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February 2, 2008
This is my very first attempt at a blog. I've read a lot of other peoples blogs and thought, how hard can it be? Well, let me tell you, it IS hard. Guess I'll start by introducing myself.
I live in beautiful East Texas with my wonderful husband, 3 Maltese and a very old Golden Retriver. I found a way to retire and that date is set for February 29, 2008. Writing will become my full-time job. I finished, sold and will soon be published with The Wild Rose Press. My first book. (Love the sound of that) Visit me at www.carolbraswell.com for the release date. The title of the book (right now) is When the Past Came Back. You hear many authors talk about the number of rejection letters in their files and the heartbreak of trying to get published. I guess I'm different. I just didn't send the book out except twice at the agents request. That's two rejections. My third attempt was with The Wild Rose Press and they accepted it. I'm one of the lucky ones. I am into the 5th chapter of a sequel to When the Past Came Back that I hope The Wild Rose Press will want to publish it, too. I also have two other manuscripts started and they are rambling around in my head, pushing and shoving to get out. I would rather finish work in progress first but they are demanding attention; so we'll see.
I will try to keep updating my blog with progress and news. Come back soon and be sure to leave me a message.
Carol

I am so proud of you. I've been there watching you grow as an author and getting this to the right people was like having a baby. The Labor pains were pretty intense at times but the end result has been joyful. I wish you all the best on this book and all the other books to come.

February 4, 2008
Thank you Karen. It has been a wonderful ride as they say. But I love the "work" How can anyone call doing something you love as work?
Now for an update. I'm on the 7th chapter of my sequel. I think it's better than the first one. But of course I'm a little partial. I completely trashed 3 chapters because the characters didn't like the way it was going. Hey it's their story so I think they should have a say. I've just about stopped watching TV when I get home. I go straight to my office and work. I'm trying to finish the sequel in 2 months. Wish me luck.
My regular job (the one I'm leaving in 18 days) is tough right now. Almost everyone has that flu that is going around. I keep my Zicam near me at all times.
Till another day, stay safe.
Carol

February 8, 2008
I'm working. Received my second round of edits a couple of days ago. I told you previously, I have an office upstairs for writing. Well, now I also have my office spread out all over the counter in the kitchen. My poor husband doesn't even have a tiny spot to eat. I told him that he can always use the dining room table. I think that's what it's there for. He groaned. Okay, I'll clear him an area. Gees. I have to get the edits done before the 26th. That's not carved in stone but I start a creative writing class and I want them finished and sent back to my editor. (Love the sound of that, My Editor)
I have a baby shower to attend tomorrow and I haven't even bought the gift yet. I started a crochet baby blanket and it is 2/3's finished. But I don't have time. Reminds me of that crazy rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. "I'm late." I'm not yet, but I don't want to get to that point.
More later...Carol

February 10, 2008
Submitted my edits yesterday. Boy was that a relief. I also made the certificates for our RWA contest and they turned out really nice, I think. Need to pick up more. I am short three. I'll get those tomorrow and in the mail. Tomorrow I will continue working on the sequel to When the Past Came Back. I think I came up with a different title for it. The originial title is so close to the first book, people could get the confused. I really like the new title better. I want it finished and off to my editor within two months. I can do it. I just know I can.
Went to a baby shower today and I have never been to a baby shower with that many people. The poor baby will have to wear three or four outfits a day in order to have worn the cloths she got before she outgrows them. They had some really cool things that weren't available when my children were born. Guess you could say, "we had it tuff."
Till later,
Carol

February 17, 2008
I have been trying to work on the sequel to When the Past Came Back. I have to admit, I've been stuck so of course I used every excuse I could not to write. On my way to the store, my main character hit me in the side of the head. "You're going in the wrong direction. Change the second kidnapping." So I did and bingo, the story began to flow. Now why didn't I think of that. It took my herione to tell me what to do. I'm excited again. I am curious. Has anyone out there ever had their charaters tell them what to write? A few years ago I would have called it my imagination. But know that she and I have become great friends, it happens all the time. Amazing. Have you ever had it happen to you. Tell me about it why don't you.
Next time,
Carol

February 24, 2008
Received a note from my editor saying the edits are good and she is sending it to production. When she get the galleys back, I'll look them over and then it's off to print. Yippie. I feel like a quarter horse at the starting gate. Now if I can only win. I signed up for an ad in Romantic Times June edition that is published for the RWA conference. I'm excited about that, too. I'm just excited all the way around.
Doing good on the sequel. Once I changed directions the story took off. My goal is to have it finished by the end of March. I should be able to accomplish that since 2/29 is my last day at work. I'll be home all the time.
My Cody, (his picture is on my website) is going in for surgery tomorrow. He has a large growth under his chin and it seems to get larger everyday. I'm worried about that. Say a little prayer for him.
Later
Carol

February 26, 2008
Started my creative writing class tonight. Gees we have a great group. Full house almost. I think we have some extremely talented people. Didn't get to hear everyone read but those that did were good. I'm excited. I'm always excited these days. Great class, great group, great teacher, wonderful friends, what else is there? Life in general is wonderful.
My Cody came through surgery like a champ. He was chomping at the bit to come home. He won't take his pills though. Eats the cheese and spits out the pill. So I put it in peanut butter. Took him a while to get the pb out of the roof of his mouth but he swallowed the pill. I told my husband when Cody was in surgery, "I can see us setting him up for chemo if it comes back from the lab positive for cancer." Now can you imagine that, we're sitting there with Cody (by the way Cody is a dog) with an IV in his paw...I won't even think that way. It is going to be negative.;);););)
Later
Carol

February 29, 2008 (Leap Year)
Today is my last day at work. I have mixed emotions about leaving. After being here for over 17 years, it's hard to leave the wonderful friends I have made. Oh, you think, I still live in the same town and we'll see each other. Most of the time it doesn't happen. But I hope I can keep in touch with them. I have never worked with such a wonderful bunch of people. They gave me a party yesterday with enough food to feed Africa. Their gift to me couldn't have been a better one. I got a wagon. Yep, a real, Radioflyer, red wagon. I have begged my husband every Christmas for the past three years, maybe longer, for a wagon. We live on 6 acres and I have landscaped over an acre where the log home sits. Carrying pots, shovels, hoes, rakes, potting soil, etc is a chore. I had to hook up the trailer to the riding lawn mover and haul everything around. Now with my 'little red wagon' I can just pull it around with me. Cool, huh?
I've had too much on my mind to write. I keep thinking, I'll start next monday. But I have to start sooner because I have a class assignment due tuesday and nothing has come to me yet. Okay so how do I get inspired? Anybody out there know?
Later
Carol

March 5, 2008
I don't know what all the excitement is about retirement. It ain't what it's cracked up to be.:-?
My first day was storming with all kinds of warnings and I had to drive straight into it for a dental appointment at 8am. So I didn't get to sleep late. My second day, I had to go back to the dentist and to our accountant, which is 30 miles from my home. Then I had to drive 30 miles in the other direction to attend my creative writing class. It was cold. On top of all this, I had to get my gallys finished and back to my editor. I finished them today and they are sent. ;););)
Now my sweet husband is working on the building to house the RV and needs my help. I snuck off to check if I had a note from my editor about the gallys. Nope, so I guess everything is hunkie dorie.:):)
Thought while I'm here anyway, I'd post and update. Tomorrow, Cody goes back to the vet to get stitches out and Steve goes to work. I can work on the sequel or clean the house. Haven't made up my mind yet. Or I could sleep all day. Nay. That makes me tired.
Later
Carol

March 18, 2008
I'm not doing very well at this blogging thing. Just how interesting is one's day unless you are Brit S or Paris H?:-?
We had a RWA chapter meeting last Saturday with a wonderful speaker, Rob Preece who owns an epublishing company in Dallas. Great speaker. I sent out a reminder plus notices to others on my list. We had five wonderful guest and four actual members.:( You heard me, four of our thirty members showed up. I wanted to cry. Now I ask you just how dedicated and/or motivated are people who join organizations if they won't come to the meetings? I really wanted to send out a very unprofessional email, but I refrained. It was hard not to.
I'm staying focused and writing everyday. My goal is at least 1,000 words per day. I want this story finished by the end of the month. I haven't gotten my final gallys yet, I keep watching for them. They should be 'go for launch' this time. I hope so.
Later
Carol

March 27, 2008
I'm not doing too good on this blogging thing. I have been so busy, I'm starting to run in circles.:-?
The writing is going so-so. One day I get 3500 words, none the next, 2000 the next, none the next, etc. It seems there is always something I must do that won't wait. For instance, RWA. As president of our local chapter, I have dead lines to meet with National and seem the volunteers don't want to cooperate. I get nervous when I'm staring a dead line in the face (35 days) and it ain't done. I think it is on the road now, we'll see. Then you have those that you ask for help and they come back with, "I don't have time" Just what do people want out of an organzation? I have always been felt you get out of it what you put into it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe, you get out of it what someone else puts into it for you.
I will keep a smile on my face a song in my heart and my opinions to myself
Later
Carol

April 1, 2008
I'm in heaven today. I have a release date for When the Past Came Back. May 2, 2008. It will be coming out in e-book and paperback. I will set up a link on my web page to click and order the book. I have so much to do and only four weeks to get it done. I'll be running on water (can't afford gas) this April. Now the pressure is on to finish the sequel. I've been bad where it is concerned. But I know the error of my ways and will correct the, NOW. The second will be finished before the end of April.
Come back soon
Carol

April 9, 2008
Finished my creative writing class last night. I think it was the best one ever. Can't wait until fall to take the next one. I'm at the end of the sequel but I'm short on words so I either have to go back and add of add two or three chapters. I haven't read it over and I usually find places that need something when I do that. I am determined to finish it this month and get it to Regan for the first edit and after she gets through with it I'll query my editor. Only 23 days until When the Past Came Back. I think I'll email The Wild Rose Press and see if I can pre-order the book. I wonder if they let you do that. Anyone know?
Later
Carol

How's the Sequal coming girl? Take some deep breaths, slow down and be in the now. You will gain empowerment from it and not waste energy.(From "A New Earth") by Tolle. Very good book that I needed to read. Keep in touch, can't wait til I can order a copy of the book!!

April 16, 2008
I think my mind has left on vacation. I guess I'll start with my edits on the sequel because I always get ideas when i re-read. I noticed my inspiration left me an email. Thanks Sharon. In case you all didn't know, if it hadn't been for Sharon, I would never have finished the first book. I did learn that you can not pre-order the book but when it is up on the author page, I can order. Now all I have to do is find the author page. I wish I knew everything there is to know about computers. I might be better off. But hey, I know more than some. One of my fellow CW classmates does not know how to copy and paste.
I am determined to finish the sequel in the month of April. I have 44,280 words and I need 70,000 or a little under. Guess you could say I'm a little over 1/2 way. It is a matter of putting my mind to it. Oh but I can find so many other things to do, like pull weeds and mow. Wow, maybe I should write instead.
Later
Carol

April 23, 2008
I have been working since the 19th on RWA-ETC Southern Heat Contest. I am trying to obtain published authors to judge the first round and thought that part is easy. The hard part will be to get a publisher/agent/editor to judge the final 5. Boy was I wrong. I have my final judges in place but I'm lacking first round judges. I can understand the time thing. I'm there. This has been so hairy for me, I can't sleep. I was up at 2:30am sending more emails. I finally went back to bed at 5am. No writing since last week and I'm really bummed out about that because I wanted to finish the sequel. Maybe, just maybe if I can get SH settled I can finish this weekend or next week.
Because of Kara Lennox, Author's blog, I put up a bird house and have 4 baby red birds. I have watched them build the nest, hatch the eggs and feed the babies. I think they are getting ready to push them out of the nest. They are so cute, messy but cute.
Went by my old office today. It is so great to see the gang. I really miss them. Not the job, just the people.
Later
Carol

May 3, 2008
It's out. When the Past Came Back is out. Came out 5/2/08. I sent out a massive email and have heard from people I forgot about. On 5/1/08 at 11:30 pm I decided to check the computer one more time before going to bed. Low and behold, there it was. I ordered 15 copies right off the bat. The next day it was on the "Authors Only" page and I ordered 15 more. What was I thinking? I don't need 30 books. Maybe I can pass them out when we go on our trip next month. Maybe they will even pay for them. You think? Anyway, I am so excited. I have a book out. Wahoo. Guess what? I also have 50,000 words into the sequel. Pat myself on the back. I hope I can get it finished by next week and get it off for the first edit. Dani spoke to me and I just started typing. I hit a lull and go downstairs and Dani speaks to me again. Flying back upstairs, I type as fast as my fingers will travel until I hit another lull. I sure hope she don't give up on me.
Later
Carol Braswell

May 18, 2008
Beautiful day here in East Texas as was yesterday as well. We had our RWA-Retreat here at my house and it turned out great. Six women sitting around talking about anything and everything that comes to mind. Oh yeah, we did get a little work done on plotting problems. Unfortunetly I had already figured out my problem earlier that morning. It was informative and productive (I think). The food was great. Stacy brought a wonderful roast that Tyson makes. It is already seasoned and cooked rare so if you want it done, you continue to cook it. It was very tender. Everyone else brought something to go with it and we ate and devoured a whole pitcher of peach tea. Umm. The recipe I make is so simple and no calories. 1pkg of Chrystal Lite Peach tea; 3 cups cold water; 3 cups diet Ginger Ale. Thats it. And boy is it good.
14,000 words left on my sequel and hope to finish before June 1st. Have four appointments in Tyler this week so that cuts into my writing.
Guess thats all for now.
Later
Carol

May 28, 2008
I finally got it and were am I? Typing on my blog. But I know now where I'm going. That counts for something, don't it?
Great rain yesterday. But I was on my way to the dentist and got caught in it. Guess you can't have everything.
I don't know whats going to happen with the June meeting. The person getting our speaker had an emergency and had to leave town. She left word that we will have a policeman and an FBI agent but failed to leave a name or number so we could contact. Don't know if it's at the police station or at Ryans. I won't be here so I guess I'm not worrying about it.
We leave in 15 days and Steve hasn't brought the RV home so I can dust and clean yet. We may leave with it dirty. It's not too bad but has been sitting up for 8 months and I would really like to clean the sheets & towels, dust and vaccum. But if I don't, I'm not going to worry about it.
Later,
Carol

I have good news and I have great news. When the Past Came Back was released May 2nd, right? June 2nd it hit the top 10 at number 8. Now the great news, two days later it's at #6. I am too excited. It, of course, is thanks to all the wonderful people who have bought the book. Thanks. Just remember when you write a book, I'll be the first in line to buy it. (remind me)
More good news, I'm full of it, I have approximately 3,000 words left to go on the sequel and then I need to read it a final time and it's off to the editor in California before approaching TWRP. Like I've said before, I think it is better than the first one.
We leave next week for 3 weeks. I can't wait. Just me, hubby and the 3 dogs. Yippie.[Wave) I'll miss everyone, just have to figure out how to stop all the emails.
Later
Carol

June 25, 2008
We made it home. In record time, I might add. After 10 days we decided to come home, taking our time doing it. We received a call from Craig (Steves son) to let us know Michael was having emergency surgery on his appendix so we drove straight through. I drank coffee. Me! I don't even like coffee. We traveled 1476 miles in 27 hours. My hiney was dragging and still is. None the less, we say some amazing country. First was the Badlands of SD. How did God do that? Then we went to the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse monument. From there we drove to Cody, Wy and into Yellowstone. Spent 3 days there and drove through Grand Tetons and part of the Rockies. I have a sore neck from straining to see everything. The mountains still have snow and our temp. ranged from 80 for the highs and 47 for the low. It was an awsome trip but tiring with 3 dogs. Kinda like having 3 kids. I had a book signing in one of the KOA's we stayed in and it was successful.
Now it's time to get back to work. I helped Steve mow today (6 acres) and it was hot. But I must finish the sequel and get it off. So enough of this and back to my real job.
Later
Carol

July 2, 2008
Wow. This year is flying. Guess it's true what they say about 'time flys when you're having fun'. I know I'm sure having fun. The sequel will be finished this week and I am sending Regan an email to see if she has time for this edit. I know she's going the RWA Nationals so I'm not sure. All the staff at TWRP is on vacation until the 7th anyway. I would like to read it once more and make any corrections I need to. It's a really good feeling to know I've completed two books and one is published and doing very well I might add. Statements go out this month and I'll know how good. I'm really excited to get it finished so I can start on the new book. I really would like to have it finished by September so I can pitch it to the agent that is coming from Knight Agency for our Expert Expose. Better get busy so I'll sign off.
Later
Carol

July 23, 2008
Oh my gosh. Where did July go? I have been so busy with getting promo material for our Expose in Sept, finalizing the Southern Heat Contest judges, sending online class & contest info to RWA and Library members, taking 2 online classes, and writing at least a chapter a day in my 3rd book. The sequel to When the Past Came Back is now in my editors hands. I haven't heard if they want it or not. I'm going forward with another book that is totally different from the first two. I'm very excited about it and think it's gonna be a goodie. My emails are getting out of control. Well maybe it's because my server is so slow. I must do something about it or I'm never going to get anything done. But you know what they say about an idle mind?
Later
Carol

August 10, 2008
Good grief! Where does the days go? I have been soooo busy, I forget the time. Haven't heard anything from my editor regarding the second book but I'm sure I'm not the only author she has so I'll be patient. I am over 26,000 words into my third book and it is so exciting. They had some hairy moments there and more to come (don't tell them that) but I have it complete in my mind. Already have another book forming in the over-active brain of mine but I haven't worked out the details yet. I have to get through the next 3 months, Expose and Southern Heat and it should be clear sailing. I don't know what I would do without my Jeannie helping me edit as I go. She is so sweet to do this. When it's finished, I'll read through it one last time. I have decided to enter the first chapter in a couple of contest and see what comments I get. Who knows, maybe one of the large publishers or agencies will pick it up. Wish me luck.
Later
Carol

August 23, 2008
See I told you I was busy. We have the Southern Heat Contest going on right now and Expert Epose Conference. They both climax in September. My dining room table has contest entries on it and I am working with The Potpourri House to make sure our room is set up. I have to drive into town 3 times a week to check the mailbox and make deposits for RWA. Yesterday I had to pick up a belt for Steves finish mower and Atwoods was out of them. The man at the store found one at the Kilgore store so I had to drive all the way to Kilgore to get it. It made for a very long day.
My editor sent me an email that the she thinks the sequel is a good second book but needs work. So I am working on revising it now. I had to stop the 3rd book to do it. My poor brain is screaming "what are you trying to do?" Part is thinking about Finding Amy (3rd book) and the other part "not that one again" about the 2nd book. The Past Seeks Revenge. Maybe it will get itself together and I can get the job done.
Take care,
Carol

August 23, 2008
See I told you I was busy. We have the Southern Heat Contest going on right now and Expert Epose Conference. They both climax in September. My dining room table has contest entries on it and I am working with The Potpourri House to make sure our room is set up for the Expose. I have to drive into town 3 times a week to check the mailbox and make deposits for RWA. Yesterday I had to pick up a belt for Steves finish mower and Atwoods was out of them. The man at the store found one at the Kilgore store so I had to drive all the way to Kilgore to get it. It made for a very long day.
My editor sent me an email that the she thinks the sequel is a good second book but needs work. So I am working on revising it now. I had to stop the 3rd book to do it. My poor brain is screaming "what are you trying to do?" Part is thinking about Finding Amy (3rd book) and the other part "not that one again" about the 2nd book. The Past Seeks Revenge. Maybe it will get itself together and I can get the job done.
Take care,
Carol

August 31, 2008
Gosh it is hard to believe a week has gone by. Tomorrow is my hubbys bd and I bought him a pair of Lucussa boots. He begged and pleaded for me to tell him what I paid. He just kept saying, "you paid too much." Yeah I did but they are beautiful and he's worth it. He left Friday to go to Dallas and he and his best friend took a motorcycle trip to Missouri. They ride all day, spend one night and move to the next place, spend the night, etc. They just like to ride. I like to sight see.
The Expose & Southern Heat are going. Not going well, just going. I sure hope the girls are right about writers doing thing at the last minute. If they aren't, we're in trouble. I guess I worry too much.
I'm still working on revision along with getting Finding Amy (3rd book) ready to enter Valley of the Sun contest. I must get it emailed this week. I'm waiting on Jeannie and then I'm sending it. Guess I better get back to work.
Later
Carol