Sheri L. Swift's Blog, page 5

The Printing Press

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It always amazes me each time I write a book how fortunate we are as Indie Authors to be able to create our books the way we want.
I always tell my husband, most people don't realize the book is a literal creation of the Author.
If Ben Franklin only knew how far we've come in today's age to be able to print our own books so easily.
Albeit there always seems to be some new form of formatting each time I publish my books that I have to adapt to, but for the most part it gets easier each year.
I am thankful to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Createspace and Smashwords for allowing me to publish my books which otherwise might never have happened.
I'm smiling as I write the fourth book of my Legend of the Mer series.  I can hardly wait to share it with you all.
I've had a few medical set-backs this past year which have delayed my writing, but now back on pace.
I'm already in the process of having Derek Murphy (CreativINDIECovers) help to create my latest book cover.
It's Will's turn to tell his story, I guess I better get back at it!  ;)

HAPPY VALENTINES ;)

Can you believe Valentine's Day is a little more than a week away.
Let me just brag a little.  I love being best friends with my Sweetheart.
When he came into my life it was to also become stepfather to my three little girls.
He helped to raise them as his own, along with our other little girl which we had later.
God has been good to me with the gift of my husband.
He's been my strength when I couldn't get up.  He's been my comfort and cheerleader when life brought me down.
Girls let me tell you, a man who loves God will love you through the roughest parts of your life and you'll both stand strong through any trial you face.
Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!  ;)

What does the Conch shell say?

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I usually get the lion share of my writing done in the winter months.
Even though it's cold outside, I am constantly being drawn to the Sea; at least in my mind that is.
Last week one of my granddaughters, I like to call Sweet Pea, was visiting.  She picked up a Conch shell from my dresser and listened to it.
She told me, "I hear it Granny!"
I smiled and knew exactly what she was saying.  I asked her, "What does the Conch shell say?"
"I don't know."  She gave a big smile.
I told her, "If you listen to me I will take you to the Sea."
She grinned and replied, "Not really Granny just pretend."
"Yes, it's wonderful to pretend and imagine we are there right now."
She then continued to listen to two of my Conch shells, one at each ear and repeated, "If you listen to me I will take you to the Sea."
I smiled with joy she had gotten it!  ;)

Christmas Dreams ;)

Christmas Dreams
Our Christmas tree is up and our home decorated for this special time of year.  I think I have as many Nativity figurines as I have Nutcrackers placed throughout the house.



I especially think of my girls which are now grown and have children of their own.  I even dream memories of them when they were little and eyes wide with wonder for all this season celebrates.
One of my favorite Christmas songs, especially to remember those times is Christmas Dreams by Francesca Battistelli.
Just click on the link below to have a listen.  I hope you enjoy it and have Christmas dreams of your own.  Merry Christmas and God's blessings for the New Year!  ;)
Christmas Dreams Lyric Video on Youtube

Autumn Reflections Poem

 A retelling of my favorite Autumn poem:



AUTUMN REFLECTIONS What is it that makes my heart stirIn the autumn of the yearThe hues of gold, orange and scarletOr the blue skies so clearIs it the sight of the leaves swirlingAs the wind beckons them to danceOr is it the rolling hills of colorThat makes me take a second glanceIs it the sound of booming thunderstormsFrom sheets to gentle rain that fallsOr is it the brisk autumn breezesAnd the howling wind that callsIs it the brilliant starry nightsWith the October moon that glowsOr is it the little babbling brooksTo the raging river that flowsIs it the smell of fresh cut woodStacked neatly in a rowOr the sight of orange pumpkinsWith happy faces all aglowIs it candy corn, hay rides and bonfiresApples that are red and greenOr the smiles of happy childrenOn the night of HalloweenIs it the smell of cinnamon and spice And wood smoke drifting in the airOr is it the blue jean overallsAnd knitted sweaters that we wearI guess it’s a time for family and friendsTo come inside and join in on the funTo sip a cup of hot cocoa or ciderAnd sit beside your special oneI love all that this season has to offerFrom sounds, tastes, scents, and sightsTo good food and fellowshipAnd a warm fire on chilly nights
- Sheri L. Swift (2010)

Autumns Fading

These are the last blooms of summer in my yard.  I always cut a few to dry so I have the remembrance of spring to carry me through the cold winter.

Most of the leaves on the trees have changed to golden, scarlet and orange which gives such beauty to the eye.

The blustery autumn winds have already taken many of the leaves and spread them where they will; giving the ground rich nutrients which cause the grasses to remain green nearly all year.

Even our pine trees are dotted with orange which is such a contrast to my former home in California.

Tonight we're expected to be 31 degrees and tomorrow a high of 49 and a low of 30.

It won't be long now and the trees will be bare and gray and every blossom dead and blown away in the brisk winter winds.

It saddens me to see such a death of the growing things and winter can seem so long.  But even in autumns fading and the soon arrival of winter, we have the hope of renewal in spring.  ;)

Lizzy's Dream House

Fantasy~Mer Pinterest

For those of you who are on the third book of the Legend of the Mer series (Song of Sirens) I thought I'd let you in on my Pinterest board Fantasy~Mer.
I've pinned several images which have inspired me not only on the third book, but also the first and second as well.
This is an image of Lizzy's Dream House pin for her dining room.
There are some images for the Prentis Home as well as images of people who might remind me of some of my characters in the book series.
If you're a fan, I hope you'll check it out!  ;)

Walking like a two year old ;)

I never dreamed I would one day have to learn to walk again, but I am.
On the 4th of July I was sent to the hospital by ambulance.  I had an infection which became sepsis.
In 24 hours I lost the use of my legs; not only could I not walk, I couldn't stand either.
I've been blessed to have a Physical Therapist as well as a Nurse coming by to help me out.
I'm so thankful to them both and all those who had a hand in my rehabilitation.
I've had the use of a walker to help me get started since I left the hospital nearly a week later.   
Over the past weekend I used a cane, but I kept trying to make my left foot step down at the same time the cane did.
This only frustrated me because it felt like marching and not walking.
Yesterday I decided to be brave and try walking without any assistance.  It worked!  Lol!
I am not walking very well, but I'm walking!
My legs are still stiff and don't turn easily and I'm not used to the full weight resting on my legs and not on the walker.
Although I'm walking like a two year old, I know I'm blessed to be able to do it again!  ;)

THE MERMAIDS BALL

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I usually share one of the poems within my books and this is the latest one published from Legend of the Mer III Song of Sirens .
My character Lizzy wanted a way to remember such a special event.  She knew she couldn't write about it in her journal; someone might read it and find out about the Mer she and her family have sworn to keep secret for their protection.
She realized she could put it in a poem and no one would suspect it was real, just as she wrote about King Titan in a poem she wrote for a class project in Legend of the Mer II  The New Guardian.
THE MERMAIDS BALL I dreamt I was a mermaidWith Seashell top and tail of blue-greenI was summoned to the marble HallI was brought before the King
He proclaimed me a PrincessAnd gave me a shiny crownI saw the smiling facesOf the Mer-folk gathered round
Music began to playWithin the marble HallThe Mer began to danceIt was the Mermaids Ball
The mermen lined up to dance with meHow many I cannot tellWe twirled around in circlesWhen each merman swished his tail
We danced the hours awayThey behaved themselves quite wellOne even gave me a presentA small bright pink Seashell
When the musicians ceased their playinga tour was offered to meWithin the coral reef gardensHidden deep below the Sea
Whenever I cannot sleepWatching the clock upon the wallI close my eyes and dreamOf dancing at the Mermaids Ball
Sheri L. SwiftLegend of the Mer III Song of Sirens

LEGEND OF THE MER SERIES I, II & III

I never dreamed in 2009 when I published my first book it would become a series.  Lana had been a part of me since I was a junior in high school.  I wrote her story through several rounds of radiation and it became an escape from the pain for me.

I couldn't keep thoughts of Jedediah out of my head and his book slowly began to form with his close friendship with his merman friend Makoa and their humor.  Jedediah's story was soon told.

Over the last three years I had been writing Lizzy's story and it is an exciting day as her story goes live today.  She discovers things about herself she never thought possible.

As God allows, I am now beginning to write the last Prentis sibling's story.  It's Will's turn to become a young man with decisions to make as to live the life of his Mer relations or to move to the mainland and build a new life for himself.

But that's for another day, today is Lizzy's day & I hope you all enjoy her story  ;)