 By Karen White To most people, I’m Karen White, the writer. To my family, I’m Mom, errand-girl, organizer of all things family-related, and repository of all teenaged angst. To my dog, I’m everything. Seen through his sweet eyes, I hung the sun and the moon. Which is why I allow him to stay…
 Sometimes I think to myself, Bev, you are certifiably insane to write in three genres. Here’s the deal: I just finished THOSE NIGHTS IN MONTREAL, which is book 1.5 in my new adult, Language of Love series. It was supposed to be a novella no longer than 25k words and ended up being a 44k…
We;come to It’s Only A Novel. Your post has exhausted me and it’s only 7:55am. It boggles my mind to flip first person-present to third-person-past let alone time frames. You’re alter ego must be giving you fits at times You have a lovely cover and I look forward to reading it. 
I’m breaking into a sweat just reading about this! Wow, hats off to you, no matter how this all turns out! Talk about pushing the comfort zone . . . you’re a bulldozer! You’ve inspired me. Maybe I can take that crazy idea out of the closet I locked it in. 
No second chances for old boyfriends ever. You’ve got to get it right the first time. But with books I’m okay with falling in love again. I can’t wait to read this one. 
Bev, you are AMAZING. I love your historicals and can’t wait to give this new genre a try. I’ve only recently read more first person present tense. I found it hard to get used to at first, but after reading a while, it really is a very up close, personal way to tell a story. As for the ex-boyfriend thing. My philosophy is that there is no going back. But, like Nicki, in books….anything and everything is possible.  By Nicki Salcedo I think I’m supposed to have a grudge against Baltimore. But when I arrive, I can’t remember if it’s because of baseball or football. I don’t hold grudges for long. I’m in the Convention Center. It’s the end of the day when your feet hurt, and your suit is too constricting,…
As a dad of three, when I see someone with one child, I think, “Lucky you.” And “poor you.” 
Well that made me cry all over he place. *sniffles* 
Like you, I’m a helper. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I became a Mother. Now, I rely on my sister circle (bloggers, neighbors and play group friends) more than I could imagine even it’s just to vent. More than helping her walk a long distance with her kids your gift to this mom was empathy and understanding.
beautiful! I’ve been greatful for two, one for each hand. Can’t wait for your book, if you can blog like this….. 
Today the woman probably wonders if she dreamed you up or if perhaps you’re an angel. In my book you’re edging toward the latter. 
This was lovely, Nicki. I’ve picked up high school kids walking the path to school after dropping mine off, knowing they would be late, knowing I would be late, when it rained or if they were dragging a giant musical instrument. I couldn’t help but appreciate how lucky my kids had it and felt guilty that these adult-sized children didn’t have the same. They will likely be stronger for it, but still, it made/makes ME feel better to help them.
A gentle reminder that and act of kindness shows our humanity. Thanks for sharing, Nicki. I remember traveling down a two-lane highway with my son [he was three], a howling cat in a carrier and hearing that sickening pow of a tire not only flat, but off the rim. I’m halfway between home in Louisiana and inlaws in Arkansas. This was before cellphones. When a truck pulled up behind me, my insides panicked. When his young son climbed from the truck as well, I didn’t feel so badly. That nice man, took all of us[cat included] to his home [he owned a pecan tree farm]then left us and his son with his wife before driving to town and getting my tire fixed. I sent them flowers. It made my trip and was a kindness my son has never forgotten. 
I hope I would have done what you did. I’m glad you were there. And I love your writing.
Hi Michael, if only one child was easier. Any number of kids is tough, but my philosophy is obviously “the more, the merrier!”
CE, I was a wreck the day this happened. She was crying. I was crying. I was so tired. Then happy. Crying is good for us, right?
Joyce, because I am reluctant to accept help, I’m quick to give help. But I really need it these days, so I am learning slowly. Any one want to help me with the laundry? Glad to hear you have a sister circle for venting and support. Thanks for stopping by!
Darcy, thank you. I write for you.
Carol, she was my angel. I should be thanking her.
Susan, you are so right. Without help we might be stronger, but the kids you helped are more likely to help someone else because your kindness. And that short ride to school probably meant a lot to them. You are the best!
Hi Jean, that man probably imagined how he would want someone to treat his wife and child. So glad he found you.
Liz, I promise you I was at the grocery store with my kids yesterday and was offered help out to my car. The word “no” was immediately out of my mouth. I had to pause and correct myself. “Yes, and thank you” are sometimes the most difficult words to utter. Thanks for stopping by. 
Thanks for sharing. And thanks for reminding us, in a nice way, that we are not islands. Because we live among the humans, we need each other.
Hey Pride, I’m guilty of not only living on and island, but living on an island of cyborgs. But you are right. We do need each other. Thanks for stopping by.  By Darcy Crowder “A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit.” – Erasmus Okay. Three weeks ago I issued the 21-day challenge. The object, write every day for 21 days in order to form a habit. In all honesty, I did not write new pages every single…
Since I’m working on a novel that must be PRINTED by June 1, I’ve written nearly every day this year.
Darcy, Figures I’d have the opposite problem every other writer does… Way to go! Are you going to keep up the challenge?  By Laura Drake One month from today, my debut book releases. I’m thrilled! I’m excited! I’m worried. I worked fifteen years before finally landing an agent. I worried. Will no one ever want me? Will my craft never meet the bar that seems to get raised every year? How many books will I write…
Oh, so true, and so well said, Laura. But it is going to be a smash hit debut! We’re all cheering you on!
Thank you, Holly! I worry…. 
Oh, Laura! I’m the queen of worry. And honestly, I’d be more worried about you if you didn’t worry a bit. 
Laura, your writing is great; the book is great; and I don’t care what anybody else says. That’s probably why I don’t tend to worry about much. But, yeah, in your shoes I’d probably start biting my nails. And eating chocolate. Lots of chocolate. The truth is, though, none of the worry will make any difference. But if it spurs you on to write an even better book for the next one–it was all worth it, right?
Yes Fae, you’re right…So why doesn’t that help? Orly, I do think you may possibly worry more than I. Sorry for you!
Laura, I feel your pain. I too am a worrier – but I think you already know that. I’m with Fae on this; your writing is stellar. Look how far you’ve come. You’ve earned this. Worry shouldn’t play a part any longer. Striving to always improve, yes. Worry, no. |
Darcy Crowder Ann Hite Deborah Smith Haywood Smith Jean Willett Karen White Kimberly Brock Laura Drake Nicki Salcedo |
by Darcy
Oh Karen, what a wonderful piece to share with us. I grew up playing the piano as well, even into college where I had every lesson on a Steinway grand. My instructor sat on a twin Steinway and there went my stomach….I made it through the semester with lots of practice, but after that, I quit. Now, it’s years later and in July I’ll drive to my moms and pick up *my* piano. A Somer upright that has a lovely, mellow sound. She said to give her notice and all the sheet music would be packed and sent with me as well. This from my mother who had such talent Julliard accepted her, but her father wouldn’t let her go… Time for me to start back with CDEFGAB…notes? Hmmmm, wonder if they’re still around.
Thanks for the lovely memories..