Online Branding and Photos

I always thought that getting professional photos or headshots were for actors or well-known, famous people. After attempting to get a nice, decent photo taken of me by others, I finally made the decision to get professional headshots and avator pics taken.

I posted on Twitter for suggestions of a Phoenix photographer and Erica Lucci sent me Tyson Crosbie. I am grateful to both of my Twitter friends as the photo session went wonderful and Tyson is an artist! He made me feel comfortable and the shots came out amazing!

Here are some of the shots:







Although I tell our clients how online branding is important, I wasn't following my own advice. With Tyson's pics, I now can go forth and continue with online branding PearlyWrites as the woman who likes to make funny faces and Shirley Temple curls!

Worked on New Book

Today I finally dedicated the entire day to working on my new book. I conducted research and began my outline of how I want the book set up.

It will be about Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona with many photographs and not too much writing. Yes, a second passion of mine is photography so when I was asked if I would be interested in a book where the majority of the book will be pictures, I jumped at the opportunity, as well as bought a new camera.

Of course I told a few local people about the book already and they made some snobby comments like, "Um, well hasn't that been done already?" Instead of responding back nastily, I just smiled and said, "Yes, probably but aren't there tons of books with the same story published and different character names?"

OK maybe that was a little snobby response back...but what is a new author to do? Be insulted before the book has been completed?

I did go to Barnes and Noble to check out my competition and there wasn't too many books. The concept of the publisher is a very unique one so I am hoping this will help with interest and book sales. I am also trying to feature places that other touring books have not covered.

Spoke to my publisher today as well to get a few questions answered like do I need signed releases and I never received the book building guide.

Two hours before the work week is over, or is it?

New Book Contract

So I received a new book contract, woohoo!!!

Originally I was signed on to write a book about ghosts in Phoenix but that didn't pan out mainly because I needed to work on projects which paid money and I couldn't devote enough time to it.

After a few months went by after canceling the first book contract, I asked the publisher if they have any other books that they needed completed. The publisher sent back an email with a response and now I am signed on to write a new book.

The cool thing about this book is it is more pictures than writing which I am very excited about. I actually just ordered a new digital camera just for the book and can't wait to get started.

I am waiting to receive confirmation that the publisher received my contracts and then will share some of my experiences while "writing" the new book. With this book, I won't only be known as Lisa the author but as a photographer also which is just too cool for me to put into words.

80 degrees in Feb!

This weekend and today was a reminder of why we moved to Central Arizona; 80 degrees in Feb! I came home from work, threw off my clothes and changed into shorts and a tank top. Played with the dogs in the backyard for a while, did some work outside on my laptop and just enjoyed the gorgeous warmth of the sun.

How can anyone have SAD when living in the Valley of the Sun?