It was one year ago today, April 22, 2013, that I passed Inion the first 2 chapters of an idea I had typed out at 2 a.m. in the morning the night before! Rough at best it was a first person narrative of an arrogant, 17 year old boy named Kevin Yager. In those 2 chapters 5 teenage boys we’re introduced: Kevin, Sam, Ivers, Roth & Lane; a nightclub THE PERFECT 7 and Juniper Falls, Alaska.
Inion came back with a delicious villain Viktor Vikirrus and his right hand Nargoyle, Sergei and Isle Exodus.
Now parented, The Perfect 7 was born!
But we didn’t stop there! Along with that novel, we also managed to finish another YA/book & a short story collection; we read & reviewed more than 70 books, for fellow authors & friends; we conducted more than two dozen interviews of fellow Authors, photographers, Poets, Painters & musicians in an effort to bring light to art & give back to fellow artists. We attended more than 35 of our own book signings/readings & Poetry shows, we’ve spoken at 4 schools, been hosted on more than 12 blogs, websites & book clubs in America & 3 other countries.
We made the top finals in a major Poetry competition with one of our pieces, “Stella Dore’s Park” And we’ve recently decided to mentor a brilliant 14 year old protégé’ and aspiring author, which we introduced to you, Rachel Harrell.
We cried
laughed
yelled, typed & done our very best to give you a candid look inside our hearts, minds & souls!
And we’ve been blessed to have met & friended so many wonderful people who have supported our career and embraced our twisted minds, while allowing us to savor the excellence of their work as well!
Inion (GingerBrooke), Mathair (Natalie) & our Business Manager/Nana/Ginger have pushed harder than we thought was possible!
But it has been an amazing year and spectacular journey & it’s only just begun! Believe me when I say, that at times we are feeling the pressure of a to-do list far to long & a bit scary!!!
To say that we’re going to be busy…is putting it mildly!
We are currently hard at work once again, to release Book #2 in THE PERFECT 7 series “THE CRAZY 8” & a poetry collection: No Rhyme or Reason!
Collaborating with an incredibly talented team of fellow artists who work just as hard to help turn our dreams into reality! Including a brilliant mentor and the backing of two local people who support the arts. Also, we have recently added two new members to our team, a new videographer Bobby Zanfardino, out of New York who will be creating the book trailers for our books as well as the music for them.
And a brilliant new book cover artist out of North Carolina: Nick DeMarsico
We also have accepted a co-host position with Author TyLeishia Douglass for a new talk show every Thurs evening at 6pm!
And for our town of Franklin, North Carolina, we are currently organizing a local event, THE SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS.
So many new and wonderful things to look forward too! And we are grateful for each and every opportunity! We will make sure to keep you all informed of our progress and ask that you be patient with us as we are juggling a lot. Once again, thank you for your love & endless support!
curvyroads said:
Hi ladies and congratulations on your first year of success! I haven’t been reading or commenting much lately, nor writing for that matter, but that is about to change! So excited for you and hoping to catch up on all the doings. 🙂 Cheers, Lynne
Inion N. Mathair said:
Awe thank you Sweety and we completely understand!! Just left your blog & read your latest post! We all get in that fog at one time or another. We’ve had to endure the fog several times and for great lengths of time! But eventually you come out into the sun and things begin to get brighter!!! Thanks for coming by & helping us to celebrate!!! xoxoxo ❤
Darla McDavid said:
And in the midst of all that activity, you take the time to encourage and promote your writer friends. A dynamic duo. Happy Anniversary to you!
Inion N. Mathair said:
Awe thank you so much Darla!! It feels effortless to promote all of you as you all are such incredibly talented writers with such big hearts!! We knew we we’re in the right business loving writing the way Inion & I do. We knew it would be hard work & late hours. What we didn’t expect was how unbelievable the group of artists that make up the writing community are!! A true bonus & perk to our journey has been meeting friends like you and sharing time with you like this!! Thanks for coming by & for commenting Darla! Will be by for some Afternoon Tea, shortly!! 😉 ❤
brickhousechick said:
This is so fantastic and amazing and unbelievable and impressive and awesome and incredible all at once!! FELICIDADES to you and your team for such accomplishments in one year! WOW! Looking forward to following your continued success! YAHOO! 🙂 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Okay…that was a whole lot of positive adjectives that we’re not deserving of!! lol 😉 Thank you Maria!! For being such an incredible friend & constant supporter! Much luv being sent your way!! ❤ xoxo 😉
Alarna Rose Gray said:
Phew! That’s one whirlwind of activity – I’m not sure how you juggle it all, but kudos to you, ladies!! I think it is us who should be thanking you for the support (by us, I of course mean, me. But also, I have it on good authority that 22 April is an auspicious date 😉 ). Wish you an amazing year ahead (with time for some rest and recuperation!). And would love to hear more about the Summer Festival of Arts 🙂 xo
Inion N. Mathair said:
Sweet Alarna~it is we who are grateful for your friendship and constant support!! Thank you for the unbelievable compliment!! It is a Lion of a to-do list that keeps us exhausted & constantly going but we both like the hectic work schedule! Thank you so much for coming by & for always being such a dear friend to us Alarna!! And we will keep you posted on the Summer Festival of the Arts!! ❤ 😉
Jenny said:
AND you bring so much joy to the internet community! I am amazed at all of the work you guys are doing, and wish you continued success! You guys are fantastic, and I am excited to see where your adventures lead you. Best of luck! Try to take a break now and then 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Awe (happy tears!!) Thank you soooo much for the kind words Jenny! We mean that!! It has been a whirlwind of a ride! At times we feel as though we can’t catch our breath; but we always enjoy staying busy so it works for us!! You have no idea how much all of you add to OUR lives! And yes…a vacay is in the near future!! We haven’t decided on the location…but we have it nailed down to a few places. Some sun, fun, margarita’s & family! Thanks for coming by & for commenting dear friend. 😉 ❤
Lafemmeroar said:
The two of you are so blessed to have each other in life and in your life of writing. What an inspiration the two of you are to me…. keep on keeping on! Tweeting this now 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
We are speechless Queen~Lafemme!!! And I’d have to agree with you my dear! I’ve always felt blessed to have a mother I’m so close with who I love dearly and who loves me just as much back!! Thank you so much for your constant support, Wicked sense of humor, loyal friendship and for believing in us when we were virtually invisible!!! ❤ ❤ 😉
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jmmcdowell said:
Wow, what an amazing year you’ve had! I would be absolutely exhausted with half of what you’ve accomplished. Try to get a little rest so you can tackle everything this second year has to offer! 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Hi JM & good advice we think we’ll take!! We plan on taking a summer break to a nice tropical place for a couple of weeks and kicking up our heels having plenty of margarita’s and getting lots of sun!!! Hope your book is coming along & can’t wait to read it!! Thanks for stopping by & for commenting! 😉 ❤
Patsy said:
What a fabulous year! Happy Anniversary and long may your creative collaboration continue.
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you Patsy!! We’re hoping we can keep up with all of this craziness! Thx 4 coming by & for commenting! 😉
jcmckenzie2013 said:
Wow! You ladies are an inspiration! I know there’s two of you, but even with that factored in, I don’t know how you do it! I saw you FB post about Florida. I hope you both get your feet up and enjoy some much deserved R&R!!
Inion N. Mathair said:
Ahh…R&R we forgot what that feels like JC! And as for doing it, girl, your working just as hard & already picked up for your second book!! Can’t tell you how happy we are & how proud of you, JC! You are an icon for all Authors out here & an example as to how hard work, dedication, a brilliant mind & wicked talent can take you far!! 😉 ❤
cellulitelooksbettertan said:
Wow! What a year you two have had, and so much success. Congratulations. I just pulled out my Nook (I know I’m old school) to order your book and read about these seven boys (and like Beth, eye candy gets me every time), But the Nook is dead, so when it’s charged, you’ll have another literary fan!! Sounds great though.
May this year be as exciting as the last, and may your cups continue to over run!!!
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you Mandi!!! Can’t wait to hear what you think. And yes….eye candy will take a lady a long, long way! lol Now onto a more important topic. My daughter Inion says her last visit to your blog left her wanting a book that’s going to be released soon, by a certain blonde bombshell!! I hopped on over & read a comment from another beautiful blonde (she clears her throat…Bethie) that used the word “unpredictable” to describe YOUR book, so we’ll be picking that up as soon as it’s available and can’t wait to read it!!! Thanks for coming by & for commenting and for your endless support & friendship! 😉 ❤
menopausalmother said:
Fantastic! Congratulations!!!!
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you Marcia!! And we turn that congrats right back around to you my dear!! We can’t wait to read your book!! 😉 Best of luck with it my dear, and we know it will be a huge success as it’s Author is brilliant!! 😉 ❤
Patti Hall said:
Ah. my sisters! I was soooo tired after reading all you have accomplished, that I was going to take a nap. Nope, just got my seat belt fastened and I’m ready for the ride to continue…building momentum as you go.
I am so proud of both of you, as well as your support team at home. I know none of this could happen without that awesome family support. I hope you all get a break during the summer.
I loved Nighwalkers; The Secret Of Jessup, and now that I have taken the YA plunge, I have to see what Kevin is up to in Perfect 7. Watch for a review at book sellers near you 🙂 Will send links when I am finished.
Love and hugs to the best writing team and friends!!!!!
Say hi to the family 🙂
xo
P
Inion N. Mathair said:
Hay there our favorite facebook sister!! Oh to hell with it, favorite sister!!! 😉 Thank you sooooo much Patti!! I don’t know what we ever did to deserve such a cherished friendship as we found with you my dear! I only hope one day we can get together in our most magical Northwest; with giant hugs, big smiles and lots of chatting!!! Oh, and wine or coffee!!! lmao 😉 So honored to get a good review from a woman we hold in highest respects as a writer, woman and friend!! Now you have to promise not to hold too much against us when you read THE PERFECT 7! I will tell you this. Where as Nightwalkers is very clean and sweet, P-7 is totally opposite! Promising each other that we would stay true to a teenage boys voice, (5 of them) there are times we blushed while writing it! However, feeling as though we go back a long ways and I know you and feel close to you like a family member; I’d be willing to bet that a woman who has raised a son is not surprised by this language!!! Thanks again for the comment, for the review (no joke that is a very hard thing to get out of people), for your support….but most of all Patti…for your loving heart, constant friendship and for always being there for us and loving us unconditionally! We luv you back!!!! ❤ ❤
Patti Hall said:
Oh, sisters, what a fun and loving ride this has been! Aside from wanting to offer more support, I read the book, because there just aren’t enough reviews of it. It does seem that is the hardest part to get support for with all authors. What a shame. I’ve been doing some research and some thinking…will surprise you with my idea soon!
Under the right circumstances, I cuss like a sailor/Marine, so that won’t scare me off. I’ve seen the trailer and read about the book. Funny, but my kids still don’t cuss around me. It’s kinda sweet.
I have finally organized the books I have on hand & computer, made a list even. I’ll just say that it will be awhile before I get to Kevin’s story. I sneaked Nighwalkers to the top of the list because, well, I just love you two and you’re FAMILY!!!! But I better get back to reading and reviewing in order.
Hearts, kisses and hugs,
Patti
Claire Duffy said:
Wow! I just saw this link on Beth’s Facebook this morning, popped over and am intimidated and intrigued beyond words! Congratulations on your achievements, and I’m looking forward to a good explore of your blog!!
bethteliho said:
WOW. I can’t believe all this started only a year ago!! *bows down* I’m not worthy!
You two deserve all the success ahead of you and some. I’m so fortunate to call you my friends and blog-sisters!
I LOVE the actor you chose for Kevin (obvs…drool), and the other characters are so spot on too! OMG Lane….perfection! I love it.
Happy One Year Anniversary!! MWA XOXO
Inion N. Mathair said:
I know right? We sometimes look at each other and are astounded at how quick time has passed. But usually its brought on from wrinkles and/or gray hairs! lol Always our #1 blog sister Bethie, a reserved place we hold sacredly! ❤ As for Mr. Aaron Johnson, (they eye each other suspiciously) we'll have to assume that this comment was written "pre-facebook-recognition" Cuz we done put up a post pluggin' the blog post & with one name tagged in it….Bethie's!!!! 😀 Knowing your luv for Aaron Johnson….we had too!! Now Mrs. Levine, are we to assume our Aaron could squeeze between you and "almost hubby"? Shhh…..we promise not to tell Adam! lmao~ 😉 Thanks for stopping by & for commenting Bethie, the post wouldn't be the same without a comment from our bestie! ❤ ❤
cindy knoke said:
Would you like adopt me? I could be the second mother, second daughter, honorary grandmother……..No forget that last one. I am way too young.
You two rock your socks off and your success is….well in the stars!
Which is what you both are~
Inion N. Mathair said:
Awe…done!! We luv you Cindy and will gladly adopt you!! And you would fit in quite nicely in our crazy world of laughs!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for always being such an incredible friend and supporter!! ❤ ❤
Arlene said:
What an amazing year!!! But I’m not surprised you two amazing women could pull it off. Congratulations!! You have much to be proud of 🙂 Good luck with all your upcoming plans for this busy year ahead. Your ambition is inspiring! 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you to one of our first friends in this blogosphere!!! You have been a constant in our lives Arlene and in truth a dear friend who we love & respect!!! Thanks so much for coming by & helping us celebrate!! 😉 ❤
diannegray said:
Congratulations! What an amazing year you’ve had. I wish you the very best for the next 12 months 😀
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you Dianne!! It truly has been. We have many blessings to be grateful for, one that we still have you safe & sound with us! Can’t believe what you had to endure with that storm! Not sure if you know, but we are originally from Punta Gorda, Florida. (Home of Charlie) That’s what they call it now! Hurricane Charlie, Punta Gorda looked as though someone had dropped an atom bomb into the center of it! My mother still has nightmares as it was the only time my father decided to stay believing it would veer left and miss them! These things are nasty & ruthless destroying everything in their path. Glad your safe!! 😉 ❤
Noted in Nashville said:
What a year! Congratulations, and thank you for letting me be a part of it.
Inion N. Mathair said:
Hi Anita!! So happy to see you here on Two Voices…One Thought. And of course we want you a part of it our neighbor!! We might just hop in the car for a road trip to Nashville and swing by with some wine to celebrate!!! lol Thanks for coming by & for the lovely comment! 😉
Noted in Nashville said:
I’ll chill the glasses. 😉
Miranda Stone said:
Happy Anniversary, and congratulations! WOW! You all have accomplished so many amazing things in just one year. I’m so happy to have met you both, and I wish you all the best for another incredibly productive and prosperous year! ❤
Inion N. Mathair said:
Hay there our FB sister!! We have two sisters on Facebook we’ve adopted. You & Patti Hall! We always love seeing you here on Two Voices…One Thought and value your friendship and respect your immense talent!! We hope to have an even better year this year and pray we are able to keep up with the work! lol 😉
Miranda Stone said:
I am proud to be your FB sister! You two are wonderful friends and talented writers to boot! All the best to you both. ❤
Coleen Patrick said:
What an awesome year! I am inspired by you two. Wishing you TONS more happiness and success. 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thanks Coleen! Hope your gobbling up all the time with that beautiful daughter! We can’t thank you enough for the kind words & look forward to an even better coming year for us and all our cherished friends! 😉
Carrie Rubin said:
Wow! An amazing year for sure. And sounds like you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in the one to come. Good luck with the co-hosting position. How exciting! And I love the pictures you picked to go with your characters. Having read the book, they all seem very fitting. 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Wow, that’s a first in comments Carrie! Thank you! Bethie is the only other one, (a while back) that commented on our head picks as she is a huge Aaron Johnson fan and loved the idea of him being Kevin!! Yeah…it’s funny how many of the readers have told us who they see as Viktor who seems to be a much different choice than ours! We have always seen the Great Jeremy Irons as Viktor! Thanks for coming by & for the positive feedback!!! 😉 Oh…and mom said congrats are in order for you girl! You go! Amazon finalist …that is completely phenomenal Carrie and rightly deserved! I bet you take the whole damn thing!!! Can’t wait to read the book and say we knew you when!!!!!!!! 😉 ❤
Carrie Rubin said:
Haha, well, it’s just the quarter-finals for now, and I expect my run will end soon, but it’s wonderful to make it this far. Thank you.
And I think Jeremy Irons is perfect as Victor. I initially pictured Ian McKellen when I was reading it, though he’s older. But Irons works well too!
CortlandWriter said:
Congratulations! I am a relatively new follower of your interesting blog, and I enjoy reading about the many things you do in your busy world. Best wishes for continued busy-ness! 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Hi our friend and no need for introductions as we remember you quite fondly!! Welcome back to Two Voices….One Thought! You are most welcome here! As for your comment busy world is the perfect description of our existence now! lol and you my friend seem to have the life we want! Beautiful Easter trips with extraordinary food, and bucket lists of trips on Route 66!! Let’s trade for a while! 😉 Thanks again for stopping by & commenting!! ❤
Johney Brown said:
Holy cow!! Has it really already been a year!! I am so proud of you girls! You have accomplished so much and just keep gaining momentum! Honestly, I don’t know how you keep up! 🙂 I am honored to be family and a part of all of this..thank you for taking me in and for ALL that you do!! You ladies are AMAZING!!! Love ya bunches! 😀
Inion N. Mathair said:
Love sent right back to our Johney and family indeed!! Thank you Johney! Although it hasn’t been a year published yet it’s been one year since the initial idea was spawned. I think for a year marked published, Kevin will rise up and do something out of this freaking world crazy!! But then you would know that being such a fan of his!!! Thank you so much for your constant love & endless support of our work Johney!! Your loyalty means the world to us and your respect even more!! ❤ 😉 ❤
Satin Sheet Diva said:
Wow! Amazing work ahead :-). Continued success, glad to be along for the ride.
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you so much, SSD. 😉 Honored that you’ve come along with us!
Patricia Salamone said:
Congratulations to you both. Your talent radiates your words and brings your stories alive. Enjoy your well deserved vacation and drink a Margarita for me. :o) Kudos ladies.
Inion N. Mathair said:
Ha..indeed we will my dear!! And thank you for your lovely words! 😉 ❤
navigator1965 said:
And there I was, wallowing in my ignorance, happily existing under the impression that you two were merely articulate and beautiful. Now, I shall have to add “talented” and “accomplished” to the list.
Congratulations are indeed in order for such a year of distinguished achievements, the foremost of which, I would argue, are the friends whom you’ve made in the process.
Well done, ladies. Very well done.
Inion N. Mathair said:
Ahh..our gentlemen caller! Thank you my friend a true compliment coming from a brilliant mind such as yours! Always happy to see our Nav here on Two Voices…One Thought! ❤
navigator1965 said:
❤
mgm75 said:
Fantastic. Keep it up! 🙂
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you so much our friend! We try to keep up the pace! 😉
Catherine Johnson said:
I’m in awe of your achievements too, congratulations ladies! What an amazing year!
Inion N. Mathair said:
Thank you so much Catherine it has been indeed! Either we’ll come out victors or we’ll land flat on our face! Either way we gave it a try! lol. Thanks for stopping by & for commenting!! ❤ 😉
Deanna Herrmann said:
Wow you guys! So amazing and so many wonderful achievements. Glad to know such talented ladies.
Inion N. Mathair said:
There’s our favorite poet!! Thank you Deanna!! At times it can be overwhelming! As of late we’ve been losing a lot of sleep & tiring quickly. I think this summer we are going to take a much needed vacation to rest up & get recharged!!! I hear two lawn chairs, 2 margarita’s & sunblock calling us! lol. Thanks for stopping by Two Voices…One Thought & for commenting sweety!! 😉 ❤
Karen Soutar said:
Congratulations! I’m in awe of your achievements. I’m proud to know you ladies and look forward to hearing all about your next year, too! xx
Inion N. Mathair said:
The honor is ours Karen and you’ve been an incredible friend & supporter!! We thank you for your hand in friendship and value it!! ❤ ❤ Thanks for stopping by & for commenting 😉