Karin Boutall

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in The United States
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January 2014

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KARIN BOUTALL, a graduate of the University of Colorado, recently left a financial-service career to write full-time. She is the author of Community Gardens and When Flowers Weep, and the recipient of the Blanch,Young, McNeil Award in creative writing.

Karin's affection for reading started as a child when her sister would read to her during the long, Minnesota winters. College and career then took her to Colorado, where she developed a love for outdoor sports and gardening.

Currently, Karin is a speaker for the Master Gardeners of the Mississippi State University Extension Program. She and her husband live in a geodesic dome on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Karin Boutall When that "oh no, all my ideas have vanished" feeling overwhelms me, I put on my tennis shoes or jump on my bicycle or, on on rainy days, grab a jump …moreWhen that "oh no, all my ideas have vanished" feeling overwhelms me, I put on my tennis shoes or jump on my bicycle or, on on rainy days, grab a jump rope. Exercise, and taking in a good bit of fresh air, quiets the mind and helps me regain focus. The ideas are there, but mixed up with other ideas and worries. Quieting the mind allows me to unblock the scramble and focus one thought at a time.

If the block is caused by indecision, you know the "should I write it this or that" sensation when you are mindlessly backspacing, I go shopping. Trying on a dozen new pair of shoes puts me in a decision making mode; should I buy or not? And I don't limit shopping to clothes. I've been known to create raised-bed gardens and redecorate living rooms. I never take cash or credit cards with me when I do this. The point is to make a satisfying decision, not purchase something.(less)
Karin Boutall What I love about fiction writing is the ability to express feelings and ideas. For years, my writing consisted of business or academic writing; that …moreWhat I love about fiction writing is the ability to express feelings and ideas. For years, my writing consisted of business or academic writing; that strict, passive style so void of feeling. My writing style was restricted to formatted paragraphs beginning with terms such as: of which, however, consequently and in conclusion then sprinkled with some passive statements.

How wonderful it feels to write: "If this place gets obliterated, will the Marine Institute still exist? Will my research still be needed? He paused and watched the massive red fire ball in the sky sink beneath the horizon. Dusk settled in and the air began to cool."

I can almost see the sun setting and feel the cool air on my cheeks. And that, is the best thing about being a writer.
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Average rating: 4.08 · 24 ratings · 10 reviews · 3 distinct works
Community Gardens (Communit...

3.86 avg rating — 14 ratings — published 2014 — 5 editions
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When Flowers Weep (Communit...

4.56 avg rating — 9 ratings — published 2014 — 3 editions
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Dance Upon A Field: Seeds f...

liked it 3.00 avg rating — 1 rating2 editions
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* Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. To add more, click here.

How to Share Your Love of Gardening

Do you enjoy helping gardeners grow plump tomatoes or save a beloved tree? Then becoming a Certified Master Gardener will help you do just that.

Who are the Master Gardeners?

Certified Master Gardeners are garden-loving volunteers who understand local growing conditions. They’ve earned their certification through State University Extension programs. As a team, they volunteer within their c

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Published on September 14, 2017 15:09
Community Gardens When Flowers Weep
(2 books)
by
4.13 avg rating — 23 ratings

Quotes by Karin Boutall  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“Bloom where planted”
Karin Boutall, Community Gardens

“You'll hit gold more often if you simply try out a lot of things.”
Ira Glass

“I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t know.”
Mark Twain

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
Dr. Seuss, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

“Remember if people talk behind your back, it only means you are two steps ahead.”
Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
Mark Twain

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Mathew Babaoye Same. Also diggin the color/cover scheme for your two titles, and the start of Community Gardens certainly got my attention: great fantasy bait and switch on the goblins, trolls etc description for Holloween :)


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