April Voytko Kempler's Blog, page 7

Fall Resolutions: Plunge into the Project at Hand and Fight Off Hesitation

As so many of my fellow bloggers have posted it is finally autumn! I didn’t realize how much in common I had with so many people who really love this time of year. The mornings are crisp, bright, and clean. No wonder each day I wake up and feel energized to take on my day. By take on my day I mean clean!

I am in an eternal cycle of re-organizing right now. I don’t know why I can’t get ahead of it, maybe it’s all the marketing on my social media sites that is taking up some of my vital energy? Could be, but I won’t lay all the blame on Facebook. I’m a natural born procrastinator.  Something I have been trying to break free from for some time. I must be doing somewhat okay because how else could I have finished my first book, right? Well, now I’m using the excuse of “I have to organize first,” as my next ploy as to why I haven’t started that historical novel I’ve been daydreaming about for five years.

English: Hesitation by Alfred Garth Jones (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I must confess, I did write my first sentence. Want to read it?

I’m still too shy, but I will give you a clue: the story is based on actual occurrences in my husbands family during WWII, plus a lot of made up stuff that didn’t happen. The main characters will be a boy, around thirteen, and his older sister, about age twenty-five. They will be caught up in the whirlwind of the Holocaust and each of them face obstacles to their survival. Each will learn to survive in their own unique way. Along the way they will meet others trying to ensure their own lives as well. Since I love art, there is going to be a mystery thrown in about a missing, priceless work of art. How can a book about the Holocaust not have a Nazi or two thrown in? So there will be that too.

I have more to tell you, but I should really save that for the manuscript. There will most likely be several drafts and then a professional edit, but not before my husband critiques it in his usual tender way: “Eww, take that part out. It doesn’t make sense!” or “Yuck, re-write!” Truthfully, the re-writes always turn out better with his review. My pride must endure the pain of it all. I’d rather take the bad review from him than any of my dear readers. For you, I want only the best before your eyes.

Why am I explaining all of this? I’m telling you so it will be out there that another book is in the works and I will be held accountable for finishing the story. I work well under pressure! I realize I’m only accountable to myself, no one is out there holding their breath, waiting for a book. There are so many wonderful talented authors actually getting the writing done. I know because I’ve been reading their fantastic stories! So what is another book? Well, I guess it’s just something I have to do.

English: New Year’s Resolutions postcard (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m going to take this quote by author Steven Pressfield to heart: “Resistance knows that the longer we noodle around ‘getting ready,’ the more time and opportunity we’ll have to sabotage ourselves. Resistance loves it when we hesitate, when we over-prepare. The answer: plunge in.”

Since the fall is usually my time for starting a new year, I’m diving in now.

What are your autumn resolutions? I would love to hear about your projects. 

Interview with April Kempler

Reblogged from Author Ingrid Hall:

Hi April, I have to say that I think you are one of the most fascinating people that I have ever met...For those folk that are new to you though, tell us a little bit about yourself...

I’m married (twenty years this year!) I was born in Southern California, but adopted Reno, Nevada as my home in late 1993. I’m active in my church.

Read more… 1,481 more words

This is a recent interview by author Ingrid Hall. I thought I would share it with you today. Enjoy!

You Might Have Too Much Stuff If. . .

Fresh from a recent Hawaiian vacation, my husband turned to me and said, “We have too much stuff.”I waited a beat, took a breath. Paused. Then said, “By stuff, I presume you mean I have too many books?”

“No, I mean, we just went away and literally took very little with us. What we packed we didn’t even use. We got along just fine. Look at this house. We have every room filled with stuff.”Still believing in my soul he was talking about my books (I’m a sensitive creature) I said, “I know I have too many books, I’m working on that. You can see I’m working on that. What about your stuff? Let’s start there.” A note of hysteria was creeping in.

This was a conversation about to get wildly out of hand. I’ll save you from reading about the argument, but suffice it to say, you probably have too much stuff if you argue with your spouse about it. That night I slept — surprisingly well. But in the morning I had concluded that if I really looked around and applied myself, there were some items in each room of our two-story, four bedroom home that I could part with. Each room need not be filled to capacity for two people. New rule: keep clothing to one closet in the house. The guest room is for guests, keep it cute and nice.

So I began to declutter my home (why does a grown women need stuffed animals?).  Funny, it still feels over-crowded. You might have too much stuff if no matter what you get rid of there is still more! We are in a furniture transition. No matter how much we tried last month to get rid of our leather sofa and love seat — which we have had nearly fifteen beloved years — there were no takers. It sits in the front room with an extra end table, bookshelf, bamboo privacy screen, and a large plaster tiger (don’t ask about the tiger). Meanwhile, we have replaced some furniture, so now it has taken on that cozy look of a furniture warehouse.

Fall is approaching, my favorite season, and I feel a new energy. This home needs some tough love and I have a stern eye for unnecessary items. The books are staying. Never fear. I will just have to read faster that’s all.

Are you in a period of transition? What Fall cleaning do you have in store? I need all the help I can get!

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When Rock Star Tastes Exceed An Unknown Author Budget

Ever hear the expression “Dream big or go home”? Or is it “Dream big or die trying”? I quite possibly have those sayings mixed up, but the sentiment is the same. I dream big. Maybe too big for my boots.

Glamourous. (Photo credit: partymonstrrrr)

For instance I really envisioned having My Big Book Launch Event at a swanky, hip, cool venue. But,while perusing the cost break-down I quickly realized my dreams financially outweigh my budget. Wait, I’m not a big time author with a triple book deal who deserves a great movie star quality book launch? Oh, I must have had me confused with someone else.

Reality check: my budget may be closer to covering the paper cups and coffee, and maybe a doughnut. So I’m not James Patterson yet, or Jodi Picoult, or Diana Gabaldon. I’ve still got time. Maybe if I get it together and write something else I will get that glitzy book launch someday. The funny thing is, I’m happy with a low budget event anyway! It’s what I make of it no matter where it is. I think it’s going to be pretty awesome, just because it’s my book launch and it’s the very first one. I’m still dreaming big though. Don’t get me wrong.

Have you had to reality check your big dreams? I love hearing from you!

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Confessions of a Book Hoarder

Help! I’m being crushed by all the hardcovers, trade paperbacks and over-sized soft covers in my house! Maybe not literally, perhaps emotionally. . . and what is that strange pain in my back anyway? Could be from lifting, hefting and shifting my mountainous collection of books from one room to the next. Are these things rabbits? How have they multiplied beyond belief? And the better question is why can’t I part with any of them?

I’m a book hoarder. If anyone has ever seen an episode of Hoarders then this needs no explanation.

Definition of a hoarder: a person who accumulates things and hides them for future use.

Only, these things are books, and I am running out of places to hide them. In fact, I’m not hiding them very well! Linen closets, under the beds — including the guest bedroom — under my desk, next to my bed, covering the floor in the library, books stacked three deep and squashed in every which way on the bookshelves. Yup, all the signs are there.  I’m a hoarder and I can’t seem to help it either. I like my books.

They are comforting, much like macaroni and cheese, or lasagna, or chocolate pudding is. . . which in retrospect, I like all those things too. Of course I don’t hide food, not yet anyway. I don’t think I have gone that far, thank goodness. But, seriously my desire to read strongly outweighs any capability on my part to actually get to all these books. When I was fifteen I could stay up all night reading. No matter how many times my father came into my room and said, “Lights out! Get to sleep!” I would always turn the light back on and continue where I left off.  Unfortunately, now that I’m grown-up and can’t keep up with a simple magazine let alone War and Peace, books don’t get consumed with as much ease as they used to.

Every summer I say to myself: this is my reading summer. I’m going to read every book Agatha Christie ever wrote. But alas, it never happens. Now summer is nearly over, the kids are in school, the pool is about to close for the season and I have not dented The Tower of books. And yet, I add more and more to the pile.

It must be a disease. Well, I guess as diseases go, it’s okay with me. One day, perhaps in a thousand years, I will have read most of the books in my home. But, till then I will just keep adding more and more to the heap.

When authors quit writing fascinating books that I just have to add to my collection, maybe my obsession will be over. But, as Wise King Solomon said, “To the making of many books there is no end.”

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THE ALTERED I: Book Release Update

Let’s launch this baby!

This has been a long time coming I know, but I would like to send a big, huge thanks to everyone who pre-ordered THE ALTERED I, said they loved the excerpt, purchased extra copies for friends and family, and wanted to know when this book is going to be released. I have good news!

I have been told that the publisher is thinking of a November 2013 release. Well, actually what happened is I was asked, “What do you think of a November release?” My reply? “Any month is good! November is great! Let’s go!” So, although I don’t have an official date…this really is that hard, I have a rather loose idea.

My mind has been absolutely stuffed with book launch event planning ideas. From the venue to the  food and beverages to be served, and a whole lot of other things to keep everyone entertained (videos, posters, other books on the subject of the Holocaust, etc.) Least of all — what am I going to wear?! Will there be a presentation? A question and answer session? An excerpt reading? The sound of the cork of a very expensive bottle of champagne popping? Yes, yes, yes, and yes! I’m working out the details and I hope I don’t forget a thing.

This is going to be great, so stay tuned for an actual date! I’m excited and hope you are too.

If you haven’t done so already and are so inclined here is the pre-order link for THE ALTERED I

. Get it while it’s discounted!

What I learned About Editing While Moving Furniture

One of my favorite lines from Alice in Wonderland is when the Mad Hatter asks Alice one of his nonsensical riddles: “How is a raven like a writing desk?”  Of course there is no answer. The Mad Hatter has no idea how a raven is like a writing desk, as I’m sure some of you may be

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scratching your heads wondering how is moving furniture like editing?

Last week I desperately needed a new configuration of my furniture in the family room. For years the television was in the wrong place, sticking out into the middle of the room like a big sore thumb. In order to get our furniture to fit properly certain pieces absolutely had to go a certain way. Well, all that has changed since we realized we now need new stuff. Out with the old! In with the new! I had it all firmly in mind how I wanted the room to look. Even friends and trusted advisers recommended moving the television to the far wall and getting smaller pieces of furniture in addition to removing items that just didn’t fit. Long story short, we purchased two nice, smallish recliner’s got the TV situated on the opposite end and moved in a smaller sofa. However, it just didn’t fit! It wasn’t what I wanted. I had it so perfectly in mind and yet, placed in the way I thought it should work it still didn’t work! I was aggravated. After moving the furnishings around yet again, ridding the room of things that only cluttered up the tables (rule: three items to a table) things started coming together. This process actually took two or three days, but the end result is charming, and we are satisfied — for now.

Then it occurred to me that rearranging furniture in a room is just like editing. I will get an idea in my head how I think a certain thing will look on paper, and it seems like the best story, best blog, you-fill-in-the-blank-thing, ever! But, after reading it I can clearly see it has no life, no spark, it’s nonsensical! It just doesn’t work. After a night in restless sleep I will come back to it, move this word here, that word there, and this paragraph right out. After a nice brisk walk I will yet again re-visit the “work” and see a different pattern, or re-arrangement of words that suits quite nicely. I might bring in a trusted adviser editor to get their opinion. After a little while it makes sense and has the feel and rhythm I had envisioned.

Many times a writer dreads the editing process, with good reason. But,revision needn’t be revulsion when it comes to the re-write. When looked at from a different perspective, editing can be enjoyable.  Removing the clutter (unnecessary metaphors and adjectives) can give your work a fresh approach and you might find you like the end result a lot better.

How do you edit? Is it like puzzle pieces? Moving furniture? Or something else? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Vacation: The Number Three Worst City in the USA and Why I Disagree

Recently Reno, Nevada was listed as the number three worst city to visit. OK, that got my attention since I live in Reno and think it is a pretty darn nice city. Here’s the link and here’s why I strongly disagree:

The events hosted here are terrific. Where else can you see a camel race? (it’s a mere technicality, but the race takes place in Virginia City) we also have hot air balloon races, and the famous Reno Air Races. Among all these sensational events is the Tour De Nez (pronounced NAY).

Tour de Nez 2010 (Photo credit: RenoTahoe)

This is an annual cycling race that has been hosted in Reno for many years. New management has affected the race’s publicity and yesterday’s turn-out was only so-so.  But it’s the cycling fans that make Reno such a great place to visit. I can’t think of a nicer group of people. Yesterday’s event attracted a number of families and dog lovers. Why dog lovers? Well, it seemed I missed the memo, but a large number of people must have gone to the Reno animal shelter and said, “Hey it’s the Tour De Nez, I need a puppy, STAT!” Just kidding. But, there were puppies and dogs every where. My favorite was a sweet little Pomeranian named Gracie who sported leopard print Doggles.

Courtesy of Brad21Photo Tour De Nez 2013

Nothing is cuter, plus by strategically being seated in the basket of her owner’s bike, she placed third with her owner Dean just seconds behind, placing fourth in the Clunkers division. But, I digress. Back to the fans.

Cycling fans are among the crème de la crème of fans out there. They are a clean cut bunch, as I mentioned before, family oriented, polite, supportive, accepting, open and happy to know you. No one got rowdy, unless you count the belly dancers near the back end of the park, which I don’t. I have to admit it lent a certain Mediterranean flair to the otherwise American upper middle-class ambiance. But, nevertheless, the whole day was rather peaceful. It was a safe and fun environment to bring your kids and pets alike.

Was it hot? Yes. Was it windy? Yes. None of these things are my cup of tea. I’m really not the out-of-doors type, ask anybody. But, this was my husbands deal. He was in his glory. He knew everyone. Every ten steps he was greeting and shaking hands with someone he knew. He knew several people in the three races we watched, plus others who competed in races we missed. I can say with strong conviction that Reno is a friendly town.

Reno, Nevada should be one of the top cities to visit, not considered the worst. Mid-town is up-and-coming with hip, locally owned restaurants serving fresh vegetables and meats without hormones and other nasty chemicals. We boast a co-op grocer, Sundance books is one of the few independently owned retail bookstores in town, the Truckee river has never looked more beautiful.

Reno has history. Reno was a city made out of bricks, after all they were manufactured right here! If you pay a visit to Reno you will see brick buildings designed with panache and class, like the Riverside Hotel on the Truckee River.

Don’t you think it is well worth your while to visit my town? What is so great about your city? I welcome your comments!

Related links: Brad21Photo 

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Speaking of Reading, Anyone Know Who Karl May Is?

Joseph Kempler’s favorite author as a young boy was Karl May pronounced (MY). Who? Most Americans probably never heard of him since he was a famous German author during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Often referred to as the Louis L’Amour of  of Germany, Karl May is famous for creating two endearing characters: Old Shatterhand, a strong young German engineer who can knock someone out with one punch, and Winnetou, a wise Apache chief.

A portrait of the German writer Karl May by Erwin Raupp. Français : Portrait de l’écrivain Allemand Karl May par Erwin Raupp. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Interestingly, although Karl May wrote a popular western series, he never actually got further west than Buffalo, New York. Most of his knowledge of the old west came from guide books! Adolf Hitler was also a huge fan of Karl May’s books and handed out copies to German soldiers.

When Joseph and his family were forced to move from their Krakow apartment and relocate to a tiny, unheard of village, there was little room for non-essentials like books. However,  Malka, always an indulgent mother, allowed Joseph to bring his basket of beloved books, including his Karl May collection.

Read more about Joseph in this sample of The Altered I, a Holocaust Memoir.

Preorder The Altered I here.

Related Article: Why Karl May Captivates Germany

The Maze to Amazing: Organic Layering

Reblogged from Writers In The Storm Blog:

by Pamela Morsi

As a writer without a plan, I don’t get invited to comment often on my writing process. Telling people, “oh, I just make it up as I go along” tends to annoy my colleagues and confuse newcomers. I’m an organic writer. Or at least that what Donald Maass calls it. Pardon the name dropping, but it’s Donald that got me into this gig.

Read more… 1,283 more words

Many books on writing will tell the new author that outlining is a must. If you get stuck and haven't outlined, then it is your fault because you didn't work out the plot properly. The following blog post is a fresh take on writing without a plan. Do you outline your plots, or are you more of an organic writer? Does each sentence lead you to destinations unknown? If so, then you may feel the same way as Pamela Morsi does in her fantastic blog about her writing process. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. As always I love to hear your comments.