Kate Warren

Dear readers,

I was going to post a bit of my WIP North Pole: Confidential, but that can wait because there is a need in the world that you might be able to help.

The damage in the Philippines from Super Typhoon Haiyan is unbelievable and catastrophic.  The death toll at this point is just guessing and will undoubtedly be horrific.  Power may not be restored for months.  People are without homes, without food, without water and basic clothing.

In honor of a friend who has family there, I am posting some links for anyone who wishes to donate to the relief efforts.  I know things are tough right now, and it seems like everyone wants a donation for something these days, but please consider how you would feel if it was your mother, your brother, your niece, or grandson with no food and no place to go.  Even the smallest bit counts.  If you can spare $1.00, that can help someone.  And if you cannot spare even that, please give your thoughts and prayers, which are more powerful than you may know.

The Philippines Red Cross accepts PayPal donations in Pesos (43 Pesos = $1.00 US) 
World Food Programme

Save the Children

Catholic Relief Services

British Red Cross Haiyan Appeal

These are the links from my friend Tessa.  They are the ones she chose.  Please donate if you can. 

Thank you.

Kate

Because it's too early and not hot enough yet for the dog days. 

July has begun.  I don't know where June went, but Camp NaNoWriMo is on again.  I am attempting to participate once again, though with a much lower goal.  This is the second of the month and I have yet to write a word towards the 10,000 I am planning.

I wish I could offer some words of wisdom, sage observations, or witty remarks, but I'm not doing all that well lately with my fibromyalgia.  My internet activities have been sharply curtailed so that there are days I don't get beyond checking email.  So my time is spent with the kids, helping them as best I can, doing a bit of reading when time and headaches permit.  Finally saw Les Miserables and I almost immediately started rewriting the lyrics to form a condensed version.  I made a dress for my daughter out of an old t-shirt, and it didn't turn out too badly.  I've rearranged a few things in the house, but haven't made any major changes.  Oh, and I've designed the dream bathroom for when I win the lottery (note to self: might want to actually buy a lottery ticket once in a while, as this would improve chances of winning).

I am very sorry to report that the local bookstore is closing.  The owners have been great friends and supporters to me in my writing.  There are many who will miss having a bookstore, myself among them.  This is the second, or perhaps third book store the area has lost.  Makes me wonder if our town just isn't big enough, or big enough on reading.  A sad happening regardless.

Switching to a more pleasant topic, for the upcoming holiday we'll be having a small cookout.  My husband will try out his new (used) grill and I will provide the potato salad and balloons stuffed with colorful confetti in lieu of fireworks.  We will also watch 1776, as has become our yearly tradition.

Here's to all my friends across the internet: writers, readers, artists of all kinds, and those who just like cruising websites.  Hope you're all having a wonderful summer.  And to those in America, have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

Kate

Dear readers,

We have all been touched by the tragedy that took place last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, CT.  We have felt pain, sadness, anger, bewilderment.  We have mourned for lives lost and hearts broken.  We have sent our thoughts and our prayers to the victim's families and friends.  Now we can do a little something more.

Words for Hope is an auction being put on to benefit the families directly affected by this tragedy.  Authors from all over the country have donated items such as eBooks, autographed copies of print books, critiques, posters, and more.  Each set of items will be open for bids for a period of 24 hours.

I am offering an eBook of my latest release, Bridging The Gaps and the winning bidder will also get to name a character in my next novel. 

Please visit the Words for Hope blog for more details about how the auction works and consider bidding on one or more items.  Also please help to spread the word about this worthy endeavor.  You never know who might be reached if people continue to pass on the information.

Thank you.

Kate

Hello all.  As you probably know by now I did not post for Six Sentence Sunday despite signing up for it.  I just couldn't.  Too much heaviness in my heart, and I was actually asleep past the deadline.  I have a migraine today and my daughter is sick and was up in the night.  Not fun, but at least I have her and my boys.

I keep thinking about the little girl from Sandy Hook Elementary school named Emilie.  She had the bluest eyes and was only a year older than my Emily.  I keep thinking about Victoria Soto, the first grade teacher who hid her students in closets and cabinets and told the shooter that they were in the gym, giving her own life to save theirs.  I keep thinking about the parents, the siblings, the pets even who won't see those smiling faces again.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors whose lives will be forever changed.  A community in shock and in mourning. 

There is no good time for such a thing to happen, but the holiday season is by far the worst.  Presents will go unopened and decorations have even been taken down.  Celebrating anything in such an atmosphere will be difficult, if not impossible, for those who have lost loved ones.  Some families will pull together because of this tragedy, and some will be ripped apart, adding more heartache and more tears.

I pray for everyone affected.  My heart aches for the lives cut short and the families devestated.  I imagine those beautiful children being gathered into Jesus' loving and protecting arms and it eases a little of the sting. 

There weren't six sentences in any of my work that felt appropriate to post today.  I'm sure you understand, and I hope you will visit the other authors who did post for Six Sentence Sunday.  I will.  I'm hoping some of them posted their funniest lines because I could use a reason to smile or laugh. 

Kate