A Cat Named Dihana Prinzess

I have been working on a new novel about a research submarine. Before you start thinking Tom Clancy or someone similar, I have tried to avoid all similarities to a cold war thriller. This is science fiction. A month or so ago, I was digging around in Amazon to see what books might be similar to what I am working on. I only came up with one thing that even came close... Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. So I guess I can say without hesitation, if you enjoyed 20,000 Leagues, you will love mine. When I finish it.

Anyway, I figured since it's a research sub, (despite it originally being a decommissioned LA class nuclear submarine), I had a bit of leeway. My devious mind decided to give  Sea Dragon a ship's cat. Normally that wouldn't have been allowed, but when my boat stopped at a port o'call in the Mediterranean, one of the crew was coerced into taking a cat. At first he didn't know he was getting a cat. The feline was part of the purchase of a nice basket a cherubic-faced boy sold him. The boy's parting shot was: "Her name is Dihana Prinzess." Being the soft-hearted soul he was, the seaman wasn't going to just dump the cat, so he smuggled her aboard. How fortuitous it was for Dihana that the cook had been complaining about mice. (Figured even subs might have a problem with them occasionally.) Dihana earns her keep before the khakis (officers) figure out they have a stowaway on board. About that time the new cook's assistant has a litter of kittens.  BTW I'm sure you figured out who the boy named the cat after.  I hope your holidays are wonderful, and don't forget... Books make the best kind of presents any time of the year! Pictures courtesy of Pixabay.

The Christ Child: A Nativity Story | #LightTheWorld

Crossroads to the Stars

 

My first published 'adult' novel!

But that doesn't mean it's my first adult novel. The first novel length story I wrote was an adult story. It wasn't very well written and it was never published (except online to some friends--and boy was I embarrassed when I re-read it a few years later!) Also, when I say Crossroads is adult, that doesn't mean a young adult can't read it. It only means the main characters are adults. I think of this as classic space opera, written in homage to the sci fi writers of my youth. There is a little bit of language, some innuendos, but no sex and no slice and dice (graphic violence). I am so proud of this 'book baby.' Launch day on November 15th. Launch party at 6:30 central on my Facebook author page (susankitesbooks). You are all invited!

I Like Cats!

 I guess I could be called a cat person. I have always loved cats. They're soft, can be cuddly (when they choose), and they have an elegance that I have always admired. Most of the animal books I read, growing up were about cats. (Well, except during my horse phase--then I loved horses!) 

Actually I still like horses, too
(Express Clydedale Farm, Yukon, OK)

I grew up with cats. My mother had a purebred Siamese cat in Alaska that absolutely despised me, probably because I was too young to treat her like the goddess she felt she was. Ming Sue Khan became the holy grail as far as I was concerned. I wanted that cat to like me more than anything! As she and I grew older, I learned how to treat royalty properly and she allowed me into her realm. After her death, we didn't have any cats until Dad retired and bought a 'gentleman's' ranch. 

There was Tom, who mainly lived outside, (except when I let him sneak in during the cold nights of winter. Never mind that there was a barn where he could sleep very warm and cozy.) There were others, but I can't remember their names. 

When I was in Wyoming, living on my own, I had a cat I named Chewie (he was large and furry!). He followed me into marriage. Then began a procession of cats who held pieces of our hearts, because my husband is a pet person, too. We always had a dog or two, because he's a dog person, but Dan also shared my love for the aloof felines who wandered into our lives. 

Diego, an all-around phenomenal cat

Our daughter with Melvin. 

Currently, we have two black cats. The first one, Scamp, was (and still is) quite put out with our acquisition of Zorro, but he hasn't figured out how to make Zorro believe he's the alpha cat. I don't think he ever will. BTW black cats are NOT bad luck (except for me when I have to get up in the middle of the night!) The inventor of nightlights must have owned a black cat.

Scamp

Zorro

Just for laughs, I did a little video about being a cat person (not a cat lady!!) I tried to add it to my blog post, but I guess it's too long. Ah, well...    

Taking a Leap of Faith (Into Tech!)

My latest publication, a children's early chapter book, called Billy Bob Flybottom, a very tall tale, had its debut last Wednesday, Sept. 1st. I had done a Facebook live (reading stories to neighborhood kids last year), but never did anything interactive where my audience could send comments and messages. I sent out invites the week before, got commitments and then prepared for a live event. 

I even had a pair of coveralls to match the theme (as well as a straw hat.) I didn't want to overdo the get up, so kept it at that. I put out my new Billy Bob Flybottom banner Wednesday morning. That was a struggle. My office isn't very big! Later in the day, I worried about too much light in the window for my 6:30 event. I was right. I grabbed an afghan and tacked it up a few minutes ahead of time. That helped some. 

Folks showed up, I told about my new book and how it came to be, then had a drawing for a free book. It took all of fifteen minutes. Chatted a while longer, but I really have to work on my tech skills. (As well as my presentation skills--and to think I worked in libraries for 35 years!)

I am an old dog, but I am going to have to take a leap off the porch and embrace some of these ways of interacting with folks. All in all, it was a learning experience and a good one. Now upward and onward! I am leaving the link so you can see my first efforts. Enjoy! https://www.facebook.com/susan.kite.98/videos/3091795641065261

What Characters did I like When I was Younger?

 I recently wrote a small essay about my characters. I have touched on that a time or two, but this time I was writing a bit of a why and realized it went all the way back to when I was a young reader....

When I was younger, I was a voracious reader. I read fiction and non-fiction. When I read fiction, I gravitated toward speculative fiction, but also read historical, contemporary, classics, kids stories (not as much choice as there is now!), even a little romance.

Recently, I wondered what characters stood out and why. I remember Podkayne of Mars, Starman Jones, Hosteen Storm (the Beastmaster), Menolly (from Pern), Bilbo Baggins, Ramona, Socks, Tarzan, and others. The why? I liked Podkayne because she kept fighting, even during overwhelming odds, Starman Jones? He was at the bottom of the heap and persevered to the top, without stepping on anyone. Hosteen had lost everything except his animal companions, but he carved a new life, made new friends. Menolly, Bilbo, Ramona, even Socks the cat, had various qualities of kindness, loyalty, willingness to learn and change, willingness to sacrifice for their friends. They were brave when they needed to be--all-around great people.

Many times in my growing up years, book characters were more desirable than real-life friends. Since I moved around a lot, that was often even more important.

When I started writing, I gravitated toward those kinds of character traits. Are my characters perfect? No, certainly not. But do they exhibit a desire to overcome cruddy circumstances, or overwhelming odds? Yes! Do I want them to exhibit kindness, understanding, tolerance, as well as smarts and really cool abilities? Yes. My cat character, TB, (Realms of the Cat), includes all kinds of animals in his circle of friends and allies, including dogs and crows, as well as people. Diego (Moon Crusher) learns to live with aliens of all sorts after he is cruelly kidnapped by aliens. Corree (Mendel Experiment), is determined to see both sides of many issues as she tries to save her family and friends. Noki loses so much, but he is still willing to learn, and grow. Sadly he has to adapt to things he'd much rather not adapt to. Even in my upcoming tall-tale, Billy Bob is physically perfect, but he uses his strength to help his neighbors and his kindness to help a bully become a friend.

     

What are your favorite characters and why?   firstbookscape@gmail.com

Cleaning Up After the Party

 I didn't receive any advice, probably because each person's journey is individual. Still, I did receive an answer to my question--is it worth it? A tiny little voice kept telling me all day that it was worth it. The idea of pulling away from what I've been doing for three decades seemed like a betrayal of the talent I had been given by the Master. He is there to overcome my mistakes, my insecurities, and help me along the path. 

It also helped that a couple of friends, one old and one new, saw one of my books at a party last night and were totally excited. The new friend won the book and her look of gratitude was balm to my heart. Okay, so I am not quite ready to grind away at the classes, courses, pundits, and how-to's for a few days. (Going to watch some of my grands for a week.) Still, I am a writer and I am going to keep on working as long as the creativity continues. 

Would still like to hear from anyone with similar experiences....

In the meantime, read! Doesn't matter whose book, or what book, just read and enjoy!

Is it Really Worth It? (The pity party post)

 I have been wondering lately if all of this book writing/marketing/pitching, etc. is really worth it. I open my mail and see long lists of emails about market research, using the latest plotting tool, creating the right mindset (I am beginning to hate that word, since I apparently don't have the right mindset--my royalties suck) to sell my books. There are emails where folks offer their services, (hooray, they'll get my books out there in front of the readers), for only a few hundred dollars each. Email lists, social media ads, school visits, trailers, researching, and the list goes on and on.  

I learned that I need to schedule my time, stick to the schedule, sell myself... There is even a workshop for author introverts! All for a price, mind you. And I have paid some of those prices, only to feel overwhelmed and underachieving. I understand that there are so many different ways to make money in this business. But when I get all gung ho, and then do or say something that stomps on someone else's toes or writing psyche, I begin anew to wonder--is all this worth it? 

Writing is a part of my life. It has been for thirty years. I love creating stories. I crank out about a 1000 words a day. That part's easy. 

When I was writing fan-fiction, I dreamed of being a published author. Now I dream of writing fiction unfettered by the need for income, or reviews, or ads. I could probably make do on my retirement, but I am afraid I need the income my book writing would bring. Except it isn't. So here I am, stuck by my desires, temperament, and insecurities. 

Have any of the rest of you felt this way? How did you overcome it? 

Please let me know: firstbookscape@gmail.com

Spring is Sprung!

 

Onions are coming up in the grow boxes, along with radishes and a few carrots. A few tomatoes are growing on my planter tomatoes and we are under a freeze warning for the next two nights. 

Say what?! Okay, maybe it's spring but remember that ground hog? He's still in witness protection. Well, the tomatoes are in planters so I rolled the planters into the garage. I think I pulled something getting them in the wagon. At least they are safe for the next couple of days. Things like the cute little blue spruce have to fend for themselves, but then it's from Colorado, so it should be okay. 

Anyway, on a different subject, I got the ARC (advanced reader copy) of Billy Bob Flybottom and I am so excited! The illustrations are adorable and I can't wait for publication day. If you want to read an advance copy, email me and I can send you a link to Net Galley. firstbookscape@gmail.com  All I ask is that you leave a review there.

 I hope you enjoy the story. It's an early chapter book--an Appalachian tall tale. (And out of my own demented mind!) It also won a couple of awards--3rd place RPLA, 1st place Oklahoma City Writers, Honorable Mention in Oklahoma Writers Federation. Billy Bob is being published by Doodle and Peck Publishers out of Yukon, OK. The illustrations are by David Barrow. 

 I got back from Tennessee last week. It was a wonderful trip connecting with author pals and old friends. Things have certainly changed in a year, though. 

 What used to be part of Bradley Square Mall, Cleveland!          What used to be soccer fields in City Park, Athens

Happy, happy, joy, joy!!

February was an interesting month, at least in this part of the country. That is my excuse for not posting last month. It started warm, then the ground hog saw his shadow. (The joke I heard is that Phil is in witness protection now!) The Arctic blast that hit the middle of the country and hung on for more than two weeks was felt as far south as northern Mexico. Some people are still recovering. 

We were very lucky here in Oklahoma. While it was at or below freezing for about two weeks, we never lost our furnace or electricity. Water was left running the entire time, and even though a local main went out near the end, we never had frozen pipes. Not everyone was that lucky. We were blessed. (I will feel that way until the water and gas bills show up in our mailbox!)  

 While seven or eight inches is a lot here, the cold was the main factor in most people's misery.

Now with the weather report done, I am happy about other things! 

My husband and I were able to get our Covid vaccinations the first of this year. I know some are leary, but having had relatives and friends fighting the effects of the virus, a few unsuccessfully, I was ready to stand in a very long line for this shot. I have had almost no side-effects from it and I feel much safer. 

The other part of the happiness report is that I was offered a contract on a new novel. I don't have a publication date, but the publisher has already done the cover. It is absolutely incredible. I will make you wait a little bit on that!

 Okay, you talked me into it!

The novel is titled Crossroads to the Stars. It is an adult novel, could possibly be considered new adult science fiction, much in the tradition of Robert Heinlein, Andre Norton, Clifford Simak and the other old sci fi masters. The main character is Kendra Manning, the leader of the newly formed space exploration service. The adventure really begins when an abandoned alien base is discovered on the moon. There are technological wonders galore, but will they lead to adventure or death?

Another bit of joy is the progress of Billy Bob Flybottom. My publisher tells me that the cover art is almost complete, along with extra illustrations to go along with the extra chapters I wrote. The book will soon be ready for printing of the ARC (advanced review copies). Again, I will show off the cover later. (I don't have it yet.)

This is the part of writing that does make me happy; knowing that one of my babies is ready to be born. I have a prequel to Realms of the Cat almost ready to go to the publisher. I have a sequel to Moon Crusher ready to go to a critique group. Happy, happy, joy, joy! 

I realize there are other parts to this business that I have to learn, but as I do, that will raise my happiness level, too. 

What makes you happy--really joyful? 

Let me know....

 Happy New Year!!!  

(Using hubby's Christmas gag gift to say farewell to 2020. "Take that, 2020!")

It has started with a bang, but despite what we have inherited from 2020, there is great hope for this year. At least for me. I am so very optimistic that this year will be a wonderful year. Is it because it will be easier than last year? No.  Will it be better because the road is smooth? No, the road is extremely bumpy, as seen from events this week (1/6). 

I think it will be a wonderful year because I am determined for it to be a wonderful year. I am determined to be grateful, I am determined to be successful. I am determined to feel joy. In other words, it's inside of me. My attitudes, my goals, my outlook is up to me. If I decide everything is gloomy, it will be. If I find pleasure in a beautiful sunset on a really cold and gloomy day, I will be happy.   

Fun in the snow on New Year's day!

I know this sounds Pollyanna, but it's really true. Let's be grateful, let's be forgiving, let's be giving. Let's be kinder. Let's wait a moment before venting our anger and think about what our actions might do to others before we strike out. Let's make this a great year!!  

If these two can get along.... (Zorro, recently fixed, and Scamp)