Light It!

Once upon a time we were all a bit younger. Some of us enjoyed writing, and knew we wanted to be writers. Others, well, maybe not as much.

I fell into the latter category. I liked to write, but never dreamed of becoming a poet or novelist. I was content to write a bit, pen letters to friends and family, and read. I didn't fancy myself as a storyteller, but I did enjoy reading a good one. Little did I know where I was headed...:)

How about you? Did your interest or passion in writing start early? Or were you a later bloomer like I was? Was there a certain spark that ignited the fire? Or did it come slowly and methodically? Please share!


Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for faith, family, and friends.

I am thankful for each new day that brings hope and promise.

I am thankful for the ability to enjoy the wonders of God's creation.

What are you thankful for?

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

See you next week.

Blessings,

Karen

 

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Advice From the Hockey Rink

 

"You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Wayne Gretzky

I’ll admit it; I'm a hockey fan. My sons are to blame - they played hockey, and they got me hooked. So it’s no surprise that this quote by Mr. Gretzky, aka hockey’s The Great One, caught my eye while at the bank.

Our bank posts inspirational quotes on a message board in the lobby. As a writer, these mind joggers provide food for thought. One seldom sees quotes from hockey players, too, so it was a nice surprise. I chuckled as I left the bank and continued to mull over these words of hockey wisdom.

Mr. Gretzky’s words make sense; if you don’t shoot, you won’t score. If you don’t score, you won’t have a shot at winning the game. So, I pondered - how does this apply to life? If we don’t try, we can’t fail. But, if we don’t try, we don’t learn. And if we don’t try, we can’t succeed.

I wondered, how many shots am I missing because I fail to make an effort? How many writing opportunities do I pass by because I think I don’t have enough experience? What part of my calling hasn’t been fulfilled yet because I am afraid to step out, or invest the necessary time to grow?

Life has its challenges and surprises, hills and valleys, and days where we don’t want to take shots at anything. If we believe our steps to be ordered by the Lord, though, then He can lead and show us which shots to take. I don’t want to miss the benefits of the journey by not taking shots. Do you?

What do you think of Mr. Gretzky's advice?

Happy weekend,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

November Blessings

I hope you had a great weekend! My weekend included a double blessing. 

I received a blog award from two wonderful bloggers. 

Saloma Furlong from About Amish and Linda Maendel of Hutt-Write Voice

have blessed me with the Tell Me About Yourself Award!

The award guidelines are as follows:

1) Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2) Share 7 things about yourself.

3) Pass the award on to 15 other bloggers.

So, here goes:

Thank you Saloma and Linda! 

I enjoy your blogs, and am honored that you passed the award to me.

Seven things about me? 

Hmm, what haven't I told you about myself? Let's see...

1) My summer job as a teen was at my Dad's shoe store.

My friends always asked if I got free shoes. Yes. But technically, Dad paid for them.

2) I've met several NHL players in person. My family and I attended

autograph sessions with Ron Hextall and Garth Snow, to name a few.

3) I had to transfer from one high school to another in my senior year.

We moved about 20 minutes from my childhood home.

It wasn't in the same school district, so I had to leave the friends I'd had 

since kindergarten. I was not happy. But I got over it.

4) My favorite beverage at Starbucks is a tall Green Tea Frappuccino.

So if we ever meet there, I'll probably order that.

5) One of my all time favorite authors is Lucy Maud Montgomery.

6) One of my favorite books by L.M. Montgomery is The Blue Castle. 

 

I think it would make a great movie.

7) I love Williamsburg, VA. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon.

I'm passing the award along to:

All of you! 

I decided that I do not want to choose. You all have been 

wonderful friends, and I appreciate your support so much.

Thank you, and enjoy the award!

What November blessings are you enjoying?

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit:  Fall at Longwood Gardens, Stock Exchange

Book Review - A Lasting Impression

A Lasting Impression     

By Tamera Alexander

Bethany House

Attorney Sutton Monroe is adjusting to post Civil War life in his native city of Nashville, TN. Not only did his father and his best friend perish during the war, Sutton is working to regain his family's land, which has been seized by the government. He hopes that his appeal will find favor with officials in Washington.

Claire Laurent nearly stumbles into Nashville, after being forced to leave her home in New Orleans. Her father has forced her to paint forgeries for his art gallery, something she wasn't comfortable with but couldn't get out of. Her father insisted they needed the money for Claire's mother's medical expenses.

Wealthy Adelicia Acklen, the mistress of the Belmont Estate just outside of Nashville, is in need of a personal liaison. Claire, though seemingly unqualified, applies for the job. As the interview winds down, Claire is resolved to finding another position in town. Imagine her surprise when Mrs. Acklen hires her!

Sutton's and Claire's paths intersect at Belmont. He is Mrs. Acklen's legal consultant and is commissioned to do a background check on Claire. She struggles to please Adelicia while fighting her conscience and troublesome past. They quickly form a friendship, but Sutton senses Claire is hiding something. He must, of course, protect Adelicia's interests.

What happens next? I'll not tell, but I will say that neither Claire nor Sutton are prepared for the rocky road ahead. Be prepared for a bit of action, mystery, and yes, even blackmail.

I loved this book; I was completely swept into this delightful story. Rich details, an interesting plot, and appealing characters combine for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Ms. Alexander paints a marvelous story of redemption, love, and courage. I hope that she writes another installment in this Belmont Mansion series very soon.


What is the best book you've ever read?

Still telling myself I am taking a break this week...See you next Monday!

Happy reading,

Karen

I received this review copy from Bethany House, no compensation was received.

Thursday's This & That

I can't resist sharing a few links every so often. Hope you don't mind. :)

Is children's poetry your thing? The Institute for Children's Literature is offering a Children's Poetry Contest. Hurry, deadline to enter is November 10, 2011.

If not poetry, then how about fiction for kids and young adults? Sue Bradford Edwards gives pointers on How to Avoid Parenting Your Characters at the Writer's Digest site in this article.

Jessica Bell's book, String Bridge, is making its debut this month. For info on this women's contemporary fiction novel, visit the String Bridge website, or stop by Jessica's blog. I am sure she would love to see you!

Never discount humble beginnings. Why? The proof is in this article - Before They Were Famous - The Oddest Jobs of 10 Literary Greats.

November/December 2011 classes at the Coffeehouse for Writers begin Monday, November 14. Most of you know that I am the instructor for Basic Boot Camp for Writers there. FYI: writers at any level are welcome to join Boot Camp, which is a refresher of the basics, the in between stuff, and a whole lot more, with interesting and fun prompts and assignments. Check out the other great Coffeehouse offerings, too. Classes are reasonably priced and there's something for everyone!

I am taking a break next week. Will be back on or about November 14. 

What are you doing this weekend? 

Thanks for coming by,

Karen

Photo Credit: Stock Exchange