Thank Yous

Do you enjoy hand-written notes and letters? I know I do. This author shares a neat story that happened to her.

When was the last time you received a hand-written letter? Didn’t it make you feel special? I do my best to write notes when people have written to me or when we’ve been guests or just because, even though my handwriting isn’t always the easiest to read. My husband says he can’t read my grocery list. I tell him people compliment my penmanship at book signings. “They’re looking at it upside down” he says. He has a point.

A few years ago I received a call from a man whose mother couldn’t read what I’d written in her book. I figured it out: “May all your memories nourish and transform” He went on to tell me that his mother was dying and that she wanted me to know how much she’d loved a book I’d written set in Florida. “She wrote you a long letter because that book brought back so many memories of her own growing up in that state,” he told me. “She was too embarrassed to send it to you.” “But did she keep it?” He asked her and he said she nodded. “Then you’ll have it, her children,” I reminded him. “And her memories did nourish and transform.” Click here to learn more.

Kelly

Retreats For Writers

When I first began writing, I did everything I could to learn how to become a successful career novelist. I wrote a few books (kind of a given!). I read countless books and articles on craft. I stalked many an agent blog to discover more about the industry. I befriended other writers. All of these things were great stepping stones on my writing journey. But one thing in particular propelled my career forward faster than anything else.

I attended a writing retreat. And then another. And another. Click here to read more.

Kelly

Tone

Tone is the topic for today.

 

I’ve written enough now to realize that there’s been a pattern in not only what I write, but in how I write – no, I didn’t get the Tread Desk I’ve had my eye on for some time-I’m referring to that somewhat elusive tone. At the end of my first year as a middle school teacher, I gathered with all the other (much more seasoned) teachers to score the school-wide essay contest. One of the pesky ten areas to receive a score was TONE. How could I judge what I didn’t understand?

Flash forward more years than I want to admit. I’ve since attended many conferences where I’ve benefited from classes, and my work has been picked apart by professional writers and editors. I’ve been a part of talented writing groups and critiqued one-on-one with people who study the craft and take it as seriously as I do. I now understand what tone is-and how it can have such a huge impact on story.

And on life. Click here to read the rest of this interesting article.

Kelly

Pursuits

He who pursues righteousness and

love finds life, prosperity and honor. 

Proverbs 21:21

Credible Writing

Have you ever read books that promised suspense, only to find they don’t deliver? Ever read a thriller that didn’t thrill? Ever read a romance between two people who never would get together in the real world? Ever wonder why this happens?

There are many reasons.

One of the most common causes resonated with me one day at a writers’ conference, drawing a line in the sand on what good fiction should look like.

What was it? Click here to learn more.

Kelly

Rejection

Encouragement from rejection? That’s an interesting scenario!

How can an author receive an inspiring rejection? That sounds like an oxymoron, side by side contradictory terms. And yet a rejection recently inspired me.

I’m sure you’ve sent in a proposal to a publisher, especially one you write for, thinking they will love the new idea. But when you hear back, they tell you no-it won’t work or the readers won’t like it. You want to say, “But. . .” And then you stop yourself. You’ve learned to fight the big battles and let the little ones go.

This happened to me recently while writing the Sisters series. The mother had a secret which I insinuated in the first two novels, and I’d planned to have Neely and Ashley learn they had a half-sister given up for adoption before their parents were married. The “no” threw me. To see how this one turned out, click here.

He Is Risen

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6

Happy Easter!

The Heart Of The Matter

All a man’s ways seem right to him,  

but the Lord weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2

Book Store Book Signings

This article is a fun one.

 

I often think back fondly of my very first book-signing. I had just published a romantic suspense geared to the literary/library market. So the binding and packaging were top-notch-it would truly hold up to heavy wear-and-tear. And the cover photo was imbedded in the hardback cover, beneath the paper jacket. The only problem was the list price of $27.00 for an absolute “nobody” of a writer. I was so tickled with getting published that I scheduled a signing at my local independent bookstore. (Borders and Barnes and Noble kept asking: Who did you say you were?) This was an adorable shop in a valley surrounded by ski slopes and quaint art galleries. Unfortunately, it is now out-of-business. I sent out dozens of publicity postcards to my family, friends, neighbors and business acquaintances. I paid for ads in my local newspapers and tried every avenue of free publicity I could find. To see how this turned out, click here.

Kelly

Never Give Up

This inspirational video is exactly that, inspirational. Arthur Boorman took control of his life and lost weight. He regained his mobility in the process.

When American paratrooper Arthur Boorman returned home injured from the Gulf War, doctors told him he’d never walk unassisted again.

One too many jumps led to chronic back and knee problems making his military workout a thing of the past.

For 15 years, Boorman believed them. Consequently, his weight ballooned to 297 lbs. Learn more.

Click here to view. It is worth the watch.

Kelly