Patricia Davids's Blog - Posts Tagged "patricia-davids"
To Blog or not to Blog, that is the question.
I never though I would like using one of those new-fangled computers. That was 20 years ago and now I could barely live without one.
I hated the idea of having a cell phone. Who needs to someone be able to reach you every second of the day? That was ten years ago and now I text my grandson at the drop of a hat.
I still have trouble programing the DVD/Recorder thing. I doubt that will ever change.
Until today, I never thought I'd have my own blog? Who wants to know what I think? It turns out that quite a few people want to know more about me. So here is the start of my blog. What do I say? I guess I'll talk about my writing today.
I love writing Amish romances. Did you know that Amish weddings, which used to take place mainly in the fall because of the farm work, now take place almost any time of the year? Why the change? Because fewer and fewer Amish actually make a living farming. Many work in shops, mills and factories or own their own businesses. It allows them to take time off during the spring and summer to attend weddings as well as in the fall and winter.
Do you have questions about the Amish lifestyle? I'll be happy to try and answer them.
I hated the idea of having a cell phone. Who needs to someone be able to reach you every second of the day? That was ten years ago and now I text my grandson at the drop of a hat.
I still have trouble programing the DVD/Recorder thing. I doubt that will ever change.
Until today, I never thought I'd have my own blog? Who wants to know what I think? It turns out that quite a few people want to know more about me. So here is the start of my blog. What do I say? I guess I'll talk about my writing today.
I love writing Amish romances. Did you know that Amish weddings, which used to take place mainly in the fall because of the farm work, now take place almost any time of the year? Why the change? Because fewer and fewer Amish actually make a living farming. Many work in shops, mills and factories or own their own businesses. It allows them to take time off during the spring and summer to attend weddings as well as in the fall and winter.
Do you have questions about the Amish lifestyle? I'll be happy to try and answer them.
Now And Until The End of Time
No mention of the people and things that have shaped and inspired me as a writer would be complete without mentioning Dave. My own true love. My husband has been gone a year now. It doesn't seem possible. It isn't fair. It isn't right, but it is. I still miss him every day and every night.
Fifteen years ago, when I first told him I wanted to write a novel, he said, "I think you'd be good at that." His off-hand acceptance of my until-that-moment-secret-dream was just like him. He didn't believe in hoopla. He firmly believed that if I set my mind to do something, I could do it. He had faith in me. What an awesome gift that is.
He read my first ever chapter and said, "This is good." I was ecstatic. He read my second chapter and said, "Well, this is filler." I was crushed, but he was right. There was more to writing a book than I realized. His honest comment sent me on a search for information and education. That led me to my writing group, The Wichita Area Romance Authors.
I never finished that first book. It was too bad to save. Dave never forgave me for that. He liked that first chapter and he wanted to know how the story ended. He never read a single one of my books. Oh, he tried once, but he preferred stories with vampires, assassins, blood and gore, but he proudly told people that his wife was a romance writer. I can remember how surprised and proud I was when I overheard him bragging on me to his out-of-state cousin.
It wasn't all love and kisses. He didn't like the way deadlines stressed me. He thought editors who made me do revisions were jerks and he offered to call them and tell them so many a time. I unplugged the phone. He tolerated but didn't like it when I went to conferences or out-of-town book signings. Yet he understood how much I wanted to succeed. Every now and then, he'd walk past me when I was watching TV or playing Free Cell on the computer and he'd scowl at me. He'd say, "Shouldn't you be writing?"
Yes, Dear, I should be writing. I'm going to get back to it right after I post this blog. I love you, honey. Now and until the end of time.
Fifteen years ago, when I first told him I wanted to write a novel, he said, "I think you'd be good at that." His off-hand acceptance of my until-that-moment-secret-dream was just like him. He didn't believe in hoopla. He firmly believed that if I set my mind to do something, I could do it. He had faith in me. What an awesome gift that is.
He read my first ever chapter and said, "This is good." I was ecstatic. He read my second chapter and said, "Well, this is filler." I was crushed, but he was right. There was more to writing a book than I realized. His honest comment sent me on a search for information and education. That led me to my writing group, The Wichita Area Romance Authors.
I never finished that first book. It was too bad to save. Dave never forgave me for that. He liked that first chapter and he wanted to know how the story ended. He never read a single one of my books. Oh, he tried once, but he preferred stories with vampires, assassins, blood and gore, but he proudly told people that his wife was a romance writer. I can remember how surprised and proud I was when I overheard him bragging on me to his out-of-state cousin.
It wasn't all love and kisses. He didn't like the way deadlines stressed me. He thought editors who made me do revisions were jerks and he offered to call them and tell them so many a time. I unplugged the phone. He tolerated but didn't like it when I went to conferences or out-of-town book signings. Yet he understood how much I wanted to succeed. Every now and then, he'd walk past me when I was watching TV or playing Free Cell on the computer and he'd scowl at me. He'd say, "Shouldn't you be writing?"
Yes, Dear, I should be writing. I'm going to get back to it right after I post this blog. I love you, honey. Now and until the end of time.
One of life's curve balls.
I have been quietly settled as a widow in my three bedroom house for a year and a half now. I have a dog who keeps me company. One day last month, I mentioned to Sadie Sue, my lovely yellow Lab, that it was sort of lonely with just the two of us. She opened one eye and wagged her tail which I took to mean she agreed. I had no idea that life was about to throw me a curve ball.
The phone call came out of the blue. My daughter had left her husband and could she and her children stay with me. OF COURSE. Come over, I said, wondering how long this tiff would last.
Turns out it's much more than a tiff.
My three bedroom house has become a four bedroom house as I had to turn my den into a bedroom for her son. My tidy little office is now a bedroom for her daughter and my office furniture has been squeezed into my bedroom.
Everyone is struggling to adjust except Sadie Sue. She carries her ball from person to person. Someone is always willing to play with her, pet her, make over her, and she couldn't be happier.
Another curve ball from life. The only thing I can say is, "Yes, Lord, I'm still in the game."
The phone call came out of the blue. My daughter had left her husband and could she and her children stay with me. OF COURSE. Come over, I said, wondering how long this tiff would last.
Turns out it's much more than a tiff.
My three bedroom house has become a four bedroom house as I had to turn my den into a bedroom for her son. My tidy little office is now a bedroom for her daughter and my office furniture has been squeezed into my bedroom.
Everyone is struggling to adjust except Sadie Sue. She carries her ball from person to person. Someone is always willing to play with her, pet her, make over her, and she couldn't be happier.
Another curve ball from life. The only thing I can say is, "Yes, Lord, I'm still in the game."
A Career Highpoint
Pat Davids here wishing you all a beautiful day.
I recently had a career highpoint. It happened Friday, May 3rd, 2013 in Kansas City, MO. On Friday afternoon, I was awarded the RT Review's Choice Award for the Best Love Inspired Novel of 2012. What an honor to have my book, A HOME FOR HANNAH, chosen from among all the Love Inspired Books that were out last year. It truly was the highpoint of my career to date. The day was made extra special by the fact that my daughter and my best friend were in the audience watching me make my way across the stage to accept my award and give a small speech. I don't mind public speaking, but it was a big audience and the lights were so bright.
Lest you think all this hoopla has gone to my head, I assure you it hasn't. The video my daughter took of the event clearly captured my grace, my poise and my slip showing from beneath the hem of my dress. Ah well, it was my career highpoint anyway.
I have to wonder how someone picks the best book out of so many great books. I couldn't do it. I'm happy the reviews at RT magazine chose A HOME FOR HANNAH, but I don't believe for a minute it was a better book than so many other fine stories. Novels resonate with people for many different reasons. For some, it is a great plot, for others, it is loveable or memorable character or an especially sweet or emotional scene.
Could you do it? Could you name the best Love Inspired book you read last year? Well, here is your chance. Let me offer you the opportunity to name your favorite Love Inspired Book of 2012 or of all time. You can tell me why you feel that way, but you don't have to. There are many great Love Inspired authors, so let's spotlight some of their amazing work.
I recently had a career highpoint. It happened Friday, May 3rd, 2013 in Kansas City, MO. On Friday afternoon, I was awarded the RT Review's Choice Award for the Best Love Inspired Novel of 2012. What an honor to have my book, A HOME FOR HANNAH, chosen from among all the Love Inspired Books that were out last year. It truly was the highpoint of my career to date. The day was made extra special by the fact that my daughter and my best friend were in the audience watching me make my way across the stage to accept my award and give a small speech. I don't mind public speaking, but it was a big audience and the lights were so bright.
Lest you think all this hoopla has gone to my head, I assure you it hasn't. The video my daughter took of the event clearly captured my grace, my poise and my slip showing from beneath the hem of my dress. Ah well, it was my career highpoint anyway.
I have to wonder how someone picks the best book out of so many great books. I couldn't do it. I'm happy the reviews at RT magazine chose A HOME FOR HANNAH, but I don't believe for a minute it was a better book than so many other fine stories. Novels resonate with people for many different reasons. For some, it is a great plot, for others, it is loveable or memorable character or an especially sweet or emotional scene.
Could you do it? Could you name the best Love Inspired book you read last year? Well, here is your chance. Let me offer you the opportunity to name your favorite Love Inspired Book of 2012 or of all time. You can tell me why you feel that way, but you don't have to. There are many great Love Inspired authors, so let's spotlight some of their amazing work.
Amish Christmas e-books sale
If you haven't already read my books, An Amish Christmas, The Christmas Quilt and A Hope Springs Christmas, you can get all three e-books as a bundle for 99 cents. The books are available for download from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and from Harlequin.com.
It's a great deal.
It's a great deal.
USA Today Bestseller
I'm so excited. I just learned that I hit the USA Today Bestseller list. My e-book bundle, Christmas Brides of Amish Country debuted at #133 on Dec. 5th 2013.
The bundle is available for 99 cent for Kindle, Nook and from Harlequin.com.
It's a dream come true.
The bundle is available for 99 cent for Kindle, Nook and from Harlequin.com.
It's a dream come true.
Highs and Lows
All of life is made up of highs and lows. For the first time in almost 15 months I have a new book in the stores. What a high. Then last week I learned that my beloved dog has lymphoma and only a few months to live. What a low blow.
Yes, I know it could have been worse. It could have been my daughter or one of my grandchildren, but my Sadie Sue is like family. She was my husband's dog. A pound puppy part yellow lab and maybe pointer. She is a fetching fool for a ball or a Frisbee. I'm going to miss her but she gave me years of laughter and comfort.
I had already started work on a new Amish Bachelors book when I got this news. Oddly, I had decided to make a dog one of my secondary characters. Lancelot the basset hound. You can be sure he will possess some of Sadie Sue's best and funniest qualities and her pussy willow soft ears.
If you have a favorite pet - in real life or in a book - I'd love to hear about them.
Pat Davids.
Yes, I know it could have been worse. It could have been my daughter or one of my grandchildren, but my Sadie Sue is like family. She was my husband's dog. A pound puppy part yellow lab and maybe pointer. She is a fetching fool for a ball or a Frisbee. I'm going to miss her but she gave me years of laughter and comfort.
I had already started work on a new Amish Bachelors book when I got this news. Oddly, I had decided to make a dog one of my secondary characters. Lancelot the basset hound. You can be sure he will possess some of Sadie Sue's best and funniest qualities and her pussy willow soft ears.
If you have a favorite pet - in real life or in a book - I'd love to hear about them.
Pat Davids.
March 1 is the Big Day
Tomorrow, March 1st is a big day for me. It's not a birthday or anything like that but it is a special day. Tomorrow is the official release of my 30th novel writing as Patricia Davids.
30 books since I published my first novel in 2006. Sounds like a lot.
I can honestly say I didn't know I had that many stories in me. I tried for nearly eight years before I sold my first book. I gathered quite a few rejection letters in that time. 15 in all. Each and everyone of the them stung. But they also made me more determined than ever to succeed. I developed a thick skin but I also paid attention and made changes if the suggestions were honest and constructive.
People often ask me which of my books is my favorite. I can tell you with a straight face that I haven't written it yet. The two I like the best "so far" are His Bundle of Joy (my first) and The Amish Midwife, the one that was the most fun to write.
Do you have a favorite Patricia Davids book? If you do, tell me which one it is and why you liked it.
Pat D.
30 books since I published my first novel in 2006. Sounds like a lot.
I can honestly say I didn't know I had that many stories in me. I tried for nearly eight years before I sold my first book. I gathered quite a few rejection letters in that time. 15 in all. Each and everyone of the them stung. But they also made me more determined than ever to succeed. I developed a thick skin but I also paid attention and made changes if the suggestions were honest and constructive.
People often ask me which of my books is my favorite. I can tell you with a straight face that I haven't written it yet. The two I like the best "so far" are His Bundle of Joy (my first) and The Amish Midwife, the one that was the most fun to write.
Do you have a favorite Patricia Davids book? If you do, tell me which one it is and why you liked it.
Pat D.
The Sale Barn
Today I went with my brother and my father to a cattle sale. We went to the sale barn in St. Mary's Kansas to be exact. A trip that took an hour and a half one way. I have to admit that in all the years while I was growing up on the farm, I never went to the sale barns with Dad. I had four brothers and to be honest, I didn't see being a farmer's wife in my future so I didn't mind. I learned several important things at the sale today.
1. The auctioneer is very hard to understand.
2. The baby calves are so cute that you want to take them all home, but you can't.
3. I can't tell a good looking steer from a sorry reject but my brother can and he can tell you within a few pounds how much they weigh.
I won't say I enjoyed myself, but it was interesting to watch the men and women who do know what makes good cattle. I will admit I was surprised by the number of women in the crowd. You go girls. I hope to see a female auctioneer at work one of these days. My ulterior motive in going along was because I plan to have an Amish auctioneer as the hero of my next book. More research is needed.
Do you enjoy auctions? What's the most unusual item you have purchased at an auction?
1. The auctioneer is very hard to understand.
2. The baby calves are so cute that you want to take them all home, but you can't.
3. I can't tell a good looking steer from a sorry reject but my brother can and he can tell you within a few pounds how much they weigh.
I won't say I enjoyed myself, but it was interesting to watch the men and women who do know what makes good cattle. I will admit I was surprised by the number of women in the crowd. You go girls. I hope to see a female auctioneer at work one of these days. My ulterior motive in going along was because I plan to have an Amish auctioneer as the hero of my next book. More research is needed.
Do you enjoy auctions? What's the most unusual item you have purchased at an auction?
