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Authors and Readers Blog their thoughts about books and reading at Fresh Fiction journals.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Kathleen Long | The Gifts of Writing

I want to thank everyone here at Fresh Fiction for inviting me to blog today. I was sitting at my computer this morning trying to settle on an interesting topic for today’s blog. My new series? My future plans? My typical writing day?

Instead, I found myself thinking about the gift of writing—or should I say gifts, plural. Writing has brought so many layers of good to my life—new friends, new challenges, new skills—that describing those gifts would take all day.

Then, the best “gift” of my life announced she was awake for the day. That was the moment I realized a toddler’s chattering was the perfect place to begin—and focus—this blog.

Did writing bring about my two-year-old? No, but my writing career taught me to work hard and chase my dreams. In life, just as in writing, there aren’t any shortcuts. Our daughter came into our lives after a ten-year pursuit of parenthood, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment of the journey. After all, each step brought me to this wonderful moment filled with alphabet songs and questions and belly laughs.

My writing journey has been no different. Writing—like life—is about doing the legwork.

Writing is about believing your dream is worth chasing. It’s about dusting yourself off and trying again each time you face an obstacle in the road. Writing is about reading—how-to books, favorite authors, market news. Writing is about learning—pacing, plotting, story techniques. Writing is about writing—first drafts, second drafts, third drafts, and more. It’s about starting over time after time simply because you refuse to quit and because the need to write is part of who you are.

Writing is about setting the alarm to wake up two hours before your family to steal time in front of your computer. It’s about staying up far too late—or early—because the storyline in your head won’t take no for an answer. It’s about rolling over at 3am and thinking, wait a minute…what if my heroine said this instead? then racing downstairs to make notes or fire up the laptop.

Writing, for me, is its own reward.

Writing is about setting free the words and characters and places in my mind that come to me so clearly and purely I couldn’t ignore them even if I wanted to.

Writing is about creating worlds into which readers might escape for an hour or two or three.

The Body Hunters is my first trilogy—my first series—and I loved the process of creating the cast of characters and their stories. Developing the series provided me with the opportunity to form a longer-lasting, deeper connection to the characters in my mind. I hope the series will provide the same opportunity for connection—and escape—for readers.

Escape. That one powerful word sums up why I write.

At a particularly difficult point in my life, a book pulled me out of the fog of grief that had overtaken my every thought and movement. A book carried me away, helped me turn the corner toward becoming whole again. Since then, books have been my escape time and time again—be they books I’m writing or books I’m reading.

That particular book gave me the kick in the pants I needed not just to live again, but to write again. That book made me want to provide that same escape for others.

I sat back that day and decided to value my dream enough to chase it.

To every author out there—both published and as-yet unpublished—thank you for believing in yourself enough to chase your dream. Without you, I might still be stuck in my fog. Instead, I’m headed upstairs to help a two-year-old start her day. I can’t imagine a greater gift than that.

Please visit me at www.kathleenlong.com for the latest news and release info, and at www.thebodyhunters.com/ for the latest on The Body Hunters trilogy and just what inspired your favorite character or scene. Join me all this week over at the www.eharlequin.com/ Forums where an entire thread has been dedicated to discussing The Body Hunters. Most importantly, thank you for stopping by today, and thanks again to Fresh Fiction for inviting me to blog!

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18 Comments:

At April 28, 2008 11:12 AM , Blogger Leslie Dicken said...

Kath,
What a powerful post. Everytime I think I may give up on my dream, I read about someone else achieving theirs and my stomach does a flip. That tells me how badly I still want it.

I read because I want an escape too. Perhaps to another planet or another time or just to someone else's life. Whatever it is, I am immersed in another world. And I always manage to gain something from the read.

I, too, give thanks to all who followed their dream and brought us books. I can't imagine a world without them!

Leslie
www.lesliedicken.com

 
At April 28, 2008 1:32 PM , Blogger Janice Lynn said...

A wonderful post by someone who is a gift to all who know her! It's been so kewl watching you earn that dream, Kathleen. You totally deserve all good things in life and I'm so excited about The Body Hunters series. The stories and premise just rocks!

I read and write because of wanting an escape from the stresses of 'real' life. Romance provides that!

 
At April 28, 2008 3:22 PM , Blogger Beth Andrews said...

Great post, Kath! Writing has given me many gifts too - most importantly my wonderful, talented friends *g*

Your covers are wonderful! I can't wait to read The Body Hunter series!

 
At April 28, 2008 4:41 PM , Blogger Jane said...

Congrats on the upcoming Body Hunters series. I really enjoy connected books. I agree that it allows us to form deeper connections to the characters.

 
At April 28, 2008 5:52 PM , Blogger Tawny said...

Kath, your post is so timely! I think writers get very caught up in the pursuit of the career, that the joy and beauty of the actual writing does get lost. I needed this reminder, and had to laugh because I was up till 2am writing, then just as I started to slip into sleep, sat straight up to find a pen and make notes on how the scene I'd left needed tweaked.

There are so many rewards stories bring us, be it as writers or as readers. I'm looking forward to reading the Body Hunter series - which is my reward for finishing my work-in-progress :-)

 
At April 28, 2008 7:18 PM , Blogger Sara Reyes said...

Wow. Interesting Kath. And sometimes we all need a little kickstart to say nothing about a little self-evaluation.

I know it is sometimes hard for me to decide how to start a day and I lean (heavily) on routines I've built up over the years. They actually work! While you're waiting for the coffee to kick in.

Enjoy your two-year old too! Every single day (even when she turns 24).

sara

 
At April 28, 2008 9:17 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Leslie -- I know that stomach flip sensation very well! Never give up on your dream. It's out there waiting for you!!

 
At April 28, 2008 9:19 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Janice -- it's not nice to make the blogger cry. ;o)) Thanks for your faith in me -- love you bunches!

 
At April 28, 2008 9:20 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Beth -- yes, the friendships have been amazing! I'm so glad you like The Body Hunters covers. The cover powers-that-be certainly smiled on this trilogy, didn't they? And here's to your June debut!! Woo hoo! ;o)

 
At April 28, 2008 9:21 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Jane -- thanks for saying hi! I do love connected books, and I'm so glad I had the chance to write these. I loved the process. ;o))

 
At April 28, 2008 9:23 PM , Blogger squiresj said...

You are right books are a means to escape. I have been finding them a great release right now from all the stress that has entered into my life. When I feel I cannot go on another day, then I pick up a book. Some I laugh through. Others I find help to push me on.
Your blog makes me want to continue on toward the writing dream I keep feeling pulled toward.
God Bless.

 
At April 28, 2008 9:25 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Tawny -- congrats on making such great progress with your book, and I love that 2am wake-up call. To me, that's a sure sign the characters and emotions are working. So cool! Thanks for the kind words about The Body Hunters. Sheesh, no pressure... ;o))))

 
At April 28, 2008 9:27 PM , Blogger Janice Lynn said...

I made you cry? Oh man. Sorry...well, not really, because what I said is true. You really do rock. And Positive ID is an awesome book. I can't wait to dig into Cold Case Connection.

Can you give us a sneak peek regarding the third book in the series? It's out in June, right?

 
At April 28, 2008 9:30 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Sara -- thanks for saying hi, and thanks for such a great site here at Fresh Fiction. ;o)) What a resource for readers and writers! And yes, I definitely need my routine before the coffee kicks in. It's when the two-year-old kicks into action before the coffee kicks into action that I run into trouble. LOL

 
At April 28, 2008 9:33 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Dear Squiresj -- I'm so glad reading provides you with the escape you need. I don't know what I'd do without great stories! Sending nothing but positive vibes and encouragement your way as you chase your writing dream. ;o)) Go, you!!!! You can do it.

 
At April 28, 2008 9:37 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Janice -- I'm so glad you enjoyed POSITIVE I.D. -- thanks for letting me know. ;o)) UNDERCOVER COMMITMENT is the third book, and it's out mid-June, you're correct. The cover is embedded in the blog above and Fresh Fiction has a page with the blurb here http://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=24645 .

Here's the blurb (I LOVED writing this book!)

Walking away from beautiful Eileen Caldwell had been one of the toughest assignments undercover agent Kyle Landenburg had ever faced. Now, after a frantic phone call, he was back by her side, protecting her from a past that had dangerously resurfaced. Keeping her safe was his job, but even as they dodged bullets, keeping his hands to himself was quickly becoming Kyle's greatest challenge yet. As a seasoned agent, Kyle knew better than to give in to passion when a client's life was on the line. But when she reached for him, would the temptation prove strong enough to make him cross it?

Thanks for asking!

 
At April 28, 2008 10:58 PM , Blogger Carla Capshaw said...

Kath, wonderful post! I'm always blown away by how meaningful & poignant your blogs are. I'm so glad you're following your dreams. You deserve all of your success and more.:-)

 
At April 28, 2008 11:25 PM , Blogger Kathleen Long said...

Carla -- I take that as very high praise coming from you! Thank you for the kind words, and congrats to you on chasing your dreams so beautifully. ;o))

 

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