Do you ponder what inspired song lyrics? Yeah, me too. Sometimes I hear words or phrases put together in song and it makes me stop and think. Which, is a good thing. If all song lyrics were boring, everyday words and there wasn’t any unique-ness to them, we wouldn’t be interested, would we? Songs would all sound the same. This one, shama-lama-ding-dong really got my attention, so I looked it up. Googling, if you will. I am proficient at Google, as most folks are these days. So…I found it was written by Mark Davis and performed by fictional band “Otis Day & The Knights” in the popular cult classic “Animal House”. Seems apropos…that movie was very unique, so a unique song with unique song lyrics blends well. For more unique-ness…let’s move on.
***
Are you always on the lookout for new reading? Yeah, me too. There’s quite a few new, interesting choices for reading out there. I’m grateful for Facebook friend authors I wouldn’t have found if not for social media, enlightening me to what’s new. Seeing as how my most recent ‘what’s new’ aka “Back Track” is still in the works, thanks to some very s-l-o-w editing and second guessing myself, it’s cool to read something completely different and give myself a brain break. It helps me keep perspective on my own writing.
I’m having lots of fun with (what else?) band fiction and music memoir by Henry Martinez and “Funky Butts”, a well penned first person fictional account of band life back in the late 80’s. The heyday of the beginnings of bands like Van Halen, Duran Duran, The Cure, Def Leppard…many more that I still listen to frequently. I grew to love and really appreciate music then. I say really because before, I simply listened to music. It was in the late 80’s when I started to appreciate and feel the music. Thus, starting my fascination with the arts in general. It was an awakening, if you will. Anywhoooo….back to Mr. Martinez…”Funky Butts” is witty, progressive, and just plain fun! It is one of my summer must read recommendations. Even if you’re not particularly fond of band fiction, I think you will enjoy the detailed account of life in a rock band. This has all the pertinent links to Mr. Martinez , or friend him on Facebook . Get a copy and enjoy!
***
Whatcha reading, or writing? Shoot me a tweet, or a text, or a message somewhere and let me know. You never know...you just might see yourself here in my blog. I seldom advertise for author profiles here anymore, I get bombarded with requests to be featured and although I understand the need for promotion anywhere and everywhere, I'm just a girl who can't say no and I can't stand to disappoint people, so I make no more promises, sadly. If I had the time I would feature every request I get, but there simply isn't enough time or energy. I love you all dearly and wish you much success and will do my small part to help out along the way. Meantime...my books can be found with the links to the right. The only way to get "LifeLoveLust" free is to order one or both of my books from my website .
The Lhasa is a little more surly than usual. He got poked in the eye yesterday at the doggie groomers and he's milking it! I can only give so much sympathy...and, it's time to find a new groomer.
This blog has been powered by Keurig and cinnamon sticks. Get some, you’ll like it. What are you reading today? It’s a hot summer day and those are in short supply in my neck of the woods so we try to enjoy them to the max while they’re here. Soon enough, we’ll be getting our snow boots and winter gear on and putting the Jeep in four wheel drive, which uses a lot more gas. Hugs all around and don’t forget to share them! It’ll warm you all over, much like that sunshine does :-D
*Hugs* ~ K
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The selling of one's soul, or...why I self publish
I don't write a lot here anymore about the writing and the publishing process. This blog has evolved into more of a stream of consciousness campfire, and I'm comfortable with that. I no longer feel the need to write here. Rather, I want to. It's a communication to the blogosphere that is my small contribution, and hopefully prompts pause for reflection, and...lots of hugs! I'm amazed at how many people I meet for the first time who seem surprised that everyone really does get hugs from me!
Oh, yes...back on topic. Writing and inspiration. Probably the most frequent question I get is why I self-published, especially for "Random Encounters". I've been told more than once, or twice, that it's a quality story and should be shopped to a publisher. I understand the question, it's a great story. Alternatively, "Bright Lights" is more of a fun project created to pay tribute to musicians whom I love so much. I did spend an extraordinary amount of time shopping "RE" to anyone and everyone who would read my query and sample chapters. The offers I received for publishing it ranged from exclusives at internet reading sites, which I'm not opposed to, to some small publishers that didn't have a budget for promotion, so that part of the contract would still have fallen on my shoulders. A lot of work that I have already done on my own, pretty much for free and expending my own energy. The only thing that would have changed would be instead of it being my own production, it would have a publishers name on it and I'd get a small (miniscule) advance. I'd still be working heavily on promotion, and probably a lot more than I've been doing on my own, mostly due to some health issues holding me back most recently. After careful consideration, I weighed the pro's and con's and decided I didn't need a publishing company name that much. I'd give up the rights to the book, it would be exclusive to one publishing outlet who had complete control over sales, profits, and where and when it could be read. I considered it 'selling my soul' and for very little in return. I decided to keep my dignity. Which is not to say that should the right offer come along, I would be opposed to it. I'm open :-D I'm beginning to believe the veterans of this business who insist one needs an agent, are right. Sometimes, it takes striking out a few times before you get the swing of the game, so to speak ;-)
On soul selling, I like to tell a story about an amazingly talented musician I know. He was about 18 years old when he really came into his musical genius and wanted to play music for the world to enjoy. He made rounds at the usual outlets of Hollywood where up and coming bands like a very young Guns n' Roses, Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat, Dangerous Toys, and the like were playing at the time. The '80's music scene was exploding. He played with his band and some other random musicians whenever he got the chance and found that the mainstream music business was seriously lacking a character trait that completely turned him away from becoming a professional musician. When it came to negotiating a recording contract, he decided he could not sell his soul in order to play on stage in big arenas. It was too big a sacrifice of his self worth. Instead, he got an education in electronics and now plays music for himself, family, and some close friends who have discovered how talented he is. He even created his own recording studio and made a CD of his music. That young 18 year old who was so wise so long ago is my son who is now all grown up with a son of his own and never regretted keeping his soul and his self worth. I've always been very proud of him. The story sound familiar? Jack Hamilton has many fine qualities of that young man I know so well. You can find Jack's story in "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey".
I often find true inspiration from people or events in my life. I prefer organic means of creating as opposed to something plastic, or manufactured. Organic seems more natural, doesn't it? I'm growing my own tomatoes, green onions and some pole beans out back, organically of course, and the vibrant colors of my petunias, roses, and flowering ground cover are thriving organically. It stands to reason the living breathing beings we are flourish organically as well. Don't you love how I start out with one subject and end up with another that is completely a whole 'nother thought? Yeah, me too :-D
BTW...I gave my website an updated, upbeat makeover. I hope you'll pay a visit there.
What's in your garden? It's not too late to grow some beautiful inspiration for your summer. Give everyone you know some good old fashioned organic hugs! It'll bring smiles all around.
Organically yours,
*Hugs* ~ K
Oh, yes...back on topic. Writing and inspiration. Probably the most frequent question I get is why I self-published, especially for "Random Encounters". I've been told more than once, or twice, that it's a quality story and should be shopped to a publisher. I understand the question, it's a great story. Alternatively, "Bright Lights" is more of a fun project created to pay tribute to musicians whom I love so much. I did spend an extraordinary amount of time shopping "RE" to anyone and everyone who would read my query and sample chapters. The offers I received for publishing it ranged from exclusives at internet reading sites, which I'm not opposed to, to some small publishers that didn't have a budget for promotion, so that part of the contract would still have fallen on my shoulders. A lot of work that I have already done on my own, pretty much for free and expending my own energy. The only thing that would have changed would be instead of it being my own production, it would have a publishers name on it and I'd get a small (miniscule) advance. I'd still be working heavily on promotion, and probably a lot more than I've been doing on my own, mostly due to some health issues holding me back most recently. After careful consideration, I weighed the pro's and con's and decided I didn't need a publishing company name that much. I'd give up the rights to the book, it would be exclusive to one publishing outlet who had complete control over sales, profits, and where and when it could be read. I considered it 'selling my soul' and for very little in return. I decided to keep my dignity. Which is not to say that should the right offer come along, I would be opposed to it. I'm open :-D I'm beginning to believe the veterans of this business who insist one needs an agent, are right. Sometimes, it takes striking out a few times before you get the swing of the game, so to speak ;-)
On soul selling, I like to tell a story about an amazingly talented musician I know. He was about 18 years old when he really came into his musical genius and wanted to play music for the world to enjoy. He made rounds at the usual outlets of Hollywood where up and coming bands like a very young Guns n' Roses, Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat, Dangerous Toys, and the like were playing at the time. The '80's music scene was exploding. He played with his band and some other random musicians whenever he got the chance and found that the mainstream music business was seriously lacking a character trait that completely turned him away from becoming a professional musician. When it came to negotiating a recording contract, he decided he could not sell his soul in order to play on stage in big arenas. It was too big a sacrifice of his self worth. Instead, he got an education in electronics and now plays music for himself, family, and some close friends who have discovered how talented he is. He even created his own recording studio and made a CD of his music. That young 18 year old who was so wise so long ago is my son who is now all grown up with a son of his own and never regretted keeping his soul and his self worth. I've always been very proud of him. The story sound familiar? Jack Hamilton has many fine qualities of that young man I know so well. You can find Jack's story in "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey".
I often find true inspiration from people or events in my life. I prefer organic means of creating as opposed to something plastic, or manufactured. Organic seems more natural, doesn't it? I'm growing my own tomatoes, green onions and some pole beans out back, organically of course, and the vibrant colors of my petunias, roses, and flowering ground cover are thriving organically. It stands to reason the living breathing beings we are flourish organically as well. Don't you love how I start out with one subject and end up with another that is completely a whole 'nother thought? Yeah, me too :-D
BTW...I gave my website an updated, upbeat makeover. I hope you'll pay a visit there.
What's in your garden? It's not too late to grow some beautiful inspiration for your summer. Give everyone you know some good old fashioned organic hugs! It'll bring smiles all around.
Organically yours,
*Hugs* ~ K
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Like the corners of my mind...misty water colored memories...
You just know you're gonna have that song stuck in your head now, don't you? There are worst things than a visual of a young Robert Redford! Ah...those were the days. Which is a whole 'nother song and you don't want the pic of what goes with that song in your dreams, now do you? :)
Memories...you know how when you come across stuff that you haven't seen for a long time? And you wonder, what is that stuff? What's under the magazines or folded up old blankets or tablecloths or whatever is situated on top of the box and you find treasures that you haven't seen in years? Yeah...I knew that you did. My question is, what do you do with all that stuff? I mean, at this point it really isn't important stuff anymore. Cause, if it was it wouldn't have been packed away out of sight for so long.
More than what to do with it, what to do with all of the memories that go along with all that stuff that we collected so long ago. If we purge ourselves of the stuff that's taking up so much space, will those memories fade or be less real to us? Inquiring minds want to know. In any case, I see a trip to the local thrift shop to donate some of that stuff for people who might have less stuff and need it. They can start building their own memories with it.
Memories...you know how when you come across stuff that you haven't seen for a long time? And you wonder, what is that stuff? What's under the magazines or folded up old blankets or tablecloths or whatever is situated on top of the box and you find treasures that you haven't seen in years? Yeah...I knew that you did. My question is, what do you do with all that stuff? I mean, at this point it really isn't important stuff anymore. Cause, if it was it wouldn't have been packed away out of sight for so long.
More than what to do with it, what to do with all of the memories that go along with all that stuff that we collected so long ago. If we purge ourselves of the stuff that's taking up so much space, will those memories fade or be less real to us? Inquiring minds want to know. In any case, I see a trip to the local thrift shop to donate some of that stuff for people who might have less stuff and need it. They can start building their own memories with it.
***
As I type, I'm listening to the evening news for an update of the most pressing newsworthy items of the day. Some folks I know don't ever listen to the news at all, since it's mostly bad news. I don't see it that way. I see it as being informed of what's going on in the event there is something I can do to help. Like, donate some of that stuff, or money, to the folks back East suffering from the storm damage. Or those my heart bleeds for that have lost their entire lives in the wild fires in the Midwest. Perhaps some stuff donated to their local thrift shops will help them re-build what they've lost. In a round about way, I guess what goes around comes around as I might be in a position to need a helping hand some day and would hope there are those with big hearts who could help.
Side note on the storm front: My favorite music happiness "Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers" had a show scheduled in Falls Church, VA long before the storm hit and did so much damage there. They were on the road with many shows prior to that scheduled show and many after and in the spirit of the show will go on no matter what, sans power or a safe structure to have the scheduled show with, they had a parking lot acoustic show to try to help a few very lucky people forget their troubles at least for a little while, and bring some kind of relief from the disaster that struck. They could have passed it up and gone on up the road and taken a day off from their long touring schedule. These guys wouldn't think of it! I'll bet that small audience got just about the best, most intimate show ever! The band gives it their all no matter the circumstances. It's one of the reasons I adore them. Here's some of the fun
***
Lastly, I'm from a generation and a culture within our country that prides itself on, well...pride. I've been rather embarrassed, or perhaps self conscious is a better description, of how my deteriorating physical condition causes some depression (the meds also play a part in that). The very realization that I cannot, no matter how hard I push myself and try to force it, just cannot do the things I used to. It makes me sad for what the future holds as far as me being able to do things for myself. I s'pose that's why I held out getting rid of Big Red for so long. I knew in my heart it was the first step to being able to do less and making the necessary changes to accommodate. I think what makes me saddest is that as a result of those snippets of depression, I've been writing less and less and that's not normal! I don't care how often the dr. says this is my new normal, it's hard to accept. I've always been fiercely independent, so I'll have to find a way to stay that way. So, if you see that I'm absent hereabouts, just give me a good swift kick and a Gibbs "slap" with a commanding "snap-outof-it"!
Hug everybody today, and hugs and big thank you to those of you who never lose faith in me. Sometimes, that's what keeps me going. I shall now return to the ongoing-never-ending process of editing "Back Track". I'm determined to get this book finished and released, no matter what it takes!
Links to e-reader versions and paper (yes, paper!) copies of my books at my website.
*Hugs* ~ K
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