Thursday, December 8, 2011

Color Me a Thrilled Finalist in the NOLA Star’s 2011 Suzannah Contest

Some days you wake up, the sun is shining, ice crystals twinkle across the lawn like tiny Christmas bulbs, Espresso warms your hands and throat, and you find out that you are one of the six finalists in the Suzannah. Holy moly! My manuscript, EPICENTER, is in the final round!

What is the Suzannah? Only the coolest writing contest EVER. Okay, maybe I'm a little biased since I'm a finalist and all. But there is plenty of coolness about this contest. The final round judges are a panel of six agents and editors. The winner gets money and a trophy! Holy greatness, Batman, a trophy?

The truth is, I feel like I have already won. Seriously. I am so happy.

Thank you NOLA Stars!


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Mammo A-Okay

Shew.
Thank God.

I had my mammogram recheck yesterday and all is well. It was determined that the ultrasound wasn't necessary and I only had to wait five minutes for the good news.

Thank you to all of you for your kind words of encouragement and support.

You guys rock!

P.S. I found out that caffeine can mess up the mammogram results, but no one ever tells us these things. It is a good idea to reduce the caffeine a few days prior to and the day of the mammogram.

Friday, November 18, 2011

God and the Paperclips

I saw God today in a paperclip.

No, I am not crazy, well, my kids might think I am, but I’m not, really. I do have this crazy-wonderful thing going on right now with paperclips.

It started in the summer. On my daily walks, I began to notice paperclips on the ground. I’d pick one up, put it in my pocket and continue on my way. After a few weeks, I reached into my jean pocket and was amazed that it was loaded with paperclips.

Suddenly, I was finding them all over the place—on the blacktop when I stepped out of my car, on dirt paths going to the beach, by my feet at conference in Las Vegas (where literally thousands of people had walked right over it).

What was going on?

My son finally asked me to stop gasping and pointing at paperclips on the ground every time we went anywhere because it was really freaking him out.

I told my friend, Cyndi, about this phenomenon and she said, “Usually when the universe is throwing things at you like that it means you are supposed to pay attention.”

It had my attention. But what did it MEAN?

“What does a paperclip signify to YOU?” Cyndi asked.

I thought about it. Maybe it meant that I was supposed to get organized. In my day-job, clips hold papers together in a tight, neat way. Taking it as a sign that I was not organized enough, I cleaned the house, the car, my closet, and my own stack of paperwork.

But that wasn’t the answer.

The paperclips didn’t stop appearing. Nearly every day I found one, sometimes two, all sizes and colors. They showed up on weekends, weekdays, at night, in the morning, in the pharmacy line at Rite Aid when I was getting medicine for sick kids, in the waiting room while I waited to be called in for my mammogram, on sidewalks, at the base of trees, stuck in the dirt.

My friend, Tina, read up on what paperclips signify in dreams. That was good, but I wasn’t dreaming. I was awake and in awe, but I was no closer to an answer.

Until today.

I prayed in the car this morning asking for strength. I was driving to a big work meeting in which I had to present bad news, difficult information, and be prepared for any questions that the thirty people in the group might ask of me. Moments before the meeting began (warning: a TMI statement is coming, so if you are at all a bit squeamish you might want to cover your ears and hum for the next bit) I realized my p-e-r-i-o-d had arrived early. Dear God, I wasn’t prepared for this! What a time for it. I raced out of the room to take care of matters.

You can stop humming now because this part is important.

What did I see on the ramp to the portable-potty? You guessed it, a shiny, warm from the sun, paperclip. I carried it in my hand and placed it on the table in front of me as the meeting began. It was a tough one, but I was prepared and all went well.

In the car on the way home, I used my author techniques to brainstorm ideas about the paperclip. What does it look like? It flows in a circular design like the infinity sign—never-ending. It is shiny (if metallic) or colorful and bright. What does it do? It holds things together and doesn’t let go.

Here comes the epiphany…The paperclips aren't from some wacky accountants who just happen to be ten feet ahead of me dropping paperclips everywhere I go. No.

They are from God.

When I walk, I pray. I tell God how beautiful the trees are, the sky, the hills...I thank him for the day, the sun on my back, the cool air on my face... Basically, we chat (silently and all one-sided on my part). I know He’s there, but maybe, He wanted to give me a little something to carry with me as I walk with Him. A love token to keep in my hand, or my pocket, that flows in a never-ending design (like infinity). It’s a shiny and/or colorful token, so that I don’t miss it on the ground. And it fits neatly in my hand.

When I was having my freak-out this morning about the meeting, He threw another sparkly warm sign at my feet to remind me that He is always there. Holding me together. Loving me forever.

And if I had any doubts about His message, they went away once I turned on the car radio. The DJ played George Straight’s beautiful song, “I Saw God Today.” The message was loud and clear.

Mr. Straight tells us that God’s fingerprints are everywhere. Perhaps, we need to look a little harder to see them.

Have you had any signs lately?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Great News!

My unpublished Inspirational Romance, God Whisperer, is a finalist in the Launch a Star Contest!!!

I just love this story about a mother and son who are hiding for their lives in an offbeat town when the boy becomes famous from an ear surgery that allows him to hear God.

My little boy was the inspiration for this story. When he was born, he was deaf in one ear because he didn't have an ear canal or an eardrum. The amazing surgeons at UCLA created both for him out of his own tissue. When my boy could hear for the first time with that ear, I wept for joy. It was a true miracle.

Fingers crossed for God Whisperer as it moves up to be judged by an awesome agent and fabulous editor. Results will be posted mid-December.




Mammogram Recheck

Trying not to get too anxious about this.

Got a call from the doctor that I need to have another mammo plus an ultrasound in a few weeks. They wouldn't tell me more over the phone.

For those of you who've had this done, can you talk me through it?
Is this common practice? Mammo and ultrasound.
Do I need to bring hubby for support?
Will I get the results right away?

Anyway, so glad I went in. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

Hugs,
Kimberley

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Mammograms

Today, I go for my yearly check up.

Reminding all my friends (yes, that means you!) to get your mammos done too. If you have already done it this year, or are not scheduled to have one yet, I'll get off your case. But for those of you who need to get in there, what are you waiting for?

Sure it's uncomfortable (no body parts enjoy being squished) and takes a little time (minutes people, not days), and may feel a bit awkward being manipulated onto that machine, but do it.

Please, for those of us who love you.

Kisses,
Kimberley

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What a Great Day--Breast Cancer Walk

Last Saturday my boys and I walked in the Strides Walk to help raise money for Breast Cancer.

It touched me that I was able to help out, just a little.

There were so many heroes there. It was truly awe-inspiring.

The survivor stories brought tears to my eyes, but so did the shear numbers of people walking. There were husbands, sons, firefighters, friends, teams and people like me--who simply want to help my sisters.

The announcer told us that there are 11 million survivors. Now that's something to jump for joy about.

Stay well, my friends.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Moving On

I'm having a tough time sitting down to write my next book.

Really dragging my feet...typing fingers weighted with sand...thinking vacuuming might be a better idea.

What in the world is wrong with me? *checks forehead* I'm not running a fever.

I just finished writing what I believe is one of my best books ever and it is time to move on to the next one. Heck, I have three stories ready to go, why can't I just move on? But maybe that's the answer.

The book I just finished was very emotionally charged. It required me to dig deeper into myself and pour raw and scary feeling onto the page all for the sake of an honest story. And in the end, I fell in love. With the characters, their strength in the face of extreme hardships, their devotion to one another. It is an aching, searching for love and finally finding it against all odds type of story.

It's like having a great love affair that I don't want to end yet. This kind of mini-depression is what I feel when I read a REALLY AWESOME book. I don't want it to be over. I am sad at the end.

And then it struck me--I am becoming a better writer! I depressed myself.

Now that is something to smile about.

Have you ever been sad to come to THE END of a book?


Friday, August 26, 2011

Walk a Mile in Your Shoes

At the start of summer I downloaded the Nike GPS App to track my walking mileage. I walk every day for an hour or so, but had no real idea how far I went. Now I had the means to measure the distance.

For the three months of summer I walked...Are you ready?

138 Miles!

Holy Toledo! Or Holy Los Angeles, might be more like it if I walked from here. Who knew I walked that much? You'd think I'd be skinnier. Maybe I'd better stop rewarding myself with scones at the end and/or beginning of the walk. Yeah...

Anyway, it wasn't hard. 138 miles equates to 11.5 miles per week. That's only 1.6 miles per day. Barely anything.

And the benefits?

Well, there are those yummy scones I mentioned (bad girl), my jeans fit pretty nicely, I got a new pair of shoes (see picture above), breathed a whole bunch of fresh air, luxuriated in the pure form of vitamin D, smelled the flowers, worked out those writing kinks, and enjoyed myself.

So what have you got to lose? Get out there and move it. Maybe I'll see you on the road.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Thank God Friday

I don't know about you guys, but it's been a wild week around here. I thought I'd take a moment and focus on the good stuff. You know, say my thanks.

I'm thankful for:
Family. No mother could be prouder of her boys. No wife more in love with her hubby. My parents and sister are the best who ever lived. I scored great in-laws as well. I am blessed with family. As time goes on, I am becoming more aware of time going on. I want to snatch these people up and hang onto them forever, but I can't make them live in my sock drawer, can I? I have to remember to tell them how much I love them every chance I get.

Words. I'm thankful for every time that the words come and the stories flow.

A job. I have a day job that allows me to work half-time and write the other half. I know I'm lucky.

My friends. I have friends who get me--my quirks, weird sense of humor, obsessions, worries, loves. They get me and continue to like me. That's priceless.

My great country. For all it's problems, I am honored, blessed and overjoyed to live here. Wouldn't trade my country for any other.

That's enough for now. It's your turn. Right here, right now. What are you thankful for?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What Circus Job Would You Choose?

Selena Robins interviewed me at Selena Robins Musings and asked all the tough questions.

Circus Clown anyone? Bearded lady? Fire Breather?
My answers might surprise you.

Leave a comment and be entered for a chance to win a free Catch Me in Castile ebook.

Friday, July 15, 2011

A Writer Gets Her Groove On

Over at the Gem State Writers, I am talking about how it took me 20 years to write my first novel. And why that's not a bad thing.

Gem State Writers

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tapas and A Tale

Come on over to Cooking With Cloris

I'll try to teach you to cook like a hot Spaniard.

Kimberley

Monday, June 20, 2011

"That's What I'm Talking About" Interview

Sometimes I've got stuff to say. No really, I do.

Come check out the interview:
At Twimom

Have a great week!

Kimberley

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Schedule for June and July

I'm going to be doing some guest blogs and a few interviews this summer. You can catch me at:

July 15: Guest Blog for Gem State Writers Why it took me 20 years

July 6: Author Interview Ask An Author

June 21: Guest Blog at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers Making Tapas and Telling Stories

June 2o: Author Interview That's What I'm Talking About

June 2: Guest Blog for Xakara. Thursday Thirteen Kimberley Troutte Edition

I blog every three weeks at Beyond the Veil

Drop by if you get a chance. Don't forget the sunscreen.

Kimberley

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Come Over to the Long and Short Reviews


Today, I'm talking about a very special young man who is not slowed in the least by Autism.

Kimberley Troutte at LASR

Please come by and leave a comment so that you will be in the drawing for a WiFi Nook, a WiFi Kindle, or $150 gift certificate to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

I'd love it if one of you won.

Kimberley

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday

This day hurts my heart.

First off, what's good about it? This is the day that a bunch of thugs banded together and crucified a man who gave his life to teach us how to love one another. Horrible. What came afterwards was better than good. Easter Sunday is an amazing, wondrous, miracle.

But Friday? No.

I learned that the word "good" in this case originated from pious and holy. So why didn't we stick with Holy Friday? Or something more descriptive like Black Friday? Ugly Friday. Terrible Friday.

Whatever the case, I'm going to make it a point to be kind to my neighbors, family and friends today. If we all band together and love one another it will be a good friday.

And that will do all of our hearts some good.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Embarrassing My Kid and Editing

Today, I'm over at Samhain Publishing talking about editing. Embarrassing the kid while I'm at it is simply...icing.

Samhain Publishing

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thirteen Places I Want to Visit

Today I'm guest blogging at Xakara's Thursday Thirteen in which I discuss my top 13 places I want to visit. Come on over and share your favorite places.

Thursday Thirteen Kimberely Troutte Edition

Kimberley

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Deal with the Kid

Have you ever wondered if you had the time to write a novel?

Today, I'm blogging over at Beyond the Veil for Samhain Publishing about how I wrote a novel in two months. It's doable, really. I've figured it out mathematically for you.

Do you have what it takes?

http://paranormalauthors.blogspot.com/