Rebecca Talley's Blog, page 7
May 20, 2014
Always Never Trust the IRS
We filed our taxes electronically back in March and received our refund shortly afterwards. Everything was fine.
Then we received a check in the mail from the IRS for a refund. No explanation. No forms. Nothing. Just a check made out to us at our new address. Since it was at our new address we knew it had to be from this year. We also knew we were not entitled to any additional refund.
Always never trust the IRS.
After spending over an hour on the phone trying to find a live person instead of a recording, we finally received the answer.
Apparently, somehow the IRS matched someone else's return to ours, looked at the filing and decided we needed a refund of the difference. Yeah, not sure how that happened.
If we had not checked into it and would've cashed that check, I'm sure some months, or years, down the road the IRS would've discovered its own mistake (possibly) and then expected us to not only return the original amount but probably would've fined us and charged us interest, because that's how it works.
Moral of the story: Keep records. Know your return. Never blindly cash a check from the IRS. And, most importantly, always never trust the IRS.
Then we received a check in the mail from the IRS for a refund. No explanation. No forms. Nothing. Just a check made out to us at our new address. Since it was at our new address we knew it had to be from this year. We also knew we were not entitled to any additional refund.
Always never trust the IRS.
After spending over an hour on the phone trying to find a live person instead of a recording, we finally received the answer.
Apparently, somehow the IRS matched someone else's return to ours, looked at the filing and decided we needed a refund of the difference. Yeah, not sure how that happened.
If we had not checked into it and would've cashed that check, I'm sure some months, or years, down the road the IRS would've discovered its own mistake (possibly) and then expected us to not only return the original amount but probably would've fined us and charged us interest, because that's how it works.
Moral of the story: Keep records. Know your return. Never blindly cash a check from the IRS. And, most importantly, always never trust the IRS.
May 19, 2014
Synchrony by Cindy Rae Hale
Please welcome Cindy Rae Hale to my blog today. Her book, Synchrony, is on tour right now. She's agreed to share her writing process. I think you'll find it interesting.
How does my writing process work? by Cindy Rae Hale
Back when I wrote Destiny, I used the pantser method for part of the story, and it caused me months of rewriting. Eventually, one of my editors recommended that I read a screenwriting book called Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. I highly recommend it! I was able to go back and fix a lot of the problems with Destiny because of what I learned in that book. With Synchrony, I used themethod described in Save the Cat, and it left me with very little to edit developmentally. I’m much happier with the way I do things now.
At the very beginning I like to start with a pad of paper and a pencil. I sit outside where I can let nature inspire me, and I create profiles for each character. I describe the character’s appearance, favorite food, back story, hobbies, hopes and dreams, fears, friends and family, and setting. I invent weaknesses and determine how the character should grow in my story.
Once I have a good idea of who my characters are, I brainstorm story lines and form an outline. When I have my outline down on one to two sheets of paper, I pull out my bulletin board and index cards. I stack my cards on the table, label each one with a scene from the book, and then spread it across the table like a card game. I organize the scenes according to acts and take note of which part of the story it coordinates with. Then when I have it mostly figured out, I pin the cards to the bulletin board into the appropriate acts.
Before I begin writing the first draft, I take down the first few cards, and everything I need to know is already there ready to go. When those scenes are written, I repin them to the bulletin board and move on to the next few cards. This process took me only six weeks for Synchrony. Once my first draft was written, I discovered it to be fairly clean after the first read through. I sent it out to my beta readers and gave them about a month to read through the manuscript and get their feedback to me. A month after that, Synchrony was available for purchase.
So from start to finish, Destiny took me about fifteen months and Synchrony took me about four months.
That’s pretty much it. I’m still a fairly new writer, so I’m sure this process will evolve for me over time. But for now, this is what works for me.
Blog Tour Details:
This is my stop during the blog tour for Synchrony (Destiny #2) by Cindy Ray Hale. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours . The blog tour runs from May 5 until May 25, you can view the complete tour schedule here.
Synchrony (Destiny #2) by Cindy Ray Hale Genre: Contemporary Romance Age category: Young Adult Release Date: April 8, 2014
You can purchase Synchrony here.
[image error] Destiny (Destiny #1) by Cindy Ray HaleGenre: Contemporary Romance Age category: Young Adult
About the Author:Cindy Ray Hale lives in a little slice of wooded heaven near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and children. She spends way too much time following up-and-coming musicians on YouTube and dreams of joining their ranks one day. She's a bit of a health food nut and can't live without her daily green smoothies. She tries to stay sane as she juggles writing with four kids, staying active on social media, and keeping up her book blog at http://cinnamoncindy.blogspot.com/. In addition to writing and self-publishing two Young Adult Contemporary novels, she has also written articles for "New Era" magazine and The American Preppers Network. For more information on The Destiny Trilogy and Cindy's upcoming books visit http://destinybycindyhale.blogspot.com/ or follow @CindyRayHale on Twitter.
You can find and contact Cindy here: - Website - Website for destiny - Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Google+ - Pinterest
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Synchrony. These are the prizes you can win: - A $25 Amazon Gift Card (INTL), and a Destiny Swag Pack which includes: a signed copy of Destiny, a signed copy of Synchrony, a Destiny bookmark, a Destiny magnet, a Destiny keychain, and a Synchrony keychain. - An ecopy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris and a swag pack - A Camp Boyfriend swag pack by JK Rock - An ecopy of Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
How does my writing process work? by Cindy Rae Hale
Back when I wrote Destiny, I used the pantser method for part of the story, and it caused me months of rewriting. Eventually, one of my editors recommended that I read a screenwriting book called Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. I highly recommend it! I was able to go back and fix a lot of the problems with Destiny because of what I learned in that book. With Synchrony, I used themethod described in Save the Cat, and it left me with very little to edit developmentally. I’m much happier with the way I do things now.
At the very beginning I like to start with a pad of paper and a pencil. I sit outside where I can let nature inspire me, and I create profiles for each character. I describe the character’s appearance, favorite food, back story, hobbies, hopes and dreams, fears, friends and family, and setting. I invent weaknesses and determine how the character should grow in my story.
Once I have a good idea of who my characters are, I brainstorm story lines and form an outline. When I have my outline down on one to two sheets of paper, I pull out my bulletin board and index cards. I stack my cards on the table, label each one with a scene from the book, and then spread it across the table like a card game. I organize the scenes according to acts and take note of which part of the story it coordinates with. Then when I have it mostly figured out, I pin the cards to the bulletin board into the appropriate acts.
Before I begin writing the first draft, I take down the first few cards, and everything I need to know is already there ready to go. When those scenes are written, I repin them to the bulletin board and move on to the next few cards. This process took me only six weeks for Synchrony. Once my first draft was written, I discovered it to be fairly clean after the first read through. I sent it out to my beta readers and gave them about a month to read through the manuscript and get their feedback to me. A month after that, Synchrony was available for purchase.
So from start to finish, Destiny took me about fifteen months and Synchrony took me about four months.
That’s pretty much it. I’m still a fairly new writer, so I’m sure this process will evolve for me over time. But for now, this is what works for me.
Blog Tour Details:
This is my stop during the blog tour for Synchrony (Destiny #2) by Cindy Ray Hale. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours . The blog tour runs from May 5 until May 25, you can view the complete tour schedule here.
Blurb: When her parents discover she’s been sneaking out with Isaac Robinson, the forbidden Baptist boy, Mormon girl Destiny Clark decides it’s time to keep their relationship quiet. As their relationship moves to shakier ground, Destiny discovers that Isaac has a terrible secret, and she is left completely shattered. The moment Destiny feels all hope is lost, Preston Nelson, her longtime church friend and Isaac's bitter rival, arrives like a beacon of light. It isn't long before two separate disasters strike for Preston and Destiny's best friend, Hannah. As Destiny helps them through their issues, she discovers that sometimes the best way to forget about your own problems is to help a friend in need. Just as her heart begins to mend and her friendship with Preston begins to heat up, Isaac walks back into her life, threatening to rekindle the feelings she’d hoped to bury forever. Will Destiny and Preston find the synchrony they so desperately need, or will she find a way to forgive Isaac and return to his outstretched arms?You can find Synchrony on Goodreads.
You can purchase Synchrony here.
[image error] Destiny (Destiny #1) by Cindy Ray HaleGenre: Contemporary Romance Age category: Young Adult
Blurb: Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les Miserables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage. As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend. But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world? Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Miserables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.You can find Destiny on Goodreads
About the Author:Cindy Ray Hale lives in a little slice of wooded heaven near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and children. She spends way too much time following up-and-coming musicians on YouTube and dreams of joining their ranks one day. She's a bit of a health food nut and can't live without her daily green smoothies. She tries to stay sane as she juggles writing with four kids, staying active on social media, and keeping up her book blog at http://cinnamoncindy.blogspot.com/. In addition to writing and self-publishing two Young Adult Contemporary novels, she has also written articles for "New Era" magazine and The American Preppers Network. For more information on The Destiny Trilogy and Cindy's upcoming books visit http://destinybycindyhale.blogspot.com/ or follow @CindyRayHale on Twitter.
You can find and contact Cindy here: - Website - Website for destiny - Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Google+ - Pinterest
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Synchrony. These are the prizes you can win: - A $25 Amazon Gift Card (INTL), and a Destiny Swag Pack which includes: a signed copy of Destiny, a signed copy of Synchrony, a Destiny bookmark, a Destiny magnet, a Destiny keychain, and a Synchrony keychain. - An ecopy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris and a swag pack - A Camp Boyfriend swag pack by JK Rock - An ecopy of Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 14, 2014
Shadow Fire Blog Tour: Guest Post
Shadow Fire Blog Tour Schedule
Shadow FireAshlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic. Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever. Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayalAs Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?Each installment of The Light Chronicles is a standalone story.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords
Praise for Shadow Fire "This book contains monsters, magic, majestic creatures, and a evil guy that wants to destroy the world. If you love hot guys.....Zane is all that plus a few tricks up his sleeve. Just read it!" Venture ~Amazon Reviewer "Adventure, magical creatures, fun characters, and romance make this book a perfect read for all ages." James ~Amazon Reviewer "I thought the writing was strong; it had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The characters were engaging and the dialogue well-written." Lisa Temple ~ Goodreads "Oh, I truly loved this one! Shadow Fire, by Kimber Leigh Wheaton, is a snappy, sassy, sweet, all-that-kind-of-awesome-and-then-some YA read. I couldn't put it down." ~Sasha Hibbs ~ Amazon Reviewer
Kimber Leigh Wheaton's Writing Process
I have a very temperamental muse. Try to get her to perform on a schedule and she'll disappear for days at a time. I learned that the hard way. When I first started writing, I set aside a certain time frame and sat at the computer. I've never been so unproductive in my life! I was lucky to get three pages written and most of it was drivel. My husband calls scheduled writing 'being organized'. But for me, the schedule made me feel like a trained seal balancing a ball on my nose. Perform now! And here's your fish…
After months of trial and error, I finally found what works for me. Writing is done in three stages: planning, first draft, and revisions. I don't use an outline. Tried it, didn't work for me. My planning stage is a free association exercise, similar to what I learned in the theater. I load up my iPod with songs that make me think of the plot and characters I plan to create. Once that's done, I meditate to the music. There are times when I've been accused of napping when I was actually hard at work in a fantasy world.
By the time I start phase two, I know my characters quite well. I also have the basic plot elements down. My first draft is very rough. The goal is to get the entire story down quickly. Much of my first draft consists of dialogue. At this stage, the manuscript tends to resemble a screenplay more than a novel.
Phase three is my favorite. Taking a skeleton manuscript and turning it into a novel is exciting. I don't have any set amount of revision passes. Some chapters need more love than others. I'm a bit meticulous when it comes to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Mistakes drive me crazy! I've been known to proof a manuscript until my eyes cross, and then make one more pass just in case.
So, now my shiny new manuscript is ready for… more revisions with my editors. These edits can be a bit harder since someone is trying to help make my story better, and I might not always agree with their vision. But eventually these rounds of edits come to an end, and I have a lovely ARC galley in my hot little hands. What's next? After a night of celebration, I start the process all over again.
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Blog
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/25/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 12, 2014
Review: Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson
Tour Schedule
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael AndersonAfter years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them. Amazon Coming Soon...
MY REVIEW:
5 stars
I LOVE this book. The story is engaging, the romance builds naturally, the characters are charming and realistic, and I enjoyed the banter between the main characters.
I loved how Emma was willing to sacrifice for her two nieces and I love how she confounded Kevin over and over again. He thought he was so smug and had everything figured out, but she kept him guessing and constantly on his toes. I really loved the art aspect and how Emma developed her confidence in her talents.
I also enjoyed the humorous parts and laughed out loud in some parts. Anderson is a flawless writer who knows how to tell a fascinating story.
This is definitely a fun read to kick back and enjoy on a summer day. Or any day.
Click on the image to purchase this book. 
You won't be sorry. It's such a great book!!
Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating. Website * Twitter * Facebook
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/31/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 6, 2014
The Lost Tooth
The other day I noticed that my youngest son's tooth was loose. I figured it'd be a few days or a week before it was ready to come out.
Apparently, I was wrong.
When I went to pick him I learned that he'd lost it at school. He'd gone out to recess and was crying about his tooth. His friend (pictured below) reached into his mouth and yanked the tooth out.
And because they are both first graders, they lost the tooth on the playground.
Thankfully, the teacher came to the rescue, and after a search, they found the tooth. The teacher then put it in a tissue in her pocket. When she got to the classroom, she accidentally threw the tissue with his tooth into the trash. After another search, this time through the trashcan, his teacher located the tooth. My son has been proudly showing everyone his smile, minus his tooth.
Now, if only the tooth fairy can make time, and remember, to come visit, he'll be thrilled with a shiny new quarter.
Apparently, I was wrong.
When I went to pick him I learned that he'd lost it at school. He'd gone out to recess and was crying about his tooth. His friend (pictured below) reached into his mouth and yanked the tooth out.
And because they are both first graders, they lost the tooth on the playground.
Thankfully, the teacher came to the rescue, and after a search, they found the tooth. The teacher then put it in a tissue in her pocket. When she got to the classroom, she accidentally threw the tissue with his tooth into the trash. After another search, this time through the trashcan, his teacher located the tooth. My son has been proudly showing everyone his smile, minus his tooth.
Now, if only the tooth fairy can make time, and remember, to come visit, he'll be thrilled with a shiny new quarter.
May 5, 2014
Book Reviewer Yellow Pages
Are you trying to promote your books? Are you a writer, publisher, or agent? Promote your book with this bestselling author's reference, the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages. Make your book promotion easier, and get the publicity you need from book reviewers. Learn how and where to submit your book for review. There are hundreds of new book reviewers listed in this book. Each listing details the individual book reviewer's:Contact Information
Pet Peeves
Preferred Genres
Submission Guidelines
Reviewers are rated for quality and influence. This new edition includes several blog tour sites and their submission guidelines. Learn how to get the exposure that your book deserves! Authors and book reviewers can sign up for alerts at: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net *Note: This book is enrolled in the Kindle MATCHBOOK program. If you purchase the paperback from Amazon, the Kindle edition is free. The paperback has a genre index, which makes searching for accepted genres easy. The Kindle version has clickable website links (which is impossible to do in a paperback), so you can click directly to the reviewer's site and contact page. The publisher of this book recommends purchasing the paperback and then downloading the Kindle edition for free using Amazon's Matchbook program, and using both versions to maximize your promotion efforts. PROMO TIP: This is a reference book with active hyperlinks in the e-book. It is easier to view and use the Kindle edition of this book on a computer using Amazon's free Kindle app. That way, you can use the full screen to check genre preferences and submit your query right from your desktop.
PurchaseBarnes & Noble * Kobo * Amazon
Interview with Christine Pinheiro, Editor, Defiant Press The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages is a bestselling author’s promotional reference, designed specifically for authors who need book reviewers for their books.Where did you get the idea for the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages? At first, I did it purely out of self-interest! I wrote a nonfiction book in 2007, and I had a very difficult time finding book reviewers. It seemed like an impossible task. All of the regular outlets were closed to me—where do you go when you can’t get a review in the New York Times? Where do the “little guys” go when they need to promote their books? So I started the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages out of my own frustration. At first, the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages was just a big list on a simple website. I added to the list when I had spare time. Book reviewers started seeking me out, and asking to be put on the list, and it just grew from there. In 2009, I published the first “Book Reviewer Yellow Pages,” and the rest is history. The list just grew organically. Now we have hundreds of book reviewers on our list, and thousands of authors subscribe to the newsletter.
How about the book reviewers themselves, what do they get out of it? Many book reviewers just do it for fun, and they get the benefit of free books and ARCs (advance review copies). Quite a few of them also earn money, either from sidebar advertising, blog tours, or other author’s services. There are so many self-published authors out there right now, trying to promote their books without the help of a traditional publisher, so there’s a lot of little business ventures cropping up to serve them.
Many reviewers list their “pet peeves,” is this something that the authors really want to know? Yes! It’s the most popular part of the questionnaire—all the reviewers have their own horror stories. Sadly, many authors have terrible etiquette when they request book reviews. Many don’t take the time to even spell-check their queries, or find out if the reviewer is a man or a woman, so they can address them correctly! I used to review books myself, and it’s amazing how many times I’ve gotten a review request with nothing but a link to the book. No signature, no salutation, nothing! Why would I review your book, when you aren’t even willing to take a few minutes to send me a proper review request? We also added an “author etiquette” section to the front of the book, and that seems to help a bit.
Do Book Reviews really help sales? They’ve helped my own book sales tremendously, and I know hundreds of authors who would say the same. Look, everyone knows that book promotion is boring work. Contacting dozens of book reviewers is time consuming, and you have to deal with rejection, but the payoff from a positive book review is enormous. That’s been the case in my own writing career. Reviews really help sales, and it’s nice to have a public testimonial that customers can refer to when they purchase. On the flip side, many of the reviewers accept ARCs and also work as beta-readers, so if you can get a few good reviewers to read through your manuscript before publication, they might be able to give you valuable feedback. I found a big plot hole in one of my novels that way—a reviewer found the problem, and I was able to fix it before the book went to publication.
Do reviewers ever drop off the list? Can authors get updates? Yes, on our website. Reviewers get added and removed on a regular basis—and the list goes through a complete overhaul once a year. I do a formal update every April. That’s when we put out a new edition of the book, as well as update the reviewer list on the website. The abbreviated list on the website is free, and authors and publishers can sign up for updates to the list here: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net. The newsletter is also free.
Do you have any advice for authors? Be polite to book reviewers, always. Not everyone is going to like your book, that’s just the nature of game. But publishing is a business, and it pays to be professional. It’s just like any other creative business. Reviewers are our critics, and they give us valuable feedback that we need to improve. One of the best reviews I ever received on the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages was mildly negative. The writer gave me tons of feedback on how to make the book better. I followed his advice, and the book has been more profitable since. Book Reviewers really want to help authors—I’ve never met a single book reviewer that was interested in just tearing an author down. We are all in this business together!
For more information visit: The Book Reviewer Yellow PagesWebsite * Facebook
Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/31/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 2, 2014
Blast: Prejudice Meets Price by Rachael Anderson
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael AndersonAfter years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them. Amazon Coming Soon...
TTour Schedule
Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating. Website * Twitter * Facebook
Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/25/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 29, 2014
Among Friends by Father Jim W. Sichko
Thank you, Father Sichko for visiting my blog. Welcome! Tell us why you decided to create this book.
Father Sichko:I love stories. I’m thinking I’m not alone in that, either. Billions ofdollars are spent on novels, movies, and even video games. Why? Godmade us to function through story. Not only did He reveal Himself inthe greatest-selling Book of all time, but He made story a vital part ofhow we communicate with each other.Think about it. We are a storytelling people. From the momentwe are born, growing up through school and beyond, we love hearingstories being read and told to us. We love sharing experiences thatwe have lived, seen, or heard. For me, as a storyteller, preacher, andspeaker, stories provide the opportunity to communicate in a powerfulway with people in everyday language with down-to-earth tales.I think back to my own days at St. Mary Catholic School inkindergarten and how we loved to sit in a circle and listen to Mrs.Richard read to us. We learned from the plot, the characters, and theiractions. She read with a passion and belief that captivated our littleminds. Most importantly, the stories struck at our hearts.Why do you think Jesus told stories to make His point? Indeed,He is a master storyteller in all of His parables found in the fourGospels. He would use everyday situations that people understood. Heused characters that people would recognize in themselves and others.Even more interesting, Jesus didn’t always provide the answers. Helet people figure out His meaning by telling them, “He who has ears,let them hear.”God gave me a very interesting life story, as you’re going to seethroughout this book. I like to think He gave me this life so I could tellstories from my journey. As you might guess, when I travel to speakat different places, I am often asked two questions. First, “Are yourstories true?” and, second, “How do these experiences always happento you?”My answer is simple: Yes, the stories are true, and yes, they dohappen to me, and they happen to you! The real question that needsto be asked is, “Do you and I have the eyes, the ears, and the hearts —not to mention the minds — to recognize the wonderful opportunitiesand teachable moments from the experiences of our day?”Through sorrow, pain, joys, and exultations, our experiencesteach us; they stretch us. For me, stories empower and illumine thelife of Our God who is ever present with us on this journey through ourexperiences that we call “Life.”Allow me to tell you a few…
Tour ScheduleAmong Friends: Stories from the Journey
“This book is my Midrash.” With these words, Father Jim draws us into his life story full of laughter, tears, and service. Among Friends is a compilation of short stories and insightful lessons experienced on his many travels as a clergyman and motivational speaker. Whether recounting his sobering flying experiences, meeting the Pope, his encounter with the “Weed Man” or telling us about his “lead foot,” Father Jim teaches us lessons through powerful storytelling. As he takes us along on his journey from getting kicked out of seminary to hosting celebrities, such as Dolly Parton, Harry Connick Jr., Martin Short, Bill Cosby, and former First Lady Laura Bush, at his small Kentucky parish, Father Jim shines a light into the corners of the human heart to expose our need for God and the love He alone can give us. You will laugh, cry, and be taken back by his honesty. In all, Father Jim shows us what it means to love God, love others, and live life Among Friends.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Father Jim W. Sichko Father Jim W. Sichko is a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, KY. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 23, 1998. He travels throughout the U.S. giving missions, retreats, and days of recollection. Known for his storytelling, Father Jim weaves everyday life experiences with the rooted messages which lie within the Gospel. He is booked for speaking engagements through 2015. Each engagement lasts a minimum of three days and averages 3,000 people per night. Father Jim completed his undergraduate work at New England Conservatory of Music in Vocal Performance and received a Master of Divinity degree from Sacred Heart School of Theology.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Father Sichko:I love stories. I’m thinking I’m not alone in that, either. Billions ofdollars are spent on novels, movies, and even video games. Why? Godmade us to function through story. Not only did He reveal Himself inthe greatest-selling Book of all time, but He made story a vital part ofhow we communicate with each other.Think about it. We are a storytelling people. From the momentwe are born, growing up through school and beyond, we love hearingstories being read and told to us. We love sharing experiences thatwe have lived, seen, or heard. For me, as a storyteller, preacher, andspeaker, stories provide the opportunity to communicate in a powerfulway with people in everyday language with down-to-earth tales.I think back to my own days at St. Mary Catholic School inkindergarten and how we loved to sit in a circle and listen to Mrs.Richard read to us. We learned from the plot, the characters, and theiractions. She read with a passion and belief that captivated our littleminds. Most importantly, the stories struck at our hearts.Why do you think Jesus told stories to make His point? Indeed,He is a master storyteller in all of His parables found in the fourGospels. He would use everyday situations that people understood. Heused characters that people would recognize in themselves and others.Even more interesting, Jesus didn’t always provide the answers. Helet people figure out His meaning by telling them, “He who has ears,let them hear.”God gave me a very interesting life story, as you’re going to seethroughout this book. I like to think He gave me this life so I could tellstories from my journey. As you might guess, when I travel to speakat different places, I am often asked two questions. First, “Are yourstories true?” and, second, “How do these experiences always happento you?”My answer is simple: Yes, the stories are true, and yes, they dohappen to me, and they happen to you! The real question that needsto be asked is, “Do you and I have the eyes, the ears, and the hearts —not to mention the minds — to recognize the wonderful opportunitiesand teachable moments from the experiences of our day?”Through sorrow, pain, joys, and exultations, our experiencesteach us; they stretch us. For me, stories empower and illumine thelife of Our God who is ever present with us on this journey through ourexperiences that we call “Life.”Allow me to tell you a few…
Tour ScheduleAmong Friends: Stories from the Journey
“This book is my Midrash.” With these words, Father Jim draws us into his life story full of laughter, tears, and service. Among Friends is a compilation of short stories and insightful lessons experienced on his many travels as a clergyman and motivational speaker. Whether recounting his sobering flying experiences, meeting the Pope, his encounter with the “Weed Man” or telling us about his “lead foot,” Father Jim teaches us lessons through powerful storytelling. As he takes us along on his journey from getting kicked out of seminary to hosting celebrities, such as Dolly Parton, Harry Connick Jr., Martin Short, Bill Cosby, and former First Lady Laura Bush, at his small Kentucky parish, Father Jim shines a light into the corners of the human heart to expose our need for God and the love He alone can give us. You will laugh, cry, and be taken back by his honesty. In all, Father Jim shows us what it means to love God, love others, and live life Among Friends. Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Father Jim W. Sichko Father Jim W. Sichko is a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, KY. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 23, 1998. He travels throughout the U.S. giving missions, retreats, and days of recollection. Known for his storytelling, Father Jim weaves everyday life experiences with the rooted messages which lie within the Gospel. He is booked for speaking engagements through 2015. Each engagement lasts a minimum of three days and averages 3,000 people per night. Father Jim completed his undergraduate work at New England Conservatory of Music in Vocal Performance and received a Master of Divinity degree from Sacred Heart School of Theology. Website * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 25, 2014
From Being Dumped to Being Married--Happy Anniversary
It's hard to believe that we are celebrating our 29th anniversary (especially because I'm only 21 myself). I still remember the first time I met Del. It was Sunday, May 20, 1984. I was speaking in sacrament meeting in the DeJong concert Hall on BYU campus. My talk was on celestial marriage. I didn't want to speak on that topic because after a few bad experiences, I was a little anti-marriage. A friend of mine convinced me to speak on it.
I looked out over the congregation and there he was. Bright blond hair and a big, warm smile. I was immediately drawn to him and wondered who the new guy in the ward was. I soon found out that he had been called as the "dad" of our family home evening group . . . and I was called as the "mom." I really had no idea it would become a permanent arrangement. :)
Our courtship was a little bumpy. We started dating, but then he had a serious car accident and had to go home to CO. He invited me to come see him, but never called. I spent the summer in CA working to save for my next year at BYU. I waited for him to call. All summer. But he didn't. So when I went back up to BYU, with my roommate's encouragement, I called him. And I gave it to him. I told him he was a big jerk. And that was that.
I dated other guys and had no contact with him. He dated other girls. Lots of other girls. He even drove up to Salt Lake from CO to see a girl. Right past Provo, where I was living. But he didn't stop to see me. (I learned all of this later).
During Christmas break, I went home to Santa Barbara and worked at the theater during my break. One day I came home to a box of long-stemmed roses. I thought they were from another guy. When I read the card, with Del's name on it, I almost fell over. I was still mad that he dumped me. How dare he have the nerve to send me roses. And wish me a Merry Christmas. And ask me to call him. No way was I going to do that. And then I did.
He flew me out to his house in CO and that was it. I knew I wanted to marry him (but I made him work for it, because I was still mad he dumped me). We were sealed in the Los Angeles temple on April 25th.
In all of my imaginings as a young girl, I could never have dreamed up the amazing marriage and life I have. I never knew that marriage could be so wonderful or that a man could be so good and so perfect for me. A man who is so patient and kind and loving. He wakes up in the morning with a smile and is cheerful all the time. He is full of love for his fellowman and loves God with all of his heart. He serves others without complaint. He loves me despite all of my many weaknesses and he loves all of our kids. He is faithful, trustworthy, and compassionate. He builds me up and supports me in my writing dreams. He stands by me and is loyal. He's funny and makes me laugh (even when he tells the corniest jokes). I love to hear his laugh. I have been so very blessed for the last 29 years and I look forward to an eternity of happiness with him.
Happy Anniversary to my one true love!
I looked out over the congregation and there he was. Bright blond hair and a big, warm smile. I was immediately drawn to him and wondered who the new guy in the ward was. I soon found out that he had been called as the "dad" of our family home evening group . . . and I was called as the "mom." I really had no idea it would become a permanent arrangement. :)
Our courtship was a little bumpy. We started dating, but then he had a serious car accident and had to go home to CO. He invited me to come see him, but never called. I spent the summer in CA working to save for my next year at BYU. I waited for him to call. All summer. But he didn't. So when I went back up to BYU, with my roommate's encouragement, I called him. And I gave it to him. I told him he was a big jerk. And that was that.
I dated other guys and had no contact with him. He dated other girls. Lots of other girls. He even drove up to Salt Lake from CO to see a girl. Right past Provo, where I was living. But he didn't stop to see me. (I learned all of this later).
During Christmas break, I went home to Santa Barbara and worked at the theater during my break. One day I came home to a box of long-stemmed roses. I thought they were from another guy. When I read the card, with Del's name on it, I almost fell over. I was still mad that he dumped me. How dare he have the nerve to send me roses. And wish me a Merry Christmas. And ask me to call him. No way was I going to do that. And then I did.
He flew me out to his house in CO and that was it. I knew I wanted to marry him (but I made him work for it, because I was still mad he dumped me). We were sealed in the Los Angeles temple on April 25th.
In all of my imaginings as a young girl, I could never have dreamed up the amazing marriage and life I have. I never knew that marriage could be so wonderful or that a man could be so good and so perfect for me. A man who is so patient and kind and loving. He wakes up in the morning with a smile and is cheerful all the time. He is full of love for his fellowman and loves God with all of his heart. He serves others without complaint. He loves me despite all of my many weaknesses and he loves all of our kids. He is faithful, trustworthy, and compassionate. He builds me up and supports me in my writing dreams. He stands by me and is loyal. He's funny and makes me laugh (even when he tells the corniest jokes). I love to hear his laugh. I have been so very blessed for the last 29 years and I look forward to an eternity of happiness with him.
Happy Anniversary to my one true love!
April 18, 2014
Indie Author Conference
Have you written a book, or want to? Are you confused about the options out there to publish? Traditional? Indie (self-publishing)?
Over the last few years, amazing opportunities have opened up for authors. No longer do writers have to go through gatekeepers (agents, acquisitions editors, editors, publishers). Authors are free to publish their books themselves through the Kindle program.
While it's great that Amazon has paved the way for authors to take control of their own publishing careers, it's also made it possible for a glut of sub-par books to be published--books that haven't been edited or gone through a process to make sure they are ready for publication. There's a lot to consider before hitting that publish button on Kindle. Things like: cover, price, back cover blurb, typesetting, and most importantly, making sure the story is ready for the world (the characters feel real, the story arc makes sense, there's some growth for the characters the characters have goals, the dialogue is natural, the scenes are structured properly, there's enough conflict, etc).
Seems like that's a lot to consider, right? It is. But there's help. There's going to be a amazing conference targeted to indie authors on June 7, 2014 in Provo, UT.
If you are serious about getting into the indie market as a published author, you should make plans to attend this conference. You can find out more at Indie Author Hub.
This conference will be awesome! Lots of great classes and tons of knowledgeable people who can teach you the ropes so you can avoid common mistakes.
Go sign up. Today!
Over the last few years, amazing opportunities have opened up for authors. No longer do writers have to go through gatekeepers (agents, acquisitions editors, editors, publishers). Authors are free to publish their books themselves through the Kindle program.
While it's great that Amazon has paved the way for authors to take control of their own publishing careers, it's also made it possible for a glut of sub-par books to be published--books that haven't been edited or gone through a process to make sure they are ready for publication. There's a lot to consider before hitting that publish button on Kindle. Things like: cover, price, back cover blurb, typesetting, and most importantly, making sure the story is ready for the world (the characters feel real, the story arc makes sense, there's some growth for the characters the characters have goals, the dialogue is natural, the scenes are structured properly, there's enough conflict, etc).
Seems like that's a lot to consider, right? It is. But there's help. There's going to be a amazing conference targeted to indie authors on June 7, 2014 in Provo, UT.
If you are serious about getting into the indie market as a published author, you should make plans to attend this conference. You can find out more at Indie Author Hub.
This conference will be awesome! Lots of great classes and tons of knowledgeable people who can teach you the ropes so you can avoid common mistakes.
Go sign up. Today!
