Category: Uncategorized

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES
By Chrissy Hartmann
December 2021

It’s that time of the year again. When the door’s opened, cold rushes in. Christmas Gifts purchased. Sunlight fades to a sparkling dust of diamonds across the sky. Twinkle lights glow red and green. Carols sung. And the snow’s settled in for the long haul.
What? Wait! No snow?
Oh sure maybe a flake or two, but nothing rooted to the ground yet. Heck, the ground’s probably not even frozen. Hey Mother Nature! Put that broom away and call Jack Frost and Frosty. They are missing in action. Snow’s needed now. Right now. No one wants the stuff showing up in April! So bring it on, but slowly, please. Don’t go hog-wild with any blizzards. Just a Little bit. Maybe an inch or two. You know, enough to call off school once or twice. Enough to tackle the stacks of books by the fireplace that needs read with a good hot cup of coffee. Plus, don’t forget about writing. And yes, these are only a few good reasons to cozy up next to the fire… especially with lots of hot-hot coffee.
So let the flakes fly. Remember that ground hog calls how much longer winter will last and with no snow now, it doesn’t look good for spring. Plus, Frosty needs a little help.
So let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Happy Holidays!

THE TOP FIVE
1. Holiday cheer. Hug someone. Hug someone now!
2. Christmas Trees and snowmen. Just love them!
3. Christmas Hope. Look at Christmas 1776.
4. Silver. Silver. Silver! And yes gold too!
5. Christmas cookies. Yummy!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…
Okay, finally got back to working on book 2 of the Whiskey Salvation series. Yay! And about time too!
Can authors forget their writing style? Hmm?
But needless to say, RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION is now posted to Amazon in kindle and paperback, Google playbooks, Apple, and Barnes and noble as digital and maybe paperback too, and don’t forget about Nook. Woohoo! Next series will consider Draft 2 digital also. Love it!
The Muses caught me on a high note after all the notifications of publishing and did convince this author an in-between book should be published. So book 1.5 hopefully to arrive this spring. Need to write four chapters and a few minor scenes. Oh Boy! Working on that now. Check the website out for more details or follow the social media links below.

QUERYING…
This will be the last time you see this category. Not planning to query any novels, but possibly the short stories. But, if that happens, will post a special Chronicle announcing its progress. Did come up with two more story ideas for the short story book. That might give the book twenty-two or twenty-three short stories. About 40+K words. There will be two stories in it that have one writing contests. Speaking of contests, the chronicle will be changing somewhat in 2022 and a contest will be added periodically to the chronicle, but only subscribers to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles newsletter will be able to participate. So sign up at http://www.chrissyhartmann.com/contact

THE CRAFT
This month’s writing tip…
If you self-publish, find others in your genre who have done it and ask them questions about it. Will save you time so you need not dig through all kinds of files on the internet about it. Decide if you want to be your own publisher or go as sole proprietor or as an LLC. Then gather all tax info for either way. Get your ISBN in order and filled out. Have your book cover ready for digital and paperback formats. Get your finances in order. And make sure you read up on what type of files are needed for the book cover and the book contents. PDF? Docx? Another format? And figure out a marketing plan. Books don’t always sell themselves. Get a review for it too. Those help lots.

THE HOLIDAYS:
First celebrated Winnie’s 12th birthday on the 6th. She loved all the treats she got. Some gourmet some not so much. But she loved them. Yummy! Although one can tell by her reaction as you go out the door, she’s still not thrilled that she’s retired. Breaks the heart to have to leave her behind. She’s definitely missed when going out. But for her safety, the time had come and this way she’ll be around a lot longer.
Christmas blew in too quickly. Not much time to prepare. Will remember next time not to launch a book in November without being prepared first. Did manage to get the shopping done. And okay, maybe two days before and spent wrapping gifts on the 23rd and 24th, but smiled doing it. Love to wrap gifts in newspaper. Don’t like wrapping paper anymore. If you got the funny papers AKA Sunday comic section, it’s fun for the kids too. Big bows are a plus to. Although managed to forget those this year. But luckily the guys didn’t mind. Now Punkin, that’s a different story. Will admit though, don’t think she like the new Christmas tree. The lights built into it made it hum. Would be nice if it played a Christmas song when they were turned on. Only bad thing about Christmas this year, no snow. Bummer! Not usual for Ohio. Usually we have at least a few inches on the ground by now. None this holiday. Even Boxing Day a disappointment. Rain. Looking forward to New Year’s Eve. Maybe snow then, Hmm? Might host a party this New Year’s Eve. Will update in 2022.

THE BOOKSHELF:
1. Catch the Unicorn: Demystifying Book Marketing for Fiction Authors by Denis Caron
2. Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber
3. How to Write Short Kindle Books Romance (Book 1) by Nina Harrington 4. A Kiss in the Snow by Susan Mallery
5. The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery

SEASONAL FAVORITES:
SEASON: Winter. Brrr!
SPORTS: Still football. But beginning to wonder why. Browns? OSU? Come on guys!
COLOR: Black and Dark Brown. Thinking of leather, right?
CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Ruff! Ruff!
SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden The louder the better! FOOD: Salmon with sweet potatoes. Yummy!
HOT DRINK: Apple cider with Minglewood cinnamon whiskey. Wow! FLOWER: Roses…preferably fire and ice roses. Beautiful!

DID YOU KNOW…
Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?
Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.
**Dexcom G6 is upgrading soon… more info to come.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…
* The Resident. Bring back 45.
* Virus variants. IF they are real.
* Mandates. Remember only bodies of legislature can make laws. Mandates are not laws.
* No snow.
* Inflation. Shortages. Fear tactics. Crimes against humanity.

THEY SAID…
This month’s quote is by
George Washington – December 25, 1776

Victory or death

HOMETOWN UPDATE…
* Maynard’s and Meir coming soon.
* WCS going back to masks until the end of the year. Seriously? * Utilities everywhere have increased.
* Hospitals if full, only because sections closed down because they let go of unjabbed healthcare workers. And if full, it’s the jabbed who are filling them.
* Clay Clark coming to Canton in February.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…
The Muses want to know… Do you prefer…
Real Christmas trees or fake ones?

Please leave your comment below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…
Goosie & Gander
Our geese friends celebrated Winnie’s birthday, but when they figured out nothing to eat but dog treats they headed for other entertainment. They did however manage to show up to help celebrate Christmas. Maybe a bit much but they were happy to bring some cheer for such a snowless holiday. Even Santa liked their spirit. They say his exact words were “Ho! Ho! Ho! Nice!” Merry Christmas!

FIND ME…
Author website
http://www.ChrissyHartmann.com

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/chrissyhartmann

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

Sign up for the Prickle Forrest Chronicles:
http://www.ChrissyHartmann.com/contact

WEBSITES:

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)
https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks
https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts
http://www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye
http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches
http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Prickle Forrest Chronicles
Prickle Forrest LLC 31December2021(c)

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES
By Chrissy Hartmann
November 2021

Wow! The beautiful fall colors make the cold weather settling in more bearable. The pumpkins continue to guard the porch. The anticipation of Thanksgiving dinner makes the bellies grumble with all the ads for the big feast. But with a few pumpkin doughnuts all is forgiven. Noticed Mr. Scarecrow doesn’t look too happy, not especially with the couple of days Jack Frost decided to show up with Frosty. And guess who’s not thrilled about their appearance? Yep, that’s correct, Mother Nature. Rumor says she’s banished them away until December. So grab a plate of food, a book, and settle in for a good read. Falls about to end with a cold winter ready to take over. Enjoy!
“And have a fabulous Thanksgiving!”

THE TOP FIVE
1. Thanksgiving holiday. Family, friends, and food. What could be better? 2. Fall colors. Red, orange, gold, brown. Gods perfection!
3. Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation published to Kindle. Woohoo! 4. The Eagle Scout Project started. Double Woohoo!!
5. Wooster High School football to the playoffs.. God willing!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…
Last month, lost the file to publish to KDP. Had to recreate it. Second round version much, much better. Digital preorder on KDP started the 5th. Author proof not coming until the 10th, the day before paperback version to go live. But got notice that proof coming the 7th. Woohoo! Hopefully everything will look fantastic so don’t have to postpone the paperback release. Indi groups on FB very helpful. Old writer friends are a blessing. Thanks Darrell! Thanks Max! Next step… publish to Google, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. Yeah baby! Going to do a promo contest in December. Trivia questions to win a free copy of book 2. Probably will give 5 away signed. Good idea, right?
Check it out:

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

QUERYING…
Not happening for Whiskey Salvation series. Maybe the For Love Series. Maybe. Don’t hold your breath though. Really like this Indi stuff, now that first novel loaded into KDP. Hoping Google and Apple just as easy. Probably not though. Wouldn’t have that good luck. LOL!

THE CRAFT
This month’s writing tip…
Backup everything! Get rid of junk stuff so if it’s necessary to traverse through all your old files to find the one you need, its better organized. A definite time saver.
Portable USB drives and external USB drives work wonders! Just do it!

THE HOLIDAYS:
Election day rolled across the country in a definite red-wave style. Lots of DemoRats out, and MAGA republicans in. Woohoo! Veterans day celebrated in patriotic silence and appreciation. Hoping to Pick up a few vets dinners this Turkey Day. Wish could do more to help them out.
Thanksgiving with the family. Lots of food. Actually going to have too much food, not enough hours, and too little of take-home containers. But the stuffed mushrooms are always a big hit. Never have leftovers. Bummer! To end it off, only 33 days until Christmas! Get your shopping done soon. Who knows if anything will be on the racks and shelves the closer it gets.

THE BOOKSHELF:
1. Nuremberg Diary by G. M. Gilbert
2. Holiday: A Christmas Salsa by Sharon Miller Hunter
3. Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation by Chrissy Hartmann

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

SEASONAL FAVORITES:
SEASON: Fall! Almost over. Ugh!
SPORTS: Still football. Buckeyes doing well. Browns, remains to be seen. Don’t think this will turn into a super bowl year. Boohoo!
COLOR: Dark Brown. No other colors need apply.
CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Bark! Bark!
SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden Love it!
FOOD: Sweet potatoes. A classic yummy!
HOT DRINK: Coffee with pumpkin cream and a shot of Minglewoods cinnamon whisky.
FLOWER: Orange and white daisies and orange roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…
Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?
Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS…
* governments relentless effort to mandate masks and jab.
* Supply shortages brought on by federal government regulations. * Time change… fall back.
* Businesses needing help. America wake up! Get back to work. * Selfish writers. Need anything else be said?
* Brandon’s infrastructure bill. Only 9% going toward infrastructure, if that!

THEY SAID…
Helen Keller
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”

HOMETOWN UPDATE…
* Lots of new building in town. A warehouse type building going out by the industrial parkway possibly by Frito Lay. Subway putting in a stand-alone store at Winkler and Cleveland. New baseball fields at Miller Fields. * Buckeye Book Fair started Saturday, November 6th 9:30 am to 4 pm. A huge success! Next one, Saturday, November 5, 2022. Woohoo!
* Life Scout from Troop 65 building a new hut for Salvation Army bell ringers.
* Wooster City Schools Thanksgiving break starts Wednesday, November 24th. * Village Catering doing Thanksgiving dinners again for pickup out of Greystone. Needed to call by the 19th to order. Delicious!

INQUISITIVE MINDS…
The Muses want to know… Do you prefer
Stuffing or mashed potatoes?
Please leave a comment. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…
Goosie & Gander
Even though this is not a favorite month for Goosie and Gander, they do like to celebrate the colors and the leaves. Plus since Gander and Goosie both served in the Navy they like to sport their attire to celebrate Veteran’s day with their Patriots. Stay tuned for next month… They love celebrating Christmas…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

FIND ME…

Author Website
http://www.ChrissyHartmann.com

Amazon Author Page
wwww.amazon.com/author/chrissyhartmann

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

Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=76xshzf27zvm&utm_content=onynr0

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355/

Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/usawriter355/

WEBSITES:

PromoWarriors
http://www.promowarriors.com

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)
https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks
https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts
http://www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye
http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon
https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1

Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon
https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-8 43fe28a8b61.v1.png

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches
http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Prickle Forrest LLC (c)22November2021

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

October 2021

Its fall! But don’t let the cooler weather of October keep you from enjoying life. Throw on a jacket and grab a hot drink. The autumn colors are truly a gift from God. No one else can paint like he. Enjoy the bursting colors of red, gold, orange, and brown. Count the pumpkins on front porches. Wave at the scarecrows standing guard. Pause for that black cat who might travel across your path. And revel in the costumes the kids wear. For only a month away, the temperatures will dip to a wool blanket setting at night and your hot cup of cider might turn into something stronger. Enjoy the time now and especially enjoy the time reading a spooky novel where it makes the hair on your neck stand up and your breath catch in your throat. And one last thing… Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation is coming soon!

Happy Halloween!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Fall colors. Red, green, gold, brown, orange. Beautiful!

2. Pumpkin coffee cream. Fabulous!

3. Monoclonal antibody therapy treatments. Lifesaver!

4. Decorated pumpkins. Boo!

5. Online shopping and store pickup. Hallelujah!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

Okay so last month with the help of the Wayne Novelist Guild had the novel all ready to go to KDP, then…. COVID struck the house. Down for at least two weeks, all of us. When surfaced, the file to send in the novel couldn’t be located. Had to start over. Ugh! Torture. Pure torture. But did create a new blank template for future books and now just need to do is plug in the text and it’s good to be printed. Woohoo! New release date is set for November 11th just for some extra cushion, need to send for a proof. Worked on the website too. Should be up soon, real soon Lori Soard at PromoWarriors is awesome!. Looks great too. Getting the graphic artist in the family to help out with pics. Check him out at Rye Designs. Custom-made pics for the background of the website. The tiredness sets in early each night, so not getting a whole lot done each day, but baby steps are working out for the time being. Hope to have it up and running by launch of the book which is November 11th. Keep the fingers crossed!

QUERYING…

Not doing it right now unless maybe for a short story. Will consider it for next series. Now that the template made for KDP, not sure if querying will ever happen again. But learned never to say never. LOL.

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Don’t work yourself to a frazzled bone. Exercise, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, eat right, and take vitamins. Thank goodness for the vitamins; otherwise, might be in the hospital right now. Vitamin D3, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, quercetin, magnesium, and grape seed extract. Plus a baby aspirin to help out. This cocktail works wonders!

THE HOLIDAYS:

If there were any other than Halloween this October, then not celebrated here as most of the time spent in bed. Did start to feel better probably a week after the confirmation of CV-19 on Thursday, October 7th. Would have celebrated monoclonal antibody therapy day on the 8th, but don’t think it’s a national holiday yet. And anyways, could hardly sit up in a wheelchair to give it its proper due. Did manage to give out a happy “Woot woot” when saltine crackers could be choked down with some water and there were no repercussions from doing so. First solid food in about two weeks. Once the energy started to come back, it enabled a shopping trip via online Instacart and Wal-Mart for groceries and Halloween store and Amazon to get this year’s Halloween costume pieced together. Eighty bucks later, flicked and tapped in an order for the finishing touches to the Cat in the Hat costume. Plus let’s not forget the accessories for Thing 1 and 2. Backup will be last year’s costume, Waldo’s girlfriend Wendla. Hopefully it won’t snow. Sometimes feels like it’s going to. Don’t want to forget the night out in costume to celebrate our 23rd anniversary walking around downtown Woo for their Halloween crawl. Fun, but maybe next year won’t be so tired. Now to pick out the candy for trick-or-treaters. Fun! Fun!

THE BOOKSHELF:

No books this month. No energy to listen or read for long periods of time so listened to podcasts instead, which are…

1. X22 Report

2. On the Fringe by Dan Radio Style.

3. Writing Excuses –

4. The Editing Podcast

5. The Dan Bongino Show

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Fall! Best. Time. Of. The. Year. Ever!

SPORTS: Football – Go Brownies! Go Buckeyes! O! H! I! O!

COLOR: Dark brown with any accentuating fall color. Beautiful! Just beautiful!

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Woof! Woof!

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden. Strike up the band!

FOOD: Pumpkin roll. To die for!

HOT DRINK: Apple cider with a shot of Minglewood cinnamon whiskey. O heavens, yes!

FLOWER: Yellow, orange, and white daisies and red and yellow roses…better yet…all of them!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med? Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• COVID-19. Rona. CV-19. Woohan virus. China flu. Whatever you want to call it, that’s it.

• Hospitals and doctors who tell you to go home with your CV-19 symptoms and then say come back when your worse. Why, so you can finish them off with a ventilator and remdecivir?

• Pharmacies who won’t fill your script for Ivermectin, HCQ, or budescinide respules.

• Postponing anniversary celebration.

• Inaccessible software. Hint! Hint! KDP and your Kindle Create.

THEY SAID…

“They may take our lives, but not our freedom.”

—Braveheart

HOMETOWN UPDATE…

• Mask wearing still in effect at most doctor offices and hospital. Apparently, they don’t follow the science. Wooster Community Hospital, Wooster ENT, Milltown Family Practice

• Stand-alone Subway rumored to be going in at corner of Cleveland Road and Winkler Drive. And yes, it will have a drive-thru. Woohoo!

• Some kind of crazy land transfer by an out of town developer wanted to take over the land donated by the Noble Foundation to the Wooster City Schools to rezone and put in a nursing home and low-income housing. Noble Foundation says not going to happen. Land donated strictly for educational use only. Yay!

• Edgewood Neighborhood doing their trick-or-treat Sunday, October 31st 6-8 pm. Hopefully won’t be too cold. Thinking about passing out large candy bars to treat the kids this year.

• Wooster City Schools and Wayne County Schools Career Center dropping mask mandate and going to parents’ option. Finally!

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer…

Snack-size candy bars or the regular-store size for trick or treat?

Please leave your comment below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander

Everyone in the house had CV-19. Yes, even the geese. But after a few day bundled into their nest, they felt better and hit different neighborhoods for some Halloween celebrating. Pumpkins, lions, scarecrows, bats, and a black kitty to name a few. Happy Halloween!🎃

FIND ME…

Author Website

www.chrissyhartmann.com

Amazon Author Page

wwww.amazon.com/author/chrissyhartmann

Instagram

www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=76xshzf27zvm&utm_content=onynr0

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355/

WordPress

www.prickleforrestchronicles.wordpress.com

Twitter

http://www.twitter.com/usawriter355/

WEBSITES:

PromoWarriors

www.promowarriors.com

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon

https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1

Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon

https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-843fe28a8b61.v1.png

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

September 2021

“We went to the animal fair. The birds and the bees were there. The big baboon by the light of the moon was combing his auburn hair. You should have seen the monk. He sat on the elephants trunk. The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees, so what became of the monk? The monk?”

Didn’t you love that? Used to sing it all the time growing up when fair time neared and yes, it’s almost time for the fair. Can’t wait to enjoy the fair fries, pumpkin funnel cakes, Lerch’s doughnuts, and steak on a stick. Oh boy! Plus got to get my fill of some real sheep. It’s too bad the fair rolls into town for a week. Not enough time to eat to my heart’s content. Hopefully mother nature will be good to the fair goers and not rain any days out. Don’t mind throwing on some boots, jeans, and a hoody though. The cooler the weather, the better. Taking notes this year. Will have to incorporate a fair into one of the novels. Hmm? A circus is like a fair, right? Maybe my Banzoff clowns in book 2 will have it up in running? Or maybe will just look for a book to read set at one. But whatever, September should be fun!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Pumpkin fair funnel cakes loaded with pumpkin cream cheese. Oh boy!

2. The tractor pull.

3. Football is in full swing. Go Browns! Go Buckeyes!

4. Pumpkin season is officially here.

5. Hoodies, jeans, and boots.

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

After much ado and the fantastic help by author Max Willi Fischer and author Darrell Newton, finally managed to get Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation ready to publish. Woohoo! Book cover created by Angelica Hagman. Shooting for October 1st to get it out on Kindle, then Google, Apple, Barns and Noble, etc. Found website designer who specializes in author websites. PromoWarriors now scheduled to start soon on the website. Hope to have it up and running by the end of October if not before. Book 2, the sequel is waiting in the wings for NaNoWriMo. Would like to work on it sooner, but must finish gathering stuff for the website. Can’t wait, it’s all coming together. Woohoo! Woohoo!

QUERYING…

Not even thinking about this right now. Maybe will try querying all my short stories. After all, two of them have won contests. Must mean something. Right?

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Find yourself a group of writers who have the same goal as you do.. To get published!

This way you can all push yourselves to reach that goal. And share all pertinent info with your new group of friends with regards to the writing craft and publishing. Not everyone finds the same info. You’ll never know what may and may not be useful until you share.

THE HOLIDAYS:

Not many this month. Worked Labor Day unfortunately. Curious though, does the week of the fair count as one? How about the first harvest of pumpkins? Would love it if either became national holidays. Definitely would celebrate the pumpkin one. But maybe October is for pumpkins? It’s possible the dreaming of pumpkin funnel cake has lured the brain to all the pumpkins. Hmm? Do want to give out a big shout out to Dad. A birthday at the age of 82 is something to celebrate!

THE BOOKSHELF:

1. Bad Blood by Marilyn Todd

2. How To Write Clean Yet Scintillating Romance by Mary Gray

3. How To Outline A Cozy Mystery by Sara Rosett

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Fall. Woohoo! It’s finally here!

SPORTS: Love football. But not in favor of jabs to play.

COLOR: Dark Brown, orange, gold, and red. Fall colors of course!

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Ruff! Ruff!

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden Love it! Never gets old.

FOOD: Pumpkin funnel cake with cream cheese icing. Yummy!

HOT DRINK: Apple caramel latte. Yeah baby!

FLOWER: Daisies and roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?

Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• Schools being wishy washy on masks.

• Media lies.

• Lazy people who collect unemployment.

• People who won’t follow the science.

• Data manipulators.

THEY SAID…

Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a folly.

— Benjamin Franklin

HOMETOWN UPDATE…

• Wayne County Schools Career Center buckled. Masks required by all students and staff.

• Ace Hardware taking over the Everything Rubbermaid store.

• Downtown Woo talking about a Halloween bar crawl.

• Wayne County Fair opening to the public and no mask required.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer

White pages with black print or cream pages with black print?

Please leave your comment below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander

Our fowl friends celebrated the month with a trip to the fair and earning a blue ribbon. They also celebrated with a couple of football games. They ended the month with a night at homecoming. I believe the theme was A Night In Paris. Oo La-La!

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

PromoWarriors

www.promowarriors.com

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… Maybe 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 http://www.chrissyhartmann.com #Amazon
(Preorder – RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION – (digital format) https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2Z24ENUUAEWUK&K=VWBIYBOL6NL6&M=urn:rtn:msg:20211104043219d8b16ce9e09

Paperback and digital editions available November 11th. Enjoy!

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

July 2021

July came in hot and with a bang. Not only firework bangs, but A moving bang. Seems as if got caught up in the hot-hot selling market for home owners. Did manage to snag the condo wanted. Now hopefully, with some updates to the home it will sell with no problem. Let’s hope the month doesn’t go out as a dud. Keep the fingers crossed, this could lead to a full-time job writing. Woohoo! Woohoo!

Stay tuned for August.

Happy Independence Day!

Remember too, Patriots, hold the line. America needs you!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Patriots, fireworks, Old Glory, and red, white, and blue!

2. POTUS 45 rallies.

3. Saturday morning breakfast out. Yum! Yum!

4. Packing boxes and moving companies. Yeah baby!

5. Saturday nights at the Blue Barn Winery. Wine, music, and people. Woohoo!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

To be honest, haven’t worked on the WIP for a few weeks. Packing up the homestead to move. Hope to be situated in the new home by the 28th if all goes well. Did manage to turn in a short story and a memoir for the local library writing contest. Will know results August 2nd. Keep the fingers crossed. Website is coming along. Background pics being designed by Rye Designs. Hope maybe can get Referral for book cover illustrator. But will take suggestions from the readers. Just leave a comment below.

QUERYING…

Ha! Not happening for this series. Maybe for the next one, which should be back on the drafting board in January.

Plan to showcase the talents from the website. Hope to have it up and running by mid August if not September.

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Find yourself a great book editor who can edit for plot holes. Nothing like writing a book and then sending it off to a line editor to find out there’s major plot holes. Not a common thing here, but it does happen. Even a group of beta readers can help or a writing group. Writers are great to use if they have time, after all, they know what to look for. Good luck!

THE HOLIDAYS:

Boom! Boom! Boom! Fourth of July Independence Day lit up the sky around here. Will miss living so close to the fireworks. Compliments to the crew who put them on. The WCFD did an excellent job.

Only other holiday worth celebrating right now is the potential move. Still ready to host a packing/moving party. No takers yet, but the local moving company. Somehow, don’t think they’ll appreciate getting paid in pizza and beer. Or will they? So other than celebrating the birth of the nation, a slow month for celebrating. But that’s okay. Moving in July works out for the social schedule. But havoc on the writing one.

THE BOOKSHELF:

1. The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

2. Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis

3. William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Books 4-6 by Ian Doescher

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Summer

SPORTS: Definitely not MLB. Not after the Cleveland Indians changed their name.

COLOR: Dark Brown, pink, wine, gold, and green. New bedspread colors.

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

FOOD: Bacon-cheese stuffed potato skins. Yummy!

Cold DRINK: Mai-Tai. Spiced Rum, fresh pineapple juice, and orange curacao. Oh boy!

FLOWER: Daisies and roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?

Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• Government officials trying to put the kybosh on firework displays. Shame on you!

• Domestic violence. Put the loser in jail!

• Hot real estate market. Ha! Market in reality not so hot.

• Mosquitos. And more mosquitos.

THEY SAID…

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but God establishes their steps.

– Proverbs 16:9

HOMETOWN UPDATE…

• Looks as if the hot hot real estate market is slowing. For sale signs up all over the place.

• City not spraying yet for mosquitos n the neighborhoods and they are terrible this year.

• Talk about building a combined grade school and junior high.

• New housing development of really expensive houses approved near the Oak Hill area, $250,000 or more.

• New housing development approved for the Melrose Drive area, houses ranging from 125,000 to 200,000… maybe more.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer the big colorful boomers or the lower sparkler-type fireworks?

Please leave your comment below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander spent quite a few days dressed patriotically with July 4th. Then they moved on to a flowery type of theme with roses. Finally They geared up more toward summer with beach days.

Not too many days to celebrate since their outfits were packed away. Fall coming soon so look for more pics then.

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon

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Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon

https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-843fe28a8b61.v1.png

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Prickle Forrest LLC © July 2021

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES
By Chrissy Hartmann
August 2021

Woo-wee! Hot days of summer are here. Ohio not going to let anyone down with temps in the 90s along with the humidity. Not me though. Going to stay in the air conditioning to work on a few projects though. But, Ohio does cool down in the evenings so great to sit out on the deck in the evenings. Soon though the fall weather will be hear and will probably wish for the heat again. Hahaha! Nope, not a chance. Love the fall and the colors. Crispy cool air is way better than heat and humidity. If a jungle atmosphere is wanted then will move to Florida. No seriously, love the change of seasons. So even though there are complaints about the heat, do love it at times. So it’s advised you grab a glass of tea, jump on your favorite deckchair, and enjoy a good book… lots of them out their… before the heat puts you to sleep.

*NOTE: Apologies to the Prickle Forrest Chronicle readers. This newsletter was found in the drafts folder. Apparently the post button didn’t work. So here it is…

THE TOP FIVE
1. Blue Barn Winery.
2. Cover bands.
3. Cheese plates.
4. Wine slushies.
5. Dancing all night long.

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

Working hard at getting the novel formatted for Kindle, Google, Apple, and Barns and Noble. Finally narrowed down the book cover. Looks fabulous. Can’t wait to show it off. Haven’t been working on the sequel for a while. Hopefully soon though. If memory serves correct, almost to the half way mark. But with selling the house it’s been difficult to work on. Hopefully can get it done with NaNoWriMo coming up.
Woohoo! Did get some great news.
Won the fiction and memoir categories for short stories for the WCPL “Imagine Your Story” writing contest. Stories will be posted in the Wayne County Bargain Hunter and the Wooster Weekly News publications starting October 2nd and all winners will have their stories published in an anthology, which all the libraries in the county will carry. Authors get a copy too. So now, you’re reading works from an award-winning published author. Woohoo! Woohoo!

QUERYING…

Do Indi authors query anymore? Might query future books, but only query if a publisher looks good. If self-publishing can get the novels on to Amazon, Apple, Google, Barns and Noble, etc., then why go with a publisher who takes practically all your profits?

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Learn grammar and how to punctuate for your genre. Lots of great books out there and websites to help you out with this. Check out one such fun book as

“Kiss My Asterisks” by Jenny Baranick
and the following website Grammar Girl :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™ .

THE HOLIDAYS:

No real celebrations this month… or none we could participate in due to all the house showings that are scheduled. But is going back to school considered a holiday? Will celebrate that with a day of shopping and eating out. Prefer to do it on “no tax” day.
A certain soon-to-be senior doesn’t think back to school should be celebrated. Ha! Too bad. Parents around the world wouldn’t agree.

THE BOOKSHELF:
1. Kiss My asterisks by Jenny Baranick.
2. The Reformation of Nate Adare by Max Willi Fischer
3. Family Guardian by Laurie Alice Eakes

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Summer… Hot! Hot! Hot!
SPORTS: Still boycotting all… idiots!
COLOR: Dark Brown… think fudge!
CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Ruff! Ruff!
SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden Aww!
FOOD: Stuffed baby bella mushrooms. Yummy!
DRINK: Arnold Palmer ice tea with lemonade… Refreshing!
FLOWER: Daisies and roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?
Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

* Mask mandates.
* Vaccinations.
* Fake news regarding medicines that work.
* Inaccessible software.
* Mockingbird media.

THEY SAID…

This month’s quote is by
George Washington
“The time is near at hand, which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.”

HOMETOWN UPDATE…

* Wooster City Schools requiring all students and staff to mask up for the school year. Wayne county Schools Career Center not requiring masks. Student and staff choice.
* College of Wooster requiring vaccine to attend college.
* Everything Rubbermaid closing.
* Lots and lots of jobs open in Wooster.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer…
Hard covers? Paperbacks? Or Digital?

Please leave your comment below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander unfortunately have had all their clothes packed up for a possible move. Sorry no pictures this month for the two. Look for them in September. Thanks!

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)
https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks
https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Dresses and Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts
http://www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye
http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon
https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1

Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon
https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-8 43fe28a8b61.v1.png

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches
http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Prickle Forrest LLC (c) August 2021

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

June 2021

Coming near you… Hot! Hot! Hot!

Things are getting hot! Mother Nature brought the month in with a few rainstorms, but probably a last minute fillip for her plants and trees. Forecasters predicting the summer to rank as one of the hottest ones around. So far so good, but maybe that news comes from the political forecasters. No matter what… Rain or sunshine, it’s time to get outside and breathe the fresh air. Grab some natural vitamin D and get some exercise. Don’t hesitate to support the local farmers. You’ll love their stuff and they love providing it to you. And remember a healthy body helps with creativity. Write to your content. Read for enjoyment. Just do it!

Have a happy June!

PS. Yes, we know PFC is late again…but at least it’s here. July’s issue coming soon. Real soon. Enjoy!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Schools out… Graduation.

2. Summer sunshine…Natural Vitamin D… Hot! Hot! Hot!

3. Flag Day… And 45s birthday!

4. Roses… Beautiful, just beautiful!

5. Farmers markets… healthy food to your body’s content!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

Found out the library is having a writing contest. Hopefully the short story submitted will place. Still working on part one of book II. Trying to decide if second person point of view for part of it would be worth doing. Probably will have to push back book launch. Still can’t get ahold of a book cover artist. Hmm? Although the graphic artist in the family is working on one for the short stories that will hopefully be launched by the fall. And yes, going to submit to the EQMM once a good short story editor is located. Website not up yet, looking like July will be the launch time. But don’t hold your breath.

QUERYING…

Okay, not querying the novel but the short stories are a different matter. Inspired by the favorite short story author, Marilyn Todd, hopefully her words of wisdom will help to figure out things. Keeping fingers crossed.

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

There’s never too much to learn about editing your own work. The more you can do, the less you’ll be dependent on others to show you your mistakes. So, get that grammar and punctuation hammered out and the only thing you’ll need to worry about is plot holes… hopefully!

THE HOLIDAYS:

A packed month for celebrating…

First, the unmasking of Ohio on the 2nd. Woohoo! Woohoo!

Second, graduation for all the senior high school kids in the area. Woohoo! Personally attended a number of parties. Lots of good food and happy seniors. One more year for this household. Let’s hope a better school year for the seniors of 2022. No repeats!

Next, celebrated a certain sister-in-law’s 60th birthday by dining out at the Old Jaole restaurant. Top quality fine dining and the atmosphere fantastic eating in the remodeled jail cells. Steaks tempted the palate for most, but a salmon did make its way to at least one of the partygoers. Yummy!

Next, Flag Day. Rotary Club had the city all spruced up with American flags in practically everyone’s yards. Old Glory looking fantastic as usual!

And finally with June 21st hitting, summer officially started. Pools opened a few weeks back, but weather’s not cooperating to the fullest, so now that it’s officially summer, Mother Nature has kicked it into gear. Yeah baby! Grab the suntan lotion and the towels. Ready for the sun!

The BOOKSHELF:

1. The Vineyard At Painted Moon by Susan Mallery

2. The Book of God; The bible as a novel by Walter Wangerin

3. Seven Day Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse; Lose up to 15 pounds in 7 days and turn your body into a fat burning machine by Jennifer J Smith

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Summer

SPORTS TEAM: Golf… Fore! Way to go Phil! PGA champ!

COLOR: Dark Brown and white. Reminds one of ice cream and chocolate. Oooo!

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye… Ruff! Ruff!

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

FOOD: Salads. Fresh salads straight from the garden. Yummy!

Cold DRINK: Iced apple cider vinegar water and iced lemon water. Refreshing!

FLOWER: Daisies and roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?

Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• Fake vaccines. Makers of the fake vaccines… BIOWEAPONS!

• BLM and ANtifa. Socialists and Marxists.

• Biden’s executive orders.

• The Central Bank. Manipulation of the stock market. Inflation.

• Illegal immigration. Incomplete border wall.

THEY SAID…

This month’s quote is by

Psalm 91:2

“I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress and my God in who I trust.”

HOMETOWN UPDATE:

• Masks came off June 2nd. Woohoo!

• Wooster decorated for Flag day thanks to the Rotary Club.

• Wooster High School graduation moved back to 11 am due to the heat wave rolling in.

• Housing market crazy here. Condos sold in a day or two. Market great for the seller, buyers not so much.

• A new Italian restaurant going in downtown Woo, which will also host a couple of loft apartments.

• Penn Station still not here yet, but word out is that it’s coming.

• College of Wooster on summer break. Summer camps looking doubtful.

• No word on next month’s fireworks celebration.

• Jobs plentiful and businesses desperate for help. Wages up to about 15 an hour. Unemployment stimulus bonus ends on the 26th or possibly sooner.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer reading plots about hot steamy romances or plots with a sweet romantic touch and a hot storyline?

Please leave your comments below. Thanks!

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander

Our fowl feathered friends started the month off celebrating graduation for Wooster High School. Woohoo!

Then jaunted off to a 60th birthday party Where they enjoyed a fabulous salmon dinner. Yummy!

They ventured out to the rose garden and found themselves a few to sniff and vase up.

Flag day rolled in along with a special birthday for their favorite number, 45.

And with the first day of summer on the 21st they made themselves ready to venture to the nearest waterhole. The local pools beware, the geese paddling in a pool near you soon…very soon!

Finally, they wished our Scout farewell for the last summer camp as a Boy Scout. Next stop Eagle rank. Woohoo!

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

COUPONS:

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon

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Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon

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Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Prickle Forrest Creations 30June2021©

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

May 2021

Holy smokes! It’s May. Wow! The flowers are blooming. The weather is warming up. School is almost out. And summer is just around the corner. Woohoo! Woohoo!

Now if America would just wake up and get back on track. It’s time to open up. So pull off those damn masks and fling open your doors, let’s get this economy back on track and show the world how we capitalist can make a difference.

And if you are having trouble deciding on what to do, well get over it and just get going. America needs you, and so does the world!

Where we go one, we go all!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Kentucky Derby.

2. Blooming flowers.

3. Star Wars

4. Memorial Day.

5. End of the school year

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

Still working on the website. Still looking for a book cover artist. And still working on the sequel to RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION. Also writing short short romance stories to put on kindle. Hopefully will have one by July, but again need a book cover artist. Ugh! Checking into one mystery magazine to publish a short story. Hopefully will hear back from them about the submission soon. Keeping the fingers crossed.

QUERYING…

Not querying the next two books, going to self-publish. But will be querying the short stories. Got the idea to do this from the favorite short story author Marilyn Todd, and by the way, she writes pretty awesome novels too. You can find her short stories in the Elery Queen Mystery Magazine.

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Expand your horizons. Write to your hearts content. Put out a newsletter, write a short story, tackle a novel, or do all of the above, just don’t stop. Write! Write! Write!

THE HOLIDAYS:

Okay, some may think horseracing is not a holiday, but when it comes to the Kentucky Derby its one in this household. Although much disappointment settled in when a certain Medina Spirit tested positive for drugs. Really? Come on. Does everyone have to cheat to win? First the 2020 election, now the Kentucky Derby? OMG!

Besides the derby the only major holiday to celebrate came at the end. Memorial Day. Not a holiday to go out and whoop it up, but definitely one to get together with friends and family and remember those in the military who died for our freedom. That’s right folks. They died for freedom… Our freedom. Don’t forget it!

Big-big heart-felt thanks to all those who served and perished. Your effort was not done in vain. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

God Bless America. And God Bless Our Military! Amen!

MY BOOKSHELF:

1. The Writers Body Lexicon by Kathy Steineman

2. GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon

3. Read Books All Day And Get paid For It: The Business of Book Coaching by Jennie Nash

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON:

SPORTS TEAM: Still boycotting. Boo!

COLOR: Floral print…especially those sassy little daisy’s.

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye. Ruff Ruff!

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

FOOD: Cranberry, walnut, chicken salad sandwiches. Yummy!

HOT DRINK: Pine needle tea. Yummy!

FLOWER: tulips, daisies, and roses… better yet…all three!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?

Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• Experimental drug inoculations… the COVID “fake” vaccines.

• M-spike proteins. Wuhan Laboratory, Dr. Fauci, Bill Gates.

• Allergies.

•Masks, vaccine passports.

• global elite – the reset community.

THEY SAID…

This month’s quote is by Maya Angelou

You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”

HOMETOWN UPDATE:

• Wooster High School seniors graduate on May 28th. Weird it’s on a Friday this year, but then again what hasn’t been weird about this school year.

• Town is buzzing about the lifting of the state mask mandate on June 2nd. Woohoo! Woohoo!

• Talk about consolidating the schools. One high school, one middle school, and one grade school. There’s a new superintendent for WCS so will have to wait and see. Personally don’t like the idea, sounds socialistic.

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know… Do you prefer…Romances with open door sex scenes or closed door ones?

Please comment below.

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander started the Month out with celebrating Star Wars with May 4th. Then galloped on to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Then went to a frog-jumping contest, played with some flowers, and ended the month paying respect to remember our soldiers. Next month summer is coming at us hot and with full force, so stay tuned…

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Outfits by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

Shop is on Etsy located at www.kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon

https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1

Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon

https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-843fe28a8b61.v1.png



PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

By Chrissy Hartmann

April 2020

Raindrops keep falling on… everything! Welcome back April spring. The sunshine is managing to peek through. Vitamin D in lots of demand especially after the past winter.

Good time to get outside with the tablet to type some. The fresh air will do a body good! And lets not forget to haul all the Easter candy out there too. Nothing like eating dark chocolate raspberry creams to get the endorphins flowing while typing.

Happy spring!

P.S. And yes the April chronicle is a bit late… but its out. Sorry!

THE TOP FIVE

1. Easter – family celebration – resurrection of Jesus Christ , Lord and Savior – Woohoo!

2. Rain. When it comes, flowers follow. Beautiful, just beautiful!

3. HCQ. Hydroxychloroquine. The real cure for COVID—19.

4. Patriots – Q – Hold the Line.

5. Truth — more truth – America strong!

WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

Working on RWS2. Need to find a book cover designer for RWS. Website will hopefully be up soon, but only if the censorship gets figured out. Regardless of where the RWS books will be hosted at, there will be a website. So do need a book for it and one with a kick ass cover. Hahaha! Found some great pics and designs for the website. Even got a logo for the brand. Awesome design! Checking out merch ideas to sell from there along with the book. Act 1 is almost done for RWS2. Hopefully by the end of the month. Still shooting to have the novel done by fall. But do need to find a book cover designer first! Would like to use the graphic arts designer, but due to a full schedule not possible right now.

QUERYING…

Found one more agency and a publisher to submit to. Will keep the fingers crossed, but doubts of the novel picked up by them are slim. Probably not woke enough. Ugh!

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

If you plan to go with a website, the best advice would be to get your own. Yes, getting analytic boost to your own website with the other author’s readers clicking on the site would be wonderful if you go with a multi-author website. But too many opinions on what should and shouldn’t be done.

Differences in opinion can be found with book covers, rating and nonrating age appropriateness, and content, and let’s not forget the genre.

Not projecting here, but when believing in the 1st amendment and upholding it with a bunch of anti-1st amendment people is tiresome. Seriously doubting this now…

THE HOLIDAYS:

Easter came in with the blessing of a beautiful day and time spent with the family. No Easter egg hunts this year though. The 17-year-old not thrilled to participate any more. Bummer! But did manage to venture out Easter weekend to Harry London Chocolates and get a box or two. Love the dark chocolate raspberry creams. Delicious!

MY BOOKSHELF:

1. Romance Tropes and hooks Romance Writers bookshelf book 1 by Karen Winter

2. The Short Story Romance Book: How I make over $1000 a month writing short story romance by Hope Ford

3. How to write short romance Kindle books: A complete guide to Kindle publishing Fast track guides book 1 by Nina Harrington

SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SEASON: Spring

SPORTS TEAM: Boycotting all right now. Boo!

COLOR: Vibrant Easter colors of purple, pink, blue, green, and orange. Wow!

CAUSE: The Seeing Eye Ruff ruff!

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden Aw!

FOOD: Harry London’s Chocolates, especially the dark chocolate raspberry creams. Yummy!

BEVERAGE: V8 Energy mango peach. Yeah baby!

FLOWER: Daisies and roses…better yet…both!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having the pancreas working on its own again. Provides a lot of freedom. One quick look at the iPhone app to see the blood sugar and you’re good to go. And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med?

Lots of great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH…

• Censorship…especially by writers. Go figure. Apparently, they don’t know the 1st amendment.

• Central Bank – Federal Reserve – Globalists.

• Mask mandates, lockdowns, and vaccine passports. – Unconstitutional- Violation of Nuremburg Code.

• Big Tech — meddling in education, voting laws, communication, economy.

THEY SAID…

This month’s quote is by

Benjamin Franklin

“The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still it is nonsense.”

HOMETOWN UPDATE:

• The Everything Rubbermaid Store is closing in May 2021 after 28 years. Bummer!

• Penn Station rumored to be coming to the north end. Okay, but what is it? Hmm?

• Wooster City Schools back to regular classes now that spring break is over.

• Ashland judge rules against mask mandate… will Wooster townsfolk use the new precedent to follow in their footsteps?

INQUISITIVE MINDS…

The Muses want to know…

Do you prefer spicy or fruit-flavored jellybeans?

Leave your preference below in the comments.

GOOSING OFF…

Goosie & Gander

Our fowl-feathered friends started the month off with International children’s book day and what better book than Winnie Pooh’s Adventures to spend the day reading on April 2nd.

Easter followed on the 4th. They had fun with the bunny and Easter egg hunt. Goosie found at least 3 of the sparkly eggs even though Punkin tried running off with an egg or two.

Gander’s sick of the lockdown and plans to venture out this summer, but first he practiced up on reading a road map on the 5th.

On the 10th, the weather could have been a touch warmer for Golfer’s day but Gander didn’t mind as long as he could be out and about. But Gooisie insisted they celebrate National Farm animal day that afternoon visiting her favorite cow.

Bat appreciation day on the 17th quite entertaining when Goosie and Gander interpreted it in their own way. But they definitely enjoyed Save the Frogs day on the 24th and International Guide Dog day where they managed to sneak in a pic with the resident dog guide, Ms. Winnie on the 28th. May looks to be a promising month of fun for Goosie and Gander. They have a few new outfits coming, so things should be exciting! Stay tuned…

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FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

WEBSITES:

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose dresses by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

Goose Shirts by Kathy and Kasey Krafts

kathyandkaseykrafts.etsy.com

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart Refer a friend $10 off coupon

https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1

Walmart Refer A Friend $10 off Coupon

https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-6e21/k2-_154d214f-c74f-4ee2-a20d-843fe28a8b61.v1.png