Geri Krotow

Geri's Take on...

Where Geri's insights on life, love and living may provide a clue as to how a U.S. Naval Academy graduate became a romance author. She's lived it, now she writes it.

 

Two Years in the Same House–and We’re Not Moving!

April 25, 2013 – 9:29 pm
We adopted a Dogwood!

We adopted a Dogwood!

My retired Navy family is hitting a major milestone this summer as we approach the two-year mark for how long we’ve been in one house, one home, one spot on the globe–and we’re going to stay here. After 13 moves in 26 years, you can imagine my relief. Even though I know we’re done with the Navy moves, and hope no other moves are in the near future, my brain seems to have a special compartment that must be labelled “Navy Move” or “PCS” (permanent change of station). I found myself restless about a month ago, thinking I needed to purge the house of junk, accumulated clothes or papers, books, etc. But wait–I did that when we moved in. And before we moved from Russia. And before we moved to Russia…

What do normal people, i.e. people who don’t live tour-to-tour, do?

Border garden around the new paver patio

Border garden around the new paver patio

Remodel! But wait, there’s the college tuition to consider for the eldest kid, and younger kid will be in college soon enough. What’s more economical?

Curb appeal! (HGTV junkie, full disclosure).

But we’re not selling, so who cares about the front of the house? I spend close to three seasons writing on my laptop or iPad on the patio. Shouldn’t it be a place of serenity and escape for me?

I am no gardening expert. After living in so many different places I’ve learned that if I want to have any success I need to stick with native plants. Lucky for me there is a local gardening expert who also happens to write a column in our paper and, for a very reasonable fee, make house calls and landscape design charts.

Because every garden needs a path...

Because every garden needs a path…

This has been a spring of deadlines and looming deadlines, and the excitement of attending a particular writer’s conference I haven’t been to before. But somehow the plans were drawn up, I limited myself to one side of the house per year (or every 5 years!) and besides the start of a wonderful garden I also have a second paver patio from which to write my novels.

How lucky can a girl get?

By Geri •• Posted in Gardening and Writing •• Comments (4)

Gearing Up

March 11, 2013 – 11:40 am
A balmy weekend compared to the cold and snow has me in a spring mood, which means I need to get in gear for the busiest time of my writing year–summer through fall. Conferences, book releases (thank you God) and the associated promo. The most important promo I feel I ever do is meeting readers. Whether or not they like the kind of fiction I write, seriously! Because it’s about the love of story in the end. I have my favorite authors and so do you. But I digress… It’s coming up on pruning and nourishing time in the garden and yard here in North America. A great parallel is to get my office and writing in order so that I can write the best story possible. For me that means having good chunks of alone time each day, a pretty steady routine, and taking the time to recharge through walks, gardening and family time. Maybe I should have labeled this “recharging.” It’s ongoing and a must for all of us, but I find it especially true in the midst of deadlines and conference season. What does “gearing up” mean for you? What do you do to recharge?
By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous •• Comments (0)

The Greatest Gifts Come Quietly

February 4, 2013 – 9:15 pm
Seeking a full-time, paying career in writing brings madness, mayhem, and all to often, discouragement. This is why I glommed on to writers like Julia Cameron, Stephen King, and Anne Lamott even before I knew I was a writer. They speak honestly and often with humor about the writing life. I’ve learned that the writing thing is like the life thing–I only need take each day as it comes, step-by-step, word-by-word. There’s not a lot of drama in that, is there? As a recovering trauma-drama queen, it was hard to accept that while I can get as nut-so as I want on the page and in my novels, that is not the way I want nor need to be living my life. In essence, I had to slow down. It’s a daily process and I’m not the best at it. But when I slow down and listen to the quiet, it gives my spirit room to grow and create. It gives me room to live. I hope you have a special space in your living today.
By Geri •• Posted in writing, Writing Life •• Comments (2)

All Things Sparkly

December 14, 2012 – 12:03 pm
I love the word sparkly. My friend Erica uses it a lot, and while we lived in Moscow at the same time I picked it up from her. It’s a great word. Thinking of sparkly things makes me smile–frozen snow sparkles in the sunlight. Christmas ornaments sparkle next to twinkle lights. A smile sparkles when the bearer is filled with joy. For the holidays and New Year, I wish you many joyous, sparkly moments.
By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous •• Comments (3)

Glitter or Dust?

November 19, 2012 – 11:45 am
It’s all a matter of perspective. Things get crazy this time of year. Lists, recipes, gifts, shopping, community events, spiritual mindfulness no matter your beliefs. What do you do to get rid of the white noise? I’ve found the simple things like de-cluttering or doing loads of laundry get my mind into the place it needs to be to settle down and focus on what’s important. All of a sudden the madness blinks away, if only for a moment, to reveal that perfect insight into what I really need to be doing or writing, or playing! Like a snow globe, there’s one perfect moment that I can hold onto until it becomes my holiday mantra. Of course I often drop the proverbial snow globe and the glitter turns into a wet soggy mess that needs cleaning before the dog or parrot wander over and get cut and need to go to the vet and oh, the dog throws up in the car… If we all just take one moment to close our eyes, take a deep breath, and let go…won’t things be a little easier this year? What do you do to keep things in perspective?
By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous •• Comments (3)

October Catch-Up

October 1, 2012 – 3:09 pm
October is my favorite month, hands down. I grew up in the Buffalo, New York area so how could it not be? My memories of fall are crisp days with endless blue skies and the aroma of apple cider in the air. During Buffalo winters the cider turns hard, but that’s another blog post! I’m finally at a place in my life where I can focus on my job, my career, without the distraction of being a navy spouse and oh yeah, always doing my best to well-represent the U.S.A. overseas. I couldn’t wear my favorite writing clothes (flannel pj bottoms, sweatshirts, fuzzy slippers) to embassy cocktails! So I’m grateful to say I’m able to pretty much wear whatever I want and spend my time how I want, when dh (dear husband) and daughter are out of the house. Since we’ve been back and have settled in one place (it’s been over a year already) I’m amazed at how my writing feels like it’s finally bearing fruit. I just turned in NAVY ORDERS which the second in the Whidbey Island series and will be a July 2013 release for Harlequin Superromance. It is the story of Miles and Ro, the characters introduced in NAVY RULES when Miles rescues Ro’s mother’s cat from a very tall fir tree. It involves a murder mystery, which proved a challenge for me to write. The thrill of seeing Ro and Miles get together in spite of both of their wounds, emotional and physical, was visceral. Even better, I’ve been pondering for a long while how to give back to the community, our community, our world, since I won’t be doing that as a navy wife any longer. All of my heroines knit, as do I. I’ve knit several chemo caps for friends over the years, and was recently in need of a new pattern for a friend who started chemo. Lo and behold, I stumbled upon Robin Celli’s charity site, Delaware Head Huggers. Robin creates patterns weekly for chemo caps, and more importantly, she’ll send a cap out to anyone in the continental US who needs it–all you have to do is contact her! The most awesome thing is that since Ro knits chemo caps in NAVY ORDERS, Robin has graciously agreed to donate a pattern that will be included in the text of NAVY ORDERS for free! If you’re not a knitter, don’t worry about it. You can still donate to Delaware Head Huggers. Their website is www.delawareheadhuggers.org and they are on Facebook for those of you who are interested. It’s amazing to me how what I ask for appears. Many things I’ve never asked for appear, too, but again, another time, another blog! Have a great autumn. PS In an unrelated photo, my two pets are showing each other healthy respect, e.g. I think the parrot pinched my dog’s nose when I wasn’t looking.

Predator and Parrot Get Along

By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous, writing •• Comments (2)

Rocking the Romance Writers of America Conference

July 25, 2012 – 3:12 pm
I’m not saying that I’m personally rocking the conference, but I am having a great time meeting my colleagues and being in awe of the writers whose work has been a beacon to me throughout the years. What’s so gratifying is being able to share in the joy of friends and acquaintances who are Golden Heart or Rita Finalists, or who are receiving another type of award from RWA. It’s very fair to say that without Romance Writers of America, I would not be published. The invaluable information and education I’ve gained in the past 12 years has been the equivalent of another Master’s Degree, if not a PhD. The support of other writers and publishing professionals (have I mentioned I have the best editor in the business) has kept me steady when it looked like my career prospects were sinking, fast. If you want to see some cool photos and my more emotional outbursts, please join me on Twitter or Facebook or Pinterest—I’m Geri Krotow on all of them. I’m not adept at getting pics from my ipad into WordPress. But I’m sure I can find the answer at RWA2012!
By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous •• Comments (0)

Welcome Author Molly O’Keefe!

June 27, 2012 – 5:09 pm
The romance genre is a difficult one to break the “nut” in. It took me years of writing and then years of attending writing workshops, mostly through Romance Writers of America, to learn my craft and come up with a publishable manuscript. Well, a manuscript an editor thought could maybe be published after a lot of polishing! In the course of all the conferences, meetings, and workshops I’ve attended in RWA and elsewhere, I became aware of an author who is dedicated to her craft:  Molly O’Keefe. Molly isn’t in this for the quick thrill of getting her book published. It’s clear to me that she is a thoughtful, deeply committed writer who believes in the power of words. The power of love. And she puts it on paper time and time again. I’m attracted to people and especially writers who take the time to excel at their craft. Now Molly has punched it up with the release of her first single title romance, CAN’T BUY ME LOVE. I couldn’t wait to download it on my Kindle and have to confess I was up until the wee hours last night reading Molly’s latest novel. It’s as all of Molly’s work is, amazing. Engaging. Captivating. But this time there’s more to enjoy as it’s a longer and bit more complex read than a category romance. I’m loving it! If you like Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you’re going to love Molly O’Keefe.

Molly's Latest

I’m thrilled to have Molly visit today, and in light of my constant search for positive thinkers in this often tumultuous publishing world, I asked Molly a success-related question. Please note: Molly did all the footwork to get where she is! I’m so proud to have her here today. Molly, how did you make the decision to transition to single title? Can’t Buy Me Love is my first single title romance after writing 20 novels for Harlequin. My agent was always a big advocate for me to attempt a single title proposal, but I was very happy with my career at Superromance. My first Superromance came out while I was pregnant with my first born, so I wrote a lot of books during naptimes, while pregnant and breastfeeding and struggling to get more than three hours of sleep in a row.                 But then when my second child went into daycare a few days a week, I suddenly found myself ready to take my agents advice and try something new. I put together a proposal with what I thought was “a big idea.” It got rejected far and wide, but my agent was very supportive and very focused – we only sent the first proposal, and the second proposal to four editors. When the second proposal was rejected, I went back to the drawing board on that big idea. Instead of pushing the envelope on every single detail of my story – I choose just a few things to push. Mainly my characters. I put together the proposal for Can’t Buy Me Love and it’s sequel Can’t Hurry Love and suddenly we had some nibbles.                Instead of going to auction, my agent asked me if I had a preference and I’ve always admired Shauna Summers and the books she had edited, so I made the choice to go with Bantam.                And I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m challenged and grateful.  Thanks so much, Molly! I’m motivated to keep working hard at my own stories. You are an inspiration. If Molly inspires you, please leave a comment. If you comment on or before Friday, June 29 at 5pm EST, you’ll be entered to win a copy of CAN’T BUY ME LOVE.
By Geri •• Posted in Guest Blog, Miscellaneous, writing •• Comments (6)

NAVY RULES on Tour

June 8, 2012 – 9:52 am
Okay, maybe I’m not a big, famous author doing a big fancy book tour. But I am a grateful writer and published novelist doing what I can to meet my readers, get my story out, and give back to fellow writers. Besides writing a new story, this is my favorite thing–to meet other writers and readers, and to talk about craft. I gave a workshop last week to my local chapter of RWA and I’m doing one in partnership with my dear friend Linda Cardillo tomorrow. I have much news and fun photos from Book Expo America which I’ll post here in the next couple of weeks. I just wanted to take a quick opportunity to say thank you to all of you who have supported me through the years. I am so blessed to have an opportunity to go after my heart’s desire. I hope you do, too. And I hope NAVY RULES inspires you to never give up.
By Geri •• Posted in Miscellaneous •• Comments (0)

Peace, Joy, and Total Spring Madness

April 26, 2012 – 4:40 pm
We’ve been back home in the States for 10 months. I’ve settled my office (um, er, well, you know–it’s functional), planted flowers and now vegetables, and both kids have made it through most of a full school-year. I’ve had more writing success than ever–I’m launching my Whidbey Island series in June with the first book (and my fourth published novel) NAVY RULES, and I’m in the midst of contract negotiations for a 3-book deal with Harlequin Superromance. There will be more Whidbey Island books–yeah!!

Cold Weather Blooms

The work-up for June promo, as well as getting ready to speak at RWA in July with my Romvets sisters, is exciting and exhausting. I’m so excited about all of the new changes and opportunities that I often find myself awake at 4 am, pondering the universe (or what subplot I should write next). I’ve found that when I’m getting too full of “me” stuff, it’s good to get grounded by reaching out and helping others. So this year I’m again happy and humbled to be a part of Brenda Novak’s Auction for a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, there’s something here for you, including a book club basket from me and an Amish gift basket from the Three Glindas–me, Ann DeFee and Linda Cardillo. Check it out–there are so many wonderful items to bid on, and each bid takes us another dollar closer to a cure for this devastating disease. http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/. I’m also getting geared up to meet my readers and re-connect with so many writing colleagues at many different events this spring and summer. Please peruse my bio page and scroll down to the Events list. If you can come out and meet me, please do! I’d love to meet you and talk about books, writing, knitting, military family life–you pick! I don’t know about you but I’m going to brew a cup of tea now. Plain green. Peace.

Container Gardening--the Basil is from Seeds

   
By Geri •• Posted in writing •• Comments (4)
Geri Krotow