Day 27: 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway: Mariam Kobras

by @thewritermama on May 27, 2012 · 6 comments

in The Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway

Success breeds success. Everyone knows that, right?

Mariam Kobras is a member of my International Beyond Busy Book Club and when she burst out with the news that she’d won a recent IPPY award, I checked out her book.

And we were all in luck, because even though Mariam lives abroad, her publisher has signed copies of her books here in the states, so one lucky commenter will win one today!

Congrats to Mariam on her IPPY! Please help me welcome her.

About Mariam Kobras

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Mariam lived in Brazil and Saudi Arabia with her parents as a child before they decided to settle in Germany. She attended school there and studied American Literature and Psychology at Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. Today she lives and writes in Hamburg, Germany, with her husband, two sons and two cats.

The storyline for The Distant Shore was inspired by her fascination with the limitations fame can impose on people. Her book explores the value of love in a world where money and a front-page photo are sometimes more important than a person’s soul.

About The Distant Shore

There’s nothing like finding a letter on your breakfast table telling you there’s a teenage son you knew nothing about…but this is what happens to international rock star, Jonathon Stone. He drops everything he is doing to find the boy and his mother, Naomi—the girl he loved so many years ago and who left him when his rock ’n roll life became too much for her to bear.

Seeing her again means falling in love all over. For a while they hide in Naomi’s hotel in a Norwegian coastal village and celebrate their reunion. But Jon’s life soon calls him back, and once more Naomi follows him to Hollywood.

Everything seems perfect, but there are always jealous fans, and one of them is out to get the rockstar’s wife…

The Very Short Interview

When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?

Actually quite late in life. I used to dabble a bit in writing as a teenager – the usual stuff, a journal, a story about Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise, that kind of thing. Then I let it slip. At university, while studying American Lit., I did take some creative writing courses, and they went rather well.

But my serious writing began three years ago, when, waking up one December morning, I knew it was time. So I sat down and wrote The Distant Shore within a few months. Minutes after posting page 99 of the novel on my blog, I got a DM on twitter from Buddhapuss Ink, requesting a full manuscript. A few weeks later they offered a deal.

Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?

My husband, in his very calm and kind way. He always wanted me to write, to start earlier, but I never had the guts. For me, it was important to know there would validation for what I did. It’s as if by having my work accepted, I can justify the amount of time I spend doing it. See, deep down I’m a mom and housewife, and I feel guilty neglecting my dirty kitchen.

Now, of course, everything is different. With three book deals, one published book, one about to be released and the third nearly finished, it’s my job.

My family has adjusted to our new life.

The ladder of success – that’s a different story.

I haven’t had a long writing journey like most authors. I’ve never had to face piles of rejections, I didn’t have to write submission letters!

Overnight, I was a signed author, stumbling through the confusion of this brand new world. I had a contract, business cards, was sent on a book tour, told to write a new book, and quickly, please, and I had NO idea what I was doing.

As an author, I’m standing on the shoulders of Mary Chris Bradley of Buddhapuss Ink. She has the patience of an angel, and she pulled me up the ladder.

What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.

Oh goodness – what a question!

First of all, I haven’t had any negative responses. Well, there was one who wasn’t overly thrilled, but that person had won the book in a giveaway and only reads SciFi. My books definitely aren’t SciFi.

One comment that keeps coming back—and that I love very much—is, “poetic, lyrical”. The characters “feel real, like real people”, the “sense of setting makes me think I’m really there”. Those are the most frequent comments I get.

Readers are asking when the sequel will be out. They say they can’t wait for it. Which is great, of course!

I think I can tell you now that the next book in the Stone Trilogy, titled Under The Same Sun, is scheduled to release October 1st, this year.

The most THRILLING responses I got for The Distant Shore were the first words my publisher ever said to me, in a Skype conference: “I totally believe in your project!” Dream words, words every writer wants to hear from a publisher!

The other one would be the IPPY Award The Distant Shore has just won.

I mean, really. You wake up one morning, decide to write a novel, it gets signed off the spot, sells out within hours after its release and THEN wins an award a couple of months later. Who could ask for anything more?

And Now, Your Turn

Now it’s your turn. You remember how this works right?

I ask you a question. You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.

Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. ;)

Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!

Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! I hope to see you here every day this month. Bring your friends!

Mariam asks a good question. Who could ask for anything more? What something more would you like to ask for and how would that something more support your writing goals?

Ready, set, comment!

{ 6 comments }

Day 25, 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway Winner!

by @thewritermama on May 26, 2012 · 0 comments

in TWMEDIMBG Winners, The Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway

And the winner of Mama Insider: Laughing (And Sometimes Crying) All The Way Through Pregnancy, Birth and the First Three Months by Abigail Green is…

Heidi Smith Luedtke!

She was chosen by Random Number Generator.

Heidi’s response was:

There are certainly days when the writing life doesn’t feel as creative as I thought it would. I think writing has a romantic mystique about it. And that idealized image isn’t a good match for my reality. Much of the time I am in project management mode, rather than creative mode. I break away from the computer and write first drafts longhand in order to free up some creative energies. The keyboard and screen seem to put me in editing, tracking and tweaking mode, and that makes it hard to let my creative energies flow.

Congratulations, Heidi!

If you missed the drawing for Mama Insider: Laughing (And Sometimes Crying) All The Way Through Pregnancy, Birth and the First Three Months by Abigail Green, you can read all about it here.

Important, winners: I need you to send me an e-mail with your mailing address so that I can send it on to the author and she can send you your signed book! Please include a phone number, as well.

Please send your address in an e-mail to “christina at christina katz dot com.”

Please put “Book Winner” in the subject line.

And thank you for supporting the giveaway and my work!

Thanks for participating. This is just day 25 of The Writer Mama Every Day In May Book Giveaway. We have 6 more days and winners to go! I hope you will spread the word. :)

{ 0 comments }

Day 26: 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway: Anthology Day!

by @thewritermama on May 26, 2012 · 18 comments

in The Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway

Today is anthology day! So I will introduce each writer by bio, then share each writer’s interview, describe the anthology, and then move right on to the next writer.

Comment for your chance to win one of three great anthologies. We’ll select three winners!

About Lela Davidson

Lela Davidson has built a writing career on everyday humor and candid observations. Lela is an award-winning author and essayist (Blacklisted from the PTA, 2011), a journalist (the TODAY Show Moms blog), and a columnist for Brooke Burke’s Modern Mom. She is an entertaining professional speaker, who charms audiences on topics ranging from marketing and social media to family life, marriage, and the challenges of being over-40 in a Botox world. Lela appears regularly on television and serves as Associate Editor of Peekaboo magazine. Her humorous, inspirational essays have appeared in family and parenting magazines throughout North America, as well as in Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms. Her book marketing advice has been featured in Writer’s Digest.

When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?

I started writing in 2003, and I started suddenly, filling spiral notebooks with eager responses to the teachings and prompts of Natalie Goldberg and Julie Cameron. That is when the writer part of me knew, but the rational me wasn’t sure until she got external validation. That really came in 2006 when I started getting my work out there and people told me they enjoyed it. That’s when I decided to figure out a way to “make a writing life.”

Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?

My family is incredible supportive, especially considering they are the topic of much of my writing! I will always be grateful to a wonderful writer friend I knew at the time started writing. She made it okay to write. I still thought that for me, it was probably a silly waste of time that would amount to nothing, but her encouragement allowed me to try. The writers group I joined soon after I started writing was invaluable. There I learned many elements of craft and discipline. I’m a book learner, so I have a full home library of amazing instruction. Which brings me to Writer Mama. When I met Christina Katz at a conference I knew I wanted to learn more from her than what was on the pages in her books. I kick and scream through every class, but they have made all the difference in my success.

What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.

People respond to my writing because it’s what they’re thinking, only funnier. Whenever people talk to me or each other about the stories I tell, they inevitably start telling stories of their own. That’s all I ever wanted to do–sit around on my driveway drinking wine and laughing.

Lela will give away a copy of Women Writing on Family, Tips on Writing, Teaching and Publishing. This book provides guidance and insight for women who write about family. Award-winning women writers from all walks of life share their experiences in planning, composing, editing, publishing, teaching, and promoting work in a variety of writing genres. Readers will learn to tackle sensitive family issues and avoid pitfalls in memoir writing, poetry, fiction, and others. Filled with tips, exercises, and anecdotes, this anthology is appropriate for both well-seasoned writers and those just beginning.

About Lorraine Wilde

Lorraine Wilde is a freelance journalist, environmental scientist, and mother of twin eight-year old boys. She’s published over 50 articles in respected publications including Parents Magazine, Ithaca Child, Ohio Valley Parent, and Nashville Parent, and she blogs regularly at My Wilde World  (www.lorrainewilde.com) and easytolovebut.com.

When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?

I knew for sure that I was a writer in 1998 when I was working as a scientific consultant from my home office. I had less than a week to complete a solid 25,000 word report for the U.S. EPA based on others research and data and my boss had no time to help or edit. I worked in pajamas most days. When I sent it off on Friday afternoon, two hours before the deadline, I felt inspired and proud, without stress or exhaustion. In that moment I knew I could be a writer and actually enjoy the process.

Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?

My husband Mike has always been supportive of my writing career, whether I’m earning money or not, jumping a hurdle, trying something new, or frustrated to death, he’s always there.

With the training and advice of Writer Mama, Get Known, and Christina’s WPSS class, I have been pulling myself up the success ladder. The support of Christina, the other writers from her classes, and fellow authors I’ve met at writers conferences have given me the tools and courage to make it happen.

What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.

The most frequent comment I hear about Easy to Love… is, “I was so comforted by the stories of what other parents had gone through with their child with ‘invisible’ special needs. What they experienced is exactly what I’m going through and knowing I’m not alone has lessened the panic and confusion. I am so thankful.”

If there’s anything the 32 parent-writers and 15 experts of Easy to Love but Hard to Raise want you to know, it’s this:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE We’ve been there. We’ve done that. We’ve navigated the system. Some of us succeeded. Some failed. We’ve been judged by friends, teachers, family, & strangers. We’ve gotten the phone calls & the looks. We’ve done things we never thought we’d do, good & bad. We’ve been up nights, cried in our pillows, and screamed in frustration. We’ve doubted ourselves, our children, & our partners. We’ve had to educate everyone, including our children’s doctors. We are parents of children with alphabet soup diagnoses, invisible special needs, behavioral problems.

Our children are easy to love, but oh, so hard to raise.

Easy to Love but Hard to Raise is an anthology of personal essays written by parents of children with ADD, ADHD, OCD, PDD, ASDs, SPD, PBD and/or other alphabet soup diagnoses that takes the already difficult job of parenting and adds to the challenge.

These essays focus on honest feelings, lessons learned, epiphanies, commonplace and extraordinary experiences. They are written by parents of toddlers, young children, teens, and adult children; those who are in the parenting trenches now, and those looking back on their parenting experiences. Topics include : how children came to be diagnosed, the experience of dealing with problem behaviors in various contexts and settings, experiences with/feelings about treatment (therapies, medications, alternative treatments), school (and other advocacy) experiences, children’s social interactions/friends, and the effect of parenting a difficult child on a parent’s emotional and physical health, marriage, and other relationships.

About Cara Holman

Cara Holman lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Her personal essays have been featured in the Oregonian, Oregon Humanities, Literary Mama, The Fertile Source, and several anthology series including Chicken Soup for the Soul. She also writes poetry, which has appeared in a number of online and print journals. She blogs at Prose Posies.

When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?

Although I’ve been writing stories and poetry for as long as I can remember, I had never shared my work with anyone until I joined a writing group for women cancer survivors early in 2007. It wasn’t until after I published my first piece in an online journal, that I was finally able to call myself a writer. Before then, I simply thought of myself as someone who dabbles in writing. Getting that affirmation that someone besides me enjoyed my writing, and saw something of value in it, gave me the confidence to keep going.

Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?

My mother gave me the initial boost I needed to continue on the writing path I had embarked on. My husband and three children give me space to write, even when they don’t always understand what this strange compulsion to write constantly is all about. And my online writer friends continue to support me with words of encouragement every step of the way. It may take a village to raise a child, but it is equally true that it takes a village to support a writer, particularly an emerging one!

What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.

Some tidbits of praise that I have taken very much to heart: “it is lovely to encounter your words at this unexpected moment”, “well done, and way fun!”, “thanks for sharing such a personal story”, “your piece is beautifully written”, “very powerful!”, “fitting and beautiful”, “your simple story is elegant”, “ahhh yes, this resonates”, “this made me smile”, “when I read your essay, I cried”. My goal is to make my readers laugh, cry, identify with the story, or show them a different way of looking at things. When I succeed, I feel completely rewarded.
Becoming a mom is the most amazing event. Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms will delight new and expectant moms with its heartwarming and humorous stories about raising babies and toddlers. This book is full of stories by other moms sharing the wonders of early motherhood, from waiting for the baby, to those early weeks and first few years, and everything in between!

And Now, Your Turn

Now it’s your turn. You remember how this works right?

I ask you a question. You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.

Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. ;)

Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!

Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! I hope to see you here every day this month. Bring your friends!

Easy to Love but Hard to Raise sounds like it could have been written about raising a writing career…do you ever feel this way? Is your writing career easy to love or hard to raise or both or neither? Does writing or not writing about your family make it more or less challenging?

{ 18 comments }

Day 24, 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway Winner!

by @thewritermama on May 25, 2012 · 0 comments

in TWMEDIMBG Winners, The Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway

And the winner of Keepsake, A Novel by Kristina Riggle is…

Lisa S.!

She was chosen by Random Number Generator.

Lisa’s response was:

I don’t think there is anything “abnormal” about writer mamas, but then I’m one of them and I don’t necessarily see myself as not normal. But I think that is because with age and acceptance I’ve realized I’m a writer and I’m going to write whether or not people think that is normal or not, because at this point in my life I really don’t care. However, I don’t like to talk about being a writer or my writing with people who don’t write because often times they just don’t get it. I think people would consider me very normal in everyday life, however I have written one short story that is very bizarre, (and it was sooo much fun to write!) I think it is fun to experiment and be abnormal in my writing.

Congratulations, Lisa!

If you missed the drawing for Keepsake by Kristina Riggle, you can read all about it here.

Important, winners: I need you to send me an e-mail with your mailing address so that I can send it on to the author and she can send you your signed book! Please include a phone number, as well.

Please send your address in an e-mail to “christina at christina katz dot com.”

Please put “Book Winner” in the subject line.

And thank you for supporting the giveaway and my work!

Thanks for participating. This is just day 24 of The Writer Mama Every Day In May Book Giveaway. We have 7 more days and winners to go! I hope you will spread the word. :)

{ 0 comments }

Day 25: 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway: Abigail Green

May 25, 2012

I have known Abigail Green since I was working on Writer Mama. In fact, I remember that Abby was instrumental in helping me write one of the chapters for the book, when I just couldn’t seem to nail it myself. The specific, helpful advice she gave has become typical of the kind of insight her [...]

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Day 23, 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway Winner!

May 24, 2012

And the winner of Build Your Author Platform by Christina Katz is…
Mar Junge!

She was chosen by Random Number Generator.

Mar Junge’s response was:
I’ll more than likely self-publish before going the traditional publishing route, as I agree with Christina: “In five years, you won’t be able to find an author who is not traditionally published [...]

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Day 24: 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway: Kristina Riggle

May 24, 2012

I first crossed paths with Kristina Riggle at the AWP Conference in Chicago in 2009. She was there with a whole bunch of the Literary Mama gang, who are currently led by Caroline Grant.
In fact, if I’m remembering correctly, that was the time of the passing of the torch from former editor and co-founder, Amy [...]

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Day 22, 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway Winner!

May 23, 2012

And the winner of Shout Her Lovely Name by Natalie Serber is…
Mary Lou Gomes!

She was chosen by Random Number Generator.

Mary Lou’s response was:
This first book takes its title from the heart of the story- beginning middle and end. I have chosen That Man is Not Your Daddy to describe my journey, my struggle to [...]

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Day 23: 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway: Christina Katz

May 23, 2012

Me again! And I’ll be back one more time in the final week.
In my interview responses today, I’ll be talking about my experience choosing to self-publish in addition to continuing to work with traditional publishers.
Build Your Author Platform is a $39.99 value! I’ll give one copy free to one winner!
About Christina Katz
Christina Katz, The Writer [...]

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Day 21, 2012 Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway Winner!

May 22, 2012

And the winner of How To Blog A Book by Nina Amir is…
Cara Holman!

She was chosen by Random Number Generator.

Cara Holman’s response was:
My philosophy for my writing life mirrors my philosophy of life in general. I believe change is the essential ingredient in life, no matter how uncomfortable that thought sometimes feels. To grow as [...]

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