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Rambling Friday: One Step at a Time

 As those who read my blog have learned, I had covid this winter. 

Hubby and I talked about many things on the phone before I could have visitors in the hospital, and we came to some decisions that we've needed to make for a while. 

One of the decisions we made was to slow down. And when I say that, I mean Hubby wants to semi-retire. Along with that decision comes this one: we want to pick up on our traveling. 

Now what I want you to know, we've traveled a LOT in our marriage, what with ministry and fun vacations, especially with family. But we've allowed ourselves to slow down on the fun things in life because of work. We forgot that all work and little play make the Browns dull people. We were drowning in all work and little play. 

But in the midst of that decision, I also made my own personal decisions. 

* I wanted to downsize, and what I mean by that: I have too much stuff! In storage, I have dish sets I've never used. Etc. Etc. I have things that I've thought about for years: someday I might use these. Really? Why do I have these? Why am I keeping all this stuff? So my family will be burdened with getting rid of it or deciding who wants it? I already know the answer. Sell, give away or trash. Now. I can see myself dusting my hands now...

* Another decision I made was to create heritage books for my two sons. I've wanted to do this for a while, but was always too busy with other things. This year is the year to do it...I made notes once I was able to do so in bed. I talked with hubby asking him questions about his ancestors. Since I've always wanted to do more family research (and I LOVE research), this is one I believe I will enjoy! 

*  One other decision I will list today is stop allowing myself to be stressed over my writing. My style is my style. I don't have to do everything, be involved in everything. So prioritizing is a priority for me. I need to remember that I don't have to write a book (and mine are not novellas) in a month. I can take my time, enjoy the research and the writing and feel fully satisfied when it's ready for publication. I can pick and choose what activities I want to participate in, that pertain to writing. 

 

I can enjoy my talent, my heart's desire, and my very favorite "job" that I've ever had. 

Of course, our decisions may adjust or change. Life happens. But in my heart, I know that we've made some great decisions. For now, that's good enough for me. 

Have you made changes in your life? 

Rambling Friday: Okay, Here's My Excuse...

Where have I been? 

I've been down with...

Covid. 

Yeah. 

After all the precautions hubby and I've taken to be soooooo very careful, 

we both came down with it the same time. 

But...

I ended up in the hospital with very low oxygen, blood clots, and pneumonia. 

Fortunately, I had good care providers, lots of support, and plenty of prayers. 

I'm home now, doing great with only a few remaining post-covid problems,

and back to work on my writing and other things I need to catch up on. 

I'm so very thankful!!

Serious Wednesday: When Interruptions Happen

I've learned a lot in being an author through the years. It's not all laughter and fun. Sometimes it's hard work. Sometimes it's happiness. And sometimes it's knowing you've got it right. 

Life happens. It flows. It interrupts. 

My biggest interruption in 2021? Well, let's just say, it was another surgery. A second REPAIR REVERSE shoulder surgery. Leading up to it I was nervous. Did I really want this? Go through the hassle of the surgery with a different surgeon, more inactivity, more hard nights of sleep trying to find the right position to get comfortable with, more pain, go through weeks of therapy? 

But it happened. I loved the new surgeon, loved all the people who helped with it, the registration people, the nurses were all so good to me. My therapists are excellent, understanding and push me with kindness to do my best. 

On top of that, I've been emotionally exhausted dealing with all of the above, plus keeping up with promotions, my responsibilities as an author, my pages on FB, setting up details and responding to my fans, helping my hubby with his ministry, dealing with our beloved pet's serious illness--twice! 

So, yes, life interrupted my writing. I was stuck on a plateau of not knowing what to type on that blank paper on my screen. Was it frustrating? Worrying? Irritating? 

Indeed it was. 

But you know what? I had a breakthrough. I had an idea, then another, and another, and now, I'm on my way to finishing this book I'm working on. 

Was all this trouble worth it? I don't know. It interrupted my life. My writing. But I came through it--I think, just a bit stronger. 

My advice when things interrupt YOUR writing, your plans, your life? Endure. Trust that it will come out all right. There be a cause for why it's being interrupted at that specific time. Or not. Whatever. Take it as a sign that this is a time to try to repair, heal, grow stronger. 

Trust that this is a special time for you and relax. 

After all, what more can you do? Your normal life will resume soon enough, and if there are changes to it, then either accept them or correct them. Take charge of your attitude. 

You'll be happier and better able to hit the ground running when the tide turns for the better. 

Happy New Year! 

Serious Wednesday: Include Christmas in Your Next Novel

Whether you love or hate Christmas, for writers, it's an opportunity to share some joy, happiness and
perhaps write with a different perspective than where your usual writings take you. Here are some very good reasons to write with a Christmas theme or background or even as part of your plot: 

1.  It helps to increase your reader audience. Readers love Christmas-themed books. Christmas books look great on store shelves and attract attention. By writing a Christmas-themed book, you will possibly draw new readers who will follow you through the rest of the year, reading your other books. 

2.  There's a huge demand for holiday-themed books. The colorful festive books with their shiny snowflakes and fancy script titles are hard to miss. They line bookshelves over the holidays and scream for attention. There is a big demand for these types of books, and if you're trying to make a living at writing, then Christmas is the perfect time to release a holiday book. Shopkeepers are looking for these type of books to sell that fly off the shelves. Why not capitalize on this opportunity? 

3.  If you approach it right, writing a Christmas-themed book can put you in a holiday mood. Admit it, from Thanksgiving on, life is busy and can be stressful, but having a Christmas book release kind of gives you a sense of happiness and peace. Just knowing that you've fulfilled and shared some joy to readers should, in return, fill you with a sense of completion. 

There are a lot of good reasons to write a Christmas book, and these just touch the surface of the why. I would encourage you to give it a thought. You might just come up with the perfect plot! 

Serious Wednesday: Remember...Caleb's Destiny?

 Have you read Caleb's Destiny?

It released last year and was the first book in 

The Troubles of the West series.

Blurb?

Mr. Michael, Destiny Rose McCulloch, and Hunter have a mysterious history. Why were three fathers, all business partners, murdered under suspicious circumstances while on their quest to find gold? 

Hunter, who is Mr. Michael's ranch manager, is determined to find the answers and protect the precocious young lady who he suspects holds a key answer to his questions. 

Mr. Michael wants only to be left alone to attend to his property, but what can he do when Destiny refuses to leave and captures the heart of every one of his employees? 

Destiny almost forgets her quest when she falls in love with Mr. Michael's ranch and all the people there. And then Mr. Michael is much too alluring to ignore. The preacher man back east where she took her schooling tried to claim her heart, but the longer she stays the less she can remember him. She only came west to find a little boy she knew years ago. A little boy all grown up by now...unless, of course, he's dead.

http://amzn.to/1nFS0og 

Want to win a KINDLE copy of Caleb's Destiny?

* Join my Author Carole Brown's Fan Group on Facebook and

* Comment on this post

I will choose one person soon.

***
Now I'm working on 

Hunter's Rose,

Book Two

which is scheduled for release

Spring, 2022

Here's a short blurb:

Rosita, the rose of his life.

Beautiful, and terrified.

But of what? 

Any guesses what the story will be about? 

Stay in touch.

A longer blurb,

a cover reveal

and more will be revealed...

in the next few months! 

Serious Wednesday: In Love With ...

 I'm so in love with...

SUSPENSE!

and by that I mean...

WRITING suspense.

Why?

Keeps my attention.

Gives me enough thrill without being overly scary.

I enjoy plotting the hard times 

the protagonist goes through.

But also,

the triumph he/she feels,

the victory she/he can claim,

the joy and/or relief in overcoming

the hard time.

What else?

In suspense, you can add touches of

whatever you want.

Meaning,

quirkiness,

romance,

Science fiction,

a bit of inspiration

or anything else that interests you.

You can make it as fun as you want,

as serious as you love,

or as spiritual as you feel called to do.

Suspense.

The Best of the Best! 

My opinion. 

Serious Wednesday: Writing with a Time Limit

You, authors, who love deadlines and can peel off book after book living such a life---how do you do it and still keep your sanity? I mean, don't you have other responsibilities? Demands from a family you love? Activities that are either required, enjoyed or good for you? 

Now, I've already shared about keeping a schedule for most days that helps me a lot, but that doesn't stop the unexpected from hitting me high and low. Like last week and this one. It was like a meteor shower with constant something coming up or interrupting my time. I managed to get most necessary things done, but when it came to writing these two weeks, I failed. Not nearly enough words were written. So...

Why have a schedule? 

Because things will eventually calm down. 

Life will flow evenly again. 

Inspiration will hit, and I'll get those words written. 

So the days that seem futile (in my writing) or wasted, really aren't. Right now, I choose to look at them as a time of resting, refreshing my spirit and mind, thinking, plotting and getting ready to write several more thousand words and quite a few more chapters. 

So, the deadline I've set for this book is real, but I do believe I've got this, in spite of the interruptions.

 I will finish this novel!!!

Serious Wednesday: BOOK News...

 Seriously! 

I'm working on Book Two

of the

Troubles in the West series

called:

Hunter's Rose.

It's coming along nicely and

should be completed soon.

Then comes edits

more edits...

and did I mention MORE 

edits?

Then finally, my editor will get the

manuscript and final edits.

Book cover is going through the final stages.

Memes are being developed.

Plans are being made for promotions.

Then will come publishing.

Hurrah! 

Happy Book Day! 

Serious Wednesday: Schedules to Keep...or Not.

I try to keep a schedule every day. People can argue for or against a list/schedule. Some find it helpful and stick strictly to it while others shake in horror at such a thing, preferring to do "their own thing (way)".  Either way is fine--as long as it works.

For years, I lived haphazardly, meaning I did my chores and writing when and if I felt like it. But now, when a friend shared something she'd found--simple and easy with no strong strings attached--I've grown to love it and use it almost every day.

I call it Carole's Chore & Word Crawl, and no, I didn't develop it. I fill in the list with the date, several daily chores that I normally complete in a day, plus writing goals, etc. then at the bottom I include a record of my successful writing goals.

For me, that's a beneficial thing. Here are a few reasons why I do it and why it's good for me:

* I can schedule tasks and small writing goals intermittently throughout the day. 

* I can keep track of how well (or not) I'm doing on my writing.

* I can balance it so that I'm not working on writing all day nor doing chores all day without breaks.

* I can include whatever I want in this list.

* I know that sometimes I won't complete everything that's on my list, and that's okay.

* It gives me a confidence boost to sign off in the evening, knowing I've given it my best shot.

* And because I know I've been so successful at this so many times, I can forgive myself when I don't do so well now and then. 

* It's simple and easy to schedule every day.

* Plus there are days when I'm traveling, too many out-of-the-home events where a list is not feasible. 

Here's an example of what I may use on my list every day and remember each day may vary, depending on what I need to get done that day. Word counts usually exceed what I've suggested. Some chores may not get completed, and that's okay. I'll add them the next day or work it in some way. 

Carole's Chore and Word Crawl

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Rise, shower, dress, 30 mins:  

Devotions, 40 mins:  

Breakfast, 30 mins:  

Make bed, 5 mins: 

Open/delete email:

Social Media work:  

Write 100 words:  

Sweep, 30 mins: 

Write 100 words:  

Put clothes in the washer, 10 mins:  

Write 100 words:  

Do 1 blog post:  

Write 100 words:

ETC.

Word goal for the day:  (However much you'd like to complete that day)

Word count for the day:

Overall word count:  

That's just a short example of my schedule. Some days don't get a schedule, but most days I do. I don't always complete everything, but usually enough that I feel the satisfaction of a day well completed. Try it and see...

And best wishes! 

Serious Wednesday: Behind the Scenes

 Behind the Scene with Secondary Characters 

Boet

Creating characters for our books is extremely important, immeasurably valuable. Without the right character creations, a book will be boring and unnoticed by many. That's why authors must work diligently to create characters with vivid and correct personalities to suit their various duties in our books.

Let's talk about a few secondary characters—those creatures who support the protaganist(s) and antagonist(s). In my newest book: Catch Me If You Can, Book one of the Nursery Rhyme series, I have two I want to use as examples.

I love creating secondary characters in books. They seem to add a touch of spice to the whole story. For instance:

• 
  Take Jimbo: He's a Native American of the tribe of Blackfoot, intuitive, kind, knowledgeable of the area and of reading trail signs plus a good nature endears him to readers. I didn't make him weird or unworldly, but with an innate personality that knows his own mind and isn't threatened
  by anyone.

How does that affect the readers? They love him: his deep understanding of people, their troubled hearts, their spirituality, their hurt—all of that resonates with them. It makes him a very empathetic individual, one that readers can connect with.

• And then there's Boet (pronounced Boot): A little background here: when I first wrote Catch Me If You Can, Tara Layne (the protagonist) had a pet mouse given to her by her two brothers as a joke. BUT...when an editor suggested I use a different kind of pet, I went on the hunt for the perfect pet. Once I'd decided on a cat as Tara's pet, I did a lot of research and came across an article about Savannah cats. I was impressed, not only by their behavior and attitudes but that this cat was the perfect pet for her.

And what is the response to Boet from readers? Well, he's one of their favorites. His antics, intelligence, and overall personality win them over.

Secondary characters are vastly important in books. I've found myself caring more about them, sometimes, than I do the main ones. And why's that, you ask?

Because they're not restricted in behaving in a way that leads to results. They can be as quirky or hateful as you portray them, and people will still love them because of that distinct difference.

Think about it. Who doesn't love a cat who leaves perfectly good clues for their detective and then nonchalantly walks away? He's done his job, now it's up to this person to do his. And all the time, he's gaining the attention of readers who wish he belonged to them. As is his right.

Smart cat! Fascinating characters!  

Serious Wednesday: Introducing: Catch Me If You Can

 Catch Me If You Can

Book ONE of 

The Nursery Rhyme series

The big cat sat on the oversized rock, ears pointed toward the sky, every muscle taut, every sense at the ready.

“S-s-shut up and f-f-forget it. You've s-seen nothing and know nothing. I won't warn you again. G-g-got it?”

The cat's head swiveled, his ears twitching as if catching the hint of threat in the whisper. A soft hiss slid from his open mouth and reinforced the overtone of evil pressing in upon the scene. Within hours, lies and dark secrets are slithering all over the campground.

Coaxed into finding the animal killer at Jamieson's Outfitters, Tara Layne, with her sidekick, Boet, is welcomed by a threatening whisper and the unfriendly eyes of a rugged and devastatingly handsome manager. Wesley Clarke, both interesting and frustrating, holds an attraction for Tara that is both primitive and exasperating.

Intermingled with her search, Tara deals with her own heartbreaking buried secrets. When a strange old Native American probes into the recesses of her heart, he encourages her to face her bitter feelings.

As Tara closes in on her search, she finds herself—and Boet—the target of someone who's determined to outrun and outsmart her. Someone determined not to get caught.

His theme:

Fun as fast as you can, you can't catch me.

The question:

Can Tara run fast enough to catch this real live Gingerbread boy

before he decides to get rid of her and Boet?

Buy the book here:

amzn.to/2CIEhrC

Serious Wednesday: A New Day, A New Series: Raisins for Racy

 What fun it is to sleigh tonight...No! I meant, write a book...   

Seriously, I just began a new series in Children's Books, called The Character Traits. The first book is titled:  Raisins for Racy:  Unselfishness. 

These fun books are for younger children who, with their parents guiding them, will learn about Character Traits that will encourage them to strive to make the traits a part of themselves. 

In Raisins for Racy (the rabbit), he so loves raisins that he refuses to share with anyone and even goes so far as to steal them. He thinks its funny to see everyone so upset until one day Racy comes face to face with his selfishness...and what do you think happens?

Find the book here to learn how little Racy learns that sharing is the best option.

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1624460388&sr=1-1

I think children and even parents will enjoy this cute book! 

Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: Reaching Your Goal

 Don't kid yourself. Writing is hard work. But, oh my, when you've reached your goal for the day--
the week--or finished that goal! What a feeling. 

Relief. Relaxation. Happiness. 

But...you can't reach that relief, relaxation, happiness stage until you get there. Tips on getting there?

Here goes:

1. Whatever you're writing, you need to plan ahead of time. Whether you're a by-the-seat writer or a plotter, you have to have some idea, form, or outline--at least in your head--for how you're going to proceed. What's your story or article about? Where are you headed? What will be the problem for your character? How will he/she handle the situation? How will the problem be solved? What genre are you writing in? How long will your book be? 
2. Research is a big part of writing fiction (or nonfiction for that matter). Do it with due justice. Make sure you know what you're writing about. Sometimes on certain things, you will have to do extensive research. Other times a quick check on google will give you the answer you need. Don't skim on this one. Research is important. 
3. Who are your characters? Jot down all the information about these people you might need to remember throughout your writing. That includes major and minor characters. Their coloring--eyes, hair, skin, etc. Where they work--if they work. What they enjoy doing--their hobbies, food tastes, habits etc. Who are they? Their personalities. their employment--even if they work. 
4. What is the problem in the book? How must the protagonists overcome it? How are the antagonists causing the problem, and why? Jealousy? Anger? Greed? Love? Money? 
5. How will the problem be resolved satisfactorily? Writers end their books in different ways. Most have a good, happy ending. Some leave the reader with a question, some with a teaser for more coming. Make sure you know what you want to do to give your characters--and your readers--that feeling of satisfaction! 

Whatever you do, don't try to get around these areas of importance. Embrace these thoughts, make them a part of your writing. And enjoy your journey! You'll be glad you did when your readers can't wait for the next book! 

Wednesday Question: 

What are some hints you use in your writing? 

Enjoy your writing! 

Serious Wednesday: The Break Thru...

I saw online today where a woman felt God called her to write on a certain subject, but the words wouldn't come. She was struggling whether to give it up and questioning whether she'd mistook her feelings. 

Should she give up the idea? What to do?

Much like my post last Wednesday, most, if not all, writers, come to that stage at times. It's called a plateau where nothing comes, no next word, no next idea, no next scene, and so and so. It's a most miserable place to be. 

But you can...

Here are a few ideas of what may help you break free from that plateau:

• Reread what writing you've done. Sometimes that will prompt you on to another thought.
• Talk to another writer, your critique partner, or your editor. If they have the experience, they'll be able to provide the encouragement you need to move on. They may even have a suggestion or two that will get you through the tunnel of darkness into your writing light.
• Take a break. If you're overwhelmed, tired, stressed, etc., some rest will renew your strength mentally and physically. 
• Try going at that writing project a different way. Do some research on a particular topic you're bringing into your writing. Make a list of different items in your work. What about the plot? Check to see if it's progressing the way you need it to go? Check out your characters and see if they're holding true to your initial creation of them. Do they need improvement? There are all kinds of ways to go through your work. You'll find it will be stronger.
• Try working on something new. Sometimes when you come back to the original work, you'll feel more relaxed and stronger to have a go at it.
• Allow yourself to take a break. Life happens, and nothing is more important than keeping your sanity and health, both physically and spiritually.
• Last, pray. Trust God when you don't know how to proceed, what to write, which way to turn. He has your roadmap, and will not leave you stranded. You'll get through this just as I did last week. You'll be all the better for the pause in your writing life! 

The Sun Will Rise!

Serious Wednesday: Contemplating Writing When You Don't Know Where to Go.

 I visited Gail Sattler's Blog this past week and shared how hard it was for me to plot the book. 

Here's the link if you'd like to check it out:

https://www.gailkittleson.com/the-spies-of-world-war-ii/#comment-532758

Books one and two came as if it was nothing...just there. 

But book three? 

A bit harder. 

I had to work at it. 

I had to revise, rethink, rewrite before I could get it where I wanted it to go. 

I knew who the two main protagonists were...pretty much.

But the secondary characters?

They were difficult, hiding from me as if they were keeping their personalities, their reason for even being in the book hidden. I had to WORK at finding their information.

But as I always encourage beginning writers to do...

Never, never, never give up.

Keep writing even you feel what you've written is horrible.

Even when you feel you're mentally dead.

Even when you want to.

Keep writing.

Keep winning.

And the results will be there.

Like this:

Happy writing!