Tag: editing

  • 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

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles 

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    September 2020

    It’s fall. The leaves are changing. Wood smoke is in the air. Cider is pressed. And pumpkins are on the rise.

    Mother Nature is following her plans as usual. The nights are getting colder. Too cold for some. And the daylight is fading faster. Sweaters and light weight jackets are worn while our t-shirts and shorts are stowed away for another summer with the hopes we won’t over indulge these next few months and can where them next June.

    Pumpkin spice seems to have found the taste buds of everyone. As the flavor brings excitement to the fall with a soothing aroma and a warmth to the belly as we drink it in lattes, cappuccinos, and coffees. Plus not to forget muffins, doughnuts, cookies, and pies. Oh Boy, Yum!

    So pull out your sweaters, slide into some jeans, and lace up your boots. Fall is here. And while you’re at it… sit by a roaring fire and read a book. Better yet, write one!

    Happy autumn!

    THE TOP FIVE

    1.  Fall weather… Love the hoodies and cowboy boots. Woohoo!
    2. Pro football season is back… now we just need the Big 10 to play.
    3. Fair food… French fries and better yet pumpkin spice.   funnel cakes. Oh boy!
    4. CiderBoys apple pineapple hard cider. Delicious!
    5. Vinyl records. Newest one to collection…Alabama Shakes. Love it!

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Not too much progress with the book this month. Did start to learn more on how screenwriters formulate their manuscripts. This info should be very helpful for Book 2 of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation series. Unfortunately, got side tracked by roof repair, which led into cleaning out the spare bedroom, which in turn caused the distraction of getting all the clutter out of the house. It’s not all out yet, but back to writing again. Did come up with a great idea for those who like to pitch their books. Looking into creating an app for this. Wrote out all the ideas for it. Ever have one of those days when nothing gets done because focusing on one thing is a complete distraction. No? Yeah, me neither. Hahaha!

    QUERYING…

    Wanted to send out a query letter or two, even found a few agencies and a few publishers but realized they were requesting books different from RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION is written in. What a bummer! But still looking for others to submit too.

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    Use the MICE quotient to help write conflict into your story. The MICE quotient stands for

    M… milieu

    I… Inquiry

    C… Character

    E… Events

    Check out the explanation on the June 20, 2020 podcast Writing Excuses (Season 15)

    https://writingexcuses.com/2020/06/21/15-25-using-the-mice-quotient-for-conflict/

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    Not many this month. Maybe a few National days like #NationalHugAHoundogDay or something like that. Pretty tame month, but then again it is fair season around these parts and school is back in session even though it may only be for two or three days a week. Labor Day came and went with much ado about nothing. Did drink some wine with friends a couple of nights this month, but not to celebrate a holiday. Hoping next month will be better though.

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. The Screen Writer’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script by David Trottier
    2. Revelations From The Dead: Chronicles of the Night Waster by Max Willi Fischer
    3. Making Description Work Hard For You; Crafting Unforgettable Fiction Book 1 by Beth Yarnall

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Fall

    SPORTS TEAM: Indians, Buckeyes, Browns… Oh my!

    COLOR: Dark Brown

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Sweetbread…Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: French Vanilla cappuccino

    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 sugars 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…

    • Mail in ballots. Get out and vote people!
    • Anonymous writers. Makes the children’s lyric of “Liar, liar, pants on fire” come to mind.
    • Mask, shutdowns, social distancing… and let’s not forget the reason for it… COVID-19.
    • Mosquitoes. Help! Send dragonflies and mint!
    • Socialists and communists. American Patriots and Capitalism is the only way to go!

    THEY SAID…

    “You can fix anything, but a blank page.”

    –              Nora Roberts

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    • Walmart is open until 10 pm now. But not much else. Most businesses are closing around 7 pm maybe 8 pm, but bars can serve until 10 pm and then lights out at 11 pm. It’s a blast from the past when nothing was open on Sundays and offices and shops closed up at 5 pm.
    • Woosterfest has already been cancelled.
    • Wooster High School football is only playing conference teams, which leaves us with six for the year. Only one played at home though…and we are kicking butt! Go Woo!
    • The renovations to Wooster’s square downtown are complete. More space to sit outside some of the businesses, like at Tulipan’s Hungarian Bakery and Coffee Shop, etc. The Farmer’s Market is still open, but only for a few more Saturdays.

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know… Do you prefer reading books where the antagonist looks to rule the universe or ones who just want to rule the office? And why?

    Please comment below…

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander

    Busy month, believe it or not. First it started out with dressing up for the Kentucky Derby. Yes, that’s right. Kentucky Derby. No it’s not May, its September but due to the whole virus thing it got pushed back. So they dressed up for the roses. Gander took it a little too far, but he’s adorable as usual.

    Plenty of apple picking this month too.

    Even a romp with their pups.

    And even though college football might not start until October they felt the need to get into the spirit of it all. And of course they are going to watch the Browns and they are continuing to cheer on the Indians too.

    And don’t forget about National Teddy Bear Day. Gander had a blast showing off his Teddy Bear. Maybe someday they’ll get a Winnie the pooh outfit.

    But for now, they are happy with the results of the local fair. Ribbons won for Gander cow, Goosie Pumpkin

    All while enjoying French Fries and lemonade with placement with some square dancing to top off the week.

    Boy Howdy!

    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

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