I stared at the paper. Who was this person that wrote these words? My stomach churned like an angry sea, as I wondered why had I written these goals. The awareness stung. I knew, achieving these goals would take me off course, again.  

Awareness is a gift you can’t return. Once you gain new awareness, any previous perception of the situation evaporates, making it impossible to undo the awareness. I thought, whatever we tell ourselves at the beginning of each year must reflect our soul’s authenticity. Chasing hallow pursuits of others, chains us to the past and drains our precious energy. As I write this post, I thought – what if I write nothing this year, and instead, listen to my intuition? What if I take a leap of faith and trust that a road map will appear when needed? What if I make real, lasting changes, that I have longed to make?

As I contempt making changes, the thought scares the crap out of my ego. Who quickly searches the internet to delay me. However, this year is different. I am considering creating a modern Walden Pond experience by limiting screen time, spending more time outside, focusing on what matters most and then holding myself accountable. Most importantly, avoid being derailed. Often, we willingly give away ourselves (scrolling instead of pursing our dream, engaging in toxic relationships, ignoring our intuition, etc) without asking why.

On the second page of my 2023 calendar there are blank links to write yearly goals or resolutions. The empty space nudges and begs for my attention as I suspect it feels lost without definitive 2023 goalposts. For now, the lines remain blank. No longer can I lie to myself or write about society’s or someone else’s goals. While page waits impatiently, I seek within myself crystal transparency and raw honesty without any excuses. To make decisions about my life from a silent place instead of a crowded room with individual opinions disarming my internal compass.

To write our 2023 goals or affirmations, we need a quiet place, that is ours and ours only. A place we can explore who we are and what we seek to do and achieve, or not achieve. We have a choice to write or not write new year’s resolutions. We can do something different, select a theme word or affirmation statement. Or think about resolutions or goals we would have written as a child. We own what we write.

For now, my new year’s focus is being mindful about my thoughts and replace irrelevant and obsolete negative messages with positive affirmations as I envision the new year’s journey.

Tiffany

Books Make Great Holiday Gifts

By

For me, books will always be great holiday gifts!

Learning to read took time because I’m dyslexic. So, when I was in junior high, my mother started a tradition of giving me books for Christmas. She had a knack for curating an eclectic reading list. Each year, I waited impatiently, wondering which books she had selected. After opening my gifts, I immediately found a quiet place and would read for hours. As a result, my fondest holiday memories are sitting next to the Christmas Tree or fireplace, admiring my new books.

Novels and nonfiction books have changed my life. Each year, I discover a new author, learn something new, or read a story that leaves its mark. I have continued my mother’s tradition of giving books as gifts and prefer printed copies, which never need charging. Plus, you can dog tag pages, make notes in the margin, and like a good friend, you can always take the book with you.

Purchasing books as gifts can seem overwhelming since there are many lovely and thought-provoking stories to choose from while shopping. Independent book stores can offer suggestions, and in larger bookstores team members share feedback about books throughout the store. This year, I selected a couple of cookbooks for my son – don’t tell him! He’s picked up the family cooking gene.

For friends, I’ve chosen Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury. I love Norbury’s books. Another favorite book is The Lightkeeper’s Daughters by Jean E. Pendiziwol; the book has an unexpected ending. A classic favorite is Pride and Prejudice – Mr. Darcy! Also, my books are available for direct purchase too. When selecting books, I prefer to read random pages, instead of choosing a book based solely on reviews especially today. We all know when we connect with a book.

Books Matter

They allow us to gain a new perspective and empathy for others. I can’t imagine a world without books, music, and the arts! So be sure to add books to your shopping list this season. If you are unsure which book to select, Barnes & Noble and independent bookshop gift cards are another great option.

Happy Holidays & Happy Reading,
Tiffany

P.S. I frequently hear from individuals who claim they have no time to read. Instead of spending hours scrolling through their digital feed, pick up a book and read.

My Favorite Bookshops

By

Bookstores and libraries are my favorite places, or my son would say my obsession. I can spend hours wandering around, following my curiosity to my next book. Books changed my life. I became an author for my love of writing and passion for books and reading.

In bookshops, my creativity feasts on book-related merchandise, handcrafted journals, and books! Bookstores are important. They are a lifeline to learning about new books and finding unique writing materials. In addition to my book obsession, I also have a strong tendency to purchase journals during my travels. Earlier this year, I thought of driving around the country, visiting libraries and bookstores, and then sharing my experiences with readers. I have added this idea to my 2023 to-do list.

The first part of the list is my favorite bookstores I have visited and purchased books. The second part of the list is my favorite bookstores that I follow on Instagram.    

London, UK

Hatchards on Piccadilly 

In 2018, when I was speaking at a conference in the U.K., I had an opportunity to visit Hatchards. The whole experience was overwhelming as I roamed around, scanning the books. Deciding which books to purchase was a difficult task. While we were in London, I made multiple trips. The sensation of being in the store, thinking of the authors who had held their book signings while gazing at the brilliant book collections, was inspiring. The store ooze of literature intelligence. I thought of all the stories, historical tales, and poems waiting to be discovered and read.

East Sandwich, MA, USA

Titcomb’s Book Shop

Last year, my son and I drove to the East Coast, and I discovered Titcomb’s Book Shop in East Sandwich, MA, which reminded me of Hatchards. We were on a tight travel schedule, and I had only twenty minutes to shop. Titcomb’s is one of the coolest bookshops I’ve visited. The books, merchandise, calendars, vintage books, and everything I saw instantly charged my creative batteries. I could have spent a day in the store, which is an excellent reason to plan a return trip! If you are visiting Cape Cod, be sure to stop by Titcomb’s.

Carmel, California, USA

Pilgrims Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden

On my first visit to Pilgrims Way, I purchased a book that would change my life. At the time, I didn’t know that the road I was traveling would shift course. The store has a curated collection of books for the mind, heart, and soul, plus best-selling authors. Each time I visited the bookstore, I discovered a book that would leave a lasting impact on my life. Unfortunately, this is the last bookstore in the Carmel area. 

Dallas, Texas, USA

Half Price Books

About three times a month, I visit the Flagship Half Price Book stores, I’ve had three book signing events at this location, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Management is supportive of local authors, even though the store is focused on selling used books. When researching a book, I always go to Half Price because I can always find unique books that are out of print or no longer available. HPB is like a second home, as I can spend an hour or more in the store. 

Austin, Texas, USA

 Book People

In 2014, I had my first book signing event at Book People. The thrill of having my book on the shelf and people listening to what I had to say was exhilarating. The store is two stories filled with a fantastic collection of books. 

Instagram Favorites 

These are the bookshops I follow on Instagram that I love based on their posts and websites. 

Paris, France 

Shakespeare & Company 

Where do you begin to write about Shakespeare & Company Bookstore in Paris? The original bookstore was founded by Silvia Beach in 1919. In April 1964, George Whitman renamed the bookstore he had started in Paris after Beach. Both Beach and Whitman were Americans and committed their lives to books, authors, and the printed word. 

Paris, France

Librairie Le Divan 

Following bookstores in Europe feels refreshing as the topics and stories are different. I also follow The American Library in Paris. I do not speak French. However, listening to author interviews, I think I’m in Europe, for a moment, on another adventure. 

Mystic, Connecticut, USA

Bank Square Books

I started following Bank Square Books after our trip to the East Coast. Unfortunately, the store was closed when I arrived, but I was able to window shop!

Belgrade Lakes, ME, USA

Oliver & Friends Bookshop

I love the story of how Oliver & Friends was founded. Most authors, at least the ones I know, dream of owning a bookstore. I know I do. Renee launched her business during the pandemic, and I admire her determination to succeed. 

Please take a few moments to purchase from an independent bookstore. Indie Bound is a great place to start. 

Mystic, Ct. and The Writing of Book Seven

By

Mystic, CT December 2021

In September, I decided not to republish Proper Grey Areas. It was my second poetry collection released in 2020. After reviewing the book and discussing the next steps with Lynne Knight, my new editor, I let the book go. Proper Grey Areas has been removed from the market. I have learned that better things will arrive when we are willing to trust our gut and let go.

So, the new thing is a new book that focuses on flash fiction and short stories. The book may include a novelette. Since August, I’ve had several epiphanies related to my writing. I also discovered a hidden interest in writing flash fiction and short stories. This leads us to Mystic, Ct.

Why Mystic, Ct. It’s more than 1600 miles away. Why does my writer’s soul seek to be there? I have no clue. I know that four years ago, starting in September, my soul longed to visit Mystic, Ct, and Cape Cod. Each year, the feeling intensified. I could not understand why. My soul’s longing to walk around the village and write was intense. So, last Christmas (2021), my son and I made the trip. When we arrived in Plymouth, MA, my soul felt at home. I wrote about the experience in my January in my post 2021 Holiday Road Trip to New England.

In September, I shifted my focus to completing my seventh book, which may include several poems from Proper Grey Areas. One Sunday afternoon, I started writing a story about a young woman who made unexpected decision to quit her job and move halfway across the country to Mystic. In the story, she closes her eyes and places her finger on a map of the U.S., and under her finger is Mystic Sea Museum. This is how she determined where she was going. The story is set in the 1990s.

At first, I thought the story would be about the character (Nicole) finding herself by channelling Thoreau (Walden and Cape Cod). Last year, while walking on the Cape Cod beaches, I felt a tiny spark of transformative energy, and thought to myself – am I willing to accept the opportunity to change course? The tall cliffs lining the beaches were intimidating as they stand tall against the mighty and unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. Gazing across the ocean, I thought of Mystic, the community, river and bridge and the area felt like a protective womb for healing and rebirth.

Instead, as I have worked on the story, it shifted with Nicole becoming part of a fishing family in Mystic, Ct. The family is healing from the unthinkable loss of losing a key family member at sea. The men are fishermen who fish for lobster and Black Sea Bass in Long Island Sound. This shift has surprised me. However, my intuition nudges me to follow the story and its characters, so I continue write and conduct research.

As a result, I’ve been making phone calls to Mystic seeking information about the area and the fishing business during the 1990s. As an author, my goal is avoid writing mistakes about the fishing industry and community. I’m reading everything I can find about the area, history, and fishing industry. As the character and story change, my research shifts as well. Nicole is discovering an interest in Maritime history which has been added to my research list.

The seventh book also has two other stories that may interlink with the Mystic Ct. story. I am continuing the dystopian story, The Girl and Librarian from Insatiable Consumption of Being, which is about a world without color, creativity, or imagination. The story is also set in Mystic, Ct., the only place that has not been changed after the Event.

For now, my writer’s soul is hyper-focused on the Mystic, Ct, and the characters as they make their way through life. The story has been in my subconscious as I feel a strong internal pull to be near the ocean. To walk, like Thoreau, along miles of open beaches with the sea challenging my thoughts.

Rarely do I ask for “Cups of Coffee,” or donation tips for my writings. My focus and passion is telling stories and writing book. However, 2022 has been an interesting year, and due to family matters, I’ve lost six months of work. Therefore, in September, I launched a crowdfunding campaign to help offset the book costs of moving to a new distributor and to support the writing of this book. Please share the link if you know anyone who loves helping indie authors.

Thank you for your continued support.

As always – stay creative and keep reading,

Tiffany

Tilton House Press Crowdfunding Campaign

By

Hello Readers,

As I wrote in my previous blog posts, I’ve had to republish To Be Human – Always and Insatiable Consumption of Being.

With inflation and the shortage of book paper, the production cost of publishing has increased. Since we moved from a print-on-demand to a traditional style of publishing, each of the new titles had a print run of 100 copies.

Therefore, to assist with the change’s setup costs and support the publisher of my books, Tilton House Press – which I launched in 2018 to gain complete creative and publishing control over my books, we (my team and I) have launched a crowdfunding campaign.

As a micro business owner, I have a talented team of editors and book designers. I am proud of the work we do and our small team.

Please share our crowdfunding campaign with family and friends who love supporting book authors and small independent book publishers.

Any support is greatly appreciated! All donors receive VIP status and receive new book discounts and future swag.

As always, keep reading,

Tiffany