Thursday, February 9, 2017

How Karen Will Get Her Groove Back

Oh, where to start.

First and most importantly, I am truly sorry for disappearing for a year. Truly and deeply. That's mainly an apology to my readers, but also to myself.

Some of you might remember that back in February of last year I found myself a part-time job in an attempt to bring new energy to my writing and, hopefully, renew my creativity. Yay. Peachy. Except the job immediately turned full-time and then some, so I ended up putting almost all of my time and energy into that instead of keeping my writing a priority. I kept telling myself that "I'd get back to writing next week--when things at work slowed down." Except next week never came because things never slowed down.

As of today, I'm officially back. The universe showed me sign after sign after sign that I needed to return to my passion and refocus on the work that nourishes my soul. I needed to return to the people (real and fictional) whom I love so dearly: my readers, my characters, my family, my friends, my Dream Team of people who help(ed) with my books. Oh, and let's not forget, myself.

I lost my way for a while. (Don't we all?) But I did learn some important life lessons and I acquired some new treasured friends, so while a lot of time and productivity on my books was lost, the job paid off in priceless other ways. However, I'm now back on my writerly path with a renewed love and appreciation for the work I do as an author. I'm ready to travel forward fully equipped with all I've learned during this past year.

I'm also excited to finally make good use of the beautiful and amazing gift that my Prince Charming/Peter Pan had built for me. I introduce to you, my writing room! *throws confetti*  Check out the custom built cabinets, reading nook, cork boards, desk, etc...

And the heartwarming and inspirational note written on my new whiteboard that I read over and over...
And yes, the space doubles as a guest room. My desk folds down, Murphy Bed gets lowered and voila! My office becomes a cozy sleeping space for guests. Squishy especially loves the reading nook and makes great use of my pillows...
So, as of today, I am starting to catch up on messages, projects, and everything else book and writing related. To give you an update of where I am with my future releases:

I AM working on Sacred Seas. The rough draft does exist, I have my editor's notes, and I'm improving and revising it. I'm on page 99 of 385. It was being worked on very slowly, but now I will be able to give it the time and attention it deserves. However, I refuse to release it until I'm proud of it and confident that it's good enough for my readers. It's the final book of a trilogy. It has to be the best it can be. I won't ask my readers settle for less. I won't settle for less. I will announce a release date as soon as I'm sure of one.

The new and improved audiobook of Tangled Tides is currently awaiting approval from ACX. But it is done and I'm excited to share it with you very soon.

There WILL be another Kindrily book. I already wrote the opening chapter (at least the opening for right now) and I made lots of scene notes over this past weekend. My Kindrily characters are eagerly trying to get my attention because they have more stories to be told. I look forward to returning to their world and sharing more of their soul mate magic with you.

Sea, Stars and Beyond (my collection of bonus short stories from each of my series) is also on my Must Complete Soon list. Again, my editor read it and made notes, so it is coming along, but it still needs work before releasing it to my beloved readers. It's just not good enough yet.

That's it for now. It feels really good to be back. I hope you will reach out and let me know you're doing too. Comment below, message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, email me or send Harry Potter's owl to deliver me a message. (A visit from Hedwig would be my preferred method, but I'll take what I can get.)

The bottom line is this: I've missed you. I'm sorry for falling off the grid. I hope you forgive me, and I will do better moving forward.

And now, time for more coffee...

26 comments:

  1. Yay for more Kindrily Books!!!

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    1. whooo ive been waiting for more kindrily!

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    2. Keeping my eyes peeled for more Kindrily too!!

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  2. I am sooo happy your back we missed you! Been waiting patiently for you next release.but we understand life can be a road block at times, but manage to break threw! Also happy you found your way back to your passion.Love your new writing room they did amazing work! Now get those magic fingers to writing!! <3

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary. I agree about the room. I'm in love with it. (Typing to you from my new desk chair right now, actually.) I don't know about my fingers being magical, but I will do my best. <3

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  3. Hi, Karen,

    Welcome back! I can't wait to read Sacred Seas! I am so excited and anxious. I hope your renewed enthusiasm for writing will rub off on myself and my fiancé! We are collaborating to rewrite my beloved Nayko Island. I've been working on it since I was 14 (I'm 28 now lol) I have a version out on Amazon Kindle, but I am not happy with it. I asked my editor to pull it but she never did. As the internet and gadgets get in the way of our creativity, we are going to take my laptop up into Dartmoor National Park and write.

    Congratulations on getting your mojo back and I cannot wait for Sacred Seas.

    Your friend and budding author,

    Daisy (Mikaela Misti-Taylor)
    Daisy is my real name and Mikaela is my pen name

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    1. Daisy, I'm rubbing my screen right now in hopes of sending enthusiasm to you and your fiance. Good luck with the rewrites. Don't stop until you're in love with it. I love your plan to write at Dartmoor. Nature is always inspiring. Let me know how it goes!

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    2. Thank you so much! I agree, nature is amazing. Especially a small section of it that both Alex and I agree is pure bliss. It's really quiet and I just love the gentle river that runs through it. Alex and I call it our special spot. There is a full moon tomorrow night, plus a lunar eclipse and a comet; all happening on the same night! I might incorporate it into my book. I would love to stay in touch and let you know how it goes. I really love your works and I struggle to put them down.

      Thank you, once again,

      Daisy

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    3. At this point, you HAVE to incorporate it into the book. It sounds absolutely magical. It would probably be one of my favorite scenes! :) Thanks again for your love and compliments. I cherish them.

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  4. Welcome back! I feel like I need to copy + paste this same message on my art blog. <3 :) Glad you are coming back to home. Can't wait to read!

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    1. Feel free to copy and paste it, Carly. As long as it means you're gonna get back to work on your art blog. <3

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  5. Karen,

    Wow, I've missed you! Seeing your email really brightened my day. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you! Your Tangled Tides books were my favorite novels to read when I was pregnant, and they kept me sane through all the yuck of pregnancy.


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    1. Rose, thank you. I've missed you too! I'm so honored by your comment. I had no idea my sea peeps were a cure for the yuck of pregnancy. In that case, I know a few people who currently need my books. Ha. ;)

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  6. Yay Karen I am so happy to hear the above especially about the Kindrily folk 😉 I cannot wait to read Sacred Seas either, hanging in the wind and dying to know what happens with "The Kraken" and Yara. I am sure something steamy Lol 😍😍 or maybe not, hopefully Treygan and Yara. I will wait patiently 💖💖

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    1. Beth, Yes. Yay!
      Oh, the kraken is coming. Don't you worry. But that's all I will say for now.
      Thanks for being so patient. <3

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  7. Karen,

    I think it's fabulous that you've found a new appreciation for your passion for writing! Your new writing nook was obviously created with love and your enthusiasm for it has made me smile. I wish you the best of luck, truly, as you reintegrate into your authoring world!

    For me, I am looking forward to the kindrily additions most of all, and can't wait to read new stories about that fascinating world! Thank you for all the hours of reading pleasure you've given me, and I'm stoked that more is coming!

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    1. Kelly,

      Thanks so much. Yes, my new writing space was definitely the result of love and support. It's my new Happy Place. (And Squishy's!)

      I'm so glad you're stoked about more Kindrily stories. I'm super excited to be part of their world again ASAP. Thank you for the kind words. <3

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  8. Yay!! Welcome back, you have been missed. I was just thinking about you the other day when I saw your beautiful books on my shelves and I was wondering when we'd have a new book of yours. I can't wait to go back to the Kindrily world! Love your writing space, I hope it inspires you. <3 Susan @ The Book Bag

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    1. Susan,

      Thank you! You have always been such a great supporter. Thanks for not giving up on me. <3 I'm writing from my new space right now. Between this room and all of these lovely and supportive comments, how could I not be inspired? Thanks again and hang in there. More Kindrily coming soon!

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  9. So glad to get this email! I'm glad you're back and your writing space is gorgeous!

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    1. Rachel,

      Yay! Thank you. I just replied to your sweet email. I look forward to learning more about you, your books, and your journey. <3

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  10. I have missed you--and your books--SO MUCH!!! Welcome back, Karen! <3

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