The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

 

The amazing and talented Amanda Fanger  nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I am very honored and humbled by this award. Thank you, Amanda for all the support and kind words.

If you are not already following Amanda, make sure you head over to her inspiring blog. I am so glad I've gotten to know her on this blogging and writing journey.

I can't tell you how much this award means to me. Too often I feel like I'm going nowhere...not sure if anyone reads what I write, not sure who would really care about what I have to say, so receiving this shout out means the world to me.

As part of accepting this award, I must share seven things about myself, so here goes...

1. I love pinwheels, bright colors, and daisies.

2. I love line dancing and go to class a few times a week for exercise.

3. I get caught up in Hallmark and Lifetime movies, especially all of the holiday movies this time of year. I also love shows like Criminal Minds.

4. I am gluten free...but sadly, I hate to cook- so someday I am going to write about how I cook gluten free the quick and easy way.

5. I am not shy, and love long talks with friends.

6. I believe in talking about the tough issues--even when no one else will--because it's important raise awareness, advocate for others, and let individuals know they are not alone.

7. I am inspired by those around me...my husband, my parents, my boys, my friends. I am inspired by the ladies from line dancing. I am inspired by music and songwriters. I am inspired by other writers and bloggers. And I am inspired by others who speak out, stand up and spread awareness on tough issues.

Thank you all for being there for me, inspiring me, and encouraging me to keep moving forward.


There are a couple of wonderful writers I want to extend this award to...

Kendra Merritt. Kendra is one of my writing buddies. She is an extremely gifted writer and her blog is very inspirational. Make sure you check her out. It is worth sitting down and spending time reading her back posts.

Susan Oloier. Susan is my writing partner over at Moxie Writers. Susan is one of the most talented and inspirational people I know. I am so blessed to have met her. And very honored that she wanted to team up with me to write. She is currently on a break from blogging, but her blog was amazing and I will miss reading it everyday. If you get a chance, check out her website and her books. I love them all.

Michael Di Gesu. I have just recently met Michael and started following his blog. He is very inspirational, encouraging, and supporting.


Who are some great bloggers and writers that inspire you? Please share a link in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you!

Welcome, Kendra Merritt

Today the Speak Out Against...book tour is over at my good friend and writing buddy, Kendra Merritt's site. Susan and I are over there, talking about our writing process and how we came up with the ideas for our books, Outcast and Break From You.

But before you go...

I would like to welcome my good friend and writing buddy, Kendra Merritt to my blog today.

 

Hello Kendra, How are you?
I'm good. 

What inspired you to write your first book?
I read a lot as a child and started getting stories in my head. I was affected by all the books I read and wanted to see if I could write the same stories that I loved. 

What inspired you to write about characters with disabilities?
I didn’t start writing about people with disabilities until I was twenty-one. That was when I had a second scoliosis surgery and a bad reaction to an epidural which resulted in partial paraplegia. While I was in rehab learning to walk again, I realized that all the heroic characters I read about could run and jump and swing a sword. I never saw any that looked and walked like I do now. And then it occurred to me: why didn’t I write some? Maybe if I wanted to read about fantasy heroes who live with disabilities, other people might too.

Do you have a specific writing style?
I try to blend in humor with adventure and heavy emotional themes.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
You can be who ever you want to be.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Pretty much anything by Tamora Pierce because they were the books I grew up with. They taught me what is meant to tell a story.

What are your current projects?
Catching Cinders, a retelling of Cinderella. Cindy must decide to accept the way the world sees her or to prove she's someone worth fighting for.
By Winged Chair, a retelling of Robin Hood where Maid Marion gets to kick butt from a wheelchair

Skin Deep, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast
Working Title- The Robber Bridegroom, a retelling of the Robber Bridegroom about a 17 year-old cop with OCD who has to reconnect with her vigilante father.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The editing process.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just write. Stop thinking about writing and write.

Thank you, Kendra for joining us today!
  
Make sure you head on over to Kendra Merritt's site.

About Kendra
Kendra is an author and avid reader living in Denver with her very tall husband, about 1300 books, and a goofy black monster masquerading as a service dog. She likes to talk about writing, reading and life with a disability - and how those three mix. You can find Kendra at her blog, www.kendramerritt.com