This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Krysten Lindsay Hager will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Cecily Taylor Damone and I’m a junior at Blue Arbor High School. My parents let me audition to be in Andrew Holiday’s music video in the fall and I was cast in a bit part. Andrew has been my favorite singer/songwriter for a long time and we started dating after the video came out. It’s been both amazing and overwhelming. It’s weird keeping our relationship a secret, but amazing to have someone I connect with like I do with him.
If you could switch lives with someone for a day who would you pick?
Either that pop singer Isla King to see what it’s like to be famous and talented and loved by so many, or this model I met who I’ve become friends with named Neneh. Neneh seems so confident and I’d love to know what it’s like to feel that way for a day. I always second guess myself and feel judged and I’d like to know what it’s like to go through life not caring what other people think of me.
If you were granted 3 wished what would you ask for?
Okay, my first wish would be to take care of the polar bears because I’m really passionate about the environment.
Then, to be able to pursue what I love without the fear of judgement. People were really cruel to me in the message boards after I did that music video. Someone wrote, “She’s like if the word ‘plain,’ was a person.” Ouch! Who writes that about someone?
And lastly, that Andrew and I would be happy and there would be no drama in our relationship especially not with any backup dancers who go out of their way to flirt with him. He and I really support one another and I love that we’re able to talk about anything with each other.
What’s the best date you’ve ever been on?
It’s pretty hard to top having dinner on a balcony with my pop star crush in a skyscraper in New York City. I seriously couldn’t believe that was happening in my life.
What is your future goal?
I want to be an actress and I just got an opportunity to model for a magazine and I’m hoping it leads to some acting work. Acting is my passion and I’d also like to write for a magazine or newspaper someday.
What is your favorite book today?
I’ve gotten very into F. Scott Fitzgerald after my assistant principal loaned me a book and documentary on him. I got really into both of them and then found out Andrew (my boyfriend) was also into Fitzgerald and obsessed with that documentary, too. It’s nice to be able to talk about books with a guy for a change. I’d loved The Great Gatsby.
You’re a big reader, so how do you keep your books organized?
I’m super passionate about books and I need everything in my room to be organized. My books are all neatly stacked, separated by fiction and non-fiction, all in alphabetical order. I also have the bottom shelf reserved for used books because I’m not comfortable with the idea of books that once belonged to someone else co-mingling with fresh, clean books that just my hands had touched. My friend Allie told me I was crazy and all new books go through several hands before they get to mine, but I don’t want to hear that.
Best life advice you’ve gotten?
My dad told me this recently, “You don’t always appreciate the good things or even the everyday things if you haven’t been through some storms. I remember when my dad got well after being sick and I woke up that morning and it was the first time I truly appreciated a sunrise. That first sip of orange juice was like nothing I ever experienced. Everything was fresh and new after thinking we were going to lose Grandpa that week. Now I make it a point to appreciate the little things like a sunny day.”
Was her perfect relationship real or was she in over her head?
“They were talking about how they’re using unknown models right now and I mentioned how awesome you were in the video and they agreed. We started talking and they wondered if you’d want to come to New York and do a shoot for the magazine. What do you think?” he asked.
I almost fell off my bed. Me? Model? I wasn’t pretty enough for that and everyone would write in to let them know that just like they all felt the need to voice that opinion in the online video comments.
“Wow, it’s…wow.”
“I know, right? And I’m here for a few weeks recording so we could see each other. My manager said he’d talk to your parents and work out the details. You’d be working just to get exposure, so the contract would be about rights and not money—is that cool? It’s a great way to get your name out there and stuff for your book.”
“My book?”
“Your portfolio. You know, the photos people look at to decide whether or not they want to hire you for modeling jobs.”
Was I going to be modeling enough that I needed a book? Did this magazine actually want me? It sounded too good to be true—going to New York to model and be in a magazine while visiting my pop star boyfriend. Was this my life?
“I don’t know if my parents will go for it,” I said.
“Let my manager talk to them and see what magic he can work. He wants to help this magazine out, too. You want to do it though, right?”
Part of me did—the part of me that wanted a big life and to be famous and adored. The reality side of me was an anxious mess just thinking about flying out there though.
“Yeah, for sure,” I said hoping I sounded convincing.
“Great, give me your parents’ number and I’ll have my manager give them a call.”
I felt like I was having an out of body experience as I recited my mom’s cell phone number to him.
My entire life could change in a phone call.
Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton.
Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/
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Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRYS65N/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VRYS65N
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07VRYS65N
Amazon Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07VRYS65N
Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07VRYS65N
Book One: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Come-True-Cecily-Taylor-ebook/dp/B079S3KJSH
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