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Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado
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Image (c) 2007, Karla Dorman.
My influences come from personal experiences or from things I have observed first-hand.
My two older sisters were good at writing; even though we had our differences, I still admire their writing. Both have exceptional verbal, cognitive, and reasoning skills (both are exceptionally gifted). I think it was because of this that I, too, eventually, would learn to love (and appreciate) the art of writing.
The most important influence of my writing is Jesus Christ, as He gave me this Gift on 9/11/01. He allowed me to open up and grieve and, in time, heal. So, Jesus, thank You from the bottom of my heart: you've blessed me beyond measure! I dedicate my words to You.
I also must thank my twin sister, Karla (the StormSpinner) for encouraging me.
There are many here at Author's Den who've become friends to me. I wish I could thank all of you, but there are several who must be mentioned for their neverending support and reading/reviewing my words: Michelle Kidwell, Sarah Tagert, Eileen Waldron, Ed Kostro, Felix Perry, Georg Mateos, Dorothy Krusky, Joyce Bowling, Karen Palumbo, Sage Sweetwater, Kate Burnside, Donny Barbarossa, Cynth'ya Lewis Reed, Bonnie May, Trish McQueen, LaBelle Rouge, and Rose Ridout, among many others.
Anyone who has stopped in my little corner of the Den, thank you for leaving your mark, your words, your heart, your prayers. :)
If you are not listed, please forgive me: so many here have opened their hearts to me and my words, I can't possibly remember all of you! LOL
Birth Place: mansfield, OH u. s. a.
Accomplishments: Am a published author (co-wrote a book with Karla Dorman and Michelle Kidwell, "With A Little Help", which focuses on living with disability from a Christian standpoint; hope to have more books in future; would love to see some of my stories in print! :)
Making my TV debut next week (see Karla's and my blogs for the juicy details!!). We are sooo excited, but we are getting really nervous, too! :) This is going to be verrrrrrrrry interestin'.......
Am to be featured in a local magazine (late spring, early summer); interviewing us in a week about our writing. Excitment builds! :) Will let you know how it goes; stay tuned!~
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Books

|  | with a little help by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado i sent some of my poems to michelle kidwell, and she is putting them in her forthcoming book, with a little help....
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Short Stories
 An Inuit Girl's Diary. (Part Eleven) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Aama writes in her journal while waiting to go to sleep for the night....
Trinh's Story. (Part Eight) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Trinh Michael Madison continues to do well, much to his mother's delight....
Bill's Thoughts And Musings (Saturday, November 7, 2009) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "I have been on my face in prayer, asking for answers, and praying for the dead and their families. I don't know when I've cried so much!"
Bill Sandusky reflects on the tragedy in Fort Hoo...
Angel-Girl. (Part Twenty-Three) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "It's like reliving the horrors of September 11, 2001, all over again, excepting on a much smaller scale..."
Sage McDermott of Colorado is feeling a sense of anger and helplessness, as are a...
Ice. (Part Six) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Ice Esquival lets us know how she is doing. She continues to struggle with family problems....
Ingrid's Story. (Part Thirteen) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "...He is the best thing that's ever happened to me..."
Ingrid Schoenfeldter of Norway continues to enjoy her life, even with living with a progressive neuromuscular disorder that tests her ...
Sunshine Lee's Scribblings (Entry Five) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Sunshine Lee writes in her journal while waiting for the bus to take her home from school for the day....
Milton's Story. (Part Nine) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "I know it's been a while since I last put pen to paper..."
Milton Eddeston of Ames, Iowa, updates us on what is going on in his life.
Image (C) 2007, Karla Dorman....
Caz's Story. (Part Five) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "If I didn't have them (or my church family), I'd have gone crazy long ago!"
Caz Morgan Tyndale of Boca Raton, Florida, updates us on what is going on in her world.
Image (C) 2006,...
Suzanne And Margaret Richey: Another Update, Fall 2009. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "Our daughter, Suzanne, who is going to be 20 in a few months, continues to amaze people with her courage and her will to overcome."
Suzanne Richey, who is recovering from a brain aneurysm, c...
My Father Was Killed At Church.: Paisley's Story, Part Two. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "If you think I'm doing better, you're sadly mistaken."
Paisley Grace Winbottom is still having a hard time dealing with the memories of her father, who was killed at church, especially wit...
Our Three Sons (Part Two): The Adoption Chronicles. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Joe Baker updates us on what is going on in their world. Joe and his husband, Royal Griggs, are the (adoptive) parents to three young boys, ages 13, 11, and 8....
Kaitlyn Ashley Colbert's Story. (Part Nine) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Kaitlyn Ashley Colbert is home from the hospital after her recent heart surgery. She is feeling a lot better, much to her family's relief....
Frank Hammer's Journal (Second Entry): 11/3/09. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Frank is relieved that his wife, Katrina, is over the swine flu. He's also relieved that Hallowe'en is over....
David's Story. (Part Nine) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "You couldn't have asked for prettier weather..."
Terri Hershey is looking forward to her new baby and the holiday season.
Image (C) 2009, Karla Dorman....
A Pastor's Musings (Entry Twelve): Harvest Festival A Howling Success!! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Pastor Bilkey writes about the successful Harvest Festival their church held this past weekend....
Mommers. (Part Two) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "With Christmas coming up next month, things don't look very merry for our family. I don't think there'll be enough money for gifts under the tree. In fact, I don't think we will even have a tre...
Anh Kim's Journal (November 1, 2009) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "Today is a gorgeous fall day: bright, pristine-blue skies, with no clouds whatsoever, with temperatures in the middle to upper fifties, and a light wind blowing in from the northwest."
Anh ...
Louisiana's Thoughts And Musings (November 1, 2009): Glad THAT'S Overwith! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "I am sooo glad that's overwith and done! Today left to go, and the Harvest Festival is over as of three o'clock this afternoon!"
A very tired Louisiana Sandusky writes in her journal prio...
The Burning. (Part Four) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "It's been over two weeks since he got burned; yet he continues to fight valiantly for his very life."
Caden Bollinger continues to fight for life after being burned over 90% of his body aft...
Celebrating Hallowe'en The 'Wright' Way! (10/31/'09) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado The Wright family of Conyers, Georgia, throw themselves into their real first Hallowe'en since adopting five new children into the family within a year's time....
Johnathon's Jottings: Happy Boo Day To You, Too!! (10/30/'09) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "Farmer Johnathon" is in the house!...
The Ronee' Files: It's Harvest Festival Time!! :D (10/30/'09) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Ronee' Reaux is pumped about the Harvest Festival at her church, which starts tonight. She's also excited about the Christmas Cantata, which is a little over a month away....
Phaedra's Story. (Part Three) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Phaedra Rose McEntire (best friend to Caz Tyndale) is excited about the Hallowe'en party tomorrow night; she can't wait to go....
Mexican White-Boy. (Part Thirteen) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado "Every day I get commented on my brown skin, my dark hair, and my black eyes. Every day I get picked on because I'm not like the gringo dudes."
Artie (Arturo) Jiminez updates us on what has...
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Poetry
 Feelin' Stressed... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I did something I said I wasn't going to do: I broke down and wrote a poem.
Have been feeling sorry for myself, not a good day. Bear with me....
hot, hot, hot! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado a haiku. enjoy!...
Olympic Dreams, Dreams Of Glory... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A brief break from story writing.
My salute to the Olympics: LET THE GAMES BEGIN! :D...
With A Little Help (From My Friends and Mostly From God!) (For George C.) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I needed a good kick in the pants; thanks! *grins*...
why should i pray?? (thanks, michael newdow, for destroying my faith!) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado no explanation needed. i have lost my faith....
london terrorist attack..haiku by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado another nation mourns the tragic loss of life at the hands of cowards. god bless great britain and her people today; keep them in your prayers!...
where is the REAL country music?? by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado was listening to a classic country music station, and this poem came to mind...enjoy! :)...
i am not leaving..i am staying! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado i have been sponsored, so i am not leaving anytime soon! :) god is good! :D
i feel just like the child in the picture....HAPPY! her faces mirrors the joy i am feeling right now! :)...
Lost: One Small Child Named Ronee' *FICTION!!* by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I am STILL wondering how Ronee' managed to escape from my den and managed to wander all the way to Robert's den....LOL
***NOTE: THE CHARACTER IN WHICH THIS POEM IS ABOUT IS ENTIRELY FICTION...
home, sweet home! :D (by ronee', aged 10 1/2--world traveler!) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado ronee' is at long last reunited with her worried (if very relieved!) family.
i so enjoyed robert's series of vacations; and they were all delightful! i enjoyed them so much i may do the sam...
karla is on her way! she is on her cruise! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado karla starts her mexican holiday today. ...
spring cleaning (inspired by eileen waldron; thanks! :) ) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado time for a major attitude adjustment, folks..hang on to your hats! *grins*...
does anyone even CARE??: a rant by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado still having probs here, may have to leave to get my mind straightened out...is it just me, or is anyone else having problems at their den??...
Michelle's Challenge: What's In A Name? ~Acrostic Poem~ by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A poem using just the letters in my name. An interesting little challenge; thanks, Michelle! :)...
Who I Really Am (For Karla's Challenge!) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Another poem about me. Thanks for the challenge, Karla! :D
My meter is something to be desired; I am still learning, so bear with me....
stressed out... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado how i am faring lately...
author's note: i have been at my job for over four years, and i am still not making what i should be. i am barely making above minimum wage, and i have proven time ...
thanks for being there, my friends! :D by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado the title says it all....
Discouraged... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Trying to battle the demons of depression. (This has been going on since Friday.)...
sinking... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado life in general is stressing me out; i don't know if i can take much more...
I am having problems dealing with non-English people at my job (most of the people in the back don't speak Engli...
christmas, as seen by one who is struggling... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado christmas is getting harder and harder for me to enjoy...
i pray you never end up poor or hungry, or living from day to day...
then people wonder why i am often so stressed out or de...
What I Would REALLY Like For Christmas *By Ronee', aged 10 1/2* by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A young girl shares her list of what she wants for Christmas in poetry form....
Dear Karen: A Letter To Myself (For Bear's Challenge, Part Two) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado The continuation of the letter I started yesterday to myself....
Dear Karen: A Letter To Myself (Bear's Challenge) (Part One) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A letter to myself, as written by me. Done in letter format....
My Christmas Wishes... (By M'buti) *FICTIONAL* by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A young woman originally from East Africa writes down her Christmas wishes in the form of a poem....
Hip, Hip, Hurray! It's Michelle Kidwell's Birthday! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A special birthday poem for one of my dearest friends I have yet to meet (but one who has shown me much love and support!). Happy birthday, Michelle; this is for you with love!...
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Articles
 Taking A Break... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Explanation below......
Why Do I Write? Because I Want To! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I write, yet I also feel frustrated....
Book Review: Lessons From Jacob by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A book that I highly recommend, particularly for those who are parenting children who are severely handicapped, and the lessons these very special children can teach the rest of us....
I Am VERY ANGRY right now. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Keep getting phished; keep losing friends at MySpace!...
Goin' To The Nascar Races Tomorrow!! WAHOOOOOO!! :D by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Second trip to Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth; will be attending the O'Reilly 300 Challenge race for the NASCAR Busch Series. It's gonna' be a great time!! ...
Cajun..A Tribute To A Great Cat! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I've had several cats, but "Cajun" was probably my favorite!!!!!
The pic isn't actually "Cajun", but this cat comes awfully close, in terms of resemblance; she looked a lot like this kitty!...
Why Am I Doing This??: Another Rant...Or: Please Stop Hitting My Poetry!! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado My stories still getting not enough hits, my poetry continues to get raves. WHY??...
Think I Am Going To Leave For A While. I Can't Write, So Why Read?: A Rant by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Feeling frustrated, feeling depressed....
Short But To The Point: I Can't Help How I Feel About This. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado My musings about my poetry verses my stories. Plese bear with me....
How Much More Can I Stand??? Please Keep Me In Prayer! :( by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Problems. Problems. And MORE problems. ARGGGGH!!!!...
Friends... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I have some mighty wonderful friends here; thank you for being there for me and believing in what I do! :) In addition, I also have the love and support of a twin sister who is also a writer here. :)...
I Am Getting Published!! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado God DOES exist, and He DOES care for me. :) He is blessing me, and I hope it continues!! :)...
i need a break from here... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Things are going crazy here...I don't know if it is me or what...I need to take a little time away from here......
I Am Not Going To Let Things Worry Me Anymore! (Or: Karen's Musings, Part One) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A "pep-talk" for myself, if you will. I have had enough of complaining about things that I have absolutely no control over, and I am putting my problems in God's Hands! Let HIM deal with all this emot...
Let's Face It. My Life Sucks. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Am having a "poor, poor, pitiful me" day. So please excuse me....
Disability: What It Is Like... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado What life is like for me or for those who have disability....
Joel...Book Review By Karen Lynn by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado I recommend this book; just read it last week, and was profoundly moved....
Hospitals Make Great Ideas For Stories! :) (For Karla With Love! Thanks For The Inspiration!) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Went with my sister to the emergency room last week, and ever since, I have had a plethora of ideas cooking in my brain! :) Thanks, Karla, and especially a special thank you to your pinched nerve! :P ...
frustration... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado continuing to learn the ropes here, guys.......
Rattled Nerves... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado We had a round of severe weather last night here in North Central Texas that knocked out our power for over five hours, hurricane-force winds, and a lot of heavy rain and flooding. Thank GOD no floodi...
A Talented Writer, My Friend Michelle Kidwell... by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado If you like stories that make you think or feel good, you ought to check this young lady out! She is terrific!...
I Used To Love Christmas, But Now I HATE It. by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado The title says it all. My reasons why are below....
Why Can't People See Beyond My Disability? by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Am going to be looking for another job (tomorrow, I am applying at the brand new Olive Garden); but am fearful at what people may think when they first see me.......
Why Do I Write About Disabilities So Much? by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Maybe people wonder why I write about disability so much. Well, I am about to tell you the reasons why....
God Has Answered Some Of My Prayers! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado God keeps on blessing me, even when I don't feel worthy of them! ...
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News
 I Might Have A Second Book Out!!!! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Michelle Kidwell and I are thinking of doing another collaborative effort!
Image (C) 2007, Karla Dorman....
Published Story: International!! :D by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado My first story published in Japanese publication!!!!
Image (C) 2006, Karla Dorman....
To be interviewed for local magazine Friday! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado A local magazine wants to interview us about our writing!...
WAAAAAAAA!!!!! I AM A TV STAR!! LOL by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Saw the video of the TV program we were featured on. DORK CITY!! LOL (I'm the dork; Karla did better than I did! LOL)...
Texas Writing Twins To Be Featured In Local Magazine Article!! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Burleson, Texas, has two new writing sisters who will be featured in local magazine!! :)...
The Texas Twins To Be On Television!!!!! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado Read my blog for all the juicy details......
my book has been out for a while now; am enjoying this! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado my book came out last year; got my first copy while in hospital in nov. '06; i am now an honest to gosh published author! :)...
My First Book to be out ANY DAY NOW! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado My first book, "With A Little Help" (co-authored with a fellow author here at the Den, Michelle Kidwell), will be out any day now. PublishAmerica is the one who has published it; am just waiting for i...
will have first book out within the year! :) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado i have co-written a book with my friend in california, michelle kidwell, and it has just been accepted for publication by publishamerica! ...
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Links
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| Karen Lynn's FaceBook Page
I'm now here! You can find me here! :)
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TxStoryTeller on You Tube
Presenting the TxStoryTeller, twin sister to the StormSpinner!
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Additional information
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| My stories and the majority of my writing deals with life issues, in particularly disability issues (as I, myself, am disabled; vision and hearing problems, walk on forearm crutches because of degenerative arthritis; have other health issues), but refuse to let my disabilities live ME. I pray my stories bring people joy, hope and empathy for the physically, mentally, emotionally disabled). Many in today's society do not know what it is like to be disabled unless it happens to them or someone they know; they still have far too many misconceptions about the disabled.
I would like to help change that.
I also strongly feel there is a need for more books featuring people with disabilities. Currently, and in the past, the disabled were the butt of jokes or minor (unimportant) characters.
The majority of characters I write about are either disabled or know someone close to them that are living with disability. |
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Contact
Information
321 s. w. thomas street apartment # burleson, tx.
TX
76028
u. s. a. |
Fax: none |
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