I have always loved to write. I guess it is the combination of my love for learning, boundless creativity, and passion for words and how they fit together that got me hooked. One of the first things I put down on paper at an early age was a bucket list. I know that sounds weird to think that as a little girl I was already looking to the future and writing down my long dreamy list of things I just desired to accomplish someday. But it is true. I spent as much time perfecting my penmanship as I did my words.

I have been fortunate that I have been able to check a lot of those items off my list. One of them recently which was to publish a book series. I wrote my first five books in 6 weeks although I have just published one book so far. Ha. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. I will share that story with you in upcoming post. Anyway, I spent hours upon hours reading and researching my different options for publishing before deciding to self publish through Amazon’s publishing company Create Space. For all those currently working on their first book or thinking about it, I highly recommend Create Space. It is easier than you think and you can do it!

I decided to enter my book into the national “Independent Publisher’s Book Awards” after receiving a random email. I had no idea what an “IPPY” award was but I thought to myself, what the heck why not give it a shot? IPPY rhymes with YIPPY so let’s have fun with it; and guess what? I WON a national bronze medal! As if winning is not enough my book will be featured in the New York book expo at the end of the month. So exciting!

I want to spread the love and celebrate with “It’s a Glam Thing” loyal readers and followers by gifting an autographed book to the first FIVE readers who email me “Yippy for IPPY bronze” along with their full name and mailing address to juleeireland@gmail.com.

Be sure to send me photos of your DIY creations so I can share them across my social media platforms. Enjoy and remember to Dream Big and start checking off that bucket list. xo