THE CHARM BRACELET

Recently I read The Charm Bracelet by Susan Page Davis. This is a small ebook and it's well worth your time reading it. Susan is an author of over 40 books and a good friend of mine. We live about 15 miles apart. She has been a great encouragement to me in my writing.

Susan had told me about the book one day when she, Sandra Robbins, and I were brain-storming. It sounded very interesting, and we encouraged her to write it. She sent me the copy of the cover and we tweaked it a little, but there wasn't much to do. This is one book I couldn't put down. It's very easy to read and the story is a true romance. So, if you want something to read on a cold winter day, I suggest The Charm Bracelet. Here's the blurb and picture of the cover. Read to the bottom of the page, I have something more to tell all of you.

When Lisa Archer’s charm bracelet is caught in a mall escalator, she is rescued by a flippant but dashing EMT. Steve Rollins seems to understand only too well Lisa’s mixed feelings toward her escort, Dr. Bryan Cooper, who gave her the bracelet. 

When Lisa and Steve meet again, the sparks fly. Steve is sure Lisa hates him, and Lisa can’t help comparing vibrant Steve to mediocre Bryan, although Steve makes her furious every time she sees him. She tells Bryan she no longer wants to wear the charm bracelet, angering Bryan, and both are injured in an auto accident. When Steve responds to the emergency call and finds that Lisa is one of the accident victims, his guilt weighs him down. 

Will he have the chance to ask Lisa’s forgiveness and start over in his clumsy attempts to win her heart? With a lot of prayer and some manipulation from Steve’s sister, he may be able to charm his way into Lisa’s life. 

This romantic novel has elements of Christian faith. The e-book also includes a bonus short story, “Wandering Irises,” by Susan Page Davis.

Tomorrow I enter the hospital to have a long, serious procedure. I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to it, but it has to be done. It's not cancer, but the correction of a problem that I've had for nine years when a doctor messed up during surgery. My present doctor said it should have been done two years ago when I had hernia surgery, but we didn't do it. This time it is necessary. Keep checking back. As soon as I'm up to it, I'll be back writing. One thing I want to do is get rid of some books I have. I want to make a list and put them out on this blog. The only thing I'll ask for is shipping and handling. Is anyone interested?

TIME IS IMPORTANT

Our time is one of our most important commodities. How we use it needs to be thought out thoroughly. It should not be squandered, but used wisely. We are given 24 hours to use at will, but we all need to use it to the best advantage.

Rnady Ingermanson, the Snowflake Guy, has a lot to saw about time management. One thing that sticks in my mind is the idea that to be productive we must have a neat desk, or office. Today, mine is a mess, but I'm taking his advice and hopefully work some magic.

We are in agreement, Randy and I, about allotting time to do something. If you want to spend 8 hours at work, break it down in segments. I know I need to work on a proposal for at least two hours today. I won't finish it, but I'll make a good dent in it. But first, I need to clean off my desk. I think I can do it in an hour, but to keep it from being boring, I'll break it down in 15 minute sections. I'll admit, I do take a break about every 15-20 minutes to walk around in the house, pick up things, fold clothes, etc. If I can give one hour to cleaning my office, I'll be a happy camper.

For years, I've broken down my housework in these segments. I give myself so much time in each room. I dust for so long, Swiffer for so long, and if the room needs mopping, I'll add that to the time. I have found out if I tackle one room each day, I'll have a clean house before the week ends. Oh, yes, I do have more than five rooms. But I double up and the kitchen doesn't count, nor do the bathrooms.

Back to writing. If I can take one hour to clean up my office, two hours to write on my proposal, then I have several hours to work on a book, or do research. I'm researching two books, so if I spend an hour on each, I'll have five hours of "work." If I want to spend more, I can and not feel guilty.

What about emails, facebook, twitter, or other social medias? I only try to look at my emails three times a day, morning, noon, and evening. I turn my computer off around 7 or 8 o'clock. I need time with my family and to do our visits at church. At one time I was glued to the computer, but I decided to change all that and have some free time for my family and God. I can also do housework if I want to.

You have to add in time for meals. I cook a noon meal and we either eat left-overs for dinner or have a bowl of canned soup. That's also better if you're trying to lose weight. I have my favorite television shows I watch, and we go to ballgames with the grandchildren.

One reason why I'm trying to get my office cleaned up is because soon I will be busy with Mantle Rock Publishing. This will cut my time with writing, research, or housecleaning. but if I have everything in order, I'll have more time to spend with the business.

I do write blogs, so I work them in early in the mornings. I am definitely a morning person. So this morning person now needs to get busy. Have a super day.

THE FEAR OF MARKETING

One of the most fearful things for a writer is marketing. How to do it, where to do it, when to do it? Those are all good questions and I hope I have some answers.

The how is the most difficult part for me. In today's publishing world, marketing is done mostly by the author. Oh, for the days when the publisher set up book signings, promotions, and breakout parties. I don't know if they ever did, but it sounds nice.

We hear a lot about platform in the writing world. What is your platform? It's hard for new authors to have a platform or to know what it is. You have to become an authority on your subject. If you write about the Civil War, you need to know all you can about it. You need to begin by joining Civil War loops, meet other authors who write about the era, and be visible on the web. Today, the internet is our biggest friend. Facebook about your writing and post on loops. Right now you need to get to know as many people as you can who have like interests. They can be a big asset to you later when your book publishes.

The where as already been discussed, but there are other places you can build your platform. If your area has a historical society, join it. Even if you don't live in a place close to where your book is about, join the group. You will receive contacts, and it will help you later on. You never know what you will learn, and you'll find new fodder for the next book.

Several years ago, I took a hike to Mantle Rock here in Kentucky. I had heard a friend talk about the Trail of Tears going through the area, but I'd never thought much about it. That walk changed my life. Not only did I accomplish a two mile hike four weeks after knee replacement, but I developed a love for the Indians and their struggles. Next in the Melungeon Series is a story about the Trail of Tears. Now I have a something new to add to my platform.

Another good way to let people know about your book is book signings. I went back to Tennessee for a book signing after my first book came out. That's where my story took place. I was amazed at the people who came by and bought books. Any bookstore or event is a good place for any book. People love to read to escape the day to day drudgery.

When do you start marketing your book? NOW! Everything you do with your writing should be about your book. Don't divulge every detail of your book, but sprinkle some interest in what you are doing. Make people aware that you are an author. It works! Don't be afraid to let people know about your book. You are your best spokesperson. Go and conquer.

WHAT A WEEK!

Last week was such a crazy week that I don't know where to start. Let's go to the good things first.

We spent last week-end with our daughter and granddaughter in Nashville. Granddaughter had a chorus audition late Friday afternoon and then their band played at the ballgame at David Lipscomb University. Because the audition was in one part of town and DLU is in another, we opted to stay at the house. We're not big on Nashville traffic. We did, however, decide to go to the band competition in Waverly, TN on Saturday afternoon. I think there were 14 bands in competition ranging from around 20 members to over 100. For their experience and size, they were all good. Savannah's band had about 41 or so members, so it was one of the smaller bands in Class 2.

All of the band representatives went on field at the end to receive their trophies. Savannah attends Goodpasture Christian School. The representatives went out in flip flops, sunglasses and of course their uniforms. The home band started \presenting the trophies and I started counting how many each band had. My last counting was 7 for Goodpasture and 2 for the largest band. I've been around the block a time or two with band competition when my kids were in band and I knew the one with the most trophies won. When they announced the Sweepstakes, it was Goodpasture Christian School. What a thrill and honor to be in the stands when they made that announcement. Congratulations to all Goodpasture band members. The trophy is six feet tall.

Sunday morning we found out Savannah will be in Mid-State Women's Chorus. She won the audition and we are trilled again. Congratulations girl, you deserve it!

Mantle Rock Publishing received their first signed contract yesterday. Nicola Furlong signed her first contract with us. Her book Heartliine, will be hitting the shelves in June, 2014. We are very excited to be working with Nicola and her agent, Joyce Hart.

Life is very exciting right now. Please pray with us for the success of our business.