Cindy A. Christiansen's Blog, page 27

Bone to Pick: Mass Shootings: Politicians Are Focused on Wrong Solution

The recent mass shootings are a devastating tragedy to everyone in this country and solutions need to be found. It will probably take more than one action on the part of government and communities to resolve this issue, but the focus seems to be on gun control. I believe mental illness and the state of the economy is the real issues that should be addressed.
Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. In addition, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Canada.1And that’s not all. More than 450 million people across the globe suffer from mental illnesses. Roughly 50 percent in developed countries don’t receive the care they need, and in developing countries that figure reaches almost 90 percent. 2
Raising two special needs children, I have been involved in the state funded programs available to individuals with disabilities as well as the public school system. I’ve found these programs severely lacking. One of the reasons is due to deep cuts to state spending on services for children and adults living with serious mental illness. Between 2009 and 2012, more than $1.6 billion was cut from state funds for mental health services. States like California cut $764.8 million during this period, New York, $204.9 million and Illinois, $187 million. State mental health budget cuts of this size inevitably result in loss of services for the most vulnerable residents living with serious mental illnesses. 3
My son who was denied services multiple times by the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) eventually ended up as a teen in an inpatient program at the University of Utah’s Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI) for injuring me and my other son and threatening to harm himself. Once released, he returned to public school and injured three students. The school policy was to send him to juvenile detention. Official state employees commented that this was no place for my son. When asked what I should do, I was told “your child is the type of child who falls through the cracks”.
When he entered high school, there was no program in the public school system for him or anyone with his type of disabilities. I have reached out for help several many times to organizations only to be told my child needs to qualify for DSPD services. When he turned eighteen, he was re-evaluated and placed on the waiting list for services. This list contains over two thousand waiting children in Utah and the average wait time is approximately six years, according to one DSPD representative.
In the recent shooting at Sandy Hollow Elementary in Connecticut, CBS Sunday Morning News program reported this comment by Marcia Lanza, Adam Lanza's aunt: "She [Adam’s mother] eventually ended up home schooling him, because she battled with the school district, in what capacity I'm not 100 percent certain. If it was behavioral, if it was learning disabilities, I don't know. But he was a very bright boy. He was very smart." 4
Again, state mental health budget cuts of this size inevitably result in loss of services for the most vulnerable residents living with serious mental illnesses. As budget cuts have mounted, both inpatient and community services for children and adults living with serious mental illness have been downsized or eliminated. In some states, entire hospitals have been closed; in others, community mental health programs have been eliminated. 5
According to World Health Organization by 2030, depression will be the second highest cause of disease burden in middle-income countries and the third highest in low-income countries. In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is among the three leading causes of death among those ages 15-44 years in some countries, and the second leading cause of death in the 10-24 years age group. 6More than 90% of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder. 7
The state of the economy affects everyone on some level. Young people coming out of college with degrees are unable to get jobs. People who are of an age to retire are forced to continue to work because they can’t afford insurance. This country is depressed in more ways than one. Senseless crimes will continue to escalate until our country’s economy is back on track and people have a sense of hope and prosperity again; until our leaders wake-up and address the real issues behind these heinous acts instead of trying to cover it with a band-aid fix.
Cindy A. ChristiansenFiction author and mother of two special needs children
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Secret Cravings 2nd Anniversary Cruise

It’s been a wonderful two years with Secret Cravings Publishing so we’re celebrating!Look at these awesome prizes from SCP:·         Grand Prize - iPad2·         First place - Kindle Fire·         Second Place - $50 SCP Gift Card·         Third place - $25 SCP Gift CardYou don’t want to miss out!  All you have to do is name 25 of the participating authors, name the locations they’ve chosen and email your answers to: reviewcoordinator@secretcravingspublishing.com To see all the authors who are participating, go to: http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/ 
If you like clean romance with humor and a lot of mystery and suspense, keep my books in mind.  All my books have dogs on the covers because I include them in my stories.  I also donate a portion of my proceeds to organizations that help abused and abandoned dogs.  Please consider this when you win that iPad2, Kindle Fire or the great gift cards available!
My Location:

CINDY A CHRISTIANSEN - GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS
The island is approximately 22 miles long with its widest point being 8 miles long. The elevation ranges from sea level at the beaches to 60 feet above sea level. Nice to think about when I’m buried in snow!
Hope your 2013 is the best year ever!
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.comCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Five Favorite Things Giveaway

                     It’s the season for giving and my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing (SCP), is celebrating the holidays with a Five Favorite Things Giveaway .  Now I’m not giving away cars like Oprah, but you might want to participate. :)
Five Favorite Things Giveaway December 15th - 16th Online at SCP Facebook Page


            Narrowing down to only five things that I love has been quite the challenge.  I’d sooner work on a plot for my next book. (lol)  But, here goes:1.    Puppies and their puppy breath2.    A cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream 3.    Dragonfly jewelry4.    Homemade buttered popcorn5.    Not Quite Zen – a fun read with a holiday ending
            Anyone commenting on this blog post about their favorite things or on my posts on SCP’s fan page or SCP’s reader’s group page over the weekend will be entered in a drawing to win an ebook of my sweet romance, Not Quite Zen . Who knows, I might even be posting other giveaways over the weekend on Facebook. (Actually I am.)  So, keep your eyes open. Other authors will be doing giveaways too. If you are a Twitter fan, check out #5FAVETHINGS.
            Here’s more info about Not Quite Zen :

BLURB: Therapy dog trainer and hospice aide Harmony Hastings takes a much needed Zen vacation only to return to sheer chaos at the Silver Sunset Senior Community.  Who is the new gorgeous, young doctor and why has old Doc Barlow disappeared?  Why are residents being harmed? Can Harmony keep her chakras in balance long enough to figure out the mystery before one of the baby boomers ends up dead? Is the mysterious doctor the guilty party, or is he only guilty of giving Harmony a terminal case of love?
EXCERPT: Harmony rushed to the closet and grabbed her coat. “I’m going to the community. I want to find out what’s happening.”“Princess, the roads are bad. You shouldn’t go,” Gramps ordered.“Merry Christmas, Doris. Gramps. I’ll be back soon enough. Save me some figgy pudding. On second thought, I’ve never really liked the stuff.” She closed the door behind her and dashed into the falling snow.I’m worried about the residents. What if something else has happened? But deep in her heart, she knew she desperately needed to be with Benjamin. Wherever he was…whatever the circumstances…that’s where she wanted to be.Despite her all-weather tires, she slid taking the turn toward Silver Sunset. She decreased her speed and continued, her wipers trying frantically to keep the windshield clear. A lone pair of headlights headed toward her. She slid on the icy road. She carefully corrected and continued on. The vehicle coming toward her appeared to be having trouble on the ice-rinked road as well. Approaching, the truck slid toward her car. Harmony swerved too quickly and lost control. She slid off the road, over the curb and into a tree. Her airbag deployed, and she gasped.She managed to unfasten her seatbelt and slip out of her car. A numbness blocked out any pain she might be feeling. But she must be all right, her arms worked and so did her legs.She stared at the man wearing a Santa Claus hat, sitting in his dark-blue pickup.“Arrrre you oookayyyy, lady?” he slurred out.From his lack of focus and wobbly head, Harmony could tell he’d gone from holiday cheerful to three sheets to the wind.“I think so,” she returned, reaching for her cell phone.Jeepers. Not in my pocket. She scrambled back into the car and searched her purse. Not there, either.“I gotta go now,” the man called to her. “M-m-merry Christmasss.”“Wait!”“Don’t…don’t report me, lady. Come on. It’s Christmassss. I can’t get another DUI.”“But my car.”He hiccupped. “Shhhhhh,” he said, holding a gloved finger to his lips. “I-I don’t have any insurance, anyway,” he said, smiling with his head bobbing. He moved his truck forward.“You shouldn’t be driving,” Harmony yelled after him.“Cerry Mistmus.” He left her, swerving as he went.She memorized his license plate number and quickly jotted it down on an old receipt she found in her purse. She’d deal with him later. She locked the car and headed out on foot, her dress shoes slipping on the pavement. She should have grabbed her snow boots, but who thought she’d be walking in a storm.She thought about knocking on someone’s door and asking for help, but it was Christmas Eve. People were watching It’s a Wonderful Life or reading The Night Before Christmas to their children. Well, most likely. And she didn’t want to intrude. Getting to Silver Sunset and finding Benjamin meant everything. She didn’t have much farther to go. Finding her purse, she pulled out her baggie of almonds and popped a couple in her mouth. Instead of her stomach being on fire, it felt like ice cubes rattled around inside of her.She continued walking, and her vision began to blur. Maybe she wasn’t as well after the wreck as she thought. Maybe…* * * *
            I hope you enjoyed the excerpt.  Below are a few Christmas gift suggestions from Oren Arnold.  I thought they were wonderful.“To your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart.To a customer, service.To all, charity.To every child, a good example.To yourself, respect.”
            Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.  Thanks for all your support over the years and please join us this weekend for more giveaways. Don't forget to comment.
CindyCindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Old and the New

It’s the end of the year and I’m looking back at all I’ll the things I've managed to accomplish this year and looking forward to all the new adventures I have planned.
I had two books come out in 1012:  Hazardous Hidea way and Not Quite Zen .  I received some great reviews and did a lot of research about promotion.  I taught classes throughout the Salt Lake County Libraries and made new friends at both the League of Utah Writers and the American Night Writers Association.  All of this on top of pneumonia and hospital stays for bleeding ulcers and an appendectomy.  I’d say it was a pretty successful year, considering.
I’ve come up with some exciting projects for the 2013:1.    I’ll be offering a 99₵ novella called Stolen Horses, Stolen Hearts downloadable from Amazon. I can’t wait to share more with about this read!2.    I’m also working on a three book series called The Merchant Street Mysteries .3.    In order to promote this new series, I’ll be offering a prequel novella for FREE on Amazon.4.    I have a non-fiction book for writers called Words That Drive Us Wacko: A cheat sheet to emotion words, sound words and misused words .  It will also be available on Amazon in 2013.5.    I’ve contracted with Salt Lake County Library to teach another writing class in January.6.    As you can see, I’ve turned my dog Callie into a cartoon character. She’s going to help me teach writing classes in video-form on Youtube.
That’s just the beginning, my friends!
If you’d like me to email you when new releases come out, please go to the homepage of my websiteand leave your email address.
Thanks so much for making this a wonderful year!  I feel very blessed.  May peace, love, health and prosperity follow you always and forever!
Happy Holidays,
CindyCindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Eight Steps to Getting Published

I've been working on a new non-fiction book. It's been fun, challenging and a lot of hard work. I think I posted this article I'd written some time ago more for me than you. But, you might find it helpful too.  :)
Publishing. It’s a difficult game. Some authors, some very good authors, never get published. Have you ever read a book that you wondered why it got published?  The answer is the author’s focused determination and the willingness to put himself/herself and their work on the line.
Getting published doesn’t happen overnight. There’s a lot of work required, including blood, sweat and tears. Authors have written whole books on the subject. I’m going to give you ten steps to getting published that will send you on your way to that day when you can say, “I’m a published author!”
1.      What kind of book should I write?
First pick a story that you are connected with emotionally. Determine the universal question your story asks. There are only so many plots out there. But by determining your question, you can make your story unique. Having that emotional connection will help your story come to life.
Know what type of book you are writing. Orson Scott Card provides the best analysis for determining what type of book you are writing in his book Characters and Viewpoints. He calls it the MICE Quotient - milieu, idea, character, and event. This book is a must read for new writers.
Study the different genres out there and pick the one that best suits your story idea and your style.
2.       Write an exceptionally well-written, unique manuscript.
There are many good books on the mechanics of writing, even those specific to the genre you have chosen. Writing organizations can also help you learn how to improve your writing skills. Take some classes or on-line workshops to really help you hone in on that tight, well-written masterpiece.
First time authors must have a completed manuscript before they begin the publication process. Publishers and agents won’t take queries on ideas for books unless you are a published and currently working with them. Another reason for a completed manuscript is, if you get a request it better be ready to send. They’re not going to wait.
3.      Search book stores and libraries for reputable publishers in your genre.
Write down the names of publishers who publish your type of book, and research their submission guidelines on the internet. If not on the internet, request guidelines through the mail. You can also research publishers on the internet, but you must be careful of companies touting themselves as reputable. Especially be careful of companies who misrepresent themselves and are really requiring you to self-publish. These companies offer to publish your book, but you are really paying for it.  You receive no editing help or any kind of promotion.
       4.      Decide whether to go with an agent or on your own.
Many publishers require manuscripts to be submitted through an agent. Others will accept work directly from the author. Agents can prove very beneficial. They can provide insights into the publishing world that would take years for an author to learn. They pitch your book for you to multiple publishers, help you fine-tune your work to the publisher’s specifications, and help promote you and your books. However, they do take a cut of your earning. You must decide whether an agent is right for you.
Some agents don’t help with promotion, so it is important to ask questions regarding what they have to offer. If an agent asks for money upfront, it’s usually a scam.  Also remember that an agent works for you, not the other way around. Choosing the right agent is as important as choosing the right publisher. Check out their reputation before accepting any kind of a deal. Check with other writers about who they use as an agent or publisher.
5.      Write a phenomenal query letter.
A well-written manuscript is important, but a query letter is what sells the book. Take some classes or on-line workshops to learn the keys to a perfect query letter.
6.      Once that query letter is written -- send, send, send.
Whether you choose an agent or a publisher, get those queries out. If it is possible with your day job, (Yes I said day job. You’re not an author yet.) you should mail or email at least ten queries a month until you have an agent and/or a publisher. Some publishers do not except multiple submissions so you should consider following this guideline. (Notice how carefully I worded that sentence.)
7.      Have a media kit ready.
Begin your media kit early and continue to add to it. A media kit is basically for promotion of yourself and your books. If you have some things already put together, it makes it easier when you are accepted for publication. Again, check out some good classes on the subject. Here are the basics that a good media kit should include:
·         Author biography, including your achievements and organizations you belong to·         Author photo·         Author interview questions and answers·         A generic query letter·         A book cover·         A synopsis·         Any reviews from readers or reviewers·         An excerpt from your book
8.      Practice patience.
There might be a few authors who are offered a contract overnight, but your chances of that are about as much as the hunchback of Notre Dame finding a suit off the rack. If you love to write, you must put in the hard work to sell your talent. Not everyone is going to like your story, and that’s fine. But someone will and that means others will.
Have a professional go over any contracts you receive so that you understand all the terms. Most publishers will not negotiate the terms of their contract. It’s a take-it-or-leave-it deal.
As a romance author, I am told that erotic is where the money’s at. I choose not to write that, but somehow I have found my niche in the writing circle.  Remember to write what you enjoy.
Keep at it. Work hard. Be willing to put yourself on the line. Live your dream. Basically, the same stuff required of anything you love to do.

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

A Bone to Pick: Electoral Votes

I haven't had a bone to pick in awhile.  But as Election Day approaches, I just can't help complain about electoral votes. They featured this subject on CBS Sunday Morning. You've just got to watch the clip of Mo Rocca teaching a classroom of kids about Electoral College.
When every child's vote counted, they voted for markers instead of colored pencils. When they demonstrated how the electoral votes worked, colored pencils won.  The expression on their faces when they find out their vote doesn't really count is simply priceless.  And, just how I feel about the whole voting process.
If you're frustrated about this, you're not alone.  According to a CBS News Poll, 62% of Americans want to get rid of Electoral College.  Even Thomas Jefferson called it "an inkblot on the Constitution."
So why isn't that on the ballot for Americans to vote on?  Who does this voting system benefit?  Why hasn't it been changed?  What can we do to get it abolished?
If you have any answers, please let me know.  I'd be happy to sign a petition or vote. J

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com


Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Sweetest Romance Awards Contest

Have you ever wondered what constitutesa "sweet" romance?

It’s a genre just like any other genre.Sweet romance is the magical, emotional journey between the hero and heroine.
The story must have a happily-ever-after ending(just like any other genre in romance).It does not include bedroom scenes or a lot of physical contact between the couple(even if they are married).
Sweet romance contains no offensive language,whereas clean romance may contain adult languageand bedroom scenes with married couples.Sweet romance also differs from inspirational romancewherein a three-way relationship exists between the hero, heroine and God.This is not found in sweet romance.

If you are a true sweet romance writer, this is the contest for you!
ENTER HERE

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Where In The World are the Secret Cravings Authors?

The Secret Cravings Authors Blog HopOctober 6- 7, 2012Come join the fun!__________________________
          If you can guess the state I live in, you could win one of my sweet romance titles.  Check out my website for more details about my books.
          Here are your three clues!1.   The name of my state comes from the Native American Indian tribe and means people of the mountains.2.   The state has a lake that covers 2,100 square miles, with an average depth of 13 feet.3.   The state animal is the Rocky Mountain Elk.
          Figured it out?  
a Rafflecopter giveaway
or 
Send me an email with your answer and which one of my ebooks you would like in PDF form. Put WHERE IN THE WORLD in the subject line.______________________________
          Secret Cravings Publishing will also be putting out their first anniversary recipe book, which will include author recipes and book titles.  The sale of the recipe book will go to benefit Operation Gratitude and be available for sale in January, 2013.
          To whet your appetite, I thought I’d share a few recipes from my books.  Enjoy!
FROM LOVE ON LAIRD AVENUE:
Grilled Salmon Tikka
4 salmon fillets4 Tbsp. olive oilFor the marinade:3 tsp. crushed garlic2 tsp. crushed ginger2 tsp. cumin powder2 tsp. coriander powder2 tsp. red chili powder1 tsp. garam masala powder1 tsp. turmeric powder1 tsp. carom seeds60ml fresh creamjuice of 1 limesalt to taste
Preparation:Mix marinade ingredients together.Marinate the salmon fillets for 2-3 hours.Sear salmon on a griddle pan with olive oil for a minute on each side.Place griddle pan with salmon in a preheated oven at 200ºC for 4 minutes.Serve hot with wedges of lime.______________________________

FROM NOT QUITE ZEN:
  Steak Seasoning
1 Tbsp. paprika1 Tbsp. kosher salt1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper1 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic1 1/2 tsp. granulated onion1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander1 1/2 tsp. dried lemon peel1 tsp. ground red pepper 1 tsp. dried thyme
Preparation:Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.Store in a jar, preferably a spice jar with an internal lid with holes for shaking. Spice will keep in a cabinet for one year before the flavor begins to degrade.
______________________________
FROM BRAVING THE BLAZE:
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375° F. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In second bowl, mix peanut butter and milk till blended. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough into a log and cover in wax paper.* Place in the refrigerator to chill (about an hour.) Remove wax paper from cookie dough, slice into disks and place on cookie sheets.
* If you prefer, you may roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shape(s).

Bake for 15-20 minutes on a greased baking sheet until lightly brown. Cool on a rack, then store in an airtight container, if your dog will allow you to save any.

Participate in all the other author’s blogs to win more prizes!
Sweet Cravings*

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

* Sweet Cravings is a division of Secret Cravings Publishing.

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Who, me?
I've been tagged to answer ten, fun questions about my current work-in-progress (WIP).  In other words--my next big thing! Read on to learn my secrets. 
What is the working title of your book? Time Will Tell
Where did the idea come from for the book?My husband and I have always loved antique clocks and enjoy restoring them ourselves.  I decided the setting for this mystery should be an old clock shop.
What genre does your book fall under?Contemporary Sweet Romantic Suspense
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Joe Manganiello as Zeke
 Charity Haskins as Holly
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?Can perfectionist Holly Waterbury turn her hoarding uncle’s clock shop into a real business with the help of some homeless character, or are there secrets hidden inside the clocks that will put them in danger?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?That hasn’t been determined yet.  My current publisher is Sweet Cravings Publishing.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?Who said I was done. *smiles* I'm ecstatic to say this is the first book in a series.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?Any one of my other books.  (lol)
Who or what inspired you to write this book?A news headline piqued my interest and triggered the mystery part of the story.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?There’s an adorable Scottish terrier named McTavish in this book.  *smiles*

Thanks for joining me and thanks to Christina Cole for tagging me.  Her blog is: http://christinacoletimeforlove.blogspot.com
Hop on over to the following author’s sites to find out about their current WIP:K. R. Bailey Lena Hart Kathyrn Jane  Molly Daniels
Christine Hill Scott



Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

What I Learned at Roundup – The League of Utah Writers’ Conference

            Surrounded by the heavenly beauty of autumn colors, hundreds of authors descended on Park City, Utah, to expand their knowledge of writing and pitch their latest book to one of the many editors and agents present.            Fairly new to The League of Utah Writers, this was my first Roundup, and I found it fun and informative.  Multiple classes took place at the same time, and it made it hard for writers to decide which classes to attend.  Sometimes the boisterous laughing from the room next door made you want to sneak out and take a peek to see what you were missing.  Other times, you were so caught up in the content of your own class (or the laughing going on in it) that you didn’t even notice the chatter next door.            Although exhausted and in pain from my Fibromyalgia and recent health setbacks, I’m thrilled I had the opportunity to attend.  Here’s some of what I learned:
1.     Even among writers, not everyone knows what “sweet romance” means.  I was teased immensely by one of the presenters, but it was a wonderful opportunity to spread the word.2.    I learned that my good friend Sara can get the giggles and not stop laughing.3.    I learned never to ask an author what their book is about unless you have an hour or two of free time.4.    Despite authors being reclusive, they adore sharing their love of writing and are open and friendly.5.     I learned that when the presenter is as good-looking as Barry Eisler, I can’t learn squat in the class.  (If someone has notes, please share them with me.)6.    In the only romance class taught, almost 50% of those who attended were men.  One of the participants (how also taught one the best classes on suspense) said he admired romance authors because it is the only genre where the ending is pre-determined, and the author must work extremely hard to surprise the reader.7.    Although Lucas Hunt with Spitzer Literary Agency may be an excellent agent, he should give it up and become a stand-up comedian.8.    Editors, agents and authors alike reiterated that the query letter is the most important thing you will ever write.9.    I learned tons on the craft of writing, but I’m not sharing the wealth.  You’ll just have to go next year.  

10.  And finally, the most significant thing I learned is that no matter what point you are in your career, there’s always more to learn.
            Thanks to all of those who worked so hard to put together such an awesome conference.  If you are a poet or an author and not a member, you are really missing out.  Check out: http://www.luwriters.org/
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!http://www.dragonflyromance.com



Copyright (c) 123RF Stock PhotosCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author