Saturday Book Stroll: Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books I'm reading by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Stroll book.

Featured book: Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus

Barbour Publishing
Released Jan 2009


About the author:
Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there.

She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. But her greatest joy comes from mentoring new writers through her website and seeing them experience those “aha” moments when a tricky concept becomes clear.

Visit her Web site.


About the book:
When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman?

George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

What others are saying about it:


“Dacus pulls off a delightful story that places readers in the heart of the South with the debut of the Brides of Bonneterre series. Readers will enjoy this look at how lives are transformed through devastating events and how forgiveness is the key to a promising future. Nothing is as it seems in this heartwarming story.”
–Romantic Times, 4-Star Review


“Absolutely delightful! I enjoyed Stand-In Groom from cover to cover! Ms. Dacus’s clever story and wonderful prose will draw you away to a place deep in the heart of Louisiana, surrounding you with the scents, sounds, and sights of the deep south. A story filled with romance and intrigue, betrayal and forgiveness, I found myself laughing, crying and rejoicing right along with the characters.”
–M.L. Tyndall, author of The Falcon and the Sparrow and the award-winning Legacy of the King’s Pirates series


“Stand-In Groom is as sweet, beautiful, and chaotic as a perfectly planned wedding. Anne is a bright and wounded heroine you’re going to care about for a long time. George is a hero to capture your heart. Kaye Dacus will take you along for a fun, poignent ride in Stand-In Groom.”
–Mary Connealy, author of the Lassoed in Texas series and Of Mice...and Murder


WHAT I LOVED MOST ABOUT THIS BOOK:
First of all that I know the author. We were both aspiring together. And it is SO exciting to see her debut novel. I remember how very excited she was for me when I sold my first book. And I am so thrilled to get to hold and read hers too.

I would have LOVED this book even had I not known the author. I LOVE stories and movies about wedding planners. Wedding planners fascinate me. Especially if the wedding planner is single and looking. I mean, how hard would that be? To see all those other people get married yet not you. So I loved the plot of this book. Kaye's characters are charming and you can definitely see why Barbour snapped up this story and this amazing author.

If you don't own this book...get out there a grab a copy before they're all gone! I'm not just saying this because she's my friend. YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! And I have a sneaking suspicion that after reading her work, Kaye will end up on your 'auto-buy' list.


Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 19th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
MIA: Missing in Atlanta by Debby Giusti from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

Cheryl Wyatt

February 2009 Releases

This list is brought to you by Jill Eileen Smith.

 

There are way more Christian fiction releases this month, but these are a few to get you started:

 

1. Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Steeple Hill. When a business owner discovers on her property evidence of a decade-old multiple murder, she and the surviving son of the massacre become targets of a desperate and powerful killer.

2. Framed!, Book 2 of the Without A Trace continuity series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. A modern day Romeo and Juliet story.

3. Gingham Mountain Lassoed in Texas Series by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. A school marm fears cruel intentions when a rancher, with a special heart for unwanted children, adopts too many of them.

4. Illusions by Wanda B. Campbell from Urban Christian. Illusions depicts the struggles of a young pastor and wife.

5. Insight by Deborah Raney from Steeple Hill. Two people brought together by tragedy discover an amazing connection that threatens to tear them apart.

6. Love Finds You In Last Chance, CA by Miralee Ferrell from Summerside Press. A woman trying to make it alone in the old west, a man she isn't sure she can trust, and someone who threatens them both.

7. On a Killer's Trail by Susan Page Davis from Love Inspired Suspense. Can a reformed bad-boy detective and an ambitious reporter overcome their past to solve a string of crimes?

8. The Desires of Her Heart by Lyn Cote from Avon Inspire. The Desires of Her Heart is based on authentic Texas history and portrays the expansion of Angloamericanos into Spanish territory.

9. The Gold Standard by Lisa Lickel from Barbour Publishing - Heartsong Presents: Mysteries. Judy's last relative, Aunt Louise, was poisoned - but how?

10. The Renewal, Book 2 of the Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. For single-mom Leslie Ruskin and master carpenter Jack Kenyon, both starting over in a new town, could working together on restoring the Midlands Building be a blueprint for disaster, or will their lives be transformed by the promise of a new Occupant?

11. Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie from B&H Publishing. Revolutionary period of escaping captivity and finding true salvation.

--
Cheryl Wyatt www.cherylwyatt.com
Vice President, ACFW www.acfw.com
Fifteen-author blog!www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Ready-Made Family, April 2009, www.steeplehill.com

Story Starter Scene Prompts-6 and critique contest

NEW NEWS! Let me know in the comment section of this post whether you find these prompts helpful. As incentive, everyone who leaves a comment on at least one Story Starter Scene Prompt this month will be entered into a drawing to receive a free critique/assessment of one of your scenes written from one of my prompts. This critique does not guarantee you will be published. This is simply a published author offering kind but honest feedback on the drawing winner's scene.

AND...you will receive 1 entry for each comment entered on separate weekly prompts during the course of the current month month. I post prompts every Tuesday unless I'm guestblogging elsewhere. In that case, still leave a comment and I'll count the comment as another entry. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address. I suggest you put [brackets} around the "@" sign so Net Spiders don't phish your address.

Onward to this week's prompt....


Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. spy
2. bug
3. suitcase
4. timer
5. thorn
6. rose
7. chill
8. leather
9. concourse
10. Italian
11. pepper
12. spray
13. darling
14. crepe
15. creep

Scene Starter Sentences:
A."I know it's there."
B. Now to find it.
C. "We're running out of time."


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll-Love Finds You in Humble, Texas

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books I'm reading by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Afternoon Stroll book.

Featured book: Love Finds You™ in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman-Summerside Press

About the book:
Title: Love Finds You™ in Humble, Texas
Release date: Feb 15, 2009
Publisher: Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1934770612
ISBN-13: 9781934770610

This book can be ordered just in time for Valentine's Day! Check in stores starting Feb 15, or preorder online now whereever books are sold.

Blurb:
The Abernathy sisters. One is bright, one is beautiful, but both are in love with the same man. One sister will let go of love, and like a kite string untethering in the wind, the choice will undo each of their lives. What will it take to heal their hearts, for love to find them in a place called Humble, Texas?

Summerside Press



About the author:

ANITA HIGMAN

Anita Higman is the author of 24 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and plays. Among her published romance titles are Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song, and Castles in the Air, all coauthored with Janice A. Thompson. Her mysteries include Another Stab at Life and Another Hour to Kill. Anita is a member of ACFW and the Christian Humor Writers’ Group, and she has been recognized for her involvement in literacy programs. A Texan for the past 24 years, Anita has coauthored an award-winning book about her home state, A Tribute to Early Texas. She lives with her family near Houston. Anita would love for you to visit her website at www.anitahigman.com.


Visit the Love Finds You™ Author Blog
http://lovefindsyou.wordpress.com

(Love Finds You™ is a trademark of the publisher.)


My Review:
First of all, I have to say that I LOVE the idea of this Summerside line. Setting romances in real towns with unique names is really up my reading alley. If you're like me, you'll end up not wanting to miss a single book.

What I loved most about this book: The heroine, Trudy, was so well-drawn. She was multi-layered and I was instantly endeared to her. I enjoyed the relationship thread between these two sisters as much as I did the romantic relationship between the hero and the heroine. And this guy...trust me girls...is SWOON-WORTHY. In addition to having a unique voice, Anita did great with these characters and with the relational issues in the book.

I loved the heroine's internal monologue and how she grew in the story, as well as her sister. I can't say too much without giving things away but trust me, if you purchase this book (and I hope you do!) prepare to be touched.

Very entertaining read. Highly recommended.


Book Trailer

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HUMBLE, TEXAS ANITA HIGMAN BOOK TRAILER

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 12th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
A Surprise!

Cheryl Wyatt

Blogging at Craftie Ladies Today

Blogging here today. Hope you will drop by and comment.



Craftie Ladies of Romance

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompts-5

Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. sight
2. site
3. lose
4. loose
5. gun
6. Web
7. land
8. your
9. you're
10.battle
11. domain
12. window
13. rift
14. resolution
15. donkey

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. "Which one this time?"
B. "What's he doing on my property this time?"
C. "This can't be good."


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 5th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
Suspicion by Ginny Aiken from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense.

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompts-4

Story Starter Scene Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. cake
2. tablespoon
3. cup
4. teaspoon
5. disaster
6. sour
7. fizz
8. feelings
9. bake
10.heat
11. tablespoon
12. baking soda
13. powder
14. bite
15. blanch

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. "How did it turn out?"
B. "What did you expect would happen?"
C. How do I say this without hurting her feelings?


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, January 29th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This giveaway book is also from the LI standalone series called Eden, Oklahoma.

This Friday's pick:
Their Small-Town Love by Arlene James from Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

Cheryl Wyatt

In Seekerville today

I'm blogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over and join in the fun.

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm going to be giving away books many upcoming Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, January 22. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This giveaway book is also from the LI standalone series called Eden, Oklahoma.

This Friday's pick:
Her Small-Town Hero by Arlene James from Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompt-3

Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. scramble
2. paws
3. feet
4. slip
5. mud
6. neighbor
7. wood
8. floor
9. sidewalk
10. track
11. trek
12. dash
13. alcove
14. walk
15. catch

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. “Whoa, Duke!”
B. “Watch out for the . . .!”
C. “Oooowie!”

Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday

Welcome to my first 2009 Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm going to be giving away books many upcoming Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST Thursday, January 15th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. If you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This giveaway book is from the LI standalone series called Eden, Oklahoma.

This Friday's pick:
His Small-Town Girl by Arlene James from Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompts-2

Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. store
2. weather
3. whether
4. stock
5. apron
6. can
7. cart
8. waist
9. waste
10.timid
11. pretty
12. pay
13. missing
14. checkbook
15. wallet

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. "How dreadfully embarrassing."
B. No way did she leave the house without it.
C. "This day has gone from bad to worse."


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Check out this lineup!

********PERMISSION TO FORWARD*********

For Love and Money Week in Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com)

Monday Jan 5: Deb Ng on professional blogging. Deborah Ng is the
genius behind Freelance Writing Jobs.

Tuesday Jan 6: Cindi Myers on the working writer. If you don't know
Cindi, check out her Market News Yahoo Group or her website for news
on her latest release A Man To Rely On, from Super Romance.

Wednesday Jan 7: Michael Bracken on writing for the Confessions.
Michael is a phenom in the confession world and we are thrilled to
have him stop by and share.

Thursday Jan 8: Abingdon Press Senior Acquisitions Editor for
Fiction, Barbara Scott, is back for an Encore, Encore!!

Friday Jan 9: Myra L. Johnson on the Christian nonfiction market. In
addition to her multiple fiction sales in 2008 (Heartsong and
Abingdon), Myra is also a nonfiction writer.

Saturday Jan 10: Tina Russo shares on writing romantic fiction for
Woman's World Magazine. Keep an eye out for her latest Woman's World
story, Letting Go, which is on newsstands RIGHT NOW!!

We are starting 2009 with a bang in Seekerville. Anyone who comments
all six days will be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Amazon Gift
Card. www.seekerville.blogspot.com

PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG ON YOUR BLOGS AND WRITING GROUPS. THANKS!

Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books I'm reading by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Afternoon Stroll book.

Featured book:

Elvis Takes a Back Seat by Leanna Ellis


About the author:
Winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award and Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, Leanna Ellis writes women’s fiction for B&H Publishing. Her latest book, Lookin’ Back, Texas will be released September 2008. Visit her website at leannaellis.com.


About the book:
Elvis Takes a Back Seat
January 2008
B&H Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-8054-4696-8

A young widow, determined to fulfill her husband’s last request, hauls a three foot bust of Elvis strapped in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from Texas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. The road trip with her eccentric aunt, who knew the King of Rock n’ Roll, and a temperamental teen, hits roadblocks and detours as the three women uncover pieces of their own past along with the bust’s mysterious history. The discoveries change the course of their lives forever.

Amazon purchase link.


Cheryl Wyatt

HAPPY NEW YEAR & First Story Starter aka Scene Prompt

Here is the first story starter of the new year.

Enjoy!

Remember, I'm not hosting a contest on these prompts this year. So no need to send me your scenes. This is simply me kick starting your creativity.

Look for these prompts, posted weekly.

Notice I've expanded the scene length for those of you who write full-length fiction.



Story Starter Prompt 1
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt sentence if you want.
• Most of all, have fun!

Prompt Words-1:
1. compliment
2. complement
3. coarse
4. course
5. its
6. it’s
7. rein
8. reign
9. rain
10. roof
11. compliant
12. complaint
13. hair
14. heir
15. hare

Scene Starter Sentences-1:
“He fell off the what?”
“Wait, something just crashed.”
“Did you hear that?”

Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

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

CONGRATS VADER'S MOM for winning Free Book Friday

Congrats going out to Vader's Mom for winning the Free Book Friday drawing. She will receive a free Steeple Hill book.


Stay tuned for another Free Book Friday drawing SOON!


Warmly,


Cheryl Wyatt

A THANKSGIVING FUNNY

THIS CAME TO ME IN AN E-MAIL. THE BLONDE IN THIS STORY IS NOT ME. I REPEAT, SHE IS NOT ME. LOL. ALTHOUGH THIS SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE SOMETHING MY FAMILY WOULD DO TO ME THAT I WOULD FALL FOR.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND ENJOY!

PREGNANT TURKEY STORY

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the
traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided
to play a trick.

She told my sister that she needed something from the store.

When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the
stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey, and
re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven
and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit
something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia,
you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news,
my sister started to cry.

It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!
Yep.................SHE'S BLONDE!

PJ TRIBUTE DAY-What do they do?

Once a week or so I pay tribute to the real life heroes I've fashioned the fictional ones after in my Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired.

For those of you familiar with my books, here's a video of the real deal:

Pararescue Recruiting


As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of how thankful I am that our world has people in it willing to risk their lives "so others may live."

Enjoy the video. If it doesn't post for some reason, here is the link:

Enjoy!

And Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Your readership is a tremendous blessing. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Cheryl

READY-MADE FAMILY AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON CBD

Since many of you have been asking, I thought I'd send out a note.

Christianbooks.com has my third book on Pre-order now. Here's the link.


Though this book is in the Wings of Refuge Series, you need not have read the first two to jump right into Ready-Made Family.

For those familiar with Wings of Refuge, this is Pararescuer Ben's story.

Blessings,

Cheryl

In Seekerville Today

Hey bloggies,

Sorry for posting twice in one day.

I'm blogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over and join in the fun/leave a comment. We're woefully short on commentators. LOL!

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

FREE BOOK FRIDAY-NOVEMBER

Hey bloggies!

Today is Free Book Friday. Leave a message in the comment section of this post by next Thursday, Nov 28 for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

Winner's name will be drawn Friday, Nov 29. At that point I will contact the winner, so please remember to leave a valid e-mail address (with brackets or spaces around the @ so Net spiders don't getcha) in the comment section.

Winner will have their choice between several different Steeple Hill books.

Cheryl

Blush & Cringe- Editorial Assassins?

I was at a NASCAR race recently. It was during a race that an e-mail came in from one of my editors. Since there was a race going on, I couldn't use my phone to call her because the track officials jam the signals so that spotters can talk to drivers during a race.

Anyway, my e-mail wouldn't tap in on my laptop. So I was trying to type a message with my BlackBerry which is the only thing that gets a signal during a race. And we're at the races A LOT.

Anyway, I had the autocorrect function turned on with the BlackBerry and didn't realize until after I sent the message to my editor that I had mispelled "Assistant" in a cover letter. So the autocorrect changed it, unbenownst to me...until I reread the "sent" version.

I was HORRIFIED to notice that what I typed said:

Editor's Name
"Editorial Assassin"
Publishing House

Assassin?

I couldn't have been more mortified.

I really think I have a form of dyslexia that won't allow me to see typos until after they are mailed or e-mailed.

Sigh.

Thankfully, the editor has a great sense of humor and laughed off the mistake. Althouth she does very nicely kill off my unnecessary words...I don't quite think she deserved to be called an assassin.

LOL!

Cheryl Wyatt

Schultz Philosophy

The following came to me in an e-mail and is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.


1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3 Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.




How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .




Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .



Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.



Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia " (Charles Schultz)


Cheryl

PJ Tribute Day-Lending a hand

This photo was taken from http://www.129rqw.ang.af.mil/news/story_media.asp?id=123115835 page of an Air National Guard Web site.


129th rescuers continue the search for Hurricane Ike victims
Joint Task Force 129 pararescuemen rescue a hurricane victim Sept. 13 in Galveston, Texas. The JTF 129 crews rescued 48 peoole and pets stranded in the Galveston area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Brock Woodward)

This is hilarious...and kewl

Cha Cha Slide USMC Style


http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45911239

BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR SOUND ON! :-)

This made me laugh. I love how they can relax from service and have a good time. The endearing and funny part to me was how each of them eventually joined in...like it was contageous.

Enjoy!

And remember to pray for our troops!

Cheryl

Like hinds feet

Our family just camped with a few others. We went on a two-mile hike. Not so hard except the trail was fairly steep in places required to get to the top of some of Southern Illinois' most beautiful bluffs.

Most of you know I had an accident this year which totalled two cars plus my foot, ankle and soft tissues. The injuries resulted in multiple surgeries. Thankfully I live in a country with orthopedic surgeons whose skilled hands put the stuff back together.

This hike was a real physical test on my foot/ankle since the wreck. The steep hill was so challenging at one point, I had to throw my hiking stick up above me. Then lean forward and crawl on my hands and toes to get up the rock-steps. Yes, I know this wasn't Everest, but at that point, for me it may as well have been. Because that portion of the journey seemed insurmountable. The leaves had mostly fallen off trees and the rocks beneath them were moist, adding to the treachery because everything was slick. AND my feet were still too swollen from surgery to wear my hiking boots. The shoes I had did NOT grab, adding to the slippery. And did I mention I'm terrified of heights? And we'd climbed a mile upwards on the trail already. So really, there was no going back.

Though God granted me a fierce determination, there was a few seconds of the hike where I thought, "I'm not going to be able to do this. I can't make it." Then a feeling of utter discouragement at my physical limitations washed over me. I mentally debated sitting down in defeat and crying, or asking my hubby and those above me to help lug me up. Yet I felt like that'd be cheating. LOL! The other hindering thing was I was so winded from gaining weight from fluid retention after surgeries plus general weight I've gained. Stuck there, I remembered with longing the days when I had the ability to sprint up a hiking trail such as this. Wondered why 40 feels so much different than 20 in my body. LOL! And recalled how I used to think I was fat THEN, with a tiny jiggle in my thigh and wished someone would have knocked sense into me. Trust me, the metab has slowed WAY down and the scales have gone WAY up. So in that moment, leaning forward on the steep trail, the rocks beneath me seemed to groan and sneer, "Do both of us a favor and lay off the french fries." LOL!

Anyway, I dug my hands in (not the fries, the rocks) and asked God to please help me conquer this trail. Because in that moment I seriously felt dogged by defeat. The plea no more than rose in my mind when a thought zipped across my mential widescreen.

A thought that said, "I will make your feet like hinds' feet."

Now, my first inclination was to laugh. Because here I am, on my hands and knees trying to figure out whether it'd be easiest and safest to just go back down the steep rock trail, lay down and let a heart attack end this misery, or try to keep moving forward and catch up with the rest. The even funnier part was there were buzzards swirling overhead. Like they sensed my impending demise. LOL! No, actually I'm exaggerating there. It was bow season down in the woods below and hunters camping nearby had their trophies hanging upside down in trees, draining. Don't think about that too hard...moving onward...

My ankle was so stiff at this point from the cold weather and the hike that it wouldn't hardly work. Honestly it started clicking and if I'd have listened close enough I probably could have heard it creak one per step. No such thing as WD40 for feet. Believe me, I've checked. LOL! Also at this point, my foot was screaming out in pain, all except the numb spot on bottom which won't let me feel the terrain I'm on. And I couldn't really tilt my head to look because frankly it was so steep I didn't want to tilt my head, get dizzy and fall off the side of the bluff. I am not sure what the angle was at that point but, while it wasn't anything like the smooth verticle face of a bluff, it WAS way steaper than most standard steps. And tumbling down it would NOT have been pleasant. Plus most standard steps do not have slick leaves over smooth wet rock and aboveground roots trying to slip and trip a person up.

Anyway, the moment tears of impending defeat attempted to burn my eyes and make me decide to quit or ask for help, I felt His voice and remembered the scripture and the book I read when I first became a Christian: Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Somehow fresh bursts of courage and determination overcame that sense of defeat trying to overtake me.

Yes I had to crawl a very embarrassingly cumbersome waddle, and no it wasn't with graceful leaps and jaunts and hops like a seemingly weightless deer...BUT I MADE IT!

I will post some pictures of the BEAUTIFUL area. Most of the two-miles went extrememly fast because I was too busy looking at God's creation in the beauty around me to notice how far and long we were walking. And once I got to the top, the view paused me and caused worship to well. Not only because He helped me make it, but because the view once there nearly took my breath away. His creation awes me, but not more than HE awes me in His willingness to make our world beautiful. And in His pleasure in pulling us through things we never thought we could overcome.

Enjoy the pics and remember, He will make your feet like hinds' feet too.

Whatever bluff you're facing that seems insurmountable, remember, it's just that. A bluff. A trick from an enemy who wants to trip you up and make you think you can't make it. That you won't get through this.

But God steadies our feet and helps us along the rocky terrain.

May you be blessed with a strong sense of His arms reaching, helping, tugging, then clapping when you finally make it over that portion you seriously doubted you could.

Cheryl

More hiking pictures

More hiking pics.....


Cheryl

Wanna see Wings of Refuge's setting?

I have set my Wings of Refuge series in a fictional Southern Illinois town called Refuge. If you've read books 1 and 2 (A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family) you might recall the characters go hiking on trails behind Refuge's Bed and Breakfast. If so, these pictures will help you envision the beauty of the area.

I hiked this real Southern Illinois area this week.

Three more Wings of Refuge books are slotted to release in 2009 starting in April with Ready-Made Family from Love Inspired. Hopefully these photos will help you envision the area in which the Wings of Refuge stories reside.

I hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed hiking the area to obtain them.

I have a funny and hopefully encouraging story to follow, regarding one semi-difficult patch of trail.

Cheryl

Sr Editor Melissa Endlich of Steeple Hill @ Seekerville tomorrow

Hey all,

Senior Editor, Melissa Endlich of Steeple Hill will guestblog all day tomorrow (Nov 13) at Seekerville.

If you're targeting Steeple Hill, or interested in learning more about the books, come join us for this interactive blog. Melissa will be there to answer questions/address comments. We have an informative interview with her to post as well.

This is a great opportunity to get to know her, get your name in front of her and learn what they're looking for in an author/story.

Come learn more about Steeple Hill and one of their fabulous editors.

Hope to see some of you there!

Please pass this on/forward to your other writing-related blogs and loops.

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Cheryl Wyatt

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

TO ALL WHO'VE SERVED AND THEIR FAMILIES.

May God bless your sacrifice and keep you safe.

Cheryl

36 BLONDE THINGS-SAD BUT TRUE AND NO SURPRISE

Got this meme in an e-mail. Sigh. The person who sent it to me had only done 22 of the 40 Dumb Blonde things.

Sigh. I've done 36.

Ok, so here's what ya do: mark your answers with a little 'x' inside
the boxes if its true, but BE HONEST (I was)!! Then send it to all your
peeps and make them laugh.

1 [x] Gum has fallen out of your mouth when you were talking
2 [x]Gum has fallen out of your mouth when you were NOT talking
3 [x] You have ran into a glass/screen door
4 [x] You have jumped out of a moving vehicle. (not a plane, thank God) <-my emphasis
5 [x] You have thought of something funny and laughed, then people gave
you weird looks
6 [x] You have ran into a tree
7 [] It IS possible to lick your elbow
8 [x] You tried to lick your elbow (not until this dumb test)
9 [x] You never knew that the Alphabet and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
have the same rhythm
10 [x] You just tried to sing them
11 [x] You have tripped on your shoelace and fallen
12 [x] You have choked on your own spit
13 [x] You have seen the the Matrix and still don't get it.
14 [x] You didn't notice that in the last question 'the' was spelled
twice
15 [x] You just looked at it
16 [x] Your hair is blonde
17 [x] People have called you slow ALOT!
18 [x] You have accidentally caught something on fire
19 [x] You tried to drink out of a straw, but it went into your nose/eyes
20 [x] You have caught yourself drooling
21 [x] You've fallen asleep in a laundry basket
22 [x] Sometimes you just stop thinking.
23 [x] You are telling a story and forget what you were talking
about-(too often)
24 [x] People are often shaking their heads and walk away from you
25 [x] You are often told to use your 'inside voice'
26 [x] You use your fingers to do simple math
27 [x] You have eaten a bug (WASN'T MY FAULT. MOUTH OPEN ON MOTERCYCLE. NUFF SAID)
28 [x] You are taking this test when you should be doing something
important.
29 [x] You have put your clothes on backwards or inside out, and didn't
realize it
30 [x] You've looked all over for something and realized it was in your
hand or pocket
31 [] You sometimes post emails because you are scared that what they
say will happen to you if you don't, even when you know it won't happen
to you, like on a myspace...
32 [x]You break a lot of things.
33 [] Friends know not to use big words around you
34 [x]You sometimes tilt your head when you're confused
35 [x] You have fallen out of your chair before
36 [x] When you're laying in bed, you try to find pictures in the
texture of the ceiling/wall
37 [x] The word 'umm' is used many times a day
38 [x] You called a friend and then completely forgot what you were
gonna say
39 [x] You have spelled your name wrong
40 [] You have drawn a disformed heart (huh? I don't get this one-lol)

Send to all your friends and the person you got it from. Repost as:'I've
Done 36 of the 40 Blondest Things." tee-hee.

This is WAY cool!

Yesterday I went to the city hall to vote. As soon as I walked in, the women at the tables started mentioning my books. I don't know why I was so surprised. Writers can be sort of reclusive. So sometimes we have no idea those close to us who are actually interested in our writing journey or our books.

I've known them all since moving to this town, but I had no idea they were so supportive of my writing. And I tell you...I was sincerely blown away by their support and encouragement.

Honestly Elvis (aka me in that moment) nearly left the building in tears. Grateful. Thankful, happy tears. Okay maybe I'm just extra sensitive because I have Prehistoric Monster Syndrome (what my husband calls PMS...or at least me when afflicted by it). But it's moments like this that remind me of why I do what I do. That God can use the stories I offer Him to make someone laugh or entertain or touch them in some way...is WAY cool!

Since many of those women said they read my blog, this is a very public and very deep THANK YOU for supporting my writing with their readership.

You all have no idea how word of mouth helps authors. Especially newbie authors like me who are trying to establish themselves in a tough market with so many other hundreds of thousands of authors during financial strain on the country.

That you all would spend money to purchase my books and expend your precious time to read them...and pass them around and tell your friends and family about them...words can't express how much that means to me.


Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To all the ladies (and gent) at the polling place. YOU TOTALLY MADE MY DAY!

Maybe even my whole year.

Hugs,

Majorly cheezin',

Cheryl

CONGRATS Marcher Lord Press Book Winners! And BOOK SURGE TODAY

Pardon for the double posting...

Congrats going out to

Lia for winning a free copy of Hero Second Class.

Lynn for winning a free copy of Personifid Invasion.

And

Cathikin for winning a copy of Summa Elvetica

Speaking of Summa Elvetica....TODAY between noon and midnight (EST, GMT -5:00) Marcher Lord Press is having a book surge on Amazon. Meaning if you planned to purchase this book, or any MLP book, NOW would be wonderful. If a certain number of people purchase the book within this time frame, Summa will likely hit Amaon bestseller status in its category. So I hope you will bop over to www.amazon.com and purchase this book by Theodore Beale.

For those who purchase one or more MLP titles from Amazon (U.S.) during this window, send Jeff Gerke (publisher/editor of MLP) proof of that purchase (like the receipt you get from Amazon--but be sure it doesn't contain any personal information like credit card number). When you do that he'll send you the link to download one or more of his e-book products FOR FREE. His contact info is on the Marcher Lord Press Web site. Marcher Lord Press

Here is the purchase link.

Summa Elvetica on Amazon

Cheryl

GO VOTE.

Or don't complain about the president for the next four years.

Grin.

Cheryl

Newsletter anyone?

Hey faithful bloggies,

I wanted to let you know that I have a quarterly newsletter. If you wish to sign up, visit my Web site and input your e-mail address in the space provided.

If this link doesn't work, simply click the e-mail "Newsletter anyone?" header to this post.

I offer contests with GREAT prizes...only available to my newsletter subscribers.

Hope you will consider joining. I only send updates a few times a year...mostly letting folks know about new releases and contests.

I respect your privacy and will NOT share your e-mail address with a third party.

Thanks for supporting my blog with your readership.

And thanks for your comments. Though I may not acknowlege or answer back to every single one, I DO personally read (and cherish!) each one.

Hugs,

Cheryl

November 2008 Prompt

November 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 “November 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!


November Prompt Words
1. Cold
2. Turkey
3. Homecoming
4. Town
5. Old
6. Flame
7. School
8. Creek
9. Creak
10. Memories

November Scene Starter Sentences:
“That’s the last one.”
“Can I help you?”
“How’d I get roped into this?”

Happy writing!

Cheryl Wyatt