Lots o' Links and more links!

Thought this cartoon was funny...teehee...I thought I'd post some links today, since it's been a while. Enjoy and happy clicking!




I stumbled on this while looking for something else: bookscans vintage book covers and backcovers- they ask people to scan & send vintage book covers so they can keep a database. I thought it interesting to see what publishers thought would "sell books" through the years. So what did this author think of his cover when the publishers presented it? Was he/she excited? Happy? Did readers love it? hate it? Shrug it? I could write an entire post about book covers and authors and publishers and readers, but maybe another day. It's always interesting to read/hear reactions to authors bookcovers-both from the authors and from the readers!


LitChat is all books. All the time.We exist to bring readers and writers together for fun and fast 1-hour Twitter chats, M-W-F, 4 pm est. Join us. I "attended" a twitter lit chat last week and really enjoyed it. A supportive and fun group of writers and other literary folk.


helluo librorum lunch hour links for writers – Up now are posts on query letters; Teresa Frohock is very supportive of writers (and a good writer in her own right). Let's all support each other.



Living in Color with Steph Jordan and her other blog Divia City -- these blogs just make me smile - the colors, the artwork (like the one to the left), the energy and positive outlook. Living in Color is an interview blog, and Divia City is her personal blog. I've been visiting and enjoying her blogs, so was quite honored when she recently interviewed me (to be posted at a later date . . . up right now TLC host Mark Montano -My Big Ass Interview )


If you haven't been to the Rose & Thorn Blog, head over there where there's author interviews, tips and tidbits, and other literary doo dahs - suscribe to receive the R&T blog (and newsletter) via email - it's quick, it's easy, spam free, and all free.




Bellebooks has a blog called "Riding With The Top Down," and a recent post was a question posted to the publishers: why does it take so long to publish a book? It may open your eyes as to what publishers go through to get a book to print. TG and SG are with the imprint of Bellebooks-Bell Bridge Books.



This was something different I stumbled on: The Impulsive Buy: They write: Putting the "ew" in Product Review *laugh*


I picked up this link from Mike's Writing Workshop, where he was listed: 100 blogs that will improve your writing.

I love going to The Read on WNC - even if you aren't from 'round these parts, it's a great group of people: writers, poets, readers, playwrights.


For fun, Free Will Astrology

WOW Women on Writing have a post up about Literary Agents Seeking Women's Fiction.

Our own Carol Murdock of the Writer's Porch has a new book blog, Book House Blog, and this post made my day where she talks about our area's beauty and authors - writing of Wayne Caldwell, and she included me. I was honored to be listed with Wayne--he is a gracious man and a gifted writer. Thank you Carol! Carol is another big supporter of writers, and adores books. I'll be her guest there soon...

And two agent blogs that I visit to to keep track of what's happening; they have different voices and takes on things in the publishing industry ...

Rachelle Gardner

Nathan Bransford

From my msn page I saw this: 100 things that are getting better - I haven't clicked through them yet...but I'm all for looking at something positive!

So, there you go - plenty of links to click about and keep you busy, pick and choose or visit them all. Tell them Kat sent you, if you like. I'll try to provide links at least once a week.

GO SAINTS!

Links for Writers, for Shoppers, for whateverererers

Today is all about Links!

First; from yesterdays post - Support our Blogging Community Artisans & Local Community Mom & Pop shops.

Then Literary Agent Nathan Bransford is having a contest on his blog - post your first paragraph of your WIP. I did it, just for fun. My first paragraph for my WIP, Secret Graces, is not the first paragraph for my chapter 1, but it's the first paragraph of the novel-if you've read TG, you remember the first pargraph is sort of like a surreal dream thing or voice(s) calling on the wind or whatever -it's the paragraph on the trailer. Anyway, it's just a fun thing to do even if you don't win!

Go by Gumbo Writer's blog - she has posted something for Vodka Mom for the Dove Self Esteem Fund --(In Tender Graces, Dove soap is almost a character itself in the book!)

Stephen Craig Rowe is struggling with cancer, but he still takes the time to say something nice about R&T, and me, and Angie....he and Barry of An Explorer's Life are in inspiration to me! Go by and visit his blog. He is a beautiful painter - and his link is included below in the community blog shopping!

And Brian of The New Author has a question and answer session with the co-editors/publishers of the Rose & Thorn - which is Angie Ledbetter and Yours Truly!

That's it for now . . . Y'all go do the day . . .

Namaste

google image from http://www.keepsakesilks.com/Images/Home_Links.jpg

I'm back from SIBA in South Carolina

Why do I have two photos that look near the same? because it fascinated me that we looked near the same in both of them despite the moments in between the shots - I look pale and exhausted in both of them because of the recent Angry Appendix episode *laughing* (I am in the black jacket to the far right).

However, despite my pale and exhausted face, I had a wonderful time and so enjoyed SIBA. I met wonderful booksellers from all over the south, along with other authors, publishers and presses, and the SIBA staff. SIBA staff put together a marvelous trade show and I was impressed. I hope to be there next year!

The cartoon drawing above is what Jayne's son (Jayne is in the flowered blouse to the far left) drew while Jayne, Terry, and I (Terry is next to me) sat at Jayne's kitchen table in our jammies playing a board game called "Life Stories" after a long day at the trade show. Jayne's son James came in and sat with us a while, and the subject of ax murderers came up (you had to be there, haw!). James drew that lovely picture just for me *laughing* -- as in, "Hey, Kat, here's an ax murderer going into your room in the middle of the night ...hahaha!" Thanks a lot James! *grin*
James helped us so much on Friday by hauling in books, fetching us lunch, and various other things we needed a strong and helpful son to help us with.


Angela, Terry, and I were so very happy to stay at Jayne's house while in Greenville, SC for the conference. Jayne and her family are warm and inviting and I am honored I was invited to be a part of their household.


Dawn Cusick was at the conference with us, but only a short time on Saturday, so I didn't get a photo of her nor was she at Jayne's house, but I was glad to get to know her, as well.


Each of us writes in a different genre in a different way. Jayne is a poet (check out her website below for her beautiful gift books of poetry that will touch your heart), Terry Rollins is author of "Married to the Military" and is offering a book as a give-away -- the first person who leaves a comment asking for "Married to the Military" will receive a signed copy (and the only caveat to this give away is that it be in the US or Canada), Angela Dove is author of the "true crime" book "No Room for Doubt," and Dawn has children's books - one of which is "Bug Butts."

My book signing went well; my books were snatched up quickly and that made me happy.

More later, I have much to catch up on, but I am already looking forward to next year's Siba Conference.

Next stop: Louisiana Book Festival October 17 in Baton Rouge!

I hope this post made some sense - I'll be catching up on emails today, working on Secret Graces (since I haven't been able to since Thursday), and I hope to visit around with you all soon.

Here is more information on the authors/poet above . . . check them out and support our writers and poets!

Jayne Jaudon Ferrer

Angela Dove

Terry Rollins

Dawn Cusick

Joy to the Word! All you writer girls and boys now....

I read a blog post that I enjoyed so much, I nodded and yes'd! and You Got it Sister'd all throughout. The author's name is A. S. King, and her post is: The Writer's Middle Finger (How to grow it, groom it, love it, and stretch it) .

Before I wrote what would become Tender Graces, I remember thinking, "Me? Write a novel? I can't! I can't write dialogue--my dialogue sucks(back then, everything came out narrative)...I can't write that many words ... I CAN'T!" But, I sat at my computer, put my fingers on the keys, and began, and by time I stopped, I had many many words, a stunned expression, and I knew something had happened that would change the way I wrote, and what I wrote, . . . and for whom.

I learned a lot about what works for me and what doesn't; I learned to write good dialogue; I learned to let the characters have their say without me constantly butting in; I learned to write from my gut instead of what I thought others wanted to hear; I learned to play with the language; I learned to take a few risks; I learned that it takes discipline to sit and write; I learned to write with a sincere heart, with joy and sometimes angst.

What I want to tell you this morning, and what A.S. King is also saying (or my interpretation of it) is ---- Stop Worrying about the editor monster on your shoulder, stop worrying about whether your novel will please everyone, stop worrying about whether an agent will love your work, stop worrying about future reviews, stop worrying about "what if" - - Write what you want to read; write what you love, what brings you joy; write with abandon and love; write what connects you to that visceral gut reaction that tells you that you are where you are supposed to be and doing what brings you joy and/or accomplishment.

I almost let the same feelings of worry and angst weigh upon the Virginia Kate book2 I'm writing now. Just as King says, I let worries seep into my bones about whether everyone will like the second book as much as the first one--the stakes felt higher--will they be disappointed?, etc....I had to find that "center" again - that place of love for words and language, and write what gives me joy.

Or, as A.S. King says it, I'm "extending the middle finger to any doubt" and doing what I love. Let the chips fall where they may -- We all just do the best we can.

Write with a sincere heart. Write for yourself first. If you go to 100 writer sites, or writers "advice" sites, you may find 100 different opinions on what you should or shouldn't do or what makes a writer a writer. What rules to follow and what to break (heck, I have my own pet peeves, but knowing the rules so we can break them is fun). What makes a writer a writer is the one who writes! Don't let "shoulds" or "you betters" or "this is what writer's do and if you do not, you are not a writer" stop you. Do what you love. Say what you want to say, or have to say. Even if at first it is scary because you think what you are writing is somehow "wrong." You don't even have to listen to me - perhaps your way is completely different -perhaps the idea of an editor on your shoulder and reviews and agents and who will pick up your work is your motivator --good! Maybe writing is business only to you--you write to get paid, period; and you will read the market and write what's popular. You write because it is a business. Well, I say: whatever works!

And remember this: Money is not an indicator of a gifted or talented writer. A writer who is making millions is not necessarily a better writer than you, just a lucky writer (or a writer who knows the business and knows it well).

Now, go to your space, open up that vein, and let the blood of your words stain the page . . . be fearless, have fun, be sincere, write with abandon - lift the middle finger to that negativity and GO!

(PS - We're still in our discussions on this, ahem, "New Trend" of mother's giving up their children (Posts below) . . . I'm still interested in your comments!)


image from google images: http://d2umcibyw4ztss.cloudfront.net/img/109498/109498-0.jpg

A Link Link Here and a Site Site There!

This was taken at the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade back in February - good lawd, these South Louisianians are something else *LAUGH*! If you are ever in Baton Rouge at the Mardi Gras time, check out this parade...tamer than New Orleans, but no less crazy!

Friday is links day. I'll be coming round today to visit you all. A storm is rising up on the mountain - so if you don't see me, it's because internet connection is knocked out due to wind and rain and the power of nature slamming into the cove. The sky is darkening as I write this - a heavy black thundercloud hovers, pushing down down into the cove. Thunder thundered. The chimes are signaling a picking up wind. Soon, the dark will push all the way down and the rain will pummel the earth, the trees, the ridges, the little log house. I love a good storm....as long as everyone is safe inside, as I will be.

I am emailing out the Rose & Thorn newsletter today, if you haven't signed up to receive it, click R&T Newsletter Sign up. It's quick, easy, and your email is safe!



Cake Wrecks - a blog about funny/strange/weird cakes!



Novel Journey

My handsome friend Adnan Mahmutovic's novella is out at Cantarabooks - check it out!



For those of you agent hunting, here are a couple of sites to check out (oh, there goes the thunder again!) Lit Match and 1000 Literary Agents.

The Boomer Women Speak forums is a nice supportive place to visit. PS! just got an email from NABBW - become a fan of NABBW on Facebook.

I just found The Read on WNC - it's based here in our mountains, but it's an interesting site and I'm sure anyone can join in on the discussions.

Distant thunder, close thunder....the dark is down and has mixed with the light to make gray- but it is beautiful. I await the storm. There is silence suddenly, that pause before it all breaks loose...

Happy Good Friday to you all....Happy Friday. Happy Day. Happy Hour. Happy Minute. Happy Second: Happy Right Now.

Link Link Here and a Link Link There....

First! The delightful and beautiful Kimmi invited me as a guest to her blog, where I tried to spiffy myself up for her - she's had some really great guests, so I feel humbled, but proud to be there. Go by and visit - read her previous guests, take a look at her book soon to come out "The Unbreakable Child."

(Photo taken on my mountain walk this past summer- moon in tree!)


Meredith Lopez is a former Rose & Thorn staffer - I took over the newsletter duties after she had to go on a leave of absence. I never knew she wrote articles for The Huffington Post until I followed a link after she'd emailed me about something. So, those links you attach to your signature in your emails really do work.

I stumbled across The Anonymous Publishing Venting Club. Lucky for me, I don't have a thing to post there, for Bellebooks is a dream to work with. Interesting to read, though, about other's experiences.

I can't remember when I put up the link to my Woman Inside Out story on Sotto Voce if I'd also included Nannette Croce's "Zuni the Pueblo Dog" story. So, just in case, here it is. If you enjoy it (and I'm betting you will!) vote for her to be included in a print anthology.

I'd bookmarked this from Folio Lit Agency on Query letters and then forgot about it, until today when I saw it while looking for another link. So, maybe something they say will help you with your query letter, and maybe, like me, you'll still detest the query letter, and as well, you'll read the first two paragraphs and think, "They just don't get it - don't get the idea of why even really good writers with good books still hate to write query letters (and synopses)." But, read and see what you think.

I love Java Logs - and am having a hard time finding them...dang it all. They're those "cheat logs" you use in your fireplace when you aren't lighting a real fire - and they are made from coffee grounds!

The Pen Guy!

An article on lay versus lie by Martha Brockenbrough

Childhood chants and taunts - yup someone has a website where they compiled all kinds of stuff about those kinds of things. I stumbled on it while doing research on something for Tender Graces - I am a stickler for making sure I have things in the right era or whatever.

I haven't seen this - but there is a lot of hurt feelings and anger and talk about Diane Sawyer's Children of the Mountains. When I wrote Tender Graces, which is about an appalachian mountain family in WVA (and with South Louisiana in there, too), I didn't want those stereotypes to be what my story was "about" - I didn't want the stereotypes to be a Character in the novel - and I hope I was successful. There are always some "stereotypical" behaviors or characters in a work, I suppose, but I hope I celebrated a proud people as much as I could, even when bad things happened: but, they really are universal behaviors. WVA is my homestate and I love the mountains and its people. From reading some of the comments about this show, there are tender hurts and anger over the portrayal of a Proud Mountain People--I think most of it has been centered around Kentucky (so far? or only? I don't know yet). I haven't seen the show, only a few clips, so I cannot comment as of yet. But, I do hope there isn't exploitation of what is always only a portion of who a People are - we'll see. But, my hope is when people read Tender Graces, they know I wrote out of love and that I know there is much much more to a Mountain Folk - they are complicated and proud and lovely.

Now - visit some links, and then Go Do The Day!


PS! I'm adding something -- Reduce Footprints has two videos - the first one made me LAUGH! the second one is an Earth-Green video about turning out lights around the world on 3/29

Let me tell you about the...no not the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees, but links!

Friday is links day! And I’ll soon be by to visit you all. I love reading the comments – they come in my hotmail account and I laugh and smile and all that jazz. Then I come here and read them again *laughing*

…yesterday I spent all day on line by line edits of Tender Graces. It’s tedious work, but it has to be done and it’s an important part. Besides just typos and the like, there may be a question or clarification or two I have to address--luckily, I don't have but a few small things to deal with, for I had TG honed and honed by time it was sent to Bellebooks. I am much focused when I am working and try not to go to my emails or blog unless I take a short break. So again, I will have to apologize if I become distracted these next days!

Thanks for reading Woman Inside Out. It’s funny how some of my short stories turn out more bleak or raw or quirky-weird or whatever than my novels. TG is much more hopeful, more innocent, more...well, tender! I seldom write as starkly about marriage in the novels (so far); the marriages are always seen from “afar” or from the point of view of a kid/teen or whatever.

Okay....Links:

This is an interesting site. You can go vote your answer about grammar or sentence structure or whatever and later the answer is revealed at the sentence sleuth.

Duotrope Digest is a great clearinghouse to find places for your work.

I just love Vagabondage Press’s new cover art! I haven’t read their new issue yet. (They published my “Moonshine & Santy Claus” piece in their December issue and I love them for taking a chance on that quirky story! )

The Rose & Thorn has a podcast site, where you can listen to the stories or poetry. I think it’s pretty cool and I feel it gets lost and unnoticed!

Animal Planet animal solitaire game!

The Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar – love this site! I want a t-shirt and I keep forgetting to order one *laugh*

I stumbled across this. I have to read it all myself, having just skimmed it, but it talks about synopsis writing. Maybe it'll give some insight for you if you need to write a synopsis.

1940’s fashion and etc…. I do research to make sure I’m getting the fashions of that day correct. I'm a stickler for getting things right! I hate laziness in that respect - I feel I owe it to readers to do my best to be accurate on as many things as I can, or why bother including them? I was looking for 50s/60s fashion at the time (for the TG book, since it spans many years), but came across that link, too, so I kept the bookmark, for something later I’m writing in the Virginia Kate series!

I received my business cards from Zazzle and I am very happy with them. They did a great job. So much to choose from. They were fast, too.

I think that's enough for now. Now everyone - take a deep breath, fill those lungs - let it out slooowwwwww ...then think about a memory (even if it was five minutes ago) that makes you feel happy ...that makes you calmed...that gives you peace. Think about that, breathe in and out, in and out - let that memory fill you up - positive positive positive energies...(I'm talking to you, too, M!)...now go do the day.