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Two Truths and A Lie: Breaking into Print Part 1

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The wistful side of me wakes up every morning with good intentions and big dreams to quit my job and write stories. Then the fiscally conservative, first-born sends me to my sixty-hour-plus day-job and reminds me that writing poetry and blogging about laundry isn’t going to pay the bills.

But, the dream never dies. And, I know people who are living the dream. Brilliant, successful, and generous people who don’t write for the money, but write because they can’t NOT write. People I want you to meet.

What follows is a lively panel discussion about writing and breaking into print. You’ll hear their stories and learn about their journey. What’s most striking to me is the generosity of the writing community in general. We root for each other, celebrate when someone gets recognized, and burn rejection letters in the back yard.

I’m putting this into two parts because I had over 7,000 words in the first draft and ain’t nobody got time for that!

We will spend part one looking at their books, publication platforms, and future projects. We’ll kick up the fun with part two and dive into personal habits and possibly, uncover some skeletons (has anybody seen Ned’s red thong??) You’ll get their full bios in part two, so I’m giving my personal introduction of our VIP panel and then on to the first set of questions.

 Mandi Castle: Mama, writer, Superwoman (look for the cape!). She’s kind, generous, and writes stories that will make you laugh AND cry.

Katie Cross: She runs through mountains and canyons, writes with a babe on her lap, and conjures characters you’ll root for and fall in love with. Bianca rocks!!

Ned Hickson: More than a token male and eye candy for the ladies. Ned is an amazing writer with skills ranging from the belly-laughing hilarious to the poignant and everyday relevant. If you think he’s cute, you should meet his wife!

Karen Malena: Karen is a new friend who drew me in with her accessible style and calming voice. Her empathy is evident in her writing, her characters, and the way she lives her life.

Carrie Rubin: A prolific writer who also wears a Superwoman cape. A doctor AND a writer? Carrie’s books (and awesome live tweets) have carried me through the bumpy airplane rides between Kansas City and Atlanta more than a few times.

Beth Teliho: *Fans my face. Beth is my writer crush fo sho! We first bonded over compost and knock-out roses, now she has me watching “Teliho’s Tribe” for her next book – after the first one kept me from doing anything productive until I finished it.

Charissa Stastny: Char was my first writer love. She has shown me that you can crank out an amazing three-book series while reading voraciously and keeping her family going. Phew! Sleep much, Charissa?
And now, without further adieu, words from our awesome panel kicked off with a meme from Beth:

thumbnail_Clean entire house

Are you living your dream and writing for a living? Or are you working a “day job” and fitting your writing in on the side? What do you think the challenges are in each scenario?

Ned: The challenges of “living the dream” vs writing part time: I’m fortunate enough to write for a living as a journalist/columnist. However, I spent many years working 50-plus hours a week as a chef while writing short stories “on the side” to submit to small press horror magazines. Both have their perks and drawbacks. As a columnist, I have to produce every week, and as a journalist every day. That adds pressure to the writing process. Fortunately for me, I’m better with a deadline than without one. But it’s not always easy. However, I realize how lucky I am to make a living at what I love doing, so it’s a responsibility I take to heart whenever I sit down at the keyboard.

Katie: I am writing for a living! #itrocks #anditsucks

I’ve been writing full-time for about a year and a half.  I did birth a little six months ago, and Husband is always deploying, so running the house, writing books, working out, hiking my dogs, and watching crappy reality TV really sucks up my day. 😉

Despite the challenges, I probably average about 20-25 hours of writing/work a week.

Mandi:Writing is a side gig for me. I recently took a full-time job in December, which is probably why I haven’t written since then. I also have two children (9 and 5) who take up a lot of my time, so writing often gets pushed back, and back, and back. I want to be more regimented with my writing, and one day (bucket list) I will be living the dream . Just throwing that out into the universe! 🙂

Every writer I know gets hung up on their book synopsis, pitch, elevator speech and/or bio. Tell us about your book(s) and yourself in the same way you’d present it to a prospective editor or publisher. 

Carrie:  “After joining forces with a public health nurse to sue the food industry, an overweight teenager lands in
theEatingBull Book Cover by Lance Buckley crosshairs of a serial killer who is targeting the obese. Now Jeremy—bullied, fat-shamed, and ridiculed by his own grandfather—must prove to his family, the killer, and the world he’s more than the faint-hearted coward they think he is.

As a healthcare professional, I wanted to weave the real-life issues of bullying, fat-shaming, food addiction, and the food industry’s role in obesity into a fictional thriller.”

Karen: Most of my writing falls into the category: stories from the heart, inspiration for the soul and most of my books are meant to make you think abut life. I like to have a lesson of sorts that is learned in each one. Whether a person who is suicidal finds new meaning in their lives, a person who lives with a terrible secret from their teenage years can overcome the shame and guilt, someone who is bullied or belittled learns to stand on their own, my writing tackles very real issues that people must overcome. thumbnail_Reflections best coverI know a thing or two about adversity because I’ve been there. I grew up as the daughter of a mom with a mental disorder. At a very early age, I had to face serious issues with poise and courage. Later when my mother was restored to our family, whole and well, I would find myself in other situations, a year-long health battle and in later years, a failed marriage to a man I’d adored. Many of the issues I’d watched while growing up, make it into my stories, but I feel if I’ve reached out and touched a reader who is going through hard times themselves, then I’ve done my job and perhaps been a blessing to them.

Ned: “Chef. Journalist. Firefighter. Pooper scooper to a pair of large-breed dogs. Ned Hickson has seen it all. Except that time he missed Janet Jackson’s IMG_1105wardrobe malfunction. As a syndicated columnist, he has spent the last 16 years trying to forget not being a part of that collective experience by turning to humor and sharing it with others — often without asking. In his book, Humor at the Speed of Life, he has assembled what Master of Horror® Stephen King calls ‘…an impressive body of work, unlike his actual body, which is quite frightening.'”

Katie: If you like kick @#$@ females that don’t 51Eoya-DkYL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_
need a man to save them, you’ll love my book.
It has a magical boarding school, an age old curse,
and a heroine that runs barefoot in the woods.

Mandi: “ At first glance, Paige Preston appears to have it all: beauty, brains, money, and wit, but what her utterly appealing and augmented appearance doesn’t show is her battle with depression and mental illness. Like so many other people, she hides it from everyone, ashamed of the fact that it haunts her. Her quick one-liners and her predatory nature offer a glimpse at her audacity, but deeper than the surface lies a girl who’s struggling. 41AOuUSsSSL._SX336_BO1,204,203,200_

Dear Stephanie is a sinfully addictive walk through a world of beauty, affluence, and incidental love that effortlessly moves the reader between laughter, tears, heartache, and hope with the turn of every “Paige.”

She will grab you, and hook you and make you want more while you’re screaming at yourself for cheering for her. She is slick and glamorous, but painfully self-destructive. What’s most surprising about her is that you will relate to her. Because she’s real.”

Beth: “Order of Seven is a gritty, fast-paced journey drenched in archeological mystery and nail-biting suspense. orderofseven_fc_bngYou experience everything up close and personal, real-time, along with the main character, intense and mouthy eighteen-year-old Devi Bennett, as  she searches for her biological parents in hopes of better understanding her paranormal ability.”

Charissa: In today’s industry, writers have more than words at their fingertips.  Check out the trailers Charissa created for The Bending Willow Trilogy. Bending Willow Trilogy
Share with us, your preferred method of publishing: self-publishing, independent,
a small publisher, traditional, hybrid. What pros and cons do you see in your preferred route or others?

Carrie: At this point I prefer small press or more traditional. I can’t imagine the work involved to format your own book and load it onto all the various retail sites. My hat is off to those who go it alone. I imagine their sense of accomplishment is enormous, and rightfully so.

Katie: Indie all the way baby!  I don’t think one way is the right way. While I’m indie now, I have projects started that I plan to pitch to traditional publishers. I think it depends on the writer, personally.

Ned: When it comes to publishing, I prefer something with a large advance and multi-million dollar contract that includes free travel and accommodations from a large publishing house. However, seeing as how I’m still shlepping a case of books to signings in the trunk of my car — and yes, I’ve held signings in the ACTUAL trunk of my car — I’ve settled for the perks of working with a small publisher. That’s not entirely true; she’s actually pretty tall as publishers go. She’s also very supportive and has become a good friend.

In all seriousness, while there a certainly advantages to self-publishing (such as no fear of rejection), working with a smaller press has been a great experience. You play a larger role in promoting your book, which some authors don’t like, but you also play a larger role in how the book comes together — cover art, fonts, jacket design — with a team that specializes in what they do. I think that’s a real advantage over self-publishing and some of its limitations.

Beth: I prefer self-publishing. I like being able to make my own choices and be in total control. My desire to have my books read – when, where, and how I choose – trumps my need to be on the bookshelves at Barnes & Noble. That’s really what you have to ask yourself when deciding which publishing route to go. The best thing about self-publishing, though? There’s something inherently electric and rebellious about any indie project, and that’s just something I have to be a part of.

Karen: It would be awesome if I was as computer savvy as my peers. My son teases me about this all the time. I can’t learn how to place items in a folder on my computer and use a flash drive, but I would so love to learn how to self-publish. I wish I had the know-how to do this. I’ve gone the route of small publishers for all of my books. I do enjoy working with them, as they take an author seriously and you have a lot of input in how your book is made. Of course, I dream of “the big one” someday: A major publishing house hearing of little old me, and offering me a contract with them and my name becoming a household word like Debbie Macomber.

Mandi: I only know one method of publishing thus far: Self-publishing/independent. When I finished Dear Stephanie, I knew I wanted to self -publish, so I created my own imprint (Castle Press, LLC.) and decided to go that route. I knew I did not want to go the traditional route because I wanted to be in control of my first book, to have the option to make it free, or $0.99, or to take it off the market if I got too nervous (which, I almost did at least three times). Self-publishing has both pros and cons. Pros: I am fully in charge of everything. Cons: I am fully in charge of everything, so I have to make sure that I continue to market, to enter it in as many contests as I can, to promote it to book bloggers, and that’s not only a lot of work, it’s sometimes intimidating. There are so many books out there, and the competition is steep, so I often feel like I’m standing in a crowded room shouting, “Read this book. Love this book. Love me!!” to a bunch of strangers who are not listening. I have learned so much though, and I believe with the next book, I will choose the same method of publishing.

What are you working on these days?

Karen: Currently, I’m writing a sequel to my book “Love Woven in Time: A Ligonier Golden Romance.” I am bringing back the main characters, elderly lovebirds Harry and Rose, but I’ve taken Harry’s son, Tim, who was introduced in the first novel, and thrown him into hard times. He finds himself on the streets, living among the homeless. And I’ll introduce a new character, McKenna, a young lady who harbors her own secret. She’s a girl in her twenties who lives with her grandparents. Nobody knows that McKenna is a cutter, someone who finds solace in self-harm. Also, McKenna’s father was just released from prison for a crime from his past. She has never met the man, and her mother passed away years before. McKenna’s grandparents are trying to keep him from contacting the girl, believing him to be unstable and harmful to the girl.
Another project I’m working with, is trying to promote my first dark, dystopian story, Sound of Silence to a filmmaker. I’ve been told that it would translate perfectly into a movie, and I’m in the process of trying to find someone who would help me achieve this goal.

Katie: So much! (*raises hand – Michelle here- I’ll attest to that! You should catch her on Wattpad!) I’m finishing up my YA series and working on my chick lit series and writing two separate serials for different websites as well as starting two different books; one I’ll indie publish, the other I’ll pitch to agents.

It’s insanity around my house. I love it. I’m totally drawn to chaos.

Beth: Currently, I’m working on another fiction novel. It’ll be in the same vein as Order of Seven with reoccurring characters (YAY!) and intersecting plot lines, but this novel’s main character is new. I also contributed a psychological thriller short story to an anthology that will hopefully release the end of 2016.

Ned: What am I working on these days? About 5 hours sleep each day. Usually at work. But in my waking hours, I’m working on two books and a video series.

The first book, Pearls of Writing Wisdom From 16 Shucking Years as a Columnist, is for writers, offering insights, suggestions and inspiration in their pursuit as writers. It’s due out in August. In addition, I’ve been commissioned to make 12 short videos based on chapters in the book (like this one) for my publisher and Gliterary Girl Media.
The second book is a murder mystery set in my stomping grounds in the Northwest called No Safe Harbor. It’s a labor of love I’m hoping to have available next October.

Charissa: I’m making major revisions on my 4th book. Like I said above, I could have had this out last year if I’d outlined it better in the beginning. Oh well. Live and learn. (*Michelle interrupting again -AND she’s going to edit the first four chapters of my book…*gulp – I was supposed to send that you today, wasn’t I?)

Mandi:I have three works in progress. I’m currently most into a book called Girls which is a story that surrounds four people who are involved in human trafficking. I’m really enjoying creating my characters and am excited to explore where this one will take me.

I’ve started a sequel to Dear Stephanie, but it was not going where I wanted it to, so I’ve put it on the back burner until my characters inspire me to write more. Hint: It’s going to be told from Blake’s point of view and is his after story from where Dear Stephanie ended. (*Michelle swoons–I Heart Blake)

*****

A huge thanks to all of my writer friends. Please come back at 9 a.m. CST Wednesday morning for the conclusion of our discussion as well as an opportunity to try your hand at guessing where our panel authors are telling the truth and where they are stretching it–thus, the mysterious and seemingly unrelated title for today’s post.

In closing, I’ll quote the famous Ned Hickson regarding his enthusiasm about being a part of today’s discussion:

Here are my responses to your panel questions. Feel free to use, not use, edit or replace any of my answers with something that makes me sound “wise,” “humorous” or “sexy.”
Especially “sexy.”
If you can do all of the above, I’ll leave you a little something — possibly fruitcake — in my will…

I’m holding you to that, Ned!

Now it’s your turn! You have a wonderful opportunity to pick these writers’ brains – and I don’t mean in the Walking Dead apocalyptic way. What’s on your mind? What questions do you have for our gurus?

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82 thoughts on “Two Truths and A Lie: Breaking into Print Part 1”

  1. Pingback: Two Truths and A Lie: Breaking into Print Part 1 | ugiridharaprasad

    1. I learned it from the best, Hook! I still remember when I came to WP, how generous, open, and amazing you were with your guest interviews. It’s because of YOU that I have found so many awesome people. And, I know I keep saying it, but I haven’t forgotten about you either. I’m thinking a 5 for 5 comeback with The Hook is in order. Thanks for popping in this morning.

      Liked by 3 people

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    2. It was awesome even for me learning how the other authors feel about the same questions I was asked. I am honored to be included in such amazing talent! Many thanks to Michelle for such a fun event!

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  3. *waves HI to The Hook*

    First, I have to say, Michelle, I’m impressed with YOU! You are mega-busy and still find time to work a full-time job, garden, network, blog, write, and can I just say holy sh#t with those guns?? Loving your new photos. You are the cutest EVAR.

    Thanks for including me here amongst this cast of supah stars! I’m a fan of most of them already – some of them to the point of stalkerish (eyeballs Mandi and Katie) – and now a new fan of the ones I didn’t know before. (and You Know I love me some Ned *winks at Ned*)

    This was fun! MWA xoxoxo

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    1. Aww shucks, Beth, thanks! Them guns are for you 🙂
      I loved that you were so willing to be a part of this crew. Oo7 is almost a year old now, right? YOU inspire me – YOU and your guns are what keep me going on some of those crazy days. Seriously – you da bomb!
      Thanks again for playing and OMG…I hope I get the second part out in one piece!! I’m feeling a little scattered today. Xoxoxox

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    2. AND – full disclosure here. I don’t do it all. My husband has a job that lets him be home most of the time. My days are spent running around like my hair is on fire, and I usually end up yelling at the wrong people and apologizing profusely after. And also, I’m pretty sure my co-workers get a little a nervous when I say, “Don’t worry. I think I can hold it together for the 60 minutes we are with our customer.” You do it, too Beth. Work, write, keep those boys moving in the right direction…and everything else in that mom/wife/writer job description.
      There will never be enough time, and that’s why we must rely on each other.
      Sorry for the little soap box thingy I just got on. I’m taking back my imperfection and owning this mess!!

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      1. You’re so right – we wear many hats and have a ton going on all at once….but we support each other and figure it out. Or drink a bottle of wine. Either way, we manage. 🙂

        And YES – Oo7 will be a year old April 7th! I can hardly believe it. What a year!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. after reading this first thing in the morning I am now preparing to crawl back into bed.
    Man! Exhausting and exhilirating!
    Looking forward to part 2, and sending all good wishes to you writers!

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Okay…so this will make you giggle. YOU are the only reason I got out of bed this morning. 5:30 yoga…on a Monday…when I’m going to be busy all week….
      “What would Michele do?”
      Michele would take her ass to yoga…so, I went!! Thank you.
      Now, can we go back to bed?
      xoxoxo

      Part 2 will be fun!

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. yes, i would have taken my ass to yoga!
        good for you. I missed my regular on day class today so i am going to 7pm one that has meditation after…..yummmy!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Pingback: Because sometimes, breaking into print requires a chainsaw | Ned's Blog

  6. Nice! I know Ned and Carrie and can vouch for their consistency, quality, and ability to make me laugh every time unless their aim was to make me cry, which also happens. And since we’re sort of known by the company we keep, I’m on my way to visiting the blogs of everyone in this conversation — I love a day full of serendipity.

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. Hello Judy! Thank you for hopping over. You certainly know how to pick ‘me in Ned and Carrie.
      Even though each of these write in different genre’s and use a different voice, I have no doubt you’ll find them joined in their kindness and generosity.
      I’m gonna hop over and visit you, too! Because any friend of Carrie and Ned’s is a friend of mine. Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to comment 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. That’s what is so awesome about this blog: introducing us to the wonderful words and worlds of others. Thank you Judy for the comment! It was great being a part of this.

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      1. My day hasn’t gone entirely as planned, imagine that, so I haven’t made it to all the links yet, but that’s happening. And just in case I were to get further sidetracked I’ve bookmarked the page, WHEW!

        Liked by 2 people

  7. How fun is THIS? Wow! I had no idea who was going to be a part of this, so first I have to say Thank You for inviting me to be a part of this incredible group of writers. Each of them — including you — is inspiring, and having the opportunity to get to know them and their individual approach to the writing craft made me appreciate them even more. It also made me feel like a slacker, but most it was the appreciation part.

    So very well done, Michelle, and thank you again.

    Plus, getting a wink from Beth…? Talk about a Wow 😉

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Hey – Beth is mine! We have already picked out China patterns 😉
      You, a slacker? Not hardly! In fact, there are times when I see your posts land into my inbox and I wonder how you keep cranking out the tunes. I am SO excited to read your thriller and you already know I have dibs on a signed copy of your expanded NWOW book.
      This was a lot of fun for me to put together, too. It takes all sorts of voices and work to make the engine go and I’m just fortunate to know rockin’ people to lead the way.
      Thank you, Ned!!

      Liked by 1 person

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  8. This is wonderful, Michelle! What time and effort you’ve put into this. Thank you so much for including me. What an honor. I’ve already read Ned and Charissa’s books–thoroughly enjoyed them–and I’m happy to learn about these other authors as well. Thank you again! I look forward to part 2!

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Thank YOU, Carrie! You know, Christy told me about you ~18 months ago and described how talented, kind, and generous you are. So true! Seriously, your books have gotten me through so many trips away from home and I truly appreciate it. Seneca Scourge was fun and it tripped the CDC-loving nerd inside me. Eating Bull touched my heart, I fell in love with the characters and even had an amazing message to spread afterward.
      Truly, the pleasure has been all mine.
      Thank you, Carrie!!

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    2. Michelle may tell us she doesn’t have time, but it takes a very special lady to put something like this together. Nice to meet you, Carrie!

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  9. This is fantastic. I just read through it twice. There’s such a variety here, just in terms of publishing alone.

    I have enormous respect for anyone who can write an entire book. I take weeks to write one blog post, so a book will most likely take an eternity.
    I’d better get started.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. I know! I learned soooo much. Mainly, that I don’t know diddley about publishing.
      But that’s about to change, right?
      Now remind me…are you bringing the matches and I’m bringing the gasoline? Erma countdown baby!!

      Liked by 1 person

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  10. Uhm, not to steal anyone’s hopes here, but Beth’s well and truly spoken for #BlogWife *raises eyebrow at Michelle and Ned* I get it tho, TOTALLY get it 😉

    AWESOME interview Michelle – LOVE IT! And you better get fruitcake in Ned’s will, cos I think you made his journalism/columnisting sound pretty dang sexy. I’d LOVE a job writing!

    THANK YOU for including the elevator pitches – I now am going to save up and buy Carrie’s book next because it sounds AWESOME and so close to things I’m interested in.

    Loving the introduction to a couple of new-to-me authors too, THANK YOU and can’t wait til Wednesday 😀

    (*sends a gratuitous louche wink in Mandi’s direction*)

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. I just told Ned that he and I are gonna stand in line behind you for Beth. I know you claimed her way back.
      Yes! You will love Carrie’s books.
      I’m glad you found a couple “new to you” people. I love our little WP maze of amazing.
      Hate to run, but I’m catching a plane – I’m gonna text you later mmmkay? Xo

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. YAY I always love texts from you. Hope the flight was a good one, and I always like finding new authors to read, so THANK YOU 😀

        (Gonna be a long time waiting, but I know Beth has enough love to go around 🙂 )

        Like

      2. I’m working in the Twilight Zone today – into the hotel at 2 a.m. – up for a 7 a.m. Appointment. Back to the airport for the flight home. *Sooooo sleeeeeepy! I’m gonna check on you tomorrow – I think you’ve been writing lots and I’m behind. You know how I love reading your words! Xo

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Wow! This had to take you a ton of time to put together. You did it like a pro. I’m honored to be included in your panel of writers. I love reading what others think and experience along this crazy word journey. (And don’t worry about not getting your sample to me yet. I just got home late last night and am recovering with catching up on work, laundry and trying to get things passed off on my home inspection to get this house off the market; life is busy. Still, as soon as you send it to me, I’m excited to start editing it). Thanks for kick-starting my week off with a bang.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Dear Friend….I’ve been thinking about you. Coming back, getting ready to move…and all the regular stuff, too! Sending you happy and energetic vibes and prayers, too as you head into a happy, but busy next step in your life. Thanks for taking the time to be a part of this and for sharing your wisdom. Xo

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      1. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I think we found our house this last week…and I’m in love. That makes moving more exciting. The view from the office in that house is to die for…I’ll have to Instagram it maybe. I just don’t want to jinx getting it…you know? Maybe I’m weird.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Not weird at ALL! I get the whole jinx thingy.
        I’m so glad you found a home you love and an office with a view. I actually look forward to my office days because the window opens out to the forest behind our house. It’s my happy place – now, it sounds like you have found yours! YAY!

        And, ps – Obviously, I haven’t sent you the chapters yet. Ended up with terrible travel yesterday. My plan is to send before Friday – I want to look at it one.more.time 😉

        Like

      3. I’m impressed you can get anything done traveling as much as you are this week. I’m home for a couple weeks before I have to go get #2 from college…so whenever you get it to me.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Which reminds me Michelle…where did that Author in me go? 😀
    I’ve been sidetracked with another major project…so it is still simmering in the background…my adventures in heart and mind are maturing a little further 🙂
    Great read, it is good to ‘feel’ the journey these literary minds have taken on their path to express the quill within 🙂

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    1. Oh my! Now I am intrigued!! What are you up to, Mark?
      As for that ‘author inside’…you know it never goes away – sometimes, he just rests and waits and knows when it’s time to emerge again. Your timing has always been impeccable. Xo

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Me? Up to something! Never… 😀
        Just a little project that has taken me away from my book 🙂
        With a bit of luck I should be finished by the end of this year….then look out Literary world, I’m a coming through 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  15. I love this! Thanks to Ned for leading me over here… lots of good information and it really helps to read what others with established success have done, how they’ve done it, and how “real” they are too. One of these days I will finish what i started. Both of them. :p

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Tara! Welcome! Any friend of Ned’s is a friend of mine 🙂
      I’m so glad to hear this inspired you – it inspired me, too! Best wishes on finishing your projects. I’ll be over to visit your space soon. Thanks again for taking the time to be here.
      Michelle

      Liked by 1 person

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  20. Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time (and I know it must have taken a lot) to do this post and for including me in this all star cast. I fangirled more than once. I already know Beth (*winks at Beth) and Katie (so much talent, do you ever sleep?) and Ned (Ned’s been in my cave, but that’s a different story). Karen and Carrie are new to me; however, after reading about their books and their current WIP’s, I have a feeling I’m about to get to know them verra verra well.

    This was so much fun, and my TBR runneth over. Can’t wait for round 2.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. You are most welcome – but all the thanks goes to you. I was so happy to see how your heart and soul and passion rang through your answers. You’re amazing!
      Part 2 is out, so if you get the chance, read my response to Ned’s comment on that post – he talks about you and then I ask for a special request in my response. You rock!!

      Liked by 1 person

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