Author: Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

May 2024

🤠Howdy Pricklers,

Grab your hats and saddle up, because there’s a whole lot of exciting updates to share. It’s been quite a ride since the last update. But first, let me tip my hat to each and every one of you all for sticking with me through thick and thin. As my grub wrangler likes to say, Your support is the gravy on my taters and it just wouldn’t be the same without you.

So, big-big thanks to you, partner!

And speaking of grub, the cookbook is plodding along nicely with only needing three pictures yet. and then publishing it. Still up in the air on whether or not to go traditional or Indie publish. But am swaying towards the Indie route because there’s been too many horror stories about changes to title, book design, and book cover for cookbooks. As for book cover, at the present moment, the name is still under wraps until the book cover is completed. The graphic artist who is designing it assures me it will be done soon, real soon. Woohoo! Woohoo! 📖 🥳🍇

But here is a clue as to what it’s all about

I’ll be hitching up my wagon and traveling up to the Rock-N-Roll Great Lakes Fiction Writers free writing conference on August 10th. From shooting the breeze with a number of authors, there’s lots who are planning to attend. I’ll be there with my books and maybe with spurs on too. And as for two-stepping with the spurs, had to use them to get the giddy up going on the short story I wrote for the Great Lakes Fiction Writers Anthology we are putting out in June and July. We’ve not decided on the title yet. I’ll post when the book will be available. Do plan to give a copy away or two, so keep watching. Lots of great writers who are participating. Our only requirements were that it had to have something about the great lakes and romance in it. To be honest, not my typical suspense short stories I write, but more like my Whiskey Salvation romances. So, yes, it does have a cowboy in it. And hint, hint, it will be on Amazon as a short story with the Whiskey Salvation Series. Just need a book cover for it. Let’s just say in this short, the romance is quite stormy. Haha! No seriously it is. Can’t wait for you to read it. ✍️🌩️ 🤠⛵️❤️

Coming soon will be a rodeo roundup of a lot of fantastic and informative information in the form of the WriteHive Writers Conference. It’s all online. For more information check out WriteHive Writer’s Conference website. I had my hand in it with regards to plot editing. Great resource for aspiring authors. Lots of fun! And the giveaways, you won’t want to miss.

Memorial Day is about here. Remember it’s not about BBQs and beach trips. It’s a day of remembrance for those who gave their all. In fact, did you know cowboys and Memorial Day have something in common?🫡🇺🇸

Back in the late 1800s, cowboys roamed the vast plains of the American West. These rugged fellas weren’t just wranglers; many were veterans of the Civil War. After the war, they took to the trails, driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas. Among these cowboys were heroes who’d fought in battles like Gettysburg and Shiloh. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was established after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. Cowboys, despite their rough and tumble ways, held a deep respect for their comrades who didn’t make it home. On this day, they would often gather ’round, share stories of their fallen brothers, and pay their respects in their own way – sometimes even marking graves with makeshift crosses on the trail. So as you spend Memorial Day at what ever festivities you partake in—for me, a family Luau surrounded by laughter and love—remember to think of those brave cowboys and soldiers. Memorial Day is a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won, and it’s up to us to remember and honor those sacrifices.

And don’t forget, if you want more up-to-date info on this gal, check out my social media sites below. Pictures will be forthcoming for the long weekend!!!

Stay prickly my friends,🤠

Chrissy Hartmann

ChrissyHartmann.com

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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Prickle Forrest LLC

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Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

April 2024

Howdy Pricklers Old and New!

🤠 A mighty fine day to all you newcomers and our seasoned trail riders! Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles written by Me, Chrissy Hartmann! ✍️

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Here we’ll tell some tales, rustle up good reads, and tip our hats to the fine folks who keep this newsletter a-rolling.

Hmm? Now wait a minute, that’s me. How about instead I tip my hat to you all? Sounds much better. Right? 🤠🐄

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

First things first, let’s give a hearty welcome to all our new subscribers! We’re tickled pink to have you joining our posse. And to our tried and true riders, it’s always a pleasure to have you along for the ride.

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🤠 🐔🏆Now, onto the roundup! Here in these parts when you win something, we holler out “Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner!” Why? Hmm? Good question. I’ll have to check into it. But And if you haven’t heard already… We lassoed up the winners for our Lucky-In-Love gift card giveaway provided by Romance Book Lovers, and let me tell ya, we’ve got some real cowpokes with lady luck on their side! To all the winners and everyone who joined in the fun, we authors who took part in this hoedown, tip our hats to ya! And if you’re thinking of hitching your wagon elsewhere, well, we reckon we’ll miss ya, but we understand. You can mosey on out with the unsubscribe link down below. 👇 👇 👇

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Now, here’s a little tale for you: one of our readers was mighty keen on snagging my old cowboy hat, signed and all, at the Stark Library book signing! Seems like they got a hankering for a true cowboy relic, bless their hearts. Needless to say, I kept my hat, but did give out a few extra kisses, chocolate kisses that is. Had a whole dish of them before the hat wrangling business, not so many now; however, might find some little signable ones to give away too. 💋🤠 👉✍️ 📚

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Calling all wordsmiths and wranglers! If you’re a writer too, I’ll be rustling up some reviews over at NetGalley. If you’ve got a book that needs wranglin’g let me know! You’ll find me under my alias, Christina H. for Prickle Forrest Books and I’m fixing to throw my hat in the ring over at Readers’ Favorite too. 🤠📖❤️👉✍️📄

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Before we ride off into the sunset, watch for the Prickle Forrest Chronicles later this month’s updates! We’ll be dishing out the latest on the cookbook, anthology of suspenseful short stories, and more.

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And for those of you new to our posse, you can find out more about this here author at ChrissyHartmann.com or follow me with the social media links below. I’d love to see you there. And hey, don’t hesitate to send up any smoke signals if you want to chat.

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Once again, a warm welcome to all our new subscribers! I’m mighty glad to have you aboard.

🌲🤠Stay prickly my friends,

Chrissy Hartmann

ChrissyHartmann.com

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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Copyright ©2024 All Rights Reserved

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

February 2024

Dear Pricklers,

Valentine’s Greetings from the rugged terrain of the old west! 🌵❤️

Now, speaking of the old west, did you know that cowboys had their own unique way of celebrating Valentine’s Day? While they might not have had fancy chocolates or elaborate dinners, they often expressed affection through handcrafted gifts. A cowboy might fashion a piece of jewelry from natural materials or write a heartfelt note, keeping the tradition alive with their own rustic charm.

On to exciting news – If you haven’t heard — The rustling is still rocking the chuckwagon! This cowgirl is hard at work on the cookbook that’ll tie into the contemporary western romance Whiskey Salvation series. Finally got all them words written for the recipes. Now I reckon some snapshots of the dishes are needed, right? Don’t fret, even though I’ll be snapping the pics, my own posse will be making sure the food is in the pictures.

So now this makes me ponder… Ever thought of what a cookbook needs to make your culinary journey smoother? Share your suggestions, and let’s make this cookbook as delightful as a cowboy’s campfire supper. Me? A good set of spectacles. Haha!

As you sit by the crackling fire, let’s tip our hats to fantasy romance author, Anita Primrose, the talented author behind the captivating novel The Dragon Lords (Bonded Wings) — "Love can be blind, it can also be deadly.”

Follow her at aprimrose | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

and saddle up for thrilling reads from her latest book.

Now, on a bittersweet note, my dear guide dog, Winnie "Pooh," trotted off to the great pasture in the sky at the end of January. Her memory lingers, and though the thought of a new companion might be on the horizon, but for now, the ache is too raw.

Pets have always been cherished in the cowboy way of life — Loyal companions under vast western skies. In the vast landscapes of the Old West, dogs played vital roles alongside cowboys as trusted companions and valuable working partners. These four-legged heroes were more than just loyal friends; they were skilled ranch hands. Herding dogs, such as Border Collies or Australian Shepherds, showcased their intelligence and agility while aiding in the management of cattle. Alert and responsive, they helped cowboys round up livestock, ensuring the smooth operation of ranch life. In addition to their herding prowess, dogs served as guardians, offering protection and camaraderie to their cowboy counterparts during long rides across the west.

Fast forward to the present, and the remarkable story of Winnie "Pooh" — a Seeing Eye dog guide, adds a poignant chapter to this legacy. For a blind author, Pooh wasn’t just a guide; she was a lifesaver and the epitome of a steadfast friend. Pooh’s unwavering dedication went beyond guiding through physical spaces; she helped guide me through life’s challenges. Like the irreplaceable cowboy’s dog on the ranch, Pooh became an integral part of my daily life, offering companionship that went far beyond her duty as a guide. The bond between this blind author and her guide dog mirrored the timeless connection between cowboys and their loyal companions, showcasing the enduring spirit of partnership and friendship across the ages.

“Rest In Peace, my sweet Pooh. Mamma loves you, forever!”

🌟📚Not wanting to leave on a bitter taste, please join me at the start of my book signing tour for 2024 at Orrville Public Library on March 2nd, 11 am to 2 pm. I’ll be taking names and emails for those interested in the cookbook. Hopefully, I’ll have saddle bags full of news on it’s launch date. And remember, folks, I’m going to need help rounding up ideas for a cover. If you got some now, just shoot me a reply or go to my website and send up a smoke signal. I love your e-mails!

So hitch up the wagon and hit the trail to Orrville Public Library and let’s chat, share stories, and say howdy! I look forward to meeting you all and sharing tales of the west.

Hope your Valentine’s Day was filled with love and just the right amount of chocolate.

Stay prickly, my friends,

Chrissy Hartmann

ChrissyHartmann.com

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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Copyright ©2024 All Rights Reserved

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

January 2024

Howdy Pricklers!

As January gallops towards the sunset, I reckon it’s time to round up the month with a lasso full of surprises, a nod to a fellow wordsmith, and a little birthday hootenanny! 🌅 🎂 🎉

🗓️ Fun Fact About Late January:

Did you know that on the last day of January, back in 1865, the United States adopted the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery? A momentous occasion indeed! History’s got its own brand of romance, don’t it?

🎂 Time To Celebrate:

Yeehaw – It’s My Birthday!

Hold onto your hats, partners! This here last day of January marks the day I entered this grand rodeo we call life. We’re throwing a virtual birthday bash, so grab a slice of metaphorical cake 🎂 and let’s celebrate together! Tell me below what you did for your last birthday celebration, better yet, what kind of cake did you have? 🍰🥳

🌟 Author Shout-Out:

Cowboy up for Peter Okonkwo!

Now, I’m steering away from the usual western romance roundup for a bit to tip my hat to Peter Okonkwo. He’s rustled up a captivating 3-part series of fatalistic poetry. A departure from our usual, but ain’t it grand to spread our wings a bit? Check out his latest works – you won’t be disappointed!

Saddle up and follow Peter’s social trail:

Instagram

X

Facebook

LinkedIn

Purchase his books from Amazon

And hey if your one of those cowboys who like to put pen to paper and wouldn’t mind having a chat with Peter, then contact him at P. English Literature for an interview.

As sure as the rooster crows, you’ll have an egg-cracking time. Watch Chrissy and Peter now!

🎂 Birthday Bonus:

📚 Discounted — The Whiskey Salvation Paperback Set

For those who fancy a good old paperback, head on over to my General Store and snag the 2-book Paperback Bonus Set at a special discount for my birthday! 🎂

Each set comes with my autograph – a keepsake for sure. It’s like getting two books for the price of one, plus a touch of my signature love.

You’ll receive Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation. Woohoo!

📖 Digital Delight:

And for the cowboy techies…

Prefer the digital trail? Same deal, partners! Order the Digital Bonus Set for $7 plus shipping and you’ll receive not one but two digital books, complete with my autograph book cover postcards. Ain’t technology a marvel?

Just send up a smoke signal and let me know you’d like the digital books.

Sale ends February 1st, 2024. Our preferred handler of payment is Square.

🍲 Cookbook in the Cauldron:**

Hold onto your spatulas – the cookbook is sizzling! I’m just a stone’s throw away from finishing up the edits and snaps. Once I wrangle my son into throwing together a mighty fine book cover, we’ll be all set. Keep those taste buds ready, my friends!

And if you would like to help me out, stay tuned for February, will need help picking the title.

*📚 Short Stories on the Horizon:

Don’t you forget about the collection of short stories. I’m tending to the final touches, bringing tales to life for y’all to enjoy. Stay tuned for more details on this literary roundup.

🌵 Wrapping Up the Roundup:

Before I mosey on out, remember life’s a rodeo, and together we’ll ride through every twist and turn.

Stay prickly my friends,

Chrissy Hartmann 🌟💖

ChrissyHartmann.com

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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Prickle Forrest LLC

Copyright ©2024 All Rights Reserved

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

January 2024

Dear Pricklers,

📖 ** 🌲🌲🌲 A new horizon is ahead of us.

Just wanted to send a little thank you with an update. Yes, we know this newsletter is early like a rooster waking at the crack of dawn, but wanted to make sure the Whiskey Salvation Posse understands how much you mean to me. So, without delay, saddle up, and read on…

**🌟 Past Adventures:**

As the sun set on the year behind us, we reflect on the tales shared under the Prickle Forrest canopy. Your presence has been the heart of our journey, and we’re grateful for the memories crafted together. I’d personally like to thank all those in the posse who came out to meet this cowgirl at one of the many author book signings or book festivals and lasso one of the Whiskey Salvation books for your collection.

**🚀 Present Gratitude:**

In the here and now, I extend my heartfelt thanks. The past year has been a trail well-traveled, and it’s you, dear reader, who has made it extraordinary. Your support and companionship have been a steady breeze at my back, propelling me forward. I’m now writing and editing full-time, a thrilling endeavor I embark on with gratitude in my heart.

In particular a big Texas thanks goes out to those who saddled up and rode shotgun with me during Tina Hogan Grant’s author interview last week on her A Cuppa and A Natter author interview podcast. I appreciate your support. The winners of those who participated in our giveaway, I thank you kindly and hope that you’ll send up some smoke signals to let me know you received your book.

Winners:

** Vicki Chacklock

Chrissy Hartmann

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

December 2023

Dear Pricklers,

“Happy trails to you, until we meet again…”

I hope this message finds you well as we wind down from the festive season. We’ve got a few updates and exciting news to share, so grab a cup of

coffee or your favorite reading spot and let’s dive in. But first thought to share a photo of me and the hubby in our Christmas sweaters. First time we ever did this. Boy howdy!

📧 **Important Update: Changes to Our Email Trail**

We’ve saddled up for a change in our email roundup, but worry not – it shouldn’t rustle up any dust on your end. If you happen to notice any stray tumbleweeds or glitches, give us a holler. Your feedback is as valuable as a trusty steed on the trail.

For problems e-mail me at prickleforrestllc

🤠 **Western Christmas Fact: **

Did you know, back in the cowboy days, a cowboy might spend Christmas under the starlit sky, swapping stories ’round the campfire if he were stuck out on the range? Also, since means were meager in the old west, decorating a tree came down to stringing popcorn or dried fruit, cookies, nuts, and maybe a tin or glass bobble if available. They also used ribbon or string to decorate the branches, if available. And speaking of availability, trees weren’t always available as it was needed to heat their homes for the winter. Just a touch of the wild west to add to your holiday musings. If you would like to read more check out Jan Mackell Collin’s article

📖 **What’s on the Horizon: Third Whiskey Salvation Book and More**

I’m hard at work rustling up the third installment of the Whiskey Salvation series, and not just that – four more books are hitched to the writing wagon. With any luck, my cookbook might hit the shelves by January or February. It will be a dandy of a treat and something this cowgirl never thought she’d write.

I reckon I’ll need your help picking the best cover for this one, so stay tuned for a chance to lend your voice to the roundup. It’ll be delicious!

🔍 **Author Spotlight: Discover the Talents of Martha O’Sullivan

While you’re waiting for the next adventure in the Chronicles, take a gander at her works on her website. Her stories might just be the hidden gem in the literary saloon you’ve been looking for. I just finished her book Christmas In Tahoe and I loved it! I’ll be giving it at least four hat tips if not more when I leave my review.

**The Rodeo circuit: Heading out to do book signings and author chats

Looks as though a few book fairs have lassoed me into attending in March 2024. More details to come once we two-step all the necessary paperwork over to the promoters.

And hang on to your hats! Doing a podcast interview with Tina Hogan grant on her podcast, Cuppa And A Natter, on January 8th. Let’s hope I remember to turn on the video camera for that.

If you are on Facebook, please be sure to saddle up and ride along with her author page or join her reader group with the rest of the posse to watch the interview live; otherwise, it can be found on most if not all podcast players.

I reckon a copy of both my books will be given away to two lucky readers who participate with the interview. And if you don’t mind, I’d sure appreciate it if you could rope a few words together to leave a book review on Goodreads for Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation by Chrissy Hartmann | Goodreads

And another for my novella Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation by Chrissy Hartmann | Goodreads

And hold up, Amazon reviews for my debut novel, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and my novella, Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation are welcome too!

**Thank you for being part of this trail. Your support means more to me than a cloudless sky on a cattle drive. Wishing you a joyous celebration for welcoming in 2024 and looking forward to sharing more tales in the year to come.

Stay prickly my friends!

Chrissy Hartmann

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Prickle Forrest LLC

Copyright 2023

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

Chrissy Hartmann

December 2023

🎄🌟 **Dangerously Dark Darlin’s Secret Santa Giveaway Winners Unveiled!** 🌟🎄

Howdy, Pricklers!

After a whirlwind gallop through December 1st to 3rd, it’s time to holler about the winners of our Dangerously Dark Darlin’s Secret Santa Giveaway!

🏆 **Grand Prize Wrangler:** A mighty cheer for Jennifer Harvey, the grand prize winner! Jennifer’s wrangling a $10 Amazon gift card for a merry and bright holiday! 🌟🎁

📚 **Digital Bounty Recipients:** Carrie McCauley, received a digital copy of "Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation" and Jet Boston, received a digital copy of "Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation"!

We hope your holiday reading just got a whole lot merrier. 📖💫

But hold on to your hats, Darlin’s! Our good friend Tina Hogan Grant is rustlin’ up Christmas joy with a giveaway of her own. She’s gathered 80 authors ready to lasso you in with books and swag galore! Join the festive fun by becoming a member of Tina’s reading group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tinahogangrant/. The merriment lasts until December 8th, so don’t dilly-dally—hug the spirit of the season and join the party!

A tip of the hat to each of you who made our Secret Santa shindig a holiday hoot. But stay saddled up, as more adventures, giveaways, and dangerously delightful surprises are on the horizon.

May your days be merry, your books be thrilling, and your spirits be as high as a cowboy’s ride.

Saddle up and celebrate the season!

🌵🤠✨Rustle up your subscription to Chrissy’s newsletter at

https://prickleforrestchronicles.com/follow-me/

Stay prickly my friends!

Chrissy Hartmann

https://prickleforrestchronicles.com

https://chrissyhartmann.com

Prickle Forrest LLC

Copyright 2021-2023

Chrissy Hartmann

🍁 **Prickle Forrest Chronicles: November 2023 ** 🍂

Dear Pricklers,

Time to saddle up! The holidays are here. Are you ready? I am… sort of…

**🌟 Past Adventures:**

As the autumn leaves danced, we gathered ’round the virtual campfire to celebrate Thanksgiving. From our literary homestead to yours, we hope your holiday was filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of shared tales.

** Present Happenings:**

You saddled up, right? Why? Well, as we gear up for the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I’ve got a special treat for you – a bonus book bundle! Snag autographed paperbacks of the first two books in the Prickle Forrest Chronicles for just $19.99. If you prefer the digital trail, the bundle is yours for only $1.99. Here are the links to grab these literary treasures:

– Link to Autographed Paperback Bundle – $19.99

https://square.link/u/4rnCYvUb?src=sheet

– Link to Digital Bundle – $1.99

https://square.link/u/iqhQMOtH?src=sheet

**🎁 Future Trails:**

Come March 2024, we’re hitchin’ our wagons for book signings that’ll rival a barn dance. Mark those calendars, and stay tuned for more details.

📚 **What’s Cookin’ over the Writing campfire:**

Hold onto your saddle horn, folks, ’cause we’re cookin’ up five new adventures. There’s a cookbook simmerin’, the third sip of Whiskey Salvation brew, a self-help guide for indie authors navigatin’ the prairie of securing a spot in your local library, a coffee table tome tellin’ the tale of a historic watermill, and an anthology of short stories to prickle your literary taste buds.

Finally, as we mosey into December, the holiday spirit is in the air. Here’s a little nugget for you – if you hitch your wagon to the "Dangerously Dark Darling" Facebook group, you stand a chance to win some free goodies from over 300 authors. It’s our way of spreading holiday cheer and thanking you for being part of our literary posse.

Stay tuned for more tales and adventures as we ride into the Christmas season. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or venturing into the literary frontier, the Prickle Forrest Chronicles will be right there with you.

Thank you for sharing the trail with us. May the rest of November be filled with warmth, stories, and the promise of exciting trails ahead.

Stay prickly my friends!

Chrissy Hartmann

Prickle Forrest LLC

Copyright 2021