Single Sashimi Blog Tour

I'm THRILLED beyond belief to welcome back my good friend and stellar writer...CAMY TANG!

I have SO looked forward to the release of this book and hope you have two. Her first two books, Sushi for One and Only Uni are still available whereever books are sold.


If ya haven't read these....go get 'em! :-)

And especially get this book...Camy named a character after me and Pammer!

Look for Pamela Wyatt....

How kewl is that? Pammer sez we're kinda flirty. How FUN! I did NOT know Camy was gonna do that.

Without further hoopla on my part...here's Camy:



Interview with Camy Tang


1. If your heroine for Single Sashimi could take you on a trip, where would you go and what would you do?


She’d probably take me to Comicon. Seriously. I mean, she’s involved in the video game industry—where else would she go to have fun?


2. If your hero was there, how would he strike up a conversation with your heroine?


He’d probably grab her and kiss her. :) Don’t you like him already???


3. What was the funnest scene for you to write in this book?


The first kiss. :) :) :) :) :)


4. Did you know the plot or the characters in this book first? Can you share a bit of this process?


I am very anal retentive about my plotting. I try to know absolutely everything ahead of time.


When I first start out, I use Post It notes that I stick all over my closet doors. This is my brainstorming time, and eventually I cull the ideas I don’t use.


Then I write a sketchy plot outline on an Excel spreadsheet.


Then I plot out each individual scene so I know what I’m trying to accomplish in each scene. (Did I mention I’m anal?)


Then I write the story.


5. Do you plot all your books the same? If so, how so?


Pretty much the same method. This current book I’m writing, Deadly Intent, is a little different. I’m in the writing phase, but I keep finding plot inconsistencies that I didn’t see when I was plotting, so I have to do some restructuring while I’m writing.


6. Who was the hardest character to flesh out in Single Sashimi and why?


Drake was hardest, I think. He ended up being a bit different than what I’d pictured him to be. In the book, he’s a lot stronger and yet more quiet than I had originally planned him. I like him better this way, but it was still surprising and difficult to write him.


7. What's in the works next for you? When can readers expect your next book?


My next book is Deadly Intent, a romantic suspense coming out from Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line. I’m loving the storyline and the setting. Here’s a blurb, although I don’t think this will be the back cover blurb for the book:


Massage therapist Naomi Grant could use a massage herself.


With her father at home recovering from a stroke, Naomi is put in charge of the family’s elite day spa in Sonoma county. The new responsibilities sit awkwardly on her shoulders, and things only get worse when handsome Dr. Devon Knightley breezes into the spa, demanding to see one of the female clients.


And the woman is found dead in Naomi’s massage room.


Suddenly, Naomi is a suspect and her family’s spa is shut down. How could God let this awful thing happen?


Devon only needed to see his ex-wife about a family necklace she still hadn’t returned, but when she dies and it’s discovered that her necklace—his family’s necklace—has been stolen, he’s the prime suspect.


Naomi and her family’s calm faith in this situation baffles him, but he’s more than willing to pair with the vivacious massage therapist to try to prove they’re both innocent.


However, the real murderer is still in Sonoma ... and their work isn’t done yet.


Thanks for having me on your blog, Cheryl!


Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind.


Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ (or click header link above) for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.

Thanks for being here Camy!

Hugs all

Cheryl

Funny Typo Day

Okay so it's not an official holiday...except in Seekerville.

But, humor me okay? LOL!

I'm guestblogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over to hear (and contribute to) a list of funny typos I've done and read lately. Come on y'all...don't let me be embarrassed alone.


Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Miscellaneous Mondays--Kewl Pararescue Stuff

As you may know, my Wings of Refuge Series, being released by Steeple Hill, features a team of U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers...PJs for short.

Did you know that in addition to doing military-sanctioned rescues such as jumping behind enemy lines to rescue downed pilots, PJs also participate in humanitarian civilian rescues?

In fact, many PJs are converging on flooded coastal areas flooded by hurricane Ike to help rescue people.

Here are some articles you might enjoy:

Pararescue Article 1

Pararescue Article 2

Pararescue Article 3

Pararescue Article 4


My prayers are with all hurricane victims. I'm thanking God today that things weren't as bad as expected.

For more information on where to purchase my PJ series, visit my Website

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt

ACFW Conference and Booksigning PRESS RELEASE

I'll be MIA next week at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. I'm also participating in this mega booksigning. There will also be author panels (info below). Hope to see some of you there! I'm teaching a late night chat on Thursday with Editor Emily Rodmell and fellow Steeple Hill author Dana Mentink on how to rise from the slush pile at Steeple Hill. I'm sitting at table 66 at the signing in the mall rotunda. Hope you will come out and meet some of your favorite authors. They'd love to meet you.

What: Booksigning and Author Panels at Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)
Who: 130-ish Christian novelists
Where: Bloomingdale's court, 1st floor
When: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008
Why: To meet your favorite Christian authors and because we love our readers

Authors participating:

Tamera Alexander
Jennifer AlLee
A.K. Arenz
Diane Ashley
Karen Ball
Janet Lee Barton
James Scott Bell
Joseph Bentz
Terri Blackstock
Robin Caroll
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Eleanor Clark
Debra Clopton
Gloria Clover
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Lyn Cote
Kathryn Cushman
Margaret Daley
KM Daughters
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Brandt Dodson
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cecelia Dowdy
Sharon Dunn
Wanda Dyson
Lynette Eason
Meredith Efken
Leanna Ellis
Sharon Ewell Foster
Miralee Ferrell
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Jonathan Friesen
Rhonda Gibson
Terri Gillespie
Debby Giusti
Beth Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Rachel Hauck
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Sharon Hinck
Joan Hochstetler
Steven Hunt
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Annette Irby
Jennifer Johnson
Jenny B. Jones
Golden Keyes Parsons
Deb Kinnard
Julie Klassen
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Patti Lacy Maureen Lang
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Michelle Levigne
Sherri L. Lewis
Elizabeth Ludwig
Christine Lynxwiler
Richard L. Mabry
Sharlene MacLaren
Gail Martin
Debby Mayne
Vickie McDonough
Andrew McGuire
Susan Meissner
Becky Melby
Dana Mentink
Amber Miller
Judith Miller
Sara Mills
Siri Mitchell
Nancy Moser
Janelle Mowery
Elizabeth Musser
Mark Mynheir
Jill Nelson
Mae Nunn
John Olson
Donita K. Paul
Trish Perry
Marta Perry
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Paul Robertson
John Robinson
Martha Rogers
Cynthia Ruchti
Gail Sattler
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Shelley Shephard Gray
Virginia Smith
Lynette Sowell
Candice Speare
Kathryn Springer
Denice Stewart
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice Thompson
Cindy Thomson
Missy Tippens
Carrie Turansky
ML Tyndall
Amy Wallace
Susan May Warren
Linda Wichman
Beth Wiseman
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

Many authors will have contests and giveaways and lots of good freebies. I'm hosting a drawing myself for an Amazon Kindle and will have the sign up sheet there.

Here's more info...an official press release:

-----------------------------------------------

Glass Road Public Relations, LLC
fax (615) 986-9517
www.GlassRoadPR.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2008
Contact: Rebeca Seitz
(615) 986-9516; rebeca@glassroadpr.com
HUNDREDS OF NOVELISTS COMING TO MINNEAPOLIS
Booksigning by 100+ novelists at Mall of America September 20
(MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.) Hundreds of authors and aspiring authors will attend the annual
American Christian Fiction Writers conference at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel September
18-21, 2008. They'll study the craft of writing from a Christian worldview, get the word out
about their books, and meet with editors from nearly every major publishing house in their in-
dustry.
They're also coming to get signed books. On Saturday, September 20, 1:00-3:00pm in the Best
Buy® Rotunda and Bloomingdale's Court of the Mall of America, over 100 bestselling and
award-winning authors such as Angela Hunt, James Scott Bell, Rene Gutteridge, Deborah Ra-
ney, Tamera Alexander, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Brandt Dodson will sign copies of
their books for conference attendees and the public.
"ACFW is very excited to partner with the Mall of America in hosting a booksigning of such
magnitude," said ACFW President Robin Miller. "As a reader myself, I'm thrilled at the oppor-
tunity to meet so many authors and have my books autographed. I intend to do much of my
Christmas shopping at the booksigning."
For more information regarding the signing or conference, please contact Cara Putman at pr@acfw.com. To learn more about ACFW, visit www.acfw.com.

Wacky Wednesdays--Theft Problem--IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

I'm sorry but, as a woman heading into middle age, this was too funny not to pass along.

Cheryl


Theft Problem - IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again.

My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original! I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.

Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?

When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you?

THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.

WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P. S. Last year I thought some one had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.

Thought this was too 'important' not to pass on.

P.S.
These same thieves come in my closet and shrink my clothes! How do they do it????

MISCELLANEOUS MONDAYS-APHORISMS AND ADAGES

THIS CAME FROM SOMEONE IN MY LOCAL WRITERS' GROUP. NO IDEA WHO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR IS OR I'D CREDIT THEM.

ENJOY!

Cheryl Wyatt


APHORISM: A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE EXPRESSING A WISE, CLEVER OBSERVATION; A GENERAL TRUTH OR ADAGE
1. The nicest thing about the future is it always starts tomorrow.
2. Money will buy a fine dog but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
3. If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.
4. Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.
5. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
6. How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?
7. Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
8. Why is it that, at class reunions, you feel younger than everyone else looks?
9. Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.
10. No one has more driving ambition than the boy who anxiously awaits his 16th birthday.
11. There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.
12. There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4AM: It could be a right number.
13. No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team's winning.
14. I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.
15. Be careful reading the fine print. There's no way you're going to like it.
16. The trouble with bucket seats is not everybody has the same size bucket.
17. Do you realize in about 40 years we'll have millions of old ladies running around with tattoos? (And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)
18. Money can't buy happiness - but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than in a Kia..
19. After 70 if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead .
20. Adage - byword (a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people)

Wacky Wednesdays-The Difference Between Men and Women

I'm doing amusing (at least to me!) stuff on Wednesdays on my blog. Wacky Wednesdays will also include Funeez, Fru-Fru Forwards, and my Famous (Ha-ha!) Blush & Cringe.

THIS CAME TO ME IN AN E-MAIL. NOT SURE WHO THE AUTHOR IS OR I WOULD ACKNOWLEGE THEM.

ENJOY...IF YOU DARE. LOL!

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt



MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE

NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other
Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately
refer to each
other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw
in $20, even
though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have
anything smaller and
none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket
calculators.

MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need
but it's on sale.

BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and
toothpaste, shaving
cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
The average number of items in the typical woman's
bathroom is 337. A man
would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new
argument.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife
can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he
doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change,
but she does.

DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants,
empty the trash,
answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her chil dren. She
knows about
dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite
foods, secret
fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the
house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no
use in two people
remembering the same thing!

SO, send this to the women who have a sense of humor and
who can handle it
... and to the men who will enjoy reading it.

September 2008 Prompt

September 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 “September 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!

September Prompt Words
1. Hear
2. Here
3. Higher
4. Hire
5. Heir
6. Air
7. Pear
8. Pare
9. Pair
10. Meeting

Happy writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

September Scene Starter Sentences:
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“I never met that uncle.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Southern Friends

I'm still unable to drive following a motor vehicle accident and resulting surgeries, but once I'm able to make it to the Post Office regularly (we don't have courier pick up here) I will begin the Free Book Fridays where I'll give away a free Steeple Hill book EVERY FRIDAY to one lucky blog commentator.

In the meantime...thought I'd share this.

One of my best Southern friends sent it to me (waving to Robin Miller w/a Robin Caroll). I appreciated it since I moved from the West to the Southern tip of a mid-western state.


FRIENDS" VS. "SOUTHERN" FRIENDS

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the
food. And lots of it.

FRIENDS: Will say "hello".
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big
hug and a kiss. More than one.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. And Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents
Mom and Dad, and often.

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you. And for you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours
there, talking, laughing, and just being together.
Then do the dishes before leaving

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book
with direct quotes from you. And most of the
time know you better than you do yourself.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's
what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole
crowd's back-ends that left you, then walk
beside you in the front of the crowd.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and
say, "Are you home?" If you are not home, they will wait.

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life. And then some.
I have been Blessed with SOUTHERN FRIENDS

As Robin says so well....LOVE Y'all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Miscellaneous Mondays--Dandy Definitions

Since I'm reformatting the way I do my blog posts, I'll only be posting three days or so a week. Miscellaneous Mondays will be just what it says. Random stupid stuff and personal updates.

Speaking of...I've had two more minor surgeries since my recent wreck in April. And though I'm still on crutches trying to progress to a cane, I'm healing well. Still not full weight bearing or able to drive, but much improved from a month or two ago. Thanks for all of your private words of kindness and prayers. I know He hears.

Now, presenting the first Miscellaneous Monday post:


THIS CAME FROM SOMEONE IN MY LOCAL WRITER'S GROUP. NOT SURE IF I HAVE POSTED IT BEFORE. IF SO, IT'S FUNNY AND BEARS REPEATING.

ENJOY!

CHERYL WYATT



ADULT
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOR
A place where women curl up and dye.

CANNIBAL
Someone who is fed up with people.

CHICKENS
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they die.

COMMITTEE
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST
Mud with the juice squeezed out.

EGOTIST
Someone who is me-deep in conversation.

HANDKERCHIEF
Cold storage.

INFLATION
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

MOSQUITO
An insect that makes you like flies better.

RAISIN
Grape with a sunburn.

SECRET
Something you tell to one person at a time.

SKELETON
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.

TOOTHACHE
The pain that drives you to extraction.

TOMORROW
One of the greatest labor-saving devices of today.

YAWN
An honest opinion openly expressed.

WRINKLES
Something other people have, similar to my character lines.

Announcing July's Prompt Winner--Anita Draper

Huge congrats going out to Anita Draper...my July Prompt Contest winner.

All of the stories this month were riveting and I found it very hard to choose a winner. But Anita's story and characters stuck with me. I hope she will stretch the scene out into a full length short story or even a book length novel.

Visit Anita's blog and tell her "Congrats!"

Anita's Blog

Or click the header link above to get to Anita's blog.

There's one more week to get August's prompt in! Wow..the months are flying by!

Warmly,

Cheryl

Wednesday-Borrowed Prayers

I'm reformatting my blog posts and dropping down to three to four a week rather than seven a week. That way I don't lose readership for the folks who are subscribed by Feedblitz and also so I can continue to consistently blog even while under deadline. Blogger has this awesome new feature that allows you to schedule previously written blog posts. I love it. Cutting back will also enable me to be able to comment on your comments more.

I do appreciate each of you and am thankful for your readership. For that reason, I'm devoting my Borrowed Prayers (previously on Sunday...now on Wednesdays) to you...my faithful blog and book readers.

Father, thank you SO much for the privilege of being able to write. Thank you SO much for these people who take time out of their day to read my books and or blog posts. I lift each of them up to you today and ask you to bless them. I pray you would let them know how much they are appreciated by me, Lord. I know this writing gift is from you. I pray you would bless them with the desires of their hearts that are your perfect will for them. Many are still waiting for promises that you've made them to come to pass. Help them to believe. Help them to hope. Help them to persevere through the hard seasons and cling to you like a warm coat in harsh, winter wind. Help them to enjoy the seasons where struggle is light and life is as bright as summer's sun. Bless their families. Give them a strong sense of your presence as you draw near to them today. Let them know how real you are and how much they are loved. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Reasons for a Scene & Building up Scenes-in Seekerville today

I'm guestblogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over to hear (and contribute to) a list of Reasons for a Scene

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Great Industry Blog-CJ Darlington

CJ Darlington has a great blog that has a lot of great advice from industry professionals, including authors, editors, agents and publishers.

Here is the link:

CJ Darlington's Blog

Cheryl Wyatt

BLUSH & CRINGE--Batteries and Band-Aids

I had surgery Tuesday to remove the pins from my right foot. I had general anesthesia during and pain meds afterward. I also had to have Benadryl and Narcan because of an allergic reaction. So between all those drugs, I was pretty groggy and loopy when I came out of surgery.

On the way home, I was still groggy since it was a same-day surgery.

My poor husband had to listen to me ARGUE all the way home over something so stupid. I basically kept insisting that he had to run through the pharmacy drive through and pick up the batteries for my foot.

The convo (which went on for around twelve miles) went something like this...only longer as I argued the point.

"Don't forget the batteries when you fill my subscription."
"You mean prescription?"
"Yes, yes. My pain med prescription and the batteries."
"Batteries?"
"Yes."
"For what?"
"The doctor said I need them for my foot."
"Huh?"
"So don't forget them. The big ones."
"Big what?"
"Batteries. For my foot. I need the batteries for my foot."
"You're not making sense."
"Yes, I'm telling you he said I need batteries for my foot."
Husband gives a strange look. "Why batteries?"
"Because!"
"Batteries? Like, what size?"
"Yes. Big ones. The big kind with no Latex."
"Batteries? Go back to sleep."
"No. You'll forget the batteries."
"You don't need batteries. I never heard him mention batteries and you're not making sense."
"Yes! Yes, the doctor said I have to have batteries in my foot after five days."
Husband laughs. "No. He said you have to have Band-aids after five days."

Oh....the joy of anesthesia.

Cheryl Wyatt-embarrassed but laughing

POPCORN BLUSH AND CRINGE

My hubby and I went on a date a few Saturday nights prior to my wreck in April. We normally go out to eat first then watch a movie, but we were running behind so we decided to hit the movies first.

I was so immersed in polishing my ms in prep to send it off that I forgot to eat that day. I'm serious...not until I got low-bloodsugar-shaky did I realize I hadn't eaten and here it was 4:30pm. So I munched on a raw turnip and had a few nibbles of a Pecan Spinwheel with a cup of coffee. Bad move. Not used to the sugar, eating the sweet roll WITH A TURNIP on a virtually empty stomach made me nauseaus...so I didn't eat anything else.

By the time we got to the theatre, it was nearly seven-thirty and I was HUNGRY. I saw the daughter of a couple we're friends with and went across the lobby to chat with her.

Then I rejoined my husband at the concession stand. He was at the register, so I assumed the tub of popcorn and soda sitting there was ours.

He. He. He.

I reach over, scoop a handful and toss it in my mouth then reach for the soda.

"Nuh-uh."

I turn around...and a woman with her two children (who are giving me REALLY disgusted looks) snatch the sodas....and yes...the tub of popcorn and walk off.

Whoops. They'd just come up to get a refill. And I'd taken liberty to just plow my hands into their popcorn and eat it like it's completely normal for people to eat other people's food without their permission.

Ya know...I'm REALLY glad I didn't reach for that soda first. Yuck.

Did my husband comfort me in my scorn?

Nope. He stood there, dying laughing. And so did the register clerk.

But then dear hubby bought me my very own tub of popcorn...so it's all good.

Cheryl "Popcorn-thief" Wyatt

Christian the Lion-A Must-See Vid!

I thought you might find the following article from snopes.com interesting: Christian the Lion

I think this is awesome!

Bawled my eyes out.

Click the link and play the video. You won't be sorry.

Let me know what you think.

Cheryl Wyatt

KOD Classes

I will post interviews from these September instructors soon!

In the meantime, if you are a mystery/suspense writer...you may be interested in these September online classes:

Murder One Online Course for September 2008

************ ********Permission to Forward***** ********* ********* *****

RWA's Mystery/Suspense Chapter is pleased to announce our COFFIN, College of Felony and Intrigue, MURDER ONE online workshop for the month of SEPTEMBER 2008.

WORKSHOP: A Cop's Life A - Z

Have you ever wondered what it's like to go in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle or be in an officer-involved shooting? Do you know the difference between burglary and robbery?
What does ego have to do with being a police officer? These questions and more will be answered in the Kiss of Death COFFIN online workshop in September 2008. The instructor, Los Angeles Police Officer Kathy Bennett, will present twenty-six "lectures" on A Cop's Life A - Z and answer any resulting questions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to go behind the badge and find out what it's really like to be a cop.

Instructor: Kathy Bennett

Kathy Bennett has been a Los Angeles Police Officer for eighteen years currently assigned as a Senior Lead Officer with approximately seven square miles of the City of Los Angeles assigned to her. She is responsible for crime and quality of life issues within those seven square miles and if things aren't going well, the Chief of Police will want to talk to her and find out why.

Kathy's career with the LAPD began in 1973 as a civilian employee of the department and in 1990 she fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a sworn police officer. Most of Kathy's career has been spent on patrol in a black and white police car, but she's also been a Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, a crime analyst in the "War Room", a Field Training Officer, worked undercover in various assignments and is a certified DARE instructor. She's been named Officer of the Quarter twice, and Officer of the Year once.

MURDER ONE workshops encompass the technical aspects of murder and mayhem.

**PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 27TH day of the month PRIOR to the start of the COFFIN class. Cost of each workshop is $15.00 US for KOD members, $30.00 US for non-KOD members (RWA membership NOT required to take the course).

For more information check out our website at http://www.rwamyste rysuspense. org

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RWA's Mystery/Suspense Chapter is pleased to announce our COFFIN, College of Felony and Intrigue, KILLER INSTINCT online workshop for the month of SEPTEMBER 2008.

WORKSHOP: A Method for Plotting Madness
Wondering whether your book is as fast-paced as it can be? Troubled by the intricacies of balancing suspense and romance? Confused over whether your scenes are indeed building to a breakneck, satisfying conclusion, or whether they're simply making your reader wish she'd picked up a washing machine maintenance manual instead? This course can help!

Blending several tried-and-true fiction-writing sources with her own peculiar methods, Tracy Montoya shows you how to start your book with a bang, keep the pacing tight and the romance and suspense plots focused, and how to stage a final confrontation that's satisfying and suspenseful. You'll receive plenty of instructor feedback and--whether you're a "plotter" or a "pantser"--you' ll walk away with a grid you can use to plot or revise all of your future stories.
INSTRUCTOR: Tracy Montoya
Tracy Montoya has been writing for Harlequin Intrigue since 2000. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier award, the Beacon Award, and the Golden Quill award for romantic suspense A member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Society of Environmental Journalists, Tracy has written about everything from Booker Prize-winning poet Martín Espada to socially responsible mutual funds to soap opera summits. Her articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including Hope, Utne, Satya, YES!, Audubon, and the National Green Pages, and she writes a syndicated column called "The Spirit of Money" for Martha Stewart's Body + Soul. Prior to launching her journalism career, she taught in an under-resourced school in Louisiana through the AmeriCorps Teach for America program.
Tracy holds a Master's degree in English literature from Boston College and a B.A. in the same from St. Mary's University. When she's not writing, she likes to scuba dive, forget to go to kickboxing class, wallow in bed with a good book, or get out her guitar with a group of friends and pretend she's Suzanne Vega.
KILLERINSTINCT workshops encompass writing and craft topics.

**PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 27TH day of the month PRIOR to the start of the COFFIN class. Cost of each workshop is $15.00 US for KOD members, $30.00 US for non-KOD members. (RWA membership NOT required to take the course).

For more information check out our website at http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org

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BORROWED PRAYERS

I had another surgery Tuesday to remove the surgical pins put in after my recent car accident. I am facing one more surgery next Tuesday. I have an author friend (waving to Camy Tang!) flying in from San Jose, California to help me for two weeks. Another writer friend (Julie Lessman) and her husband are letting us stay the night with them the day before my surgery since we have to travel to the city in which they live. Just this Thursday at Discipleship Community at church, people from my small group (waving to Nick and Carmen and Marcie) told me that any time I want to come to church or need a ride when hubby is out of town to call and they'll come get me. My cousin's fiance and friend of the family Terylinn is coming to clean my house next week. And Aimee and Laurel and my sister Lisa have been helping with my girls. My mom is the taxi service when I can't be. I have had so much help, prayer and support, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness around me.

My family (parents and sister and brother-in-law, granny, sister-in-law etc.) and friends (from church and small group) and my cousins have sent Get Well cards. Many of my fellow Love Inspired and ACFW authors (pubbed and unpubbed) and my editors have also sent Get Well Cards and e-mails of support and prayers. I also have an online prayer support group who faithfully prays for me. My wonderful cousin Cheryl Rose also posts prayer requests on our My Family Web site and I have lots of people praying for me, including churches I've never even heard of. I know you blog readers have been praying too.

To all, THANK YOU! I pray that you have people in your life just like you.

I could spend all day naming the people who are praying for me and offering to help in various ways. People who heard about the wreck on Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers, Shoutlife, My Space, etc. I've gotten e-mails from all over the world. I thank God for each and every one of you. I am more thankful than words can express.

I have a hard time being the one needing help. Anyone who knows me, knows I'd rather be the one helping. But I know there is a reason God has me going through this. I've been unable to drive all summer and mostly homebound. On crutches with impaired mobility. It has given me a new respect for permanantly disabled people. It has also given me a heart for the homebound. Those who can't drive or get themselves around. Those who are forced by their disability or inability to drive to have to depend on others to take them places.

God is doing something in my heart with this. Not sure what will come out of it but I'm praying for the ability to help others once I'm well. I'm praying that I never forget what it's like not to be able to take myself places or go where I want when I want. I think of all the years and all the people I had no mind of who have been homebound or shut in.

Is there someone in your life like that? Can you think of a way to take them to town for a load of groceries? Or take them to a parade for an hour or to a park? Something, anything to get them outside. Maybe it's a neighbor or a loved one.

Here's my prayer. Please, by all means "borrow" it:

Father, I pray we never take what we have for granted. Our physical abilities. There is always someone worse off than we are. Help us to look beyond ourselves and give us compassion to reach out to those who are shut in. Give us acute sensitivity to know how to help those who are disabled and still maintain their dignity. Help us to include them in our activities and never act in a way that makes them feel burdensome. Help us to include them. We don't want anyone to feel left out or forgotten or abandoned Lord. Give us your heart for these people. Help us not just feel sorry for them or for their situation. Help us to do something about it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

By the way...this is (pictured above) my cousin Donnie. He has been a source of inspiration to me from the time I was young. He is wheelchair bound but that doesn't stop him from getting on his four-wheeler and zooming across his yard. He has such determination and joy. He is a hero to me and my family. Please pray that God blesses him and his family.

Cheryl Wyatt

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

Welcome to the latest, greatest news from Refuge.

In case you don't know what Psych Saturdays are, or Refuge for that matter, let me explain. Cheryl Wyatt (this blog owner) is writing a series for Steeple Hill's Love Inspired about a team of U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers. She has set the stories in a fictional Southern Illinois town called "Refuge". I am the cat who traipses through Cheryl's Wings of Refuge Series.

The next Wings of Refuge book will release in April of 2009. To tie readers over until then, I'm bringing you the latest, greatest news from Refuge and keeping you up to date on the characters from the first two Wings of Refuge books. They (A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family) released in January and March of 2008.

Moving onward...here's this week's news.

My current owner Celia is watching a pet that one of the PJs has. Chance Garrison has a tender heart for animals. When his PJ team helped rescue people from a flood, he found this hedgehog (above) on top of a roof. He rescued the pet and now Celia is watching it until Chance can locate the owners.

Problem is, Celia is now playing favorites. She put ME on a diet. And, unfortunately it's not a hedgehog diet. The vet said I'm morbidly obese (whatever that means) so now Celia has cut my tuna rations in half! Can you believe that? Sigh.

In other Refuge news, the blog owner, Cheryl just turned in book four and is ready to mail the first three chapters of book five (contracted by Steeple Hill) for release in 2009.

That's all the Refuge news this week.

If Celia turns her head...sneak me some tuna, will ya?

----Psych----

Free Book Fridays?

Hey all,

Once I am able to drive again (we don't have mail courier service here) I will institute a Free Book Friday on my blog. I will pick a winner each week and mail them their choice of a free Love Inspired novel.

How's this sound to everyone?

Thought so...but just checkin....

Cheryl Wyatt

Interview

Carol Ann Ernhardt interviewed me for her blog today.

I hope you will drop by. Or if you have a moment, thank Carol in her comments section for hosting me.

Here's the link: Carol's Blog

Warmly,

Cheryl

Interview with Literary Agent Rachel Zurakowski

Visit Seekerville for a wonderful interview with Literary Agent Rachel Zurakowski of Books & Such.

Interview with Rachel on Seekerville

Rachel will also be available to answer questions so be sure to leave comments.

I had surgery today to remove pins in my foot...and a funny story about that. But I'll save it for the next Blush and Cringe.

Until then....see you in Seekerville!

Hugs all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Another Great Industry Blog-Five Scribes

I know several of these ladies personally from other writing loops and contests I've entered and judged. And Audra is a fellow Seeker sister. I highly recommend you add this exciting new blog to your Favorites list.

Five Scribes Blog

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt

Soldiers' Angels

Most of you know I'm currently writing a series about a team of U.S. Air Forece Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) for Steeple Hill Love Inspired right now.

Since I have a great respect for our military and those who serve, I wanted to share a link with those of you who wonder how you might help deployed soldiers.

I've been involved with this organization so I know it's legit. I pray you'll consider adopting a soldier through Soldiers' Angels. There are other opportunities to help as well.

Check it out:


Soldier's Angels


Cheryl Wyatt

BORROWED PRAYERS

I wasn't going to post on Sundays, but I decided to reinstate something I used to do on my blog.

I'll post a prayer for you to borrow if you're ever in need of one.

Last Sunday our pastor talked about Peter and how he was the only other person besides Jesus who was known to have walked on water. For a few steps...he really did until he took his eyes off Jesus and let his circumstances (crashing waves, depth of the water, etc.) overwhelm him.

One thing that Sandor said that really clicked with me and cracked the entire congregation up!) was that, at least he got out of the boat and tried. Granted he started sucking water but he stepped over that side into something that should have sank him but his feet of momentary faith found solid footing as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus.

Sandor's point was that there needs to be balance between intellectualism and faith. With too much intellectualism, we miss the supernatural. With not enough, we could end up sucking water. I'm paraphrasing now, but Sandor's words about sucking water were hilarious. He made great points.


First, I'd love to know if any of you have ever tried to actually walk on water? Come on...fess up. Sondor did. I had to laugh when he said that because I remember a day when several of my friends and me tried it...all day...without success. But we tried. And I'll bet that made God smile. And I'll bet it made God smile when Sandor tried too. It takes a certain amount of humility to admit things like that. I'm thankful for leaders in my church who are humble enough to be that transparent. The main way I serve my church is by praying for it. Having the blessing of leaders who love Jesus and are true disciples makes my part easy.

What kind of faith does it take to defy waves and laws of gravity and submersion? I don't have it...apparently. Peter did...if even for a moment. Do you? I don't recommend trying to drown yourself. If you're going to try this at home...please...let it be in a few inches of water and not from the side of a boat unless you're wearing a life jacket or are a great swimmer. LOL! Then again Peter probably wasn't wearing inflatables. LOL! And neither was Jesus. His faith kept him up.

Recently a fellow writer died. I was amazed and inspired by her husband's unfailing faith as he continued Kristy Dyke's blog after her tumor left her unable. And right before that another family friend lost his wife. He said he always thought himself a strong person until the loss of his wife upended him. But, what he didn't realize was how strong he still looked to everyone around him because of his faith and his tears of love for his wife. Please pray for these two men (Micky Robison and Milton Dykes) for their tumultous sea is one of missing their beloved wives and believe me, the waves of grief are some of the strongest life comes crashing with. Their faith doesn't mean they won't grieve or hurt. But their faith will keep them from sinking to the depths of an unseen sea so dark and disabling you won't understand unless you've been there.

Father, we pray that you will empower us to believe you for great and mighty things. Bless our churches with supernatural things that will let people know you're still the same God who parted the sea, turned water into wine and raised people from death. You created the universe with your very breath. Please breathe in us faith. Let it be a living thing. Let our faith make you famous Lord and bring attention to you and not us. Whatever our challenges are today, help us step out of that boat...whatever it may be. Bless our churches and our leaders. Help us reflect you. Give us the kind of faith that you and Peter had when you literally walked across the surface of the sea. Bouy those in our lives who've lost loved ones. Please lift your children up and carry them through the tumult of loss. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

SPORTS SECTION NEWSPsych here...and I AM psyched today. As you can see, here are the latest scores for Refuge competitions and sports:

CAT-BIRD OUTSMARTING COMPETITION SCORES for Saturday, August 2, 2008.
CATS: 4
BIRDS: 3....er...strike that. 2. He. He. He. Shhhh....don't tell Celia that egg came from the yard....

REFUGE SOCCER TEAM:

Humans: 1 Point
Cats: 2 Points
Ball: forfieted due to injury. Rumor has it, the ball was popped by sharp claws and taken by ambulance to Refuge Community Hospital.

He-he-he.


Pleased-with-himself-Psych

August Prompt Contest

August 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 “August 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!


August Prompt Words
1. Loose
2. Lose
3. Park
4. Theme
5. Caustic
6. As
7. Like
8. Vein
9. Vain
10. Vane



August Scene Starter Sentences:

“What’s that smell?”
“Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Did you hear that?”


Happy writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

THIEVIN MEMES! HE HE HE

Pssst! I snitched the meme Camy stole from Danica...

Shhhh! LOL!

1. What is your occupation? Full time writer and RN (That's Real Nerd in case you were wondering. Though my license is still active, I'm taking a leave from nursing at the moment.)

2. What color are your socks right now? Tan and I only have one on since my other foot looks like the Terminator. I'm wearing an Air Cast because I have a broken foot/ankle.

3. What are you listening to right now? My crotchety air conditioner which doesn't seem to be cooling me down. I'm sweating. Bleck!

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Hubby ran to the border for Taco Bell.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Learned at age 12 but not lately. I detained an ambulance the last time I tried. Just ask my sister Lisa to tell you the (terrible and funny!) story.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Fuschia. Is there a fuschia?

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My hubby....from the other room! LOL! We're bad. Hey...gimme a break. I have a broken leg and didn't feel like crutching across the other side of the house to ask him something.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love the persons I stole this from.

9. Favorite drink? English Breakfast tea with milk (whole). OH MY! I CAN STEAL THIS ANSWER TOO! I LOVE sweet English Breakfast Tea...but boiled milk. Got hooked on that in India.

10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Cricket! Have to practically leave the country to do so though. WHY CAN'T WE HAVE CRICKET IN THE U.S.?! I'm pouting over that.

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Not me. But recently I was lamenting the fact that I hadn't had a hair cut or highlight since my wreck because I can't drive. So my sister-in-law Tammy came to my rescue. Dragged me to the car, hauled me to the mall and made a hair appointment for me! I'm thankful for friends and women who understand the vanity of three bad hair months in a row.

12. Pets? Just got a brand-new dog named Cricket!!! And still have three guineas named S'more, Suger Bug and....dang...can't remember the last one's name! Shhh! Don't tell my kids. I think it's name is fudge. Oh man....am I ever in trouble here...

13. Favorite food? Melted cheese and Ribeye steak...just not together. LOL!

14. Last movie you watched? Can't recall the name but it was about a silly old man and a big veggie eating rabbit who terrorized a town. No I'm not kidding.

15. Favorite Day of the year? Valentines' Day since I'm a romance writer and it's also my birthday.

16. What do you do to vent anger? ROFL! I had to laugh at Camy's answer because my answer is identical...call Camy or Robin or my sister Lisa.

17. What was your favorite toy as a child? My motercycle and my gun.

18. What is your favorite season? Spring

19. Hugs or kisses? Kisses from hubby and my family's hugs

20. Cherry or blueberry? Cherry dip from Dairy Queen.

21. Do you want your friends to email you back? Please be kind and spare me....I get 200 e-mails a day....not Spam.

22. What are you reading? JANET DEAN'S DEBUT HISTORICAL!!!!! Courting Miss Adelaide from Steeple Hill Historical!

23. What is on the floor of your closet? Clothes and shoes and probably a colony of dust bunnies have settled there since I haven't been able to vacuum in there or clean it out in three months.

24. Favorite smells? Hubby's cologne, meat grilling on charcoal, fresh-cut grass and newborn babies after a Johnson's bath, and my granny Nellie's coffee-gravy porkchops cooking. Grandma Veda's breakfast. Mom's Enchilada pie and barbequed spareribs.

25. Who inspires you? God and my mom and my grandmother Veda and my grandmother Nellie. My faithful blog readers and book fans, and all the wonderfully gifted women in my life. Brenda Stritzel, Marcie Scheumaker, Renee Morgan, Lisa Davis, Danica favorite Mcdonald, Pammer James, Camy Tang, Carmen Kretcji, Amanda Paull, Jennifer Darling, Jesse Sayer, Terri Kessinger, Mia Davidson, Tammy Wyatt, Michelle Patula, Becca Dalton, Melissa Purdy, Debbie Roberts, Cheryl Rose, Casheena Stephens, Val Tao, Aimee Williams and her mom and sister. Alma, Terrilynn, Jolina, Aunt Linda and Aunt Anna and this list could go on forever...

Also, Corrie Ten Boom, Mother Teresa, Jackie Pullinger To, and other great women of faith and who stood up for the helpless.

26. What are you afraid of? Loss

27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese

28. Favorite car? ANYTHING NASCAR!!!

29. Favorite cat breed? Siamese

30. Number of keys on your key ring? I haven't driven in three months so I have no idea where my keys are. Car's totaled anyway.

31. How many years at your current job? 20 years nursing...nearly 10 years writing.

32. Favorite day of the week? date nights with hubby and church day and family nights with the kids and Thursday small group and Saturday prayer group...okay I guess that about covers it. LOL!

33. How many states have you lived in? Let's see...California's 1, New Mexico's 2, Oklahoma's 3, Illinois is 4, Panic is 5, Confusion is 6, Physical Duress is 7 and Boredom is 8. LOL!

34. Do you think you're funny? No, but other people do. Which I guess is better than thinking I am and other people don't. LOL!

35. New Year's resolution? To lose weight. Right. I'll just keep that cause it's Camy's answer. I have gone UP a size since my wreck and I'm totally depressed about it. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME TO LOSE WEIGHT!

36. Favorite vacation? Cruise with sister. Disney with the fam and to India orphanages, leper colonies and widow Dalit communities. Vacations with family growing up to see extended family members. Trips to Oklahoma and California from new Mexico. Could have done without the gigantic Arkansas mosquitos though.

37. Dream Vacation? Cruises with family and hubby alone to Hawaii

Hilarious movie scene about a writer

Photos ©2003 Sony Pictures.

I must have missed this movie when it came out...partly because I didn't watch TV for three years prior to selling my first novel. Hey, writing time had to come from somewhere. I mean, since I wasn't about to take time away from my family, something else had to give.

Which leads me to the point of this post. Last night, hubby and I watched "Something's Gotta Give" (Sony Pictures-2003) starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves, as well as a host of others.

Now before you rush out and rent or buy this movie, I must warn you there are a couple of gratuitous (and gross!) scenes in it. But, if you are a writer and can stomach those parts (or hit fast forward) there is something in this movie that you can identify (and laugh!) with.

There is a scene when the rich, former womanizing old guy (played by Jack Nicholson) breaks up with the famous screenwriting herione (played by Diane Keaton).

The funniest part was, right after he breaks up with her...the writing of her newest play just starts pouring out of her. Only it's hilarious because she'll wail...then write....then toss her head back and cry hysterically some more...then giggle maniacally and write. THIS SCENE IS HILARIOUS IF YOU ARE A WRITER OF ANY KIND!

You'd have to see it to know what I mean. My description doesn't give it justice. But if you've ever strained and labored over any kind of written work...you will appreciate (and crack up at!) this scene.

Cheryl Wyatt...NOT condoning the gross, gratuitous parts. Just endorsing the funny, writerly aspect of this several-years-old movie.

Blush and Cringe-The P word...or is it N?

A child I was around this week walked up to me, holding a baby doll. She says, "I know why moms have pimples."

"You do?" I said.

"Yes," she said and shoved the baby under her shirt hem. "To feed their babies."

I'll let you figure that out on your own. I'm pretty sure she has her words a little mixed up and the one she wanted needed to start with an "N".

LOLOLOL!

Cheryl

Prompt Reminder

Hey my writer-readers....

Just a friendly reminder:

A few more days left to enter this month's prompt.

Scroll back to the beginning of the month for July's prompt.

Cheryl Wyatt

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

Here's the part where I'm supposed to say, "Welcome to Psych Saturday!" Then I bring you the latest news from Refuge...the fictional setting for Cheryl Wyatt's Wings of Refuge Series with Steeple Hill.

BUT, here's the deal....

I'm ticked. Royally, hissingly, hair-raisingly, claws-out-to-the-max ticked.

Celia TRIED to get a dog. A DOG!


Why, that's like your husband trying to come home with a creature from Saturn at breakfast who would love to gobble your children by lunch.

Worse, he acted all sweet UNTIL she turned her back. Then he says, "It's my way or the highway, cat. I'm the boss here now."

HSSSSS!!!!!!! Spat! Spat! Spat! (That's Christian kitty cussing in case you didn't know.)

SOMEBODY FEEL SORRY FOR ME....PUH-LEEZ. And worse! The thing has (ewe!) fleas!!!

Sigh.

I need tuna.....slinks away....lots-n-lots of tuna......


Psych the slinky

PERSPECTIVE

THIS CAME FROM SOMEONE IN MY LOCAL WRITERS' GROUP. NO IDEA WHO ORIGINALLY WROTE IT BUT I WISH IT HAD BEEN ME. LOL!

ENJOY!

CHERYL WYATT AKA SQUIRREL


It's all in the way you look at it.....
1) NUDITY

I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt !"

2) OPINIONS

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents."

3) KETCHUP

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone.

"Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle."

4) MORE NUDITY

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

5) POLICE # 1

While taking a routine vandalism report at an
elementary school, I was interrupted by a little
girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at
my uniform, she asked, "Are you a cop?"
"Yes," I answered and continued writing the report. "My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?" "Yes, that's right," I told her. "Well, then," she said as she extended her foot toward me, "would you please tie my shoe?"

6) POLICE # 2

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me "Is that a dog you got back there?" he asked. "It sure is," I replied. Puzzled, the boy looked
at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, "What'd he do?"

7) ELDERLY

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"

8) DRESS-UP

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, "Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit." "And why not, darling?" "You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning. "

9) DEATH

While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said:

"Glory be unto the Faaather, and unto the Sonnn, and into the hole he goes."

10) SCHOOL

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"



11) BIBLE

A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear

BLUSH & CRINGE-BYOP

Okay I haven't done one of these in a long time simply due to deadlines. But believe me, I could write a Blush & Cringe five days a week because I do something to embarrass myself nearly every day.

Anyway, this one isn't really about me but about my church. We were going to host a retreat before next weekend. So during announcements, the pastor briefly mentioned some last minute instructions regarding what to bring to the retreat, which were going to be held at some remote cabins.

A bunch of new people happened to walk in at the moment he said, "And also, you might want to consider bringing your own pot."

The people just stopped and gave him the strangest look. But, they bravely continued their trek in.

I mean, yeah, we have a very laid-back church. So laid back it's horizontal in fact. But, the pastor encouraging illicit drugs from the pulpit? Not a chance. LOL.

He meant COFFEE pots because, while the kitchenettes have coffee makers in them, no pots for some reason.

Cheryl Wyatt

THE MOST INSPIRING THING YOU WILL EVER READ

Some of you know I took over a column for Faith, Hope and Love---the online Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Kristy Dykes used to do this column and I tell you, I never feel like I can do the column justice. Trying to follow in Kristy's footsteps is a challenge. She was one of the most glowing, funny, encouraging people you could ever meet. She brightened everything she put her hands to. And every life she merged with.

If you want to be encouraged, visit the blog she used to maintain. Her husband Milton posted for Kristy after she was unable. But I promise you, if you take time to read back through the posts, starting as far back as you want, but certainly beginning right before Kristy's diagnosis...it is THE most inspiring things you'll ever read. Ever.

Here is the link.

Christian Love Stories Blog


Please lift the family up in your prayers.

Cheryl Wyatt

Camy's Class--addendum

Hey, this is for those of you who receive my blogs via Feedblitz a day late. Camy's class is Wednesday, July 23, which, for you Feedblitz subscribers is TODAY rather than tomorrow. It runs a week and you won't want to miss it.

Five bucks is a STELLAR deal for an online class of this caliber.

I just signed up and hope to see some of you there.

http://storysensei.blogspot.com/2008/07/story-sensei-synopsis-online-class.html

Cheryl

Join me for Camy Tang's Synopsis Class

Hey all, I wanted to post this yesterday, but was on the road all day after a sound gig at Ignite in Chicago with my hubba-hubba-hubby. So, sorry I didn't get this up before.

My good friend, partner in crime and excellent structural editor aka Fabu author Camy Tang will be hosting a synopsis class TOMORROW.

Since it takes me longer to write my synopsis than the story, I'll definitely be there and hope you will consider joining me.

There is a nomimal fee of only $5.00...a killer deal of you know the caliber of teacher is and the level of knowlege she has about writing craft and industry standards.

Here's the link:

Story Sensei Online Synopsis Class Info

Hope to see you there!

Cheryl

Another Great Industry Blog-Bill Brohaugh

I unearthed another industry treasure this weekend: Bill Brohaugh's Blog. Yep.

Some of you know I also participate in an interactive author blog called Seekerville. I know, I know...I've been cheating on you with another blog. But, my faithful readers, I hope you're partaking in both.

We had an exciting event Saturday in Seekerville. Not an earthquake. Not a bird. Not a plane, but Bill Brohaugh dropped by and commented on our blog!!! My post to be exact. My head is so big today, my husband will have to poke a pin in my temple and pop it to get me out the door.

Anywho, because Tina Russo (OUTSTANDING contest diva, author and all around great gal) recommended Bill's Write Tight book, I'm gonna order extra copies and probably give them away here and on Seekerville. Stay tuned for that. If you're attending my Late Night Chat with Steeple Hill editor Emily Rodmell and fellow author Dana Mentick at the Minneapolis ACFW conference in September, I will probably give a couple away there too.

In the meantime, check out
Bill's Blog Page. If his book is anything like his blog, it'll be a keeper. I have a feeling it's bent toward creative non-fiction--which I love.

If you're an aspiring author, or a reader in need of a daily dose of laughter, you'll want to bookmark Unfortunate English. Amazing discovery.

Link to order Bill Brohaugh's books.

To view the original Seeker post click here.

Scroll down sixty-something comments there to see Bill's excellent advice on seeking and destroying pet words.

Ironically, I spent all day Saturday conducting a search-and-destroy mission of the word "though." Camy Tang picked up on my overuse of that word when she shredded...errr...critted one of the books I'm about to turn in to my editor. Seems I have a pet phrase or a pet word that I get stuck on for each book I write. And it's never the same word or phrase. LOL!

BTW, she's about to hold an online synopsis class. Details and link to follow Monday. In the meantime, check out Bill's blog and fork over the dough to snag his book, Write Tight. In addition to being an author, he has been an editor for Writer's Digest and other popular publications.

Cheryl Wyatt

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

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Hello again folks.

Here's the latest, greatest Refuge News:

The Drop Zone officially belongs to Pararescuer Joel. Yep. It's located on the edge of town AND on the outskirts of a (fictional) military base. The PJs are going to use it for military training purposes on some days as well as it being for civilan skydiving the other days.

Celia ACTUALLY jumped from a plane. I won't tell you what all she said on the way down but apparently, Amber was waiting at the bottom with a video camera and a bar of soap.

She's not sure she'll do it again. I'm sure Manny will talk her into it. Javier is actively recruiting buddies to join him in the Air Force boot camp after he gets out of school. He's been bringing the guys and their parents to check out the Pararescue recruitment video.

Cheryl Wyatt (this blog owner) said to tell you she's been blogging sparse because she's finishing up two contracted novels...one of which she sent through The Shredder (her crit partners...LOL) this week.

In the meantime...she has me proofreading. See me up there? Hardy-har-har.

Want to (Seriously) learn more about Pararescue?

Check out this link, or simply Google "Pararescue":


Pararescue dot com

That's all he wrote for today....

Psych

Amber Miller's PROMISES, PROMISES Blog Tour-Interview!

Today we welcome Amber Miller with her debut novel, Promises, Promises! I am excited for Amber to be here as she is also my Web maintenance guru for www.CherylWyatt.com and we also shared the May ACFW BookClub spotlight together. We had a blast discussing our books.

So....without further ado, here's an exclusive interview with Amber:


1. If your heroine from Promises, Promises were to write a blurb about you, the author of her story, what would she say?

Wow, what a great question! My first inclination is something like this: "Get me away from this mad woman. I was forced to endure a great deal of pain and agony, and there were times when I feared I might not survive the trials. At the very moment when I believed things were improving....she would bring another calamity into my life. However, I must admit that through it all, I learned some very valuable lessons that helped me deal with my pain. She seemed to know me and understand my hurts. And who could find any reason to protest the ultimate conclusion where I found love and happiness and yes, even forgiveness? Very well. I suppose I shall confess. This woman is not the evil persona I at first believed her to be."

Another thought would be: "Amber Miller is a true lady who knows the meaning of the word friendship and devotion. When we first became acquainted, I found myself at a rather lonely place, believing I had nothing left in the world and no one who cared. I even thought my God had forsaken me, leaving me to wallow in my misery and grief. But Amber brought a saving grace to my life. She helped me see that God was right by my side the entire time, and she remained with me as well, despite my rather ostentatious behavior and acrimonious treatment of others. In addition, she introduced me to Gustaf, the man whose faith I witnessed every day, and the one who showed me the love of our Heavenly Father in a way that no one else could. Yes, I certainly owe my life to Amber. I am indeed fortunate that she remained with me for that time when I needed her most."

2. Do you come up with your characters or your plot first and why?

I meet my characters first, then I throw them into a plot situation and see how they handle it. For me and my writing, it's all about relating to the characters. The plot is merely what progresses the story. It's the characters who breathe life into the story and help you love it or hate it. I love to read books where I can relate to the characters' dilemmas and reactions and experiences. When I can't, the book doesn't strike a chord and it usually ends up getting given to someone else.

3. What online resources (Web sites, etc) do you most often use for your historicals?

Some of my favorites are www.merriam-webster.com to give me the original use of a word in popular speech; www.etymonline.com to give me origins of phrases; http://milieux.com/costume/costume1.html#history to give me resources on period costume descriptions; and www.americandialect.org to provide me with the resources to check accurate speech patterns and styles. There are many others I might use for any given book, but those are the top ones I generally open quite often.

4. What other historical resources do you use to authenticate your research?

I usually contact the historical society in the city or state where my book(s) is set. They provide a wealth of material that is amazing, and if you tell them you're an author writing about the history of that area, they have always been eager and willing to get me anything I need and answer any questions I have. I love historical societies and those who work in them. If I'm able, I also visit the setting in person and draw sketches of the place or pick up a map for street references. If I can't do that, I try to find someone who does live there and send my parts to them where I reference the town or place, so they can critique and send back any necessary corrections.

5. If you could travel back in time to any historical period, what would that be and why?

I'd love to live in the Old West, where men were men and a man's word was his bond, and those who attempted to undermine authority were shot or hung or put in their place. Folks had to EARN what they got and didn't expect it to be given to them or to be given special treatment. Women were strong too, but they loved a man who respected them and treated them like ladies. Throw out the women's lib, measly-men attacks and the socialists form of living. Get back to working for a living and providing for yourself, not expecting someone else to do it for you.

*blushes* Can you see this is a 'hot' topic for me? :)

6. How can readers keep up with you and your releases? Do you have a newsletter they can join? How would they go about doing that?

You can come visit my web site to learn the latest. I have a blog posted on the main page that is kept up to date several times a week, and you can subscribe to it receive email alerts when I make a post. That’s the best way to keep up with me and everything I’m doing or where I’m headed next. I don't have a newsletter yet, but I'm working on it for 2009. We'll see where it goes. For now, subscribe to my blog to know when I put up a new post.



I always love to hear from visitors to my site and especially readers of my books or my writing in any form. Feel free to drop me a line through the contact form on my site. I respond within 48 hours unless I’m out of town and without an internet connection.


7. What are you working on now, and when is your next book out?

I just submitted my 4th book to my editor on July 15th, so I’m feeling pretty good about now. Next, I’ll be polishing my 2 full-length historical novels to be submitted to 2 editors and 2 agents. I also have a contemporary full-length out with an editor under consideration. Then, in late August, I’ll start on my 5th contracted book, which is the 2nd in the current series of Michigan Brides. The 1st is the one I just submitted.

Are you confused yet? :)


**Thank you, Cheryl, my fellow debut-tante, for hosting me and my books on your blog. It's been so much fun riding this new author wave with you and swapping out spotlights and features. And of course, I love having you for a web site client. Readers, make sure you check out her site. I didn't do the design, but I've done some design work on it and it's such a peaceful and refreshing site.

You're welcome! I enjoyed sharing the ACFW Bookclub slot with you, my friend!


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Tour Book title: Promises, Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: February 2008 through Heartsong Presents; July 2008 to bookstores and online retailers
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 1
ISBN: 9781597899390
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html

Second Title: Quills & Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: July 2008
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 2
ISBN: 9781602600492
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html

NOTE: Quills & Promises is book two and released this month.

Read more about her at her web site: www.ambermiller.com.


Next stops on Tiff's tour:
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com; Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com
July 17 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
July 18 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.com
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview) at Reading, Writing and the Stuff In-Between http://www.trishperry.com
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com

CRICKIES AND GUINEAS--WHOOPS!

Okay, this can be placed in the Blush and Cringe section I suppose.


So, we've been thinking about a dog for a couple of years. Wanted a Yorkie and a family member of a family member needed to find one a home. Cricket aka Crickie was already potty trained, kennel trained, and obeys most commands. Very smart (and cute!) dog. Tiny thing.

But, he's got big-man syndrome. We brought him home and....he tried to go after the neighbor's huge lab-ish-Rottweiler looking dog. Hilarious since Cricket is like the size of that lab's nose!

So anyway, we have three guinea pigs. When the dog saw them, he jumped on top of the cage and tried to start opening it with his paws. He was very aggressive about it. I told my husband, "Ah, look sweetie! Cricket wants to play with the guineas."

My husband gave me a "you ARE one of those ditsy kind of blondes after all, aren't you?" and proceeds to lock the guinea cage and say, "You know what terriers were trained to do, right?"

Eyes wide, I say, "Uh.....noo-oo."

"Eat rodents."

Oh, crud. So our guineas were terrorized for a couple days by an itty dog who thinks he's big. But the pigs no longer flinch or run in their house for asylum. In fact, they squeak at him like, "Pssst! Hey....go sneak in the fridge and get us some carrots, would ya?"

The dog on the other hand probably sees them not as pets but as a very well-balanced meal. After all, we named the guineas after various food. In fact, when the dog walked in and saw a cage full of over sized rats....he probably thought, "Yeah bay-be! The mother load!"

I'll let you know how this pans out in the coming months....

Okay....where'd everybody go? No one's commenting this week...tell me what your favorite pet is, or has been, or one you'd love to have in why. Come on y'all....humor me. LOL!


Cheryl aka Squirrel

ACFW CONFERENCE BLOG

Hello!

Welcome to my wing of the ACFW conference tour. Here is a link to the conference page:

I can't wait to see you in Minneapolis, and meet some of you for the first time! Be sure and come up to introduce yourselves.

I'm going to take this opportunity to share some conference experiences I've had (some REALLY EMBARRASSING and funny). That will hopefully ease your jitters, especially if you are a first time conference goer.

My first conference, I went with my own agenda. I felt I had to fill every minute with activity. And by the second day, I was SO tired and had sensory overload. Brain felt like a soppy sponge that couldn't hold another drop of water.

So I recommend you leave time for rest. Yes, I know how much money you're spending to go. I also know you can purchase the CD afterward if you happen to miss a workshop. Hit the gym. Take a nap. Lounge by the pool. Sit in the lobby and talk to people, especially someone from ACFW that you don't already know.

Don't know anyone? Join the club. Seriously, look around and ask the Lord to highlight someone who's feeling just as out of sorts as you. No matter how brave we look on the outside, many ACFWrs are terrified and anxious on the inside. Some have never met published authors before, or editors, agents or other industry professionals.

Speaking of....it's easy for us to get stars in our eyes. But remember, they're people too. They need naps. Rest. Downtime. Respect that if you approach an agent or editor and they seem scattered or tired or rushed. Like you, they're human. BUT, they came there for you. They're looking for new talent. So don't be afraid to talk to them if you see one. They don't have sharper teeth than the rest of us. Honest, even if you don't have a book to pitch, ask them about their hobbies or what kind of books they love to read during their downtime. You might find things you have in common. And the pressure will be off of both of you the moment they realize you're not trying to pitch. More often than not, the conversation will veer toward your writing, but let them take that lead. No matter what their level of interest in your work, thank them for their input.

Bring business cards and a One Sheet. But....never, I repeat, never put your room key in the same neck pouch slot as your business cards. I accidentally (PROMISE!) handed a MALE AND VERY MARRIED industry professional my room key at the end of a pitch session rather than my business card and didn't figure it out until much later. He'd figured it was a mistake and turned in my key to the desk, thank goodness. I didn't want to come out of my room for DAYS after that. But, it's something to laugh about now.

Speaking of coming out of rooms...every year I hear of conference goers who are so terrified to be in a crowd or so nervous, they cancel their appointments and stay in their rooms and don't come out the entire conference. I've heard of people throwing up in the bathroom before their pitches. If this is you, you're not alone. But don't waste your money or the opportunities by letting fear get the best of you. Head to the prayer room or pull someone aside and ask them to pray for you. I am always willing to pray for anyone at the conference and in fact that is the main way I volunteer.

Speaking of volonteering...DO IT! :-) Anyone can volunteer, even first timers. It is a great way to meet people and form friendships. Fine someplace to help. Or be on the lookout for someone who looks on the fringes or lonely. Pull them into your group if you are "known" at ACFW. Be sensitive to others and especially to first timers.

Leave God room to work. Don't fill your schedule up too much. Go trusting that God has His agenda for you and be obedient and receptive to that. His agenda is much better than ours. Ask and trust Him to set up divine appointments for you.

Go expecting to come back spiritually refreshed. If you've never been to an ACFW conference, boy are you in for a treat. God has great things in store for you. He knows the sacrifices of time and money and time away from your families that many of you are making to be able to go. But He will honor that.

Lastly, I'd like to offer some of the best conference advice I've ever received:

Go praying like breathing.

Go with a heart to serve others.

And I'd add to that:

Give God's agenda more attention than your own.

Okay now, so let me turn the tables, what is the best conference advice you've heard?

Come on folks...talk away!

Cheryl Wyatt

Snip! Snip!

Blogging here in Seekerville tomorrow about how to bring word count down without stripping threads when you're over your word count parameters.


Drop by and say hey if you get a moment.


Cheryl Wyatt

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

Welcome to our weekly reporting of the goings-on in Refuge...the town that claims to live up to its name. And being one of Refuge's residents (albeit a furry one) I can vouch for that being true.

This week's updates:

FRONT PAGE NEWS:
Manny took Javier to visit an Air Force recruiter. He came home with enlistment papers. Amber took Celia to visit a doctor. She came home with Valium.

SPORTS SECTION:
Yawn. Nothing to report here. Except I think maybe Enrique is thinking about joining the Refuge Community Church's softball team. Hey, whatever keeps the kid comin' to church, right?

FROM THE DROPZONE
Manny is back in action! He has gone on two missions and performed six training exercises since his hip surgery following a crash. Word has it he never jumps without a hook knife and a double reserve chute. I didn't even know they made those. He must have had it special made.

Manny and Joel and the rest of the PJ team (Chance Garrison, Vince Reardon, Brockton Drake, Ben Dillinger and Nolan Briggs) took Javier and his new best friend Enrique tandem jumping!

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Refuge Firefighters had to get a cat out of a tree...not that big a deal except that it was a BOBCAT.

Also on Haven Street, Refuge city workers cut down a 200 year old tree that was as big around as Amber's Yellow Mustang...yes, the one she drove into the local Bed and Breakfast last year. The B and B owner reportedly named a street after Amber and her mishap. Mustang Lane. Half the town showed up to watch the tree come down. How's that fur small town excitement?

Oh, one more thing...d'ju know cats are better gamers than dogs? Seriously, put a cat and a dog together side by side. Scratch your fingers back and forth on the carpet in front of both of them...and see which one has the better eye-paw coordination. Cat'll get-cher fingers every time.

So, uh, yeah, Javier, Bradley and Enrique have been teaching me how to use the controllers and stuff... Vid games are da bomb dudes....and dudettes.

Smirks and slinks off to nibble on some svelte tuna...


That's all this week from the CAT CHRONICLES. Tune in next week for the latest Refuge News from your fuzzy neighborhood reporter aka Psychoticat.