Summer Unleashed

UPDATE: I have just finished the second draft of Charmed - I'm Sure. It turned out a little differently than I expected, but I like it. It's sort of a picture book for pre-teens. Is such a thing out there? Maybe it's a short story. In just a few minutes I'll post it on my blog here - at least a portion of it - and then I'll ask for takers on what you think the genre is.

Here is the direct link in case you found this post first.

This is my second time sitting in front of this screen today.

The first time, I wasn't sure what I wanted to write. I had multiple reasons why I didn't want to and no ideas.

All it took was a lunch break and time to think over what mattered to me.

Here are some thoughts:

I want to begin a new writing project.

A few years ago - I'm not even sure when the idea came - I was doing an interview for a blog and an idea for a picture book came to me. Fortunately, I wrote all of the ideas down, unfortunately, I lost these ideas until, just last week, I found some time and, in cleaning out my files, I found them again.

I'm not going to tell you a lot about the book other than to say that having a charmed life is not really what any of us want even if we think we do. 

Life isn't about perfection, it's about dirt and muck under our fingernails. It's about secrets that aren't kept and people that don't really like you. It's about people who want to serve but think too highly of themselves. It's about work. It's about doing what you don't like to do and aching muscles that tell you how old you're really getting.

Photo by Meg Jenson on Unsplash

Next, I want to spend some time marketing. I'm not really sure as I'm typing this what sort of marketing I'm going to do, but I'm going to do something, and I'd like that something to be original, especially since I have two books that should be ready for publishing by the end of this year. [I'm giving myself plenty of time because both of these books were supposed to be ready this spring. :)]

I want to do a lot of reading this summer. I want to pay attention to how authors write, how they put words together, and how they get you to feel the story behind the words. 

Do you have some writing goals for this summer? I would love to hear them.

Kathryn

What's Happening at Two Authors Books & a Beverage Club?

TODAY'S THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE DRAWING TO WIN "MARKETING YOUR BOOK ON A BUDGET"! HAVE YOU ENTERED?

Let's talk about writing and reading!

Ask me a writing question! A publishing or marketing question!

I'll be on the front page of Two Authors... until the end of the month!

Books Make Great Gifts

Okay, you've more than likely heard that one before. 

Some of my fondest memories take me back to those times in my childhood when reading a good book was about as fun as eating a piece of chocolate cake. 

Photo by Cristina Matos-Albers on Unsplash

I'm not kidding.

How else can you transport to the Land of Oz without leaving your living room couch? What else but a book can teach you how to train your cat, eat simply, travel to Mars, or teach you how to take a breather from a busy holiday season?

I love books. I have always loved books. Even when I couldn't read books I loved them. My mom tells me I would crawl to the bookshelf for what I wanted and crawl back with the next book I wanted to 'read'.

Now that I'm a writer, I have a greater reason to read. I learn a lot from other writers, though sometimes I have to turn off my writer brain in favor of just enjoying the story - ask any prolific writer and they'll tell you - it's difficult to read a book without correcting everything.

Still, with my writer brain shut off for a time, I can truly enjoy reading. And I'm happy to get books from others too. [hint hint].

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

Just today I looked in the wrong drawer and saw one of my Christmas presents, yet unwrapped. Yes, it was a book, a book I wanted. Now before you get all huffy about me snooping where I shouldn't, I also need to tell you that I picked out the book. My husband picked out another for him. It's already wrapped. :)

I don't remember a year of my life when I haven't received a book for Christmas. When I was a teen, I began the Nancy Drew Mystery series and continued to receive the books for a few years for Christmas and birthdays. I love coffee table books, books of inspiration, and yes, even books that take me on a mystery chase. I love books of fantasy and science fiction, books that make me weep, stories that fill my soul with hope.

They say a writer writes what they read, what they hope for, what changes they would like to see in the world or in themselves. In writing, as well as in reading, we get a glimpse of the world as it is, and how we wish it to be.

Here's wishing you the dreams you hope for.

Hot Cocoa Anyone?

Today is National Cocoa Day!

Grab a book and read to your heart's content!

Prefer homemade hot chocolate? Get the recipe here.

Gingerbread House Day - What do you read?

We all know that love makes a house a home.

What about gingerbread houses?

In honor of Gingerbread House Day - a holiday, I'm afraid I'd never heard of until this year, it may be the day to go shopping for your sweet gingerbread house decorations. 

Our family usually doesn't use the real thing, preferring the graham cracker method (above) to buying or making the gingerbread, but the results are fairly similar. Candy doors and windows, a lane of icing or snow, trees made out of colorful gumdrops.

Have you ever read a book that appeared to have all of the right elements - a plot, characters, setting, and dialogue, but the book was lacking something?

This 'lacking' may have been the takeaway value. It may have been the warmth that you somehow missed while reading the story. You may have been confused by the plot, or perhaps there were too many characters to keep track of, and you were continually skimming back through the book to find out who "Sue" was.

Books are kind of like gingerbread houses. They may have all of the right elements. But what makes a gingerbread house a gingerbread home, is how you feel when you read it.

The most eloquent words won't do that, but the placement of the words. And great authors know how to place them for optimum feeling - whether that feeling is the darkness called fear, the warmth of love, or even - sweet peace.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: Let Your Man Make Dinner Tonight!

Okay, so I didn't know anything about this wonderful holiday until today, but, you know, I sort of like it!

Doug, are you listening?

My husband is a good cook and actually cooks a good portion of the meals at home, but I could use a break anyway. I just sat out some chicken, so maybe you can figure out a recipe around that, honey? We've also got some frozen broccoli in the fridge, and I really like the dessert option at the end of this fun video, though I realize we are both on a special diet. Still...

Anyway, girls, get your husband on board tonight to cook your meal and sit down with a good book. I'm telling you, that's what's on my mind!

Happy Men Make Dinner Day!

Kathryn

What are you doing to keep sane this holiday season?

I couldn't resist writing about this topic today.

After all, we're almost to Thanksgiving, and then the real fun begins!

During the holidays, do you spend time reading a good book, or are you more likely to be racing around the stores for the best buys?

Do you shop online to avoid the rush?

Are you a Scrooge?

Do you love to decorate and spend time in the evening sipping hot cocoa by the fire?



As I thought about the things I do every Christmas season, I was actually surprised at some of the more worthy traditions our family has incorporated, many of which ease the stress of the holidays.

1. Reading children's Christmas books together. I have the opportunity to be with 2 of my 4 grandchildren every Christmas because they live with me. So that means I have ample time to read at night before bed or during the day.

2. I also invite my grandchildren to decorate the tree with me. I play Christmas music and enjoy the excitement that only children can bring.

3. We ususally take a drive and see the Christmas lights, stopping afterward to get scones and hot chocolate at a nearby country store. Unfortunately, this year there will be a little bit of stress choosing another location since our favorite place has closed down.



4. Some of the more practical things I do to turn down the volume, is to wrap my gifts and place them under the Christmas tree right after I've purchased them, rather than spending hours wrapping them on Christmas Eve. 

5. I also choose one Christmas book I'd like to read during the month of December and make sure I get throughit before December 25. This year the book is O Little Town by Don Reid of the Statler Brothers.



What do you do to keep sane?

What are some of your holiday traditions?

I would love to hear!

Kathryn

Giving Thanks for Your Writing

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and before you think that I'm all ready for Christmas (you may have seen a few of my posts promoting my book signings) allow me to clarify.

I LOVE Christmas!

But I also LOVE Thanksgiving.

Photo by: basykes, courtesy of Flickr

When did you begin writing?

From a class assignment that you loved and writing has been with you ever since?

When you began your journal as a teenager?

As a child? Can you still see yourself sharing stories with your friends, maybe even getting them to believe they really happened?

When you first fell in love with ink on paper?

When you fell in love with reading and said to yourself, "I could write like this!"

Whatever sparked in you the desire to write, think about it now...

Photo by: PhotoGraham, courtesy of Flickr

For me, it wasn't until after I married that I developed a real interest in writing, though I'd been a journal writer and reader for years. And I suppose the idea to write struck me at that time because I was pregnant with my first child and feeling pretty sick.

Suffice it to say I didn't just get morning sickness.

I remember that day because, as I sat on my couch with my legs propped up to take down the swelling, I thought about the real meaning of being pregnant; with all of the aches and pains there were also many joys and I just had to get my feelings down on paper.

The story, when finished, was titled, "Weebles Wabble."

I don't know what I think about that title today, (okay, it's pretty strange) but then, it was like a spark of light had entered the room. I was on my way.

What about you?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: SOME TREATS!



Photo by: lobo235, courtesy of Flickr

Watch a short video!

Find out who won the Fear Not contest:

 

http://idea-creations.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-giveaway.html

Government Closed: Open a Book

I don't know about you, but the move to shut down the government makes me think about a lot of things. People not getting paid for government jobs. A hiatus when it comes to full travel opportunities. I wonder about buying a house or selling one. I even wonder about things such as the Head Start program for children. And what about the future of the economy?



Photo by: Kuster & Wildhaber Photograpy, courtesy of Flickr

But mostly, I think about why those in government just can't get along.

I think about arguing, and wanting to be "right."

I think about "we the people" getting hurt while the government acts like children.

And I can't help it. After listing to CNN and other video channels this morning, I just want to sit down and read a book. I want to forget that this is happening. I want to pretend that maybe, just maybe, it's not really "that bad."

We re-elected Obama because we thought he'd do a better job. The majority of us thought that. I'm not here to complain about Obama because I'm quite sure he is doing what he feels is right, however...

I take issue when someone feels they are so right nothing changes. There is no compromise, no discussion. Instead, it's end of discussion.

So, if you're like me, trying to figure this one out, you might just want to take a short break and read a good book. Sure, it's an escape, but sometimes an escape from reality is the only way to travel.

Rugs and the Saturday Evening Project

If you've been following my recent blogs, you'll know that I've recently moved into a new house. Unfortunately or fortunately, (depending on how you look at it), my husband and I have been in remodel land.

Today we bought new rugs for the hardwood floor and new baseboards to finish off the floor project. It's been 101 degrees in Utah today, and my new home has a swamp cooler.

How I've been wishing for a central air conditioner today. Not even my new rugs seem as nice.

And that's how it is, isn't it? We're always wishing for something we don't have; especially if that 'something' will make our lives that much easier to live.

Someone once said, "The more stuff you have, the more you have to do, and the more you have to dust."

Not my veranda, but isn't it beautiful?
Photo by: bluekdesign, courtesy of Flickr

That said, I think I'll hold off for awhile getting new things for the house. Besides, the credit card is, well, you know taking a good pounding lately. While the sun is hot and I'm not even in the mood to sit still for very long (don't you hate it when you stand up and your back is sweaty?)

I think I'll have a Popsicle or a bottled water and read a good book on the veranda...Wait! I don't have a veranda.

At least, not yet.

5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Writing

Improving your writing is as important as eating a balanced meal, and yet, many forget that improvement takes daily effort, as does eating a meal with grains, fresh fruit and veggies. 

Photo by: fensterbme, courtesy of Flickr

Through the years I have learned some things that have improved my writing. They are:

1) Read. Read. Read. Especially the genre you want to write in. Learn how authors have done it. Read with a highlighter and pen.

2) Read for enjoyment without the highlighter and pen. There's something about taking in a book, without focusing on the grammar, that teaches you even more.

3) Write. Write. Write. Every day. When you don't feel like it. When nothing is coming. When you keep getting interrupted.

4) Write without editing. This is known by many as a free write. Just get your thoughts out and don't concern yourself with the layout of sentences.

5) Write like a professional. For most writers, writing is not a hobby, it's a career. Take your writing seriously and you'll improve that much faster.

Improving your writing takes guts. It takes work. But writing to improve is also a joy. Just compare what you write today with what you put out, say, five or ten years ago, and you'll see what I mean.

Get Smart: Learning as a Writer

What do you want as a writer?

I discovered this recently when I posted the top 5 blogs I'd written for 2012 and 2013. And what the research has taught me is that writers (most of all) want to learn.

It isn't enough for them to write until their dying day. They want to get better not only by writing but by reading and attending classes and applying what they have learned.

When have you learned that has had the most impact in your writing life?

Photo by: aflcio, courtesy of Flickr

Has it been a conference? When you've borrowed that new writing book from the library? When you've attended that class?

Do you find yourself trying new things like I do, because it's exciting to get out there and do more than sit behind the desk and write?

I LOVE attending conferences, but I also love teaching them. I love teaching one on one, but I also like the energy and ideas that a big group brings.

How do you feel about editing someone's book for free, or writing a review?

When it comes to writing and publishing, the learning curve is as much about making your writing great as it is about helping someone else to make their work great.



Photo by: Philip Taylor PT, courtesy of Flickr

When was the last time you taught a class for FREE or agreed to work with a new writer one on one for a couple of hours without asking for money?

True, if you have a business like I do, you're in it to make some money so that you don't have to get that job at McDonald's, but there is something beautiful and fine about that free visit with a writer.

I give writer's a free visit the first time they come to me for any writing service. I like to do this, because I learn quickly if the writer and I are a good fit, and I can assist them in their project even if we're not an especially good fit by directing them to someone else. I learn loads too; about writing styles, writer personalities, and what gets individuals excited about writing.

I love to give free classes too. Have you ever taught a class and realized you were learning along with the class? This happens to me all of the time.

Being smart as a writer isn't always about writing. It's about learning and it's about reaching out.

Finding Your Voice

Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, once said:

"Find your voice and then inspire others to find their voice."



Photo by Danny Getz, courtesy of Flickr

Finding your voice takes more than checking underneath rocks or clam shells (check out my blog post from yesterday if you haven't already). Finding your voice takes work. In my  eyes, work comes in the following ways:

Research
Writing
Reading
Discovering

When I research for a book I am gleaning information that I may or may not use in my book; I usually gather more than I need. Can a person find their voice in research? I believe so. What they choose to research, and the direction their book takes them, tells an author much about what he/she should be writing about.

Writing is the best way I know of to find your voice. It takes writing and writing and writing before an author escapes the C.S. Lewis phraseology, or the long-winded, 'these words I looked up in my thesaurus so that I'd sound smarter' mentality.

Reading helps with voice, too. Consider when you've read something that really made a difference. Perhaps the phrase was written to tickle your funny bone or you begin to appreciate something small like nose hair or belly button lint.

Reading does wonders for your imagination that in turn helps you to develop your voice.

Photo by: emily.laurel504, courtesy of Flickr

Discovering comes in taking that class or attending that writer's conference. Here, you take in a lot, and for days after the conference you are sorting through notes and ideas that you want to incorporate into your work; a part of your voice.

Finding your voice doesn't happen overnight, and obviously it doesn't happen when looking under a rock, but your voice will come (and that's a promise) if you give it sunlight and plenty of feeding and experience.

Snow!

First snow storm of the year. I can't help it. Christmas is suddenly funneling through my veins.

Photo by HerryLawford, courtesy of Flickr

This morning my husband and I brought in the his and hers swing, some plants, a small children's table, and outside toys--all of them a mucky mess. My patio looks suddenly empty and larger than I remember it. And I am hoping to keep my spirits up as the days darken and cold enters through the cracks of my home.

But I do have a fireplace, lots of warm mittens and blankets stored up for just such an occasion.

And I have books.

I read more during the winter, don't you? The fall and winter seasons lend themselves to cuddling up with a favorite book and blanket. I often reread some of my favorites:

The Tao of Pooh
Gift from the Sea
The Power of Intention

Along with my favorites I like to pick up new books from the library and wander through bookstores like Barnes & Noble to their discount tables.

It's easy for the day to simply go by when it's snowing like today.

Perhaps I will begin anew an old read.

Reading on a Kindle

I used to think reading on a Kindle was sort of like transporting yourself into the future. All the hard copies of books are gone and all that's left is electronic devices (kind of like Star Trek). Reading this way was as foreign to me, almost as foreign as an alien landing on the planet and speaking to me.What would I say to an alien if I saw one?

 

Photo by: Contentment Sikher, courtesy of Flickr

Fortunately, I know what to say about the Kindle. It doesn't smell special, like those new books with their new ink, or even musty, like those old books with their brittle, yellowing pages that you just can't seem to get rid of. They are flat and substandard when it comes to flipping the pages (sometimes I push the arrow too many times) and with the Kindle, it's hard to highlight.

Yes, I know you can do that, but not by hand.

Reading on a Kindle is not my cup of tea but I have to say that it didn't bother me half as much as I thought it would. I remember the first time I used a microwave, a computer, a cell phone, and how awkward it all was. Now I can only say that I need to gear up to the Smartphone. I call mine a "dumb phone" because it's one of those flip open jobbies with actual buttons to push...

At any rate, my first book, read on a Kindle, is: "Trust Your Heart: Transform Your Ideas..." There's more to the subtitle but I don't want to lose my place and I don't know where to regain it when I do. Yes, I have LOTS to learn.

But I tell you what. I like the idea that I was able to get this book FREE and my husband (bless his heart) knew how to download (or is it upload) it onto the Kindle for me. Now all I do is turn the Kindle on, and wa-la! it's there. I'm also thinking of taking the Kindle with me on my flight to Texas soon. It might be nice to finish the book in flight.

Suffice it to say I'm still learning a lot about the Kindle including what all the buttons are for that I see below the silver screen. Nope, I'm not going to push them.

Until next time...

Kathryn

Read a Good Book Today

How many times during the week do you sit down with a good book and read the entire day!

Not very practical you say?

Probably not, but there are days that the feeling just won't leave you.

Photo by: Robert Couse-Baker, courtesy of Flickr

Take today, for example. It's a bit chilly outside. I had planned on working in the yard, but the thought of gathering myself in a light jacket and hoping my hands don't get cold (I hate to wear gloves when I'm working with the moist soil) does little to get me excited.

I'd rather be dreaming behind a good book; throwing that light blanket around my legs, and propping my head against a pillow. I might even take a nap.

If this sounds like you today, too, go for it. Take a break. Take a snooze. And read a good book.

It's one of the best things you can do to rejuvenate yourself, and it doesn't hurt you as a writer, either.

What you Write is Usually What you Read

Good news!

What you write is usually what you read.

Why is that good news?

Think about it. If you enjoy writing fantasy, then you're usually reading fantasy. You learn about plot, setting, characterization and more by reading fantasy. You see the style of the writer, you learn what he/she does to  make a fantasy chapter work.

You also see what doesn't work.

Photo by Sarah Sphar, courtesy of Flickr

I have an awful time when I read a book with too many characters. And I guess this can happen in any book, but fantasy novels seem to grasp the concept of multiple characters fairly easily. Think of Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and you'll see multiple characters. Though the authors handle the concept well, not every writer can, or should. But it's a good idea to read such authors because they give us a good example of how to make each character unique, how to scatter the characters throughout the novel so that the reader doesn't forget who a character is, even giving us a map or two so we can see the world in which all of  the character's live.

If you prefer books by C.S. Lewis in the non-fiction category, like I do, you may find yourself writing books like, "Conquering your Goliaths--A Parable of the Five Stones," like me; especially if you like C.S. Lewis' fiction too.

My new book, released Jan. 23, 2012

If you're not reading what you like to write, get on it! There really is a purpose in reading what you want to write; not all of it is necessarily--fun. Sometimes, when I'm reading an especially good book, I go back over paragraphing, vivid imagery used, and so on. I look for what the author does that I can incorporate into my own writing, using my own voice, of course.

Great lessons can be learned from the authors we love, and we need to take their words into consideration, not only for the pure enjoyment of the read, but for our own benefit--as an author.

When Life Throws you Lemons...

...throw them back!

I woke up this morning intent on doing some reading to better improve my life; instead I got a babysitting opportunity. I'd planned on sitting back and relaxing today, doing what I wanted to do instead of what was usually expected of me.

And a lemon hit me right in the face.

Instead of throwing it back, getting rid of it, and just accepting what was, I held on to it and sucked all of its royal juices out. Boy was I mad! Didn't I deserve a little time to myself? Didn't I deserve a little respite from the work of life?

Some hours later I've decided to throw the lemon back and get to work. Sure, I can still read with some interruptions, and I can still write, but I need to make room for last minute changes. You know the kind.

You were going out to lunch with friends but your car broke down. You were intent on finishing your novel--today--but your youngest got sick. You were more than ready for that new assignment given to you by the PTA but, instead, you are working on getting the plumbing restored.

My advice? Make sure that you're one of those folks that doesn't hold onto lemons. If you have to make lemonade out of it, go for it. If you'd just rather throw them all back, feel free to do so.

Take it from me. There's something to be said for starting again--fresh.