Guest Post: Romance author C.K. Gray
Last week I nominated my colleague and great friend, author C.K. Gray, for the Kreativ Blogger Award because of her tireless sharing of her heart and her words, and also for her support of all the other writers (and people) out there.
C.K.’s blog site is currently under construction, going through a cool remodel, but she wanted to get her own blog and nominations out there—soooo, I figured the RoW Studios were as good a place as any to host her Kreative Blogger post! (Plus, it’s clear that any time I can replace my brutal mug with one as easy on the eyes as C.K. Gray’s, well, it can only mean better things for my hit count. Kidding, kidding. Sort of…)
You can visit C.K. at the following locations online:
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As an author, the question I once asked
myself was… “what do I write about?”
I sat and pondered for many years wondering when I would eventually write my very first novel? My life had been extremely busy, consumed by my full time job as an Interior Designer, and most importantly, my role as a Mother and my dedication to raising three children.
Although my passion was placed on hold for many years, I never gave up on the idea that one day I would write a book, but.. the real question was “what would I write about?” The answer magically appeared two years ago while sitting at Laguna Beach. I observed couples as they walked by holding hands, then asked myself “are they soul mates?” Just then, a light bulb flickered on and off in my head until the light remained a solid brightness. There it was, the answer I long awaited. Now, nothing would stand in the way of pursuing my dream, my passion, my love of writing. “Eye of the Storm” was born and the sequel “After the Storm” is soon to be released. I would like to thank so many incredible people I’ve met throughout my journey. You’ve been an inspiration, and nothing less than 100% supportive.
Part of the rules for earning this award are that I mention 10 things you might not know about C.K.Gray. Following that, I am to point you toward six nominees for this honor which I will, though I wish I could point you toward more than six because I know MANY truly terrific people!
10 things about C.K. you probably don’t know..
1. I was engaged at 19, married at 20, had my first child at 21.
2. I have no tailbone..I had to have it surgically removed when I was 22 after a horrific horse accident, which nearly killed me. After serious head injuries, a broken tailbone, abrasions from head to toe, I’m lucky to be alive. Guess it wasn’t my time to go. God knew I had too much to achieve in life, and dying at 18 just wasn’t a chapter to be written as of yet.
3. I can’t say I’ve read three romance novels in my life, although that’s all I write about.
4. My soccer team won the California State Championships in 1974. I played center halfback.
5. I grew up with many pets in my life, but one of my favorites had to be my goose “SAM”.
6. I’m the eldest of three children. My sister lives in CA. My brother lives in AK. and I live in Toronto. (long story)
7. All three of my children attended the same prominent University, that school is called A.K.A. “Harvard North” I’m an extremely proud Mom !
8. I love music, all genres of music, music moves my soul, music motivates me, music inspires me to write the way in which I do..from the heart.
9. I have an extremely busy life. Work, friends, social events, the book, etc. etc. BUT, I really cherish my alone time..
10. I love baseball and College Football, my favorite team is the Texas Longhorns.. I’d rather watch a baseball or football game than go shopping..YES, I’m serious. I’m a woman who seriously does NOT like to shop.
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Thank you to Rob Guthrie (@rsguthrie on Twitter and proprietor of Rob On Writing) for nominating me for the Kreativ Blogger Award.
Rob has become a great friend, and one of the most talented writer’s I know. You have supported me in more ways than I could ever describe.. although you call me a ‘nut’ you’re still okay in my book!
Thank you to Scott Morgan (@write_hook on Twitter) for also nominating me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. You have shown so much support through FB and Twitter. Thank you both for your gift of friendship 🙂
I feel honored to know both of these wonderful men. If I could bottle up their talent, it would be worth more than anyone could ever afford.
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So, now that you know 10 things about me, here are six wonderful people I hereby nominate for the Kreativ Blogger Award (in no specific order)
1) Rob Guthrie A genuine treat this week comes to you via the fab pen of RS Guthrie, author of Black Beast and its newly released sequel, LOST, both of which you should totally read! The treat: 5 Things Writers Should Never Do (When they Want To Suck), a companion piece to 5 Things Writers Should Do (When They Want To Suck), which Rob is hosting at his must-visit site, RobOnWriting.
Rob is so deserving of this award, he’s genuine, caring, sensitive and most importantly, he speaks from his heart. Rob is talented beyond talent. To me, he could be the next best selling romance novelist, next to me of course LOL..He is extremely supportive and includes me in 90% of his tweets!! I’ve been fortunate enough to know Rob as a writer, and lucky enough to call him my friend…I cannot say enough positive about this wonderful man.
2) Scott Morgan: Twitter @Write_hook Bestselling author, editor, journalist. Blissful slave to the written word. Committed to writing for the jugular. Scott devotes his time to producing videos, blog posts, and even a BOOK (Character Development from the Inside Out) sharing his experience with you. Scott is someone who I became friends with through twitter. He’s in a class of his own, and I’m proud to say that he’s a part of my six pack! We have really connected over the past few months, as feel I have known him for years. Seriously though—this man has writing talent to say the least, his haiku is over the top... and again..he’s goes right for the jugular. Oh, one more thing that sticks in my mind .. if I had t-shirt’s printed that read “I dig C.K” he said he’d wear it. Check your mailbox Scott, and just one more thing.. I want pictures !!
3) C.R. Stewart .. Twitter @The5Principles. Chad is best known for his best selling book “The Five Great Principles for Life”, published by Pelican, and was just released internationally, available through Amazon.com and other leading bookstores. I have to say that this man has more degrees than a thermometer, Chad is extremely knowledgeable on so many topics. Our conversations are never dull. I have never known anyone to quote as much or as often as he does on both face book and twitter. Chad dedicates hours upon hours promoting his own book although he has a publishing company, he does a better job! Chad is a brilliant author with so much to offer! Looking forward to our radio show interview on Feb.15th!!! You’re a great guy Chad..
4) Robert Caruso @Fondalo on twitter as well as @Bundlepost In my eyes, Robert is the Social Media KING. Social Media, Marketing, Blogging, Technology Geek, and COFFEE LOVER.. everyone who knows him, can’t help but love him. I met Robert through a mutual friend on FB months ago, and haven’t had one regret! He makes me smile with our silly FB bantering. A few months back, I was new to the Twitter Loop, he gladly offered to take time aside from his busy schedule in order to offer all one needs to know about tweeting/twitter..I do remember him suggesting that I tweet a minimum of twenty times a day.. My reply “are you kidding, what in the heck do I have to tweet that may interest anyone?” He gave me a few suggestions, and almost 3000 tweets later, and many followers, he knows his stuff. I thank you to this day for your expertise, and most of all, your friendship.
5)Marci Rosenblum.. Twitter @MarciDesign @MarciSEOer SEO Specialist – Web Traffic Strategist – Designer – Educator www.websuccesstraffic.com SEO / Social Media / Internet Marketing What can I possibly say about Marci..actually the real question is “where do I even begin?” I have known Marci since 1st grade, one of my closest friends back then and remains to be one of my closest friends to this day. Marci is a hell of a gal, she has shown me what friendship is truly about. In more ways than one, she’s always there to support me, and promote me as an author. If I need to talk, she’s there to listen 24/7. This girl’s always got my back!! Thanks for the lifetime friendship !
6) And last, but far from least I would choose Nancy Ferrari. “Discover the Essence of You” Live, laugh, love. Nancy speaks from her heart … www.nancyferrari.com Nancy shares messages of what’s right in the world and people who make a difference within her radio show “The Nancy Ferrari Show” at www.KNOCRadio.com. and “Feel Free in the O.C. with Nancy T.” www.blogtalkradio.com/
For all you other awesome tweeps, take heart. I was bound by the rules of only six nominees. If you were named here, please pay it forward. Life becomes so much nicer when we’re on each others’ side.
Well, I DO dig CK, so if a tee shirt is coming, there will indeed be pictures 🙂 Thanks for the kind words. and thanks to Rob for being cool on yet another level and hosting this. 🙂
Congratulations CK Gray!!!!!
Great interview. I love hearing about an author’s journey.
Thanks to Stephen Woodfin for Tweeting about this blog. I really enjoyed the interview. As another woman who hates to shop, I could relate. Also had a serious accident with a horse when I was 19, so it is like we were meant to meet here. And I do love football, but root for the Mean Green. Had kids that went to the University of North Texas. LOL
God, what a horrific accident you had! And how well you’ve come out of it, I’m impressed. And I find it immensely interesting that you’re a romance writer but not a romance reader (beyond the minimum of course that you need to know what the genre requires). I believe that’s a wise move on your part: it ensures that you’ll escape the mainstream and can stick to being original, surely the only way to stand out!
And certainly you fully deserve your award! Well done!