Hope no damages and I look forward to your return. :-)

Laura, I’m hoping the trees that are blocking your clear sight to a tower for a good Internet connection have been blown down. Well, one CAN hope, right?

Glad you are OK. Hope to see you back here soon.

Laura, I live in the land of the hurricane … southern Florida … and yet Arthur … the first of this season … never got this far south. He did however manage to drop buckets of rain. Hope you and yours are safe and back on track :)

Sorry to hear Arthur caused so much disruption there.

That is super cool, Laura! (And I bet the woman who wanted your book is over the moon. I would be if the same thing happened to me! :))

Oh Laura, you done good lol. We grew up with morals and doing for others as you have always done.A certain someone who we both knew and loved would have done the same thing

Laura, I believe an author who goes that extra mile (or forty) is doing an amazing thing for a fan. You will be remembered fondly every time someone picks up that book or your name comes up for whatever reason. It would so bless my heart should anyone do that for me. And it feels wonderful to do something special for someone else, too, doesn’t it? Blessings all around.

Such a great story.

I was happy to do it, Ev. And it’s nice to know that people go into book stores asking for your book! :)

Thanks, Dianne. Yes, I absolutely know she would have done the same thing. :)

It was JUST thirty miles, Lynn. ;) It really does feel good to do something like that. I was just glad to be able to do it. :)

Nothing like special delivery. I’m glad you were able to make her day.

It feels good to do something for someone else, even a little thing like that. :) I guess it kind of made my day, too!

What a great story! I never doubted that you’d go the extra mile (well, actually 30 of them) to make this woman’s day. :)

What a thoughtful thing to do. I’m sure your extra mile will do you well in future. It’s the little things that count. Had it been a two-hour drive for you, I’m not sure anyone would expect that. :-)

We’ll said Luara!

Lovely image Laura. We all have our wounds and scabs and scars, but some take much longer to heal.

I like your approach to this unfortunate event. Rehashing the details of the tragedy doesn’t change it. Time and the support of the community pulling together is all that is left.

what a heartbreaking time this was and continues to be. to see the community, from the intimate circle, to the the city to the wider community of those farther away draw together with prayer, with candles, with support in so many ways is wonderful. We are reminded of how much we need one another. thank you for this lovely post.

I do love how communities come together in times of tragedy like this. Sorry for their losses.

Thanks, Torry.

Yes, Syr, we all have our wounds, something we sometimes tend to forget. Healing can sometimes take a very long time.

As hard as it is to move on it’s really the only alternative we have in these situations. Tragedy brings out the best in people, it’s where we find the generousity, love and support from those around us.

It was heart-breaking indeed, Joss and certainly shows us that we do need the strength and love from others during times of tribulation. It is what community is all about.

Thanks, Patti. Yes, it has been a very sad time for Canadians, and Maritimers especially. Community draws us together. Thank God.

What a lovely greeting from your thoughtful friend! Butterflies always remind me that life is full of possibilities… that working our way through the mundane is often the only way to get to the next stage where joy and beauty await.

I adore butterflies. What a beautiful card your friend gave you! A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to play flute for a Butterfly Bereavement Ceremony. All the bereaved families got a live butterfly in a box. I played the flute and led them out to the garden where they released their butterflies in memory of their lost loved ones. I released one in memory of my daughter. Such a powerful ceremony and more than ever I love butterflies and what they symbolize.

Yes, it is lovely, Carol. Life is full of possibilities…I like that! Yes, it certainly is.

Cathy, that’s simply beautiful. It sounds like a lovely way to honour the memory of a loved one. Thanks so much for sharing that.

I’m sorry for the loss of your daughter. *hugs*

What a fun card! And such a nice surprise, I bet. Happy sunny day:)

Thanks, Jan! The day stated at 6:00 a.m.. Nice to sleep in for a change. ;) And this day was glorious.

They’re so beautiful. What a thoughtful friend you have, Laura.

Thanks, Joylene! I wish I had that kind of talent. :)

Gosh, Laura! I hope my foot-in-mouth disease didn’t flare up when I’ve spoken with you or other authors! I can hear myself saying a couple of those things, but in a kind way, not to be mean .. just dumb. ;)
I’m glad you have a sense of humour. Your view of life is inspiring. Now … if I buy a couple of your books, could I get a discount on a third one? I’m sure I can find someone to give it to. (just kidding)

Oh Laura, I sat and chuckled all the way through. I had these things said to me and, worse, I’ve said some of them to other authors! Yeesh!! I love your kind meant-to-say comments!! This is probably #11 on your list, but I’ll say it anyway. I AM going to feature Bitter, Sweet on my blog, but not probably for about six months. Anyway! Thank you for a great post!~

Funny, but true!

I can’t recall any “foot-in-mouth” flaring up any of the times we spoke, Lynn. I can’t speak or other authors. ;) I’m sure most people who have said these things weren’t being mean, but just wasn’t thinking how it actually sounds. :) It always helps to have a sense of humour. And yes, if you buy a couple of my books, I’d definitely give you a discount on a third. :)

Glad you had a chuckle, Sue. I may have been guilty of saying a few of these things myself in years past. At any rate, I’m not going to take an oath saying I haven’t. ;)
Aah, #11 sounds wonderful. Thank you for your generousity. :)

Thanks, Linda. I’m sure there were plenty ore I could have picked. I’ve heard some pretty funny stories.

Laura, thank goodness I’ve never said that to anyone, and I’d be hard pressed to come up with some of the nifty things you thought “they meant” to say :)

Quite a list, Laura. I hope I’ve never insulted anyone unknowingly. I can’t remember asking anyone those questions. Lots of people ask me how my book is doing. I hate to answer that, but I think they expect a positive reply. Marketing is no fun. Writing is fun. Blessings to you, Laura…

The post was fun to write, prompted by some real-life stories. Sometimes we just don’t realize what we’re saying or not saying. One author told me that someone asked him to scratch out the name that was in the book and put hers there instead. She might have been that same “yard sale lady” in #4 who got the sweet deal. Too funny!

Carol Ann, I do think people automatically expect to hear authors say that their book is selling thousands of copies simply because it’s been published. Marketing is certainly not all fun and games. It’s hard work that doesn’t always pan out the way we hope. Yet still we keep at it, trying to share our work, and ideas, with as many people as we can.

Ah Laura, you are saying what so many of us feel. That push and pull we can’t really ignore. If there were a time … a day when you could quit … you have long since gone beyond it. And thanks to whatever powers that be that you did. A gentle voice should never be silenced … and yours will not be … not even by you. Keep at it :)

Love it, Laura. You always speak right from the heart with so much honesty. We’ve all felt like you and still do. I often wonder if anyone cares about what I write and if it makes any difference but I care and it makes a difference to me, so I plug along even if I only hear the crickets chirp in response to my blog posts, stories and posters. Hey, I like crickets!

Keep on going, girl! And I love your old fashioned and gentle down home style you have in your writing. I just know I’d feel comfortable with you if we met and I can’t say that about every FB writer friend I have, believe me!

Sometimes a little break helps or reducing number of posts.

Isn’t it odd that the very thing that you love and makes one feel alive sometimes is the very thing we want to stop doing!!

It’s all about following the heart. If you love writing, write….if you feel like you need to step away to spend time with loved ones, do it. The page will always be waiting for you to return; but we never know how much time we have with the people we love. I write when I have the desire, I play when the time calls for it…and I put it all aside to enjoy connecting with the ones I love. Perhaps, I should be more disciplined with writing, but I have no regrets in pursuing other crafts and activities. Only you know what it is you should be doing and when. It really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

That’s the truth of it, Laura… YOU won’t let you — because you’ve discovered the pleasure and challenge of wordsmithing; because it’s not the numbers that matter, but the storytelling and following the path that has opened up to you; because you never know whose situation in life might be improved by the words that only you can write.

I have the luxury of no deadlines or expectations because there is no contract (yet), but I still can’t stop writing. I do take mini-holidays from my novels by periodically diving into some other creative pursuit, but I can’t imagine not returning to tinker with the lives of my fictitious people. (When I do take myself away, however, I always set a date for returning, because habits become harder to re-establish the longer I’m away from them.) :)

I think it’s easier for me to walk away from it. I have. I always come back. You will – and do – too. But … why not? You can’t STAY away, because YOU are a WRITER. And a dern good one, too!

This is so true. I’m sure we have all felt that way. But in the end it’s not about the sales is it? You just need one person to say, “I really liked your book.” or “Was that Darlene Foster, the writer,” as I’m leaving a store. (Happened to me just the other day.) Then you realize you write because that’s what you do. Great post!

I pondered these same thoughts recently. Quit just won’t happen, it’s who we are and what we do.

It really is a push and pull, Florence. and thanks for your kind words. :)

Thanks, Cathy. What surprised me was to learn about some very successful authors who also go through their times of doubt. It’s not something talked about openly, but it’s there. I’m pretty sure we’d get along really well, Cathy, if we ever met. You seem pretty down to earth. I like that. :)

Thanks, Carl. You’re right, breaks can often be helpful!

So true, Kathy. So much of life is like that, too. Sometimes we want to let go but are unable.

Not surprised to read this post after our l-o-o-ng coffee meeting the other day:) It would be strange to wake up at 3:00 am and not have manuscript thoughts drift into my brain, but at this point, it’s part of who I am – I would be so sad (and lost probably) if I could no longer go to my laptop and play make believe on a regular basis. I suppose it’s all about balance – family is about the only thing that comes before my writing (sometimes:) And we all know how quickly kids grow up – snuggle Levi and Charlotte every chance you get!

Yeah, lettem know. Took me a long time to create my network so never dismissive of loyals.

Sounds good to me, Laura, but I don’t use FaceBook. I do like the idea of your blogging more and working on your other writing, though. :)

I am an introvert. I wish I were not, but I am. Facebook intimidates me by the demands it makes as soon as I step out into the open. I don’t mind reading and “liking” and keeping up with my family and friends, but when I post a status of my own, I feel very vulnerable and afraid I won’t respond to someone else’s reply to my status correctly. I don’t want to hurt anyone, and it’s so easy to post words that may be misunderstood. Still, I do it, post replies and status updates, occasionally, that is, with the intention of doing it everyday. I never have yet done it daily for more than two days. It’s a viable way of keeping our books out there in the public. I wish I were a FB expert. I have an author page. I really do not understand how to use it.I’ll pray for you and you can pray for me, too. But don’t worry about the FB gods. The God of Heaven loves you and is never angry at you.

I also like the idea of blogging more, and of course writing. Facebook is fun by times but SO distracting. I seem to distract very easily. —-What were we talking about? :)

I so agree with you that words are easily misunderstood on the Facebook, or even email for that matter. I’ve sometimes fretted over things as well, hoping I didn’t say something to offend someone when I didn’t mean to. I’m more comfortable now that I was in the beginning. It took me quite awhile to figure out why people were even on Facebook.

I didn’t know you have an author page, Carol Ann. When I go back after my break I’ll look you up or do you have a Facebook plugin on your blog?

Sorry, Carl. WordPress put you in my spam folder. Go figure! I think you’re right. It does seem like the polite thing to do. I guess some people get upset no matter what approach is taken.

I don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook but I check it once or twice a day. I use it to communicate with my son and my grandchildren in another province and my in-laws in another country. It can be distracting but I limit how much time I spend on it. There is writing to be done!

Facebook if great for keeping up with the family. It might sound as though I’m a bit down on it, but I’m not. I do know that my slow connection is part of my frustration. Right now I have some rewrites I want to get down and that has to take priority. Perhaps once they’re done you’ll see me back. Unless I get caught up in more rewrites. :)

My mantra is, “The Internet is addictive. Don’t let it grab hold!” Truthfully, I spend way too much time online. I usually check Facebook and Twitter at least once every day, but yes, I take breaks. Sometimes we just need a distraction-free time to focus on higher priority tasks (like writing). :) I usually like to let followers know when I’m going offline but I also tell them how long the break will be, especially on my blog. If they keep checking for a new post, or keep leaving me messages and there’s no response, I assume they’ll eventually give up and drift away, which defeats the purpose of making cyberfriends in the first place.

Happy writing, and I hope you get lots accomplished during your Facation. (I like that term!)

Thanks, Carol. I have a few goals I’d like to accomplish during my facation. Hopefully, after that I’ll be back. Lots of writing waiting for me and it’s soon gardening time. The weeds have already spoken. :)

Good for you with the short stories, Laura! I am an avid short story writer but as you say, a story that sits idle will never find a home. I have published a few but not for some time now. I guess the rejection got to me and I stopped trying as hard. You’re way ahead of me in the novel department as I have lots of unfinished ones on the go. I need a good swift kick. Your posts are always inspiring and thought provoking and I especially enjoy your down to earth honesty. Bravo to you!

This is so awesome! Congrats. I’ll zip over to read it.

Congrats, Laura … I think it’s wonderful that you can submit your shorts. You can always keep doing novels. Some of our best writers have done this throughout their careers and it does two things. It keeps you in the readers “eye” and it is a great writing exercise to use the short form. Hope to see more from you in the future :)

Thanks, Cathy! It’s so easy to become discouraged when rejection keeps finding us. I’ve been there many times myself. I’ll be there again, I’m sure. I’ll share a secret, I have several unfinished novels as well. One day I plan to get back to them.

I saw the beautiful trilliums on your blog and tried to post a comment, but I think my connection was preventing that. I have red trilliums in my garden that I dug out of the woods with a dear friend about twenty years ago. Each time they come up I think of her. :)

Thanks, Susan! Here in Canada Queen Victoria’s photo was on the walls of many homes. I remember seeing them when I was small in some of the really old homes. It’s what inspired me to write this story. :)

Thanks, Florence! I do enjoy writing shorts and it’s always a trill to have your work published esecially since a novel could take me years. :)

Congratulations, Laura! There must be something in the writerly air. I decided that my summer would be about editing the material I’ve got sitting in files and getting it “out there.” I will submit some and, perhaps, self-publish others, but out they go. Have fun writing and submitting your short stories. I hope you’ll have lots more good news in the coming months.

This is good news, Laura. I believe that whatever you put your writerly hand to will come out a glorious read. :)

Thanks, Heather! Digging out old files can be a real eye-opener! I guess we’re both on the same page at the moment. ;) Good luck as you dust off those manuscripts.

Lynn, I always appreciate your generous comments. It’s nice to have you in my corner. :)

I have read a few bad reviews of books that most reviewers wrote favorably about. I won’t judge a reviewer, but I do not review books unless I can honestly praise them and their authors. Maybe that’s because I am a writer, but I don’t think so. I think it’s just common courtesy. I’m not a professional reviewer. I’m a fan that praises an author’s work or keeps quiet. I still haven’t read your last book. I will soon. Blessings to you, Laura.

It’s like movies. Some people give bad or good reviews, depending on what they like. I try to keep an open mind. And I enjoy talent and meaning. Some people are shallow or very judgemental. I always look for the meaning behind stuff.

Carol Ann, being an author probably makes us a bit more sensitive on this subject but, like you, I don’t think that would influence me. I wouldn’t want to leave a negative review, and certainly nothing downright nasty as I have sometimes seen. I’m just not that kind of person. Besides, I’d never want to assume that simply because I didn’t care for a particular book that there wouldn’t be hundreds out there who would.

Ah, smart lady! Yes, I too like to look for the meaning behind the author’s words. :)

I find I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to reviews of books or films. It is all so hopelessly – or hopefully – subjective. There have been books I just could not read because they stirred up too much pain in me at the time. It certainly doesn’t make that book a horrible read or even a fantastic read, just simply a book I couldn’t read. I honestly don’t understand the purpose of horrid reviews other than that the person, for some reason,felt that was the place for them to vent. I’m continually amazed at the things people feel they are entitled to express an opinion about!

People do love expressing their opinions. I see it all the time on Facebook. Often times they sound quite angry. I have also seen some reviews where the reviewer sounded quite upset. I’ve never felt the need to express negative emotions that way. I’ve always felt a positive approach is a better way to go.

you and me both! perhaps it is because we are in tune with the power of words.

I normally don’t read reviews. Most of the books I read come to me via suggestions by valued colleagues or writer or reader friends. And no, I don’t always agree with their review or five-star suggestions. It is absolutely perspective! While I lived a glorious childhood, many of my friends did not. While I was heavily mired in three failed (and horrible) marriages, many friends have been happily married for 20, 30, 40+ years. While I have read, a lot, many of my friends have not. So their perspective about “good stories” is different than mine. I also consider friend Shawn’s perspective on fantasy – I don’t care for it. Or sci fi – don’t care for that either. I love horror – many don’t. So, yes, a matter of perspective.

Welcome to my blog, Karen! So many factors can go into making up who we are, our likes and dislikes. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book simply because of a review. Even word of mouth doesn’t always work for me because my idea of a good read is far different from some of my friends. I don’t think I’ve ever read horror. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try!

Don’t you dislike how everything has to be rated and people have to have brands? Everything is a commodity for sale it seems. I don’t like the whole marketing side of writing. And it seems so cutthroat. A reader can write a bad review about a book so easily these days. Too much power to the masses.

So much work and promotion goes into getting a book published in the first place. I admire those who get through all those hurdles with their sanity intact. They deserve to be applauded. Even if I don’t like the book, I commend them for getting that book out there.

As a child, no, I never thought about the author, but as an adult I did wonder about my favorite authors. And now, of course, with the Internet you can find out more about most authors. Sometimes that’s good and sometimes not.

As for reviews, before I became a published author I’d only publicly “reviewed” two books. And I put review in quotes because I don’t write true critical reviews, I give my opinion, which is what most “reviews” are at places like Amazon and Goodreads. For that reason, I don’t let those opinions of my books upset me.

Like you said, not everyone will like our books. And they have the right to say why, but I don’t respect those who tear into the author with a personal attack. Or those who write a negative review and then have all their friends–who haven’t even read the book– instantly “like” that review so it will become prominent on Amazon. (Yes, it happened to me.)

That said, some “reviewers” act as though reading a book they didn’t care for practically ruined their life. Seriously? Get over yourself.

We live in a world that seems to judge everything we do, and no, Cathy, I don’t particularly like it. I’d much prefer celebrating the fact that someone wrote and published a book, and share in that accomplishment because I do know how difficult that it.

I agree, Linda, that personal opinions of our books really is just that. It often takes an author quite a bit of time to come to that place of acceptance. Good for those of us who have. :) Still, I don’t like to read nasty reviews of other books any more than I would want to read a really nasty review of my own. Personal attacks are just mean-spirited and certainly not cool in my opinion.

Agreed as well, that no author deserves to be attacked personally. It’s a book for goodness sake. The fate of the world does not rest upon those who like it.Yes, sometimes we can get a bit too wrapped up in ourselves.

I had no idea that people can “like” reviews on Amazon. I know about the “like” button on GoodReads. I’m sorry you had that experience with a review. I know I wouldn’t like that at all.

I love your post, Laura! I do review books and I try to find something good to say about each book I review. My reviews always take into consideration the genre. I don’t expect a light inspirational romance to read like a literary novel. That’s not the author’s goal. If my review is negative because of the genre, then I might as well be criticizing a horse because it’s not a cat. If a novel is too horrible, I simply don’t review it. Why break somebody’s heart because of my (perhaps erroneous) opinion!?!

“If my review is negative because of the genre, then I might as well be criticizing a horse because it’s not a cat.” A wonderful attitude, Sue and absolutely true. I do think we can usually find something good in most books. Genre can be a big factor when it comes to reading. Why wouldn’t it? And as for “breaking someone’s heart” I’d never want to be responsible for that!

Correction, Laura. I didn’t mean that the author should
“get over it.” I was referring to the reader who writes reviews a book so negatively like reading it and not liking it was the end of the world.

But we authors do need to toughen up so bad reviews don’t hit us so hard … though they’ll probably never not hurt a bit.

No, I understood what you meant—that the reader should “get over it.” I guess I didn’t make myself clear. I reread my comment and can see why you misunderstood what I was saying… And I’m supposed to be a writer. ;)

Toughening up, I believe, evolves over time. I’ve read that some authors don’t read reviews of their books which might not be such a bad idea. While the good reviews put us on top of the world, there’s probably not a lot to be gained by reading a negative review which is much different than constructive criticism.

It’s terrible that people actually attack others through book reviews. I’d never even thought people would do that sort of thing. I’ve only reviewed book I’ve been asked to by the author. I usually don’t depend on reviews other than recommendations by friends with like-minded reading tendencies. As a writer, I do tend to wonder about the author behind the book.

Sadly, I wonder if those who attack the author even realize that their review comes across that way. Perhaps people don’t take the time to think about what they’re saying when you can post things and not give it another thought. We see it all the time on Facebook.

I still believe there are many more kind reviewers in the world than those who are not so kind, though. :)

I often do think about the writer of the books I read, especially when I am going to review the book. I don’t want to crush them after all the work they did, so if there is something I really don’t like about their book I try to go around it in a tactful way. On my blog I rate in a different way, not by stars or anything, just a comment.

If I were to one day have a book published, I would be very nervous to read reviews of it. I know it only takes one slanderous review to drop one’s rating and turn potential readers/buyers away. Sadly, there are those people who are malicious just for the fun of it.

As a reader, I look over reviews and often buy accordingly. Sometimes the negatives seem so meaningless I select that book anyway.

Reblogged this on Change is Never Ending.

Having You Back is Like a Sunset Over The Ocean!

Reblogged this on Change is Never Ending.

Good news, Laura. :) It feels good when things go right.

Ha ha! I’m thrilled to know i made someone happy. :-) And I’m glad you have your blog back the way you want it.

Thanks SO much, Linda!

Sooner or later things have to go right. Thanks, Lynn for your concern. I’m feeling better now!

Thanks, Mike!

No problem.

Glad to have you back in great form, Laura :)

Laura, I feel for you big time! I know what you are going through, having suffered far too long with dial-up until it drove me to tears. The saving grace for me was that I finally found an alternative. I pray you will, too. And yes, in this case .. use that word!

Oh, don’t worry. :) The best blogs are about the quality of the posts, and yours are always great. It’s okay if your site doesn’t have as much visual sparkle as usual. (But wow . . . dial up, hey? You do have my sympathy! :D)

I’m glad you posted, it’s always nice to see you! Sorry you’re having so much trouble with your blog and dial-up.

Your theme was Comet. I looked up one of your old post on an internet archive site.

And I sympathize with your dial-up connection. I remember when I used to have one and I did exactly what you did, read while the pages loaded.

It’s amazing how many themes are out there. I can only imagine trying to make changes with dial up…I remember how long it took to load a single photo!

I remember reading while waiting on dial up. The frustrations are mighty, but we know it’s about your words (including frig–you’re entitled) not the pictures, so count on our patience as you sort through your changes.

Well, Donnie Osmond was my first swoon idol, too – I remember that song so well, although I hadn’t thought of it in a few decades. Thought you were going all sappy and romantic on me until I read the significant April line. Can’t think of one right now, but it’s very cool how hearing a song can take you directly back to a particular place/time in your life (for better or worse …)

Yup. He was pretty swoonable back in the day and April snow does it for me every time. Still waiting for this to melt, though. :)

I wasn’t familiar with that song. I was music deprived in the seventies. I listened to it just now on YouTube, the version by Donny Osmond. Beautiful lyrics. Songs do bring back memories of the times we listened to them. Blessings to you, Laura…

The lyrics are lovely. The song really takes me back in time. Thanks for visiting, Carol Ann. :)

Snippets of songs start playing in my head at odd times, and I usually have no idea what triggers them. Donny is making a comeback, it seems, still all you said. :)

I remember that beautiful song, but not Donny Osmond’s version. Looks like everybody did a version re Google! I know what you mean about a lyric coming to mind, but can’t think of any that stand out for me right this minute.

It’s sometimes quiet difficult to get a song out of our heads. But today the snow is gone and I’ve moved on. My day of nostalgia has come to an abrupt end…until the next time. ;)

Yes, many people covered that song. I was surprised when I looked earlier. Of course, for me, Donny Osmond was THE one.

Hi Laura… all songs of Donnie’s were special to me; I adorned him for years, even painted my bedroom with his favourite YELLOW colour… Reading the lyrics now I can see the words were truly ones from the soul being sung to the human self, gently nurturing them out of their unawareness of the truth… How lovely… thanks for sharing, Barbara x

Reblogged this on Change is Never Ending.

Yay! for Spring!!! Bring it on, I say! :)

Peonies are gorgeous and smell delightful.Love the photo!

Happy Easter Laura! Enjoy the spring weather, you deserve it.

Love the photo, Laura. :-)

Totally awesome!

How wonderful!

Laura, I think you should create a page on your blog just to show the travel adventures of your books! Exciting!

Laura, think of all the fab places you will visit as your readers span the globe :) Talk about creative networking !!!

Wow, Laura! What an amazing quest in reading a book a day for a great cause. Amy’s story alone is one of tremendous strength. Her taking her lifelong joy of reading to help the writers she enjoys is priceless. Go Amy!

Amy is truly amazing. I so admire people who selflessly work toward a cause. Amy message is an important one, that regardless of our limitations we can make a difference in this world. :) Go Amy, is right!

Reblogged this on Heather E. Wright and commented:
If you love Canada’s YA writers and their books, please enjoy the blog and consider supporting Amy’s Marathon of Books.

Thanks for inviting Amy to talk about her cause and her amazing story. I just reblogged the post and uploaded the link to my FB page. Twitter next. Simply inspiring!

And thank you for sharing, Heather. :)

Amy, you are so inspiring! Wishing you good luck with the rest of your tour. Happy reading!

Laura, this warms the heart of all of us who … read to write. And the taunting challenge to read a book a day brought me back to the little girl in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I wish Amy the best in her tour and applaud her efforts to help others :)

I enjoyed your interview Laura. Loved that your mother was the inspiration for Cammie.

Thanks so much, Darlene. Your support means so much to me. You’re one of the sweetest writers/bloggers I know. :)

I have considered using a pen name — I still might later on. I look at bloggers who use pseudonyms and wonder if they would be so candid about their lives and ideas if they had their real name attached to it.

I also think there’s something romantic about anonymity. It’s mysterious. We have no idea who they are or where they came from, and what experiences may have lead them to write this. It does put more focus on the words rather than the author, but at the same time draws attention to how much of our identity is tied to our name and the freedom being “Anonymous” must have. Now I’m intrigued. ;)

Great post!

What an interesting question, Laura. My answer is YES. I care far too much what people will think of me. I often wish I’d chosen to write under a pseudonym … and I may do that eventually.

Hmmm, are there times when I’d like to make a snarky response, but don’t because of what others might think of me? Yes, but at the same time *not* being anonymous means there’s a little extra incentive to behave myself, which I should do anyway — a kind of ‘count to ten’ before saying something I might be sorry for later.

In my novel writing, though?… no, I don’t think anonymity would suit me now. When I first started blogging I used my Careann pseudonym, thinking that being anonymous offered a bit of security in cyberspace. As a writer I needed the ‘real me’ to be out there, so I soon threw off the cloak. Hiding behind anonymity would immediately add an element of dishonesty to my writing — “I’m not who you think I am” — so any authenticity I wanted my words to have would be tainted from the start.

I think the only place I see validity in being anonymous is for an author who wants to write in different genres, and that’s not being exactly anonymous but rather re-establishing oneself under a different name. That’s my take on it, anyway. :)

I sometimes struggle with writing what I want with writing what I feel safe for others to read. There were times in earlier stories where I’d squash an idea because it seemed to risky for me, and I didn’t want family or friends to read it. I’m much better now. I write freely, as if no one is watching and no one will read it. The more I write, the better I get at it.

I know many writers write as if the reader is looking over their shoulder, and they are worried about every little thing. I was that person in my teens. I shared nothing with anyone.

If a quote from one of my books ended up as a popular anonymous quote, I think I’d grin each time I read it, knowing, but not telling, that I wrote it.

I have to agree with you, Libby, on bloggers who use a pseudonym. Some blogs are very candid. I would think it would be easier for the blogger who was “Unknown.” although some people don’t see to worry about putting it all “out there.”
Glad you enjoyed the post!

No, I totally get that, Linda. Throwing caution to the winds and not caring what others think is a difficult thing to shake.Now I’m curious, if you wrote under a pseudonym would that mean that your friends and family would never know the truth? I’m thinking if that were me I’d wait until I had a runaway best seller. Then I might spill the beans. ;)

I thought what you had to say about anonymity adding an element of dishonesty to your writing was very interesting. I hadn’t thought of that.

I do understand using a pseudonym when writing in different genres especially if the two genres are far removed from one another. The part I don’t understand with that is are the people closest to you left in the loop? Or do you continue to hide from them as well or simply the general public? I’m trying to consider if I were to write in a totally different genre if I would let anyone know. Hmmm..I suppose it would have to do with the genre I was writing in, although I couldn’t ever see myself writing anything too far “out there.” Interesting thoughts, Carol,

I have had that feeling of having someone looking over my shoulder, but I try now to ignore it. While, I’m fine with my work being read once it’s published I struggle with sharing my unpublished work with some of my writing friends.

Hopefully, one day a quote from one of your books will end up being an anonymous quote. In this crazy world of writing and publishing one just never knows.

Well, since I’m an approval junkie, I guess in the case of a runaway best seller, I’d want everyone to know. :/

I’m with you on that one, Linda. :)

Although I don’t have Irish roots, I enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. These vintage postcards are wonderful to see. Sad that cards aren’t sent for special occasions much any more.

I like the creativity applied in the making of old cards like that.
My dad’s mother’s side of the family – probably my great-great grandparents, too – came over from Ireland. I agree: Erin Go Bragh!

These are beautiful old postcards. I like the old style cards; they were so creative. Thanks for sharing.

What lovely old cards! My roots are Irish and I enjoy indulging myself with lots of greenness on the 17th. You could ask my children about school lunches bearing green-tinted milk and green cream cheese sandwiches, or green oatmeal porridge for breakfast! Did you know that in the USA they colour the Chicago River green for the occasion? I might have to recirculate an old post I did about it: http://careann.wordpress.com/2009/03/17/a-green-moment-in-time/ . Go n-eírí an bóthar leat. (May the road rise up to meet you.)

I come from Scottish and Welsh descent but I am more than happy to celebrate with the best of ‘em! And I think it should say: Erin Go Braghless! heheheheh

Nice, are these from the album?????

What lovely cards. Thanks for clearing that up–I may have heard what Erin go Bragh meant, but I’d surely forgotten.

You’re welcome, Diane. I agree, they are beautiful!

Cards were way more important back 100 years ago. Many people don’t even send Christmas cards these days and I think that’s a little sad.

LOL! Of, Angela.

I do believe I’d heard about the Chicago River.Thanks for posting the link, Carol. I’ll check it out! Just looked, but am unable to view the video.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!

Yes, they are. Didn’t you recognize them?

You’re welcome, Patti. The cards are beautiful!

I agree that it’s a shame we don’t send out cards. I’m sure much of that has to do with the scandalous cost of postage these days.

Sorry about the link, but I replayed a post on my blog today that includes the video if you want to see it.

I prefer my kindle for fiction and paper for nonfiction because I like to reference pages of nonfiction and go back which is easier for me on paper rather than digital.

I am a huge fan of Ebooks. Had an Ereader for a while and then switched up to the iPad. One of the things I like the best is that I can increase the font size and adjust the brightness which is a big help to my old eyes. I read almost all fiction on the IPad now and with traveling have taken to reading non-fiction as well especially now that I know how to copy and paste sections I have highlighted.
And I’m going to see if I can find a copy of the book you’ve reviewed here.

Thank you for reading my book, Laura. And I don’t blame you for taking so long, I hate reading anything longer than a blog post on my computer screen.

I do like my Kindle because it’s gentle on my eyes. I’ve never had the opportunity to read on an iPad or Fire, but I think my eyes might have the same problem with the backlighting as they do on a monitor.

But I too LOVE paper books. I’ll never give mine up.

And I hope no reader leaves you wondering what they thought about Flying with a Broken Wing.

Although my hubby bought a Kobo a year ago while he was recovering from some surgery, and he uses it every day and loves it, I still don’t have an eReader. I have over 50 ebooks on my laptop but have read only a few of them. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because I use the laptop for almost all of my creative writing, and when it’s time for a reading break I want to get away from the computer screen. I love the *idea* of an eReader, especially for holidays and trips, but when it comes to the actual reading, I really prefer a paper book.

I loved Illusion of Trust. Linda’s superb writing really comes through. The characters come to life on the page. You picked two very good quotes from the book. I read however I can. My hubby bought me an e-reader 3 years ago which I love. It goes with me on all my holidays (so much better than lugging many books along) I also have a huge selection of print books that I love. I don’t like reading on my computer as much as I spend so much time on it already.

I do think it would be far easier to read from an eReader than a laptop, and while I won’t say I’ll never get one I think I’d have to be in a different frame of mind than I am at the present moment. Yes, there is something to be said for marking pages when there’s something we’d like to access quickly.

I have a friend who reads ebooks when she goes on vacation. She says that’s pretty much the only time she gets to read. I can see where that would be convenient.

You’re most welcome, Linda! Being confined to the computer screen for reading was very challenging, but then I had to see how it all played out.

I have another ebook to read, but it will be awhile before I get to it. I’m trying to get caught up on some of the books I’ve won over the years in contests. I just received another the other day.

I fear, in time, that books will be rare so I’m going to hang onto mine for a good long time. In time we all can get used to most things. I hardly even think about pennies any more. Change isn’t always easy.

I’m sure with all your travelling, Darlene, an ereader is ideal for you. Most people still feel pretty loyal to their books it seems. There’s really nothing like opening a brand-spanking new book and starting that first page.

I know…where did January and February go? It doesn’t feel the school year is passing quickly. March Break begins next Thursday for my kids. Before we know it, it will be April.

I just read “The Old Queen Rains”. An interesting story.

I love that your book is having a good time in Jamaica! I too eagerly await spring. Here on the west coast the tulips, daffodils and crocuses are starting to poke their heads out. It was springlike today but we had a very wintry week up to now. Felt like I was on the other coast.

The book is such a world traveler these days. There’ll be some tales to tell when the book “returns home”.

The “Queen Rains”, interesting story with lots of tension in the air. I, for sure, wouldn’t want to be in a house like that.

Hmmm..The word “interesting” is always interesting to me.
Wow! I can’t believe March break is happening that quickly. Remember back when we used to have Easter Break instead?

My book constantly amazes me..Al that travel without a assort even.

Nice to hear that you’re seeing signs of spring. I’m afraid we’re a long ways away from that.

Yes, my book will certainly have bragging rights.

Thanks for reading, David, and for your comment. I appreciate it.

Are you blogging these days? I’m having such a challenge keeping up with everyone and my computer seems to be as slow as cold molasses. I spend so much of my time waiting….. I look forward to the day when everyone in rural NS will have access to high speed. *sigh*

Congratulations on having your short story published. Your books are well-traveled, and to nice, warm climates!

Thanks, Patti. I hadn’t submitted a short story in a very long time, but saw a call for submissions and knew I had something that would fit the word length. I thought I’d give it a shot! Glad I did. I am so ready for the spring weather.

Nice! Next thing will be taking yourself on an international tour.

I think this is wonderful fun, Laura. If I go to Alberta this summer – although it isn’t exotic or glamourous – maybe your book would like to go along, ya think?

I’ll have a word with my publicist.

Alberta would be wonderful! It’s sounds pretty glamorous from where I’m sitting, Lynn.

That’s almost as good as getting to go…

Very close, and less expensive.

Your books are getting around. It has been very happy here in BC. Perhaps I should send you a picture. BTW you won The Bess Time by Yvonne Pont. That book will be happy to travel to Nova Scotia. Congratulations!

I’m so glad that my book is settled and happy. I’d love a photo!

I’m really looking forward to reading “The Bless Time.” I can hardly wait for it to arrive.