Kellyn Roth's Blog: Kellyn Roth, Author, page 22

5 Myths About Writing Debunked

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There are a lot of myths about writing out there. It’s important for us to be aware of them … and to move on. So let’s debunk those myths!

Sidenote: a lot of these are myths for a good reason! Writing has changed over the years. Back in ye olden days, it was quite a bit different to be in the writing business.

And some of them are frankly just silly things that I found amusing. (There weren’t 5 whole really annoying writing myths, but y’know. Close enough.)

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5 Myths about Writing Debunked
1: Authors can’t make enough money from the sale of books to not starve.

Though it is true that a lot of authors aren’t making tons of money, that’s not because writing isn’t a good job. No, you can make a success as an author – and it is a viable career option! It just takes passion and perseverance.

So don’t give up! With the right tools and the right methods, you can turn writing in a self-supporting venture and pay the bills.

2: Writing is an art form, and you can’t make yourself write when you’re feeling uninspired.

Actually, you can.

Though I agree that there is a definite art aspect of writing, there are some times when you will need to write even when you don’t feel like it.

3: All writers are dreamy artist types who write poetry and stare off into the distance and are awkward.

No. We’re not.

I’m an ISTP, which is not a particularly dreamy type. I’m in the moment. Yes, I seem to zone out a lot, but really, I’m right there. I’m usually able to think and listen and do something at the same time. (I do this at work all the time.)

And I am a little awkward, but usually I’m not your average bumbling Disney princess. Physically, I have good control of my body and present a fairly confident exterior. (Inside, I’m all sweaty palms, but you know.)

4: All writers are introverts.

I know a number of extroverted writers! Not as many, but a number. And they’re all thriving, they’re awesome, and I loves them to death!

And furthermore, being introvert doesn’t mean you’re …

shy
awkward
a people hater
easily tired
a party hater
a social outcast
a moody teen
creative
depressed
anxious
artistic
different
strange
melodramatic

Some introverts are these things, but it really just refers to what gives us more energy – spending time with people (extrovert) or spending time alone (introvert).

And that was my mini rant of the day.

5 Things to Do Before Summer’s Over

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The way I see it, we still have one week of summer left. And a week is enough time to do something. Do something big. Do something amazing.

Now, some of you may already finished your summers by starting school (*hisses*) or you may have graduated and therefore have a normal life in which summer doesn’t exist (*more hissing*) or maybe you just don’t celebrate summer. (Weird.)

BUT let’s just all pretend we have perfect lives where there’s one more week of awesome. (Which is what I have before my Day Job 1 becomes 5 days a week and Day Job 2 probably picks up pace when I’m there, etc.)

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Without further ado …

5 Things to Do Before Summer’s Over
1: Write a poem.

Even if you’re not a writer, you should do this. You can write a poem in any style you want, but definitely give it a try. Writing poems is fun, gives you practice with word play, and exercises different muscles in your brain.

Here’s one I wrote:

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(And yeah, I am writing snow poems during the summer. Why do you ask?)

2: Snuggle some small animal.

I don’t care what you have to do to. Buy a cat. Rent a puppy. Find a guinea pig. Catch a squirrel. BUT SNUGGLE A SMALL ANIMAL!

If you have allergies, stuffed animals are … kinda the same thing. Or get a reptile. Or maybe a human baby would be the same thing.

But take some time to JUST. HOLD. A. SMALL. LITTLE. THING.

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3: Go on a hike, walk, etc. in the evening.

Before summer’s over, you definitely have to do this. Even if you just circle your yard twice. There’s something about walks or hikes in the evening (or late afternoon) that is just awesome.

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4: Sleep in at least an hour later than normal.

On like a weekend if that will help you feel better about yourself/that’s the only possibility. BUT DO IT! Even if you have to, I don’t know, skip church or something. #gottabecrazy #actualdayofrest

You deserve this. If it helps, stay up late the night before to prep for your extra sleep.

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5: Read one more book.

Something summery, mayhap! Suck up that last bit of reading time before summer’s over – and READ. READ. READ!!!

(If you need recs, hit me up. I have a billion.) (And no, they’re not mine.) (Okay, not all of them.)

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I’m just trying to sort through things like the amount of guest posts I’ve been too overwhelmed to get up and finishing The Dressmaker’s Secret. I have a bunch of projects for my last week of summer! So we’ll see how far I get.

As for fun things … sending puppies to their new homes? UGH. Also, I might convince my parents to let me visit puppies (… yeah, another litter of puppies) down in Bend. Yes, I do want another puppy. No, it’s not a good idea. (We’re a breeder, though, so it’s legit.) (Also, this one would be my official pet/buddy who would go on adventures with me and whatnot.) (I’m completely serious about this!)

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

What are you going to do before summer’s over? Or is summer already over for you? What did you get done this summer? And what did you not get done (e.g. how did you chillax)?

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The post 5 Things to Do Before Summer’s Over appeared first on Reveries.

Review of Rhododendron, Oregon Area

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Hello everyone! Today I’m writing a review of the Rhododendron, Oregon Area – and more specifically of my birthday trip there just last week.

My friends and I had an amazing time – but of course that doesn’t mean we can’t critique. I’m going to tear this trip apart in a very serious, very honest way that is not at all overblown or ridiculous.

So silliness here. We will not tolerate silliness.

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My Review of the Rhododendron Area

First of all, “Rhododendron area” is not accurate but “Mt. Hood area” seemed wrong because we weren’t up on the mountain.

-1 = -1

But whatever it was, it was gorgeous!

+1 = 0

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Trillium Lake is kinda my childhood hangout. We went there the second day and had a picnic.

+5 = 5

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But I couldn’t get my butt in the lake because it was way too cold. -2 = 3

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This is a blurry picture of the road. -1 = 2

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It’s blurry but DANG it is gorgeous! +4 = 6

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This is actually a great picture AND shows the gorgeous amazing roads up there. +6 = 12

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AGGGGHH OKAY IT IS GORGEOUS I AM SO DEAD. I want to go back. +10 = 22

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People having fun on a lake I was too cold-shy to get into. -5 = 17

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IT IS SO GORGEOUS! (Have I said that too many times???) +10 = 27

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IT’S SO GORGEOUSSSS! Seriously, though, I has a cute friend. +10 = 37

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Some random troll took like 5,000 selfies on my friend’s phone. -10 = 27

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The fries on Mt. Hood are sub par. WHY ARE THEY SO WHITE!?!?!? And they weren’t well salted. Frickin’ Rhododendron. -7 = 20

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I has such cute friends. (Except that one in the red shirt. Gosh, why is she photobombing us?! Such a creepo …)

+20 = 40

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More cuties. +10 = 50

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The way Eva is holding on to that handle while I’m driving is frankly ridiculous. I’m an excellent driver. I get people where they need to go. Quickly and with much excitement. -5 = 45

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This is a cool landscape from the waterfall we hiked to. +2 = 47

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HOT TUB! We had an AWESOME hot tub at the place we were staying, and we spent like three years in it, and it was AMAZING. Like I never wanted to get out, and I miss it like crazy. +1,000 = 1,047

#LIFEGOALS

Also, I didn’t get any pictures, really, but wow, we stayed at the NICEST place! It had an amazing kitchen and a cute living room and the BEST beds – like literally the best – and the way the house was set up allowed me and my friends out own private “wing” which was awesome. So. +1,000 = 2,047

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So we hiked up to this waterfall on the way to the cabin on day 1. However, I was SO sick! Like I was dying. I completely lost my voice that evening and still haven’t gotten it back so I CANNOT TALK UGGGHHH. Though I really love it – I sound like a mix of a chain smoker and a teenage boy. And it’s GREAT! So …

+3 for my awesome voice = 2,050

-1,000 for being sick my ENTIRE birthday trip to the point where I was barely surviving = 1,050

Photo dump …

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That hike was LOADS of fun. +10 = 1,060

But there was this weird creep hiking with us …? -1,000 = 60

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Friends trying to keep poor sick me from dying. +1,000 = 1,060

Random troll in the bed. -1,000 = 60

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Random photo of friends in the car. +5 = 65

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More DQ pics. Rhododendron actually had a Dairy Queen, which was pretty awesome even if the fries were sub-parr. +5 = 70

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Random awkward failed group photos. +10 = 80

Also, MOM SIGHTING! You almost never see my mom in any photo, so that’s a surprise for sure. +5 = 85

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Somewhat blurry, awkward car selfies. +5 = 90

More mom. +20 = 110

Honestly, I just like these pictures. +100 = 210

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Another random hot tub pic. +5 = 215

Other Random Points:

A random troll didn’t send me pictures she took. -15 = 200

THAT SICKNESS DESERVES MORE RECOGNITION. -100 = 100

We watched Anna Karenina which I really enjoyed. +200 = 300

But ugh some of the content. -100 = 200

We also watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail which is just. so. good. +1,000 = 1,200.

Food was good. I didn’t eat it, but y’know. +1,000 = 2,200

We played Never Have I Ever for like … hours??? I had hundreds of questions. And Aimee won. Because she took small sips. (Of pop/soda/La Croix. We were playing, “until we give up and go to the bathroom” … which was interesting). +1,000 = 3,200

Our talks are so great. +1,000 = 4,200

People got me fantastic gifts. Like a unicorn cup and glitter and candy (good candy) and a stuffed animal dog that my friend LITERALLY KNITTED FOR ME (his name is Paden – pictures to come). +5,000 = 9,200

It ended way too soon. -200 = 9,000

But I mean that’s the best thing one can say about a trip, soooo …? +1,000 = 10,000

I had so much fun it wasn’t even funny. +10,000 = 20,000

Total for Trip

20,000 points

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

Did you go on any vacations this summer? What was your favorite? What do you think of my review? Who do you think that random person in all those photos is?

Also, I feel that I ought to clarify that the random person/troll/creep is a run-on gag that I could not stop once I started but which is not like hurting anyone’s feelings or whatever. *shrugs*

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The post Review of Rhododendron, Oregon Area appeared first on Reveries.

The Divided Nation by Angela R. Watts (Blog Tour and Giveaway)

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The Divided Nation by Angela R. Watts released several days ago, and I’m so excited to be sharing my review as well as the giveaway + blog tour schedule.

I got one of the last slots on the tour, so that means you get to look back on all the other awesome posts + take this last-chance opportunity to enter the giveaway! So excited!

Remember, I’ll be posting some stuff about the vacay I had soon-ish, so that’s gonna be fun. (I hope you enjoy the post I’m putting together!)

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About the Book

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WHEN THE NATION DIVIDES, THE INFIDELS MUST RISE.

The United States has fallen. Three years after the 2024 presidential election and the declaration of martial law, the nation is at war against itself. Gangs battle, civilians struggle for survival, and officials of the United Nations  thrive. West Johnston, heir to the most powerful ganglord in the country, refuses to continue the family legacy. But, in order to defeat his father, he must become him: bloodthirsty and willing to do whatever it takes for control.

West gains control by helping fellow gangsters, Nate and Simon, when they form an alliance with one of the last remaining townships in America. After years of surviving and winter fast approaching, Springtown is in desperate need of supplies from the two teenagers. When the town leader’s daughter, Rene’, is kidnapped by an unknown rival, Nate and Simon risk their reputations to save her and the town they now love. But without help from West, their rescue mission will fail.

Told in multiple bold, abrasive narratives, THE DIVIDED NATION steps into a future where brotherhood bonds must be stronger than iron to survive a broken world, and faith without courage is dust in the wind.

Buy on Amazon ~ Add on Goodreads

About the Author

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Angela R. Watts is a Christian fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.

Check out her website

My Review of The Divided Nation

I wasn’t exactly sure what to think when I started this book. Yes, I had a lot of preconceived notions and random snippets to paste together in my brain. But I overall wasn’t sure of the direction the plot, characters, etc. were going.

I also knew to expect pain. Angela Watts never writes a novel without a nice amount of it, but this one from snippets and blurbs and all, I knew would be much more painful.

But beyond that, I entered this book with a pretty empty mind … and was totally blown away.

This is a book packed full of so much – so many characters, so many important lessons – that it is tough to summarize it. But basically, it’s a beautiful, horrible, important book that everyone should read.

That said, even the author acknowledges that this book isn’t for everyone. Christian audiences will probably find this book to be too violent. I personally didn’t find it any more violent than it needs to be.

There are a number of intense, gritty scenes. In fact, that’s what this book is – intense and gritty. However, I found that it serves God well by showing the darkness that we all live in. I personally don’t believe in living in a fantasy world, and this book will assure you don’t.

I don’t think I got all of this book the first time through, so I will definitely be rereading it. And I think everyone should probably reread it unless they have Angela R. Watts super-brains because … how do you get it all the first time through?!

I think West was my favorite character. He had a powerful story, and I’m curious to know what happens to him in the rest of the series. (Probably horrible things.) Alex and Simon are also some favorites of mine, though only in a brother way.

In summary, this is a tough read. It’s about people pushed to their limit who have to turn SOMEWHERE and where they turn … it’s about pain … it’s about life being so pitch dark that you can literally feel the black oozing around you … and still living because we have to live … and finding a kind of hope in all that.

Content Warnings: violence including torture, death, blood, gunshot wounds, all other kinds of wounds, fighting, gangs, wars, bombs going off, etc. Rape is hinted at & rape victims are shown. Lots of kidnapping and sex trafficking are talked about and some victims are shown/rescued. Pregnancy/childbirth are briefly talked about. Some mild cussing once or twice.

Schedule

August 12th

Author Interview @ Taking Up My Cross

Book Spotlight @ Unicorn Quester 

August 13th (RELEASE DAY)

Guest Post @ Crazy Little Thing Called Life

Author Interview @ Coffee, Classics, and Craziness

Author and Character Interview @ HauntingGhostTown

Character Interview @ Imperial Scribis 

Character and Author Interview @ FaithLaneAuthor

August 14th

Book Spotlight @ The Writer’s Song

Guest Post @ Jaye L. Knight

August 15th

Book Review @ Kaitlyn Krispense, Author

August 16th

Book Review @ We’ve Got Pockets 

Book Review @ Bella Putt: Writer. Reader. Follower of Christ.

August 17th

Author Interview @ Gabriella Slade

Book Spotlight @ Stories by Firefly

Book Review @ Scribes and Archers 

August 18th

Author Interview and Guest Post @ Tangled Up In Writing

Guest Post @ Read Write Breathe

August 19th

Book Review @ Reveries 

Book Review @ Just Writing

Author Interview @ Allison’s Well

Book Review @ Books, Life, and Christ

Giveaway

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US shipping only. If an international winner is drawn, they will receive an ebook only.

1st place: hardback copy of The Divided Nation. A custom mug with a quote from the book, bookmark, and an exclusive snippet from The Infidel Books.

2nd place: paperback copy of The Divided Nation, bookmark.

3rd place: ebook copy of The Divided Nation.

Click here to enter!

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TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

Did you enjoy my review? How could I make reviews more exciting? Have you read this book?

The post The Divided Nation by Angela R. Watts (Blog Tour and Giveaway) appeared first on Reveries.

Why I Chose Indie Publishing {Guest Post by Jenna Terese}

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Today we have a guest poster talking about something very near and dear to my heart … why she chose indie publishing! Jenna Terese is listing pros & cons of self- and traditional publishing as well as her personal reasons for the decision.

Meanwhile, I’m up on Mt. Hood. I mean … *glances at watch* … not quite yet. But I will be soon! So if I don’t reply to your comments right off, that’s probably why.

No more delays. On to the post!

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Why I Chose Indie Publishing

A lot of writers are confused as to which publishing path to choose. Traditional? Indie (also called self-publishing)? There are a lot of opinions out there, and they can just confuse the matter further.

Even worse, some writers write off indie as “not real publishing.” Unfortunately, some still cling to the idea that indie publishing is where you go if you couldn’t make it in the “real world.” They think the self-publishing side is filled with people who couldn’t get an agent or publishing house, who aren’t good writers, and who put out awful books.

Sadly, this used to be the case. But that was many years ago. Indie-publishing is different now. It’s changed. People are making a good go at it, some doing just as good or better than traditionally published authors.

As you might have been able to tell, I am partial to indie-publishing. I am not published yet, but I chose indie publishing.

I am by no means trying to put down traditional publishing, authors that are traditionally published, or writers who want to go that route. These are just my opinions and advice for you, because I care about those stories that you’re writing. I want them to reach the world in the best possible way.

THE PROS AND CONS OF TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
Pros

The experience of the publishing house. You have industry experts here, with years and years of combined experience ready to hone your book into an awesome product.

More resources. Publishing houses have more resources and connections to market your book well and get it out there in front of readers.

You’re left to just write. This is a big pro for some people, if you don’t want to be bothered with a lot of the business side of publishing and want to be left to just create.

The status of an “actually published author.” Sadly, if you go indie, a lot of people won’t see you as a real published author. Even though people’s minds are changing, it’s a sad truth that still lingers.

You don’t have to pay any upfront costs. You don’t have to pay a formatter, cover designer, editor, anything. Publishers’ in-house experts do these things for you.

Cons

Gatekeepers. It can be really hard to get into the traditional publishing world. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before; writers getting rejection after rejection for years. Those popular stories that are so great, had to go through a long chain of rejections first.

It’s a really long process. The long process of getting a traditional book out there can take years. It can make it hard to follow the trends in the market and publish when a book would be most successful.

You only get a small share of the profits. I don’t want to sound greedy here, but this point pretty much speaks for itself. But coupled with the experience and marketing abilities of the publishing house, it’s still possible to make good money.

You don’t really own your story anymore. Once you sign that contract (of course, the contracts probably vary somewhat), you don’t own your story like you would if you went indie. You can’t do what you want with it. Ultimately, the final decisions are not up to you, but the publisher.

PROS AND CONS OF INDIE PUBLISHING
Pros

There are no gatekeepers! You have the advantage of speed! There’s nobody holding you back from publishing your book in the indie world. You have the freedom to publish as quickly as you’d like, and can follow the trends of what’s most popular to get better sales.

You keep the profits. All that money is for you.

The Kees & Colliers Blog Tour Wrapup

Are you as ready for the Kees & Colliers blog tour wrapup as I am? I mean … a part of me wants it to go on and on, but it can’t. So. WRAPUP!

Sidenote: it’s my birthday! So other than today we’re going to have prescheduled posts this week. (BIRTHDAAAYYY TRIPPP!!! Also, do y’all want me to review Mt. Hood/that area like I did with Cali?)

I’ll probably talk about being eighteen and all the fun that is adulthood and all the greatness that was my childhood (I mean I’m still a kid but shh) in later posts. For now, let’s talk books!

The Kees & Colliers Series

The Lady of the Vineyard (Book 1)

Is it too late for Adele to return to her daughter’s life?

When her ex-husband reappears in her life determined to spend more time with their child, Adele Collier allows him to take Judy to France for the summer. As the summer goes by, an internal battle rages in Adele’s heart. Can she give up her glamorous lifestyle to win her daughter’s heart?

Six-year-old Judy is more than happy to trade Adele’s neglect for her father’s adoring care. She loves his vineyard and wishes she could stay there forever, but someday she must return to England. Can Judy trust her mother again?

Flowers in Her Heart (Book 2)

Can Adele change her entire lifestyle to be a mother to her babies?

When her husband goes off to war, Adele feels lost and confused. In a new, less-than-ideal place in a frightening, less-than-ideal time, she flees to the garden with her daughters, determined to make their new house a home, even if it is from the outside in.

Battered by her own inner turmoil and scoffed at by those close to her, Adele seeks to make something beautiful amidst chaos. But can even the most beautiful flowers cover the years of scars?

From Now ‘Til Forever (Book 3)

The war is over, but it’s not as easy coming home as he anticipated.

Troy Kee doesn’t know how he’ll settle back into life with his family after WWII, but he’s determined to do so. He feels that if he can just get his family back to their vineyard in France, everything will be all right. But his wife has other plans.

This charming novelette finale to the Kees & Colliers series highlights the difficulties of returning home after a war.

Souls Astray (Prequel Novel)

Adele has been lost for a long time now …

Adele Collier has sought a carefree lifestyle ever since her tragic childhood. Determined to never allow anyone or anything to control her life or emotions again, she consistently seeks distraction in gaiety. But shaking her ghosts isn’t as easy as she’d like.

Troy Kee has been alone in the world since the Great War took his parents and left him in care of his younger sister. When she marries, he’s left to seek after his goal of a healthy, complete family. But how can he focus on his dream when trouble plagues his family vineyard?

When Adele and Troy meet, a whirlwind romance begins—but can two lost souls have a healthy relationship?

FIND THESE BOOKS ON AMAZON OR MY WEBSITE

The Kees & Colliers Blog Tour Giveaway Wrapup

Prize One:

THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD and FLOWERS IN HER HEART in paperback & a cool FLOWER NECKLACE.

Prize Two:

THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD in paperback & FLOWERS IN HER HEART and FROM NOW ’TIL FOREVER in ebook

The Winners Are …

For First Prize:

Andrea Cox

For Second Prize:

Kaitlyn Krispense

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A wrapup of all the posts …

The Kees & Colliers Blog Tour Wrapup
Interview with Angela R. Watts

Aww, this interview is good for me heart! It’s very sweet. And Ang’s little “history lesson” is super sweet, too. LOVE THIS GIRL!

Also, I forgive you everything but only because of the GIF.

The Lady of the Vineyard Review with Andrea Cox

This review is one of my favorites! As always, Andrea gives me a concise, professional review while also managing to make me grin. Favorite quote:

That parent’s love he displayed and the lessons he taught his daughter were worth reading this book. These characters were messy with raw hearts and feelings, yet they learned so much about life and love and hope. Somehow they wriggled their way into my happy place and left me wanting more of their story.

Flowers in Her Heart Review with Andrea Cox

Awww, she called it emotional! Favorite quote:

Tension, war worries, and family issues enhanced this and, at times, made me want to weep. The further into the plot I got, the quicker I wanted to read—not to be done faster, but rather to see how things would turn out for the dear characters who had secured places in my reader heart.

The Lady of the Vineyard Review with Lily

THIS REVIEW IS LITERALLY THE BEST! I love how organized and neat it is while also giving me those fun little comments and whatnot that we all love.

Two More Reviews with Lily

WOW! Okay, this is one of those posts I’m gonna look back on when I need inspiration. There are so many things I love, but here’s one of the quotes that made me squeal aloud in glee:

If ever I had a prompting to write fan fiction, it was nil and in the past compared to this. 

And the rest of the review … just read it. So much smile.

Another Review with Andrea

Another lovely review from Andrea! Andrea is a big person in my life, hehe, so I get so excited about these (though of course she can’t love them all).

Favorite quote:

Things were wrapped up so beautifully that this could easily be the last in the series, but of course there is plenty of room for Miss Roth to give us additional adventures of the Kees and Colliers if she so chooses.

*coughs* More books? Ahem? I don’t know … we shall see … *already has an outline for a book 4*

Interview with Alabama

Alabama was one of my students once upon a time, and gosh, I miss her! It was super fun to do an interview with her.

(me at every one of our lessons because she was one of my first students)

Review with Bella

Dawww, this is a sweet review, too! (Also, I’m always surprised on people’s interpretations of Adele/Troy’s relationship. I see such a mixed bag!)

Favorite quote:

Troy, of course, was as wonderful as he was in Souls Astray. Sweet, caring, and funny, his determination to love Adele no matter what was delightful, while also painting a great example of how to love even when it’s difficult.

Review with Abigail Harris

This is a review of the entire series, which was SO sweet! I love how much time Abigail put into this … thank you, thank you, thank you!

Also …

Reading about Adele as she gets a footing as a better mother is wonderful. We see her struggle to grow and let go of the pain of her past and mistakes. And her and her mother having the feelings they do toward each other makes life so much harder, but the ending is beyond perfect!

Exactly the effect I was looking for!

Another review with Michaela Bush

Aww, this one was so sweet!

I absolutely love the Kees & Colliers, even though Adele makes me want to scream sometimes.  I had a busy week when I read it, and when I got a chance to read, I had to practically force myself to put it down so I could, you know, eat and do other important things.

And here’s a review with Maya

Thank you, Maya, for writing such a sweet review!

The story is a sweet picture of a reunited family, but Kellyn’s not afraid to show how Troy was affected by the war and how his marriage isn’t perfect. Because she doesn’t shy away from the gritty, raw, real parts of life, the happiness that the Kees find is much more satisfying. Everyone likes a happy ending, but happy endings are no good if there’s not some sadness before. From Now ‘Til Forever shows the darkness but finishes off with a lovely dose of light that I really appreciated.

Spotlight with Leila Tualla

Thanks for the spotlight, Leila! You included EVERYTHING which was just so helpful!

Another spotlight with Faith Blum

And thank you, too, Faith, for agreeing to spotlight me! I know how busy you are, so I’m very grateful to you for helping out!

Reviews with Esther Filbrun

Thanks for sharing, Esther! Your reviews were so sweet – I wasn’t expecting them so I was like, “WHAT!? Awww, thank you!”

Lady is good, but this one somehow touched a bit more of a chord with me and I really loved the story. It’s simple, and sad, and sweet…just the elements I like, with a character or two that really need a good shaking up and heart change. Somewhat of a short book, but I did enjoy it.

I currently also prefers Flowers, so I get that! Thank you for your kind words!

(Gus is so creepy sometimes …)

Review with Abigail McKenna

Dawwwww! Thank you for reviewing Forever! Your review was so sweet!

Judy is still the best, Cammy is adorable, Adele continues to grow and be amazing, and Troy, as always, is my fave.

*quietly agrees*

Another review with Isabel Olivetti

Another sweet review, this time of Flowers. Thank you so much, Isabel!

One aspect of Flowers in Her Heart that I particularly enjoyed was seeing every single one of the characters thrust out of their comfort zone, and seeing how they each dealt with their situations in ways true to their personality.

And that’s it! Thanks, y’all, for hanging out with me for this rough, minimalistic launch!

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

AREN’T THE POSTS THE BEST THINGS EVER??? OMW READING THESE WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TODAY!!! I’m heading up to Mt. Hood for a birthday bash – should I write a review of the trip/location/etc.? (joking like for Cali, y’know) *gots to remind myself to take lots of pictures*

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The post The Kees & Colliers Blog Tour Wrapup appeared first on Reveries.

You’re Not as Think as You Awkward You Are {a letter to young teens}

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Dear teen,

I want to tell you something not a lot of people will, but something you need to hear nonetheless –

You are not as awkward as you think you are.

Let me elaborate.

(But first let’s say it louder for those in the back …)

You are not as awkward as you think you are!

You see, a lot of teens I know are so. intensely. awkward. And that’s not their fault, really. You feel that way because, well, it’s tough being a teen (especially a young teen).

Peer pressure is huge, you want to be “cool,” you’re trying to be an adult, you have to work hard to maintain that image …

And in the end you fail because no one can keep up with all that pressure, no one can really be cool {because there’s no such thing}, teens aren’t adults quite yet, and the image isn’t worth the stress.

So … I am awkward? you say, a bit peeved.

Yeahhhh … and no.

10K 1Day (how did I do that again?)

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Hello folks! Kell here. At the beginning of July, I wrote 10,000 words in one day (10k 1Day). I wanted to do this several times this month, but so far I’ve only accomplished it once.

Still, that’s good as I have never written 10k in a 1 day except during NaNoWriMo (the main event not Camp). Camp actually tends to be a little slower for me. So this was a big accomplishment for me!

And I want to tell you how I did it, so let’s get right into it.

10K 1Day
The Set Up

Day -1

Tomorrow, July 1st 2019, I am going to attempt to write 10,000 words a day for a straight 7 days. This will complete my novel, Love Once Lost .

I wrote these words in an almost-brand-new notebook. It felt a little crazy as I wrote it, but I was determined. I thought I could do it.

I have previously written that many words, but not in a row. So … let’s see how I do! I haven’t told anyone, and I won’t. Going to try to sleep tonight, get up early, and get started.

Signing out, 8:32, Kelly Garrett

And that was it.

Disclaimer: I didn’t get 10k 1Day for 7 Days

Of course I didn’t! That’s ridiculous.

Now, there were some other contributing factors other than “you can’t write that much that many days in a row.” I think I could, given the right circumstances.

However, that week I was starting a new job (a second job), my home has been super crazy and not a super safe place to be, I didn’t have my laptop (it was at Dell for repairs), I was writing on my Kindle (with a keyboard), and overall, I wasn’t super enthusiastic for this story after a certain point.

All that contributed.

But I did get 10k 1Day!

Day 1

5:21 — up! Less tired than one would think. Not even getting coffee for now. Kindle set up, playlist [link] set up (on my phone), and all ready to begin Love Once Lost!

And so, I wrote. I did a lot of word sprints with friends (my Chatter Box Girls cabin for the win) and didn’t stop for anything but to grab coffee later on and stretch once or twice.

7:40 — 3,000 words written! Only 7,000 to go. I also got dressed and made up and all. I’m sprinting with friends until 8:45-ish, depending.

So that’s right, about 3,000 words in two hours! I think the early morning + the excitement of starting a new story contributed.

9:40 — just shy of 4,000 words written, a videocall, and all ready for work @ 10 AM! Here we go …

And I was off to my day job.

Home Again, Home Again

1:57 — got off work just after 12 (12:20), got DQ (Dairy Queen), came home around 1:40, took break, and here we are at 2 PM!

I am still just shy of 4,000, but I have to make at least 5k by 3. 3 is my next and last (for the day) videocall. After 3, I’ll be writing the final 4k (God-willing). We’ll see how it goes!

So yes, having a slow day at work definitely helped. I was just there for a little over two hours before they sent me home.

When I got home, there was some family here (my other sister and her kiddos), but I just ignored them.

3 Big Mistakes I Made Online

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Shutting your mouth is hard, but keeping your fingers from typing and posting comments is even harder. When I first got started on the internet, I was befuddled and immature … and I made a bunch of mistakes.

Most of this happened in the dark days before Reveries, before I published books, and even before I was “Kellyn Roth.” (Yes, the pen name came later.)

You see, I really got my start on the internet through the Young Writers Program (YWP) version of NaNoWriMo (ywp.nanowrimo.org).

I was twelve or thirteen, just a kid, and honestly, I had no idea what was up.

It was a pretty safe environment (for some reason that changed after the switch to the new website, but I digress), and I really enjoyed it.

But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t space for mistakes. There’s always room for idiocy. So let me share my top 3 big mistakes I made online that I hope to never make again!

3 Big Mistakes I Made Online
#1: Arguing about stupid things … but completely seriously.

Now, arguing about stupid things in a loving manner is one thing. I support this. It’s good for friendships (says one of the founders of the annual Christmas in Fall Battle of Doom).

Blog Tour Posts for Kees & Colliers Once Again

Some more blog tour posts? you say. That’ll be boring, you say. WELL, THINK AGAIN, BECAUSE SOME OF MY FAVORITE POSTS ARE INCLUDED, MATE!

Really, though, this post can serve other purposes. For instance, it can remind you to ENTER THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY or simply check out my books, if that’s your thing.