Hi, I’m Debby Gies. I’m a Canadian author, and I write my books under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. Welcome to my page and thanks for taking the time to visit!
You have landed here on my author website, which is also the place I love to blog about random occurrences and events about life. I also like to post articles about writing that I find informative and helpful for other writers, as well as share reviews on books I’ve read. Sharing is caring!
I’m a nonfiction memoir writer who writes about life, matters of the heart and women’s issues. My intent is to inspire others by sharing my stories about events I encountered, and the lessons that come along with them.
I love to laugh, and self-medicate with a daily dose of humor. When I’m not writing intimate memoirs, you’ll find me writing with humor in some of my other works and blog posts.
When I was a young child, I was very observant about my surroundings. Growing up in a tumultuous family life; otherwise known as a broken home, kept me on guard about the on-and-off-going status of my parents’ relationship. I often wrote notes, and journaled about the dysfunction that I grew up in. By age seven I was certain I was going to grow up to be a reporter.
Well life has a funny way of taking detours. Instead, I moved away from home at eighteen with a few meager belongings and a curiosity for life. I finished university and changed careers a few times always striving to work my way up to managerial positions. My drive to succeed at anything I put my mind to led me to having a very colorful and eventful life.
Ever the optimist, that is me. I’ve conquered quite a few battles in life; health and otherwise, and my refusal to accept the word ‘No’, or to use the words ‘I can’t’, keeps me on a positive path in life.
I love to tell stories that have lessons in them, and hope to empower others by sharing my own experiences.
MY BOOKS:
In keeping up with sharing my experiences in life, I thought about my turbulent voyage through menopause. No, it wasn’t fun. But in retrospect, I had to laugh when comparing symptoms with friends over some of the craziness of the side effects, so I decided to write Meno-What? A Memoir. The book is a short, humorous accounting of my passage through the hormonal injustice. In that book, I share some of the many symptoms I encountered, hoping to shed some light and humor on what women may expect or experience at that unpredictable time. I also offer up some of my helpful hints I found useful for relief.
Words We Carry focuses around women’s self-esteem issues. I talk about how and why we develop a low sense of self by using my own life experiences as examples. I share stories about how I recognized my own shortcomings, and overcame my insecurities, hoping to empower others.
Have Bags, Will Travel is a little travel memoir of tales and reminiscings from some of my more memorable trips, which all factor in the same ongoing issues for me – too much luggage!
My newest book, P.S. I Forgive You is Book II to Conflicted Hearts, a journey of seeking forgiveness for my narcissistic mother. As her death was approaching, I was forced by conflicting thoughts to reconcile my feelings about my mother and find a way to make peace within myself for my decision to remain estranged, yet find forgiveness for her to send her off with compassion.
I write raw and honest about my own experiences, hoping through my writing, that others can relate and find that there is always a choice to move from a negative space, and look for the positive.
Quotes:
“Live Laugh Love . . . And Don’t Forget to Breathe!”
“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”
When I’m not writing, I’m reading or quite possibly looking after some mundane thing in life. It’s also possible I may be on a secret getaway trip, as my passion is traveling.
My favorite reading genres are: biographies, memoirs, books about writing, spirituality, and natural health. I love to read stories about people who overcome adversity, victories, and redemption. I believe we have to keep learning—there is always room for improvement!
I love to cook and concoct new recipes (and I don’t believe in measuring cups), travel, and play poker (although I seldom get the chance), oh, and did I mention travel?
Please feel free to connect with me on social media and any of my author and blog pages at:
www.twitter.com/@pokercubster (Of course there’s a story to this name!)
www.google.com/+debbydgkayegies
You can also sign up right here (top, right sidebar) to receive my posts emailed to you!
© D.G. Kaye and dgkayewriter.com, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to D.G. Kaye and dgkayewriter.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Help spread kindness and positivity!
Join us at #WATWB by clicking on the image.
Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Marjorie Mallon. Come join us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Hi Debby, thanks so much for liking my FB page and stopping by my blog. You have a neat site here.
Just to follow up on our LinkedIn conversation, I am offering a free 500-word critique on manuscripts. So, if you’re curious about the kind of work I do or whether we would be a good match please feel free to contact me.
Take care!
Kate
Hi Kate, thanks for replying and for the compliment. That sounds great, I would like to take you up on that offer for you to have a look at my work. I am thinking this would be best when I’ve finished writing my book and have revised it at least once by myself before submitting. Is this the best way to do it?
Thanks
Debby
You can do it however works best for you. Some writers get just a creative edit instead of a copyedit when they’re between drafts, saving the copyedit for the final draft. Some writers wait until their final draft. And then some writers want to know right after their rough draft if they’re on track with structure and plot, before they do any major rewriting. Up to you, whatever makes you comfortable. 🙂 Have a great day.
Thanks again. This makes sense to me. I probably would want some creative input after the rough draft. Thanks for the insight and I look forward to being in touch with you. Happy Easter!
I am so glad to have found you!
Nice reading about you
Thanks for visiting my blog. Be in touch. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may find something of your interest.
Thank you so much for dropping by again. I loved your blog on Osho!
oh dear thank you so much
Nice meeting you, Debby – looking forward to land here again. Thanks for … sharing my world. Good luck with your book and writing.
Thanks Viveka, I will definitely stop by yours as well! 🙂
I’m wondering what tools you are using for writing. Scrivener seems to be a popular choice among the few authors I know — it keeps everything nicely organized.
I tried to work with Scrivener, I found it interesting and a big learning curve with all the options, I even bought “scrivener for dummies’. It is a good program for organization if you work that way with compartmentalizing on boards and folders but really, I am old fashioned. I write my stories with pen and paper and do my thinking and outlining on notepads. When my first drafts are done I pile my papers on the floor and work like that, I know it seems weird but honestly, that is the only way I can function, Then I enter my work into Word and print a copy and start my revisions from hard copy, I can’t work on the computer when writing or editing, I find it distracting, but that is just me. Thanks for asking, oh and by the way, now my page is doing word things again, when I click on my notifications it takes me off my page, I’m really tired of this nonsense in fact I finally made plans with a web designer to start working on my own site.
Deb… I totally GET how you do that. You told me that before…. but I also print and revise that way… otherwise I find myself with a lot of folders of my book (granted they are dated on the computer) and it gets so confusing… I think people who are computer techies might not understand but I totally do! I think that might be what has been so frustrating… I need to do it your way and print everything again and start revising. Jim above and Paul both sent me revisions and printed and worked from those… so that helped me with what they provided but I am not sure how you stayed focused long enough to get to where you are! Can’t wait till you announce it’s for sale!
xoxo
di
Focus is the objective word! Yes, endurance works too! I am now in my 2nd revisions from my first editor, once you apply yourself and get the hang of it all, it really is fascinating to see your creation get more perfected, even though some of my ‘murdered’ words sting a bit, it makes sense in the end. 🙂
Thanks for the Follow, Debbie. I’ll be back.
Looking forward and thanks for dropping by 🙂
😉
Hi Debbie, great to be visiting your blog, love what you write and I look forward to reading more of it. Great photo of you too. Love Clarabelle 🙂
Hi Clarabelle, thanks so much for visiting! 🙂 And, thanks for the lovely compliments, so glad you found me. 🙂
I love your new blog Debbie. It’s colourful, easy to read and well laid out. Lovely !! Ralph xox 😀
Oh Thanks Ralph! That makes me smile 🙂 Thanks for coming over Ralph, look forward to seeing you more and of course I will be keeping an eye on you:)
D.G. I’m here! Yay!
Yay Amy, hi, thanks for joining my blog, it is starting to feel like home around here! :)))
Okay I came back and this is amazing! I am so happy for you… a little jealous! A lot impressed! YOU my dear are on your way! I am so proud to have been a part of your journey… if just in the audience! One day I will be standing in line at one of of your book signings! 😉
Gotta come back when I am not having to be at work in an hour!
xoxo
Oh Di, finallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy you appear, I have been going crazy with many obstacles along the way but I keep plowing through, in fact I will do a post about endurance, lol. So glad you found me again at my (new home) and thanks for the kudos, I am blushing, lol. I hope I inspire you to get on your horse so have so many beautiful writings already that you could compile into a novella with poems. If I can do it, you most certainly can! 🙂 xo
Thank you for the invite. I wish you a pleasant weekend. Wivi
I forgotten to say that I landed in a very pleasant world here with you.
Oh thanks Viv, that is really touching. I was just responding to another kindred soul about how the universe connects us to like-minded souls. I am glad that you feel welcomed here in my ‘new’ home! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a mark. It is appreciated and I hope you settle your issues with wordpress soon 😉
Thank you for your kind words 🙂
Every time 😉
Thank you for liking my post.
I am like you in that I am a writer – it’s the same as saying I am a woman or I an 5 feet 2 inches tall. It just is. To stop writing would be to stop being me!
Dorinda
So true! 🙂
Thanks for liking my post about Amazon reviews! I wish you all the best with getting your work ‘out there’ – and then waiting with baited breath for the reviews to come in! 🙂
Thanks Dorinda! 🙂
Just wanted to say that you are an inspiration. I am awed by your writing and I can’t wait for that book!
Bestow my heart! Do I detect a new site? kerisjournal? wow, I’m proud! xo
A humorous take in menopause…that sounds like a good read.
Lol, Carol, I’ll tell you, I laugh my head off while writing it!
Thanks for the Like on my blog.
I love your attitude towards writing and life.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Debby, Thanks for the compliment about my food blog. Are you a member of SheWrites? You might love it! Kate
Hah! Just went to SheWrites and saw you there!
Lol, just left you a long reply and then saw this. Hah on both of us 🙂
Hi Kate! Yes, I just got your request and replied 🙂 I left a message there on WP blogger group page. I’ve just been so wrapped up trying to get my book ready to publish and only started going back there last week. It’s a great site, I promise to show up more often! 🙂
thank you for visiting and liking my post!
Very welcome 🙂
D.G., So glad to make your acquaintance. I was also pleased to see you are a fellow redhead, even though our shades are polar opposites. We’re still that vivacious, silly personality that redheads are just born with. My suggestion for the day: Don’t go out in the sun! lol
Thanks for following my blog, and I will follow you!
Thanks Deb! Lol, you are definitely a redhead! And when in the sun, I like to wear a great big hat! So great to connect. 🙂
I saw you once again responding to a post on Elaine Mansfield’s blog, so I’m visiting yours today. I’m not a redhead, but am concerned with hairstyles, having once been a plain, Mennonite girl. Also, I see that we share an interest in both writing and publishing, two very different endeavors.
Hi Marian, lovely to meet you. Yes, I never miss a post by Elaine. She is a very wise women with a beautiful mind and writing style. We have become friends through the blogging world. And yes, writing and publishing are definitely two different beasts! Like most writers, the writing is the part I enjoy most. 🙂
I’m not much of a hairdresser, lol, but when I’m not writing here on writing, I write about life happenings and my books are written from my life experiences and perspective.
Thanks for dropping in, I will be sure to visit you. Oh, and if you want to ask me anything about ‘hairstyles’, feel free, maybe I have something to offer. 🙂
You seem to be an expert on many topics yet you seem so accessible. Thank you, Debby.
Thanks Marian! I suppose that is why I love to write. I try to be accessible in between wearing different hats because surely if we are writers we should engage with our readers who spend their own valuable time visiting and commenting. 🙂
Your blog looks terrific and I look forward to perusing 🙂
Thanks Mandy, and welcome. 🙂
Hey D.G. Thanks for stopping by http://maryaperez.com/running-in-heels-a-memoir-of-grit-and-grace-2/. I’m glad to have found YOU 🙂
Hi Mary, so nice to connect with a fellow memoir writer! Thank you for visiting me too! 🙂
Hugs!
🙂
Hi Debby! I thought you’d might like to know that I nominated your blog for the One Lovely Blog Award. Congratulations! http://maryaperez.com/awards/my-one-lovely-blog-award/
Wow, Mary, I’m touched thank you so much. I’m coming to check it out! 🙂
Your Blog reflects your aura.. Bright and warm.. Its amazing how many of us carry burdens brought on through our Mothers .. I am pleased to meet you and learn you have healed and used your writing as tool not only to heal yourself but to help show others how to heal..
Blessings sent your way
Sue
Thank you so kindly Sue for visiting and for your inspiring words. I truly believe the universe brings together like-minded people in its round-about way. I am happy to meet you through the lovely Aquileana. 🙂
Yes Debby.. the Universe does.. And I know we are now joining in unison with our hearts and ‘Drumbeats’ in both Word and Song..
I’m long overdue to come here and explore! It’s so diverse here, wow!! Also I’ve been meaning to tell you that every time I see your gravatar I fall just a little more in love with your hair! Gorgeous!!
Now aren’t you the doll! I’m flattered! 😉 Lol, hard to miss eh? 🙂
Congrats on writing three memoirs! They all look fascinating.
I’ve written one, then switched to historical fiction (based on the lives of my grandmother and mother). Now I’m in a dry-as-baby-powder spell (creatively speaking). I’m hoping that blogging will get the flow going again, but maybe this is just a diversionary tactic. Who knows? I’m having fun for now! 🙂
Hi Lorna! Thanks for visiting. Yes, our old foe, ‘writer’s block’ visits us all. May I suggest writing exercises? They tend to help pull memories and ideas out for me. One of my favourite books for writing prompts is ‘Old Friend From Far Away’ by Natalie Goldberg. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. 🙂
Wow! It is very interesting article! I’m glad to see it!
Thank you. 🙂
Great introduction, Debbie. Look forward to working with you and your books. 🙂
Thanks for visiting Kev. 🙂
Anytime Debra! 🙂
Hello there! I have just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations and thank you for all of your wonderful and thoughtful comments you have placed on my stories. Your own written words are what have captivated my interest and I look forward to finding out more about you through this award. Congratulations my little blogging friend! 🙂
Thank you so much Belinda. I shall respond on your page. 🙂
🙂 After you have done your revisions! 🙂
Hello, Debby. That is a lovely photo, and shows your very positive spirit. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I, too, love to write stories with lessons in them, though except for my second novella, mine are mostly fiction. I’m also an artist, so though I’ve been writing more lately, I also utilize some of my time doing occasional hands-on creativity.
Well, I read your tax woe post, so I won’t take up any more of your time.
Blessings for a speedy audit,
Marianne
Thank you so much Marianne for taking the time to visit here. I found your post on Sally’s page then came over to read the rest. I also shared that post around through Sally’s page because I didn’t find any share buttons on your page. Make sure to get those buttons going so many others can share your lovely writings. 🙂
Hey Dg, Because you have become as close as a sister to me now, I’d like to nominate you for this particular award: The Sisterhood of the World Award. Hope you’ll accept this one. (I know they can become routine and a lot of work but this one just seemed so appropriate.) Blessings to you and it might be a great way to promote your book again.
Thanks so much Ellie, I’m touched at your words and honoured at your nomination. I normally don’t do a lot with awards as far as follow protocol, but I always post them on my award page and give thanks to the one who nominated me in a post. Is there a link you can send me where this award is so I can do a post?
In gratitude, D.G. xo 🙂
Yes I know you are even busier than I am and I always am concerned someone will feel left out if I fail to mention them. I love all of my followers! This one hooked me due to its Sisterhood target. So many of my followers have become as family to me! Here’s the link: Appreciate you https://newcreationsministries.wordpress.com/
Thanks again so much my dear friend! xo
A pleasure to meet you…we share a passion for writing and spirituality! So pleased that you found your way to my blog because now I have discovered yours. Thanks for visiting and following…I will be back to read more of your posts.
HI Bev! Thank you for visiting. Yes, I’m glad I found your blog through Sherri’s article, linking to you. I am now following your fascinating blog. 🙂
How are you my friend? Blog is looking spectacular
Hi Amy!!! I’m on full speed ahead, inundated with a million things, but I’m good, thanks for asking and dropping by. You just reminded me to check WordPress once again, as I’m subscribed to follow your blog but haven’t received any updated posts from you? I hope you’re feeling good my friend. xo 🙂
that’s weird you’re not getting any? from the difficult degrees blog? the ptsd blog is down, this one is the amyjosprague.wordpress….
Just checked my ‘manage wp subscriptions’, it seems a lot of blogs I followed were turned off. WP has been giving peeps a lot of headaches lately. I’m back on! 🙂
I just stumbled upon your site via Dan’s post and I look forward to following your blog posts. I’m struggling with writing my memoir but know one day I’ll finish it. If I can offer any tidbits or suggestions on travels in Arizona, just let me know. We spend our winters meandering around the state.
Hi Ingrid! So lovely to meet you. Thanks for visiting and following. I’ll be over to visit you shortly, and yes, I’ll have some questions for you. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi, D.G.! I nominated your blog for the “One Lovely Blog” award. Here’s my original post explaining how it works, if you need the rundown: https://bringingbacktherubies.wordpress.com/2016/01/15/one-lovely-blog-award/.
Hope you’re having a great weekend! <3
Thanks so much J. I left comment on your blog. <3
Wow! Thank you so much Heather! 🙂
Hi Debby, wonderful site. I look forward to reading more 🙂
Hi Rachel. Thanks so much for visiting. 🙂
Hi Debby, just to let you know that I’ve nominated you to do the 3 day Quote Challenge. If you’d like to take part that would be awesome but there is no pressure to do so.
Hi Marje. Thanks so much. I don’t know what the time frame is for this, but I’m down for the count right now with a terrible flu. Thank goodness my last 2 posts were pre-scheduled. 🙂
Sorry to hear that Debby, hope you are feeling better soon. There is no rush to do this whatsoever, if you’d like to join in do whenever you feel so inclined, or if it’s all too much do feel free to opt out this time. No worries.
Thanks again Marje. I will try and get something up in the next week. I haven’t been doing challenges for a few months because I can’t seem to get caught up with my writing life, and I believe I’ve done this challenge. I will try my best to put together 3 quotes for a one day challenge. 🙂
I know the feeling – I’ve finally found someone to edit my manuscript so I have a lot of work to do to get it in shape… Only do what you can Debby – no one would get upset, least of all me, if it’s all too much.
Thanks again Marje. I will try my best. 🙂
Hi Debbie, seems we both were featured on Hugh’s blog today. I see you are a writer and I just subscribed. I am working on two e-books myself and always looking for good inspiration!
Hi Terri! Nice to meet you. Wow, I haven’t been over to Hugh’s yet today. Thanks for letting me know, and so glad to have you join me here. I’ll visit your blog too. 🙂
Thanks for the follow. I’m a beauty junkie/accountant/goofball/ smarty pants. I look forward to your posts. Congrats on your books! I look forward to reading your posts.
Thanks so much. Nice to connect with you. 🙂
Thanks! Have a great day!
🙂 You too.
Thanks for sharing Christoph. 🙂 xo
I love your story. My father was the narcissist in my life. I applaud you for your achievements and dealing with the neglect in your life. As we age, I realize how people NEVER fully recover from subconscious consequences of childhood abuses. And now we have a culture of narcissism. YIKES! Children of narcissists cope, many are successful, and unfortunately many become narcissists themselves. One thing that helped the adult me was to realize that my father was 25 when I was born, not young by parental standards, but 25-year olds are not mature. He died when I was 36. I did not cry. I threw up – go figure. I had tried hard to love him. I have never missed him, but he no longer bothers me. I can truly forgive him because he no longer can reopen the wounds.
Hi Marsha. Thank you for visiting, and more, thank you for sharing a bit of your story here. You are right, inevitably, we can end up going two ways, against our upbringing or falling into the same patterns. I’m happy to hear that you’ve chosen the former like me. 🙂
Males have the harder time breaking out of the pattern. 😀😀😀
Hmm, I’m not sure about that. 🙂
You may be right. I haven’t done too much research on the topic. A counselor told me that. What she told me was that most female children of pathological narcissists do not become pathological narcissists themselves. They still have the coping problems into adulthood as children of narcissists. I can vouch for that part of it. 🙂
Oh, I agree with you on all counts there Marsha, about the coping problems. We sound like two peas in a pod, lol. 🙂
I know! How fun! 🙂
glad I happened onto this site – writing + laughing = best combo 🙂
Thank you. Please do visit. 🙂
Lovely to meet you. I shall buy one of your books.
Likewise Brigid. Thank you so much. 🙂
Wow! You’ve actually done what I’ve been meaning to do for years – write a book about your travel adventures! I have so much to write about but I can’t motivate myself to get started……..
Thank you. It’s never too late! 🙂
Hi Debby, I’m also a Debbie (just the different spelling) and agree with you about the importance of About pages. I always go to About pages first to see what bloggers have to say for themselves. I look forward to reading more of your work. I found you through Hugh’s recent post. I wrote a post over the weekend about names and in particular our name 🙂 Always good to connect.
Hi Debbie. Lovely to meet you. Thanks so much for visiting. I shall visit you, and definitely your post on our namesakes. 🙂
Great to have you along Debby!
Thanks! 🙂
I followed you through Hugh Roberts (Hugh’s Views). You site intrigues me and I look forward to reading and following you. There are so many writers, including myself, that are writing memoire based books about troubled childhoods. Is the market getting saturated? My original manuscript was therapeutic, yet I wonder is there still a market for more stories like yours and mine? I invite you to visit my site and leave me some constructive comments. http:/www.chuckjacksonknowme.com
Hi Chuck! Thanks so much for visiting. I’d love to visit your blog too! There is always a market for a good story. Ask yourself is the market getting saturated with romance, sci-fi, horror? There are millions of books and millions of readers. We have to tell our stories in a way that connects with a reader as well as leave a message with our stories. Yes, everyone has a story, but what is the story? How does it relate to someone else? Can everyone write a book, or a memoir and be able to bare their soul? Just some food for thought. 🙂
Glad to have found you (thanks to Hugh), Debby! I’m looking forward to reading your posts and learning from a successful memoirist. 🙂
Hi Liesbet. Thank you so much for dropping by. Looking forward to seeing you around. 🙂
Just popped over for a peek from Sally’s 🙂 I just have to read the Meno- what book ! I could do with some hearty laughs about that era even though it’s now ancient history
Lol, thanks so much Raili for dropping by. And thanks for your interest in my book. 🙂
Your summary of your books and childhood background pulled me in. I feel bad about your mother’s being disconnected to you.
Your poignant words enticed me to think about how hard my life would have been had my Mom hadn’t made me her best friend. Debby, I am glad you were able to make peace with her, without making it seem like it was okay for her to have treated you in such a disrespectful and unloving way. Hugs, Robin xo
Aw, thanks so much Robin for dropping by my about page. And thank you for recognizing my forgiveness without condoning, even though it was after her death. <3 Hugs back my friend. xo
I would subscribe to your site but I can’t find a place to do it! I am on an iPhone- IDK if that makes a difference.
HI Katya. Thanks for visiting. I find it odd you can’t find a place to subscribe? I have a ‘sign up here’ box on every single page including this page on the right hand side bar near top of the page. And every post offers a sign up box before the article? Can you see it?
Your website as it comes up on Safari on my iPhone 7 has no sign up anywhere. None of your sidebar widgets appear at all.
However the bottom of the mobile site has a button to go to the full (desktop) site, I can sign up there! You might want to check your settings or talk to your webmaster to make sure mobile users can see your side columns!
Thank you so much Katya. That is very kind of you to let me know. I will have to have that checked, as I have an android mobile and the site is fine there? I’m glad that you did find a place where you can sign up! 🙂 🙂
If you would like I will email a screenshot of the mobile site as it appears on Safari. : )
I love your ‘about’ page and it’s refreshing and inspiring to read about someone who’s come through an emotionally troubling childhood and has not only not gone to ruin as a result, but has triumphed in success. I’m going to grab Conflicted Hearts later on. Also, your haircut and colour is beautiful!
Aw, thanks a bunch Jessica. Thanks for taking the time to visit my about page. Great to connect and looking forward to reading more of your posts too. <3
Thanks for including my about page in your post Sal. Ever grateful! 🙂 <3