Kate J. Meyer is an author, speaker, therapist, and minister living in West Michigan with her husband and two chocolate labs.
She self-published her first novel in July 2021. The Red Couch, available on Amazon, is an adult coming of age novel about a woman named Toni, whose life is nothing like she imagined it would be; in fact, it is a mess! When Toni returns to Lake Harbor, WI to bury her grandmother, she does so intending to leave again asap. So when she is challenged to stay for a mysterious project, she’s reluctant. Is a shoebox of old letters worth the risk of staying? Here’s to hoping!
Kate participated in her first NaNoWriMo in 2020 and can now announce that that book is under contract to be published with Lake Drive Books! Keep up to date with the launch date and other information by subscribing at http://www.katejmeyer.com.
Kate also hosts the weekly series ‘Mental Health Mondays with Kate’ videos are available via her blog on her website and on social media.

books, National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized, writing

NaNoWriMo 2021 completed

November 19, 2021 emmapalova Leave a comment

I finished the NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge in November this morning at 6:38 am right before the start of Christmas Through Lowell. This was my third time participating. I can’t say that the novel writing challenge gets any easier with more experience or with more books published. However, I better understand my inner workings as a writer and an author. I know what is my most productive time, and how many words I need to log in per day, (2, 675) and how to push through a writing block.

Each year, I learn something new. This year, it was the buddy system and that it actually works.

When I saw the daily word log ins by buddies and fellow authors Andrew Smith, Diana Plopa, Marianne Wieland, Brenda Hasse and Jean Davis, I just had to keep up with them.

Near the summit, more insights other than metrics came in, and I will be posting quotes.

book podcasts, Indie authors, writing

”Mystekos Fall” portrays the ideal of balance in fantasy and real worlds

November 18, 2021 emmapalova Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-e9vx7-1135e85

In her Mystekos season series, author Amy Klco takes on the big theme of creating a balance between fantasy and real worlds.

In the second book, “Mystekos Fall” of the Lake of Two Worlds series- Emily returns to Camp Tender-Heart- and to Mystekos-only to find new trouble waiting for her.

All four books are a product of Klco’s participation in the National Novel Writing Month, even though the first book took 12 years to write, while the second book took only the month of November.

You can win the four-book Mystekos series by emailing Amy at enchantmentpress@gmail.com

Authors events, Uncategorized

Cheers to the holiday season 2021

November 16, 2021 emmapalova Leave a comment

Emma’s list & picks

There’s no better time of the year than the holidays which are upon us. Whether you have started your shopping or not, it’s a good time to put together your list. I like to choose unique gifts. On top of my list are books, books, and more books because there’s nothing more unique than books.
As in the past, I will continue the tradition of gifting books by fellow indie authors.
I have my eyes set on Mark Bello’s “Supreme Betrayal” and Sherri Burton’s “The Orphan Train Saga” for my parents.
Childrens’ books for my grandkids by authors Joan H. Young, Melinda Falgoust, and Ingar Rudholm.
I also buy books for myself, after all, I have to support my colleagues and fellow authors in our common endeavors. I will add to my indie author collection “Flicker” by Melanie Hooyenga for granddaughter Ella, and “Adam” by Andrew Allen Smith.

EMMA’S AUTHORS HOLIDAY EVENTS

Christmas Through Lowell, Nov. 19, 20 & 21 @the Lowell Area Historical Museum
Holiday Art Fair in Ann Arbor, Dec. 4 & 5th, Washtenaw County Fairgrounds, booth no. 106 in Author’s Row

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

book podcasts, Indie authors, writing

YA author Melanie Hooyenga transports main character in ”Flicker” back in time

November 12, 2021 emmapalova 1 Comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zc7pg-112bfec

What would you change if you could go back to yesterday?

The main character Biz in Hooyenga’s young adult book “Flicker” discovers that she has a special ability; she uses sunlight to jump back to yesterday. She takes advantage of flickering by retaking Trig tests, fixing fights with her boyfriend (or reliving the making up), and repeating pretty much anything that could be done better. Trouble is, flickering makes her head explode from the inside. Or feel like it anyway.

No one knows about her freakish ability and she’s content to keep it that way. Guys don’t stick around because she refuses to let them in, but all that changes when Cameron, her best friend, starts looking oh-so-yummy. Suddenly she’s noticing his biceps, his smile, and the cute way his eyes crinkle when he—gah! This is her friend!

But the butterflies come to a screeching halt when little girls start disappearing, then take a nosedive when the police link the kidnappings to Cameron’s sister, who vanished years earlier. As the police grasp for clues, Biz photographs a strange man lurking in the shadows and realizes that her flickering can help more than just herself.

Listen to the episode for details of the giveaway. Contact Melanie through her website to receive a free signed book.

Author Melanie Hooyenga

daily writing, For the Love of Books Podcast, Michigan authors, National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

Power your NaNo 2021 authors offer tips to win the 50k word challenge

November 1, 2021 emmapalova

Today is the first day of the @NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge.
Listen in to expert NaNo authors Jean Davis, Sara Shanning, and Kristine Brickey who

NaNoWriMo 2021 — Today is the first day of the NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge.

share their insights from their experiences in conquering the word marathon./ppAccording to all the panel participants whether you hit a writers’ block, crossroads in the plot, or the midway slump, you just keep on rolling./pp’Just keep on writing,’ Davis said./pp /p

Upcoming NaNo authors are Melanie Hooyenga, Amy Klco and Kate Meyer in November. Subcribe to the “For the Love of Books Podcast,” don’t miss out on a single episode.

https://emmapalova123.podbean.com/

Source: Power your NaNo 2021 authors offer tips to win the 50k word challenge

Czech heritage, Czech historic events, Uncategorized

Happy birthday to former Czechoslovakia

October 28, 2021 emmapalova 1 Comment

The sovereign country of Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic & Slovakia) emerged on Oct. 28, 1918, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. On that day, the Czechoslovak National Council in Prague proclaimed its independence.

Referred to as the First Republic it existed from 1918 to 1938 when it ceded Sudetenland to German as part of the Munich Agreement.

The second republic lasted only half a year until the rest of Czechoslovakia was occupied by Germany in 1939.

Pictured in the feature photo is the 28. rijen 1918 rally of the people on Wenceslas Square in Prague.

Source: Wikipedia

book podcasts, Indie authors, writing

Author D.A. Reed addresses teen depression, suicide and homelessness in her new books

October 25, 2021 emmapalova Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3mh4d-1113e3a

Author D. A. Reed delivers a message of hope to struggling teens, their parents and educators in her young adult novels “All The Things We Didn’t See” and “Nothin’ but Gutters and Change.”

“There is always help,” she said. “As a society, we need to eradicate the stigma around mental illness. I didn’t realize it was such a big problem.”

After writing twice about difficult issues for teens, Reed realized that she need to be aware, that these problems exist in society.

“People approached me to write about depression and suicide,” she said.

At first she balked at the issues, but then Reed buckled up to bring awareness to serious problems that people are struggling with.

“I made sure to write it in a way so it’s not that intense that people wouldn’t want to read about it,” she said.

Reed found a balance between stating the truth correctly while injecting some sarcastic humor into the stories.

“I always try to find that silver lining in difficult situations,” she said.

book podcasts, Indie authors, writing

True crime author Rod Sadler pens ”Killing Women”

October 22, 2021 emmapalova Leave a comment

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-bff87-110e67f

What could be more frightening than the inevitable release of a serial killer?

A former police officer of 30 years, author Rod Sadler draws on his experience and relationships with the key people involved in the investigation, prosecution, and the defense of East Lansing serial killer Don Miller.

Due to pending changes in Michigan law, Miller could be released as soon as next year when he becomes eligible for parole.

Miller was arrested for the attempted murder of two teenagers in 1978. However, the police quickly realized he was probably responsible for the disappearance of four women.

“Most people had forgotten this,” Sadler said. “When Miller gets released, those teenagers will relive that day and each subsequent year. He could be your neighbor.”

books, National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

Power Your NaNo 2021

October 21, 2021 emmapalova 1 Comment

With the National Novel Writing Month better known as NaNoWriMo just around the corner, expert NaNo authors Jean Davis, Sara Shanning and Kristine Brickey offer tips on how to win the 50k word challenge in November.

Whether you hit a writer’s block, crossroads in the plot or the midway slump, just keep on rolling.

“Just keep on writing,” Davis said.

Not only do you keep on writing no matter what, you will also need writing and accountability buddies to keep you on track.

The average word quota per day to win the challenge is 1,667 words a day. However, because unpredictable things happen, you should bank words when they are flowing.

“I try to work ahead,” said Colleen Nye, an author, and co-producer of “For the Love of Books Podcast.”

All authors have multiple years of NaNo experience with books published based on their participation in the challenge.

Listen in also on major podcasting apps, because you too can become a published author.