Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
It’s a sailor’s life for me! A guestpost by Kieran Kramer
Filed in 1000 follower celebration , Giveaways , Guest Post , Kieran Kramer , The HEA Lover Posted on October 12, 2011 @ 6:00 am
48 comments
Welcome to day 3 of our 1000 Followers Celebration! Today we’re very happy to welcome Kieran Kramer on Book Lovers Inc. Kieran is the author of hilarious regency romances I would recommend to anyone who want to have a good time. Let’s give a warm welcome to Captain Kieran 😉
It’s a sailor’s life for me!
Yep, I say that from experience. I sailed a lot with my family as a kid. But my new Regency historical romance has nothing to do with sailing. It takes place in the Highlands of Scotland. Charlie’s a visiting Englishman–Daisy’s a Scottish lass. And yes, there’s a loch.
But no one gets on a boat.
Too bad! I don’t know what I was thinking–I will definitely get a boat into one of my next novels in my new series!
Just listen to what Water Rat says to Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind and the Willows:“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Dude. He was so right!
My favorite part of sailing with my family was when I’d climb up to the bowsprit and lean over it with my arms thrown back–just like Jack and Rose in The Titanic (this was before the movie was made). But even cooler than that, I’d climb under the bowsprit onto the bowsprit chain, which is inches above the water, and I’d crouch there and get splashed by the waves. Splashed is a nice word. Occasionally, I was seriously dunked, depending on the height of the waves and our speed through the water. Sometimes dolphins would swim next to me, usually in pairs.
Talk about feeling connected to life!If I’d fallen off the chain, I could have been plowed under by the boat, but hey–I’m sure I would have popped back up, right? And the point is, I never fell off!
I never did.
And the reason is because I trusted the Universe. I trusted myself.
Nerves truly rot, don’t they? Nerves cause us to falter. You know how when you carry a cup of coffee or tea across a room and don’t look–you won’t spill a drop? But when you become worried about it, you do. You slosh all over the place.
I was so brave when I was a kid. I took a lot of risks, and no wonder. It was before I was a mom and felt responsible for other people. But there’s still room for risk-taking. In fact, if I don’t, then I’m not truly living. I really believe that, and I want my kids to believe that.In my stories, I try to make my characters step out and take risks. I feel so exultant living through them when they do–I feel like they are their best selves when they do…even when they make mistakes. I hope you’ll like reading about Charlie and Daisy risking everything for love.
And today, don’t watch your coffee when you cross the room. Look straight ahead. And trust yourself. Trust yourself about much more important things, too. Trust that you know love when you see it, that falling down and making mistakes only means you get a little rest before you bounce back up, and trust that you are beautiful exactly the way you are right now. Today. This very second.Because true beauty lies in your character, in the You that shines out from your eyes. Be raw, brave, open to experiencing life as it comes.
As my characters do, once they get over their nerves, throw yourself forward, arms spread out…and live.
Check out Kieran’s new trailer for If You Give a Girl a Viscount !!
Have YOU taken any risks lately? We’d love to hear about them! Or do you have a boat story to share? If you’d rather, feel free to leave a comment about anything that’s on your mind!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~
Kieran is offering a signed book to 2 commenters + 4 romance trading cards that go with the series. Each winner can choose a book from the Impossible Bachelors series. Either:
1) When Harry Met Molly
2) Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right
3) Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage
You’re also getting an extra entry for the main giveaway if you entered our Big 1000 Followers Giveaway here.
All you have to do is answer the question or leave a question for Kieran or a comment about her post
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on 22 October and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
Share This Post
Subscribe and stay up-to-date
48 Comments
Join the Discussion
Our Sponsors
Our Giveaways
Unfortunately Google Friend Connect will stop working for non Blogger blogs at the start of March.
To stay up-to-date use one of the other options above to subscribe to the newest Book Lovers Inc. action.Thank you!
| |||||||||
| 5 Stars: Perfect! I Love It! | |||||||||
| 4 Stars: Awesome Book! | |||||||||
| 3 Stars: I Liked It! | |||||||||
| 2 Stars: Not bad, but maybe not for me. | |||||||||
| 1 Star: Didn't like it! Did Not Finish it. | |||||||||
 | | | | | |||||
Blog RSS Feed
Follow Me on Twitter
My Facebook
From reading, let me think..oh no was I supposed to learn something? …To dare to cook? Yes let's go with that
blodeuedd83
I learned that curiousity didn't kill the cat. Even though the majority of the time now I read for pleasure, when I was still in school, I loved going to the library to reasearch information either for a project or just because it interested me. This was long before the internet.
Wonderful post, thank you! I have a question to Kieran. What kind of books are there on your bookshelf? Do you reread books? If so, which is your favorite book?
+ 1000 followers giveaway
natalija (dot) shkomare (at) gmail (dot) com
Kieran, what a great post! Loved it. And usually I wouldn't be able to say I took a risk lately– but I started querying agents yesterday. Eep! 🙂
My email is kathleenfoucart (at) gmail [dot] com
Good morning, ladies! If I were waking up on my parents' boat back in the old days, I'd be sitting in the cockpit with my hands curved around a steaming hot cup of tea, and I'd be waiting for my mom to come above decks with a big plate of scrambled eggs and toast! There's nothing nicer than eating on a boat. Everything tastes better!!
Blodeuedd, what are YOU cooking up today?
And Ora, I know what you mean. I also love going to the library and getting lost between the stacks, discovering new books! I still prefer that kind of research to internet research.
Natalija, I definitely read books over! I re-read romances by Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I also re-read classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Gone With the Wind, and anything by Mark Twain. I love Charles Dickens, too, and poetry.
This sounds weird, but I love re-reading my old literature textbooks from school. They're great collections of a bunch of wonderful authors all under one cover!
It's SO hard for me to pick a favorite book. But if I had to, it would be To Kill a Mockingbird.
Thanks for asking! Do you re-read books, and do you have a favorite?
Hi! I met you in Charleston when you were promoting Harry and Sally. I am so happy I ran into you. I've really enjoyed the 3 so far. What is your next series going to be about?
Kathleen, that's a very big risk! Congratulations! And when you get the answer from the agent, remember that no matter what the answer IS, you are still a great storyteller either way. I learned from my experience with rejections that agents don't reject you for bad writing most of the time–they reject you for not being a good fit for them. The same way we all wear winter coats but in different colors and fabrics, agents choose authors as a way to express their OWN creative energy.
Hopefully, you'll get good results with this agent, but please don't forget what I said if you don't. Feel free to email me at kkramerbooks@aol.com after you get your answer–I want to know, too, what she or he says!! And your name today is BRAVE KATHLEEN. When you go to Starbucks, have them write that on the side of the cup .
Sue, I remember you, and thank you SO much for reading all three books! I'm thrilled to see you here! The next book comes out November 1st, IF YOU GIVE A GIRL A VISCOUNT.
You can read an excerpt on my website at http://www.kierankramerbooks.com and enter my Halloween story contest on my blog while you're there! :>)
I've never been much of a risk-taker myself, that's probably why I write and read about people who do.
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
one risk that i take now is to buy all HR's book in english version which i love and try to read it, honestly i'm not good in english but i wish if i read and read the english book continuous, i can improve my english even i have to waste my time, read english book sometimes 1 need about 1 week whereas read in translation book, i can read 3 books in 1 week.
so love to win your book to get a chance to improve my english language =D
btw i love the trailler for If You Give a Girl a Viscount 😉
Haven't taken any big risks lately. How sad . The covers of your books are so pretty and I *love the title "Dukes to the Left of me, Princes to the Right"
Ahh, your post brought back some lovely memories for me. We had a 30 ft sailboat when I was a teenager and used to go out on Florida Bay just about every weekend. My favorite memory is of going up in the bosun's chair to the top of the mainmast. (Obviously I have no fear of heights). The feeling that I got at the top was just amazing. Best wishes with the new book.
jen at delux dot com
Not sure if this is a risk, but I recently opened up to a family member what was bothering me and it helped relieved the strain on the relationship.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
Ahoy, Captain Kieran–
What a great column, just like your wonderful books.
My recent risk was saying yes to Book Lover Susi! I'll be guest posting here on Sunday.
Thanks for visiting with us today.
I live in a seaside town with a big harbour and marina. I hate the water,can't swim and I'm not frantically keen on going on boats either ! I'm pretty much your complete opposite I should think lol 🙂
irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com
Thanks for the post Kieran, I have to say, I love your covers! The latest risk I have taken, was starting driving again (after 17 years). So far, one total break down on a busy road in rush hour (total panic), and one time I drove backwards against a parked car. Lots of damage. But, I am still driving!
Margay, characters in fiction and real people that I've read about in non-fiction books like autobiographies have always been among my greatest inspirations!!!
Eli, I am so proud to know someone who works so hard to learn another language! We all need to be like you!! And thank you for loving my book trailer. I had so much fun working with COS Productions on that. They're super nice people!
Sharon, it's okay–there's a time and a place for risks. But we can do little daring things everyday, if we just tell ourselves we have to. Sometimes the biggest dare of the day for me is when I tell myself this, "I dare you to go on a 30 minute walk, even though you you would rather take a nap and you're in a bad mood, and you don't have enough time." And when I open the front door and go outside even though I didn't want to, I'm taking a risk. I'm calling myself on my dare! And I'm going to pat myself on the back for that.
JenM, oh, boy!!! We're sailor girls together. It does change your perspective on things, doesn't it? Loved your story of the bosun's chair!!! I never went up in a bosun'd chair, but I've climbed up!
Jane, why, that's the biggest risk of all–being afraid to lose the approval of someone you love! You are VERY brave, and I commend you for that. I'm so glad your relationship is less strained now. :>)
LSUReader, Oh, my! I'm enjoying being called Captain Kieran, LOL!!! Maybe I should have joined the Navy. Thanks for the sweet words, and I'm going to be looking for your posting–I hope you'll tweet about it!!
Irene, that's all right–not everyone's a boat person. but you're obviously a harbour person! I tell you what, nothing's nicer for me than looking out over a harbor and seeing masts out there! I love it! It's one of my favorite things about Charleston, SC, where I live. I especially like to imagine what the harbor looked like during the Revolutionary War and Civil War. I'll bet it was so cool!!!
Aurian, thanks for the compliment on the covers, which I will pass along to Danielle in the art department at St. Martin's Press. And you know what? You're extremely brave to drive after not having driven for 17 years. Good for you, and see how you've come through two big events already? You're made of stern stuff. I'll probably see you drag racing someday, huh? Honestly, good for you. Driving opens up so many options. I always feel so bad for people who are stuck without transportation. I think ew need better public transport in most American towns.
I've enjoyed chatting!!! Thanks for coming by, everyone!!! XOXO
I have never been a risk taker. I get sick on boats.
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I haven't taken any ricks lately, actually! I'm much to boring 🙂 And I am to scared to get on boats– I can't swim!
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Recently I did zip lining in Maui with my hubby, and that is the biggest risk taking I've done of late. The whole time before we were going to do it, the voice in my head kept saying you can chicken out at anytime. I ended up loving it. 🙂
luvlott18(at)yahoo(dot)com
I haven't taken any risks since I picked up and moved across the country – from California to Florida several years ago. I don't have a boat story to share, but I have enjoyed being on boats whenever I've had the chance. I loved When Harry Met Molly and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Estella, what a pretty name! I'll bet you have taken some risks before! We all take them in different degrees and from different perspectives. For example, never in a million years would I drive 100 miles per hour. But a race car driver has no problem with that. But I also take risks that really fast drivers might never take. So we all get to decide how "risky" a certain activity is, based on our perception of it. So I'm sure you're brave in your own, unique Estella way. :>)
Chelsea, same goes for you. There's no way you're boring. You just might not acknowledge that some things you do are risky. You might assume they're not because the person next to you thinks they're not. But if it's tough for YOU, then it's risky. For some people, walking out the front door is risky. Hey. I admire them for doing it when they do. So try to identify some areas in your life where you're taking chances. I'm sure you are–you just might not be giving yourself credit–and you should.
Gayle, my loyal friend, I SO admire you for ziplining. I want to do this so badly! Good for you for conquering your fear, and I'll bet it was absolutely gorgeous ziplining in Hawaii. Wow, you're a lucky lady!!!
Barbara, thanks for the kind words about When Harry Met Molly. Moving from CA to FL takes a lot of guts!!! Congratulations! I hope you're proud of yourself. I hope Florida is all you dreamed it would be and more.
Thanks for visiting with me, everyone. I can't tell you how much I'm honored by the fact that you've chosen to share some of your precious time with me. You R-O-C-K, as for the gorgeous, welcoming, brilliant ladies who run this blog with such sass and aplomb. Thanks for having me here, and I hope to see you again, if not on my Facebook page and on my website or through Twitter…then right back here on Book Lovers Inc!!!
XOXO Kieran
Oops–typo alert!
"You R-O-C-K, as DO the gorgeous, welcoming, brilliant ladies who run this blog with such sass and aplomb.
I haven't taken any risks lately. Pretty soon I'll have to take the risk of rejection when I look for a job.
Closet thing to a boat story I have is that I'm following a Blog my nephew & his wife are righting as they sail around the world on the Semester-at-Sea cruise (I' traveling vicariously).
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Kieran,great post. you ar a new author to me.I will have to check your web site and books out.
I am not a risk taker anymore,when I was a teenager I was fearless but not anymore.As for boat stories, nope none of those either.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I used to spend a lot of time on boats. I loved sailing in all its forms. When I was around 16 years old I took a cruise with my parents to visit an island. We took an island hopper boat. I got so sick. Ever since, I can't get on a boat without getting ill!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
I'm assuming no sea-sickness then??
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Di, looking for a job is never fun! I'll never forget the time my husband sent out 100 resumes and got back ONE letter of interest. It's frustrating and demoralizing. But it's a numbers game in many ways–you just have to throw LOTS of spaghetti on the wall before it will stick. So hang in there, and good luck. Oh, and I am SO envious of your nephew and wife!! I've heard the Semester at Sea program is awesome.
Elaing8, thanks for checking out my website and possibly, my books. I'll tell you right now, they're lighthearted and corny because I am both of those things in my real life. I like to laugh yet I'm also very sentimental about family and friends and know from experience that love has saved me in every crisis in my life. And as for you and risks…it's no wonder we don't take as many risks as we did when we were teenagers. We have other people in our lives that would be extremely affected by our actions–our families, our workmates, and just the community in general. We're more aware as adults that we are part of the social fabric and have a responsibility to uphold the better parts of it. So we get careful. What's not good is when we get TOO careful, and that reluctance spills over into holding back on doing things that can enrich us. It's a fine line. Good luck with it, and always give yourself a break–life ain't easy, and we make mistakes. Be willing to make them when you take risks.
Jen B., oh, that happens to so many people. Seasickness. My mother gets it terribly on the open ocean. I only got it one time, on the Queen Elizabeth II, on a voyage from NYC to Southampton in England. One night, I just couldn't figure out why I didn't want my dinner. I'm usually ravenous by dinner. And then later, in the disco, I wasn't having any fun. And I stood up and suddenly felt SO queasy. I was in shock when someone told me I was seasick. The seas were a little rougher that night. But thankfully, I never got REALLY seasick. I know people, like my Mom, who just vomit for hours on end!!! So I'd guess you'd day I get me "sea legs" pretty quickly. The reverse can happen, too–not getting your "land legs" back quickly. This happens to my husband after long voyages on Navy ships. He'll come back home, and he'll feel like he should be walking like he's on a rolling deck–only nothing is moving!!! It's so funny. At least, it doesn't make him throw up!!! :>)
Marybelle, that's right, except for that one time on the QE2, no seasickness. Speaking of the QE2, I went to the captain and asked to steer the ship, and he said yes and gave me a ticket from his pocket–it was an invitation to visit the bridge. Apparently, I wasn't the only one…when I got there, I guess there might have been five other passengers. I got to steer the ship one whole degree in a new direction! I still can't believe I've steered the QE2. It was amazing. Good thing there were no icebergs nearby at the time .
All of your titles make me smile, which makes me want to read them Right Now.
Are movies and books the inspiration for the titles? The other titles seem obvious, but the first thing that comes to mind for Dukes to the Left of Me is The Charge of the Light Brigade:
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd & thunder'd
— which isn't the most lighthearted poem ever written, but the rhythm is right.
(It's the degree in English lit that I got back when dinosaurs roamed the earth – sometimes I just can't help nerding out…)
Mickie T
mdturett at juno dot com
I haven't read any books of Kieran Kramer yet. They are all have great stories and I love the colours on the covers.
About sailor's life is not for me.
Thank you for the giveaway!
artgiote at gmail dot com
Great and quite thoughtful post Kieran!
People are getting more afraid by the day. Risks are avoided at all cost. I have to admit I'm living a quiet life; but I do walk without watching the cup. When a friend dares me to do something terribly stupid, I will take that chance. And it makes me happy (:
The sailor life is nothing for me though. I get terribly seasick. Scottish highlanders on boats don't sound that bad though….
Hope you have a great day,
Celine
nyxbookreviews(at)gmail.com
risks.. hmm.. i recently moved halfway across the country to be with a guy i'd met online? id say that is a risk!
i dont think i could do sailing.. i go boating.. but usually so i can scuba dive.. lol (flordia mostly)
i would love to get book 1 – when harry met molly
( i entered the 1000 follower blog too)
alainala AT hotmail DOT ca
I recently took the risk of moving from a tiny rural town in the middle-of-nowhere Oregon to Honolulu. Talk about a big change! I have no family or friends here, didn't even have a job or apartment waiting. I just couldn't stand the idea of driving in snow for one more winter, so here I am in warm and wonderful Hawaii! And I couldn't be happier! 🙂
msculp@gmail.com
Great post! Really needed to read this right now because I'm waffling on a very big decision and this post reminded me I need to take more risks in life 🙂
smaccall AT comcast.net
When I was a teenager and on a youth trip and again a few years ago with my own family (and in-laws) we nearly sunk a plontune (sp?) boat. How you ask? It is called overloading one side of the boad while accidently leaving the other side with very little weight.
very scary at the time but funny looking back at it. Nearly gave my mother in law who can't swim a heart attack but a bunch of teenagers thought it was greatness and kept trying to do it again!
mmafsmith at gmail dot com
Looking back I have always been a gutsy, even reckless child. I had a strong sense of adventure and took every opportunity to explore and discover. I remember impromtu "plays" outside the house with the audience being passer-bys walking on the sidewalk and climbing up a fire escape to a roof. Thankfully my wild streak has wanned a bit 🙂
Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com
No risks or boat stories here what a boring life I lead which is why I escape in books!!!!!
ticklebear2 at yahoo dot com
nope no risks for me. i am a scaredy cat through and through 😉
thanks for the giveaway.
witchvela at web dot de
HI Kieran!!!! I remember how nice you were to me on twitter before your debut When Harry Met Molly came out and I was so excited about being followed by an author (it would be presumptuous to assume you know who I am without introducing myself haha it's @Envyious (Camille) ;D)
Then it came out and I bought myself a copy ASAP (if only for the cover even if I had not known you online!) and your covers and titles are always amazing and so, familiar 😛
Do you get to choose the titles? Are you ever in the photoshoot for one of those gorgeous covers?
midnite dot fantasy at gmail dot com
Hello,
it's not a so great risk but for me it was huge i went to study abroad in a country i din't know the language.
I've learned that i'm stronger that i think and i can be independant however i'm not so sure i want to do it again ^^
thanks you for the giveaway, i would like to discover your work
i've entered the 1000 followers giveaway
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
I know this really isn't a big risk, but I recently sent my daughter off to college. I guess you could say it's a risk to my heart and nerves. It's been a couple of months and we both seem to be doing alright…LOL
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
I'm not a big risk taker, so I haven't taken any risks.
Thanks for the great post! I've read the first book in her series and loved it 🙂 It was the first book I purchased for my kindle, so it's doubly special to me.
I guess the only risk taking I've done was entering blog contests. I'd lurk for a while and decided, that I should throw my hat in the ring.
Thanks sooo much! and congrats on your milestone.
+1 entered main contest
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
Of course, I've taken risks lately 🙂 I believe our life is full of with risks and the brave ones take it and take the responsibility of their choice, and the afraid ones try to make somebody else take the risk of choosing.
For example, I've just enrolled for the an advance language exam even though I knew that I may fail it and then I would loose the money it costed (and a language exam costs a LOT xD).
One of the risks I have taken recently is that I applied for a different position at the company I work at. While the new position is a great opportunity, I love my current position so putting myself out there and potentially giving up my current position is very scary! I go back and forth in my mind all the time about whether its better to play it safe or take the risk! Time will tell 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway!
ssosborn at gmail dot com
Your post is so inspiring! Coming from a sheltered, conservative background, I've never been encouraged to take risks- in fact, taking risks is an activity often frowned upon. The only times I am able to take risks is when I'm away from home and when others are not affected by my risk-taking. The risks I take tend to be small ones, but they are risk nonetheless. As a postgraduate research student conducting research amongst a specific population of people, I've had to be very brave when putting on my "sales face" and going into some pretty unsavoury areas to get members of this population to fill out my questionnaires. My parents probably wouldn't be too happy if they knew the risks I'd taken just to get questionnaires filled out, but the results have been ultimately rewarding.
+1 Entered the BIG 1000 giveaway
sarah.setar@gmail.com
risk i took lately? hmmm. besides going to the dentist – none. and lets face it – i've seen the movie 'the dentist' – there's definitely a risk in there somewhere. at least that's what my mind is always telling me.
hrududu AT hotmail DE
The biggest risk I have taken is to take a retrenchment package after 20 years at my previous employer. It was the push I needed – I would never have left on my own even though I was very unhappy there. Have been home 5 months now 🙂 Time to start looking for a new job – eish!
My husband has a skipper license and when we met, I used to go on all the commercial trips he gave. Nowadays I get seasick – try figuring that one out! LoL
baychriz at gmail dot com
I don't have any boat stories, I always get seasick when I'm in one of them.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com