Kate Loveton aka Ravens Dork
After blogging for a year and a half, I guess it’s time I shared a little about myself for those of you who kindly read my blog. So, here goes:
I’m a mature blogger (read ‘older than dirt’ – okay, perhaps not quite, but certainly not a debutante any longer). I started writing fiction about two or three years ago. It was quite dreadful – trust me. Hopefully, I’m improving with each story I write.
I live in Southern Pennsylvania with my husband, “Mr. Loveton,” and three miniature dachshunds. Both Mr. Loveton and the dogs are forced to listen to me read aloud each story I’ve written before I post it on my blog. They are saints. No, actually they are hostages.
I commute each day into Baltimore for my job as an executive legal assistant. While I’m immersed in the world of contracts, my mind often wanders far afield. The results of those wanderings appear on this blog under the ‘fiction‘ tab. I hope you’ll take a look.
I love sports, and am a rabid Orioles and Ravens fan. None of my family members like to attend games with me. I’m a very vocal Orioles fan; I’m an even more vocal Ravens fan – I bleed purple! And I scream a lot. 😀
I adore the music of Frank Sinatra. His songs are the soundtrack to my life. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy other artists and other musical genres, but Frank’s definitely The Man. Throw in some Billie Holiday, some Ella Fitzgerald, spice it up with some Janis Joplan, and I’m a happy trooper.
Besides sports and music, I enjoy the theater. I subscribe to the Baltimore theater season at the Hippodrome, and I try to go to New York at least once a year to see a few shows. I think I must know the words to most of the Broadway musicals ever written! Okay, slight exaggeration – but only slight. 😀
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been an avid reader. I’ll read anything and everything: suspense; mystery; horror; science fiction; biographies; even the occasional romance. My favorite author is John Steinbeck. Stephen King is a close second. You’re probably thinking “Steinbeck and King? What a strange combination.” I don’t think so. They both explore the motivations of the human heart. Steinbeck does so in a way more traditional than King, who utilizes horror – but they both get to the same place in the end.
There’s probably lots more I could say, but why bore you? Instead, I’ll ask that you visit me often. I promise to try to entertain you with some short stories and provide some book recommendations along the way.
One day – if I can find time to do this – I intend to provide a list of all of my stories here, along with a link to them. It’s a project for the future.
For now, thanks for visiting with me – and don’t be a stranger, okay?
Odyssey of a Novice Writer 
Hi Kate – have you gone forever off our radar? or just having a break?
Hi Bruce, I am just taking a break. I’ve been unable to sit down and write lately – too tired in the evenings after working all day, and running all over the place on the weekends. Some writer I am!
But I will be back soon. I have a story in the pipeline, and another in mind… I just need to find a stretch of time to sit down and work on them. This weekend, my husband and I are leaving on an anniversary cruise to the Caribbean. Hopefully, I’ll come back recharged and ready to jump back into the fray.
Hope you’re doing well!
Hi Kate,
I have nominated you for The Encouraging Thunder Award. The link is below
https://simplemomentsoflife.wordpress.com/2015/07/12/the-encouraging-thunder-award/
Nimi
We have at least 3 things in common. I bleed purple too, just because I love it so much! I’ve been an avid reader since I was 5. I love writing- my blog! That’s all I’m doing for now, and it is so fulfilling.
Melinda
I love a sister who bleeds purple. 😀
Howdy – I meant to comment last week but… things.
Anyway, great to learn more about you, it’s nice to put faces and personalities to posts 🙂
I don’t follow any sports myself, and know *nothing* about US sports, but because one half of my in-laws is originally from Baltimore, so the only stuff I own with sporting logos on is Orioles.
I’m also a massive King fan – but was burnt on Steinbeck in highschool. Like Shakespeare, I think I owe Steinbeck a second chance.
Cheers
KT
If you’re going to own sporting stuff with ANY team’s logo on it, the Orioles is THE team! I say that, of course, with total objectivity… 😀
I’ve just finished reading “Revival” by King. In a week or so, I’m going to start a book of several of his short stories… it’s called “After Sunset.”
As for Steinbeck, you were probably forced to read “The Grapes of Wrath” – it’s my least favorite book by Steinbeck.
Thanks so much for liking my comment about forbidden words. There’s more like that on Actonbooks.com. It’s mostly about the small stuff of history. My goal is to find the definitive answer to what a cup of coffee tasted like 150 years ago, how bad the streets smelled and why people wore so many clothes in the summer. (The last may have a bearing on the street thing, I’m guessing.) Some of it you might interest in an idle moment — enough to add to your sites you like?
‘Go Orioles!’ he added, as the Mets slide gracefully back to their rightful place…
Even if I weren’t interested in history, I think I’d follow you just because you said “Go Orioles!” 😀
I look forward to reading your blog – I like those odd bits of historical trivia.
(By the way, I’m seeing the Orioles and the Mets play at Camden Yards in August. I’ll wave hello if the TV cams drift my way. 😀 )
Not such a good record on the road those Mets…
I like the Mets… mainly because they aren’t the Yankees. 😉
Great to read all about you. You’re very interesting! Wondering – do you know Heather B. Costa from your blogs or have you known each other for years?
None of my business, but just wondering…
Hi Sharon. Heather and I know each other from another writing platform. I commented on something she once wrote, and our friendship took off. We immediately discovered that in spite of a big difference in our ages and our geographical location, we were alike in fundamental ways. In the ways in which we are different from one another, we find ourselves amused by each other. She laughs at my American accent (kindly) and delights in trying to confuse me with something called ‘mockney cockney’ which is some bizarre rhyming slang beloved by certain Brits. She also laughs at her ability to shock me at times (um… did you see that healing crystal she carries around? oh my!). Frankly, she makes me laugh and during our bi-weekly Skype sessions, we get on like a house on fire. 🙂
Awww, shucks Kate, I couldn’t have said it better myself! ❤ ❤
I think Kate enjoys my appropriately rude sense of humour, although the times I make her laugh are usually unintentional on my part and because I've pronounced a word incorrectly such as 'herb' or 'aluminium'. Has Kate told you that we spent at least 30 minutes at our last Skype chat discussing the origins of the word 'herb'?
Kate and I don't tend to discuss world politics during our chats, mainly because correct enunciation and pronunciation is the answer to all the world's problems… 😆
That and I love her (in a purely platonic kind of way!)
❤ ❤ ❤
Obviously you are both part of the same constellation.
Very nicely done. I have a really hard time with the “abouts,” partly because I’m a very boring person!!! But you did great.
Jan, I’m sure that’s not true! Have I ever mentioned how much I like your avatar? You’ve a GREAT smile.
I love the revamp of your ‘About’ page, Kate, and what a fine job you’ve done with it! ❤ ❤
I guess I'm going to find out first-hand how rabid an Orioles supporter you are when we watch the game in August. I've packed my Yankees cap already… 🙂
You will wear that Yankees cap into the stadium over your dead body! (You thought I was going to say ‘my’ dead body, didn’t ya? :D)
Thanks for making me aware my ‘about’ page was pretty ‘about-less’ – and for egging me on to get something posted there. (By the way, you should read my response to Sharon – she wanted to know how we knew one another… I left out the part about the stint in prison… !) 😉
Ahhhh, the prison stint will forever be our secret, besides, I think we both look great in orange, it is the new black, after all… 🙂
It’s a great pic that you chose to go with and you in no way look like a dork, besides your poor taste in sports teams….joke! Please don’t chase me with a pitchfork! 🙂
Wearing the Yankees cap over my own dead body? I thought you’d promised to protect me… 🙂 ❤ ❤
Now, you know you love the Ravens – mainly because you look good in purple.
I did promise to protect you if you wore the Yankees cap… but I’m a fickle friend. Better you know that now than at the stadium! 😉 😀
I do love my purple Ravens hat and the colour has significant meaning to me.
I promise to leave the Yankees cap at home! 😆
My About page is very sad compared to your, Kate. I have one paragraph. I was wondering what you looked like. A beautiful woman.
You’re very kind, Glynis – about the page and your remark about my appearance. That happens to be one of those photos that for some reason turns out really well. It was a happy surprise since I was at the beach and, if you look closely, I was suffering from ‘beach hair’ 🙂 . My husband took that photo; for once, he managed NOT to cut off my head. His photography skills are… um… non-existent.
You forgot to add that Audrey loves you! 😉 😉 For a Pennsylvanian you have your share of southern beauty. Inside and out! Beautiful! I have a feeling, Kate, that your hostages are willing participants. ♡
I also forgot to add that Audrey shares the same name as my mom! I’ll take that southern beauty compliment. I love all things southern for sure! (That definitely includes Rhett Butler.) 🙂 Thanks for the lovely comments, my friend. ❤
I like what Cindy Bruchmen said. I agree. I feel I already know you. But it’s good that you FINALLY got with the program and did a proper ABOUT PAGE! haha
😀 Yeah, it was time, wasn’t it?
Love your About Page. Nice to catch up on some of the small things you haven’t shown about yourself in your posts. Nice to know you. ❤ ❤ ❤
Aw, thanks, Tess. One of the happy by-products of blogging is that you often meet people that you enjoy interacting with. That’s certainly been my experience – and it’s especially true when it comes to you. I’ve enjoyed reading about your China experiences – fascinating. But, dear Tess, it is your fiction I most enjoy. I love your way with a story. I don’t think I need to add you have a big heart. It’s already evident.
Thank you for making my day.
Oh, shucks, Kate. I don’t do anything unusual. I scribble and knit the words. Sometimes they co-operate; sometimes I take a hammer to them.
I particularly enjoy your style, which is seamless and ‘appears’ effortless when I read them. ❤ ❤
Yes, I feel we know each other, though we not in person, but I suppose in essence. You make me smile as I feel a warmth about your I enjoy.
The China trip was amazing and cost a song for all I got out of it. Pure luck. This has spoiled me for any other offers I've looked at since. I have lots more about China I left out but I have to cut off sometime and by this point, I was aching to go home to my family and my kitty.
I've been retired close to a decade (almost said a century :-D). Blog World is my world now and I choose like-minded, kind people to enjoyed my days with.
Will be taking the summer off from blogging– in a week or so — to catch up on many incomplete projects.
Have a wonderful Sunday, Kate. ❤ It's been wonderful chatting with you today.
It’s always wonderful to chat with you, Tess. I can’t recall where you live… but perhaps you will one day travel to the East Coast and we can meet up for a true Wednesday Whine (over a glass of wine!). That would be lovely!
Enjoy your well deserved blogging break – and then come back, okay? I’ll miss you!
I’m in Canada not far from Niagara Falls. I could use another well-known landmark but Niagara will do.
Are you the welcome committee for bloggers, Kate? ❤ 😀
It’s funny, a lot of what you shared I already knew! You leave a little bit of yourself with each post. (The Wednesday whine session helps, too). Anyway, you are one of my favorite bloggers and I sure am glad to visit; I think you are a very talented writer. Glad you shared yourself.
Thank you, Cindy! I appreciate your saying I’m one of your favorite bloggers – means a lot – and I am grateful for the writing encouragement you’ve given me. Thank you so much!
You should have been to dinner with me last night, Cindy. My husband and I met up with old friends and we had quite a time discussing Barbara Stanwyck (one friend had recently read a relatively new bio about ‘Missy’), and several hours of conversation about old films and film stars flew by. 🙂 You would have loved it!
I sure would! Next time I’m in Philadelphia, I shall give you a head’s up and we can have some wine and talk movies 😉
Cindy, I would absolutely love that!
You astound me 😊
I would say that’s true of both of us…
Congrats on the new book, “Selkie.” If it’s half as good as “Strong as Death,” you will have a winner on your hands.
Here’s hoping 🙂
Absolutely.
Steinbeck and King…that IS quite a combination.
Though I’ve never seen a Broadway musical, I do enjoy musicals and plays offered up by various performing art centers located in and around the city where I live. By far the best I have seen is To Kill a Mockingbird.
Sounds like you have a very interesting life, Kate.
Re Steinbeck and King… if you think about it, Cathy, it’s true. King is a VERY moralistic writer. In his darkest tales, good always wins out. Not without sacrifice and courage, however. There is always a heavy price to pay for the victory.
King is too easily dismissed as just a successful writer of horror. He is so much more than that. Beneath the horror is a strong core of truth that comes through in his characters and their motivations. At his best, his stories recognize evil for what it is (like Steinbeck’s) and King understands how little guys often have to screw up their courage to fight the darkness (like Steinbeck).
I would love to see a dramatization of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Most of the shows I see are musicals, but I’ve seen a few dramas on Broadway as well.
I once had front row, center seats to see George C. Scott in a production of “Inherit the Wind.” He was a magnificent actor! I was close enough to see the intensity of his eyes, very blue and angry in that production. He was amazing. (That was a touring production in Baltimore; I would have never been able to afford front row seats on Broadway!)
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Kate, send me your mailing address for the publisher (Forge) please
KateLoveton@yahoo.com
Sistah. this is for you: http://www.yeahwrite.me
Thanks, Lucy. I saved it to my favorites to check it out.
Great blog! Looking forward to setting up a tent and reading through.
Thank you!
You’re welcome ❤
Hello Kate, would you kindly email me at MIC-Contest@outlook.com
Thanks!
Thanks for following The Immortal Jukebox Kate. I hope you are finding lots to entertain you and maybe making some discoveries. If you haven’t visited for a while check it out again. Please feel free to add comments. Good luck with your vivid writing. Regards Thom.
Hi!
I have nominated you for the No Strings Attached Award. I truly enjoy reading your blog and look forward to reading more.
https://simplemomentsoflife.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/the-no-strings-attached-award/
Love,
Nimi
Thank you, Nimi. So kind of you! ❤
I love it! I love your alter ego! Hahahaha. your coworkers and boss are missing the magic 😉
Thank you. *grin* My former boss occasionally reads my blog. I’m not sure he knows what he should think about some of the stuff I write. It’s pretty different from the way I am on the job. Good thing for my co-workers! Otherwise, they’d think they’d just crossed over into THE TWILIGHT ZONE. 😀
Hello Kate! I’ve decided to read and follow 10 interesting and new blogs a day every day of May 2015, and yours is today’s #8! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Happy blogging!
It’s great to meet you Kate. I look forward to reading your work.
Best wishes,
Hugh
Thank you, Hugh – I am looking forward to reading more of your work as well. 🙂
Thanks Kate for following my blog! I have a high regard for your writing and your humanitarian beliefs.
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the real neat blog award. Here is the link to the rules: https://writercookie.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/the-real-neat-blog-award/
You’re welcome. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
Hi Kate,
Thank you for following my blog and visiting. I hope you’ll enjoy my blog. 🙂
Melody….
You’re welcome! 🙂
Thanks for the follow!!! Look forward to reading your blog. 🙂
You’re very welcome. 🙂
Hi, Kate. I can’t find an e-mail address for you, so I guess I’ll ask here. Would you possibly be interested in participating in a blog tour? It’s four questions about your writing life. I was nominated a while ago and I love your blog and would love to nominate you if you’re interested. If so I would need a picture and brief bio. If not, that’s okay, but if you could respond either way that would be great. You can look at the post that nominated me for an example: https://wineandhistory.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/a-tour-a-writers-tour/
If you’d like to participate, you can e-mail me at psangle10@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Hi Kate, thanks for following my blog. Already I can tell I’m going to enjoy yours. Always great to meet a fellow writer and book lover in the WP community.
Thanks, Hayley! How could I resist a blog titled ‘Books Are Delicious’? 😀 It is great to meet you, too.
My dear friend Kate, I know you are artistic and creative and a natural for this award. Tag.
Hi Mark – forgive me for the late acknowledgment of your kind nomination. I am a bit behind in things at the moment. But thank you! I shall respond in due time. 🙂
Take your (due) time, my friend. You’re welcome, and most deserving, Kate.
Hi! Fia Essen nominated me for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, and I’ve nominated you. Check it out. https://laurenjeffreywriter.wordpress.com
Hi Lauren, thank you for the kind nomination! Since I’ve accepted this award in the past, I’ll have to simply acknowledge with gratitude your nomination. 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Thanks for stopping by my blog to comment and follow! I am glad to know that you have rescued dachshunds and have three. They are an adorable breed. At our annual Wind Fest there are dachshund races. I have enjoyed exploring your blog and reading your work. Best of luck to you as you follow your inner dreams!
Thank you! 🙂
Hey Kate, I nominated you for an award here http://kidfarmer.wordpress.com/2015/01/04/my-wordpress-family/
Have a good day!! 🙂
Good luck with the writing Kate!
Your blog is very interesting. Your ideas are very refreshing to me. Please have a blessed day.
Thank you! And a blessed new year to you, my friend.
You are very kind. Thank you.
Much success in all the you aspire to do. May your writings be read by an infinite number of readers. Great bio 😉
Thank you, my friend! Happy new year!
I think corporate law can be really interesting. It often delves into culture war issues as well.
Not sure how I never read this before. Do you like being a legal secretary? My daughter is considering it.
I currently assist the General Counsel of a global corporation. Corporate law is more to my liking. In the past, I’ve worked in the Criminal Justice system (the US Courts) as well as for attorneys in private practice. It has been a good career for me.
Check out my ‘Wednesday Whine’ – I’ve mentioned your book!
I bet you get to wear nice clothes, too. I love how Kate Hudson dressed for work in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I’m imaging you dressing like that. 🙂
You must get to learn a lot about the corporate world. I think that’s very intriguing. My main character for the series I’m writing becomes a banker and I’ve really had to stretch my mind to understand the world of stocks, bonds and corruption.
You are so kind to mention my book! It’s very exciting when I think that finally I let my characters out and have had such positive feedback. We all want people to love our children!
Thanks so much, Kate.
All the best,
A
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see the sky and sun brighter each day.
You are inspiring…
http://followingthegoldenquill.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Glad to know you through the WordPress.
You, too, my friend!
Keep inspiring and smiling.
🙂
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Kate,
Would you mind to provide me with your email address? If you have it listed here somewhere, I can’t find it. lol
I have a question to ask you, and don’t wish to post it here. My email address is: wktucker@cox.net.
And if you wish to keep your contact info private, I understand.
Thanks,
Kathy
Just sent you an email. 🙂
Would you like to do a Social Media Tag?
Link is here: http://followingthegoldenquill.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/social-media-tag-2/
The tag is about sharing your book, whether WIP or published one, on the blog and tagging other five people to share theirs.
Best wishes.
Kate, I know you’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award and others, but your blog is just that good, so my list would not have been complete without you on it. You can check out the post here: http://helenespinosa.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/there-is-so-much-love-here/
Forgive me for late response, Helen; I am so sorry! I appreciate so much that you nominated me for this award. As you mentioned, I’ve accepted it in the past – but I wanted you to know how grateful I am for your recognition! 🙂
You are most welcome! I enjoy your blog very much.
Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. 🙂 Here is the post: http://invisibleworldd.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/one-lovely-blog-award/
Hi Megan! I hadn’t realized it at first, but I’d accepted this award in August, so I will have to thank you but pass on the acceptance. I am grateful for the honor though. 🙂
No problem. Congratulations on the award!
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One Lovely Blog Award is waiting for you here:
http://viktoryarch.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you, my friend. I will answer the lovely award you’ve graced me with – but it may take me a couple of weeks. ❤
Take your time.
“She stared at what was left of her martini, idly swirling the remains with a toothpick weighted with olives. Rick, her favorite bartender, quietly polished glasses at the other end of the bar, knowing not to disturb her.”
I wish I had time to read it all tonight. But this…
THIS….this makes me want to stay up late to explore fiction all over again.
What a JOY and a TREAT to have you stop by my little bloggy! Looking forward to exploring yours and thankful for a new writerly connection!
Blessings on you AND your writing,
Cassandra
http://www.thiscrazylittlefarm.com
❤