iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I'd love to introduce you to Edwina. Her friends call her Edy and you can too. It wasn't bad enough that her Momma disappeared and she can't figure out what to do with herself. Now everyone is fighting. If she goes to talk to the mountains, do you reckon she'll find the solution? #books

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Y'all, Edy is sassy & tough. That's how it's always been for her. But she's not sure that's who she really is. Right now is probably not the best time to be figuring that out though. Not with what happened to her childhood best friend. Not with how unhinged her in-laws have been acting. #BookSky

Where the Roots Tangle excerpt quote "Of course I didn't k ave. there won't ever be a time that I do anything a Jackson tells me. Even my own sister."

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The bookseller sold every copy she had before the Broadleaf Writers Conference had even technically started and then both extra copies I'd brought shortly after that. There were so many books from talented authors that I never dreamed it would be that popular. #books

Odessa Blaine with the caption "So a fun thing happened at the conference I attended this weekend: my book sold out."

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

It's that time again! This year's Broadleaf Writers Conference is about to kick off! Excited to be here again. Looking forward to leading a workshop, being a panelist, and moderated a panel! #books

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Y'all come get tangled this Thursday Sept 10th at 6:30pm at Poe and Company Bookstore in Milton, GA! I'll be there with the talented Kimberly Brock celebrating my debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle. #booksky #books #southern #writer #storytime

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Look, Ma, no AI! I enjoyed making this too much to let the robots do for me. Come get tangled! My debut novel is now available at some GA indie bookstores like Poe & Co, FoxTale, & Bookmiser, major booksellers, or Mercer University Press www.mupress.org/mobile/Where... #books #booksky

Image: What's in the book? Book cover of Where the Roots Tangle with arrows pointing to the following phrases: Hogs, People (?) living under the mountain, Can you trust anyone, Where did you go Momma, a No-Nonsense Moonshine Granny, Burn it all down, Better watch where you spit, Sisters that won't give up on each other, A son for the inheritance

Look, Ma, no AI! I enjoyed making this too much to let the robots do for me. The hardest part was deciding what bits to use.

I invite you to come get tangled!

My debut novel is now available at some local indie bookstores like Poe & Company Bookstore , FoxTale Book Shoppe, and Bookmiser New & Used Books, major booksellers, or directly from Mercer University Press

#books #southern #storytime #folklore

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Let's talk about the rage of an eldest daughter that disappointed her father and his family by not being born a boy. Now let's talk about how I used that rage to inspire parts of my debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle. www.mupress.org/mobile/Where...

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Huge thank you to everyone that came to the first launch event for my debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle! It's been a hell of a journey to get here and this is only the beginning. www.mupress.org/mobile/Where... #writer #books #southern

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

You know you're a real author when someone took the time to leave a fake review on Goodreads. 🤣 They didn't get an ARC from the publisher, but I must live rent free in their head. Here's to my first bad review. 😂 Bless their heart. They created an account just to leave that review. I feel special.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

TODAY MY DEBUT NOVEL OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES! Please clap. 🙏🎉 #BookSky #Books

Teal background with silhouette of trees, crows, and roots overlayed with the book cover of Where the Roots Tangle, Odessa Blaine's picture, and the words "Get tangled in hardscrabble Southern living, small town politics, blood feuds, nearly forgotten folkways, family legacy, and a dash of Appalachian magic." Published by Mercer University Press

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Would you read a Southern Gothic book about a woman in her 30s trying to get out of her mother's shadow, save her sister from rich egomaniac in-laws, and taken into the roots of the Appalachian mountains by the remnants of a forgotten tribe inspired by folklore? www.mupress.org/Where-the-Ro...

Image: Forest background with a deer skull on a log with the book, Where the Roots Tangle, propped on it.

Three black boxes with white text read:
Y'all come meet Edy. Her friends call her Edy and you can too.
She's doing her damnedest to figure out who she is, not who her mother wanted her to be or who the folks in town thinks she is.
But she doesn't have much time for that after her childhood friend is murdered, a child goes missing, and everyone seems to think she can make it right.

Its too much. But what can she do?
Its not like she can just go "talk to the mountains" like her Momma used to.
Or can she?

Would you read a Southern Gothic fiction book about a woman in her 30s trying to get out of her mother's shadow, save her sister from rich egomaniac in-laws, and taken into the roots of the Appalachian mountains by the remnants of a forgotten tribe inspired by folklore?

#books #bookstagram #southern #story #appalachia

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

You expect places of great pain to feel a certain way. But so often they feel like this. A place you'd drive by without ever thinking about. If I hadn't read I Am A Georgia Girl: The Life of Lucille Selig Frank by Ann Hite, I'd have never known anything had happened here. #history #books

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Y'all come celebrate muh debut novel!!! Let's pack this library! aftontickets.com/wheretheroot... #books #booksky

Book debut of Where the Roots Tangle on Tuesday September 1st at 7pm at the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library in Decatur GA featuring author Odessa Blaine in conversation with Ann Hite and Lynn Cullen

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

So I was clearing up space on my phone and almost deleted the dozens of blooper videos from the other day. Then I watched a few and laughed at myself. Come laugh at me too. 🤣 Recording content can be brutal... especially when the mosquitos won't freaking quit it. #booksky #author #sendhelp

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Y'all come get tangled at the launch of my debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle. -Georgia Center for the Book Decatur Library w/ Ann Hite & Lynn Cullen - Tues Sept 1 at 7pm This Southern Gothic is steeped in moonshine, granny witch ways, Appalachian folklore, small town drama, & blood feuds.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Y'all come join us for the 11th annual @broadleafwriters.bsky.social writers conference! 😁 You're invited to join Van Jensen, C.O. Davidson, Piper Huguley, Kristine Rudolph, and all the other phenomenal guests coming! More info at BroadleafWriters.com #writersky

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

You're invited to come celebrate my upcoming debut novel! I can't wait to introduce you to Edy and the folks of Canes Crossin and Shine Town. I'd love to see you at one of these book events! If you can't make it, sharing with your bookish friends would also be much appreciated. #books #reading

Graphic showing upcoming book events for Odessa Blaine's debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle.
Book Launch - Tuesday September 1st - 7pm - Decatur Library in Decatur GA
Thursday September 10th - 6:30pm - Poe and Co Bookstore in Milton GA with Kimberly Brock
Guest Speaker for Colorful Crow Writers Community - Thursday September 17th - Virtual
Broadleaf Writers Conference - Saturday September 19 and Sunday September 20 in Decatur GA
Sunday September 27th - 2pm - FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock GA with Ann Hite and D.C. Phillips
Sunday October 4th - 5pm - Bookmiser Book Store in Marietta GA with Lo Patrick

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

It's here. It's really here. In my hands. It's REAL! I unboxed my debut novel for the first time. Yes, I cried like a baby after I stopped filming. All the tears, joy, and work that went into writing this book is now actually in my hands and, soon, it'll be in your hands too. #writer #books

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Ah yes, the research rabbit hole. Every writer's nemesis and bestie. Not to be dramatic, but you wouldn't believe what all I did to accurately describe the sound a dang fridge made. For one whole sentence. In a 254 page book. #writer #problem #iykyk #oops

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Cheers, y'all. It was a good day to get an IPA and enjoy a history talk at Pendley Creek Brewing in Jasper, GA. The world is basically on fire, figuratively and literally. We have to find our joy on purpose.

Odessa Blaine holding up a beer from Pendley Creek Brewing in Jasper, GA.
She's wearing autumn leafy toppers on her Pair Eyewear glasses. She's doing this because she wishes it was Autumn and shes mentioning because Pair Eyewear should sponsor with the frequency she talks about them while she's out and about.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

What we aren't doing around here is gatekeeping books. Physical books, e-books, audiobooks = all valid ways to enjoy a story! When was the last time you treated yourself to a book? #BookSky

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

The thermostat has reached Nope Degrees with a humidity level dialed high enough to steam us like crab legs. I'm ready for winter so I can complain about it being colder than a well digger's ass instead. #southern #summer

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Cryptids and folklore can be spooky, but there's usually a bit of truth behind them. The problems start when you're trying to figure out what's real and what is the made up story. Anyone interested in hearing more? #storytime #folklore #appalachia

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Come meet Edwina! Her friends call her Edy and you can too. Up to her eyeballs in small town secrets, moonshine, & expectations, maybe Edy will go find who or what her mother had been talking to in the mountains before she disappeared. Coming Sept 1st from Mercer University Press! #books #booksky

Upcoming Book Events for Where the Roots Tangle
Sept 1, 7pm, Georgia Center for the Book, Decatur Library, Ann Hite & Robert Gwaltney.
Sept 10, 6:30pm, Poe & Co Bookstore, Milton GA, Kimberly Brock.
Sept 19-20, Broadleaf Writers Conference
Sept 27, 2pm, FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock GA, Ann Hite & DC Phillips
Oct 4, 5pm, Bookmiser Book Store

You're invited to come meet Edwina!
Her friends call her Edy and you can too.

She's tangled up in a bloody feud between the Haves of Canes Crossin and the Have-Nots of Shinetown, kicked off by the murder of Edy's childhood friend.
Doesn't help that her sister married into the Haves. To be fair, their mother pushed her into it before Momma disappeared when she went to "talk to the mountains."
Up to her eyeballs in small town secrets, illegal moonshine, and everyone's expectations, maybe Edy will go find who or what her mother had been talking to.

Y'all, I'm thrilled my debut novel is coming September 1st from Mercer University Press!

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Do the neighbors think I'm a crazy woods witch cryptid that haunts the night? Maybe. Are they wrong? That's a matter of opinion. This happened a while back, but it's one of my favorite stories. When folks ask about my origin as a haint, I hope this is included in the lore. 🤣🤣🤣

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Perimenopause turning up as I start living my best life is diabolical because WDYM my hot flashes, take no shit, Appalachia cryptid era is when I check off #1 on the bucket list & become a legit author? Can you preorder my book please? Promise I'll scream. mupress.org/Where-the-Ro...

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Its thrilling & terrifying when you're so close to putting something you poured your soul into out in the world for people to love, hate, obsess about, ignore. Its ok if my book doesn't become successful, if my writing doesn't earn any awards, if no one likes it. Because I can learn and try again.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

I don't care for pink flowers. Just a personal preference. I did have purple bearded irises here that I got from my Grandma years ago. So TF did random pink gladiolas come from?! And just now showing themselves this late in the year?! Right where one of my bearded irises were?! Highly suspicious!

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Come celebrate the release of my debut novel, Where the Roots Tangle, on September 1st at 7pm at the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library in Decatur, GA. I'll be in conversation with award winning Southern authors Ann Hite and Robert Gwaltney. #BookSky

Book debut event announcement for Where the Roots Tangle by Odessa Blaine, published by Mercer University Press.
The event will be Tuesday September 1 at 7:00pm EST at the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library in Decatur, GA.
Odessa Blaine will be in conversation with award winning authors Ann Hite and Robert Gwaltney.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Alright, algorithm, bring me the readers that love Southern Gothic fiction books with strong women main characters, small town drama, and Appalachia mountain folklore. Sincerely, the author of Where the Roots Tangle. Preorder it over at mupress.org/Where-the-Roots-Tangle-A-Novel-P1345.aspx #books

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

If you're a fan of folklore, family drama, small town struggles, Southern Appalachia culture, the dark night of the soul, moonshine, Prohibition era, and/or women led stories, then Where the Roots Tangle is a book for you. Preorder at mupress.org/Where-the-Roots-Tangle-A-Novel-P1345.aspx

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Preorder Where the Roots Tangle from Mercer University Press at mupress.org/Where-the-Roots-Tangle-A-Novel-P1345.aspx Code MUPNEWS get 20% off Get tangled in hardscrabble Southern living, small town politics, blood feuds, nearly forgotten folkways, family legacy, and a dash of Appalachian magic.

Book cover of Where the Roots Tangle, a novel by Odessa Blaine.
Coming September 1st from Mercer University Press. Pre-orders are open now at https://www.mupress.org/Where-the-Roots-Tangle-A-Novel-P1345.aspx

Cover is a photo of a foggy forest in the Appalachian mountains

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Its time for the official book cover reveal for Where the Roots Tangle! This Southern Gothic is coming Sept 1st thru Mercer University Press. Get tangled in hardscrabble Southern living, small town politics, blood feuds, nearly forgotten folkways, family legacy, and a dash of Appalachian magic.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

POV: Me encouraging writers to not be nervous about reading their stories and poems at the Broadleaf Writers Association meeting while I'm internally screaming because I'm going to perform one of my live short stories. Also thanks to FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA for hosting the meeting!

Odessa Blaine in a black dress standing in front of bookshelves at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA talking to writers at the Broadleaf Writers Association meeting.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Y'all! We are thiiiis 🤏 close to sharing the cover of my upcoming debut novel!!!! Where the Roots Tangle is a Southern Gothic that will be published by Mercer University Press on September 1st. More info about the book is in my pinned post. #author #booksky #books #writer

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

When someone asks me if I think I can be a successful author.....

Painting of a woman in the woods with a flower crown with white words saying "I am going to succeed because I'm crazy AF"

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

The kiddo and I are caffeinated and ready for the Dahlonega Literary Festival today. 😁 Glad there was a cute indie coffee shop next door to the festival venue.

Two brunettes wearing glasses taking a selfie together

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

The face of someone that managed to get her first proof pages back to her publisher in a week. Where the Roots Tangle is moving along. 🫠💜😁 #BookSky

Selfie of Odessa Blaine. Brunette woman with blue glasses.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

⭐ OFFICIAL PUB DATE FOR MY DEBUT NOVEL is Sept 1st for Where the Roots Tangle published thru from Mercer University Press! #booksky

Mock up of cover, not official book cover.
Black background with red outline of mountains and tree roots. White letters read Where the Roots Tangle, a novel by Odessa Blaine, coming September 1, 2026 published by Mercer University Press.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

The short film based on one of my performance stories has been accepted to two more festivals: Dam Short Film Festival in Nevada and Love Your Shorts Film Festival in Florida. Adapted by Kelly Silverman & me Director/DP Tim Glover Co-producer David Silverman

Movie poster for the short film And the Moon Sees Me. The background is a night time forest with a full moon. A woman in a white dress is running into the forest. Over the image are the laurel seals of seven film festivals.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I was recently asked what my book was about. It's about time I start practicing and refining my elevator pitch. #booksky

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Needed an updated author photo. This is what the publisher's marketing department preferred. What y'all think? Do I come across as fun but professional but relatable and interesting and possibly a good writer and omg this picture is going to be on my book, the book that I wrote, and ...

Woman with glasses, crow earrings, and a black beanie stand in front of an ivy covered tree because she needs a decent author photo for the upcoming publishing of her debut novel and you can kind of tell she wants to be silly with it but she's trying to be professional and relatable.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Y'all have some 'splainin' to do. How come no one ever told me how absolutely delicious these Zagnut bars are? And yes, I'm eating it while sitting in bed and reading a book. I'm opening my 2026 with ✨ intention ✨.

Upclose of a Zagnut bar. It's crunchy peanut butter candy coated in toasted coconut deliciousness fit for the gods themselves.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Tonight's current plans include a little reading by wine light. Featuring Conjuror by Holly Sullivan McClure because it caught my attention at Everywhen store in Marble Hill, GA. And Prophecy Buttery Chardonnay because that's what my husband brought home.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

If the coffee cup ain't this big... I'll still want it, but it's going to take a few refills to get me through the day. Maybe it'll fuel a writing frenzy later. A girl can dream anyway. 🤣☕😍 #Coffee #WriterSky #BookSky

Crazy looking brunette woman with glasses looks at a large colorful tumbler full of coffee.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

So much talent sitting next to me at the Broadleaf Writers Conference today!!!! From left to right: Robert Gwaltney, Jeffrey Dale Lofton, Lisa Harrison, and me #livingthedream

Authors Odessa Blaine, Lisa Harrison, Jeffrey Dale Lofton, and Robert Gwaltney at the Broadleaf Writers Conference

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Excited to be back for another Broadleaf Writers Conference! Some of my favorite people are here. Can't wait to meet new favorite people. I've been a writer all my life, but my journey as an author and filmmaker started at a Broadleaf conference three years ago. #writersky #booksky

Odessa Blaine standing in front of a banner for the 10th annual Broadleaf Writers Conference

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Have another awkward bathroom selfie. As a treat. 🤣 Can I get some crossed fingers and well wishes? 🤞 Award ceremony for Cobb International Film Festival is this evening. I'm not expecting anything, but it'd be fantastic if we earned a little something with And the Moon Sees Me. #writersky #film

Odessa in a black and white dress with a cowboy hat posing for another awkward bathroom selfie

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I'm at the Strand in Marietta, GA for the Cobb International Film Festival. Our short film, And the Moon Sees Me, will be screened later. It's based on an original short story I wrote. I figured it was a good time to do my first bathroom selfie. Bask in the awkward. #WriterSky

For some reason Odessa decides to take an awkward selfie in the bathroom of The Strand. She's wearing a green tank top and orange pants.

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Odessa Blaine @odessablaine.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

I'm very early for Lo Patrick's pub event Poe & Company Bookstore for her novel Fast Boys and Pretty Girls. It goes from 6:30-8:00pm this evening in Milton, GA, so there is still plenty of time for you to join me! #books #booksky

Woman with brown hair and glasses in a bookstore holding a novel titled fast boys and pretty girls by Lo Patrick

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