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Blog Identity Crisis

by Karen, posted in author, writing

I've been experimenting with different looks for my blog, which some of you will (of course) have noticed. I actually spent a lot of time setting it to look 'more professional', with my author presence dominating the show. As my husband is always telling me, "Focus!" Here's the thing, though. I have to reinterpret what … Continue reading Blog Identity Crisis

The BRAVE Interview #4 November 2016: Kristen Conley Leighton

by Karen, posted in author, books, Interviews, no fear, The BRAVE Interviews, writing

Hello and welcome to the next in the series of The BRAVE Interviews! It’s the Who, What, When, Where, How,  (and sometimes Why) of YOUR ‘one brave thing’! Welcome to Interview #4 with Kristen Conley Leighton! WHO are you? Share whatever you want to about yourself personally. Wow, so we’re starting with the hardest question!  Most … Continue reading The BRAVE Interview #4 November 2016: Kristen Conley Leighton

NaNoWriMo 2016

by Karen, posted in NaNoWriMo, writing

Well, I began Day 1 of NaNo 2016 quite on the ball. I had my outline done--first time ever, and I've been doing this since 2010. I had a Google doc ready to go. I told the fam that after I finished work, I would start writing until suppertime (thank you, thank you, husband who … Continue reading NaNoWriMo 2016

BOOK REVIEW: The Alchemist’s Daughter by Mary Lawrence

by Karen, posted in author, book reviews, books, local fun, Metaphysical healing

I just finished reading The Alchemist's Daughter by Mary Lawrence. All I can say is, YAY! Mary's book is a work of historical fiction, so if you're into that, you'll love it. Not a historical fiction fan? Don't limit yourself! Read it anyway. You'll still love it! Right from the beginning, you will feel like you're … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: The Alchemist’s Daughter by Mary Lawrence

Jodi Picoult at the Music Hall

by Karen, posted in author, books, friends, Life's too short to read bad books, local fun, writing

My friend Deb and I went to see Jodi Picoult read from her new book, Small Great Things. After she read, she was interviewed by Virginia from New Hampshire Public Radio. What was good: Jodi's reading of an excerpt of her book was dramatic and entertaining. It was definitely a performance worth hearing. Being able … Continue reading Jodi Picoult at the Music Hall

Meet the Author: ANN BEATTIE

by Karen, posted in author, books, local fun, no fear, writing

I had the opportunity to hear writer and novelist Ann Beattie read one of her wonderful short stories at the York County Community College Visiting Artists Series last week. Ann explained that her husband helped her choose what to read at the event. "Read something funny!" he suggested. She took his advice and read a short story called … Continue reading Meet the Author: ANN BEATTIE

Meet the (Maine!) Author: Mary Lawrence

by Karen, posted in books, local fun, writing

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting the well-known author of The Alchemist's Daughter when she gave a talk at the Kennebunk Library. Who knew Mary Lawrence lived in Maine? I first noticed Mary's book because of the cover, once again proving the rule: The cover sells the book. This is the first book in a series called The … Continue reading Meet the (Maine!) Author: Mary Lawrence

The BRAVE Interview #3 October 2016: Sheila Brownlow

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Being BRAVE, Catching women being brave, friends, health, Interviews, The BRAVE Interviews

Here is #3 in The BRAVE Interview series! It’s the Who, What, When, Where, How,  (and sometimes Why) of YOUR ‘one brave thing’! November's interview is with Sheila Brownlow! WHO AM I?  Sheila Brownlow MY ONE BRAVE THING—when, where, with whom:  I have stopped discussing eating, how upset I am at my eating, how much I weigh, … Continue reading The BRAVE Interview #3 October 2016: Sheila Brownlow

BOOK REVIEW: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

by Karen, posted in author, book reviews, books, Brave books, family, no fear, relationships, teens

I read this book at the recommendation of a young lady, Angie, who visited my author table at the Kennebunk Community Market one Saturday. She told me that Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon was her favorite book. This book says it's recommended for readers aged 12-17, but I object to narrowing the audience for this book. … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

MOVIE REVIEW: Bridget Jones’ Baby

by Karen, posted in Marriage, movies, relationships

My husband was hoping for a quiet house the other night, so I obliged him by going to the movies. 😀 I've seen and enjoyed the two prior Bridget Jones movies, so I was looking forward to this one. And it was great! Except for one thing.* I loved all the characters, the returning ones … Continue reading MOVIE REVIEW: Bridget Jones’ Baby