Catherine’s Story is here!

My cousin is reading my latest novel, Catherine’s Story. She’s excited to see the familiar names of our family used in the story. She says, it’s like a family reunion. She asks me if I knew that Mary Catherine, one of the lead characters in the story, was her mother’s (my great aunt) full name. I told her I did not, but now thinking about it, I do remember. I’m glad, because I like using the names of people who have touched my life in my stories. It’s neat for me to know that they live on, even if their characters and lives are totally different than the book, after all I am making it up as I go along.

But again it is cool to see their names in print in my books. Like Chip, the grandfather in Catherine’s Story,  comes from when I was a kid and he was the man who lived next door to us. His wife’s name was Joy and his kids were Sandy, Candy, Tandy and Randy. Who knows maybe one day I will use their names. I have a close friend who pointed out to me that I used both her and her husband’s names as not so nice people. Ha! Did not mean to do that… Next time I will remember to choose names of people I don’t know for those characters…:)

I enjoy taking some of our history and infusing it into the story. Like Aunt Helen, in Catherine’s Story. I did have an aunt named Helen who did live in Europe, who was beautiful and creative. But unlike the real Aunt Helen and the Aunt Helen in my story, their lives were very different.

Sometimes I choose unusual names for my characters,  like the names of my current pets…Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  In my first novel, Sunny’s first baby was named Crescent Blue and later her twins boys were named River and Ocean.

Who knows what I will come up with next… 🙂

And I’ve got a brand new book that just came out called, Catherine’s Story. It’s a mystery with history, revolving around two women, connected by blood- one from this century, one from the last who hook up with the wrong man, some would say, liken to the devil. Only time will tell how it all turns out as the search goes on for the treasure…Oh, did I forget to mention there was a treasure?

Check it out…And if you’re interested, you can buy it on line, through book stores or if you’d like a signed copy you can leave me a message here, through my email- kathysbeachn@gmail.com or on FB, https://www.facebook.com/sunnysstory2.

Not only can you order my books on this website, bookstores and on line… you can also get an autographed copy from me!  And for the best deal!  Email me at kathysbeachn@gmail.com or message me on FB for more information!  Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hi!  And happy August 10!  Are you having fun yet?  Well I am…or am I?  I know that I have a lot more fun creating, whether it’s writing, painting, cooking, decorating, weaving or whatever… if I’m doing it with a light heart.  I remember someone once told me to make it fun or don’t do it.  I agree.  Although I’ve got to admit there are some things that aren’t fun (at least I’m seeing it that way) that aren’t that easy to get away from or stop.  But that’s a story for another day, see how easy that was, didn’t want to do it, so I didn’t.  ha!’  So, I hope that if you are reading this, you’re having fun or don’t read it!  Ha!!! See you………..

I know it’s been a while since I last posted anything on my website.  I have lots to say, just haven’t been able to do so.  I think losing my Mom three months ago set me adrift on a sailboat in the middle of the ocean, trying to navigate my way back.  Ha!  As you can see I have not lost any of my drama.

I am working on my next novel, Charity Noelle.  I like to use names as the titles of my book.  Recently at the book store, I noticed that many authors do not do that, in fact most.  They give clever titles enticing you, hooking you into reading more.  Which is good.  I on the other hand have taken a different path, kind of like me in many ways.

The thing with writing and becoming known, it invites fans and the ‘not so much fans’- the critics!  I think every artist/person fears being told that they aren’t good or worth the paper that they express themselves on, unless of course their self esteem is such that they are totally immune to that.  I’m pretty sure I would fall in the category of wanting to hide forever from the onslaught of criticism, although I do have to say that I’m becoming quite adept at rolling with the punches when it comes to the political debates (warfare 🙂 ) that I encounter…

Something else I’ve noticed when searching for books to read, there’s not a whole lot out there that I want to read.  The romance books are too sweet, my favorite authors have turned to mystery, killing, and detailed graphics of killing, and tell stories of the injustice, changes in and surrounding issues that are happening in our society today.  And though the authors writing captures and keeps my interest, the hard to put the book down even if it’s two am in the morning, I am left feeling empty, sad, and there’s got to be more to life than this.

I am thirsty for books that show the beauty and drama of life but at the same time leaving me with a sense of hope, happiness, and a sense of well being.

I read once from an author, I do not remember who, who said, write the books that you want to read.  So that’s my mission…to write what I want to read, which is quite a challenge, seeing as I’m still not sure what that looks like.  But however it does turn out, I’m hoping that you’ll want to read it too.

Charity Noelle… a novel by Kathy Almeida

‘And Then There Was Rain’

She’s here!  

My latest novel joins Sunny’s Story and Sunny’s Story 2, completing this trilogy.  The first two books were seen through Sunny’s eyes.  This book, is told by Rain, Sunny’s younger sister.  She’s beautiful, exciting, and all about Rain.  Come, take a peak, hop on and join the Johnson sisters for a ride you’ll always remember as they share their love, passions, and life adventures-as Kate (Sunny and Rain’s grandmother loving refers to their mishaps).  

To get your autographed copy(ies) contact me at kathysbeachn@gmail.com or through FB-Kathy Almeida, Author.  Let me know what you think of the books, I would love to hear from you!  Happy reading!

I remember many summers spent at Crescent Beach. Sometimes on our week long retreats we got to stay at Island House. And many Saturdays for a day trip we’d park near Island House. But no matter if we stayed for the day or the week, there was always a walk to South Beach Grill for lunch.  Sometimes we sat outside on one of the picnic tables set on the back deck, open to the dunes and views of the beach.  Other times, we’d sit inside, wearing only bathing suits and our feet bare, taking a break from the hot noonday sun, by sitting in the cool interior of the restaurant.  Upstairs, required more dress and shoes, offering great views of the beach and ocean beyond.
The decor of the restaurant was informal, beachy and artsy…perfect!  The food was great, offering a wide selection.  We liked our usual, veggie burger with fries and lemonade.  Something about their lemonade was extra special, we couldn’t get enough.  The staff was always so friendly, in fact we were there so often that we came to know each other by name.  We even got to meet the owner, who just happens to share the same birthday month as I do, We loved going there and it was made even more special, because my youngest son who has autism was welcomed there with open arms.  It didn’t matter if he was loud or didn’t follow all the social rules, he was accepted and wanted.  That got gold stars in our book.

They always gave my son extra big cups to take with him, just like he liked it.  One was filled with ice, the other with lemonade.  He would carry them both on our mile walk back to the condo.
We’d walk at shore, letting the cool waters of the ocean keep us from melting, while my son would walk next to the dunes, where the temperature there were easily over a hundred degrees…but that’s the way he liked it.  Eventually he’d make his way to us, after we’d called out to him a thousand times, inspired by the desire not to see him ‘die’ in the heat, which he was oblivious to.

We had so many happy times there, with friends and family joining us…summer days by our favorite beach, eating at our favorite restaurant.
When I wrote my novel, Sunny’s Story, which took place at Crescent Beach, it became a no brainer that Island House and South Beach Grill would be incorporated into my story.  Island House was one of the places that inspired me to create Kate’s home, adding and expanding from my imagination.  South Beach Grill, became a lunch time favorite for Sunny.

So many happy memories of summers gone by, the places remain, and when I am there, and I pass by Island House, I remember.  I hope one day to stay there again.  Who knows, maybe I will even purchase one of those condos.  And every time that I am in the area, I still go to South Beach Grill.  There have been changes, on the outside as well as on the inside, but the good food, great atmosphere…remain the same.

And if you’ve read either one of my books, Sunny’s Story or Sunny’s Story 2, you will recognize these excerpts from the books. If not here is a small ‘taste’ of each…
We walked the two blocks to the Columbia Restaurant and immediately felt refreshed upon entering the cool interior. The hostess seated us at one of the small tables near the window that faced the courtyard and the fountain. Two little children were throwing coins into it laughing and giggling as they fished the coins back out only to throw them back in again.
Once the waiter had taken our orders we sat back and relaxed, sipping ice water with lemon, as we waited for the fresh warm mini loaves of Cuban bread and whipped butter to be brought to the table. We didn’t have to wait long. The buttered bread melted in our mouths.
“I could make a meal on this alone.” Jake said signaling the waiter for more.
“I can too.”
“I’ve missed you,” Jake began. I felt his leg brush against mine.
“I’ve missed you, too.” I wrapped my leg over his.
“So, I take it you’re staying with your grandmother?”

“Yes, unlike some people I know, she wanted me to live with her. Plus, she was kind of enough to offer me a job.”
“How’s that going?” Jake asked letting the comment slide. He stroked my thigh with his hand.
“Which one do you mean?” I like it, I like it; keep on doing what you’re doing.
“Both.”
“I love living with Kate, like I said, she likes me and wants me there. And being near the ocean is great! And I like my job. I’m enjoying learning about the art world and seeing new people every day. And working with Kate and Mark is awesome! They like me and want me there.”
“I’m happy for you and glad to know that you’ve forgiven me.”
“Hey, I’m not one to hold a grudge…”

“Hello?”
“Sunny, you need to get here right away.”
“Why and where exactly are you?”
“At the Columbia. I was having lunch with O.J., who by the way looks even better in daylight without the uniform.”
“Great, so what does this have to do with me?”
“Jake’s here…with Crescent.”
“Ha?”
“Yep, he’s sitting at a big round table with Crescent, Ann and Jimmy.
“I don’t understand, I thought they were going to Fernandina Beach? What are they doing at the Columbia?” I felt a little twist in my gut.
“Apparently celebrating Jake’s birthday.”
“How do you know it’s his birthday?” I asked.
“Because I’m sitting with them.”
“What about Officer Jim? Is he there too?”
“No, he got called in, so instead of sitting by myself …by the way, Jimmy didn’t see me…I acted like I was out all by myself. Anyway, to make a long story short, Jake invited me to join them. Ann shook her head and sighed…very loudly I might add. Jimmy ordered her another martini so she’s good now. So you didn’t know that today was Jake’s birthday?”
“No…”
“And you were married to him? No wonder things got a little………you know…”
“Rain!”

I want to tell you something; not only did I write and publish my book, Sunny’s Story 2, I also funded this project totally on my own. And I am very proud of this fact. Instead of using our family income for this project, I used the money I put aside each week ($20), saving until I had enough to pay for the publishing, editing and then printing the books. And yes, it took awhile, but I did it.

It would have been a whole lot easier (on my part) if the money had been given to me, or taken from our family money and to be honest, that would have been great. But I think this way is even better. Because doing it myself has given me a sense of accomplishment and self empowerment that otherwise I would not have had.

And I took a risk when I ordered the amount of books that I did, not knowing whether when the time came if I would have the money to pay for the bill or not. But I did it anyway, knowing that I would take care of it, even if it took me longer to do so.

I remember when Frank and I were dating and then later on as newlyweds, all the risks he took to further his business and to get ahead. Many times, people told him that he was crazy to go out on a limb like that- he even heard that from the people closest to him-with the exception of me and one other. I’ve always believed in his ability to create good business. And those risks payed off. He trusted his wanting and his intuitive ability in going after his dream of being a successful business man. And he is.

I think that it is so important to believe in your dreams, the American Dream of anything is possible, if you’re willing to work for it and believe in it.

And I do. So many of my dreams have come true, and I am beyond grateful for them. As long as I am breathing, I will keep on dreaming and doing what I can to make them real. Like my latest book, ‘Sunny’s Story 2’ which turned one month old on July 22nd, my birthday.

Thank you for helping me to make this dream real!

ps. My bill came in and YES! I have the money to pay it…Whoohoo!!!