Kai Strand's Blog, page 51

In A Blink of an Eye - Sad Simplicity

While I was driving this morning a snippet of a conversation replayed in my mind.
Me to kids: “You don’t have school on Friday. Well, she doesn’t.” I nod to daughter.Son (freshman in high school): “Whhaat?”Daughter (eighth grade): “Ha ha ha.”Me to son: “Don’t worry, there will be days you have off and she’s in school.”
This isn’t the first time I’ve had to keep track of multiple school schedules, events, concerts, etc. As a matter of fact, I’ve had kids in multiple schools for at least a decad...

QR Codes – Where Have You Been All My Life?

I attended a local writers guild meeting last week. Author, Paty Jager gave a great talk on promotion. Some things I knew and already do, some things I knew and choose not to do, but there was one thing I never even thought to do. I’m still scratching my head and wondering, “Why didn’t I know about this sooner? How did I miss this information before?”
QR Codes are two dimensional barcodes that act like hyperlinks when scanned with the proper app on a cell phone. The code can take your browser...

Three Times A Charm with Illustrator, Ilene Richard

Three Times a Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the publishing industry.
This week illustrator, Ilene Richard joins us. Ilene, thank you so much for coming! I love hosting illustrators.
Hi Kai,
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share my work with you and your readers. 
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I received my B.F.A. in illustration, graphic design and jewelry design, from the University o...

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

This is Week #16 of The Next Big Thing Blog Hop.
I want to thank C. Lee McKenzie for inviting me to participate. When you are finished reading, be sure to 'hop' over the her site and see her post from last week. (The inspiration behind her book is awesome!)
For those of you unfamiliar with a blog hop, you get to follow links to other blogs to learn (in this case) about other books, published or works-in-progress. It's like mining diamonds!
Now, my turn to tell you about MY next big thing:
What is...

World of Ink Book Tour Schedule

I'm excited to announce that my World of Ink virtual book tour starts today! I hope you'll tour along with me over the next two months as either me or my books visit several different blogs around the internet. My tour stops are listed below. If you find a review or a particular guest post or interview that you really enjoy, feel free to share the link with your friends and family members. I also invite you to join in on any conversations by commenting. And please try your luck in the giveawa...

The Ebb & Flow of Being a Writer

It's resurrection Friday. You know, where I mine my old posts and re-use one. Earlier this week I wrote a short story with a seaside setting, so I chuckled when I came upon this old writerly post. I must have a thing for the ocean. I admit, I miss it.  Plus, I'm a bit clairvoyant, predicting the lit agent harassment and all. Enjoy!
THE EBB & FLOW OF BEING A WRITER

Being a writer is a lot like playing in the ocean.
Some people just take a run at the surf and dive in head first, knowing...

Three Times A Charm with Jack Kent

Three Times a Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters or COMICS! from the publishing industry.
This week artist/writer, Jack Kent, joins us. I met Jack and his wife, Verity at the Northwest Author Fair. I’m so excited that he’s visiting because he does COMICS. Just knowing him makes me feel a little cooler!
Okay, I’ll cool it with the fangirl attitude.
Welcome, Jack. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Gulls Comic is about a...

After 1700 miles I Finally Get One

My exercise of choice is walking. Aggressively, mind you, I maintain a speed of 4 mph. I’m not sauntering down the road stopping to admire the bunnies. Okay, I’ll stop or slow down to snap a picture of something really pretty or of wildlife that I happen upon. I may as well enjoy myself while torturing myself, right?
This year I’ve been averaging 80 miles per month, which is a big step up from last year’s 40 mpm. I really only meant to increase my distance in January to kick start my New Year...

Three Times A Charm with Kathy Sattem Rygg

Three Times a Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the publishing industry.
This week author and editor, Kathy Sattem Rygg joins us. Since she is the Editor-in-Chief at www.Knowonder.comand I’m a staff writer there, I feel like she’s kind of my boss. So if you see a couple ‘yes ma’ams’ you’ll understand why.
Mrs. Rygg – or can I call you Kathy, tell us a little about yourself.
I am children’s author and freelance writer/edi...

Spotlight on Latitudes by Anthony Caplan

Inspiration for Latitudes - A Story of Coming Home
The idea for this book first came to me two years ago after completing my second novel. For my third story, I thought I was ready to use personal material, the story of my own childhood. Although not a memoir, the characters are largely based on my own family. Writing it as fiction gave me enough distance to be able to make it real and compelling.
I would not have been able to write this book without the support of my own family today, my wife...