kairarouda

About Kaira Rouda

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So far Kaira Rouda has created 432 blog entries.
26 03, 2012

Real You: What makes all the difference to you?

By |2023-02-07T00:06:48+00:00March 26, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: What makes all the difference to you?

It's funny, the title of my new novel ALL THE DIFFERENCE has been set for years - yes, the years it takes to write, query, face rejection, re-write, more rejection, and well, you get it - but my titles typically don't change. In fact, often when I'm beginning a novel that's all I have. The title and a vague sense of the characters. So I guess, you could say, for my writing life, what makes all the difference is a title. It sets the pace for the rest of the book. What makes all the difference in my life? Well, there are so many answers of course but mostly it's the people. And especially lately, friends. And that's who I've dedicated this novel to - my friends, because you do make all the difference. Whether we've only met online, through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Goodreads, or [...]

17 03, 2012

Real You: Are you pinning yet?

By |2023-02-07T00:06:49+00:00March 17, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Are you pinning yet?

I have to admit - I'm hooked on Pinterest. I bet, if you try it, you will be, too. It's such a fun way to visualize your dreams, share quotes, favorite things, and still connect. What Pinterest offers is a a lot of smiles, and a huge opportunity to spend/waste more time online, if you look at it that way.What it also offers is a business opportunity. For your personal brand. For your product or service, whether it's books or cupcakes, consulting or jewelry. For each of my books, I've pinned story clues, character profiles, and more. For my upcoming release, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, I've had fun pinning Ellen's good luck sea beans and Francis' favorite product, Squeaky Clean Soap. The possibilities are endless, and I smile as I bring my characters to life visually. Think about it and then, if you haven't, start exploring [...]

27 02, 2012

Real You: There is always something to worry about

By |2023-02-07T00:06:56+00:00February 27, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: There is always something to worry about

This may seem obvious - but - it's life. There is always something to worry about. Especially if you're a mom. Beyond the basics of feeding, clothing, driving, homework, and the rest, there is your child's general happiness. And if you have more than one, the worries compound. That's why I'm trying to tell myself since there is always something to worry about, it's time to stop worrying about it all. Especially in the middle of the night when nothing gets accomplished except ruining sleep. My biggest a-ha in all of my new perspective is that while I can always choose to find something to worry about - I can also choose not to worry. I can let it go. You can let it go. Let me give you a perfect example. Today was the first day of golf team for my youngest. He was [...]

25 01, 2012

Real You: New year, new adventures, dreams coming true!

By |2023-02-07T00:07:04+00:00January 25, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: New year, new adventures, dreams coming true!

Tonight I'm co-hosting a Twitter chat with my friend Elisa All who is the brilliant creator of 30 Second Mom. I'm proud to be a contributor to Elisa's new venture. She's a rock star  - her first company was purchased by Disney, so you know she's a mom who knows what she's doing, eh? We'll be talking about Turning Your Dreams Into Reality and we'd love to have you join us! You'll find us at the hashtag #30secondmom at 6 p.m. Pacific/9 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Central tonight! And tomorrow, to celebrate, I'm offering my short story, A Mother's Day,  celebrating mothers and sons, free on Amazon.com! It's a short story - but it will probably take you more than 30 seconds to read it! Writing novels and short stories, and hearing from readers that they enjoyed them, is my dream coming true. Are your dreams coming true? I hope [...]

21 01, 2012

Real You: Reading, writing and to-do lists

By |2023-02-07T00:07:16+00:00January 21, 2012|Uncategorized, write|Comments Off on Real You: Reading, writing and to-do lists

Yes, it's a sad fact. Writers must also become business people today. Why is that sad? Well, if you're a writer/creative type like me, you're typically relatively messy. Or, um, very messy. Disorganization is my natural occurring state. Just ask my husband. When we were married, I told him: Love me. Love my piles. For the most part, he's pretty good about my piles...they are sort my major to-do lists. Then there are the random scraps of paper littering my writing desk - those are my actual to-do lists. And finally - much like my protagonist Kelly in Here, Home, Hope - there are the post-it notes covering a number of surfaces around our house. I've got a lot to do, I explain, when my lists and piles get out of control. Today, though, a cautionary lesson on too many to-dos. As I was at [...]

7 01, 2012

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Andrea Buginsky

By |2023-02-07T00:07:27+00:00January 7, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Author Interview! Meet Andrea Buginsky

I'm thrilled to welcome Andrea - a fellow beach lover - as my first interview of 2012! And I love the one word that describes her: Sentimental. (The first step in creating your personal brand, no matter your business, is being able to describe yourself clearly. See Real You Incorporated, my business book, for more.) Anyway, here's Andrea: Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies? I’m an avid television and movie watcher. I have several shows I watch on a regular weekly basis, plus “General Hospital.” I don’t go to the theatre that often, but I love to watch new DVD or PPV releases. I also love to read. What is your favorite season? Spring. The weather is warming up, the trees and flowers are beginning to grow back, and everything seems to have a beautiful, fresh start. If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it [...]

6 01, 2012

Real You: Happy New Year!

By |2023-02-07T00:07:29+00:00January 6, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Happy New Year!

I hope your 2012 is off to a wonderful start! So far, mine has been filled with resettling (we moved), playing nurse (my daughter had surgery two days ago), and working on the finishing touches of my next novel that will be coming out this month! It's always good to acknowledge the tough times, as well as the good in your life. Be sure to ask for help if you need it, count your blessings everyday and take time to notice the little things. May your 2012 be the best year yet!

16 12, 2011

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Geraldine Solon

By |2023-02-07T00:07:30+00:00December 16, 2011|author interview|Comments Off on Real You: Author Interview! Meet Geraldine Solon

I met Geraldine through the WoMen's Literary Cafe and have enjoyed the warmth of virtual friendship ever since! If you haven't heard of her yet, here's your chance to meet this wonderful author! Tell us about your novel, Chocolicious.  It's a book about love, loss and a mother’s sacrifice. I was craving a rich-filled,  three-layered chocolate cupcake when a vision of a woman in distress flashed  through my mind. As the story began to unfold, I knew that chocolate had to play a significant role to the novel.  It took me three months to finish my first draft, another month to write down notes and complete my second draft.  I sent it to my editor to edit, then it took me another month to do some rewrites and finalize her edits.  The whole process took six months. Tell us about your other work: My first book, Love Letters, is a Romance novel [...]

15 12, 2011

Real You: The Power of Putting the Real You in your Business

By |2023-02-07T00:07:32+00:00December 15, 2011|branding, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The Power of Putting the Real You in your Business

Knowing who you are and where you're headed is important for you and your business. That's the topic I shared with Dr. Shannon Reece today as part of her 12 Days of Experts series for women entrepreneurs. I had a great time talking to Shannon via Skype - she's really good at these interviews! I'm not. I kept looking at her face on the screen instead of looking at the tiny camera eye on my laptop. BUT aside from that, I think you'll find the content we shared - as well as the amazing content shared by the other experts - worth a listen! And, today, if you leave a comment, you could win a free copy of my book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. Click here to watch the video! Enter the contest today! So take a listen (try not to [...]

13 12, 2011

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Bonnie Trachtenberg

By |2023-02-07T00:07:35+00:00December 13, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Author Interview! Meet Bonnie Trachtenberg

So excited to welcome Bonnie to my blog! Aside from a last name almost as hard to spell as mine (Sturdivant Rouda), we have so much in common!  Welcome Bonnie! It’s such a pleasure to be here, Kaira. Thank you for inviting me to the Real You blog! Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies? My passions include animals (especially cats), spending time with close friends and family, romantic comedies, spiritual books (especially those dealing with life after death), classic movies, Italian food, fine wine, politics, bike riding, and long walks in pretty places. If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why? I’d love to live in Tuscany (as you may guess by my descriptions in Wedlocked) because it has great wine, delicious food, friendly, fascinating people, and it is one of the most exquisite places on earth. Now all I need [...]

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