H.A. Larson's Blog, page 82
February 12, 2015
Pondering and Other Thoughts
Good morning!
I hope you're doing great today. Like usual, I've been busy with various things, and like most creative people I'm disorganized for the most part.
My kids are now on intersession following parent/teacher conferences. I had my daughter's yesterday, and today I have my son's. My son had told me that his conferences were tomorrow, but upon checking the school's website this morning I discovered that it is actually today so I had to shuffle my job around.
I accepted a part-time job back in January so I would have more time at home to focus on my writing, and so I could have more flexibility where my kids are concerned. My sweet daughter more than likely has ADD and it is affecting her ability to focus at home and at school. I have an appointment set up for this coming Tuesday to get assessed by a children's behavioral health specialist. While I'm slightly relieved, I'm a bit anxious. It's just the mother in me I suppose, the feeling that I have failed her in some way pushes itself to the forefront of my mind.
When my son was in kindergarten, it became obvious that his speech and writing were developmentally behind his peers, and I can remember sitting in a meeting with his teacher and the school's speech specialist. That day, I felt the same as I felt last night at my daughter's conference. That feeling of having failed my child mixed with a sense of hopelessness. I realistically know that neither of these situations is within my control, but it's still hard to deal with anyway. I'm going to remain hopeful and optimistic, because after all, taking speech therapy at school for a few years was one of the best things that ever happened for my son, and he's done nothing but excel from there. I just want what's best for my daughter, and I have faith that she will come out on top.
On a lighter note, my second book is coming along nicely, and I'm pleased with where it is going. As for my first book "Cold", I have had some good, honest reviews from some other authors. Here are some excerpts:
"Cold is a beautifully written story with a highly engaging narration from beginning to the end. The setting and the relaxed style of dialogues gave the story a strong sense of reality, which I really enjoyed. Though I felt the story was a bit dragging at first, I was taken by Larson’s flawless writing style."
"Cold by H.A. Larson was a joy to read. The novel was extremely well written with great flow and interesting characters. I enjoyed Michael and Jules’ individual struggles with their mother’s death and how they each handled it in their own way. All the characters were vividly drawn with unique voices and distinctive characteristics. The action moved at an appropriate pace as Larson unfolded her tale of ghostly revenge. The scenes with the ghosts were well done and gave me chills."
"Well written, this somewhat 'cosy' ghost story, is filled with believable characters, all of which I felt some degree of sympathy for, even the bad guy."
I hope you're doing great today. Like usual, I've been busy with various things, and like most creative people I'm disorganized for the most part.
My kids are now on intersession following parent/teacher conferences. I had my daughter's yesterday, and today I have my son's. My son had told me that his conferences were tomorrow, but upon checking the school's website this morning I discovered that it is actually today so I had to shuffle my job around.
I accepted a part-time job back in January so I would have more time at home to focus on my writing, and so I could have more flexibility where my kids are concerned. My sweet daughter more than likely has ADD and it is affecting her ability to focus at home and at school. I have an appointment set up for this coming Tuesday to get assessed by a children's behavioral health specialist. While I'm slightly relieved, I'm a bit anxious. It's just the mother in me I suppose, the feeling that I have failed her in some way pushes itself to the forefront of my mind.
When my son was in kindergarten, it became obvious that his speech and writing were developmentally behind his peers, and I can remember sitting in a meeting with his teacher and the school's speech specialist. That day, I felt the same as I felt last night at my daughter's conference. That feeling of having failed my child mixed with a sense of hopelessness. I realistically know that neither of these situations is within my control, but it's still hard to deal with anyway. I'm going to remain hopeful and optimistic, because after all, taking speech therapy at school for a few years was one of the best things that ever happened for my son, and he's done nothing but excel from there. I just want what's best for my daughter, and I have faith that she will come out on top.
On a lighter note, my second book is coming along nicely, and I'm pleased with where it is going. As for my first book "Cold", I have had some good, honest reviews from some other authors. Here are some excerpts:
"Cold is a beautifully written story with a highly engaging narration from beginning to the end. The setting and the relaxed style of dialogues gave the story a strong sense of reality, which I really enjoyed. Though I felt the story was a bit dragging at first, I was taken by Larson’s flawless writing style."
"Cold by H.A. Larson was a joy to read. The novel was extremely well written with great flow and interesting characters. I enjoyed Michael and Jules’ individual struggles with their mother’s death and how they each handled it in their own way. All the characters were vividly drawn with unique voices and distinctive characteristics. The action moved at an appropriate pace as Larson unfolded her tale of ghostly revenge. The scenes with the ghosts were well done and gave me chills."
"Well written, this somewhat 'cosy' ghost story, is filled with believable characters, all of which I felt some degree of sympathy for, even the bad guy."
January 27, 2015
Progress!
Good morning friends and fans!
Well, I'm sitting here doing my social media rounds and looking out the window at this gorgeous morning! It's hard to believe it's January, but I've been spending a lot more time outside. Today, after the kids get home from school we're going to get out where the trees are and get some exercise.
I've finally developed, almost in entirety, the plot line for my second novella, "The Melody", so now the writing is flowing better. It's still a month or two from completion, but at least I know exactly where it's going.
I've still stayed true to the course on my diet and exercise plan. This weekend I drank a few too many beers, and yesterday I was feeling a bit off so I didn't exercise, so I have to spend the week making up for that. I have plenty of organizational plans that I just started this weekend, so between all of them, it should keep me busy.
Have a wonderful day, and get out an enjoy it at some point.
Regards,
H.A. Larson
Well, I'm sitting here doing my social media rounds and looking out the window at this gorgeous morning! It's hard to believe it's January, but I've been spending a lot more time outside. Today, after the kids get home from school we're going to get out where the trees are and get some exercise.
I've finally developed, almost in entirety, the plot line for my second novella, "The Melody", so now the writing is flowing better. It's still a month or two from completion, but at least I know exactly where it's going.
I've still stayed true to the course on my diet and exercise plan. This weekend I drank a few too many beers, and yesterday I was feeling a bit off so I didn't exercise, so I have to spend the week making up for that. I have plenty of organizational plans that I just started this weekend, so between all of them, it should keep me busy.
Have a wonderful day, and get out an enjoy it at some point.
Regards,
H.A. Larson
January 15, 2015
It's Warming Up!
So, it's been a few weeks since I last posted so I figured I'm due.
I've got my author profile up and running on goodreads. If you haven't checked out goodreads, it's a great place to find books, connect with other readers, find your favorite authors (indie and otherwise), and interact with those who love to read. Currently, I'm accepting questions, so feel free to ask me anything you'd like. Here is a link to my author page there: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9866843.H_A_Larson
My second book "The Melody" is coming along nicely. I'm really getting the characters established which helps the book really start flowing. I should have it completed within the month or so, and will run a special on my first book "Cold" at that time, so stay tuned!
As I mentioned in my last posting, I'm trying really hard to get healthy in mind and body. I started counting my calories and getting some exercise. Typically, whenever I start that (and trust me, I've started that more times than I can count!) I usually fall off the wagon after a few days. This time, however, being the determined & motivated person I am, I've been sticking to it by the book for the last week and a half. I decided that Mondays will be my weigh-in day, and when I weighed myself on Monday I had lost five pounds! It's a step in the right direction, and it was just what I needed to help me stay motivated.
The weather is starting to warm up a bit, and this weekend will be in the 40's and 50's so I fully intend on taking advantage of it. The kids and I went hiking both days last weekend, and we'll be going again, but this time it will be much much warmer.
I hope you have a great weekend, and make sure to enjoy not just the weekend, but every day. You've only got one life to live, so live it well.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
I've got my author profile up and running on goodreads. If you haven't checked out goodreads, it's a great place to find books, connect with other readers, find your favorite authors (indie and otherwise), and interact with those who love to read. Currently, I'm accepting questions, so feel free to ask me anything you'd like. Here is a link to my author page there: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9866843.H_A_Larson
My second book "The Melody" is coming along nicely. I'm really getting the characters established which helps the book really start flowing. I should have it completed within the month or so, and will run a special on my first book "Cold" at that time, so stay tuned!
As I mentioned in my last posting, I'm trying really hard to get healthy in mind and body. I started counting my calories and getting some exercise. Typically, whenever I start that (and trust me, I've started that more times than I can count!) I usually fall off the wagon after a few days. This time, however, being the determined & motivated person I am, I've been sticking to it by the book for the last week and a half. I decided that Mondays will be my weigh-in day, and when I weighed myself on Monday I had lost five pounds! It's a step in the right direction, and it was just what I needed to help me stay motivated.
The weather is starting to warm up a bit, and this weekend will be in the 40's and 50's so I fully intend on taking advantage of it. The kids and I went hiking both days last weekend, and we'll be going again, but this time it will be much much warmer.
I hope you have a great weekend, and make sure to enjoy not just the weekend, but every day. You've only got one life to live, so live it well.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
January 3, 2015
It's a new year!
Goodbye 2014, and hello 2015! I already posted about how I was thankful for all that transpired in 2014, so I thought I'd take a bit of time to discuss what I'm looking forward to in 2015.
I'm looking forward to moving even further ahead on the new journey I've been on. I'm looking foward to writing a few more books, taking leisurely (and not-so-leisurely) hikes in the woods, camping, traveling domestically and abroad, and spending quality time with the people that matter most.
I'm looking forward to continued and renewed health. I quit smoking almost a year ago, and as a result, I've gained quite a bit of weight. So, this year I've recommitted myself to being healthy. I've also decided to give drinking a break, only indulging on occasion and by having a glass of wine here and there.
I'm looking forward to learning to play some new interests, and finally doing something with all these musical instruments I've been collecting. Now, with my smoker's voice gone, I can start working on my voice as another instrument as well. As a writer already, writing lyrics is something I'm looking forward to as well.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to being me, and not caring about myself through other's eyes. I will only view myself in my own terms, and not worry about the things I cannot change. I'm ready to rid myself of the negativity in my life and move forward now with as much positivity as I can muster.
For now though, I'm going to finish the last of the xmas gifts for friends that we always exchange well into the new year. Gifts I've collected from thrift stores and made myself. This year, it's a neat second-hand gift, a loaf of homemade bread, and some homemade mixed berry jam (my first).
Happy New Year! May you be looking forward to your best year ever.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
I'm looking forward to moving even further ahead on the new journey I've been on. I'm looking foward to writing a few more books, taking leisurely (and not-so-leisurely) hikes in the woods, camping, traveling domestically and abroad, and spending quality time with the people that matter most.
I'm looking forward to continued and renewed health. I quit smoking almost a year ago, and as a result, I've gained quite a bit of weight. So, this year I've recommitted myself to being healthy. I've also decided to give drinking a break, only indulging on occasion and by having a glass of wine here and there.
I'm looking forward to learning to play some new interests, and finally doing something with all these musical instruments I've been collecting. Now, with my smoker's voice gone, I can start working on my voice as another instrument as well. As a writer already, writing lyrics is something I'm looking forward to as well.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to being me, and not caring about myself through other's eyes. I will only view myself in my own terms, and not worry about the things I cannot change. I'm ready to rid myself of the negativity in my life and move forward now with as much positivity as I can muster.
For now though, I'm going to finish the last of the xmas gifts for friends that we always exchange well into the new year. Gifts I've collected from thrift stores and made myself. This year, it's a neat second-hand gift, a loaf of homemade bread, and some homemade mixed berry jam (my first).
Happy New Year! May you be looking forward to your best year ever.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
December 24, 2014
Happy Holidays!
It's that magical time of the year when people around the world celebrate a very special thing. That thing is different for different people. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Yule, Solstice, Kwanzaa, or something else, it's a time to put those differences aside and focus on that which is really important.
For me, my family, my children are what drives this holiday for me, and truly makes it memorable. The looks on their faces when they eat some of their favorite foods, and open gifts that they truly want makes every trial and tribulation I might have faced during the year fade away.
I hope you find something special in this season as well, and that you realize how wonderful you are! Every day is a new day, and a new year is upon us. Do that thing you've always wanted to do but have many excuses for why you haven't. Call that person you've been thinking about, but haven't made the time for. Go somewhere different, and make it a special event.
There's no time like the present to be thankful for what you have, and to remember that what's in the past cannot be changed so to look forward. Have a wonderful, amazing day, and a wonderful, amazing life from this moment forward.
With fondness,
H.A. Larson
For me, my family, my children are what drives this holiday for me, and truly makes it memorable. The looks on their faces when they eat some of their favorite foods, and open gifts that they truly want makes every trial and tribulation I might have faced during the year fade away.
I hope you find something special in this season as well, and that you realize how wonderful you are! Every day is a new day, and a new year is upon us. Do that thing you've always wanted to do but have many excuses for why you haven't. Call that person you've been thinking about, but haven't made the time for. Go somewhere different, and make it a special event.
There's no time like the present to be thankful for what you have, and to remember that what's in the past cannot be changed so to look forward. Have a wonderful, amazing day, and a wonderful, amazing life from this moment forward.
With fondness,
H.A. Larson
December 10, 2014
Introspective
Instead of waiting until the new year to talk about how thankful I am, I decided that I'd like to do that now.
It's definitely been a great year. I've accomplished many things, things I never would have thought were even possible a mere few years ago. I quit smoking at the beginning of the year, I wrote all of the 2014 editorials for the magazine I write for, I published my first book, I took a dream trip to Ireland for a week, and I got to see one of my favorite bands in concert (and took my teenage son with as well). I've started on my second book, and I'm excited by how much I've improved since the first one. I've seen how much I've grown and changed all while strengthening my bonds with my kids, my family, my friends, and even with my acquaintances.
To be sure, there were a few lows, but I'm not one to lay down and cry about my woes. In this world, the only way to move forward and achieve your dreams are to just do them. That's where I am. I used to be afraid to attempt things, or try to do things because I was most afraid of rejection. I hated saying 'no' and I didn't always have the best of self-esteem, but this year...that has all changed. I don't worry about how people view me anymore, I only worry about how I view myself. I have nowhere to go but up, and for the first time in my life, I'm dreaming big.
I'm so grateful and thankful for all that 2014 has brought me, and I'm looking forward to all the great things to come. I hope and wish for you peace within yourself and peace without.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
It's definitely been a great year. I've accomplished many things, things I never would have thought were even possible a mere few years ago. I quit smoking at the beginning of the year, I wrote all of the 2014 editorials for the magazine I write for, I published my first book, I took a dream trip to Ireland for a week, and I got to see one of my favorite bands in concert (and took my teenage son with as well). I've started on my second book, and I'm excited by how much I've improved since the first one. I've seen how much I've grown and changed all while strengthening my bonds with my kids, my family, my friends, and even with my acquaintances.
To be sure, there were a few lows, but I'm not one to lay down and cry about my woes. In this world, the only way to move forward and achieve your dreams are to just do them. That's where I am. I used to be afraid to attempt things, or try to do things because I was most afraid of rejection. I hated saying 'no' and I didn't always have the best of self-esteem, but this year...that has all changed. I don't worry about how people view me anymore, I only worry about how I view myself. I have nowhere to go but up, and for the first time in my life, I'm dreaming big.
I'm so grateful and thankful for all that 2014 has brought me, and I'm looking forward to all the great things to come. I hope and wish for you peace within yourself and peace without.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
November 26, 2014
Thanksgiving
Well, it's been another week, and here it is the day before Thanksgiving already. My how time has flown. Another year is close to being over, and since it's a giving thanks kind of holiday, I have some things I am grateful for that I'd like to share.
I've been through a lot over the past few years, and this year is no different. I've accomplished things this year that I would never have thought possible a few years ago. I quit smoking back in January (the 12th was the last day I smoked), I wrapped up a whole year of writing editorials for a local magazine, I published my first novella, and I took a trip to Europe, a life-long dream come true.
I've watched my amazing children thrive and grow another year. My son has a driver's permit, and excels in school. My daughter is so creative, and also excels in school. They are both healthy and I love them so much. I couldn't imagine a life without them in it.
I no longer worry about the same things, or fear new challenges or the unknown. There's a great, peaceful calm and way of dealing with the world that only the 40's could bring.
So, I'm so very thankful. Thankful for what I have, thankful for the opportunities, thankful for determination and hard work, and thankful for a life that I love living. While it may not seem like much to others, it's definitely so very very much for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving eating great food, and spending it with great people whether with family, friends, or just yourself.
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
I've been through a lot over the past few years, and this year is no different. I've accomplished things this year that I would never have thought possible a few years ago. I quit smoking back in January (the 12th was the last day I smoked), I wrapped up a whole year of writing editorials for a local magazine, I published my first novella, and I took a trip to Europe, a life-long dream come true.
I've watched my amazing children thrive and grow another year. My son has a driver's permit, and excels in school. My daughter is so creative, and also excels in school. They are both healthy and I love them so much. I couldn't imagine a life without them in it.
I no longer worry about the same things, or fear new challenges or the unknown. There's a great, peaceful calm and way of dealing with the world that only the 40's could bring.
So, I'm so very thankful. Thankful for what I have, thankful for the opportunities, thankful for determination and hard work, and thankful for a life that I love living. While it may not seem like much to others, it's definitely so very very much for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving eating great food, and spending it with great people whether with family, friends, or just yourself.
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
November 20, 2014
Post-vacation
Hello! I'm back from my fantastic vacation to Ireland, and how sweet it was! I travelled from Dublin to Limerick to Galway visiting castles, eating an authentic medieval feast, checking out museums, toured St. Mary's Cathedral, Grange Henge, and spent a memorable day driving through the Burren on our way to the Cliffs of Moher.
Besides the Rocky Mountains, nothing else has ever amazed and impressed me as much as watching the mighty Atlantic ocean crash against the gigantic cliffs of Ireland. I took many pictures, and then gazed out towards the Aran Islands in awe of the magnificence of nature. Indeed, it was one of the best days of my life.
I arrived back home this past weekend, but I needed a bit of downtime in which to relax and recover from my whirlwind trip, jetlag, and an unfortunate knee injury from climbing one too many castle staircases.
I now feel renewed and inspired, as I had hoped. I have been processing the ideas for my second book, and I am pretty excited about it. I hope you have had a good few weeks, as I have, and look forward to blogging and posting on my (old) regular schedule!
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
Besides the Rocky Mountains, nothing else has ever amazed and impressed me as much as watching the mighty Atlantic ocean crash against the gigantic cliffs of Ireland. I took many pictures, and then gazed out towards the Aran Islands in awe of the magnificence of nature. Indeed, it was one of the best days of my life.
I arrived back home this past weekend, but I needed a bit of downtime in which to relax and recover from my whirlwind trip, jetlag, and an unfortunate knee injury from climbing one too many castle staircases.
I now feel renewed and inspired, as I had hoped. I have been processing the ideas for my second book, and I am pretty excited about it. I hope you have had a good few weeks, as I have, and look forward to blogging and posting on my (old) regular schedule!
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
November 4, 2014
Update before Vacation
Ahh, it’s so good to have my book out there and available for everyone to read! I have it on Amazon for Kindle, Barnes & Noble for Nook, and it’s on Smashwords for other formats as well (it will be part of their premium catalog very soon). On the Smashwords FAQ section, they detail how to download books to computer as well, so if anyone needs some assistance, it’s there. I’m also glad to have all the fear, stress, and anxiousness of completing my novella over and done with.
I hope everyone likes Cold! There’s a piece of me, lying bare before you, inside its pages. If you would all be so kind as to leave a review when you’re done, it would be incredibly helpful and very much appreciated!
I will be absent for the next week and a half to two weeks as I'm taking a much-needed vacation (sans husband and kids) to Ireland! It should just the thing to be inspired by. Until then, check out my book!
Here are the links:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Smashwords
I hope everyone likes Cold! There’s a piece of me, lying bare before you, inside its pages. If you would all be so kind as to leave a review when you’re done, it would be incredibly helpful and very much appreciated!
I will be absent for the next week and a half to two weeks as I'm taking a much-needed vacation (sans husband and kids) to Ireland! It should just the thing to be inspired by. Until then, check out my book!
Here are the links:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Smashwords
November 1, 2014
Finally!
So...I'm a few days late on my weekly blog post, but in my defense, I have a perfectly good excuse. I have finished my book! After countless hours in front of my computer finishing, and then editing my freshman effort, I'm glad to finally be done. More importantly, I couldn't be more proud of myself, or a bit nervous, to have finally accomplished my dream. For sure, this is only the beginning of my journey, and one I hope that you will come with me on. My novella, "Cold", is now for sale on amazon for Kindle, and will soon be published on Smashwords as well. I truly hope you enjoy it, and please review it for me when you're done. And as always, feel free to comment or ask me any questions you might have!
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Ghostly-Revenge-H-Larson-ebook/dp/B00P33V4KO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414846267&sr=1-1
I'm going to spend some quality time with my family before I leave the country next weekend for a much-needed, long-awaited-for solo vacation. After I get back, I have my next book to work on, which I already have an idea in mind. Have a wonderful weekend!
-H.A.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Ghostly-Revenge-H-Larson-ebook/dp/B00P33V4KO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414846267&sr=1-1
I'm going to spend some quality time with my family before I leave the country next weekend for a much-needed, long-awaited-for solo vacation. After I get back, I have my next book to work on, which I already have an idea in mind. Have a wonderful weekend!
-H.A.
