Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Monday, April 9, 2012

House, Home, Happiness

My husband and I have a large family. We planned it that way. And gave not a thought to overpopulating the world, which back in the seventies was a big concern. Is it still? Don't know and don't care. All our children are productive members of society-- doctors, nurses, missionaries, teachers, chemists, writers, publishers-- contributors. 

Because I spent so much time at home raising our family, it seems obvious that my first two novels would be based on these experiences. First came Uncut Diamonds, the semi-autobiographical novel about the beginning years (in the 1970's) of the fictional McGill family.

My second novel is today's H word:



Summary: In this sequel to Gowen’s debut novel, Uncut Diamonds, she follows sisters Cindy and Marcie as they reach a crossroads in their lives. Marcie pursues her dream of becoming a published writer while Cindy faces a terrible tragedy. Through faith, loss and the transcending nature of sacrifice, Marcie and Cindy must learn the incredible power that comes to families when they pull together to overcome challenges. Two women, one facing opportunity, the other tragedy. Can their bond endure?

More about House of Diamonds can be found on my website.

Today's H-word celebrates Home, Family, Happiness and House of Diamonds



29 comments:

  1. Hoorah for your loving home and amazing family and House of Diamonds! Take care
    x

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  2. Having a big family must be a lot of fun, not to mention exhausting at times!

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  3. I love big families, coming from one myself! When the 7 of us got together, it was mayhem, but in a good way.
    I think being part of a big family teaches you lots of things that are useful in life, like getting on with lots of different personalities.
    Love your take on a-z!

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  4. House of Diamonds is waiting for me on my Kindle . . .

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  5. VERY cool! And awesome work giving kudos to your family. Sometimes I wish I would've had more siblings while growing up--I was an only child 'til I graduated from high school. But we're tight knit, and I love that. We're very blessed.

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  6. Thanks again for stopping by my blog...I'm so tempted to read rather than jump back in this challenge after a weekend away! Appreciate connecting to you site(s) and will be coming back. Thanks! Kate

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  7. I am from a large blended family so I can relate. This is a great post. http://kdstormclutteredmind.blogspot.com/

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  8. Like your post. Happy homes are wonderful!

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  9. I love big families. Not that I have as many offspring as you do, but enough. Your books sound fantastic!

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  10. I'm glad for your large family. My husband's family is very large also and there's such a warmth to that. I will get your book soon.

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  11. Happy to hear that all of your children are contributors. http://badmoodgoodmood.blogspot.com/

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  12. I grew up with a big family. I have no idea how my parents did it, but they rocked! :)

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  13. Wow - and it's a beautiful book, too!

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  14. On my mum's side of the family, including her parents, there were only eight of us (six now). I envy people who have big families.

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  15. i have a large family also---your family sounds amazing--i so want to read your book!

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  16. Sounds great Karen! nothing quite like family :)

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  17. I come from a large family. We are all so close.

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  18. Oh, I love your titles! They make me want to climb into the pages and become a diamond myself. You are a true inspiration. I am grateful for your work with the A to Z challenge!

    Julie Jordan Scott
    Fellow A to Z Challenge Participant
    H is for Hilda/HD
    On a Mission to Spread Word-Love Throughout the World

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  19. Wonderful that your family members are all contributors! Congratulations!

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  20. Not to sound repetitive, because I wanted to comment this before I read the comment before mine... BUT... WOW! What a wonderful thing you did, raise a house hold of contributors!! My hat is off to you! Way to go Karen (and an author as well... wowser!) I would love to become an author one day! Blessings to you and yours!

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  21. Wow Karen thanks for giving back to our society! Amazing~
    I hope to some day wear the author hat~ I'm still working on my kids! ;D
    Your books sounds wonderful!

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  22. Sounds like a great life and it appears you've finally found some down time after raising such a large family. Not that writing isn't work, but I'll bet it feels like pure relaxation after all the hard work you donated to society, producing worthy members to contribute to it:) Wishing you only good things and that all your dreams come true!

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  23. I love that you didn't care about overpopulating. If we were able to, we'd also have a ton of kids. It's just not in the cards for us for a bunch of reasons. Great to meet you!

    Laura B Writer

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  24. Hi Karen .. you sure do have one big happy family - and it's great to see 'where they've gone to professionally' ... and oh yes writing and publishing ..

    H for House of Diamonds is sitting here waiting to be read .. and I did enjoy Farm Girl about existing/living pre the Depression years and through them ..

    H is happy time too with family .. cheers Hilary

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