Monday, August 12, 2013

Super Summer 2013


How has your summer been so far? It's been crazy busy here, mostly due to my book's deadline. There's a sliver of a lull now before the book is released later this month, and in my usual "shoulda, coulda, woulda" fashion I've been thinking about what I've observed and learned in the process. Three things stand out.

1) Time Management  There's nothing like a deadline to highlight the weak areas. It wasn't pretty. The biggest trouble spot? The internet. My solution? Close and ignore it. It's amazing how productive one can be when Facebook and email are put in timeout.

2) Procrastination  This was the second biggest hurdle, and it originated from indecision and insecurity. The book contract came about quickly and had a short deadline. I'm not complaining here; it's a huge blessing! But I'm a planner and like a lot of lead time. Yet there was content that I wasn't sure how to handle, so putting it off was easier than figuring it out. I fell prey to doubt, too - looking at what the book was not instead of what it is. The solution? I forged ahead (after the above mentioned timeout) and prayed a lot. A LOT.

3) Faithful Friends are Golden  Thinking about the support from all of you, and looking over the blog tour list brings tears to my eyes. Seriously. Thank you!

And one more thing...it's official; I'm allowed to share the final cover. :) A huge thank you goes to my son David Lange, who designed it. If you happen to need a graphic designer/illustrator, check out his website here.

What have you observed or learned this summer? Do you have any special vacation or other plans for August?

Have a great week!

Happy writing,


Karen

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30 comments :

  1. Hi Karen....Congratulations on working on your book!

    Well, the thing I've definitely observed this summer is how FAST time goes by.

    Whoosh! It's gone whether we plan it that way or not!

    Take care and hope you have a nice Monday. Susan

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  2. Karen I love the cover. And you know how important a good cover is. Excited for you!

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  3. Karen I love the cover. And you know how important a good cover is. Excited for you!

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  4. Karen, there is only so much we can do!
    What day does the book come out so I can give you a big shout-out?

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  5. You have to have those faithful friends to help you out and give support.

    I don't like deadlines. But if I had a publisher then I would have to make those adjustments. Good luck with everything.

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  6. I like that Internet Time out idea, Karen!

    Your son did a marvelous job on the cover.

    No big plans for August, other than one book signing. I need to put myself in time out after a busy spring and summer!

    So jazzed about your first book!

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  7. Hi Karen, oh, wow, so cool to finally see the cover! And what a blessing that your family is a great help... looking forward to the blog tour! Getting the word out.

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  8. Hi Karen,
    Congratulations on your book. Your son did a great job.

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  9. Susan,
    Thank you! This summer did go by quickly, didn't it? How is that sweet granddaughter doing? :)

    Terri,
    Thank you! He did a great job. Our goal was not to be cliche and I think it worked out well!

    Alex,
    Yes, I agree. The tentative release date is 8/26 so will keep you posted. Thanks! :)

    Stephen,
    We belong to a great community of writers, don't we? :) Thanks!

    Jen,
    Timeout - yes, I need to do it more often! lol Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and support! :)

    Marja,
    I know, it's getting exciting! I so appreciate your support! :)

    Donna,
    Thank you! Yes, he is a great artist (I know I am a little biased, lol). :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  10. That's wonderful your son designed the cover. Ignoring the Internet it the only way I get things done sometimes.

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  11. Congratulations on the beautiful book! What a bright and cheerful cover. And what a bright (and possibly cheerful?) son you have. :D

    You're exactly right about internet distractions. Exactly. Right. An area of definite struggle for me.

    Good for you, finding the discipline you needed to do the job. Mwah.

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  12. I've sent the cover image to all my sites. I'm so happy for you, Karen. It looks fabulous.

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  13. Diane,
    It's great to keep it all in the family. :) Yes, the internet is best left ignored!

    Rhonda,
    Thanks so much! I am glad you like the cover. Yes, lol, he is cheerful, and talented, as his brother and sister are too. :) xo

    Joylene,
    Thank you! You are a sweetheart, truly! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  14. While I won't be able to take part in the actual tour, I cna' give you a shout out on launch day.
    Another big congratulations!

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  15. Pinned it!

    Congrats on the upcoming book launch. It's a lot of work, but so worth the effort.

    I'm finishing up the editing on my second book, as well as starting the editing process for the Christmas novella. Ah yes, deadlines.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  16. I really love that cover Karen. It's awesome. As far as my summer, it's FLOWN by,,,so fast. I am ready for autumn now :)

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  17. Isn't it a joy to have your cover done? Great job by your son. Most of the things I looked forward to for the summer of '13 have come and gone. =0( But Fall has its joys, too. Like heating bills . . .no, wait. Fall leaves, yeah, that's what I meant.

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  18. Congrats, Karen! I love the cover, and I'm honored to be one of the many on that blog tour list. ;-) The size of that list shows the good-will you've engendered.

    Ah, time management! It kills me and brings on feelings of guilt. So I got rid of Facebook, and it made a noticeable difference. I've actually made more friends and contacts through email and blogging than I ever did over FB, so that worked for me.

    Glad you were able to put the internet in "time out" and forge ahead with your book. I wish you much continued success!

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  19. Lynda,
    Thank you, I appreciate anything anyone does on my behalf. The cheers and support you all have lent has been amazing! :)

    Susan,
    Thanks a bunch! You're right, it is a lot of work, I am only just beginning to learn. :) You have been a big help in that respect!

    Keith,
    Thank you! Summer has gone quickly, hasn't it? I am ready for fall now too. Feels like it today! :)

    Susan S.,
    It is a joy! So grateful for David's help. :) Heating bills, well like you said, focus on the leaves! lol :)

    Janette,
    I am blessed to be able to visit your blog! Thanks so much. Continuing to work on that time out thing - it's a daily effort! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  20. Karen,

    Much continued success to you; it couldn't happen to a nicer person. :-)

    Jen

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  21. What a great cover your son designed for you! I checked out his website. It's fabulous.

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  22. Jennifer,
    Thank you so much! You are a sweetheart. I appreciate your support! :)

    Ruth,
    Thank you! You'll appreciate this as a homeschool parent - he is entirely self taught. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  23. cant believe school starts next week and i have one in high school! slow down the spin earth!
    im with you on those three great things! time management & a break from internet esp!

    happy friday!

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  24. Tara,
    It's nice to meet you! This summer has gone quickly, hasn't it? :)
    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  25. I missed this, amigo. How'z come? I must be a stinker these days! For shame on me. I have the review scheduled. Lemme just say I gave it 500 thumbs up! That book is THE BEST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO HOMESCHOOLING MOMS!

    The cover is awesome. Love you amigo! XOXO

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  26. Robyn,
    Thank you so much! You have had a lot going on lately, you know? Love and hugs to you and your gang.
    xoKaren

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  27. I'm so happy that your book is being published, Karen. It will be a blessing to many!

    This summer, I've also bee observing how fast the time seems to go by. I've had to meet a couple of tight deadlines, and now with a short lull I'm just taking some time to enjoy the summer weather.

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  28. Keep up the good work! Time management is tough -- finding that balance between marketing and writing... Sometimes I wish I could just lock myself in a dungeon (with an ocean view) and WRITE.

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  29. Congrats on the book deal, that's a big accomplishment! The internet is my biggest problem too. I find turning it off to be easier said than done.

    +followed

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  30. Jean,
    Thank you so much! :) Enjoying a lull as well. Things will pick up in the next week so am trying to get things out of the way.

    Milo,
    Thanks for the vote of confidence! It's an ongoing thing, isn't it? I feel like a little kid sometimes, getting distracted so easily! :)

    Elliot,
    Nice to meet you, and thanks for following! So I guess we got a lot more done before the internet, right? LOL Yes, easier said than done, for sure. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!