Thursday, March 24, 2011
YAY! Go awesome authors!
Ok Guys, I can't really do a long post right now, because I'm in the middle of jamming out another chapter in my book. I promised I'd post a picture of me and Keary Taylor, One of my top 5 favorite authors if I could get one with her. Well she was awesome and the night before she left town she allowed me to come and take one with her. FYI I promise I'm not as fat as I look in the picture. HAHA I was freezing and had on like 4 shirts under my sweater. Not to mention my camera doesn't like me sometimes. :) If you don't believe me just look at my picture with Brandon Mull, I took those two pictures with the same camera in under a weeks time. Don't ask me... sometimes I think my camera gets mad at me for not using it very much yet. That's it's pay back. To make me feel fat... lol Anyways. I'm going to get back to writing my novel. Love to you all! Whoever you all are. :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
WOW!! This has been an Amazing week so far!!
It's been a crazy past couple of days. If I can say so myself, which I do.
On Tuesday, one of my favorite authors; Brandon Mull, had a launch party for his new book: Beyonders. Which I'm TOTALLY stoked to read. He's a New York Times Best-Selling author with his Fablehaven series. Which is one of my ALL TIME favorite series. LOVE IT! He's also written a children's book, titled, Pingo. Way cute!
Anyways, I'm an exclusive/platinum member of Deseret Book. Which is one of the main places he started selling his books I guess. So I got this email about his launch party, and a couple of his book signings at different locations. There was information about a pre-launch, signing party. I had to go. So I texted my hubby and told him,
"hurry home from work, there's somewhere I really REALLY want to go tonight!!"
He gets home and we head up to the pre-launch, signing. We get there and I'm able to get my last two Fablehaven books autographed. As well as the new one, one for me, and one for my mom, and a copy of Pingo.
Well I was there shopping for awhile and there was a small gap where no one was there getting books signed. This really surprised me because usually when he does a signing it's pretty packed. So I went and asked him about it and he said that he didn't really want to publicize the pre-signing party because last year he was almost late to the Launch Party because there were so many people there. (So I guess I'm lucky that I'm a platinum member and got the email. lol)
I asked him, sort of shyly, if I could maybe have a picture with him and get some advice on writing and being an author. What do you think he said?
Can I just say, he is such a Great Guy?!?! Not only is he a great author, writer, and role-model to look up to. He's an great guy! He sat with me and talked with me giving me advice for at least a good 15 minutes or so before someone else came. A couple people came and got their books signed and I continued to write the notes that he had told me. Then we finished our conversation and we both took off. My hubby and I then went to dinner and then the launch party, which by the way, was AWESOME!!! It was seriously, a Party. Comedy, skits, a trailer for his new book, etc. It was great!!!
I ended up being able to also go to his signing Wednesday as well. I took my mom's copy of Fablehaven down to get her books autographed as well. I also called up my husbands best friend, (my husband and I got him the first Fablehaven for Christmas last year) who has also fallen in love with the Fablehaven series, to get his copies signed. Brandon also gave him advice on writing and becoming an author when he asked some questions while Brandon was signing.
Can I just say that Brandon Mull is an amazing guy?!? Even if I hadn't loved his writing style and the messages his books have, I'd still think he was a really nice guy. He is definitely in my top 5 Favorite authors. :)
Check out his website sometime, he's a Great Author, and a Great guy!
BrandonMull.com/
Ok so there is that part of Day One And Day two of awesomeness on meeting Brandon.
Second part of awesomeness....
Wednesday I also got an opportunity to meet with another one of my top 5 favorite authors! YAY!!!! (I know right?!?! I've totally had an amazing week!!!)
If you've read my last blog post, you'll know who I'm talking about I mentioned her in it. Yes, it's Keary Taylor. The author who finally inspired me to start writing again. The author who has inspired me to keep going. She is one of the NICEST and SWEETEST people I've ever met! She also was willing to sit down with me and give me advice on becoming an author. On being a writer, and the process of what it takes to create a good book, and get it published. She's Amazing to say the least. I forgot while I was there to ask to get a picture with her, I'm hoping I'll get one in the next short while and when I do I'll post it on here. She is one of my other authors I know that I can look to for inspiration. (obviously seen how I already have gotten inspiration from her) I know she's a great person, and a great author and someone else that I would definitely consider as a good role-model to look up to... She is so Awesome! She even took the time to read some of my work and give me pointers and advice. After I left, my wheels were already turning and it just got better as the day went on. I've come up with so much more of my story-line, as well as changed some of my previous story-line to make it better than what it was! THANK YOU KEARY!!!!! Once again here is Keary's website: KearyTaylor.com
(If you haven't noticed yet, I'll just let you know now. If I write about an author I like, or do a review, etc. on one of their books. I'll always have a link to go to their website or more information about their writing. I believe in word of mouth, and if I like someone, I'm Definitely willing to help spread the word and help Promote their work. Being a dancer all my life, I know that life can be rough being an artist. Authors to me, are also artists, their books are a part of them and their work. I love artists and I love being an artist, and I love helping out fellow artists.)
"All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." -Eckhart Tolle
I want to personally thank both Brandon Mull as well as Keary Taylor for taking the time to give me pointers, advice, and inspiration. They have both definitely helped me and I know that I'll be getting a BIG chunk of writing done throughout this week. Hooray!!! I'm looking forward to continuing my writing on my first novel. I'm so excited to see where this journey will take me next!
~Kimberly Lunnen
On Tuesday, one of my favorite authors; Brandon Mull, had a launch party for his new book: Beyonders. Which I'm TOTALLY stoked to read. He's a New York Times Best-Selling author with his Fablehaven series. Which is one of my ALL TIME favorite series. LOVE IT! He's also written a children's book, titled, Pingo. Way cute!
Anyways, I'm an exclusive/platinum member of Deseret Book. Which is one of the main places he started selling his books I guess. So I got this email about his launch party, and a couple of his book signings at different locations. There was information about a pre-launch, signing party. I had to go. So I texted my hubby and told him,
"hurry home from work, there's somewhere I really REALLY want to go tonight!!"
He gets home and we head up to the pre-launch, signing. We get there and I'm able to get my last two Fablehaven books autographed. As well as the new one, one for me, and one for my mom, and a copy of Pingo.
Well I was there shopping for awhile and there was a small gap where no one was there getting books signed. This really surprised me because usually when he does a signing it's pretty packed. So I went and asked him about it and he said that he didn't really want to publicize the pre-signing party because last year he was almost late to the Launch Party because there were so many people there. (So I guess I'm lucky that I'm a platinum member and got the email. lol)
I asked him, sort of shyly, if I could maybe have a picture with him and get some advice on writing and being an author. What do you think he said?
I ended up being able to also go to his signing Wednesday as well. I took my mom's copy of Fablehaven down to get her books autographed as well. I also called up my husbands best friend, (my husband and I got him the first Fablehaven for Christmas last year) who has also fallen in love with the Fablehaven series, to get his copies signed. Brandon also gave him advice on writing and becoming an author when he asked some questions while Brandon was signing.
Can I just say that Brandon Mull is an amazing guy?!? Even if I hadn't loved his writing style and the messages his books have, I'd still think he was a really nice guy. He is definitely in my top 5 Favorite authors. :)
Check out his website sometime, he's a Great Author, and a Great guy!
BrandonMull.com/
Second part of awesomeness....
Wednesday I also got an opportunity to meet with another one of my top 5 favorite authors! YAY!!!! (I know right?!?! I've totally had an amazing week!!!)
If you've read my last blog post, you'll know who I'm talking about I mentioned her in it. Yes, it's Keary Taylor. The author who finally inspired me to start writing again. The author who has inspired me to keep going. She is one of the NICEST and SWEETEST people I've ever met! She also was willing to sit down with me and give me advice on becoming an author. On being a writer, and the process of what it takes to create a good book, and get it published. She's Amazing to say the least. I forgot while I was there to ask to get a picture with her, I'm hoping I'll get one in the next short while and when I do I'll post it on here. She is one of my other authors I know that I can look to for inspiration. (obviously seen how I already have gotten inspiration from her) I know she's a great person, and a great author and someone else that I would definitely consider as a good role-model to look up to... She is so Awesome! She even took the time to read some of my work and give me pointers and advice. After I left, my wheels were already turning and it just got better as the day went on. I've come up with so much more of my story-line, as well as changed some of my previous story-line to make it better than what it was! THANK YOU KEARY!!!!! Once again here is Keary's website: KearyTaylor.com
(If you haven't noticed yet, I'll just let you know now. If I write about an author I like, or do a review, etc. on one of their books. I'll always have a link to go to their website or more information about their writing. I believe in word of mouth, and if I like someone, I'm Definitely willing to help spread the word and help Promote their work. Being a dancer all my life, I know that life can be rough being an artist. Authors to me, are also artists, their books are a part of them and their work. I love artists and I love being an artist, and I love helping out fellow artists.)
"All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." -Eckhart Tolle
I want to personally thank both Brandon Mull as well as Keary Taylor for taking the time to give me pointers, advice, and inspiration. They have both definitely helped me and I know that I'll be getting a BIG chunk of writing done throughout this week. Hooray!!! I'm looking forward to continuing my writing on my first novel. I'm so excited to see where this journey will take me next!
~Kimberly Lunnen
Monday, March 14, 2011
Book Writing Myths-
So I've been surfing the web for advice. Advice on writing a book, becoming an author, myths about those, and well anything related to writing and books. I found a couple myths about writing and it was intriguing to read the answers or the 'truth' about them.
http://www.bookproposalwriting.com/bookproposal/012-book-writing-myths.php
Here is what I think about them....
The first one they listed was:
It takes special talent to write a book.
I agree with their answer on the truth. It doesn't take anything too special as long as you can write. However what I also think is that depending on the readers and what audience you are trying to reach out to, or grab attention from; you need an imagination, and creativity. I know that there are some people who are well educated and are really great writers, but I couldn't hold onto their books and their stories. There are some people who started writing and are not necessarily as educated as others, yet I can't put their books down. So I agree with them, but then I also sort of disagree, because for me, it takes an authors imagination and creativity to grab me and pull me in.
Second:
Writers starve in garrets.
I agree totally with the 'truth'. If you can write a good book and you can sell it, then you won't be starving. However if you aren't selling any of your novels and they just flop down to nothing, then I agree with the myth. I guess it just depends on how well you are liked as an author. (If I am able to make it and become and author, I hope I'm liked and I can sell at least a novel or two. That would just suck if I put a TON of work into something and it just flopped. ;) )
Third:
It's hard to sell a book.
This is debatable in my mind still... I'm scared that I'm really just pretending I can write and then nothing gets sold and I flop as an author. However, those who are good writers and can come up with great novels, then I agree. Because once you start selling and you get your name out, then people will start reading and then if they like it referring. And the referral list can just go on and on and on.
Fourth:
You need to know someone to get a book Published.
Ok, so obviously knowing someone helps. However I agree with them you don't always need to know someone.
One of my favorite authors, (who finally inspired me to start writing again and pursue this crazy dream of mine) is an independent-publisher, who has already made quite an impact on me and I know on others. Not to mention she's made not only a top 100 selling ebooks list, she's also made the top 10, the top 5, as well as holding the #1 position. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I'm not too scared about the myth of needing to know someone.... lol... but just in case, I'm glad I do know someone who I could go to for advice! Someone who I look up to with a GREAT deal of respect and appreciation. Not just because she's an amazing writer, author, publisher, inspiration, but because she is someone who is worthy of the title: Role-Model. I hope she knows who she is and that I'm talking about her. If not I'll make it very blunt. I personally want to show appreciation and respect to this wonderful woman by the name of Keary Taylor. I didn't even have the courage to shoot for the stars on becoming a writer, until you inspired me. Even if I never do become an author or even sell one book in my entire life, you've taught me something that no one else could have ever taught me. I owe so much to you for that. These words will never be enough, but for lack of better words, Thank you, for everything, you've done for me, are doing for me, and I know will continue doing for me. I say that, because even if you never did anything personally for me, you continue to inspire, teach, and help me without knowing it. So seriously, Thank you for everything. :) I will always continue to follow, read, and refer ALL of your work to anyone who will listen.
~Yours Truly
The aspiring writer:
Kimberly Lunnen
For more information on the mentioned author, please visit her website:
http://kearytaylor.com/
She's Amazing!
http://www.bookproposalwriting.com/bookproposal/012-book-writing-myths.php
Here is what I think about them....
The first one they listed was:
It takes special talent to write a book.
I agree with their answer on the truth. It doesn't take anything too special as long as you can write. However what I also think is that depending on the readers and what audience you are trying to reach out to, or grab attention from; you need an imagination, and creativity. I know that there are some people who are well educated and are really great writers, but I couldn't hold onto their books and their stories. There are some people who started writing and are not necessarily as educated as others, yet I can't put their books down. So I agree with them, but then I also sort of disagree, because for me, it takes an authors imagination and creativity to grab me and pull me in.
Second:
Writers starve in garrets.
I agree totally with the 'truth'. If you can write a good book and you can sell it, then you won't be starving. However if you aren't selling any of your novels and they just flop down to nothing, then I agree with the myth. I guess it just depends on how well you are liked as an author. (If I am able to make it and become and author, I hope I'm liked and I can sell at least a novel or two. That would just suck if I put a TON of work into something and it just flopped. ;) )
Third:
It's hard to sell a book.
This is debatable in my mind still... I'm scared that I'm really just pretending I can write and then nothing gets sold and I flop as an author. However, those who are good writers and can come up with great novels, then I agree. Because once you start selling and you get your name out, then people will start reading and then if they like it referring. And the referral list can just go on and on and on.
Fourth:
You need to know someone to get a book Published.
Ok, so obviously knowing someone helps. However I agree with them you don't always need to know someone.
One of my favorite authors, (who finally inspired me to start writing again and pursue this crazy dream of mine) is an independent-publisher, who has already made quite an impact on me and I know on others. Not to mention she's made not only a top 100 selling ebooks list, she's also made the top 10, the top 5, as well as holding the #1 position. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I'm not too scared about the myth of needing to know someone.... lol... but just in case, I'm glad I do know someone who I could go to for advice! Someone who I look up to with a GREAT deal of respect and appreciation. Not just because she's an amazing writer, author, publisher, inspiration, but because she is someone who is worthy of the title: Role-Model. I hope she knows who she is and that I'm talking about her. If not I'll make it very blunt. I personally want to show appreciation and respect to this wonderful woman by the name of Keary Taylor. I didn't even have the courage to shoot for the stars on becoming a writer, until you inspired me. Even if I never do become an author or even sell one book in my entire life, you've taught me something that no one else could have ever taught me. I owe so much to you for that. These words will never be enough, but for lack of better words, Thank you, for everything, you've done for me, are doing for me, and I know will continue doing for me. I say that, because even if you never did anything personally for me, you continue to inspire, teach, and help me without knowing it. So seriously, Thank you for everything. :) I will always continue to follow, read, and refer ALL of your work to anyone who will listen.
~Yours Truly
The aspiring writer:
Kimberly Lunnen
For more information on the mentioned author, please visit her website:
http://kearytaylor.com/
She's Amazing!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Beginning
Well here it goes! Wish me luck!
I've decided I'm going to become a writer, and that means I need to be in a writers mind-frame. Which also means that I need to be writing each and everyday. No matter what. So I'm starting a writers Blog. So that when I'm having writers block and can't work on my novel, I'll be able to also write on here. That way I can continually write somewhere and have it mean something to me.
I haven't come up with a title yet, for the main novel/story that I'm working on yet, or the other ideas that are consistently coming in and plaguing my thoughts and mind. Which I love! I'm really enjoying having something to help me get my mind off of the pain, and the sadness of losing part of my life; dance. Because I know that, although I've lost the choice when it comes to dance, I'll never really lose it. Not really anyways. However it is exactly as Andre' Gide said in 1894. "The most beautiful things are those that madness prompts and reason writes." That is exactly what happened for me. In the middle of a break-down, in the middle of the night, it came to me and I knew exactly what I was to write about.
So here it goes, I've already started, now there is no turning back. Just pray that this will work out and that I'm not as bad of a writer as I could be.... :)
“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” E. L. Doctorow
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