Cindy R. Williams's Blog, page 5

Pitch Contest to Victoria Marini

Exciting pitch contest to literary agent Victoria Marini. Check out http://chanellegray.blogspot.com/2011/07/pitch-contest-with-victoria-marini.html

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

Do you enjoy a well written escape into a sweet romance?  -- sweet meaning, clean romance. You will find it here in The Guise of a Gentleman by my friend, Donna Hatch. I remember when she read the first chapter to us at our American Night Writers Chapter meeting. It was fun to hear and a thrill to get to add our thoughts to the questions she asked as she was in the polishing stages of the novel. Now, here I sit with the finished book in my hands and tickled pink for Donna.
Let's start with the cover. There is a skull and crossbones pirates flag in the top left corner. The top right has a handsome man and a lovely lady a half an inch from kissing. You see a close-up of the back of a lady standing on the shore looking out at one of those cool pirate ships with the sales furled.

A quote from a best selling author appears on the front which reads "A fine specimen of a pirate romance."  The quote is 100% correct. What a fun romp with pirates and a unique situation with a lovely and impossible romance with a pirate that is much more than he appears to be.

Donna weaves a lovely romance and a much enjoyed escape into a world of long ago. I have heard her talk about all the research she did on pirates and how they lived and it shows. That is what makes this book such a great escape. Donna gets it right.
I give it ten smiles. Ten is the top of the rating system.
I give The Guise of a Gentleman TEN SMILES. Ten is the top of the rating system here on Writers Mirror.

To learn more about Donna Hatch and other books she has written go to:  www.donnahatch.blogspot.com

The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch is available at: Amazon.com

The State of the Economy and What You Can Do About It

The state of today's economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others.  It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future.  How do we go about this?  What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we're doing it right?
Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey.  This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner.  You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.

As you go through and create your personal profile, you'll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:
1.       View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP®   professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand
2.       Get the whole story on various investment products, not just "the good stuff" that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about
3.       Find useful links to government and other helpful websites
4.       Identify if a financial advisor has been thorough in their duties
5.       Identify and avoid fraudulent advisors
6.       Make better financial decisions

You're invited to stop by the RetirementQuest® website and see for yourself if this is a tool you can use.  Again, it's no cost, and all you have to lose is your financial stress. Those who take action now will find themselves in a much better place later—why delay your future security? Plan ahead and be prepared.

Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

Wednesday Writer ~ Deirdra Eden Coppel

Author & Illustrator Deirdra Eden Koppel
CRW: When did you begin to write?Deirdra:  I wrote the lyrics to my first song when I was four. I was standing on top of a playground slide so I was high enough I could look over a fence and see the sunset. It was so beautiful I just started singing. I felt inspired to write the song down. Later in my life that song was recognized and published. When I was fourteen one of my songs, "The Song of Freedom" was used as the theme song for a musical.

CRW: How wonderful. Sunsets inspire you to write. What else?
Deirdra:  Everything … especially trials. When life's disasters happen now I just think "This would make a great scene." A lot of times I work though my real life problems as my characters are working through theirs.

CRW: Do you try to write daily, and if so, do you set a goal of a certain number of words?
Deirdra: I write when I can. On my "normal" schedule I have eight hours a day blocked out for writing or illustrating. I have to be flexible because "normal" days are hard to come by. Sometimes I have to start my day at 4:00 A.M. to get my eight hours in. I don't set word goals, I find myself checking how many words I've written instead of just writing.

CRW: What gets in your way of writing?
Deridra: Life. When I start to get down on myself or stressed I can't write properly.

CRW: How do you get past it?
Deridra:  I read my scriptures, workout, sing and take vitamin B12. My husband is good about taking care of our kid so I can have "thinking time" where I sit and do nothing but think.

CRW: What makes you CRAZY about writing? Crazy good and crazy bad?
Deirdra:  The creative fairies whisper into my ear and keep me going. Unfortunately because they are fairies they don't understand that I have to eat, sleep and maintain relationships with other humans.

CRW: I have triplet fairies flying around me all the time right now, so I know what you mean. Where is the strangest place you have ever worked on your book?
Deirdra:  I've written in a tree house, bath tub, quiet roof top and a medieval theme park.

CRW: How long does it take you to complete a book?
Deirdra:  It takes me three months to write a book. The first month I just write the raw story. The second month I go through and add more detail, fix POV and expand scenes. The third month I focus on editing and add things as I feel inspired. It takes me another three months to illustrate a book.

CRW: How wonderful that you have the talent to illustrate as well as write. Please tell us more about where you get your ideas?
Deirdra:  They strike me like how some people get struck with seizures. I could be looking at a jar of peanut butter in the store then suddenly a scene flashes across my mind and I start hearing dialogue. I get some of my ideas from dreams and from ancient scriptures, especially the Old Testament and Book of Revelations.

CRW: Where do you get your character's names?
Deirdra:  Usually the Bible. Sometimes I will Google names and meanings. I will match a character to a name based on the meaning. I like to use a lot of symbolism.

CRW: What is your favorite writing food?
Deirdra:  Chocolate truffles. LOL. I love this question. Only another writer would ask me that.

CRW: So true. Okay, here comes the big question. Why are you a writer?
Deirdra:  I have to be. I can't stop. If I stop I will start to die a slow and miserable death. I also feel that it is my own personal mission.

CRW: Agreed. Writing and creating in one way or another are in the blood. What do you think would be the best complement you could receive from a reader?
Deirdra:  I just hope the books I write will inspire people to do great things and help them as they face "Real Life" challenges.


CRW:  I had the opportunity to read a draft of  your "Knight of Light." The unique cover was illustrated by you as well. Were there really women Knights?
Deridra: Yes, Scotlyn, the Knightess in "Knight of Light" is based on a real Lady Knight. Her story is fascinating.

CRW: What is the name of the next project you are currently working on?
Deirdra: I'm on my second re-write of "Battle of the Twelve Tribes".

CRW: Please tell us more about it.
Deirdra: This book is an epic allegory about preparedness, patients, humility, courage and friendship. There is a dragon, pixie and army of other magical creatures that come to the aid of a young man who is destined to be a king.

CRW:  I know you are available to do illustrations for books and other artwork. What else do you do?
Deirdra:  I create the art for book covers.  I also create the artwork for children's coloring books that go along with authors books.

CRW:  What' are your website and blog addies?
Deirdra:  http://www.knightess.com/ and http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

CRW:  What a pleasure to visit with you and get to know you better. Good luck on your writing and your artwork.
Deirdra:  Thank you for this opportunity, Cindy.

SUMMER 2011 TREASURE HUNT

Welcome to our 3rd Annual
"Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win Contest!" This is becoming an
exciting tradition, both for our sponsors and hopefully for all of you! 29
writer friends and I have banded together to present a month-long contest where
we will give away a prize a day for the entire month of June. That's right! 30
awesome prizes, running the gambit from books books books! (romances,
fantasies, mystery/thrillers, inspirationals, children's books, and various
non-fiction), as well as Amazon gift cards, a Mary Kay gift set, a vinyl
lettering gift certificate, a hand-sewn weekly planner with ribbon bookmark, a
crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case, and again for you aspiring
authors, TWO free edit/critiques of a partial manuscript. Many of the giveaways
are open to International entries, though always check to be sure before you
enter for a particular prize.

And how exactly do you enter for these amazing prizes? By following
these rules:

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES: 
You can send in one entry for each day's prize, or only for those
prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the
answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and
AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I
promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate
the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the
contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you
are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1;
Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST
(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day
following the deadline.

All winners will be draw by www.random.org.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter.
You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point
along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd – July 1st to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, please email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!
June 1
SPONSOR: Canda Mortensen
PRIZE: A $25 Amazon gift certificate
QUESTION: What is the title and artist of the Princess song on
Newbie's playlist? (HINT: Scroll to the bottom of the blog and read "Newbie
Teaser". Match the number of "Princess" with the same number on the Playlist
box (you may have to scroll down the playlist to find this, too). It will give
you the title and artist.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http:candamortensen.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 2
SPONSOR: Jennifer Griffith
PRIZE: Delicious Conversation (LDS romance, an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion,
set in a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City), by Jennifer Griffith
QUESTION: Name at least 5 kinds of candy I ate at the last
writers' conference I attended AND share YOUR favorite candy. (HINT: Read the
April 20, 2011 post. Click on April under the Blog Archive in the right hand
sidebar.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://cottoncandy4thesoul.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:

June 3
SPONSOR: Peggy Urry
PRIZE: Choice of book: Villette by Charlotte Bronte, romance, paperback;
Airframe by Michael Crichton, thriller, paperback;
The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell, contemporary crime, paperback; or
TheMist of Quarry Harbor by Liz Adair, LDS romantic fiction, paperback; AND choice of Jelly Belly Gel Case for iPhone 3G/3GS or Jelly Belly Strawberry Cheesecake Gel Case for iPod Touch.
QUESTION: What is the name of my Work In Progress (WIP)? (Hint:
It's the title of my March 12, 2011 post. Click on "March" under Blog Archive
in the left hand sidebar.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://peggyurry.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO USA/CANADA ONLY
WINNER:

June 4
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: Josette (sweet Regency romance, E-book) AND
Southern Girl, Yankee Roots (poetry), both by Danielle Thorne
QUESTION: Danielle supports what wildlife conservancy
organization? (HINT: See right hand column of website)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.daniellethorne.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 5
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Set
QUESTION: What are the names of my two WIPs? (HINT: Scroll to the
bottom of the blog and click on "Work in Progress" under Labels)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:

June 6
SPONSOR: Susan Kaye Quinn
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (YA
love story), by Susan Kaye Quinn
QUESTION: How many days do David and Eliza have on the cruise
together, before they're forced to go their separate ways? (HINT: Click on the
"About Me and My Books" tab and read the blurb for Life, Liberty, and Pursuit )
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://ink-spells.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:

June 7:
SPONSOR: Anne Bradshaw
PRIZE: True Miracles with Genealogy: Help from Beyond the Veil (non-fiction), by Anne Bradshaw – 1 print and 1 eBook – Print copy can be autographed. (Yes, there will be TWO
winners drawn for this prize)
QUESTION: Which TV station interviewed Anne? (HINT: Answer is a
short way down the middle column.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://truemiracleswithgenealogy.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES; PLEASE NOTE YOUR PREFERENCE FOR
PRINT OR EBOOK, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T GUARANTEE YOU WILL WIN YOUR PREFERENCE.
WINNER:

June 8
SPONSOR: Cheri Schmidit
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Fateful (YA paranormal romance), by Cheri Schmidt
QUESTION: Who is the prince of darkness? (HINT: Click on "April"
under Blog Archive in the left hand sidebar and read the April 12, 2011 post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://cherischmidt.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO USA ONLY
WINNER:

June 9
SPONSOR: Mary Fremont Schoenecker
PRIZE: Moonglade (a sweet cozy mystery, Book Two in the Maine Shore Chronicles series),
by Mary Fremont Schoenecker The prize is an autographed First Edition hard
cover print book.
QUESTION: What special skill does character Tante Margaret use that puts her in danger during Remi's murder investigation? (HINT: Click on the "About Her Books" tab and read the Publisher's
Weekly Review.
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.maryschoenecker.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:
June 10SPONSOR: Shaunna Gonzales
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages
QUESTION: What do his lips taste like? (Hint: click on "Sizzling
Kiss" under Post Subjects in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.shaunnagonzales.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:
June 11SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: The Stranger She Married (Regency romance), by Donna Hatch
QUESTION: What poses the greatest danger to Alicia's heart? (HINT:
Scroll down underneath the book cover of The Stranger She Married , and read the paragraph directly below.
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net/bookshelf.htm
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES FOR E-BOOK VERSION; US/CANADA FOR
PRINT BOOK OR PAPEBACK VERSION
WINNER:

June 12
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams & Planet Play Productions, LLC.
PRIZE: Award winning glossy cover children's snuggle, giggle picture book,
Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today ,
signed by the author and the real Chase McKay.
QUESTION: What is the name of the dragon in the upcoming fantasy,
Thundertail's Tale: The Legend? (HINT: click on the Blog tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyRwilliams.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:

June 13
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Motorcycle Woman (sweet contemporary romance, E-book), by Larry Hammersley
QUESTION: What kind of motorcycle does Tess, the motorcycle woman,ride?
(HINT: Read blog post "Motorcycle Woman at Red Rose Publishing", May 5, 2011)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 14
SPONSOR: Cheryl Cory
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Must've Done Something Good
(romantic comedy), by Cheryl Cory
QUESTION: What is Sylvie's all-time favorite movie? (HINT: Click
on the "Info" link in the left-hand column)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.facebook.com/MustveDoneSomethingGood
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 15
SPONSOR: Valerie Ipson
PRIZE: $15 Gift Certificate for Vinyl Lettering  (http://vinylsignsanddesigns.blogspot.com)
QUESTION: What is Valerie's writing goal for 2011? 
(HINT: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// valerieipson.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA
WINNER:
June 16SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Loyalty's Web (sweet medieval romance), by Joyce DiPastena
QUESTION: How do people win Joyce's "Light Bulb Award"?
(HINT: Answer is found in the right hand column of the blog.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://jdp-news.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA
WINNER:

June 17
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson
PRIZE: Autograhed copy of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ (non-fiction/self-help) by Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons, M.S.)
non-fiction/self-help, autographed book
QUESTION: What is the name of the non-profit Danyelle co-founded?
(HINT: Check out Danyelle's author bio)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.danyelleferguson.com/
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER:

June 18
SPONSOR: Teresa Thomas Bohannon
PRIZE: A Very Merry Chase (Regency Romance novel),
by Theresa Thomas Bohannon. Winner's Choice: PDF with personalized dedication,
or Ebook format for Kindle or Epub format for Nook.
(HINT: Read "A Very Merry Chase Excerpt" under
"A Very Merry Chase" in the right hand sidebar)
QUESTION: What did Lady Bethany do and why?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.ladysilk.net
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 19
SPONSOR: Diane Daniels
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Over The Moon
(YA fantasy romance, print copy), by Diane Daniels
QUESTION: Who is Andrew's evil x-girlfriend, Sonya, named after?
(HINT: Read the May 14, 2011 blog entry)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.overthemoonseries.com/
OPEN TO USA
WINNER:
June 20SPONSOR: Margaret Larsen Turley
PRIZE: critique for up to 5000 words
QUESTION: Margaret Larsen Turley is administrator for  what  writing group? They hold fund-raising events for Cancer Research.
(HINT: You'll find the answer in one of her website tabs)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretlarsen.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES/ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY
WINNER:
June 21SPONSOR: Anna Arnett
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Lolly's Yarn: a memoir (older YA to adult),
by Anna Arnett, with a hand-crocheted bookmark
QUESTION: What was the verdict regarding Anna's radar photo
speeding ticket?
(HINT: Click on the Blogs tab and read "I Fought the Law and Guess Who Won?"
WEBSITE/BLOG: htt:www.annaarnett.com
OPEN TO USA
WINNER:

June 22
SPONSOR: Rachel Rager
PRIZE: Wednesday Romances - romance (obviously), ebook, by Rachel Rager.
This is a compaliation of three different love stories --all sweet romances.
A Season for Love , The Tiger Unleashed , and The Feather Kiss .
QUESTION: Every week I have post a new chapter of a book on my
blog. What are these posts called?
(Hint: These posts are featured every Wednesday.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachelrager.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
June 23SPONSOR: C. Michelle Jefferies
PRIZE: 52 page hand-sewn weekly planner, with ribbon bookmark.
QUESTION: What rank is Michelle in martial arts? (HINT: Look in
right hand sidebar under "MY TANG SOO DO PROGRESS")
WEBSITE/BLOG: HTTP://cmichellejefferies.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:

June 24
SPONSOR: Valerie J. Steimle
PRIZE: Choice of two books:  Home Is Where The Learning Is
(homeschool how-to book, non-fiction; autographed print copy) OR
Dogs, Blogs and Hobbits: Writings from a Widows Perspective ---(non-fiction
articles about everything from being single and single moms to inspirational
stories; autographed print copy), both by Valerie J. Steimle
QUESTION: How many children does Valerie have? (HINT: Look in the
right hand column in "About Me")
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://valeriesteimle.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:

June 25
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Crocheted Book Tote with matching cell phone case.
QUESTION: What commenter recently called me (Karen) "The
Queen of Sugar Land?" (HINT: Select "January 2011" under Archives and read
the COMMENTS on Karen's January 6, 2011 post on "The 20 Minute Sprint")
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com
OPEN TO USA
WINNER:

June 26
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant (www.jaimeygrant.com)
and/or TreasureLine Books & Publishing (www.treasurelinebooks.com)
PRIZE: Winner's choice of 1 of 5 Regency romance eBooks by Jaimey
Grant ( Honor, Betrayal, Deception, Spellbound , or Redemption. Please note: Honor
contains some marital "heat".)
QUESTION: Which of Jaimey's previously self-published titles has
recently been picked up by a publisher?
(HINT: Click the "Purchasing Options" tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.jaimeygrant.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
June 27SPONSOR: Heidi Murphy
PRIZE: Autographed copy of Small Deceptions
(sweet Regency/Georgian romance), by H. Linn Murphy
QUESTION: In what country is the bridge found over which 'we' were
fighting? (HINT: Find "Blog Archive" in the right hand sidebar, click on April
and read the post titled: "The Far Bridge")
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.murph4slaw.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
June 28SPONSOR: Kenneth Rosenberg
PRIZE: One e-book copy of my new romantic comedy,
Sweet Ophelia and the Tinseltown Blues, any format
QUESTION: What instrument does the character Warren August play?
(HINT: Click on the cover image for Sweet Ophelia and the Tinseltown Blues.
Read the first few paragraphs ofthe excerpt.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http:// www.kennethrosenberg.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:

June 29
SPONSOR: Michael Young
PRIZE: Autographed copy of The Last Archangel
(YA Urban Fantasy, print copy - Release date July 14th)
QUESTION: What is the name of the fallen angel who is the main
character in "The Last Archangel"? (HINT: Click on the Reviews tab.
Frank Cole thinks this character "rocks!"
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://thelastarchangel.weebly.com
OPEN TO USA/CANADA
WINNER:
June 30
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE:  The Star Prophecy: a Book of Mormon Adventure  (LDS novel), by Joan Sowards
QUESTION: Why do Enoch and his friends sail to Jerusalem? (HINT:
Read the blurb under  The Star Prophecy book cover in the right hand column of the blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com
OPEN TO USAWINNER:

Lolly's Yarn by Anna Arnett

This is the delightful Anna Arnett. At the ripe young age of 86, she is still a Spring Chick. She has more energy than most 25 year old's I know. I hope to grow up just like her.

Anna just published her first book, a clever and humorous memoir called Lolly's Yarn. Anna shares her story meeting the love of her life, Charles and their years together. Their time in Japan was particularly entertaining. Spend a few minutes with Anna and you can't miss the twinkle in her eye. Anna Arnett is a rare person of exceptional humor and intelligence.

Last Spring, Anna and I and our writing coach drove to Santa Fe, New Mexico together. Anna is great company on trips. The tales she tells are a slice of life. She writes with the same candor.

Anna says this is only the first of several memoires. You go Anna!

Lolly's Yarn is available at Amazon.com

Save the Child by Margaret Turley

                                   Back of the book blurb:

"You are not going to pour poison straight into her heart!" Nancy's determination to protect her daughter from the chemotherapy doctors insist she needs is fueled by boundless fury. She has seen cancer patients successfully treated with naturopathy. She wants the right to do this for Sharon, her eight year old child suffering from Leukemia.

Robert knows in his heart that chemotherapy is Sharon's only chance to survive. He follows his law professor's advice and forces himself to defend Nancy in public. As Sharon's parents they have to appear united. His work, law school and family demand more than twenty-four hours a day of him, and more than he is capable of giving.

Abby, at age fifteen, craves independence but needs understating. No longer receiving the attention she deserves from her distracted parents, she seeks adventure on-line, with a stranger. The result sends her to the same hospital as her sister in a coma.

Five year old Ben misses his sisters. He blames his mother for making Grandma go away and his father for leaving him with strangers. Jack, the family dog provides his only comfort.

Phyllis, widow of a physician, can not condone her daughter's irrational actions. But love and concern for her grandchildren pull her back to care for Benjamin amidst the raging battle.

Cancer is the enemy. Love is the remedy and Grandma is the angel who glues the family picture back together again.


                          Writers Mirror Review: 

I have to be real here. I put off reading Margaret's book because I almost lost my little brother to cancer, and it still gives me chills. So . . . I had to muster up my courage and start the book. However, once I read a few pages, I was hooked. Margaret paints a clear and concise picture of a loving family and a little girl I wanted to root for from the get go. It is evident throughout that Margaret has done her medical research. She also gets the human emotions just right. The relationship between the parents was tenuous as would be expected. Each had their own growth arc as they worked through the toughest situation a parent can face separately or together. I won't do a spoiler here, but I will say. well done Margaret, well done.

Margaret Turley

Jimmer Fredette

It's Jimmer Time. Are you a Jimmer Fredette fan? I am. The young man fascinates me. I heard a radio report on his earlier life and how he became Jimmer. It all boiles down to hard work, tons of practice, working through injury and hard times, never giving up, and faith in himself.
Not a bit different in any field you choose to succeed in. If we will work hard, practice our craft, work through blocks, and excuses, never give up and have faith in ourselves, WE WILL SUCCEED! It's just that simple. (Notice: I said SIMPLE, not EASY.)
Here's to all the Jimmer Fredettes out there!

(also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends Blog)

Agent Contest

If you are a YA or children's author, here is a great opportunity to strut your stuff in front of Super Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette. Go to YAtopia.blogspot.com and scroll down to the contest post. Hurry because the contest ends March 28th or when the 150 limit is met.

The Star Prophesy

The adventure begins with the blog tour
for
The Star
Prophecy by Joan Sowards
We will be giving away THREE copies of The Star
Prophecy.It's easy to enter.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why
you're excited to read The Star
Prophecy. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or
facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an
additional entry.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on January 28.

The Star Prophecy Book Blurb Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his
friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

The Star Prophecy Book Reviewby Cindy R. WilliamsA new favorite book by Joan Sowards. The first time I held the book in my hands, I got a little tingly all over. The name and the front cover alone looked to be a great escapade.

Intriguing premise. To become acquainted with people in the Book of Mormon times. To see their everyday way of living, thinking, acting and overall culture through the authors eyes was captivating. Sowards gets under the skin of her characters. She shows a good story rather than tells it.

Enoch was a strong character built around integrity. Yet he was given human frailties making him real. My heart went out to his little brother. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and do some major mother nurturing. Kumeni reminds me of many a teenager, a few of my own included. He has to experience things in his own way and learn from the school of hard knocks. I warmed up to him from the get go.

The Star Prophecy is rich in character, story line and adventure. I highly recommend it.

The Star Prophecy Blog Tour
January 10
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

January 11
Totally Tina

January 12
Peggy Urry

January 13
Tangled Words and Dreams

January 14
Kaylee Baldwin

January 17
Of Writerly Things

January 18
Writers Mirror

January 19
Bonnie Gets a Say

January 20
The Blessing of Family Life

January 21
Anna del C. Dye's Blog

Renee S. Clark