Inspiring Heartfelt and Warm Poetry – Words of Alchemy

April 7 2020

Thank you to Lynne for this lovely review of Words of Alchemy …

Just finished reading this review. Now I have liquid gratitude leaking down my cheeks. To say I am deeply grateful, does not do justice to how thankful I am for this lovely person taking the time read my book and write such a beautiful review. Thank you, Lynne!

“This book is filled with inspiring, heartfelt, warm, consoling, touching and thought provoking poetry which will warm you to the core!

I honestly think this book of poetry would be an amazing self help book with a ….

REVIEW : Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs @camilladowns

An Interview with Clare Rhoden – Why Writing is Important to Me

March 30 2020

Why is writing important to me and what five words best describe my writing style? That and more in this great interview with fellow author, Clare Rhoden. I’m grateful to Clare for putting together such thoughtful questions ….

Welcome, Camilla, and thanks for speaking with me on Last Word of the Week. Why is writing important to you?

Writing has been a sanity saving bridge, in processing life experiences, in being a single parent, in being a parent to a special needs child, in making decisions. Writing has been my way of sharing what I’m experiencing, getting it out of my head, being comforted, assured, cheered on, and, at times, receiving direction.

It’s definitely a two-way street. What’s the best response you’ve ever had to your writing?

The best response is a compilation of the responses in which others share how my writings have inspired or helped them in some way. There’s nothing better than receiving a message or review that lets me know that my writing was useful to someone.

What five words would best describe your style?

Wild, unfiltered, from the heart.

Delightful! Do you write for yourself or for a particular audience?

To date, I have always written for myself. Writing is how I process and experience life. The feedback received when sharing what I write is what encouraged me to pursue publishing the content ….. Follow the link below to read further …

Camilla Downs, soul writer, on giving and receiving

 

Authors Unite – Enter to Win a Book A Day for 30 Days

Would you like the chance to win a book a day for 30 days? Here it is!

(In the spirit of COVID-19 solidarity, we are not asking you to follow us on social media, sign up for a newsletter or share the contest details with friends in order to enter this contest.)

My latest book, Words of Alchemy, will be given away on May 2, 2020. If you’d like to enter to win, visit this link … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/words-of-alchemy/

To see the full list of books, with descriptions, and to enter to win, go here … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/

30 Days of Free Books — A COVID-19 Book Giveaway Contest: Authors unite to offer literary escape to housebound readers.

Twenty-three authors, many of them award winners and best sellers, have banded together to offer “30 Days of Free Books” — a month of giveaways to provide some free books to housebound readers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, children’s books or Young Adult or Adult, memoir or historical fiction or mystery, print or ebook format, you’ll find something you like on this list.

COVID-19 Note: Many writers are offering the winners of their books a choice of print book or ebook. We encourage winners of print books to check the latest expert guidance on how long the virus lives on cardboard and paper before opening their package.

HOW TO ENTER: Click on the name of a book (here … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/) for more details including a book description, book format (paperback or ebook) and the contest entry form. Enter for as many books as you like. On the date noted, a winner will be chosen to receive that day’s book. Winners will be notified by email. Open to U.S. residents only.

Happy reading, and stay safe.

What Advice Would I Give for Writing Poems – Interview on Shaz’s Book Blog

March 14 2020

Thank you to wonderful book blogger, Sharon, for having me on her beautiful blog … I’d be incredibly grateful for you to check it out, if you have the time … Each one of these amazing bloggers is asking such thoughtful and different questions ..

” …. What advice would you give to someone who would like to try writing poems?

I’m not sure I’m one to hand out advice on writing poetry, since my experience was quite different. Except to say, if you want to write a specific style of poetry, to read as many books of poetry in that style as you can get your hands on. Read them until they soak through to your very core, until you’re sweating, bleeding, crying, laughing poetry of that style. HA! Whether you want to write free-verse or a specific style, write daily … ”

The Attraction of Poetry – An Interview on Shaz’s Book Blog

 

 

For Whom Do I Write

March 10 2020

Thank you to Colin for his time and thoughtfulness with this interview .. 🙏💚💚💚🙏

” …. I think I know the answer to this one, but do you write to please your readers or to please yourself?

I began writing for myself, so it follows that the books I’ve published contained writings that were for my own benefit. I have openly shared most of my writings since about 2008 and the feedback received is what encouraged me to pursue publishing.

Although I have stepped back and am taking time off from writing, up until the end of 2019, my writings have been from my heart, an intuitive knowing that I could not possibly stop from flowing. I would sit to write and the words would simply flow, at times flowing so fast I could hardly “catch” all of them before they disappeared. I am still sporadically journaling in the mornings, yet, I’ve allowed myself to step back to focus on family issues, market my latest book, and to spend time on rejuvenating myself. Over the past 6 years, I have gone through deep healing by connecting with buried emotions and events from my past. It was completely worth it, yet deeply exhausting …. ” Go here to read the full interview …

https://colingarrow.org/2020/03/10/author-interview-camilla-downs/?fbclid=IwAR0m53JgnygSX1-TJ-QXEDyNO57xYxobATtdEDcf7HfqXGHCrAbE5aLr4uo

 

Is There Something Special I Do Before Mailing a Book – Camilla Interview on Meeting the Authors

March 7 2020

Here it is …. Today we travel to Reno, Nevada, USA to chat with Camilla Downs about how a Swedish actress, going for walks, chromosome deletions, tiny house living, a construction company, being a paralegal, nature photography, Scooby Doo, and tenacity come together to form the ingredients for the alchemy of Camilla’s life.

Is there something special you do with your book before sending it to a reader?

I personalize each book with a hand written message, at times including a special message within the book. It’s always a little different. Sometimes it’s a handwritten message on a small card, others it’s a micro short poem or message created from the words of a book destined for the trash.

In addition to that, I offer readings from the book via telephone. I’m happy to do this one on one or on speakerphone to a book club (or in person if you are in the Reno/Tahoe/Sparks surrounding area). This is done at no charge and I’m happy to have discussions after the reading. If interested … Go here to read the full interview …

Meet the Author: Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs

Amy at Trader Joe’s – Thank YOU While Making an Appearance in Norwich Nights With a Tree

February 15 2020

Thank you to Amy at Trader Joe’s for buying one of my books. She has asked about it, kept track of the progress from the beginning to end. Grateful for her interest and support! If you’ve finished reading your copy, a review on Amazon would be amazing … Deep gratitude … xoxo

March 4 2020

Thank you to Melissa of Norwich Nights Magazine for the spotlight of Words of Alchemy! I hope you take a moment to check out the magazine! xoxo

https://norwichnightsmagazine.com/read-norwich-nights-magazine-online-coming-soon/?fbclid=IwAR14TzjfMh6iOel_pw4WYsYc08yVEYQBv4fq9J1jdl0Kys5FPaTxQ4-s2WE

 

March 7 2020

I’m having much fun with creating the short and sweet messages hidden within each book to be mailed. Completely driven by creativity, imagination, and listening to the heart. Another round of books being mailed on Monday to those who’ve preordered and those just now ordering. Please let me know if you’d like your own copy of a personalised, signed book ….. 🌺💚💚💚🌺

 

Book Readings – Words of Alchemy or Where Would You Fly or Biggest Little Photographer

March 15 2020

Book Lovers …. Anyone self isolating or in quarantine …. You can schedule a free reading from any of our books, with the latest being, Words of Alchemy. I get on the phone or other modality with you for 15 minutes or so, I read a few passages, and then we can chat about it if you like.

Sending much love out to all … xoxo … Follow this link to book your reading .. https://camilladowns.youcanbook.me/ …. And this link to see if any of the books interest you … https://camilladowns.com/books/ … Feel free to share this with all your connections …

Words of Alchemy Proof Arrived in a Cosmic Way

December 13 2019:

Got the proof book about 10 minutes ago! I open the package and see it for the first time with all of YOU! Never mind how tired I look, or that I nearly cried when I saw it. YAY!!! It’s here!!! It’s here!! Deeply grateful!

December 14 2019:

Carolyn R Smith! Look what I found on page 42! Love you! 💗💗💗

Thank you Thomas for taking photos of me with the proof book. Nearly done reading it and all is looking great! Plus, a blooper photo showing my favorite shoes … bare feet! HA! It’s looking like the launch of the book will be this coming week!

 

Words of Alchemy – Kindle Version with Chromosome 18 Registry Information Page

October 27 2019:

Just emailed the proofed manuscript back to the book designer. A few grammar errors, along with a few apostrophes removed or added, with a dash or two removed or added. Now, circling back around to the back cover; which I think is in its final state so that the cover can be loaded to Amazon. I like to include a page at the end of our books with information about The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society. Nearly there!!

October 29 2019:

Back cover is finished! Just need to decide on which photo of me to use. Would you mind helping? I’ve not had professional photos taken since 2012, so will be using what I’ve got!

I’m attaching the back cover with the photo that Kate used as a place holder (yet, I like the one she chose) along with other photos to choose from .. Comment with “yes” or simply “like” the photo to let me know your choice. Thanks for your input! Deeply appreciate it! 💜💜💜