Chantilly Chanel Austin's Blog

It’s been a long time, right?! As I mentioned before on my site, I have a condition called Crohn’s Disease. It’s something usually unheard of…which I know firsthand, because before I was diagnosed I’ve never even heard of such a thing! It started back 10 years ago; I just started my first year at college and I knew something wasn’t right. I could barely eat and when I could I would feel sick and get the worst pain ever! I would sleep for 10+ hours, wake up and still feel like passing out. I thought I was just enjoying college…staying up late, eating horrible food, studying at crazy hours. But it wasn’t until I noticed I hadn’t actually gone to the bathroom in a long time…and then I started noticing blood…lots of it. Something definitely wasn’t right, but I was embarrassed. So instead of telling my Mom…or going to the doctor, I self-medicated by guzzling tons of Pepto Bismol, hoping to eliminate my symptoms.
But things got worse.
Six months later after doubling over in pain during class, I went to the Emergency Room where I was tested and diagnosed. I still didn’t actually realize how serious this condition was. I figured I would take medicine for a while and be cured. Boy, was I wrong! This is for life! And to be honest, up until a few months ago I still didn’t take it that seriously. Literally I woke up one morning, was in horrible pain and couldn’t even sip water without vomiting. Things were really bad. And medicine wasn’t working. But finally after three months of hospitalization, a close call to needing emergency surgery and a ton of tests and infusions, I was good to go!
Thank God!
So why am I sharing this little tidbit of my life? Well, it’s only fitting as Dec 1-7th is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness week! Many do not know what this horrible condition is and how it impacts not only the person, but their loved ones as well. It’s also good to become knowledgable because while I could look normal on the outside, I’m actually suffering. Besides, we need all the awareness that we can get and hopefully we get close to a cure! But for the time being, I just take my health more seriously, make sure to get my infusions every 8 weeks and keep a smile on my face! After all, I do feel proud that despite having such an awful condition I’ve still manage to accomplish many great things and I look forward to keep doing so!
For more info on Crohn’s Disease visit: www.ccfa.org
Happy Holidays!
- Tilly

It's crazy how when you're busy with life + work + everything else, you wake one morning and it's already WINTER! Sad, but the last time I recall stepping foot on my site was around the summer...

Just to update everyone, I DID WIN the 'Breakout Author of the Year' for the 2012 African American Literary Awards, but due to limited funds and short notice, I was unable to make the trip to NYC. Hopefully next year I can attend! *Fingers crossed!*

I also have started a new job, with CRAZY hours, so I will try to get through each and every email as soon as I can. I apologize for the delay! :-)

And once again, THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH to each and every one of you that has purchased a paperback, nook, kindle or ipad/iphone version of Illusions. I really do appreciate your support and all the emails I receive along with the great feedback! Now I have ANOTHER favor to ask you (besides purchasing the book lol!): Reviews are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! When readers look around Amazon or B&N, yes they are reading the book synopsis, but they want to see who else likes it and why. For example on Amazon I have eleven reviews...I've sold wayyyy more books than that but potential readers wouldn't know because I'm not receiving reviews. I know sometimes we don't think to leave a review or it slips our minds...and sometimes we don't know what to write! Doesn't matter! As long as you leave one...I don't care what it says or how many stars you rate Illusions, just as long as it is honest and comes from the heart! :-)

Until Next Time,

Chantilly :-)

Hello Hello everyone!

I just wanted to share some exciting news; I'm nominated for 'Breakout Author of the Year' for The African American Literary Awards (Insert scream)! This is super exciting and truth be told, I'm very shocked, a bit in denial (Lol!) and super grateful! :) Even if I don't win, this is a moment I will never forget and will always cherish! :)
Voting is going on now! So please vote for me! :)

http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voti...


I also wanted to remind everyone that Illusions is still only 99 cents for Kindle at Amazon! That price is only for a limited time, so check it out! I think the book is pretty entertaining (of course, right!) and I think you will too! :)
http://www.amazon.com/Illusions-somet...

Thanks for reading! :)

For a limited time, I will be offering my debut novel, Illusions: sometimes the eyes see what the heart wants, for only 99 cents via Kindle! A dollar isn't much, so take the chance and read what other reviewers at Amazon and B&N.com are talking about! And if you know someone that enjoys a nice, funny, heartfelt, dram-filled, chick-lit book...let them know! Purchase the kindle edition here: http://www.amazon.com/Illusions-somet...

And if you didn't know, you can read an excerpt of my novel at Amazon.com or my website www.chantillychanel.com


Happy Reading! :)

Read an excerpt of my debut novel, Illusions! Let me know what you think! :)

http://www.chantillychanel.com/illusi...

I'm hosting a giveaway of my debut novel, Illusions from July 1st to Aug 1st! Enter to win! :)

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...