PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann

Tag: book

  • Prickle Forrest Chronickles Special Edition – Author Interview with Hailey Dickert

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    Author Interview

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Hailey Dickert!

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

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

    I’m from Fort Pierce, Florida but I currently live near Frankfurt, Germany. I have been writing my entire life. Previously I wrote songs and even had a blog at one point but The Sister Between Us is my very first novel.

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

    I write contemporary sports romance. I also love to read any contemporary romance but I have a soft spot for hockey romance even though I know nothing about the sport. My favorite author is C.W. Farnsworth who inspires me through her work ethic and beautiful stories.

    In brief, tell us about your book, The Sister Between Us.

    The Sister Between Us is a childhood friends to lovers story about Leah (FMC) falling in love with her best friend’s brother, Jake (MMC). We get to see their journey through being friends, admitting their feelings, being in love, and how they will over come tragedy. Will they find their way back to one another even as everything is falling apart?

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

    The first time I received a proof copy of my book I danced around the room like a crazy person—then I started marketing it up in red.

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

    It depends on the scene. If it’s a spicy one, I drink a glass of wine. If it’s a normal one I usually chat about it with a close friend of mine and we always come up with a solution.

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

    I always have a candle lit, something to drink, and music playing in the background.

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

    My favorite trope to read and write would be he falls first and harder. I often flip through my copy of The Sister Between Us and can’t believe that I’ve written and will publish it.

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

    I like to write the hotter scenes when I’m alone and drinking a glass of wine. This way I don’t feel like anyone is around judging me and also so that I can really get into the mindset of the scene without distractions. In the beginning I used to blush writing the spicy scenes but now they are coming easier and more naturally. My Dad will (hopefully) never read those parts and my Mom wasn’t weird about it at all!

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

    I would probably chose Hannah Grace and CW Farnsworth because they both write excellent sports romance. Regarding the trope? I have no idea besides that it would be sports romance.

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

    I don’t have a back list, but I do have my second novel ‘Return Policy’ coming out June 23! It is the first in my university series ‘Crystal Bay University’ and the female main character is a side character from The Sister Between Us.

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

    Leah would be played by Abigail Cowen and Jake would be played by Danny Griffin. (Which is funny because they are currently dating in real life!)

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

    I will be doing a book signing on May 11 at 6pm at Sweet Haven Books in Miami, FL.

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

    Without giving away any spoilers, even during time apart, Jake was always supportive of Leah’s dreams and she see’s just how much once they reunite.

    Where can we find your book…

    Amazon: https://a.co/d/0SKtcmd

    Where do you socialize……

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

    Twitter:

    Instagram: @haileydickertauthor

    YouTube: @haileydickert

    Tiktok: @haileydickertauthor and @haileydickert

    Other: http://www.haileydickert.com

    Big –big thanks to Hailey Dickert for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and The Sister Between Us. And much thanks to our readers who make it all possible.

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

    Please don’t hesitate to comment, but better yet, check out Hailey Dickert’s newest release at https://a.co/d/0SKtcmd .

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    2021-2023© All Rights Reserved

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

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Sherri Lupton Hollister.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Where can we find your book…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Where do you socialize……

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

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeanelia1964

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

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

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

    Website: https://sherrilhollister.com/

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

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

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

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

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

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

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    March 2023

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Cassie Mae!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    · Two Disney Villainous board games

    · Half empty Vitamin Water

    · Three empty Vitamin Waters

    · My podcast microphone and headset

    · Printer

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

    · Three untouched water bottles

    · Hot Cocoa and Cream Bath and Body Works candle

    · Lighter

    · 4 gift card gift boxes from Christmas

    · Amazon Echo

    · Package scale

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

    · Lysol wipes

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

    · Crocheted Pichu I made last month 😀

    · My son’s antidepressants

    · Glasses cleaner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Where can we find your book…

    Right here!

    https://books2read.com/u/bryd6E

    Where do you socialize……

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

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassieCook2

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

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

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

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

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

    “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

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

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2021-2023© All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles Knocks it out!

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Special Edition – Book Review

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    Title: Things We Never Got Over

    Series: Knockemout Series – Book 1

    Author: Lucy Score

    Pages 599

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanks Pricklers!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    www.chrissyhartmann.com

    chrissyhartmann

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

    RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION

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

    Only one way to find out…

    Amazon

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

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2023©

    All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest CHRONICLES – AMERICAN BRUSH-OFF BOOK REVIEW

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES BOOK REVIEW
    By Chrissy Hartmann
    February 14, 2020
    TITLE: American BRUSH-OFF
    AUTHOR: Max Willi Fischer
    PUBLISHED: January 29, 2020
    FORMAT: EBook(Kindle)
    GENRE: Young Adult
    PRICE: $2.99

    So you don’t believe a government would turn on their own citizens?
    That’s what Lud Mueller thought.
    No its not 2020, but it is 1942 in Max Willi Fischer’s novel American Brush-Off.
    The author crafts a story of an All-American senior high school boy from Cleveland when the USA’s culture became entrenched in Anti-German and anti-Japanese sentiment. Instead of playing football, hanging with friends, kissing his sweetheart, and enjoying his senior year Lud travels on a heart-aching journey that no American-born citizen wants to travel.
    He must make a horrible sacrifice to reunite with his emigrant German parents and the rest of his family, And all for what?
    A secret plan by the Democratic FDR administration to help end World War II.
    You’ll find your curiosity growing with each of the 354 pages with a story worth being told.
    Not many know about the American-Japanese internment camps and less about the American-German ones here in the USA during the second world war, but they are real. Real just like the death camps of the Third Reich. Fortunately for Lud, and the other 11,000 imprisoned it didn’t mean death, but the loss of one’s own identity, liberty, and happiness which comes in a distant second. The plot engages the reader to keep going always making you wonder if Lud brushes off his five year experience and return to his “normal” life in Cleveland or go on to help others who might encounter the same situation.
    To the author’s credit, he’s done his homework. The scene descriptions place you inside Lud’s house in Cleveland… Living in the group home in Chicago… and finally riding the train to Crystal City. The dialogue carries the reader further into the scene and the emotions that Lud experiences pulls at your own heart making the reader wonder how a progressive-thinking government could betray its citizens. This is a book well worth the read that will teach the reader that bigotry exists for everyone, innuendo destroys, all are innocent until proven guilty, and there are those who work deep within the government that have their own secret plans. Kudoes to the author for revealing a truth lost in history. This is one book of history I think my teenage son will thoroughly enjoy. Well worth your time to read and it deserves Two thumbs up and a five star rating. Looking forward to the author’s next book.

  • One Stop For Writers: An Online Library Unlike Any Other

    Every once in a while, something comes along that changes things for the better.

    And in the world of writers, this is especially welcoming, because we all know just how much sweat, courage and persistence it takes to write a book and then release it into the world.

    Today I’m pointing you toward a new website which I hope will help writers brainstorm stronger characters, craft deeper, more compelling plots, and teach us how to be more effective with our description so we draw readers in.

    One Stop For Writers is a collaboration between Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman, authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, and Lee Powell, creator of Scrivener for Windows. This powerhouse online library is filled with one-of-a-kind descriptive thesaurus collections, tools, tutorials and much more, all geared to provide the resources you need to strengthen your prose and write more efficiently.

    Want to check One Stop For Writers out?

    Hop on over to Writers Helping Writers for their Launch Week festivities (October 7-14th)! If you know Angela, Lee and Becca already, you probably can guess there will be some great prizes, and probably a bit of paying-it-forward too.

  • Hello to the World of Writers!

    The excitement’s building.

    the prickles today are soft and tingly.

    Yes its almost that time…

    One Stop For Writers is almost here! Watch this fun little video for a look inside this unique library for writers: https://onestopforwriters.wistia.com/medias/jy2kj7hmyw

    remember the site launches soon so please bookmark their website, you’ll love it!

    http://www.onestopforwriters.com/

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2015©

  • Aps for Writing on the iPhone

    What’s the most irritating thing for a writer?

    I know most would say writers block, but not for me.

    For me it’s when I’m on the go and an idea hits. It’s not the idea that’s irritating, it’s the fact I have no pen or paper near by to jot down my thoughts.

    But with technology these days, that scenario is pretty much obsolete.

    Below is a list of iPhone apps I find helpful as a writer.

    1. A novel idea by Shawn Svacha

    This app is great for the new novelist on the go. The cost is well worth the price. Its free at first but with a few $$It can expand to even something better with adding the function of Drop Box and e-mail sharing. Plus you can even write out full scenes. This is a great app to get your novel organized.
    I love it because you could actually create your novel in this one little ap. It has character outlines, setting outlines, scene outlines, and story characteristics. Then when you’re ready, you can e-mail it or send it to the cloud to share or pick up on your PC. It’s simple to use and keeps everything grouped by novels. So yes, you can work on numerous books
    I give it *****
    at once. Check it out at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-novel-idea/id421948244?mt=8

    2. Pages by Apple

    I haven’t explored every little facet of Pages but that’s only because there are so many. But what I can tell you, if you want, you can format, type, edit, and print anything you want on Pages. This has templates to use of many types and it also has the ability for you to open a previously created document into pages and work from there. I love the automatic saving it does. The sync to Drop Box is an added bonus. One feature I hope to check out soon is converting a document to PDF. It’s well worth the price of $9.99 and if you desire more templates there’s even an additional app to tandemly use with Pages for more document templates. More info can be found at:
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pages/id361309726?mt=8

    3. MS Word by Microsoft corporation

    If you love Word, you’ll love it on your Apple product.
    I’ll admit, I’m a PC user and when MS word became available for the iPhone I was thrilled. The only problem is you have to obtain a subscription for MS Word 365 to access the complete functionality of the program and that can run you $$$.

    but I still give it ****

    Check MS Word out at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-word/id586447913?mt=8

    4. Access Note By the American Foundation for the Blind

    Yep, folks that’s right. The visually impaired do write. And if you have trouble with vision then Access note just might be the best writing app for you. The screen commands are simple to use with VoiceOver. It’s Fast and efficient navigation throughout a note by page, paragraph, line, word, character, and other elements can speed things up. You can do a search and find and the app will mark your place with the cursor. For more info check out:
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/accessnote/id591287188?mt=8

    5. Voice Dream Writer By Voice Dream LLC

    This app is awesome. It can save you time with text-to- speech writing and proofreading. Best of all when your document is read back to you you’ll hear how it flows and any mistakes which is great for content quality.
    The Apple Bluetooth keyboard is compatible if you need that hands on approach. Syncing with iCloud and Drop Box is available too.
    The price tag is $9.99 and well worth it. Voice selections are abundant and can be purchased at a minimal cost too. See

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-writer/id920583100?mt=8

    6. Word press by WordPress.Org

    Who doesn’t like to blog and read blogs? This handy little app lets you do both. No $ to acquire it. It’s easy to set up a new blog. You can draft from here and even post something new. Your Word Press blog from the PC is all there. Just login on your phone and take your blog on the road. You’ll never know when inspiration hits and the ability to blog anywhere is divine. So Keep your readers current write from the Apple. Get it at
    https://apps.wordpress.org/

    7. Outliner by CarbonFin

    Here’s a handy little outliner ap. Its great for doing all kinds of writing tasks whether it be a grocery list or a full length novel, this is a great one to check out. Its $4.99 and it can be found at

    http://carbonfin.com/.

    Its awesome features include online sync, sharing and editing.

    8. Paperless by Crush Apps

    Okay this is usually my go to app for when I need to take a real quick note or make a list. This app is great for making any and all kinds of lists. You can add icons and themes to each to make it fun. Its plain and simple, just the way I like it. Its like writing on a piece of paper.
    Find it at

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paperless-lists-+-checklists/id359564368?mt=8

    9. Day One by Bloom Built LLC

    Believe it or not people like to read journals. if you’re a writer and want to keep your readers entertained try this simple but elegant little ap. Its $4.99.
    The price to remind you of your thoughts for the day whether it be listing them or writing a diary page its going to be helpful. The app isn’t hard to use and added features of sharing to other social media sites such as twitter and Facebook are a bonus. Backup to the iCloud and drop box makes syncing a sure thing. And if this is strictly for your eyes only a passcode is available too. This app has lots of extra features. You should check it out at

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/day-one-journal-notes-diary/id421706526?mt=8

    10. Journal Chronicle a personal diary
    here’s my favorite to journal in. Its only $2.99…and well worth it.

    I love the simplicity of the program. It makes it easy to sit down and write a few hundred words without pain or complicationand without fuss I can export all my stuff to my PC or friends. Backups can be made with a few quick taps. You can even save them to Dropbox , Drive, and Evernote.
    Adding pictures to your enteries can be done with as many pics you want and customizing the program can be made as much as you want.
    As an aspiring author I love the idea of separate notebooks. Hours of searching for my entries is now over with the easy search feature. The program may look simple at first but its got a lot of punch to it.
    I give it a definite *****.

    You can find it at

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chronicle-personal-journal/id371886793?mt=8

    And to top it off here are five helpful aps all writers, no matter what you write, should consider:
    1. Dictionary.Com
    2. Drop Box
    3. Flexy
    4. Writers Ap (Agent finder)
    5. Able to extract

    On a final note, most of these apps, if not all of them are VoiceOver friendly and my Apple Bluetooth keyboard works great with them.

    Happy writing!

    ChrissyHartmann

    Prickle Forrest LLC 2015 ©