Summer Kinard's Blog, page 28

Interview with Writing Mother and Children’s Author Crystal Bozeman Clifton

Happy [Western Church] Easter! (Or Weaster, as an Orthodox friend teases!)

Writing mother Crystal Bozeman Clifton is the author of the forthcoming children’s book, Thimble Kisses.

Today we get to hear from Crystal Clifton in my first ever interview with a children’s author! Crystal’s children’s book Thimble Kisses is due out later this year. I have talked to so many people in my daily life who put off writing because they don’t have a special writing place, but Crystal proves that the kitchen table is as good a place as any to get writing! Read on to find out more about her life as a writing mother and grandmother.

 

How many children do you have, and what are their ages?

I have 4. Their ages are 28, 27, 24, and 22, two boys and two girls.

How do you find time to write? If your children have moved away, how did you write when they were home?

They are all grown and away, but when they were little I would write when they were napping or at school usually.

What do your children think of your writing?

Well, considering that the stories I write are loosely based on their childhood experiences, they are rather supportive and excited about it. I am staying with my oldest son, his wife, and their daughter (my granddaughter) Bella, and they have been awesome.

In which genre do you write?

I write children’s books. All ages can read them, but they are geared toward the young ages from 1st grade through middle school. I am hoping that the first will be released either at the end of the year of beginning of next year.

How does your writing affect your family life?

It really doesn’t get in the way. I take care of my granddaughter, and she is pretty good. So it’s not hard at all.

What is your typical writing space?

Right now it’s the kitchen table at home. I have a desk in the living room and one in my bedroom, and no one around most of the time. But I just sit at the kitchen table to write.

Beginning, middle, or end? Which part of a book/story do you most like to write?

The end, because then I can go back and re-read the story and enjoy it all over again.

Do you write with background music or a soundtrack?

No. I wish! – lol- I write to people in the living room talking – lol – but I do good either way. When I want to relax while writing, I listen to relaxing music.

What inspires you?

My children’s lives growing up and watching my 6 grandchildren. I will use some of their stories as well.

What is your beverage of choice when writing?

Usually Dr Pepper or Peach Tea.

What’s next for you?

I have another children’s book in the works. I can’t say the name at the moment. I do have book two in the series done and ready for illustration soon, but I have Thimble Kisses due out at the end of this year or beginning of next year.

Is there a story you think ought to be written, but not by you?

Oh yeah I have a great idea, but I just can’t get wrapped around it. I wish I could find someone who could.

[See below for Crystal's Facebook pages. Maybe you can convince her to share the great idea!]

What are you reading?

At the moment, I am reading Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the fourth book in the Beautiful Creatures series.

Who are some authors who inspire you?

I have so many, actually too many to name. I love so many of them. I just can’t narrow it down.

That’s a good problem to have!

Maybe this question will be easier to narrow down. Which books have stayed with you long after you’ve read them?

Well, Twilight books, of course, The Beautiful Creatures books, and the Mercy Thompson series, but there is one that I am always remembering. It’s In my Dreams by Cameo Renee. It’s a beautiful story, and it was the first to make me cry.

Do you have a favorite color or palette that shows up in your writing?

Probably bright colors because they are always cheerful.

What’s your background? How does it play into your writing?

I have a very supportive and strong family. I was raised by awesome parents. They were always telling me I could do anything I set my mind to, especially my Mom.

Do you have other creative pursuits that feed into your writing?

I love poetry and singing. Sometimes when I am writing, I will think of a children’s song and it kind pushes the story along.

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook is my primary place at the moment. Here are links to my {personal} and {Author} pages.

Thank you, Crystal! I look forward to your book release, and I hope lots of folks stop by your pages to keep up with your news. Best wishes in your writing!

If you are a writing parent who would like to be featured in an interview, contact me through my Facebook page (see sidebar) or by email at summerkinard {at} gmail [dot] com, subject line “Writing Like a Mother interview.” Bloggers and writers from all genres are welcome.

And don’t forget! Can’t Buy Me Love is available for pre-order on Kindle!

Friday Faith Talk: Book Quotes

I’m taking it easy this week as we prepare for Western Easter this weekend. Feel free to pin these images to your Pinterest boards, and don’t forget that you can now pre-order Can’t Buy Me Love for Kindle! Peace & Joy to y’all!

Ask Glow in the Dark Jesus: Holy Week Edition

Ask Glow in the Dark Jesus!

Dear Glow in the Dark Jesus,

Full disclosure: I have one of those toasters that puts your image on my breakfast foods. I think miracles are so awesome. What’s your favorite miracle?

Curious Epicurian

Dear Curious,

Repentance. You let me help you pull that off, you will start to understand the meaning of awesome.

GitD Jesus

Interview with Writing Mother Anne Kimball

Big news for me this week: Can’t Buy Me Love is now available for pre-order on Kindle! And big news for you: I got to set a spell and interview writing mother Anne Kimball! Now, I don’t know about you, but I love reading Mommy Blogs, and Anne Kimball’s Life on the Funny Farm is one of the best I’ve come across. I was so excited when Anne agreed to be interviewed for Writing Like a Mother. She’s right where a lot of us writing parents find ourselves – writing, tweaking a manuscript, and keeping up with a rich home life – AND she blogs! Read on for the inside scoop on her writing life as a mom!

Writing Mother Anne Kimball blogs at Life on the Funny Farm.

How many children do you have, and what are their ages?

I’ve got six kids and they’re ALL teenagers!  I’ve got Daniel, 13; Julie, 14; Bella and Rosie, 15; James, 17, and Patrick, 18.  And I now have about 60,000 grey hairs.  Give or take.

How do you find time to write?

Until recently, I was a SAHM, so I did my writing when the kids were in school.  However, I recently started back to work part-time, so now I’m at work when the kids are at school.  I now do some of my writing when the kids are getting ready in the morning, with the bulk getting done on the weekends.  I definitely don’t have as much time for it as I used to!

What do your children think of your writing?

I know they’re proud of me for getting published.  I also think they all have this notion that if and when my book gets published, we’ll all be living the lifestyle of the rich and famous! If and when?  They’ll get smacked upside the head with a dose of reality.

Where do you write?

I’ve got a little spot on the sofa that I like to call home.  I sit there with my laptop and I can still be a part of the life that’s flowing all around me.

Do you write with background music? A soundtrack?

If I’m in the zone and churning stuff out, I want silence.  But if I’m just dabbling and tidying, the sounds of life don’t hamper me too much.

What is your beverage of choice when writing?

Coffee, baby….

What’s next for you?

After I get my manuscript published, I have a few ideas for some children’s and YA projects.  I’d also like to make more of an effort at submitting to magazines, because it’s a terrific way to see your name in print pretty frequently, and it looks great in the bio for queries.

Who are some authors who inspire you?

Harper Lee, Michael Perry, LM Montgomery, Kathryn Stockett…. So many!

Which books have stayed with you long after you’ve read them?

The Good Earth, Snowflower and the Secret Fan, Anne of Green Gables, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jane Eyre.  I always hate when a good book ends.  I’ll almost invariably return to them at some point.

What’s your background? How does it play into your writing?

Since I tend to write memoir, my upbringing figures pretty strongly in my work!  My brother and sisters and I were raised by my mother, and she’s quite the character.  I always say I’m like a seamstress who’s learning on the job.  I have plenty of material, I just need to learn to sew it all together to make something pleasing.

I love that metaphor! Where can we find you on the web?

My blog is Life on the Funny Farm: http://annesfunnyfarm.blogspot.com

Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/AnneKimballHome

Twitter – AnneKimballHome

And you can find me on Pinterest and BlogHer: Anne Kimball

Thanks so much for giving us a peek into your writing life! I hope all of my readers will check out your blog and Facebook page.

Are you a writing parent? If you would like to be featured in an interview on Writing Like a Mother, write me at summerkinard {at} gmail {dot} com.

Lenten thoughts

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. -Matthew 5:27-30 NRSV

I have heard sermons on this passage that extended the analogy backwards in the text, implying that one ought to cut off one’s -ahem – if one had lust issues. I’ve heard some really judgey ones that emphasized the worminess of humans compared to the mega-superior and easily offended God. And then there are the scores of sermons that fall in the middle, implying that one ought to work extra hard in order to change one’s habits, so as not to be led astray by them.

But if we start with the prayers of the church, and the description of God as “great and greatly loving humankind,” maybe we can see something different here. Like, again, Jesus’ sense of humor. The wit here doesn’t set you up to cringe and hide your hands and eyes, worried that you are going to have to maim yourself for holiness’ sake. No, it is meant to highlight our tendency to blame the body for the afflictions of the soul. “What? Jesus, that’s crazy! My hands and eyes don’t cause me to sin! It’s my thoughts that cause me to sin.” (Perhaps you might say, “my will causes me to sin,” but the idea and question of will is too broad to tackle right here. Let’s start with thoughts.)

And Jesus is all, yes, exactly. There are ever so many examples in recent headlines of persons blaming one another for their own bad behavior, when the fault lies in the thoughts and actions of the person acting. Jesus would not truck with men who blamed women when the men thought to kill women or when the men decided to think of the women and treat the women as objects to be dominated instead of persons worthy of honor. Instead, he unwound the web of deceit and laid the blame right where it should have gone: in the perverse minds of the ones belittling and controlling the others.

So, if your hand causes you to go astray, cut it off. If your eye causes you to stray, pluck it out. If your thoughts cause you to stray, discard them.

There is a term in Orthodox Christianity for those thoughts that ought to be cut off. They are called logismoi, or little thoughts. They are little, not because they are insignificant or unimportant or not dangerous, but because they are the seeds for all kinds of trouble. You can go read lengthy tomes on the subject elsewhere. Here, I’m going to tell you how we fight the logismoi in our household.

First, what are these thoughts that ought to be plucked out? To summarize, they are in three types:

Comparisons
Complaints
Condemnations

Comparisons: There are loads of studies telling us what the wise men and women of old held to be true, that we are not so happy when we compare ourselves to others. We look worse in incomplete mirrors. We also become discontented with the good in our lives. We may be tempted to try to assuage our bad feelings by downplaying the goodness in others. (There’s a fourth C word that gets you out of the comparison cycle – calling. You can be called out of bad situations or habits, and then you might find examples or another C word – compassion! – to help you along the way.)

Complaints: “But aren’t the Psalms full of complaints,” justify the complainers. Yes. They are full of complaints to the Lord, and they serve as an example of how to turn this bad habit into prayer. But on the whole, we complain when we feel powerless. A more helpful Psalm than one of the complaining ones might be, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills; from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” If there’s really something to complain about, then there’s something to give thanks about, too. If you can give thanks, you might clear your ears and eyes to hear and see the help that’s on its way. Or maybe you will see the path that your feet can take.

Condemnations: These thoughts are the worst. They rob us of our view of God as one who loves us and loves us and loves us. They try to make us think that we are not worth the space we take up, that we are unlovable, not important, not valuable, not worth the effort. Dear ones, they are lies. And they are lies if they come through your mind applied to someone else, as well.

All of these bad little thoughts deserve to be cut off, like the proverbial hand or eye. They lead to depression, bitterness, hatred, and all sorts of sin. They lead to despair and arrogance. They lead to the self-delusion that allows someone to say to himself, “I deserve to take what I want from that woman, because she is not important, and I will prove it with violence.” Thus the context of the saying, juxtaposed with a warning against lusting against a woman in one’s heart.

Lust is not really about wanting to have sex. It’s about wanting to exert one’s will over someone else through the use of violence, against the consent of society and the other person. It’s a fundamental disrespect of human dignity, and it goes against God’s love and love and love of all humans. (Then what word do you use if you want to have non-violent sexual encounters? Probably love, but if you use “lust,” be aware that its secret meaning in theology is “intention to dominate [violently, though not always with sex acts].”)

So, besides just noticing the bad thoughts and learning not to believe them, what gives?

Gratitude is the biggest habit changer. Taking time to be grateful in any situation, even if our feelings are not settled or are contradictory, is what sets us off in a good direction. Like, “If your hand causes you to give thanks, give that hand a high five! If your eye makes you grateful, wink at it!”

There are lists of good things to think about if you need help to get started (see below), but wherever you are is the real best place to start. Because wherever you are, that’s right where God is, loving you. I know that can sound Pollyana-like, especially if the bad thoughts have kicked in, trying to convince you I’m just blowing rainbows out my, etc. But trust me, though I don’t go into details here on this public blog about writing, I have been in some very bad, dangerous, scary, dark places, and my mind has even stuck there in some of them for years before I learned to tell and thank my way out. In the literal bottom of a trash can, I was grateful that I knew I didn’t belong there. On the literal other side of a loaded gun, I was grateful that I knew I didn’t belong there. (And in that case, I was grateful to have been sober enough to unload the gun and hide the bullets as soon as the aggressor was distracted! I said gratitude, not passivity!) I have sung and held hands and prayed and blessed when death was in the room. In short, I feel confident that God is truly loving you right now, right where you are. I have read and studied it, I have prayed it, I have lived that truth, and I have seen it lived graciously by others!

The whole church has Lent this week, East at the beginning, West near the end. I hope that this little talk helps you along in your journey, and that one thought takes root in your mind this week: You are so, so loved.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. -Philippians 4:4-8, NRSV

Interview with Krystal Shannan, writing mother and author

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! To celebrate the day and the return to health of my whole family (at last!), I got to interview Indie romance writer Krystal Shannan, writing mother and author of A Very Russian Christmas, and the Vegas Mates and Pool of Souls series. Read on to find out how this busy mama makes time to write, her process, and where to find out more about her books.

 

Writing Mother Krystal Shannan, Author of the newly released Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2

How many children do you have, and what are their ages?

I have one three-year-old daughter.

How do you find time to write?

Because my daughter is so young, I do most of my writing in the morning before work and in the evening after she goes to bed. It is practically impossible to focus enough to write while she is at home, but I do get a lot of my social media marketing in while she’s eating or playing. It’s all about finding those moments here and there and making good use of them. I also have a fabulously supportive hubby who makes sure I get several uninterrupted hours of writing on the weekend.

In which genre do you write?

I write semi-erotic romance, about a 3-4 heat level on a 5 scale.

How does your writing affect your family life?

It does take time away from my family life, especially right now while I’m trying to get it going. I hope once I’m earning enough money to replace my full-time job salary, I will actually be able to spend more of my evenings and weekends with my family again. If anyone has gone back to school while working a full-time job, they can relate to how much time I’m spending. It’s an investment in my family’s future and we are all working together as a team to make it happen.

What is your typical writing pace?

I write about 800-1200 words per hour. I usually write in hour-long blocks of time.

Where do you write?

I write all over, LOL. Couch. Bed. Desk. At work during lunch. On the laptop, iPad, stickynotes…journals.

Do you write with background music? A soundtrack?

I do not like any music. Silence is key.

What inspires you?

Considering my answer to the previous question, I have to say that music inspires new ideas…which is probably why I can’t listen to it while actually writing. I also have found inspiration for ideas through photos.

Who are some authors who inspire you?

I am inspired by the indie authors Liliana Hart, Carrie Ann Ryan, and Kallypso Masters {Links to these authors possibly NSFW, due to suggestive partial nudity}. I enjoy reading all of their books as well.

Do you have a favorite color or palette that shows up in your writing?

Not particular colors, but my characters usually have a favorite food that pops up at some point.

Where can we find you on the web?

Krystal Shannan  Love and Destiny in all Realms

Author of

Chasing Sam: Vegas Mates Book 1 Amazon | Smashwords | & Others

Open House: Pool of Souls Book 1 Amazon | Smashwords | & Others

A Very Russian Christmas Amazon | Smashwords | & Others

Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2 - Just released! Amazon  | Smashwords | & Others

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Thank you, Krystal! Best wishes on your career and in parenthood!

Writing parents, if you would like to be featured in an interview on Writing Like a Mother, please contact me at summerkinard {at} gmail {dot} com. I interview writers of blogs and all genres of fiction and nonfiction. Let’s break the silence on the writing life and encourage other writing parents!

Sneak Peek: Next week, I’ll be talking with the multi-talented writing mother Anne Kimball!

A mother, all right

All of my plans for the blog this weekend (contacting winners, posting the next interview) have been postponed. My youngest caught a tummy bug, and then the rest of us got it. I’ll be  back on track once we are all recovered. This is a major part of writing like a mother! You have to prioritize. And my family wins.

Here’s a short video I made for my sister just before we all got sick:

The icons for the first part were written by my husband. Peace to you.

March Giveaway- Going forth!

Snark. March fourth, march forth.

Glow in the Dark Jesus blesses the ARC.

There is a lot to celebrate this week. First, the print version of the ARC (advanced review copy) of Can’t Buy Me Love is out. Request one by {clicking here}. Second and third, two of my favorite persons in the whole world, my husband and my oldest friend Kim, have their birthdays this week. To celebrate, I’m giving away three stacks of vintage hankies! (Want to know how vintage hankies tie into Can’t Buy Me Love? Check out the free excerpt here.)

Enter to win a stack of 5-7 of these vintage hankies!

To Enter to Win:

One Entry: Make sure you like my author page on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post saying why you like vintage hankies or antiques generally.

Three entries: Like my author page on Facebook, add my book to your Goodreads “Want to Read” shelf, and leave a comment on this post saying why you like vintage hankies or antiques generally.

The contest is open till this Friday, March 8, at 8pm. I’ll use a random number generator and/or a toddler to choose the three winners. Make sure to enter your email address when you comment so that I might contact you if you win.

Good luck!

 

Interview with Writing Mother and Author Donna Steele

Recently, I decided that I would like to feature interviews with other writing parents. When I mentioned the idea to some members of my writing group (Heart of Carolina Romance Writers), did I ever luck out! Author Donna Steele agreed to be my first interviewee!

Donna Steele, Author of Learning Trust, Rth Rising, Wraith’s Heart (out May 17 with Rebel Ink!), Homecoming, and Welcome Home.

Grab a cup of tea or coffee (or a glass of Sundrop!), and see what she has to say.

How many children do you have, and what are their ages?

I have 2, a boy – 30 this week and a girl – 23

If your children are at home, how do you find time to write? If they have moved away, how did you write when they were home?

They’re both gone – him in Kentucky, her in New York.  I really didn’t get to write much when he was still home. After it got down to one, it was a little easier. She understood this was my time and if she wasn’t on fire, it wasn’t an emergency.  I think she also saw how I needed to write and gave me the time to do it (most of the time).

What do your children think of your writing?

I think she’s a little sick of hearing about it and as far as I know hasn’t read much of it. She does advertise for me a little and seemed very proud to tell the people at the theater where she works that I am published.

He called me awhile back and said, “Hey, Joe called and read me this really blue passage from a book, then asked me if I knew the author.  It was my MOM!” So I was outed at the fraternities at UK…. Sigh.

In which genre do you write?

I write science fiction and paranormal romance usually, though I have delved into woman’s fiction some. I’m above spicy but not erotic [in the romances].

How does your writing affect your family life?

Well they all know it’s a top priority and if I say I’m writing when they call, they ask when to call back unless they are on fire.  Hubby can look at me and tell when I haven’t written and sends me off to get some done.

What is your typical writing pace?

Since I work full time, I write like a demon on weekends when I have time. I try to write during the week and when it’s flowing that works pretty well. I had three books published in 2012, but two of them were things that I had sent out before.  Finally hit paydirt!

Beginning, middle, or end? Which part of a book/story do you most like to write?

The beginning – the characters are fresh and new, the idea is pulling me. That’s the best time for me.

Where do you write?

I have a ‘nest’ at the house. It’s a big overstuffed chair with my notes and stuff around me.  I do now have custody of a real office and I’m making the transition, but it’s not complete yet.  I want the laptop in my lap, not sitting at a desk like I do 5 days a week.

Do you write with background music? A soundtrack?

Actually I want silence.  If hubby is watching the TV, I go in the office and shut the door. I do best when he’s in his office or out of the house.

What inspires you?

I’m always surprised. Ideas come out of nowhere.  The Saturdays I sit in HCRW with all of those writers really gets my juices flowing.  I’ve been known to make notes for an idea during a meeting.

What is your beverage of choice when writing?

Sundrop – it’s my beverage of choice for everything!

What’s next for you?

I have a science fiction work out that I haven’t heard back on, I’m working on it’s sequel and another woman’s fiction reared it’s head last weekend, so I’ve been working a little on that.  My paranormal Wraith’s Heart will be released May 17.

Is there a story you think ought to be written, but not by you?

Tons of them. I have read some great historicals and occasionally get an idea, but that’s not my time period – not competing with those ladies at HCRW!

What are you reading?

I’m almost finished with Infamous by Suzanne Brockman and I’m listening to the final book of the Wheel of Time – A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan (I have a long commute)

Who are some authors who inspire you?

Sheri Tepper, Suzanne Brockman, Larry Niven, Stephen King – how much space do you have??

Which books have stayed with you long after you’ve read them?

Anything by Stephen King – can still get nightmares of some of his from college, Niven’s also stay with me, his characters could walk in the door any time and I’d know them.

Do you have a favorite color or palette that shows up in your writing?

Green, I always seem to find some eco in my work, saving the planet kind of thing.

Do you have a dedicated writing space?

That nest for now, but soon the office.

What’s your background? How does it play into your writing?

Strong family support – both the one I came from and the one I made – and Daddy’s side was just busting with talent – art, wood carving, cake decorating and I’m not the only author.  I have a degree in office administration (secretary in the old term) so you’d think I’d be organized. You’d be wrong, but when we get together at reunions the talents fly and you’ll definitely see these people in my stories.

Where can we find you on the web?

My webpage is www.steelestories.com

I’m at Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSteeleAuthor

And twitter – steele_donna

Thank you for sharing your process with us, Donna! I hope that you are blessed with magical unicorn level publishing success. (My children are still very little, as you can see by my superlatives.)

Readers, please visit Donna’s sites to learn more about her writing.

If you are a writing parent with a blog or publication who would like to be interviewed, email me at summerkinard {at} gmail {dot} com.

Make sure to come back next week for an exciting new giveaway!

Sacred spaces

One of the benefits fiction provides is a mental space to heal. As a writer, I may heal from my own experiences of trauma through telling a story. As a reader, I may heal from grief, isolation, and fear by imagining the story I read.

The corollary to fiction in the real world is sacred space. I’ve been thinking and working a lot these past few weeks to develop patterns for sacred spaces that can be formed in any life. My husband is an iconographer who was at a week-long workshop last week. Since I have to set up props and take photos while the children are not underfoot, the instructional material has been slow-going. But I’m almost there.

In the meantime, here is a photo of one of the sacred spaces in our home: a little row of icons and candles in the living room, surrounded by photos and mementos. Not everyone prays the way we do, and that’s okay. I hope you can still enjoy the beauty.

Archangel Michael, the Theotokos Eleusa, Jesus, candles, a silver saint charm bracelet from a departed aunt, incense, the edges of photos.