Yes, it’s a quickie. The Muses are tired and the pantry is locked. No more Oreo’s for the day. Off to bed once we finish this post.
Okay, so first…
Orrville Public Library is hosting their 2nd Annual Author Book Signing this weekend, Saturday, March 11th from 11 am to 3 pm. And yes, I’ll be there. Don’t count on the Musedes, they’ll be bowling. Apparently, their spring league starts that day. Hmm? How convenient, right?
But they might make an appearance on Saturday, March 18th for the Massillon Public Library Book Signing. I’m excited for both, but Massillon is my first time there. Woohoo!!!
Nevertheless, I’ll have both novels at each location, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.
We’ll be doing a special price deal on both novelss for a bundle package. And if you can’t make it, it send me an E-mail from my website mentioning the special and you can order the set via E-mail or hopefully off my Extras page on the website.
But, in all honesty, I hope you’ll come… I love you guys!
Second…
The Muses are getting restless and want me to make sure you can order any of our fun merch plus autographed books from the extras page https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras
There will be a limited supply Saturday. And don’t worry, I’ll have QR codes to pass out for links to the E-books if you’d rather have that version. We can also send you away with an autographed book cover postcard if you really want one. In fact, I’d be happy to put my signature on one.
Finally, the best for last…
The Prickle Forrest Chronicles will be featuring two more romance authors this month. First one, Tuesday, March 14th with Cassie Mae cook and the second on Tuesday, March 28th with Sherri hollister.
Woohoo!
Okay, I’ve been informed it’s time to hit the pillow. Sheesh, definitely a quickie here. But don’t forget about the Author interviews on the 14th and 28th. Will chat soon…
So for now, Good night Pricklers.. and don’t forget to stay prickley!
Chrissy Hartmann
P.S. We’ll send another update at the end of the month with pictures of the book signings. Hope to see you there!
Chrissy Hartmann
Contemporary Western Romance Author and Award-Winning Short Story Writer
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?
God, family, and coffee always come first for Charlie Stockton. But not always in that order. Charlie just wants a cup of coffee. But there’s a battle between wife and daughter that rages on. How does he help without betraying his wife? And let’s not forget about the mischivious troupe of clowns!
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.
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?
Indie Romance and Mystery Author, Jennifer Skinnell
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Jennifer Skinnell!
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 originally from Ohio, but spent 34+ years in Northern Virginia before selling everything and traveling full-time with my husband in our RV. I began my writing career in 2016 and to date I have six books published—my 5-book Hope Springs Romance Series and the first book in my Palm Shores RV Resort Mystery Series.
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read?
I write sweet romantic comedies about love and life in a small town. I like to find other independent authors like myself. Kind of like “shopping small”.
Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
As far as inspiration goes, Debbie Macomber is one of my favorites. I know she’s not an independent author, but after reading one of her novels, I feel inspired to keep writing.
In brief, tell us about your book, One Sweet Development.
Book cover for Jennifer Sskinnell’s novel One Sweet Development
One Sweet Development is the first of 5 books in my Hope Springs Romance Series. It is the one that started it all, as they say.
Hope Springs, Virginia, is home to the Advice Quilting Bee and is full of strong, independent women. In One Sweet Development, Chandler Bradford, the town baker and historian, is trying to save the town from real estate developer, Peter Frederick. Rosie Macintire, the town matriarch, is Peter’s grandmother. Along with the Little Old Lady Network and a few spirits, Rosie shows Peter there is more to life than money and that Chandler is all he needs to make him happy.
When you received your first copy of your newly published book, One Sweet Development how did you feel? Did you flood social media with a book selfie? Celebrate with Champagne? Chocolate? Or pass out?
I remember standing in my kitchen when the Amazon package arrived. I was literally shaking as I opened the box and I cried. Of course, once I pulled it together, I spread the word on Facebook that my book was up and ready to buy.
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?
Sometimes I’ll go for a bike ride with my husband and the answer will come to me. I’ve been known to pull off to the side of the trail and type my thoughts in my notes app so I don’t forget everything!
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?
Since I live in an RV, my desk is our kitchen table. Usually just a cup of coffee, my iPad and my computer. Sometimes I pull out a steno pad and head to the picnic table if the weather is nice and we have a great view.
What type of character populates the majority of your pages?
I love writing about strong, independent women. They have great careers or run their own business, so having a man isn’t a necessity. For the man, he must be kind, loving, and respectful to the woman he’s interested in.
What’s your favorite trope to read and write?
Definitely a small-town romance with a twist. I like throwing a few spirits in my books to help move the relationship along.
After you’ve written your novel, ever get stunned by the fact that you wrote it?
Not necessarily the entire novel, but definitely parts of it. My aunt was a big inspiration for me in beginning my writing career, and unfortunately, she did not live to read any of my books. She died tragically two weeks after I told her I was beginning my first novel. I do feel, however, that she is with me at times. I’ll go back and read something I’d written the day before and not even remember writing that chapter or scene!
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?
Since my novels are of the clean and wholesome variety, this isn’t something I have to deal with.
So, say you want to do a box set with two other romance authors, who would you choose? What romance trope would you write?
That is a great question. I don’t have names, but being and independent author (without a publishing company backing me), I’d have to say I’d pick two other authors who don’t have one either. It would be in the sweet small-town romance genre, though.
If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?
Jennifer Skinnell’s book cover for her debut mystery series
Aside from writing my Hope Springs Romance Series, I have also published Death by Golf Cart, the first in my Palm Shores RV Resort Mystery Series. It’s a definite departure from writing a romance series, but it is a cozy mystery with a romantic thread.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
I’ve always pictured my books in my head as movies from that certain greeting card channel. There are so many good actors on that channel, that it would depend on who fit the character description in each book.
Do you have any blog tours, signings, or other upcoming events that you would like to promote?
Since I live and travel full-time, those things are not an option for me. All my promoting is strictly through social media.
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?
As much as I’d like to answer this, in my novels this is always part of the plot. You’ll just have to read my books to find out!
Where can we find your book…
My books are available on Amazon in eBook, Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback. Visit my Amazon Author Page for all the details.
Big –big thanks to Jennifer Skinnell for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and One Sweet Development. 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 Jennifer Skinnell’s newest release at jenniferskinnell.com
Welcome to the Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Dallas Ryan!
Author Dallas Ryan
It’s wonderful you could take the time to share with the Pricklers a bit about you and your writing.
Thanks so much for having me!
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?
Originally, I’m from Texas but now live on a lake in southern Virginia. I’ve written in some form or another all of my life but just started writing novels this year. This year, I’ve completed 3 full length novels – Collide, Unbroken, and Redeemed, and a Christmas novella – A Gladewater Christmas, for The Gladewater Series.
What type of romance do you write? What romances do you love to read? Do you have a favorite romance author that inspires you?
My series is contemporary, small town romance though I love a little of everything. I especially love paranormal romances though I’ve just started dipping my toe in writing in that genre. I also love historical romance. My fav author of all time is Diana Gabaldon – she does a little of everything – time travel, history and an amazing love story. I’m a total fan girl of hers!
In brief, tell us about your book, Redeemed.
JT Wade hasn’t forgiven himself for unwittingly putting his sister Maggie in danger. With his crazy detector clearly broken, he’s sworn off dating.
Sofia has worked with JT for years, but no one would guess that she secretly carries a torch for the hunky, normally happy-go-lucky chef.
Acutely aware of his family’s worry, and with Sophia’s family pestering her to find a man, JT comes up with the perfect solution: fake dating. But his win-win scenario takes a hit when they realize their feelings are anything but fake—and way more complicated than they anticipated…
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?
A bubble bath and a glass of wine have magical powers! Somehow that loosens all the blockages in my brain!
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?
Actually, I write on a lapdesk in my bed, usually surrounded by 1 or more of my canine herd. I can see out of my French doors to the lake as well so that’s nice.
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?
The majority of my characters are people that remind me of people I know and grew up with or sometimes, as in the case of my main male characters, those I wish I knew! LOL
I don’t really have a favorite trope to read but I’ve decided my fav one to write is grumpy/sunshine. My Christmas novella features a grumpy Canadian cowboy and I’ve just fallen in love with writing him.
I’m always shocked that I’ve written 4 books in less than a year! I also have plenty of scenes I read when I’m going back and editing and have no recollection of writing it. I think, hmmm, that’s pretty damn good but don’t remember what I was thinking when I wrote it. LOL
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 first sex scene I ever wrote was in Collide. It took FOREVER! Every word was painfully crafted and agonized over. By Unbroken, I was looking for places to add extra spicy scenes and by Redeemed, it’s in the first chapter! LOL Now, it’s really no different than writing any other scene other than I want to make sure it includes all the feels and not just part A inserts in part B, if you know what I mean.
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’d love to collaborate with my friend, Kimberly Ann, and Stacey Reynolds whose series I love. I imagine it would have to be some kind of small town romance but not sure what tropes we may come up with. I know grumpy/sunshine and second chances are popular as well as family orientedcharacters. All our books have inter-related characters in the series.
If you had the opportunity to promote one of your books from your backlist, which would you choose? Why?
Probably Collide as that’s where it all started. You really get the entire background of the world of Gladewater in that book.
If someone were to make a movie based on your book, which actors would play the leading roles?
That’s such a great question! I’m thinking Matthew McConaughey as JT and Bianca Santos for Sofia.
Do you have any blog tours, signings, or other upcoming events that you would like to promote?
I do have a sale coming up for my Christmas book on 12.4.22. It will be on sale for .99!
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?
Zane bought Maggie her own pink motorcycle helmet then took her to a surprise picnic in a romantic glade in Book Two – Unbroken.
Where can we find your book…
Author Dallas Ryan’s third novel REDEEMED from her Gladewater Series
All my books are available on Amazon in paperback, ebook and Kindle Unlimited
Big –big thanks to Dallas Ryan for taking the time to travel into the Prickle Forrest and share a bit about your writing and Redeemed: Book 3 of The Gladewater Series. And muchthanks to our readers who make it all possible.
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 $$It can expand to even something better with adding the function of Drop Box and e-mail sharing. Plus you can even write out full scenes. This is a great app to get your novel organized.
I love it because you could actually create your novel in this one little ap. It has character outlines, setting outlines, scene outlines, and story characteristics. Then when you’re ready, you can e-mail it or send it to the cloud to share or pick up on your PC. It’s simple to use and keeps everything grouped by novels. So yes, you can work on numerous books
I give it *****
at once. Check it out at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-novel-idea/id421948244?mt=8
2. Pages by Apple
I haven’t explored every little facet of Pages but that’s only because there are so many. But what I can tell you, if you want, you can format, type, edit, and print anything you want on Pages. This has templates to use of many types and it also has the ability for you to open a previously created document into pages and work from there. I love the automatic saving it does. The sync to Drop Box is an added bonus. One feature I hope to check out soon is converting a document to PDF. It’s well worth the price of $9.99 and if you desire more templates there’s even an additional app to tandemly use with Pages for more document templates. More info can be found at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pages/id361309726?mt=8
3. MS Word by Microsoft corporation
If you love Word, you’ll love it on your Apple product.
I’ll admit, I’m a PC user and when MS word became available for the iPhone I was thrilled. The only problem is you have to obtain a subscription for MS Word 365 to access the complete functionality of the program and that can run you $$$.
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
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
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
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
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 *****.
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.
