Author: Katie L. Carroll (Page 106 of 142)

Lodging a Complaint

January 13, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

Complaining is self-indulgent. It’s annoying. And worst of all, it’s boring. But, I’m writing this blog post on a Sunday while The Boy naps. I’ll probably be working tonight editing a manuscript that isn’t mine. When all I really want to be doing right now is snuggling up under a blanket with the book sitting on my coffee table, neglected.

There’s so many reasons why I have no business complaining. Last September I was lucky enough to be able to leave my office job to focus more on taking care of The Boy. Now my job is reading and editing other people’s stories. My schedule and my workload are determined by me. I don’t make as much money as I did in my office job, but money isn’t everything, right?

I have a solid roof over my head. A pretty nice car. A wonderful husband who works full-time, vacuums, does the dishes and laundry, and is a fun and loving father. Last year I had two books published.

Who am I to even utter a single word of complaint? I’m human, that’s who I am. I have bad days. I get tired and whiny. Some days the to-do list exceeds the number of hours in the day and my energy level to get those things done.

So official complaint lodged…I’m moving on. Focusing on the great stuff instead of the stuff that sucks the life out of me. A new year meets a new perspective. That is, until I feel like getting whiny again!

A Year on My Bookshelf: 2012

January 4, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

I fell a little behind in my book reading this year. I managed to read 47 books, about 20 behind what I normally read. There are many reasons for that (having a toddler, working two jobs for a few months, having my own book come out and promoting it, and lots of reading time devoted to my editorial duties), but I don’t like to make excuses (Hah! Even though I just listed all my excuses out!).

My full list of books is on my Shelfari sidebar (just look to your right…you may have to scroll down a little) and on my Goodreads page. Still I wanted to highlight a handful of the books I found noteworthy and some I’m looking forward to reading this year.

Let’s start with books from authors I personally know (either in person or through the interweb). In the order I read them:

Okay, now some from authors I don’t personally know (except for maybe stalking them on the Interweb), but that I wish I personally knew. In the order I read them:

And finally some titles I’m looking forward to reading in 2013 (okay, the first two I’ve already finished and the third one I’m currently reading, but the rest I’m still looking forward to reading). In random order:

I know there are a lot more books I want to read, and even more that will pop up as the years goes on, but I included a sampling here. What were your best reads of 2012 and what are looking forward to reading this year?

The Christmas Tradition of Decorating Cookies

December 29, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

Fortunately there was no licking of the ladies or men this year at the annual Christmas cookie decorating extravaganza. Looking back at that old post from 2008, I realize I’ve been making cookies with my twin-not-twin sister’s kids for many years, since the lady-licking nephew was two and a half years old (the same age The Boy will be next year at Christmastime).

Well, now that I’m feeling old (are traditions supposed to make you feel old?), here’s the cookies from this year’s efforts.

My sister’s cookies…she’s such a show-off with her crazy good cookie decorating skills!

My younger nephew’s cookies…I’m guessing that sleigh covered in all that white frosting was one sweet cookie!

My niece’s cookies…the big snowman (saved to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve) and the angel are my favorites.

My older nephew’s cookies…love the eyes on the gingerbread man!

And here are mine!

What holiday traditions did you partake in this year?

Katora’s Winter Solstice

December 20, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m guest posting today at Lorrie Unites-Struiff’s blog with an original Elixir short story. Find out how Katora, Kylene, and Bhar celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Don’t forget, today is the last day to buy Elixir Bound for $1.99. I’d love for you to support my publisher’s website and buy it from the MuseItUp bookstore, but you can also get it on Amazon. (So that means it’s also the last day of my shameless self-promotion…for now!)

I’m off to do some last minute shopping with (and for!) The Boy. Let’s see, tonight I need to address those Christmas cards and finish decorating the tree. This weekend is the annual Christmas cookies decorating party with my niece, nephews, my twin-not-twin sister, and my mom. Pictures next week! And I’ll have some more thoughtful posts coming in the New Year.

In the meantime, peace and love this holiday season!

Elixir Bound Sale

December 18, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

Just in time for Christmas, Elixir Bound is only $1.99 on Amazon. If you don’t have a Kindle, don’t fret, Elixir Bound will be $1.99 on Thursday, December 20th at the MuseItUp Bookstore (where you can buy it for your Kindle, Nook, computer, or other device). UPDATE: Elixir Bound is on sale one day early–as in right now–at the MuseItUp bookstore if you want to buy it. No shipping or wrapping required!

In case you haven’t heard what Elixir Bound is all about, here’s a short blurb:

Katora Kase is next in line to take over as guardian to a secret and powerful healing Elixir. Now she must journey into the wilds of Faway Forest to find the ingredient that gives the Elixir its potency. Even though she has her sister and brother, an old family friend, and the handsome son of a mapmaker as companions, she feels alone.

For it is her decision alone whether or not to bind herself to the Elixir to serve and protect it until it chooses a new guardian. The forest hosts many dangers, including wicked beings who will stop at nothing to gain power, but the biggest danger Katora may face is whether or not to open up her heart to love.

Check out Lorrie Unites-Struiff’s blog on Thursday for an original short story about how Katora, Bhar, and Kylene celebrate the Winter Solstice.