In the Kitchen with Jill Kemerer: Webisode 1

Ah, vlogging... I resisted for a while because I didn't have the equipment. Then I said no due to my scary see-through skin and not-fabulous hair. Yes, I am vain. But after testing the waters with "The Art of Not Writing," I realize I'm a total attention hog.

This did not shock me. I spent hours of my childhood doing anything to make my family and friends laugh. Maybe not my most enduring quality, but it's a part of me, nonetheless. :)

With that in mind, I've decided to embrace my frightening almost-end-of-winter appearance and my love of the limelight by launching a video series. On the first Friday of every month, you can tune in here or on YouTube for another episode of "... with Jill Kemerer."

As you will quickly see, no learning will be done by watching this series. This is more for those days when you are nurturing a third cup of coffee and don't really feel like writing a report, editing a chapter, correcting papers, vacuuming the house, or whatever it is you shouldn't have to do on a Friday.

It's a distraction. A roughly five minute distraction. :)

Welcome to Webisode 1: In the Kitchen with Jill Kemerer!




What unusual item do you have in your kitchen? Do you love your kitchen? Why or why not?

Have a fantastic weekend!

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5 Easy Questions with Cynthia Herron!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Cynthia Herron!!

Cynthia and I met through blogging, and we were both blessed to be offered representation through Books & Such Literary Agency within months of each other. Cynthia is just—how do I describe it?—someone I can’t wait to run to and give a huge hug when we finally meet! She writes heartfelt, homespun fiction and she’s a heartfelt, wonderful person.

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

I'm definitely a coffee drinker. Strong blends, no cream or sweeteners for me, and for optimum health, I limit my intake of coffee/caffeine to no more than three cups per day. I'm also a big water fan, and I carry my mondo-size mug with me wherever I go. Because I drink so much, I usually slosh when I walk! (We have delicious well water so I'm a bit spoiled.) I rarely do sodas, but if I do, it's usually Dr. Pepper and not diet.

2. Any pets?

Sadly, as a result of a tornado, our beloved black Lab passed away several few years ago. We've not really had a pet since then unless you count Mr. Limpet and Maurice, our daughter's two Bettas. They each lasted about 6 months before entering the Grand River Of Life. Now, darling daughter would like to try her hand at raising a chameleon. Hmmm...

3. Dream vacation?

The beach. White sandy shores and no noise other than the sound of the incoming tide and the seagulls overhead.

4. What are you listening to right now?

The Carpenter's. I admit it. Their greatest hits. Up next: Harry Connick, Jr.

5. What's for dinner?

Comfort food all the way. Meat loaf, mashed taters and gravy, green beans, spinach salad, and drop biscuits. Oh, and cherry crisp. With vanilla ice cream. ;)

***

Cynthia, I love Dr. Pepper, but I always drink the diet version of it! I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet dog. Fish just aren’t the same. Chameleons either. Keep that foot down on the subject of the reptile!

Doesn’t the beach sound like perfection right now? It’s my favorite place in the world. Sand, sun, water, relaxation, a great book, and a tube of Pringles—it’s vacation! It’s okay to add The Carpenters to the mix, too. And comfort food. There’s nothing better than a plate of mashed potatoes! Thanks so much for being my guest today, Cynthia!

***

Cynthia writes heartfelt, homespun, contemporary Christian romance novels and is represented by Mary Keeley of the Books and Such Literary Agency. Cynthia is a collector of gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She and her family live in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks, otherwise known as "God's Country." For more information about Cynthia, stop by her website and follow her on Twitter.

***

Doing anything special this Leap Year day? I mean, let's face it, we finally got that extra 24 hours!

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

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WSG 3: Taking Care of Our Needs

Writer's Survival Guide Part 3: Taking Care of Our Needs

The writer's life is a busy one. On top of all our regular responsibilities (work, family, bills, chores, etc...), we're squeezing in writing, revising, story planning, social media, and many other things unique to our career.

Add the dead of winter to the mix and an on-going recession and it's easy to let our personal needs slide until they eventually disappear. (I'm too tired. It's too gray outside. We can't afford it.)


Photo by alanflai

When I started writing, I was excited, so excited about the future. But as time wore on, more ups and downs passed, and, eventually I moved from a perpetual mood of excitement to a gripping hope.

I'm not sure exactly how or when, but during the last years, I neglected some of my needs in the anticipation of getting published, as if somehow a contract would give me the right to need them again.

How dumb! We have to take care of ourselves. Every day. Period.

Now, I live in a more grounded reality, and it's one where I take care of my needs. No more waiting for someday to happen. I have to take care of me NOW.

Your needs will be different than mine. The important thing is to identify what yours are and find ways to fulfill them. Easy, right? Just:

1. Identify what your needs are.
2. Fulfill them.

It's a magic formula, folks. :)

Read through my blog archives and you'll see my needs haven't changed much. Here are some of the things I do to keep my spirits fresh. (In no particular order)

a. Read magazines that inspire me--cooking, home decorating, celebrity gossip, and writing craft magazines keep me dreaming.
b. Listen to soothing music on my iPod. (How hard is it to slap earbuds in and click a button? And yet, too many days go by with me hearing only background noise. Blah.)
c. Care for my skin. I take Fish Oil vitamins to keep my skin clear, nails strong, and hair healthy.  I also like to put on a skin mask once a week, use witch hazel as a toner each night, and slather on rich, thick nightcream. All of these tasks take little time and are inexpensive.
d. I make my bed each morning. We have a beautiful bedspread, soft throw, and several accent pillows. I like arranging them. It makes me happy to see my pretty bed.
e. Take a walk outside. Fresh air is vital to my soul. Vital. I don't care what temperature it is outside, I try very hard to take a quick walk. Plus, I like to talk to God outdoors.
f. Keep my tootsies smooth. Maybe this is TMI, but I want my feet to be sandal ready all year long, so I keep a foot file and a small tube of Bath & Body Works lotion by my bed. Less than 60 seconds a night keeps my feet soft.
g. Indulge in homemade treats. I love to bake. I love coffee. I love hot tea. If I want a brownie on a Thursday night, I grab a box mix and have one. I try not to compartmentalize my day with food, nor do I have off-limits treats. Since I know I can have a hot cup of coffee or a cupcake whenever I want, I don't want them as often. :)
h. Check in with friends. Most of us have a group of besties. My sister and my mom are my tight inner circle, but I also have wonderful, close relatives from my husband's side of the family in addition to good friends. I'm not always great about reaching out, but when I do, I feel better. It's good to have friends.
i. Head to the library. The library is my happy place.
j. Dare I say it? Exercise. Yes, I avoid it as much as the next person, but I always feel great after a workout. Go figure.

I could go on and on. If I'm at a point in my life where I can't take an hour to read a magazine, listen to my iPod, or pop a fish oil pill, well, I know things are spiralling out of control. This list is full of simple, cheap or free pleasures.

Sometimes I think we wait for someone to give us permission to take care of ourselves, but we're making a mistake. First of all, they don't know exactly what we need at any given moment, and secondly, we give away our power by expecting others to meet our needs.

We need to meet our own needs. Find a way to incorporate your essentials into each day!

What is one need you neglect? Is there any way you can find a way to meet it this week?

Happy Monday!

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Is Your Workspace Inspiring?

I splurged last week on an expensive magazine. As soon as I leafed through it, I knew it would light up my world. I was right!


photo by jmv

Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women lightened my heart and brightened my mood. It opened possibilities in that closed-off, winter area of my brain. The spaces and women featured within were unique, individual, and amazing.

I'm blessed to have a workspace all my own, but it does not resemble any of the spaces featured. And guess what? It shouldn't. It's one thing to get inspired by photographs and another thing entirely to copy them.

The most satisfying rooms in my house are the ones I pieced together with my style, borrowing from this look or an idea from that magazine, but ultimately, my own.

I'm starting to get an idea of my ultimate workspace. It will cost money. But I can wait for it. I'm gathering ideas now. I want floor to ceiling cabinets with open shelves and hidden drawers. I want a few shelves mounted to the wall. I would love a comfy chair and ottoman plus a coffee table to spread my work on.

Just because I have a vision of a future workspace doesn't mean I'm not grateful for what I have now.  My current workspace does inspire me. It's quiet. I have a large desk and a door to close out noise. There's even a window to enjoy the birds playing in the backyard.

Even when my office consisted of a tiny table, a folding chair, and a laptop, I was satisfied with my space.

Maybe because it was mine?

I think that's the key. Any workspace can be inspiring, but we have to claim it and make it ours.

Does your workspace inspire you? If yes, why? If no, can you tweak it?

Have a fun weekend!

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5 Easy Questions with Regina Jennings!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Regina Jennings!!

Regina and I met through our social networks, and we’re Twitter pals, yay! We share the same agent, and I was so excited to see Regina’s great news about her debut book, Sixty Acres and a Bride—out now!!—through Bethany House. If you like inspirational historical romance, you’re going to love Regina’s books! 

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Water with lemon. Boring, but oh, so cheap.

2. Any pets?

We have one beautiful Great Dane named Esther. At two years old she’s bigger than I am and is only now growing out of the chewing puppy stage.

We also have a friendly barn cat that the kids named Taylor who appears at our kitchen window every morning and meows for the left-over cereal milk.

3. Dream vacation?

I’d like to visit the notable libraries of Great Britain. If anyone can score me a pass through the archives, please let me know.

4. What are you listening to right now?

On my ipod for the gym I have Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, Fairy Tale by Alexander Rybak, and Rolling in the Deep by Adele. When I’m writing I like to turn on the Pandora Bluegrass station

5. What's for dinner?

Tonight Pa Jennings cooked. He made chicken-fried deer steaks and gravy. I warmed up a bag of those sweet Hawaiian dinner rolls and called it good.

***

Ooo, Regina, I wish Pa Jennings would head north and cook dinner here. Yum! Although I am wincing a little at your healthy beverage choice. Tell me you have a weak spot, like a secret need for coffee or Mountain Dew? No? That’s okay, you have an adorable dog. My little wiener dog would bark non-stop at Esther, who would not deserve to be yapped at.

Notable libraries of Great Britain? Can I tag along? It sounds perfect! You have a few artists on your iPod I haven’t heard of. I’m off to remedy that! Thanks so much for being my guest today, Regina!

***

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and homeschools their four children.

For more information about Regina, head to her website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

***

Sixty Acres and a Bride:

She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

What are you looking forward to now that Valentine’s Day is over?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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WSG 2: The Art of Not Writing

Writer's Survival Guide 2: The Art of Not Writing

Have you ever opened your work-in-progress and had no idea what to write next? (Yeah, I know, every day, right? Ha!) Well, this happens to me too. Inspired by the fabulous Jessica R. Patch who generously shared her vlogging tips, I decided to help you make the most of your "not" writing session, vloggy style.

Here's how I procrastinate.



If you have your own special style of avoiding writing, please share! I love to hear how you procrastinate!

Enjoy your Monday!

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Great Social Media Sites For Author Platform

I remember when I joined Twitter. I'd already taken the plunge with blogging, and I enjoyed the interaction on Facebook, but here was a new, hot, social media site and I reluctantly decided to at least check it out. For months, I barely used it because I really didn't understand it. But then something clicked, and Twitter quickly became a favorite site.


Photo by carbonnyc

Shortly after, I kept hearing about Goodreads, so I signed up, telling myself if it became too time consuming or if I just didn't like it, I could quit. Goodreads made sense to me from day one, but I use it less for networking and more as a reader to keep track of the books I've read.

Enter Google+. This site was different from the start because you needed an invitation to join. I kept wanting to try it but couldn't since no one had invited me. Lucky for me one of my local writer friends did have an account and she promptly sent me an invitation. Did I see what all the buzz about Google+ was? Not really. It seemed a mix between Twitter and Facebook to me, but I figured I'd give it a try.

The latest craze to hit social media is Pinterest. I joined a few months ago--again, I needed an invitation to join--and wondered how it would differ from the other sites I already frequented. Pinterest proved unique. It's basically a place to keep virtual bulletin boards. The only things we're sharing there are pictures (or "pins"), boards, and the occasional comment on a pin.

I often get asked which social media sites provide the best bang for an aspiring author trying to build a platform. We all are crunched for time, and we don't want to spend a drop of it on a social media site that we don't "get" or that proves ineffective at getting our name out there.

Personally, I still think Facebook is a great place for authors. If you understand Twitter and are willing to check in once or twice a day, do that too. And there's no question if you are published, you need a Goodreads account right away. But if you're on the fence about Pinterest or Google+, here's my take on them.

Google+ has a more uppity feel to it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's full of snobs! It simply doesn't have the comfort level Facebook does. Maybe it should encourage conversations, but for some reason, it doesn't. It feels more intimidating, less "friend"ly, if you know what I mean. And Google+ lacks the punchy feel of Twitter. I like Google+ enough to stay on it, but I'm not raving about it to my friends.

Pinterest, on the other hand, is perfect for writers. We can create inspiration boards for our current projects, hobby boards to appeal to fellow hobbyists, and any other type of board we feel like. Since Pinterest can be linked through our Facebook or Twitter accounts, it makes it easy to connect with contacts we already know on other sites. I haven't connected my Pinterest account to either, but I always follow back when someone follows me.

What I like the most about Pinterest is how non-threatening it is. We don't have to think up something witty to say. We don't have to worry about linking our blog to it. We can just pick pretty pictures out and put them on one of our boards. And other people get a good idea of what we're all about when they view our boards. Since so much of author platform is getting our name out in a variety of places, this is a great way to get our name out without much trauma.

If you'd like to see my boards, head to http://pinterest.com/jillkemerer/. If you haven't joined Pinterest and would like an invitation, put your e-mail into the comments section, and I'll invite you!

What social media sites do you like best?

Have a fabulous weekend!

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