An Interview With Romance Author, Libby Kay

 

An Interview With Romance Author, Libby Kay

 

A Hocking Hills Book Fair Author, Libby Kay writes about romance, relationships, and love. From her bio: “Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

 

“When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow."

 

Welcome, Libby!

 

GM: Can you share the initial spark that ignited your journey into writing?

LK: I’ve always been a bookworm. My earliest memories involve my parents reading to me and trips to the local library. As I got older, that passion for books turned into my career as a librarian. I have dozens of notebooks and Word documents with story ideas going back over 20 years. I’ve always wanted to write my own stories.

About a decade ago, I got serious. I started attending workshops, joined some writers groups and started outlining my first novel. While that novel hasn’t seen the light of day – and never will! – it got me in the habit of writing a story from start to finish.

I write romance because that’s my favorite genre as a reader.  Life is complicated enough, why not have some brain candy to escape to? 😉

 

GM: What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

LK: Finishing the book before my editor sees it. It’s that glorious moment in time when you know you have a complete story, but before you have to start picking it apart.

Editing is a natural, and required, part of the writing process, but it’s fun to pretend I wrote the perfect book. 😊

 

GM: How do you handle writer's block if it ever strikes?

LK: It happens more than I can to admit, and I combat it by reading something completely different. From true crime books or celebrity memoirs to twisty thrillers, I get my brain outside the world of romance. 8/10 times that does the trick.

If that doesn’t help, I will completely step away and try to do something active like go for a walk or clean the house.

In general, I don’t fight writer’s block, because when I force it, the story suffers.

 

GM: Could you shed light on your research methods for your books?

LK: I’m fortunate as a romance author that I don’t need to do too much research. I will do some Googling of places and foods I reference in my books, but for Buckeye Falls very little research was required.

The most research I ever did for a book was for my first novella, Snow in Love. It’s about two Paralympic athletes, and I had to do some research for skiing terms, places, and equipment. I also wanted the discussion of their injuries and training to be authentic, so I fell down the Google/Wiki rabbit hole on the Paralympic Games.

 

GM: How do your personal experiences influence your storytelling?

LK: I am inspired by the love stories in my life, whether from my husband, family or friends. I do not pull anything directly from real life, but I do let that shape my stories.

 

GM: What themes or messages do you most aspire to convey in your work?

LK: My books will ALWAYS have a happily ever after. That’s the key part of the romance genre and why I love it so much as a reader. My books will leave you with a satisfying ending and a smile on your face.

 

GM: Who are some authors or works that have significantly inspired you?

LK: There are too many romance authors to name, but my biggest inspiration over the years has been from Jane Green, Marian Keyes, Tessa Bailey, and Emily Henry.

 

GM: Can you discuss any challenges you've faced in the publishing industry?

LK: Oh yes I can! 😉 I’ve dealt with my fair share of rejection over the years from publishers, agents, and anthologies. I wish I had advice for how I got past the feeling of rejection, but it’s a constant struggle that I think comes with writing. If you want to see your words out there in the world, it’s going to take some hard work and potentially some rejection. My best advice – don’t stop writing!

 

GM: How do you develop your characters to ensure they resonate with readers?

LK: I try to make them as real, flawed, and complicated as real people. I want my characters to feel like your friends and family. I want them to have dreams and 3-dimensional personalities so you root for them from page one. I also want them to have challenges that feel authentic, whether it’s a stutter or disability or an unrequited crush. Readers want to relate to what they see on the page, even if only a little bit.

 

GM: What do you hope readers take away after finishing one of your books?

LK: I want them to leave Buckeye Falls with a smile on their face and a sense of contentment. I don’t write books to make you think, I write books to make you swoon. I want you to fall in love with small-town Ohio and the folks that make it magical.

 

GM: What advice would you give aspiring authors trying to break into the industry?

LK: As I mentioned above – don’t give up!
If I had a dollar for every time I thought about quitting writing, I would be able to retire. 😉 It’s important to work on your craft, have faith in your stories, and surround yourself with people that cheer you on.

 

GM: What are you currently reading?

LK: Every holiday romance book I can get my hands on, no joke! From November 1^st through the end of January, I will read whatever cheesy, sappy holiday romance book I can find. I have no shame! 😊

 

More About Libby Kay:

 

Libby Kay lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli on the Reader Seeks Romance Channel where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

Connect with Libby…

Website: https://www.libbykayauthor.com/ 

Instagram and Facebook: @LibbyKayAuthor

Goodreads: @LibbyKay

Bookbub: @LibbyKayAuthor

 

The Colors of Pushkar: India’s Premier Camel & Horse Fair

The Horseman of India, A. Gajjar at the 2012 Pushkar Fair, India

The Colors of Pushkar

India’s Premier Camel & Horse Fair

by Gina McKnight

Archived From 2012 - Publications:           

No Duplication Without Permission

1.    Going Gaited Online Magazine 2012   

2.    Lets Be Wild Online Magazine 2012

The morning is arriving at Pushkar ka Mela. Camels, horses, cattle, natives, and tourists begin bartering for a morning drink and a place in the sand. It is the time of year to admire India’s finest herd animals. The Pushkar Fair is a ten-day fortnight event held early November. Animals begin to arrive just after Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It attracts tourists from around the world as well as an important highlight to India’s livestock trade.

Pushkar is one of India’s oldest cities. Revered by natives for its religious significance and ornate temples, Pushkar rests on the shores of Pushkar Lake, in the State of Rajasthan, India. The Fair is positioned in a large dry river basin; the pebbled terrain is quickly pummeled as the legacy of Pushkar begins. It is a time to meet up with breeders from northern Rajasthan, Punjab and other India States. It is a time to view decorated camels and a new crop of Marwari.

Anish Gajjar, equestrian extraordinaire, comes to Pushkar every year to buy and sell horses. This year he has brought horses to sell and is in the market for horses for several clients. Surrounded by sabled sands and emerald tents, he has come prepared for this year’s event. Gajjar smiles, “I arrived on November 1st, set up my tent and occupied the space for the horses to arrive the next day. That night was simply amazing under the stars. I slept out in the open under a mosquito net with the half moon over me, horses all around and the aroma of people cooking their food on stones set as stoves using firewood and horse dung for cooking fuel.”

The next morning, Gajjar is up early. “Mornings are cool and fresh. People get about doing their thing, watering their horses, getting ready for the day. Waking up, I go down to the tea stall for a cup of tea and meet some other breeders there who have just woken up, people busy with their morning activities; someone taking their horse for a drink or a ride, others clearing out their camps and getting ready for visitors during the day. Then I go back to my hotel room in Pushkar town where my luggage is parked and I shower, have breakfast, charge my phone and leave again for the fair.”

With his easy demeanor and signature hat, Gajjar arrives back to the fairgrounds.  “Inquires come in for my horses. I meet up with prospective buyers and haggle. Once free, I move around the fair with other friends checking out horses worth picking up or exchanging for my stock. Along the way I meet lots of breeders, traders, tourists and friends.”

This year Gajjar brought along Zubedia (aka Zuby) a Marwari mare belonging to fellow equestrian Virendra Kankariya. Riding Zuby through the fairgrounds, he is able to spot several camps that are selling quality horses. With her copper-penny coat, Zuby stirs keen interest; prospective horse breeders and nearby stallions take notice of her beautiful Marwari sashay. After an enthusiastic ride around the grounds, Gajjar returns her to his camp for a rest while he inspects the fairgrounds by foot.

Walking through the sands of Pushkar is exhilarating…and tricky. Watch out for the occasional dropping, a natural occurrence at livestock gatherings. The fairground is an immense congregation of people and animals; tethered camels chewing away at their cud, foals anxious for their next meal and sultry stallions in-waiting. The livestock has been adorned with elaborate bells, fancy tassels, fine jewelry, gilded mirrors and colorful beads to intrigue prospective buyers. The air is filled with the ambience of dromedary moans, cattle moos, and equine neighs, as well as their mixed aromas.  Stopping by enticing vendor tents, Gajjar decides to purchase new tack for his stallion, Nawaab; a new English saddle, headstall, reins and green saddle blanket. Pushkar attracts quality leather and textile vendors, at discount prices.

Pushkar Fair covers about one square mile. Gajjar explains, “Pushkar town has two ways to get in, on one end of it is the mela (fair) ground where the animals are camped. One can enter the mela ground through four different access routes; one from the main road, one from the town, one near the stadium and one from a side avenue.”  Tents are rented for the event, but the event is free to the public. There are no fees to buy and sell livestock.

Finding the right horse is essential to Gajjar’s success as a horseman. His equine expertise has awarded him a global reputation as ‘Horseman of India’. He is in his element at Pushkar. He has waited all year for this event and relishes the time spent in the midst of India’s finest equines. To purchase a horse, it must meet his strict standards: disposition, conformation, condition, color, and price.  It’s alright if the horse is untrained. As a horse trainer, Gajjar shines, “Training is an issue that I sort out later after I buy the horse.”

Moving through hundreds of equines, he carries his measuring stick.  It is a stick he fashioned himself to measure the height of a horse. Gajjar lifts the rod into view, “The stick is my own design. It’s made of aluminum pipe with a folding wooden stick (round, in two semi-circle halves) inside. The wooden stick opens up into double and measures up to 17 hands. I always use it when buying a horse.”  Disguised as a gentleman’s walking stick, it is a handy gadget for a professional horseman.

At the end of the day Gajjar can be found at his camp, removing sand from his boots. The evening brings tourists searching for Gajjar who anxiously greets them and welcomes them to his multi-colored canopy.  He will be their guide and explains the traditions and dynamics of the fair. They are intrigued by the fair’s gritty beauty, passionate mysticism and calm chaos. It is a trip they will always remember and Gajjar makes their visit worthwhile. “I get a lot of foreign tourists visiting my camp. They want to understand the way Indian horse markets work. I know the market trends and at the same time can take them around safely and translate when needed.”

As the fair comes to an end, Gajjar finds time to say goodbye to cherished old and new friends. “Over ten days in Pushkar, I managed to sell six horses and bought three new ones,” he grins.  A challenging work environment for some, but not for Gajjar, he knows every nook and cranny of Pushkar. His memories and essence will remain – until he returns again next year.

Pushkar means blue lotus flower in Sanskrit – a flower with robust petals of decorated camels, prancing horses and haggling men. Pushkar is the epitome of livestock Fairs; ancient temples, mystic aromas and exotic traditions enamored with natural beauty.  If you are traveling to Pushkar next year, visit Anish Gajjar’s camp. He will guide you through the Pushkar sea, introduce you to the intrinsic of India’s horse industry and take you on a voyage you will never forget.

* * * *

2012 Pushkar Fair November 14 – 28 

Photography by Uzair Kasbati, Manu Sharma and Manthan Mehta

Anish Gajjar is co-founder of the Equestrian Club of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India

http://www.apnuahmedabad.com/2011/07/horse-man.html?spref=fb 

www.anishgajjar.com

(c) Copyrighted Material
No Duplication Without Permission

Publications:

1.    Going Gaited Online Magazine 2012   

2.    Lets Be Wild Online Magazine 2012  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milliron Monday: The Journals October - December 1972

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

A continuation of Jody’s Journals.

Jody’s Journals

October - December 1972

OCTOBER

·        I rode Shah, Pete rode Preak; built jump in trail above logging shed (dogwood trail)

·        Saw deer in hay meadow while walking Apple

·        Rode Cricket, Pete rode Sailor, saw buck deer

·        Sunday McDougal Church > Pete rode Sailor, I rode Cricket, J rode Shah, saw 5 deer, 3 does, 2 fawns, hawk, chipmunk

·        Jerry Hartley here

·        Pete removed remaining shoes – Shah, Cricket > worked Missy

·        Tinker cut his eye

·        Bob Evans Farm Festival > Bradford Border Collies > Kanga 1 year old > Missy 1 year old > Movie in Nelsonville “The Doberman Gang” > Pete rode Sailor, I rode Cricket, J rode Shah

·        Gave blood > 4H Achievement night

·        Jan, Chris Worthington rode to Dow Lake, beautiful day

·        Rode – put padlocks on 3 gates. went to drive-in > Hartley’s here > PTO square dance

·        Mom, Dad, 43^rd Wedding Anniversary

·        Dinner – Fish n Chips, went to see the movie “The Candidate”

·        McDougal Church Halloween party

·        Katherine Foster here, rode Shah, worked dogs, saw 5 deer

 

NOVEMBER

·        Pat’s school visitation, Miss Ellsworth

·        SEOAV Burr Oak Lodge, Jan Crall babysat

·        Football game, Federal Hocking lost to Warren, Nathan here overnight

·        Went to circus > Pete Cincinnati vet meeting

·        VOTED!

·        JW Ride: Pete rode Cricket, I rode Preak, saw 4 deer, woodpecker, hawk, gray squirrel ran with horses, out thru Phillips’ place, down to Dow Lake, Scatter Ridge, rode out dirt road, down trail above Nellie’s

·        P.J.P. played chess

·        Football game with Hartley’s

·        Episcopal Church Dinner, June Hostetter Banquet

·        ATC – took Vincent’s raccoon

·        Dewormed, floated, tat, our horses

·        Studded tires put on, groceries, shopped

·        Rode Cricket, J rode Shah, led Jiggs, Liz, Missie

·        Penned up all horses at Phillips’ place

·        Sunday OVOA – Cols Dog Show

·        Gary, Aggie, Jessie here

·        Pat, haircut, shopped, got groceries

·        Painted “No Hunting” signs

·        Put up signs along fence line, Dutch Creek

·        Good Shepherd Church, lunch – Dolen’s

·        Put up signs along Phillips, Silva, Nellie lines, saw Indian mound, buck deer, gas leak, more signs along Dutch Creek

·        Drove along Dutch Creek, etc., warned 12 hunters

·        Walked dogs along Lucas’ line

·        Put signs up above Phillips’ line, long walk!

·        ATC Graduation

·        Painted more signs

·        Took lost hunter back to his car

·        HS Board Meeting, contact lens broke

 

DECEMBER

·        Worked at Holiday House

·        Drove around, looking for deer hunters

·        4H Ad Hoc Committee Meeting, Cols

·        Pete – left for San Francisco, Equine Meeting

·        McDougal Church

·        Finished painting “No Hunting” signs

·        Middle School Open House

·        Polished furniture

·        Pete got home

·        Betty, Abbotts 38^th Wedding Anniversary

·        J P, no school, high water

·        Bill dressed five rabbits

·        Dance Concert

·        Drove Pat, John, Bill, Mike to basketball practice

·        Water over road btwn Stewart, Guysville

·        Episcopal Church last 5 minutes of service

·        Stopped to see Jessie, Mansfield

·        NCOVA Dinner, dance, Henson’s, coffee, cookies

·        Went on calls with Pete > Matthews, saw Wolfhound puppies

·        Guthrie swabbed well > lunch, Dolen’s

·        Pat, basketball practice, Mrs. Wright drove > lunch BBF > 1:00 rehearsal Good Shepherd > shopped

·        Good Shepherd > caught last gray rabbit

·        Rode Cricket, J rode Shah, saw doe at end of blackberry meadow, sno-mobile, cold

·        Hartley’s Pizza Hut

·        No School Amesville, water main break

·        Basketball game, Pat played at halftime/reserve game

·        Good Shepherd Christmas play

·        Christmas: toolbox, tools (Pete); brown sweater, laughing bag (Jessica); knee socks, pen knife (Pat) > Cooked turkey, pumpkin pies > Pete rode Sailor over to Phillips’ place

·        Dinner, Abdellas, Hartley’s, Jerry stayed overnight

·        Saw 2 deer in cliff pasture when jogging dogs with Pat

·        Saw Wolfhound puppies again

·        David here for dinner, helped Pat with engine model

·        Rode Preak, Pat rode Cricket, J rode Shah, down around Phillips’ place

·        Dakins – New Years Eve, Jennifer babysat

Jody's list of 1972 lent/borrowed books

 

Please forgive typos, name or place misspellings; transcription from

vintage handwriting sometimes requires a magnifying glass and random

interpretation.

Enjoy the journey!

Connect with Gina

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.