PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann

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  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann – August 2026 Book Fairs, Book Events, Book Publishing, Oh my!

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    August 2026

    By Chrissy Hartmann

    Howdy, All!

    Well, pull up a chair, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and settle in, because there’s been plenty happening around this little corner of the trail!

    First things first—Hayden, affectionately known around here as “Butterscotch,” is settling in just fine.

    18EF7D58-D60D-4B40-A743-076E93D85854

    When he’s in harness, he’s all business. But take that harness off and you’ve got yourself ALL PUPPY! He loves carrying his stuffed bone around, and—believe it or not—he has apparently decided that a stuffed coffee cup makes a fine puppy toy, too.

    Chris, Butterscotch, and volunteer Bob on the Braille trail

    We took a little venture at the end of last month to a Braille Trail at Hogback Ridge Park in Sunbury, Ohio, hosted by the American Council of the Blind of Ohio. Butterscotch absolutely loved it! It was a wonderful outing, and we had ourselves a whole heap of fun.

    The book festival season is officially back in full swing, and this cowgirl has plenty of irons in the fire. Not only am I participating in festivals, but I’m also helping with the marketing for three different events, including the BVI Lions Club ACB Ohio Fall Festival. Add in everything I’m doing for the book festivals, and you might say I’ve got my boots firmly planted in the marketing corral!

    And you know what?

    I’m having a blast with it. I even found a new app for my phone that lets me put text overlays on pictures. I’m still learning the ropes, but I’m having fun experimenting with it. And when I get myself into a bit of a digital pickle, there’s always my Eagle Scout to ride in and lend a hand  with photoshop every now and then!

    August 17th was a mighty busy day around here because two new books hit the trail!

    First up is my second short story:

     💕 Life Flight Kisses*

    This is Short Story #2,following Tacking of Hearts. Life Flight Kisses is now available in paperback, digital, and Kindle Unlimited, just like its predecessor.

    And then there was another little celebration…

    🖤 Whiskey Kisses

    My newest novella, Whiskey Kisses, also officially galloped onto the trail on August 17th!

    And let me tell you, Punkin was mighty pleased about the timing.

    Why?

    Because August 17th just happened to be National Black Cat Day!

    I certainly didn’t plan that little bit of magic, but I’ll happily take it. Sometimes the trail has a way of lining things up just right.

    So if you haven’t met Chet, Violet, and that mischievous little black kitten yet, saddle up and come on over to Whiskey for a little cowboy romance, kitten trouble, and plenty of kisses.

    You can find that broody cowboy, stubborn veteran, and ornery black kitten within the pages of  Whiskey Kisses  ! Don’t miss out!

    Now I need a little help from my trail hands.

    I’d love to know what you think about the covers for Life Flight Kisses and Whiskey Kisses. Which one catches your eye first? What do you like about them? I’d love to hear what you think! Want to make sure I’m on the right trail with them. Drop me a reply to this newsletter or send me a message through my website. I always enjoy hearing from readers.

    And here’s some good news for folks who’d like a signed copy of my books.

    You can now purchase autographed copies directly from my website! And because no good cowboy—or cowgirl—should ride away empty-handed, every book comes with some SWAG.

    So if you’re looking for a signed copy for yourself, a gift for a fellow reader, or just want to add a little more cowboy sparkle to your bookshelf, come on over and check it out.

    I’ve got another event coming up this month to help support PAWS and the Wayne County Dog Pound, and I may just try my hand at baking fresh dog biscuits right there at the event.

    Yep.

    Fresh dog biscuits.

    From my cookbook, The Grub Wrangler and Gruff: Dog Biscuit Almanac.

    Now, before anybody gets too excited, I should probably mention that this little baking adventure is still in the “we’ll see how this goes” stage!

    But I did find myself a brand-new toaster oven at a thrift store last month when I went thrifting a while back.

    So maybe the stars are lining up for some fresh-baked puppy treats!

    Treasuring Whiskey’s SalvationIs Almost Ready!

    The book is formatted, and now all that’s left is to make those edits. Got only 22 chapters to edit. That won’t take long, right?

    If everything goes according to plan, there’s a good chance this one could still see publication before the end of this year!

    I’ve also got a great idea brewing for the cover. I just need to get it made.

    And Then There’s Another Story…

    Now here’s where things get downright difficult.

    I’ve got another story brewing. The outline is written. I’ve got my notes ready to go, and there are just a few edits to make before I can really get rolling.

    And this one?

    Well…

    I’m going to try writing a western romantasy!

    Yep. You read that right.

    A little western. A little romance. A little fantasy.

    And, of course, it takes place in Whiskey.

    I am already having way too much fun thinking about this one, and it’s just about killing me not to start writing it right now. But I’ve got to keep myself honest. Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvationneeds to be edited, and these festivals need to get finished first.

    Then?

    It’s time to saddle up and ride into a whole new story.

    I also just got word that I’ve been asked to chat up the Indie Authors for the Buckeye Book Fair!

    I suppose that makes sense. After all, I’m an indie author and I’m the social media assistant for the Buckeye Book Fair marketing team. SO I’m busy thinking up publicity  stuff for a few of the indie authors. At the moment, the director’s got me writing a few articles for the Buckeye Book Fair Bookmark newsletter. I guess they figure I know a thing or two about what indie authors need promoted! I’m looking forward to helping get the word out and giving our wonderful indie authors some well-deserved attention.

    And to top off my day, just got word, I’ve been selected to participate  on a panel  regarding  book marketing for the Canal Town Book Festival. I’m tickled pink over this honor. Yeehaw!

    Well, folks, that’s about all the news from my little corner of the trail for now. There’s writing, editing, book festivals, marketing, dog biscuits, new stories, new books, a puppy with a stuffed bone—and apparently a coffee cup—and somehow I’m having a mighty fine time keeping up with all of it.

    I hope you’ll join me and Butterscotch out on the trail sometime soon.

    And if you can’t make it in person, don’t be a stranger! Send me a reply to this newsletter or drop me a message through my website. I always love hearing from readers.

    Until next time, keep turning those pages, chasing those dreams, and leaving a little room for some cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle with hope.

    And remember…

    💖 Don’t forget to saddle up for Whiskey Kisses! 💖

    Happy reading, all!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    • Contemporary Western Romance Author

    • Award-Winning Short Story Writer

    • Book Reviewer

    • Blogger

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

    Follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles 

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    *******

    Don’t miss out on the Whiskey Salvation Series…

    Where you’ll find  cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle  filled with hope… So kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance … and more!

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles July 2026 by Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles July 2026 by Chrissy Hartmann

    Chrissy Hartmann’s newsletter banner on wood background with white and pink daisies with hearts

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    July 2026 Round-Up from Chrissy Hartmann

    Howdy Prickles!

    Grab your favorite cold drink, pull up a porch chair, and stay awhile. Here’s what’s been happening around Prickle Forrest Chronicles this month!

    🐾 Hayden and Punkin’s Trail Report

    Can you believe summer is already halfway over? Seems like just yesterday I was watching the spring flowers bloom, and now we’re already talking county fairs, festivals, and fall around the bend. Time sure has a way of galloping by.

    This past month has been one wild ride. When I got the telegram—I mean, phone call—from The Seeing Eye saying they had found my new guide dog, I was plum tickled pink! I was headed to New Jersey at the end of June to meet my new partner, but before I could hit the trail, there was a mountain of work to get done.. and a whole lot of cuddling with Punkin to reassure her I would be back in 18 days… and with a new brother for her too. HaHa!

    🐾 Meet Hayden!

    Well, I survived the bumpy airplane ride, but that’s about where “normal” ended.

    My very first solo route at guide dog school froze my back tighter than an old barn door in January. Then Mother Nature decided to show off. During some of the hottest days of the summer—with temperatures climbing well over 100 degrees—the air conditioning quit working.

    Not long after that, an 80-mile-per-hour windstorm rolled through Morristown, knocking out power not only across town but at The Seeing Eye campus itself.

    The school moved everyone to the Hyatt Hotel on July 3rd while crews worked to restore the AC and power. Let’s just say… it wasn’t exactly the luxury cattle drive I’d imagined. And celebrating America’s 250th birthday in a hotel room with nothing to do didn’t rank high on this cowgirl’s list.

    Because training couldn’t continue as planned, our class was shortened. Eventually all of us retrains were sent home a day early since there wasn’t much our instructors could do while we were scattered around the hotel.

    Truth be told, I probably spent as much time wandering the hotel trying to find my room, the elevator, a place to park Hayden, or somewhere to grab a bite to eat as I did actually relaxing. If I head back again in another eight or ten years, I’m hoping Mother Nature gives us a little more cooperation!

    But despite all the craziness…

    I came home with my new partner, Hayden!

    And thankfully, the flight home was smooth as butter. Thank the Good Lord for that. Woohoo!

    Chrissy and Hayden on the Morristown green with statue of Seeing Eye founder, Morris Frank and Buddy

    Little did I know the adventure was only beginning… more next update.

    📚 From My Writing Desk…

    The writing trail has been just as busy with the bossherd driving their authors to the stockyard A.K.A. the publish button.

    Whiskey Kisses

    My proof copy finally arrived!

    Whiskey Kisses proof copy

    This Sunday my formatter, Alexandra, and I will be giving it one final ride-through. If everything looks good, I’m hoping to have it available for preorder before August 17th.

    Life Flight Kisses

    Next up is Life Flight Kisses.

    The manuscript ended up about sixteen pages longer than expected, which means the cover has to be resized before we can publish. Keep your fingers crossed that my cover designer can get ‘er done in time. If all goes well, we’re still aiming for an August 17th release.

    Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation

    Just before leaving for guide dog school, I finished writing Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation.

    Now that it’s had time to rest, I can finally start editing with fresh eyes… I think!

    My goal is to release it this November. now I’m picturing a cowboy, a beach, and one breathtaking sunset. Sounds like the perfect place for a romance to bloom, don’t you think?

    The cover is still rolling around in my imagination. Right

    🤠 Something New Is Ridin’ Into Town!

    I’ve been busy behind the scenes fixing up the ranch, and before long you’ll be able to order autographed books and Prickle Forrest Books merchandise right here on ChrissyHartmann.com—and at prices that’ll be a little kinder to your wallet than buying through the big online retailers.

    We’re not quite ready to swing open the barn doors just yet, but we’re getting mighty close!

    In the meantime, you can still save a few dollars on my books by visiting each book’s page on my website and clicking the “Sale” link. While those copies won’t be personally autographed, I’d still love to make them a little more special. Just send me a message after you place your order, and I’ll happily mail you a complimentary signed bookplate along with a little personal note. That way, you can add my signature to your book when it arrives.

    Chrissy and Hayden at my desk

    📅 Events Out on the Trail…

    📅 Come See Me on the Trail!

    If you’re nearby, I’d sure love for you to stop by and say howdy.

    Here’s where you can find me over the next couple months:

    July 25 – Coshocton Book Festival

    July 25th Coshocton book Festival flyer

    August 14 – Willow & Whiskers

    August 15 – Tractor Supply Pet Days

    August 22 – Marshallville Historical Days & Farmers Market

    September 12 – Tractor Supply Fall Fest

    A few of these events will be my first outings with Hayden by my side, so come introduce yourself—and maybe him, too! I’d love nothing more than visiting with fellow readers and cowboy romance lovers.Book events

    Chrissy and Hayden

    🤎 Until Next Time…

    From tip to tail, thanks all!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    • Contemporary Western Romance Author

    • Award-Winning Short Story Writer

    • Book Reviewer

    • Blogger

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

    Follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles  

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    *******

    Don’t miss out on the Whiskey Salvation Series…

    Where you’ll find  cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle with lots of hope… So, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance … and more!

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    PrickleForrestChronicles.com Copyright©2026 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann February 2025 – Mooove over snowflakes, it’s time for hearts, love and cowboys!Hearts

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    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    February 2025

    Howdy Partner,

    Hope this winter is treating you kindly. Ohio’s winters can be rough especially if the temps drop lower than a tin cup left out on a frosty fence post. Oops

    So move on over snowflakes, it’s time for hearts, love, and cowboys! Woohoo! Woohoo!!

    Finally finished another short story that will be published, hopefully, in the Great Lakes Fiction Writers anthology for 2025. Woohoo! This here story is about Luke Tyler. He’s cousin to Kaleb Tyler and he’s checking out a vineyard up on Kellyes Island out there on Lake Erie to figure out if he thinks adding a vineyard to his ranch would be worthwhile. Well, He’s definitely interested once he meets the vintners daughter, Cora Krebs. Boy howdy! Its short and sweet with a lot of laughs. When the books published, which will be in July on the 26th, I’ll let you know where you can rustle it up at. Tacking of Hearts is the first story of the Whiskey Salvation anthology regarding the Tylers’. This here short is the fourth, but they’re all pretty much stand alones. So no matter your fancy, you can read them anytime. Short story two will be out this fall and short story three will be out for Christmas with my Whiskey Salvation Christmas novella. Short story 1 is already out in the GLFW 2024 anthology Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes. <![if !vml]>

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    Still working on a title for the novella. Any suggestions for it, send my way. If it’s picked, I’ll send you a copy, digital or paperback, your choice. Thanks!

    Now on a personal note, this here cowpoke is getting her insulin pump this week. Woohoo! Looking forward to it. Call me a slacker, but I hate having to get up from writing to take more insulin. Now just have to look at my phone and press a button. I’ll be hooking up with the Tandem Mobi. Let’s hope this shiny fandangle will be the answers to my prayers.

    Book festivals are hitting the calendars for 2025. As of the moment, all set up to hit the trail for four of them, but more to come. Orrville Book Festival March 1st, Akron Book Festival March 8th, April 12th Stark County Library Book Festival, and A July 26th Rock-N-Roll Book Festival in Cleveland. Just got one shipment of my books today, waiting on The Grub Wrangler, <![if !vml]>

    <![endif]> The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits cookbook book cover which I expect no later than the 17th. All my books will be on sale. So no need to rob any trains, hold up a stage coach, or go digging for gold. Just hop on that pony of yours and hit the trail. I’d love to meet ya!

    I’m considering lassoing a few videos to roundup for my YouTube channel, and might even look into Rumble, so if interested, just look me up under my user name USAWriter355. No sense letting my Meta Glasses go to waste. Right? Now they might just be of my kitten , but eventually I’ll get the hang of it and post more. However, nothings there at this minute, so don’t hightail it there, I’ll give fair warning. By the way, what kind of stuff do you want to see? Day in the life of a blind author? Hmm, those just might end up on funniest home westerns. Hahaha!

    Okay, so it’s the month of love, right? Do you all know how them there cowpokes celebrate it? And no, they aren’t out kissing their cows, maybe their cowgirls, but not them cows. They aren’t good kissers. At least that’s what a friend’s told me…

    Below here is a list of a few things a cowboy might do.

    Can you guess which one my cowboy did for me? I’ll enter your name in the giveaway for November. Just e-mail me with your answer or reply to the newsletter.

    And by the way, I’ll be giving away to one lucky cowgirl living in the good old USA the grand prize of a paperback copy of:

    • The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits

    • Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation

    • Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation: A Whiskey Salvation Novella

    • Make Christmas Great Again

    • Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes

    And to you five runnerups, I’ll be dishing out one digital copy of each of my books listed above. So send me your answers. Don’t forget to mention which digital book you’d prefer if you’re picked as a runnerup.

    Which here did my cowboy do for me to express his tender heart filled with love?

    Lasso the moon – Promises me he’ll rope the moon for me … but ends up tangled in his own lasso. Not a pretty sight! In fact darn right dangerous.

    Romantic horseback dinner – Tries to set up a candlelit dinner on horseback, only for his horse to steal the steak off his plate. Obviously not a vegetarian.

    Sings a love ballad to his cattle – Serenades his cows with a heartfelt country song just for practice, only to be met with blank stares and an untimely moo. Is that what you call “cattle-walloring?”

    Heart-shaped branding – Thinks branding a heart with our initials onto his boots is romantic but forgets it’s still hot and burns a hole in his chaps. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

    Buys his sweetheart a bouquet of wildflowers – Picks a bunch of prairie flowers, only to realize too late that half of them are just weeds. Obviously, his Mamma never learned him on flowers. And by the way, Fire-N-Ice roses are my favorite.

    I hope you all enjoyed this update. May your Valentine’s Day have been a sweet one and remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”

    Stay prickly my friends,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann January 2025 Well butter my biscuit and call me speechless…

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    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    January 2025

    🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    🤠 Dear Prickles,

    Well butter my biscuit and call me speechless – I’ve got more news than a cattle rustler’s got excuses! Grab your coffee and settle in for this here roundup.

    First off, my cookbook, : Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits is now available and is out there on the trail as of today, January 31st, which just happens to be this cowpoke’s birthday. And you all can wrangle yourself a copy faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado. If you’ve already got yours reserved, bless your heart – and if you’re feeling particularly neighborly, a review would be more appreciated than rain in a drought.

    🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    I’d like to extend my most sincere apologies to those who live out of the good old USA, as the cookbook is not available in print. It, however, can be herded into your digital shopping cart internationally from most retailers. I sure wish you all could get it, it’s a mighty beautiful book!

    But hold onto your hats, cause that’s just the beginning. I’ve got not one, but two more books on the horizon. One’s an anthology of short stories, written by this here cowboy and the other’s another anthology where our good old friend Luke Tyler from Whiskey will be featured. And if your wondering, he’s cousin to Kaleb, Kash, and Kaden Tyler.

    Keep your eyes peeled for the GLFW anthology coming out in late June, which should have Lukes short story in it where he’s met the love of his life, Cora Krebs a vintner on Kellyes Island on Lake Erie, plus it’ll have a whole boot scooting variety of other short stories you won’t want to miss.

    Still got a hold of your hat? cause this next bit’s got me more excited than a kid at their first rodeo – I’m getting myself one of them fancy Tandem Mobi insulin pumps! This little beauty works right off an iPhone and is friendlier to us blind folk than a well-trained horse. Yours truly will be learning the ropes in the next couple weeks, and I reckon it’ll be smoother than a prairie sunrise.

    Speaking of hitting the trail, I’ll be moseying on down to three book festivals in March and April — Orrville Book Festival March 1st and Akron Book Festival March 8th and Stark Library Book Fest April 12th — with my sights set on two more roundups in October and November — Canal Town Book Fest October 4th and Buckeye Book Fair November 2nd —. The Grub Wrangler will be riding shotgun at every last one of ’em. And here’s where it gets interesting, pardners – anyone who stops by my table and picks up The Grub Wrangler or any other book gets entered into a special prize drawing. And don’t you fret if you can’t make it. I’ll rustle up a signup for those of you here on the e-mail list already. Now, I’m not spilling all the beans just yet, but come November’s newsletter, two lucky buckaroos will be riding off into the sunset with a mighty fine prize. Keep your eyes peeled for more details in February’s dispatch of the Prickle Forrest Chronicles.

    And if that’s not enough to make you holler "yeehaw," the Seeing Eye dog guide school’s done reached out about setting up a Juno walk next week. Looks like this cowpoke might be getting a new four-legged partner sooner than expected! At least that’s what we here on the ranch hope. I’ve requested a male shepherd and they’re sometimes harder to get than lassoing your favorite cowboy to do a two-step with you at the local square dance.

    Now, since we’re talking all things cowboy, let me tell you something about how us ranch hands have been participating in democracy since the early days. Them original cowboys were about as diverse as the wild frontier itself – Black, Hispanic, Native American, and white folks all working the same trails. And when it came to voting, well, cowboys historically weren’t too partial to either side of the political fence. They tended to vote based on what affected their livelihood most – land rights, cattle prices, and water access. Even today, you’ll find cowboys across these United States voting every which way, proving we’re about as independent as they come. And let’s not forget the inauguration either. These here cowboys like to celebrate a good win so they might cut loose sipping on a whiskey, firing off a few rounds of ammo, and eating a hearty meal before shut eye. If they’re lucky enough to be holding up at the bunk house, they might have an impromptu two-step with the local cowgirls. But for the most part, sunrise comes early for these hard working boys in the saddle and they’re back to work mending fences and tending the herd.

    Speaking of the inauguration, how did you celebrate it this year? Did you two-step at any inaugural balls or did you settle in and watch this here author’s Buckeyes win the National College Football Championship? Me? Started with mimosas at 12:02 pm danced a jig or two then settled in on the couch with the cowboys to watch my scarlet and gray win. Woohoo! Woohoo! Did manage to munch on a few of my savory starters that The Grub Wrangler managed to rustle up in-between plays. One such favorites were chipotle hummus with veggies and chicken cranberry salad with pecans on pepper crackers. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    Until next time, stay prickly, my friend, 🌵

    Now kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright©2025 All Rights Reserved

  • The January 2023 Freeze

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    The freeze is on. Happy New Year! Yes, it’s January 2023 and at the moment even though there is a roaring fire, it’s heading to 23 degrees tonight. The weighted blanket, heating sheet, and wool socks will be on before the pillow gets fluffed. In other words, it’s cold, freezing cold here in northeast Ohio. Not even trying to get a cuddle from my long-haired bobtail kitten is warming me up. Probably doesn’t help either when she’s not in the mood to cuddle.

    Chrissy and Punkin cuddling… Sort of.

    The Past…

    Managed to win a bet with another author friend and her hubby. We had to see who could lose the most weight between us. Didn’t look like we would win, but hubby managed to get the flue the last two weeks of the contest and we pulled it off by losing 20.4 pounds between the two of us. Woohoo! Woohoo! Not the way to do it though. I expect a rematch this spring though. And our prize? Since, chocolate is not tops on the list, it might have been something called a “chocolate stampede” from Longhorn. Our secret? Rowing machine, treadmill, and smaller portions. Well, at least for me. The hubby? Smaller portions and the flue. HaHaHa! But hey, we won.

    The Present…

    Finished edits for Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation.

    The Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation book cover

    I think. Manuscript at the editors for one last review of formatting. Hope to have it up on Amazon by the end of the month as long as my copyright gets submitted in time. then will officially start back to work on book 2 of the Whiskey Salvation Series. Yeah baby!

    Started to new craft books. Structure for novel writing by James Scott Bell. He teaches one of those Great Works/Master classes and it’s fabulous. If you can’t take it, which you could just ask your library to see if they can get it. If they can’t then get his book. It’s exactly like the course. Love those kinds of classes.

    Superstructure, The key to unleashing the power of story by James Scott Bell

    The other book is on newsletter marketing. It’s a top seller, but at the moment I’m not fond of it. I just started it, so hopefully once I get deeper into it, it will get better. Right now only would give it 3 stars, the other book on structure gets 5 stars. It’s actually the first craft book that puts plotting all in layman terms that makes it actually understandable. Woohoo! Woohoo! Saved by the Bell!

    The Future…

    February is coming up. Ground hog day and St. Valentine’s day too. Might possibly host the Wayne NOvelist Guilds Christmas party since we had to cancel it due to a few getting sick. If I host it, will make it into a romance one. Sorry, but Christmas is over. No rewinds.Got to keep moving forward.

    Looking forward to a euchre party on the 17th, even got a new deck of cards. And yes, they have Braille marks on them. Should be interesting and a lot of fun unles of course the couples bring the same appetizers and desserts. I plan to take my stuffed mushrooms and possibly frozen raspberry oreo fluff, but only if The Muses can stay out of the Oreos.The rotten thieves pick the lock to the pantry every time they find out Oreos are in the house.

    Also will be planning on the author book signings I’ll do in March, June, August, and possibly October.

    The news…

    Barns and Noble will be opening a number of new stores this year.

    A presumed dead author is alive, at least that’s what she is telling her fans now. Isn’t that fraud? I think Sherlock would agree. AI is making its presence known in the writing community. Lots of writers using it. Maybe will consider it for those sticky Act 2 problems I seem to always have. Rumor has it that the Twitter tweets might be going to 4000 characters a post. Hopefully, it’s true. I know a number of authors that would help out greatly with advertising for their books.

    Other news…

    Politics are heating up. Now that the Republicans have control of the house, it might just get a little more exciting. Maybe even more than the election of the Speaker of the House. I’ll bet even more if the CSpan cameras are reinstalled. Might be more exciting than Monday night football. And don’t get me started on “carlargo.” Wow! That’s a mess, probably as bad as the whole thing with DOT. Don’t look to fly off anywhere in a hurry. That looks like a no go. Sheesh!

    Speaking of football or even sports, whats with these healthy athletes having hart attacks and dying on the field?Heard even some were dying as they walked to class? Holy smokes, not good! This is got to stop. And honestly, it’s not from climate change, but I’ll bet instead it’s from MRNA jabbs. And what’s with the inflation? Has anyone ever done an audit on the Federal Reserve? Are they even managing it correctly? Don’t they know economics there? Sure doesn’t seem like it. Okay, finally on my top five, the border? Wow! I have friends and family down there and they say it’s bad. This is got to stop. Did find a couple of alternative news sources just to see what the other side is saying and I’ll admit, they are quite entertaining. Some say they are On the Fringe and talk with some sort of X22 report factor.then there are those “107” other spots.Definitely, see the truth in them.

    An Finally, Me…

    Author book signing March 11th at the Akron Public Library from 11 am to 3 pm. I’ll be there with Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation books and merchandise.Then the next weekend, on the 18th, I’ll be signing books at Massilon Public Library from 11 am to 2 pm, and tentatively will be attending the Orrville Public Library book signing on the 25th. Later to be announced will be the dates for the Dover Public Library and the Coshockton Write-On Writers Guild book fair. Plus hoping to get our local library to do a book fair for local authors too, but those dates as mentioned before will be posted on a later date. In the meantime, it’s back to the keyboard for novel writing. Woohoo! Woohoo!

    Tootles for now. Got to locate my wool socks and turn on the electric blanket because once I’m done working on book 2, my weighted blanket won’t be enough.

    If you want to subscribe to my newsletter to get it into your in box go to my website and sign up, please. Https://chrissyhartmann.com/blog

    Or use this link if you’re in a hurry https://chrissyhartmann.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d0f01c8348dea41f224ec4ca7&id=cc4adb5682

    Again happy 2023!

    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 down shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three? Only one way to find out… 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation

    The Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation book cover

    http://www.books2read.com/Rescuing-Whiskeys-Salvation

    http://www.ChrissyHartmann.com/books

    Written by Chrissy Hartmann

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles Blog

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    Copyright January 2023 All rights reserved

    https://chrissyhartmann.com

  • SPECIAL EDITION – Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann – Indie Romance Author Interview – Jennifer Skinnell – November 29, 2022

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    SPECIAL Edition

    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.

    Where do you socialize……

    Facebook: Jennifer Skinnell, Author

    Instagram: Jennifer Skinnell, Author

    Pinterest: @jenniferskinnel

    Website: Jennifer Skinnell, Author

    Amazon Author Page: Jennifer Skinnell

    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

    Enjoy!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Chrissy Hartmann Logo

    Prickle Forrest LLC

    2022© 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

     

     

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    Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

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    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

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