Happy Saturday!
I have a side note from our regularly scheduled Christmas posts haha I wasn't planning on participating in any reading challenges again this year because well....they're A LOT of work. However, I had a few that really caught my eye and I just can't pass them up. So here we go, my list of reading challenges for 2013:
Auntie Spinelli is hosting the 2013 Sequel Challenge on her BLOG this year. It really convenient because you get to set your own goal for this one! I'm not exactly how many to do....I'm thinking I might set my goal at FIVE for right now, I can always add to it!
Isn't this one cool looking? Reminds me of all the museums I've been to lol :) I'm going to plan on doing the Victorian Reader level: 5 books. Once again, aiming low to make sure I make my quota! I don't get nearly as much reading time in college as I did before.
This button is GORGEOUS!!! Isn't it beautiful? I read Casey's list of her top 10 books read this year and I believe three were from debut authors so it pushed me to do this one :) Once again, you get to choose your goal for this one. The host has 59 books on her list :O Crazy, right!? I think I'm going to put down a simple 6, just to change things up ;)
Read the official rules and sign up for this challenge HERE.
I AM PSYCHED FOR THIS CHALLENGE!!!! I have to admit that this sounds absolutely terrific! There are so many books that are being made into movies right around now and many good ones that have recently been turned over. I'm choosing Movie Lover: 9 books and movies which will include:
~ The Hobbit
~ Anna Karenina
~ The Help
~ Eat, Pray, Love
~ The Perks of Being a Wallflower
~ Beautiful Creatures
And I'm not sure the rest yet, but I very well may go over my 9 quota! I hope some of you may join me on this one because we could have some fun comparing :)
This one looks like something a few of you would love to participate in :) The first thing I thought of was Melanie Dickerson's newest book, The Fairest Beauty! This is the PERFECT excuse to read it ;D Lol I'm choosing the Lady in Waiting level: 4-6 books because I'm not aware of that many books like this. Will have to do my research.
Okay, I think that is PLENTY to be trying to take on, at least for now :P Heading to update the Reading Challenge tab right after posting this, so you will be able to find all my updates in one concise spot there until this time next year :)
Are any of you participating in any reading challenges this year? I'd love to know which ones! Hannah
Howdy folks!
Yes, it's that time again. Monday....booooo :( But if we spend it together, it'll be better I think! This Monday I'm taking my last final of the semester and I'll be blissfully headed into my Christmas vacation (well.....after Christmas is over it'll be blissful :P). How about you? What are you doing on this Monday?
On a Christmas-y note, we got snow yesterday!! Not a ton, but just enough to cover the ground (and my car haha) and make everything look a lil better.
Who's dreaming of a white Christmas this year?
Now on another Christmas-y note, we have a special guest! Kellie Coates Gilbert is a dear friend of mine that I met this year. She just so happens to be an author as well! Her debut book, Mother of Pearl, released this past September and I have to recommend this well written, riveting page-turner! If you stay tuned to the end, you'll even have a chance to win your very own copy :) I feel very lucky to have met her and say she is amongst my friends! Please say a warm welcome to Miss Kellie!
The Interview: Hannah:Miss Kellie!! You're actually on my blog - woohoo!! I seriously hope this isn't the last time :) But we'll get right into it, hm? When does the Christmas season
officially start in your household? What is the first thing done that marks the
start (i.e. putting up Christmas tree, baking first gingerbread men, etc)?
Kellie: Christmas
is my FAVORITE holiday, with Independence Day a close second.Our family begins the weekend after
Thanksgiving by putting up the tree and house decorations.The Christmas carols play and the scented
candles burn. I stock the refrigerator with eggnog and spiced cider, and we’re
off and running!
H:Aha! I KNEW there must be another reason we get along so well - another Christmas nut :PIn a Christmas fantasy land – who
would be the famous figures, past and/or present, at your dinner table and why?
K:Oh, that one’s easy!
I’d have Joseph, Mary, the innkeeper, the shepherds and wise men….and of
course, Jesus. (I happen to believe He
already sits at my Christmas table, but what a rush if my eyes could see His
physical form stabbing a piece of prime rib with one of my mother’s silver forks
in His nail scarred hand. Whoo! Just close your eyes and think on THAT one a
minute!
H:I love how descriptive and enthusiastic you are, Miss Kellie. Your passion shines through :)Do
you have specific traditions for Christmas Eve?
K:Our family traditions have morphed over the
years. Our two boys are raised now, but
when they were little, Christmas eve was a busy evening ending with trying to
get two excited little guys calmed down to go to sleep so Santa could come in
the middle of the night and leave gifts.
Currently, we spend the afternoon with extended
family and then go to Christmas Eve service with our boys and their
families. My husband and I return home
and enjoy a few quiet moments in front of the tree before we head to bed.
This year, our little grandson is two. He will add a whole new layer of enjoyment to
our season. His reaction to the tree
lights was precious!
H:Oh wow :) You're so lucky to have all of them! Sounds festive. I can't imagine having a little one, but soon we'll have not one, but TWO! My cousin is expecting twins! The first great grandchildren ;) Exciting times! What
did you ask Santa for this year? *wink*
K:I have two lists. One holds the wishes of my heart –
the important things I hope for family and friends. The more superficial list always holds the
same item. Gift cards to Barnes and
Noble! (or Starbucks). I think my
husband may have purchased a Dyson vacuum though. I accidently got a peek at
the box in the garage….okay, maybe not so accidently. Smiles.
H: Hahahahaha you crack me up!! I HATE to peek, never have liked it honestly. I'd rather just be surprised. For me, it's not about getting presents, it's about giving them that's important. How
does it feel to know you’re a published author that has eager “fans” awaiting a
new book?
K:Blessed.
Very, very blessed.
I started on this journey to publication and
learning to write novels almost seven years ago. I let myself dream a little and conjure what
it would be like if I got published, but the pictures in my head never equated
to the reality of opening my email box to so many daily messages from readers
telling me they loved MOTHER OF PEARL. I get a little teary thinking about it.
H:I'm so happy for you, you deserve every bit of praise. It's truly a magnificent book! One of my friends is going to borrow my copy once life settles down a bit for her lol! She saw my review and said she was completely intrigued.What
can expect from you next? Any Christmas themed books!?
K:Well, to answer part one of your question: I can’t give details until the ink is dry on
the contract, but a major CBA publisher has just picked me up for another four
books, a collection of stand alone novels that will focus on women and what
matters to our hearts. To say I’m
thrilled is an understatement.
About a Christmas themed book – I’d love too if the
opportunity ever presents.
H:Eeeeek! That's SO exciting!! I had no idea, congratulations! You heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen. Kellie Coates Gilbert SIGNED for FOUR more books! Your heard me right.....FOUR MORE BOOKS to come from this fantastic author *said in my best broadcaster voice* ;)What
have been some of the highlights of 2012 for you?
K: By far – no question – hands down, the highlight of
2012 will always be the release of my debut novel and how God answered the whispered
prayers of my heart.
I am a former legal investigator and trial
paralegal, and loved that work. But, in
the quiet recesses of my soul I longed to write stories that allow women to
feel they are not alone in their journey. Especially when life gets messy.
H:Once again, congratulations, Miss Kellie. Of course it seems only fit that 2012 would mark the start of your (hopefully) long lasting writing career :)
These are some “short answer”
questions. You can answer them in as few words as possible – even simply one
word.
Ha,
you are asking a writer to shorten her words?
Good luck with that!
Favorite Christmas book read this
year? Movie seen?
My
favorite movie this year was Hope Springs,
starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. The story reflects the fiction I
love to write . . . and read.
My cyber home is www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com. From there, readers can sign up for my
Reader’s Club so they will get first news about upcoming releases and fun
promotions. Readers can purchase books
from my website by using the Amazon, Barnes & Noble and CBD buttons. There are also buttons that will take readers
directly to my Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads accounts. I blog regularly and there is a place to
register for the RSS feeds as well.
Anything else you would like to
say? J
One
of the treasures for novelists is connecting with readers, and making new
friends in the process. You are an example, Miss Hannah. I love our Facebook chats!
Thank
you for inviting me to appear on your blog.
I look forward to meeting your followers.
Miss Kellie!! Thank YOU SO much for agreeing to work with me on coming onto the blog :) This was such a fun interview, so glad we got to do it. And I learned more about you as well!
About Kellie:A former legal investigator and trial paralegal, Kellie Coates Gilbert writes with a
sympathetic, intimate knowledge of how people react under pressure. Her stories are about messy lives, and
eternal hope.
Kellie’s upcoming novel, MOTHER OF PEARL, Abingdon
Press Sept 2012, tells the emotionally compelling story of a high school
counselor who discovers her own teenage daughter had an inappropriate
relationship with the football coach . . . and how she
risks everything to bring him to justice.
Hi all,
PHEW! Let me apologize for disappearing this week, definitely wasn't my intention at all. This was my (almost) final week of school! Final full week, I should say lol :) I finished two classes on Tuesday and two today (including my hardest class, yeehaw!!!)! Only one left next Monday and there's a lot to be done in between then haha. Anyway, I just wanted to apologize again for disappearing unplanned. Threw a little kink in our celebrating, huh!? But we're right back with it today!
Happy Friday!!
Today is Friday, December 14, there are only 11 days left for you all to get your shopping done, cookies baked, and pre-Christmas festivities done! Today, for your Friday enjoyment, I want to introduce someone that is very special to me. About 2 1/2 years ago, I met this wonderful lady on a Facebook page called the RA Chicks. At 25 (26? I lost track!) years old, she has had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for the majority of her life. She suffers fights fiercely her scary health problems like a champion. Now Mallory's health problems do not define her - she doesn't let them. She's made a career for herself out of her love of photography. She is a fabulous photographer (as you'll see in just a short while)!! Just in the short time I've known her, she's overcome so much. I am incredibly happy to say that I know her and SO proud of everything she's done :) She's definitely one of my role models. Please welcome my good friend, Mallory!
Hannah: Mal :D I am so glad we finally got to do this! Actually I'm thankful you had the time to fit me into your busy schedule this holiday season! Now, right onto the interview. When
does the Christmas season officially start in your household? What is the first
thing done that marks the start (i.e. putting up Christmas tree, baking first
gingerbread men, etc)?
Mallory:The
day after Thanksgiving officially marks the Christmas season for us. Usually that Friday, I decorate the house and
by the weekend, our tree is up. We have
a tradition of watching Christmas movies, while the tree goes up; starting with
Christmas Vacation is a must though!
H: Ahaha! I remember you telling me that before, I'm not sure honestly if I've ever seen the entire movie Christmas Vacation :O In
a Christmas fantasy land – who would be the famous figures, past and/or
present, at your dinner table and why?
M:Oh
goodness, this is a hard, but fun, question!
I’d have to say, J.K. Rowling, because she created my most favorite book
series of all time, and I’d love to sit and talk with her about how she came up
with such an incredible story.
H: What did you ask Santa for this year? *wink*
M:I’m saving up for a second camera body and a
specific lens, that I really need to progress in my work. So, I’ve asked Santa for those, or some help
in getting them! J
H: Oh good! I can imagine how exciting that would be to receive that gift :) What have been some highlights of 2012 for you?
M:My
business took off really well this year, I had way more bookings than last
year, and I already have a bunch of Weddings booked for next year. I started Wedding photography this year,
which is something I originally hadn’t planned on getting into. I’m so glad I said yes to that first couple
(and many more after), because I really had a blast at the Weddings I
photographed. Each and every session
I’ve had, I’ve grown in my photography, so the clients who had faith in me
capturing their memories, it helped me gain confidence that what I’m doing, and
further confirmed this is what I absolute love to do.
H: Oh you photograph some beautiful brides. Well they're all beautiful, but you know what I mean! Haha everything looks so good through your lenses. What has been a couple of your favorite shoots so
far?
M:Oh you had to ask that, ha-ha, I seriously love them
all! But, I’d have to say the Wedding I did in October that took place in a
converted barn is one. Their style and
personalities were so like mine, that I just had such a blast not only with the
couple, but capturing all the little details of the day.
I’d also have to say, the free session I volunteered for, for this organization
known as Inspiration Through Art. I
offered my time and talent to a little boy with Down syndrome, and his family. I just love helping others when I can, so
when I was able to use my talents to help someone, I was thrilled.
H: Of course I had to ask that :P Oh I loved that one too! He was just adorable. Does not having a studio make it more difficult or
more fun/creative for you?
M: Honestly, it’s both.
It’s more difficult, because weather can play a huge role in having to
reschedule sessions, and the winter is my slow season. Just now, an engaged couple and I have had to
reschedule three times due to bad weather.
If I had a studio, I wouldn’t have to worry about rescheduling, and I
could be busier in the winter.
On the other hand, I adore natural light and natural backdrops. The earth is such a beautiful place, and we
have so many different types of areas to do any type of session. It really gets my creative juices flowing
when I see a potential new location.
H: Very true, on both sides. I think you do fantastic without one, but like you said, that's very discouraging to have to keep rescheduling. I think it shows how much you love shooting in the outside through your pictures though. What advice do you have to entrepreneurs looking to
start their own business?
M:Never give up.
Seriously. Everyone has down
times, where business is just really slow, it happens even to the most
successful. I would get sad and just
hoped for more bookings, but I never put my camera away. Every day, I went out photographing
something, whether it was nature or my cats, or stuff around my house, I always
made sure I photographed something, so I’d still be learning and growing. I started baking a lot more, and then
photographing my food using different types of lighting. I learned a TON about lighting, just by
working with it. I did so well, I gained
a fan base on Facebook of people who ask for more of my “food-tography” all the
time. No matter if its photography,
cooking, painting, sewing, whatever your business entails, never, ever give up
if it’s truly what you love to do.
These
are some “short answer” questions. You can answer them in as few words as
possible – even simply one word.
Favorite
Christmas book read this year? Movie seen?
The
Nutcracker and Christmas Vacation (for the 20th time, haha)
Last
Christmas song you heard?
I
recently heard “Shake up Christmas” by Train for the first time, LOVE it.
Favorite
food to make or eat during the season?
Oh
boy, I love to bake and I especially love to make and eat Pumpkin and Apple
Pie. However, I think my favorite is the
week after Christmas my best friend and I get together for a Bake-a-thon and
always bake some really fun cupcakes!
Favorite place to spend Christmas day?
Doesn’t matter where, as long as my loved ones are
with me, it’s always an awesome time.
How can interested clients or people interested in
following your work connect with you?
Thank
you, Hannah for allowing me to come on the blog! I had a blast, and look forward to seeing the
other interviews you have on this blog.J
Oh this was so fun, Mal!! THANK YOU, again for agreeing to do it! I'm hoping that you get some new "fans" out of this :) She just made it over the 2,000 mark, but she'd love to continue to meet people and spread the word about her business.
Giveaway:
In honor of the busy life Mallory (and I!) lead, I'm giving away a cute snowman notepad with pen (similar to the one shown)!
Welcome to Thursday! Your week is almost over and you can almost relax (haha!) on your weekend....YAY! As we're winding down our week, we need to begin relaxing, don't you think? By Thursday night, you're exhausted and really don't feel like reading through all of your friend's blogs, right?? Well, I'll try to keep talking to a minimum and let the music do all the talking : )
Today we're looking at some really cool Christmas songs done creatively! One of my absolute favorites is the Christmas Food Court Flash Mob where the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah is sung so grandiosely! It gives me chills to think that a group of strangers, all ages/ethnicities/gender, can come together and sing such a song as this with such a majestic statement. It seriously gives me chills.
A little background on the Messiah: According to the Smithsonian, the Messiah was originally meant to be an Easter offering, first performed on April 13, 1742 in Dublin. An interesting fact about that performance is that over 700 people were literally 'crammed' into that one space. Women were even requested to wear dresses "without hoops" so that they could fit more people! Though Frederic Handel was quite the superstar at the time, many of the crowds came to hear the lead soprano because she was going through quite the scandalous divorce at the time.
So why isn't it sung at Easter anymore? If you closely observe the libretto (text of the music), you will notice that the very first part of the Messiah is indeed about the birth of Jesus. However, we know it is meant for the season of Lent and Easter ultimately because the second and third parts are about the death and resurrection. It is unclear why this mega-song is actually sung at Christmas, but most likely it is due to the beginning of the song.
I also found it interesting that every lyric in the Messiah is strictly from the Bible. Isn't that spectacular!? Even the parts that could have been taken from the New Testament, were focused on prophetic verses in the Old Testament instead. An example is that it does not read, "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him swaddling clothes" (Luke 2:7). Instead it celebrates, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Isaiah 9:6). Anyway, I found this really interesting to research and thought you all might appreciate it as well. Now here's the video : )
In a completely different direction, did any of you ever watch The Sing Off? It was a singing show (yesss another one lol), but it was different because it consisted of only acapella groups. Cool, right!? Well one season Pentatonix was the winning group. I'm not sure how many of you know, but....I'm kinda addicted to acapella groups. I absolutely love them!! So of course I'm going to share Pentatonix's version of Carol of the Bell :) Enjoy!
Okay, I promise I'll only show one more today! I haven't officially introduced you to two of my absolute favorite guys on the planet: The Piano Guys. These two are incredible. Simply put, they are. This song isn't exactly Christmas, but I still kind of think the message is very appropriate for the season. Yes, it is the song from the Titanic lol, but these two play is so elegantly, it's one of my all-time favorites of theirs. I sincerely hope I get you hooked on the Piano Guys after you hear their rendition of Nearer My God to Thee.
Good day to you, my lovely blogging friends,
Today is December 4, only 21 more days until Christmas.....crazy right?? Does it seem like this year went very quickly for you? Looking back on this year, it doesn't seem possible that we're back to the holidays. A year ago I was writing to you from my bedroom at Colby-Sawyer, this year things are very very different. Should seem normal, but I can't help but feel like I shouldn't be home already. Anyway, I feel fortunate that I'm able to enjoy all of our Christmas decorations more again this year :)
Our mantle and stockings!
Tell me, what are you plans for today? Me, not so much that's special actually, but that's okay. I'm hoping to spend some time between classes to rehearse for my very first sing-out (concert) on Wednesday night (more on that later haha)!
This part of December is typically spent decorating. What do you decorate first in your household? We tend to decorate the tree first, not sure why lol I guess it feels like the centerpiece. This year is very different in the Cerasoli house because Alicia is away at school until December 14. So unlike any year before this, I was in charge of putting every ornament on the tree. It was a little sad and took me a lot longer than normal! Lol but that's how it went this year. We also did the tree last! Whaaaaa? ;) But anyway, the tree is up, mantel is decorated, village aglow, nativity scene stands majestically, the Santa and nutcracker collections stand watch over the house, it feels like Christmas.
What does Christmas feel like in your house?
This past Sunday, I felt a little crafty after work! Hahaha :) Let me start off by saying that I looooooove mason jars. I just think they are very relaxed, but can be dressed up and there are endless possibilities of mason jar crafts. Don't believe me? Google them! Anyway, I saw a craft for what looked like a possible centerpiece for Christmas, I was thinking.
What it's supposed to look like #1
Or what it's also supposed to look like #2
What you need:
- mason jar
- pine branches
- cranberries
- water
- floating candle
1) Make sure that your candle fits in the top of the mason jar!!! Very important!!
2) Cut branches in appropriate lengths that are visually appealing.
3) Add water, enough to cover the branches and as high as you want. For example, you may want the candle so the flame does not go above the jar (you need a bigger jar) or more water so the candle floats at the top of the jar.
4) Add cranberries. These can be fresh, frozen, fake, anything really.
5) Carefully set candle on top of the cranberries so it floats.
6) Voila! You now have a simple, yet beautiful festive candle!
What mine looked like....
None of the examples I found used pine, which is fine, but it's so Christmas-y lol. Feel free to use anything green! It took me like five minutes total actually. Super simple and I highly recommend it. I was thinking to use this as a centerpiece I would either get a bigger bowl type base and put multiple candles or I would do like three different sized mason jars together. Thoughts?
Song of the Day:
You're probably going to think this is really cheesy, but I happen to think these girls sing the song much better than Justin Bieber lol!! I'd like to introduce you all to Cimorelli! This up and coming girls group is actually six sisters: Christina, Katherine, Lisa, Amy, Lauren, and Dani (oldest to youngest in order). They also have five brothers, all fully biological to one another! Awesome, right?? Their mom studied music in college and thus taught all of them from a young age. Every child in their family plays multiple instruments, has been classically trained as well. Anyway, cut to the chase, this is a fun, upbeat take on a Justin Bieber original, that I feel has been made tremendously better by these girls! Enjoy!
Welcome, welcome, everyone to my third annual Christmas Blogfest here at Project Journal! Yaaaaaay :) I am SO excited to reveal what I have up my sleeve for all my friends, both the old and new ones I hope to make!
It's officially December! I presume all of your holiday festivities, decorating, and caroling are well under way? Mine definitely are! I've also been hard at work trying to bring some new and exciting things to the celebration this year. We have all new guests, exciting, right??
Today, to help us kick off this fun blogfest, is Cheryl St. John! Cheryl St.John is the author of over forty Harlequin and Silhouette books. Her first book, RAIN SHADOW was nominated for RWA’s RITA for Best First Book, by Romantic Times for Best Western Historical, and by Affaire de Coeur readers as Best American Historical Romance. Since then she's received several RITA nominations and three Romantic Times Achievement Awards. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations. (Courtesy of www.cherylstjohn.net)
Onto the interview!
Me: Cheryl, it's wonderful to have you on the blog! Admittedly I gave you rather short notice, so thank you so much for slipping me into your busy schedule. When does the Christmas season officially
start in your household? What is the first thing done that marks the start
(i.e. putting up Christmas tree, baking first gingerbread men, etc)?
Cheryl: The first thing I do as December nears is get
together with a committee at church to select families for whom we will purchase
Christmas gifts. My friend and I then make gift tags listing the names of each
person and their ages, sizes, etc.. On the weekend before Thanksgiving I
decorate a tree in the sanctuary and we hang the tags on it. Our generous members then take tags and buy
gifts and return them with the tag on the package. Each year on the Sunday
before Christmas we bless and deliver to families who wouldn’t otherwise have
gifts.
Me: WOW! Definitely impressed right now. My aunt runs the "Community Baskets" through school (she works in an elementary school) and our church, but yours sounds different haha. Incredible, thank you so much for all that you do. So many appreciate what you are doing.In a Christmas fantasy land – who would be
the famous figures, past and/or present, at your dinner table and why?
Cheryl:Well, this question took much thought. I
finally came up with famous figures I’d like to eat a meal with. Both are still
alive, and maybe after they read this, they’ll probably get in touch with me,
you think?
LaVyrle Spencer, because, even though I
always wanted to write and dabbled at it here and there, her books inspired me
to get serious and go for it. She wrote some of my favorite books of all time.
Rye Dalton from Twice Loved remains
my ultimate hero.
The awe-some Stephen King
Stephen King, because, well, he’s Stephen
King. I’m in awe of his brilliant ability to create characters and scenarios
that engage readers on an astonishing level. Before I read romance, I read western
and horror, and he was my go-to author. When my kids were young we had a pool,
and every summer I read The Stand
while lying on the deck. I enjoyed both mini-series versions too. I love his
book On Writing, and I’d love to pick
his brain.
Me: I can't say I've read anything by LaVyrle, but I love Stephen King!! I am completely with you on being in awe of him honestly.Do you
have specific traditions for Christmas Eve?
Cheryl:For
many years when my kids were small we gathered at my parents’ home, ate chili
and potato soup and exchanged gifts. I remember those times fondly. With all of
our children grown and following their own traditions, we most usually gather
at one of their homes for the traditional chili. The soup has evolved to potato
cheese. We attend a late Christmas Eve candlelight service at church, where we
give thanks to God for the true meaning of the season, and enjoy gathering with
our church family.
Me: That sounds wonderful, Cher :) I love hearing everybody's different traditions. They're always unique and they're always their own, which I love getting to experience a bit. You
have two books coming out in the next two months! Can you introduce us to those
story lines?
Stowaway Angel
Harlequin Special Releases
December 1, 2013
Charlie McGraw never
should have bought the angel book for his precocious daughter. Because then
Meredith wouldn't be convinced that getting a new mommy was as simple as having
an "angel" sprinkle him with her "miracle dust." And she
never would have believed the beautiful blond-haired woman who drove a truck
called the "Silver Angel" was some treetop angel come to life.
Starla Richards was no
angel. But try telling that to a five-year-old who was so starved for a
mother's love that she'd stowed away on Starla's rig. Or convincing herself
that miracles just didn't happen to ordinary people when Starla found herself
snowbound with a handsome, caring widower and his adorable daughter….
Revised for the
Heartwarming line from a previous SIM edition, Charlie's Angels
If Violet Kristofferson
had known that her new employer was the town undertaker, she might never have
come to Carson Springs as his cook. Yet she needs a fresh start away from
scandal. And Ben Charles’s unflinching faith could be her path to something
truly precious—a new family.
Me: Thank you so much for sharing all that! Do you
have a favorite character you’ve written so far?
Cheryl:I have
a few that are difficult to choose between.
Joshua
McBride in Saint or Sinner, which
will be an indie release soon. (More about that later.)
Annie
Sweetwater in Sweet Annie.
Mariah
Spangler and Wes Burrows in Her Colorado
Man.
Meredith
Abbott in A Magical Gift at Christmas/Snowflakes and Stetsons anthology.
It’s almost
impossible to single out even a few, because if I didn’t love the characters I
wouldn’t be able to feel the story to write it.
Me: Spoken like a true author, I'm sure. How could you only have one? Why do
you enjoy writing Christmas/holiday/winter themed books?
Cheryl:One
thing about writing a novella is that I enjoy the short format. Many times I
come up with an idea, but it’s not big enough to carry a full novel, so I put
it in my idea binder. When I need a novella, I pull out those ideas and have
fun with them.
And
Christmas is a feel-good time of year almost everyone can relate to. Emotional
connections happen at the mention of a Christmas tree, a stocking hung by the
fireplace, or making a loved one a gift. As a writer I can tap into those
built-in feelings and take the reader on a journey.
Me: Honestly....I'd never thought of either of those before. Great points! And so neat that you have a binder of ideas just waiting to be written up :) What can your readers expect from you in the
coming months?
Cheryl:Besides
my December and January books, Stowaway
Angel and Colorado Courtship, I
am getting ready to release my early books, revised and ready for the digital
market. I’m so excited about reaching new readers and for faithful fans to find
these favorite books for their ereaders. I have three ready to go in a few
weeks.
Land of Dreams
Saint or Sinner
Heaven Can Wait
These are some “short answer” questions. You
can answer them in as few words as possible – even simply one word.
Favorite movie seen this year?
That would be One for the Money. I love
Janet Evanovich and got a kick out of seeing Hollywood’s take on Stephanie
Plum.
Last Christmas song you heard?
I Want a Hippopotamus
for Christmas.
Believe it or not I’ve been listening to it
so I can sing and record it for my blog.
Favorite food to make or eat during the
season?
(I’ve been wishing I had a big bowl of puppy
chow.)
My favorite food of the season is creamed
turkey on mashed potatoes, served with cranberry sauce. My kids and grandkids
enjoy turkey, but they’d rather save most of it for the leftovers. It’s a
family favorite.
Favorite
place to spend Christmas day?
With my
family. I love when we gather and just hang out. Sometimes we play games and do
a lot of laughing. As the family grows and the kids are older, it’s more and
more challenging to get everyone together, so those days are even more special.
Me: How can
readers connect with you?
Cheryl:Admittedly I’m blog crazy. I have a personal blog, From the Heart:
http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/, a
recipe blog, and a blog that follows a home remodel. I guest blog whenever and
wherever I’m asked, and I’m a Founding Filly at Petticoats and Pistols: .http://petticoatsandpistols.com/
Readers can email me at SaintJohn@aol.comor visit me on the
web: http://www.cherylstjohn.net/
I’m also a Pinterest Junkie. You can follow my boards on everything
from jewelry crafts to vintage collections, like teapots and teacups: http://pinterest.com/cheryl_stjohn/
Thank
you for the opportunity to blog with you, Hannah.
Merry
Christmas!
Thank YOU so much for joining us today, Cheryl! You're such an interesting woman, I loved seeing your pictures :) I hope everyone connects with Cheryl and picks up one of her many books coming out soon. Keep an eye out for them!
Song of the Day:
Now let me introduce a couple of YouTube singers that I stumbled upon: Callie and Colette! I believe they're sisters, if I remember correctly, and their harmonies blend beautifully. It's a different sound for these two classic tunes, but I like it. Perfect for sitting by your Christmas tree and relaxing :) Let me know what you think of them!
I'm currently a college junior at Granite State College while living at home with my mom! I had a rough time at my old school, staying afloat with the help of my amazing friends! So last year, I moved home and had an incredibly successful year even graduating with my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from my community college. I am very grateful for Mrs. Haynes for giving me the idea to start my blog because not only do I enjoy doing it, but I have made so many tremendous friends through it! I try to keep up with my blog but as I said, I'm a college student and thus get busy lol. In the past year, I have made some amazing changes in my life, I hope maybe you'll pop in from time to time to share in my celebrations with me :) Hope you'll stop by to have a chat real soon!
You are Mammy. You are one tough cookie. You are strong, loyal and can see right through any bull. You take great care in watching out for your loved ones and will do anything in your power to make them happy without compromising your position.
