Balance

How do you make all of the parts of your life even out, keep everyone happy, including yourself? You have children, a husband, another career, and family obligations, what do you do when your muse starts to talk to you and all you want to do is slip into your cave and write for days at a time?

I find keeping everyone happy, including myself to be a delicate balancing art and there a days that I don't always do an effective job. Although I don't have any children, I have a husband that expects time with me. I also have elderly family members that need me to do a million things for them in order to keep them as healthy as possible. Along with those obligations, I have a career that can be demanding at times, plus four nieces and one nephew that believe I belong to them.

As writers, what tricks do you use to make it all fit together? How do you keep everyone happy, including yourself?

I'd love to hear from you.

Mother interference

My mother was my only parent, best friend and don't tell my husband, favorite date. When I needed someone to accompany me to events, my mother always paid her own way, knew how to dress appropriately, and understood that no meant no. Needless to say our close relationship went into flux when I started dating my future husband.

After I got married, I realized jealousy and rivalry dominated the relationship between the two most important people in my life. Their conflict made my life incredibly difficult. Balancing the needs of both people made my brain hurt. That said, when the idea for You're All I Need began to keep me awake at night, I considered how my mother would react if I were to meet and marry someone from another country. What measures would she take to keep me close and in Michigan?

You're All I need sprang from some of the antics that I suspected my mother might pull. Employing family and friends to convince me to stay local would be her first line of defense. Knowing my mother, I wouldn't put it passed her to pack her bags and follow me.

How about you? Do you have a story that you would like to tell about your parents? Some interesting tidbit that would fall into the same classification.

Take a look at the book and let know if my characters remind you of one or both of your parents. Please share you own thoughts on the subject. E-mail me at karenwowens@gmail.com or click on the link and tell me what you think. Share some of your parents' antics. I'd love to hear from you.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

BOOK TRAILER OR NOT?

Recently, my editor e-mailed me asking for my detailed promotional plan. This was the first time that I received this kind of request. I was surprised to receive this form. the spreadsheet consisted of my arranged book signings, radio and television appearances, and any writing programs that I plan to do once my next book is released. My editor asked for URLs for social networks like Twitter, FaceBook, and MySpace. She suggested I create a book trailer. I've seen book trailers and admired them, but I never felt inclined to create one of my own.

I've talked with several people who either create book trailers or have used them as a marketing tool. I learned that creating book trailers is a big business. But I still need more information and I hope you can help. Here are a few questions that I'd like you to consider and then answer.

1. Do book trailers influence your book buying?
2. Are you swayed by trailers?
3. What do you like to see in a trailer?
4. What catches your eye and holds your attention?
5. Do you go to You-tube to search for trailers or go to the author's website?
6. Do you consider them entertainment and advertisements like movie trailers?
7. Do you expect the characters from the books to look like the people in the trailers?

I'm very curious about what readers are looking for in a trailer. What interest readers and how detailed should the trailer be?

I'd love to hear from you. Let me know what you think about trailers and how they influence your buying? What appeals to you? What turns you off? Click on the link or e-mail me at karenwowens@gmail.com.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

The Mad Woman of Warren Avenue

We all lead incredibly busy lives. Kids, spouses, careers, and writing consume our waking hours. How do you find time for your personal passion when your life is filled with so many obligations and responsibilities? My solution - use every available moment that comes your way.

For example, when I first started writing I would plot out my books on the way to work. I would take a route down Warren Avenue, hence the title for this blog entry, "The Mad Woman of Warren Avenue," passed Wayne State University to Karmanos Cancer Institute. The daily commute took approximately 25 minutes. The ride provided a solid period of time to map out my book details, plot out the stories, and design the characters. I've always muttered to myself, so as I drove I'd talk to myself. Actually, I called it talking out loud, like working out a puzzle in my head.

Sometimes I would notice other drivers staring at me with this confused expression on their faces. I'm sure they were wondering who I was talking to or what was wrong with me. I didn't care then and I still don't. The car and drive provided a quiet, non-interrupted period for me to think through the details of my stories. Another thing I started doing was talking through scenes while I prepared dinner or washed dishes. I keep a pad of paper and pen on the kitchen table and jot down ideas as I work in the kitchen. Another trick I learned from my publicist was to leave a scene unfinished when I shut down my computer for the day. It gave me an opportunity to keep the creative juices flowing when I'm not on the computer.

Although I don't have children, I do have a husband that likes to spend quality time with me. When he's home in the evenings, we watch television or movies together. Being with him limits my writing time, so I sometimes get up at 4am, write for an hour or two and then return to my bed for an additional hour of sleep before rising and preparing for my work day.

I find early mornings to be a wonderfully creative time. There's no telephones ringing or people asking me questions. I go to my desk and without turning on a light, I power up my laptop and go to work. I don't do editing or rewrites, early mornings are set aside strictly for creating new scenes. Lunch time provides a perfect opportunity to edit, and after dinner I do my edits, if my husband is at work.

How do you make it all come together? Do you have systems in place that you'd like to share? E-mail me at karenwhiteowens@gmail.com or click on the comment link. I'd love to hear from you.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

SPOTLIGHT

Thursday evening I rushed my husband through dinner so that I could attend a book signing at Borders Books and Music in Dearborn. I'm a firm believing in supporting my writing community. I attend book signings and writing programs whenever I can. Beverly Jenkins and Elaine Overton were signing copies of their new anthology, Rhythms of Love. I expected to pick up a book, have the ladies sign it, talk with them for a bit, and be on my way.

Well, the evening didn't work out the way I expected. At the bookstore, I turned the corner to find Beverly and Elaine entertaining an eager group of readers. Surprised, I stared at the group of twenty-five to thirty men and women. Beverly introduced me as a fellow published author. When she mentioned my name, several people in the group muttered words of recognition and compliments. Stunned, I felt pleased and proud that they knew my name and work.

Beverly suggested I grab a chair and join them. I hesitated for a moment because I felt this was their event, not mine. After some encouragement from both authors and the audience, I joined them at the author's table and field questions about the writing process and my books. Both ladies were gracious and welcoming and I had a wonderful time. For once, I was prepared and had business cards with me. I handed them out while we talked and had a chance to mention that Borders carried my books.

At one point an eleven-year-old girl spoke and told me that her mother had read my book, I Can Make You Love Me. She said that her mother went into her room and shut the door and wouldn't allow her in while she read the book. It was a cute story. I really enjoyed the whole event.

To be perfectly honest, when I left home to attend the event, I never expected to be in the spotlight. The incident made me think about how many opportunities I've let pass because I was unprepared. Sometimes, I forgot to carry my business cards or information about my books and writing. There were times that I didn't have a pencil or pen.

My recommendation to you is be prepared. Embrace the opportunities presented to you. Carry the tools of your trade with you at all times and be ready to discuss your work.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the issue. You can e-mail me at karenwhiteowens@gmail.com or click on the link below.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

What's a critique group?

When I first started writing, I went to my favorite bookstore and confessed to the clerk in a hesitate voice that I had started writing a romance novel. Her eyebrows rose and then Darlene led me to the section on writing and introduced me to several books about the craft. I went home, eager to find out what was between the covers. In those books, I found Romance Writers of America. I joined the national organization, as well as, the local chapter.

Greater Detroit Romance Writers of American sent me a welcome package with a roster of its members. I went through the list searching for members that I could connect with. I found one writer who lived in Detroit and called her. She was helpful and pleasant and seemed pleased to meet another writer from the area. Before hanging up, she suggested we form a critique group. She knew several local romance writers that might be interested in working with us. I agreed, even offered to host the first meeting.


After saying goodbye, I hung up the phone and announced to my husband, "I'm going to be part of a critique group."

Always encouraging, Gary answered, "That's great! What's a critique group?"

"I don't know," I responded. "But I'm going to find out."

Ten years later I actually know what a writing critique group is. A critique group is made up of writers with a common goal. They are working to improve their writing skills and come together to offer each member help and support. What I learned over the years is family members will offer to read your manuscripts, but they shy away from giving true criticism. A critique member will tell you the truth, whether you want to hear it or not. Believe me there were days that I didn't want to hear it, but my group's comments and suggestions were always helpful.

A critique group can be a wonderful asset or a major burden. I was lucky. My group was a positive force in my writing career. To be honest, I never thought I would get published. So I credit my group with guiding me to that end. We were a dedicated group of writers that met twice a month. Each member was expected to bring a maximum of 10 pages to our meetings. This made the group produce new material for each meeting.

I learned a lot from those ladies. They taught me about goal and motivation. I got help with dialogue, plotting and manuscript preparation and in exchange I provided the sensory elements for their stories.

My critique group members are all published authors now. When we went our separate ways, I can safely say that we all gained valuable information and insights from working together. I still rely on them to give me feedback when I get stuck. I'm happy to say they are my friends, as well as, my writer colleagues.

Writing can be a very lonely business. The friends you make along the way are priceless.

What are your thoughts on the topic. I'd love to hear from you. My email is karenwowens@gmail.com.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

What I would do differently

Recently, a fellow blogger asked me to write a blog entry about my experiences as a new author and what I would do differently. The idea intrigued me. As I considered what to write, memories came back to me as I revisited some of the mistakes I made with the release of my first novel.

If I had my way, I would go back in time and have a heart-to-heart talk with myself to discuss how essential promotion and publicity are to a new author. Authors should be visible, inviting and welcoming to their reading audience. They should not be afraid to tell people about their craft and what they write. I would use all the avenues available for promotion and try to find new ones.

Foolishly, I waited for my publisher to offer some direction or guidance, but that didn't happen. They are way to busy to guide new authors through the process. It was up to me to make things happen and honestly I did not know how.

African-American romance author Kimberley White explained it best. "When you become an author, you are now an independent business owner." It is up to an author to push their own product. We sell a completed, hopefully entertaining story that readers will pass along to other readers. Word-of-mouth good press is and always will be the best advertising you can receive. Cultivate and use good industry and reader reviews to your advantage.

Book signings provide one avenue to make readers aware of your book. Many new, exciting and talented self-published authors use different techniques to advertise their manuscripts. As authors we have to make ourselves available to every outlet that generates an opportunity for our names or titles to be seen or heard. The Internet provides a wonderful, inexpensive way to reach your core audience, take advantage of this resource.

What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you know of different ways to attract readers? I'd love to hear from you. E-mail me at karenwowens@gmail.com.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Published Authors

When my first novel was published, I attended the annual Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference and found myself swept away by all of the events involving published authors. I went to a meet and greet where I met Suzanne Brockmann who was very generous with her time. She asked about my novel and was very attentive while I explained the intricate details of my story. I felt like a real author.

During the conference I made a connection with one of the booksellers from Chicago. We agreed on a date when I would be at her store and as she walked away, Darlene called over her shoulder, "I'm almost finished with your book. I'll have the review up tomorrow."

What review? Who told her she could review my book? And where would the review be shown?

I was shocked by the amount of people who had my writing career in their hands. When I look back on my first release, I realized that I didn't know jack. I didn't understand any of the process that went along with writing and being a published author.

Today, things would be different, I've learned a great deal over the last seven years. What kind of experience did you have with your first novel? How was the process easier or more difficult? E-mail me and let me know what you encountered.

I'd love to hear from you. Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

karenwowens@gmail.com

Red Ink

I believe grown folks have sex. Two consenting adults who understand the consequences of their actions generally enjoy the benefits of sex. Unlike our teens who believe sex makes them an adult. Plus, they don't consider what their actions may result in. That being said, the characters in my novels have fun having sex, getting to know more about each other until some pivotal moment changes everything.

One afternoon during my lunch hour I sat at a table editing a few pages from one of my manuscripts. Karen Edie, one of the library staff, glanced over my shoulder and said, "Wow! There's alot of red ink on those pages."

I went on to explain to her that I was revamping one of my love scenes. She laughed and replied, "Love scenes take a lot of red ink."

When I looked at my pages, I realized that I had pretty much covered the pages in red. So the next time you read a love scene, I want you to consider all the time, red ink, and sometimes practice that goes into writing a hot, sizzling, and satisfying love scene.

Email me at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com. Let me know what you think.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Sad Day

Monday morning, I learned that my editor, Kate Duffy from Kensington Books passed away. Although I've only met Kate once, I've spoken with her many times since Kensington acquired my manuscript, Now Until Forever.

She had a major impact on my writing career. During my three-year association with Ms. Duffy, she purchased four manuscripts, gave me guidance and tips on what she believed would sell, and retitled all of my manuscripts. Generally, Kate was the first person to tell me whether she understood the theme I was trying to convey in my stories. Although we disagreed on titles, I learned a great deal from working with her and will miss her direct, but knowledgeable style.

So, I dedicate this blog entry to Kate Duffy, Editorial Director at Kensington Books. You will be missed.

If you have comments, don't hesitate to write.

Please don't be a stranger.

Rules!

When my niece was a pre-teen, she told me that she couldn't wait to grow up and be on her own because she wouldn't have to follow any rules. She'd be able to do just what she wanted. I laughed, patted her hand affectionately and informed her that rules would always be part of her life.

As you grow older the reasons for the rules change, but rules continue no matter how old you get. The biggest difference is when you become an adult the rules relate to larger choices and issues.

Which brings me to my blog topic - rules and/or guidelines for writers. As I told my niece, rules are part of life. For writers there are guidelines for most genres. Each line has specific requirements that writers must follow in order to get their books to the correct editor and hopefully not be rejected.

We all want to do our own thing. Enjoy life the way we see fit, but that's not always in the cards. As authors we want to tell our stories the way we choose and describe the situations the way we see them. Unfortunately, that's not always possible because most publishers have specific ways they want manuscripts written.

For example, romance novels must have a happy ending. Mysteries need the murder resolved and the killer unmasked, and suspense and thriller must tie all the loose ends together with an interesting ribbon.

If your goal is to get published, request the guidelines for the publishing house you're considering. Study them, treat them like a bible for getting published, and adhere to them. There's no guarantee that you'll get published, but you will be one step closer to your goal.

If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. I'm always interested in what you think. I can be reached at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com

Please, don't be a stranger.

Don't Let Fear Hold You Hostage

Valerie, my sister has been a displaced and unemployed autoworker for several years. Recently, she decided to take charge of her life and go back to school to pursue a certificate in a completely different field. I applaud her efforts, because I understand how difficult it must be for her. After all, it's been thirty old years since she's graced the inside of a classroom.

As we talked about her future and what this decision would truly mean, it became clear to me that she was really worried about this new life and afraid of stepping into a new arena. I'm very direct and honest. Being me, I came right out and told her that she was afraid. I then reassured her that it was fine to be worried, to have fears. I went on to tell her, the first thing she needed to do was acknowledge her fears, draw them into the light, examine them, and finally move past them. I cautioned her against allowing the voice of fear to control and make decisions for her. After offering advice on ways to approach going back to school, courses to take to prepare her for this new venture, including making the most of her local library and offering my support and help, Val now possessed the ammunition needed to tackle the future.

Once we were done talking, I sat back and thought about how fear has the power to influence our lives. Like all emotions, fear has a unique and important role to play. It keeps us safe, alert, and cautious. Unfortunately, there is a down side to this emotion. Sometimes it paralyzes us and keeps us from our goals. It makes us question our abilities and skills, who we are, and what we can accomplish. The spirit of fear has destroyed many an aspiration and promising career.

Val's dilemma was not unique and it made me think about writing and how easy it would be to allow my fears to keep me from doing something I truly enjoy. Like a mist that moves in and showers everything in its path, fear has the ability to seep into each and every part of our life and take over. My philosophy - fight it. Don't allow one emotion to win and keep you from the things you desire or from living the best possible life. We all deserve a good, fulfilling, and rewarding life.

Whether your passion is writing, music, or simply going back to school after a long hiatus, don't allow fear to control or destroy your future. Step up, take charge, and embrace the life you worked for and continue to do what makes you happy. Keep this thought in mind, you only have one life and you owe it to yourself to give it your best.

I always love to hear from writers and readers. Feel free to contact me on this topic or any other. You can reach me at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com.

Remember, don't be a stranger.

Karen

Surprises!

One of the perks of being an author is being invited to speak to different groups and organizations. At a book signing in Troy, Michigan, I met a counselor from a Detroit area high school. We talked and Edie invited me to the book discussion group at Catherine Ferguson High School. I'm always eager to meet kids and spend time in the chaotic environment of a classroom, so I agreed.

Several weeks later, I strolled up to the front door of the school with the cries of small children echoing in my ears. Cool, the school must have an on-site day care center, I thought. I entered the building, sidestepping a toddler being pulled in a wagon, and searched for the main office. After I introduced myself, a young lady escorted me to the library.

The library was a hub of activity. Students and teachers raced around decorating a table and preparing food. Edie introduced me to Jasmine, one of the students, and instructed her to take me out to the farm while they completed their preparations. Farm? The front of the building looked like that of any other school. I followed Jasmine, expecting to see a few rows of tomato plants and an animal or two. I was completely unprepared for what I found. As we exited the school through the back door, I saw ducks and swans swimming in a pond. Around a corner, pigs, chickens, and goats milled around a red barn. Jasmine proudly told me that the girls at the school had built the barn themselves.

Jasmine and I took a leisurely stroll around the farm. She pointed out the different fruits and vegetables, explaining how the animals and farm were cared for by the students during the school year and by hired staff all summer. All of the fruits and vegetables are sold at Detroit's Eastern Market during the summer to supplement the cost of summer programs for the students. We turned another corner and I came face-to-face with two horses. I was floored.

We returned to the library and I learned that all of the two hundred young ladies at the high school had struggled to finish their education. Pregnancy, lack of family, and other personal issues interfered with many of the students' roads to educational success.

After the students told me about themselves, I shared info about myself and my books. We talked about my latest release, The Way You Aren't, and discussed the students' interest and/or lack of interest in writing. I had the best time and I was proud to meet and learn more about these special students and this unique school.

Weeks later I thumbed through Oprah's O magazine and found an article featuring the school, its philosophy, and students.

I feel very proud to have met those young ladies. I remember the time I spent with them with great pleasure.

So remember, being a writer involves so much more than putting words to paper. Public appearances, book signings, and workshops make up a large part of your role.

Let me know what you think about this story and more. I love receiving e-mail and hearing from readers as well as other writers. You can reach me at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com.

So please, don't be a stranger.

Help When You Need It

I am a writer, author, contemporary romance author, whatever title you choose to give me. I create stories that end up as published works. Writing did not start out as my career goal. I came by this profession by accident, not design. I never planned to write, but here I am. Since writing possessed my soul, I've written nine romance novels and hope to write many more.

To any aspiring author I'd like to say cherish your writing friends, your critique members, and the people in your immediate writing circle. They are your support group, advisers, and confidantes. When you get that rejection letter from an agent or editor, they are the people you will call for comfort and encouragement. After you receive the call from an editor who wants to buy your book, they'll celebrate with you and understand your accomplishment more than anyone else. Your writing friends will tell you the truth, whereas your family will not because they don't want to hurt your feelings. There will be times when the comments you receive from your writing friends will be gentle, but honest. Other days their comments may be far too painful to accept. Step away from the work. Give yourself a day or two to think about their suggestions. The wisdom of their remarks will become clear to you. You'll admit they were right and revamp your writing incorporating their comments. In most cases your prose will become clearer, crisper, and stronger.

Cultivating a strong, caring writing environment is essential. Surround yourself with supportive people.

I always welcome feedback, so shoot me an e-mail at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com. Let me know your thoughts on this topic or others. Take a moment and visit my website, karenwhiteowens.com and read an excerpt from my October release, I Can Make You Love Me.

Remember, don't be a stranger.