Summer Is Concluding

I'm sorry to see the lazy days of summer behind me as the rigid schedule of fall begins. The saddest part for me though, is not so much the lazy days are gone but the days at the beach and pool are over for another year. Of course, I can't complain when a wicked snowstorm blows in the dead of winter and the kids are home from school. My kids do the "snow dance", (well one of them anyway) but the joy on their faces at an unplanned missed school day is priceless. The whole summer was not as laid back as it seems but filled with many long writing days. I've managed to write a short story entitled "Your Side of the Lake" which was published in two local magazines. I'm considering making it a full novel since there is so much history in the main characters plus I've gotten feedback from my readers wanting more. I'll leave a teaser at the end of this blog. I've also finished two picture books this summer, began a new YA and rewriting an existing one that is so complex, I often wonder why I've taken the task on even though I know why I did. I'm pushing myself in an area that I've not explored and my characters just have so much to say. I admit I enjoy writing this YA but want it behind me so I can focus just on the whole rewriting process and anyone who knows me knows that's my favorite part. Here's my teaser until next time. Your Side of the Lake I hadn’t been to Lake House in thirteen years, but when my shoes crunched against the chopped bluestone of the drive and the scent of blue bearded irises drifted on the light breeze, memories tumbled back. Back to fog and shadows sheathing my mind like silky cobwebs binding me with no escape. The horror of that night slashed before my eyes in shades of reds. Such brilliant hues reds are; the color of love and violent death. Blond hair the same shade as mine in life looked macabre in death, now stained red, appeared ebony in the moonlight. From that night forward, I was no longer the young girl of fifteen pacified by half-truths and colorful lies. I no longer believed in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus and I didn’t view the house as the safe haven the younger version of me remembered. I saw it for what it was: shattered dreams, betrayals, eviscerated hearts and savage murder. Turning at the hoot of a loon, I saw the Wheaton Mansion across the lake, tall, massive and majestic. Like the people who lived inside. In the middle of the vast basin, the rectangular white raft rose and fell with the soft laps pushing against the float. A bronze arm rose out of the water, glistening in the summer sun, and before I knew it, the beautiful man I longed to forget stood dripping wet looking like the Adonis he was - I sucked in my breath. Ethan Wheaton had only gotten more handsome with age and prison had honed his body well.

Hello!

Hi Everyone! I haven't been here in awhile so I wanted to drop in and say hello. I've been busy doing a lot of writing and reading. Just finished a nonfiction picture book today and have been researching publishing houses on where to send it. Very time consuming. I have a list though and will start my cover letters probably tomorrow. I've been reading a YA series by Melissa De La Cruz, Blue Bloods. Enjoying it very much. I like the story line, the mystery, the tension between the characters and of course the thrill of the silver blood vampires. What seems off to me are the characters demeanor. At times, they act much older than seventeen-year-old teenagers do and I feel as if I'm reading an adult novel but then their characters bounce back to their teenage selves. Other than that, I'm truly enjoying it. I've also been reading a trilogy by Robin Bridges, The Katerina Trilogy which takes place in the year 1889 in Russia. Ms. Bridges voice is authentic to the time and her story is beautifully written. This is a great paranormal historical fantasy story that I recommend for anyone who loves this genre.

Thank you!

I just wanted to give all my family and friends a huge Thank you who came out to my book signing yesterday. I had a wonderful, successful day! Thanks for all of your support!

Please Join Me at the Booking Signing to Benefit the International Breast Cancer Surigical Mission

I will be signing books at the Book Lover's Garden Party on June 24th, 2012 located at Scarsella's Flowers. See below for details. Hope to see you there! Book Lover's Garden Party June 24th, 2012 DONATIONS TO BENEFIT THE INTERNATIONAL BREAST CANCER SURGICAL MISSION* www.islandimpact.net PLEASE JOIN US AT SCARSELLA'S FLOWERS LAUREL HOLLOW ENJOY THE GARDEN AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH LOCAL AUTHORS AND ARTISANS Scarsella's is a uniquely beautiful setting reminiscent of those English gardens described in Gothic novels. The nursery is a labyrinth of green houses where book lovers can wander through and meet the authors.. Local artists and artisans will also be on hand to display their work, and a folk singer will perform. Tea sandwiches will be provided. SUNDAY - JUNE 24TH , 2012 TIME: 11:00AM - 4:00PM * Donation is $20.00 PER PERSON and INCLUDES REFRESHMENTS Scarsella's Flowers is located on Route 25A in Laurel Hollow. Approximately 1.5 miles west of the Rte 25A and Rte 108 intersection. Hope to see you at the Garden, Contacts: For Book and Author Information - Linda Maria Frank - 516 798-0341 - lmf217@hotmail.com For Scarsella's Flowers Information - Janet McGee - 516 319 4148 - janetmmcgee@aol.com

Book Signing May 26th, 2012, East Quogue, New York

I am happy to say that I've been invited to sign my middle grade novels at the East Quogue United Methodist Church Community Hall on Montauk Highway in East Quogue. This fair is to raise money for the East Quogue Adopt-A-Family Group, which assists local families in need. The date is May 26, 2012 and I will be available to sign books from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

I Write Like Isaac Asimov

I write like

Isaac Asimov

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

"> For those of you who don't know who Isaac Asimov is, he is an American author and professor of biochemistry. Mr. Asimov was one of the most prolific writers of all time having written and/or edited more than five hundred books. His area of specialtize was science ficiton, mystery, fantasy and some non-fiction. He is the receipiant of many awards including the Westinghouse Science Writing Award, Nebula Award for Best Novel, Hugo Award for Best Novel, Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, Hugo Award for Best Novelette and Nebula Award for Best Novelette. Some of these awards he received more than once. I am honored to find that my writing has been analyzed to have a similiar voice as to such an outstanding, historical figure as Isaac Asimov.

Karenann E. Knotoff, Children's Book Author: New Picture Book

Karenann E. Knotoff, Children's Book Author: New Picture Book: Well, I finished a picture book!  My first attempt in a long time to create one.  I'm happy with the results and have sent it out to a few e...