Category Archives: Holidays

APW President, Camp National Novel Writing Month, Earth Day: Monday Blog Post

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In my new role as President, Awarding Marie Fasano with the APW Communicator of the Year Award

 

Newest News:

I attended the virtual annual Arizona Professional Writers meeting on Saturday and was elected President. I’ve been serving as membership chair for the last two years. It was my turn, I guess, as two of our officers, long time officers, decided to step back and let others take the lead. I’m happy to do it but the previous president was terrific and her shoes will be hard to fill.

Spine Poem

There was no progress on Camp Nano last week and even my daily poetry writing took a hit. That’s because of all the meetings from last week and because book festival business picked up now that we’ve decided to go ahead with an in-person event. This week is lighter, meeting wise, and I should be able to finish the story if I stick to it, by the end of the month. It will be nice to have some finished things to move into the editing phase and perhaps, actually get some things published.

Thursday is Earth Day. I plan on attending a local rally to remind folks that clean air, water, and soil are not nice to have, they’re essential. Are you doing anything for Earth Day? A trash walk? A rally? Share if you can.

Please be careful out there. Weather can turn nasty, accidents can happen, illness can overtake us. Till we can meet in person, stay at home when you can and wear a mask when you go out.

Giveaways:

The St. Patrick’s Day giveaway over. As soon as the administrator pulls the winners, I’ll let you know who won.

Our Spring giveaway is now live. New with this giveaway is a video graphic to show the books and prizes. How cool is this! Big thanks to Lynn Lamb, one of our administrators, for this lovely graphic. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

On May 13th at 2pm Arizona time, I’ll be on the podcast with Laurie Fagan on her show, AZ Creates. It’s a lovely podcast and as soon as I have the link for my interview, I’ll put it up. In the meantime, enjoy her show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teajmtQ4-90&feature=youtu.be. Note, Karen Landau is a mystery author right here in my town! How great is that!

On July 17th, I’ll be at the Payson Book Festival! Yes!! That’s correct! The Payson Book Festival is now a GO! Details are being resolved, but you’ll be able to visit us, in person, meet authors, and have some fun picking out your next books to read. See more at http://www.PaysonBookFestival.org.

 

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

 

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

 

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe, I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Happy Valentine’s Day, AZ Statehood Day, Pandemic Update, Interview Recording: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

Happy Valentine’s Day! My husband and I are not ones for celebrating this day. When we dated and then after we were married, we both considered it a “Hallmark” holiday. I know, I know, we’re a little weird and a great many people love this day. We’re not sentimental like that. Probably why I don’t write romance. But for those who do celebrate and love the mushy, romantic side of the day, I hope you have a great day. By the way, hubby did buy me a bag of peppermint patties, the mini ones, and a bag of Almond Roca. The last is not a candy I normally eat. I thanked him for the candy then later in the morning realized the Almond Roca bag had already been opened. When I called it out, he said, “Yeah. Well. About that.” I just laughed. It was all right by me. I don’t want to eat two bags of candy all by myself anyway.

Coronavirus update: Hooray! Saturday my husband and I drove down to Globe to get our first Covid shots. My arm became a little sore by afternoon and today it’s still a little achy, but nothing to worry about. Hubby’s arm is also a little sore, and he says he has a bit of a sore throat, but again, nothing to worry about. We’re now counting down to March 13th for the second shot. A note, this drive through event did not schedule the second shots. We’ll have to do that ourselves. I’m hoping we can get the shots here in town instead of having to drive to Globe or Phoenix to do it.

Photo 35501314 © Welcomia | Dreamstime.com

In addition to Valentine’s Day, today is also Arizona’s Statehood day. KTAR has a nice little article about how February 14th was chosen as statehood day. The article also has some interesting facts about the state. You can find it at https://ktar.com/story/1948988/5-things-to-know-about-arizona-as-it-celebrates-109-years-of-statehood/ . Enjoy.

If you missed my interview on The Author’s Show, don’t worry. I’ve acquired the link to the interview and will be putting it on my website on the Media Page, Recorded Interviews and Presentations. Now you can listen whenever you have a spare fifteen minutes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/media-page/recorded-interviews-presentations-and-appearances/

Please be careful out there. Weather can turn nasty, accidents can happen, illness can overtake us. Till we can meet in person, stay at home when you can and wear a mask when you go out.

Giveaways:

New, is the Valentine’s Day giveaway. This is a small one with just eight authors so there’s a $24 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 16 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

I have my interview with Brenda Whiteside on Wednesday March 3rd on her blog, https://brendawhiteside.com/blog.   I’m looking forward to being on her site.

On May 13th at 2pm Arizona time, I’ll be on the podcast with Laurie Fagan on her show, AZ Creates. It’s a lovely podcast and as soon as I have the link for my interview, I’ll put it up. In the meantime, enjoy her show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teajmtQ4-90&feature=youtu.be. Note, Karen Landau is a mystery author right here in my town! How great is that!

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe, I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Super Bowl, Pandemic Update, A New Story, The Authors Show: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

Reflections of rocks in Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ

Super Bowl Sunday! Did your team win? Did you have a Super Bowl feast? We did, though it was a small feast. Chicken wings, of course, were on the menu. Hubby made some cole slaw to go with it. And because I haven’t had them in years, Cheese Puffs. There were also some cheeses, pepperoni, and crackers to munch on. I didn’t really have a favorite team, though my husband was routing for Kansas City. I mainly watch for the special commercials. Did you have a favorite?

Coronavirus update: Hooray! Friday our county health department posted a notice that starting February 8th, my age group can call in and get appointments for the corona virus vaccine. I’m so pleased! You can bet I’ll be sending in my on-line request as soon as I can on Monday.

Spur of the moment I saw an announcement for a flash fiction contest and the prompt had my mind going full speed. The problem was, I was late night scrolling. I didn’t finish the draft until 1am. Sigh. I was tired all the next day. However, even as late as it was, when I read over the draft, it was pretty good. After editing, I went to the site sponsoring the contest, and submitted it. The magazine is called The Leading Edge, run out of Brigham Young University and my story is called, Think Fast. Cross your fingers for me.

#ReadABook, February 8th, All day!

I’m going to be on The Authors Show on February 8th! Yes, today, on Channel 5. The interview runs all day so you can listen to it on your own time. It only runs on the 8th, so don’t miss it. Go to www.TheAuthorsShow.com, scroll down to February 8th and my name, and click on my book title, Mystery at the Fair, to hear the interview. The whole thing is about 15 minutes long. Enjoy!

Please be careful out there. Weather can turn nasty, accidents can happen, illness can overtake us. Till we can meet in person, stay at home when you can and wear a mask when you go out.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway winners have been announced. The winner of my ebook, Slave Elf, was Terry, and the Amazon Gift card winner was Danielle. A big round of applause to them.

New, is the Valentine’s Day giveaway. This is a small one with just eight authors so there’s a $24 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 16 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

My interview with Linda Thompson of The Authors Show is on Monday, February 8th. It runs all day on The Author’s Show, Channel 5, but it’s one day only so go to the website and have a listen.

I have my interview with Brenda Whiteside on Wednesday March 3rd on her blog, https://brendawhiteside.com/blog

On May 13th at 2pm Arizona time, I’ll be on the podcast with Laurie Fagan on her show, AZ Creates. It’s a lovely podcast and as soon as I have the link for my interview, I’ll put it up. In the meantime, enjoy her show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teajmtQ4-90&feature=youtu.be. Note, Karen Landau is a mystery author right here in my town! How great is that!

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe, I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Drought, Writing, Women of Rim Country, MLK’s Birthday: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

While much of the U.S. is getting pounded with sub-freezing weather, including sleet and snow, here in central AZ, it will remain sunny, but very cold, at least for here. We remain in a desperate drought and my little birdbath in the back yard has become a lifeline for what seems like every robin in the area. In previous years, we’ve had only the single, occasional robin. Now though, they’re at the birdbath in record numbers. I’ve posted pictures of bluebirds, also rare in my yard, but I get everything, I think, now. Yesterday I saw a very small bird, who drank and flew off before I could get a picture. Sparrows, little birds of all sorts, the local resident chipmunks and squirrels visit. I’ve even seen insects, on warm days, flying over and landing on the rock I keep in the middle of the birdbath, to get a sip of water. I’m hoping this week’s cold weather will bring some rain to relieve the local wildlife.

Writing this last week consisted of blog posts, letters to the editor, and some short work that has no home at present. I should have been working on finishing up the updates to my Gulliver Station series and working on Mystery at the Reunion. I didn’t, for many reasons. They’re still on my list, though, and perhaps I can kick myself into gear this week.

I had a big surprise last Friday. My local newspaper does periodic magazines about special interests in the area two or three times a year. In Friday’s paper was their newest magazine, Women of Rim Country. To my surprise, I was one of eight featured women who are making a difference in our area. It was quite an honor to be included, to say the least. How they decided on me over all of the other fantastic and super women in the area is a wonder, but I am grateful.

I want to wish everyone a very happy Martin Luther King Jr., birthday. For the first time I’ve heard that this holiday is also considered a day of service. I’ve decided to donate some time to help feed local hungry and homeless at our area’s warming shelter. What with the pandemic and the economy, a great many people in our area are in desperate straits. I hope you have found a worthy cause to spend some time on or, if this is the first time you’ve heard of this being a day of service, you’ll consider doing something this week, or mark your calendar for next year.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway is ending. I’ll post my winners and the Grand Prize winner as soon as they’re drawn.

New, is the Valentine’s Day giveaway. This is a small one with just eight authors so there’s a $24 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 16 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Unfortunately, I’m self-isolating, so right now there are no scheduled in-person events for me for now. But as I mentioned above, I have my interview with Brenda Whiteside on Wednesday March 3rd on her blog, https://brendawhiteside.com/blog

On May 13th at 2pm Arizona time, I’ll be on the podcast with Laurie Fagan on her show, AZ Creates. It’s a lovely podcast and as soon as I have the link, for my interview, I’ll put it up. In the meantime enjoy her show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teajmtQ4-90&feature=youtu.be. Note, Karen Landau is a mystery author right here in my town! How great is that!

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe, I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Happy New Year, Smashwords Sale, Planning 2021: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

I hope your Christmas was very merry with Zoom calls, video chats, texts, or phone calls to family and friends. Now it’s time to do the same to welcome in the New Year. If you’re a first responder or group care home resident, I hope you already have had your Covid19 shots. If, like me, you’re in a later group, please be safe until your turn comes, and it will. I plan on getting my shot as soon as I can. I’ll wear a mask and stay socially distanced until 2 weeks after my second shot then, hoo boy. Can anyone say, nice dinner out? I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

The annual Smashwords End of Year Sale started December 18th, and runs through January 1st. Books I normally don’t put on sale are on sale for this event. At either 50 or 75% off are Recall, Troubled Streets, The Gulliver Station Box Set, and Gold Dreams. You can find all of my books on my Smashwords author page. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/conniecockrell. I hope you can buy a few books not only for yourself but for friends and family as gifts, as well.

Planning was my profession, back in both the Air Force and after I retired and worked for Computer Sciences Corp. So I’ve spent the last week or so thinking about what I want to accomplish, writing wise, in 2021. First on my list, needs to be Mystery at the Reunion. You Jean Hays fans have been waiting so patiently. I appreciate that. But now it’s time to get that story done and out into your hands. I poked around at changes throughout this year, but the story isn’t quite done. However, if I buckle down, I’m sure I can get it out pretty soon. I also have five YA books I call my All About Bob series, that are all but done. The final one needs to be finished and all of them need editing. If I can do that, I could possibly get six books out in 2021. Wow! Stay tuned for more.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway is still live! There’s a $75 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 30 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Unfortunately, I’m self-isolating, so there are no scheduled events for me for the rest of the year. I do hope you have a very happy New Year, and we’ll see each other in 2021.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Local Shop the Grid, Smashwords Sale, New Stories, Please Stay Well, Merry Christmas: Monday Blog Post

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Robin getting an icy drink!

Newest News:

My local, Payson retailers Shop-the-Grid event hosted by the Payson Chamber of Commerce has ended. The drawing for the winner of the SWITCH will take place on December 21st. I’m sure the winner will be announced on the Chamber website. I hope you had a chance to enter and I do hope you win!

The annual Smashwords End of Year Sale started December 18th, and runs through January 1st. Books I normally don’t put on sale are on sale for this event. At either 50 or 75% off are Recall, Troubled Streets, The Gulliver Station Box Set, and Gold Dreams. You can find all of my books on my Smashwords author page and on December 18th, see the sale prices. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/conniecockrell. I hope you can buy a few books not only for yourself but for friends and family as gifts, as well.

Did you like the snippet from my November Nano story last week? Are you interested in more snippets like that from my other work? Let me know and I can work something out. Any story in particular you’d be interested in? Any particular genre?

I have been participating in an annual story advent calendar and this year was no different. On January 8th, my story appeared in this year’s line-up of stories. To see all of this year’s stories, go to https://adventcalendar.katharinagerlach.com/ and click on the numbers in the calendar to see each story. At the top of the page, you can sign up for the alerts that Katharina sends out each day for the new story. It also signs you up for next year’s Advent Calendar. A great way to meet new authors. I’ll have to say, this year’s stories have been top notch. Can’t wait for next year.

Corona Virus rates are now sky-rocketing all across the United States and the world. Please take care to stay home when possible or wear a mask and maintain distancing when you must go out. You are all valued by friends and family. Stay safe. Stay well.

Since the 25th is now just a few days away, let me say to you and yours, Merry Christmas. May it be safe, warm, and joyous.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway is now live! There’s a $75 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 30 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Unfortunately, I’m self-isolating, so there are no scheduled events for me for the rest of the year. I do hope you have a very happy Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see each other in 2021.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Local Shop the Grid, Snippet of my NaNo Fantasy, Smashwords Sale, Please Stay Well: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

My local, Payson retailers Shop-the-Grid event hosted by the Payson Chamber of Commerce runs through December 18th. Spend $200 (collectively) at any of the participating vendors and be entered to win a Nintendo SWITCH Game System. Shopping must be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce before the end date. The drawing for the winner of the SWITCH will take place on December 21st.

I’m excited to be one of the vendors. You can shop online on my Amazon page, https://www.amazon.com/Connie-Cockrell/e/B009O6199C, or at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/ to go to other online outlets. Any way you buy, you just have to show the receipts! Here’s a copy of the grid and the contact info for all of the vendors. I’m also posting this on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/ConniesRandomThoughts. Good luck and have fun shopping local, small businesses!

Energy Ball 001 by ISO Stock via www.deviantart.com

I thought it would be fun to give you a snippet of my NaNoWriMo fantasy. It is a totally raw piece of writing, so be warned. For lack of a title, I’ve been calling this story, Fantasy of Light.

I waited, stomach churning, as Pica Longstream stared at me. It wasn’t my fault. No one’s fault, really. It’s just the way it is. I tried to keep my whole body still, relaxed, but ready. Ready for a scream, a blow, anything. He was clenching his fists. A blow was coming, perhaps. He was breathing heavily. A trained warrior, I could see, and he was struggling to control his emotions. I had delivered a heavy blow, after all.

It was his father, Gren Straightwood, though, who answered. “Witch. You gave an oath that you’d never return.”

He glared at me, his remaining eye burning with the same fire as I remembered from our youth. I briefly wondered how his left eye had been lost then pushed the thought away. He was a warrior. Explanation enough. “I did make that oath, Gren, When I passed the child to you.” I spared a quick glance for Pica. He’d suppressed his surprise and shock. What I saw now was both anger and hurt. He had his father’s glare. I took a deep breath. Half the village was now standing behind Gren. Some were puzzled or curious. Those my age though, they were just as angered as Gren. I swallowed. “There’s a danger to us all that I must warn you about.”

The mumbling from the crowd grew louder. A shout from the back from someone I couldn’t see came flying forward. “All your doing, witch?”

I knew this was going to be difficult. “Not mine. No.” I kept my focus on Gren. “An evil is spreading across the land. It must be fought.”

Gren’s hand went to his sword hilt. His left rested on his dagger hilt. Wearing full armor in the village seemed unusual to me. Unless he already knew of the danger or it was already sniffing around the village. I could see Pica do the same, as well as Gren’s men, lined up behind him. He scowled. “Come to the hall in an hour.” He nodded at the soldier standing next to me. “Take her and her horse to the stable. See the animal is cared for then return to your post.

The man gave a quick bow.

“Thank you, Gren.”

Gren gave a short grunt and turned away. The public excitement over, the villagers drifted away, still giving me the eye. I was used to it though it did sting that the village where I had grown up would treat me so and turned to lead my horse to the stable. I knew where it was, but followed the soldier anyway, just to keep the peace.

I’m also involved in the annual Smashwords End of Year Sale. This starts December 18th, and runs through January 1st. Books I normally don’t put on sale will be on sale for this event. At either 50 or 75% off will be Recall, Troubled Streets, The Gulliver Station Box Set, and Gold Dreams. You can find all of my books on my Smashwords author page and on December 18th, see the sale prices. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/conniecockrell. Again, the sale begins Friday, December 18th, just as the Shop the Grid event ends. I hope you can buy a few books not only for yourself but for friends and family as gifts, as well.

You’ve probably heard that Corona Virus rates are now sky-rocketing all across the United States and the world. Please take care to stay home when possible or wear a mask and maintain distancing when you must go out. You are all valued by friends and family. Stay safe. Stay well.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway is now live! There’s a $75 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 30 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Unfortunately, I’m self-isolating, so there are no scheduled events for me for the rest of the year. I do hope you have a very happy Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see each other in 2021.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Local Shop the Grid, Shopping Amazon, Please Stay Well: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

Just in time for cyber Monday and if you’re looking for Christmas gifts, shopping small businesses is the best! I’ve joined other local, Payson retailers for a Shop-the-Grid event hosted by the Payson Chamber of Commerce. Spend $200 (collectively) at any of the participating vendors and be entered to win a Nintendo SWITCH Game System. Shopping must take place between November 23rd, 2020 and December 18th, 2020 and receipts must be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce during that time. The drawing for the winner of the SWITCH will take place on December 21st. I’m excited to be one of the vendors. You can shop online on my Amazon page, https://www.amazon.com/Connie-Cockrell/e/B009O6199C, or at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/ to go to other online outlets. Any way you buy, you just have to show the receipts! Here’s a copy of the grid and the contact info for all of the vendors. I’m also posting this on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/ConniesRandomThoughts. Good luck and have fun shopping local, small businesses!

So what have I been doing if I wasn’t writing in the Nano challenge? I’ve been taking Amazon Ad courses. I have ads up for both my horror Christmas story, Creature in the Night, but primarily for Mystery at the Fair. Perhaps you’ve seen them if you’ve been clicking around in the Amazon pages. I’m planning on making some ads for my SciFi series, Gulliver Station but I have to make a few tweaks, first, to the back matter of the books. In the meantime, you don’t have to wait for the ads. Use the links above to my Amazon page or my website, and get the books now!

You’ve probably heard that Corona Virus rates are now sky-rocketing all across the United States and the world. Please take care to stay home when possible, or wear a mask and maintain distancing when you must go out. You are all valued by friends and family. Stay safe. Stay well.

Giveaways:

The Christmas giveaway is now live! There’s a $75 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 30 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Unfortunately, I’m self-isolating, so there are no scheduled events for me for the rest of the year. I do hope you have a very happy Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see each other in 2021.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Booksweep Winners, National Novel Writing Month, Local Shop the Grid, Christmas Market: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

My Booksweeps giveaway ended on November 11th. Here are my winners. Elisheva Thoreen was the giveaway’s grand prize winner and Michael Goldberg won a copy of my book, A New Start. Congratulations to both of them.

It’s National Novel Writing Month and I have written over 11,000 words. It’s looking more and more like I will not make my 50,000 words goal. With 9 days left in the month, I’d have to write 5,000 per day to finish on time. While that is certainly possible, it’s not likely that I can summon the discipline to do it. It will be my first Nano incomplete. Not failure, as I do have a very good start on this new fantasy story. So there’s that.

Looking for Christmas gifts? Shopping local is the best! I’ve joined other local retailers for a Shop-the-Grid event hosted by the Payson Chamber of Commerce. Spend $200 (collectively) at any of the participating vendors and be entered to win a Nintendo SWITCH Game System. Shopping must take place between November 23rd, 2020 and December 18th, 2020 and receipts must be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce during that time. The drawing for the winner of the SWITCH will take place on December 21st. I’m excited to be one of the vendors. You can shop online on my Amazon page, https://www.amazon.com/Connie-Cockrell/e/B009O6199C, or at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/ to go to other online outlets. Anyway you buy, you just have to show the receipts! Once I get a copy of the grid from the Chamber, I’ll post it on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ConniesRandomThoughts. Addresses and links to all of the vendors will be on the grid form. Good luck and have fun shopping local!

You’ve probably heard that Corona Virus rates are now sky-rocketing all across the United States and the world. Please take care to stay home when possible, wear a mask and maintain distancing when you must go out. You are all valued by friends and family. Stay safe. Stay well.

Giveaways:

The Halloween giveaway winner’s list is available. My winners were Kayla Harmon and Angela Carrillo. Their prizes have already been sent. Congratulations to them both!

The Christmas giveaway is now live! There’s a $75 Grand Prize of Paypal cash and 30 other prizes. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

With a sad heart, I’ve cancelled my appearance at the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market on December 1st. The Corona virus rates in my town are skyrocketing and I’m deciding to stay at home. I love Christmas Markets. My husband and I attended many when we were stationed in Europe. I’m sorry to miss this one but there will be next year.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Booksweep, National Novel Writing Month, Christmas Market: Monday Blog Post

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Newest News:

My Booksweeps giveaway ended on November 11th. Soon, I’ll be receiving my winner’s names and send off copies of my book, A New Start, to them. With luck, one of them will be the grand prize winner as well. I hope you’re one of the winners!

It’s National Novel Writing Month and I have written over 5,000 words. Not much given that we’re halfway through the month and I’m supposed to be shooting for 50,000 words. I’m continuing to poke at the story, but I have to be realistic and understand I may not get it done. It’s still possible, of course. At this point I’d have to write 3000 words per day. Every day. I can do that. But will I? We’ll see.

You’ve probably heard that Corona Virus rates are now sky-rocketing all across the United States and the world. Please take care to stay home when possible, wear a mask and maintain distancing when you must go out. You are all valued by friends and family. Stay safe. Stay well.

Giveaways:

The Halloween giveaway is over! I just checked both giveaways, Halloween and Christmas. I’ll let you know the winners and when the Christmas giveaway goes up as soon as everything is set up.

Where will I Be?

December 1st, Payson’s first ever Christmas Market, 3pm – 6pm. Sawmill Plaza Shopping Center. The market will have food, s’mores at a firepit, and lovely things to buy for your special friends and family for Christmas or birthdays. I’ll have books to sell, and sign, if you’d like. I’d love to see you there. Fully masked, of course!

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming. Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. You can also see all my books on https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.