Excellent things that happened to me in 2013

Before we utterly leave behind the old year, I’m looking back in gratitude. I often remember the tough parts of the year: the set backs, the worries. Not today! I’m lookin’ at the good stuff, and making a proper list.

JAN: Started on a new novel idea. As I pulled the strands together, fell in love with it. A gift!

FEB: Shopped for a dress to wear for son’s wedding. (OK, it’s not about the dress. . .)

MAR: My publisher put the exact right cover on my upcoming book. (Thanks for all the help here on this blog!) Also published a short story, “The Spires of Greme,” in Solaris Rising 2.

9781624670954

APR: Went canoeing on the Columbia River (near my house) for the first time. Serene and beautiful! Read More…

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Top Writing the World Posts of 2013

High cat

Courage, faith, balance. Essentials for the writing life

This year on my blog I’ve had fun sharing my views, exploring the writing industry and tracking the launch of my new book.

I’m very grateful to those of you who drop by from time to time check out the goings on and say hello.  It’s nice to know we’re not alone in this rather hermit-like practice of writing.

So, many thanks for helping to make this a great year, one for which I am deeply thankful, at least today, when I consider how blessed I am to be able to write stories and have contact with so many friends and acquaintances!

#SFWAAuthors

The Best of My Blog This Year.

 The Next Fiction Dream Read More…

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Sleeping Hedgehog interview

slpg hedgehog 2

This week Camille Alexa reviewed A Thousand Perfect Things for Sleeping Hedgehog: A Journal of An Untraditional Nature, the sister publication to Green Man Review. She followed it up with an interview.

Check it out here, where I talk frankly about:

  • The line of characters waiting in the wing to grace or sabotage your story.
  • My terrifying swings of opinion on the subject of characterization.
  • My favorite characters.
  • Why you must go to the desert to write.
  • My theory of the short story.

Camille Alexa on my new novel:

“A Thousand Perfect Things, drew me along somewhat slowly at first, but partway through turned into one of those reading experiences you hate to leave, so you avoid work and skip dates and stay awake all night till you finish. I loved her heady mix of romance, history, action & adventure — a real mélange of both exotic and domestic flavors, blended like a fine imported tea.”

#SFWAAuthors

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Best 2013 things

The year was amazing. Hard to pick the best things, but I’ll try:

Best literary novel:  Beautiful Ruins, Jess Walter.

amer elsewhere

 

 

Best SFF:  American Elsewhere, Robert Jackson Bennett

Best first word from a child: warthog

Best sight: Early December in my garden: a red rose frozen solid and perfectly unfurled.

ABFAS

Best book store: A Book For all Seasons in Leavenworth, WA; here I am at Indie Authors First, Small Business Saturday at the store, handselling other people’s books.

Best TV series: Foyle’s War

Best espionage: The Spies of Warsaw, Alan Furst

 

Best trip: San Diego for son’s wedding at the lovely Bishop School in La Jollabendict hall

Best historical: Benedict Hall, Cate Campbell

Best best-seller: Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

Best big conference: Worldcon, San Antonio

Best little conference: Write on the River, Wenatchee WA (OK, biased!)

Best book cover: My lovely A Thousand Perfect Things (OK, biased again!)9781624670954

Best unexpected nice thing: The Ingram sales rep said he Loved A Thousand Perfect Things

T.BrooksBest reading event: With Larry Brooks in Portland, SFWA Reading series

 

 

Best Interview: Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing with John Dodd and Timothy Ward

 

#SFWAAuthors

 

Sept, 2013 podcast interview from John Dodds and Tim Ward. My decision to write fantasy after 10 SF novels; my main character’s dilemma of love vs. ambition and what it says about women today; finding peace in the writing life. – See more at: http://www.kaykenyon.com/about-kay-kenyon/#sthash.paBp3Xm6.dpuf

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Win a Kindle just in time for the holidays

Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway

A Kindle Fire makes a great — put pricey — gift for Christmas. Here’s a chance to win one.

Some other authors and bloggers and I are ganging up to give away a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon gift card, or Paypal cash ($229 value.) I hope you’ll join in!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway, where you earn points by checking out various blog sites and liking those that appeal to you. It takes only a few minutes, and you can decide how many points you’ll earn toward the contest.

Just click here to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 12/18/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Good luck!

#SFWAauthors

 This is what you will win: 

 

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)

 

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

 

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway #1 Sponsors:

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