Margo Kelly's Blog, page 20
December 9, 2016
Dear Teen Me:
Dear Teen Me,
Another Treasure Valley Youth Symphony concert came and went, and he didn’t show up again. I know you looked for him. From backstage, you peeked through the opening in the thick black velvet curtains to see if he sat in the audience. Then as you walked onto the stage, you scanned the shadowed faces of the people in the crowd. He wasn’t there. But you still hoped he’d arrive in time for your big solo. He didn’t. He missed it. His recurring absences have stung like personal rejections. Although you earned the coveted first chair of your section, you decided you weren’t good enough or deserving enough for your own dad to attend the concert and see you perform. Worse yet, this will not be the last time he fails to show up. You think no one else understands the loneliness in your heart. But I do. I get it. Because I know what happens. I know how things turn out in the end.
He’ll make more promises, and he’ll break those, too. You’ll come to believe that people usually break their word. You’ll doubt your husband. You’ll teach your kids to not rely on other people. But at the same time, you’ll do everything in your power to always keep your own promises … especially to your husband and to your children.
But the thing is … people make mistakes … and people die.
Dad. Dies. Too young. And you’ll be sad that he never sees your two sons ride their bicycles; he never sees your daughter born into this world.
So forgive him sooner.
People break promises all the time. Forgive them all … sooner.
And what can you do right now? Love Dad more. And tell him. Say the words, “Dad, I love you.” Do it. Sooner. Reach out and give him the first hug. Reach out and grab his hand. Don’t waste time or emotions waiting for him to make the first move. You do it. Sooner.
Spend more time with him. Call him. Ask him to go to lunch, go for a walk, or go to a BSU football game. Sooner.
Because you’ll miss him later. Especially on Father’s Day and his birthday and every BSU football game day.
Once you’ve gotten good at loving Dad more, then carry that compassionate attitude beyond him. Treat everyone with kindness, even lousy waiters, because you never know what battle they’re fighting. Maybe their dad just died. Maybe they’re dying. Behaving with benevolence will bring better results than behaving with hostility.
I know you have a lot to be angry about, but let it go. Those feelings of loneliness and rejection will heal more easily if you’ll forgive sooner. Love more. Hold on to the happy moments. Then later in life, you’ll be able to draw upon all those emotions, to help others and to write stories and to become a better person and to raise healthy children and to enjoy a vibrant marriage. But only if you’ll forgive sooner.
Choose joy … and I’ll see you in 30 years.
Sincerely,
Me
December 7, 2016
#IWSG: 5 Year Plan for Writing
Where do you see yourself five years from now, in terms of your writing career, and what’s your plan to get there?
Coming from a business background, I love the idea of a five-year plan! And interestingly enough, as my daughter (who just graduated from college) was cleaning out some old boxes of her stuff, she came across a decorated notebook from 2007. In the front of the notebook tabs were labeled: 1 Year Goals, 5 Year Goals, and 10 Year Goals. My daughter laughed when she showed me the notebook and told me how much she hated the notebook as a kid. I knew that. All the kids hated it. Each family member had a notebook, and we worked on them together during family activities. In 2007, my daughter was ten years old. Under the 10-Year-Goal tab, she'd written "go to college." Well, nine years later, not only did she "go to college" but she also graduated with her bachelor's degree by age twenty.
I smiled at her and said, "See? Writing down your goals WORKS." She laughed at me.
But it's true. Identifying your goals and writing them down are the necessary first steps in achieving your dreams.
So ... for me ... in five years my goal is:
By 2022 I will have a total of five novels published and on the shelves of bookstores. To achieve this goal, I will polish my time-management skills, write something every day, and improve my writing abilities.
"The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support."
Join the group: http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
What about you? How would you answer IWSG's DECEMBER'S QUESTION: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
Happy writing!
Coming from a business background, I love the idea of a five-year plan! And interestingly enough, as my daughter (who just graduated from college) was cleaning out some old boxes of her stuff, she came across a decorated notebook from 2007. In the front of the notebook tabs were labeled: 1 Year Goals, 5 Year Goals, and 10 Year Goals. My daughter laughed when she showed me the notebook and told me how much she hated the notebook as a kid. I knew that. All the kids hated it. Each family member had a notebook, and we worked on them together during family activities. In 2007, my daughter was ten years old. Under the 10-Year-Goal tab, she'd written "go to college." Well, nine years later, not only did she "go to college" but she also graduated with her bachelor's degree by age twenty.
I smiled at her and said, "See? Writing down your goals WORKS." She laughed at me.
But it's true. Identifying your goals and writing them down are the necessary first steps in achieving your dreams.
So ... for me ... in five years my goal is:
By 2022 I will have a total of five novels published and on the shelves of bookstores. To achieve this goal, I will polish my time-management skills, write something every day, and improve my writing abilities.
"The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support."
Join the group: http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
What about you? How would you answer IWSG's DECEMBER'S QUESTION: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
Happy writing!
December 5, 2016
Book Review: A GIFT OF LOVE by Tony Cointreau
If you still have gifts to buy for people on your Christmas shopping list – look no further! This book is the perfect gift for everyone.When I was first offered this book for free in exchange for an honest review, I hesitated. Honestly, I didn’t want to read a book about caregiving at the end of a loved one’s life. It sounded too depressing to me. However, I remembered how much I enjoyed reading Tony Cointreau’s memoir, Ethel Merman, Mother Teresa … and Me, and I decided to give this book a try simply because he’s a fabulous writer.
I’m so glad I took the time to read A Gift of Love, because it’s NOT a book about caring for people who are dying. It’s a book about caring – for everyone.
While A Gift of Love is the title of this book, it is also the name of one of Mother (now Saint) Teresa’s hospices in New York where Tony Cointreau served for more than a decade. Tony came from an affluent background and a successful show business career, but instead of sitting back and relaxing, he chose to get up and get to work – mopping floors, changing adult diapers, and loving people marked as unlovable.
He wrote in the Afterword, “Mother Teresa believed in the simple words of the great teachers such as Jesus and Buddha and lived not a ‘Christian’ life but a Christlike life—two very different things in my eyes. She tried to teach us all the simple philosophy of unconditional love for one another and the importance of being non-judgmental. Oh yes, and above all she wanted us to learn the joy of being of service with our two hands. Very simple and very beautiful. … I will never forget the many wonderful men and women I helped in their final hours of life, and how much more they gave to me than I could ever have given to them” (pages 179-180).
This book was written in such a way that you could either read the entire thing from cover to cover (which I recommend for your first time through the book) or you could pick a topic (such as Touch, Respect, or Humor) from the table of contents and read a single chapter to gain more insight on that specific concept.
The only chapter that felt a little out of place in this book was the one titled “Signs from Beyond.” Now understand, I fully believe in a life after death, and I believe that spirits exist among us, and I believe that some people can see, feel, and hear these spirits. However, this chapter felt disjointed from the others. Maybe it should have been its own book, especially considering Tony went into details of his own experiences with the mysterious realms of other spheres. But nonetheless, it is very common for dying people to see and communicate with the spirits of those who’ve passed on before them … so in that sense, I suppose this chapter had a place within the pages of this book. With that said, I absolutely loved all of the other chapters.
Here are some my favorite nuggets from A Gift of Love:
“None of us has to be a genius to make a difference in someone’s life or death. It takes no great intellect or training. It’s only a question of sincere listening and genuine caring. This can be the final gift from the person who knows you best in the world, or from a total stranger” (page 20).
“The simple gift of music can bring joy, no matter what the human condition” (page 38).
“Whether you are terminally ill or in the best of health, what could be better for your wellbeing than to feel useful to humanity? … Just see how good one simple act of generosity can make you feel—especially generosity of the spirit” (page 72).
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to lift their own mood or the moods of others. Tony’s writing is exceptional and the stories shared within A Gift of Love are uplifting and inspiring. I want to be a better person after reading this book, and I want to achieve that goal by following Tony’s example of service, kindness, and generosity.
To paraphrase Tony: Take advantage of each precious opportunity to express affection and appreciation to other people, especially (but not limited to) those people who have enriched your life in any way.
[I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was in no way influenced.]
November 29, 2016
Crazy Busy Life
Whew. The last thirty days have been a bit of a whirlwind! We traveled to Hawaii, saw our daughter graduate from college with her bachelor's degree, spent time with family and friends, flew back to Idaho, celebrated our daughter getting engaged to the guy of her dreams, ate a ton of turkey with more family, and played and played and played.
Here are a few fun pictures from our many recent adventures:
Here are a few fun pictures from our many recent adventures:
November 1, 2016
Giveaway: $25 Amazon Gift Card - Ends 11/30/16
My second book baby, UNLOCKED, has been out in the world now for a month!
Have you had a chance to read UNLOCKED yet? You can borrow a copy from the library or buy a copy from your favorite retailer. But hurry! Because once you read it, if you post a review online by 11/30/16, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card!!
That gives you four weeks to read and review the book. (The review can be short, simple, and sincere.) Plus, you'll get an entry for each location you post a review (Amazon, Goodreads, B&N, Target, Walmart, etc.).
To enter to win the $25 gift card, simply email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces) by 11/30/16 and let me know where you've posted your review(s).
Thanks - and happy reading!
Have you had a chance to read UNLOCKED yet? You can borrow a copy from the library or buy a copy from your favorite retailer. But hurry! Because once you read it, if you post a review online by 11/30/16, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card!!
That gives you four weeks to read and review the book. (The review can be short, simple, and sincere.) Plus, you'll get an entry for each location you post a review (Amazon, Goodreads, B&N, Target, Walmart, etc.).
To enter to win the $25 gift card, simply email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces) by 11/30/16 and let me know where you've posted your review(s).
Thanks - and happy reading!
#IWSG: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
Normally, I would say that
the process
of creating and organizing a whole new world full of interesting characters and surprising plot twists is my favorite thing about being a writer. But today? I must say ... when when a fifteen-year-old girl told me that she stayed up all night long to read UNLOCKED (until 5am) and that she could not wait to read it again ...
that
is my favorite aspect of being a writer ---
connecting with a reader
.
The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writers Support Group. Join us! And share in the comments your answer to the question:
What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writers Support Group. Join us! And share in the comments your answer to the question:
What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
October 31, 2016
Book Review + Giveaway = FLIP THE BIRD by @KymBrunner
Oh ... today, I have a treat for #yalit #book lovers!
I have read this fabulous new book by Kym Brunner, and it's a winner. YOU can be a winner, too. Scroll on down for the complete details on how to get a copy of FLIP THE BIRD for yourself. AND at the bottom of this post is my full review of this fun book.
This book blog tour is hosted by Rockstar Book Tours (because Kym is a freaking rock star), and I'm please to participate in the party.
About the Book:
Title: FLIP THE BIRDAuthor: Kym BrunnerPub. Date: November 1, 2016Publisher: HMH Books for Young ReadersPages: 368Formats: Hardcover, eBookFind it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads
Mercer Buddie wants two things in this world: a girlfriend and the chance to prove to his master falconer father that he’s not a flake. With hunting season fast approaching, fourteen-year-old Mercer has only a short time to work with Flip, a red-tailed hawk he irreverently named to show his dad that falconers don’t have to be so serious all the time.
When Mercer meets Lucy, he falls hard for her gorgeous looks and bubbly personality. He thinks his love life is about to take flight, until he discovers that Lucy and her family belong to a fanatical animal-rights organization called HALT—a group that believes imposing any sort of restrictions on animals is a form of cruelty. Mercer soon realizes that if he wants to keep seeing Lucy, he’ll need to keep his love of falconry and his family’s raptor rehabilitation center a secret from her, and Lucy’s involvement with HALT from his family.
With humor and honesty, Mercer’s story shows how growing up means making difficult choices…and sometimes, being rewarded in unexpected ways.
About Kym:
Kym Brunner dreams entire novels in her head, but needs about a year to write it all down. She wishes there was an app for this. She's addicted to chai tea, going to the movies, and reality TV. When she's not reading or writing, Kym teaches 7th grade full time. Her article, Cracking Down on Multiple POVs: Surrender and Nobody Gets Hurt, appeared in Writer’s Digest online (July, 2014). She is the author of the three YA novels listed below. She lives in the Chicago area with her family and her two trusty writing companions, a pair of Shih Tzus named Sophie and Kahlua. Keep in touch by following her on Facebook (Author Kym Brunner), Twitter (@KymBrunner), or at her website, www.kymbrunner.com.
Website | Twitter |Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads
About the Giveaway: 3 winners will receive a finished copy of FLIP THE BIRD, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Review of the Book:
Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED IT!! Loved it. This book had me from page one.
FLIP THE BIRD by Kym Brunner is delightful, refreshing, and engaging.
As the title suggests, fun word plays are peppered throughout the book, and Brunner infuses the story with a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Brunner takes us into a world that many readers are not familiar - the world of falconry. While there are scenes set in a typical high school, most of the story takes place in settings new and fresh for most readers. I'm always amazed when a contemporary novel feels like a page-turner to me. As a fan of thrillers and high-suspense novels (which are inherently page-turners), when I come across a story that is not in that genre but still compels me to read faster and longer and past my bed-time, my mind is blown. Another thing I love about a great story is when the plot catches me by surprise. FLIP THE BIRD has several plot points that took me in directions I wasn't expecting.
Nicely done, Kym Brunner. Nicely done. FLIP THE BIRD will appeal to everyone - adults and kids of all ages. Go out and buy it today.
Visit the other stops on the book tour:
Week One: 10/24/2016- Books,Dreams,Life- Excerpt10/25/2016- Here's to Happy Endings- Review10/26/2016- Mike reads- Excerpt10/27/2016- Itsmisselizabeth- Review10/28/2016- Rachel's Book Reviews- Interview
Week Two: 10/31/2016- Margo Kelly- Review11/1/2016- The Silver Dagger Scriptorium- Spotlight11/2/2016- RhiReading- Review11/3/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Interview11/4/2016- Reese's Reviews- Review
I have read this fabulous new book by Kym Brunner, and it's a winner. YOU can be a winner, too. Scroll on down for the complete details on how to get a copy of FLIP THE BIRD for yourself. AND at the bottom of this post is my full review of this fun book.
This book blog tour is hosted by Rockstar Book Tours (because Kym is a freaking rock star), and I'm please to participate in the party.
About the Book:
Title: FLIP THE BIRDAuthor: Kym BrunnerPub. Date: November 1, 2016Publisher: HMH Books for Young ReadersPages: 368Formats: Hardcover, eBookFind it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, GoodreadsMercer Buddie wants two things in this world: a girlfriend and the chance to prove to his master falconer father that he’s not a flake. With hunting season fast approaching, fourteen-year-old Mercer has only a short time to work with Flip, a red-tailed hawk he irreverently named to show his dad that falconers don’t have to be so serious all the time.
When Mercer meets Lucy, he falls hard for her gorgeous looks and bubbly personality. He thinks his love life is about to take flight, until he discovers that Lucy and her family belong to a fanatical animal-rights organization called HALT—a group that believes imposing any sort of restrictions on animals is a form of cruelty. Mercer soon realizes that if he wants to keep seeing Lucy, he’ll need to keep his love of falconry and his family’s raptor rehabilitation center a secret from her, and Lucy’s involvement with HALT from his family.
With humor and honesty, Mercer’s story shows how growing up means making difficult choices…and sometimes, being rewarded in unexpected ways.
About Kym:
Kym Brunner dreams entire novels in her head, but needs about a year to write it all down. She wishes there was an app for this. She's addicted to chai tea, going to the movies, and reality TV. When she's not reading or writing, Kym teaches 7th grade full time. Her article, Cracking Down on Multiple POVs: Surrender and Nobody Gets Hurt, appeared in Writer’s Digest online (July, 2014). She is the author of the three YA novels listed below. She lives in the Chicago area with her family and her two trusty writing companions, a pair of Shih Tzus named Sophie and Kahlua. Keep in touch by following her on Facebook (Author Kym Brunner), Twitter (@KymBrunner), or at her website, www.kymbrunner.com.Website | Twitter |Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads
About the Giveaway: 3 winners will receive a finished copy of FLIP THE BIRD, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Review of the Book:
Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED IT!! Loved it. This book had me from page one.
FLIP THE BIRD by Kym Brunner is delightful, refreshing, and engaging.
As the title suggests, fun word plays are peppered throughout the book, and Brunner infuses the story with a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Brunner takes us into a world that many readers are not familiar - the world of falconry. While there are scenes set in a typical high school, most of the story takes place in settings new and fresh for most readers. I'm always amazed when a contemporary novel feels like a page-turner to me. As a fan of thrillers and high-suspense novels (which are inherently page-turners), when I come across a story that is not in that genre but still compels me to read faster and longer and past my bed-time, my mind is blown. Another thing I love about a great story is when the plot catches me by surprise. FLIP THE BIRD has several plot points that took me in directions I wasn't expecting.
Nicely done, Kym Brunner. Nicely done. FLIP THE BIRD will appeal to everyone - adults and kids of all ages. Go out and buy it today.
Visit the other stops on the book tour:
Week One: 10/24/2016- Books,Dreams,Life- Excerpt10/25/2016- Here's to Happy Endings- Review10/26/2016- Mike reads- Excerpt10/27/2016- Itsmisselizabeth- Review10/28/2016- Rachel's Book Reviews- Interview
Week Two: 10/31/2016- Margo Kelly- Review11/1/2016- The Silver Dagger Scriptorium- Spotlight11/2/2016- RhiReading- Review11/3/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Interview11/4/2016- Reese's Reviews- Review
October 17, 2016
Speaking about Online Safety at the AAPC In Meridian ID
October is National Cyber Security Awareness month, and on Thursday, October 13, 2016, we had a great discussion at the Meridian AAPC meeting, talking about everything from using public wireless connections to protecting our kids from online predators.
Since my critically-acclaimed novel, WHO R U REALLY?, is about an online predator, I'm often asked to speak with groups about online safety. Cyber safety does not just apply to our kids. It applies to all of us. Back in 2014, I was asked to partner with the national campaign Stop.Think.Connect., and I'm pleased to offer additional resources to the groups I speak with because of this association.
If you're interested in scheduling me to come and speak with your group, click here to take a look at some of the content I offer during my presentations. Then shoot me an email at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces) to schedule an event.
Stay safe online.
Since my critically-acclaimed novel, WHO R U REALLY?, is about an online predator, I'm often asked to speak with groups about online safety. Cyber safety does not just apply to our kids. It applies to all of us. Back in 2014, I was asked to partner with the national campaign Stop.Think.Connect., and I'm pleased to offer additional resources to the groups I speak with because of this association.
If you're interested in scheduling me to come and speak with your group, click here to take a look at some of the content I offer during my presentations. Then shoot me an email at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces) to schedule an event.
Stay safe online.
October 14, 2016
Radio Interviews in Boise ID
I had so much fun visiting local radio shows yesterday morning. A big THANKS to Kevin Murphy and Melissa Dawn of the "Murphy & Melissa in the Morning" show on KHITS 107.1 radio. (They are so funny! They had me in stitches before we ever began the on-air interview.) After we finished that interview, I headed over to 94.9 The River and discussed my book UNLOCKED with Tim and Misty on the "River Morning" show. Tim and Misty are book lovers! YAY for reading. And I'm so glad I didn't accidentally belch during either interview. Below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. At the bottom of this post is the audio file from the interview with Tim & Misty, so take a listen!
Click on the audio button below to listen to the interview with Misty & Tim on 94.9FM The River.
My most profound statement during the interview (feel free to quote me) ... "If you want to be a writer, you need to write something." Wow. That makes me sound really smart. ha!
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
Click on the audio button below to listen to the interview with Misty & Tim on 94.9FM The River.
My most profound statement during the interview (feel free to quote me) ... "If you want to be a writer, you need to write something." Wow. That makes me sound really smart. ha!
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
October 12, 2016
Author Day at the Boise Public Library
The terrific people at the Boise Public Library pulled out all the stops for the "Author Day" event held on October 8, 2016. They had multiple panels of authors sharing details about writing, marketing, and publishing. At the end of the day, local authors read from their works. I look forward to their next event for writers and readers and book-lovers of all sorts.
