I love writing and being a published author. It’s definitely a dream come true. Actually, it was almost the dream that didn’t come true.
I fell in love with romances when the kids were little and Karl and I could only afford one vehicle so I was stuck at home most of the time. Not that it mattered since I didn’t have a driver’s license. Romance books transported me to another place and another time. I was hooked. Then one day I came up with the idea that I could write one. It looked so easy(snort).
I sat down in front of an old typewriter that we had and painstakingly managed to get three pages. I think I used a whole bottle of whiteout. The pages were pretty good, though. Then I told my mother that I was going to write a book. She told me that I wasn’t smart enough to write a book. Wow, talk about a kick in the stomach. And what was worse, I believed her. Why shouldn’t I believe her? I hadn’t finished high school.
A few years later, she said I wouldn’t make it through nursing school, either. But I had to do something. My husband had just been diagnosed with a form of crippling arthritis (he was 25 at the time) and was told he’d be in a wheelchair in five years (he’s still not in a wheelchair). I got my GED, went to nursing school, and finished in the top 5 of my class.
I continued to devour romance books, but I still believed I wasn’t smart enough to write one. Then one day my son, who was about 12 at the time, found those first three pages I’d written all those years ago. He came into the living room where I was and asked why I’d quit writing. He told me those 3 pages were really good. He was the only one who’d ever seen them.
I had given up my dream because someone told me I wasn’t smart enough. It still took me another 6 years, and learning more about the craft of writing, before I sold my first book. (It wasn’t as easy as I’d first thought)
My mother passed away 3 months before my first book came out, a Kensington Precious Gem, but she knew I had sold. She told me she hadn’t wanted me to be disappointed and that’s why she’d said I wasn’t smart enough.
I’ve sold 11 single titles and 5 novellas since then. I’m no longer in nursing except to keep my license current. I’m living my dream and I’m having a blast.
Currently, I’m writing hot, sexy paranormal romances with a lot of comedy. Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind, first book in my planet Nerak series has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award.
And this from Romance Junkies on my second book in the planet Nerak series that has just been released:
COSMIC SEX is a laugh-a-minute, out-of-this world romance. I love Kia’s quirky personality and her no-nonsense attitude. She never lets Nick get away with anything. Nick is a hero with a lot to offer once he gets over his love ’em and leave ’em attitude. The explosive love scenes scorch the pages of this amazing sexy book. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Karen Kelley’s creative writing ability and sense of humor is obvious throughout the entire book. I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this awesome series. By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Robin Snodgrass 5 Blue Ribbons.
Just make a comment, say hi or whatever so I’ll know who you are and I’ll put your name in the hat for a chance to win a copy of Cosmic Sex. And if you want to read an excerpt check out my website at
http://www.authorkarenkelley.com
Good Luck,
Karen Kelley
Karen, what a wonderful story!! And how proud your son and husband must be of you to not only become a nurse, but also you’re dreamed of vocation of writing. I’m thrilled for you!!
I havne’t read any of your books…but I gotta read Cosmic Sex!! It sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing with us!!
What an inspiring and lovely post. Congratulations on this new release. Your accomplishments and determination are wonderful to read about and encouragement is what is necesssary for everyone, no matter what they are striving to achieve. Best of success for your future.
Congratulations! Cosmic Sex sounds like a great read. Glad to hear you are having the chance to live your dream…best of luck to you.
Congrats on the new release and the nomination! I love romances with comedy in them. Great excerpt! Lol.
Great post!
Am so glad you decided to keep writing. I enjoy your books.
Great post, Karen. You write my favorite kind of stories, paranormal romances with great humor, and I love the sneak peek for Cosmic Sex over on your website.
Sounds intriguing! I’d love to read this series!
This was just too good to keep to myself, so I included it in my blog post at my book reviews/contest blog – A Book Blogger’s Diary
Hope that’s ok with you. Thanks!
Karen, thanks so much for sharing your story today, and I’m so glad you persevered! Lots of happy readers are thankful for that, too! I’m glad your mom was able to see your success, and how wonderful that your son and husband believed in you even when you weren’t yet able to. It’s funny how people show their love differently–we need people to protect us, but what a blessing when they can do that without crushing our dreams. Keep on writing, Karen!
Congratulations on this new release. Cosmic Sex sounds like a great story and I can’t wait to read it, 😀
Hey Kelly! What a story you have there. And to think, it took your 12 year old son to get you writing again. I bet you are so proud of him for seeing the good in you when he was almost a teenager. And I bet he is really proud of his mom 🙂
I have to tell you that I saw the cover for Cosmic Sex on another site just a few minutes ago and wrote it down so that I could look for it at the store Thursday. Sounds like a wonderful book!
Oops, so sorry Karen for calling you Kelly. My bad — but in my defense I have two small boys fighting over a video game right now 🙂
You have a great story Karen. You must be very proud of all you’ve accomplished.
Cosmic Sex sounds great and it will be on my TBB list, your other books too!
What a wonderful family you have,keep on writing!
i love your books!
very cool name fo this book :)))
Cosmic Sex sounds very good! I’m looking forward to reading it!
glad you didn’t quit writing cause your new ones sound great.
congrats, so hot cover
Hi Everyone,
Sorry I’m late chiming in. It’s been one of those days! LOL My computer has been giving me all kinds of fits!
Glad y’all enjoyed my story. I guess I mostly want people to believe in their dreams and not give up–no matter what their dreams are.
Callmeabookworm–yes, that’s fine to share my story.
Yeah, I love the cover, too.
And yes, I’m really proud of my kids, they’re both grown now and Billy is getting married March 8th! Yea!
Okay, I’m going to crawl into bed but I’ll check to see how Fatin wants to pick the winner. Thank y’all for being so cool!
Karen
Congratulations on the new release! Sounds great! Looking forward in trying your books.
I loved Close Encounters Of the Sexy Kind and am looking forward to this one . Great story Karen so glad you listened to your son and kept writing and glad your Mum knew you had been published.
Have Fun
Helen
Congrats on the new release! Cosmic sex sounds amazing!!
I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I realy look forward to reading them!!
Hello, Glad to meet you! Your life is very inspiring. You go, girl!
I am impressed that you are a RN, Author, Wife, Mother, etc.
I would love to read one of your books! Please enter me in your fabulous contest. Thanks,Cindi
Congrats on the new release! Cosmic Sex sounds great!
love to have this book! wowsa sounds wonderful
Sounds interesting.
blogged ya:
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/tuesday-edition-of-contests-galore_29.html