Monday, July 11, 2016

Meet the Blogger with...?


July holds many special events, such as Independence Day and several family birthdays, including mine, So I thought I'd take a turn at the Meet the Blogger feature. I hope you don't mind. :)

I'll keep it short since most of you know basic "Karen" details already.

Why did you start blogging? How long have you had your current blog? 

I started blogging in 2009 because I wanted to add blogging to my resume. Little did I know what wonderful friends and amazing things I'd gain from the experience. It's been a great ride.

What is your blog about? 

You know this answer – writing and publishing, books, and occasionally some other stuff. Prior to blogging, a handful of kind writers helped my journey tremendously. I wanted to give back, to help newer writers, and connect with other scribes. 

What benefits have you gained through blogging?

The number one benefit - the friends I've made. Kind, helpful, supportive, faithful, generous - you've all been a great blessing to me! I've also sharpened writing skills and gained experience and insight into the publishing world.

What projects are you working on right now? 

I'm working on a way to hire a stunt double to get some of my non writing projects done. You know - paperwork, laundry, cleaning. There's a better chance of this happening when my ship comes in.

My current projects include writing web content and blog posts for local businesses, as well as articles and guest posts for print/online publications. I'm also working on the continuation of my book series of teen writing lessons. This girl's mind is rarely idle. Can anyone relate?   

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

I really had to think about this one. You know the basics - I like dark chocolate, hockey, reading historical fiction, walking, and hanging out with family. But you might not know I had the lead female role in an 8th grade play. (I decided not to pursue acting. I think the world is a better place because of that decision.)  

If you already knew that exciting bit of info, how about this: I've lived in five states. (Yeah I know, I'm a wild woman.) I was born in Lancaster, PA. Not long after that happy occasion, the Air Force sent Dad to MIT in Boston for meteorology, so naturally Mom and I came along. We moved next to Dover, DE and after Dad's term was up we settled near family in southern NJ. Now I live in KY, which reminds me a lot of PA, and since I'd always wanted to live in PA as a kid, I'm a happy camper. Plus my husband, three kids, daughter in law, and grandsons are here too. :)

What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?

Four things: keep writing, connect with other writers, read, and continue learning.  Always. Your blog will reflect these efforts.

Coming Attractions

Australian author Dorothy Adamek joins us on July 25 for an interview and giveaway. In August, Ann Gabhart returns to celebrate her newest book with a giveaway too. Hope you can join us! 

Taking a short break, see you on July 25!
 
How's your summer going so far? What states or locations have you called home? 

Happy writing,
Karen

22 comments :

  1. Loved learning more about you. And I could use a stunt double too.

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  2. Giving back and making friends - best part of blogging.
    You like hockey? Now that's very cool.

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  3. I totally agree with Alex. The blogging community has been so generous and kind.

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  4. How many grandsons do you have? As I read your answer I get the idea you have more than one. Where do I go to find a stunt double; I really need one. But one with a lot of energy.

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  5. I suppose being where you husband and kids is a good thing. ;) I want a stunt double too. That's a brilliant idea.

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  6. Here's to getting that "stunt double" in your life. I want one of those, too!

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  7. Natalie,
    Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I hesitate to say a lot about myself - don't want you all thinking I've got a big head or anything. lol :)

    Alex,
    Yes, the friends are the best, for sure! Hockey, oh yeah. I do love the sport. My sons used to play and got me hooked. :)

    Bish,
    It's been so wonderful, hasn't it? Why, I don't think we'd have met so soon otherwise! :) Glad we have.

    Cecelia,
    I have two grandsons now. Haven't said much till things are finalized, but our son and daughter in law are adopting a baby boy. So we get to not only enjoy our 8 year old grandson, but his new little brother as well. Will let you know when I find more info about that stunt double! :)

    Holly,
    Yes, being close to hubby really does make the marriage better. :) Lol As for the stunt double, I will keep you posted and share my source when I find one!

    Lee,
    Thanks! Will let you know when I get that all worked out. :) It would be nice, wouldn't it?

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  8. It's winter here in South Africa, but it's raining at least, which is a good thing. :-)

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  9. Could you keep me posted when you get your stunt double? Please! I'm hoping they'll have one for me too! Wonderful to learn a few more things about you, Karen. Course, even before I knew most of this stuff I thought you rocked!

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  10. Haha, I love the idea of meeting the blogger who actually writes these fantastic blogs :)

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  11. Misha,
    Well then, I wish you warmth and sunshine, with a good balance of rain! :) Glad you stopped by.

    Joylene,
    Of course I will! I'd best do a post on it cause it seems most everyone wants one. Lol :) Aww, you are so sweet. I think you rock too, sweet friend.

    Marja,
    I'm glad you liked the post. :) And thank you for your kind words! That means a lot to me, truly.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  12. I'd like to hire a stunt double. LOL

    Kentucky is a pretty state to live in.

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  13. I admire your tenacity. Always fun to get to know bloggers better.

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  14. I admire your tenacity. Always fun to get to know bloggers better.

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  15. Diane,
    Will keep you posted on the stunt double thing! :) Yes, I agree; KY is lovely in all seasons.

    Linda,
    Thank you! And I admire yours as well, not just for blogging but for submitting articles. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  16. Enjoyed your "interview," Karen :-) and glad to learn more about you. In an eighth-grade play? Now that must have taken courage at that age! Agree with so much of what you said--benefits of blogging, the advice to keep learning, connect with other writers. And that comment about the stunt double made me laugh. Clone her for me when you find her, will you? As for states I've lived in, just the one--Ohio--but grew up in one city, married life in another. Though I've been blessed to visit 45 others :-) Congratulations on your newest grandson to come!

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  17. I loved reading more about you, thanks for sharing. It was fun to read!

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  18. Jennifer Brown BanksFriday, July 15, 2016

    Lovely surprise here, Karen. Thanks for sharing. And Happy Birthday! :-)

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  19. Nas,
    Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks so much. :)

    Jen
    Thank you for the birthday greetings! Happy that you enjoyed the post. :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  20. July is busy for me too. Happy birthday month. Great advice and awesome post.

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  21. Karen, I loved the interview. I hope you have the most epic birthday, surrounded by cheese. I would loan you my cloning machine, but a certain ninja sole it...and created a ninja army. Still working on a plan to get it back, but the scientists locked in my basement have been no help since I sabotaged the teleportation device to keep them from escaping. *sigh* It's a difficult life. ;)

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  22. Medeia,
    Hope you accomplish everything you need to this month. Hard to believe July i almost over! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! :)

    Crystal,
    Glad you enjoyed it! :) It was a fun birthday, and yes, there was cheese. Wouldn't be a celebration without it, right? :) I hear you about the difficult life. Perhaps once the ninja cloning thing gets straightened out all will settle down. ;)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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