PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann

Tag: debut novel

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – May 2023 Wow! Almost half way there…

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    May 2023

    Dear Pricklers,

    Wow! Half-way point for 2023 is almost here. So, what are you doing for Memorial Day? Here? Probably will go to the Memorial Day parade. Not sure , though. Maybe if the resident Eagle Scout will be marching in it as he’s done in the past. Well actually not maybe, more like definitely. After all who doesn’t love a parade?

    The resident Eagle Scout is helping out with the troop, so, hoping he does. If he does, will go and watch for sure. Other than that, would like to grill out on the deck and write. And speaking of writing, here’s a little bit to catch you up…

    The Past …

    Well, had both books from the Whiskey Salvation Series on Kindle Unlimited for the last 90 days. Both did well. But on the 17th of May, Kindle Unlimited will come to an end for the Whiskey Salvation Series. Going wide!

    In fact, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation has already gone wide. Look below for the links to find it. And definitely feel free to share that information. Will however probably reshelve the books on to Kindle Unlimited when the third book of the series comes out. Thinking about bundling the three up for the holidays, but only if number 3 gets published before or after Turkey Day. Keep the fingers crossed, please. Tried it, butt too hard to type that way, so will need some help and yours is the best. Thanks!

    Launched a book tour with Silver Dagger Tours. Maia Gomez is fantastic. In fact, it’s still going strong. Want to follow it? Check it out at her website. There is a giveaway. A $30 Amazon card and 4 aluminum Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation book marks, which they are a personal favorite. Actually could have given 5 away, but needed to keep one, after all it’s the first book in the series.

    Catch up to the tour at these blogs:

    C.A.Milson
    Literary Gold

    Also met two really sweet bloggers who are going to do a review of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation .

    Heather and Kim asked for hard copies. So one of our mottos is “We aim to please” , Therefore,, autographed two and sent them. Added a little flare to them too. Not sure if you can see it in the picture below, but Kim definitely points it out.

    And Kim graciously made a TikTok unwrapping video upon receiving the books. Check it out, it’s wonderful!
    #chrissyhartmann #silverdaggerbooktours #bookish #readersoftiktok #readersofbooktok #bookloversunite #bookinfluencer #booktok #booklover #KU #kindleunlimited #romance #cowboy
    logo.png Kim Dabbs on TikTok

    		 tiktok.com

    And as for that little survey that made it into the April newsletter… about who might like Cherishing Whiskey Salvation best… You know, who would like it better… the guys vs the gals… looks like from the response it’s neck and neck. Reminds one of the Kentucky Derby. Right? Maybe your favorite author you just happen to be reading about right now. Huh? Hint! Hint!

    Speaking of the Derby…did you watch the best 2 minutes in sports this past May 6th?

    Never would have thought Mage would win. Did you? In fact, picked Cyclone Mischief to win with Two Phil’s to place, and Confidence Game to show.

    Well, at least got 1 out of the 3 correct. Wonder what Angel of Empire won? And best of all, placed third in the hat contest at the Galaxy’s Kentucky Derby party. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    Next year going to attend the same party, but will wear a different hat. Send some suggestions to decorate the same style of hat, but different colors, dark brown and black. Love those colors. Actually, the prettiest horses are ones with those colors. Right? If you have any suggestions, thoughts, or ideas send them to me. Love hearing from you. And don’t forget to mention who you picked to win the Derby. Do you think Mage is a Triple Crown contender?

    The Present …

    Just curious… do you have an alter ego? It’s looking more and more like there’s one here. Or is it a split personality? Haven’t figured that out yet. In the meantime, one of the alters’ is getting things accomplished. And it’s all good. Woohoo!

    For one thing… The reader magnet is finished. It’s being edited right now. Hoping to have it out June 1st. Don’t worry, they’ll be a link for those of you who would like to read it. Made it especially for any newcomers. But won’t dare leave any of you out.

    In the meantime, working on the presentation on Book Funnel and BookBub. Also, at the moment, the website https://chrissyhartmann.com is getting a makeover. Nothing outrageous, but a few additions added to the merch on the Extras page

    https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras

    and a few new pics on My Darlings page

    https://chrissyhartmann.com/my darlings

    Changing up the bio and adding the book cover for book three. SO, if you want a peek at it check it out at https://chrissyhartmann.com

    And for those of you who are new, last month, put out a cry for help. Well not really, but it does make it more desperate sounding, right? So, you’ll look, right?

    Anyway, need a name for Josiah’s plane. Right now, its name is “Silver”

    Admittedly, the plane is silver and black. Yes, the magnet is part of a western romance series, but This Silver is nothing like the Lone Rangers… well sort of. However, the editor doesn’t like the name. Need another name. Have been told it’s a little corny. So, taking suggestions for a new name. If you have something good, please send it in.

    Submit it here https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

    And just in case you need details, it’s a little 4-seater Cessna 172 plane that is silver and black. And yes, the plane is a big part of this story. If you read both books from the Whiskey Salvation Series, you’ll know why. And, the idea is being tossed around about writing a full-length novel and not just this magnet. IF you have no clue as to what’s being talked about, well, then maybe there’s a few of you who need to read the books, huh?

    And if you have, leave a review using the following links. Authors love reviews good or bad. Helps make the writing better. Thanks! Leave a review at

    Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation

    https://amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B09KZM7M1C

    Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation

    https://amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B0BTBLC6T5

    There are two other stories on standby after the third book is finished. But they may stray off the western path. Maybe. But thinking about it now, might not have to. Woohoo!

    What do you think of cowboys and Vikings and the fae? And how about a new name for Josiah’s plane?

    Please, please, send me your comments and/or thoughts.

    https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

    The Future …

    Excitement is brewing here at the Prickle Forrest. There’s a new little grove forming off the main Forrest. It does have something to do with writing. Everyone will benefit from it. And, no it is not a papermill either. Sheesh!

    Readers and Authors will hopefully love it. Only a few things left to get it launched. But don’t worry, the novel writing will continue here. Not giving that up. No way, no how! Promise!

    Had planned on attending the Columbus Book Festival July 15th and 16th, but with the new little grove thing happening and the need to get book 3 done, won’t have time to spend 2 days at it. Hopefully next year, though. Do plan to venture down with a group of writer friends to support those who are attending. Crazy, huh?

    Plus, putting together a book of short stories. And yes, there will be 1 if not 2 award-winning short stories in the book. Only going to put this out in digital format. More news to come later…

    Hey, what’s the rumor about the format of the Kindle books changing? What’s the deal with that? And those books already purchased in Mobi format, will they still work on the Kindle?

    Got any answers, shoot them over to https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

    They better continue to work on the kindles! There’s a ton of books on this kindle. Haven’t even made a dent in the library. But currently reading

    Peter Gibbons Viking Blood and Blade. Hope to have a book review for it out next month. And that’ folks is a hint on what’s coming from the Prickle Forrest. Stay tuned…

    And not to forget Prickle Forrest Chronicles new subscribers… “Welcome and thank you for joining!

    Stay prickly, my friends!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    *******

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

    RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION

    What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them?

    A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly Troupe of clowns? Or all three?

    Only one way to find out…

    Amazon:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KZM7M1C

    And don’t forget Chrissy’s new novella to the Whiskey Salvation Series…

    CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION

    After thirty plus years, this retired Army Colonel and cattle rancher realizes there’s only one thing he cherishes the most. And that’s the one person who roped his heart. But stubbornness, duty, coffee, and even an unruly troupe of clowns battle to loosen that hold. What’s it going to take for love to brand him forever?

    Only one way to find out.

    Amazon:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTBLC6T5

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    Copyright 2023

    All Rights reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – Special Edition with Author Intervew – Jessica Butler

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles – Special Edition with Author Intervew – Jessica Butler

    SPECIAL Edition

    December 20, 2022

    Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Jessica Butler!

    Author Jessica Butler

    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? 

    Hey everyone! I was born and raised in New Jersey but have been residing in Pennsylvania for over 15 years. I’ve always been an avid reader but didn’t take up writing until the beginning of quarantine in 2020. “Sweet Pear” is my first book and I’m currently working on the sequel!

    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 cozy Romance/Mystery novels that make you think. I love to read romance books that make me feel all of the emotions. Tears, laughter, anger, sadness … give me all of it! One of my favorite romance authors is Sally Thorne. I read “The Hating Game” many years ago and her characters just stuck with me. 

    In brief, tell us about your book, Sweet Pear.

    Elle Elverson, a mostly happily married, successful writer, wakes up one morning with a man other than her husband, Ryan, lying next to her. The kicker is that she knows who this man is. It’s none other than the one who broke her heart and soul whom she hasn’t spoken to in many years. Her ex-boyfriend, Josh Wilson.

    With the help of her best friend, Gwen, she’s on a mission to recover the missing pieces of what happened, what life she’s entered, and whom does she really desire to be in it?

    Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is it simply artificial?

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

    The feeling of holding my published book was so surreal. I immediately cozied up in fluffy blankets to read it over again. To feel the actual pages, reading the words knowing they came from me but having the ability to step outside myself as a writer and view it as a reader was wild! I celebrated with pinot noir (my fave) and went on a family beach vacation to the Outerbanks. 

    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 read it out loud. Sometimes hearing it come out of my mouth helps me feel as if I am the character. When that happens the conversations can flow easier and sometimes they lead you into unexpected territory you hadn’t originally planned. That’s the best when they take you by surprise!

    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 have candles that I like to light when I’m writing (gardenia scented ones are my fave) and I will always have some kind’ve beverage whether it’s coffee in the morning or a glass of white or red wine in the evening. I like to set the scene so music is always playing as well.

    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 write about the “perfectly imperfect” character. The one who is “flawed” but also isn’t afraid to share their vulnerabilities. I like to read enemies to lovers and love triangle tropes so it’s no wonder that my favorites to write are also those. Yes, reading your own novel is such a cool feeling. Sometimes when you write you’re so “in the zone” that you forget some of the wording. One of the coolest feelings is to separate yourself as the writer and enjoy your words and story.

    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?

    Haha; this one made me laugh. “Sweet Pear” is a little on the sweeter side rather than full spice but the sequel is making up for it. I do have moments where I blush of course but I think that also comes from developing crushes on the characters, (it happens). Music sets the tone for me for writing those kinds of scenes. I also like to envision the story as if I’m watching a movie.

    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 choose Sally Thorne and Alessandra Torre. It would have a nice blend of sweet & spicy. I would write an enemies to lovers trope for sure.

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

    I actually have a Pinterest board made up for this! For the lead female role of Elle, I would have Kaley Cuoco play the part. For the lead male character, I would have either Lucas Bravo or Joshua Jackson. As long as they have dimples; I’m sold!

    Where can we find your book…

    Sweet Pear by Jessica Butler
    https://www.fireflybookstore.com/sweet-pear/

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078420572227

    Twitter: 

    Instagram: handle is @jessicat_xo

    Pintrist: https://pin.it/5rq2suY

    Tiktok: @jessicabutlerauthor

    Rumble: 

    YouTube: 

    Other: 

    Big –big thanks to Jessica Butler for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Sweet Pear. 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 (Jessica Butler’s newest release at Amazon.com/author/jessicabutler

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann 

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    All Rights Reserved December 2022