Miscellaneous Monday

Where has June gone? It's been a busy month here, complete with writing projects, high temperatures, and fun times with my 8 year old grandson. Has June treated you well? I hope so. Thought these helpful links would be a good way to finish off the month. :)

Are you easily distracted when you're supposed to be writing? Is your middle name "Procrastination"? If so, you might find help from Kenda Turner's post, On Rainbows and Inspiration to Get the Job Done. Kenda shares her challenges and insight, as well as handy links that will aid the process.

Does your head spin at the thought of marketing your work online? Chandler Bolt shares 6 great tips in this post, Social Media for Authors. His doable, friendly advice will infuse confidence in even the most "social media shy" writers.

Is it important for writers to have a website? Even though writers aren't selling mattresses or smoothies, we offer books, articles, and other services such as blogging, editing, or speaking. In Why You Need a Website web designer and illustrator David Lange offers insight into why an online presence (such as a blog or other site) is important. And yes, he's related to me, but he does know his stuff. :)  

Most writers know that book reviews help book sales. But are you aware of the most common book review myths? Dana Lynn Smith elaborates on the 6 most common ones in Busting Myths about Book Reviews at C.S. Lakin's blog Live Write Thrive.

Looking to take a writing course this summer? Sign up for a July class at the Coffeehouse for Writers and receive a $10 off holiday discount! Don't forget, I teach the Boot Camp for Writers, and I'd love to work with you or someone you know. For class descriptions and more, visit the Coffeehouse site. Hurry, offer ends soon.

Summer is a great time to add a splash of color to your home! Okay, I know this isn't writing related, but I couldn't resist sharing a post I wrote for a local business entitled 6 Ways to Add Summer Color to Your Home. If you're in the mood for some DIY ideas, I invite you to check it out.

What are you writing this week? How is your summer going so far? Do you have any DIY projects planned?

Happy writing,
Karen





Photo credit: Free Images

Meet the Blogger with Kenda Turner

Please join me in welcoming Kenda Turner for this month's Meet the Blogger. As you might have guessed, I met this smart and funny writer through blogging. 

Kenda and I are almost neighbors, since we live within 2 hours of each other. Perhaps someday we'll meet in person to discuss all things writing. :) 

I encourage you to visit Kenda's blog, for it's a virtual treasure chest of insight, information, and encouragement. She's a gracious hostess who provides much to think about.

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

Hi, Karen—thanks for inviting me. I started blogging in January 2010. Going on six years now—that’s hard to believe. But at the time I told myself I’d blog as long as it was fun, and so far it has been. I began blogging as a prompt to write regularly and to share what I was learning as I went.

That's a good reason to blog. I'm glad you did. :) What is your blog about?

My blog, Words and Such, is mostly about writing topics—where I am in my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. It’s also about encouraging others as they travel the writing path. In addition, I share everyday life things, quotes, and favorite photos. Thus the tagline under my blog’s name: “a page out of one writer’s notebook.”

I love that tagline - it's so friendly and inviting. What benefits have you gained through blogging?   

I count the people I’ve met through blogging as one of the best benefits—it’s been great to get know others and to share writing experiences. I also feel that blogging has helped me hone the craft of writing and keeps me accountable to some of my writing goals.

The people are great, aren't they? What projects are you working on right now?                      

Right now I’m concentrating on writing middle-grade historical fiction, though I’ve also written picture books, devotionals, and inspirational pieces. I’ve written a children’s historical novel set in the late 18th century Ohio wilderness and am working on a second, a story that takes place during the Civil War.

Your books sound wonderful! Looking forward to reading them. What might people be surprised to learn about you?

That I have a landlady to thank for my name. I was the second child with an older sister. My dad’s name was Kenneth. The story goes that my parents wanted to name me after Dad, but didn’t particularly like the name Kendra (with an –r). It was their landlady who suggested the name ‘Kenda.’ And so, as they say, the rest is history.

Now that is interesting. I never would have guessed! What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?

Allow room to write just for the fun of it. We can get so caught up in goals, deadlines, and expectations that we lose sight of why we write in the first place. Play with words, find ways to stimulate creativity, explore options. Enjoy the process. 

You are right, the "fun" is so important. It's easy to forget that. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Kenda!

Thanks, Karen!

About Kenda

Kenda Turner lives and writes in Cincinnati OH. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort and My Dad is My Hero anthologies, devotionals, children’s magazines, and, most recently, an article in the SCBWI Bulletin (Summer 2015).

Connect with Kenda on her blog Words and Such

Do you sometimes lose sight of the "fun" part of writing? What are you up to this week?

Happy writing,

 

Karen 

Photo credit: Free Images

I'm it!

I've been tagged!

Kenda Turner and Janette Dolores passed this eleven question meme to me. Thank you ladies!

Here goes:

1) Book or movie, and why?

First choice - a good book to curl up with, particularly on a cold or rainy day. I enjoy a good movie too, like Pride and Prejudice or Anne of Green Gables. If a movie is well done, I don't mind if it's a little different from the book.

2) Real book or E-book?

I think I will always prefer books; there's something about holding them in my hand and turning real pages.  My husband has a Kindle, and one of these days I should hijack it and give it the old college try.

3) Funniest thing you've done in the last five years.

Around here, we are laughing all the time. So why am I drawing a blank on this? Hmm, well, the last time we cracked up as a family was while playing Telephone Pictionary. It's a game my daughter in law taught us, and it involves drawing pictures of interesting sentences, like, "The angry mouse ate a bacon cheeseburger while watching a movie." Long story short, it's a version of "Whisper Down the Lane", only with pictures. The results are hilarious.

4) How would your best friend describe you?

Is it cheating if you ask them? Loyal, smart, encouraging, a good listener, and definitely ready to get dollar menu at McD's or salads at Zaxby's at a moment's notice.

5) Do you put yourself into the books you read/write or movies you watch?

I put myself into the book I am writing, for I can relate to many of the main character's quirks and attributes. When books and movies make me cry, I guess I'm identifying there as well.

6) Favorite kind of car and why.

I drive a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and since it gets me where I am going, it tops the list of favorites. But if someone gave me a new 2012 model, that would become my new favorite. Just sayin'.

I also love the Ford Mustang. Affection for that car may have begun when I was a kid; my Dad had a 65 Mustang. I used to sit in the driver's seat on top of Dad's school books (he taught high school math) and pretend I was driving. So if someone showed up at my house with a gift wrapped Mustang, I would not refuse that either. 

7) What would your choice be - catered meal or barbeque out back?

As much as I love a barbeque with family and friends, I think a catered meal might be fun for a change. Filet Mignon would be nice. :) I also like Italian food, in case anyone is taking notes for birthday ideas.

8) What's your favorite season and why.

I love autumn. I enjoy the refreshing temperatures after the summer heat. The fall colors are a feast for the eyes, and I love walking and taking it all in. Several family members' birthdays and our wedding anniversary are in October too, so there are many reasons to celebrate this wonderful season.

9) What specific lesson have you learned - spiritual, educational, occupational?

"Don't ever give up." This is something I'm learning in each category. 

10) Besides writing, what are your favorite things to do when you get extra time?

Spend time with my husband, kids, and grandson. Read. Call a friend. 

11) What's one place you can be found at least once a week?

Do the grocery store and gas station count? :P

When it's not super cold or raining, I go to the park and walk. I walk 5 days a week when I can, either on our property (we have 5 acres) or at the park.


The original idea is to pass this tag on to eleven bloggers, but I decided to pass this on to all of you. If you have the time and interest, please feel free to share your answers on your blog. :)


P.S. Slightly Off Topic 

Coffeehouse for Writers workshops begin today, April 30. Classes include writing basics, historical fiction, blogging, writing for children, and much more. Check them out, if you hurry, there's still time to sign up!


What things would we be surprised to learn about you?

Happy writing,
Karen



Photo credit: Stock Exchange