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Karen Rose Smith | When Writing Began
October 22, 2012
I thought I'd blog today on a subject many writers think about and readers want
to know about—What got me interested in writing? My interest in writing began when I was in high school. I had a superb English
teacher who made poetry come alive. By reading it, I learned the poets expressed
their feelings about any and all subjects, and I liked that. I was an only child
from a traditional Italian Catholic family, and feelings weren't communicated
through words. Food maybe, but not words. So in high school I began expressing
myself in poems. I submitted one to the high school literary magazine and it was
published! That was my first taste of seeing my words in print. I also wrote for
the school paper, but found I definitely liked writing essays much more than
"who," "what," "where," and "how" accounts. When I went to college, I began my
first novel, loosely based on the Beatles (Paul as the hero was in my head). I
took my first creative writing class and learned the technique of mastering the
form of a short story. But, by far, my greatest adventure into writing started
as a lark. My cousin and I wrote a script for the Monkees TV show. We sent it to
all their concert venues that summer by registered mail! That was my first
collaboration project and it was a ton of fun. We received an acknowledgement
back from one venue that their manager had signed for it. We didn't think we'd
ever see the show produced, but it was exciting to think the script might be in
their hands. Writing has always been an outlet for me, a way to reach out to somewhere beyond
my own world. My interest in it grew because I had one good experience after
another that led me to try more. And, thank goodness, I did. In my late
thirties, my life was in full swing. I was a teacher, a mom, and a part-time
home decorator. We took a vacation to Canada to a farm Bed and Breakfast and on
the drive home, I began experiencing back pain. Eventually that led to surgery
and four years flat on my back. During that time, I needed a creative and
emotional outlet. I turned to writing a genre I loved to read—romance.
After six years and thirteen completed manuscripts, I sold two books to two
different publishers the same week! That was the start of my career. My 80th novel, a mystery with a touch of
romance, will be published in 2013. ABIGAIL AND MISTLETOE,
my release for Samhain's Contemporary Retro program, is one of my earlier
books. It's theme is a universal one—a yearning for unconditional love.
Abigail is a trauma makeup artist who knows the meaning of rejection because of
her port wine stain. ABIGAIL AND MISTLETOE is the epitome of the type of book I
still choose to write. It's an emotional story about love, family and
friendship. I hope you enjoy it.
"Brady, I need to tell you something. I—"
He brought her tighter against him on the small dance floor.
"You feel so good in my arms."
His voice floated around her, caressing her as his green eyes had.
A voice whispered, Tell him, but a louder voice said, A little
more time won't matter. Take this moment and hold on to it.
He brought her hand to his chest and smoothed his thumb over her
knuckles. "What did you want to tell me?"
His hand on her back scorched through her sweater. His thumb on her
hand created a rippling pleasure throughout her body. His shirt under her
fingers, the scent of clean soap, his beard almost brushing her chin intoxicated
her. "Nothing. Not now."
His nose grazed hers as he murmured, "Good thinking." He
dropped the lightest of kisses on her lips, locked his hands at her back waist,
and pulled her flush against him. All the air whooshed from her lungs as she
laid her cheek against his shoulder and let his thighs guide their
movement.
His lips brushed her ear and a shiver zipped up her spine. He must
have felt it because he whispered into her ear, "You're a very sensual
woman, Abigail Fox."
She lifted her head. "Are you trying to seduce
me?"
Amusement mixed with passion in his deep green eyes. "Here?
In the midst of this crowd?"
Several other couples had joined them on the dance floor, and most
of the tables were filled. She wrinkled her nose at him. "I think I
accepted a date with a wolf in sheep's clothing."
His amusement faded away. "My intentions are obvious. I want
you. I'm not pretending differently."
His primal message was clear, and heat flashed through her. She
turned her head and again laid her cheek against his shoulder. The music lulled
her, but his hard chest against her breasts, his hips against hers, his arousal,
which he didn't try to hide, excited her. Everything about Brady was
controlled, restrained. Picturing what could happen if he unleashed his desire
should make her run away from him, not toward him. But in a sense she'd been
running since Stan had rejected her. It was time to stand her ground and meet
her own needs as well as Brady's head-on.
Her needs dictated that she should be more cautious this time,
listen to her intuition, but let common sense count, too. And her common sense
told her it was too soon to fall in love. Award-winning and best-selling author Karen Rose Smith will see
her 80th novel published in 2013. She writes happily-ever-after relationship
romances about love's power to heal. Relationships will also be the basis for
her mystery series about a home stager sleuth beginning next year. Visit Karen on
Facebook | Follow Karen on Twitter @Karenrosesmith | Karen's Romance Website | Karen's Mystery
Website | IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH
e-zine Comment to win a copy of ABIGAIL AND MISTLETOE (ebook)
Comments
44 comments posted.
Re: Karen Rose Smith | When Writing Began
Your book, Abigail and Mistletoe, sounds fabulous. I would love to win a copy - but love all your books that I've read so far.
(Nancy Reynolds 12:02pm October 22, 2012)
Your 80th book is coming out next year!!! Major congrats, that is something! :D Thanks for sharing!
(Colleen Conklin 1:06pm October 22, 2012)
Abigail and the Mistletoe sounds wonderful. This too is my
favorite time of year.
(Cindy Olp 1:28pm October 22, 2012)
This sounds like a great book!
(Chelsea Knestrick 1:38pm October 22, 2012)
This is wonderful giving us what made you write. And this book looks wonderful
(Cynthia St. Germain 2:45pm October 22, 2012)
I hope I win Abigail and Mistletoe. I like to read about people who makes a difference and Abigail seems to be doing her part. Also, I would love to know her secret.
(Anna Speed 3:02pm October 22, 2012)
You write to escape and that is why I read. A perfect match!
(Donna Antonio 3:10pm October 22, 2012)
80 books written---WOW!! I just can't imagine. If they all sound as interesting as "Abigail and the Mistletoe", I'd better get my reading glasses tuned up.
(Sue Farrell 4:06pm October 22, 2012)
Your comment, "a way to reach out to somewhere beyond my own world" explains exactly why I read! I love your books and can't wait to order it on Amazon for my Kindle. Congrats on your 80th novel!
(Kris Bowers 4:11pm October 22, 2012)
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF ABIGAIL AND THE MISTLETOE IT
SOUNDS LIKE AN INTERESTING STORY. I LOVE BOOKS LIKE THESE THEY
ARE THE BEST TO READ. LOVE YOUR BOOKS. YOUR MY FAVORITE AUTHOR
OF ALL TIME, YOUR BOOKS ARE MARVELOUS AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ
MORE OF YOUR BOOKS.
(Shelly Caggiano 4:18pm October 22, 2012)
Great contest.
(Kent Cook 4:25pm October 22, 2012)
An inspirational teacher really started something great.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 4:38pm October 22, 2012)
I enjoy positive stories about hearts opening to love.
(Susan Jeffers 4:52pm October 22, 2012)
Hi, it's me again to comment on your new book. It sounds so good. We are heading down in your area this Sunday and hope the trees are still colorful. sue
(Susan Leech 5:31pm October 22, 2012)
Looks like a great read.. thank you for the chance to win this book..
(Holly Vanderhule 6:25pm October 22, 2012)
Hi Karen,
I love your books and this one looks good as well! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
(Christine Mead 7:13pm October 22, 2012)
Wow 80 books congratulations , quite the accomplishment. I would love to
win a copy of Abigail and Mistletoe. Thanks for the opportunity
(Ann Sheiring 7:22pm October 22, 2012)
Sounds like my kind of book, I'd love to win it.
(Wilma Frana 7:58pm October 22, 2012)
80 books!! Great! I would love to win. Your books are my
kind of read.
(Mary Hay 7:59pm October 22, 2012)
Nancy--Thanks for being a reader who comes back for more!
(Karen Rose Smith 8:08pm October 22, 2012)
Sounds interesting. You're a very prolific writer if you've written 80 books! I love the Monkees too.
(Michelle Fidler 8:08pm October 22, 2012)
Colleen--Thanks for the congrats.
Cindy--I wish you and yours a beautiful holiday season.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:08pm October 22, 2012)
Chelsea and Cynthia--Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!
(Karen Rose Smith 8:09pm October 22, 2012)
Anna--Her secret is particular to her, yet universal in the
way it makes her feel.
Donna--I think we all need to escape the rush and bustle of
daily life. Writing and reading have always done that for me.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:10pm October 22, 2012)
Sue--I hope you fall in love with all of the books!
Kris--One of the things I like about research is the reaching
out to other worlds. I try to find something different for
each book.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:12pm October 22, 2012)
Shelly--Thank you for your kind words. Readers make my day!
Kent--Thanks for stopping by.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:12pm October 22, 2012)
Marjorie--I used to teach and I believe inspiration is what
teachers are for!
Susan J.--And Christmas is the perfect time to write about
hearts opening!
(Karen Rose Smith 8:14pm October 22, 2012)
Susan L.--Our fall colors are turning brilliant. I'll be
posting pics on my e-zine.
Holly--Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:15pm October 22, 2012)
Christine--Thanks for reading me. I hope I can always give
you something new to enjoy.
Ann S--Good luck on winning.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:17pm October 22, 2012)
Wilma and Mary--I try to touch my readers hearts with whatever
I write. Have a wonderful holiday season.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:18pm October 22, 2012)
I'm definitely reading this book. I love any stories that is Christmas. I need to get in the Christmas mood.
(Kai Wong 8:56pm October 22, 2012)
After reading this excerpt, you left me wishing that I had the rest of the book to curl up with!! Now I know why you wrote so many books!! Although I'm familiar with your name, I must confess that I'm behind with my reading, and have to put your books on my TBR list!! It's a long story why I'm behind, but the main thing is that you came here today to post about your book and give me a quick reminder!! :-) I'll also be looking forward to your book coming out next year.
(Peggy Roberson 9:21pm October 22, 2012)
Thanks for the excerpt - sounds like a beautiful story.
(Mary C 9:56pm October 22, 2012)
book sounds great
(Kimberly Hoefs 9:59pm October 22, 2012)
Would love to have a copy of this book!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Pat C.
(Patricia Cochran 10:03pm October 22, 2012)
Kai--I like to read Christmas books the few months before Christmas to
give me that giving spirit. I'm hoping Abigail does that for my readers.
Peggy--I'm just glad I'm on your TBR pile and can swim to the top!
(Karen Rose Smith 10:23pm October 22, 2012)
Mary and Kimberly--Thanks for stopping by.
Pat C.--good luck!
(Karen Rose Smith 10:25pm October 22, 2012)
Book sounds great. Would love to win.
(Linda Hall 10:45pm October 22, 2012)
I like Christmas settings! Sounds like an interesting read.
(Penny Mettert 12:05pm October 23, 2012)
Sounds like a very interesting read. Hope it does well for you.
(Clare O'Beara 5:52am October 23, 2012)
Linda, Penny and Clare--thanks for stopping by. Have a great holiday.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:26am October 23, 2012)
they both sounds wonderful even if i dont win im going to buy me a copy !
(Danielle McDonald 12:55pm October 23, 2012)
Danielle--thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
(Karen Rose Smith 1:26pm October 23, 2012)
The concept of a makeup artist making a difference in someone scarred is heartwarming. I like the confidence in which you write stories.
(Alyson Widen 10:00am October 25, 2012)
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