I've been sick but I'm back . . . and here's an update for you

[K.S.R.]

Thanks so much to everyone who read Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate and provided me with such incredible feedback. You have truly influenced the direction of the novel, and I've put back two chapters that I took out that have to do with Tooli and Axum King. It's still set for Spring publication.

I've gone through all your notes and invaluable suggestions. Thanks to your insight, I've made changes that worked for the story's best interest.

The audio book narrator is scheduled to do the recording in March. (I want to make sure Secret Speakers is available for the sight-impaired immediately.)

A portion of the sale of each book will go towards donations to local Women's Shelters of much-needed supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and kitchen supplies.

Sorry to have been so absent. I hope this update was valuable to you.

Lots of love and then some,
Karey

[Holli]

Wow Karey...that's fantastic....that some of the proceeds will go to the Women's Shelters. I love that! I can't wait to buy your book and sit down and read it. Sorry that I haven't been able to read it online.......I'm not able to get into a book that way. i want to hold it in my hands and really savor it. :)

[K.S.R.]

Thanks Holli. Quite a few early readers have said the same thing. It's a lot easier to read a real book!

[Tera]

That's really wonderful Karey. I know how being sick can take you out of commision for a bit. Hope you are feeling better and stay that way.

[Lynlee4]

Holli wrote: "Wow Karey...that's fantastic....that some of the proceeds will go to the Women's Shelters. I love that! I can't wait to buy your book and sit down and read it. Sorry that I haven't been able to r..."
I'm having a very hard time reading it on the computer, too.

Karey~glad to heard you're feeling better...stay well :)

[I ♥ Luke Castellan *Alexa*]

Get better Karey, and thanks a lot for the update! :D

[Weldon]

Glad to hear you're getting to be feeling better these days, and that the book is still on track for publication soon. I talked with our education director and English teacher and they may be hitting you up to come down and do a presentation sometime.

[Dawn]

Put me down for 3 signed copies that I will purchase when they are available! I want to give a copy to a few people that I recommended the site to!

[K.S.R.]

Thanks, all. I'll keep you all posted!

[Hilda]

((((Karey)))))

So glad to hear that you received alot of feed-back and that it was all helpful to you. Your book was a wonderful read for me and my children. :)

[Hilda]

Sorry to hear that you were not feeling well :(
I knew your pc was on the fritz and you had to go to your sister's house, but didn't know you were also struggling with illness. Hope your feeling alot better now.

[K.S.R.]

Thanks Hilda. I'm feeling some better. Sometimes when things are hard it's just easier not to say anything. Every few weeks I get hit with fibromyalgia symptoms and last week was in bed for four or five days . . . it's all a blur. I'm still in a fair amount of pain.

But the hidden goodness in all this is that fibromyalgia has been my greatest gift. Because for the last two years, I've spent 80% of my time lying in bed writing, or propped up at my desk. Even though I began writing Secret Speakers four years ago, I completely re-wrote it last year from bed, because it was the only thing I could do.

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

Karey, I'm glad you're feeling better. I know all too well how illness & disease can side track life! I wish I could say I've been as productive with my down & out time as you have been!

[K.S.R.]

Oh you have been, Jo. I follow your posts on CoL and you are an inspiration to so many people. That's being truly productive in my book, girlfriend.

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

Oh Karey, thank you! You just made my day!

[Hilda]

((((Karey))))
I know how painful Fibromyalgia can be because my doctors once thought that was what I had until they diagnosed me with chronic lymphedema. For two years I lost the full use of my legs and struggled with every day chores. It put me into a mild depression not being able to keep up with all of my commitments and activities outside of the home. I wish I could have done something as creative as a book because I do love to write, but I just couldn't see past the pain I was in at that time. Thankfully the condition is under control now and hopefully I can keep it there :) I do hope your feeling much better these days!!

[K.S.R.]

Thanks Hilda. Your struggles for those two years sound much like mine. It's hard not to be able to do regular, everyday things. I seemed to be doing better for a few months, but then last week the pain came back in full force.

It's been a long week with a lot of time spent at home, but I did get out and buy that new computer I've been telling you all about! I'm actually writing on it at this very moment. I'll post pictures on another thread. I just got back from a walk but I felt like I was going to pass out, so I came home again. One day I believe I'll be like I used to be, but until then, I'll make the most of what I've got and write, talk with my sisters and mom on the phone, watch American Idol and take baths with epsom salts (sometimes three times a day) to get rid of the pain.

[Hilda]

Thanks! Karey
I'm enjoying AI also and have a few favorites already :) I'm loving the 16 yr old Red Head and Adam. Hope you continue to feel better each day, and glad to hear you got a new pc :)

[K.S.R.]

I'm really enjoying watching the red head Allison, too. Adam's phenomenal, but as far as heart goes, I really like Daney Gokey. Boy can those three sing! Oh, and the blonde girl. A great year in a lot of respects now that some of the drama is over with!

[Hilda]

I agree lots of heart in Daney and all three can really sing. What do you think of the new format they have? You know where they have a group of them and choose only 3 from the 12 then send the rest home? I think it makes it go quicker and hopefully you will get more quality performances that way :)

[K.S.R.]

I like it better that way, too. It goes quicker, like you say. Not so much fluff that drags on and on. :) And wasn't last night phenomenal? Lil Rounds is incredible. I really hope she makes it through along with Steve MacIntyre. I'd love to hear him play on the piano and sing.

[Hilda]

Yes. Last night was "awesome". I like Lil Rounds also and is Steve the young bling man? I think he is so talented and I admire his courage to participate in a competition of this magnitude. Not letting his handicap hold him back is an wonderful testimony for all of us not just those with handicaps :)

[K.S.R.]

Wink, wink. I know what you mean, Hilda. So neat that both Lil and Steve got through, along with Jorge, who has the talent of singers in the Rat Pack. This is a great season. I can't wait to find out who the wild card is tonight!

Hope you're well. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever lead a normal life again, but then I remind myself that moving forward one breath at a time and lifting others up is what it's all about. We all have a message to share, we all have a voice. So, even on my worst days, I can open my mouth, or type, or say what's in my heart. :) I'm sure you understand. Seeing Steve on American Idol is just what I'm talking about: we move forward no matter what our limitations might be.

[Hilda]

(((Karey)))
What an "awesome" show last night and how about them "wildcards" :) I thought that maybe we had the name wrong on the blind man his name is not Steve but Scott I believe. He has such a nice voice and I'm also liking Jorge, but Lil has a much stronger voice than the both of these guys so they will have to "bring it" like the judges say :) I'm doing okay just nursing a sick child for the past 3 days. My little guy has bronchitis so he is not too happy and I'm lacking some sleep but we will get through this too :)

[K.S.R.]

Steve, Scott...woops! I agree Lil has the strongest voice. I hope she, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud make it to the end... :) I just about choked when they brought Tatiana back on as a wild card. Ah well, the word does need drama now and then. I'll be laughing tonight if you will!

Sorry to hear about your little one, and all the tough times that go with it. Hugs to you, too, ((((Hilda)))))

Karey

[Dawn]

Hey, we need an official countdown until the release of the book!

[K.S.R.]

How did I forget not to tell you? Secret Speakers is set for release in mid-April. I'm not announcing the exact day yet, because I don't know for sure.

But Simon Vance begins recording the audio book version the week of March 16, and I'm waiting for my editor to send back the next edit. Also, I'll be announcing a new website with a very cool application where you can create your own luminamen right before your eyes. How cool is that?

Lots of love to you,
Karey

[Holli]

That's great Karey....I can't wait to buy my copy! I'm going to send it to you for autographing ya know ;)

[K.S.R.]

And I'll make sure to throw in a special surprise for you, dontcha know! I don't know what it is yet, but I'll make it good. :)

[I ♥ Luke Castellan *Alexa*]

Karey Shane wrote: "Steve, Scott...woops! I agree Lil has the strongest voice. I hope she, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud make it to the end... :) I just about choked when they brought Tatiana back on as a wild card. Ah ..."

Oh you watch American Idol?? SO DO I!! It's soo good! (This is Alexa btw) I really think that Danny, Matt, or Adam will win. They all have something great about them. And Tatina is BACK!?! Yowza... well, she'll definetly bring on the drama.

[Holli]

thank you so much Karey...you are so awesome!!

[K.S.R.]

Hey there Alexa, I'm with you on Danny, Matt, and Adam. But I think Lil Rounds will be in the mix, too. I feel bad for Tatiana. I think she could really be helped by medication. But she sure brought back the drama! Lol.