Anna Sugg's Blog, page 13

March Guest Month: Week One

Welcome to my March Guest Month. During the entire month, I’m interviewing a guest per week. Starting today, I have Sherry Burch as my guest. Her custom made jewelry is fabulous, and I’m excited to show you some of her work.
And, to celebrate my new release, Ghost Thunder, I’m having a drawing at the end of the month, just drop your name in the pot by putting a review on Amazon, or email me with your review. Reviews can be on any of my ebooks: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=anna+suggThe winner’s name will be drawn on March 31, to receive the beautiful Blue Willowset. Now, on to our guest,  Welcome Sherry, please tell us   What is the name of your business?   Sherry:  First of all, I want thank Judy for having me on her blog. I'm thrilled to let others know about my custom made jewelry. I call my business Sherry Gail’s Jewelry.Judy: What inspired you to start your custom jewelry business?Sherry:  Well, I had gone to a yoga class with my husband and noticed a list of new classes coming; one was a jewelry class for beginners. I thought it sounded interesting and something I might enjoy. I had so much fun learning and creating jewelry pieces, and when I started getting compliments on my pieces from family and friends, I decided to start my business. Actually, I sold my first piece right off my neck. People ask me where I get my ideas and I tell them they come from God. I see a pendant or maybe some beads, and a design pops in my head. To me that is God giving me the design. So He gets all the credit. I am just His instrument.Judy: Describe two of your favorite creations:Sherry: Wow, that's hard. I love all my pieces. Okay, one of them would have to be "Spring". It has oval green beads with brown highlights. The pendant is a frame with a picture of a lily with two birds and on the other side of the pendant there’s a saying "Mothers Bring Light and Beauty to the World." It just reminded me of early spring. The second one was a lot of fun to make. It's call "Diva". It’s purple pearls and crystal bicone beads with a purple cat for the pendant with a crystal necklace on the cat. This cat just looked like a diva and everyone knows cats are divas. So hence, the name "Diva."Judy: Is there a special piece you created that you absolutely cannot sell? Reason?Sherry: Oh yeah, my "Anniversary 25" necklace. I matched the colors to go with the new outfit I bought just for my 25thwedding anniversary, now I wear it for my anniversary every year. I also made the bracelet, earrings, watch and ring to go with it.Judy:  Do your creations have names? How do you decide on the name?Sherry:  Some do. When I’m finished with a piece and I look at it, that's when a name pops into my head. Like for example, the one I called Blue Willow. Suddenly, the beads reminded me of a set of dishes my mother had when I was growing up call Blue Willow. One of my fall pieces reminded me of the rainbow, I call it Autumn Rainbow.Judy:  Do you have a daily routine and how long does it take to create a set?Sherry:  I try to. With both my husband and me being retired, it’s hard to have a set schedule. Especially, with your husband always ready to go, go, go. But, I do a lot of my work at night when everyone is asleep. I love the quietness. The only problem is, when I’m creating, I’m lost in another world, forgetting time, and before you know it, it’s two am.
Depending on the detail in the piece I’m creating, it can take me a couple of hours for something simple. I do jewelry in clay also, and that can take up to two days. But the average is 2 to 4 hours from start to finish.Judy: Do you have a price range? What sort of promotion do you do? Sherry: My prices are anywhere from $10 to $350. I have one necklace that is actually in a set that I am selling. Its pure crystals and pure sterling silver, and right now, it’s priced at $250, but it’s worth $500. Tell you the  truth, I don't really care if I sell that set. I love it.
The only promotion I have is whenever someone buys one of my pieces I will give a pair of earrings to go with it. I’m a BeautiControl consultant also, and I give my hostesses a free necklace just for having a spa in their home. I now give a free piece of jewelry to anyone who orders on my website. BeautiControl is the number one Premium Home Spa Company in North America. If you have never heard of it please go on my website and check us out. Anyone who orders on my website will also get a free piece of jewelry from me. Judy:  How can someone contact you and where will we be able to see your jewelry?Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/sherry.burch.5?fref=tsE-mail:  elephantlady30@hotmail.comBeautiControl website: www.beautipage.com/elephantladySherry:  By the way, if you live in the Wichita, Kansas area and the surrounding areas you can email me to meet with me to see some of my pieces or have in an in home spa.Please note my website will soon be up and running for those interested in see all my creative jewelry pieces: http://sherrygailsjewelry.coffeecup.comJudy:  Thank you Sherry for sharing with all your wonderful collection of custom jewelry, and we look forward to your gallery of pictures on your website.   Diva  $35 Blue Willow (Free, see above)  Jane's Angel (SOLDRoaring Twenties $55           )                                 






 

Book Release

Many of you already know I write contemporary romances under my alternate ego, Anna Sugg. Well, finally, here’s Anna's new release, Book 2 of Yellow Creek series, Ghost Thunder: 
You can find it on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Thunder-Yellow-Creek-ebook/dp/B00BFXEVME/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1360888620&sr=8-5&keywords=anna+sugg
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/read/2940016399522Please note:  Ghost Thunder will be available on Barnes and Noble until March 1, 2013, at which time it will be exclusively on Amazon. To celebrate Ghost Thunder's release, I'm offering Secret Past, Yellow Creek Book 1 for .99 for a short only.  http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Yellow-Creek-Novel-ebook/dp/B004YR581G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1360956912&sr=8-4&keywords=anna+suggAs always, I appreciate your support and would love to hear from you.  Judy

New Year Challenge Continues

Here’s how thing are coming along after the first week of our author challenge fitness program.   Each Monday you can go to http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.comand check out our progress. Six authors are participating in this New Year Challenge.
Mary Martinez:  http://www.marymartinez.comMelissa Mayhue: www.melissamayhue.comAnnie Adams: http://www.annieadamstheauthor.com/ Marie Sterbenz: http://www.mariesterbenz.com/Stanalei Fletcher: www.stanaleifletcher.comAnna Sugg: http://anna_sugg.coffeecup.com
I started my week off doing yoga and treadmill. I’m soooooo out of shape.
Day one my muscles said, “This is killing me.” Day two, “I’m dying.” Day three, painful grunting cries during the entire short forty minute workout.   Day four – “Just shoot me.” Finally, day five arrived…whoa…what’s going on.  I suddenly looked forward to the workout (or because it’s Friday and I’m taking the weekend off!).   Don’t forget to stop by Mary’s blog for our progress and great recipes from each author and read about our Spotlight Author of the Week. We love comments.  Judy

2013 Challenge

Happy 2013. Where did 2012 go? Actually, where did the first decade of the 21st Century go?

I’m reminded of the Bible verse 1Peter 1:24, which says, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.”Before we know it, the second decade of the 21stCentury will be knocking on our door. Will I be living? God only knows because I’m like a flower in the field which will wither and fade. Hmm. Are you depressed yet? If not, good for you. For those believing in the afterlife know that our journey on this planet is short like the fading flower. So, that said, here’s my thoughts for this New Year, and what I want to achieve in the next twelve months. For several years, I’ve written a short list on a scrap paper and hidden it away to forget about it. Yes, I really forget what I write until the New Year rolls around and I’m always surprised. The mind is amazing. I guess, subconsciously, I worked on my list without actually making a point of thinking about the list. That’s the reason you hid it out of sight so you forget about it.  You know the old saying, “out of sight, out of mind”? But, your subconscious takes over. Try it. I’m smiling, because I’m happy to see all that I completed on my list.  2012 was a productive year for me, and also, my personal items listed were completed – one was retiring from my day job. Now, I’m working on my 2013 list. Started on day one, but I’m giving it more thought before hiding the list away from my sight and forgetting about it. Now, on to the Authors' Challenge: Some author friends and I will be participating in a fun activity for the next several weeks. We’re going to involve ourselves in a group challenge. The average weight gain during the holiday is 10 pounds! I started that holiday day eating right on cue – Thanksgiving didn't stop! We will post our goals (goals are different for each, some being weight, inches, fitness, healthy eating and whatever else) on Mary Martinez’s blog:  http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com/. Please mark your calendar to visit Mary’s blog every Monday starting January 7 through February 11 to read our post which will include many healthy/calorie recipes followed by authors’ spotlight.   Here’s wishing you a healthy, happy, and productive 2013.

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas to all of you from Brett and me. Oh yes, and from Teal’c, our furry child.
 If you like Christmas recipes, stick around and I’ll give you some of my faves. Do you have any traditions in your home that your family and friends always expect?  We do. First of all it seems to be centered on food – go figure! Brett, my sweetheart hubby cooks the best prime rib Christmas dinner for all our children and grandchildren.  It’s the dinner of the year.   His prime rib is succulent. Sorry, he won’t let me in on his secret for cooking the perfect prime rib, but here are my recipes that I add to our special Christmas Day. Besides making all the fudge, rice crispy squares, and sugar cookies that everyone has for Christmas, I always add two more to my list:Christmas Sandies (if you’re a coffee lover, these are to die for…1 cup butter (please use REAL butter) I find real butter makes a huge difference in baking1/3 cup sugar2 teaspoons water2 teaspoons vanilla (REAL vanilla)2 cups all purpose flour1 cup nuts (I love walnuts)Cream butter and sugarAdd water & vanillaBlend in flour and nuts – chillShape into balls or fingers.Bake on ungreased pan 325 degrees for 20 minutesRoll into confection sugar and serve
Christmas Sandies lower rightIf you’ll look at the small plate between the cake and the Sandies, you’ll see my son-in-laws favorite – Fudgy Brownie Cups1 Package of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (this is where I got the recipe)4 squares of Baker’s Unsweetened Chocolate¼ cup butter (remember REAL butter)¾ cups sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla (REAL remember)2 tablespoons flourThaw sheetsMicrowave chocolate and butter on high for 1 minuteStir in sugarMix in eggs and vanilla and flourUnfold sheets and roll into rectangleCut 20 squaresPress pastry squares into bottom of each muffin cup of the muffin panSpoon 1 tablespoon chocolate mix into center of each pastryBake 15-20 minutes 400 degreesSprinkle with powder sugar
Enjoy If you would like my Christmas Jell-O recipe that’s always expected on our Christmas table, you’ll find it on http://canyonlandpress.blogspot.comAlso, everyone needs a cheese ball to serve when friends and family come over – my son makes the best cheese ball every holiday, including 4th of July. His cheese ball recipe is on my website at http://judybaker.coffeecup.com  
I’d love to hear about your traditions and your recipes for the holidays.It’s been fun and I do wish you and your families and friends a very Merry Christmas.
Love, Judy
By the way, you still have time to enter my contest to win Sherry Gail's Jewelry set. Information found at http://anna_sugg.coffeecup.com/Holiday.html 

 

HOLIDAY CONTEST

Now that the holidays are rolling around, and quickly too! I'm having a contest

Starting November 20   
Ending January 1, 2013.

The winner will be announced on January 2. The Rules are simple.Jump on over to my e-books' website for the guidelines, http://anna_sugg.coffeecup.com/Holiday.html, for a chance to win this beautiful custom made jewelry set by Sherry Gail. Willow Blue
 



For those of you that live in the US and are planning a family dinner for Thanksgiving this week, my friends and I have listed a few traditional Thanksgiving recipes. Go to our emagazine, Canyonland Press at http://canyonlandpress.blogspot.comand check out our favorite recipes for this coming holiday. And, don’t forget to go to the sites of those authors that I have tagged for this week’s The Next Big Thing:  http://moniquedevere.blogspot.com and http://kimmcmahill.blogspot.com I wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving.Love Judy
 

The Next Big Thing

Wonderful fellow author, Mary Martinez was kind enough to tag me in an ongoing game of The Next Big Thing, a blog circle where authors have a chance to discuss their current Works in Progress/what they’re currently working on now. So, on to the post!

The Next Big Thing:
What is your working title of your book?Better She Die is a first of the three Silver Sage Creek Saga books.
Where did the idea come from for the book?

The early years during the 1800s have always intrigued me and I’ve always known that I would someday write a historical western novel. I enjoy watching western movies which are few. One of my favorite is Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves, Open Range with Annette Bening, and of course the TV series Lonesome Dovewith Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. I’m not sure where the idea for my book actually came from, or if was inspired by any movie, maybe a combination of all the women in many of the movies and books.
What genre does your book fall under? Historical western women fiction/romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?Hmm, that’s a question that I had to think about for a while.  I think I would like Emily VanCamp (TV series Revenge) to play Clare Rose Coulson. Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels) would be the perfect Texas Ranger, Captain Drury Burchett, and the Comanche Chief, Chakotay would be Michael Spears.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  

After living with the Comanche band for four years, Clare Rose Coulson’s return to the white man's society is a struggle, especially with her half-breed baby. 
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?  Unknown at this point. I’ve submitted my manuscript to a publisher, now, it’s wait and see!
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Off and on, probably six months to complete the draft, while editing another story.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? 

Hmm, I’ll have to think on that question. Jo Goodman is one of my favorite historical western authors, but I can’t think of a title that would be compared to my story.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? During the historical days of the 1800s women were caught between the white man’s need to conquer the west and the Indians’ struggle to keep a culture from extinction. In Better She Die, Clare Rose Coulson, to survive in such harsh territory, learned to be tough and resilient in order to endure living under conditions that demanded so much of her physical and mental moral fiber, as did many women of that era.
I’ve tagged these writers to join in the game!Monique DeVere  http://moniquedevere.blogspot.com/Kim McMahill  http://kimmcmahill.blogspot.com
Please tune into these blogs the week of November 19-23 to check out their posts!
While you’re waiting for those new posts next week, be sure to visit Mary Martinez (http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com) who tagged me, as well as any other participants in The Next Big Thing. Have questions about my current work in progress, Better She Die? Leave ‘em in the comments!
 

Dogs in Books

 Dogs. I love dogs. Sometimes more than people.They love unconditionally; they’re loyal, dependable and will be your long lasting friend if you’re willing. My blog today is dedicated to my loving friend, Teal’c.He’s an Airedale Terrier that has lived with us for eight and a half years, but is approximately twelve years old. We rescued him from a shelter and the vet figured he was about three years old at that time. He’s been a wonderful addition to our home.
Several of my books have dog characters that were created from my fondest memories of our past four legged family members. I haven’t written a book with an Airedale, as of yet, but I’m sure he’ll be appearing in something down the road. (check my website for Teal'c picture) http://judybaker.coffeecup.com/Bio.htmlMy book, Homeless Santa, was dedicated to our Dalmatian, Drake. Lena Belle purchases a Dalmatian puppy and names him Nick, for St. Nick, of course; after all, it is a Christmas store. Homeless Santa has been republished as an ebook (aka Anna Sugg) with a new title of Santa’s Pretty Lady (Book cover and blurb listed on the right side of my blog). 



Drake, 1992-2004
      He loved chairs.




In Yellow Creek Book One, Secret Past, Sarah has a Dalmatian named Drake. Her dog is her companion throughout the book, even on a dark scary night when she searches through her grandmother’s old dilapidated house. Yellow Creek Book Two, Night Thunder, Becca has a Britney Spaniel named Maxine. Night Thunder will be out as an ebook in December.  Here's Maxine, our Britney Spaniel with Drake.
 Maxine lived to be nineteen years old and Drake, twelve.  Two of our dogs that will always be treasured memories in my books.
 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=anna+sugg
Only a dog lover (or cat) can understand how much a pet can mean to a person or family. They're not just an animal, but part of you.


  

North Carolina and a Movie

Just returned from my yearly YaYa Sisters’ trip in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Since we’re in different states, we get together once a year to catch up on everything including family news, trips, politics, religion, new recipes, weight gain, ailments, meds, husbands, sex & hormones – the list goes on. I know one week out of the year isn’t a lot of time, so you can imagine how much we talked, laughed, and of course, eat.   Judy Gail's backyardNC is a beautiful state. If you’ve never been there, you should visit. It’s amazing. Two of my sisters live in NC and if I didn’t love the west so much, I would love to live in NC.

One of my favorite movies, Last of the Mohicans was filmed (1992) throughout North Carolina in the western mountains of Hickory Nut Gorge, where you’ll find Chimney Rock Park. It’s one of the most beautiful natural landscapes where you’ll see a three mile Rocky Broad River carving its way through rugged cliffs with a 400 foot waterfall and the awe inspiring rush of wildlife. My favorite part of the movie is the final scene where Chingachgook, Chief of the Mohicans, speaks of being the last.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJTamqdq8EThe soundtrack by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman is worth listening to and also my favorite. It’s the soundtrack I listened to over and over when I wrote The Quartering Act. http://www.amazon.com/The-Quartering-Act-ebook/dp/B001VH7WGG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348860378&sr=8-2&keywords=the+quartering+actCan you believe, The Last of the Mohicanswas written by James Fenimore Cooper in 1826. The historical novel takes place in 1757 during the French and Indian War, when the Native American tribes were asked to fight against the British colonists. Daniel Day-Lewis is the character Hawkeye/Nathaniel Poe and Russell Means is the last of the Mohicans. Great movie and scenery. The Last of the Mohicans: A must see movieDaniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe    

I'm Retired

I'm Retired, so Where Am I Going?
 As of August 1, I am officially retired. During my first week, I felt as if I just had time off, but this second week is slightly different. I woke up this morning realizing I didn’t have to hurry, dress and get to work on time. I can tell you right now, I’m going to love not working at my day job, although it was a wonderful job and I loved the people I worked with, I am so really to be at home and do what I never had time to do. My list is growing and that’s not even a bucket list! My daughter and son-in-law had a retirement party for me and it was a blast. The entire family was there including friends. I even received presents, which I had not expected. The most surprised gift came from my daughter and her family. They gave me a trip to Disneyland. They’ve paid for the entire trip, including airfare for Brett and me. They will be going with us, along with another couple. Brett and I love Disney World and I’m sure we will have loads of fun at Disneyland.  We’re going in November, which should be perfect since the Halloween decorations will still be on display.In September, I’m flying out to see my sisters in NC. We have our YaYa Sisters Trip every year to get together since we’re so spread out (2 in NC, 1 in KS, 1 in UT). We take turns cooking a meal so that each of us can bring our special recipes to share. I haven’t decides yet, but I’ll let you know what recipe I’ll be using.  Even though I’m officially retired now, I finally can have office hours for writing, etc. I have completed an historical western, a women’s fiction and looking forward to finding a home for it. I’m a month behind on my second Yellow Creek novel, so I’m loving my office hours to do all the writing that I’ve never had time before.This is a new journey that I’m taking and it’s exciting. I pray with each door I step through during my lifetime, it proves to be adventurous and productive, so far, it has. A friend had a wonderful video that she directed everyone to her blog:  www.sheliaboltrudesill.com/Worth the watching a scene from Wings of Life…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQiszdkOwuU&feature=player_detailpage All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey. Stephen Covey I would love to hear from you.  Judy