Welcome, Laura Lee Guhrke!
Mar 2nd 2007
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing!
We’re delighted to have with us as our first guest blogger–Goddess Laura Lee Guhrke!
Since I am the first guest blogger at The Goddess Blogs, I thought I’d talk about goddesses. What is a goddess anyway?
I thought long and hard about this. Goddesses, I’m sure, wouldn’t have to work that hard to come up with a definition, but being a GIP, (Goddess-In-Progress), I had to ponder it for awhile. And I finally realized that being a goddess means knowing what you want, having the courage to go after it, and living with the consequences of it, all while maintaining your sense of humor. This is not easy. But then, not every woman can be a goddess, right?
Women are particularly prone to sublimating their true needs and desires, I think. Men, it seems to me, have a much easier time being emotionally honest with themselves about what they want and about rejecting what they don’t. Women are socially conditioned to qualify, modify and sublimate our own dreams and ambitions almost from birth. Goddess thinking involves clearing your head of all that stuff you’re supposed to want, and going after what you really want. It’s a process, one that often takes a lifetime to master.
Learning to think like a goddess is a concept that plays a major role in my latest book. In And Then He Kissed Her, out this month, we meet Emma Dove, girl-bachelor. Though she is the late-Victorian forerunner of the modern career woman, Emma is very much a woman of her time. A spinster who long ago gave up any notions of romance, and forced by circumstance to earn her living, she is the compliant, obedient secretary to a book publisher. Though she dreams of a career writing etiquette books, it takes a true emotional upheaval for her to begin the process of letting go of what’s safe and going after her true desires. Her boss, being a man, and therefore somewhat dense about goddess thinking, is baffled when his perfect secretary up and quits, leaving him in the lurch. He vows to get her back, and in pursuit of that goal, Harry falls in love with Emma as he watches her transformation from plain, compliant, spinster-secretary to goddess extraordinaire. Emma becomes a woman who is confident, inconvenient, able to speak her mind and live without him. What man wouldn’t fall in love with a woman like that?
Goddesses, you see, are interesting. Provoking. Intriguing. A pain in the ass. Sexy. Irresistible. The lesson Emma learned, and one that resonates with us all, is that any woman can become a goddess. She just has to believe she already is one.
26 Comments »
26 Responses to “Welcome, Laura Lee Guhrke!”
Kelly Ann on 02 Mar 2007 at 12:58 am #
Welcome Goddess Laura!
“And Then He Kissed Her” sounds wonderful. Definetly a new and exciting plot! I have plans to pick it up this weekend, I have to read it (and She’s No Princess).
Have fun tonight. I have to go to bed or I will never get up for work in the morning!
AndreaW on 02 Mar 2007 at 8:19 am #
Hi Laura!
I can’t wait to get my copy of And Then He Kissed Her! I pre-odered it and hopefully it’ll be on its way soon. *crossing fingers*
I “discovered” you and your books last year (starting with Guilty Pleasures–which I loved!) and am so glad I did! You are a wonderfully talented writer (goddess) and an auto-buy for me.
Congrats on the new release!!
DebMarlowe on 02 Mar 2007 at 8:41 am #
Hi Laura,
I love your definition of a goddess, and you’re right, it doesn’t sound easy.
I’m definitely guilty of putting others before my dream, but I’m working on it. It’s hard not to be annoyed though, at not being able to do it all. Dang it–I want to do it all, and brilliantly!
Looking forward to And Then He Kissed Her!
Deb Marlowe
http://www.DebMarlowe.com
Karen Rose on 02 Mar 2007 at 9:02 am #
Welcome Laura!
I love your definition of a goddess. I knew it was more than the handbag and the bikini top
I’m looking forward to reading And Then He Kissed Her.
Now I’m off to the Chicago airport where I will probably sit for hours. Julia, I take back the martini. It’s snowing in Chicago. I just wanna go home…
Maggie Robinson on 02 Mar 2007 at 9:38 am #
Since today is Read Across America Day, I blogged about it and recommended ATHKH, since I plan to spend all day (snowday here, yay!) reading it…if I ever get off the Internet, that is. I love how Miss Dove is finding her wings!
http://maggierobinsonmeansromance.blogspot.com
Julia London on 02 Mar 2007 at 9:48 am #
Welcome, Laura — I think it takes a goddess to know one, and you obviously know them. I still have a difficult time putting my needs first when I must –like when I have a deadline, or something else is pressing. I feel a little guilty if I am not taking care of everyone else first. But, I have obviously become a goddess because I can do it!
Your book sounds great! I can’t wait to pick it up. !
And Karen R, I am so so sorry. There was a little wine and tomfoolery last night, and I forgot to check on the weather. I just let it brew by itself and it obviously got away from me. Mea culpa — I will buy you the martini. I mean, if we ever see you again.
Kolleen on 02 Mar 2007 at 9:58 am #
I just finished ATHKH. I loved it! I completely ignored my kids yesterday while I read it. It was a snow day and those silly kids thought that I’d play with them or make them cookies (the girl scout cookies came the day before the snow so they had something to eat while my head was stuck in the book) They have another snow day today so I’ll make up for it. What a wonderful book and I loved how her transformation was on the inside and not the outside like we see in so many books. It was truely refreshing to read.
Laura Lee Guhrke on 02 Mar 2007 at 10:44 am #
Thanks, Goddesses, for the warm welcome and the kind words about ATHKH. It’s much appreciated, especially since I had such a hard time writing that darn book. Rachel Gibson, Goddess, and also one of my critique partners, can attest to just how much head-pounding frustration I went through with this particular book. Some books are harder to write than others. I don’t know why. As the nuns used to say when I asked inconvenient questions in Sunday school: it’s a mystery.
Julia London on 02 Mar 2007 at 11:38 am #
Isn’t that the truth, Laura? One book flows, the next one is like walking through knee-deep mud. I marvel at very prolific writers like Nora — she must never have a mud book.
RachelG on 02 Mar 2007 at 11:55 am #
Laurie,
You always go through much head pounding. It’s part of your charm, and I fear, it’s your process too. But on the bright side, that head pounding produces some darn fine books.
Critiquing Laurie’s work usually goes something like:
Laurie: “Help! I’m stuck.” The sound of head pounding. “I’m sending you my first four chapters.”
I read the chapters and get back to her with: “That was great. What’s your problem?”
Laurie: “I can’t get the heroine in the front door of the Hero’s house.”
Rachel: “That is a problem. Have you thought about having her knock?”
Laurie: “She won’t.”
This usually calls for an emergency brain storming session and several martinis. It’s a tough job . . .
Suzanne Enoch on 02 Mar 2007 at 12:21 pm #
Welcome, Laura! I hear you about the endless distractions and then the head pounding when you do finally get on the goddess track. That’s why I think goddesses are always portrayed in marble; they’ve got to have hard heads. *g*
Ol’ Marble Head Suzanne
Laura Lee Guhrke on 02 Mar 2007 at 12:22 pm #
Rachel G.,
And…umm…just how long did it take you to get your heroine off the patio? Wasn’t it about three weeks? I hate to remind you of these things, but hey, what are friends for?
llg
KMB25 on 02 Mar 2007 at 1:22 pm #
hehe…I think the more pertinent question should be, “How many martinis did it take to get the heroine off the patio?”
Why is it that the as the alcohol flows, so do the ideas?
Now, I can’t claim to being a writer…heck, writing my master’s thesis was pure torture, but I’m trying right now to sit down with a friend and churn out some song ideas with fiddle melodies…and it’s so much easier when there’s wine or tequila involved!
I really enjoy reading all the comments about the writing and brainstorming processes…sometimes learning music can follow a similar path…sometimes it’s a cakewalk..and then there’s the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto.
~Kim
Nicole Jordan on 02 Mar 2007 at 1:34 pm #
Oh, Laura, I adore your definition of a goddess. So lovely. We’re going to have to put that in our archives. And your book sounds delicious, too! Can’t wait to find it. If you had fits writing it, no doubt it was because you were striving for perfection… which makes you human, lol. A big welcome to TGB!
And I agree, Kim, libations do make the creative juices flow amazingly well. Which is why when I run into a writing problem that has me pulling out my hair, I’m so tempted to reach for the corkscrew.
BTW, you said you play the fiddle…. do you also compose music and lyrics? I don’t have a single ounce of musical talent anywhere in my body.
NicoleJ
Julia London on 02 Mar 2007 at 1:34 pm #
Kim, what sort of band or ensemble are you in?
KMB25 on 02 Mar 2007 at 2:04 pm #
I’m actually a classically trained violinist–my Master’s is in Classical Performance. Living in Nashville, TN, I’ve been able to branch out and explore so many different musical styles. I’ve really gotten into Irish traditional music and some bluegrass although right now I’m playing with a couple of different Celtic bands. I also teach celtic fiddle at Belmont University here in Nashville, although I keep my fingers in the proverbial classical pot by playing with regional orchestras a few times every semester.
I haven’t done much composing (that’s what my hubby does though) but I’m interested in trying out my creative side and seeing what happens! Although Nicole, I think those are wise words about limiting the alcohol! I’m not much of a drinker, so I don’t think that’ll be hard!
~Kim
ps..in case you’re interested, here’s my web address: http://www.kimberlyhaller.com
Kasey on 02 Mar 2007 at 5:47 pm #
Kim - I am currently working on my master’s thesis, and “pure torture” sums it up perfectly.
Laura - I am in the middle of your book right now, and I am loving it! I can’t wait to get home so I can try to finish it tonight.
RachelG on 02 Mar 2007 at 6:46 pm #
The problem with flowing libations is the delusion that I’m brilliant when I’m not. I also have a problem with thinking I’m damn funny when I’m not.
KMB25 on 02 Mar 2007 at 7:10 pm #
RachelG –I know exactly what you mean!
Kasey–what are you getting your master’s in? I finished mine in 2005…Thank God! I’ve not been in a hurry to go on for the Doctorate….I got tired of all the hoop-jumping!
~Kim
Manuelita on 02 Mar 2007 at 7:56 pm #
Ooooh, a Goddess party with martinis! Great way to welcome LLG to the blogsite. I haven’t been able to go to the book store yet, but as soon as I get it in my hands, And Then He Kissed Her will be my next read. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Kasey on 02 Mar 2007 at 8:57 pm #
Kim - I am getting my master’s in English. I haven’t decided if I am going on for my doctorate yet either. What did you get your master’s in?
KMB25 on 02 Mar 2007 at 9:26 pm #
Kasey - My master’s is in Classical Performance on violin. I still love playing Classical, but I’m more of a fiddle player now (Irish and bluegrass)–I guess that’s what I get living in Nashville!
Kasey on 02 Mar 2007 at 10:38 pm #
That is really cool. I see your composing some music too. There’s nothign wrong with Nashville. I am am a country girl born and raised so I tend to listen to a lot of country music. Good luck on composing your music!
Laura Lee Guhrke on 03 Mar 2007 at 11:50 am #
Classical violin? Wow! KMB25, I am in awe. As for libations, well, Rachel G. knows I’m always up for those. By the way, she may deny it, but Rachel is damn funny when she’s had a martini or two. Of course, that could be because everything’s funny to me when I’m drinking lemon drops. Hmm…
KMB25 on 03 Mar 2007 at 7:51 pm #
oooooh….lemon drops…..after the day I’ve had…that sounds really good
Karen Hawkins on 05 Mar 2007 at 1:46 pm #
Welcome Laura! Sorry to chime in so late, but I went on holiday. Last year, we had a fast arsed internet connection and I was expecting the same. This year, we got a pinned note that said, “Sorry! Internet not working. Dial up available if you already have an account.” Which I did and, had internet service, I could have looked up my account number and access lines. As it was, I did without.
Sorry I’m late because (having said all of that) I was THRILLED when you were coming to guest goddess with us! People, if you all haven’t yet devoured an LLG book, do so NOW. She’s phenomenal. I am dying to read the new one, in fact, and just got it yesterday. Huzzah!