Keli Gwyn's Blog, page 22
July 4, 2012
Friendship and Romance
As you may have noticed, I’ve been privileged to be hosted on many awesome blogs lately. Often I’m answering fun interview questions about my debut novel, but some of my many wonderful hosts have asked me to provide guest posts instead.
Author Shannon Taylor Vannatter did just that. She’s hosting me for three real-life romance posts on her Inkslinger blog. Monday’s post talked about how Gwynly and I met. In my post on her blog today, I’m sharing a fish story. Well, it’s actually the interesting tale of our first date, but there was something fishy about it.
I enjoyed reliving my early days with Gwynly as I prepared those posts. One thing that struck me is how we were friends first. We spent countless hours talking about anything and everything as we got to know one another. Several weeks passed before things got serious.
This week marks the 25th anniversary of Gwynly’s proposal. Our silver wedding anniversary is coming in December. And how are we doing these days? We’re still happy and in love, yes, but we’re better friends than ever. I know this because Gwynly himself told me so just this week.
As we went on one of our walks, he listened to me prattle about the many things on my plate as I’m immersed in promotion. About how guilty I feel that I don’t have the time to visit my friend’s blogs the way I like. And about how I’m concerned that I’ve been neglecting him.
His reply surprised me. He said he didn’t feel neglected at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. I wish I could remember his exact words, but they were something along the lines of how he feels like we’re becoming friends all over again now that we’re empty nesters and how much he enjoys spending time with me.
Wow! And here I’d thought my guy was lonely, when the opposite was true.
Gwynly’s right. We are spending significant amounts of time together on a regular basis away from the distractions of daily life, time very well spent. We’re investing in us, our friendship, and our marriage, and to me, that is romance at its best.
I look forward to many more years with Gwynly and can envision the two of us walking the trail, with his gray head far above mine, our steps slower than they used to be, and our spines not quite as straight as they once were. But one thing will remain the same. We’ll still be the best of friends.
☙☙☙
How do you and your special someone carve out time to spend together?
What are some of the ways you foster your friendship?
☙☙☙
Some Great Giveaways
In honor of my book’s release, I have some special prizes to give away. I’m holding a Bushels of Fun drawing every Friday through the end of July. You could win an autographed copy of my book–plus five fun story-related items.
Elenora’s Extravaganza is my grand prize. I’m offering a selection of six beautiful Victorian-themed items such as my heroine, Elenora, would sell in her shop. If you like pretty things, you won’t want to miss the drawing..
A list of the wonderful bloggers giving away an autographed copy of my book can be found on the Contests and Giveaways page in The Press Room.
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is officially released! Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which will continue through the end of July.
July 4
Inkslinger Blog ~ Guest Post and Giveaway
with Shannon Taylor Vannatter
July 5
Cat Mom’s Corner ~ Interview and Giveaway
with Patti Jo Moore
July 2, 2012
Taming the To-Be-Read Pile
How many books are in your To-Be-Read pile?
Is pile an accurate term, or would stack, tower, or mountain be more accurate?
A small portion of my To-Be-Read titles
The other day Gwynly took a look at the stacks of books I’m waiting to read, quirked a brow, and said, “That’s a lot of books.”
Um, yeah. But I know they’re all great stories. Stories I’m eager to read.
The trouble is that more books come out every month with stories I can’t wait to savor. When I finish one book, there are oodles more waiting to be read.
How to choose which one to read next? That is the question, one for which I don’t have a good answer.
Books I’m reading as an influencer move to the top of the stack. But when I finish those, I’m faced with so many great choices that picking my next read can be downright daunting. And do I dare address the sheer volume?
Since I don’t have the answer to this ongoing dilemma, I thought I’d ask you, my faithful blogging buddies. How do you tame your To-Be-Read pile? Any tips you can offer?
☙☙☙
Some Great Giveaways
In honor of my book’s release, I have some special prizes to give away. I’m holding a Bushels of Fun drawing every Friday through the end of July. You could win an autographed copy of my book–plus five fun story-related items.
Elenora’s Extravaganza is my grand prize. I’m offering a selection of six beautiful Victorian-themed items such as my heroine, Elenora, would sell in her shop. If you like pretty things, you won’t want to miss the drawing..
A list of the wonderful bloggers who are giving away an autographed copy of my book can be found on the Contests and Giveaways page in The Press Room.
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is officially released! Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which will continue through the end of July.
July 2
Inkslinger Blog ~ Guest Post and Giveaway
with Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Margaret’s Blog ~ Book Spotlight with Margaret Daley
Sherrinda Ketch ~ Interview and Giveaway
with Sherrinda Ketchersid
July 3
Margaret’s Blog ~ Heroine Interview and
Giveaway with Margaret Daley
Writer in Waiting ~ Interview and
Giveaway with Dawn Alexander
July 1, 2012
Book Release Victorian Style: Elenora’s Extravaganza!
Do you like pretty things? If so, I have good news for you.
In honor of the release of my debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, an inspirational historical romance that takes place in 1870, I’ve planned a special grand prize drawing. The prize package is valued at $200.
The heroine of my story, Elenora Watkins, owns a shop where she sells what she likes to refer to as “the finer things. I combed the Internet in search of Victorian-themed items such as she would offer her customers.
After hours of research, which was some of the most fun I’ve had in ages, I found several items sure to capture a lady’s eye. I’ve waited weeks to show them to you, and now I finally can.
Here they are. . .
Elenora’s Extravaganza in its entirety
And here are the close-ups. . .
This is a limited edition Thomas Kincade figurine from The Hamilton Collection called “Tea at Three.” Kincade spent his early years here in Placerville, California where I live and attended the same elementary school our daughter did.
Battenburg lace fan
Atomizer
Silver jewel box (non-tarnishing) and book-style locket
Silver vanity set from Victorian Trading Company
☙☙☙
Questions for You
(You only have to answer one to qualify for the drawing.)
Do you have any Victorian treasures of your own,
perhaps something passed down through the generations?
Of all the items pictured, which is your favorite?
☙☙☙
The Drawing
I’m using Rafflecopter to hold the drawing. Doing so gives you the opportunity to earn bonus entry points. The drawing will run the entire month of July.
We’ll find out who the winner is August 1. It could be you!
For more ways to win fun prizes, including copies of my debut novel as well as my weekly Bushel of Fun giveaway, visit my Contests and Giveaways page.
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is officially released! Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which will continue through the end of July.
July 1
The Historical Christian Romance Review
Author of the Month Interview with Amber Perry
June 29, 2012
Friday Fun Book Launch Style
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is coming soon! Very soon in fact. The official release day is Sunday, July 1.
Because so many wonderful people have helped me reach this milestone, I’m eager have you all share in the celebration. One way I’m doing that is to launch my Five Weeks of Fun drawings.
Every Friday, from today until the end of July, I’ll start a new drawing for one bushel basket filled with a copy of my book and five fun items from the story, a prize package worth $40. Each drawing will run through the following Thursday, and the winner will be announced in the Friday post the next day.
The story-related items, as seen above, are: an autographed copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, a French-milled lavender soap bar, a bag of lemon drops, a bag of peppermint sticks, a bag of rose potpourri, and a package of violet seeds. The winner gets the bushel, too.
All of the items in the basket were available in the year 1870, when the story takes place. Each Friday, I’ll share a passage or two showing why one of the items the bushel plays a part in the story.
Peppermint Sticks
Tildy is the precocious nine-year-old daughter of the heroine, Elenora Watkins. Readers learn early in the story that Tildy likes candy. Peppermint sticks are her favorite.
In this first passage, the hero, Miles Rutledge, has just met the stagecoach that’s brought his new partner to town. Before he can speak to the person, he and Tildy talk. Here they are in the midst of that conversation.
“Do you sell candy?”
Miles started. He’d forgotten about the girl. He leaned forward with his hands on his knees. “Yes, Miss Watkins, I sell some candy.”
She giggled. “I’m not even ten yet. That’s not old enough to be Miss Watkins. I’m just Tildy. My real name’s Matilda.” She made a face. “It was my grandmother’s name, but I can’t stand it. Mama calls me Tildy, but Grandpa calls me Matilda, even though I asked him not to.”
After Miles meets his prospective partner, he leads Tildy and Elenora to his mercantile. Here’s another snippet of conversation between Miles and Tildy.
“Look, Mama. He has toys.” Tildy darted over two rows and dropped to her knees in front of a case housing an iron bank, two wooden tops, and a bowl of marbles.
Mr. Rutledge sauntered up to Tildy and tapped her on the shoulder. “I think you forgot something.”
She followed his hand to where he gestured. “Oh! The candy. And look. You have my favorite. Peppermint sticks. Do you like them, too?”
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A Question for You
Do you like the taste of peppermint? If so, what’s your favorite way to enjoy it: peppermint candies, peppermint ice cream, peppermint tea, or something else?
☙☙☙
The Drawing
I’m being brave and using Rafflecopter to hold the drawing. Doing so gives you the opportunity to earn bonus entry points. I’ve not used this service before, so here’s hoping all goes well.
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
The official release of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is July 1. Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which runs the last week of June and all of July.
June 29
A Christian Writer’s World ~ Interview and
Book Giveaway with Lena Nelson Dooley
Jill Kemerer ~ Virtual Release Party
and Book Giveaway
June 27, 2012
Romantic Proposals: The Firefighter and His Flame
I have a huge heart for firefighters. I’m the proud daughter of a retired firefighter, one who worked for the U.S. Forest Service and fought wildfires all over the West. My dad is one of my heroes.
Firefighters are heavy on my heart as a number of fires ravage the western U.S. One in particular has me watching the news reports with trepidation.
My agent, Rachelle Gardner, lives near Colorado Springs. Her husband is one of the firefighters on the front lines of the Waldo Canyon fire. Another of Rachelle’s clients, Beth Vogt, a dear friend of mine, lives in Colorado Springs and was evacuated from her home yesterday.
I ask you to join me in praying for those whose homes and businesses are threatened by the fires as well as for those battling the blazes.
In honor of the brave men and women fighting to contain the raging infernos, I’m sharing a special memory involving a firefighter in my post today.
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One Valentine’s Day a number of years ago, my family and I went out to dinner at a favorite Mexican food restaurant in a small town nearby. As you might expect, the place was packed. We were led past a large table on one side of the entrance to one of the many tables on the other.
Halfway through our meal, the wail of sirens startled me. They were close and getting closer with each passing moment. When the town’s two fire engines, the fire chief, and the paramedics pulled up outside the plate glass windows with lights flashing, I was sure someone was having a heart attack or something, since there was no sign of a fire anywhere.
All eyes were on the door as the flood of firefighters burst into the restaurant in a florescent yellow flurry. Clearly I wasn’t the only one curious about what had brought the town’s entire fire department rushing to the place.
The firefighters congregated in the entry. None looked to be in a hurry. In fact, they appeared to be in a jovial mood.
I was seated facing the large table we’d passed on our way in. One of the firefighters approached the group as his colleagues watched from a distance.
When that firefighter dropped to one knee in front of a woman who seemed surprised to see him and took her hand in his, my mush meter went crazy. On that most romantic day of the year, the firefighter proposed to his flame.
An audible sigh filled the restaurant at the site. Can you say romantic? That proposal is one of the most memorable I’ve ever witnessed.
And what did the lady say? Judging by the number of smiles and hugs I saw, she said a very enthusiastic “yes.”
☙☙☙
What’s the most romantic proposal you’ve witnessed–other than your own?
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
The official release of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado ,California is July 1. Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which runs the last week of June and all of July.
June 27
Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
Interview and Book Giveaway with Renee Chaw
Ruby Slippered Sisterhood ~ Guest Post and Book Giveaway
June 28
Along the Way ~ Guest Post and Book Giveaway with Janet Hovis
Susan Hollaway: Journeys of Love. . .Inspired by Faith
Interview and Book Giveaway
June 25, 2012
Reading Book Dedications
I love reading dedications.
Some dedications are short; some are long. Some are funny; some are serious. Some are written for a family member, some for a friend, and some for a person who provided technical expertise or research assistance.
All are special.
What makes a dedication a must-read for me? I like seeing who has played a pivotal role in the author’s life or provided much-appreciated help in getting the book on the shelf.
Today the shipment of my debut novel is scheduled to arrive. One of the things I’m most looking forward to is cracking open a copy so Gwynly can read the dedication. He knows the book is dedicated to him. I couldn’t keep that secret, but with tremendous effort, I managed to keep from showing him the words I wrote just for him.
I don’t know who will be more moved by the dedication, me or my guy. Naw. That’s not true. I’m sure to go all weepy as I shed tears of joy, whereas Gwynly will probably just grin. That’s OK by me. His Gwyn grin is pretty special.
☙☙☙
Do you enjoy reading dedications? Why or why not?
If you could dedicate a book to someone, who would it be?
☙☙☙
Book Release Blog Tour Appearances
The official release of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado ,California is July 1. Many wonderful bloggers have offered to help me get the word out by hosting me on their blogs. I’ll be sharing the links to those posts at the bottom of mine throughout the tour, which runs the last week of June and all of July.
June 26
Writing for Christ ~ Interview and Book Giveaway with Casey Herringshaw
Christian Book Review Blog ~ Interview and Book Giveaway with Aizess
June 27
Stuff and Nonsense II ~ Interview and Book Giveaway with Anne Payne
June 22, 2012
Friday Fun Victorian Style
The corset is making a comeback.
According to a June 18th BBC article, “The re-re-re-rise of the corset,” sales of one of the most notable clothing articles of the Victorian Era are “booming.”
Corset customers aren’t just performers or dancers these days. According to the article, ordinary women are wearing the undergarment.
The corset was commonplace during the Victorian Era. Most women wore the restrictive undergarment to achieve the small waist fashion dictated.
When I had my Victorian gown made, I asked my seamstress to include a small bustle to enhance my backside. However, I drew the line at wearing a corset. Authenticity, I reasoned, has its limits.
After reading this article, I got to thinking. If I were to order a corset and wear it just for a day, I would gain a better understanding of what life was really like for women in the Victorian Era.
I found the White Flower Tapestry Brocade Corset With White Lace
pictured below on Amazon. It’s received several favorable reviews, is reasonably priced, and has a lovely feminine look. If I were to buy a corset, this would be my choice.
The question I ask myself is this:
How far am I willing to go in the name of research?
☙☙☙
And now my questions for you. . .
Would you be interested in a post in which I share “A Day of Life in a Corset”?
Would you consider getting a corset for research or for a particular costume?
☙☙☙
Victorian corset image from Victorian Fashions CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)
by Dover.
June 20, 2012
Romance Can Be Appetizing
Summer is officially here!
We’ve come within half a degree of triple digits in the Sierra Foothills already, so as far as I’m concerned, the season was already well underway.
I don’t know about you, but when it’s hot out, the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove. For that reason, Gwynly and I eat a lot of salads during the summer.
While we enjoy our robust salads chock-full of goodies, I do tire of them on occasion. Sandwiches are an easy non-cooking alternative, but I don’t enjoy them as much as Gwynly does.
One day recently, I mentioned to him that I wasn’t looking forward to having yet another salad. He took pity on me and told me he’d get dinner. Since I enjoy cooking about as much as being stung by a wasp, I gladly took him up on his offer. Salad became a much more appealing option when I didn’t have to fix it.
When Gwynly called me to dinner that night, I was in for a surprise. Instead of a big salad, I found a plate of appetizers prepared just for me.
Being a scientist, Gwynly likes to experiment. He’s actually a much better cook than I am, a fact I learned to accept and appreciate years ago.
That night, he used items we had on hand to create this tasty treat: Milton’s Everything crackers, tomato slices, feta cheese, basil, and pepperoncini slices.
My guy knows what I like, and appetizers is high on the list. When we go to parties, I hang out at the hors d’oeuvres table and graze.
I know the saying says the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but Gwynly turned the cliché on its head that night. His thoughtfulness mushed me out big time, proving that romance can be appetizing.
☙☙☙
Is your special someone a good cook?
Does a delicious meal prepared just for you warm your heart?
Do you delight in whipping up tasty treats for your special someone?
June 18, 2012
Finding Room for Our Past Reads
Books can be hard to part with.
We enjoyed a story. The book left a good impression on us, and we might want to read it again. So, what do we do? Save it, of course.
For those who’ve made the switch to e-readers, storing books is no problem.
The paper book readers among us who can’t bring ourselves to part with previously read books face a dilemma, though. Where do we store our books?
I don’t know about you, but I filled our bookshelves to the brim years ago. Since we have eight different bookcases in our house, this lets you know how important books are to Gwynly and me.
Even with my habit of giving away past reads or donating them to the library, the number of books in our house continues to increase. While I do a passable job of passing on romances I’ve read, my reference library filled with keepers keeps on growing.
I’m steeling myself to put our bookshelves on a diet, but even a strict reduction plan isn’t the answer. There are too many great books I can’t resist buying.
What am I to do?
Clearly, I can make better use of my Kindle. I like using it for fiction, but I prefer paper versions for non-fiction. Going digital for the romances I buy regularly will help, but I fear I have to face the fact that I need a more permanent solution to the ease our case of bookcase bloat.
For now, I ignore my OC tendencies, turn books on their sides, and fill the empty spaces above the neat rows below. And I dream of the day I can lay claim to our college daughter’s room and add another bookcase or two.
☙☙☙
Do you have trouble parting with past reads?
Are your bookshelves filled to overflowing?
How do you make room for all your beloved books?
June 15, 2012
Friday Fun Victorian Style
The Victorians were quite gender conscious. They had myriad rules for behavior of a lady versus that of a gentleman. Bearing that in mind, it might come as a surprise to learn that they put their babies and toddlers in dresses—both girls and boys.
Little boys’ hair was worn long, too, which can make it difficult to distinguish between boys and girls in photographs taken at the time. Some speculate that since infant mortality was so high, the Victorians didn’t want to get too emotionally invested in a child until it appeared the youngster was going to survive and thrive.
When a boy reached the age of five, he would be put into short pants. I can imagine what a long-awaited rite of passage this must have been to a young fellow eager to stop dressing like his sisters, can’t you?
The final stage of a boy’s clothing progression was the transition to full-length trousers, such as those worn by his father. No doubt this milestone made him feel like a man.
At what age do you think the transition to trousers took place?
A. 8 years
B. 10 years
C. 12 years
Leave your guess in a comment. Once you have, you can see if you came up with the correct answer by following this link. You’ll need a password, but it’s an easy one: Romance with a capital R.
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