gina-agderian

The Faceless Woman is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon!

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:53:00 GMT

Well, it's here! The Faceless Woman is now available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

This book was a long time coming. I had published The Letters in the Old House in April 2018 and gave myself a bit of a breather from writing. I then began the outline of The Faceless Woman , which, for some reason, was extremely difficult for me to get through. I experienced quite a few life changes while writing this book, including purchasing a home at Woodloch in northeast Pennsylvania (IYKYK, and if you don't, do a quick Google search...it's the most magnificent place!), changing jobs and now working as the Chief Development Officer for my husband's business, and losing my maternal grandmother, which created a lot of turmoil and stress in my life for many reasons. Nonetheless, The Faceless Woman is officially born, and I am proud of the work I put into this book!

I am excited to be hosting a book signing on Sunday, March 15th, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Bergenfield Public Library at 50 West Clinton Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621 . I will share more information as the event approaches!

Author Gina Marie Agderian's First Book Signing has been Scheduled!

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:13:46 GMT

I know, I know...FINALLY.

The graphic above says it all! The Bergenfield Public Library in Bergenfield, NJ will be hosting a book signing for me on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at 1:30 PM . I'll be reading an excerpt from The Letters in the Old House , answering questions, and signing books! I can't wait to meet some of my readers!

As a self-published author, I never dreamed that I would actually have the opportunity to do a book signing. It's quite humbling, actually. This opportunity came to me when one of my husband's friends attended an event at the Bergenfield Library and ended up speaking with someone about my book. They put me in contact with the person in charge of events, and before I knew it, my signing was scheduled! I'm hoping one day I will have a self-published best seller, but for now, I'm still in awe of what my dream of becoming a writer and a lot of hard work have brought me. It's still strange for me to see my name on the cover of a book!

If you're local, I would love for you to attend the book signing so I can meet you and personally thank you for sharing this journey with me. I hope to see some of you there!

Self-Published Author Gina Marie Agderian Featured in an Article for CanvasRebel Magazine!

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 01:01:23 GMT

I am SO EXCITED to share that I was featured in an article for CanvasRebel Magazine ! You can view the article here .

CanvasRebel had reached out to me several weeks ago asking me if I'd be willing to share my journey as a self-published author. This publication features the stories of micro-creators and gives us an opportunity to shine. I was thrilled to share my experience and knowledge of self-publishing a book and how my upbringing shaped my creative journey and who I am today. I love sharing my story because it gives me a chance to inspire others. I would often look to other independent creatives as proof that someone could self-publish their way to success. I hope that this article inspires readers to follow their dreams and to not wait for a traditional publisher to give them the "ok" to share their work with the world. I am thrilled that the article is now live for the world to read!

Summer is coming, and my novel The Letters in the Old House is a great summer read! The story takes place down the Jersey Shore and is perfect for a day at the beach or lake. You can also check out my YouTube channel for book reviews and other fun videos.

New Journals and YouTube Channel are LIVE!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:00:40 GMT

Like most creatives, I am constantly dreaming up new ways to leverage my creativity, expand my GSellsSeashells brand, and connect with my readers. I’ve been working on some fun projects that I am excited to share with you!

First, I have published two journals on KDP that are now available on Amazon! These journals are 100% designed by me and have two very different vibes. THIS JOURNAL is hardcover and has a tropical vibe featuring palm tree designs on the pages. There’s something about it that reminds me of the Beverly Hills Hotel, even though I haven’t yet visited…or maybe I’ve been watching too many of Josh Flagg’s scenes on Million Dollar Listing LA . Either way, this journal has a cool, swanky feel that will make you feel like you’re staying at a world-class resort hotel.

My second recently-published journal has a nautical vibe. THIS JOURNAL is softcover and perfect for jotting down your summer plans and adventures. I am in love with the colors used in the cover design.

I’ve also started a YouTube channel , which is something I always swore I’d never do. There is something so cringey about filming myself. I feel awkward sitting in front of my phone and filming myself, but I’m slowly becoming more comfortable in front of the camera. My YouTube channel features quick book reviews and a few YouTube Shorts for now, but my plan is to keep the full-length videos focused on book reviews and writing tips and have some fun Shorts of travel, life, etc. However, this could change, so we’ll see where it goes!

I’m keeping my 2023 mantra of “Endless Possibilities” at the forefront of everything that I’ve been working on. My goal is to connect with my readers in different ways, even if it means creating journals when I have absolutely zero design experience and filming myself awkwardly talking about books that I’ve read. Straying outside of your comfort zone is the only way you can grow. You never know what will resonate with someone or who is watching!

As always, I am eternally grateful for your support! You can p urchase my novel The Letters in the Old House on Amazon in paperback or Kindle, and you can visit my YouTube channel to learn more about what I’ve been reading.

Second Novel Title has been Released!

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:28:48 GMT

EXCITING NEWS: I have released the title of my second novel! I had already sent an email blast to my subscribers, so please sign up for my email list if you want to be the first to know of any updates or fun announcements. Simply visit my homepage and scroll to the bottom where you’ll be able to enter your email address. And now for the fun announcement!

Drumroll, please…

The title of my second novel is…

The Faceless Woman ! I had this title picked out almost from the beginning of the outlining process, unlike The Letters in the Old House , which received its title after going through revisions. It has been interesting to see how different the entire process has been from my first to my second novel. I’m now able to take what I learned when writing The Letters in the Old House and apply it to The Faceless Woman . I don’t think writing a novel will ever become any easier, but I feel more equipped to handle everything this time around.

I’m also happy to share that I have COMPLETED my first draft of The Faceless Woman ! I had the luxury of recently spending a month in the Poconos with my husband and I was able to get some writing done during our trip. I sat myself down on our last night there and didn’t move for three hours while I finished the first draft of the novel. It is far from perfect and a complete mess, but at least I now have something to work with when revising and editing. The story is slowly but surely taking shape!

As always, thank you so much for your interest, support, and love. I write because I want to, not because I have to. Writing and creating is a labor of love for me, and it makes me so happy when someone tells me that they enjoyed my work.

You can purchase The Letters in the Old House on Amazon by clicking HERE . As always, happy reading!

Life Update and SECOND NOVEL Update!

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 20:51:45 GMT

What can I say? It has been a while since I’ve last written a blog post! So much has happened in the past few years, and truth be told, I took a break from writing while the world was completely upside down. I needed to step back from writing for mental health reasons. This was a good reminder that it’s ok to take a break from the things that we love – it doesn’t mean that we’re giving up or that we’ll never go back to them. Writing and self-publishing a book is a lot of work and very overwhelming, so taking a break was necessary.

Anyway, on to better news: I am in the process of completing the first draft of my second novel! The story will take place in Ocean Corner, NJ again and is another beach read, similar to The Letters in the Old House , although a bit darker. I’m aiming for a publication date sometime this year. Updates will be posted here, so stay tuned!

In addition to writing, I have also been reading like crazy and have gotten back into journaling. I barely watch television anymore with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights when Adam and I will curl up on the couch with a movie or Netflix series. Otherwise, I have been journaling and reading at night, which has helped improve the quality of my sleep by decreasing my screen time and allowing me to relax. I’ve also incorporated daily movement into my routine, including running (I’ve raced two 5ks!), walking, and yoga.

As always, thank you for your support of my content, whether you’ve read my book or liked one of my social media posts. It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to publish my second novel!

How Knitting Helps Me Manage My Mental Health

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 20:57:54 GMT

Why crafting is so beneficial for your brain

Happy Fall, everyone! (I refuse to say "Happy Fall, Y'all"...I'm from New Jersey and we don't say "y'all", ever.)

It has been months since I have written anything, so please bear with me if I seem a little rusty. I took some time away from writing to manage my mental health. I experienced some horrible anxiety over the summer and I didn't want to push myself to write. My best work is created when I'm feeling healthy, so I wanted to give myself some rest.

Besides some lifestyle and mindset changes, knitting has truly been instrumental in helping me cope with stress and anxiety. I have been knitting on and off since I was 11 years old, and my knitting needles were admittedly collecting dust in my closet along with the random skeins of yarn that I have hoarded. My mom suggested that I start knitting again.

"It'll help you relax," she said.

I shrugged. "I don't know what to make. I already have a ton of scarves."

Her face lit up. "Why don't you make some blankets for the cats at the animal shelter?" (My mother volunteers at an animal shelter and loves animals - she's a real-life Snow White.)

I conceded. I grabbed some yarn and a pair of needles, parked myself on the couch, and began to knit.

And knit.

So far, I have made three blankets for the shelter cats, one blanket for my friend who just had a baby, and several scarves that I plan on giving as Christmas gifts. And my needles continue to click away!

Why Knitting?

Crafting in general is good for your mental health and your brain in general. Simply Google "Crafting good for mental health" and sort through the plethora of articles that insist that crafting is good for you (fellow craft supply hoarders, rejoice!). Knitting allows you to be still and focus on the task at hand, much like meditation, which allows you to focus on your breathing. Stillness allows for calmness, peace, and relaxation.

I have also found that knitting helps to take my mind off whatever is bothering me. Can't sleep? Knit. Stressed about work? Knit. My brain's attention is diverted to following the series of knits and purls that make up the project.

Knitting and crafting activate certain parts of the brain. You're figuring something out, you're solving problems, and you're creating something tangible. Many of us work 8+ hours a day in high-stress jobs, and the peace of crafting can help combat the anxiety and depression that accompany such jobs. The soothing repetitiveness of knitting brings a sense of calm. And hey, who doesn't love a hand-knitted scarf for Christmas? You can also reach out to local organizations to see if they are in need of donations, i.e. blankets, hats, etc. It made me so happy to know that the blankets I was knitting were going to keep a few shelter cats warm.

Whether it's knitting, crocheting, woodworking, or something else, crafting is incredibly beneficial to your well-being. I recommend visiting your local craft store and just walking the aisles if you don't know where to begin, or search Pinterest if you're not quite ready to visit a craft store. Talk to people, ask questions, and see what you enjoy (I love to knit but do not like to crochet - there's something for everyone!). Most craft stores have classes that you can take advantage of, and it's a great way to try something new.

Looking to read instead of craft? Pick up a copy of my novel The Letters in the Old House !

Top Benefits of Journaling

Sun, 26 May 2019 01:45:59 GMT

I have kept a journal since I was nine years old. One of my closets contains several boxes of journals that tell the story of my childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. It's always fun for me to go back and read about my first trip to Disney World or my memories from high school, but more importantly, there are several mental health-related benefits to keeping a journal.

Keeping a journal helps to relieve stress and can help keep your mental health in check. Have you ever noticed that you always feel at least slightly better after venting to a friend or family member about a problem you're having? Writing in a journal gives you that same feeling of relief. You can complain and vent about something as much as you want without feeling like you're draining another person or sounding whiny. Your journal will not judge you or ever get tired of listening to your problems. I always feel better after writing in my journal about something that is stressing me out or causing anxiety.
Your journal can serve as a "brain dump." I know it's not the most attractive term, but I actually dump the contents of my brain into my journal every night. I write about my day and anything that went wrong or right, and I move on. Each journal entry at the end of the day helps me close the chapter on that day and see the next day as a brand new opportunity to start over.
Journaling helps you to pause and reflect on your day. Sometimes, things happen in our lives that we don't quite understand. Maybe you got into an argument with a friend, or maybe something happened at work that made you bristle. Writing and reflecting on your day can help you work through your feelings and any issues that had come up during the day. Keeping a journal can also serve as a document for an ongoing event in your life to help you keep track of what happened and when. Writing in my journal has become part of my nightly routine and gives me space to pause and think.
Your journal can inspire you. So much of what I write about is inspired by my life. If you're experiencing writer's block, crack open an old journal and start reading. You're guaranteed to find some inspiration from your own life. As the old saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction!
Journals contain memories. This isn't so much a mental health benefit as it is a general benefit. Almost every important thing that has happened to me has been written in a journal. I have details from my first job, my wedding day, and the day my husband and I purchased our first home documented in various journals. It is impossible to remember all the incredible things that happen to us throughout our lives. Your journal is the story of you . Sharing details in my journal of important events in my life ensures that I never forget everything that has shaped me into the person I am today.

Keeping a journal can have other benefits other than the ones listed here. I hope this post has inspired you to make journaling part of your every day routine. The experience is different for everyone - there is no right or wrong way to journal!

Snag a copy of my novel The Letters in the Old House , available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

Happy 1st Birthday to The Letters in the Old House!

Sat, 27 Apr 2019 20:55:50 GMT

I can't believe I'm typing this: The Letters in the Old House will be celebrating its 1st birthday on April 30th, 2019!

If I'm being honest, it still feels like I just published this novel a few weeks ago. It's difficult for me to fathom that my first-born novel is now a year old. I had worked on The Letters in the Old House on and off for several years and struggled to come up with a title (I won't embarrass myself by sharing what the book might have been named had I gone with any of the sub-par ideas). I had thought of many other title ideas, but The Letters in the Old House felt right as soon as I had written it down. I kept going with different names and suggestions, but I kept coming back to this one. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Publishing my first novel was not without its challenges (you can read more about my journey as an author here ). I had experience writing and editing, but walking into the self-publishing world was like trying to cook a certain dish without having the recipe: you have an idea of what it's supposed to look and taste like in the end, but you don't have a manual to give you the step-by-step instructions. I spent a good amount of time on Google trying to navigate this whole self-publishing world that I knew nothing about. When I finally submitted the book to Amazon, I crossed my fingers and hoped I did it right. I cried tears of joy and relief when I received the email confirmation about two days later that my book was officially available for purchase. Finally, the project I had been working on for what seemed like forever was published and available for the world to read.

My journey as an author has been incredible, to say the least. My book is sold in two stores ( Deena's in Point Pleasant, NJ and The Beach Home in Lavallette, NJ), I've had readers ask me to sign books, I've been featured on various podcast episodes (you can learn more about them here ), my book was reviewed in a local publication, and I was recognized in Deena's when I went to visit my book, as I often do. This is just the beginning, and I'm excited to see where my pilgrimage takes me next.

While the success and being recognized is fun, the most important part of publishing The Letters in the Old House is that I now have confirmation that I was put on Earth to write and tell stories. This is who I am. I am a firm believer that God gives us all gifts; we just need to figure out what they are and how to use them. I cannot imagine my life without reading and writing, and publishing my own book gives me the confidence to continue to work on my second novel.

I'd also like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to those who have read The Letters in the Old House , encouraged me, liked/shared my social media and blog posts, and supported me in any other way. None of this would have been possible without you . Great things are coming with my second novel. Without readers, I'm just talking to the wall. Thank you for listening.

Why Writing and Self-Publishing a Book is NOT Passive Income

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 20:15:59 GMT

Lately, I have been reading articles on Pinterest and seeing posts on Instagram raving about how self-publishing a book is a great way to make passive income.

Make money while you sleep!

Easy passive income!

NONE OF IT IS TRUE! Writing and marketing a book is hard work , and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying through their teeth.

As always, I want to make it clear that I am in no way trying to discourage anyone from writing and self-publishing a book. Becoming an author is easily my greatest accomplishment, and it has truly been a labor of love. Labor , meaning work . But, work that I genuinely enjoy doing.

I have said this many times before, but it bears repeating: Being a self-published author means that you're also your own publicist, marketer, content creator, and agent. You create your own social media posts, you reach out to vendors to carry your book, you run your own online ads, and you make all your own decisions regarding the creative direction of your career as an author. You don't have the luxury of a big publishing house behind you doing all your marketing and setting up book signings - that's all up to you. All authors want to be seen and heard, and you want to authentically brand yourself to stand out. You have to do all the work, and you'll get out of it exactly what you put into it. Book sales don't automatically come from simply writing the book and uploading it to Amazon. There's so much more that goes into it, which is why I wrote a blog post all about what nobody tells you about self-publishing a book.

You might be reading this and thinking, "Ms. Instagram Influencer told me I could make money while I sleep!" Well, yes, that's technically true. Some people might buy your book while you're sleeping or otherwise not working. But those book sales and vendor relationships are the result of all the hard work you put in while you were awake: blog posts, social media posts, podcast episodes, and ACTUALLY WRITING THE BOOK! Readers are the result of the months of blood, sweat, and tears that you put in to create your book...and there is nothing passive about that.

The Letters in the Old House is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format.

New Jersey Author Gina Marie Agderian Recently Featured on Two Podcasts

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 19:22:46 GMT

Hear me share my story as a self-published author on Beyond 6 Seconds and The Holistic Sojourner

I recently had the opportunity to share my story on two incredible female-led podcasts: Beyond 6 Seconds, and The Holistic Sojourner. The episodes happened to be released one day apart from one another. I am immensely grateful to have been interviewed on both of these podcasts.

My episode on Beyond 6 Seconds revolved around my creative process, how I got started as a writer, and advice for chasing your childhood dream. Carolyn has interviewed many interesting people from various backgrounds, and her podcast is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into different careers and interests.

My episode on The Holistic Sojourner focused on what inspired me to write The Letters in the Old House as well as spirituality and I how I practice self-care. Reyjis is adamant about taking care of your mind, body, and spirit, and she asked some thought-provoking questions. The Holistic Sojourner is the podcast to listen to if you're interested in leveling up and discovering your purpose.

Thank you to both Carolyn and Reyjis for inviting me to be interviewed on your podcasts! I am so grateful for everyone's support on my journey as a self-published author. Stay tuned for more updates!

You're Never Too Old to Learn a New Skill or Dream a New Dream

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 23:07:01 GMT

Age is just a number when it comes to achieving your goals

Have you ever wanted to learn or do something new but maybe felt that you were too old to do it? Maybe you want to start a business or maybe you've always dreamed of driving cross-country, but your perception of being "too old" stops you from taking the plunge. I'm going to tell you something, and this may surprise you: YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD FOR ANYTHING!

You probably just rolled your eyes at me and think I'm just "blah blah blah"ing, but stay with me here. In true Gina fashion, I am going to provide you with a few real life examples of why you are never too old to do the thing you've always wanted to do.

My father is in his 60s and is not mechanically-inclined. If anything ever needed fixing when I was a child, my mother usually took care of it because she is quite mechanically-inclined. My father is a great guy, but he's lucky he can change a light bulb (sorry, Dad...I love you!). Despite his lack of mechanical inclination, he took up woodworking a few years ago and has created some really beautiful pieces. In fact, the picture above is of something he recently created using a new technique he just learned. He is not afraid to try new techniques or learn new woodworking skills, and he knows that he can always start over if he messes something up. He spends quite a bit of time honing his skills in a local wood-shop with other woodworkers. Oh, did I mention that he suffered a massive stroke several years ago and lost sight in one eye and some of the dexterity in one of his hands? My father is a prime example of pushing past your own challenges to achieve your desired end result.

My mother is another fantastic example of defying one's limitations to do what you've always wanted to do. She is a natural performer and has been interested in theater since she was a child. Over the past several years, she has had the opportunity to sing, dance, and act in various shows in the theater group she belongs to. She takes classes, she practices, and she learns from others in her group - all while dealing with the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis. My mother doesn't allow her health challenges to stop her from doing what she loves, and she knows that you are never too old to go on stage and sing your heart out.

When I self-published The Letters in the Old House at 31 years old, I never felt that I was "too old" to achieve my lifelong dream. It didn't matter to me that it took me years to finally complete my first novel. What mattered was that I understood my goal, worked hard, and never lost sight of what I wanted. Whether I was 31 years old or 61 years old, the end result was the same: I had achieved exactly what I had set out to do.

Life isn't a race to see who can be the youngest to achieve something. With age comes wisdom and experience, which can certainly be leveraged when setting a new goal. Using your age as an excuse to avoid putting in the work to achieve your dreams will hinder your evolution as a human being. You might miss out on something you could love or excel at.

Make a promise to yourself today to do whatever it is you have always wanted to do - no excuses. Your future self will thank you.

Focusing on Your Goals

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 19:55:42 GMT

My first 2019 appearance on the Victory Loves Company podcast

My last post talked about how I got recognized in public as a self-published author for the first time and what it meant to me. After reading said post, my husband asked me to record an episode of his podcast Victory Loves Company to discuss the experience and to share what I have learned after publishing The Letters in the Old House . So, we put our headphones on and sat down to record an episode.

The episode titled The Fruits of Your Labor is about 21 minutes long and worth a listen. I share more details of my experience, how I've reached my goal of becoming a self-published author, and how to block out the nonsense that inevitably occurs in everyday life. The episode is available on SoundCloud and iTunes. You can listen here .

As always, thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of my journey as an author. I will have more exciting news to share over the next several weeks. Stay tuned!

Recognition as a Self-Published Author

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 20:17:07 GMT

The first time someone recognized me as a writer

February 2nd, 2019 marks the first time someone recognized me in public as a published author.

Now, before I continue with this post, I want to make it clear that I am in no way trying to brag about anything here. I would've kept this story to myself if I didn't think there was anything to be learned from it. There is a point to this story, I promise.

My husband Adam and I visited my parents this weekend and decided to make a stop at Deena's in Point Pleasant, NJ , which is where The Letters in the Old House is carried. (You can also purchase my book through Amazon if you don't live near Point Pleasant.) Adam had never been to Deena's before and I wanted him to see my book display. We walked in and I pointed excitedly to the book. The cashier behind the counter asked, "Are you the author?" I confirmed that I was, and she came around the counter and approached a woman who was standing near us. The cashier said to the woman, "Excuse me, this is the author" as she pointed to me. As it turned out, the woman in the store had written me a very kind review on my author Facebook page just a few weeks ago, to which I had responded. The reader and I hugged, and I told her it was so nice to meet her. I must have had the most ridiculous grin on my face. What were the odds of me being in the store at the exact same time as one of my readers?

It was such a surreal experience because it was the very first time a stranger had ever recognized me as the author of a book they had enjoyed. I looked at my husband while this interaction was taking place and he had the biggest smile on his face. I was grateful that he was there to share this experience with me. After the reader had left the store, the cashier told me she had recognized me from the back cover of my book. Out of all the products carried in the store, she remembered my picture and my book. Is that crazy or what?

The lesson to be gleamed from this story is that everything that we want is completely available to us. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be recognized in public for my writing. If you had told me a year ago that I would accidentally meet a reader and be recognized, I would have laughed. So much can change if we are willing to put the work in. Your life can look very different if you set goals and hustle.

I came from a middle-class family with two loving and caring parents who always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I did not have any special person telling me what to do or how to go about achieving my dreams. Nobody gave me a plan or a roadmap to follow. Nobody gave me any special opportunity or shortcut. I created this on my own. I am a self-published author and did not have the luxury of a big publishing house behind me. I knew what I wanted to do, I did the research, and I worked hard. Guess what? You can do it, too. Whatever you dream of doing can be done. Put in the work and produce the results. There is no other way. If you do this, life will look very different for you in a year - heck, even in six months.

I encourage you to think about the steps you can take today to make your life look different tomorrow. Yes, it will require sacrifice, patience, and hard work. You will sometimes question why you started this project in the first place. But stay focused and stay positive. Don't give up. To quote Cinderella , "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." Be your own fairy godmother.

"It's been done already" is the worst excuse for not doing something

gsellsseashells@gmail.com (Gina Agderian) — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 21:49:09 GMT

Why you should realize your potential to create something completely unique

One of the worst excuses I have ever heard when asking someone why they haven't written that book, painted that painting, or created that piece of art, is this:

"Eh, I don't know. It's been done already."

UGHHHHHHHHH! This statement makes me cringe! No, it hasn't been done already. What if everyone thought this way? Some of your favorite books, television shows, movies, businesses, and other entities might not exist if everyone subscribed to this school of thought. Here, I'll give you an example...

My favorite movie of all time is the mafia-inspired Goodfellas . I love the characters, I love the story, and I love the crazy long shots that Martin Scorsese is famous for (I'm looking at you, Copacabana scene). It's an incredible movie. But what if Mr. Scorsese decided not to direct Goodfellas in fear of it paling in comparison to the highly-acclaimed The Godfather ? (For the record, I personally found The Godfather to be a snoozefest.) Had Mr. Scorsese backed away from directing Goodfellas because he felt like The Godfather should be the only mafia movie to exist, then Joe Pesci would never have won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and the movie would never have been nominated for the Academy Award of Best Picture. Goodfellas is arguably one of the best mafia movies of all time, but it would never have existed if there wasn't faith enough to film it.

But let's take it a step further. What if David Chase decided not to create the iconic television show The Sopranos in the late 1990s because he thought that mafia movies were overdone? The Sopranos changed television in so many ways, including creating what we now call the "anti-hero" and serving as inspiration for other critically-acclaimed television shows like Breaking Bad . Television today would look much different without The Sopranos , and we would never have seen that clever (and hotly-debated) series ending.

These examples show that everyone has their own perspective, voice, and way of doing things. We all have different experiences that we bring to the table when creating art or starting a business, and those experiences shape our vision and how we create something. It is impossible for everything to have been done already. As long as there is life on this earth, there will always be new pieces of art to create and new businesses to start. I recommend asking yourself the following questions:

Where do you see an opportunity? In other words, what do you want to do? What is your goal?
How can you set yourself apart? You don't want to rip off another person's idea. How are you different?

Once you have answered these questions, my next piece of advice is simple: Be yourself . People can see phoniness from a mile away. Whatever you do, always be authentic. I know it's cliche, but it's true. Never try to be someone you're not. Your authenticity and vision will help set you apart!

Never let the excuse, "It's been done already" stop you from creating something unique. Who knows what you could be depriving the world of?

When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

gsellsseashells@gmail.com (Gina Agderian) — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 21:04:02 GMT

Why we should always seek the opportunities in closed doors

Maybe you just interviewed for your dream job and did not get hired, or maybe a store you had reached out to is not interested in selling your product. Perhaps that person you went on a first date with is not interested in going on a second, or you found a shirt that you love but your size is sold out. Chances are that one of these (or something similar) has happened to you. Your disappointment level was probably through the roof, which is totally normal, but I'm here to tell you why you should spend less time mourning the closed door and more time being open to other opportunities.

This post is actually inspired by my husband who is currently looking to purchase something for his business and is having a hard time finding what he is looking for. He is very specific with what he wants, so the process may take longer than he would like. He keeps hitting a brick wall with every lead, so I have to constantly remind him to be patient and remain open to whatever is coming his way. Timing is everything, and sometimes it isn't the right time for us to receive what we want or think we need. Sometimes, we have to wait a bit before the resolution presents itself. I am confident that he will find exactly what he is looking for and will be happy with the outcome, but for now, he is learning a lesson in patience.

Sometimes, what we think we want is not always the best option for us. My parents were looking for a new home several years ago and had put a bid on what they thought was their dream home. But after conducting a home inspection, they discovered that there were windows that needed to be replaced and other general repairs that needed to be made. They were disappointed when they backed out of the deal, but they soon found another home that met their needs and was priced more competitively than the first house. They are now loving life in their home, and best of all, they have fantastic neighbors. The first home was not the best one for them, but instead of spending too much time upset, they asked their realtor to show them more homes and found one that they loved.

Back when I had first self-published The Letters in the Old House , I started to search for shops at the Jersey Shore to carry my book. I had always dreamed of seeing my book displayed in a beautiful boutique. I had reached out to countless stores and did not receive a response from most of them. I was frustrated, but I kept plugging away in hopes that I would eventually be able to make this wish happen. I had eventually reached out to Deena's in Point Pleasant, NJ and received a response asking for more information. Before I knew it, several copies of The Letters in the Old House were beautifully displayed in this adorable shop, and orders were soon placed for more copies. Deena herself has been such a pleasure to work with, and her boutique is a perfect fit for my book. Had I spent too much time mourning the countless rejections I had faced, I would never have connected with Deena.

I truly believe that God puts things that you need in your path when you work hard - you just have to keep your eyes and mind open (and if you're not religious, the same holds true for the Universe). Stay focused on what you want and continue to work toward your dreams. Opportunities will present themselves, but not always in the way you're expecting. Stop staring at that locked door and direct your attention to those windows and skylights that are wide open.

What Nobody Tells You About Self-Publishing a Book

gsellsseashells@gmail.com (Gina Agderian) — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 21:48:50 GMT

The self-publishing world is a giant question mark to most people, and there are so many misconceptions surrounding it. Who pays for the publishing? Will people like my book? Who actually publishes the book? Self-publishing is not the right fit for every author, but it is a fantastic way to ensure that your book will actually be published. It allows the author to bypass the arduous process of querying agents and hoping to ink a deal with a major publisher.

As a self-published author who knew absolutely nothing (and I mean, absolutely nothing ) about self-publishing, I did an inordinate amount of research before pricing and self-publishing my book. I self-published my first book The Letters in the Old House in April 2018 through the Amazon-owned, now-defunct CreateSpace, which has since merged with another Amazon-owned company called Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). You can learn more about my journey here . While there are other ways to go about self-publishing, I found that Amazon was the best option for me. The insight I am about to share with you is based off of my experience self-publishing on Amazon.

It's a lot of hard work. Ok, did you really think it is going to be easy? Of course you didn't! You're smart, and you know that anything worth accomplishing is going to take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Get ready to be your own publicist, agent, manager, director of marketing, etc. It makes me nuts when I see these glossy pictures of people on Instagram with their perfect lattes, super-neat desks, and perfect lighting (and yes, I know the picture in this post is exactly that, but isn't the typewriter cute?). Say it with me: Instagram is not real life. I tend to keep my desk and home office pretty organized, but life happens and things occasionally get messy. You're going to sit at your computer and want to cry because you feel stuck. You're going to have days when you would rather do anything except write. Writing is not glamorous. It won't be easy, but your hard work will pay off in the end.
Self-publishing a book does not have to cost money. You might spend some money on an editor or designer, but the actual self-publishing process does not cost a cent. Instead, Amazon pays its authors a royalty off of each book sale. I was on a super-shoestring budget and literally did everything myself for The Letters in the Old House , with the exceptions of a close friend acting as my beta reader and my husband helping me design the cover. People have asked me how much it cost to self-publish my book, and I'm always happy to tell them that I did not spend any money to get my book out into the universe.
Self-publishing a book is not going to make you a millionaire. Well, at least not at first. But let me be clear: You're writing a book for the wrong reasons if you're only doing it to make money. Yes, it is absolutely possible to make a career out of writing! Being positive and putting good energy into your book is very important, but please do not be discouraged if you do not make hundreds of thousands of dollars off of your first self-published book. Keep the positivity and belief that your book will do well, but understand that building an audience takes time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
You can't be afraid to self-promote. One post on Instagram, Facebook, etc. is not going to cut it. The algorithms can be tricky, so your entire audience is not going to see your post on the first try. Think of creative ways to post about your book. I released The Letters in the Old House only a few weeks before beach season in New Jersey, and I knew my book was the perfect beach read, so I was able to create posts surrounding that. As the holidays approached, I posted about how my book would make a great gift. There's a difference between being pushy/annoying and telling others why they should buy your book or what value it will add to their lives. Cute pictures or flatlays of your book are also useful, and you can always ask friends or family to take pictures of your book wherever they're reading it to share with potential readers.
You can't get discouraged by those who do not care about or understand your book. There might be people in your life who are not excited about your book as you might expect them to be. That's totally fine. Most people do not understand what it takes to write a book, and believe it or not, there are people in this world who do not like to read (I'll never understand that). Some people may have a lot to say about your book, but remember, you're the one who put the time and effort into writing the book, not them. It is very easy for someone who has never self-published a book to be critical of someone's work, so if someone has something negative to say, simply smile and nod. Whatever the case is, bless them and move on. There are so many other readers who are going to love your book!

Interested in snagging a copy of The Letters in the Old House? Click here to purchase my book in paperback or Kindle.

My Top Writing Tips

gsellsseashells@gmail.com (Gina Agderian) — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 22:06:38 GMT

How to draft a document that is crafty, clever, and coherant

My mother recently told me that she had to write an email to someone and had a tough time conveying her thoughts. "I can't write," she lamented. This is completely untrue. She can write, but she gets flustered and doesn't know how to effectively organize her thoughts. There are plenty of people in the same boat as her.

Writing is one of those tasks that seems to overwhelm so many people. They have to write an email, a speech, or a document for work, and suddenly they break out into a sweat and want to hide out in a pillow fort. There are also those who want to write a book but don't know where to begin or how to organize their thoughts. Sound familiar?

I totally understand the feelings of dread and overwhelm when faced with the task of writing - I feel the exact same way whenever someone asks me to do math (no, thanks). But fear not! I am about to share my top writing tips that will help make your next project a breeze.

Clear your world of distractions and take a deep breath. Decent writing does not come from a stressed-out writer, although some writers will argue that they work best under pressure. But for most people, stress = poorly-written sentences. Mute your phone, close your office door, meditate...do whatever you need to do to relax and focus.
Think positively. If you think you are a terrible writer, then guess what? You'll be a terrible writer. I know this sounds hokey, but there is value in approaching all writing with a positive attitude. Staring at your computer screen with a brain full of dread is not going to do you any favors. Imagine yourself typing away as the words flow from your brain to your computer keys. Tell yourself that you've got this - because you do!
Create an outline. This is my biggest piece of writing advice! Creating an outline essentially gives you a road map from the beginning to the end of your document. It helps you to organize your thoughts, allows you to easily change the order of what you want to say, and helps you ensure that you won't forget any points or pieces of information. I always say that once you create an outline for your book or document, the book or document basically writes itself. In fact, this very blog post was born from an outline. I can't stress this enough: create an outline . Writing becomes so much easier once you know exactly what you want to say.
Take breaks to allow your brain to rest. Feeling drained? Get up and go for a walk around the block, throw in a load of laundry, or close your eyes for a few minutes. Unless you're on a tight deadline, don't force yourself to continue to write if you're tapped out. Taking a break gives your brain time to recharge and refocus.
Walk away and come back to your work. If time is on your side, let your work sit and come back to it the next day with fresh eyes. You may think you just drafted something to rival Hemingway, but sometimes we stare at our work for too long and don't see some very obvious errors that we've made. I can't tell you how many times I've written something that I thought was pure literary genius, only to come back to it the next day and say to myself, "What the heck was I thinking?" The first draft is the worst draft.
Read your work out loud. You'll find spelling errors, grammatical errors, and sentences/paragraphs that just don't make sense. Words sound much different when they're spoken vs. when they're read silently. Reading your work out loud is especially helpful when you're trying to find a different way to say something.
Read, read, read. One of the keys to becoming a writing whiz is to read as often as you can. Reading helps you become familiar with sentence structure, expands your vocabulary, and develops your brain. You cannot become a bang-up writer if you never read!

I hope that these top writing tips help you successfully complete your next writing project! Ultimately, nobody is perfect, and there are plenty of mistakes to be made on the first draft. Keep practicing and honing your writing skills - there's nowhere to go but up!

How I Became a Self-Published Author

gsellsseashells@gmail.com (Gina Agderian) — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 18:34:58 GMT

My Story

Welcome to my very first blog post! I am so excited to use my website as a tool to share my story with you. My posts will feature updates on my progress with my second book as well as life updates, writing tips, and general inspiration. If you haven't already, I encourage you to visit my About page to learn more.

My journey as a self-published author began when I first learned to read at just three years old. My father worked nights as a police officer, so most nights it was just my mom and me. My mother would always make it a priority to read to me before putting me to sleep. I would follow along as she pointed to each word on the page. Before long, I had memorized all my favorite books and would correct her when she made a mistake. I was quickly able to read books other than the ones I had memorized and was reading the Babysitter Club books by the time I was about six years old (hello, child of the 90s here!).

My love of reading eventually fostered a love of writing. I would write short stories for fun and featured my favorite Disney characters in my work (I was writing fan fiction before it was ever really a thing). I started keeping a journal at nine years old and spent recesses filling its pages with thoughts, stories, and ideas. My father would take me to Barnes & Noble on rainy summer days and I would feel like Belle in Beauty and the Beast surrounded by all these gorgeous books. I would imagine a table full of my books right in the front of the store with hopeful readers longing to snag a copy. It seemed like such an impossible dream.

Still, I continued to read and keep a journal. I started college and earned my bachelor's degree in English Literature and Language in hopes of working for a newspaper or magazine, but the journalism industry was changing, and it was something I no longer wanted to be a part of. I earned my MBA and got a job in corporate America doing something that I enjoyed, but something still felt missing to me. What about that dream of becoming a writer? What about the thought of someone curling up with my book, eagerly turning each page to see what happens next? There were nights when I would cry to my husband and tell him that I felt like I failed my younger self. Where was that girl who stood there wide-eyed in the book store staring at the titles on the shelves? Why had I abandoned my childhood dream?

My husband's advice was simple: You can do it. Just begin. And so, I began.

After my job and my family, my book became my priority. I wrote on nights and weekends. I declined invitations to make plans with my friends. Most of my friends were supportive, and the ones who were not supportive fell by the wayside and are no longer in my life. I wrote and revised and deleted and read and re-read. One page turned into five pages, five pages turned into fifty pages, and before I knew it, the book was complete.

I had decided early in my writing process that self-publishing was the way to go for me (I plan on doing a separate post all about self-publishing since there are so many misconceptions surrounding it). I knew I didn't want to query agents and wait for responses. I wanted assurance that my book would be published and that I would have complete control over the entire project. I researched everything I could about self-publishing and really understood what I was getting involved in. My friend of 25+ years Stephanie was my beta reader, and my husband Adam helped me design the cover. Finally, on April 30th, 2018, The Letters in the Old House was an official book! I cried when I received the notification from Amazon that my book was available. It was a proud moment for me, and the feeling I get when someone tells me how much they enjoyed my book is like no other.

Click here to purchase my novel The Letters in the Old House , available in paperback and Kindle.