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Why don't I blog more often?

6/1/2023

Because I don't think anyone wants to read this update repeatedly:

Current WIP still IP. Viking novels still in first-round edits. Humor novel still marinating. That's pretty much it writing-wise.

And since that's the only writing news I've got, I'll fill in some more personal stuff. Skip if you like.

This summer we've got a graduation party to hold, a daughter in show choir (if you're in the Midwest, you might know what that means, and all it entails), and three out of six family members participating in a local musical. That's in addition to driving lessons for the one turning 16 in the fall. Plenty to keep us busy. I will be working on the four books mentioned above as well.

My return to the stage (I started performing as a toddler) will also be my middle son's debut--unless you count the classroom production of The Three Little Pigs that he was in during elementary school. My daughter has the most recent acting credits in the family, but it's like riding a bike, right? It all comes back? Hmm. Maybe I should buy elbow pads and a helmet. ;)

It'll be a busy summer for us. You can catch me on Twitter, so long as the site hasn't crashed and burned any worse than it already has this year, but don't know if I'll be able to participate in WeWriWa or have any news worth blogging about.

See you all in the fall, if not sooner.

Kate

2 Comments

WeWriWa - April 8, 2023

4/8/2023

13 Comments

Hello everyone. You may have noticed that I haven't been posting for a while. I found as it got closer to the anniversary of my Dad's death, I was feeling very down. Then I had an infected wisdom tooth (getting rid of that sucker this coming week). And overall there's just been a lot going on. I have missed the Weekend Writing Warriors while I was taking a break.

For those unfamiliar with WeWriWa, just click on the image below to be taken to the blog for an explanation of the rules, and a links to all the blogs participating in the hop each week.

Last time I posted we left Sir Nicholas Carroll asking Henry to show him to the kitchen of the Shawley home. Here's this weekend's ten sentences:

Nicholas found no meat of any kind, in fact he found little of anything in the cupboards. But he did locate a cloth and a pail of cold water. That would have to do. Beth had said her mother was at the market. It certainly seemed needful.
     “Here, Henry,” he wrung out the cloth. “Hold this against your eye.”
     “Does…does it look bad?”
     “Shocking,” Nicholas nodded. “You’ll have quite an impressive stinker for a while, my boy.”

Posting more below for those who would like to read on a little. I'm working on The Christmas Carrols for Camp NaNoWriMo and overall, it's been going well. Can't wait to read everyone's excerpts!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kate

“Really?” The idea seemed to please Henry. “I’ve never been impressive before.”
     Nicholas couldn’t help a smile and a bit of fun. “And when anyone sees you and asks you what happened you can reply with ‘you should see the other fellow!”
     Henry seemed to understand the joke and smiled a bit. “I’ll say it to Edmund.”
     Beth drifted back to the kitchen. “Sir Nicholas?”
     “Yes, Miss Beth?”
     “Are you a knight?”
     Nicholas smiled. “No, only a baronet.”
     “Do you live in town?”
     “I live in the country. I come to town for business when I must, and I have some friends in London as well.”

13 Comments

WeWriWa - Feb 25, 2023

2/25/2023

11 Comments

Hello everyone, and welcome to another Weekend Writing Warriors post. For details on the blog hop, and to visit more participating blogs, please click the image above to visit the WeWriWa site.

Last week Sir Nicholas came to Henry's rescue, after Henry was attacked by some of the area troublemakers. This week Sir Nicholas meets poor little Beth, Henry's little sister.

Nicholas was about to insist on going when he heard a commotion on the stairs along with a cough and a little girl with black hair and large green eyes stepped into the room.
     “Henry, you’re home early. Mother’s not back from the market yet.” The girl began coughing again.
     Her brother guided her to a chair well away from the fire and put a blanket over her lap. He patted her arm and said “There now, Bethie. I have brought someone to meet you. This is Sir Nicholas.”
     ‘Bethie’ looked up at her brother. “Who?”

That's the snippet, but I'll add a little bit below. Thanks for visiting.

Kate

“The one who bought the chestnuts for us.” Henry said with a smile of mixed adoration and exasperation. He clearly loved his little sister, but just as clearly thought her the smallest bit stupid.
     “Oh!” the girl’s face lit up. “Thank you, sir!” After a moment she burst out “Henry, what happened to your eye? Mother won’t like it if you’ve been fighting.”
     Henry’s face fell.
     “Henry has not been fighting.” Nicholas said firmly.
     “Well, someone has,” Beth argued, “unless he ran into a lamp post.” She started coughing again.
Between the growing bruise on the boy, and the unsettling cough from the girl, Nicholas was wondering what to do. He knew nothing about respiratory ills, but he did have some experience with blackened eyes. “Henry, would you show me to the kitchen?”

11 Comments

WeWriWa - Feb 18, 2023

2/18/2023

11 Comments

Welcome back for another fun weekend of blog hopping to read excerpts of fiction from various authors--perhaps your future favorite is among them. Click the image below to visit the Weekend Writing Warriors blog and get the full list, as well as guidelines for participation.

Last week Nicholas found Henry scrambling in the snow after being attacked by three neighborhood boys.

Kneeling, Nicholas helped the boy to pick up the pieces of his wares. The remains of six pencils, worth so little to most, but he suspected that the three pennies they represented meant the world to Henry. His brother was strong and intelligent and able to take care of himself. What else but the pencil selling could this poor boy do to feel of some use to his family?
     “I don’t understand.” Henry said as Nicholas helped him up. “I never did anything to them. Three whole pennies.” He said sorrowfully.
     It was more than Nicholas could stand to see the poor boy so defeated.

There is a bit more below, if you'd care to read on. Looking forward to reading everyone's snippets.

Kate

“Henry, I was hoping to buy some pencils from you. Would you let me have these? I’ll give you the full three pennies.”
     He could see the boy’s mind working, and confusion on his features. That bruise was beginning to look bad.
     “That doesn’t seem right, sir. They’re broken.”
“I know, but, I think I have a use for broken pencils.” That wasn’t strictly true, but he was certain he could find something to do with them. And he very much wanted to make Henry feel a little better.
     “If you can use them…” Henry was thinking so hard, it was almost painful to watch him. “Alright. You can have them for three pennies.”
     “Thank you.” He took the pencil pieces and put them in his pocket, giving Henry his pennies in exchange. Now to get the boy safely off the streets. “With your wares all sold, I suppose you’ll be heading home. Do you live nearby?”
     Henry nodded, counting his pennies and then putting them in his pocket. “One block that way.” He pointed. “Mother doesn’t like me to go too far from home, in case she needs me.”

11 Comments

WeWriWa - 02/11/23

2/11/2023

16 Comments

Welcome back to KateWarrenLand for another exciting adventure in the sharing of snippets that is Weekend Writing Warriors! For more information and participation guidelines, please click the linked image below.

Last week, Nicholas learned some of the rumored Shawley family history from Bixby the chestnut man. He also asked where he might find Henry selling his pencils. This week I'm skipping a few sentences to make for a more cohesive 10.

...Three boys came running and nearly knocked into [Nicholas]. One, a sturdy red-haired lad with a broad face and an uncanny number of freckles across it paused and looked at him for a moment before continuing to streak away.
     When he turned to see where the boys had been running from he saw a pathetic sight. He had found Henry Shawley, and the boy was scrabbling in the snow for something as tears poured down his reddened cheeks.
     “Might I be of some help?”
     Henry lifted his face. There was a bruise already starting near his left eye. “He hit me, sir. And they broke my pencils—the last ones I had.” His voice cracked and he wiped at his face, wincing as his hand brushed over the spreading bruise.

Poor Henry. This is the kind of thing his mother was afraid could happen. But unlike Mary, Nicholas is in a position to do something about it. He'll have to wait to run into those boys again, but there will be a reckoning of sorts.

Nothing extra this week except this picture of Nicholas.

Sir Nicholas Carroll

Yes, part of his head is missing, but he'll be losing his head over Mary anyway, so it's fine. See you around the blogosphere, and thanks for visiting!

Kate

16 Comments

WeWriWa - Feb 5, 2023

2/5/2023

11 Comments

It's another weekend, and another post of 8-10 sentences from my current WIP The Christmas Carrolls. For more information about how to participate in the Weekend Writing Warriors blog hop, please click the image below.

Last week we met Mary Shawley, mother of Edmund, Henry, and Beth. This week Sir Nicholas has decided to seek out Bixby the chestnut man for more information about the boys.

“Bixby, there you are!”
    “Did you miss me, Sir?” the chestnut seller grinned.
     Nichols could not help grinning back. “Not a bit of it, but I wondered if I might ask you about those boys who were minding the stall for you yesterday.”
     “The Shawley boys?” Bixby asked, his expression tinged with wariness. “Did they do something wrong? They’re good lads, but that Henry…well he’s a sweet boy but he isn’t all there above stairs. Fell out of a tree and landed on his head when he was a tyke or some such thing.”
     “I had noticed that Henry is…different, but no, there were no problems.

That's my ten. More below, for those who are interested. I've come down with a cold and may not get to my visits until later in the day or tomorrow. I'm up now because I needed more medicine. Figured I'd get the post done before I fall asleep again.

Kate

"...I was rather impressed by them actually. The eldest, Edmund, is it? He seems quite industrious.”
     “He is that. Smart lad too. Shame his mum can’t afford to send him to school.” Bixby shook his head and filled a bag with the roasted nuts for another customer.
“Yes, I see that the family must be in difficult circumstances,” Nicholas remarked, “but I think that has perhaps not always been the case.”
     The chestnut seller snorted. “I’ll say. The missus has taken an interest in them. Sad story. The little ‘un, Betty, or Betsy, is sick. Needs an operation. Course they can’t afford that neither. They were well-enough off in the country for a while. Don’t know all the details o’ course but there was some doings with an uncle who inherited the widow’s father’s estate…” Bixby looked around covertly and lowered his voice, “and it seems he made improper advances to the poor widow. Can’t blame her for running as fast as she could from that. She’s a good sort, Mary, my missus says.”
     “Mary,” Nicholas murmured.
     Bixby continued as if he hadn’t stopped talking. “We in the neighborhood, we do what we can to help, ‘specially with young Henry. Poor Mary can’t be everywhere at once, can she?”
     “Yes, about Henry. I understand he sells pencils.”
     “Aye.” Bixby nodded as he stirred the nuts to keep them roasting evenly. “Would you be wanting a bag today then, sir?”
     “I will. And could you possibly tell me where I might find Henry Shawley, seller of fine writing implements?”
     “Three blocks that way,” Bixby gestured with his head while filling the bag. “Charges ha’penny a piece. Mary insists that he not stray too far from home.”

11 Comments

WeWriWa - 1/28/2023

1/28/2023

12 Comments

Welcome back for another weekend of fiction-sharing fun! Weekend Writing Warriors or WeWriWa is a blog hop for writers who like sharing small excerpts (8-10 sentences, but more is okay as long as it's clear that it's extra). Click the image below to go to the site and get all the info.

We left off last week at the Shawley home. They were about to enjoy the chestnuts that Sir Nicholas generously bought for the boys, and the boys saved to share at home. Skipping ahead a bit to Mary thinking about their situation (not destitute, but needing to save when they can).

Mary made certain that her children were properly fed and clothed. She also made certain that there would be some gifts for Christmas and birthdays, and that they could afford coal for the fire through the winter.
The sound of Beth’s coughing reminded her of the coal. It was the best option they had, being less expensive and easier to find in town than firewood, but the dust was not good for the girl. If they could save up enough to rent a small cottage in the country, even just for a few weeks in the summer, it might make a great deal of difference for Beth. It went against Mary’s every motherly instinct to tell her daughter to keep well away from the heat of the fire, but it was necessary so that she would not breathe in so much of the dust and fumes.
At least Cousin Stephen had allowed them to bring many of their belongings with them when he pushed them to move to town. The blankets and linen were well worth having had to part with most of the family furniture that should have been Mary’s according to the terms of her father’s will. Stephen claimed to be keeping the items for her, but she doubted she would ever see them again. She sighed and fluffed a pillow, wondering if Stephen knew that his wife sent them gifts from time to time.

There have to be some bad guys, right? Stephen's not as bad as rumor would have him though, and Mary is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, in part because he married an absolute sweetheart. You'll find a bit more of the evening scene below a small slideshow of character art.

Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to reading your excerpts!

Kate

“Thinking of our evil cousin again?” Edmund’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
     Mary turned. “You should not say such things.” There was no real censure in her voice. “Stephen is not evil. He did help us find this house.”
     “This house with four rooms, and as many drafts, away from the fresh air that Beth needs.” Edmund complained quietly.
     “He could not have known about Beth’s condition.” Mary reminded her son. “We did not know of it ourselves before coming to town. And many families live with less than we have, with fewer than four rooms. We have a roof that doesn’t leak, thanks to Stephen.”
     Edmund shook his head. “Sometimes, mother, I think you are too good for this earth. He could have let us stay longer, until we found a better place.”
     “I hope you do not say such things in front of your brother and sister.” She admonished softly.
     “I don’t.” He reached into his pocket. “Here. Our share of the day’s sales.”
     The small bag felt heavy in her hand. “My!”
     “The cold was good for business.” Edmund smiled.
“There’s a blessing.” Mary muttered. The cold was certainly not good for the coal bucket. “And just in time too, for I must visit the market tomorrow.”
     He nodded. “It will be good to have butter again.”

12 Comments

WeWriWa - 1/21/2023

1/21/2023

8 Comments

The weekend is back and so is Weekend Writing Warriors, the blog hop for writers who enjoy sharing small bits of their work on a regular basis. Click the image below to visit the WeWriWa blog and get all the details.

Last week we closed out the first scene of the novel. Sir Nicholas Carroll was revealed to be a decent guy, and we have met the two Shawley boys, Edmund and Henry. This week we'll meet our heroine, the boys' mother, Mary.

Mary Shawley was standing at her small cookstove, stirring a pot of soup when her sons blew in the door. She heard them close it, and smiled. They were very conscientious when it came to keeping the cold out and the heat in, as much as possible.
     “We’ve brought a surprise!” Henry exclaimed happily, and his mother turned to see a wide smile on his face.
     “Have you? How very nice.”
     Henry looked to Edmund, who nodded, and then began to unbutton his coat and pulled two small bags from them. “Chestnuts!”
    “Still warm,” Edmund added, putting a hand to one bag to make certain.

That doesn't tell us a lot about Mary, but there's only so much you can put in eight to ten sentences. There is more below, if anyone cares to read on.

I look forward to reading everyone's excerpts.

Kate

Mary was torn between delight and dismay. “How did you…?”
    “A customer who had luck in business and wanted to share his good fortune,” her elder son explained, and went to give her a kiss on the cheek. “No need to worry, Mother.”
    “He bought a bag for each of us,” Henry put in, “but Edmund said we should share a bag, and that way you and Beth could as well.”
    “Most generous of you, and most kind of the man.” Mary told him with a smile. “Why don’t you call Beth?”
    Henry went to do just that but stopped a moment and turned back. “Can we eat the chestnuts before supper?”
    “They are best warm,” Edmund added his voice to the request.
“Very well.” She had said it with an air of reluctance, but truly she was almost as excited as the boys were and their sister would be. It had been more years than Mary knew since she’d had hot or even warm chestnuts.
     “Bethie!” Henry called up the stairs. “We have a surprise! Come at once!”

8 Comments

WeWriWa Jan 14, 2023

1/14/2023

10 Comments

Two weeks into January already? How did that happen? Well it's WeWriWa time again. Click the image below to visit the blog and learn all about it.

Continuing with the Regency story we started last week, our hero character is making pleasant conversation.

"...And how do you like the chestnut business?”
     The taller boy shrugged. “It’s alright.”
     “Warmer than selling pencils.” The shorter one put in. His brother gave him a look that clearly spoke of displeasure.
     “You sell pencils?” Nicholas looked them over carefully as he handed the elder one his coin. They were not quite dressed for the weather, in clothes that were expertly patched, but patched nonetheless. Not particularly stylish either, but certainly respectable.

That's my ten for the week. The rest of the scene is below if you'd like to read a bit more.

See you around the 'hop!

Kate

...

Their speech indicated some level of education had been attained before their choice to seek employment.
     “Henry does.” The older boy handed over the bag of piping hot chestnuts.
     “And what about you? What do you do most days?”
     “Whatever I can.”
“Edmund is a genius.” Henry said with a smile. “He should be at school, mother says.”
     “Henry.” Edmund silenced his brother. “Sorry sir.”
     The other boy’s eyes went round. “Is he a knight?”
Edmund closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly searching for patience.
“Not a knight, I’m afraid.” Nicholas answered with a smile. “I am but a lowly baronet. Sir Nicholas Carroll.”
The boy smiled back and stuck out a hand. “Henry Shawley.”
     “Henry,” Edmund began again, but quieted when Sir Nicholas shifted the bag of chestnuts to his left hand in order to shake Henry’s hand with his right.
     “I’d like two more, please.” He told Edmund, as he seemed to be the one in charge. “Not for me, for the two of you. When you’ve finished.”
     “Really?” Henry’s eyes lit.
     “Do you like chestnuts?” Nicholas asked him.
     The boy nodded happily.
     “You’ve never had them.” Edmund commented.
     “Then today he shall.”
Edmund turned to address their customer. “It’s very kind of you, sir, but we cannot accept.”
The light drained from Henry’s eyes.
“Ah, but you must. You see, I’ve had a piece of luck today,” Nicholas explained, “and I feel it my duty to share my good fortune with others.”
Edmund looked at his brother’s pleading expression and sighed. “Very well sir. And thank you.”
     “Thank you!” Henry echoed, grinning widely.
Nicholas handed over the price of two more bags, touched a finger to the brim of his hat, and turned to go with a smile on his own face. It was clear that young Henry Shawley was not quite as one would expect a boy of his age to be, and that his brother Edmund took great care of him. It was also clear that the boys came from a family that must have been respectable before falling on hard times. Being the means of giving them a treat made Nicholas feel as if in some small way, he had brightened the world just a little, and it always pleased him to do so.

10 Comments

WeWriWa 1/7/23

1/7/2023

9 Comments

Welcome back to KateWarrenLand, and Weekend Writing Warriors, the blog hop for people who like sharing 8-10 sentences of their work at a time on the weekends. Click image below for more details.

I'm switching things up this time by posting a snippet from a brand new WIP. The current title is The Christmas Carrolls, though that is subject to change. It's a sweet Regency romance novella (if it doesn't get long).

Meet our hero.

Sir Nicholas Carroll turned up the collar on his great coat against the breeze. It was chilly this afternoon. His business finished for the day, he decided to visit the chestnut seller two blocks over--Bixby always had a joke or two to share, and Nicholas was in a humor for merriment. If he must come to town at this time of year, he might as well enjoy the small luxuries to be had.
When Nicholas arrived at the stall, he saw two boys running it. “But where is Bixby?” he asked.
The boy he took to be the elder of the two answered. “Off to visit his daughter. My brother and I are minding the stall for him. He’ll be back tomorrow, if you wish to speak with him.”

That's all for this week. More to come. Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to reading your excerpts!

Kate

9 Comments

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Kate Warren

fiction with humor and heart

Why don't I blog more often?

WeWriWa - April 8, 2023

WeWriWa - Feb 25, 2023

WeWriWa - Feb 18, 2023

WeWriWa - 02/11/23

WeWriWa - Feb 5, 2023

WeWriWa - 1/28/2023

WeWriWa - 1/21/2023

WeWriWa Jan 14, 2023

WeWriWa 1/7/23

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