It’s official, my website is up thanks to Lori Soard at PromoWarriors.
Now you can subscribe to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles there where you won’t mess a post as it will come directly to your email inbox you’ll get lots more info on what’s going on in Chrissy Hartmann’s writing life. So check her out at
Prickle Forrest is also now using Square, so if you would like an autographed copy of Rescuing Whiskey Salvation or an autographed book cover postcard for the digital version, please contact Chrissy through her website to purchase one.
Aluminum bookmarks, coasters, shot glasses, and other such gifts will be available to purchase soon. Watch for pictures to be updated on the website for these items. Again, subscribe here and you’ll get more news. Thanks!
PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES UPDATE
March 2022
By Chrissy Hartmann
Hello Pricklers,
The newsletter is going through some changes. It may or may not be posted to the WordPress website any more. This decision has not been finalized. But if you don’t want to miss a copy of it, then please go and sign up for it at:
The newsletter will be updating the Prickler fans on publication status, craft tips, and there will even be some giveaways.
The newsletter will not be available on the blog after March 2022, but the Prickle Forrest blog will remain in place. So if you are subscribed to the WordPress blog then stay tuned there also.
If you bought a digital copy of
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
And would love to have an autographed novel card, then don’t hesitate to contact Chrissy through the E-mail portal on the website to request one. Directions on who to send a self-addressed stamped envelope (postcard size) will be sent out.
The official March Newsletter will be sent later this month.
Don’t miss out on Chrissys 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…
It’s February… and love is in the air. Woohoo! Woohoo!
Are you reading any good romances? If not, there’s a fabulous one below you could pick up. Hint! Hint!
This month working hard on getting the Whiskey Salvation novella done. Almost done with the manuscript. Hope to have it finished by March then edited… then published sometime in April. Might start up an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) team. So if you’d be interested for the Whiskey Series don’t hesitate to drop me a line. ChrissyHartmann@sssnet.com
Only qualification is I’d prefer those who have already read the first book,
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
With the snow and the freezing cold temps, doing some catch up reading on all the craft books purchased in 2021 and a few now in 2022. Really love the book
Writing Vivid Settings: Professional Techniques for Fiction Authors (Craft Book 10)
Author: Rayne Hall.
Hopefully, the techniques taught here are seen in all the Whiskey Salvation series books.
If you’re a novice writer and want something good for the craft I suggest you put this one on your shelves. It’s a keeper.
Finally, a little coincidental fact about February…
In this part of the Prickle Forrest its mating season for Skunks. Wonder if the Warner Brothers creators of Pepé Le Pew knew this?
Until next time… stay prickley… And have a love-filled Valentine’s Day!
Chrissy Hartmann
Don’t miss out on Chrissys 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…
Happy New Year!
Welcome subscribers old and new! Changing the format up a bit. This year our fowl friends, Goosie and Gander have decided they want some time off. So on special occasions they will fly in for an update. Plus merchandise giveaways in the form of bookmarks, ornaments, t-shirts, autographed copies of the latest novel, etc. are now available through special events and contests. Just follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles for your chance to win. Unfortunately, though these are only available to USA residents, but we hope to expand the eligibility as the list of followers do.
And never fear, the PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES plans to change up each newsletter. So subscribe at https://www.ChrissyHartmann.com/contact
to keep up-to-date with Chrissy Hartmann and the PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES.
Thanks and enjoy the read!
The WIP…
The work In Progress) is keeping this author jumping. Actually jumping back and forth between the sequel to RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION and a novella. Took chapters that got axed from RWS and made their own little story. The sequel is at the start of Act II finally. Love writing that they are in Bermuda. Definitely need to see about going there to launch the book, which hopefully will be next fall. Keep your fingers crossed! The novella should be out sometime in April 2022. It stars none other than, Charlie Stockton.
UPCOMING EVENTS…
Hoping to take a few classes at the Lawson Writing Academy. Lots of good stuff there. Margie’s a fantastic instructor. Maybe someday can do her one on one workshop. Would love to go to Denver and write with her. Check out her stuff at https://www.lwa.com/
March 18th local book signing. And guess what local author got asked to participate?
Will be autographing RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION books on Saturday, march 19th from 11 am to 2 pm with other local authors at the Orrville Public Library. Bring your copy or better yet, purchase one there.
PRICKLE TIME…
Whether good or bad, a book should always give you prickles. Hard spikey ones or soft touchable ones. And this review got a four star soft prickle review. And yes, that is good! In fact great!
Title: Everlong
Author: R (Rachelle) Raeta
Recently won an autographed copy curtesy of the Picky Bookworm and new Indie author R. Raeta’s novel EVERLONG. And let’s just say
“Wow! Wow! Wow!”
Her storytelling of a classic boy meets girl romance came across refreshing and the paranormal aspect of it did not hurt it either. Loved her short snappy /punchy sentences with powerful verbs intermixed with those long ones. Loved how she wrote it in present tense first person point of view. Felt as if I stood right next to them listening into the conversations. Loved how Lilly started out unsure of herself until Sam came along to build her up.
Gave it a four soft prickly review only because did not like the ending. Not in the way you think though. To be frank its Lily and Sam’s story, it should have ended there. Lets just say the ending would be more effective with a short and straight to the point ending. Kept waiting for maybe something revealing at the end. Maybe a surprise? Maybe a twist? Something. Did not need the filler. Something. Just Lilly and Sam.
All in all, I loved it and highly recommend this book to romance, paranormal readers… and to anyone who wants a fantastic book to read. But grab a box of tissues to have on hand, you will need them!
THE CONTEST…
Just sign up for the Prickle Forrest Chronicles newsletter at https://www.chrissyhartmann.com/contact
for your chance to win one of the two aluminum RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION bookmarks by January 31, 2022.
*Only subscribers residing in the USA are eligible to win.
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
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!
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:
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
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…
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!
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!🎃
goosie and Gander dressed as scarecrow in FrankensteinLive Photo, Portrait, 6:02 PM
“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!
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!
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.
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.
With the snow and the freezing cold temps, doing some catch up reading on all the craft books purchased in 2021 and a few now in 2022. Really love the book
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann 
