Uncategorized | Kaira Rouda

10 05, 2011

Real You: Heading to Hollywood Tonight

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:09:27+00:00May 10, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Heading to Hollywood Tonight

Really, I am. Tonight I'm doing a signing and reading of HERE, HOME, HOPE in Larchmont Village - very close to Hollywood. Which got me thinking about the town where dreams are made...which then got me thinking about dreams coming true. All those years ago, when I dreamed of seeing a novel of mine on a bookstore shelf, I never dreamed that I'd be in Hollywood for a book signing! I know, I'm showing my Midwestern sensibilities here, but pinch me, please! So if you cannot make it to Chevalier's Books tonight, imagine me, with a huge grin, soaking it all in. These are those moments when I thank God for all my blessings. And I thank you for supporting me. And if your dreams still haven't yet come true, don't give up. Your pinchable moment is on the horizon. Keep believing!

6 05, 2011

Real You: A Mother’s Day

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:09:37+00:00May 6, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: A Mother’s Day

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. It was the week of the launch of my dream, my first novel, HERE, HOME, HOPE. The best part of the week has been the support of friends like you, online and off, who have talked, blogged, purchased, attended readings and supported me. Amazing. I'm still pinching myself. But that's not all. My editor asked a while back if I had written a short story ~ and I had one, but I hadn't shared it. The story is about the different stages of motherhood - told from the point of view of three mothers who each experience the same, life-altering event. It's the story of their reactions, and by reflection, the love each of them has for her son. That love, the love of a mother and a son, is at the heart of [...]

2 05, 2011

Real You: Celebration

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:09:50+00:00May 2, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Celebration

As I watch the news tonight of Osama Bin Laden's demise, I'm struck by the power of this historic moment. It's almost if tonight we won a war. It's been such a long time since we've all come together to celebrate. As Americans. United. It's awe inspiring, watching it all unfold. I'm proud of our country, of our guts and perserverance. Of the bravery of our armed forces, and the heroes of 9/11. It seems so trivial, at this moment, to be celebrating my debut novel's launch. But I am. It's a warm and special feeling and now that feeling is joining in the spirit of positive thoughts and emotions filling our country tonight. USA. USA.

28 04, 2011

Real You: Resilience

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:09:57+00:00April 28, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Resilience

The most important aspect of the writing life, to me, is resilience. You know it, if you’re a writer. Resilience isn’t a trait that is taught, it’s learned. It’s the inner drive that allows us to bounce back, to recover from adversity – whether it’s our first rejection or our latest. Because we know as writers that to do this thing, this craft and this job we love, we must be buoyant. We must keep hope floating, even in the face of all the facts. And the facts are daunting. The journey from a completed manuscript to actually holding a published book in your hands can be a long and frustrating one. We’ve all heard of the overnight success stories. But that’s why we’ve all heard of them. For most of us, it will be a journey of perseverance, of heartache and ultimately, with enough [...]

25 04, 2011

Real You: That’s what friends are for!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:03+00:00April 25, 2011|Uncategorized, women|Comments Off on Real You: That’s what friends are for!

So, here I am, on the campaign trail so to speak. Promoting an about to be released debut novel feels like a long solo trek sometimes but just when I begin to think all is lost and lonely, something fabulous comes along! In this particular case, in the form of a profile on the blog of the amazing Beth Hoffman, author of the equally amazing novel Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. To be a guest on a New York Times Bestselling novelists blog is - well - a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself! Here's the link. And yes, Beth is as nice and real as she seems. Amazing.

25 04, 2011

Goodreads HERE, HOME, HOPE Giveaway ends April 30th!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:11+00:00April 25, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Goodreads HERE, HOME, HOPE Giveaway ends April 30th!

Goodreads Book Giveaway Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda Giveaway ends April 30, 2011. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

21 04, 2011

Real You: The 5 components of reinvention

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:16+00:00April 21, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The 5 components of reinvention

Both of my books have been about the process of reinvention. In REAL YOU INCORPORATED, I walk women entrepreneurs through and 8-step process to put their passions into action and redefine their personal brands to create a unique business brand. Meanwhile, in HERE, HOME, HOPE, Kelly Johnson - the protagonist - is restless, not unhappy but not in touch with her passions. She devises a midlife makeover plan with the help of a Things to Change list. Which leads me to the five common components of reinvention - whether you're changing your life, or just a piece of it. You need: 1. Resilience. Stick to it. Go for it. Overcome the hurdles. 2. Flexibility. Go with the flow. Open up to change. Do one thing everyday that scares you. 3. Creativity. Find your passions. Ignite them. Creativity is intelligence having fun. 4. Put [...]

18 04, 2011

Here, Home, Hope ForeWord Review!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:23+00:00April 18, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Here, Home, Hope ForeWord Review!

I have to say, of all the anxiety inducing steps of the publishing process, one of the most stressful is waiting for reviews - whether it's from "anonymous" or a literary review. So it took me awhile to get the courage to read the review of HERE, HOME, HOPE from ForeWord - but when I did I was dancing! Click on the link for the full review, but here is my favorite part: "Inspirational and engaging, Rouda will touch readers who can relate to the frustration of being sidelined on the field of life, never allowed to play and always needed behind the bleachers, until finally experiencing the joy of participation." Yes! Live, don't wait until tomorrow. (Also part of the review!)

17 04, 2011

Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:30+00:00April 17, 2011|passions, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

Have you ever worked on something for a decade or more? Something so important to you that your dreams, hopes and wishes are one with the project. I have. It happened as we created and built Real Living Real Estate, and it's happening again, now, as I launch my debut novel into the world. Just like Real Living, my novel isn't for everybody. But I hope most people who pick it up and give it a read will like it. But all I can do is send it out to the world, knowing I did my best.

16 04, 2011

Real You: Spring Break?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:42+00:00April 16, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Spring Break?

So, for Spring Break my husband and I and 20 teens are taking a cruise. Yep, you read that right. 20 kids. Two adults. I hope to be able to update you - but I'm not sure I will have a chance. Breaks are great. I'm just not sure this will be one? Gulp!