Writing
A Letter from My Brain on Creativity, Writing, and Achieving Dreams
by Lisa A Kramer
Dear Lisa,
Stop! Stop thinking so much. Stop trying to control your creative process, and give yourself a break.
You know, deep inside, that the creative process can't be forced. When have you ever been able to lasso those imaginative forces and wrangle them into control? Never, that's when. Your creativity comes from being inspired, when the energy of imagination swarms around you with unseen sparks.
The energy of creative chaos.
I know you best. You've relied on me for a long time. I love our relationship, but I also know when it is time to let go.
That time is now. I need a vacation and so do you.
I need you to take me to a place where the sun shines,...
Stop! Stop thinking so much. Stop trying to control your creative process, and give yourself a break.
You know, deep inside, that the creative process can't be forced. When have you ever been able to lasso those imaginative forces and wrangle them into control? Never, that's when. Your creativity comes from being inspired, when the energy of imagination swarms around you with unseen sparks.
The energy of creative chaos.
I know you best. You've relied on me for a long time. I love our relationship, but I also know when it is time to let go.
That time is now. I need a vacation and so do you.
I need you to take me to a place where the sun shines,...
Finding Power through the Pain: A Review of Surviving Mental Illness Through Humor
by Lisa A Kramer
One of the first gifts blogging gave me was my friendship with the wonderful, talented, and amazing Kathy McCullough, who I met through her powerful words and beautiful art at her (somewhat defunct) blog Reinventing the Event Horizon. You can now find her enjoying life and creating idiomArt while living as an ex-pat in Cuenca, Ecuador. Kathy is the first blogger I met in person, and am so blessed to count her among my friends.
Kathy, Tori Nelson, Lisa and Thomas meet at Kathy and Sara's old home in Lexington, KY.
I mention Kathy here, because she was the first person who introduced me to the incredible beauty, energy and power that comes from people who survive and thrive...
Kathy, Tori Nelson, Lisa and Thomas meet at Kathy and Sara's old home in Lexington, KY.
I mention Kathy here, because she was the first person who introduced me to the incredible beauty, energy and power that comes from people who survive and thrive...
I Yearn for Music
by Lisa A Kramer
Now for something different. Inspired partly by Lizzi Roger's journey into Spoken Word over at Hasty Words a while back, partly by the fact that April is National Poetry Month, partly by the fact that I have been struggling with prose lately, and partly by the desire to challenge myself, I've created this for your listening/reading pleasure experience.
[audio mp3="https://www.lisaakramer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/I-Yearn-for-the-Music-edit1.mp3"][/audio]
I yearn for music
I wish I could reach inside my soul
and let the sound escape
fingers flicking over strings
or dancing over piano keys.
Black and white steps to
the secret inside of me.
My heart-song.
But I do not have the power.
I yearn to raise my voice in melody
perfect pitch climbing the skies
so that the heavens open up to joy,
or perhaps sultry, husky crooning
in the deep dark depths
of a...
The Power of the Unreliable Narrator: A Review of Memoirs of a Dilettante, Volume One
by Lisa A Kramer
One of the things I struggle with when reading memoir is trusting the narrator. That may seem strange because the very nature of memoir implies that it is being written from the person who lived the experience, through their honest and perceptive eyes.
But let's be honest, we all view our lives in retrospect, and color our stories through the blurred lenses of memory. Whenever I read a memoir of times long past,--20, 30, 40 years--filled with explicit details of what people wore or ate any given day, I immediately wonder, how can you possibly remember that? I don't trust the narrator. Unless someone has kept anal, detailed diaries of every moment of their lives or has a photographic memory of...
But let's be honest, we all view our lives in retrospect, and color our stories through the blurred lenses of memory. Whenever I read a memoir of times long past,--20, 30, 40 years--filled with explicit details of what people wore or ate any given day, I immediately wonder, how can you possibly remember that? I don't trust the narrator. Unless someone has kept anal, detailed diaries of every moment of their lives or has a photographic memory of...
Lessons of an Independent Author: Book Store Signings (Part 2)--The Human Element
by Lisa A Kramer
Several people have asked how I did it? How did I, an unknown author with a debut novel, no publicist, and an extremely limited budget get onto the calendar at bookstores?
I wish I could say I knew the magic spell--that I could wave my wand like Hermione and make my books appear on shelves all around the world. Bookstoricus Popularitus! Trying out my new magic spell.
Unfortunately that's not the way it works. I have plenty of non-responses from people, if not outright "No's!" to prove that there is no magic spell. I have a long list of "must and shoulds"--of people I need to contact if I want to continue growing as an author/presenter/independent artist (because remember I...
I wish I could say I knew the magic spell--that I could wave my wand like Hermione and make my books appear on shelves all around the world. Bookstoricus Popularitus! Trying out my new magic spell.
Unfortunately that's not the way it works. I have plenty of non-responses from people, if not outright "No's!" to prove that there is no magic spell. I have a long list of "must and shoulds"--of people I need to contact if I want to continue growing as an author/presenter/independent artist (because remember I...
Lessons of an Independent Author: Bookstore Signings
by Lisa A Kramer
At the beginning of my signing.
I suppose the people with the big names and the big contracts get to have the dream signings at a bookstore. You know, the ones you see in the movies, where people gather around wine and discussion all because of one author. Perhaps it is a reading as well, but the author is treated as royalty and fans swarm around in the hopes that some of the genius will rub off. If you've ever seen the film CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) you know what I mean. (Although, I admit that the events are a little snooty and over the top).
I don't think that happens as much in the current world of books.
I...
I suppose the people with the big names and the big contracts get to have the dream signings at a bookstore. You know, the ones you see in the movies, where people gather around wine and discussion all because of one author. Perhaps it is a reading as well, but the author is treated as royalty and fans swarm around in the hopes that some of the genius will rub off. If you've ever seen the film CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) you know what I mean. (Although, I admit that the events are a little snooty and over the top).
I don't think that happens as much in the current world of books.
I...
The Power of Invisible Connections: A Review of ORDER OF SEVEN by Beth Teliho
by Lisa A Kramer
Beth Teliho's debut novel, ORDER OF SEVEN brings together rich description, powerful imagery, sensual language, and fascinating glimpses of true history mixed with fantastical legends that offer explanations about some of the biggest mysteries of human kind. It is a book that I will need to revisit, simply to uncover the hidden gems of wisdom that appear throughout, as we travel on an unexpected journey with Devi Bennett and her fellow adventurers, each who have paranormal abilities defined by the gods (or some energy that connects us all). In addition to telling an intriguing story, Teliho challenges her readers to ask deep questions: What is the purpose of life? Are we controlled by destiny? What is our responsibility to nature...
The Power of Books
by Lisa A Kramer
World Book Day!
I know, I know, it's just another random day chosen to celebrate a random thing. (I mean, do we seriously need to have a national potato chip day--which also happens to be my birthday--and things like that?).
But World Book Day is a day to truly celebrate.
After all . . . I love books.
Why are books so powerful? Why is P.O.W.ER about a world where half the population (the female half) is deprived access to the written word? Why do I want to celebrate the power of books?
Because books have the power to change the world.
Books are friends when you feel alone.
Books provide dreams when life feels hopeless.
Books celebrate universal truths--that we all have a story, desire love and community, hope for...
I know, I know, it's just another random day chosen to celebrate a random thing. (I mean, do we seriously need to have a national potato chip day--which also happens to be my birthday--and things like that?).
But World Book Day is a day to truly celebrate.
After all . . . I love books.
Why are books so powerful? Why is P.O.W.ER about a world where half the population (the female half) is deprived access to the written word? Why do I want to celebrate the power of books?
Because books have the power to change the world.
Books are friends when you feel alone.
Books provide dreams when life feels hopeless.
Books celebrate universal truths--that we all have a story, desire love and community, hope for...
Lessons of An Independent Author: The Power of a Group Event
by Lisa A Kramer
Success!
I already told you I was scared, nervous . . . terrified. I already admitted the ridiculousness of that emotion. I mean, seriously, what a "first world problem"--terrified about signing books and the possibility that nobody would be interested. I'm rolling my own eyes, trust me.
But you can't always control your emotions. The gnawing nerve monsters creep into your system before an event and whisper words of failure and distress.
My nerves took over early. The event didn't start until 7 pm, but I convinced myself that I should leave the house by 4:00. Seriously, I thought it was better to be safe than sorry, because the last time I headed in that direction to drop off books and then adjudicate...
I already told you I was scared, nervous . . . terrified. I already admitted the ridiculousness of that emotion. I mean, seriously, what a "first world problem"--terrified about signing books and the possibility that nobody would be interested. I'm rolling my own eyes, trust me.
But you can't always control your emotions. The gnawing nerve monsters creep into your system before an event and whisper words of failure and distress.
My nerves took over early. The event didn't start until 7 pm, but I convinced myself that I should leave the house by 4:00. Seriously, I thought it was better to be safe than sorry, because the last time I headed in that direction to drop off books and then adjudicate...
The Power of Making Memories, Part II
by Lisa A Kramer
Andra Watkins, Author. Bond . . . James Bond. They have a similar ring, don't they?
Seriously, you have heard me mention Andra before. She is the author of two wonderful books To Live Forever and Not Without My Father. (click here purchase). I borrowed her name for the character of Andra BetScrivener. My "Celebrating Our Unique Powers" series is inspired by her "Make a Memory" series--because I love how she celebrates and inspires other writers while she pursues her own dreams. She also inspired one of my funniest posts ever, co-written with the fabulous Tori Nelson: "An Open Letter to Andra's Feet".
When Andra asked if I would contribute to her "Make a Memory" series, of course I said yes. But,...
Seriously, you have heard me mention Andra before. She is the author of two wonderful books To Live Forever and Not Without My Father. (click here purchase). I borrowed her name for the character of Andra BetScrivener. My "Celebrating Our Unique Powers" series is inspired by her "Make a Memory" series--because I love how she celebrates and inspires other writers while she pursues her own dreams. She also inspired one of my funniest posts ever, co-written with the fabulous Tori Nelson: "An Open Letter to Andra's Feet".
When Andra asked if I would contribute to her "Make a Memory" series, of course I said yes. But,...
Author Events: The POWER of a Group, Part II
by Lisa A Kramer
Hi again! Just sharing a little more information about the books/authors that will be featured at an event at Wellesley Books, on Feb. 26th. For the first post in the series, click here.
I'm really excited to meet Suzy Duffy and pick up a copy of her book, Lincoln Ladies. Somehow I feel like she and I might have a lot in common--even though she's written many more books than I have. One reader said "“I had wondered who would be filling Maeve Binchy’s shoes ….. EXCELLENT ….. Highly Recommended" that thrills me to know end, because I was an admirer of Maeve Binchy.
Night of the Furies, by J.M. Taylor looks like a a fascinating combination of history and crime and...
I'm really excited to meet Suzy Duffy and pick up a copy of her book, Lincoln Ladies. Somehow I feel like she and I might have a lot in common--even though she's written many more books than I have. One reader said "“I had wondered who would be filling Maeve Binchy’s shoes ….. EXCELLENT ….. Highly Recommended" that thrills me to know end, because I was an admirer of Maeve Binchy.
Night of the Furies, by J.M. Taylor looks like a a fascinating combination of history and crime and...
Lessons of An Independent Author: The POWER of Good News
by Lisa A Kramer
I would be lying if I said that everything is a breeze once the book has actually been published. It's more like a roller coaster, with very steep peaks that take forever to climb and fast-paced drops into lows so long you feel trapped forever.
Perhaps, I suppose, if you are with a top 5 publisher who pours publicity power into your book, it might feel more like the journey of a rocket. But, if you are published through a small house, have to do most of your own publicity work, don't have a huge budget and are also juggling things like jobs, family, life . . . it can feel a little bit more like climbing Mount Everest with words.
And...
Perhaps, I suppose, if you are with a top 5 publisher who pours publicity power into your book, it might feel more like the journey of a rocket. But, if you are published through a small house, have to do most of your own publicity work, don't have a huge budget and are also juggling things like jobs, family, life . . . it can feel a little bit more like climbing Mount Everest with words.
And...
The Power of Community
by Lisa A Kramer
Sometimes I think life would be so much easier if I could answer the question "what do you do" with one simple answer.
"What do you do?"
"I am a ________."
I can't do that though, because there are so many different versions of me. Each one of them takes priority in different situations, and there isn't really one that I can say I value the most. I value them all as facets of what makes my life rich, complicated, and very, very confusing.
Recently, the talented and hilarious writer/Mom/social media expert extraordinaire Sarah Cottrell (Housewife Plus) connected me with (in her words) : "A spirited group of clever ladies who sometimes drink and swear, always laugh, and - most importantly - need a place...
"What do you do?"
"I am a ________."
I can't do that though, because there are so many different versions of me. Each one of them takes priority in different situations, and there isn't really one that I can say I value the most. I value them all as facets of what makes my life rich, complicated, and very, very confusing.
Recently, the talented and hilarious writer/Mom/social media expert extraordinaire Sarah Cottrell (Housewife Plus) connected me with (in her words) : "A spirited group of clever ladies who sometimes drink and swear, always laugh, and - most importantly - need a place...
Celebrating Our Unique Powers: My Long Game by Cameron D. Garriepy
by Lisa A Kramer
"Self-described shenaniganist and unabashed romantic Cameron D. Garriepy wrote her first romance novel on an antique typewriter, using a stack of pink paper. Detours between that draft and her publishing goals have included a BA in Music, a professional culinary education, and twelve years in the child-wrangling industry.
Cameron writes from the Metro Boston area, where she lives with her husband, son, and a poorly behaved pug. Her latest novel, Damselfly Inn, will be released April 13, 2015 by Bannerwing Books.
http://camerondgarriepy.com
http://amazon.com/author/camerondgarriepy
http://facebook.com/camerondgarriepy
http://twitter.com/camerongarriepy"
I met Cameron when the fabulous and talented Andra Watkins came to do a book tour for To Live Forever. Cameron and I wandered around the book store where Andra was doing a presentation and signing, blatantly clutching copies of the book...
Cameron writes from the Metro Boston area, where she lives with her husband, son, and a poorly behaved pug. Her latest novel, Damselfly Inn, will be released April 13, 2015 by Bannerwing Books.
http://camerondgarriepy.com
http://amazon.com/author/camerondgarriepy
http://facebook.com/camerondgarriepy
http://twitter.com/camerongarriepy"
I met Cameron when the fabulous and talented Andra Watkins came to do a book tour for To Live Forever. Cameron and I wandered around the book store where Andra was doing a presentation and signing, blatantly clutching copies of the book...
Lessons of an Independent Author--Questioning the Power of Reviews
by Lisa A Kramer
At least once a month (or more often depending on how busy and I am and how voraciously I read) I wander into the library and leave with a stack of books.
While I occasionally look for a specific book, and sometimes try to find something off of my ever-growing "to read" list, more often than not I simply browse the newest collection and pick out books that look interesting. I trip over to the librarian recommendations and pick out books that call my name. I skim through the young adult section, or sometimes the children's section, and add books to my pile. I may even pass through the classic section and choose something I've always wanted to read but never had.
What...
While I occasionally look for a specific book, and sometimes try to find something off of my ever-growing "to read" list, more often than not I simply browse the newest collection and pick out books that look interesting. I trip over to the librarian recommendations and pick out books that call my name. I skim through the young adult section, or sometimes the children's section, and add books to my pile. I may even pass through the classic section and choose something I've always wanted to read but never had.
What...
The Power of Making Memories: A Review of NOT WITHOUT MY FATHER by Andra Watkins
by Lisa A Kramer
Below you will find my Goodreads review of Andra Watkin's new memoir Not Without My Father. Before you read on, I wanted to mention that Andra has created an amazing Make a Memory campaign for this book. Her own experience creating a memory with her father is one that she will carry with her forever, and she hopes that others will join her in that path. What will you do to make a memory today?
***
Full disclosure: I appear in this book. It's a little surreal reading about your own experience through the eyes of another person--someone whom you had only met in the virtual world of blog writing, and yet who you spontaneously decided to join on what was, perhaps,...
Celebrating Our Unique Powers: An Invitation
by Lisa A Kramer
" The book teaches that all women have unique gifts, things we often ignore by listening to criticism, by heeding our own flagging confidence, and by giving up too soon." --Andra Watkins, Review of P.O.W.ER
From Sarah's copy of my book. I signed hers on her dedication page.
Sarah takes after me.
Physically she is the perfect blend of the two of us, but fortunately she seems to have gotten Nathan's metabolism and will probably surpass me in height.
[gallery type="rectangular" ids="8530,8529"]
But emotionally . . . well that's all me. The good and the bad. The stubborn and the creative. The passionate and the caring.
Sarah sees all. She knows when I am being hard on myself, doubting myself, putting myself...
From Sarah's copy of my book. I signed hers on her dedication page.
Sarah takes after me.
Physically she is the perfect blend of the two of us, but fortunately she seems to have gotten Nathan's metabolism and will probably surpass me in height.
[gallery type="rectangular" ids="8530,8529"]
But emotionally . . . well that's all me. The good and the bad. The stubborn and the creative. The passionate and the caring.
Sarah sees all. She knows when I am being hard on myself, doubting myself, putting myself...
Lessons of an Independent Author--The Power of Patience
by Lisa A Kramer
Reality check!!!
The chances of one book becoming an overnight sensation (especially when published by a small independent publisher and there isn't the funding for a huge publicity campaign) is astronomically tiny.
Most books fizzle out soon after launch.
Depressing thoughts for a newbie author who really believes in her work.
When I reached a low point recently . . . as I felt like everything had stalled and it was all hopeless, Cameron D. Garriepy --new friend, talented author and publisher--sent me these words of wisdom: "What you have to hold onto is that you are playing a long game, especially when you're on a budget as an indie author. Keep doing what you do, make noise, write books. They aren't going out of...
The chances of one book becoming an overnight sensation (especially when published by a small independent publisher and there isn't the funding for a huge publicity campaign) is astronomically tiny.
Most books fizzle out soon after launch.
Depressing thoughts for a newbie author who really believes in her work.
When I reached a low point recently . . . as I felt like everything had stalled and it was all hopeless, Cameron D. Garriepy --new friend, talented author and publisher--sent me these words of wisdom: "What you have to hold onto is that you are playing a long game, especially when you're on a budget as an indie author. Keep doing what you do, make noise, write books. They aren't going out of...
The Continuing Power of Women's Voices
by Lisa A Kramer
"George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin this year. Amal is a human-rights lawyer who worked on the Enron case, was an adviser to Kofi Annan regarding Syria and was selected for a three-person UN commission investigating rules of war violations in the Gaza Strip. So, of course, her husband is getting a lifetime achievement award."— (Tina Fey on the former longtime bachelor receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Awardfor lifetime achievement.)
In an interview published today at The Writer's Life, I was asked where I came up for the idea for P.O.W.ER. Rather than repeat my answer, wander on over there to read it. Don't worry, I'll wait . . .
Maybe my answer doesn't go deep enough. This book comes from a belief...
Maybe my answer doesn't go deep enough. This book comes from a belief...
Je Suis Charlie--the Power of the Pen
by Lisa A Kramer
" [Kramer] dares to point her finger solidly at religious extremism, misogyny, and an undervaluing of creativity, the arts, and individualism as dire perils to democracy." (Kristine J. Schmidt, Review of P.O.W.ER)
Image attributed to Banksy in response to Charlie Hebdo massacre.
I am not a cartoonist nor do I (often) write political satire. I am a person who expresses herself through the written word, on stage, or in other creative expressions. I explore and confront problems through my perspective and I very rarely censor myself except, perhaps, when it comes to certain personal relationships.
I believe the right to question and challenge societal ills is a human right.
When I was thinking about how to market P.O.W.ER I semi-jokingly...
I am not a cartoonist nor do I (often) write political satire. I am a person who expresses herself through the written word, on stage, or in other creative expressions. I explore and confront problems through my perspective and I very rarely censor myself except, perhaps, when it comes to certain personal relationships.
I believe the right to question and challenge societal ills is a human right.
When I was thinking about how to market P.O.W.ER I semi-jokingly...
