Cindy A. Christiansen's Blog, page 29

Please come visit

I'm at Gail's forum on Coffee Time Romance at:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/boar...

Get to know me and my books...

All month in May - Coffee Time Romances Anniversary Extravaganza: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/roma... (Giving away a Nook and Sony ereader plus more.)
May 12th-17th - LDS Authors Giveaway Hop: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.... (I'm giving away a PDF copy of Not Quite Zen.)
May 15th - The Sweetest Romance Authors featured on Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/boar...
May 16th - Guest on Front Seat Romance: http://frontseatromance.blogspot.com/ (I'm giving away a PDF copy of Not Quite Zen.)
May 17th - Chatting on Gail Pallotta's site on Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/boar...
May 19th - Contest ends for the $50 pair of earrings. Find out more at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com/contest

Chasing Our Tails...

...looking for a Clean? Sweet? Inspirational? Romance Novel

            The world of romance books is very confusing and there are a lot of disgruntled readers out there. They are asking, “How can I find a romance I’ll enjoy?” The biggest concern is whether the romance will contain explicit sex scenes or offensive language. The problem is: everyone has their own level of acceptability.            If you Google “clean romance vs. sweet romance”, hardly anything comes up to discuss the difference. I couldn’t find one site that explains it well. Because the term “clean” means a lot of different things to different people, it only adds to the confusion.  On Good Reads Clean Romance forum, there are several discussions about whether certain books should be considered as a clean read. The opinions are as numerous as leaves in a forest. Even using the term “clean” read is offensive to some because that implies everything else is “dirty”.            Most everyone agrees the definition of a romance novel means the book focuses on a developing romantic relationship and must have an optimistic ending.            Wikipedia includes the following sub-genres:Contemporary romance- set after World War IIHistorical romance- set before World War II. This sub-genre includes a wide variety of other sub-genres, including Regency romance.Romantic suspenseinvolves an intrigue or mystery for the protagonists to solve. By the end of the novel, the mystery is resolved and the interaction between the hero and heroine has evolved into a solid relationship.Paranormal romanceblends the real with the fantastic fictional. The fantastic elements may be woven into an alternate version of our own world in an urban fantasy involving vampires, demons, and/or werewolves, or they may be more "normal" manifestations of the paranormal—humans with psychic abilities, witches, or ghosts.Science fiction romance is a romance novel that takes place in a story that would otherwise be classified as a science fiction story.Fantasy Romance is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction, describing a fantasy story using many of the elements and conventions of the romance genre. (That’s clear as mud. J)Time-travel romancesare a version of the classic "fish out of water" story. In most, the heroine is from the present day and travels into the past to meet the hero. In a smaller subset of these novels, the hero, who lives in the past, travels forward into his future to meet the heroine.Inspirational romancecombines explicitly Christian themes with the development of a romantic relationship. These novels typically do not include gratuitous violence or swearing, and the central courtship is chaste. Sex, if it is present at all, occurs after marriage and is not explicitly detailed. The novels in this genre also focus on the hero or heroine's faith, turning the love story into a triangle: the man, the woman and also their relationship with God.Erotic romance is a blend of romance and erotica. Erotic romance novels are characterized by strong sexual content, but can contain elements of any of the other romance sub-genres. Erotic romance novels tend to use more frank language. These novels also usually include more sex scenes, often focusing more on the sex act. Pornography concentrates on the sex acts, and does not include well-developed characters or a plot like erotic romances do.
            That’s pretty much it. On Wikipedia, which was updated on May 9, 2012, clean romance and sweet romance aren't even listed as a sub-genre of romance novels. So, according to what little information I have gathered from other sources, their definitions might be considered as below:Clean romancemust have an optimistic ending, only contain sex between a married couple, if any, contain no “graphic” language (however they may contain some language), and does not include some sort of faith crisis as in inspirational romance.Sweet romance focuses on the romantic relationship between the hero and heroine, does not include bedroom (sex) scenes, does not contain any offensive language and also includes an optimistic ending.
            So give it to me straight. I’d like to hear what everyone thinks—readers, writers, agents, publishers—about the real definition of “clean” vs. “sweet” romance. How can readers know what they’ll be getting?  Should the publishing industry set more standardized definitions, and should they be printed on romance books?
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Reference:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_novelCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

LDS Authors Giveaway Hop

Hop Linky


Want to win another free LDS author ebook?
For those of you new to my books, I write sweet romance with comedy, suspense…and dogs! These are not inspirational romance, but books that end at the bedroom door and contain no offensive language.  My books are appropriate for age 17 and up and even men enjoy my books.  They are like an action/comedy movie and contain subjects men like like mining, construction, cowboys and wildfire fighting.  I feature dogs on all of my covers and donate a portion of my proceeds to Friends In Need Animal Sanctuary to help abused and abandoned dogs.
Today, I’m giving away an ebook copy (PDF) of Not Quite Zen .  All you need to do is go to my website HERE, read the excerpt to answer the question below, and then EMAILme your answer.  It’s that easy, nothing complicated.
Before I give you the question, here’s a little more about the book: 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?
Aside from this giveaway, anyone who reads Not Quite Zen and posts a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble by May 19th, can get a chance to win a pair of $50.00 earrings.  You can find out more HERE.
Okay, now head over to my WEBSITE.  Here’s the question:

What did Mrs. Kammerer think happened to her?
Enjoy the hop.  There are some awesome authors and books listed.  Thanks for stopping by.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com




Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Throwing the Leash Around…

Ereaders vs. Tablets vs. Smart Phones vs. Real Books vs. Who Knows What?   


                  I don’t think anyone can tame technology. Nowhere is that more evident than in the electronics field. It appears that the biggest subject readers are concerned about is what reading device to buy.

            I’ve got to say, the subject is very confusing. There are so many options, choices, factors and decisions to consider, it can make your dog whimper. I haven’t made a choice yet. How about you?  It is such a rapidly morphing technology that you can buy a device one minute, and it can be obsolete the next. I’m gonna “sit” and “stay” until things calm down a bit.

            But if you want to work hard for that “doggie treat”, go ahead and dig in. I have some static information that might help, at least until the sun rises tomorrow. J

            According to Consumer Reports, the top four best choices for ereaders are:Barnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch/Glow Light:Score: 83/100Reason: Better lightingBarnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch:Score: 82/100Reason: Improved software but no lightAmazon Kindle Keyboard 3GScore: 79/100Reason: Large font size and text-to-speech functionBarnes and Noble Nook ColorScore: 72/100Reason: Best color ebook reader tested
            In rating tablets which do more than just read books, Consumer Reports rated them as follows:Apple iPad WIFI 4G 32GBScore: 85/100Reason: High resolution screen, longest battery lifeApple iPad WIFI 4G 64GBScore:  85/100Reason:  More StorageApple iPad WIFI 4G 16GBScore:  83/100Reason: Still at top with less storageSamsung Galaxy Tab WIFI 4G 16GBScore: 83/100Reason: Scored as well as iPad
            Now let’s consider smart phones or…maybe not. Hey, I’m gonna stay “down” and “roll over” on this subject. It’s way too complicated and based on what service you’re going through. Check out Consumer Reports or other on-line rating systems. One thing I will note, Consumer Reports couldn’t recommend the Apple iPhone 4 due to a signal-reception problem they confirmed during testing. (As a side note:  Did you know you can access Consumer Reports through the Salt Lake County Library System?  Look under Research Room, Newspapers and Magazines, Consumer Reports. Maybe you can check out the library system in your neck of the woods.)
            Here are a few additional things to consider:Why wasn’t the Nook Color rated number 1?  According to my research, color is awesome but the E Ink screens (B&W) are easier on the eyes, glare free and more generous on battery. Just something to consider.The advantage to readers with WIFI is you don’t have to purchase books on computer and then transfer with USB or memory card to the reader. You can also do more with a tablet.Smart phones limit the number of devices you have to carry, but the small size makes it harder to read for some folks.
            I’m sure there are a slew of other concerns to consider. Do your research and ask people what they like and dislike about theirs. It’s always the best way to learn about new things.
            Another option you might consider is reading an actual paper book. JDid you know you can still get these?  I found Dolores Monet’s article: Kindle VS Real Books - Will E-Books Replace Traditional Books?simply fun. Here are a couple of things she points out in choosing between a Kindle and a real book:
If you drop your book in the bath tub, down a flight of stairs, or into a vat of boiling molasses, you lose one book. If you do the same with a Kindle, don't worry - your library is backed up on Amazon! Although the Kindle itself would be kaput.You can't use a stack of Kindle ebooks to hold up a corner of the sofa if one of the legs has broken off.You can't cut a hole in an old ebook to hide your stash.Hitting someone in the head with a Kindle does not pack the same wallop as it does if you bop them with a good old fashioned hard back book.The battery on your traditional book will not crap out just as the hero is dangling off the cliff…If you become lost in the wilderness with your Kindle, you can't use it as kindling for a fire on a cold night. (But, if you also have a GPS, you can find your way back to civilization.)With a Kindle, you can't switch book jackets to make it look like you are reading something significant in order to impress strangers at the dentist's office or on the bus.You can't press flowers with a Kindle.              Well, if you thought I’d have all the answers to this difficult question, you were “barking up the wrong tree.” Good luck with your decision and if you have any opinions, suggestions, or additional advice, please leave a comment.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Article Link:http://doloresmonet.hubpages.com/hub/KindleVSRealBooksWillEBooksReplaceRealBooks
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock PhotosCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

I’m Gonna Give You a Piece of My…

Gratitude.


Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~ Buddha
            The above saying is so true. As a person with chronic pain and health issues, I have to look hard some days to find something with which to be grateful. But the point is, I always do.            Yesterday I was grateful for a good review; an increased number of sales and likes on Facebook; a peaceful moment at Duck Pond with my kids; and my husband’s love and support while I cried about the rest of my bad day.             My sales totals and likes may seem insignificant to those writers who have followings in the thousands and are on one of the bestseller lists, but that doesn’t matter in my world.  As Buddha conveyed, be grateful for what you DO have.  And I am so very appreciative.            This last week, a reader took the time to email me this:
“REALLY ENJOYING YOUR BOOK!!!!! Love, love, love it!!  :)”
            Did I get hundreds of emails from readers?  No.  Could I be unhappy that I’m not hitting a bigger target audience?  I could.  But instead, I’m very honored that I connected with just one reader.  The joy of relating with someone else, to know my writing affected them in a positive way, is the most awesome feeling in the world.            If you are willing to stop for a moment at the end of each day and think about what you’re grateful for, here’s what you’ll find: It will remind you of what’s really important in your life.It will remind you of the positive things in your life because you will stop and see the bigger picture. It will turn bad things into good things because there are always worse things that could happen.It will remind you to thank others and bring happiness into their lives.
            Are you a person who appreciates the little things?  Or are you so busy trying to reach your goals that you don’t stop and appreciate each moment of success and those around you?            I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has reached out to me on my writing journey, not just those of you who have purchased my books.  But, to everyone who has taken the time to read my posts, comment on my blog, send me an email, and show concern about my family, my cause and my health.  I am very grateful. Thank you.            Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  www.dragonflyromance.com


Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

ONE GREAT CAUSE

            Don’t get me wrong, I love to write. But what means even more to me is making my writing count for something. I’ve been searching for a company that supports abused and abandoned dogs, and I’m very excited to say, I found that organization.            The organization is Friends In Need Animal Sanctuary in Eagle Mountain, Utah. I took a drive there and meet with the wonderful owners, Kim and Karen O’Donnell (and about 160 unique animals). Some of their residents include a turkey named Sam, their first rescue dog named October, and even a few yak, emu and cavys.             It’s wonderful to meet people who have the same ideals as you. Not only do they take wonderful care of a variety of animals, they help diverse groups of people by allowing them to come and bond with the animals. Today that includes a group of special needs kids. I can’t wait to take my two autistic children to groom the goats and horses and play with the dogs. They’ll love it!              To celebrate our partnership, we are planning an Amazon ebook fundraiser on May 23, 2012 with my title, Hazardous Hideaway. Everything I make on the sale of the ebook that day on Amazon will be donated to the Friends In Need Organization!  Yes, everything!  I chose Hazardous Hideaway specifically for this fundraiser. Although I include dogs in all of my books, Hazardous Hideaway contains a touching scene with animal abuse. I will also be donating a portion of my proceeds from the sale of all of my books to Friends In Need Animal Sanctuary.            Just think. You have the opportunity to read a good book and help some wonderful animals. What could be better?  Mark your calendars for May 23rd and please pass the word so that we can raise as much money as possible for this fine organization. Hazardous Hideaway
BLURB:   Riding a bucking bronco would be easier than the ride Dallas Mae Jenkins is on. While escaping an abusive relationship, she ends up in a wreck and stranded at a remote dairy in Utah. Worse yet, the presence of her horse whips up memories of an old town murder, and Dallas finds herself in serious danger.  The last thing Tom Allred needs is a wily female working at his dairy, especially one dragging up a murder he was accused of committing. Will Tom’s antacids hold out until he can get rid of Dallas?  Or, will she lasso his heart?
EXCERPT:            Ina still wasn’t back, so Dallas decided to take the dogs for a short walk. As they strolled along, she noticed the light on at the office. One of the workers must be using the phone.Gracie waddled along slowly, her belly full of life with her abundant litter. Roundup and Hunch ran double laps around them. She turned and followed the highway west toward Chalk Hills and watched contentedly as the sun sank lower behind the mountains, the colors a spectacular display. Every color of the rainbow radiated in the sky and delicately blended together.She wanted to relax and enjoy the walk, but she couldn’t help going over what she’d heard. Why would they be plotting against her? What had she done? Yuletide isn’t even here. Tom and Venna aren’t close, so Venna couldn’t be jealous. How could a three year old death cause this much trouble? What connection did Bryce have to Quinn’s death? Hmmm. Dallas certainly posed no threat. She didn’t have a clue. Had she heard right? Venna had been blackmailing Bryce? About what?Fear gripped at Dallas. If she just hadn’t hit that deer and wrecked her truck, she wouldn’t be in this mess. Hadn’t her life with Ray been bad enough? The future didn’t look good, especially if Bryce had a hand in it. What did they have in store for her? Did Tom have any idea the danger she faced?Back toward the west, she heard a faint booming sound which grew louder into the pounding base of heavy-metal rock music. She spotted the silhouettes of four bobbing heads in a SUV. She continued her walk and moved the dogs a little farther from the highway, trying to ignore the frantic sounds of the music. Her muscles tightened. The thumping got louder, catching the attention of the dogs, as well.The scarlet SUV swerved all over the road as it approached. Before she could call them back, the three dogs dashed toward the road, barking frantically. She called and called at the top of her lungs with only partial success. Roundup and Hunch returned to her side, but Gracie crouched down low, waiting for the vehicle. It passed by, and she sprang out, snapping at the tires and racing by its side. Laughter poured from the young boys inside. The driver swerved quickly, not once but twice, at the excited dog.One too many times.Slowed down with the life which filled her belly, Gracie didn’t move quick enough to miss the swerving tires. The vehicle sent her rolling down the graveled road. She yipped with pain and then became still in a furry heap.The SUV picked up speed and whizzed down the road. A beer can flew out the window and clattered to a stop at Dallas’ feet. She futilely ran after them. She wanted to stop them. She wanted to make them look directly into the loving eyes of Gracie and see what they’d done. She wanted them to know about the puppies...Dallas’ lungs felt ready to burst as she finally came to a stop. A sob escaped her lips as their whoops of laughter drifted back to her. She rested her hands on her thighs and leaned over, trying to catch her breath. Reluctantly she turned around. She didn’t want to see the mangled, bloody heap lying in the gravel.Gracie didn’t move, and Dallas couldn’t see her face. Roundup and Hunch stood by their friend’s side, whining softly. Dallas stared at Gracie’s lifeless body for several minutes before boot thuds came pounding across the pavement.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Another Bone to Pick: Tax Evasion

            I just had to bark about tax evasion since today is tax deadline. I was watching CBS Sunday Morning and the reporter said that only 85 percent of the tax money owed is collected. That leaves 15 percent going into the pockets of tax cheaters. The IRS estimates that's a $385 billion shortfall in revenues, over $3 trillion unpaid taxes in the last decade. Don’t you think that kind of money would help against the deficit?  But instead, those of us who are honestly paying our taxes have to make up the difference by paying higher taxes. And then the tax cheaters just avoid those taxes too. Something is wrong here.            And take a guess at who the tax cheaters are:a)    The poorb)    The middle classc)    The rich            If you guessed C, the rich,  you’re correct. IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman says it is people who make a lot of money and have complicated returns who cheat on their taxes. The fraud includes multi-million dollar offshore accounts to fudging the numbers all because the tax code has become so complex there are more opportunities to cheat.            I don’t know about you, but that frustrates me no end. If you find this annoying, let me hear from you. Let’s spread the word of our discontentment.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into good book today:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57414288/america-at-tax-time-what-cheaters-cost-us/?tag=contentBody;cbsCarousel


Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos



Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Class: So You Think You Can Write

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE
I am teaching an informal introductory classthrough the Salt Lake County Library about writing and selling your first book.
  Here is the planned outline: 
What you need to be aware of BEFORE you begin writing:Do you have a brand?Do you have your silver bullet?Do you have your spiel?Do you have a cause?Are you a social butterfly?Not enough time in a day:Do you have a day job?Are you married?Are you a parent?Do you have community commitments?Do you really want to be a writer?You made it to THE END:What publishing route should you take?Should you get an agent?Can you handle rejection?You're published:Why isn't the money rolling in?Do you have what it takes to sell your books?
Locations and times: Bingham Creek Library, Wednesday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.

Columbus Library, Wednesday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.
Hunter Library, Wednesday, July 11, 6:00 p.m.
Millcreek Library, Tuesday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Tyler Library, Wednesday, August 8Whitmore Library, Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 p.m.
Magna Library, Thursday, August 23, 7:00 p.m.
Hope to see you there.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  www.dragonflyromance.com


Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Not Fit to Write Romance

Afew days ago, I was driving to one of my writing meetings when I spied a youngcouple headed down the sidewalk, hand-in-hand. They looked so happy, so in love, as they stared into each other's eyes,smiling.  I thought to myself, this isromance.  This is what I write about.            The sun had just set, the air sparkling and aglow.  I wanted to capture that moment in the pagesof a book.  And then it happened…            The couple started skipping.            My eyes widened as I watched the two gleefully skipping down the sidewalk,holding hands and swinging their arms. I have to admit, I almost crashed my vanas laughter overcame me.  I barely madeit to the side of the road before the tears of hilarity completely obscured myvision.  Skipping?  Are you seriously kidding me?              I realized I hadn't seen anyone skip since grade schooland even then it wasn't cool.  Have Ilost touch with how it feels to be young and in love?  Am I not fit to write romance?  Would it really work to have my hero and heroineskip down a beautiful garden path so in love that nothing else mattered?            Seriously, have any of you read any romances with somemajor skipping going on?  Be honest now.  :D
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy,Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book todayat:  www.dragonflyromance.com
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock PhotosCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author