PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann

Author: Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – March 2023 Newsletter – Let’s get rolling… Vinyl spinning tonight! Woohoo! Woohoo!

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    March 2023

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Hello Pricklers!

    Woohoo! Vinyl spinning with you guessed it…Nickelback! Nickelback! Nickelback! Woohoo!

    THE PAST…

    Orrville Public Library and Massillon Public Library books signings were a lot of fun. Met lots of new fans and got the chance to talk with other authors. Probably my favorite time would be getting to catch up with cozy mystery author, Amanda Flower and discuss our kittens. Glad to know mine isn’t the only ornery one out there.

    Check out my pictures below.

    THE

    PRESENT…

    Working hard to get my reader magnet done. And yes, any of you who would like it will be able to get a copy. Not exactly sure how long it should be, but I’m having so much fund writing it that I keep forgetting to draw it to an end. Oops! I just might have to make this into it’s own book. And why not? I’ll be contacting Getcovers next week to design my book cover for it. I’ll be honest, they do a fabulous job for a very reasonable price and these days I’m always looking for a bargain. They did the cover for one of my books of short stories that I hope to have out by the summer. Maybe even two of them. But hey, they aren’t romances. Nope, in fact they are more like shorts that Shirley Jackson and Marilyn Todd would write. Or at least I hope so. Two of them are award winners. I do have a plan for a short romantic series but that won’t come out hopefully until next year. Got to get the third book to the Whiskey Salvation Series done first, so that means I have to get the magnet done… like now!

    THE FUTURE…

    The hubby surprised me tonight with a new vinyl record. I’ve been wanting Nicklebacks newest album since it came out last November. He saw it at Black Bird Records tonight and since he found it in the new releases he got it. Probably because he knew how long it took me to get a new copy of their album Dark Horses. That’s my favorite album. So once I get this newsletter out and write about 500 more words for the magnet, I’ll be cranking the tunes in the basement. I’ll probably even be dancing around some too. Okay so better post this as soon as I dig up some photos. Remember big things are coming up soon. I’ll be in Columbus at the Columbus Book Fest in July. I’ll post more details as soon as I get them, but I’ve signed the contract and purchased my spot for the show. I’ll hopefully have the magnet done and maybe one if not both short story books out for e-book.

    Also, don’t forget both novels will be removed from Kindle Unlimited (KU) at the end of May. So if you want to read them for free don’t miss out. I’ll be posting them to go wide for more exposure with Ingram Sparks and possibly going with an audio version too.

    So the KU promotion will draw to an end at the end of May. Don’t miss out. And please leave a review either on Amazon or GoodReads. If you want to help an author, posting a review is one of the best things you could do for them.

    GoodReads:

    https://www.goodreads.com/chrissy-hartmann

    Amazon:

    Amazon.com: Chrissy Hartmann: books, biography, latest update

    Hopefully next month, I can update everyone on some more exciting news when it comes to romance. I think you’ll love it!

    One last note… Happy 84th birthday, Mom! Love you!

    Stay prickley my friends!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    March 2023©

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – special edition –author interview with Sherri Lupton Hollister

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Sherri Lupton Hollister.

    It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.

    First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?

    Hi Chrissy, thank you for having me. I live in eastern North Carolina and call it home. I’ve lived here most of life but was born in Louisiana. I have lived from Virginia down and around and out to New Mexico, but eastern NC is where my ancestors have called home for the past few hundred yearsand has always been home to me.

    I started writing at age ten when I penned my first romance called “True Love” in red ink. I come from a long line of storytellers and BSers so I think telling stories came naturally for me. Writing was my way of entertaining myself and was never meant to be shared. My librarian friend convinced me to let her read some of my stories. She pushed me to submit my work to a couple of contests and together we attended my first couple of conventions.

    I am currently working on three books each in different genres. I have published twelve novels, Trent’s Melody is number eleven, it was followed by my first historical cozy mystery The Americans are Coming. Both were published in 2022.

    What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?

    I write mostly contemporary romantic suspense but one of my works in progress is a sporty romantic comedy. I love to read and write stories with action and adventure, but with a deep romantic connection. My first love is historical romance and I’ve recently released my first historical cozy mystery. If the characters are quirky and strong, maybe with a bit of attitude, then no matter the genre, I’m probably going to love the book.

    Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle is one author who inspires me. She writes in three romantic genres and does it well. She failed under one name and reinvented herself twice, then found success under all three pennames. Meeting her is on my bucket list. Her characters are flawed and often failures in their family’s eyes (or by societies’ standards), but when they meet their one person, they find that their unique quirks are what make them perfect for each other. Together they find success/happiness. I aspire to write characters like JAK.

    In brief, tell us about your book, Trent’s Melody.

    Trent’s Melody combines my love of reality competition shows like The Voice and Rock the Block. It is the fourth full-length novel in The Harrell Family Chronicles series,but it is capable of standing alone.

    Trent and his bandmates are one of the last bands standing on Winning Nashville when he walks away from everythinghe’s dreamed of all because of a girl. Not just any girl, the girl he’d loved since elementary school. The girl his best friend and bandmate, Kyle just proposed to.

    Surprised to find Melodie on the plane to Cancun, Trent sings his way into her heart. When Kyle is found dead and they are blamed for his suicide, Trent leaves Melodie at the mercy of the media.

    Years later, they are both hiding from the world, Melodie Henries writing under a penname and refusing interviews, and Trent Harrell in a bottle. When they are asked to join their siblings in a renovation competition pitting an all-male crew against an all-female construction team, they each have their own reasons for agreeing.

    Alone, the couple find they are still attracted to each other but they’re afraid to take a chance. When a stalker ramps up threats against them, Trent and Melodie must discover who is threatening their last chance at happiness before it’s too late.

    When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Trent’s Melody how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?

    Trent’s Melody was a book I’d started several years ago but the timing wasn’t right. I recycled it and did a bit of reconstruction on it and brought it out with a song writing contest and a naming contest for the reality show. Getting friends and fans involved made it a lot of fun. The book came out with a bit of fanfare, but then I jumped into finishing my historical cozy. No rest for the wicked.

    When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?

    When I’m stuck on a scene, I will do several things to get the creative juices flowing. One trick is the “what if” game. I ask what if this happens and then what… if no ideas come to me then I move forward to another scene or walk away and do something different like cleaning, dancing, or going for a walk. I also find that reading a book or having a discussion with friends will often get me going.

    Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?

    I’m not necessarily a sit at the desk writer, at least not since my desktop failed and I’ve become a laptop writer. Now my desk is my lap in my recliner after work or my desk in the back room at work amid an adding machine and other office supplies and a collection of junk. Usually, I have a glass or bottle of water or cup of coffee beside me, and some sort of snack. If I’m being good, it’s fruit or nuts, if not, it’s cookies.At home I also have a forty-pound Blue Pitt lap dog named Hazel and sometimes even my husband unless he gets to talking too much, then I banish him to the bedroom and his own computer.

    What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?

    I like to read and write flawed characters who could be your best friend or neighbor. The average guy doing extraordinary things or put into tough situations and have tofind practical solutions to survive or save the day.

    My favorite tropes vary with my mood. I love friends to lovers, fake boyfriend/girlfriend, one bed, and secret baby. But any trope can be cliché and overdone, or fresh and new depending on the author. I like any story that takes me out of my day and lets me live for a few pages in another place. Like a mini vacation without leaving my recliner.

    Completing a book is like giving birth, you look at that sweet little thing and think “I made this.” It’s a moment of pride and awe, then you have to send it out into the world, and you worry that it won’t be as beloved by others. After raising six boys, I shouldn’t worry about sending my books out into the world but sometimes, it’s hard not to fear how they will be perceived by others.

    If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?

    I write medium heat sex scenes mostly. Nothing too kinky, so far, but I had a few uncomfortable scenes in my sex trafficking series. My mom is one of my Beta readers, she was happy when I wrote something not quiet so graphic and coarse. She doesn’t like the bad language and says she doesn’t have a boyfriend to help after reading the sex scenes. Writing sex scenes doesn’t bother me, I have a lot of fun doing it and it really doesn’t matter when or where I write it, but reading it out loud during a critique or something, that’s when I blush. So far I’ve not been threatened with sex counseling but I have been challenged on a couple of my acts and I had to shoot them down with proof that it was possible.

    So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?

    As a member of RWA and my local chapter, Heart of Carolina, I have several good friends whom I’d adore writing a box set with. Reese Ryan, the former president of HCRW has the Bourbon Brother series which I fan-girl over. I believe, she and I along with Donna Steele, another member of HCRW who writes contemporary romance as well as sci-fi romance, would have a fantastic time writing a reunion-vacation trope. Three girlfriends rent a house for the summer, reuniting after years apart, former college roommates…make them about 40, this could be a grown folks romance. Oh Lord, now you’ve got me thinking about a new story idea.

    If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?

    I would promote Chrome Pink, my first book. It is the book that started it all. My first series, The Leeward Files begins with Rae Lynne, a rape survivor who returns home to help her grandfather battle cancer. After his death, she risks losing her home to the man who made her life hell. After rescuing a stranger, Rae finds herself falling in love but when she is accused of killing her dates, she doesn’t know where to turn. Rae has to learn to trust herself and her friends in order to prove her innocence and stop a murderer.Will they be in time?

    Trent’s Melody is part of The Harrell Family Chronicles which is a spinoff of The Leeward Files.

    Do you have any blog tours, signings, or other upcoming events that you would like to promote?

    If you would like to join me, I will be speaking at the Carteret Writers Conference in Newport, NC Saturday, April 15th. https://carteretwriters.org/carteret-writers-quadrennial-conference/

    I will be one of several North Carolina authors at the New Bern Farmers Market Book Fair, Sunday, April 30th.http://newbernfarmersmarket.org/

    Next Chapter Books and Art of New Bern will host me for a class on Writing Faster by Layering, Saturday, June 17th. https://thenextchapternc.com/

    Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So, what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?

    In Titanium Blue, Tar quits the Marines and becomes a deputy for the town of Leeward for a second chance with Jenna and their son Toby.

    Where can we find your book…

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YPGG7P6

    My website https://sherrilhollister.com/shop/

    Googleplay https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAECCZSUltM&pli=1

    Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1620620964

    Kobo Books https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trent-s-melody

    Barnes and Nobel https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trents-melody-sherri-lupton-hollister/1141381607;jsessionid=EB159349D11EEB51168EB362D699D37E.prodny_store01-atgap11?ean=2940166204004

    Scribed https://www.scribd.com/book/571153295/Trent-s-Melody-The-Harrell-Family-Chronicles-4

    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1246467

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjlhollisterwriter/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeanelia1964

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suspenseshewrites

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suspenseshewrites

    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-hollister-a0132b4a/

    Website: https://sherrilhollister.com/

    Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherri-lupton-hollister

    Big –big thanks to S L Hollister for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Trent’s Melody. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

    Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Sherri’s newest release at https://books2read.com/u/bM7MjX.

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – Special Interview – Author – Cassie Mae

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    March 2023

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Cassie Mae!

    It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.

    First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?

    I’m from Utah, and I’ve been writing for 12 years now 😀 This book is number 31 for publishing, but too many to count on how many I’ve written. And I’m way too lazy to count it, lol.

    What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?

    I write romance for the geeky, nerdy hearts. All my characters are awkward or quirky, and they are (hopefully) funny.

    I love to read romantic suspense and mysteries. They are my absolute favorite to dive into!

    I’m a big fan of so many romance authors. Just to name a few… Theresa Paolo, Lauren Layne, Kristan Higgins, Emma Hart, and Nicole James.

    In brief, tell us about your book, Enemies to Lovers.

    A couple of childhood rivals are forced to work together in order to get the coveted veterinary internship they’re after. He’s awkward and handsome, and she’s loud and short, and they are so much fun to write!

    When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?

    I act it out. 😀 I’ll do all the dialogue on a drive, usually, then I hurry to my computer so I don’t forget anything.

    Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?

    I’m at my desk right now, and it hasn’t been cleaned yet, so here we go:

    · Two Disney Villainous board games

    · Half empty Vitamin Water

    · Three empty Vitamin Waters

    · My podcast microphone and headset

    · Printer

    · An unopened Amazon box (I think it has my earwax begone kit in there…)

    · Three untouched water bottles

    · Hot Cocoa and Cream Bath and Body Works candle

    · Lighter

    · 4 gift card gift boxes from Christmas

    · Amazon Echo

    · Package scale

    · Two puzzles (a pokemon puzzle and a dog sitting on a toilet reading a newspaper)

    · Lysol wipes

    · Harry Potter Legos, funko pops, and the Goblet of Fire

    · Crocheted Pichu I made last month 😀

    · My son’s antidepressants

    · Glasses cleaner

    · And a single dollar bill (I have no idea where it came from)

    What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?

    Nerds and geeks! My favorite trope will always be friends to lovers. And yes, after I write, I celebrate with cheesecake and still can’t believe I did it. Again. Never gets old 😀

    If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?

    The best time is when the kids aren’t in my face. I’ve never made myself blush, but that’s probably because I’m a pretty open person. Most of my conversations turn to sex at some point. You’ve all been warned 😉

    If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?

    Probably Flirty Thirty because it’s free, and it gives a good look into my style. I was uninhibited for that one and proud of it!

    Do you have any blog tours, signings, or other upcoming events that you would like to promote?

    I’ll be at the RAWR signing in Atlanta, Georgia, February 2024. I’m the spotlighted Rom Com author, and super excited to visit there! Never been to Georgia before 😀

    Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?

    I find the most romantic things to be ones that are out of character for my MCs, or something they have to overcome. There’s one book where my girl, who is terrified of the ocean, runs into the ocean to tell her guy she loves him. There’s another when my guy, who has always wanted kids and a family, tells the girl he loves who can’t have kids that she is his family. My books tend to do those kind of grand gestures—the ones that seem super small but mean everything 😀

    Where can we find your book…

    Right here!

    https://books2read.com/u/bryd6E

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiemaeauthorpage

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassieCook2

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiemaeauthor/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlI_WRJuWKrjX4sNiNIu_g

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cassiemaeauthor

    Other: My newsletter is the best to see what I’m up to 😀 http://eepurl.com/c5OxYr

    Big –big thanks to Cassie Mae for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Enemies to Lovers. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

    Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Cassie Mae’s newest release at https://books2read.com/u/bryd6E

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2021-2023© All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle forrest Chronicles — Got time for a quickie? !

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    Chrissy Hartmann

    March 2023 – Got time for a quickie?

    Dear Pricklers,

    Yes, it’s a quickie. The Muses are tired and the pantry is locked. No more Oreo’s for the day. Off to bed once we finish this post.

    Okay, so first…

    Orrville Public Library is hosting their 2nd Annual Author Book Signing this weekend, Saturday, March 11th from 11 am to 3 pm. And yes, I’ll be there. Don’t count on the Musedes, they’ll be bowling. Apparently, their spring league starts that day. Hmm? How convenient, right?

    But they might make an appearance on Saturday, March 18th for the Massillon Public Library Book Signing. I’m excited for both, but Massillon is my first time there. Woohoo!!!

    Nevertheless, I’ll have both novels at each location, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.

    We’ll be doing a special price deal on both novelss for a bundle package. And if you can’t make it, it send me an E-mail from my website mentioning the special and you can order the set via E-mail or hopefully off my Extras page on the website.

    But, in all honesty, I hope you’ll come… I love you guys!

    Second…

    The Muses are getting restless and want me to make sure you can order any of our fun merch plus autographed books from the extras page https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras

    There will be a limited supply Saturday. And don’t worry, I’ll have QR codes to pass out for links to the E-books if you’d rather have that version. We can also send you away with an autographed book cover postcard if you really want one. In fact, I’d be happy to put my signature on one.

    Finally, the best for last…

    The Prickle Forrest Chronicles will be featuring two more romance authors this month. First one, Tuesday, March 14th with Cassie Mae cook and the second on Tuesday, March 28th with Sherri hollister.

    Woohoo!

    Okay, I’ve been informed it’s time to hit the pillow. Sheesh, definitely a quickie here. But don’t forget about the Author interviews on the 14th and 28th. Will chat soon…

    So for now, Good night Pricklers.. and don’t forget to stay prickley!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    P.S. We’ll send another update at the end of the month with pictures of the book signings. Hope to see you there!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Contemporary Western Romance Author and Award-Winning Short Story Writer

    chrissyhartmann

    https://ChrissyHartmann.com/

    Don’t miss out on Chrissy’s debut novel now available on digital and paperback…

    RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION

    What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three?

    Only one way to find out…

    Amazon

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737928817?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

    Now out is the Whiskey Salvation series novella

    Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation

    Welcome back to Whiskey!

    God, family, and coffee always come first for Charlie Stockton. But not always in that order. Charlie just wants a cup of coffee. But there’s a battle between wife and daughter that rages on. How does he help without betraying his wife? And let’s not forget about the mischivious troupe of clowns!

    Get your paperback or E-book at Amazon:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTBLC6T5?ref_=pe_3052080_397670860

    Chrissy Hartmann Prickle Forrest LLC 2021-2023©

    All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – Special Edition – Cecelia Conway – Three Months in Spring

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    Author Interview with Cecelia Conway

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Cecelia Conway!

    It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.

    First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember?

    I’m from Southern Wisconsin and have just started on my publishing journey about eight months ago. I’ve always been interested in writing and majored in English/Creative writing in college but then put it aside to pursue other ventures until now. Three Months in Spring is going to be my third full length novel and is part of my Door County Dreams series.

    What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?

    Right now I’m focused primarily on contemporary romance although I do have plans for a paranormal series that will debut in late 2024.

    As far as what I read, I’ll pick up almost anything. If you name a trope or subgenre I’ve probably got it on my shelves or in my Kindle.

    When I was younger I got a lot of my inspiration from authors like Lori Foster and Debbie Macomber. To me, seeing them in the grocery store aisle seemed like the pinnacle of success. Right now, I’m loving all the creativity coming from Indie Authors that I’ve been introduced to through BookTok and BookStagram. Self publishing has opened up so many options for storytellers to stay true to their creative vision.

    In brief, tell us about your book, Three Months In Spring.

    I knew after finishing my first two books in this series exactly who was getting their happily ever after in book three.

    Andrea Owens is a reclusive chef with a dark history that she’s trying to keep buried. Unfortunately her charming boss, Steven Freider, isn’t letting her do that.

    Their turbulent relationship is put to the test when her past comes back to haunt her. Will he get serious and commit to what they could have? And will she take the risk and put her trust in him?

    When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Three Months In Spring how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?

    As a baby author, seeing that box of books with my name on the cover come in the mail is always nerve wracking and exhilarating. With this one, I was so excited to see them and share Steve and Andrea’s story that I posted about it right away.

    When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other?

    Honestly? I mostly stare at my screen, scroll through TikTok for an hour, and then realize I’ve put myself behind schedule 😛 It seems the adrenaline rush from procrastination usually resolves whatever issue I was having and my brain will conjure up a solution.

    Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write?

    My desk is super small so there’s not too much on it. The biggest things are a daily journal, planner, and my reading log for the year. My one concession to decoration is an eiffel tower letter opener. You might have It was super popular on BookTok because it looks just like the dagger on the cover of From Blood and Ash 😂

    What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?

    I think, foundationally, all of my characters are dealing with some kind of trauma and ultimately overcoming it. When I started seriously writing again, it was a way for me to work through some of my own demons and I put a little of that into each of my stories.

    When I get to the end of a manuscript I’m definitely a little shell shocked that I’ve managed to string together 80,000 words.

    If you write the hotter romances, when’s the best time for you to write those scenes? Does the writing come natural or do you make yourself blush? Have your parents stopped answering your calls? Buy you a gold-plated keyboard? Or have they signed you up for sex counseling classes?

    I think the best time to write them changes a little with every character’s story. In my first two books, the main female character was a sexual assault survivor so they didn’t get to that point in their relationship until well into the second book.

    But with Three Months In Spring, the characters have a history…that comes up in the prologue.

    Funny story. My dad actually reads my books. At first I was completely horrified but we’ve come to an understanding that we never mention those parts of the story and we never ever tell mom about it.

    So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?

    I did a charity anthology last fall with a group of indie authors and that was the start of my West Wing inspired series of novellas (the first one comes out this June). I’m also in a small town anthology with Fluffy Fox Publishing this coming fall and that will be the prologue to a new series of equestrian themed books that will be coming in 2025.

    If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?

    Well, it just so happens that my second book, Four Weeks in September, is going to be free on Amazon from March 5th-7th. This past weekend Book 1 was on sale so now it’s Book 2’s turn in the spotlight.

    If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?

    According to my pinterest board suggestions, for Three Months In Spring I’m looking for a blend of Rachel McAdams and Scarlett Johanson for Andrea’s part and for Steve I’ve always pictured him as a bit of Luke Evans mixed with Charlie Hunman.

    Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?

    It seems like the best answer is always groveling, especially for Steven in this book 😛

    Where can we find your books…

    Four Weeks in September:https://buy.bookfunnel.com/w7d5oqrymq

    Three Months in Spring:https://buy.bookfunnel.com/24v4pemd1x

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceliaconwayauthor

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceceliaconwayauthor

    Pintrist: https://www.pinterest.com/ceceliaconwayauthor/

    Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@ceceliaconwayauthor

    Other:

    ● Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ceceliaconway

    ● Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cecelia-conway

    Big –big thanks to Cecelia Conway for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and your latest book, Three Months in Spring And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

    Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Cecelia Conway’s newest release at Three Months in Spring:https://buy.bookfunnel.com/24v4pemd1x

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    https://www.prickleforrestchronicles.wordpress.com

    prickleforrestllc@sssnet.com

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2021-2023© All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – better late than never, right? 🤨

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles
    February 15, 2023
    Chrissy Hartmann

    Hello Pricklers!

    First let me say, I hope all of you lovers had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.😍🥰😘
    Okay, okay, I know I’m a day late, but I have my reasons. Good or bad, at least I got it close. But then again as the old timers would say,
    “Close only counts with horse Shoes and hand gernades.”

    Okay, right?
    Seriously, who says that?🤨 Oh wait, I did. Oops!

    The plans were to launch Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation on the 14th of February, but at the last minute Amazon decided to flag the book cover measurements.
    Why?
    Still not sure because the actual physical proof looked beautiful. So why it happened , have no clue. Anyway, those of yu who preordered your copy, via E-book, it’s coming soon, real soon! Promise!!!

    For those who are ordering a paperback go here to get your copy:

    Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation: A Whiskey Salvation Series Novella: Hartmann, Chrissy: 9781737928836: Amazon.com: Books

    And for those who want to share the Whiskey Salvation Series, you can get book 1, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation at this link:

    Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation: Hartmann, Chrissy, Hagman, Angelica: 9781737928812: Amazon.com: Books

    Please leave a book review on Amazon or GoodReads. There is even a new place for romance readers to leave a review. Check out Romance IO.
    Now that’s a great place to find reviews and links to order romance novels.
    Very clean and concise platform.

    But, hey, your just glad its out now, right?
    If you have any comments or questions you want to direct to the author, you know, me, you can go to my website and send me a message from my contact page. Here’s the link:
    Https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

    Next thing up is either editing my short story anthology,

    Tales From The Prickle Forrest or writing the third book to the Whiskey Salvation Series.
    Which one do you prefer?
    Leave your thoughts below or send them to me, if you are one of those quiet shy types.

    Upcoming Important Dates:
    Orrville Publick Library 2nd Annual Author Book Signing 📖📖📖
    Saturday, March 11, 2023
    from 11 am to 3 pm.

    Massilon Public Library Author Book Signing 📖📖📖
    Saturday, March 18, 2023
    from 11 am to 3 pm

    I’ll have both Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation books there to autograph plus some really cool merch.

    You can also order the merch from my website:
    Https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras
    . Please stop in to see me!

    Hey, on a final note, what other books are you all reading? Send me a note or make a comment below. Thanks!

    Stay prickly, my friends,!
    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC
    rickleforrestllc@sssnet.com
    Copyright 2023. All rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles Knocks it out!

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Special Edition – Book Review

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    Title: Things We Never Got Over

    Series: Knockemout Series – Book 1

    Author: Lucy Score

    Pages 599

    Well, in two days or less I knocked out this 599+ page contemporary romance by the highly successful Indie Author, Lucy Score. If, you haven’t heard of her, well, read below. And please don’t hesitate to leave your own comments about the book. I’d love to hear your opinion. And suggestions on other books are welcome too!

    sunshine and Grumpy? No, more like Grumpy and Grumpy, which I’m not opposed to at all. Well, for the most part. Just at least make the guy like “the Viking” a little more grumpier, which Lucy Score did.

    Only “the Viking’s” grumpy endearing character propelled me to read on. and the other? At first, a “likeable” bitchy tude, but then turned into a wilting daisy for the most part.

    Didn’t quite follow the sunshine trope if that’s what the author intended. The grumpiness worked though, especially one with a great heart.

    I will have to admit somewhere after Lucian had been introduced I started to daydream about him… and I’ll admit, lost interest in the MMC, Knox whenever he entered the scene. Oops! Disappointed will need to wait until book three comes out to read his story with Sloane.

    Had a little trouble believing Knox having the what I like to call “authority,” “command,” or whatever you want to call it that he had over what seemed like the town folk with only being a tatted up barber and lottery winner. Hmm? In almost 600 pages would like to have seen more about that side of him come out than some of the other stuff. But, hey, maybe, I just missed it. I’ll reread it, maybe? I. Doubt it, but maybe.

    Naomi, I liked… at first. Liked her attitude when she tried to get her coffee. I really thought, hey, now here’s someone different. I’m going to like her. After all, I might act this same way when I’m in need of some coffee. But nope, she just seemed to get worse. And no, you can’t blame the lack of caffeine on her character. How anyone might think at the start she’s the sunshine I’ll never understand.

    The supporting cast are the ones to keep an eye on. Well, except if you’re the dog. I only suggest next time, the author NOT name the dog similar to one of the supporting characters. Got too confusing to keep track of who was who. But the Way and Way’s relationship warmed my heart. Well done!

    and speaking of the supporting cast, Nash, I’ll read, but only because it gets me one step closer to Lucian. Good Lord, I hope Lucian’s not a disappointment.

    Stef, the parents, the bar crew and coffee shop drinkers definitely added flavor to the story and can relate to some of those characters in a small town, which Knockemout had no lack of and which made the whole small town setting believable.

    And let’s not forget the “bad twin” Tina. glad to see she’s not so horrible Now, she, would be an interesting character to develop into her own book with a “bad girl” and “nerd” trope once of course she gets out of prison and reunites with her family, but at her age, might have to tone down the sex and develop the storyline in order to compensate for her age. What, she might be 50+ once she gets out of jail? Right? Would have loved to see these characters a little younger, not by much, but a few years might have helped with the whole “sunshine and grumpy” approach and a story for Tina. But if anyone could write a fun romance for Tina and some unsuspecting Knockemout” guy, then I have every confidence that Lucy can write one without too much trouble with the logistics. She’s got the talent to do it.

    All in all, it was a fun read, but to be honest, not the trope I would have gone for. The Sunshine Grumpy thing just didn’t work here. I’d say a strike out, but, with Knox’s appeal, I think he got a walk. But, hey, Nash is on deck and Lucian’s in the whole. So will I keep going with the series? You bet your bottom dollar. Authors tend to get better with their series and I have every confidence in Lucy on hitting a grand slam by the time she’s done. And if a book can make me laugh more than once, I’ll be happy to give the other’s their time on the field. And let’s not forget the Lucian factor. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read a romance about a mysterious bad guy and a librarian? Hmm?

    Now to crack the whip! After all, my novella, a contemporary western romance, Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation comes out February 14th on KDP and KU.

    For more info on Lucy’s books you can find her on Amazon and probably tons of other places Plus you can go to https://lucyschore.com.

    For me, check out my website, https://chrissyhartmann.com

    And even sign up for my newsletter, which you do automatically get my special blog updates. Just click on the link below to sign up.

    https://chrissyhartmann.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d0f01c8348dea41f224ec4ca7&id=cc4adb5682

    Thanks Pricklers!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    www.chrissyhartmann.com

    chrissyhartmann

    Don’t miss out on Chrissy’s debut novel now available on digital and paperback…

    RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION

    What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly Troupe of clowns? Or all three?

    Only one way to find out…

    Amazon

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737928817?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2023©

    All Rights Reserved

  • The January 2023 Freeze

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    The freeze is on. Happy New Year! Yes, it’s January 2023 and at the moment even though there is a roaring fire, it’s heading to 23 degrees tonight. The weighted blanket, heating sheet, and wool socks will be on before the pillow gets fluffed. In other words, it’s cold, freezing cold here in northeast Ohio. Not even trying to get a cuddle from my long-haired bobtail kitten is warming me up. Probably doesn’t help either when she’s not in the mood to cuddle.

    Chrissy and Punkin cuddling… Sort of.

    The Past…

    Managed to win a bet with another author friend and her hubby. We had to see who could lose the most weight between us. Didn’t look like we would win, but hubby managed to get the flue the last two weeks of the contest and we pulled it off by losing 20.4 pounds between the two of us. Woohoo! Woohoo! Not the way to do it though. I expect a rematch this spring though. And our prize? Since, chocolate is not tops on the list, it might have been something called a “chocolate stampede” from Longhorn. Our secret? Rowing machine, treadmill, and smaller portions. Well, at least for me. The hubby? Smaller portions and the flue. HaHaHa! But hey, we won.

    The Present…

    Finished edits for Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.

    The Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation book cover

    I think. Manuscript at the editors for one last review of formatting. Hope to have it up on Amazon by the end of the month as long as my copyright gets submitted in time. then will officially start back to work on book 2 of the Whiskey Salvation Series. Yeah baby!

    Started to new craft books. Structure for novel writing by James Scott Bell. He teaches one of those Great Works/Master classes and it’s fabulous. If you can’t take it, which you could just ask your library to see if they can get it. If they can’t then get his book. It’s exactly like the course. Love those kinds of classes.

    Superstructure, The key to unleashing the power of story by James Scott Bell

    The other book is on newsletter marketing. It’s a top seller, but at the moment I’m not fond of it. I just started it, so hopefully once I get deeper into it, it will get better. Right now only would give it 3 stars, the other book on structure gets 5 stars. It’s actually the first craft book that puts plotting all in layman terms that makes it actually understandable. Woohoo! Woohoo! Saved by the Bell!

    The Future…

    February is coming up. Ground hog day and St. Valentine’s day too. Might possibly host the Wayne NOvelist Guilds Christmas party since we had to cancel it due to a few getting sick. If I host it, will make it into a romance one. Sorry, but Christmas is over. No rewinds.Got to keep moving forward.

    Looking forward to a euchre party on the 17th, even got a new deck of cards. And yes, they have Braille marks on them. Should be interesting and a lot of fun unles of course the couples bring the same appetizers and desserts. I plan to take my stuffed mushrooms and possibly frozen raspberry oreo fluff, but only if The Muses can stay out of the Oreos.The rotten thieves pick the lock to the pantry every time they find out Oreos are in the house.

    Also will be planning on the author book signings I’ll do in March, June, August, and possibly October.

    The news…

    Barns and Noble will be opening a number of new stores this year.

    A presumed dead author is alive, at least that’s what she is telling her fans now. Isn’t that fraud? I think Sherlock would agree. AI is making its presence known in the writing community. Lots of writers using it. Maybe will consider it for those sticky Act 2 problems I seem to always have. Rumor has it that the Twitter tweets might be going to 4000 characters a post. Hopefully, it’s true. I know a number of authors that would help out greatly with advertising for their books.

    Other news…

    Politics are heating up. Now that the Republicans have control of the house, it might just get a little more exciting. Maybe even more than the election of the Speaker of the House. I’ll bet even more if the CSpan cameras are reinstalled. Might be more exciting than Monday night football. And don’t get me started on “carlargo.” Wow! That’s a mess, probably as bad as the whole thing with DOT. Don’t look to fly off anywhere in a hurry. That looks like a no go. Sheesh!

    Speaking of football or even sports, whats with these healthy athletes having hart attacks and dying on the field?Heard even some were dying as they walked to class? Holy smokes, not good! This is got to stop. And honestly, it’s not from climate change, but I’ll bet instead it’s from MRNA jabbs. And what’s with the inflation? Has anyone ever done an audit on the Federal Reserve? Are they even managing it correctly? Don’t they know economics there? Sure doesn’t seem like it. Okay, finally on my top five, the border? Wow! I have friends and family down there and they say it’s bad. This is got to stop. Did find a couple of alternative news sources just to see what the other side is saying and I’ll admit, they are quite entertaining. Some say they are On the Fringe and talk with some sort of X22 report factor.then there are those “107” other spots.Definitely, see the truth in them.

    An Finally, Me…

    Author book signing March 11th at the Akron Public Library from 11 am to 3 pm. I’ll be there with Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation books and merchandise.Then the next weekend, on the 18th, I’ll be signing books at Massilon Public Library from 11 am to 2 pm, and tentatively will be attending the Orrville Public Library book signing on the 25th. Later to be announced will be the dates for the Dover Public Library and the Coshockton Write-On Writers Guild book fair. Plus hoping to get our local library to do a book fair for local authors too, but those dates as mentioned before will be posted on a later date. In the meantime, it’s back to the keyboard for novel writing. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    Tootles for now. Got to locate my wool socks and turn on the electric blanket because once I’m done working on book 2, my weighted blanket won’t be enough.

    If you want to subscribe to my newsletter to get it into your in box go to my website and sign up, please. Https://chrissyhartmann.com/blog

    Or use this link if you’re in a hurry https://chrissyhartmann.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d0f01c8348dea41f224ec4ca7&id=cc4adb5682

    Again happy 2023!

    What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them? A “dead”uncle? A closed down shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three? Only one way to find out… 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation

    The Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation book cover

    http://www.books2read.com/Rescuing-Whiskeys-Salvation

    http://www.ChrissyHartmann.com/books

    Written by Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles Blog

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    Copyright January 2023 All rights reserved

    https://chrissyhartmann.com

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles Special Edition Author Interview with Julie Lucia

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition 

    Romance Author Interview

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Julie Lucia!

    It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.

    First, where are you from? How long have you been writing? What book is this for you? First? Second? Or too many it’s hard to remember? 

    I am from Buffalo, New York. I have been writing for over ten years. This is my fourth book and my first contemporary romance. 

    What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?

    I typically write Historical Romances, but I decided to change it up a bit and wrote my first Contemporary Romance. I enjoy reading Contemporary Romances with a Supernatural twist. I hate to be cliché, but a romance author that inspires me is Jane Austen since her writing always ends with a sweet happily ever after. 

    In brief, tell us about your book, Best Friends Christmas. 

    When besties Allison and Avery swear off desperation holiday affairs and write their Christmas bucket list, suddenly men find them irresistible. Allison runs into her college crush and Avery finds herself being pursued by a charming hockey player. This new wrinkle wreaks havoc on their bucket list. 

    When you received your first copy of your newly published book, Best Friends Christmas how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out? 

    My family and I celebrated with a night out to our favorite restaurant. 

    When you’re stuck with a scene, how do you resolve the trouble? Take a shower? Call your writing pals? Reenact the scene with your significant other? 

    I call on my friends to help me work through the obstacle, either with a walk or a long talk on the phone. 

    Besides your computer, what can be found on your writing desk? Pictures of a hunky guy? Gorgeous woman? Coffee? Popcorn? Craft books? Empty wine glass? Chocolate? The latest issue of Vogue? The Writer’s Magazine? Or maybe a fluffy fur ball? In other words, what helps you write? 

    On my writing desk, a cup of hazelnut coffee, the prayer of Saint Francis De Sales, and my reading glasses can be found. 

    What type of character populates the majority of your pages? What’s your favorite trope to read and write? After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?

    A resilient character that can persevere through obstacles populates the majority of my pages. My favorite trope to read and also write is enemies to lovers. Every time I go back and read an excerpt of my pieces of writing I always get astounded that I wrote them. 

    So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?

    When I was sixteen, I read Rose of the Mists by Laura Parker and I was introduced to the romance genre. I was instantly hooked and was inspired to start writing romance of my

    own. I would want to collaborate with Laura Parker and Nora Roberts to work on a strangers to lovers romance. 

    If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?

    It would be Happenstance, hands down. This book started as a dream that I had and the love interest, Sanderson, is my favorite of all the protagonists I have written. 

    If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?

    Allison would be played by Florence Pugh. Avery would be played by Hailee Steinfeld. Jack would be played by Charlie Gillespie. Sam would be played by Ross Lynch. 

    Finally, we know you’re a romantic, right? So what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever had your MCs do to win the love of their life?

    In Happenstance, Sanderson tries to rescue the main character in a blizzard to win her love. 

    Where can we find your book…

    Belgravehouse.com, Amazon, Google Play, and Apple Books

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: @SouthernBeautyBook

    Twitter: @scribelucia

    Big –big thanks to Julie Lucia for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Best Friends Christmas. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible. 

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

    Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Julie Lucia’s newest release at https://a.co/d/ccqeqW6 . 

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann 

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    https://chrissyhartmann.com/blog

    January 2023© All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – December 2022 Newsletter by Chrissy Hartmann

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    Chrissy Hartmann

    December 2022

    Hello Pricklers!

    Wow! We’ve made it to the end of another year. It seemed a little touch and go with the weather as of late. Thought maybe this blizzard-like weather here in the Ohio area might get a little scary, but looks like things might be warming up now for the next week. It might actually get up into the 40s. Woohoo! It’s still perfect weather to crawl under the covers with a book and spend the day reading… or in my case writing.

    Speaking of writing…

    Finished Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation and just going over and making a few fine tweaks to it, but hoping still to get it out before the year ends. If not, then hopefully by mid-January, no later though. This book had to be one of my favorites to write. Love the characters and the whole plot. I hope all you Pricklers find it just as enjoyable .

    I wanted to take a short break before I got started back on the third book to the series, but those pesky Muses keep telling me “no rest for the wicked.” Not sure exactly what they mean or who they are talking about, but to humor them I have started back on it. The plans are to have the third book done by November 2023. Act 1 and part of Act 2 is written, which for me is about 25,000 words. It does have its name and the book cover made up already. How I’ll keep them under wraps until November I have no clue. But we will do another contest like we did for CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION book cover and title. We’ll kick that off in early October. So stay tuned…

    On another positive note, we have more author interviews coming up with Julie Lucia on January 3rd, Celia Phoenix on January 10th, Cecelia Conway on February 28th and even more after that.

    If you missed our previous interviews, you can catch Dallas Ryan at Special Edition: Interview with Romance Author DALLAS RYAN
    prickleforrestchronicles.wordpress.com

    Jennifer Skinnell at SPECIAL EDITION – Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann – Indie Romance Author Interview – Jennifer Skinnell – November 29, 2022
    prickleforrestchronicles.wordpress.com

    And Jessica Butler at https://prickleforrestchronicles.wordpress.com/2022/12/21/prickle-forrest-chronicles-special-edition-with-author-intervew-jessica-butler/

    Don’t forget you can get an autographed copy of CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION by going to my website and order a copy from there. I would love to send you one just as soon as they are published. You can preorder it at https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras

    Stay Prickly! Have a Happy New Year!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    prickleforrestllc@sssnet.com

    December 2022© All Rights Reserved