Blog

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles August 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 June 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 30June2021Š

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles May 2021

    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 April 2021

    ďťż

    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…

    *

    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

  • Another Book Review

    BOOK REVIEW

    Another bOOK REVIEWED…
    By Chrissy Hartmann
    17 May 2021

    Came across an interesting find a few weeks back. It’s only been now that I’ve had time to write my review.

    Friends shared this book with me, the actual book printed back in 1931 by Alfred Lawson. He was a professional baseball player, businessman in aircraft manufacturing, and what some might call a whacko economist, but he did manage to open up a college called the University of Lawsonomy.

    Lawsonomy is defined as the knowledge of life and everything pertaining thereto. There are three volumes of Lawsonomy: Lawsonomy, Mentality, and The Almighty

    In his first volume of Lawsonomy, I read the following of his books: Direct credits for everybody �1931
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/DCEverybody100.html

    And

    Benefactor – Champions at Skinning the People ďż˝
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/Benefactor/ChampionsAtSkinningThePeople/Page1.htm

    And whether people thought he was crazy back in 1931 its possible the man figured just how the DemoRats and the Central Bank are trying to turn America and the rest of the world over to the Globalists today with the great reset.

    Take a look at these, the full versions are online, not many pages to read at all… but they sound so much like what we are going through now. Wow! Sounds like what the Central Bank/ Global Eliteists have been doing all these years to get us to where we are at now.

    I’m not sure what to make of his idea for how to fix it in his book with his 14 points as I’ve not been able to locate the companion book online to share with you and read for myself. I do have a printed version of it though that goes into more detail on how to better understand the 14 points Its called: Elucidation of the 14 points and Lawson’s Olympia address . ďż˝1934

    Hoping to scan it into the computer or ask the University of Lawsonomy if they will post it online.

    Regardless, the thought of the media and other economists calling him a whacko, the man makes a great point. And it’s the closest thing I’ve seen as blueprint of how just to destroy a nation.
    Maybe these should be part of the education curiculum so we don’t let it happen again?

    After reading these and going through the university’s website, I’ve come to one conclusion…
    stand up and fight for your country. Get involved with your local, state, and federal governments. Do something! Remember its we the people who have the power! Have faith in this great nation, God didn’t give it to us to lose after only 246 years.

    Don’t let the beacon’s light go out. There’s no other.

    Don’t hesitate to share, knowledge is power… And sometimes a good laugh too!

    Alfred Lawson’s books:
    1. Born Again �1904
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/BornAgain100.html

    2. Direct Credits for Everybody �1931
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/DCEverybody100.html

    3. Elucidation of the 14 points and Lawson’s Olympia address ďż˝1934 (Sequel to book #2)

    4. Benefactors: Champions at Skinning the People ďż˝
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/Benefactor/ChampionsAtSkinningThePeople/Page1.htm

    5. Finance is the Bunk ďż˝
    http://www.lawsonomy.org/Benefactor/FinanceIsTheBunk/Page1.htm

    For questions regarding Lawsonomy contact the University of Lawsonomy, mail to: UofL@Lawsonomy.org.

    A definite ***** read.
    Its a quick read and direct and to the point. The only thing they might do is update it. Otherwise well worth the hour or so to read it.

    #wwg1wga
    Prickle Forrest Creations 17May2021

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles March 2021

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    March 2021

    It is madness. Pure madness. Its begun. Spring is in the air. Birds are chirping. The snow’s disappeared. The temperatures are warming. People are shedding their coats. Everyone has spring fever and rightfully so.

    Lockdowns do not work. Masks do not work. Hell, it is looking like vaccines do not work either.

    Fear is overrated. Truth will set you free.

    Call it madness, but its one thing we love other than a good book.

    So enjoy your life. Normal is back! Keep the faith. Never give up hope.

    And when all else fails… PRAY!

    THE FABULOUS FIVE

    1. FREEDOM!

    2. Truth. First Amendment.

    3. Lock and load. Second Amendment.

    4. Free and fair elections.

    5. The United States Military.

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Tried really hard to work on the latest WIP, but had commitments to complete first for another author. Got those done now. Back to the WIP. Nothing else to interfere. Hope to have act 1 done by the end of the month. Yes, hopefully this month. Stay tuned for April’s newsletter to see if it turned out that way. Woohoo!

    QUERYING…

    No bites yet. Still sending out a few here and there. With everything happening in this world with cancel culture and the whole woke thing don’t know if working with a publisher would be the best thing right now. Not going to let anyone change the writing style. Agree that everyone should get a say, after all that’s what the 1st Amendment is for. Right? Plus really hate how the publishers dictate the narrative of what is good and what is not. How about just printing the stories and letting the readers decide. Self-publishing seems the best way to go any more.

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    Check out Margi Lawson’s website. She has great online classes and webinars. Planning to take a few plus plan to enroll in one or two of the writing sprint classes, probably the one Wednesday night. And best thing about that one is its free and you get to meet other writers. Woohoo!

    Check out her website at www.margielawson.com

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    St. Patrick’s Day seemed to pop up and disappear. Definitely not like last year’s when we ventured down to C-Bus and saw the parade and Hit the 1,000,000 book store in German Village. Okay, yes, it is not Irish, but close, right?

    RedPen’s birthday hits at the end of the month. Not sure how to celebrate it yet as Ohio and Florida is more than a drive away. Hmmm? Probably send some flowers. Had a few minor #National Day holidays to celebrate, check out Goosie and Gander’s perspective on those. Remember only 269 shopping days left until Christmas. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. Writing the Intimate Character by Jordan Rosenfeld

    2. Mid-summer Delights by Eloisa James

    3. Through the Bible by Vernon McGee

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Spring

    SPORTS TEAM: Cleveland Indians

    COLOR: Dark Brown with pink

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Air fried Garlic pepper grape seed Brussel sprouts with bacon bits- Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: Peppermint tea

    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.

    • COVID-19 A pandemic? Seriously? With a 99%+ survival rate.

    •DemoRats – Firing squad or hanging?

    •Cancel culture – Grow up people!

    •Racism – Segregation – Stupidity!

    • Climate Change – That is right, it changes.

    THEY SAID…

    This month’s quote…

    “It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write.

    Let them think you were born that way.”

    ― Ernest Hemingway

    HOMETOWN UPDATE

    • Wooster City Schools go back to full time on April 5th. Woohoo!

    • Half the town is mask wearers. The other half not so much.

    •BLM protest disguised by COW students most likely. It fizzled out by the time it hit the square.

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know… Did you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? If not, did you get pinched?

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander were not thrilled with the weather this month. One day warm then the next cold and rainy. But they managed to survive it keeping entertained with celebrating National pig day on the first with Oink. On the 2nd they observed Dr. Seuss day, then worked on perfecting their vocals with National Anthem day on the 3rd. Oreo Cookie Day on the 6th made for a wonderful treat!

    They learned about butterflies on the 14th, which kept them fluttering around until St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. National Flower day had Gander doubting the weather on the 21st.

    Besides playing with the flowers and hoping to come across a shamrock or two they managed to corral their puppies and kitten for National Puppy day and cuddle your kitten day. Not tired of the green at all, although they nixed the color when purple day hit on the 26th. Then to end out the month they celebrated Eiffel Tower day on the 31st. OOW-la- la!

    All in all, quite a busy month for our fowl friends. Check out a few of their pics below.

    And they loved it!

    Enjoy!

    FIND ME…

    Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

    Facebook: 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

    The Seeing Eye

    http://www.theseeingeye.org/

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles February 2021

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    February 2021

    February, the shortest month of the year. Sometimes wonder if it’s because it may also be one of the coldest months of the year. At least here, it seems like the temperatures rival those of the past two — December and January. But it’s perfect for lots of things — skiing, ice fishing, sled riding. Brrr! And best of all in particular… Writing romance.

    Yes, it’s cold out and Frosty still entertains in the backyard. But with some fleece jammies and a mug of coffee, the push of the laptop’s power button, anyone would be ready to get back to work. Right?

    And what a better time to work on a romance, but the month of love?

    Chocolate covered strawberries, love songs, a bit of the bubbly, red roses, and Valentine’s Day cards bombard your senses.

    Who wouldn’t think about love?

    Inspiration! Inspiration! Inspiration!

    Happy Valentine’s Day.

    SWAK! 💋💋💋

    THE TOP FIVE

    1. Kisses… lots of ‘em!💋 💋

    2. Dark chocolate. Preferably drizzled over strawberries. 🍓🍫

    3. Valentine’s Day cards. The mushier the better. ❤️4. RomComs. Watched or read. Does it really matter? 📺📚

    5. Red! Red! Red! Love-love the color! ❤️

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Okay to be honest, spent the first week of the month finishing up a short story for a contest here in town sponsored by Wooster Main Street, Inc. should know by March if it made it to the anthology they want to publish of all the stories. The $50 to $300 prize for 3rd to 1st place wouldn’t be rejected either.

    Also helped a fellow friend/writer out with her short story and with some edits on her premiere book. It’s a fantastic YA, Urban Fantasy. Can’t give out the title yet, but check her out on Twitter or Facebook, Cyndi Brec. Now that all those are squared away can get back to working on RWS II. Looking forward to doing that.

    QUERYING…

    Well got some bad news to break. Sort of. Decided to self-publish. Will hopefully have a website up in the next couple of months. Going to put RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION on e-com if the last bit of querying comes in with the lack-luster response that have found their way to the in box. Setting this up with a few other authors. Soon as we get a name together, it will be posted to the PFC. More details to come soon. Have to finish developing the website, establish a publishing company, and find a book cover designer. If you got any suggestions, leave your comments below, please. Thanks!

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    Study up on your character’s personality. But be careful, you might travel down the rabbit hole. It’s not hard to get lost in all the character types. Best yet to figure out what type your characters are before you start writing. Can be helpful and a huge hinderance if you do it afterwards. Cause sometimes, what you want might not fit with what you need. Check out the book below for a good place to start.

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    Valentine’s day managed to stay in the top spot this year, although President’s day came in at a close second. Love the Presidents — especially #1, #3, #16, #39, and #45.

    Cupid managed to pop into the house for a bit. Found the chocolate covered strawberries quite good. Fat juicy little things covered in dark chocolate really hit the spot for a late night snack. Next year, going to try some rum with them… Appleton Rum.

    It’s a short month this year, no leap year. Maybe, though, someone could submit “polar vortex” in to whoever posts the holidays to the calendars. This cold front is affecting the whole country, and not in a good way either. Come on spring! ☔️🌷🌷🌷☔️

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. The Duke Who Didn’t: Wedgeford Trials Book 1 by Courtney Milan

    2. The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself And The Others In Your Life by Helen Palmer

    3. Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Winter

    SPORTS TEAM: Is it spring season yet? Waiting on my Cleveland Indians. Go Tribe!

    COLOR: Dark Brown with some hints of caramel and white mixed in.

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye 🦮

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Dark chocolate covered strawberries… Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: Coffee. The good old-fashioned way. Straight up and hot! ☕️

    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 phone 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…

    • Pelosi payoff bill 2021. AKA the newest stimulus package for 1.9 trillion.

    • The G5. Murderers. Prison would be too good for them.

    • Double masks. Really? Why? Numbers are down. Way down. Herd immunity, ever hear of it?

    • Censorship. Now hitting close to home. Shame. Shame. Shame.

    • The equality act. Ha! What a joke!

    THEY SAID…

    This month’s quote is by

    – Albert Einstein –
    ❤️ Love is a better teacher than duty.

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    • Wooster Main Street, Inc. hosting their first short story contest about downtown Wooster. Deadline the 8th of February. Hopefully the winners will be notified soon.

    • Wooster City Schools will be going back to school fulltime in mid-March. Woohoo!

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know…

    Do you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

    GOOSING OFF

    …Goosie & Gander

    The lovebirds had fun dressing up for the Valentine holiday. Well in all honesty, more Goosie than Gander, but he’s crazy about his girl so he’ll do a lot for her. He’s totally lost his heart on all her wonder. And let’s not forget about #NationalStrawberryDay too. Just thankful they can’t reach the chocolate sauce at the moment. Definitely curious to figure out the next couple of months with Spring in season. These two love to get out and show off… but before spring comes St. Patrick’s Day. So stay tuned….

    LOCATE 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

    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 January 2021

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    January 2021

    Happy New Year, loyal fans!

    Really? It’s a new year. No, don’t shake your head. It is. At least that’s what the calendar keeps saying. I know. It sure doesn’t seem like it. Still have to wear mask. Still have to socially distance. And yes, President Trump is still not the President…yet!

    The future looks bleak unless something can be done to stop Rona… and the rotten socialist and fascists.

    Par for the course too is the fact that the temps have been dropping, blizzard-like conditions are weighing into the fray. Almost a year now since the craziness started. But remember it’s not time to give up yet! Power on America. Remember, America Strong!

    Where we go 1, we go all!

    Woohoo! God bless America!

    THE TOP FIVE

    1. MAGA Spirit. 🇺🇸

    2. Bible study. ✝️

    3. Wayne Novelist Guild. 📖✒️

    4. Nonbiased news sources. 📺🗞

    5. Patriots. 🇺🇸

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Working currently on a short story with regards to the downtown. Wrote the short to fit into the creative nonfiction and historical fiction category. Partially fictionalize true history. It’s for a local contest, presented by Main Street Wooster, Inc. Hopefully it will get done. You’ll know next month though. Also, back to working on RWS II. Wanted to be done with it by the end of January, but looks maybe like will be heading into the springtime for a completion date. Might be switching jobs. Same kind of work, but more typing than editing. And better pay. Woohoo!

    QUERYING…

    Sent out another round of query letters. Received one rejection. Nice rejection letter too. They apparently liked the plot but they weren’t taking any sweetheart romances at the time. Hmm? Go figure. Oh well. Got a few more hooks out there. And if not am looking into self-publishing. Another author-friend started his own publishing company and is going to give tips to the writing group soon on how to start our own. Good to because it’s all confusing. But do have a business plan to follow. And will have my own website up soon…stay tuned. Woohoo!

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    Write! Write! Write!

    It’s a new year, no excuses. Stay strong and power on! Now pick up your pen or grab your keyboard and get your fingers dancing.

    Stay positive. Words come much easier with a positive attitude. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish with a smile on your heart.

    Good luck!

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    New Year came in as a bust. The POTUS struggled for quite a bit to get the SCOTUS and lower courts to hear his case on elections, but no takers. Amazing because as we all know, if they end up losing the next time we’ll never hear the end of it. Honestly, term limits are needed. And needed now. Not sure if that will be enough though. Hmm? But sure, as this is written, bet the POTUS has a plan. Just curious to know if socialist/fascist countries have any best sellers?

    No huge holidays to celebrate this month unless you count…Back to school. (Sorry. But for parents that is a holiday, unless of course you’re still locked down.

    But you can celebrate a certain Prickle Forrest Chronicles Newsletter author’s birthday. 🎂 French vanilla K-cups do make a nice gift. Hint! Hint!

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. Art of the Deal by President Donald J. Trump

    2. The Art of the Comeback by President Donald J. Trump

    3. The Bible by God.

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Winter ☃️

    SPORTS TEAM: Hmm? None for now. Wait for spring, will have one then.

    COLOR: Red. White. 🇺🇸 Blue.

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye 🦮

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden. 🎶🎵

    FOOD: Chocolate kalua cheesecake… Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: French vanilla cappuccino – cold or warm, not picky. ☕️

    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 phone 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 first order. Hopefully you’ll love them too.

    🌹

    PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH..

    • RINOs (Refer to 2020 election USA)

    • Fraudsters (Refer to 2020 election USA)

    • DemoRats 🐚🐀(Refer to 2020 election USA)

    • Big Tech censorship (Twitter and Facebook)

    •COVID hysteria.

    THEY SAID…

    This month’s quote is by Thomas Payne.

    “those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”🇺🇸

    HOMETOWN UPDATE…

    • Hungarian Bakery on the square of downtown Wooster has a new owner. Yep, that’s correct. Elizabeth wants to retire and sold it. New owners say it will stay the same except only doing pastries and coffee. No breakfast or lunches. Ugh! More coffee selections though coming soon. But man cannot live on coffee alone. Right? 🤨☕️🍩

    • Probably about half to maybe a little more of the population of Wooster are not mask wearers. That mandate is vanishing just like the positive test results and packed hospitals. No seriously, Wooster did have a mask mandate (or what some liked to call it) a curfew, and the hospitals had a whole slew of people in the hospital, but, couldn’t have all been the Rona. After all, have they stopped watching the numbers on heart disease? Strokes? Diabetes? Cancer? Hmm? Again how about some HERD IMMUNITY? 😷😎

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know… Do you prefer…

    Buying your books online from Amazon 🖥💳 or going into such retailers as Barnes and Noble? 🛍💸

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander

    Goosie and Gander had decided in protest of the election certification to stay indoors for most of the month. They did celebrate for a certain author’s birthday. And they did go outside for a little bit, but to be honest the blizzard-like weather made them no fans of the outdoors, not especially with the high winds and their hats blowing off. So for now they are looking forward to the next month where hopefully it will be nothing but hearts and roses. SWAK!

    FIND ME…

    Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

    Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355

    MeWe

    Parler:

    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

    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 December 2020 Newsletter

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    December 2020

    It’s that time of year when snow covers the ground, the temperatures drop, and Father Time is dimming the lights and pulling down the shades of 2020. Mother Nature nestles into her down comforter with hot cocoa to review her notes of this past year. Jack has stepped in with his frosty mornings to the full-blown snowflake deluge here at the end of the month. And with all honesty, Father Time should have sped up things months ago or maybe better yet, skipped the whole thing. But alas, the year is finally coming to an end. Hallelujah! So if you’ve set a goal for writing or getting that book you’ve wanted to read for the past few months, now is the time to take on that task. Whichever you do, enjoy and see you next year!

    Au revoir, 2020!

    THE TOP FIVE

    1. Gift giving.

    2. Snowmen

    3. Hot-hot Coffee.

    4. Christmas romances.

    5. White Elephant parties.

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    To be honest, haven’t had much time to work on the latest book with the holiday and switching programs at work, plus let’s not forget to mention the update to JAWS.

    Almost finished with Act I though. Maybe need to write one more video blog and two chapters, hoping to write one tonight. Thankful that the outline for this story is pretty detailed. Not too hard to write a 2500-word chapter once the fingers get tapping. The deadline for finishing this book might have to get pushed back to February. But going to work hard at getting it written by January 31st. Ha! Yeah going to need a miracle for that to happen, but it is the season for them. Believe it, and it can be done.

    QUERYING…

    Like above haven’t had much time to send some out. Haven’t heard back from the few sent in October, but still have a few weeks to get a response yet. Still got the fingers crossed, but they are getting quite cramped. Compiled another short list of perspective publishers to query to. Just got to get them submitted. Considering changing it up, but the query is written so much like the book don’t want to stray too far from it. Will consider it though… But, not changing anything yet.

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    Using the word “was” in a sentence tells the reader very little of what’s going on. Try to eliminate that word and replace it with a more descriptive verb or what some would call a “show verb”.

    For example…

    The dog was in the street.

    Change to …

    The dog stood in the street.

    This helps eliminate the telling in your story. And it might add to your word count, but best of all, the reader gets a clearer picture of the story.

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    Love Christmas and New Year’s Eve just wish they were more than a week apart from each other. Jamming them into such a short period of time just doesn’t seem like enough time to enjoy it all, especially when one spends the first two to three weeks decorating baking, and shopping for gifts. Did get some wonderful cookie recipes this holiday. Definitely going to make them soon. As far as all are concerned, Christmas cookies are an anytime of the year cookie.

    Did the white elephant party with the family again this year. Not as crowded, but just as fun. Not a fan of the gag gifts though. For one person to spend money on a quality gift for the event and then end up taking home a gift that will go directly into the trash just doesn’t seem fair. Yes, its understandable people want to have fun, but come on, this year the gag gifts were truly tasteless. In fact, once they were opened the receivers quit the white elephant exchange. Don’t blame them either. Hopefully next year the childish and tasteless prank gifts will be left in the car. Other than that one hiccup, Christmas was wonderful with all the snow coming down on Christmas Eve, at least six inches worth. Truthfully, anything, but a white Christmas is not favorited around here. Definitely could not live in Florida or California at Christmas. Hoping next year, we can go on a sleigh ride. Always wanted to do that during the holiday season. Now on to prepare for the New Year. Rumor has it that it’s going to be better than 2020, but in all honesty, what year hasn’t been better than this one?

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. A Christmas Bride and Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh

    2. Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery

    3. Understanding Show, Don’t Tell And Really Getting It Skill Builder Series Book 1 by Janice Hardy

    4. Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point Of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Winter…Brrr!

    SPORTS TEAM: Buckeyes (Big 10 Champs) and Browns. (10-5, playoff bound) O! H! I! O!

    COLOR: Dark Brown

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye 🦮

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Baby bella cream cheese sausage stuffed mushrooms Yummy!

    COCKTAILS: Beringer‘s White Merlot and Dry Champagne 🍾

    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 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..

    • Cheaters, liars, thieves, hypocrites…In other words, DemoRats! 🐀

    • Fake facts, censorship, fear tactics… In other words, DemoRats! 🐀

    • Manipulators, corrupters, destructors, Fear mongers… In other words, DemoRats!🐀

    THEY SAID…

    “A business yields success not only for its owner but the whole nation. It drives the wheel of economy. And small businesses are essential to local economy.” – Unknown

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    • Looks like the locals are tired of the mask wearing. Not surprised either. After all, the virus infections are going up a little, but most important, the deaths from it haven’t. In fact, the survival rate across the nation is at 99+ percent. In fact the local paper, posted an article saying even though Rona infection is up, deaths are down and steadily falling.

    • The schools might just reopen for students to go back to at the end of the holiday. But No definite plans have been announced yet and probably not until a day or two before the new semester starts.

    • Happy to say the small businesses are holding their own for the most part. A few are closing, but not all due to COVID-19 or the lack of help from the government., but those two didn’t help either. The ones who are surviving are those who have come up with unique ways to keep their businesses going, but local support is a key factor. So Buy local and support the local businesses. #USESmallBusinesses #BuyLocal

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know…

    Do you prefer reading holiday themed novels only during the holidays or anytime of the year?

    Please leave your comment below.

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander

    After recuperating from last month’s feast Goosie and Gander located the perfect poinsettia flowers for Ivy and Fern. Then They had fun with Frosty the Snowgoose, Santa Goose, Elfie the Goose, and even managed to wrap a few presents and decorate the Christmas tree. At this moment, they are searching for the appropriate outfits for New Year’s Eve… but they’ll wait to show that off in the new year. So stay tuned…

    1

    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

    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 Creations copyright December 2020

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles November 2020 Newsletter

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    November 2020

    Gobble! Gobble! Thanksgiving came late this year, as did this newsletter. Apologies to the readers. Hopefully it will remain entertaining as much as jumping in piles of colored leaves and sipping hot apple cider on the porch after a day of yard cleanup did. Beware though, Jack frost is sending us reminders that the season is about to change again. A season that is kicked off with a glorious feast of some traditional foods and some not so traditional. But anyway, it comes, it comes. No stopping it now.

    Mother Nature seems to be in a hurry, almost as if Father Time is pushing her to the year’s end. The colors have burst on to the scene. They are richer in color than last month with its golds, oranges, reds, and browns. The gourds are plentiful with pumpkin and squashes filling the rows of the local farmers’ patches. The great pumpkin in its magnificent orange takes command over all with its transformation into the glorious sweets created from it. Yum!

    So get out and enjoy the scenery, gobble up the delicious treats, pick a pumpkin if you don’t have any from a month ago, and even dance with the scarecrows. And don’t forget, to snuggle up with your favorite author and enjoy a good read with a pumpkin coffee and a treat or two. Hopefully this Thanksgiving 2020 will be remembered more fondly than the past few months. Enjoy!

    THE TOP FIVE

    1. Pumpkin. Pumpkin. Pumpkin. Yum!

    2. Red, green, orange, gold, brown colors of autumn. 🍂

    3. Voting. Election 2020. Trump/Pence 2020. 🇺🇸

    4. Thanksgiving. Celebrating with the family.

    5. NaNoWriMo. Getting the write on. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Working on book 2 of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation. Having lots of fun. Made one mistake with the outline, but it didn’t take much to fix. Writing about visiting Bermuda and a love affair. This is quite fun especially with the two main characters of the ornery type. Haven’t written as much as planned, but its flu season and that stupid COVID-19 is out and about. Might have had it back in February, but feels like the damned thing came back earlier this month. Very tired, lots of sniffles, body aches, a cough, and the sinus headaches and pressure, but did manage to hold on to the sense of smell and taste. So one might not be able to say it returned for an encore, but if not, it sure felt like it. No matter what, it did not receive a standing ovation. Nope, it sure did not. Maybe a bushel of rotten tomatoes is more like it.

    QUERYING…

    Haven’t done much this with being under the weather for half the days of November. In all reality still waiting to hear from a few that queries were sent to in October. Should get notice in December if they are interested. Still keeping the finger tappers crossed. Am looking into self-publishing though. Not sure to go Indy or not. Need to do some more research. Will definitely need to find a book cover designer though. Got some ideas on what it should look like, but its getting them on paper to convey my meaning is the next task. After all, how hard could it be? Hahaha!

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    When writing for NaNoWriMo don’t stop to edit. It slows you down. And unless you have extra time to spare, you’ll never reach your 50K by the end of the month. It won’t happen this November for a lot of writers because there has been an upsurge in the Rona, but there’s always next year and the words typed this time do help move one forward in getting the book written. Good thing for NaNoWriMo, one doesn’t have to toss out those words even if they don’t reach the 50K mark. So keep plugging away, and edit later.

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    This month the Election came into view on November 3rd. Everyone stayed up patiently waiting for the results. Would it be Trump for another 4 years or not? Well, sorry to disappoint everyone, but the official word won’t be declared until next month. Yep, that’s correct. Looks like one of the parties decided to take a few liberties with the voting system. Votes are being recounted and the results and the shenanigans are headed to court for an official ruling. Ugh!

    It’s Unfortunate the whole election and the Rona virus has taken over much of the news and not for the good either. Veterans day became almost uncelebrated, but thanks to the President and the Scouts, American flags did decorate every fallen soldier grave. God Bless America and those who protect her!

    Thanksgiving came in with only a bit of fanfare, even some Americans were told not to celebrate it, but probably 80 million Americans didn’t listen and celebrated the day anyway. The day went off with some fabulous tasting food and a delicious bouquet of raspberry wine and apple wine. After all the craziness with lockdowns and school closings, businesses with limited hours, and the social distancing its good to know family and friends know what’s truly good for the country and what’s not. And sharing turkey and stuffing are fabulous for the country. Yum!

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. Someone To Romance by Mary Balogh

    2. The Vixen and the Viscount by Lorraine Heath

    3. The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction by James Alexander Thom

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Autumn

    SPORTS TEAM: The Ohio State Buckeyes

    COLOR: Dark Brown

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye 🦮

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Sweet potatoes… Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: Hot pumpkin spice latte… with an extra shot of pumpkin… 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 phone 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..

    • Lockdowns. Unnecessary. Irresponsible. Devastating. Unconstitutional!

    • COVID-19. Deceiving. Fake stats. Destructive. Devastating.

    • DemoRats. Cheaters. Liars. Globalists. Socialists. Communists. Unpatriotic.

    • Censorship. Big Tech. Social Media. Drive-by News. Publishers.

    THEY SAID…

    This month’s quote is by

    Lance Morgan

    “The media, like anything else, can be bought. Everything, it seems, has its price. Even the free press.”

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    • The Wooster City Schools are on all remote distance learning for the next two weeks. A little birdie tells me it’s not because of the virus but because the liberals want the DemoRats to pay them back for their support and they want them to pay up, which means they want billions of dollars for outrageous demands. We’ll just have to wait and see if the little birdie is correct. God help our children.

    •Downtown had their annual Christmas window display contest. Not sure who won though, being online not thrilled to check it out. Maybe next year they’ll go live. One can only dream! And yes, Santa did make an appearance. At least we think he did since we couldn’t see him in person. Bummer.

    •Looks like COW is sending home all their students at the Thanksgiving break. Apparently, they won’t be back until January 2021. At least we hope so!

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know… Do you prefer

    Voting in person? Voting by mail? Or voting by absentee ballot?

    Please leave your comments below. Goosie and Gander love to read them.

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander

    Our fine-feathered lawn birds mostly celebrated the fall with leaves and pumpkins.

    They’ve informed me they want election day to become a national holiday, this way maybe mail in ballots won’t be needed. They are currently seeking out their congressional reps and senators to discuss this. Not going to hold my breath though.

    Goosie and Gander weren’t too crazy about the Thanksgiving holiday though. Even tried to bribe an official or two to get a pardon for our bird. Unfortunately no such luck. Maybe next time they’ll think to get General Flynn’s lawyer to get off. Hmm?

    They have let it slip though they are hoping for big news and happy tidings next month. So stay tuned…it’s coming soon!

    Happy Holidays!

    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

    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-

    .v1.png

    PrickleForrestCreation sŠNovember2020