“Kiss and Thrill” and a chance to win a T-shirt and books!
I’m over at the fun “Kiss and Thrill” blog today, talking writing and books with author Carey Baldwin. Stop by and make a comment for a chance to win one of the “A great book…a grand adventure” T-shirts and signed copies of SAINT’S GATE and SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER!
Have a great day, everyone,
Carla
Happy Valentine’s Day
Today’s a day to remember all those we love, whether past or present. And to be so grateful that love has made our life more fulfilling.
The expression of love takes many forms today. For most, it’s cards, candy and flowers and perhaps a romance novel to make the day even more special.
My own day started by being featured–along with other authors–in today’s edition of USA TODAY. I discuss how romance novels enhance a loving relationship. You can read more here.
Long and Short Reviews also interviewed me and I’m describing my love of Massachusetts, the Swift River and history of the Quabbin Reservoir. Yes, yet another form of love, my own personal history. You can read more about SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER and how I came to write this novel by reading the interview at Long and Short Reviews.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Carla
Secrets of the Lost Summer
With SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER just out today, I’m doing radio interviews around the country. Just chatted with Irene on “Mighty Mess” in Oak Grove, LA, and with Kathy in Indianapolis — from my office on my hilltop in Vermont. I love going on the road but it’s fun to talk to people in different parts of the country while I watch the snow fall on our hilltop! My interviews are listed on my website calendar if you’re curious.
Meanwhile, I’ve been thinking about places I’d like to visit. In SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER, Olivia is nervous about flying, and her sister wants to go to Paris and her mother wants to drive the California Pacific Coast Highway…but will they? Are there places you dream of visiting? I’m thinking Paris would be nice. 
Have a great day, everyone!
Carla
Grouse in the ice
Icy day today but just had a visit from a cute grouse to our crabapple tree.
Video for SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER
For the “story behind the story” of SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER (on sale January 31), check out the short video of scenes of the beautiful Swift River Valley in west-central Massachusetts where I grew up and the story is set. I talk about my connections to this area and a bit of the background of the story and the picturesque Quabbin Reservoir. Joe and I took most of the photos and all the video clips.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Southwest Irish Coast
Thinking about Ireland today…as we look forward to having our gang here in Vermont for Christmas. I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season!
Autumn in Vermont
What a beautiful time of year. HERON’S COVE, next up after SAINT’S GATE in my new Sharpe & Donovan series, takes place in autumn. Inspiration!
Goodbye to summer…
A summer walk at Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville…what a beautiful morning that was.
The writing life: dedication
Lately one of the most common questions I get from readers and writers (aspiring and published) is: how do you handle the inevitable ups and downs of a writing career? I suspect the frequency of this question arises from the uncertainties of the times in which we live and write. Publishing is undergoing seismic changes. The economy feels like it’s one curve away from a repeat of disaster. Many of us are cleaning up and rebuilding after catastrophic natural disasters.
The name of this blog, “Out on a Limb,” comes from my early writing days as a kid, when I’d climb a tree with a pad and pen, sit up on my favorite branch and spin stories. I’d look out toward the wilderness of the vast Quabbin reservoir and dream of being a published writer. I worked hard and slowly but surely I started to let people read my works-in-progress. First, my sisters. Then, a friend. Then, a high school teacher. Eventually, not long after my first child was born, I submitted my work to an agent, and she took me on and I sold my first books.
I don’t know a writer who hasn’t faced the slings and arrows that can come with a writing career — or any career! It’s easy to tell writers to develop a thick skin and to persevere in the face of rejection and disappointment, but that sounds like a slog in a bug-infested swamp to me. I’ve learned to think a little differently. What I am — what I’ve been since I was a kid up on my favorite sugar maple branch — is dedicated to my writing. My passion and excitement for writing are as strong now as they were when I was eleven up in that tree.
Dedication is what allows us to be open-minded, to grow and to learn…to take risks…to hope…to keep writing even in the face of crushing rejection and heart-breaking disappointment. A writer I know recently encountered a difficult and unexpected career setback. She didn’t pretend it didn’t happen: she got in touch with the emotions that come with having high hopes dashed. Then she got back to writing. Why? Dedication. She cares about what she does, and her excitement, passion, enthusiasm and love of the work brought her back to it.
In his excellent book, THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE: HOW TO BE BRILLIANT AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE, Todd Henry says, “Our best creative work comes from a mindset of abundance and generosity rather than one of scarcity.” Yes! In my view, dedication to our writing frees us to take the steps that we need to take in order to create in “a climate of abundance.”
It’s more fun, too. 
Have a great day, everyone,
Carla
Portsmouth!
Just a quick post as I get ready to speak on creative focus, vision and dedication here in Portsmouth, NH, and the local RWA group’s “Fall Fling” conference. I see sunshine and blue sky breaking through the clouds above the harbor!
Two books in particular helped me prepare for this speech. One is a longtime favorite, A WRITER’S TIME by Kenneth Atchity. The other is new to me and I think it’s fabulous — THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE by Todd Henry. I highly recommend both books to any writer.
But, more later. I have to checkout of my hotel room and get busy!
Have a great day, everyone.
Carla
