Monthly Archives: April 2011

28 04, 2011

Real You: Resilience

By |2023-02-07T00:09:57+00:00April 28, 2011|Uncategorized|1 Comment

     The most important aspect of the writing life, to me, is resilience. You know it, if you’re a writer. Resilience isn’t a trait that is taught, it’s learned. It’s the inner drive that allows us to bounce back, to recover from adversity – whether it’s our first rejection or our latest. Because we know as writers that to do this thing, this craft and this job we love, we must be buoyant. We must keep hope floating, even in the face of all the facts.  And the facts are daunting. The journey from a completed manuscript to actually holding a published book in your hands can be a long and frustrating one. We’ve all heard of the overnight success stories. But that’s why we’ve all heard of them. For most of us, it will be a journey of perseverance, of heartache and ultimately, with enough [...]

25 04, 2011

Real You: That’s what friends are for!

By |2023-02-07T00:10:03+00:00April 25, 2011|Uncategorized, women|Comments Off on Real You: That’s what friends are for!

So, here I am, on the campaign trail so to speak. Promoting an about to be released debut novel feels like a long solo trek sometimes but just when I begin to think all is lost and lonely, something fabulous comes along! In this particular case, in the form of a profile on the blog of the amazing Beth Hoffman, author of the equally amazing novel Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. To be a guest on a New York Times Bestselling novelists blog is - well - a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself! Here's the link. And yes, Beth is as nice and real as she seems. Amazing.

21 04, 2011

Real You: The 5 components of reinvention

By |2023-02-07T00:10:16+00:00April 21, 2011|Uncategorized|1 Comment

     Both of my books have been about the process of reinvention. In REAL YOU INCORPORATED, I walk women entrepreneurs through and 8-step process to put their passions into action and redefine their personal brands to create a unique business brand. Meanwhile, in HERE, HOME, HOPE, Kelly Johnson - the protagonist - is restless, not unhappy but not in touch with her passions. She devises a midlife makeover plan with the help of a Things to Change list.      Which leads me to the five common components of reinvention - whether you're changing your life, or just a piece of it. You need: 1. Resilience. Stick to it. Go for it. Overcome the hurdles. 2. Flexibility. Go with the flow. Open up to change. Do one thing everyday that scares you. 3. Creativity. Find your passions. Ignite them. Creativity is intelligence having fun. 4. Put [...]

18 04, 2011

Here, Home, Hope ForeWord Review!

By |2023-02-07T00:10:23+00:00April 18, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Here, Home, Hope ForeWord Review!

     I have to say, of all the anxiety inducing steps of the publishing process, one of the most stressful is waiting for reviews - whether it's from "anonymous" or a literary review. So it took me awhile to get the courage to read the review of HERE, HOME, HOPE from ForeWord - but when I did I was dancing!      Click on the link for the full review, but here is my favorite part: "Inspirational and engaging, Rouda will touch readers who can relate to the frustration of being sidelined on the field of life, never allowed to play and always needed behind the bleachers, until finally experiencing the joy of participation."      Yes! Live, don't wait until tomorrow. (Also part of the review!)

17 04, 2011

Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

By |2023-02-07T00:10:30+00:00April 17, 2011|passions, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

     Have you ever worked on something for a decade or more? Something so important to you that your dreams, hopes and wishes are one with the project. I have. It happened as we created and built Real Living Real Estate, and it's happening again, now, as I launch my debut novel into the world.      Just like Real Living, my novel isn't for everybody. But I hope most people who pick it up and give it a read will like it. But all I can do is send it out to the world, knowing I did my best.

16 04, 2011

Real You: Spring Break?

By |2023-02-07T00:10:42+00:00April 16, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Spring Break?

     So, for Spring Break my husband and I and 20 teens are taking  a cruise. Yep, you read that right. 20 kids. Two adults.      I hope to be able to update you - but I'm not sure I will have a chance. Breaks are great. I'm just not sure this will be one? Gulp!

13 04, 2011

Real You: HERE, HOME, HOPE is in stock! Yikes!

By |2023-02-07T00:10:47+00:00April 13, 2011|Uncategorized|1 Comment

Just discovered that both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble have HERE, HOME, HOPE in stock, as of today. I'm a bit surprised, only because I thought - in my naive writerly way - that the publication date of May 1st was when the stock would appear. Au contraire, corrrected the distribution manager at my publisher. Only the biggest of books have an exact delivery date - otherwise it varies. And if you're a little guy like me, I think you're supposed to be happy it's there! So I am! Yay!! It's there. Check it out, please!

10 04, 2011

Real You: Book Club Radio – Here, Home, Hope

By |2023-02-07T00:10:56+00:00April 10, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments

Amy Hatvany, author of the soon-to-be released BEST KEPT SECRET, was my guest in this week's radio show. We talked about motherhood, what it's like to write a novel and wait for the pub date, perfectionism and the other isms women face and much, much more. If you missed it, you can still listen. Click here. We had fun talking to each other, I hope you have fun listening!

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