The Writer's View: Karen Pokras Toz

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Karen will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops in the tour.

Hello and thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today to talk about the view inside my writing space. In my house, I have two very different and distinct writing spaces.

The first is my office. Several months ago, my husband and I decided to renovate a spare room in the back of our house that had turned into the junk room when we weren’t really paying attention. Well after about five years of accumulating junk, we decided to clear it out and make it a useful space. It was initially slated to be my husband’s “man cave,” but as you can see, I kind of took it over (sorry honey.) Don’t worry; he has his own desk as well for all of his “man stuff.”

I love having my own little corner that is all mine. As you can see, I had my book covers made into posters and there is plenty of room on the walls for future covers. In fact, the cover for my newest book, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, due out this fall, is framed and ready to take a spot on the wall. Generally, I do all of my administrative tasks in the office – editing, bookkeeping, answering emails, and anything else related to writing.

When it comes to my actual writing however, my favorite place to go with my laptop is my living room sofa. It is one of the only rooms in the house that is children and toy free. I find the space very relaxing. It is filled with antiques, an old sofa that has stuffing coming out, and my grandfather’s paintings. I love sitting with a hot cup of coffee, feet up, with my laptop balancing on my legs. I usually start out by just staring out the gorgeous picture window. Eventually, the writing takes over. Of course, sometimes my two little assistants distract me from work, but for the most part, I find the view inside and outside my space to be inspirational.

About the Author:

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in Orange, Connecticut and currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. In June 2011, Karen published her first middle grade children’s novel for 7-12 year olds called Nate Rocks the World, followed in 2012 by the second book in the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat. Karen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).

Find Karen online at:

Website: www.KarenToz.com
Blog: http://kptoz.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz

With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend Tommy decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks.

Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals.

Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back in this second book of the Nate Rocks series.

Watch the book video:


~~~~~REVIEW~~~~~

As a children's librarian, I'm always looking for books that boys will enjoy reading--the Nate Rocks series fits the bill. Full of adventure (even if most of it is in his rich fantasy life), Nate Rocks the Boat takes us to summer camp with Nate where he encounters bullies, ghosts, and runaway vans. This book is easy to read and sure to be a hit with the boys and girls in my library. The book is intended for ages 8-12, but their parents will enjoy it as well. I'm looking forward to the next episode in the Nate Rocks series.