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Visualizing 2010: Crafting Your Future

Posted on | December 14, 2009 | 1 Comment - Add Yours! |   

You’ve probably heard about vision boards. Basically it’s crafting your future — literally and figuratively. It got a lot of press when The Secret was out a few years ago, and Oprah even partnered with Getty Images to create an O Dream Board desktop application so people could make vision boards without ever have to leave their computer.

I’m a fan of doing it the old fashioned way — grabbing a bunch of old magazines, scissors and glue, then finding a piece of sturdy cardboard or card stock (I use a 5″ x 7″ inch mat board). When I first starting doing this back in the 1990′s, I didn’t use the term vision board. I knew it as a neter card, or soul collage, which I believe first came from Seena Frost. It’s tied into the work of C.J. Jung, James Hillman, and Roberto Assigioli. There’s something about doing it by hand, some kind of wiring that goes from the brain to the hand and vice versa as you’re flipping through the magazines and tearing out pages of whatever catches your eye. You’re not going for “pretty” or deciding on a “theme” or trying to create anything specific. You’re going through and pulling out whatever calls to you. You collect all your images and phrases first, without thinking or judging. Hmmm…you know, that’s a lot like getting ready to write a novel!

Technically I am supposed to be in very heavy edits for book 4 right now. I suppose the term “heavy” is relative, but it feels overwhelming and unwieldy. I know everything will be just fine in the end, but getting there … yowza. Yesterday was supposed to be spent writing (I paid for a babysitter and everything!) but instead I visited with a friend for HOURS. I didn’t get home until almost midnight. I felt completely guilty but was having such a great time I couldn’t stop. And thank goodness.

Now everything is starting to flow. I look at yesterday (and the past 41 years) as my gathering time, when I gathered what I needed to visualize my future as an author, noticing people and relationships, words spoken and unspoken. When you go through magazines and see images, it’s the same thing. Who knows why you like a picture — it actually doesn’t matter. Just tear it out and keep going. Don’t stop, don’t trim, don’t reconsider. Go until you’re tired of doing that, then spread the pictures out in front of you and let your eyes lightly skim over everything.

Pull the ones that are calling to you strongly, and begin to cut and piece them together on your board. What I like about the 5″ x 7″ size is that you have to really think about what’s going to go on and what’s not. If you love a big image, do you love it enough not to have enough room for something else? You have to make some decisions about what will fit, just like you have to make some decisions about what kinds of goals you want to achieve in 2010. How will everything fit together? This clarity will serve not just now but in the year to come.

As you cull through everything — phrases as well as images — it will become apparent what is supposed to stay. You’ll feel it, too, when you choose something you think you should choose, but it really isn’t working for you. We’re looking for connection here, for resonance. Trust it.

2010 is almost here and I cannot wait to see what it holds. If you want a hand in creating your future, think about making a neter card or vision board (do an image search on Google to see what other people have done–it’s inspiring!). My very best to you and yours as we move into the new year — I look forward to sharing some exciting book news with you in the months to come!

hugs,

Mia

PS. Remember my first novel, Good Things? It was on my neter card for 2005. I made it in March and envisioned that I would sell it by December. I got my offer from Berkley Books (Penguin USA) in October 2005, two months ahead of schedule!

Ode to Happy Endings

Posted on | October 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment |   

I read a lot. It doesn’t matter if the kids are screaming or a deadline is looming, I have to read. Fiction, nonfiction, all books call to me but at the end of the day I gravitate towards books with those gosh darn happy endings.

I’m not talking about fluffy or cotton-candy-pink kind of happy (though I’ve read some of those, too). I’m talking about books with a hero or heroine we find ourselves rooting for, watching in both horror and fascination as they navigate the unwieldy circumstances of their lives. Will they make it? God, I hope so. I find it difficult to believe that we’re all put here on this earth just to fall flat on our faces and fail, over and over again. What kind of life experience is that?

I was perusing reader comments on amazon.com the other day in search of some new titles and I saw that there is always the reader that detests happy endings (and yes, I confess, I read the comments for my books too—how can you resist?). This kind of reader hates it if things get “tied up too neatly” or “issues are too easily resolved.” I get it: life’s not always like that. In fact, I’m sure he/she could regale me with stories (most likely personal in nature) of things that have gone wrong. Repeatedly. Sometimes with disastrous results. And, of course, with no happy ending.

But here’s why I write what I do: I write fiction that’s fun and entertaining, but also full of mishaps because I want my heroine to grow. I want her to figure it out, I want her to be pushed to really question what matters most. She won’t always, at least not right away, but eventually she finds her way. This does not mean that everything goes the way she wants it—it just means  recognizes the value of her ordeal. It is all not for naught. In coming through the other side, she opens herself to all the good things that come when we appreciate what life throws at us. It helps us appreciate what we have and refine what we really want.

I loved Thelma and Louise. That’s hardly the kind of happy ending you’d expect, but it worked for me on so many levels for all of the reasons I’ve stated above. Happily ever after doesn’t mean the prince and the castle (though it can, there’s nothing wrong with that) but in my mind that’s all gravy. It’s actually all about the heroine and, by extension, the reader. In real life we root for the underdog, the most deserving, the most passionate, those who have overcome all odds. So why not in fiction?

I think it’s great when we fall in love with the characters in a book and hope that things work out for the best, especially when things are looking pretty bleak. I think it’s okay to be thrilled, happy, relieved, when things do work out, because don’t we want that in our own lives?

I know I certainly do. Have a great November, everyone!

hugs,
Mia

TABLE MANNERS in Bookstores TODAY!

Posted on | August 4, 2009 | 129 Comments - Write one! |   

The dining room is a theater … the table is a stage.

Chatillon-Plessis

What a perfect quote to announce the official release of TABLE MANNERS, my third novel published by Berkley Books/Penguin USA! Today is the day, and I’m thrilled to be in sunny northern California for its release.

I have a contest going on in celebration: I am giving away a signed copy of each of my books (that’s THREE books, signed to you or a friend), a special edition ceramic GOOD THINGS wall/desk plaque that says “Live Simple,” something delectable to eat and/or drink (TBD—I am going shopping next week!), plus other author goodies. The contest runs today until August 31 11:59 pm HST. No purchase is necessary to win—you just need to leave a comment on this post!

And because is a special day, I’m offering bonus entries: if you leave a review for TABLE MANNERS on amazon.com and/or bn.com during the contest period (leave a comment with your review in the body of the comment and where you posted it so I’ll know to give you the extra entries), you will receive not one but ten entries (twenty if you post at both sites), dramatically increasing your chances to win. Yes, I know this contest favors those who leave reviews (after all, it is my book’s release date!) but it is a random drawing using random.org so it is possible for anyone to win. This giveaway is open to readers everywhere (must be 18 years or older). And to make it more fun, for every increment of ten people who post, I’ll add more great stuff to the winning bounty (iTunes/Starbucks gift cards, foodie gifts, home and bath items, and more). I’ll tuck everything into a lovely book bag and promise it will be a prize worth winning!

I really hope you’ll have a chance to read TABLE MANNERS, which I loved writing and think (of course!) that it’s an all-around wonderful book. It is the follow-up to my debut novel and national bestseller, GOOD THINGS, but you don’t need to have read GOOD THINGS to enjoy this book—in fact, most of the wonderful reviews it’s received have been from brand new readers and reviewers. I am also very proud that TABLE MANNERS is a selection of the Doubleday, Literary Guild, Rhapsody, and Book of the Month Club book clubs.

TABLE MANNERS is a book with generous servings of food and friendship, with wonderful recipes from prominent chefs and foodies from Seattle to Paris (this image is the Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade which Shannalee T’Koy at Food Loves Writing prepared and photographed! She also snapped a shot of the book above). You’ll meet the ever-resourceful lifestyle maven Deidre McIntosh, who has a knack for getting back up when life knocks her down. You’ll see how tenacious and creative Deidre can be while making room for the things—and people—that matter most. I know you’ll be cheering for her as much as I do!

I hope you enjoy my latest novel, and if so, please let me know—I’d love to hear from you!

• Read an excerpt from TABLE MANNERS by clicking here.
• Read my August newsletter by clicking here.
• Buy your copy now from Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

hugs,

PS UPDATE (8/13/09): Wow, we’ve had a great response so I am off to pick up ten MORE items to add to the giveaway!

PPS UPDATE (8/29/09): Off to get three MORE items to add! Contest ends Monday!

PPS UDPATE (9/2/09): And the winner is .. .#13, L Nichols! She’s going to get a box full of books and goodies, a “Live Simple” plaque, and lots of sweet treats! And, because I love to throw in a last minute surprise, I pulled two bonus names: #120 Theresa Dell and #105 Kathryn Wilkie. They’ll receive a copy of the book along with a $10 gift certificate from amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com. Winners need to email their mailing address to me. Thank you to everyone who entered. And the winner of the See’s Candies gift card (a subscriber-only contest) will be announced in the next newsletter!

Almost There …

Posted on | July 28, 2009 | 21 Comments - Write one! |   

We’re only a few days away from the official release of TABLE MANNERS and I gotta tell you—I can’t wait!

I’m in rural Washington right now, looking at the gorgeous lakes and trees and mountain that inspired GOOD THINGS and its sequel. The trip from Hawaii to Washington was … well, let’s just say that I had my hands full with three kids, bags, car seats, diapers, snacks, DVD player, ID, and stickers. My three year old spilled apple juice all over him an hour into the first five hour leg of the flight. Cue to me in the airplane bathroom, rinsing his pants while bouncing the baby in the Bjorn. Lovely!

There’s some kind of heat wave in Washington now, and it’s much hotter than what I’m used to in Hawaii. I know—funny, isn’t it? But life’s like that, full of the unexpected, and sometimes you just gotta roll with it. So when I was in Borders today and saw that they already had my books out, I was like—I’m rolling with it! Remember, I’m not in Seattle proper (I’m a good hour plus away), so seeing my books outside of major metropolitan areas is a good thing, even if the books are out a bit earlier than expected.

I just posted some early reviews here and there are also a few lovely links and blog posts mentioning TABLE MANNERS:

• One Literature Nut: A lovely author profile of me and TABLE MANNERS.
• Book Binge: The three lovely ladies of Book Binge did a book watch shout-out for TABLE MANNERS.
• Food Loves Writing: Amazing photography of the book and sparkling pomegranate lemonade (recipe featured in TABLE MANNERS) by the very lovely and talented Shannalee. Looking at those pictures again are making me VERY thirsty! Image (c) Food Loves Writing.

Yes, I know I just wrote “lovely” a million times but despite this sweltering heat (it’s 10:30 at night and I’m still sweating after a shower!), I’m just so full of gratitude for all of you who take the time to read my books and write about them (or take pictures of them!!). THANK YOU!

What else? Oh, yes. A contest. I am giving away a signed copy of each of my books (that’s THREE books, signed to you or a friend), a special edition ceramic GOOD THINGS wall/desk plaque that says “Live Simple,” something delectable to eat and/or drink (TBD—I am going shopping next week!), plus other author goodies and swag. The contest runs from August 4 to August 31 11:59 pm HST. No purchase is necessary to win—you just need to come back on August 4 and leave a comment on my August 4 Release Date post.

Now for the bonus entries: if you leave a review for TABLE MANNERS on amazon.com and/or bn.com during the contest period (and leave a comment with your review in the body of the comment and where you posted it), you will get not one but ten entries (twenty if you post at both sites), dramatically increasing your chances to win. Yes, this contest favors those who leave reviews (after all, it is my book’s release date!) but it is a random drawing using random.org so it is possible for anyone to win. Plus this giveaway is open to readers everywhere (must be 18 years or older). And to make it more fun, for every increment of ten people who post, I’ll add more great stuff to the winning bounty (iTunes/amazon gift cards, foodie gifts, etc.). Look for details on Aug 4 or subscribe to my spam-free newsletter.

I’m off to cool off—sparkling pomegranate lemonade anyone?

Good Things in the Mail…

Posted on | July 17, 2009 | 2 Comments - Write one! |   

Or the sequel to Good Things, to be exact! (Which, by the way, is on sale at Amazon.com this week for less than $5!)

My publisher, Berkley/Penguin, just sent me an early copy of Table Manners. I love getting packages but of course this was especially exciting. I’ve been working on the book for over a year and have been looking at the cover art for what feels like forever, and yet it’s still incredible to actually see the real thing in front of me. Expect to see another post like this when I actually see the book on the shelves!

If you are an aspiring writer (well, I actually believe that if you write, you are already a writer, so I should probably change that to “If you are a writer who aspires to be published…”), I will not lie—writing a book is a lot of work. Even if you love writing as I do, it’s still work. And revisions? Boy. Tough stuff. Keep the tissues near by—you’ll need it. I couldn’t find mine today and I was a mess.

So while I am in the middle of some seriously hard work right now on book four, it was such a joy to hear that familiar beeping sound from Fedex and then find this on my doorstep. It’s officially in bookstores on August 4th (a Tuesday!) and I hope you’ll pick up a copy and let me know what you think!

First Review for Table Manners: Four Stars, Romantic Times

Posted on | July 7, 2009 | 2 Comments - Write one! |   

Here we go, the first review for Table Manners:

“In this the follow-up to Good Things, Deidre McIntosh must figure out the right ingredients to make the recipe for her life work. As she does this, King provides a feast for the imagination, since much of the plot revolves around food. There’s no real doubt that this will end with a happily ever after, but the reader will enjoy getting there. There’s a treat at the end, where several mouthwatering recipes await.”

Sandra Garcia-Myers, Romantic Times

Table Manners received 4 stars! And if you’ve read my first two books, you know I’m a big believer in HEA (happily ever after), both in fiction and in life. Deidre does have to fight for her happiness, as many of us do, but manages to do so with finesse, food and friendship. I hope this gives you one more reason to add Table Manners to your TBR pile if you haven’t already!

Hugs,
Mia

PS. And please feel free to send me reviews of Table Manners (from traditional print, online or blog reviewers) if you don’t see them listed on my review page. Thank you!

Charlotte’s Web, A New Book, What Remains, and a Little Maneki Neko For the Road

Posted on | July 1, 2009 | 10 Comments - Write one! |   

I know this is terribly random but I love Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web (I also love Fiver from Watership Down). After having been in a bit of the doldums last month, my high spirits have returned, thanks in no small part to all of the wonderful comments everybody left! What a fabulous group of readers you all are. I know how busy everyone is so I read and relish each and every comment. Thank you!

So since it is July 1, that means that we have a winner for the Table Manners galley and Good Things giveaway. The winner is Becky R. from Utah! Her name was pulled at random from all the entries including subscribers to my newsletter (which she is!). So, Becky, I’ll be sending you your signed books (with a personal note! <grin>) and I hope you enjoy them!

This month I will be finishing the revisions for Book Four. I can’t tell you much more than that, other than I think you will simply LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. It’s being represented by my new agent from William Morris Endeavor Agency, the wonderful Dorian Karchmar (big hugs to fellow author Patricia Wood, whose book Lottery is truly a must read if you haven’t read it already–I myself have read it probably ten times. Minimum.). I’ll be finishing in time to get on a plane to Washington and be back on the mainland in time for the release of Table Manners.  You’ll meet Deidre McIntosh, the ever-resourceful lifestyle maven who has a knack for getting back up when life knocks her down. Read more here.

Table Manners is the sequel to Good Things, but of course you don’t have to have read Good Things to enjoy it. And if you haven’t read it, you’re in luck: to thank you for reading my rather long posts, I’m giving away an unsigned remaindered copy of Good Things to THREE WINNERS this month. All you have to do is … nothing! If you’re on my mailing list, you’re automatically entered. If you leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite children’s book, you get an entry (if you’re not on my mailing list), or an extra entry if you are. Blog about it … another entry. Twitter about it … another entry. You just need to leave individual comments with the links for each thing you do. At the end of the month I do a random drawing using random.com with the comments and my mailing list. And if you’ve already read Good Things and own a copy, I am more than happy to send it to a person of your choice instead. Gift a friend or sister with a book! They’ll be so surprised and grateful! This giveaway ends July 31, 2009.

And last, but not least, I want to offer everyone a virtual little maneki neko of her own. Maneki nekos are those lucky money cats you sometimes see in Chinese restaurants. There are actually two kinds, one with a raised right paw which beckons money, and one with a right left paw which beckons helpful people. In this life, I think we need both! So take one or both with you and have a great month!

Writing the Memoir

Posted on | June 28, 2009 | 1 Comment - Add Yours! |   

I just finished teaching another two-week memoir intensive. My students were fabulous and I was amazed by the amount of wonderful writing that came from it!

I’ve had a few requests to talk a little more about memoir writing and why I teach it with such a passion when I am a fiction writer. Well, for starters I’ve been teaching creative writing for over fifteen years, long before I was ever a published author. My favorite form has always been the personal narrative, I think in part because I’ve kept a journal since I could write and, like many of you, felt that my life had a lot of stories worth telling.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study with Judith Barrington, expert memoirist and author of Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art, while I was still living on the mainland. And, as a writer, I am a reader first: I love a good memoir and read one whenever I can! I also think we are all drawn to strength and beauty and raw truth—I know I am. Honesty in writing is big for me, especially when it comes to memoir (although, to digress for a moment, a memoir does differ from an autobiography in that it is your memory of an experience and not a factual play-by-play of the event. So I’m referring less to the accuracy of every detail and more to the integrity of the author, to their emotions and personal revelations). If you want to learn more, get a good book on memoir writing (Judith’s is an excellent start), or better yet, take my class when I offer it next!

Here’s an article I wrote for our lovely local paper on writing the memoir. If you have a story to tell, this may be the narrative form for you. To read the article, click on the image (you can also see the huge ad for the 2009 Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union college scholarship recipients!).

If you’d like me to post some handouts from my memoir classes, just leave a comment below and if there’s enough interest, I’ll PDF and post what I can. In the meantime, here’s a reading list of some of my favorite memoirs (you’ll need Adobe Acrobat to view the file). Enjoy!

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