Writer's Wellness

Sorry, ladies, I haven't meant to be AWOL. However, I promise to make it up to you with a terrific interview with the author of Writer's Wellness.

Welcome to Cat's Place, Joy!

Hello, Cat. I’m honored to be your guest today. My new non-fiction book is actually a second edition, a revision of Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity which first came out in 2003. It’s been updated and is now available in print and as an e-book from Who Dares Wins Publishing.

I wrote Writer Wellness in response to the many writers who wanted to know my “secret” to publishing articles and poems, raising a family, and working part-time as a teacher. I took a look at my daily life by keeping track of it for a while and noticed several habits. Those habits included regular journal writing, habitual exercise, meditation, proper nutrition, and playing around with different forms of arts and crafts that enabled me to stay on a creative edge all the time. I recognized the process kept me in a state of creativity and helped me completely avoid writer’s block. I’ll never forget hearing young adult author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor say she had so many ideas in her head all the time she didn’t have time for writer’s block she had writer’s diarrhea. That’s how I feel. Like I’m constantly running with ideas. I put Writer Wellness together for others to adapt to their own lives and careers, and the result was a book and workshops.

Cat- Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?

Joy- Writing has always come naturally to me. From the age of ten I wrote poems, stories, plays, and articles for school and a neighborhood newspaper I put together in the fifth grade. I wrote then and now because it is some kind of compulsion that can only be relieved by writing. I HAVE to write.

C- What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

J.H.- Being a published author has been my dream since I was a young child. I’ve published over 500 trade journal articles and newspaper columns since college. Writing is what I do that brings me the closest to putting my hands on my real truth—who I really am. The only thing I dislike about being an author is the difficulty making a living with it.

C- How do you balance your personal and writing time?

J.H.- When my daughters were young, and responsibilities piled higher and higher, I learned to do a little something on everything every day. I didn’t have the luxury of large chunks of uninterrupted time to work on a project until it was done no matter what. But babies are a big what and their needs took priority. The girls are in college now but I still do a little something on a long list of things every day and I’m very productive with that process.

The other thing that provides balance for me is staying healthy. I’m addicted to exercise and I like the challenge of cooking and baking with alternative products like spelt in place of white flour. Exercise and nutrition.

C.- How do you write?

J.H.- I write in some form or another constantly. The voices in my head are a steady stream of comments, questions, and ideas that force me to keep pad and pen everywhere. I journal almost every day and sometimes twice a day. Because I have paper and pen handy, when I find myself waiting, I write. I write when I’m eating lunch at a restaurant by myself. I consider my blogs writing and I do a lot of them. These activities keep my writing muscle in shape and in a perpetual state of readiness to then work on the books and articles I have in the hopper.

C- What would you want readers to take away from your books?

J.H.- I want readers of Writer Wellness to take away the idea that writing is a natural process but to be something more than someone who scribbles poems on the back of an envelope it takes a plan and perseverance. The plan found in my book is adaptable to anyone’s needs who really, really wants to pursue a writing career. Because the plan includes a little bit of everything (journaling, exercise, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) every day in whatever amounts your life allows at the time. The process sustained me during the years that other parents set aside their writing plans and it continues to support me as I grow as an author.

C- Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?

J.H.- Please set your ego aside and get responsible assistance in the form of a critique partner, writing courses, and professional editors who teach as well as edit. Almost nothing I write goes before the public without several drafts and major projects always get passed by a friendly but knowledgeable writer to see things I missed. This makes the writing communal and always much stronger. And I am constantly learning as a writer because I don’t take it personally when someone offers constructive criticism. I’m writing for readers. I WANT to know how it’s received, and a good critique will help me understand how to connect better with readers.


C.- Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

J.H.- I am thrilled when readers connect with me. My blog is the best place to do that.
www.writerwellness.wordpress.com
Book sales are available just about everywhere, but for the best service I recommend visiting my publisher Who Dares Wins Publishing.
www.whodareswinspublishing.com

Joy E. Held
Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity
2011
www.writerwellness.wordpress.com
www.writerwellness.com

Who Dares Wins Publishing
www.whodareswinspublishing.com






Thank you so much for joining us today, Joy. And I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say I look forward to reading Writer's Wellness.

Cat

Premiering New Author: Kathy Lane

Hello, friends,
I have another terrific interview for you. This time from a brand new author Kathy Lane. Her first book is called BloodSworn: Bound By Magic published by The Wild Rose Press. My friend Pixie introduced Kathy on her blog, so this is some more about this promising writer.

Here is the link to Pixie's interview- http://pixiesaratoga.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-author-spotlight.html#comments







-Cat- What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

-Kathy Lane- Fantasy and paranormal are what I read most, so that’s what I started out writing. The stories are for pure entertainment and escapism, for the reader as well as myself. But paranormal isn’t all I want to write. I have a story on the back burner that’s a romantic suspense called Sniper Shots, which has already finaled in two contests. I’m looking forward to finishing it when I’m through with the Bloodsworn series. I also have a historical/paranormal called Night Stalkers that takes place in Regency England. So many stores and so little time. *SIGH*

-Cat- Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

-K.L.- The Hero and Heroine are definitely from my imagination. I do have a tendency to place people I know into secondary character positions.

-Cat- Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?

-K.L.- My heroine, Avera St. John, in Bloodsworn. Yes, she has her flaws. She’s defensive, has far too much curiosity for her own good, and tends to be bossy. One might even call her bitchy. But she’s strong. She’s taken whatever life has thrown at her and refused to break. Only Devlin and Bracca understand that her hard-ass attitude is her shield. It’s part of what enables her to accept all the crazy things that fly at her in Bound by Magic.

-Cat- What would you want readers to take away from your books?

-K.L.- My books ain’t deep. There are certain elements such as redemption, trust, and the acceptance of one’s fate, but there’s no great philosophical secrets woven into them, at least not on purpose. The only thing I hope a reader gains is a sense of enjoyment and the desire to read more…even if that more isn’t mine.

-Cat- Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Does it stand alone? What inspired you to write it?

-K.L.- Bloodsworn: Bound by Magic, is book one in a trilogy. It actually started out as a single book, but as I said, I’m a pantser, and by the time I was finished, it was almost 200,000 words. Not until I began trying to market it did I understand no publisher in their right mind buys a book this size from a first-time author. So I took the first part of the story and made it into book one. Believe me, it wasn’t easy. I had to toss out some scenes and expound on a few points, not to mention coming up with a completely different ending so it can stand alone. As for the inspiration, that credit definitely goes to C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series. Those who have read her books may not see a lot of similarities, but the idea of a heroine being protected by not only the hero, but a group of sexy warriors devoted to her, was the springboard to Bloodsworn.

-Cat- Wow, Kathy, thank you so much for sharing with us. I look forward to talking more with you soon.

Don't forget to look for Kathy Lane's BloodSworn: Bound By Magic coming to Wild Rose Press in September.

Love,

Cat

Cat's Return

Hello, friends, long time no see. Sorry it has been so long since I last shared with ya'll. Promise I'll try and make it up to you.

You know how life can get away from you like a wild stallion? Well that is what my life has been feeliing like for the past few months. Between my oldest getting ready for her senior year of high school and my third child getting ready for fifth grade, plus each one of the four wanting to do a sport, I have been running ragged. And of course that doesn't count the additions to my family, my cousin and his cat. So my three bedroom house is bursting at the seams with my own two cats, dog and two goldfish. lol.

So on that note here is some delectable eye candy to satisfy your sweet tooths and hopefully earn back some of your love. :)

Love bunches,

Cat

Part 2: Virginia Henley Interview

Here is part II of an Interview with Virginia Henley.

Cat- Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?

Virginia Henley- Yes. When I started there were no networks to help you get started. Today you should belong to RWA, Romance Writers of America, and join a local chapter in your area. You will learn the craft, but more importantly, the business end of a writing career. Then you should have a subscription to Romantic Times. Both have a yearly conference where a beginning writer can meet other writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, librarians and distributors. Romance writers are very generous and will answer any question a beginner has.

Cat- Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Does it stand alone? What inspired you to write it?



V.H. - THE IRISH DUKE is the second book in a series that began with THE DECADENT DUKE. Regency is probably the favorite period of readers, and I wanted to show what the REAL nobility was like in Regency times. All my books stand alone, and you do not need to read THE DECADENT DUKE to read and enjoy THE IRISH DUKE. It is simply about the next generation. The third and final book in the series will be THE DARK EARL and it's about the next generation set in the Victorian era.

This month the mass-market release of my anthology story in LORDS OF DESIRE is released. The trade-size came out last year. My short story is a time travel that goes back one hundred years from Victorian times to the bawdy Georgina era, when smuggling was rampant near Bodiam Castle on the River Rother.

Cat- What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

V.H. - I love doing the research and trying to make it authentic. I love creating characters. I create the strongest male I can think of, then create a female who is a match for him, or more than a match! I hate that I have to work weekends when my chapter isn't finished. Also, publishing is a brutal business that will break your heart, destroy your confidence, and eat your soul. I usually have a nervous breakdown with each book. Then I get over myself.

Cat- Do you ever get up at 3 a.m. just to write?

V.H.- Never. I am not driven.

Cat- Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

V.H. - My website is www.virginiahenley.com. But recently I Googled myself and was amazed at the information they had. They did get the number of books written wrong. I believe they said 18 when in actuality I have written 26 and 4 short stories.


To Be Continued... http://romanticheartsandsexytarts.blogspot.com

Immortal Love Affair (cont)

Corey nearly swallowed her tongue. Had she really just invited a total stranger to come home with her? Sure he just helped her daughter through what could have been a serious injury, and yes he was uber hot, but what else did she really know about him? He could be a serial killer for all she knew.

Looking into his soft gray eyes she knew he would never hurt her or her children. There was a gentleness that showed through. Yet she could feel the power emanating off him, letting her know he could protect anyone that meant anything to him.

"For coffee. If you're interested dinner, too?" Whatever nerve she had deserted her under his quiet regard. "Please say something so I don't feel like a total idiot."

"I'd love to." Such a simple statement and her knees threatened to give out.

Smiling as if she had won the lottery, she almost forgot what she had offered. "Oh, great. That's great. Isn't that great, Alli?"

"Sure, Mom. Whatever. Are we ready to go yet?" chimed in her little ray of sunshine.

Looking around Corey realized the rest of the players had left leaving a few stragglers milling around but not much more.

"Absolutely. You can follow us if you're ready." Corey tried hiding the excitement she felt, she hadn't met a man who intriqued her in a very long time and she didn't want to let this opportunity pass her by. Life was too short.

"I'm right behind you." Langdon stepped aside to allow her to pass. Corey scooped up the soccer gear and led the way.

Now what? Once she got him home what was she going to do with him? Images of naked limbs entwined amidst soft sheets brought instant heat to her cheeks. Thank god he couldn't read her mind. A soft chuckle from behind her interrupted her thoughts. Could he? She picked up the pace to her silver compact, clicking her keyless entry to pop the trunk as she got closer.

Could she go through with this? What power did he have over her? She didn't do things like this!

Valentine's Day

'I sometimes think that never blows so red

The Rose as where some buried Caesar bled;

That every Hyacinth the Garden wears

Dropt in its Lap from some once lovely Head.'

I know not everyone is into poetry but I really liked this one by Omar Khayyam and his Poems of the Passionate East. Of course this is a translation so I'm sure some of the passion has been lost. Or at least some of its original passion, being that it was translated by an English poet during the Victorian era.

So I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Make sure to love the one your with.

Immortal Love Affair (pt 3)

Corey knelt beside her daughter, a small still hand nestled in hers. The next few minutes passed in slow motion. Time seemed to progress as if they moved through quick sand. Langdon's hands moved across Alison's leg, straightening it from its unnatural resting place. Corey was acutely aware of every motion around her. All noises surrounding them were mumbled and unintelligible. Even the breeze that had cooled her moved eerily across her skin like a snake's underbelly.

Corey dragged her head up to look at Langdon and found she couldn't. There was an unearthly glow around him, bright enough she had to look away for fear of burning her retina. Tears burned her eyes as she looked back at her daughter. Who was this man? What was he?

Just as quickly as reality paused, it started again.

"There we go. Just a sprain." replied Langdon as if nothing supernatural had occured.

Corey looked around at the others surrounding them. She must have been imagining things. Shock! That must be it. How else could you explain the way everyone acted as if nothing happened? She must be losing her mind. Shaking her head, she smiled at her overactive imagination.

"Are you sure she's okay?" she asked even as Alison pushed herself to sitting.

"I'm okay, Mom, geesh." She pushed against her mothers arm intent on proving her independance. Although she favored her left leg, she managed to maintain her upright position. Corey stood with her intent on helping her to the bench.

Corey settled her onto the bench so she could watch the rest of the game. She watched Alison sipping from her water bottle, her left leg propped on the bench with an ice pack laying haphazardly across it, forgotten.

"What did you to?" Corey whispered to her silent companion. His intense gaze tickled her spine, the tiny hairs on her neck rustling in anticipation.

"I healed her leg. No one is the wiser."

Corey was grateful he didn't try to play dumb. She knew what she had seen even if she didn't understand it. But there was no way she was going to ignore it any longer. Something about Langdon spoke to her on an elemental level. She wasn't afraid although she knew she should be. Everything she had seen so far painted a picture of an amazing being far beyond anyone she had ever known.

"What amazes me," He continued. "Is that you were aware of the healing. Most mortals are so self-consumed that their brains accept everything they see as reality, even if their souls cry out the discrepency."

Corey turned to face him, her voice low. "Come home with me." She blurted.