Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

The Best Pals Are Gal Pals

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I’ve often been called a “guy’s gal.” This is usually – I think– meant as a compliment. There are some stereotypical masculine pursuits that I do enjoy and which often lead me to rattling around in the boys’ club house. For example, I LOVE football. I’ve followed the Dolphins since 1972 and, as many of you know, I am a “somewhat” crazed FSU fan – GO NOLES! I can fish, tell jokes (yes, especially dirty ones), and have been known to go shot for shot with the gentlemen at the bar. I have yet to … [Read more...]

Can I Ask You a Question?

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I love to be involved in interviews. I have friends who hate to be subjected to the “dreaded” author interview. Not me: no question is too weird, too off topic or bizarre. It’s most likely because I’m Irish: we have an opinion about everything, will discuss anything, and we never meet a stranger who we aren’t soon chatting up about all things political, religious, or pop culture-esque. It’s in our DNA – it’s just science. Over the years, I’ve had interview questions that have stuck with me. I … [Read more...]

Can I Quote You On That?

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What happens when 350 people, predominantly women, truck in from all across the U.S. to spend three full days laughing (and a little crying), eating (mostly desserts), and baring their souls to each other? Magic. In a place called Dayton. That’s not a punchline. Last week, the tribe of Erma gathered once again for the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. This is a bi-annual event and we had not been summoned since 2014. That’s a long time for tribe members to be out in the world without their … [Read more...]

How to Survive a Blizzard Vacation

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It will come as a surprise to few that I’m not a big fan of winter. This Florida gal just doesn’t have the chops to hang out in the snow. I moved to Virginia in 1995 and 8 months out of the year I love being a Virginian. But from December through March, Mother Nature can make me downright homesick for ‘ol FLA. “Oh, but that heat!” they say. “The humidity!” they moan. Yeah, well, you don’t have to shovel humidity. I’ve tried to enjoy what winter has to offer. I’ve attempted to ski – twice. … [Read more...]

Do You Know Why You Write?

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Why someone puts pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard is an extraordinarily personal matter. If you ask ten people why do you write?, you’re likely to get ten very different answers. Because I write mostly creative nonfiction, my writing is particularly personal. I’ve often been asked: why do you share such intimate details of your life in your books, for all the world to see and read? My common reply: I know, that answer is kinda glib. The truth is, on any given day I’m writing for reasons … [Read more...]

To All the Days Here and After

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Oh, we Irish do love our toasts. We never miss an opportunity to wax poetic about the past, the here and now, and the future. Especially this week, as we welcome 2016, I’m reviewing my repertoire of go-to ditties. I thought I’d share a few of my favorites, just in case you find yourself in need of a good tribute. Image provided courtesy of The Commons/Flickr: … [Read more...]

How I Found My Midlife Tribe

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This week, I did something I’ve been waiting to do since April 13th, 2014: I registered for the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop (EBWW). EBWW only happens every other year and when the last one ended in 2014, I knew I would be going back in 2016. Why? Because in 2014 I found my tribe of funny, big-hearted, midlife women. And in midlife, it can be tough to find your peeps. In your earlier years, life readily presents opportunities for tribe building. For example, high school, for all its … [Read more...]

The Dirty Dozen Babes of the Blogosphere

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As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of how grateful I am for a family who loves and supports me, a husband who puts up with me, and a son who makes me laugh every day. I have the added joy of announcing that just this week my son Jimmy attained the status of ABD – “All But Dissertation” – in his trek toward doctorhood. Proud mama is bursting with pride as Jimmy moves ever closer to #MYSONTHEDOCTUH! Image provided courtesy of … [Read more...]

Once Again, With Feeling

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Please indulge this announcement: this week we gave birth to a 212 page bouncing baby book! I say “we” here because it was a group effort–a team of editors, proofers, designers, reviewers, hand holders, tequila drinkers, and one crazy publisher–who wrapped this little bundle in an intriguing cover and presented her to the world. I’m a bit biased, but I think she’s beautiful. World, we present to you, Magic Fishing Panties!  This isn’t our first rodeo–we published I Was In Love With a Short … [Read more...]