Author K. Blue sat down today to tell us a bit about herself and her book Ordinary Wisdom. * One copy of the book is up for grabs...see the bottom of the post for details.
Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?
The book was to be a Christmas gift to my family. I typically give gifts that are handcrafted or made, rather than purchased and I wanted to do something special. We had told these stories year after year and I felt like they would enjoy reading and sharing them with their friends.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My Mom…need I say more? <LOL>
Your biggest critic?
Me, me and…that would be… me. In a way that is why this book ended up being what it was. In order to write about lessons and growth, you really have to know your own flaws. You have to know them, embrace them, laugh at them and ultimately learn from them. But it all starts with self awareness.
What cause are you most passionate about and why?
Too many to count but, I would say I love to help causes that promote and help those individuals that work hard. People and organizations that lend a helping hand rather than provide a handout. I was raised on the premise to help someone, not do for them. I love work study programs. I also admire programs that teach women how to prepare for the workforce. Programs that help seniors become computer savvy. The Girl and Boy Scouts of America are also great programs. I try to help out where I can but, am always most passionate about organizations that promote pride in a job well done and self worth, rather than dependency.
In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?
I am a bit fan of learning in general. This last year I studied to get a Learning Development and Training certification. I just posted the final project. I am hoping to get awarded the certification if all goes well. Keeping my fingers crossed! Certifications are a great way to increase your knowledge without committing to a long term degree.
Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?
Re-read, revise, re-read, revise, worry, and question, beg for feedback, re-read, revise then step away from the computer. It sound funny but sometime I think we can over think things. The real art of finishing any project is knowing when to walk away and say, “DONE!” Most projects can go on forever, simply because we constantly want to make them better. Not a bad thing but, at some point we need to move on to bigger and better projects and leave others to memory and nostalgia.
What do you feel is your biggest strength?
Self awareness. Knowing yourself goes a long way to helping you get by in this world. No matter how strong your support system is, the first, last and sometimes only person you can always count on is yourself. Knowing yourself really helps you get through those unexpected challenges.
Biggest weakness?
Self awareness. Yes…yes…I know I just listed it as my biggest strength. The reality is self awareness is a duel edged sword. Knowing yourself IS a huge strength but it can also be a weakness. When you know yourself inside and out you tend to internalize things and take responsibility for more than you should. Like life itself, it is a balancing act.
What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?
I would like to think the honesty, humor and positive nature of the book. The real goal was to have something that was enjoyable and fun but serious and meaningful as well. The world today is full of drama and chaos. I worked hard with this book to be honest, without letting the drama overwhelm the story. Invite the humor in, without letting hilarity stretch the truth. Hopefully that will come across and set this book apart.
You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?
Can I cheat and say my Nook and a solar battery recharger? I am such a reader that one book would never do me. I think a Nook stocked with 3000 books might just be enough. Maybe…
What is your favorite past-time?
No surprise. I love to read. My idea of a perfect day is curling up in a warm bed reading, with my cat napping at my side.
About K. Blue
Ms. Blue was raised in a middle class American family with 3 brothers. Her father worked for a large corporation and her family moved quite a bit during her growing up years. From Indiana to New Jersey, Texas to Georgia, she has lived in many different areas of the country and had many different experiences. These experiences have given her a unique take on life which she enjoys sharing in her book Ordinary Wisdom.
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