The Power of the Heart

                             The Power of the Heart

    My published short story, Pump, is a true story, written as a testament to my fight against heart disease. I am an eight year heart disease survivor, dedicated to increasing awareness and advocacy. 

    Heart disease continues to take the lives of more women each year than all cancers combined. It is the number one killer of women, but we have the power to fight it. The work of the American Heart Association, specifically Go Red for Women, is dramatically helping women like you and me each day.

          This February 1^st, Go Red for Women is challenging America to Go Red in support of heart disease awareness. 

I am asking for your support on this day by:
1.  Wearing red 
2. Having your workplace, home, and/or place of worship participate in a Go Red Campaign (see the link below for details or call/email me)
http://wearredday.goredforwomen.org/
 3. support the American Heart Association at my personal fundraising page: 
http://www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday/donate/advocatedonationform.html?kwoAdvocateId=536SMJ3
4. talking to your friends and family about heart-healthy decisions they can make in their lives. 

Please Go Red on February 1^st for all the special women in your life! We have the power to stop this killer! – Karen

Photo Credit: American Heart Association, St. Louis Chapter

Anthology Stories

Background on My Stories

The Saturday Writer’s Cuivre River Anthology VI has been out for almost a month now! I am pretty excited about the feedback we’ve received with it. A few people have asked about the background for the two stories I have published in the anthology so I thought this would be the best way to provide that.

The first story, Anger Management, was written as a contest entry for a fictional character story extension. We had to take a fictional character, either from books, television, or the movies, and put that fictional character in a new setting or in a different scene. I chose the character Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson’s book trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In my story, Lisbeth has to attend court mandated anger management sessions that don’t go so well.  

The second story, Pump, was a personal essay, also written as a contest entry. This story is about my eight year battle with heart disease. It is a deeply personal story, the first time I have written about my struggles with my heart. Writing it was cathartic for me, and I hope it helps you better understand the struggles of the chronically ill.

While I have only these two stories in the anthology, I hope you take the time to read the many other stories, essays, and poems in the volume. The anthology features many talented authors whose wonderful pieces are well-worth your time!

Purchase the Anthology at Saturday Writers Website

Reading in the New Year

As we approach a new year, the time comes for fresh ideas, resolutions, and commitments. I pondered my New Year’s Resolution, mulling over what to give up or what to add to my plate. Should I exercise more (which for me would mean I would have to start exercising), eat healthier, spend less time at work… there are so many choices! In the end, I selected an option far more selfish but also more enriching.

My goal for 2013 is to read broader. I want to be brave in my selections, have a more open mind, and try genres and authors never chosen before. I tend to stick with the same categories, rarely straying far from my interest path. When it comes down to it, I am rather hypocritical. As a teacher, I am always urging my students to new books but on my own, I seldom heed my own advice. So in 2013, I am going to read freely, without restraint, and prejudgment. 

To all of you, I wish you a joyous new year. May your 2013 be filled with laughter, friendship, good health, happiness, and abundant book selections! – Karen