Category: writing

BOOK REVIEW: The Rare Pearl by Jennifer W. Smith

by Karen, posted in author, books, writing

Get ready for a wild ride through the ocean to another realm. In this exciting book, The Rare Pearl, by Jennifer W. Smith, Harmony Parker gets pulled out of her everyday life and plunked down in the middle of another world. The opening scene sparks a dozen questions right away , as well as a … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: The Rare Pearl by Jennifer W. Smith

Learning from others

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Animals and pets, author, Brave books, local fun, writing

I went to the Kennebunk Community Market a few weeks ago, and I saw another author selling her books. Hello? Great idea! She was very kind and answered all of my (zillions of) questions about how she got started and such. I loved how she set up her table, how visually appealing it was, and … Continue reading Learning from others

BOOK REVIEW: LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE by Lea Wait

by Karen, posted in author, books, Work from Home, writing

I have read a couple of Lea Wait's fiction books, so when I saw her latest book was  memoir-y, I was so excited ! I am always interested in how other writers pull it together, how they structure their lives around their craft. Lea's book follows the seasons, and is a series of essays describing … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE by Lea Wait

BOOK REVIEW: A Secret Music by Susan Doherty Hannaford

by Karen, posted in author, books, Brave books, writing

I read this book at the recommendation of my friend, Melissa. This is another one of those books that came to me because of the book I wrote, One Brave Thing.  I took a picture of the cover and then forgot about it for a few weeks. I’m so glad that I remembered! I thought … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: A Secret Music by Susan Doherty Hannaford

My First Farmers Market Book Sale

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

Today was my first day selling my book, One Brave Thing, at a farmers market. The Saco River Farmers Market, to be exact. I'd been there before, but not for a year or two. I had planned to scope it out ahead of time, but work and family commitments prevented me from doing so. It … Continue reading My First Farmers Market Book Sale

How I named One Brave Thing

by Karen, posted in author, books, Brave books, friends, writing

I wonder if all authors struggle with figuring out the title of their book. A self published author has total control over the end product, but this can be a double-edged sword. I went back and forth for months about what to name my book. In its first draft (which many of you who have … Continue reading How I named One Brave Thing

You want it? You got it!

by Karen, posted in author, books, Brave books, local fun, writing

If you go to your local book store to buy One Brave Thing and you don't see it, here's an idea...JUST ASK! Currently, several of the shops are down to their last copy, and what if you stop in to buy my book before it's been restocked? Again, just ask at the counter, or call … Continue reading You want it? You got it!

There’s something about Bob

by Karen, posted in books, Brave books, writing

Some people started reading the first few pages of my book aloud one morning. The first character that showed up was Bob. After a bit, Kevin arrived on the scene. At this point, one of the readers had a question. 'Hmmm....these names sound so familiar. Do you guys think the author named the characters after … Continue reading There’s something about Bob

How Bebe got her name

by Karen, posted in author, books, Brave books, family, relationships, writing

When I thought about naming the characters in my novel, I thought it would be fun. I could pick any names I wanted! I didn't have to please anyone but myself! No worries about coming to a consensus with someone else! My father-in -law's mother chose his name from the society column in the newspaper. … Continue reading How Bebe got her name

Book Review: Celebrating Death

by Karen, posted in author, books, Brave books, good grief, Life's too short to read bad books, no fear, writing

When I discovered that one of my colleagues wrote a book, I couldn't wait to read it.  The book is Celebrating Death: A Guidebook for Dying Well by Esther Shapiro, R.N., Msc.D. The author comes by her expertise regarding death both personally and professionally, and she generously shares her hard-won insights regarding her experiences from both. … Continue reading Book Review: Celebrating Death