Tag: Holidays

  • 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 Chronickles October 2019

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    October 2019

    By Chrissy Hartmann

     

    It’s fall. No better time of the year. The foliage of the trees is changing to beautiful colors of red, orange, gold, and browns. Beautiful! Spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are all around to tickle the nose. And make the belly grumble. Don’t forget the Halloween candy — Snickers! KitKats! Reeses! Crunch bars!

    And remember the trick-or-treaters…Wondering what will be the top costume for this Halloween? Pumpkins will be out until the end of November. The chilly air gives reason to throw on jeans, hoody, and some kick-ass boots.

    Plus let’s not forget about the added bonus…Football is back. Go Buckeyes!

    So what’s not a better reason than these to love the month of October?

     

     

    THE TOP five

    1. Jack-O-Lanterns.
    2. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies.
    3. Halloween Trick-or-Treating.
    4. Pumpkin Spice Latte.
    5. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

     

     

    WIP (Work In Progress):

    Working on book 1 rewrite of the Sugar Creek Trilogy

    TAGS…Because Everything Has A Price 2019©

     

    Outline is finished and the first 3 chapters are finished. Learned the techniques of Deep Point of View and trying to apply them. It’s a slow process right now, but once it becomes familiar, progress should quicken…If The Muses don’t stir up trouble.

    And yes, completed book 2 last year. Hope to start Book 3 in January. Signed up for NANOWRIMO…Hope to have rewrite finished by December 1st. Fingers crossed. No toe crossing yet…Only as a last resort.

     

    Although everything will change if nominated to participate in PitchWars. Keeping toes crossed now, announcement on November 3rd.

     

     

    QUERYING UPDATE:

    Queried quite a few literary agents and publishers August and September. Should be hearing back from them soon. Actually have heard back from one publisher who asked for more time so they could discuss RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION 2019©

    Not sure just exactly what that means. Maybe good news? Hoping to hear back from them soon.

    But just in case…Already have another group of literary agents and publishers ready to query.

     

     

    THE CRAFT

    Learned how to use deep point of view. What a game changer for the writing!

    Check out the book Method Acting for Writers

    By Lisa Hall-Wilson

    The Muses give her 5 Oreos.

    Lisa also hosts a free workshop on Facebook a few times a year. She has a much more extensive workshop that lasts about 8+ weeks. Unfortunately unable to sign up for it this time, but maybe next time it rolls around.

    After this brief workshop, definitely notice a difference in the writing. Love it!

     

     

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    Halloween is the big one for this month. Will probably pull out the old standby costume of “Where’s Waldo” but will dress as his girlfriend…Wenda. She’s the one who always takes the pictures but somehow loses the camera. Still wondering what happened to Wenda’s twin sister Wilma and Waldo’s first girlfriend. Hmm? Kind of spooky. Huh?

     

    The neighborhood Trick-or-Treat is not on Halloween. Bummer.

     

    Hoping to also celebrate National bandana day on Frankenstein Friday, which happens to be October 25th and let’s not forget to celebrate National Pumpkin Day on Saturday October 26th. Not sure what to carve the pumpkin into yet. But really only doing it to get the pumpkin seeds. Cover them in sunflower oil and a pinch of salt then bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes Sweeten them up with some cinnamon sugar before you bake them if plain ones don’t float your boat. Fantastic snack!

     

     

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. Method Acting For Writers by Lisa Hall-Wilson
    2. Snap Shot: An Atmospheric Thriller by Marilyn Todd
    3. Wrapped Up In You by Jill Shalvis

     

     

    ALL-TIME FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Autumn

    SPORTS TEAM: OSU Buckeyes

    COLOR: Dark Brown

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye www.theseeingeye.org

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Sweet potato or apple chips

    HOT DRINK: Pumpkin Spice Latte (with or without Rum)

    FLOWER: Daisies

     

    DID YOU KNOW…

    Adaptations of Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) often show the Headless Horseman with a pumpkin or jack-o’-lantern in place of his severed head. (In the original story,

    On the morning after Crane’s supposed encounter with the Horseman, the discovery of Ichabod Crane’s abandoned hat lies near a shattered  pumpkin.

     

     

    PRICKLERS..

    1. Trick-or-treat not held on Halloween.

    Seriously? Thank goodness this is not worldwide.

    1. Keurig died.

    Three years of faithful coffee brewing. RIP my friend.

    1. Stores decorating for Christmas already.

    Uh? Hello? It’s October.

    1. Running out of pumpkin spice cream.

    Noo! Only 1 month to go then they’ll yank it from the shelves.

    1. Browns losing.

    Come on Brownies!

     

     

    THEY SAID…

    This month’s quote is by — Unknown —

    There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.

     

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    * Smithville-Western and Friendsville Roundabout

    Whoohoo! Woohoo! Almost done.

    * Edgewood neighborhood trick-or-treat

    Candy Up! Sunday October 27th from 4 to 6 pm.

    * Leaf Pickup

    Grab your rakes! Starts October 28th.

    DTZs Halloween Rock Out

    Get your dancing shoes on! Band playing Saturday October 26th at the Wooster Country Club $10 cover charge.

     

     

    CHECK THIS OUT:

    They are real! Real pumpkin carols! Thanks Peanuts!

    https://retroist.com/peanuts-pumpkin-carols/

     

     

    GOOSING AROUND…

    Goosie and Gander are enjoying the colorful autumn weather. Leaves are changing and so do their clothes on a daily basis. Pictures to come soon…but you can check them out on Twitter @USAWriter355

     

     

     

    FIND ME ON…

    Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355 (Chrissy Hartmann)

     

    Prickle Forrest Creations, LLC 2019 ©