Character Q&A Answers {Beloved}

Now, the moment you've been waiting for.
The character I will be interviewing is.......

Erich Carlos!

Erich, tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I'm a born-again Christian, the second child adopted by the Carlos family, and the one with rugged good looks.

Oh really?  Well, we'll see what your brothers say about that.
We received a few questions for you from Kara—

She already knows about me.

No, my sister.  Kara.  Your Cara is spelled differently.

Oh.  Okay then.

What is your favorite color?

I'd say something fancy like aquamarine or magenta, but then I'd start sounding like Fergus and I don't really want to do that.  That guy needs help.
But no, my favorite color is Blue.

What character in the book are you closest to?

Wow... I don't know.  My entire family is pretty close to me.  Cara.  Kade, my coworker.  They're all important to me.

That's a lot of people.

What can I say?  I'm a lovable guy.

Mmm... moving on.

What is your personality type?

...what?

Hang on.
*15 minutes later*

Okay, after about 100 pointless questions digging into my personality, we've determined that I'm an ESFJ.  Whatever that is.

It means you're extraverted, sensing, feeling, and judging.

Which means...?

You're popular and love socializing.

Oh.  Okay.

Hey, you share a personality type with Harry Truman!

Well hooray for President Truman.

What role do you play in the story?

Erich.  I play Erich.

You know what she means.

Fine.  I'm Cara's older foster brother, and I also *censored*

Sorry, can't having you give away spoilers.

Well, you're no fun.  What kind of an author are you, if you won't even give away minor spoilers?

A good one. *halo*

How do you influence the story?

Um... by living?  I'm not sure what else to say here without being censored again.

Well now, you're catching on.

What is your middle name?

That was random.  My middle name is Isaac, if you really have to get that personal.

Annnnd, that's all the questions!

Really?  Hallelujah!  I was beginning to think I'm not going to have any more secrets.

*grins* it's the price you pay for being in my book.

That wasn't even my choice.

Well... that point could be argued.  But I won't say any more about it.
Thanks so much for coming, Erich!

Hey, don't mention it.  I actually enjoyed myself.
Well, except for when you censored me.
That was just rude.

Yeah... sorry 'bout that.
Anyway, maybe we'll see you again sometime. :)

Of course I will.  All the girls love me.

Hahaha, goodbye, Erich.

Just one more thing—on a more serious note, you're loved.  God loves you.  More than anything.  Don't strive for others' love.  Strive for His.

On that excellent note, I will sign off.

Five Things I Wish I Would've Known When I Started Blogging

There's a first time for everything, right?

For me, first times are usually by trial-and-error, rather than a completely thought-out process.

When I first got a blog, I basically had no idea what I was getting into.

A friend of mine (now my sister-in-law) had graciously invited me to post a few times on her blog, but it wasn't exactly like having my own.

With allllll the responsibility.

5 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started a Blog

1. The Time

At the beginning, I basically saw blogging through rose-colored glasses.

Until I was at it for a few months.

Blogging takes time, y'all.  A lot of time.

For starters, it takes me a week—give or take a few days—to figure out what to post about.  Then comes the fun part of actually sitting down and WRITING the things as opposed to reading or playing music or some other worthy occupation.  And not being distracted by Pinterest.

2. The Coming Embarrassment

Yes, I said embarrassment.  If you're a fellow blogger that has been blogging for any significant amount of time, you can probably relate to the embarrassment of the writing of your first posts (if you can't relate, kudos to you, lucky person).  Here, let's look at a bit from my first post, 'long as y'all don't laugh too hard, 'kay?

I live in the beautiful, windy state of Kansas on a farm (Hence the address of the blog), and I wouldn't have it any other way. :D

My hobbies: I love reading, writing, reading, playing instruments, reading, singing, reading, photography/cinematography, reading, crocheting, and reading.  Oh, and did I mention reading??  I also love watching KC Royals baseball, and if you are not a Royals fan, leave this blog immediately.  Ok, just kidding, just kidding. ;)

...Really?  *Cringes* not exactly the best thing I ever wrote.

So, just to clarify, I'm basically one of those winning-season fans of the Royals.  That was back when they were actually pretty good.  They won, I tracked the games, life was happy.

I couldn't tell you half of the names of the players on the team anymore.  Oops.  (although I did watch a game with my grandma at her house recently and we were both pretty near screaming with shock when they got 10 runs in the top of the 1st inning.  That was pretty fun.)

Also, what's with all the 'Hi, People!' stuff?!  Did I think I was funny, or...? *Scratches head*

All this to say, I'll probably look back on this current post years from now and cringe... but my first post is cringe-worthy enough at the moment.

3. How to Make a Blog Actually Look Good

So, I like to think that my blog looks a whole lot better now than it did at the beginning.

I know it's not perfect, by any means.

I remember when I first created the blog, I thought it was beautiful.

Really, Kaitlyn, you had a simple template with a boring, Blogger-made header, with a Blogger background.  Now I know there's lots of blogs out there that do this, and they look fabulous.  But I also had cheesy gadget titles (oh, who'm I kidding; they're still cheesy) and... I just had no idea how to blog.

But it was a start.

Also, have y'all noticed that I'm starting to make post graphics that actually sorta kinda look similar?  I'm thinking about making them for all my posts (or a good amount of them, anyway) for the sake of uniformity... but it's kind of a scary concept.  Especially when young Kaitlyn had no idea what she was doing and didn't even make graphics to begin with.

(Well... she technically still doesn't know what she's doing.  But shh, don't tell her that.)

4. The Difficulty of Posting Regularly
As you may have noticed, this is a very big problem of mine.
Back at the beginning, I thought the blogging formula was so simple.  I had post ideas, and I couldn't wait to put them to use.  I was going to have a regular posting schedule of once a week or more, and it was going to work out just like a cute lil' movie, right?
Yeah no.  I don't think I've ever done something that takes so much effort to do regularly.
Except exercise.  But that's a different story.
I think the key to posting regularly is planning and starting to write the posts weeks or days in advance.  For me, at least.  Usually when I open Blogger, I stare at my list of posts, then chicken out and convince myself that I'll do it tomorrow.
Day after day.
And yes, that's probably why it took me two months to post once.

5. The Comments
Another misconception I had when I first started was that I'd be flooded with more comments on every single post than I'd know what to do with.
Welllll... it didn't exactly happen that way.  I read a blog post once that mentioned that replying to comments would increase your page views and encourage more comments by interacting with your readers.
I tried.  I really did.  But obviously not long enough, and it kind of goes in spurts. XD So when/if you do comment, I'm not ignoring you.  Promise.  I just... don't take the time to reply.  I suppose I'll have to remedy that...

*****

So, whether you're new to the blogosphere or a veteran, I hope you found this post at least somewhat entertaining, if not even helpful (no, don't laugh)!  Can you relate to any of these?

Character Q&A {Beloved}

Every author is always ready to share all things possible about their books (even though I'll become completely tongue-tied if you walk up to me and ask me what my book is about).  So of course I'll be doing multiple posts about Beloved, since... well... I'm a writer.  Therefore, rather than do a regular character spotlight, I thought I might do a character Q&A, since my last Q&A got a good response.

I'll put a poll up on the sidebar so y'all can vote on which character you want, and then you can comment your questions.
If you don't know exactly who these characters are, I guess you'll just have to wait until the questions are answered.

So choose wisely. B-)

Your choices are:

-Fergus

-Kade
-Cara

-Erich

-Mrs. Carlos

-Peter
-Ashley

Feel free to ask any questions you like, but I retain the right to refuse any questions for any reason.

Or, rather, the characters do.
Deadline is Sunday, May 20!

Thanks, God

You know what, folks?

I don't deserve the life I lead.

I don't deserve a mom that will do extra work on my birthday just so I don't have to.

I don't deserve a daddy that will do almost anything for me.

I don't deserve a twin that invites me to check his cows with him every day.

I don't deserve a sister-in-law that will be silly and giggly with me instead of giving me the look.

I don't deserve a family so full of love and laughter.

I don't deserve best friends that will go with me to the ends of the earth.

I don't deserve the ladies at church that I can tease while we work in the kitchen after a funeral or potluck.

I don't deserve a church family as amazing as mine.

And I definitely don't deserve a God who would bless me with all of these things.

But y'know what?

He says I'm worth it.

Thanks, God.

A Wedding, a Conference, and Other Random Stuff {Life Update}

Contrary to what may be a popular belief, I'm not dead.
Soooo... wow, a lot has happened in the past months.  Where to start?!

-Kord's cows all had calves!  Naming them all would take more time than you or I would like, so I'll just name a few. Roxi, Cleo, Irma, Bill, Leon, Judd, Duke, Kate (yes, named after me, lucky soul), Kara, Eddy...

Meet Earl.

-It snowed.  Once or twice in February, and once in the middle of April, actually.  'Twas strange, to say the least.

-I got new cowboy boots for my brother's wedding!  *insert heart-eyes*

-The whole family took a road trip to Ohio for... that's right, my brother's wedding!  I was privileged to be a bridesmaid, and may I just say that if you ever get the chance to be a part of a wedding, JUMP ON IT.  I think all the members of the bridal party will agree with me on this. ;) Lots of hugs and laughter, and, well, having two sisters-in-law is a blast.  Just sayin'.

Braiding the unity cross

And I got my hair done and everything.  'Twas lovely, though the stylist (the bride's sister) was trying to straighten my hair to make it more workable... and it didn't work very well.  XD
But she did a fab job.

Hours after the wedding... it's a lil' messy ;)

And the venue was just beautiful.

AND THE DECORATIONS!!  We also had a doughnut board that was super cute and a fondue fountain that was epic.

-My OTHER bro and his wife got an adorable puppy!

-We vacuum-packed Kord in a trash bag.  No joke.  Kids, don't do this without adult supervision. XD

-Ice cream.  'Nuff said.

-I got introduced to these epic songs.

-Kansas wedding reception, full of doughnuts and 7-layer dip and set-up silliness, during which I had a jam session with my sister-in-law's sister, singing VeggieTales when we were supposed to be working.  Pretty sure our mothers were starting to worry about our sanity.

-For Chow's birthday, we made stromboli.  That food, y'all... <3

-Along with Jesseca, Rebekah and a friend of Rebekah's, I ran a booth at our homeschool convention.  There were books, photos, and my specialty—crocheted book sleeves!

-I found this sign at Hobby Lobby and decided I need it someday.

-Kord and I got to take Daddy's sweet ride to check cows, so on the way home we stopped and walked out in the wheat field to snap some epic shots.

Also, he's got one cow that will let him sit on her.  He was thrilled.

Also, a couple days later, took some sunset shots.  My photography skills are improving. XD

-Mom & Kara tried candle making.  So far so good!

-Came upon these ladies that decided they were pedestrians.

And there's my life in the past few months.
Miss me? ;)
~Kaitlyn

Love Advice from Single Guys {Feat. Chowboy & Kordell}

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!

Due to the enormous amount of questions (32 to be exact), I've given the guys the liberty to pick & choose which ones they choose to answer.  Especially since a lot of questions are asking personal opinions rather than advice.  So, don't take it personally if any of your questions get skipped. ;P

As you will probably figure out by the punctuation, Chow is in the italics and Kord is in the bold. XD

I said I would give advice, not opinion

I agreed to giving advice not my opinion, therefore i will only answer the ones that wont incriminate me  :D:P

First off, some questions from Libby:

Why did you all agree to do this? I would never have agreed!

Because some of us do what we dont want.

Good question. I'm asking myself the same thing

Yes, poor things.  Didn't know what they were getting into when they let me rope them into this. XD

Braid or curls?

dont know, I've never braided my hair

Spoken like a true Kordell.

Now, some from our dear sister Kara:

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Is this true?

Actually i believe the heart is above the stomach according to my sources

Some people say boys don't know anything about girls. Is this true?

Depends on the person.

Such as...?  Care to expound?

Look at Kordell.

aint he a beauty

Maybe if he was on the other side of the room. If its dark out. And there's no light with which to see him.

im so bright my father calls me son

Guys.  How did talk get from guys knowing girls to an argument about Kord's looks?!  Chow, what were you going to say before he so rudely interrupted?

I really have nothing more to add. Well, not that we have time for.

because i said it all :D

Heaven help us all.  Moving on...

Do you have any random words of advice about love and marriage?

Ooo, I look forward to hearing this. B-)

Dont Ever buy your wife a treadmill........ Just give her the money to buy it XD

O.O KORDELL KRISPENSE!  Oh goodness.

*smiles devilishly* Thats good advice. Tell her how good of a cook she is. This will not only make her feel good, but it will also prevent you from either having to cook for yourself or starving to death.

Ahh, excellent advice, Chowboy.  I'm impressed.

Dont you like my advice???

Um, actually... yes. XD

Now Faith:

Thoughts on Valentines Day in general? (Should it be a holiday, should it be outlawed, is it overrated etc.)

Dont know it aint Valentines Day yet

Okayyyy. XD

From Rebekah:

 How should a girl approach a guy that she likes if she doesn't know how he feels?

From the front, most definitely.  Straight forward, that's what I say.

...she wasn't asking which DIRECTION, brother.  *sighs*  Y'all are impossible.

Is the whole future-father-in-law / future-son-in-law talk REALLY that scary of a thought?

Well you'll never be a son-in-law so I guess you don't have to worry about that then, do you?

*snickers* good comeback, bro.

very well said

Now, from Curious in Kansas (our beloved sister-in-law.  Be nice, guys).

When it really comes down to it, does it matter to you if a girl can cook well or not?

Yes she needs to cause I sure aint gonna

I concur (but I can cook)

Do you pray often about your future spouse?

Yes. It's very important.

I'm impressed.

How does it feel to have two brothers already (or almost) married?

FREEDOM

Oh goodness XD

From Jesseca:

If you're single for Valentine's day, would you advise a pity party, or enjoying all the chocolate you can while not having to share?

Is there a 3rd choice?

Nope, sorry.

No pity parties

Good enough.

Help! I just realized the guy I like has Facebook. Should I follow him or would that be creepy?

Delete your Facebook account.  This will solve your problem.

Hmm... good idea.

I have a truck, and I've been informed that every kiss begins with someone saying the phrase, "I have a truck." How do I provide this information without getting unwanted kisses?

say "I have a VW bug"

*bursts out laughing* oh my goodness.

According to the advanced mathematical equations I have conducted in my laboratory, I've arrived at the startling realization that in the entire universe there exists only one person who can become my soulmate. Should I begin searching for said human, or be content to wait till they appear? 

God only intended for you to have a sole mate. :D

*laughs* so much for advice.

It was good advice. I advise you don't be one of those 'single ready to mingle' type of people. That's just creepy

Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you.  It goes both ways

Do you think George Strait's songs can be trusted as legitimate advice for romantic relationships?

There's a reason he's called King George

But he doesn't have a rubber ducky, does he?

ha ha, very funny

I know, right?  I'm so... funny. *halo* XD

A song comes to mind. "All my exes live in Texas"

...you don't have an ex.  That doesn't even make sense.

You don't know George

I do too!  I'm just saying that the said quote makes no sense in this conversation.

Anyhow.  MOVING ON.

What advice would you give to Christian singles who are seeking to glorify God as they wait to see where He leads in their life?

Pray and wait on Him. It's not easy, but it's necessary.

Mmm.  That's good.  Kord?

He said it. I agree with him. His timing may not be when you want but He will bring the right one to you if you wait on Him.

An excellent ending.  Thanks so much for doing this, guys!

~Kaitlyn

Love Advice From Single Guys: Q&A

This Valentines Day, I will have two special guests with me, ready to give some smashing advice! (Or not so smashing, depending on the question and how devious they're feeling...)

Any questions you want Chowboy and Kordell to answer?  Comment on or before the 12th (questions asked on the 13th may or may not be accepted) and come back on the 14th to see these guys' reactions!

Disclaimer:  The guys have the right to refuse any question for any reason.

If I don't get any questions, well... I have no idea what will happen. XD

Are you looking forward to this as much as I am?

~Kaitlyn