OKAY, okay...I finally did it.
I have a twitter page, and I'm trying to learn how to use it.
Here is my link: https://twitter.com/KBWriter
I can see how it can be a great way to network with publishers, agents, fellow authors and aspiring authors.
If I want to give this a real go once I have a story written, I should probably know what's going on in the publishing world...right?
Some of my many talents DO NOT include marketing myself in ANY WAY...
I just don't seem to have enough confidence to even FAKE my way into trying to market myself.
This of course is going to be a struggle and a learning experience for me. But I have learn one thing...
Don't be afraid to network with those you know. I have brothers that are GREAT at selling themselves. I just need to hire one of them to be my marketing project manager and I'm gravy!
Yes, I'm talking about you GARY!!!!!! hehehee...hint, hint, hint, WINK, WINK, WINK!
N-E-Wayz, I must have something for him to sell first, so I should really shut up and go back to writing my next chapter...
Later,
Kris
Monday, December 9, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Where have I been?????
Well, I've been MIA....for way too long.
I don't even have a real excuse really. I have been pretty busy the past year. I finished my Bachelor's Degree in English, I've started into a Masters of Special Education degree program, I've taken the leap of faith and quit my full-time stable office job to begin substitute teaching in my local school districts, moved, I missed last year's LDStorymakers Conference, and any number of other things could be blamed. But honestly, as my husband so direct and unsugarcoated as he can be stated, it is my lack of making it a priority.
I have to acknowledge his wisdom on this one. Even though I HATE to admit it when he is right...
I was reading a facebook post from an author that I follow which announced yet another book being released soon. That makes 4 in the last two years. I say to my husband, who is sitting right next to me at the time, "How can she find the time to work full-time as a teacher, raise her family, and still publish FOUR books so close together?" His immediate and very direct response, "Because I'm sure she makes it a priority, treats it like a job and not a hobby?" I felt so deflated, with no rational argument to defend myself. Everything that I spouted off...I'm so busy, I'm so tired from working and school, you're not supportive enough.....all of them are really just excuses. Excuses I'm allowing to dictate my priority schedule for me. I seem to have enough time to catch up on my favorite TV shows...Sleepy Hollow, Witches of East End, Blacklist, The Originals, Hostages, The Tomorrow People, Vampire Diaries (though this one is starting to irritate me, but that is a WHOLE other post). And now that I'm working part-time ( if at all ), I really have no excuse for not finding at least one hour a day to work on my writing.
A couple of days ago, I revisited a work in progress (WIP). I started at the beginning and read straight through the 11 chapters I've written. At the end, I actually remember thinking to myself, Who wrote this? I hadn't remembered every detail that had been written and was pleasantly surprised with myself. Now, of course, it is most likely complete and utter CRAP, but I liked it. And, most importantly, it reminded me that I liked writing. I enjoy creating a story.
So....now I have to make a decision. Am I going to make it a priority?
YES I AM!!!!!
After attending the prior 3 years, I missed the 2013 LDStorymakers conference and I was SO bummed. Though it is just one weekend, three days of writing overload, it resonates all year long helping to motivate and encourage. I didn't realize how much I missed it last year.
Step One - REGISTER FOR LDSTORYMAKERS 2014!!!!!
Step Two - I'm going to commit to one hour every morning for the next three weeks. 21 days!!! That's what they say, right? 21 days to create a habit.
Step Three - STOP Judging myself. I'm my own worst critic. This step will be a work in progress, but I have to develop more confidence in myself. Give myself permission to pursue this passion.
Wish Me Luck!!!!!
Kristie
I don't even have a real excuse really. I have been pretty busy the past year. I finished my Bachelor's Degree in English, I've started into a Masters of Special Education degree program, I've taken the leap of faith and quit my full-time stable office job to begin substitute teaching in my local school districts, moved, I missed last year's LDStorymakers Conference, and any number of other things could be blamed. But honestly, as my husband so direct and unsugarcoated as he can be stated, it is my lack of making it a priority.
I have to acknowledge his wisdom on this one. Even though I HATE to admit it when he is right...
I was reading a facebook post from an author that I follow which announced yet another book being released soon. That makes 4 in the last two years. I say to my husband, who is sitting right next to me at the time, "How can she find the time to work full-time as a teacher, raise her family, and still publish FOUR books so close together?" His immediate and very direct response, "Because I'm sure she makes it a priority, treats it like a job and not a hobby?" I felt so deflated, with no rational argument to defend myself. Everything that I spouted off...I'm so busy, I'm so tired from working and school, you're not supportive enough.....all of them are really just excuses. Excuses I'm allowing to dictate my priority schedule for me. I seem to have enough time to catch up on my favorite TV shows...Sleepy Hollow, Witches of East End, Blacklist, The Originals, Hostages, The Tomorrow People, Vampire Diaries (though this one is starting to irritate me, but that is a WHOLE other post). And now that I'm working part-time ( if at all ), I really have no excuse for not finding at least one hour a day to work on my writing.
A couple of days ago, I revisited a work in progress (WIP). I started at the beginning and read straight through the 11 chapters I've written. At the end, I actually remember thinking to myself, Who wrote this? I hadn't remembered every detail that had been written and was pleasantly surprised with myself. Now, of course, it is most likely complete and utter CRAP, but I liked it. And, most importantly, it reminded me that I liked writing. I enjoy creating a story.
So....now I have to make a decision. Am I going to make it a priority?
YES I AM!!!!!
After attending the prior 3 years, I missed the 2013 LDStorymakers conference and I was SO bummed. Though it is just one weekend, three days of writing overload, it resonates all year long helping to motivate and encourage. I didn't realize how much I missed it last year.
Step One - REGISTER FOR LDSTORYMAKERS 2014!!!!!
Step Two - I'm going to commit to one hour every morning for the next three weeks. 21 days!!! That's what they say, right? 21 days to create a habit.
Step Three - STOP Judging myself. I'm my own worst critic. This step will be a work in progress, but I have to develop more confidence in myself. Give myself permission to pursue this passion.
Wish Me Luck!!!!!
Kristie
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
WOW!
Research is fun. I know I know. I just said, "Research is fun!"
Well, researching for a character can be fun and overwhelming. I've been researching different cultural myths and legends, looking for help with my story building. Lots of information out there.
Problem is....too much. My mind is whirling with the ideas. Now I have ideas that are trying to meld together, when they should probably have their own stories. But that is a good thing, right?
This month, I've taken a break from school...4 weeks of not worrying about writing an essay or reading hundreds of pages in a textbook. I've been telling myself that if I only had more time, I'd be able to write more.
NOT!
It really is true that you just have to make the time to write. I'm in my second week off from school, and I've written less than 1,000 words. My muse likes to run and hide when I actually get home and I'm staring down several hours of free time to write. Yep, that's right. She disappears completely. Yet, while I'm driving or taking a shower or sleeping, she is constantly tapping on my shoulder and whispering in my ear. WHY CAN"T I REMEMBER WHAT SHE SAYS WHEN I GET HOME?!.. LOL
Ummm.... well, I guess I need to stop whining about my missing muse and write in spite of her lack of presence. Whatever, girlfriend, I don't need you!..
oops..(sorry, I'm just kidding...please don't leave me!)
Goodnight ya'll!
Love, Kris
Research is fun. I know I know. I just said, "Research is fun!"
Well, researching for a character can be fun and overwhelming. I've been researching different cultural myths and legends, looking for help with my story building. Lots of information out there.
Problem is....too much. My mind is whirling with the ideas. Now I have ideas that are trying to meld together, when they should probably have their own stories. But that is a good thing, right?
This month, I've taken a break from school...4 weeks of not worrying about writing an essay or reading hundreds of pages in a textbook. I've been telling myself that if I only had more time, I'd be able to write more.
NOT!
It really is true that you just have to make the time to write. I'm in my second week off from school, and I've written less than 1,000 words. My muse likes to run and hide when I actually get home and I'm staring down several hours of free time to write. Yep, that's right. She disappears completely. Yet, while I'm driving or taking a shower or sleeping, she is constantly tapping on my shoulder and whispering in my ear. WHY CAN"T I REMEMBER WHAT SHE SAYS WHEN I GET HOME?!.. LOL
Ummm.... well, I guess I need to stop whining about my missing muse and write in spite of her lack of presence. Whatever, girlfriend, I don't need you!..
oops..(sorry, I'm just kidding...please don't leave me!)
Goodnight ya'll!
Love, Kris
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Book Review: The Most Important Catch
Book Review: The Most Important Catch by: Jaclyn M. Hawkes
RUN OR DIE! She knew too much, and she’d seen too much. And the police refused to help. Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid underhead to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.
When the weather turned cold, she turned south. She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFLfootball stars in the whole league; only she didn’t know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him. Or was she?
His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn't nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. All except her heart.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book I have reviewed by Jaclyn M. Hawkes, and it was just as good as the first. This book is a great weekend read. A clean LDS read that has suspence, romance, and football all wrapped up in one. I enjoyed following the budding romance between Kelly and Robby, and the lively banter between the two of them. Though life throws unexpected passes, Kelly and Robby hold fast to their faith and stay close to their Heavenly Father, with a steadfast faith that He has a plan and will never lead them astray. It's no coincidence that Kelly's motorcycle runs out of gas on the road that Robby travels. It's no coincidence that Robby is in need of someone to be the caretaker of his newly acquired, secluded home. The Lord will make a way for His children, if they but trust in Him.
I found this to be an easy read that grabbed me from the beginning. I felt that pacing was smooth and not forced. The character development was great. I love Robby Robideaux! He's every woman's dream come true: he's an attractive, well-built, returned missionary, who is kind, gentle, loving, humble, spiritually strong and who happens to be a famous NFL Wide Receiver. Who could ask for more?
I would recommend adding this book to your Must-Read Summer Book list!
Here are some links and other information about The Most Important Catch.
Social Networking Links
Website: http://jaclynmhawkes.com/
Twitter: @JaclynMHawkes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JaclynMHawkes
Purchase Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Most-Important-Catch-Volume/dp/0985164808/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1336279854&sr=8-5
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-most-important-catch-jaclyn-m-hawkes/1109921047?ean=9780985164805
Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Most-Important-Catch-Jaclyn-Hawkes/9780985164805
When the weather turned cold, she turned south. She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFLfootball stars in the whole league; only she didn’t know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him. Or was she?
His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn't nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. All except her heart.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book I have reviewed by Jaclyn M. Hawkes, and it was just as good as the first. This book is a great weekend read. A clean LDS read that has suspence, romance, and football all wrapped up in one. I enjoyed following the budding romance between Kelly and Robby, and the lively banter between the two of them. Though life throws unexpected passes, Kelly and Robby hold fast to their faith and stay close to their Heavenly Father, with a steadfast faith that He has a plan and will never lead them astray. It's no coincidence that Kelly's motorcycle runs out of gas on the road that Robby travels. It's no coincidence that Robby is in need of someone to be the caretaker of his newly acquired, secluded home. The Lord will make a way for His children, if they but trust in Him.
I found this to be an easy read that grabbed me from the beginning. I felt that pacing was smooth and not forced. The character development was great. I love Robby Robideaux! He's every woman's dream come true: he's an attractive, well-built, returned missionary, who is kind, gentle, loving, humble, spiritually strong and who happens to be a famous NFL Wide Receiver. Who could ask for more?
I would recommend adding this book to your Must-Read Summer Book list!
Here are some links and other information about The Most Important Catch.
Social Networking Links
Website: http://jaclynmhawkes.com/
Twitter: @JaclynMHawkes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JaclynMHawkes
Purchase Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Most-Important-Catch-Volume/dp/0985164808/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1336279854&sr=8-5
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-most-important-catch-jaclyn-m-hawkes/1109921047?ean=9780985164805
Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Most-Important-Catch-Jaclyn-Hawkes/9780985164805
Monday, May 14, 2012
Back in the Saddle, Again!
Oh.My.Goodness. It's been so long since I posted anything on this blog. I'm ashamed of myself for letting it go! Bad, Kristie! :(
So sorry guys but alas life threw a curveball at me, as it tends to do to us occasionally, and I had to spend my time and energy with some health problems while trying to work full-time, go to school full-time, and of course attend all my other obligations like basketball games, scout meetings, dinner, housecleaning, laundry....the list goes on and on.
BUT...I'm ready to get back in the game. I recently returned home from my 3rd LDStorymakers writing conference and I had a blast as usual. I came home with lots of motivation and ideas, and so much great information to help me on my journey to writing a novel.
I will be brief tonight, but I will say that I have some fun stuff coming up. I am scheduled to do a book review soon. This will include an interview with the author, Jaclyn Hawkins, as well as an e-book giveaway!
So, send me the questions that you are dying to ask! This will be my second review for Jaclyn Hawkins. Check back in my blog log for the last reviews.
Looking forward to hearing all your great questions, and I'll post more on the review date and giveaway as soon as possible!
Love Always,
Kris
So sorry guys but alas life threw a curveball at me, as it tends to do to us occasionally, and I had to spend my time and energy with some health problems while trying to work full-time, go to school full-time, and of course attend all my other obligations like basketball games, scout meetings, dinner, housecleaning, laundry....the list goes on and on.
BUT...I'm ready to get back in the game. I recently returned home from my 3rd LDStorymakers writing conference and I had a blast as usual. I came home with lots of motivation and ideas, and so much great information to help me on my journey to writing a novel.
I will be brief tonight, but I will say that I have some fun stuff coming up. I am scheduled to do a book review soon. This will include an interview with the author, Jaclyn Hawkins, as well as an e-book giveaway!
So, send me the questions that you are dying to ask! This will be my second review for Jaclyn Hawkins. Check back in my blog log for the last reviews.
Looking forward to hearing all your great questions, and I'll post more on the review date and giveaway as soon as possible!
Love Always,
Kris
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Another Great Book Review!
The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, his life will be at risk. But if he chooses not to help them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key—and Jacob's special abilities.
As a parent, if you are looking for a great adventure story, without the heavy or dark storylines that are so prominent in much of today's YA books, then this is a book for you. Packed with adventure and fast paced chapters and colorful characters, The Key of Kilenya is a fun, clean and well-written story just for those readers from the 10-14 age group. Author Andrea Pearson creates a wonderfully imaginative world for the young reader, and they will not want to put it down.
The book is available in both the book and ebook formats. Check out this link for more on the Kilenya series.
http://www.kilenyaseries.com/ You can also find the book and other reviews on amazon.com.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Book Review: Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring
Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.
Christine Mehring has delivered with precision a clean LDS story that will leave you believing in friendship and faith. Though the author deals with some hard topics such as substance abuse, grief, financial hardships,etc, she approached them with grace and hope. A wonderful read that will captivate you from the beginning and make you feel like you are a part of the character's lives. A great story from a great storyteller. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Check out other reviews and purchase a great gift. Here is the link:
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