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By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 5/15/2012
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Here's the back of the book blurb:
Hattie is barely twelve when her pa's "business adventures" move her family to the new town of Tropic, Utah. Her pa views the town as opportunity. Hattie is hopelessly shy and views it wit apprehension. More than anything else, Hattie wants to be like her father---note afraid of meeting new people, talking to strangers, and sanding up for herself. So it is with trepidation that she accepts her pa's challenge and promises to make new friends.Hattie forms more promises as she struggles to make friends, finding companionship in places she wouldn't have expected and learning that there is a difference between complaining and standing up for one's self. Promises is a heart-warming story of friendship with a touch of mystery and adventure set in the days before Bryce Canyon became a national park. Drawn from the memoirs of early Utah settlers, it is a realistic glimpse into the past and a delightful story for readers ages eight to eighty. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book at first look. It seemed like this little Hattie girl was going to be a little whimp. However, I knew it would be interesting to take a peek into what the Bryce Canyon area was like back in the settlement days so I gave it a go.
I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Hattie. What a charming character. It was fun to see her grow and learn to speak up for herself. Sometimes I wanted to get after the villain on Hattie's behalf--you know how the mothering instinct thing kicks in when you see someone picked on--but alas, I had to sit back and mind my own business and read the book.
Frank does a nice job in her descriptions of the area. I would love to explore the cave she writes about. If the cave is really there, it sounds like it would be one of those town secrets that only the residents know about.
It was interesting to get a glimpse into the LDS Church at that long ago time. The members had the same problems that are dealt with today, just with a different twist.
Promises is another fun summer read.
PROMISES is pulished by August Corp Press, Kaysville Utah.
Visit Frank at
http:www.carolyntwedefrank.com
by Cindy R. Williams
MILLION DOLLAR DIVA, The Smart Woman's Guided to Getting Rich Safely is a finance book for women (now don't roll your eyes.) It's not dull, dry or boring. It's a book that will help EVERYONE get on top of their finances, written specifically for women, and with the friendly voice of Tristi Pinkston. Reading this book is like sitting on a cushy couch visiting with a good friend you can trust to give you good advice. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Tristi, you know she is an incredibly warm and personable lady. Her style is the same.
Before I share more about the book with you, I want to let you know about the incredible offer.
If you go to www.milliondollardiva.com, you can get a free copy of the book for only $5.95 shipping and handling. This offer only goes until June 15th. (The book is regularly $14.95, so don't miss out on the free book offer before June 15th.)This book is unique because you can also follow Tristi's continuing success on the blog portion of the site listed above.
Now a bit more info. When asked to blog about the new book MILLION DOLLAR DIVA, I jumped at the chance. Who doesn't want to get a handle on their finances?
The book contains:
- A 5-step, simple, safe, and predictable process to change living paycheck-to-paycheck to enjoying wealth and security.
- How to give yourself a $400 per month raise without asking the boss or working a minute of overtime.
- "Spend Like a Diva." How to have anything your want--nice vacations, eating out, trips to the mall. It's all part of the plan.
- The secret formula of how to completely eliminate your debt in 1/3 the time and save tens of thousands on interest costs in the process. You'll see why all the TV gurus are wrong!
- 5 Million-Dollar_Diva investing strategies that will grow your money safely and predictably every year, without the guesswork.
- Plus! Discover the key to stop fighting and quarreling with your spouse about money forever!
Here is how the book came about according to Tristi Pinkston.
0 Comments on MILLION DOLLAR DIVA by Tristi Pinkston, Brett Kitchen and Ethan Kap as of 1/1/1900
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 5/4/2012
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DANGEROUS FAVOR by Joyce DiPastena, the Queen of sweet medieval romance!
Mathilde needs a champion. Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.
Etinne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor --an embroidered white ribbon--for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
Writers Mirror gives DANGEROUS FAVOR 10 stars!
Joyce graduated from Arizona State University with a degree specializing in medieval history. She writes as if she were living amongst her characters and will transport readers there with her.
Joyce loves cats. One of her little purr-babies is named Glinka Rimsky-Korsakov. There must be quite a story in that.
If you have read Joyce DiPastena's LOYALTY'S WEB and ILLUMINATIONS OF THE HEART, you know you are in for a great read. Joyce is a master of medieval history, and weaves a delectable sweet romance around a world of intrigue.
(Note; if you haven't read Joyce's other two books, get all three and have a lovely summer spent in medieval times around knights, knaves, castles, beautiful maidens, jewels, crowns and passionate yet clean love stories.)
For you medieval history buffs, you can
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 4/24/2012
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Betsy Love
(How can you not love Betsy's enthusiasm for life . . . or is it the snow?")
Betsy Love recently published her first book, IDENTITY. Her second book will be out any moment now. Good on ya, Betsy!
Here is the blurb for IDENTITY.
While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crases, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.
What a tasty premise. You have two girls who look so much alike, they are mistaken for each other. Who didn't think about being a twin and switching places? How many fun tricks you could play? Then you have one who is wealthy, living a glamorous life, and the other one a Mormon, living a wonderful life full of love and family and all things truley important here on this earth. Add to it that you don't know which one survives the plane crash, plus, there is something dangerous going on and the young lady who survived could be in big trouble. Really, what's not to like about this story?
Going in with high expecations, I was not disapointed. IDENTITY delivers.
Writers Mirror gives IDENTITY 10 Stars.
Published by Walnut Springs, IDENTITY is available at Deseret Book and other fine stores.
Writers Mirror: Hi Anna! Thanks for being in my blog this week.
Anna: It is my pleasure to be here.Writers Mirror: So, tell us what’s happening with you?
Anna: My life has been quite busy lately. I am getting ready for the “Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Festival” which will take three of my weekends in May. I take my books and have fun being a princess for three weeks. I really love it.Writers Mirror: That does sound fun. Tell us about your upcoming release.
Anna: After the great success of “The Curse of the Elfs,” I’ll release: “A Royal Elf in Abalon” this May. Writers Mirror: Where can we find this book?
Anna: Amazon, B&N, and my website will all have the links to buy it.
Review by Cindy R. Williams
NO ANGEL by Theresa Sneed is published by Walnut Springs
The back of the book blurb states:
An angel with an attitude
Jonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth as a guardian angel, but it's required of all post-mortal spirits to fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short. What he doesn't know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or her time of death! Jonathan's client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of her own and refused death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her guardian angel--in a place he only wanted to forget.
NO ANGEL gives a interesting look into what life after death could be. As you follow Jonathan on his journey through after-life, you cheer for him, you cringe for him, you shake your head at his stubbornness, yet realize his journey takes you on a ride of discovering what life is all about.
I must admit my favorite character was Grace, a guardian angel who spends much of her time schooling Jonathan since he refused to read his manual, which when opened has a screen and a tiny keyboard. Grace has an iron backbone. She doesn't put up with any sass from anyone, yet she's loving and kind and has the patience of Job. I found I wanted to give Jonathan a little thump on his head more than once, yet Grace continued to work with him.
The demons called sheydim in the book are a sobering concept. They follow mortals along with the guardian angels. Sheydim's are fallen angels, allowed to tempt mortals. They can only get close if the mortal is by permission from the mortal. Permission which is mostly given carelessly through a person's actions. NO ANGEL paints a clear picture of evil spirits not allowed to mortal bodies and in their unhappy state strive to destroy mortals.
NO ANGEL is a good read. It leads to many thought provoking scenarios and shows that the veil between earth life and post life is thin indeed.
NO ANGEL receives TEN STARS for ingenuity and vision. Well done Theresa Sneed.
Theresa Sneed now adds published author to her many hats. She lives in Arizona, is a member of American Night Writers Association, ANWA, the mother of six and g
Review by Cindy R. Williams
This is a new genre of book for me to review --one that will help you create a bright future for you and your loved ones.
Retirement Quest is a book that will help you prepare for retirement. The sooner you read it, the better. It will help you find a way to make your future more secure, show you how to get started, avoid pitfalls, side step tax law quagmires and assist you in creating a plan to reach your final desitnation of rest and relaxation with peace of mind.
This plan will teach you how to avoid costly mistakes and help you create a secure future no matter where you are finacially today.Please take a moment to read this blurb.The state of today’s economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others. It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future. How do we go about this? What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we’re doing it right?Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey. This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner. You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.
As you go through and create your personal profile, you’ll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:1. View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP® professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand2. Get the whole story on various investment products, not just “the good stuff” that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about3. Find useful links to government and other helpful websites
0 Comments on Retirement Quest -- Make Better Decisions by John Hauserman, CFP as of 1/1/1900
The clock in the kitchen pounded out the seconds, and the neighbor's wind chimes clanged their chaotic melody until I thought my brain would explode, and then, finally, Gram said, "There was an accident on the highway this afternoon. Your mother was in it."And the world collapsed around me . . . again.
After the death of her mother, everything seems to spin out of control for Megan. taking care of her grandmother--who refuses to received help from anyone--and her two younger sisters, Megan must depend on her best friend Adam to get through these hard times. But when she discovers an old family secret, Megan must choose between trusting her family and follwoing what her heart tells her to be true. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this debut novel shows that the power of love brings the best blessing even during the bitterest trials.This back of the book sure caught my attention. I finished it in a few hours. My heart went out to most of the characters. Mahring is able to paint a complete picture of a troubled family. She gives the reader a sense of the raw emotions a teen feels as she faces life. Her writing is brave in that she doesn't gloss things over nor does she sugar coat the issues.
Thank you Christine Mehring for this heart-felt and gut check novel. Well worth the read.
Writers Mirror gives Bitter Blessings 9 Stars!
Bitter Blessings - a novel by Christine Mehring is published by Bonneville Books, an imprit of Cedar Fort, Inc.
The title alone caught my attention. It tweaks the interest of history buffs and members of the LDS Church. Everything known about Governor Lilburn Boggs speaks of controversy. Often referred to by early members of the Church as one of the most evil men and a definite thorn in the side of Mormons, Boggs was directly and/or indirectly responsible for the deaths of many early Saints; men, women and children.
Boggs is most famous for his extermination order of the Mormons on October 27, 1838, during the time he served as Governor of Missouri.
Author Rod Miller creates a novel based around Mr. Progue, a Pinkerton Detective, hired by the Bill Boggs, the son of Governor Boggs. Progue was hired to find out the truth whether Orrin Porter Rockwell, the notorious body guard of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and later, President Brigham Young was guilty of the assassination attempt. Note, Governor Boggs did not die from the gun shot through his parlor window, although three balls entered his head and one his throat. He lived another 18 or so years, most of them in California after his term as Governor ended.
Miller sets the story about 25 years after the assassination attempt. It is told through Progue as he travels around the country interviewing eye anyone who he can find that was either around during that time or reading old reports, newspaper clippings and records. Progue also interviews Orrin Porter Rockwell himself, and various parts of that interview are interspersed throughout the book.
Miller does an excellent job of taking the reader on a tour of the hardships the Saints suffered at the hands of Bogg from the eyes of the neutral character, Progue. He includes a visit with "Wild Bill", Emma Smith Bidamon and even President Brigham Young.
Miller, "Born and raised in a small town in Utah, around horses and cattle, and a veteran of the rodeo arena, he comes by his love of the West and its history, culture, and people honestly."This is explains the feeling of reality conveyed in the book about the life on the frontier in the 1800's. Miller has a knack for making the wild west come alive.
Did Orrin Porter Rockwell shoot Governor Lilburn Boggs? That is the premise of the entire novel as you journey through the history.
It is a good read, and you will have to make up your own mind as to what really happened after you travel the dusty trails with a Pinkerton Detective.
Writers Mirror gives The Assassination of Governor Boggs by Rod Miller 9 stars out of 10. A book defiantly worth reading.
Check out more about Rod Miller and his books at:
www.writerrodmiller.comTo purchase your own copy,
Click Here
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 10/25/2011
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The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story, by Jaclyn M. Hawkes was a fun read. Every once in awhile you come across that book that makes you want to read late into the night, and this is one of them.
Here's the back blurb:
Montana truly is heavenly.
Especially those handsome cowboys.
Her parents want a clout wielding attorney, safely enthroned in an appropriately high end Mercedes sedan and a tailored business suit. She just wants to teach kindergarten.
When her "all-powerful" parents actually choose her future husband, who just happens to be a divorce lawyer named Elroy, Charlie opts out and heads for the Big Sky Country. After all, who marries a divorce lawyer? She and her best friend Fo, who have been buddies since the third grade, go to work on his cousin's sprawling ranch in the heart of the Montana Rockies.
Filled with colorful characters of all shapes, sizes and species, including an orphaned baby pig, most of the Langston family put the fun in dysfunctional, -give or take a couple of black sheep. There's one in every family, isn't there? Add to that glorious scenery, a horse of her own, and one extremely attractive cousin rancher, Luke Langston, and it makes for a summer never to be forgotten. Which might not be a good ting. She has the time of her life, but her heart may never recover.
Hawkes does a nice job developing likable lead characters and a few characters that make you squirm. Charlie is in quite a predicament. Does she please her parents by living the life they plan for her and give up her personal happiness and dreams or does she break out and catch her destiny? I will leave that for you to discover in this well written adventurous love story.
Writers Mirror gives a perfect TEN STARS out of ten for The Outer Edge of Heaven, A Love Story.
by Cindy R. Williams
(*Note, Keep reading and find a contest --highlighted in green --offered by the author, Jennifer Hurst)
Back blurb of FALL:
Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client; Mr. Blackwell thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of the century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan battle over Julia's very soul.
I married into family of civil engineers. When I first met my husband, I thought engineers wore puffy blue and white striped hats, overalls and tooted horns on trains. Not so, civil engineers design streets, underground facilities, roads, bridges, parking lots and the ground levels for buildings, and housing developments, etc. They do all the design before construction takes place. Living around engineers gives me insight into the lead character's career. The author nails it. Julia, or JD, is working in a traditional man's world. According to the author bio, Hurst, herself, retired from the construction industry. She knows her stuff.
Now, having given credibility to the technical aspects of the novel, let's move to the characters. JD is a good strong female lead, smart, hard working with a drive to prove herself, too naive, not the best choice in men, not the most logical female. Hurst gives her plenty of strengths and the flaws that make her human.
The setting is in more toward the southern end of Utah. Hurst paints nice word pictures of the red rock canyons and surrounding area.
Hurst weaves in the folk lore of Butch Cassidy aka Robert LeRoy Parker, who apparently helped the people in that area and was a real good guy other than his little side job of robbing stage coaches and trains.
Several times I actually got the chills from some pretty evil bad guys. I was glad I didn't read those parts on a dark and stormy night.
I don't want to give the story away, nor some of the surprise twists, but I will say The books ending lends itself to a sequel.
Get your own copy of the book at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71705 and visit Jennifer Hurst at http://jenniferhurst.wordpress.com/
In conjunction with this blog tour, Jennifer is holding a contest. It will involve any of the blogs that Jennifer visits or where her book is featured and will close on December 31st, 2011. The entrants have to answer three questions about the book they’ve read (bought, borrowed, or stolen - shame on you) and post a link to Jennifer's website on their Twitter, Facebook, or blog (need link for verification).
Then the names will be entered in a random name picker generator (http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-Picker.html
1 Comments on FALL by Jennifer Hurst, last added: 9/10/2011
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 8/31/2011
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by Cindy R. Williams
The following quotes can be tweaked to fit most areas, but please read them with your writing in mind. "If it is to be, it is up to me." Many people
"Procrastination is like a credit card; it's a lot of fun until you get the bill." Christopher Parker
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." Colin Powell
"Quality is not an act. It is a habit." Arisotle
"Tis better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln
"Whatever you are, be a good one." Abraham Lincoln
"Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." Eleanor Roosevelt
"You don't get harmony when everyone sings the same note." Doug Floyd
These last three resonate with me big time. How about you?
"Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to." Source unknown.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Wayne Gretsky
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Book Review by Cindy R. Williams
I must say that the front cover fascinates me. Most of it is in browns and greens, not really too catchy, however, it has an embossed design placed on top of the colors that make it quite unique. It made me want to take a second look.
The back blurb is:
AN ENCOUNTER WITH a Mormon Missionary and his unusual message of a "restored gospel" leaves Richard Kenyon, a young Methodist minister, questioning his life's work when he cannot deny a growing testimony of this peculiar American religion. But Richard soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.
I have ancestors from Wales, so that caught my interest. Also, I find it intriguing that a minister of another church, someone we assume knows religion, begins to understand and feel the spirit of truth. I want to know about this journey and if he is strong enough to follow the light.
It is said that a great first line leads to a great book. This may or may not be true, however, first lines of books do tell one allot about what to expect. The first line of the book told us the name of one of the important characters and that she was proud of her husband. Though not explosive, we have good information and I like her. The first chapter reveals a number of key players. We learn that the minister and his wife are good people--people you want to call friends. We also meet uppity characters like the minister's brother and his wife. Hall does well on creating characters we love, or love to hate.
Omniscient point of view, which means head hopping from Leah, to Richard, to Robert, to Leah, to Amelia, to Leah, to Amelia, to Richard . . . is somewhat confusing, but, the characters were strong enough to keep the story going.
Hall gives the reader an education in early trials of the Church in Wales. We usually hear about the Pioneers and how they were persecuted. Hall opens your eyes by creating a story that will touch your heart and increase your love and appreciation for those stalwart members all around the world.
Writers Mirror gives All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall 8 smiles on a scale of 1 - 10. Well worth the read.
All That Was Promised is Vickie Hall's debut novel and is published by Bonneville Books, a Cedar Fort imprint.
All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall
by Cindy R. Williams
Two of my favorite people, Tony and Joanni Judd, on their wedding day.
This is my magical harp, Arvilla. Did you know if you are the first owner of a harp, you have the privilege and responsibility of christening it with it's eternal name. Arvilla is the middle name of my favorite, and only dear mother. The name reminds me of vanilla, a yummy taste and a sublime smell. My mother doesn't like the name so much so it's fun to tease her a bit by using the name - not that I ever yanked her chain growing up or anything.
Playing the harp channels my muse and also calms my soul. I often play late at night in the dark. It's not like playing a trumpet so I don't wake anyone. If they do happen to stumble out of bed, they think they are hearing angels so it's all good.
I have found that writing harp music is pretty much the same process as writing stories. Sometimes the notes flow out and they sound wonderful, but other times, nothing comes. Nada, stone-cold dry. When that happens, I play whatever my heart desires and enjoy the lilting music that floats around the lofty ceiling. When nonsense or no sense comes out of my fingertips on the keyboard of my computer, I often dive into the pool and float on my back make cloud animals.
Just yesterday there were dragons swooping in and out of thunder clouds along with some slashes of lighting giving me two good reasons to slosh out the pool. The first and most important was to quickly jot down the dragon scene before it slipped away and the second reason was to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Maybe not in the correct order, but both important none the less.
The muse is a tricky little minx at best. I think I will try enticicing the muse with chocolate. Has this worked for anyone? What works for you?
Do you enjoy a well written escape into a sweet romance? -- sweet meaning, clean romance. You will find it here in The Guise of a Gentleman by my friend, Donna Hatch. I remember when she read the first chapter to us at our American Night Writers Chapter meeting. It was fun to hear and a thrill to get to add our thoughts to the questions she asked as she was in the polishing stages of the novel. Now, here I sit with the finished book in my hands and tickled pink for Donna.
Let's start with the cover. There is a skull and crossbones pirates flag in the top left corner. The top right has a handsome man and a lovely lady a half an inch from kissing. You see a close-up of the back of a lady standing on the shore looking out at one of those cool pirate ships with the sales furled.
A quote from a best selling author appears on the front which reads "A fine specimen of a pirate romance." The quote is 100% correct. What a fun romp with pirates and a unique situation with a lovely and impossible romance with a pirate that is much more than he appears to be.
Donna weaves a lovely romance and a much enjoyed escape into a world of long ago. I have heard her talk about all the research she did on pirates and how they lived and it shows. That is what makes this book such a great escape. Donna gets it right.
I give it ten smiles. Ten is the top of the rating system.
I give The Guise of a Gentleman TEN SMILES. Ten is the top of the rating system here on Writers Mirror.
To learn more about Donna Hatch and other books she has written go to:
www.donnahatch.blogspot.comThe Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch is available at:
Amazon.com
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 7/11/2011
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The state of today’s economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others. It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future. How do we go about this? What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we’re doing it right?
Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey. This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner. You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.
As you go through and create your personal profile, you’ll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:
1. View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP® professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand2. Get the whole story on various investment products, not just “the good stuff” that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about3. Find useful links to government and other helpful websites4. Identify if a financial advisor has been thorough in their duties5. Identify and avoid fraudulent advisors6. Make better financial decisionsYou’re invited to stop by the RetirementQuest® website and see for yourself if this is a tool you can use. Again, it’s no cost, and all you have to lose is your financial stress. Those who take action now will find themselves in a much better place later—why delay your future security? Plan ahead and be prepared.Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.
Author Deirdra Eden Koppel
CRW: When did you begin to write?
Deirdra: I wrote the lyrics to my first song when I was four. I was standing on top of a playground slide so I was high enough I could look over a fence and see the sunset. It was so beautiful I just started singing. I felt inspired to write the song down. Later in my life that song was recognized and published. When I was fourteen one of my songs, “The Song of Freedom” was used as the theme song for a musical.
CRW: How wonderful. Sunsets inspire you to write. What else?
Deirdra: Everything … especially trials. When life’s disasters happen now I just think “This would make a great scene.” A lot of times I work though my real life problems as my characters are working through theirs.
CRW: Do you try to write daily, and if so, do you set a goal of a certain number of words?
Deirdra: I write when I can. On my “normal” schedule I have eight hours a day blocked out for writing or illustrating. I have to be flexible because “normal” days are hard to come by. Sometimes I have to start my day at 4:00 A.M. to get my eight hours in. I don’t set word goals, I find myself checking how many words I’ve written instead of just writing.
CRW: What gets in your way of writing?
Deridra: Life. When I start to get down on myself or stressed I can’t write properly.
CRW: How do you get past it?
Deridra: I read my scriptures, workout, sing and take vitamin B12. My husband is good about taking care of our kid so I can have “thinking time” where I sit and do nothing but think.
CRW: What makes you CRAZY about writing? Crazy good and crazy bad?
Deirdra: The creative fairies whisper into my ear and keep me going. Unfortunately because they are fairies they don’t understand that I have to eat, sleep and maintain relationships with other humans.
CRW: I have triplet fairies flying around me all the time right now, so I know what you mean. Where is the strangest place you have ever worked on your book?
Deirdra: I’ve written in a tree house, bath tub, quiet roof top and a medieval theme park.
CRW: How long does it take you to complete a book?
Deirdra: It takes me three months to write a book. The first month I just write the raw story. The second month I go through and add more detail, fix POV and expand scenes. The third month I focus on editing and add things as I feel inspired. It takes me another three months to illustrate a book.
CRW: How wonderful that you have the talent to illustrate as well as write. Please tell us more about where you get your ideas?
Deirdra: They strike me like how some people get struck with seizures. I could be looking at a jar of peanut butter in the store then suddenly a scene flashes across my mind and I start hearing dialogue. I get some of my ideas from dreams and from ancient scriptures, especially the Old Testament and Book of Revelations.
CRW: Where do you get your character’s names?
Deirdra: Usually the Bible. Sometimes I will Google names and meanings. I will match a character to a name based on the meaning. I like to use a lot of symbolism.
CRW: What is your favorite writing food?
Deirdra: Chocolate truffles. LOL. I love this question. Only another writer would ask me that.
CRW: So true
Welcome to our 3rd Annual
“Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win Contest!” This is becoming an
exciting tradition, both for our sponsors and hopefully for all of you! 29
writer friends and I have banded together to present a month-long contest where
we will give away a prize a day for the entire month of June. That’s right! 30
awesome prizes, running the gambit from books books books! (romances,
fantasies, mystery/thrillers, inspirationals, children’s books, and various
non-fiction), as well as Amazon gift cards, a Mary Kay gift set, a vinyl
lettering gift certificate, a hand-sewn weekly planner with ribbon bookmark, a
crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case, and again for you aspiring
authors, TWO free edit/critiques of a partial manuscript. Many of the giveaways
are open to International entries, though always check to be sure before you
enter for a particular prize.
And how exactly do you enter for these amazing prizes? By following
these rules:
SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:
You can send in one entry for each day’s prize, or only for those
prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:
(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the
answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and
AND MAILING ADDRES to [email protected]. I
promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate
the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the
contest.
(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you
are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1;
Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).
(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST
(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day
following the deadline.
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 5/24/2011
Blog:
Writers Mirror
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This is the delightful Anna Arnett. At the ripe young age of 86, she is still a Spring Chick. She has more energy than most 25 year old's I know. I hope to grow up just like her.
Anna just published her first book, a clever and humorous memoir called Lolly's Yarn. Anna shares her story meeting the love of her life, Charles and their years together. Their time in Japan was particularly entertaining. Spend a few minutes with Anna and you can't miss the twinkle in her eye. Anna Arnett is a rare person of exceptional humor and intelligence.
Last Spring, Anna and I and our writing coach drove to Santa Fe, New Mexico together. Anna is great company on trips. The tales she tells are a slice of life. She writes with the same candor.
Anna says this is only the first of several memoires. You go Anna!
Lolly's Yarn is available at Amazon.com
Back of the book blurb:
"You are not going to pour poison straight into her heart!" Nancy's determination to protect her daughter from the chemotherapy doctors insist she needs is fueled by boundless fury. She has seen cancer patients successfully treated with naturopathy. She wants the right to do this for Sharon, her eight year old child suffering from Leukemia.
Robert knows in his heart that chemotherapy is Sharon's only chance to survive. He follows his law professor's advice and forces himself to defend Nancy in public. As Sharon's parents they have to appear united. His work, law school and family demand more than twenty-four hours a day of him, and more than he is capable of giving.
Abby, at age fifteen, craves independence but needs understating. No longer receiving the attention she deserves from her distracted parents, she seeks adventure on-line, with a stranger. The result sends her to the same hospital as her sister in a coma.
Five year old Ben misses his sisters. He blames his mother for making Grandma go away and his father for leaving him with strangers. Jack, the family dog provides his only comfort.
Phyllis, widow of a physician, can not condone her daughter's irrational actions. But love and concern for her grandchildren pull her back to care for Benjamin amidst the raging battle.
Cancer is the enemy. Love is the remedy and Grandma is the angel who glues the family picture back together again.
Writers Mirror Review:
I have to be real here. I put off reading Margaret's book because I almost lost my little brother to cancer, and it still gives me chills. So . . . I had to muster up my courage and start the book. However, once I read a few pages, I was hooked. Margaret paints a clear and concise picture of a loving family and a little girl I wanted to root for from the get go. It is evident throughout that Margaret has done her medical research. She also gets the human emotions just right. The relationship between the parents was tenuous as would be expected. Each had their own growth arc as they worked through the toughest situation a parent can face separately or together. I won't do a spoiler here, but I will say. well done Margaret, well done.
Margaret Turley
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 3/27/2011
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It's Jimmer Time. Are you a Jimmer Fredette fan? I am. The young man fascinates me. I heard a radio report on his earlier life and how he became Jimmer. It all boiles down to hard work, tons of practice, working through injury and hard times, never giving up, and faith in himself.
Not a bit different in any field you choose to succeed in. If we will work hard, practice our craft, work through blocks, and excuses, never give up and have faith in ourselves, WE WILL SUCCEED! It's just that simple. (Notice: I said SIMPLE, not EASY.)
Here's to all the Jimmer Fredettes out there!
(also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends Blog)
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 3/21/2011
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If you are a YA or children's author, here is a great opportunity to strut your stuff in front of Super Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette. Go to YAtopia.blogspot.com and scroll down to the contest post. Hurry because the contest ends March 28th or when the 150 limit is met.
We will be giving away THREE copies of The Star
Prophecy.
It's easy to enter.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why
you're excited to read The Star
Prophecy. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or
facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an
additional entry.Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on January 28.
The Star Prophecy Book Blurb
Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.
Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.
The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his
friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.
The Star Prophecy Book Review
by Cindy R. Williams
A new favorite book by Joan Sowards. The first time I held the book in my hands, I got a little tingly all over. The name and the front cover alone looked to be a great escapade.
Intriguing premise. To become acquainted with people in the Book of Mormon times. To see their everyday way of living, thinking, acting and overall culture through the authors eyes was captivating. Sowards gets under the skin of her characters. She shows a good story rather than tells it.
Enoch was a strong character built around integrity. Yet he was given human frailties making him real. My heart went out to his little brother. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and do some major mother nurturing. Kumeni reminds me of many a teenager, a few of my own included. He has to experience things in his own way and learn from the school of hard knocks. I warmed up to him from the get go.
The Star Prophecy is rich in character, story line and adventure. I highly recommend it.
The Star Prophecy Blog Tour
By: Cindy R. Williams,
on 11/24/2010
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By Cindy R. Williams
CRW: Welcome Tristi! It’s a pleasure to have as our Wednesday Writer today on Writers Mirror. Tristi, in one sentence, please introduce Tristi Pinkston to us.
Tristi: I’m a mom, a homeschooler, a terrible housekeeper, a blogging addict, a lover of naps, a fairly decent wife, a dedicated Cafe World player, a new Cubmaster, a freelance editor, a Molly Mormon and proud of it (especially the Molly part) and the author of five, soon to be six, published books.
CRW: (Laughing) Why did you first begin to write?
Tristi: I first started writing when I was about five years old. I wrote a poem after church one Sunday and my mother started planning my first book launch.
CRW: What inspires you to write?
Tristi: Everything. I hear a song or a news report, or the little voices in my head start talking to me, and it all leads to writing. I'm just addicted to it.
CRW: Do you try to write daily, and if so, do you set a goal of a certain number of words?
Tristi: I would like to write daily, but it doesn't always happen. Rather than setting a certain number of words, I write in bursts, generally in half-hour bursts, and I typically get around 1,400 words at a pop. If the muse isn't flowing, I don't write.
CRW: What gets in your way of writing?
Tristi: Generally speaking, it's just the other tasks I need to do that keep me from writing. I might have a lot of housework to do, or I might be working for an editing client, and so I'll do those things and skip my own writing for the day. Although, if I'm going to be perfectly honest, and I think I should, more often than not the housework waits.
Sometimes I do get hung up on a plot point, but those tend to resolve themselves if I let them.
CRW: How do you get past it?
Tristi: When it comes to the plot point issues, I'll either let it stew in the back of my brain a bit, or I'll talk it over with someone. There's something about speaking the problem out loud that makes it easier to solve. My critique group is awesome at helping me figure out details, too.
CRW: What makes you CRAZY about writing –both crazy good and crazy bad?
Tristi: The things that make me crazy in a bad way are computer glitches and the fact that authors don't make much money. But I'm crazy about it in a good way because it makes me happy. I love sharing stories with others.
CRW: Where is the weirdest place you have worked on a writing project?
Tristi: In the waiting room of a hospital.
CRW: How long does it take you to complete a book?
Tristi: It all depends on the book - some of the Secret Sisters books took just six weeks to write, and then they went through the critique group process. Other books, like my historicals, take much longer. If there's research involved, it definitely takes longer.
CRW: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Tristi: Under couch cushions, in the lint screen ... just kidding. Ideas can come from anywhere. It's just a function of asking yourself, "What if?" You hear a news story, and you ask yourself, "What if that person had reacted differently?" and suddenly, you've got the start of a story.
CRW: Where do you get your character’s names?
Tristi: Occasionally, a character will pop into my head with their name intact. This was the case with Ida Mae Babbitt. She showed up, told me her name, and I never even considered changing it. Her counselor, Arlette, was the same way. I did change Tansy's name. She sta
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I love Joyce's books! I have this one, but haven't read it yet...UNFORTUNATELY!
Thanks for this spotlight, Cindy! I'm working on something, but I'm not sure it's Book 4. Maybe more like Book 3.5. ;-)
Ten, huh? Excellent!
So loved this story! Joyce has a way of drawing you in and weaving a great tale. I read late into the night to finish this one.