CONGRATS BOOK WINNERS!!!

Congratulations going out to the winners of my last three free book drawings:

ageofunderstatement for winning Forsaken Canyon by Margaret Daley
Karin-who won A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell
luv2read who won Suspicion by Ginny Aiken

On another front, congratulations to Vince Mooney and Avily Jerome for winning the brainstorming sessions with me over on one of the other blogs I participate in: www.seekerville.blogspot.com

One friendly reminder on these giveaways, PLEASE remember to include your e-mail address in your comment so that I can contact you should you win. The first name I drew, I regretfully could not locate the winner's e-mail address, even by visiting their blog link. I suggest you place [brackets] around the @ sign.

Thanks so much for participating in these giveaways. More to come in 2009! So be sure to stay tuned.

Your readership is a tremendous blessing,

Cheryl Wyatt

Change is in the air

Big news and exciting changes coming to my blog in 2009!

First off, as some of you already know, I have the extreme privilege of serving American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ for the next two years as Vice President.

In order for my fiction writing not to suffer and still maintain this blog and stay connected with all of you (my blog readers), I am instituting some changes for 2009.

Rather than having a monthly prompt contest, I will simply be posting regular writing prompts aka story starters.

For the next two years, the prompt contest in its current form will be on hold. Instead I'll simply offer writing prompts.

I will offer other things in addition, but that's one of the major changes.

I hope to resume the actual contest after my term as VP of ACFW is up.

Thank you SO much for your readership! And if you're a reader but not a writer, stay tuned because I have stuff geared in 2009 toward you reader-only types as well!

Warmly,

Cheryl

Holiday Eating Tips

THIS CAME TO ME IN AN E-MAIL. NO IDEA WHO ORIGINALLY WROTE IT, NOR WHO WROTE THE QUOTE, OTHERWISE I'D CREDIT THEM.

ENJOY!


HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. as for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:


"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a Merry Christmas!

CONGRATS DRAWING WINNERS!

Congrats to:

Avily for winning a Bride Most Fair by Carol Cox!

Also, double congrats going out to Ausjenny (who won Mistletoe Reunion by Anna Schmidt) and Reborn Butterfly (who won Jillian Hart's Homefront Holiday) both by Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

CONGRATS LADIES!!!

Cheryl

ANOTHER FREE BOOK FRIDAY! DUAL GIVEAWAYS!

It's Christmastime and I love giving things away.

Soooo....once again...it's FREE BOOK FRIDAY!

This time I'm giving away two Love Inspired Suspense novels from Steeple Hill.

Forsaken Canyon by Margaret Daley

and

Suspicion by Ginny Aiken.


Leave a comment on this post by Midnight on Friday, December 26 to be entered for a chance to win one of these two books. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address (put brackets or spaces around the "@" sign so Net spiders/phishers don't troll your address). Also be sure to say which book you'd prefer to win.

Tune back in tomorrow to see who won the last few book drawings.

As always, THANK YOU for supporting my blog with your readership.

If you have room in your links, I'd appreciate you putting my blog link up.

THANK YOU ALL for your support.

Cheryl

Review & Giveaway: A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell has written five novels, two of which (Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door) were named Christy Award Finalists. A graduate from the University of Washington with a business degree, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She currently resides in the Washington DC metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com

Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed ... at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen.

A Constant Heart-my review:

This book took longer to get through than most, but that was a good thing. The historical detail and language was so authentic I couldn't blow through the book. This is one of those books, like a sublime, delicacy-laden meal, that you just want to take your time and savor it.

A couple of minor plot threads felt like they got left dangling...so I'm hoping there is a sequel that will bring closure to those. Can't say what they are because I don't want to ruin the story for you, but I'll say one word and leave it at that: Baby.

This cover is absolutely gorgeous and I'm really, really hoping the sister gets her own story. And I know how I think the hero could be...but again, I can't give it away.

GO GET THIS BOOK!

You will feel transported right into Queen Elizabeth's regent court. I learned several things through this book about England history that I otherwise might not have known. Hint: poisonous makeup.

One thing I loved through that is that the book never felt like a history lesson. The author did a wonderful job of embedding the facts nicely into the story so nothing seemed forced.

Highly recommended!

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK. IF YOU DON'T WIN, THIS BOOK WOULD BE WORTH YOUR MONEY. BE SURE TO LEAVE A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU SHOULD YOU WIN. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS MIDNIGHT DEC 22. THAT'S ONLY 5 DAYS AWAY, SO ENTER NOW! :-) BEST OF LUCK.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MY BLOG WITH YOUR FAITHFUL READERSHIP! I APPRECIATE YOU ALL SO MUCH.

Cheryl Wyatt

In Seekerville today and BRAINSTORM GIVEAWAY!

I'm blogging in Seekerville today on Plotstorming.



I'm also giving away two brainstorming sessions with Yours Truly. Go see what it's all about. You'll need to leave a comment over in Seekerville on the post in order to be entered into the drawing.

Zip on over and join in the fun.

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Book Giveaways Reminder

Just to let you know there's still time to enter drawings for Carol Cox's Bride so Fair book as well as two Steeple Hill books.

Deadline for Carol's book drawing entry is TONIGHT (Monday) Dec 15th at midnight CST.

Deadline for the Free Book Friday book is next Friday, December 19th at midnight CST.

To be entered for a chance to win, read and comment on THOSE POSTS. Not this one.

Hugs,

Cheryl

Interview with Linore Rose Burkard

Linore Rose Burkard has a debut book with Harvest House this month titled Before the Season Ends.

ABOUT Linore: She writes Spirit and Sensibility
for the Jane Austen Soul. In her books you will find fast-paced adventure and falling-in-love. Humor, and all the Regency atmosphere you could want. Feisty heroines who aren't afraid to fall on their knees to pray. Twists and turns when you least expect them. And happy endings made in Heaven

Romance you can share with your mother, daughter, sister, or friend (and don't forget Grandma)


I have an interview with Linore here:

1. If your heroine could write a one paragraph blurb about you, the author of her story, what might she say?
>From the mouth of Ariana Forsythe, from 1813 London:

Linore's been fair with me, I grant, but she is not letting me say enough! First of all, has it been obvious to any of you
readers that I am truly swooning, at heart, for Phillip? Yes, she allowed me to run into his arms, to kiss him impulsively,
but how many times, I ask you? Once, when he came to me repentantly after being bamboozled by the Carlton House set,
and once when he returned to me from Chesterton. I must say, Ms. Burkard, could you not do better? I am in love for the
first time in my life! I have never seen, nor can I imagine, a man more noble in features and character than my betrothed!
He sets my heart aflutter and sometimes confounds me (even me) in my speech! Surely he is a man who deserves a little more
affection, wouldn't you say?

2. What about the hero?

>From the mouth of Phillip Mornay, the Paragon:

Why on earth didn't you send Ariana to me earlier? I could have been spared a near decade of tiresome pursuits and company
as you well know. Was it beyond your capability to write me in younger? I daresay it would have cost you devilish little trouble and yet
you left me wallowing in my cynicism and agnosticism--for what? To what purpose? And pray, do not say it was on account of some
authorial whim or fancy--that won't answer, I assure you.


3. Where is your favorite place to write and why?

My favorite place to write hasn't appeared anywhere but in my imagination. I envision somewhere quiet and totally alone. In real life, I'd be too timid
to venture to such a place. (Say, the middle of the Adirondacks.) The other problem with this favorite place is that, when I stop writing for the day or night, I love
having my family around me. If I go to a truly lonely retreat, I'd get lonely when I'm not working! For me, I believe it's really a matter of WHEN is my favorite time to write. I love writing when everyone is out, or asleep, or just doing their own things. I too often find myself writing in the midst of questions, interruptions, and needs. I believe I am called to these interruptions, as much as to writing, but it does get frustrating, coming up to reality and then plunging back down into my story, over and over. It's a sort of work in its own right.


4. If your heroine lived in the here and now, where would she be this moment and what would she be doing?

Wonderful question! Ariana would be on the Board or Committee in charge of sending out missionaries to foreign countries, or
visiting Africa with care packages for the poor. She'd be an assistant at an orphanage in China, or a medical aide in a makeshift "hospital" somewhere in
India. She's smart enough to survive in the working world, such as being an office manager, say, but her heart is to help the needy and spread the gospel.


5. Let's pretend your hero hasn't met her yet. If he showed up where she was, what would be the first thing he'd say to her and why?

Supposing we go with the scenario of her getting hands-on in a missionary hospital, then, Mr. Mornay would no doubt give her one look
and his face would crumple into a frown. (A handsome frown, that is.) He'd say, "And what is your business here?"
"I am to be your aide, sir!"
"My aide? Who on earth sent you? I should think you would stick to the schoolroom. Teach the little natives English, but leave hosptial to those who shan't swoon at the sight of blood, if you please!"


6. What are you working on now?

My new website, new resources for readers, a "Myths and Mysteries of the Regency" report; and swapping ideas with my editor about
what book I'll do next. (Possibly a third in the Regency Series, to follow the story after The House in Grosvenor Square.)


7. What could be the highest compliment a reader could say upon closing the last page of your book?

The highest compliment would be that the book revealed God to them in a new way, giving them hope for eternal life.


8. What was your favorite scene to write and why?

There's this scene where Mr. Mornay has to call upon Ariana, expecting her to have lost all her regard for him. I laughed out loud when I wrote his reaction to the way
she greets him. It's one of my favorite scenes in the book. Originally, (and in my self-published version) I had her giggling as she moves toward him, because she is amused by his reaction, too, but that giggle was edited out.


9. What was the hardest scene to write and why?

One of the scenes that everyone seems to love, and the one that started the whole book in my mind: the tree scene. The heroine impulsively climbs a tree on a beautiful
day when she is quite alone in a small wooded spot on a posh estate. Then she gets stuck. I must have re-written the actual climbing, the way her dress gets stuck, the way the estate looks to her, at least a dozen times! Maybe two. I don't even know. It was tricky because it's not your average thing to do when you're at a posh estate and you're a newcomer to the scene. I had to make it seem reasonable. Then, I had to get her stuck in a way that was believable. I guess I worked at it long enough, because people mention loving that scene long after they've finished the book.


10. How can readers stay in touch with your new releases, etc? Do you have a Web site or a blog or newsletter url you'd like to share?

I write a montly, illustrated "e-zine," with Regency -related content. I also include my latest announcements, and I encourage readers to sign up for it. I give away monthly free downloads, too, which should be of interest to anyone who likes either the Regency or historical fiction, or history. Anyone can sign up for free by going to my homepage:

Linore's Web Site

Thank you, Cheryl, your questions were delightful!

Linore, thank you for being here today. God's best in your writing endeavors.

Thanks, bloggies for visiting with us today.

Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday-giving away TWO Steeple Hill books

Hey all,

Surprise! It's Free Book Friday. Better yet, I'm giving away TWO new Steeple Hill releases.

HOMEFRONT HOLIDAY by Jillian Hart and MISTLETOE REUNION by Anna Schmidt.

For a chance to win one of these books, leave a post in the comment section of this post, along with a valid e-mail address so I can contact you should you win. Deadline to enter the drawing is next Friday, December 19th at midnight CST.

Please let me know which book you'd prefer to have. I'm holding a double drawing.

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt

Christmas Meme

Robin Miller aka Caroll sent me this. Scary how much alike we are.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE! HO HO HO

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Bags for adults, paper for kids because I love watching them tear into it

2. Real tree or Artificial? Are you kidding me? Artificial...with lights embedded

3. When do you put up the tree? Uh, when we get to it (yeah...I'm stealin her answer)

4. When do you take the tree down? close to the next Christmas...LOL

5. Do you like eggnog? Not by itself

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Bicycle

7. Hardest person to buy for? Husband

9. Do you have a nativity scene? um...I think 1 in every room. lol

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail sometimes but normally on Christmas eve. LOL

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My mom playing Wonderwoman off a deep freese and breaking her arm

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Frosty the Snow Man...makes me cry EVERY TIME

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to be done by October because I hate fighting the crowds

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, for those gift exchanges that require the gifts to be used (Ditto)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I hafta pick ONE? Mom's dressing, Turkey & Granny's Fudge

16. Lights on the tree? all white lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy bc I love the story behind it

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay in the area at his parents' or mine' but go North before or after to see his fam

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Uh...let's see...Dixen, Blitz, Donner, Bonnie, Vixen, Trixie, Mixin', and then there's the rude one who probably got punched in the nose...I've probably massacred this...so NOOOOO I can't remember them. And now it's BUGGING ME.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Right now my daughter's homemade glittery multicolored popsicle stick star (very pretty!)

21. Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day? Christmas morning and one each on Christmas eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? too commercialized and it starts right after Halloween-groan (Again, I'm plageurizing Robin) I hate the long lines at stores if I happen to need something.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? ones the kids made me and one that is a snow globe of Santa bowing to worship baby Jesus in a manger

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I think I already answered this or else I'm in a time warp vortex...dressing

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Robin said a MAC and I'll just use part of her answer.. A Big Mac. LOL! I want the Twilight books and the Fireproof Love Dare book. I'd also like a new pair of microfiber slippers and there is this set of baking dishes at JC Penny that you can cook and serve them in the same platter..YEAH!

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Those practicing avoidance techniques. :-D Ditto...DITTO!!!!

Cheryl

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of A BRIDE SO FAIR by Carol Cox with author interview

This is a dreadfully late book review on a story I LOVED.

Readers, if you haven't read Carol Cox's Fair series, I highly recommend you get them. Set in Chicago during the 1800's World Fair, this story had my attention in the first page. I LOVED how the characters interacted with one another. I fell in love with them by the first few paragraphs which I think is why the book was so hooky. Not only that, I could see and hear and feel and smell the setting. The author writes in such a way that the reader experiences the story rather than just reads it.

Writers: If you want an EXCELLENT example of how to Show vs Tell...GET THIS BOOK! In fact, this would make a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift.

MORE ABOUT A BRIDE SO FAIR:

After growing up in an orphanage, Emily Ralston loves being around children and thoroughly enjoys her job at the Children’s Building at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. As the receptionist she helps check in the children and ensures they are safe and well cared for while their parents view the fair. She could not have known what God had in store for her…
When Columbian Guard, Stephen Bridger, drops off a three-year-old named Adam as a lost child, her life irrevocably changed. While the sparks of attraction are undeniable, Emily tries her best to ignore them as she and her best friend, Lucy, scheme to keep Adam safe and happy, far away from the orphanages they both know too well.
Soon Stephen learns about Adam’s mother while both the mystery and his relationship with Emily deepens. As they learn bits of truth, danger and deception now threaten to undermine their growing relationship. Why is a young woman murdered while surrounded by thousands of fairgoers? What secrets could a sweet, abandoned little boy possibly hold? Can Emily and Stephen solve the deadly mystery before time runs out?



ABOUT CAROL:

Award-winning author of twelve novels and eleven novellas, Carol shares her love of history, mystery, and romance in the books she writes. A pastor’s wife, Carol makes her home with her husband and young daughter in northern Arizona. To learn more about Carol and her books, visit her Web site at Carol Cox Books.


Below is an interview sent to me by Glass Road PR:

Q&A with Carol Cox, author of A Bride So Fair
Q. Where did you get the idea to write A Bride So Fair?
A. Several years ago, I came across a brief article that mentioned the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, calling it a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. And my response was, “If it was such a big deal, how come I’ve never even heard about it?” So I looked it up online and was overwhelmed at the wealth of information I found. I had no idea how many of the things we take for granted today were introduced at that fair—things like the Ferris wheel, Cracker Jacks, Cream of Wheat, Juicy Fruit gum, and the concept of the Midway. Familiar names from our history books were among the 27 million people who visited the fair. Thomas Edison, Scott Joplin, Frederick Douglass, Jane Addams, and Susan B. Anthony were all there. It was a moment in which our nation felt itself on the brink of major change, and the more I learned about the fair, the more excited I became. I knew I had to set a story there, and that initial idea turned into a three-book series, A Fair to Remember. A Bride So Fair is the final title, and it was hard to say goodbye to the setting and characters I’ve come to love.
Q. How much research is involved in writing a solid historical fiction novel like this one?
A. I was so fascinated by what I learned about the fair that I continued researching for two years before the first book in the series was even contracted. As I mentioned above, I found a tremendous amount of information online, including photos of the fairgrounds and its buildings. I was able to purchase several books printed during that time period that gave detailed descriptions of exhibits as well as the reactions of people who visited the fair. That was invaluable in getting insight into how it affected people of that day. I studied maps of the grounds and floor plans of several of the buildings until I felt like I could navigate them as easily as I can get around my home town.

All of that helped in getting my facts straight, but I needed to add sensory details to make the setting come alive. What would my hero and heroine experience on the shore of Lake Michigan? What would they see, hear, smell? How would it feel to walk across the vast fairgrounds or stroll along the edge of the lagoon? I made a trip to Chicago, where I spent a day at Jackson Park, the site of the exposition. All but one of the buildings are long gone, but simply being there and soaking up the setting added a myriad of details for me to draw on when writing the story. At that point, I could look at my research photos and feel like I could step into the scene and describe it as though I’d actually been there.

Q. What inspires you the most as a writer?

A. It’s always interesting to hear what sparks ideas for other writers. For some, it springs from a character; for others, the catalyst is an issue they’re passionate about. With me, the setting often comes before either the characters or the plot. A particular place will catch my imagination and I’ll wonder what kind of people might have been there and what would have happened to them. I love the challenge of bringing a setting to life so it becomes something a reader can experience rather than just read about.

Q. You’ve written quite a few novels already, do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?

A. Read in a wide variety of genres to discover which holds the most appeal for you. Your writing will show far more depth and passion if you're working in a genre you love.

Be patient. Prepare to learn and gear yourself mentally for a marathon, not a sprint. The learning process takes time.

Study the craft of writing. There are excellent books available, covering everything from basic grammar to character development to plot and structure and much more. A number of organizations exist today that offer teaching, encouragement, and support to both aspiring and experienced writers. And writers conferences are held all around the country. Attending conferences is a wonderful way to build on your knowledge as well as getting to know others who share your passion for writing.

Develop a teachable attitude. The more I write, the more I realize how much more there still is to learn. There is always the joy of growing, of improving my skills, of learning to be a “workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (from 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)


FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO READ THIS FAR, I'M GIVING AWAY A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK.

LEAVE YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL IN THE COMMENT SECTION OF THIS POST BY NEXT MONDAY DEC 15TH MIDNIGHT CST TO BE ENTERED INTO THE DRAWING.

WARMLY,

CHERYL

December Christian Fiction Releases

This list was compiled by Jill Eileen Smith, whose book cover for Michal I just saw and LOVE! Visit her Web site to view it.

Here is a short list of a small portion of December Christian Fiction releases: This list is by no means conclusive. For instance, Barbour puts out four Heartsong Presents a month and Steeple Hill puts out four Love Inspired Romances as well as Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historicals.

Hope you will consider some of those as Christmas gifts. Steeple Hill has some EXCELLENT Christmas stories. The books would make great stocking stuffers and won't dent your pocketbook.

If you're not a huge fan of category(shorter) length romance...what's WRONG with you?

LOL..

I meant to say, if you're not a huge fan of category romance, check out some of these other fiction releases. Although I'm partial to Steeple Hill. Grin.



1. A Promise for Spring by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. Can their promise of love survive more than just years of separation?

2. Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard from Havest House Publishers. A heroine who embodies "Principles" meets the man who is all "Pride." What happens when they clash in Regency London makes adventurous innocence well worth reading!

3. Deceptive Promises, Delaware Brides, book 3 by Amber Miller from Barbour/Heartsong Presents. Living during the American Revolution, Margret Scott gets involved with a spy and a life of deception that could endanger herself, her family, and the man she loves.

4. Flashover by Dana Mentink from Steeple Hill. Ivy Beria's life explodes when arson robs her of her job and the man who set it hunts her down.

5. Missouri Brides by Mildred Colvin from Barbour Publishing. Three women tied together by family find true love on the Missouri prairie of the 1800s.

6. The Owling, Shadowside Series - Book 2 by Robert Elmer from Zondervan. Life gets even more confusing for fifteen-year-old Oriannon when her former music mentor, Jesmet, miraculously returns from the dead and promises his students a special power called Numa.

CONGRATULATIONS Nov. Prompt Winner Cheryl Rose

Huge Congrats going out to the winner of my November Prompt...Cheryl Rose!

I've heard it said time and time again that, "If editors cry, they buy."

Cheryl's story was one of the most moving pieces I've read in a while. Even from something published. And it was a happy kind of touching, not an angsty sort of thing. It had a takeaway value that grabbed my heartstrings and tugged tight.

Please join me in congratulating Cheryl in the comments section of this post.

Thanks to EVERYONE who entered my prompt contest this past month. I had a record-breaking number of entries which is GREAT! Thank you all so much for supporting my blog with your readership.

Each of your stories blessed or touched me in some way. Excellent job all!

Warmly,

Cheryl

December 2008 Prompt

December Prompt Contest

RULES:
• Write a 500 word scene using all ten Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Mail your scenes in the body of an e-mail to Cheryl @ CherylWyatt . com (close spaces before and after “@” and “.”) If the e-mail bounces back to you, please let me know in the comment of this post.
• Put “December Prompt Contest” in the subject line.
• Entry deadline is the last day of the month.
• Winners will be notified the first week of the next month.
• Winners will receive a free Steeple Hill book, mailed the month winners are notified.
• All monthly entrants (not just winners) will be entered into the annual contest for one of several chances to win a six month subscription to any Steeple Hill line of their choice.
• Entries will not be posted or published anywhere and entrants retain all rights to their work.
• New prompts will be posted on the first of the month.
• Most of all, have fun!


December Prompt Words
1. Tree
2. Woods
3. Cut
4. Axe
5. Trailer
6. Help
7. Mistletoe
8. Site
9. Sight
10. Sparkle


December Scene Starter Sentences:
“What a nice way to end the year.”
“What a terrible way to end the year.”
“What a strange way to end the year.”

Happy writing!

Cheryl Wyatt