Getting Glammed Up for Author Photos

Author Photos...
These have to be two of the worst words ever thrown together.
I'm not one to enjoy picture taking... I bet you could have guessed that by now. That is one of the reasons my author photo has not changed since 2009!!!
But new book.... new look. I figured it was time to update the back of my book since I am not the same person I was in 2009. I was single then, just out of college, experimenting with this whole writing thing, and at that time, in the process of moving from Texas to Louisiana.
I would then spend a year in Louisiana, and that is where my first round of author photos were taken.
Now, I'm married, working full time, published several books, and  live on a ranch in the middle of nowhere South Texas. Yes, I'm different now than I was then, so I figured I might as well have my photos catch up with me.
I had plans to hire a make up artist and a photographer... go all out. And then one day, life happened, and I realized, I don't have time for all that. Have you ever felt that?! ;) So I called a friend of mine, and neighbor (She lives 15 miles away, but she's my neighbor) ;) and said, "Hey Erin... want to glam me up and take pictures of me?"
She said sure! And as luck would have it, she is a former pageant participant back in the day, so the girl knows how to do make-up. :) Bonus!

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So while Erin's kids were playing upstairs, we played around downstairs. Though this is phase one of photos, because I know I will be having more done when I actually have time, I think we were able to get a few good shots that I am able to use for marketing goods and such.
And having a friend help me made it more fun. She "blew out" my hair, which honestly I didn't even know what that meant until she did it. :) She did my make up. I brought clothes over, and she helped pick out my outfit. I'm telling you... I was spoiled. And then, she took the photos. I basically just showed up. ;p
I'm wearing her necklace in some of the photos. I'm holding one of her favorite books, The Great Gatsby... and in some photos, I'm wearing her green scarf. She's a good friend. Did I mention that? haha.

But with Erin's help, I have erased at least some stress of having a few author photos to have on hand in a pinch. And that is exactly what I needed.

I also wanted to share her handy work, and also just reiterate the fact that this whole book publishing process involves a lot of different people, not just me. I could not get everything I have done accomplished without the help of some pretty awesome people. And thankfully, I have some pretty talented friends and family who are willing to help. :)

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