Michelle Merrill's Blog, page 3
January 8, 2015
It's a new year!!!
Holy cow! I can't believe it's another year. That means five years ago this month, I started writing. 7 manuscripts and 1 self published book later, and I'm still happy with my decision to become a writer! I love it.
2014 certainly wasn't what I thought it'd be at the beginning of the year. I wasn't planning on self publishing a book and certainly wasn't planning on going a whole year without writing anything new. I had hoped I would revise a few books and maybe write another NaNo story but...1 self published book later with six months of dealing with extreme anxiety in a 9 year old daughter...and, well, it was what it was. And I did what was most important. And I'm happy I did. Writing will never be fulfilling if it means I'm neglecting what matters most.
Even though my year didn't go as planned, I'm glad it went the way it did. And I'm even more excited to set goals for 2015 and see where the year takes me! I have already started revisions on two books! Once that's finished I hope to query, get an agent, and write more books! I have so many stories to tell! Hence all the exclamation points!!!
I hope you all the success in your writing goals for this year!
Care to share any of them with me? I'd love to hear them :)
2014 certainly wasn't what I thought it'd be at the beginning of the year. I wasn't planning on self publishing a book and certainly wasn't planning on going a whole year without writing anything new. I had hoped I would revise a few books and maybe write another NaNo story but...1 self published book later with six months of dealing with extreme anxiety in a 9 year old daughter...and, well, it was what it was. And I did what was most important. And I'm happy I did. Writing will never be fulfilling if it means I'm neglecting what matters most.
Even though my year didn't go as planned, I'm glad it went the way it did. And I'm even more excited to set goals for 2015 and see where the year takes me! I have already started revisions on two books! Once that's finished I hope to query, get an agent, and write more books! I have so many stories to tell! Hence all the exclamation points!!!
I hope you all the success in your writing goals for this year!
Care to share any of them with me? I'd love to hear them :)
November 8, 2014
6 Month Celebration!!!
My book came out six months ago!!! Now it's time to party! Check out the details below.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
October 11, 2014
BOOK SALE!!!
Want the skinny on my ebook sale this week? Here are the deets!
Learn more about 65 Hours of Silence for CF here.
Learn more about 65 Hours of Silence for CF here.
September 26, 2014
OneRepublic - I Lived
This is so fantastic! It will bring so much awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Please watch and share :)
August 7, 2014
Another Giveaway!!!
Twitter/Facebook Blast $229 Giveaway
2 dozen bloggers & authors have joined together to offer you 1 fabulous prize. The winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" GiveawayThe winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Each of these bloggers/authors paid to help sponsor this giveaway.Sponsor List
I Am A ReaderFeed Your ReaderMorgan K WyattAuthor Julia AntoineBound 4 EscapeYA Author Fabio BuenoAuthor Michelle MerrillBook Reviews and GiveawaysThe Books You ReadAuthor Inger IversenKindle and MeBella Street's Weird RomanceBonnie Blythe Pure RomanceLibrarian LavenderMoreThanaReviewI Love to Read and Review Books :)A & E Kirk, AuthorFire and IceJennifer Laurens AuthorLeisure ReadsFae Books BlogLori's Reading CornerAuthor Kim Cresswell-Trapped Inside My HeadHelen Smith (author)
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 9/8/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 10, 2014
Blah, blah, blah...
Hey, word.
Summer has been crazy crazy. We've been out of town off and on since school got out. I started revising a book, then went out of town, decided to revise a different book when I got back, then went out of town again, and finally decided that it just ain't happenin' this summer! Last summer I wrote a book in six weeks and this summer I can't even keep up with my house and kids.
I was feeling bad about it every time we packed our bags to visit family or go camping...until I realized that this is what summer's about for my little kids. And they need me. And I need them. Let's face it, I will always be able to write, but my kids will not always be little. They won't always want to talk to me and they certainly won't need me to feed them, dress them, wash them, bandage their owies, etc. for the rest of their lives. As of right now, it's for the best.
I can't wait to jump back into the writing world when school starts, but until then...keep it up, keep it real, and keep it goin'.
Have a great summer!
Summer has been crazy crazy. We've been out of town off and on since school got out. I started revising a book, then went out of town, decided to revise a different book when I got back, then went out of town again, and finally decided that it just ain't happenin' this summer! Last summer I wrote a book in six weeks and this summer I can't even keep up with my house and kids.
I was feeling bad about it every time we packed our bags to visit family or go camping...until I realized that this is what summer's about for my little kids. And they need me. And I need them. Let's face it, I will always be able to write, but my kids will not always be little. They won't always want to talk to me and they certainly won't need me to feed them, dress them, wash them, bandage their owies, etc. for the rest of their lives. As of right now, it's for the best.
I can't wait to jump back into the writing world when school starts, but until then...keep it up, keep it real, and keep it goin'.
Have a great summer!
June 16, 2014
Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Ki...
Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" GiveawayThe winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Sponsors
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Author Rachael Anderson
Author Karey White
Chelsea Author Promotions
Illusio & Baqer
BookReviewsAndGiveaways
Author Alecia Stone
Lori's Reading Corner
Author Inger Iversen
Shelf of Imagination
Candace's Book Blog
Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer
Helen Smith (author)
Christine's Blog
Reviews from a Bookworm
More Than a Review
Tressa's Wishful Endings
Pieces of Whimsy
Laurie Treacy, Author
The Loopy Librarian
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Author Deanna Lynn Sletten
Author Steven Brown
Claudia Burgoa
Launching Sisters to WitchCamp
Rhiannon Paille
Author Amanda Tru
Melissa McClone, Author
Author Michelle Merrill
Author M. Kircher
Author A&E Kirk
Author Melissa Lemon
My Story That I Like Best
Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
J.L. Weil
Maia Sepp
Luthando Coeur
Making it Happen
Jennifer Laurens Author
Extraordinary Reads
Grimmtastic Girls series: Snow White Lucks Out (tween)
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash.
Ends 7/15/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" GiveawayThe winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Sponsors
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Author Rachael Anderson
Author Karey White
Chelsea Author Promotions
Illusio & Baqer
BookReviewsAndGiveaways
Author Alecia Stone
Lori's Reading Corner
Author Inger Iversen
Shelf of Imagination
Candace's Book Blog
Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer
Helen Smith (author)
Christine's Blog
Reviews from a Bookworm
More Than a Review
Tressa's Wishful Endings
Pieces of Whimsy
Laurie Treacy, Author
The Loopy Librarian
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Author Deanna Lynn Sletten
Author Steven Brown
Claudia Burgoa
Launching Sisters to WitchCamp
Rhiannon Paille
Author Amanda Tru
Melissa McClone, Author
Author Michelle Merrill
Author M. Kircher
Author A&E Kirk
Author Melissa Lemon
My Story That I Like Best
Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
J.L. Weil
Maia Sepp
Luthando Coeur
Making it Happen
Jennifer Laurens Author
Extraordinary Reads
Grimmtastic Girls series: Snow White Lucks Out (tween)
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash.
Ends 7/15/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 5, 2014
Great Strides Walk 2014
Here are a few pictures from the Great Strides walk this year! I had a great time, met some awesome people, and loved being a part of it all!
On your marks, get set...GO!
This is my great friend, Sara. She's taught me so much about CF. It's because of her my book came to life!
This is our team captain, Regan Kate! She's the sweet girl in the middle. My whole story was inspired by her life and struggle to breathe every day. I hope they can find a cure soon!
I've learned so much about other people and have come to gain a better appreciation for what I have :)
On your marks, get set...GO!
This is my great friend, Sara. She's taught me so much about CF. It's because of her my book came to life!
This is our team captain, Regan Kate! She's the sweet girl in the middle. My whole story was inspired by her life and struggle to breathe every day. I hope they can find a cure soon!
I've learned so much about other people and have come to gain a better appreciation for what I have :)
June 4, 2014
Summer, summer, summer, summer
Think of the movie High School Musical 2 when they chant the word "summer" over and over again. That's what I'll be saying all morning since this is the last day of school for my kids! I'm not sure who's more excited, me or them.
Exciting updates for June 4th. First, I'm almost done with another round of revisions on my current WIP. This is my year of revisions, and I can't wait to make some of my manuscripts shine!
Also, Leigh Covington interviewed me on her blog today. Check it out here.
Hopefully I'll get a post up about the Great Strides walk I participated in last weekend. And I also need to post about the writing conference I attended in April! So many exciting things.
Thanks for stopping by. Be safe this summer and remember to read!
Exciting updates for June 4th. First, I'm almost done with another round of revisions on my current WIP. This is my year of revisions, and I can't wait to make some of my manuscripts shine!
Also, Leigh Covington interviewed me on her blog today. Check it out here.
Hopefully I'll get a post up about the Great Strides walk I participated in last weekend. And I also need to post about the writing conference I attended in April! So many exciting things.
Thanks for stopping by. Be safe this summer and remember to read!
May 17, 2014
Cystic Fibrosis
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If you know anything about my book, Changing Fate , you know it's about a girl with cystic fibrosis. Since this month is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month, I thought I'd expound on the topic. The facts listed are taken from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website.
30,000 children and adults in America have CF with the worldwide total estimating around 70,000.
It's a genetic disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus--which leads to lung and pancreas problems.
About 1,000 cases of CF are diagnosed each year.
Nearly half the CF population is age 18 or older.
That's HUGE! If we go back 60 years ago, few children born with CF lived to attend elementary school. With new research and treatments, people with CF can expect to live into their late 30's, even into their 40's, or longer!
But the reality is...there's STILL no cure! A lifetime of daily treatments is not only costly, but it's exhausting.
While writing my book, I worked with some amazing people and parents of children with CF, who've been through transplants and years of treatments.
Now, every case is different. One girl I worked with said three of the five kids in her family were born with CF. Between those three, the affects of the disease are very different from one child to another. The story I wrote might not match each person, but I hope it can spread the word and help others become aware of the struggle some people go through just to breathe.
It's good to be aware and help where you can :)
One celebrity made a life changing decision because of her experience with 2 CF kids. Go here to watch Whoopi's story on the Dr. Oz show.
I hope in some way, I can continue to spread awareness and maybe help in the cause to find a cure.
If you know anything about my book, Changing Fate , you know it's about a girl with cystic fibrosis. Since this month is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month, I thought I'd expound on the topic. The facts listed are taken from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website.
30,000 children and adults in America have CF with the worldwide total estimating around 70,000.
It's a genetic disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus--which leads to lung and pancreas problems.
About 1,000 cases of CF are diagnosed each year.
Nearly half the CF population is age 18 or older.
That's HUGE! If we go back 60 years ago, few children born with CF lived to attend elementary school. With new research and treatments, people with CF can expect to live into their late 30's, even into their 40's, or longer!
But the reality is...there's STILL no cure! A lifetime of daily treatments is not only costly, but it's exhausting.
While writing my book, I worked with some amazing people and parents of children with CF, who've been through transplants and years of treatments.
Now, every case is different. One girl I worked with said three of the five kids in her family were born with CF. Between those three, the affects of the disease are very different from one child to another. The story I wrote might not match each person, but I hope it can spread the word and help others become aware of the struggle some people go through just to breathe.
It's good to be aware and help where you can :)
One celebrity made a life changing decision because of her experience with 2 CF kids. Go here to watch Whoopi's story on the Dr. Oz show.
I hope in some way, I can continue to spread awareness and maybe help in the cause to find a cure.
