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Where Do You Find Inspiration?

5/13/2020

It has been more than two months since my last post. Like many of you, I’ve struggled to find inspiration during isolation. I’ve focused my creative energies on more domestic tasks like sewing face masks and creating meals for my family from our pantry staples, not that these aren’t important.

I asked myself, you’ve got so much more time on your hands now that you are at home all day, why aren’t you doing more? And then I realized, maybe this has been a time of much needed rest for all of us. Before COVID-19, our daily schedules bordered on frenetic. We’ve learned to slow down and appreciate this extra time with our families and to create stronger bonds.

I’ve had more time to read. To read your comments about my book, to read other authors’ works, and more time to read the moods and expressions of those closest to me. These have become my inspiration. In a sense, I’ve just been doing research during isolation. It has been the connections with people that inspire me to create characters and relationships, whether it’s someone I’ve encountered briefly in a grocery store or someone I’ve only communicated with virtually.

As I prepare to head off into the world of Thomas and Eve, book two of the Jacobs Landing Series, I ask you to reflect upon this question: Where do you find inspiration?

A Mixed Blessing

3/14/2020

The coronavirus outbreak is definitely not something to joke about. There is a fear of the unknown that comes with it, because we haven't had to implement nation-wide shut downs like this before. However, I am an optimist, perhaps to a fault. I like to find the positive slant in situations, especially ones where I don't have any control.

So, amidst the toilet paper shortages and uncertainties about how to fill the hours of my days, I plan to find comfort with old friends; books. I have several stacks of books that have taken over my nightstand, shelves on my desk, and there's even a library book on top of my dresser I've been meaning to read. Fellow bibliophiles, I'm sure many of you have similar situations in your own homes.

Here's my coronavirus to do list (besides washing my hands):
1) Catch up on time with my family
2) Catch up on reading those books that have taken over surfaces in my home
2) Catch up on sleep
3) Continue Book 2 revisions of the Jacobs Landing Series

What will your coronavirus checklist be? What are some things you'd like to do, that you haven't had time for lately?

May all of you have good health, and may you enjoy some good books during this time!

~Katrina

Giveaway Thank You!

3/3/2020

I wanted to post a HUGE thank you to everyone who signed up for my Goodreads giveaway and for everyone who has supported me on this journey!

Being a new author, I had never done a giveaway before and I couldn't predict what the results would be. You surpassed my expectations and baffled me with the number of people who would take a chance on a brand new author!

The majority of you are people I have never met, but now we share a connection; a bond over a book.

A friend of mine has a quote on a plaque, a quote I often read:

"Pay attention to the little things, because one day they will be the big things."

Something that may seem small on your part, like signing up for a giveaway, writing a review, or sending me positive comments has had a big impact on my life.

Thank you for reaching out to me!

~Katrina

Books and Brews Event: March 8, 2020

2/27/2020

A big thank you to Nicole at Bettie's Pages for hosting the Romantic Hearts Social on February 20, 2020. It was nice to see some familiar faces and meet some new friends! If you live in the Lowell, MI area, and you're a fan of the romance genre, she is holding the event every month. Stop in if you get a chance!

My next author event will be at the Books and Brews: Read Local Drink Local event on Sunday March 8, 2020 at Steele Street Brewing in Ionia, MI from 2-4 p.m. Stop in for a visit and try some of their locally brewed beer and soft drinks! (See the attached flyer PDF for more details.)

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow 2/28/2020 is the last day to sign up for my book giveaway! If you haven't signed up, or have friends you think might be interested in my book, register before midnight tomorrow! It's been a lot of fun having new faces reach out to me on Goodreads!

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Author Appearance at Romantic Hearts Event

2/13/2020

February 20, 2020

I will be at Bettie's Pages (bookstore) for their Romantic Hearts Social.

Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Location: 216 E Main St.
Lowell, MI 49331

I will have hard cover and soft cover copies of A Perfect Miracle available to purchase, and I will be available to sign books you've already bought!

What a great chance to visit with other romantics at heart!

~Katrina

February: Celebrate Your Love of Books!

2/9/2020

When we think of February, the most prominent holiday is Valentine's Day. It seems the whole month is designed around love! But why not celebrate our love of reading and books?

I'm so excited to offer the opportunity to win one of five signed copies of my Contemporary Romance novel A Perfect Miracle! During the month of February, I'm running a Goodreads Giveaway, so login or create a Goodreads account and sign up for my book giveaway. Just search the giveaways for my title and enter to win!

I love writing romance novels because there is a sense of hope in each story. Of course we know the couple will end up together in the end! What holds our attention is the lovers' journey and the assurance that no matter the obstacle, they will end up together!

In the Greek language there are different words for different types of love; there isn't just one universal term like in English. I hope you take the month of February to do things you love, spend time with people you love, and take a moment to savor the hope that love brings into our lives!

A Perfect Miracle: Jacobs Landing Series: Book One

Local Newspaper Article and Letter from State Representative Albert

1/27/2020

Hello Everyone!

January 2020 has been an active month for me, now that A Perfect Miracle is available to order!

Our local newspaper The Lowell Ledger featured my book in a page 2 article!

I also received a congratulatory card from our local state representative, Thomas Albert (see photo below).

Thank you to everyone who has read and/or reviewed my book so far! It has been rewarding for me to hear which parts of the book resounded with different people!

As for the people who haven't had a chance to read it yet and would like to do so, stay tuned for a post coming soon! It will have more information about entering a giveaway to receive a signed copy!

First Book Box! 12/18/19

1/8/2020

Wednesday 12/18/19

12/18/2019

Thank You!

A special note to everyone who has checked my website, read my blog, or purchased one of my books! I really appreciate your support and I hope you enjoy reading Gabrielle and Drew's story!

I wasn't sure how many books would sell when I started this process. So, I was very happy when the soft cover sales reached 10; a milestone for book sales, since A Perfect Miracle had only been out a week.

Today, I am happy to report, that between online book sales and sales in person, I've now sold 35 books! (Ebook sales only update once a month, so I don't have numbers to report yet.) This isn't record-breaking for someone famous like Stephen King, but for me, it is another milestone! I will take every small victory, because each one is linked directly to your support!

I hope everyone has a blessed holiday season and if you get a chance to post a review of my book on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc. I would be grateful!

Tuesday 12-3-19

12/3/2019

A Perfect Miracle is Ready to Order!

It's done. Sigh. Well, sort of. The ebook and soft cover are ready to order on Amazon! See the links on the homepage of my website if you are interested in purchasing either of them.

We are still having a few issues with the hard cover version of the book due to some size adjustments for the spine design. I am waiting for confirmation from the wholesaler and then I can approve the proof.

Also, I've heard a few people with Apple devices were having problems purchasing and downloading the ebook. I emailed the publisher, so hopefully that will be fixed soon!

Thanks to everyone for their support! It has been an interesting learning experience, but also a lot of fun!

Please feel free to comment or post questions about the book! I would love for you to write a review here, on Amazon, and/or Goodreads if you read it!