Fayette Woman Magazine Photo Shoot!

Fayette Woman publisher Joyce Beverly (L)
and Debby pose for a photo.

Debby Giusti here!

Ever wonder what happens at a photo shoot?

I had the chance to find out firsthand when Joyce Beverly, the publisher of Fayette Woman Magazine, emailed, asking to feature me on the cover of their November issue.

When opportunity knocks, say yes! 

I accepted her kind offer and then slipped into pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming mode. In Fayette County, Georgia, where I live, Fayette Woman Magazine is big—really big.

Established almost twelve years ago, Joyce has worked hard to build Fayette Woman into a slick publication filled with interesting and informative articles about and for women. Over 8,000 copies--distributed free of charge each month--are available at salons, gifts shops, grocery stores, medical offices, gyms, spas, libraries and bookstores. In fact, anywhere people congregate, Fayette Woman can be found.

Push on enough doors and one will open.

I believe in pushing on doors, but Joyce’s offer came out of the blue and was a total surprise. I’m still amazed and deeply touched by her invitation to be in the magazine.

It’s not only what you do but who you know. 

I know God was involved. Of course, he worked through Maggie Worth, a talented writer and fellow member of Georgia Romance Writers, who first suggested my name. Joyce gave the go ahead, and Maggie was assigned the story.

A few days later, Maggie and I met at Starbucks over coffee. I talked about my life and my journey to publication while Maggie took notes and asked questions. Within an hour, she had the basis for her article. As requested, I submitted the names of a few folks who could provide additional information, and Maggie contacted two of them to round out the story. (Thanks, Darlene Buchholz and Tina Radcliffe, for saying such sweet things and making me sound better than I am.)

A picture is worth a thousand words. 

While Maggie was working on the article, the Art Director, Heather Ward, scheduled a photo shoot at my house. Photographer Marie Thomas arrived toting her camera, special lighting and lots of equipment that filled my foyer and made me realize I was dealing with a real pro.

Photographer Marie Thomas gets ready for the photo shoot!

Experts work miracles! 

I was told to style my hair but leave my makeup to Bridget Crider, another expert who worked magic that day. Using an assortment of brushes and a pallet of colors, she skillfully transformed a frumpy writer who spends long hours alone with her computer into a …well, a cover lady.

Makeup artist Bridget Crider does her magic!

Choose carefully. 

Although I had selected a few outfits to wear during the shoot, my choices weren't the warm autumn tones appropriate for the November issue. Heading back to my closet, I pulled out darker hues and watched as Marie mixed and matched to come up with the perfect combinations.

I quickly changed into a cowl neck top and draped cardigan before we moved outside onto the deck. Marie wanted to take advantage of the natural light and capture the beauty of the changing leaves. With a true artist’s eye, she placed a pot of mums on the railing behind me to add fall color and patiently coached me on how to fold my arms and angle my chin.

Then she started to snap photos while I smiled. Click. Click. Click.

Smile. Click. Click. Click.

Click here to read the article online. Be patient. The site takes time to download. The story Maggie wrote runs from page 10 -17. Check out the Seeker picture on page 13, and then come back to Seekerville! 

Once Marie was satisfied she had the perfect cover shot, we moved indoors for a change of outfits and more pictures.

Marie checks her camera.

Always prepare more than you need. 

Not all the poses were used, but having an excess is always prudent, and I’m sure Marie wanted lots of photos from which to choose. I enjoyed watching her. One glance through the lens of her camera and she knew whether the shot would work. She also knew where I should stand and how I should tilt my head.

Marie kept asking if I was okay. Evidently, some folks get tired of changing outfits and posing for the camera, however I loved every minute. Who knows, maybe I’ll include it in a book someday.

A working author. 

If you glanced through the digital article, you may have noticed the picture where I’m working at my computer…complete with make-up and earrings. Are you smiling? Don’t all authors dress up for work?

For the last set of photos, I donned jeans and a royal blue vest. We loaded Marie’s equipment into her car and headed to the nearby docks for some casual shots. The weather was perfect and even the ducks wanted to get in the photos.

The entire shoot took three hours, but everyone was happy at the end, and Marie was confident she had enough pictures for the layout. After lots of hugs, I waved goodbye to Joyce and Marie and Bridget and returned home with wonderful memories of a very special day.

L to R: Marie Thomas, Bridget Crider, Joyce Beverly.
Thanks, ladies, for making me feel so special!

In early November, Fayette Woman editor, Kristin Girard, appeared at my door bearing gifts--copies of Fayette Woman Magazine and a huge tote-bag filled with goodies. Kristin snapped a picture as I took my first peak at the article and art work. You can probably tell how I felt from the look on my face…honored, humbled and so very grateful.

This month is a time of thanksgiving, and the November issue had a special section about finding gratitude in everyday moments. I am so very thankful to have had this wonderful opportunity and to have gotten to know the outstanding women who create Fayette Woman Magazine.

Joyce, Kristin, Heather, Marie and Bridget, thank you for making November a very special month!

A writer’s takeaway…

If you’re like me, you gain inspiration from each new experience in life. Check out today’s blog headers to find some of the truths I took away from the photo shoot.

When opportunity knocks, say yes! 
Be open to special events and invitations that turn into blessings.

Push on enough doors and one will open.
Don’t get caught in a rut. Step out in faith, turn a corner or cross a new threshold. You might be pleasantly surprise at what awaits you.

It’s not only what you do but who you know. 
Networking is important. Get to know your writing peers as well as industry professionals, and be willing to help others on the road to publication.

A picture is worth a thousand words. 
 Envision where you want to be in five years, then work to achieve your goal.

Choose carefully. 
You’re very special. Don’t sell yourself short.

Experts work miracles!
Never think you’re too good--or too old--to learn something new, and seek help when needed.

Clothes make the woman.
When in professional situations, put your best foot forward, and dress for success.

Always prepare more than you need.
Don’t skimp in your writing or in your personal life. Be generous with yourself and with others.

A working author writes. 
Taking a story from conception to finished manuscript is work. Keep writing, day after day after day. 

Are you open to new opportunities?
What have you learned on the road to publication?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are you most grateful for as you look back over your writing journey?

Share a comment to be included in a drawing for my Christmas novella, “Yule Die,” featured in CHRISTMAS PERIL, which also includes Margaret Daley’s story, “Merry Mayhem.” A 2014 Planner is included in the giveaway.

Yesterday, I delivered Gigi’s Cupcakes to Joyce and her staff as a small thank you and token of my appreciation. I bought extras for us to enjoy today.

Lemon Dream Supreme, Peanut Butter Cup, Scarlett’s Red Velvet, White Midnight Magic, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, White Midnight Magic, Wedding Cake and more. Take your pick!

The coffee’s hot.

Now let’s talk about giving thanks and the writing journey.

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com 
www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

THE SOLDIER’S SISTER 
By Debby Giusti 

WHO WILL PROTECT HER? 

Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. A warning to leave town is just the beginning. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help and protection. But can she trust him when he’s convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to two men—an estranged brother whose trust she yearns to regain and an agent she may be falling for—Stephanie doesn’t know who or what to believe. As feelings between her and Brody escalate, she’ll have to choose sides to stay alive.

Available now at Amazon.