Tag: Indie Authors

Christmas Newsletter 2016

Posted on by Caroline Clemens

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Welcome to my blog! I’m so glad you found me, let me tell you a little about me. I’ve been blogging since 2011 and have learned more than I could ever have hoped. It’s like there’s a whole other world out there for sharing and appreciating; makes me feel so grown up! I feel as though the light has been turned ON. I definitely know I found this at the right time as I was looking for more in my life. Why?

Well, I had completed my task list and had dismissed myself to the wayside. Have you ever done that? So I began to concentrate on me and did a couple things but something was missing, that feel or engagement of sorts. Let’s say you attend a musical or play or concert and you just love it. That feeling stays with you for quite sometime. I was missing the concert, or concerto.

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Now I feel as though I don’t have enough time in the day; I mean come on God I need 48 hours for every day. Smiles. I’ll prioritize again, very soon, but first I’m launching this writing thing that began back in 2011. I have books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, mostly digital save for one that I spent money to get published from a small press. They did a fantastic job and I was never more proud to have a book of my own. I didn’t break the bank as I’m a bit frugal and handle my finances very well.

Last night though, I transformed my digital stories into print books, low cost to purchase right on Amazon. God Bless Amazon! Seriously, after five years of learning every detail myself, someone was there to take my hand and say, okay here’s the final step. Let’s see if we can’t find you some readers and make a little money for your hard earned efforts. We’ll see. I’m as happy as a ………

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Christmas has always been special for me and I don’t remember ever being depressed at this time. I know what sadness is maybe even depression but I never carried it for a long time. I’ve had some hits in my life and I honestly don’t know why but I’m wired to get up every time and start over again. If you are sad or depressed at this time reach out just a little and find someone to have a talk with. That helps tremendously. Coffee and a good chat!

Back to the books and what am I grateful for at this time of the year? Simply the people in my life and the zest for which I live. I’m a list maker and a doer. My husband stood by me for years as we struggled with infertility (the quiet killer of dreams) and now I stand with him as he makes a new career for himself moving forward. I’m proud of him for making that change after 32 years at the same institution. I love change and he doesn’t. Talk about opposites.

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Here’s to the next step in life for both of us! I’m just getting started and have more stories to write. I’ve entered contests with cash prizes. Yes! Say a prayer for me and I have already started on a tiny lighthouse Christmas tale. For now go to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and find me there under Caroline Clemens, my pen name.  Twitter

Carpe Diem and Merry Christmas with a Blessed New Year! Caroline Clemens

This post is dedicated to Susie Lindau’s #Blessed Project at  #BlessedProject@WildRide

Blogger @theivorytide.com Amazon Purchase

Photography by Me I Have An Amazon Page!

My husband Mike (aka Hemmingway), lights and cabin via Marybeth & Brian’s place.

*Oh my having trouble getting my novel to convert into print! This is distressing for the life of a self-pubbed writer. One in draft, the other not working. Update later ….

* Update on Twitter

Into the Vines by Kim Troike

Posted on by Caroline Clemens

YES, it’s here! I did it and believe it or not, I want to do it again. What is IT that is so fascinating? IT has taken three years to write my full length novel titled “Into the Vines.” The ideas came from everywhere and I loved it. Sometimes the novel wrote itself; I kid you not!

What’s it about you ask? Well, I heard this around the net water cooler. “Go read it for yourself.”

That is wonderful advice. As soon as the links are available I’ll have them here with confetti and ribbons and music. Yes, of course there will be music. I’ll need to think of a few songs.

Over the next few months I will be promoting this beautiful endeavor that consumed me, as I wanted to put forth the best effort I could. Now that’s just who I am, you know … born that way. Saddle up and go for a ride as I take you through trails far, far away, from January 21st until May 1st about ‘how and why’ on earth did I ever decide, write and finish my novel. Now that’s a long sentence, phew!

I’m smiling and laughing and kinda thinking that this is a lonely business, writing and all. But, I’m not a loner just comfortable in my own skin. That is until I start writing and then I come out of my skin like a snake. Ha-ha, gotcha. Seriously, thanks for stopping by. I’ve entered my novel in a few contests to see if it measures up to my own expectations. I’m self published and thank XLibris for formatting my masterpiece. I wanted that professional look for an easier read. See you around the campfire listening to a couple of guitar melodies.

Please visit gardenlilie.com and theivorytide for the cover release!

Kim Troike

Decatur Book Festival

Posted on by Caroline Clemens

Decatur Book FestivalThe Decatur Book Festival was this past weekend in downtown Decatur, Georgia. This is the second year I have attended this event. Last year my family and I attended; we walked around for hours listening to some of the speakers. Google Images.

Decatur Book FestivalThis year I entered my books and participated in the emerging authors venue. Our books were displayed on tables and sold by volunteers in the tent. Some authors purchased time to give a short speech or blurb about their books; this helps to sell books. Last year the emerging authors tent sold 7,000 books, a huge encouragement for new authors. That’s a lot of books! Google Images.

Decatur Book FestivalJoyce Carol Oates was the keynote speaker and here is a cover of one of her books. Other speakers gave talks at various places around downtown Decatur. My sister and I had hoped to hear Mary Kay Andrews, who spoke at the Presbyterian Church, but missed her talk. They had skits and poetry for children and also shopping and eating available. Google Images.

Decatur Book Festival Several breweries are nearby and this is a big draw for beer lovers. We tasted several kinds here at the Brick Store including Three Taverns Single Intent. Google Images.

Decatur Book FestivalThis is the Brick Store upstairs inside view with an extremely cozy atmosphere. I think the stone and wood combined with the glasses and lantern lighting make this a pretty photo by Kirk Adams.

Decatur Book FestivalThe festival is eclectic and has something for everyone. Vendors from all over offer authentic tastes and gifts, not to mention books galore. My daughter purchased a necklace handcrafted by a lady using silver, pearls and leather. It is beautiful and original! This is definitely a family affair. I talked with an art store owner and she is interested in my bird houses. I can send her my pics right to an email and she’ll let me know. How cool is that? Google Images.

The Decatur Book Festival is sponsored by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in Decatur, Georgia. We, of course, reminded our younger folks that Coca-Cola was invented right here in Decatur by a pharmacist at a soda shop. My brother-in-law came along for the afternoon, I mean beer, and after a stroll of the books we headed to Twain’s and ate lunch.

The youngest member of my entourage (lol) on Saturday and one of my biggest supporters is my own daughter. No, I didn’t have to careen or cajole or promise her anything. She wanted to go. A big thanks to my sister and brother-in-law and my husband and daughter for their support of my writing and authorship. It is nice to know that people appreciate others pieces of work in their creative endeavors. Mwah!!

~Caroline~pen

~Google Images Credit

~Photos by me