Features Archives - Author K. Williams

The Future Life Aquatic – Open Book Blog Hop #405

December 4, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #405

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! The authors included in this ongoing series wish to thank you for your reads. Even more so, we appreciate that you share our writings with friends. If you’re new to the series, welcome aboard. The authors engage and impress weekly. Prepare to become a regular reader.

Dreaming about our future is a constant pastime of youth. Does it then make sense that later in life we spend a great deal of time reflecting upon our youth? No wonder the wisest of humans remind us to live in the moment! What is the greatest regret of our later years but misspent youth? I think, by that, they meant wasting time worrying about what comes later. Still, don’t we need to be considerate of a path? If we pay no attention to where we are wandering off to, we end up lost. But then, that time is well-spent. Yes?

this way? That way? direction signs in a woodland crossroads, choices

Of course it was. Figuring out what courses you need to give your greatest attention to in order to get to the place you believe you want to be is never a waste of your time. If you dream of becoming something someday, then you have to take the steps to get to that destination. For me, that meant getting really knowledgeable about the sciences. That was the least of my struggles to come, however.

Reading and learning were my favorite things in the world. Like every other kid, I was asked what I planned to be. That changed many times over the years until I settled on something. What cinched it was my love of learning and wildlife.

Biology was my favorite of all the sciences. Animals meant the world to me. Working with and studying them easily became what I believed was my greatest dream. However, biology is too general of a topic. Students have to become more specialized as they rise through the academic ranks to their degree and future. The question was, what specialization. The answer was mammals. Then the question became which mammals? My favorite animals at the time were giraffe (as they are now), seals and sea lions, and anything canine. In addition to this, I was rather taken with the grandparents’ array of fish tanks. I also adored swimming.

All of the above combined created a desire in me to become a marine biologist and hopefully work with pinnipeds. After all, they’re just sea dogs. Wild ocean canines of a sort, if you will. So, off I went into my teens pursuing biology, field biology, and all the other things to align for a future university degree.

Desire alone isn’t enough to achieve a future dream, however. Math skills were a necessary part of the degree process. Namely, calculus had to be passed to be awarded a degree and along with that came organic chemistry. Unfortunately for me, I ran into egos that threw up roadblocks insurmountable. A course change became necessary. Thus, my hobby of writing became my main focus. Thank the gods I loved it enough to embrace it as fully. Still, there are regrets for not having the wherewithal to get beyond my blockade and work with animals.

Someday, I will retire from my day job, which has made great use of my writing skills. In that period, I will find my way back to wildlife and I’ll be able to write as much as I like. It has not been an easy detour, but there are so many things I would not alter if given the chance to change things for myself to achieve those original goals.

So, here we are–floundering ever forward into another future. There are things we want in our youth and we may plan for them as best as our wisdom at the time allows (and the wisdom of those around us that we rely upon), but never achieve them, not for want but for the rippling effects of chance. Sometimes, you just can’t get around the things that steer you in other directions, nor can you predict how they’ll present.

The wisdom I’ve gained in this journey is to not feel guilt, not to punish myself, and to celebrate the amazing things I have done despite the unpredictable redirections of life. Above all, I will not view myself as a failure. Absolutely I could have surpassed the blocks in mathematics and chemistry with the right mentors. But, was I meant to? I think not.

How do I know? Because I would shrivel up and die without writing, but not working in a zoo has only made me slightly bummed. A dog at my hip is enough for now. Rescuing wildlife later will fill the gap later. Somehow, that avid reader I was as a child tried to tell me where I needed to be. So, just maybe, the biology studies were the real detour?

My Favorite Bookstore – Open Book Blog Hop #404

November 27, 2023 By Captain Maiel 3 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #404

Do you have a favorite bookstore?

Bookstores were a big deal in my youth. Before I even started school, there was a store we would see on our excursions to the mall. This additionally framed my attitude toward books, much like my mother reading Tolkien while I formed in utero. Once school started, the elementary school library I had along with the fantastic Scholastic Book Fairs, sealed the deal. Books were everything!

Getting to the bookstore was few and far between, in the way of activities. Where I live, the stores weren’t just up the street. You had to pack in the car and drive a half hour or so into the bigger towns. Having won a spelling bee in third grade resulted in winning a gift certificate to my then favorite store: Friar Tuck’s. I can still see the store in my mind, and my anxiety over what I would spend my winnings on.

The store went with an Elizabethan tone to the overall decor (wattle and daub to be more technical). The walls went about three-quarters of the way up with shelves. Then, the usual stacks and tables rested around the floor space. The register rested about halfway up the inner right hand (from the entrance) wall. Yes, I remember it that well.

Until my early teens, this was the store. At that time, the old mall faded off, it’s place taken by a shiny new one installed in the next lot. My store initially moved, taking a spot by the food court, and a more modern (1990s) image, with white and natural oak/pine. It never recaptured its magic here. Eventually, this store succumbed to the larger chains–namely Borders.

I was not pleased at all. If you read about Friar Tuck’s Book Shops, you’ll see that it used to span four states. Borders became the enemy fairly quickly in my mind. However, it was the only store in town for a long while. Barnes and Noble was not yet a thing, and the only one of those stores was located an hour away. While I was miserable about it, they did eventually redeem themselves.

Borders ended up the first place I had a signing. That signing was in the large, two floor, corner store in the city of Saratoga Springs. I sold every copy. They had me back. They placed additional orders. I was thrilled. Meantime, B&N was putting me down and refusing to give me space. I have marked them off my possible venues since. I only begrudgingly sell my work through their site. Almost always, I will recommend Amazon.

Borders soon when the way of Friar Tucks, and I was left with only B&N as a possibility. Their store moved into a new shop in my town. While I have been inside them, made purchases there, it is not my preference. I still despise their treatment of authors, and I don’t feel welcome at them. It’s an overly pretentious store, trying hard to be the it-girl. There is no real charm, just plastic façade (or composite and veneer stacks with a Starbucks).

Do not mourn, however. There is a better option available to people in my area. They had me in for a book signing and reading with a few other authors. It was a great experience. Their store reminds me of the old Friar Tuck mood. There’s a lot of charm! Coming from humble small town beginnings, Northshire Books really brings everything you’re looking for in a bookstore.

I’d visit this weekend, as I am in town, but with the shopping fiasco upon us, I think I’ll just enjoy the photos online. Let’s look at what the favorite bookstore is of our other authors. Click on their links below to read more. Don’t forget to drop your email in the box at the top right to get this hop delivered straight to your inbox every Friday.

Culinary K’s Favorite Apple Crisp

November 18, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

Have you ever met that person who feels that their recipe is the best recipe; then, you have the dish and it’s a big let down if not entirely terrible? I have, too–especially around the holidays, when families roll out their traditional items. Apple crisp seems to be one of those recipes fraught with opinion. Fraught how? You know what I mean. Those same people mentioned above have adopted their recipes as part of their personality and take deep, emotional offense at the idea that they are not the top chef of that particular item.

I don’t hold those sentiments. If you want to make a dish a certain way, go ahead. The only thing that I ask, is that I don’t have to partake. You can’t eat at everybody’s house, anyway. As for apple crisp, I certainly do have a favorite recipe. I don’t get mad if no one wants to try it, but I do care about the food I put into my body: calories wise, taste wise, ingredient quality wise. There’s no wiggle room here. No one wants to waste a meal or snack on something they don’t like. Nor, should they have to!

@captainmaiel
Fkash’s Quick Apple Crisp. This 1981 recipe is from the DC Super Heroes Super Healthy Cookbook. Our family, it every year since it was found. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted. Literally no other recipes tried have compared. None. #culinaryk #authorkwilliams #cooking #recipes #desserts #recommendations #thatkindofnerd
♬ Cooking Time – ZydSounds

Growing up in New York State, I have had my fair share of apple crisp samplings. So, when I review a recipe, I can tell you that I do so with the full backing of having tried several iterations. The winner of that battle was years in the making.

In addition, I am spoiled by a mother who took pride in her cooking, and supplied us with high quality food, cutting no corner. She grew up in poverty and worked hard to make sure we experienced the best she could offer. My mother has a real reputation for being a great cook and a great baker. I learned from her. The history I have trying foods in other homes and professional establishments had to contend with her ability. It’s not a matter of this is what I am used to, so I like it. Mom may not be a Michelin rated chef, but she could easily earn her stars if examined by their judges. No cap.

Look, I won’t eat at Italian restaurants with any excitement. They can’t compete to what I had weekly. For someone who is painfully aware of the cost of calories and wasting them on terrible food, it’s very difficult to go anywhere and pay to get disappointment. When I tell you that this recipe is the best I have ever had, I really mean it is the best. You can defend your personal favorite to save your ego if you wish, but I am going to continue making and eating the recipe below. It pairs well with any whipped cream you prefer (homemade, quick, and even cool whip). Do yourself a favor and try it! I add oats to the topping (about 1/3 cup).

Many Journeys to Saratoga – Open Book Blog Hop #397

October 9, 2023 By Captain Maiel 4 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #397

Has a book or movie ever been based somewhere you’ve lived?
How did it compare?

So many films have been made in my hometown, along with it and neighboring cities being mentioned since the hey-day of the silver screen. I am sure you’ve heard Schenectady mentioned in classic movies. Albany gets mentioned a lot in the Law and Order series. Then, there are nods to the horse racing city of Saratoga that is where I was born. You can view a list of films made there and about it here: https://saratogaliving.com/saratoga-goes-hollywood-15-movies-shot-in-saratoga-surrounding-region/

The top films made about my hometown are mostly from the classic era. The last is more recent and probably quite familiar to you. However, they all are on one subject: horseracing.

Saratoga (1937)
The Homestretch (1947)
Seabiscuit (2003)

Saratoga Springs, NY (United States) is also well-known for its connection to mineral water and the Victorian health craze for it. An entire industry built up around bath houses and drinking mineral water. Few of the resorts still exist in this time, but I did work at one as a teenager in the early 1990s, which has hung on for decades. Most of the tourism is around the horseracing that has outlasted the health crazes. In fact, one might find that the pendulum swung to the other side, as horseracing brings in a less healthy practice of organized crime.

I cannot answer about the accuracy the first two films on the list have for Saratoga. I cannot recall seeing either. As for Seabiscuit, I was very much around for the filming. I never watched the film in its entirety. To be completely open, I wasn’t all that interested. I know–I know. I know it’s an Oscar nominee and a high quality film.

Though I love horses, because they’re just giant doggies, the races aren’t exciting or interesting. I have a problem with the exploitation of the animals, for one. Then, there is the other list of issues…It’s a big to-do for the entitled wealthy of the world. They come to our town to amass trophies and cash, and pad their fragile egos. It brings with it some nefarious figures looking to cash in, who indulge in excessive gambling and drinking, and also treat the locals poorly (see my YouTube for further explanation).

Just to show I’m not alone, my closest friend, who was also born there didn’t care much about the Seabiscuit film either. Recollection of the reviews ranged from it was okay to a great film. The reviews from locals directly correlate to how those folks view the races. Having attended the races and photographed them, having grown up in Saratoga and lived there for most of my life, I could probably tell you if the films are accurate. That said, I’d have to watch them. Maybe that’s an idea for a watch party live?

I cannot wait to find out what the other authors have to say about their home stomping grounds, and if they feel any of the films did justice to them. Click on their links below to find out more. Also, be sure to drop your email in the box on the top right to subscribe to the newsletter and get this hop dropped in your email each Friday.

Support Is Food for the Soul – Open Book Blog Hop #396

October 2, 2023 By Captain Maiel 4 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #396

Who was the first person who ever believed in you?

Wowzers, does this take me back! I started writing shortly after seeing the film Memphis Belle (1990). I drove my friends absolutely batty with this movie. Not only was it star studded, with practically every man a GenX’r could want to see, but the subject was my favorite period in time. I could not get enough. Not only did this introduce me to the incomparable Harry Connick Jr., but I also discovered a couple more actors who have remained among my favorites since: D.B. Sweeney and Billy Zane.

A couple of years ago, I was able to meet D.B. Sweeney on a private online forum for screenwriters. It was a fabulous couple of hours, listening to him talk about his career and answer our questions. The man is as friendly as I had hoped. It really brought things full circle to get to engage in this event!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash, a couple clasp hands across a table between coffee cups.

In those early days of my writing, I scribbled all of the time in a binder that I kept with me through all classes and breaks. There was never a time I was without, unless I made the grave mistake of forgetting it at home, in which case, I would find loose paper to use. My favorite place to do my writing was in my bookstore study hall period. Between my friends and the high school staff member who helped us run the bookstore, Mrs. D, I had quite a great support system.

Mrs. D said that I would undoubtedly be published one day, and she was right. I did not give up that dream because of this support, even though it never quite turned out as I had pictured. My friends Rachel M who was not in the bookstore, and Jen C, Stacy R, Katrina L — who all sat through the study hall with me in the bookstore, asked lots of questions about my work. Their support was imperative. I missed it a great deal once school was over. I could have used the lift in the dark times after college, but paths parted and I found myself with fewer of the contacts I once had.

If it were not for the interest and support of friends and teachers in my early years, I don’t think I would have continued writing for very long. Their encouragement kept me fed, so to speak. The feeling that this gave me is probably why I go on to this day. Creating worlds and people and telling stories was very fulfilling in those days. Despite all of the work that it now entails, I still get a taste now and then of that thrill.

Oddly enough, a few of the people who supported me early on came back into my life later through social media. Jen C is always in my corner cheering me on. She’s one of the best people I’m privileged to know. Kind hearts are treasures indeed. And, my closest friend, Rachel is still in my corner to this day. In fact, after supplying me with lots of Memphis Belle magazine tear-outs, became my daughter’s aunt in 2017.

So who supported the other writers in our hop? Click on their links below to find out. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog in order to get this hop sent to your inbox weekly. See you back here soon!