Jen K. Blom's Blog, page 4
July 19, 2011
Art imitates life
Ever heard that before?
Let me back up.
Last December while on a walk with my baby Loki, my husband, my mother in law and brother in law (with his girlfriend) I managed to slip on flat (ice) ground and break my leg in three places.
I tell you what. I've not EVER had pain like that.
After I couldn't get surgery on it because it took so long for the ambulance to get to me (looong story but boy was it icy!) and had to wait and then had to live with the grandparents (which was awesome, don't get me wrong, but not MY house and not MY rules), I was at wit's end. Every month I thought "Oh, the next month will be okay; I'll be 100% better soon!"
Well, here we are, almost 7 months after and I have to say: It doesn't get better like how you see on the telly. It's a long, slow process, with setbacks, and the occasional reward just to keep you going. There aren't Disney endings for this sort of thing.
Like this week, for the first time since it happened, I don't have pain in my leg when I sit. It took me seven months to get here. I've learned from this, though.
Learned patience, and the fact that sometimes you have to just deal, and the fact that others WILL care for you if you let them. Also, little 1 year old babies and broken legs don't deal, and that I HATE being dependent on taking a pain pill just to function - but that they do sometimes help. I've also learned that depression can practically destroy a person, and keep her so frustrated and despairing that she'll turn on anybody and anyone to make it go away. But it won't.
I still have a ways to go, but at least I can mostly walk now. I can't wait to run, but thanks to my experiences throughout this thing I know it will take more time.
You can bet your farm these feelings and experiences will make it into one of my books someday.
Let me back up.
Last December while on a walk with my baby Loki, my husband, my mother in law and brother in law (with his girlfriend) I managed to slip on flat (ice) ground and break my leg in three places.
I tell you what. I've not EVER had pain like that.
After I couldn't get surgery on it because it took so long for the ambulance to get to me (looong story but boy was it icy!) and had to wait and then had to live with the grandparents (which was awesome, don't get me wrong, but not MY house and not MY rules), I was at wit's end. Every month I thought "Oh, the next month will be okay; I'll be 100% better soon!"
Well, here we are, almost 7 months after and I have to say: It doesn't get better like how you see on the telly. It's a long, slow process, with setbacks, and the occasional reward just to keep you going. There aren't Disney endings for this sort of thing.
Like this week, for the first time since it happened, I don't have pain in my leg when I sit. It took me seven months to get here. I've learned from this, though.
Learned patience, and the fact that sometimes you have to just deal, and the fact that others WILL care for you if you let them. Also, little 1 year old babies and broken legs don't deal, and that I HATE being dependent on taking a pain pill just to function - but that they do sometimes help. I've also learned that depression can practically destroy a person, and keep her so frustrated and despairing that she'll turn on anybody and anyone to make it go away. But it won't.
I still have a ways to go, but at least I can mostly walk now. I can't wait to run, but thanks to my experiences throughout this thing I know it will take more time.
You can bet your farm these feelings and experiences will make it into one of my books someday.
July 18, 2011
Big fat spider sitting on a web
Hola, compadres!
How goes it?
How is the writing coming along? Life?
I've decided to take a more relaxed attitude to the blog. Back in the day (ie before publication) it was that. Just meanderings, writing updates, and baby stuff. More calm. Then the publication got all up in there and well, it wasn't much fun trying to be Ms. Popular. I'm no good at it.
I was no good at it in high school, I'm no good at it now. (And I didn't care in Middle Grade, which is probably why my mind's stuck there writing wise). But the difference between then and now is that I realize - hey. It's a life, it's my life, and it won't end if I am not the super most popular writer blogger person of all time.
This, my friends, was a revelation for me.
So I'm going back to fun. Slightly rambling, cat pictures, goofy Loki, and book stuff too - but just not all of it. Also? My book signing reading thing is coming up on Saturday, and I'm getting mad nervous. Already, you ask?
Oy yae. << (yes)
I have already had a dream where I go to stand in front of everyone and I look down to see I am a naked mother fertility figure. Oh yes. Just not a good mental image (and it woke me up).
So if I make it fun, I reckon I can bring myself to get back on here more often. That's what I'm a gonna do.
How goes it?
How is the writing coming along? Life?
I've decided to take a more relaxed attitude to the blog. Back in the day (ie before publication) it was that. Just meanderings, writing updates, and baby stuff. More calm. Then the publication got all up in there and well, it wasn't much fun trying to be Ms. Popular. I'm no good at it.
I was no good at it in high school, I'm no good at it now. (And I didn't care in Middle Grade, which is probably why my mind's stuck there writing wise). But the difference between then and now is that I realize - hey. It's a life, it's my life, and it won't end if I am not the super most popular writer blogger person of all time.
This, my friends, was a revelation for me.
So I'm going back to fun. Slightly rambling, cat pictures, goofy Loki, and book stuff too - but just not all of it. Also? My book signing reading thing is coming up on Saturday, and I'm getting mad nervous. Already, you ask?
Oy yae. << (yes)
I have already had a dream where I go to stand in front of everyone and I look down to see I am a naked mother fertility figure. Oh yes. Just not a good mental image (and it woke me up).
So if I make it fun, I reckon I can bring myself to get back on here more often. That's what I'm a gonna do.
July 14, 2011
A review so nice
I posted it well, everywhere.
But this one is a keeper. :) I'm posting it here so I can always find the link. Because it made me cry.
BOOKS AND BEASTS REVIEWS POSSUM SUMMER
This.
"I have to say, since this an animal-centered blog, that for animal lovers Possum Summer is both wonderful and heartbreaking. The beauty and harshness of life get equal weight. There are a couple of emotionally wrenching scenes and a climax that is, literally (at least for me) breathtaking."
And this.
"P's world is the farmland of western Oklahoma, and she is the kind of stubborn, tomboyish heroine we expect. The tone reminds me strongly of books like Old Yeller
and
Where the Red Fern Grows
. (Even Charlotte's Web
- although none of the animals talk.)"
:)
But this one is a keeper. :) I'm posting it here so I can always find the link. Because it made me cry.
BOOKS AND BEASTS REVIEWS POSSUM SUMMER
This.
"I have to say, since this an animal-centered blog, that for animal lovers Possum Summer is both wonderful and heartbreaking. The beauty and harshness of life get equal weight. There are a couple of emotionally wrenching scenes and a climax that is, literally (at least for me) breathtaking."
And this.
"P's world is the farmland of western Oklahoma, and she is the kind of stubborn, tomboyish heroine we expect. The tone reminds me strongly of books like Old Yeller
and
Where the Red Fern Grows
. (Even Charlotte's Web - although none of the animals talk.)"
:)
July 5, 2011
News and thoughts
I am mean to this blog. I know it.
But life has taken me by the forehead and slammed me into the wall. I know, I know. I got myself into this craziness! So I'm just flowing as much as I can and dealing with the rest.
Mostly by Dr Pepper and M&Ms.
I have a lot of random news, but nothing like super amazing. I'm having a signing in Berlin at my favorite indie. I have a big talk coming up (perhaps?) as soon as we finalize everything. I pick up my book's bookmarks today. And beautiful posters my hubs made for the signing. Insane.
LOKI IS WALKING. Well, practically. She does so much! It's so amazing to say to myself, 'Holy cow, I COOKED THAT UP. And she is amazing!' (It's all her daddy's doing). She has a new babysitter!
My revisions are finally starting to come along! I had to stop being a diva and saying that I needed so-and-so long every day to do them, and just accept the fact that it needed to happen in the in between times. So I'm doing that.
And damn if I don't think that this has the potential to be a really, really good book. As long as I keep my eye on the prize and stay patient.
That is my worst problem right now, staying patient. I get anxious and want to cut in line, but the line cuts back. It's a real problem but I'm really trying to be better.
But life has taken me by the forehead and slammed me into the wall. I know, I know. I got myself into this craziness! So I'm just flowing as much as I can and dealing with the rest.
Mostly by Dr Pepper and M&Ms.
I have a lot of random news, but nothing like super amazing. I'm having a signing in Berlin at my favorite indie. I have a big talk coming up (perhaps?) as soon as we finalize everything. I pick up my book's bookmarks today. And beautiful posters my hubs made for the signing. Insane.
LOKI IS WALKING. Well, practically. She does so much! It's so amazing to say to myself, 'Holy cow, I COOKED THAT UP. And she is amazing!' (It's all her daddy's doing). She has a new babysitter!
My revisions are finally starting to come along! I had to stop being a diva and saying that I needed so-and-so long every day to do them, and just accept the fact that it needed to happen in the in between times. So I'm doing that.
And damn if I don't think that this has the potential to be a really, really good book. As long as I keep my eye on the prize and stay patient.
That is my worst problem right now, staying patient. I get anxious and want to cut in line, but the line cuts back. It's a real problem but I'm really trying to be better.
June 30, 2011
Happy Thursday to ya.
How is it already Thursday? Furthermore, how is it already JULY? I don't think I approved this.
I've been trying to get everything all tidied up in time for the Oklahoma Showdown (which will begin in August and will suck away all my time). That means making my Facebook, Twitter and everything up to date, checking that the colors and designs I've picked out are consistent, and finally updating my Jen K Blom author page on Facebook.
If you like me just a little, or not at all and want to mock me by following me there, would you click here and check it out? And if you like it, click like?
I am not a fan of pimping myself out, but some is needed. So I be doin' that.
I've been trying to get everything all tidied up in time for the Oklahoma Showdown (which will begin in August and will suck away all my time). That means making my Facebook, Twitter and everything up to date, checking that the colors and designs I've picked out are consistent, and finally updating my Jen K Blom author page on Facebook.
If you like me just a little, or not at all and want to mock me by following me there, would you click here and check it out? And if you like it, click like?
I am not a fan of pimping myself out, but some is needed. So I be doin' that.
June 25, 2011
Book Signing and party set up for BERLIN!
Hey guys!
I know I have some european followers here that I might not necessarily be facebook buddies with (if so, WHY NOT), but I wanted to let you all know >>
Storytime Books & More is making POSSUM SUMMER their July highlight!
We're going to have a big signing and party , complete with chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles *both of which are P's favorite cookies, just saying* and a giveaway! Yes, there will be Awesome Possum t-shirts. :-D
So if you're in Germany on the 23rd of July, don't be square! Come and help me celebrate my lovely book's release!
I know I have some european followers here that I might not necessarily be facebook buddies with (if so, WHY NOT), but I wanted to let you all know >>
Storytime Books & More is making POSSUM SUMMER their July highlight!
We're going to have a big signing and party , complete with chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles *both of which are P's favorite cookies, just saying* and a giveaway! Yes, there will be Awesome Possum t-shirts. :-D
So if you're in Germany on the 23rd of July, don't be square! Come and help me celebrate my lovely book's release!
June 24, 2011
Neato.
Mosquito.
Anyway, I'm interviewed over at the A-mazing Mixed Up Files today. If you go over and comment you could win your very own Possum Prize Pack (signed book, personalized Lookbook, and an Awesome Possum t-shirt.)
It's what you've always wanted, right? Hie thee to the Mixed up Files!
Anyway, I'm interviewed over at the A-mazing Mixed Up Files today. If you go over and comment you could win your very own Possum Prize Pack (signed book, personalized Lookbook, and an Awesome Possum t-shirt.)
It's what you've always wanted, right? Hie thee to the Mixed up Files!
June 16, 2011
What I did on my summer holiday
Looked at this. I was surrounded by this.
Tried to get a decent pic of Loki. She is a movable being and very difficult to capture.
Read a certain book once more. It does not suck!
Bought work shoes. Yep, it's the real thing, folks. They are SO AWESOME I brought them back to Berlin.
Aaaand (my editor Julie will be happy to know this!) I revised. A loooot. My poor manuscript looks like it's been attacked by a dastardly red pencil.
What do you have planned for your holiday?
Tried to get a decent pic of Loki. She is a movable being and very difficult to capture. 
Read a certain book once more. It does not suck!
Bought work shoes. Yep, it's the real thing, folks. They are SO AWESOME I brought them back to Berlin. 
Aaaand (my editor Julie will be happy to know this!) I revised. A loooot. My poor manuscript looks like it's been attacked by a dastardly red pencil. 
What do you have planned for your holiday?
June 6, 2011
Why do you write what you write?
Hey guys!! So my book is out!
I'll take you through a picture journey of my book tomorrow. But today, I've been thinking about book writing, and royalties, and advances, and what makes a midlist and/or breakout author. I feel like there's a lot of anger and jealousy out there, no matter what anybody says - and it spills over onto Twitter, and Facebook, and most anywhere authors congregate.
I think a lot of it comes down to what you really feel like, deep down, you want to write. So I thought about it myself, because of course I have those spikes of envy sometimes. Who doesn't?
And I came to the following.
I want to write the books I write best, the ones that make kids laugh and cry and think. Ones with animals in them, and goofy best friends, and light (if any) romance. I want to continue to write books that a parent, seeing my name, wouldn't hesitate to buy and hand over ot their kids without first vetting it. Because they knew I could provide a good solid book that makes their kid want to talk about it with them after and has them think about their life and how they fit in it.
So there. That's why I write what I do. Why do you write what you do?
I'll take you through a picture journey of my book tomorrow. But today, I've been thinking about book writing, and royalties, and advances, and what makes a midlist and/or breakout author. I feel like there's a lot of anger and jealousy out there, no matter what anybody says - and it spills over onto Twitter, and Facebook, and most anywhere authors congregate.
I think a lot of it comes down to what you really feel like, deep down, you want to write. So I thought about it myself, because of course I have those spikes of envy sometimes. Who doesn't?
And I came to the following.
I want to write the books I write best, the ones that make kids laugh and cry and think. Ones with animals in them, and goofy best friends, and light (if any) romance. I want to continue to write books that a parent, seeing my name, wouldn't hesitate to buy and hand over ot their kids without first vetting it. Because they knew I could provide a good solid book that makes their kid want to talk about it with them after and has them think about their life and how they fit in it.
So there. That's why I write what I do. Why do you write what you do?
May 30, 2011
Dear Ms. Swistock - I love you !
Dear Ms. Swistock of Jefferson Madison Regional Library, I do really, truly adore you.
You just made my day.
School Library Journal
You just made my day.
School Library Journal
Gr 3 4—P (short for Princess) wants a pet, but her father believes that any animal on their Oklahoma farm has to earn its keep. While he is away on combat duty, P loses sight of this rule when she begins caring for an orphaned opossum. P and Ike grow attached as she hand-feeds him and takes him everywhere. Of course, P knows she cannot keep Ike forever and soon she is forced to choose between doing what is right and doing what she wants. The conclusion of the story shows P learning an important lesson about doing what is right even when it is incredibly hard and is told in a way that is both touching and suspenseful.—Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA
