The More I Catch Up...the more I fall behind.

I haven't added a new post in a while. I have been busy with some new projects on and off line. Now I think I have things under control, at least for now. This is what I have been up to.

I don't know about you busy parents, but this time of year is crazy. Everything seems to go even faster as school and the kids extra activities come to an end for the season. I know there are still two months left, but everything seems to be at fever pitch. Like every teacher and coach is just realizing that summer is almost here and they haven't done half of what they had planned to. The past week I have been helping my kids juggle projects, prepare for field trips, and make sure they maintain their day to day assignments. At the same time I am inundated with summer camp offers from all of their after school activities, which my kids beg and plead to do because their friends are.

I know the outcome of saying yes to summer activities, it's not good. Once my kids are out of school they don't want to get up for baseball or soccer camps, or anything else. They, like me, enjoy a nonscheduled summer. That is the reason I became a substitute teacher, so I could have the same hours and vacations as my kids. I know, what was I thinking?

As crazy as it sounds, I love spending time with my kids. I am also a huge believer that boredom breeds creativity. Being over scheduled is unavoidable during the school year, but summer for us is a time to slow down, relax, and take a deep breath before the next school year begins. Believe me, I know I am fortunate to have the choice and opportunity to stay home all summer. Many parents today do not. Both incomes are needed in order to survive. Thankfully, there are many day cares and baby sitters who feel the same as me. They make it their job to care for children and make sure that they are safe, fed, and given the chance to remain children as long as possible. For that they deserve a lot of credit.

My on line projects are not as crazy, but time consuming on their own. I started a new contest blog, as many may already aware of. Love Your Library is a contest that I think is a Win, Win. One lucky reader will win a signed copy of my book and a second copy will be donated in their name to a public library of their choice. I have been getting some great feedback on it. Imagine how great it would be if all new authors offered this. Public libraries would be jam packed with great new books to offer their patrons, and for not much more than a regular book giveaway would cost an author. If you haven't entered for your chance to win, you can follow this link or click on the picture of my book to the right of the screen. Good Luck to you and your Public Library!

http://kcscontests.blogspot.com

I have also joined a brand new group dedicated to authors and readers of Independent books. I am excited to be one of the first author members on Indiereaders. The Grand Opening is April 23, 2009. Be sure to stop by and check it out. It is looking like a very promising group with lots of friendly and helpful people.

http://indiereaders.ning.com

Well, that is most of what I have been up to. You don't want to hear about the daily battles with the dishes, and that mountain of laundry that I continue to try to turn into a molehill. These are all losing battles in a war with no end.

Have a great day and feel free to leave any comments or questions about writing or anything. The best way to help each other is through communication. Tell me what you've been up to with your own project, or just vent about your own crazy busy life.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kristin

Hi Everyone and Welcome to my new blog!

I am excited to have my own blog! Well excited and nervous. I am hardly an expert on writing, publishing, or marketing books. Who I am is a busy mom of four children, a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, substitute teacher, and lifelong learner. What do I hope to do with this blog? Share writing stories and tips with aspiring writers and just take the time to laugh at all of the crazy moments life can throw at you. I will be as honest about the good and not so good parts of being a published author today and continue to find my own balance between work and family.

I recently finished a virtual book tour to promote my new mystery, The Truth Lies in the Dark. I was interviewed, my book reviewed, and was a guest on eighteen book related blogs. It was a lot of work, but also fun getting to know the hosts and learning about new blogs. Many of them I still stop by to see what is new. Check my blog list for the ones I visited and some I have found interesting since then. Also, be sure to check out some of my favorite websites for writers and some just for fun. If you know of a great one that I have not found, please put it in your comment so I can check it out.

My favorite part of the whole virtual tour was the great comments I received from readers and emails from aspiring writers. Many were curious how a busy mom of four, with no previous knowledge of publishing, managed to write a book and get it published. I am more than happy to share my experiences with everyone. If I can help others realize their own publishing dreams, or whatever their personal goals may be, I am happy to.

So I hope that if you have any questions or comments about writing, publishing, marketing, or promoting you will feel comfortable to discuss them here. I am not an expert, but can tell you what has worked for me and what has not. And remember, getting published is only part of the journey not where it stops. Being a writer takes hard work, dedication, and the ability to believe in yourself even after repeated rejections.

Ok, with that said I hope you will stop by again and see how my publishing journey is going and share your own stories.