She's here....Aaaahhh, yes.

Sophia arrived tonight at 9:00 on the dot. 6 lbs and 3 oz. She is healthy, and absolutely beautiful.

Pictures in the morning, I promise.

Thank you, God.

On hold for a day or two..

Rachael's contractions are 10 minutes apart. Hopefully, we'll get to meet Sophia later today, or sometime tomorrow. I'm just sitting here patiently (patiently? HAAAA!! right!!) by the phone to see when I need to make a mad dash to the hospital.

I've got lots of exciting things going on so I'll talk to you all in a day or two.

Trash Talk

The next question is from Trash Talk

1. What is your thought process when writing? I think I may have a book inside me but don't how to begin.

What is my thought process? Hmmmm.

It depends. I am finding that my thought process is completely different for my second book, than my first one. I didn't have to come up with a plot for "False Victim", and that made it much easier, however, I had to 'fill in' and that was more difficult. Somedays, I would literally get up at 7:30 am and write until 1:00 the next morning, and not get past a paragraph. Sometimes, that was because I didn't know how to bridge events together and that was so frustrating. Sometimes, it was downright painful to relive everything. I'd either become angry all over again, or be sad for days.

The scary parts would give me nightmares. The betrayal chapters would break my heart as if it was all brand new. It was very hard on my family. Especially my husband.

The majority of this story does not present him in the best of light. Honestly, it makes him look like a jerk at times, and one publicist even said 'the husband in the story line comes across as weak', which he absolutely is not. I can not say that enough, and I am calling on everyone that knows him to please stand up and say this man of mine is a man of great character, and strength. It was just a very unusual time and no one knew what to do.

He finally one day just sat me down and said, "You have to write the truth. Write it exactly how it happened."

Once the book was written and I read it, it was so awful, I wanted to cry. So, I sat down and re-wrote it. That's not as bad as it sounds. Basically, just saving it on the computer, adding words here and there. Replacing sentences with new ones. Maybe adding another chapter. Finally, at the very end I could read it and actually enjoy it.

So, Ms. Trash Talk I hope that answers your question on my 'thought process.'

And yes, I know you have a book inside you. EVERYONE does! It's true.

So, sit yourself down, and devise a plot. My second book I am really enjoying writing. I figured out a plot and jotted it down (always carry a notebook with you. Even when you walk - carry a pen and small piece of paper.) I then invented my characters. Name them, write them on a piece of paper, and give them the characteristics you want them to have.

Make an outline of your story. Now comes the hard part. Sit down. Turn on the computer and start writing. It sounds so easy, but it is the hardest part.

JUST START WRITING. Don't care how it sounds/reads at first. Just do it. You will change it a million times, trust me. Keep writing. Every day. Don't put it off.

Procrastination is the biggest obstacle.

Happy writing!

What made you decide to be a writer?

I think writing picked me. As far back as I can remember I have made up and written stories. My Grandma Drexie used to buy me Big Chief tablets and I would fill them from back to front with short stories I had made up, almost always about a girl and her horse.

When I grew up, I skipped college, which I never regretted. (I did go to a finishing school, which is material for a comedy on it's own). I wanted to work for a newspaper, but they always wanted me to sell advertising, which wasn't what I wanted. So, I got a job in radio and I fell in love. A career was born. I wrote news stories, ad copy, and even wrote my own material for my show. However, after a while, speaking became so easy for me that it simpler to just make an outline of what I wanted to say. After awhile, it became so second nature that all I had to do was simply write down a word and it would remind me of what I wanted to talk about.

Soon, I had a speaking career in addition to my broadcasting. Still, rather than write the whole speech out, I would do a broad outline. Needless to say, when my speaking career took off, my writing took a backseat.

When I moved to Washington, DC 8 years ago, I knew that my radio/speaking career was over. I tried my hand at writing articles and mass mailing them to my friends. Ha! I am sure they all found it annoying, but they were too sweet to say anything about it. Other than an article that made the front page of my hometown newspaper, I never thought I'd ever write anything significant again.

Fast forward to 2006! It was a year after our family was forced to leave our home, our neighborhood, even the county for our personal safety. I was incredibly angry and frustrated, not to mention sad.

I started "Hillbilly Debutante" as an escape, a way to save my sanity. I hadn't done anything creative in years. Humor has always been a major outlet for me, and through my writing I felt like I'd connected with a long lost friend. The feedback has been so positive. Not only from people I know, but from YOU!!

I can't even begin to tell you how much my readers and their comments - your comments have changed the quality of my life.

Soon, there came a point when I knew I had to do something to regain all that I'd lost when he were forced to flee. And it had to be something of monetary value.

A book was the only answer. Every time I tried to come up with another plan, this nagging voice inside me kept saying, "Write the book." Everytime I'd feel lower than a snake's belly, thinking there is no way out of this situation the voice inside me would say, "Write the book."

By the time it is finished, with publication, etc. it will have taken two years of my life. Nine if you count the years my family lived the nightmare that inspired the story.

I know that's vague. So many of you are curious about the book and the story line, but until my publisher gives me the 'okay', I can't say any more. I will tell you that when you are finished with the book, in the very, very last chapter, it will tell you why writing the book was necessary, when I very much would have rather moved on.

Until next time,

Kathie

I'm going to answer all of your questions, and for the most part I'll make the answers short and sweet. I'll break them up so the post doesn't get too long and boring and I'll also try to post pictures when I can. Someone asked me to do a post on my pageant days, so I'll give you all a good laugh and scan those pictures and show them to you another day. First of all, I want to start with Joni at Old Centennial Farmhouse. Her first question really intrigued me because it was something that Mr. T and I were discussing just the other day.

1. I would like to know how you came to live in Washington, DC and if those of us 'out here' have a right to think the elite there are out of touch with the people.

Well, Joni, as most of my readers know, my husband and I come from a strong farm/ranch background. To make a long story short, he was an executive with the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and was promoted to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association here in DC.

That answers the easy part of the question. Now for the second part. Do you have a right to think the elite are out of touch with the rest of America.

Absolutely. The funny thing is, Joni....most don't even realize it. True, there are some that probably just don't care, but to the credit of most, they just get so busy that they do, in fact 'lose touch'. Remember that even if you call your Congressman or Senator, almost always you are going to talk to the Chief of Staff or maybe a Legislative Aid at best. Imagine ALL the people that call their representative! It's crazy. They can't possibly 'hear' every single person. This is why special interest groups are important. Hear me out before you throw things at the computer.

Remember, above, I told you that at one time my husband had represented the cattlemen. Imagine if every single farmer or rancher in this nation tried to call their Congressman/Senator. What if every doctor, teacher, carpenter, restaurant owner, retail owner/manager, manufacturer, realtor, florist, etc, etc., tried to call their representative? That's why you need to be a member of whatever association, etc, that represents your career field or something that your passionate about. When you are a member of you special interest group, and trust me, regardless of what you think, each and every one of us has a special interest, then that person is your voice in Washington. Special interests insure your right to free speech. How?

When I was a broadcaster I was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters. When I was a realtor, a member of the National Association of Realtors. Each year I paid my dues and on several occasions called the Realtors Association and complained about issues that concerned me. I also contributed to a PAC fund, (political action committee), which helped get certain people elected that would stand for what I, as a realtor, believed was best. These are important to politicians. Without $$$ they don't get elected. This is why I urge every one of you ot there to get involved and be a part of a group that fights for what you believe in.

Whew! I hope I didn't bore you with all that.

Before I close, though, I must confess. Even I am guilty of losing touch with the rest of the country. There is something about this place that sucks you in and makes you feel that you really are at the center of the universe. That's embarrassing to say, but at least I am being honest. I was shocked when some of you e-mailed me about the drastic things taking place all across America because people are afraid that they are losing their rights and losing America as they know it.

I hope that answered your question, and while I don't 'do' politics on Hillbilly Debutante, it was just such a relevent question for this day and time. I couldn't resist.

Tomorrow, I'll answer more of your fun questions that you all had for me!

Hmmm...so much for short and sweet, huh?

I am in a really wierd place now. I have so much energy I feel like I am about to burst.

First of all, I should be getting a release date on my book within the next 3 to 6 weeks. As soon as that happens I'll let you all know. We're planning the major kick-off party here in DC, and then a book signing in Woodbridge, VA (suburb of DC) where the storyline actually took place.

Within 4 weeks of the release date, I'll be able to give you a synopsis.

And last, but most certainly not least, we are anticipating the arrival of baby Sophia (first grandchild) very soon. I am so excited about that, that it is really hard to concentrate on anything else.

In the meantime, what do you want to know? Here's your chance to ask any questions. You can e-mail me or put them here on the comment section and I'll answer them. So, ask away....

Quote of the Week....

A wise man once said...

"You cannot get to the top by sitting on your bottom."

Chandler Cox

(my nephew)

I AM RETIRING AS AN AUTHOR!!!

Instead, I think I could make a living as a poet.

Mr. T is out of town this week and I penned this little ditty for him. It's called

I love you. So here we go. I'm going to read it to you now. (Just imagine a nasaly hick accent and you'll have me down pat.) Ya' ready? Ahem....

I Love You

by Kathie Bishop Truitt (that's me)

I love you in Missouri, I love you in Montana,

I love you in Virginia

and when you wear a bandana.

I love you in the daylight,

I love you in the dark.

I would even love you

if you were eaten by a shark.

I love you when you're happy

I love you when you're sad.

But I think I'll love you most of all

When you become a Granddad.

So, what do you think? Could I make it as a poet?

Okay, don't answer that.

Really, I just wanted to leave a little note for him on Facebook. Of course, I had to keep it pretty tame, because it is Facebook, after all, and Mama reads it, the kids and all their friends, and their friend's friends.

So, I killed two birds with one stone. I let him know I love him and thinking about him, and at the same time let my facebook friends know that we are still,

(im)patiently waiting the arrival of little Sophia.

P.S. My book writing is much, much better than my poetry - I promise!

Hmm...maybe I should change 'bandana' to 'Atlanta'....no, that wouldn't work ...maybe I should....

File under 'what the heck were you thinkin'?'

Okay, so I've had questions from several of you wanting to know the story behind my tatoo. No story, really.

I was just in one of my moods. You know what I'm talkin' about.

You wake up one morning and you just feel ...um, I don't know....restless, I guess.

No, rebellious is probably a better word.

Anyway, there I was layin' in bed, contemplating my fate of having to get up, don a suit, and spend the whole day showing houses. Did I mention that I spent 7 years as a realtor? Booorrinngg.

So, after waiting for about an hour and a half and being stood up by no-show clients I thought, "Hmm, ya know Kathie old girl, this career is just not for you." Right then and there I did a u-turn, parked my Mercedes in the drive, slapped a For Sale sign on it, slipped out of my suit into a pair of boots and jeans, grabbed the keys to the red Chevy pickup and went for a long drive.

As I am singing along to Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman" blasting from the stereo, I see a tatoo parlor. Suddenly a light bulb comes on!

"I know! I think I'll get a tatoo!"

So, $50 and 15 minutes later THIS is what I have to show for that one rebellious action.

So, now you understand when I say, "I'm feeling rebellious. Keep me away from all tatoo parlors", my family goes into a tizzy.

Quote of the Week....

"Tell me I can't

and

I'll show you I can!"

Kathie Truitt

There have been 3 times in my life when nay-sayers have told me I 'couldn't'.

"You're not good enough."

"Too much competition"

"People like you are a dime a dozen - just give it up."

"You're not tall enough."

"You're not pretty enough."

"YOU?" (followed by laughter).

And three times, with hard work, tons of tenacity, and the grace of God, I have always accomplished my goals.

Now, sit back and watch. It's fixin' to happen again. And when it does, I'll do the same thing I've always done.

No, I won't say I 'told you so.' I won't cop an arrogant attitude. I won't even think smugly to myself, "I've arrived."

Instead, I will do what I have always done. I will drop to my knees, bow my head and

When it happens I will publicly thank those who have stood by me, encouraged, (even discouraged, although I won't name names) and assisted me along the way.

Because regardless of what we accomplish in this world, we never do it on our own.

Ever.

Life's pathway is strewn with the people we need to help us get where we're going.

Sure, it feels good to have our cheerleaders on the sidelines. But we need the critics to make us stop, think and re-evaluate. Critics force us to look at the bigger picture and ask ourself the tough questions. Perhaps they're right? Is this attainable? Should I adopt a different strategy? Could I be better?

The people that are hell-bent on bringing you down? (Not to be confused with critics).Use them to motivate you. Yep, I said motivate. They are a fact of life. They won't go away. So you have two choices. You can let them gnaw at your confidence. Or you can picture the surprised look on their face when you've accomplished the impossible. (And that's all you get to do. No 'i told you so's'. That's tacky and it serves no purpose.)

Our friends are the ones we go to for the truth. Because regardless of how much it may hurt, they will always be brutally honest with us. Even it makes us cry.

So, in my life, whichever one of the above you recognize in yourself, whether it be Critic, Encourager, Discourager, Friend or Enemy, I thank God for you.

Because with your help and His, I WILL achieve this goal.

TOTAL writers block!!!!!!!!!!

I do so apologize for not blogging, y'all. This may be hard to believe but I just don't have anything to say right now. Nothin'. Nada. Zilch. On top of that my camera is broke. And if I did have something to say it probably wouldn't be positive and I don't want to bring anybody down. Be patient. Sophia should be born within the next 30 days, and you'll be the first to know when that happens. Also, as promised within the next 60-90 days I should be able to post the synopsis of the book. I can't do that until I get permission from the publisher and my publicist.

I do want to say thank you for reading.