Location: WA
State/U.S.A.
Age: Too old to say.
Question: How
long have you been writing?
All my life – literally for as
long as I can remember. I was given an
old script type-writer (an antique even then!) at about age 7. I quickly took to typing after being shown
“home,” position – and loved to fill all that white space with that beautiful
script! No poem, Hallmark card, or church
hymnal from my grandmother’s piano was safe from my innocent plagiarism! I
typed so many favorite verses, poetry and inspiring thoughts I came across. Of
course, I am just old enough that this was in a pre-digital world, when copying
was far less available, and more of an elite technology. I copy-typed my heart
out and put the pages in special home-made poetry and music journals– and imagined
I was saving all those beautiful words for something special, and important. Though
I didn’t know what! J
I wrote my first 300 page “novel,” by the third grade. (Thank you Mrs. West, my teacher, for all her
“critiquing,” and encouragement!) The
biggest game changer for me was a school writing competition I won in the 4th
grade – where, as a result of my writing being chosen out of all the others – I
was sent as an Ambassador to represent my school at the Young Writer’s
Conference. That was a defining
experience – especially for a shy girl who had changed schools many times by
then…
Question:
What was the first publishing experience you had, and when?
In the May, 2014, issue of Foster
Focus magazine, my narrative poem, "Open Window", was given a six
page layout in celebration of the much celebrated Foster Care Month – at least
in the foster care world. It was an
unexpected and humbling honor – as I had submitted the poem months
earlier. It was so lovely to see this
tender, poetic story in print. I had
much hope that it resonated with others in the deeper way which only poetry can
do – and in the very least, validated their experiences in the composite story
of the poem.
Question:
Tell our readers about your first book. (For example: What was your inspiration for writing it, and
what was it about)?
My first self-published
inspirational book is going to be "Paths of Friendship", and it’s the
debut title in a series I am so thrilled about!
The Pebbled Lane Series is the brain, or rather heart-child of a
prolific writer who has always loved to write about the seasons and holidays, in
poetry and prose. I love to write when the larger cultural mood is striking, contagious,
and heartfelt; to capture those sentiments of the individual experience in
real-time.
On top of that –
Pebbled Lane Books are givers on three fronts: either by helping authors have a
real publishing opportunity. And yes,
(quality) self-publishing is a REAL publishing opportunity, no matter how much the
traditional, corporate publishing market wants to deny the reality of Indie’s growing,
and likely soon to be dominant share of the pie.
The second way
that Pebbled Lane is a giving project is that several titles in the series are
giving at least a portion, if not all the proceeds to a worthy, heartfelt
Cause.
Last, but not
least – Pebbled Lane Books’ ultimate purpose is to offer something memorable,
inspiring and positive to a readership who appreciates a good, clean, engaging
and enjoyable read.
"Paths of
Friendship", the first book in the anthology series, will be released on
December 1, 2015! It is appropriately, a
Cause Book, for a dear, young and close friend (of my daughter’s) who has been
suddenly and unexpectedly taken quite ill, with a serious, long-term illness.
Question: What are some of the titles in your series?
Some of the titles in the Pebbled
Lane Series include, "Paths of Fear", "Paths of Gratitude",
& "Paths of Resolutions", and there are many more in this
inspirational series.
Last
question,
if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell
them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?
For me, it’s all
about what I call “living the gratitude,” – and understanding that whatever you
put out there comes back to you many times over. So, best make the ripple be of good things…
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
Just my favorite quote from Mother Theresa:
“We can't all do
great things, but we can do small things with great love.” This is good advice – for so many facets of
life. It’s gotten me through many
challenges as a foster parent, as the mother of a large, (sometimes larger than
others!) family, as a wife, daughter, employee, and friend. As a writer, it’s also a reminder to just
give and do, and be our best – in the small, singular moments that life is
really made of. In this way also – the true riches of life experience are magnified,
and so much more deeply appreciated.
You can contact and learn more
about me and my books at the following links below:
http://www.conniekerbs.com/
http://www.pebbledlanebooks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ConnieRaeKerbs.Writer
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