Robyn Heirtzler's Blog

Six Life Lessons Learned from Working in Retail

Working in retail has provided an opportunity to observe people like I'd never anticipated before, and sometimes, like I'd never wanted to observe. Still it's taught me some interesting truths and reinforced many other ideas. So, my top five (for today at least) in no particular order:
1. Hold hands with your sweetheart everywhere you go. Yes, when shopping it's fine to interlace fingers, and whisper to one another. It's okay to gaze at one another over the rack of winter coats or to touch your sweetheart's hair to flatter her face as she models the clothing she's thinking of buying. Physical touch is a powerful thing and it affects not only the two of you, but the people surrounding you as well. It instills a feeling of love and goodness. So go ahead, spread the love by showing gentle affection for your sweetheart in public. 
2. Laugh with your friends, family, and lover. Laughter heals. Laughter strengthens and promotes healthy relationships. Laughter creates a party wherever you are. Laughter also spreads to those around you. One couple in our store recently changed the atmosphere so completely that by the time they left, the other couples shopping for date-night were smiling, holding hands and chatting with much more animation. Your laughter heals others ...
3. It's okay to compliment strangers. Have you ever seen someone who looks truly magnificent or who treats you with absolute respect? Have you ever paid them a sincere compliment? A stranger ... have you ever complimented a stranger? Try it and watch the lines melt from their foreheads, watch a smile spread or enjoy their surprise. But only compliment if you mean it and make sure they know you mean it by being sincere. It's a beautiful thing, what a simple compliment does. I've seen it firsthand create friendships, change stress to joy, pain to acceptance. 
4. Giving creates joy. When wives buy something unexpected for their husbands, not only are their husbands flattered, the wives are beaming. When grandmothers pick up something for their struggling grandchild or neighbor, there's peace emanating from them, a peace that others feel and try to emulate. I'm not saying you need to go out and buy something expensive for everyone around you, but you should try to give where you can: your time, your talents, your resources ... most giving is absolutely free.
5. Your immediate friends and family are more important than your cell phone. Your family is there for you when you need them. Be there for them as well by giving them your attention when you're together. Initiate meaningful conversations, tell them why you love being with them, watch them while you can and enjoy each fleeting moment. Too often people come into our store and one is constantly texting while the other is begging for attention ... it breaks my heart. Time passes quickly and you will lose it if you don't value it.
6. When you feel the desire to dance, go ahead and dance! One of the funnest memories I have is of my husband when he grabbed me around the waist, took my hand and began dancing with me in the supermarket. People turned and stared. People laughed. People shook their heads. We smiled, laughed and he kissed me right there in the cookie isle. People dance in the store where I work now. I love it! But I don't think it happens often enough. So when the desire strikes, grab your partner and spin her. 

Ryan Hunter is the wife of one, mother of five ... she's a writer, editor and pursuer of adrenaline, peace and happiness.  

The Reality of Depression and how Cupcakes saved me from its Grasp ...

I've always had down days, days where I felt tired, frustrated or self-loathing. Many of those days led to darker thoughts and intense fatigue. Doctors said I had chronic fatigue syndrome.

I knew  the doctors were wrong. 
But I didn't know what it was. I'd get through the days and go on to live a fairly normal few weeks or months, until I'd break down again and feel as though the world was crushing me. Then I'd get through it again and ignore the episode.
Until one day in 2011 when my entire world seemed to crash around me. 
I guess it wasn't really just one day. It built slowly over time, taking me deeper and deeper until one day I realized I couldn't get out alone. I realized that I wasn't going to make it if something drastic didn't happen immediately.
It wasn't that I particularly cared about surviving at that point. In fact, I dreamed of how fabulous it would be to make the pain end and be done with life.                                                                                         But I've never been a quitter. 

Even when the pain became so intense that I thought it would simply shut down my vitals, I had this instinct to survive, an instinct I wished would vanish so I could feel nothing ... 
Finally I sought help.
Meds made me vomit or hallucinate. Some made the depression worse. Therapy brought out memories that were so real and immediate that I wanted to hide them away again. 
Worst of all, I quit writing. Writing had been my refuge. 
I think back on it and I'm mortified by everything I put my family and friends through, but then I realize that it's a miracle I even survived. They were my support, my push to make me keep going. And when I came up with, and finally told them my plans for survival, they backed me 100%. The plan: Open a cupcake shop and stay immensely busy.
Yes, a cupcake shop ... 
It's 2014 now, and I'm alive. I bake. I write. I laugh with my family. Most days I'm immensely happy.
But the depression likes to make an appearance every now and then. And when it does, I fight back now.
I have a friend who gave me some excellent advice. She said,You have three seconds. 

From the time a thought enters your head, you have three seconds to shut  it down or it will grow. Three seconds can propel you deep into depression or turn it around. Three seconds is not a lot of time, but it's enough.
What I've learned the most though, is that opening up about my depression has helped me connect with other people who've survived the same.There are a lot of us.

And so, I'm through hiding my depression. I'm through believing that I'm alone ...

Truths in Life and Retail ...

When I wrote The Divided, I introduced many new characters who were not a part of my previous novel, inDIVISIBLE. One, who I'll simply call J, said, "I have this crazy idea that everyone on this earth has value."

I believe it.
Sometimes it's difficult to see that value, but everyone has it, and when you find it, you find something precious.

Working in retail has taught me a lot about people and life in general. I've learned that yes, each person who walks through the door has something to offer the world ... and each person who walks through the door has something they're yearning for. Usually they yearn for someone or something to connect with ...

I love to connect with these people. I enjoy hearing about their lives, their interests. It's fun and insightful.

And as I look for the good in each person who walks through the door at work, I find I nearly always like them instantly. And it's an attitude I try to carry with me, one of finding the good in each person who surrounds me ... because it's there ... and if nourished, it will grow and change others for the good.

And as I search for the good, the value, in each person I encounter, I feel peace.
And that makes me realize my own value.
Value doesn't have to be earth-shattering. It doesn't have to be something that creates a celebrity or can only come from the famous. In fact, it's often the little things a person does that adds value to the world, like the woman who complimented a complete stranger and brought a smile to her face ...

I try to add value by making people feel special, like they're worthy of undivided attention, because they are. Each and every one of us deserves to be listened to, catered to on occasion, and befriended.

I read a book shortly before I began my new job that accentuated this idea of value within each of us and it changed the way I look at each person I meet. I feel it will make me more successful not only at work, but in my personal life.

Because when we find value by habit, we recognize goodness. We strive to find true beauty ...
                               And that in itself is quite valuable.

I Won't Carry a Grandma Purse!

I recently took a job working in retail. It's a job that requires communication skills with actual humans in real time, not typing a story for them to read in the future. It also requires I get up, get dressed, eat, do my hair and makeup and venture out of the house each and every day.

I like it.

I like communicating. I like helping people and I love seeing people interact. If I was a writer, it would give me lots of great material! Oh, wait, I am a writer ... I'm also human, much like many of the people who come through the doors where I work. And, as a human, my heart is touched by the way people interact.

Today a beautiful woman walked into the store with her three grown daughters. She wanted a handbag, and it didn't take her long to find a stunning, teal bag accented with silver zippers. A few moments later one of her daughters approached with a reddish (blah) bag and held it out proudly ... I laughed at the woman's response.

"I'm only 75 years old. I will not be caught carrying a grandma purse."

She had attitude and a brilliant smile, making her appear much younger than her 75 years. And as she proceeded to explain that she would enjoy beautiful things, and carry purses she loved no matter what the intended age market, I hoped I'd be able to stay young as long as she has.

I can imagine the woman doing anything her heart desires because she wants to live life to the fullest. I can imagine her dancing to music in the supermarket isles because to fail to dance is to fail to experience the joy of the moment. I can imagine her walking in her white sandals and capris along the beach, wearing the adorable shirt she purchased that matches her teal purse.

I can imagine her smiling at the end of the day because she truly experienced every minute. And I can imagine her after her life is complete, grateful she took the time to enjoy each breath ...

I can imagine this because of the sparkle in her eyes as she spoke and her endearing enthusiasm. And I know she's passed this attitude on to her daughters because they joined into planning their summer wardrobes and vacations right along with their mother.

It's an attitude I'm sure she's destined to share with many others ....

The Divided - Coming August 1, 2013

It's official, the sequel to inDIVISIBLE is coming ... August 1, 2013 to Kindle and Nook! Paperbacks will follow in the very near future.

So what are people saying about The Divided? I'll let the reviewers speak for themselves ...
 If you like dystopians, download The Divided and let it take you to another world, One United!
In case you missed it, the Back Cover Copy:
Brynn Aberdie has found a home among the Freemen, but living with those who share her desire for freedom is not enough. She wants to change the nation.
But she can't do it alone. 
She must find help, and to find help, she has to infiltrate the society that wants her dead. And she must do it without putting any of her new friends in danger.

Who's Ready to be Divided?

No, I have not abandoned this blog ... I've just been swamped getting the sequel to inDIVISIBLE ready. I've also been busy packing, showing the house so we can sell, sorting and traveling back and forth across the state ...

But now it's official, the beta readers love it! The Divided is coming!

I know, you were left hanging, in turmoil, at the end of inDIVISIBLE, but there's more and it'll be available on your Kindle soon. Early August :)


So prepare yourself ...




Brynn Aberdie has found a home among the Freemen, but living with those who share her desire for freedom is not enough. She wants to change the nation.
But she can't do it alone. 
She must find help, and to find help, she has to infiltrate the society that wants her dead. And she must do it without putting any of her new friends in danger.

The Divided - The Riveting Sequel to inDIVISIBLE by Ryan Hunter.

The Legend of the Bully Slayer: The Dishonor Role

You've got to love when new authors find their niche! T.S. Romney is one such author, a law enforcement officer who wrote about bullying after working crimes against children. His efforts are to be applauded. And the novel?

Cute. Entertaining. Award Winning. 
After getting to know T.S. a bit, I asked him about his journey to publication with "The Legend of the Bully Slayer" and this is his response.

First of all I would like to take the time to thank Ryan Hunter for her support, time, and advice; she is truly an amazing author and person.

My name is T.S Romney. I am the author of The Legend of the Bully Slayer series for middle readers.

The Legend of the Bully Slayer is about two kids, Alex and Nic, who are starting third grade at Bill Penn Elementary. Every year they have been the targets of dodge ball attacks, toilet swirlies, name calling and a variety of other resourceful but hideous methods of bullying. However, one day at the end of second grade as Alex is held upside down receiving a toilet swirly, he notices an ad placed on the back of the toilet
advertising the services of a bully slayer.

After calling the number, a wise-talking third-grader named Matheson arrives. What follows is a string of events that not only change the lives of Alex and Nic, but the lives of everyone at Bill Penn Elementary!

I began writing The Legend of the Bully Slayer after working in law enforcement, specifically in crimes against children, which led me to see what was going on in the world and all that children had to face, especially with bullying in school and cyber bullying. During this time, and later as a part time columnist for a local newspaper, I began working on a book to relieve stress.

I actually had no plans of publishing my book; it was not until my niece read the first couple of chapters and began pushing me to finish it, did the thought first cross my mind. My niece told me that with the humor in my book it didn’t feel like a lecture, but it still had the message. More out of curiosity than anything I sent the manuscript away to several publishing companies, signing with Old Line Publishing.

I love writing for Middle Readers. Those age groups have so much they are dealing with, and I feel that we as adults sometimes forget what it’s like. If I can provide an escape for them, perhaps a laugh or two, then I feel my career as an author has been a successful one.

The best advice I can offer anyone who wants to write is “just write." Too many times people begin looking at writing as a “way to make money.” For those who actually get into this, we know that’s a very small part… as well as a small check. Treat writing as an escape, something for fun; find a reason, other than monetary, to continue. For me it is providing an escape for my readers, as well as myself, and perhaps a laugh or two.

You will find your own, and no matter your writing's popularity, hold on to that reason!


On March 2nd, 2013 The Legend of the Bully Slayer was voted best break out novel for 2012-2013 by Readers in Social Media. Book two in the series is due out within the year and is entitled The Legend of the Bully Slayer: The Detention Bullies


If you would like to know more about me, or the Legend of the Bully Slayer, please visit and “like me” at www.facebook.com/bullyslayer or www.tsromney.com; and of course the book is available at most online retailers, amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Main Street (formerly Braun) Books in Cedar City, UT.


Travis Romney (T.S Romney) currently lives on a road halfway between Zion and Purgatory. He is the published author of The Little Star Story, and the series Legend of The Bully Slayer, set to be released in February 2012.

You can Still Help Ben

The response to Ben Wolverton's accident and the request for help has been incredible, and I'm sure you're all concerned about his progress so I've pasted an update from his father, David Farland, below. 

But Ben has a long way to go. To see how you can continue to help, check out Ben's Website.  




It has been 15 days since Ben fell off of his longboard. He is "awake" from his coma, but far from well. We're having trouble with the internet this morning, so I won't be able to get his picture up for a bit.

Ben'slungs seem to be clearer today. At least the container that holds the fluid that they drain from his lungs doesn't have much blood in it this morning, but his fever is still high. It spiked to about 103 this morning, so he is squirming around and uncomfortable. He also was coughing a bit, so we moved his bed up.

He opened his eyes for a moment when we came in, and I asked him to keep them open while we took his picture. He tried, but couldn't hold it for long, so we won't have pictures with eyes open, unless he wakes for a bit more.

The doctors are taking more blood and urine samples, checking for bacterial infections. But it may be that the part of Ben's brain that regulates body temperature is damaged, and that can cause him to have an elevated temperature. That, or stress, can also cause the high temps.

One thing that I notice happening, is that each time that I talk to him for a few minutes, Ben's mouth clenches and opens a bit, and he moves his lips, as if trying to speak. Nothing fancy, but he might try to say "yes" or "no." He has so many tubes in his throat, along with things to keep him from biting his own tongue, that he can't speak at all, but I suspect that in a few days, we'll be able to hear his voice.

So, we don't have any great, miraculous reports this morning, but he has come a long way.

When we first hard about Ben, I was in a phone meeting with my partner David Cuddy, a movie producer, and James Chankin, our co-producer. Someone began ringing the doorbell frantically and pounding on the door, so I went to check on it. A neighbor boy, Adam Alduenda, was at the door. My wife came up behind and asked "What's going on," just as Adam started to speak.

Adam said, "The police got Ben, and they're sending him by life-flight to the hospital"  ...

We got rerouted to different hospitals, so we didn't actually get to see Ben until about four hours after the accident, once we got to Las Vegas.

When we reached the hospital, Ben was lying on a cot, and I was surprised to see how much blood had poured from his ears, nose, and the back of his head. I really didn't expect him to live for more than an hour or two.

The doctors explained that there really wasn't anything that they could do for him initially, due to the area of the brain that was damaged. So it became a waiting game, to see how much he might recover.

In talking to dozens of people now, I suspect that Ben CAN recover, but we will have to continue to take it day by day.

The Emotional Impact of "The End"

My heart is pounding, breathing shallow. There may even be some perspiration glistening at my temples ... and other places I won't mention ... but yes, there's perspiration and shaking.

My hands tremble and tears fill my eyes and I think, it's really over. The novel is complete - the first draft anyway.

Finishing a story is an emotional experience, one that is beautiful and sad and confusing and exciting. It's something I've never felt over any other accomplishment or any other endeavor.

It's possibly one of the reasons I write.

It's reaching the point where I've stretched myself to my creative limits, to my very ends and written the words, The End.

It's striving to create something better than I've ever done and feeling deep within my trembling limbs that I've succeeded.

                  ... then realizing with stark terror that readers may not like it. They may actually hate it.

But I love it and I feel good about the plot twists and turns, the growth of my characters and most of all the emotional impact of the ending.

Because that's what makes a good book, the emotional impact that slams through your chest and leaves you a different person ... or I should say me. I feel like I've got something good when I experience that physical jolt at the end ... and then I rejoice and cry and wish I could do it again.

It's a beautiful experience - for me. It's a high and a low and everything in between. It's so wholly encompassing that it's difficult to relieve the feeling. The moment I finished inDIVISIBLE, I strapped on running shoes and ran over 10 miles. It's snowing today. No 10 mile run ... but there will be dancing, yes, dancing!

So turn up your music and party with me, then let me know in the comments what you feel when you write the words, "The End."

David Farland - Book Bomb for Ben

Ben Wolverton, age 16, was in a serious long-boarding accident on Wednesday the 4th, 2013. He suffers from severe brain trauma, a cracked skull, broken pelvis and tail bone, burnt knees, bruised lungs, broken ear drum, road rash, and is currently in a coma. His family has no insurance.

We are having a book bomb on Wednesday, April 10th,
You can learn more about Ben’s condition, or simply donate to the Wolverton family here: http://www.gofundme.com/BensRecovery

What is a Book Bomb?
For those that don’t know, a Book Bomb is an event where participants purchase a book on a specific day to support the author, or, in this case, a young person in serious need: Ben Wolverton. 


David Farland’s young adult fantasy thriller Nightingalehas won seven awards, including the Grand Prize at the Hollywood Book Festival—beating out ALL books in ALL categories. It has been praised by authors such as James Dashner (The Maze Runner), Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn), and Paul Genesse (Iron Dragon series), and has received four and a half starts on Amazon. You can read reviews HERE.
Nightingale:
Some people sing at night to drive back the darkness. Others sing to summon it. . . .

Bron Jones was abandoned at birth. Thrown into foster care, he was rejected by one family after another, until he met Olivia, a gifted and devoted high-school teacher who recognized him for what he really was—what her people call a "nightingale."

But Bron isn't ready to learn the truth. There are secrets that have been hidden from mankind for hundreds of thousands of years, secrets that should remain hidden. Some things are too dangerous to know. Bron's secret may be the most dangerous of all.
Nightingale is available as a hardcover, ebook, audio book, and enhanced novel for the iPad. 

You can purchase it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble on the Nightingalewebsite or, you can get the enhanced version, complete with illustrations, interviews, animations, and its own soundtrack through iTunes.


Million Dollar Outlines:
If you are a writer, you may want to consider purchasing David Farland’s Million Dollar Outlines instead. Both books are part of the book bomb. Million Dollar Outlines has been a bestseller on Amazon for over a month and is only $6.99.
As a bestselling author David Farland has taught dozens of writers who have gone on to staggering literary success, including such #1 New York Times Bestsellers as Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time), James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Stephenie Meyer (Twilight).

In Million Dollar Outlines, Dave teaches how to analyze an audience and outline a novel so that it can appeal to a wide readership, giving it the potential to become a bestseller. The secrets found in his unconventional approach will help you understand why so many of his authors go on to prominence.

Get it on Amazon or on Barnes and Noble. Read one of the 26 reviews HERE.
Donate:

Would you like to just donate money? You can do that here: http://www.gofundme.com/BensRecovery 

If you can’t spare any money, but would still like to help, you can do so by telling others about Ben’s donation page, and/or this Book Bomb. Share it on facebook, twitter, pinterest, your blog—anywhere you can. We have an event page set up on facebook HERE.

Thank you!
Ben and his family greatly appreciate your support, and so do all who love and care about them.