Monday, September 29, 2014

Autumn and Writing, Perfect Together





 
"...I cannot endure to waste anything so precious 
as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. 
So I have spent almost all the daylight 
hours in the open air."

~Nathaniel Hawthorne



What's your favorite season? I am partial to autumn. For some reason fall inspires me to write. Maybe it's the cooler temperatures and cozy evenings at home, or the inspiration I find from being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and colorful foliage. I think Mr. Hawthorne is on to something.

Discovered these items recently - thought they might inspire some autumnal writing. :) 

How I Found the Write Path is a collection assembled by Carrie Butler and P.K. Hrezo featuring authors such as Robyn Campbell, Alex J. Cavanaugh,  Medeia Sharif, C. Lee McKenzie, and Tyrean Martinson. As I compose this post, it is free for Kindle (99 cents otherwise). Check it out hereThis is the Amazon description: 

"In this endearing compilation, over sixty authors share letters written to their past selves, candidly sharing what they might not always discuss in public. The hope is that those of you who haven’t published will learn from their experiences. And those of you who have published? Well, you just might realize you’re not alone."


Do you write for children? How to Sell Your Picture Books by Agent Lara Perkins highlights four crucial elements for success.

Historical fiction writers take note - C.S. Lakin's post, 5 How-to Tips for Writing Historical Fiction offers wonderful tips and insight.

Hop over to Rhonda Schrock's blog  for her thoughts about television remotes and mirrors. I'm pretty sure it will make you smile.

In other news...

Sandy Sieber interviewed yours truly over at PA History.

Write for Life, my latest book, is now available for 99 cents on Kindle. This is Volume One, Writing the Research Paper and it includes lessons for grades 7-12.

Congratulations to Cecelia Lester, the winner of Sarah Sundin's book. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for her interview last week.

Does one season inspire your writing more than another? What do you have going on this week?

Happy writing,

Karen

19 comments :

  1. Fall is pretty, but it's held many sad events for me. I'm more of a winter person.

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  2. I have my copy of How I Found the Write Path!
    I like autumn. And I'll admit it - mostly because of football.

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  3. Autumn is my favorite time of the year as well, Karen. Though I've lived in the South for over 20 years, I grew up in New England and the sights and scents of Autumn are embedded in my psyche. It seems contraindicated, but Autumn is a renewal time for me, more so than spring. Ending of the old, a time when new things begin brewing even if they won't sprout for a while. Love Autumn.

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  4. Diane,
    I am sorry that fall brings sad memories for you. I understand. Winter will be here before we know it, right? :)

    Alex,
    I've got my copy too, and have already read a bunch of it. Enjoyed your part very much - wise words for sure! Fall for me means hockey. Another reason I love it. :)

    Lisa,
    I hear you. Growing up in south Jersey - I feel the same way. Thankful that we see the seasons change here in north central KY too. Autumn is so refreshing after a hot summer, you know? :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  5. Hello Karen...Oh, autumn is unequivocally my favorite season. So beautiful.

    The cooler days are definitely conducive to writing more. Heat makes me feel lethargic.

    Hope your week goes well. Busy here----watching grandbaby, preparing for a huge baby shower, working on feature stories for a weekly newspaper and working with teens! Never a dull moment. Susan

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  6. I love Fall and it's gorgeous out right now. Hopefully next Fall when I have more time it can inspire me to write.

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  7. Susan,
    It is lovely, especially where you live! The cooler weather energizes me too. :) Have fun - sounds like you are busy!

    Natalie,
    I hear the weather has been great in your area too. Hope you can get out and enjoy it a bit! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  8. Thank you for the mention.

    I downloaded your book. :)

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  9. I've got to dash over there and get the book! Thanks for letting us know about it.

    Hugs,
    Susan :)

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  10. I am definitely more inspired during the fall and find I usually get a lot more writing done. I agree with you that Mr. Hawthorn was on to something. The fall definitely puts me in a certain mood. :) Love this time of year!

    Happy writing. :)
    ~Jess

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  11. Congrats to Cecelia and yes, I'll hop over to Rhonda's blog... haven't been there for a while. THANKS Karen!

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  12. Hi Karen - have bought the Write Path ... and your autumn picture inspires ... we are still warm for now - the end of the week cometh Autumn. But the idea of being out all day when the weather is still sunny sounds the best approach to the winter and whatever it decides to bring ...

    Cheers Hilary

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  13. Medeia,
    You are welcome. It' a wonderful resource for writers. :) Thanks so much for downloading my book!

    Susan,
    I think you might like it. It offers great insight and encouragement. :)

    Jess,
    There's something refreshing about fall, isn't there? It's invigorating after the long, hot summer. Hope you get outside today! :)

    Marja,
    How have you been? I think you will enjoy Rhonda's column. :)

    Hilary,
    Hope you get some cool and refreshing breezes soon! It's always a nice change of pace, isn't it? Hope you get to enjoy the sunshine today. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  14. Congrats to Cecelia! That's a great way to start the week.

    Yes, I love autumn. The great, grand maple in the front yard is being painted--what else? Orange! Top down to bottom. Just glorious.

    Caffeinating even as I think on the beauty that's around me after a three-mile run in the autumn breeze...:)

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  15. I've just realized that at the beginning of each new season I've been saying this is my favourite time of year. I do love autumn, but I think I love spring, summer, and winter too. LOL. I know, cheating. Love the pics, Karen.

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  16. Rhonda,
    I agree, it is a good way to start the week! :) I agree that autumn is glorious too - from tree to colorful tree. Spent some time outside today and soaked it all in.

    Joylene,
    I think it's okay to have more than one favorite! Not cheating at all. I like features of all the seasons, but fall is hands down my favorite. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  17. Karen, soon as I'm done responding I'm going to check out all these neat sounding books! Thanks for posting. I love autumn, too, but always want it to last longer than winter!

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  18. I'm very proud to be a part of How I Found the Write Path. Great collection of experience to share.

    The season I'm in usually becomes my favorite. Summer heat and beaches. Winter snow and snowmen. Fall leaves and a warm light. Spring buds and fresh air.

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  19. Susan,
    Happy to share the goodies! I'm with you; I wish autumn lasted longer too! :)

    Lee,
    I can see why you're proud! It's a good resource, and such a fun idea. Kudos to you and the other authors! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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