Would you Like to Write a Book?

November 20, 2018Leave a comment

Do you have a message the world needs? It’s simpler than ever to write a book and share it with the world, but the marketing part of things can be a little overwhelming. And truth be told, most books – even from the Big Five publishers – sell an average of 200 copies. None of us want that after we’ve invested so much in writing a book. And just to be clear, I’m not what I’d call a successful author. I did a lot of things wrong with my first book and there are some mistakes I won’t make again – and maybe I’ll make a whole new set of mistakes with my next book. I’m a work in progress, we all are. I do know some things NOT to do… and believe me – that’s important information!

If you’ve been looking around out there for great resources that will show you what to do and how to do it, all the while hoping that it comes with an affordable price tag… well, that might not exist – but pretty close. Educating yourself is going to cost you something, time… money… you name it. Education is costly. Good news: You’re worth the investment! I spent some time in the Stanford Creative Writing Program ($$$), I hired coaches and took classes ($$$$), I even did an internship. In short, I spent a great deal of time and money! Knowing what I now know… I would do some of that differently. I would invest my resources very differently! Experience is a great teacher!

In short, I’m no book guru. I can’t show you my sales figures with all the commas and zeros, and I won’t point out my extensive list of 6-figure successes! lol! I have learned a few things the hard way, and that’s a great place to begin. I also believe that the best way to learn something and really get it to sink in is to turn around and share what you’re learning.

I’ve created a Patreon Community where you can come behind the scenes with me and explore what it’s like to be an author and owner of a brand. I’m very transparent in this community about What, How, and most importantly… Why? I do what I do. There is a small investment – like anything worth doing – this is an investment in your own dream of becoming a published author. Learn more…

I’ve also created a Facebook group called the Tiny House Authors, and you don’t have to live in a tiny house to be involved! Join now! Let’s explore the business of books together!

Thanks so much for reading, I really appreciate it!

Honor Your Health

November 19, 2018November 19, 2018Leave a comment

I recently met author Karen Creamer, RN. I heard her speak at a Writer’s Conference and I was immediately intrigued by her message.

If you ever wanted an open minded friend to explore some alternative health options and report in on what works and what doesn’t… well… Karen is that friend! Having had a harrowing experience with the medical profession during the birth of her first child, Karen was determined to learn for herself how to help people on the path to wellness with compassion, warmth, and wit. The stories in this book are literal page-turners! I could not put it down. Secondly, Karen goes through a whole list of methods of alternative health and self care that can be very helpful and she shares her experience with each of them and makes recommendations – including helpful resources to explore for more in-depth learning. I found these suggestions very helpful and the stories engaging.

The book is an empowering look at common sense self care in a world where health care is paying more attention to their computer screens than they are to their patients. I was impressed with her encouragement to choose effective holistic health methods and be a advocate for your own health with the medical profession to create a life of clarity, comfort, and connection. I think you’ll find this book an empowering read.

Find Karen Creamer’s book here: Honor Your Health

Check out her website here: KarenCreamer.com

Find her on Facebook here: Karen Creamer Author

Simply,

Meeting my new Book for the First Time!

March 13, 2018Leave a comment

Xaver joins me in the Tiny House Foodie kitchen as I open the packet and pull out the proof of my new book. This is a pretty exciting moment for me as I’ve been working on this project for quite some time and it’s really fun to see it get to this stage!

My new book helps you navigate the transition to life in a tiny haven-home – especially the kitchen. This is not a cookbook. It is, rather, a philosophy of purposeful simplicity. This is the “FESTIVAL COPY” that will only be available in person at tiny house festivals. (See the EVENTS page so you know where we will be.) In May the book will be available for pre-order on Amazon, and in June the book will be available all over the place. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of the book in Amazon and Goodread reviews!

Cooking for Ghosts on the RMS Queen Mary

July 12, 2017Leave a comment

Last week we traveled to California for a Foodie Fiction event featuring a recipe I created that is inspired by a book my friend Patricia V. Davis released last October, and she has a new one coming in October this year. This event was a delight and I look forward to many more.

The Queen Mary

July 4, 2017Leave a comment

I’m very excited to be in Long Beach California this week in preparation for a event on the RMS Queen Mary. A recipe I created is being demonstrated by the Chef of the Queen Mary, along with a recipe from her sailing days. This is all part of a book event featuring Cooking For Ghosts, a novel by Patricia V. Davis, and the first in a trilogy. I read the book (I could not put it down!) and was inspired to create the recipe, and here we are. It is lovely to be back in Southern California enjoying the sea air, interesting people, and the yummy food. It is beautiful here! Plus, here is a photo of the passion fruit hanging at the entrance to our AirBNB host’s garden. We will spend a few days on the Queen Mary as well, it’s will be a lovely week of hanging out with friends, eating great food, and maybe even doing a little shopping.

With love from our Californian adventure,

Carmen

Slightly South of Simple

May 12, 2017May 23, 20172 Comments

When I read that the daughters would all be descending on their Mom’s home at the ocean, this was not the story I pictured. It’s so much more. The twists and turns of “Slightly South of Simple” by Kristy Woodsen Harvey are remarkable and thoughtfully written. As a designer myself, I loved the way the author wove the world of Ansley’s design business, then took a half turn and wrote the world of lapping ocean waves and sandy beaches just as beautifully. More than the beach atmosphere of the book is the complexity of the women that come to visit their mum, without asking, and all at once.

I had a pretty good idea of what this book would be, judging from the cover, but it surprised me. I instantly disliked the self absorbed Caroline, but she proves that there is room in her heart for her sisters. I felt nothing at all in common with Sloane whose husband is off at war, but near the end I was drawn into her peculiar heartbreak, and the way the family enfolds her in their arms. Emerson who juices a truck load of kale each day, has a secret, and the reader wonders if the sisters will be able to absorb her truth.

Ansley was my favorite character. Perhaps it’s because I identified with her line of work as an interior designer, or maybe it’s her personal story of infertility that had a few very interesting twists of it’s own, having dealt with infertility myself. Maybe it’s the feud with the neighbor next door. Who hasn’t had that crazy neighbor?! Perhaps it’s the love she didn’t want to acknowledge or explore, though he was right there in her peripheral vision at all times. All of these aspects of Ansley, and the unexpected twists in her story made her my favorite character as I read this book.

Perhaps the best part of this book is the sense that these characters are all still there and we can read more about their lives in another book, and then another, and another (I hope!). I look forward to reading more from Kristy Woodson Harvey.

The Memory of Things

May 12, 2017May 15, 20172 Comments

I wanted to read this book because so many of my friends were talking about it. So I added it to my cart on Amazon when I found out it was finally available. I’d had a long day so I sat down to read and the first chapter of the book reached out and took hold of my heart and didn’t let go until I closed the book later that evening, finished. What a beautiful, delicate, marvel of a book. I loved this one so much that I’ll look up some of Ms. Polisner’s other books and read those also. Count me a fan.

Carmen Shenk

Faith, Art & Tiny Houses

Tag: author