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
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
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
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
Saturday, December 06, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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
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
Monday, December 01, 2008
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
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
Friday, November 28, 2008
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
Stay tuned for another Free Book Friday drawing SOON!
Warmly,
Cheryl Wyatt
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 24, 2008
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
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
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
Friday, November 21, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 17, 2008
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
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
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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)
Friday, November 14, 2008
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
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
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY
TO ALL WHO'VE SERVED AND THEIR FAMILIES.
May God bless your sacrifice and keep you safe.
Cheryl
May God bless your sacrifice and keep you safe.
Cheryl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
