The Big Bang theory, my favorite

I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a huge The Big Bang Theory fan. No matter what mood I'm in, Dr. Sheldon Cooper and his crazy antics always cheer me up. Sure Penny and the other guys are great too, but Sheldon is definitely my favorite. My mom and I hang out together and watch reruns of old episodes everyday. It's become our bonding time:) The new season is yet to seriously make me laugh though. But I have these little gems I can watch over and over:)




Awesome!

Hilarious!

So, what do you think?

Larry Crowne - my "go to" movie

Picture from www.gstatic.com

Even though the movie Larry Crowne wasn't loved by film critics, it is loved by me. I saw it last year for the first time and loved it. It is a good clean movie that makes you feel good after you watch it. I don't always like big blockbusters, but rather the smaller, unknown films. I'm just weird like that.

What is it about? Larry (Tom Hanks) is fired from his latest job because he doesn't have a degree. So, he goes back to college to get a degree, which leads to hilarious experiences. Julia Roberts was great in this as well. She plays the surly professor Mercedes Tienot.

The moral of the story is that it is never too late to try something new, or to better your life. There is tons of humor, but you have to be smart to get it. When I feel crappy, or sad, I watch Larry Crowne. Needless to say, I've watched this movie a few times this year and it always cheers me up. Every time I watch it, I laugh.

THE JOYS OF SELF-PUBLISHING

It's my pleasure to welcome the wonderful and talented Karen Walker to my blog. Karen is a kind woman that always has an encouraging word to share when you need it the most. Please, show her some love. 


Thank you, Murees, for hosting me today.

Two words – control freak. That’s me. I am an extremely organized, detail-oriented person and I want things done the way I want them done. Now, over the years, I’ve mellowed quite a bit in this regard. But, for the most part, I like to feel as if I’m in control, even if I’m not.

Truth be told, I really wanted to be traditionally published. Back in 2009, when I finished writing my memoir, I spent 1 ½ years sending query letters. I wasn’t successful and ended up self-publishing my memoir. This time around, I was more realistic. I still wanted to be traditionally published, but I knew the likelihood of that happening was very small. So I had a plan B in place. I only spent a few months in the query process and then began the self-publishing journey. Yeah, I can have creative control.

The only downside as far as I’m concerned is the money you have to spend to get a professional book. I’m talking paying for editing, copy editing, proofreading, cover design, interior design, photography for author photo. These are things a traditional publisher handles for an author. But after that, unless you are already a best-selling author, you won’t get much marketing support, so you’re on your own, just as if you self-publish. If you are a traditionally published author and I’m incorrect about this, please say so in the comments.

I worked closely with the photographer (Kathleen Mesmer, www.kathleenmesmer.com) and designer (Mark David Gerson, www.markdavidgereson.com) who put my cover together. It was a collaborative creative effort and it was so much fun. I had input as well on font choices, whether to capitalize initial words in first paragraphs of chapters, and other things along those lines. The finished product is something I feel proud of, not just because I wrote it, but because of how it looks. It feels as if it is truly mine.

I am lucky enough to be able to afford to pay for the services I can’t do myself. In addition to the above-mentioned editing, etc., I had to pay to have my book formatted as well. This is something I know many Indie authors do for themselves. That would have made my self-publishing experience less than joyful for me. I’m not a techie person.

I think we are so lucky to be living in a time when a writer can go to a site like Create Space and upload something they’ve spent time and energy on so they can share it with the world. Self-publishing has come a long way even since 2009, when I published my memoir. It’s lost its stigma. There are still some self-pubbed books that are not well written and not professional. But the same can be said for traditionally published books. We, as readers, have to do our homework when we choose what to purchase.

Thanks again, Murees, for having me here today. Here’s the scoop on The Wishing Steps.

Three Women and a Single Story That Unites Them Across the Millennia

“Totally engrossing. A must-read for today’s wise woman!”Rev. Kathleen McKern Verigin, minister/priestess

Brighid, Ashleen and Megan: Bound through time by a curious light, a mysterious voice and a call they dare not ignore. Yet in obeying this strange force, the women must face soul-searing trials that call into question everything they know and believe — about themselves and about the world around them.

“Guaranteed to inspire you to a deeper level of spirituality and a new appreciation for Goddess.”Rev. Clara Z. Alexander

Karen Helene Walker is a widely published essayist and author of the 2009 memoir, Following the Whispers. When she isn’t writing, you will often find Karen performing in nursing homes and retirement communities as part of the Sugartime or Sophisticated Ladies musical groups, traveling with her husband of 20 years, Gary, or relaxing with a good book at their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visit the author’s website at www.karenhelenewalker.com

The Wishing Steps is now available in both print and ebook versions at: Amazon.com. You can also purchase it as an ebook on Kobo, I Tunes, and at Barnes and Noble.

Yes, on the rooftop

Saturday morning I was happily enjoying my sleep, when I was woken by a loud noise on the roof. I didn't pay much attention to it, because there have been large birds landing and resting on it for weeks. However, that changed when my mom answered the phone and started screaming. Me and my siblings all rushed out of bed and toward my mom, who was screaming there was a man on our roof.

My first instinct? Grab my baseball bat and head outside. I didn't see the guy, as I was trying to calm down the dogs. But my brother headed out to check it out and luckily, most of our neighbors were already in front of our house, trying to find out how the heck the dude got on it in the first place.

Apparently, he was being chased and having run through various neighbors backyards, saw our carport, jumped onto it, and then our roof. Hah? Yes, apparently that made sense to him. My brother and the neighborhood watch demanded he get off the roof, after enduring his crazy ranting.  After twenty minutes the police came and they took him away.

I know what you're going to say. This would make an interesting detail for a story. But honestly? I just wish crazy crap like this would stop happening to me, or my family. But such is life, right? Of all the things I thought could happen, I didn't think of some random person coming to hide on our roof.

In two minds

Today I'm in two minds. The realist in me wants to finish as much as I can on the day -job front so that I can put all my focus on book 2. Unfortunately, more and more works seems to pop up everyday. The creative side of me finds it hard to switch back to writing mode after doing hours upon hours of data. My mind simply doesn't go from realist to creative in a matter of minutes. It takes me a while.

Lat night I ended up only doing half a page of rewrites, which for me isn't good enough. But I guess every bit helps.

How is your Monday?

My insecurities are still there (IWSG)

Thanks to Alex and his co-hosts. You guys are awesome!

Hello everyone. Sorry I'm posting so late. I didn't forget, I was trying to multitask and failed.

Today, as a newly published author, I can say without a doubt, that my insecurity didn't miraculously disappear because I published. In fact, I feel more insecure. Why? Well, now I have to market my book. I have to ask people for help, especially reviewers, and I fear they can/ will say no. My oldest sister mentioned that this is the process where I learn the other part of the writing business, which is very true.

I have also been thinking of getting an author photo on my social media pages. I really want to do it because I want a more personal connection with my followers and potential readers. I like seeing what my favorite authors look like. That's just me. I might get a picture in the future, just not now.

I started my second round of rewrites on my second book. Things aren't going as fast, or smooth as the first one, but I expected it. I just have to keep going and stick it out. Also, trust my own judgement. I keep thinking "what will my readers think?" when I want my characters to experience something drastic. Like I said, my insecurities are still there.

How are you doing today?

The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the talented Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh so that writers can share their insecurities and/or encourage others who need support with their own. You can visit Alex Here, or if you want to join us in discussing our insecurities on the first Wednesday of each month, you are welcome to join by going Here.

The author photo

I can't help but wonder, does an actual author photo make you more credible as a writer? I'm wondering this because every where I look writers are using professional authors photos on their blogs and social media and not just their books anymore.

I know one of my blogging/ writing hero's Alex. J. Cavanaugh doesn't use an actual author photo, but he's super awesome and I think the exception to the rule. I can't help but wonder whether the fact that potential readers don't know what I look like makes them feel like they are taking a risk on an author that won't even show their face.

I use a pseudonym and have never showed my face because of my family asking me to consider their privacy. Because me and my siblings always hang out a lot, they don't want people associating my writing with them, which I understand. We're very private people. Did I mention they've told all their friends and co-workers that I've published a book?  But I don't think the general public will come up to me and ask about my book. Mostly people don't pay much attention I think. Besides, I'm a nobody in the writing community. I'm the furthest thing from famous.

On the other hand, the idea of showing the world what I look like scares me. What if people use my photo for porn adds, or something crazy like that. Even worse, what if my my looks scare off potential readers:)

I have done research online and I can't come to an accurate consensus. One group says an author photo is essential for the modern day, as it gives readers the ease of mind to know that they are connecting with an actual person. Another group says you don't have to. It shouldn't make a difference, or that author photos are an 80's thing (what? I don't believe that).

Personally, I like interacting with people on social media who have an actual face. It's nice to know who you are communicating with, (of course I realize they could have bough a stock image and be using that). Okay, yes, I'm very paranoid. I was thinking of using an author photo for my Amazon page, and for blogging and social media, not on the inside of my book covers. Those shall remain plain.

What is your opinion on using an author photo? What do you think I should do? Any advice?