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Monday, January 7, 2013

2013 Resolutions: Cassiel Knight and the Literary Life



Resolve 2013:  Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

This one was a difficult resolution for me. First, I wasn’t quite sure what Linda meant by this. I’m also surprised because I think Linda is one of the few that have what I think as a literary life. She’s very dedicated to her writing and is published with eKensington. Sounds pretty good, eh?

So, I thought about this one a bit. Actually looked online to see what other’s thought about creating a literary or creative life and for me, it seems to boil down to how we hold ourselves out to others.

We have to figure out what our creative life should look like and that is something only we can do. I know mine means quitting my day job so what I’m doing now and planning for the future involves creating my literary life around making enough money to quit the day job, keep myself (and my dogs) in the life style to which we’ve become used to and indulge in my passions of writing, editing and promotion. And I have a plan to get there in the next two years. It’s a slow plan but I love knowing what’s waiting for me when I succeed.

My literary life won’t be everyone’s. How I get there also won’t be the same but I think what is the same is how we present ourselves to others. To start: Do you like to tell people you write books? Do you like to tell them what type of book you write? When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a writer and when they ask what I write, I proudly tell them action/adventure romance. If you can’t do that, figure out what’s preventing you. 


There are other things around how you are perceived by others in your goal to create a literary life but ultimately, being comfortable telling others you are a writer and not shying from telling them you write romance, erotic, young adult or science fiction and fantasy should be your first step. Take pride in what you do.

Have a fantastic 2013!

Cassiel Knight resides in the beautiful, and evergreen, state of Oregon with her husband of over 20 years and two female Shih Tzus, which are her children in every sense of the word. When she isn't editing, writing or reading (and that is most of the time), she can be found playing with her Shih Tzus, gardening (when the weather permits and sometimes when it doesn't) and cooking fancy meals as long as someone else does the dishes. She writes paranormal romances with kick-assitude that blend archeology and mythologyjust a few of her favorite thingsfor Samhain Publishing, Lyrical Press and Champagne Book Group.

You can find me at these places:


Continue the blog party!

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation
Jessa Slade - Get Organized
Paty Jager - Volunteerism
Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life
Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier
Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination
Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions
Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss
Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet



Sunday, January 6, 2013

2013 Resolutions: Cathryn Cade and the Literary Life



It All Started With Barbie    Cathryn Cade 



My first memories of reading are such good ones—carrying home books from the public library in a pile so high I had to balance them under my chin. And then devouring them as fast as I could. Being read aloud to by my teacher after lunch every day. (My mother says she and my dad read to us every night, but darn it, I can’t remember that, even when I look at the family photos.)

Dr. Seuss was a favorite—Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Then on to The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Black Stallion, Tarzan of the Apes. Hey, I didn’t say I was into great literature, just good stories. 

So much so that when I grew up and went off to college, I fell in love with a career. That’s when I knew I wanted to be not just a teacher, but a librarian. And for many years I loved the job. Stayed home with my two boys in the middle, then went back to it.

I still love a good adventure with some mystery, suspense, a character who learns something important about herself, and a happy ending. Which is why I find it so very satisfying to read romance. I think Jayne Ann Krentz said it best in an interview with the Seattle Times. 

While the (popular) fictional landscape may change, the players remain consistent. At the core of all the genres are the archetypes. We know what a hero's supposed to act like. He's still gotta have the classic heroic values—courage, honor, and determination.”  

And of course many of our favorite heroes are heroines! With the same qualities as the male hero, but tempered with the best of femininity—compassion, tenderness and a strong belief in family. 

And that’s why, when it was time to move on to a new career, it was romance writing that attracted me. Did I mention I’ve been writing stories since I was old enough to draw those big, crooked letters on wide-ruled paper? My stories sort of continued the wild adventures had by my Barbie and Ken dolls. 

So in a weird way, I have Barbie to thank for my career. No wonder I write erotic romance with a muse like that—boobs like a stripper and eye-makeup to match! Add the fact that she and Ken hung around naked in the dark a lot, and there you have it. (In their Barbie carrying case, what did you think I meant?) 

What’s your favorite genre of romance? And can you remember the reading path that brought you here? I’d love to know. Leave a comment!

Happy New Year,
Cathryn Cade
... red hot romance!
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Continue the blog party!

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation
Jessa Slade - Get Organized
Paty Jager - Volunteerism
Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life
Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier
Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination
Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions
Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss
Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet