Winter Wonderland - and Book News Too

Hi there, Friends. As you can see from the photo, we are experiencing a bit of winter-ness. Somehow the birds forgot to swoop in, en mass and eat the berries on my Dogwood trees. Well, a few mornings ago, I woke up to the whole town (trees included) covered in frost. It's not snow, nor has it been snowing. It's just frost. I love the contrast of the berries with the white. But when you look at it close up, you can see that this frost seems to defy gravity. Just beautiful! http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

And now for some book news. Sales are going incredibly well. I'm just amazed at all the opportunities we've had to share our story. If you haven't bought the book yet, you can purchase it online or at a bookstore near you. If you'd like a signed copy, you can call our local independent bookstore and they will make sure you get one. This has to be done via the phone, not the website. Here's the link to the website; http://www.bookandgame.com/ . Or you can simply call, 509-529-9963.

My father and I were interviewed on NPR's Weekend Edition with host, Audie Cornish. (blogger makes me crazy - often doesn't accept links I put in) You can listen to the interview by going to the NPR website, look for Weekend Edition Sunday, and then the date November 6. You'll see our story there. http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=10&prgDate=11-6-2011

Until next time, thank you so much for your support. Visit me on my website. Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year! ~Karen

And the journey continues...

The photo (left) is of me at my very first signing. I'm in the middle of the table in the black and white jacket. I was signing ARC's of, Breaking the Code, at the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association trade show. What an amazing experience.

I want to invite all of you over to my Facebook fan page. You will find more photos and current information there. I'm finding it hard to post in several different places, so I'm making the FB page and my website the hubs for what is going on. And those who followed me here on this blog are my oldest (did I say that?) friends, supporting me when I was in the realm of fretting over every move I made. I thank you and I don't want to lose track of you. I will still post here but sporadically, as you have seen. So, if you make it over to my FB fan page, please hit the "like" button so you can leave me a message there. See you soon! ~Karen

http://www.facebook.com/breakingthecode

Free Chapters: one through three

You can now read the first three chapters of Breaking the Code, on my website at http://www.storymatters2.com .

Sneak Peek at my Book

I just posted the first chapter of Breaking the Code on my website. I'd love it if you'd read it and let me know what you think! You can read it on here storymatters2

New website

Hiya, Friends. I just wanted you to know that I am in the process of transferring my writing to my new website. You are the first to know. I won't be sharing this new site until it's where I want it to be - another lesson in live and learn, ya know! I'd love it if you would come over there and leave a comment. I'm hoping that it will offer a more comprehensive site for all that is going on with me and my first book. So, c'mon over~

http://www.storymatters2.com

See ya there!

Karen

Live from PNWA

What a great conference! I am currently waiting for a new session to start. The title of it is, "How to set up an Author Blog Tour." It happens to be on my list of things to do/learn. I will let you know what I learn! Karen

Photo Friday: Independent Bookstores

I love independent bookstores. I know that chains also have their place and so does the internet, but there's just something about independents.

Whenever I travel, no matter how short the trip, I am always on the lookout for indie bookstores. Each has its own flavor and attitude. The one in the photo is in Tillimook, Oregon. Rainy Day Books has an eclectic, small town, earthy feel. It's just a few miles from the coast. Their store mascot is a cat who fetches balls. The floor is light wood and so are the shelves. The shelf closest to the door has things like books on nature and hiking trails. I buy something every time I go. Why not just buy it once I get home? Well, because...that's why. That book, no matter the title, will always be the book that brings back the wonderful aroma of Rainy Day Books. What's better than that?

Do you have a favorite independent bookstore? I'd love to hear about it and the memories it evokes for you.