We attended church for the third time this week. Ever. Okay, well, as “non-mandatory” visitors. Meaning not for a wedding or funeral or baptism, but a Bonafide churchgoers. By now, we’ve navigated what to expect, where(abouts) we would sit, and how the service would run. All good on the technical. As for the ‘feels,’ we hoped … Read More
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How To Take Nothing Personally
We all know what’s comes after the words, “Don’t take this personally, but…” An insult. Same goes for “no offense.” There is a guaranteed offense either before or after those words. The intent, of course, is to disarm you and make you defenseless because, well, they told you how not to react. It’s a good … Read More
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5 Ways To Help Someone with TDS
If you’re an openly conservative or moderate American, you’ve undoubtedly seen them: the Everything-Relates-Back-To-Trump fanatics. Thankfully, we now have an official diagnosis for this often mentally and socially debilitating illness: Trump Derangement Syndrome, or TDS. Sadly, this affliction impacts thousands of men and women across the country. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to negatively impact everyone … Read More
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Combating the Strawman Fallacy in 3 Easy Steps
Let’s first go over what The Strawman Fallacy (or argument) is: The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting an opponent’s position to make it easier to refute. It oversimplifies an opposing view or disregards inconvenient points in favor of points that are easy to argue against. The flow of this fallacy of relevance usually goes like … Read More
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Reckless Words and Why They Still Matter
Before We Begin I need to clarify because I want no mistake made in thinking I might have a penchant for liberal word fuckery. I do not. (If you like to read an amazing book on this, check out Michael Knowles Speechless) I am a “facts over feelings” woman, a “toughen up buttercup” woman. Blame … Read More
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Making Home Your Haven
Making home the haven. Now that sounds nice, doesn’t? But is it easy? Hell no, at least not at first. But the fact is, if you’ve married a police officer, then you know you didn’t sign on for ‘easy’. After I wrote my story “Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Being A Police Wife” I was … Read More
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How To Spot Empowerment Imposters
em·pow·er·ment – əmˈpouərmənt/ : the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. “political steps for the empowerment of women” It’s one of my favorite four syllable words; right up there with inspiration and motivation. Those kinds of words are like mantras and warrior cries, particularly for … Read More
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Nice Guy… Or Narcissist?
Hello, I’m New Here (A Question For The Christians)
If you’re a longtime Christian, bear with me here as I learn and navigate and maybe too boisterously share my discoveries. In fact, you can skip down to the last paragraph, if you’d like. If you’re new, like me, let’s chat for a sec. Okay, can I first ask… doesn’t this feel like we just … Read More
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How To Survive in Troubled Times
Usually, we save the best and most important message of a story for last. Not this time. The number one, most effective way to survive in troubled times is: God. I’m not talking a casual, call on ya when I need something relationship with Him. I’m talking about a deep, abiding faith and trust in … Read More
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What are the three biggest challenges of being a police spouse? A LEOW candidly shares.
What are the three biggest challenges of being a police spouse? A LEOW candidly shares. Any police spouse reading the headline will likely say, “You only came up with three? Please.” However, most “micro” challenges stem from these three trials. Each, in its own right, can harm or even devastate a relationship. So what are … Read More
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TikTok For Authors? Yes!
Should You? Would You? Could You? No, you didn’t land in a Dr. Seuss story. These are just three questions anyone considering using the social media platform known as TikTok might be asking themselves. In this post, we’re not talking just anyone, we’re talking authors. But before we answer those Seussian questions, let’s talk about … Read More
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5 Tips For Your Elevator Pitch
What’s An Elevator Pitch? I never like to assume everyone understands/knows these terms. While it’s a common phrase in some circles, it’s not it others. So, for those who don’t know: Your elevator pitch (in this case) is you “selling” yourself & your book to a potential reader in a short time… as in under … Read More
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To Blog, Or Not To Blog?
The 8 Week Novel
Can you write a novel in eight weeks? And why on earth would you want to? The answers are inside…
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Selective Outrage & Armchair Activism
You’re Not Going to Like This Post. And I’m not sorry. The good news is, you don’t have to read it, like it, agree with it, or share it. So, there’s the fair warning. If you feel this post is directed at you, your problems are way bigger than some lady you don’t know writing … Read More
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4 Must Have Resources For Writers
Can I get a hell, yeah? Yep, writing is harder for us simply because it means more to us. So, how about I give you my four all-time favorite resources for making things a bit easier? The first one is my go-to for self-edits. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing edits without it… 1) Pro Writing … Read More
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How To Become An Author
Write. Edit. Publish. Ta-da! End of article! Kidding, I’m kidding. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. Sure, in it’s stripped down form, yes, that’s the process. But when you break it alllll down into it’s steps, it’s a wee bit more complex. Let’s start with the obvious. You need to have … Read More
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7 Signs You’re On Your Path
The Catalyst In a recent session with a client regarding his particular journey toward writing, I said the following, Listen, I know this’ll probably sound super flaky, but I really believe in signs. I think they’re everywhere, and they’re trying to point you in the right direction. You just have to pay attention and follow … Read More
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Language, Please.
So, we already experience the collective cringe when… we hear someone misuse two, too, and to, or they’re, there, and their, or… you get the idea. Those are the equivalent to nails-on-a-chalkboard for writers, amiright?? That means I’m not even going to address them. We’re good. Today, I’d rather tackle something that is usually only … Read More
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Love In A Time of Corona-Virus. (A Romantic Comedy Very Short Story)
Julia stood in the doorway of the bar, unsure whether to step inside or turn around and go home. Was he there already? Waiting? Perhaps he’d changed his mind. She’d be okay with that. Home is the safest place, anyhow. Her internal debate paused mid-thought when a muffled female voice from behind her said, “Uryurgringshide, … Read More
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Five Ways To Find Time To Write
You’re busy. You’re tired. You have too many thoughts crowding your brainbox. I know. Oh, AND most of your best ideas come when it’s impossible for you to write. Welcome to the Writer’s World. The good news? There are worse problems to be had. The good news part two (because screw bad news)? We can … Read More
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Thank You!
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Thank You!
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Thank You!
Click on the image below to download your Resource Guide
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Thank You!
Click on the image below to download your Path To Authorship Quick Guide!
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You’re ready to get on the path to authorship! Click image below to download your guide.
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Feather Anne’s Song – Book Five in Welcome To Chance
Guess what? Book five in the Welcome to Chance series is coming! Mark your calendars for February 11th, 2020. I couldn’t be more excited to bring to you Feather Anne’s Song, but I confess… this was a tough one! As in: box of tissues by the laptop tough. I’m pretty sure some readers mught get … Read More
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Five Ways To Embrace The Chaos
I Don’t Know Who Needs To Read This, But… Cut yourself some slack, mama. Or papa, or whoever you are. Yeah, we see these quotes all the time – the slow downs, smell the roses, get Zen, breathe, chill, and my favorite: Embrace the Chaos – we know, we know. We also know it’s easier … Read More
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Finding A Publisher
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! As A Matter Of Course… Throughout the process of writing your book, you’re probably – at least in the back of your mind – contemplating how to publish it. Back in the day, there was only one real option: a publishing company. Sure, you could print … Read More
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Roadblocks of Writing (And How To Get Around Them)
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Let’s Get This Out Of The Way If you’ve come to know me & my blog writing style, you know I hate fluff and nonsense. I do this obligatory first paragraph, then we jump right in. My (logical) guess is that you’ve opened this link because … Read More
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The Solution To Your Social Media Struggles
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Okay, the solution may be slightly dramatic. But it’s definitely a solution. One I happen to love, too. It turns out I’m a List Girl. Pretty sure I made that up, so now it’s a thing. We’re non-discriminatory, so if you’re a List Guy, you’re welcome … Read More
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A Book And A Chat With Barry Eva
I had the recent honor of being a guest on Barry Eva’s A Book and A Chat and I thought I’d share it with you! Thanks Barry for a great chat!
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How To Make Your Mood Inspire Your Writing
Make Your Mood Your Bitch Sorry, that was… aggressive. But guess what? That’s kind of how I’m feeling today. Also I’d prefer to call it assertive. It sounds nicer. Point being, I thought I’d use my current mood to discuss mood writing. It’s exactly how it sounds (if it sounds like using your mood to … Read More
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How To Publish Your Book on KDP – Video
Step by Step Visual Guide for Publishing on KDP
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Now, That’s Empowerment
Now, That’s Empowerment Big, HUGE topic, I know. It’s one I just happen to love, too. Women inspiring and empowering other women. I mean, just… how COOL is that? I have to confess, up until recent years, I thought the concept was largely a myth. So, What Changed? Let’s face it. Women are often really, … Read More
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When Words Count
Words count. They matter. They affect. They resonate. They hurt and they heal. So, yes… words count. However, I’m referring to a different kind of word counting, the literal kind. It’s what authors are constantly checking when writing – the number of words in the story. Literally.
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Don’t Read This Book. Seriously.
That Sounds Like A Sales Gimmick. It’s Not. Maybe it is… a little. It’s at the very least, how I got the idea for the post title. The real reason for this short PSA is legit, though. This book, Still Here, needs a disclaimer. It’s Not What You Think. There’s no graphic, Game of Thrones-like … Read More
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Release Day Is Near!
It’s True! Release day really is near! June 4th, to be exact. The grand (re) release of book one in my Welcome To Chance series, Mae’s Cafe is fast approaching and I couldn’t be more excited! Get ready to visit Chance, Connecticut for some small-town life and some big-time drama. Are … Read More
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Elsa Kurt at RomantiConn
ROMANTICONN IS COMING! Can you tell I’m excited? Are you wondering what RomantiConn is? Will I ever stop asking questions and tell you what’s going on? The answer is: YES! Right from the RomantiConn ticket link: Welcome to the first RomantiConn Author Signing Event brought to you by Kitty Berry Books, LLC. About … Read More
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Author Insights with Elsa Kurt ~ Character
Building Character Or rather, characters. This is one of a fiction writer’s biggest tasks. If your readers can’t feel or see what you are trying to emote through your characters, you’ve lost them. Fiction readers want nothing more than to climb inside the minds and live in the world of your characters while they’re with … Read More
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I Did A Thing
Technically, Two Things… Thing One… So, I did a thing. See, about a yearish ago, I wrote my book, The Awkward Woman’s Guide To Dating (After Divorce). It’s a sexy little rom-com & a fun read (if I say so myself). The problem was… the title. Now, I knew it was unusually long, and … Read More
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Introducing: You Wrote It, Now What? The Course
YOU WROTE IT, NOW WHAT? First, it was a presentation… Then it became a book… Now, it’s an Eight Week Course! Join me as I take new and aspiring writer’s through the writing, publishing, self-promoting, and book signing event processes in this enlightening, inspiring, and MOTIVATING course. In This Course: I’ll help you… … Read More
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Guess What?
I just tried a cheap tactic to get you to open this, and I apologize. It’s a blatant, desperate attempt to get your attention. Sorry. But, hey, since you’re already here… Have You Read One (or more) Of My Books? If the answer is no, but you’ve read SOMEONE’S book at some time, it’s okay…keep … Read More
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Elsa Kurt On Table To Stage Podcast
Well, now this was fun! I loved sitting down with Jordan and talking all things books and writing. Hope you enjoy…
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This Kills Me, But…
Seriously But Not Literally I dislike hate asking for help. I’ve always been like this. My ‘I got this’ affliction has led me down a bumpy road, filled with a smattering of ‘oops’es and a liberal spread of ‘oh shit’s. I’m fine with it, generally. In fact, I love it much of the time. Imagine my … Read More
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WHAT Just Happened?!
So, I’ve got to humblebrag… Several weeks ago a fellow author (’cause, you know, I’m an author n stuff) send me a message asking if I’d be interested in joining his panel discussion as a speaker. I immediately said- said being the operative word- ‘hell yah, I’d love to! Internally? I was like…. Listen, it was … Read More
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A Few Of My Favorite (Amazon PrimeDay Deal) Things…
I REALLY need to get off Amazon, like, right now. Somebody stop me! LOL. Anyhow, here’s some of the goodies I’ve been looking at (and maybe buying)…
