January 4th, 2009 | by KateDouglas |
First of all, that’s the whole family in the photo, all of us together for Christmas, including our newest member, little Owen Paul, in our daughter-in-law’s arms. But, I digress…
As much as I love the holidays, I really love it when they end. I guess I’m getting old (hell, I KNOW I’m getting old) but I like my routine and tend to get grumpy when it’s disturbed. Now that the decorations are all put away, the grandkids are going back to school, my Christmas cold is finally getting better and the snow has stopped, (for awhile) I can finally get back to doing what I love best: Writing.
I thought about that this morning when I sat down at my computer and realized I was grinning like the Cheshire cat…how many people can say they’re anxious to get up and go to work every morning? I am so lucky to be doing what I do, and I can’t imagine ever growing tired of this amazing career that I worked so hard to have.
Part of the joy, of course, comes from writing a series filled with characters I’ve fallen in love with. The fact I get to bring them out and play with them on a regular basis just makes it all that much better. The book I’m working on now, Wolf Tales IX, is a compilation of stories from most of my characters relating how they first discovered they were Chanku. I really don’t know their histories, at least until I sit down and start writing, so the entire book has been a journey of discovery for me. When I wrote about Lucien Stone meeting Jacob Trent on a mountain trail and literally saving his life, I almost cried. Shannon Murphy and Tia Mason’s first tentative discovery of their sexual nature was a really touching story to write, but I laughed when Ulrich had to get up and leave the room while Shannon was telling it. Obviously there are some things a father doesn’t want to know about his only daughter!
The last couple of days I’ve been writing about AJ and Mik and how they met in prison, and it’s had me absolutely engrossed. I feel as if I’m learning stories about real people, but to me, these characters are just as real as can be. What’s making Mik and AJ’s story especially interesting is the help I’m getting from my online friend Mo, who was one of the first female prison guards in the California system. She’s an amazing resource and she’s given me information about prison and the inmates that is really bringing this part of my story to life.
So here’s to routines and doing what you love, to the amazingly generous people who are so willing to help with their knowledge and their expertise–and to a wonderful new year in 2009. I am so excited about all the thing to come over the next twelve months. What are your hopes for the new year? Have you thought about it? I’d love to know.
Take care and be safe—and don’t forget to take time for yourself!
Kate Douglas
www.katedouglas.com
Hi Kate.. what a beautiful family.. I am glad the holidays are behind me, and all i can hope for for 2009 is that it passes quickly and quietly, and that hubby is home before we ring in 2010…i for one am glad that 2008 is behind me..
by Jolene · January 4th, 2009 at 11:30 amThank you, Jolene–you more than most have a good reason to look forward! Sending good thoughts your way and a big hug, too!
by Kate Douglas · January 4th, 2009 at 11:50 amYou have a beautiful family and even when you are a grumpy ole goat, I know that they love you to pieces. ;> D. You have a gift among your other gifts and I am so glad that you share with us. I love reading about the Chanku and their many adventures. It was a honor to assist and I can’t wait for Wolf Tales 9 to come out so that I can read all of these stories that you are working on now. They are real to me and I have you to thank for that. Take care and all.
I hope that my health gets better so that I can party and release this excess weight. I hope that this year is more prosperous and that the US will recover from the last eight years. Most of all, I hope that we all enjoy various forms of happiness. Mo
by Mo · January 4th, 2009 at 1:06 pmHey, darlin’! I definitely want you feeling better–I need you! And boy, howdy, but am I ever ready for a change after the last eight years. It’s not going to be easy, considering the mess we’re in, but I’m very VERY hopeful. Thank you for stopping by!
by Kate Douglas · January 4th, 2009 at 1:12 pmKate, what a lovely picture! You really do have a beautiful family!
I’m like you, so ready to get back into a schedule. For me that means pre-school starts tomorrow for the kid. I can work out and write again with ease!
by Shelli Stevens · January 4th, 2009 at 2:26 pmIsn’t it great, Shelli? I’ve been writing all morning and loving every minute…at least until we had an earthquake about an hour ago, a 4.4 that REALLY rattled the place! Now I’m settling down and getting back to work.
by Kate Douglas · January 4th, 2009 at 2:37 pmHi Kate,
by Eva S · January 4th, 2009 at 3:36 pmwonderful picture! Family is the best!
I hope for more time for myself and my family this year, although I love my work with elderly people…
I’ll spend more time reading, while I’m waiting for grandchildren!
At last we have some snow!
LOL…the funny thing is, I waited for grandchildren and then once they started coming, we went from none to five in a very few short years! They’re all wonderful, obviously…thanks for stopping by! And definitely find time for yourself. That’s something I think all of us forget.
by Kate Douglas · January 4th, 2009 at 4:11 pmKate, sorry to be so late with this…but what a great family pic! You’re blessed.
Not only a great talent, a hard hard worker, but gifted with the love of family.
Don’t know if it gets better than this.
by Bonnie Edwards · January 6th, 2009 at 4:23 pmAll the best to you and that family of yours
for the new year.
Thanks, Bonnie. My spouse and I are so lucky–we have two great kids and we absolutely love their spouses and all their in-laws! I think that’s pretty cool, that not only did our son and daughter marry terrific people, but they also married into terrific families. It doesn’t get any better, especially when they start producing grandbabies!
by Kate Douglas · January 6th, 2009 at 5:00 pm