Saturday, November 29, 2014

BOOK SIGNING LAST DAY! Boutique!

Yes, I'm scheduled for another book signing!

If you missed it yesterday, there's still TODAY! 



This one will be at the Kearns Senior Center, 4851 West 4715 South from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5.

There will also be some terrific booths selling handcrafted boutique items.

BOOK 2
BOOK 1
Book 1
Book 2
NEWLY RELEASED!
FOR AUTHORS

Friday, November 28, 2014

7 Ways to Get Through the Holidays Stress Free

The holidays are difficult, yes, (from Christmas shopping to candy making) even when you have things planned out in breathtaking detail. But I've learned a few tips through the years to get through the holidays without old Scrooge leaking out.

Here they are:

1. Do plan, and do make up a budget. When you've reached the budget: STOP. I know, I know, this is especially hard with the little ones. If you have to, save some of what you've purchased for his/her upcoming birthday. (That's what I did for one of my granddaughters this year). I use a small notebook to organize names, gift ideas, budget, and the actual amount spent and carry the notebook in my purse during the holidays. Who knows when an idea will come to me.

Spending more than your budget may not mean much to you in December, but come January, you're going to wish you'd stuck to your budget.

2. Take some time to watch an old Christmas favorite. Mine? It's a Wonderful Life.

3. Read a good book or listen to a good book on audio. Something positive and uplifting and preferably short. There will probably not be a lot of time to read, but you want to make sure that the read keeps you reading or listening through the season.

READ OR

LISTEN














4. Don't over-schedule. Hard not to do I know, but get in the practice of saying no when you need to. You'll never be sorry. Make some time just for you as well as for your immediate family; extended family gets the next shift, followed by church and friends. (At least that is how I work it). I try to eliminate those things that really don't make my heart sing, and that may include the work party.

5. Wrap gifts as you purchase them. Waiting until Christmas Eve to wrap everything is perhaps the biggest stress-er I know; only second to shopping at the last minute. So try not to do either.

6. Give gifts of the heart. Notice I didn't say hand-made, although you can do that if it's not a stress-er. Gifts from the heart have little to do with your head (how you will look to the other person if you give them this gift) and more to do with the heart (expect tears, hugs, and a thoughtful smile instead).

Heartfelt gifts may also mean that you simplify your list. You may not give a gift to every Tom, Dick, and Harry on your street, but you can make sure that you share your heart through service such as Christmas caroling or shoveling a snowy driveway.

7. Take time to think of Christ, the reason for the season. Play Christmas music like it's going out of style; it will calm your nerves and help you to re-focus your Christmas resolve. Attend church. Be open to various charities gathering help for the holidays.

What do you do through the holidays to remain stress free?


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Andean White, author of Winter's Thief


Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

About me, hmmm. I married my high school sweetheart and we will celebrate our 37th anniversary this November. For thirty-five wonderful years, I worked in manufacturing management for some neat organizations making interesting products. I enjoy biking, fishing, travel, woodworking, golf, classic cars, and of course writing.



A couple years before retiring, I wrote a series of travel journals with a humorous under current. Several friends and family suggested I write some stories based on the journals.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?

I have a dedicated basement home office, but may move to the breakfast table if a change of scenery is needed—or, to the family room if I work in the evenings. The office has a small sink, refrigerator, microwave, pantry, and a recliner. I have been known to get lost in the office when I am on a roll.

I am a laptop user, my handwriting is horrible at times—I can’t read it, which is why I edit with a tape recorder.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

Fine tuning the text is my favorite part. At this point, the bulk of the work has been completed, and the tweaking process improves the story presentation and imagery.

Finding the right word for a key element of a story can get frustrating. The correct word that infers the right meaning, defines the character, or describes the setting.

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?

Winter’s Thief characters are a collage of the interesting people I have met in my life. One character might be the blending of several people with similar traits.

The characters are ordinary people dealing with the trials of living in difficult times, but their trials are of life and death magnitude. They must outsmart the enemy with wits, put aside their fears, and overcome their flaws.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

My first event was a shared booth at a crafts fair—fifteen books in two days was okay for a first event. The second event was a book signing party at our home—thirty-two books in four hours.

Future plans include a booth at FanX in January with expectations of finding many heroic fantasy readers. Also, investigating book signing at medieval, equestrian, or archery events in the west.

Several published authors have advised staying away from the typical bookstore
signing.Currently, in the initial phases of a social media campaign using Twitter, Facebook, blogging, and website—later adding Google+ and LinkedIn.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

Presently not following a schedule for writing as the marketing plan needs attention during the initial phase. But, I am writing in the spaces between marketing demands.At other times I write best in the mornings.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

Saraton Summer, the second book of the trilogy is scheduled to be completed August 2015. The series might turn into four books—one for each season.Winter’s Thief has recently been released.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.



I have a few short stories that I think could be turned into books. But for now, my focus is finding out what happens to Kendrick, Althea, Oscar, and Quentin—the cast of Winter’s Thief.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent? 


Don’t give up! Get your stories in the hands of a professional for evaluation. Let them advise you. The writing world is tough, and like nature only the strong survive. And, you need to be bulletproof, because it’s hard listening to someone squash your pain staking work. It’s hard work but the rewards are fulfilling.

***
 Thank you, Andean!

Learn more about Andean and his book at:

Website:  www.AndeanWhite.com
Twitter:    @AndeanWhite

eBook at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5D6QNS  

Book at Amazon:  










Tuesday, November 25, 2014

LAST DAY! Two FREE eBooks through Black Saturday!

TWO BOOKS FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
ENJOY!

Samantha is a young girl who finds her world turned upside down in one brief moment. Her secure world is shaken with the abrupt departure of her father. Left behind with no explanations, she takes solace in her two best friends, Bruce and June. She is soon faced with a myriad of changes, including a new stepfather and a stepbrother she didn't want. Over the next two years, as she rapidly approaches adolescence, lonely young Sam discovers a world that holds pain and bitterness, as well as love, and is introduced to a mysterious book that could change her life. 

A River of Stones chronicles the pain of divorce and growing up in the life of a young, adolescent girl. Penned with the heart of experience, the author touches the deepest recesses of a young girl's hopes, dreams, and fears as she searches for answers no one has been willing to give her. From the pain of losing a parent to divorce, to the joy of hopeful possibility, Kathryn Jones takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and promise.

This book is an LDS middle reader
eBook FREE on Amazon through Black Friday
UPDATED COVER!


Virginia had experienced the power and direction of the five stones; now, she would need to use them again. 

For entirely different reasons. 

Keeping her marriage together was not the only thing on her mind. Having a child wasn't going to happen in the usual way, and Virginia was determined that adoption was the answer. If she did all of the right things, said all of the right words; if she remembered the five stones in her journey to get her child, God would surely have to answer her. 

It wouldn't be too difficult.


This book is Christian Fiction and part two of The Parable Series. 

Get part one: Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones Here

eBook FREE on Amazon through Black Friday




Monday, November 24, 2014

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Oscar from Winter's Thief

   Tell me about yourself.

My name is Oscar. I serve King Louis III of Manshire Province as Captain of the Long
Bow Knights. For my king’s comfort I typically execute the critical assignments at his
decree. Manshire Province is one of two countries on the island continent of
Estmira. Manshire now includes the former country of Saraton. Worchester is the country
to the north. The mountainous region to the east is uninhabited.

Get it at Amazon

I am bound by my word and as a man of average height I must keep myself in top
physical condition to fulfill  my obligation to my King. My salt and pepper beard is short
to keep it out of the bowstring; and my hair is short to keep it out of my silver eyes. I
have square shoulders, and large, strong hands.

I spend my days raising my son to be a good citizen of Manshire, easing my wife’s pain,
and serving my king.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Commitments to my king leave little free time, but when possible I spend my weekends
with family—developing my son’s survival skills, helping with farm chores, and sharing
stories with my family.

What is your favorite color?

Green—the color of spring—a fresh start.

What is your favorite food?

That’s easy—an omelet, particularly my wife Abbey’s omelet. It’s so amazing how she
can blend several bland ingredients into something so delicious.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

I’d have to say it’s my impatience with younger Long Bows—they are not prepared for
their duties when they start out as a Long Bow.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why?

My enemy is more of a thing, than a person; or, maybe its better to say there are several
forces/people at play attempting to destroy the king and his linage. They are deceptive
and solid evidence never reveals
itself.

What or who means the most to you in your life?

Abbey and Kendrick are the two most important people in my life, but my duties as the
captain keep me
away from them. This situation creates a deep internal conflict for me.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled
out in the book?

I became the captain of the guard because of who I know— the king and I were best
friends in our youth. I   was not the most skilled Long Bow at the time of my promotion.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the
direction of the plot, what would it be?

I have a great belief in fate. Fate made me the captain and I am sworn to faithfully
execute the commands of my king, as such I spend more time with the king’s affairs than
with my family.  It would be nice to live  for  today. Carpe Diem.

Ask me any question:

How long do you spend developing lead characters compared to secondary characters?

At least twice as long. With a main character, you really need to know how he/she thinks,
behaves, looks, speaks. It isn't enough to have some sort of cardboard character;
something you may be able to get away with when it comes to a character who comes on
to the scene only a few times. For a lead, you must really know them, and that means
spending that extra time getting to know them like you would your very best friend.

***
Thank you, Oscar!



Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Thankful Writer: Christian Indie Authors Thanksgiving Hop CONTEST!

ENTER THE CONTEST BELOW!

It's easy to be thankful as a writer, isn't it?

We get positive feedback for our work, spend time doing what we love, learn about people and places through research, and even, dare I say it? Get a grand opportunity to sign our books.

But do we sometimes forget?

Among our pile of rejection letters, evil comments on Amazon, and yes, even those signings where we sit there all alone, there is room to give thanks.

For the paper we use. The writing utensils, whether they be computer or pen. The time to write. The places we are given the opportunity to write in.

And so today, and since it is a mighty fine day to give thanks for the Christian Indie Authors
Thanksgiving Hop...

www.booklybooks.com/thanksgivinghop

I want to give thanks to God for the blessings of writing.
Because without God, I couldn't be thankful for anything.


WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

I WILL CHOOSE ONE LUCKY READER WHO COMMENTS ON THIS POST
TO RECEIVE
THIS BOOK!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Ireic Theodoric, King of Anavrea

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

I am Ireic Theodoric, King of Anavrea. I live in Anavrea, a nation on the south western coast of the largest continent on my planet. At above middling height, I am taller than most, but not as tall as my older half-brother. He was disinherited, title, line of succession and all the rest a few years before our father died. I don’t look like a king. My brother looks the part, trained for the job, and would be able to handle the advising council so much better than I am, but someone has to do the job. I love my country and its people. I can’t let everything fall apart just because I don’t want to be king.



What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have none. Between arguing with my council, appearing for official functions, and the necessities of like eating and sleeping, I am barely keeping up with the minimum.

What is your favorite color and why?

Green is my favorite because it reminds me of freedom.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

Chicken, dumplings, and root vegetables in a thick stew. It is a hearty and simple meal with no pretenses to grandure.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

I am not sure I have any.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why?

I am assuming you mean the High Councilor of the King’s Council. We don’t agree on much. He sees those who are not perfect as lesser beings and those who have no money as slaves to be used and discarded. He values money and power above all else. Not a nice person to deal with on a daily basis.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

At the moment, my family. I try to do what I can to protect my family from the council’s poison. At times the only thing keeping me from deserting the throne is the fact my sister or my brother and sister-in-law would have to take my place.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?

Power can be a cruel master. It isolates, turns potential friends into liars, ages the holder, and gives little of value in return. Keep that in mind when desiring to attain a lofty position.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

I can’t. The only thing I want to say would be a major spoiler. My writer won’t let me.

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

Do you really stay up late at night dreaming up complications to insert in your characters’ lives? 

Actually, sometimes yes. But you need to know that without 'complications' as you call them, the reader wouldn't have much to read about. Even in your creator's life there are 'complications' that she must work through. Why not the same for you?

Thank you King Ireic!

To learn more about the king as well as the creator of this book visit the following sites: 


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Write Like a Pro

I don't know about you, but it feels nice to treat yourself like a pro, even when you're in the beginning stages of writing.

And I know what that's like.



I was expected to write a query letter with no previous published writing credits, market a fresh new book without ever previously marketing anything, speak at an elementary school on writing when I'd never broached the subject before.

But there has to be a first time, right? If no first, then no second, or third or so on.

You've probably heard the saying, "Fake it till you make it," but what if you went out there, using all of your guts, all of your ingenuity, all of your writing talent, and didn't have to 'fake' anything? What if everything was already inside you for use?



Writing like a pro means you don't allow yourself to dwell on the beginning of your journey. Sure, you might honestly be 'beginning' this journey, but what is it that you want? What is it that you feel like you can give right now to get what you want?

To me, that's living like a pro, and writing just comes naturally after that.

Have a great day!

Kathryn

Monday, November 17, 2014

Breakfast at Mimi's

I have just begun my writing day at 1:16; a feat usually reserved for 9 a.m. or so, but Monday's are like that. And today I had a special reason for skipping out.

My sister and her birthday. My sister who has been 17 since the day she turned 18. My sister who is so busy that we have to be very creative when it comes to finding the time to talk.



And we had breakfast at Mimi's, a quaint French restaurant that we both love. We both had exactly two hours.

A couple of minutes to leaving I said, "You have two minutes to tell me anything else before I head out to pick up Bekah" (my next experience of the day). Bekah is in Kindergarten and I am the "driver."

She said, "I love you, Sis."

I smiled. "I love you too," and squeezed her hand from across the table.

We got up. She wrapped the new scarf (purchased for her birthday) around her delicate neck and we walked out.

The air was cold, but not as frigid as two hours previous. I was glad, but sorry to leave her. The time had sped by like a grand locomotive. And here we were again parting ways until the next time.

I got in my car and texted her another note. She responded moments later.

You can't have too many love notes either verbal or electronic when it comes sharing with your sister.