January 2015 - Carolyn Astfalk, Author

Unrequited Love: Can it be true love?

Published by CAstfalk on 01/30/2015

Finally, a topic about which I am eminently qualified to write.

It started with Speed Racer when I was five and continued through a seemingly endless series of boys and then young men (of the non-Japanese animé variety) through grade school, high school and college. I was a charter member of the BGFC ([Name withheld to protect the innocent] Fan Club) in fourth grade. I daydreamed of romantic rides on Kennywood’s dark ride, The Old Mill. There were crushes on classmates, friends of friends, and fellow interns. Every last one of them unrequited.

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Five Favorites

Published by CAstfalk on 01/28/2015

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In cold weather and on-the-go, this smooth lip balm with a hint of color is just the thing. I prefer this Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (hibiscus) to lipstick or glosses.

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Gratitude Attitude

Published by CAstfalk on 01/26/2015

This post was born while I changed a poopy diaper. Not so surprising since I do a lot of that.

As is sometimes the case, my toddler fought my effort to make him clean, pleasant-smelling, and rash-free by flailing around, threatening to inadvertently smear feces over everything within heiney’s reach. As I struggled to wipe the mess from my precious son’s behind, I wondered for the umpteenth time why he did it. Not the pooping. I’m pretty clear on the reason for that. It’s the flailing that causes consternation.

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Small Success Thursday

Published by CAstfalk on 01/22/2015

Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. With the pace at home rather relaxed, you’d think I’d be getting lots done, and I suppose I am, but it’s only the ordinary things: bills, groceries, meals, laundry, dishes. You get the gist. I measure little successes by the other things – the bazillion and one projects in my mental queue that desperately need my attention. Here’s my paltry offering for the week.

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A Future Without Family: Interview with Chasing Liberty Author Theresa Linden

Published by CAstfalk on 01/19/2015

I’m thrilled to share this interview with author Theresa Linden. I highly recommend her debut novel, Chasing Liberty. You can find it on Amazon, as well as my review.

I love the title Chasing Liberty and the name of its sequel, Testing Liberty. They are succinct and carry a dual meaning given your main character’s name, Liberty. Were the titles difficult to come up with or did they come about with the story idea?

My original working title was different. As the story developed, the title Chasing Liberty just made sense. It fit in so many ways. The main character, Liberty, is chasing her own freedom. She is also being chased, hunted throughout the story by the doctor who oversees the Breeder Facility where Liberty is supposed to go.

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Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Fears About Blogging

Published by CAstfalk on 01/13/2015

With all of three blog posts under my belt, I can’t say I’ve conquered every one of these fears yet, but I’m working on it. Alongside each of these fears is my feeble attempt to conquer and vanquish it.

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How Writing Made Me Better Appreciate Art and Music

Published by CAstfalk on 01/12/2015

Writing has done a lot of positive things for me, including enhanced my appreciation of art. I listen more carefully. I’m a more discriminating observer. I feel a kinship to artists and songwriters, especially up-and-comers, that I never have before.

It’s no surprise that participating in an activity gives you a greater appreciation for the dedication, expertise, and talent of those who excel at it whether it be a sport, an art, or a technical skill. I can appreciate the leg strength required for a dozen sequential fuetes because I studied ballet. I realize the difficulty of a particular piano or organ piece because I’ve played those instruments. I can gape in amazement at an outstanding catch in deep centerfield because I’ve played softball. And I can appreciate the depth, complexity, and detail of a novel, because I’ve written one. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way in understanding ‘it ain’t as easy as it looks.’

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

Published by CAstfalk on 01/08/2015

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As we dig through the detritus of our computer room in order to convert it into the girls’ bedroom, my husband unearthed these . . . these gnomes, which he painted decades ago. He presented them to our oldest daughter, who squealed with delight. She promptly informed me that the female of the duo looks like me. Really? Say it ain’t so. But, yes, she insists, it’s a remarkable likeness. I’m thinking it’s time for a total body makeover.

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Month: January 2015