Tag: Pricklers

  • 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 ChroniclesJuly 2020 Newsletter

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    July 2020 (Posted 07/29/2020

    By Chrissy Hartmann

     

    No Fourth of July celebration. No community celebration of Independence Day. The city not festive at all. The town sits stagnate in the presence of this pandemic. But is it truly a pandemic? Or is it the figment of fear?

    The hot humid days of summer have arrived. Unfortunately, with this pandemic it makes it difficult to cool down. No fun filled days going to the local pool unless of course you call ahead for a reservation for a quick dip. Needless to say, the air conditioner is getting a workout and will be happy to see the fall come sooner rather than later.

    The flowers look beautiful and the grass is quite green, but unless it doesn’t rain soon the possibility of gazing out onto a brown patchy yard is inevitable.

    Hope runs abundant for the autumn that this turmoil will exit our beautiful lands and the days of peace return. God bless America!

     

     

     

    THE TOP FIVE

    1. Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation finished and sent to publisher.
    2. Hand-dipped ice cream.
    3. Baseball is back! Go Tribe!
    4. Lemonade.
    5. That Blind Tech Show.

     

     

    WIP IT… WIP IT GOOD…

    Working on book 2 to the Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation series. As of right now, only going to write it as a 2-book series. Reworked the outline so it better fits the romance beats that Gwen Hayes teaches. Much stronger storyline and character arcs. About six chapters written with a few edits. Loving it!

     

     

    QUERYING…

    Made the changes EP suggested and sent it back to them as of July 13th. Hoping to hear back from them within 60 days with some positive news and maybe an offer. Had lots of help from the Wayne Novelist Guild, RedPen, two literary agents, and a number of others are on the page of acknowledgments of the book.

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

     

     

    THE CRAFT

    This month’s writing tip…

    If you are writing a romance, please read Romancing the Beat, Story Structure for Romance Novels. How to write kissing book 1 by Gwen Hayes. It’s a short book — very short, but does a fantastic job of explaining how romance beats are different from other genres. It’s a tremendous help for creating your outline.

     

     

    THE HOLIDAYS:

    Fourth of July or Independence Day arrived and unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 status our stupid state government officials made it very hard to celebrate the holiday. Surreal! And with all the riots, the thought of what country this actually is crossed the brain waves a number of times. Going to a cookout at the end of the month down in the hollar. Should be fun with lots of good food. Hopefully, no one will put the 4-wheeler into the pond this time. Oops! But it will be fabulous to hang out with everyone.

     

     

    MY BOOKSHELF:

    1. Romancing the Beat, Story Structure for Romance Novels. How to write kissing book 1 by Gwen Hayes
    2. Five Secrets of Story Structure; How to write a novel that stands out by K.M. Weiland
    3. The Bachelor; Duke Dynasty #2 by Sabrina Jeffries
    4. The Bromance Book Club #1 by Lyssa K. Adams

     

     

    SEASONAL FAVORITES:

    SEASON: Summer

    SPORTS TEAM: Cleveland Indians. Go Tribe!

    COLOR: Dark Brown

    CAUSE: The Seeing Eye

    SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

    FOOD: Crisps Sweet Peas… Yummy!

    HOT DRINK: Iced 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 much freedom. One quick look at their app to monitor the blood sugars and one is 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, black cats, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them as much as I do.

    http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

     

     

    PRICKLERS OF THE MONTH..

    • Cancellation of 4th of July fireworks.
    • Rioters!
    • Rain storms that cause wind damage to the roof and inexperienced insurance adjusters.
    • The phrase “the new normal.”
    • Fascists, Socialists, Communists, Liberals.
    • COVID-19 mask bullies.

     

     

    THEY SAID…

    “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. ”

    – Thomas Jefferson

     

     

    HOMETOWN UPDATE:

    • Unfortunately, due to this rotten Rona Walmart, Kohl’s, CVS, etc. are now requiring masks to enter their stores.
    • The Wayne Novelist Guild is using Facebook meet to hold their bimonthly meetings until the Wayne County Public Library can open back up to the public.
    • Wooster downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which establishes boundaries for patrons to walk around with open containers of alcoholic beverages during specified times or events is now allowed.

     

     

    INQUISITIVE MINDS…

    The Muses want to know…

    Should everyone wear a mask or should just those vulnerable be the ones to wear them?

     

    Please comment below.

     

     

    GOOSING OFF…

    Goosie & Gander

    The geese are trying to do their best to lighten the mood, and celebrate each day with merriment with bright colors, patriotic themes, and traditions of summer. They started the month out rocking the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. Then they wanted to remind everyone not to forget about their pink friends, the flamingos and another , a delicious, favorite, the plump strawberry season. And let’s not forget the blooms of the summer. Last but not least, they are thrilled to head to the pool with the sunny days. Enjoy!

     

     

     

    FIND ME…

    Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

     

    Facebook:

    www.facebook.com/usawriter355

     

     

    http://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrissyHartmann

     

    WEBSITES:

    Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

    Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

    https://dexcom.com/g6

     

    Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

    https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

    Prickle Forrest Creations goose shoes

    Order via E-mail pfcreations@gmail.com

     

    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