Just A Girl and Her Laptop
Volume 5, Issue 5
Hi My Loves!
Okay, so things have been moving and shaking since the last time we spoke. I have been trying to keep it together and pull it apart at the same time, if you catch my drift. First, I had a wonderful time in South Carolina at the Southern Hearts and Signed Kisses Book Expo. I got to see so many online mutuals and fans of my work. If I hugged you, I meant it. It was also a huge milestone for me in terms of my social anxieties and newer experiences.
When I was thinking about how to get to SC, I realized that I loved a good road trip, but hadn’t taken one since my best friend and I were roommates years ago. And that maybe I subconsciously thought I couldn’t do a road trip if she wasn’t there with me. So, I decided, no better time to get back on the horse and take a long drive. I rented a car and got on the (not so) open road down South. Virginia was a clusterfuck, but otherwise I loved it and would do it again. Yay me! Road tripping again!
On November 3rd, we hit the one-year anniversary of my Gran’s passing. It was a hard day, and I wrote something about my struggle to mourn her as she was when we didn’t have the same beliefs about death. You can read it here.
I have been writing up a storm, and I am 90% through one project and about 50-60% through the other. The end of the year should bring two more releases for Shameka the Writer, two more chances for the world to see me. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do, and I hope it connects with you.
Lastly, although Auntie has had her fill of social media in some aspects, I have created an account on BlueSky, since Twitter is not an enjoyable place for me to scroll or post anymore. Look up ShamekaWrites if you’re on BlueSky too.
Once again, thanks for being here. It means the world to me.
In Shameka the Writer News…
I’ve been hard at work putting myself out there wider, and my books have landed in more places than even I’ve imagined. Here are all the places you can find a book by me that aren’t Amazon:
My character art for Her Solid Ground is in! So all paperbacks ordered from my site will come with an insert of Easy and Keona, with their adorable baby.
2025 promises to be a big year for Shameka the Writer and I am putting myself on more of a set schedule so I can accomplish everything I set out to. But by the end of the year you’ll have two more from me. My final Elements series story, His Fire and His Ice (cover art TBD), and my holiday novella, All I Want For Christmas is Two.
Where You Can See Me
In next year’s news… Shameka the Writer will be posted up and selling books at:
I’ve been invited to Krewe of Lit! Krewe of Lit is a Black Author Showcase in New Orleans! You can come see me March 28-30, 2025 in one of the greatest cities in the world! More details to come.
The Black Romance Book Fest is happening May 31- June 1, 2025 in Atlanta and promises to be one of the year’s best, with authors from all over the Black Romance galaxy, including yours truly.
The Write Women Book Fest is back next year, July 19th and 20th, 2025, and your girl will be posted up to table and kick it with you in Bowie, MD. Write Women Book Fest
The Boozy Book Tour is making its way to my neck of the woods in 2025, and I will be exhibiting there July 26th, 2025. Boozy Book Tour
I will also be an attending author at the Curvy Hearts Book Club Virtual Signing, September 12-14th. Details in their Facebook group and on their IG Curvy Hearts FB group Curvy Hearts IG
My Latest and Greatest, aka, What I’m Reading, Writing, and Listening to
Books
Full Disclosure, I’m in true writing mode and haven’t been able to read a damn thing. But check my Instagram or TikTok to see my October Book Haul and all the books I got from Southern Hearts and Signed Kisses. October Book Haul
Words
I am about 90% done with All I Want For Christmas is Two and about 50% done with His Fire and His Ice. It’s been a hell of a time, and I’m feeling good about where I am.
Sounds
Still Praying- Westside Gunn & DJ Drama
Cloudy- Mac Ayres
Coming Home- Usher
Soul Burger- Ab-Soul
And that APT song featuring Bruno Mars has me in a chokehold.