Payson Book Festival, Orchid Bloom, Healthy Eating: Monday Blog Post

The PBF from 2019

 

Newest News:

Writing is going slowly as this is the time of year I’m accepting registrations for the Payson Book Festival. The festival is now scheduled for July 23rd, 2022 at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino ballroom. The process for accepting the registrations is a bit time consuming. Check the registration for changes if this is a returning author, add them to the group email, add them to the spreadsheet, email them with their acceptance and ask for the bio, picture and book covers they want on the website. Assign them a table spot. Receive the files and save them to this year’s folder then email them to the website manager to put on the website and to the program manager so we can print a program. Then if there’s an issue, and that happens about 60% of the time, a sometimes long email string tracking the problem to resolution. Add to that this year’s internal problem of a glitch in the website registrations that doesn’t allow many of the authors to even get to the registration page. That’s still being worked on. So aside from this blog, not much writing going on. But mark your calendar for July 23rd. We’d love to have you come to our book festival and meet all of the authors.

An update on my orchid. The 3rd bloom has opened.

On the eating healthier front. I’ve now spent one week on my new eating plan. Saturday night was a loss as I ate a cold chicken thigh and gluten free box mac and cheese. Neither of those are on my diet unless you count chemically laden mac and cheese as vegan. Anyway, Sunday I was back on it. I have to remember to eat more. When you cut so much fat from the diet, it takes a lot of fruit and veggies to keep you full longer. It’s weird to have to eat so much after decades of training myself to eat less.

You can find my books at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/conniecockrell. Just scroll down and select the book or books you’re interested in.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Valentine’s Day giveaway has gone live. There are 14 authors involved this time so a lot of great books and prizes are up for grabs. Go to my link, https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

Just took a look at my Where Will I Be page on my website and realized that it’s woefully out of date. I had the Tempe FanCon this last weekend and totally enjoyed all of the great cosplay costumes people young and old wore. Next up is Phoenix Fan Fusion, which dropped the January proposed date and is back scheduled for its normal time, Memorial Day weekend. Even more fun, it’s the event’s 20th anniversary! I’ll be there in Artists Alley, as soon as I find out my table number, I’ll post it here and on my website. I’d better make my hotel reservations! https://phoenixfanfusion.com/

 

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 http://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 my 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, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

Smashwords Indie Book Sale, Market News, Christmas Prep: Monday Blog Post

Newest News:

The fifth annual Smashwords End of Year Sale starts this Friday, December 17, and runs through January 1. For these last two weeks of the year, tens of thousands of indie ebooks will be priced at exclusive discounts of 25%, 50%, 75%, and even free.

Starting December 17, you will find the sale prominently promoted at the top of the Smashwords home page, from which you can enter an entire section of our store dedicated to participating titles.

These sales are always a lot of fun. It’s the time of year we see virtual shopping carts filled to the brim with dozens, sometimes even hundreds of new books as you try new authors and stock up on favorites.

Thank you Smashwords customers for supporting the hard work of Smashwords authors and publishers.

You can find my sales at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/conniecockrell. Just scroll down and select the book or books you’re interested in. Happy holidays everyone.

I’ll be at the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market on the 14th. They’re open 3pm until 6pm. Dress warm, folks. See full details below.

Christmas Parade 2021

Mailed my daughter’s gifts and a box to my youngest brother today. Tree is up and hopefully some decorations are on it. I’ve been receiving Christmas cards though I don’t have mine out yet. The days are frosty in the morning but on Sunday, the local temperature was 52 degrees and sunny. A perfect Arizona winter day.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is now closed! As soon as the winner names are drawn, I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the new giveaway, Oh What Fun It Is To Read prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I had a booth date of November 23rd, and one for December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

 

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 http://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 my 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.

Common Grounds Market News, Electric Light Parade, Christmas Prep: Monday Blog Post

Payson Walking Pine Tree handing out candy at the 2021 Electric Light Parade by Randy Cockrell

 

Newest News:

Saturday was a busy day for me. From 9am till 2pm, I was at the Common Grounds Christmas Market. I shared a booth with an Arizona Professional Writers author friend Chrisann Dawson. We talked to a LOT of people and sold some books. The weather was fantastic. If you were able to come by, thank you. If you missed it, I’ll be at the Twilight Tuesday market on Dec 14th. See all the details below.

Common Grounds Xmas Market 2021

At 5pm on Saturday, we met up with some friends of ours and their family for our town’s Christmas parade. It was fun going with 3 young, rambunctious boys. They loved everything! The picture above is of our town’s walking pine trees. The group participates in several events each year promoting our area’s tourism. They’ve been in quite a few electric light parades in the state and appeared in parades for many football games.

Now, like many of you, I need to finish decorating inside my home. The outside is now done. There is baking to do, candy to make and I need to get the presents for my daughter in the mail soon. I don’t have my Christmas cards done yet either. No matter, what ever gets done will be fine and whatever doesn’t get done can be done next year.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is now closed! As soon as the winner names are drawn, I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the new giveaway, Oh What Fun It Is To Read prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I had a booth date of November 23rd, and one for December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

 

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 http://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 my 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.

California Dreams Status, Common Grounds Market News, Giving Tuesday: Monday Blog Post

Santa and Mrs. Claus at my town’s opening of the Christmas Season. Photo by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

Poor Zeke! Nothing written last week. I think I’m still full from Thanksgiving Day feasting. This week I’ll get Zeke and Mary on their way.

Ready for sales. Decorated for Christmas. Photo by Connie Cockrell

On Saturday I’m at the Common Grounds coffee shop Christmas Market! I’ll be sharing a booth with outstanding author Chrisann Dawson. We’ll be there from 9am – 2pm. Details about the event are below. Hope to see you there.

As the founder and director of the Payson Book Festival, I want to invite you to help support the festival. We’re quite frugal with the money we bring in but even so, there are things we’d like to do but can’t because we are operating on the barest of margins. I’ve set up the non-profit on the Giving Tuesday website. So on Tuesday, if you’d be so kind as to donate to our charity, I know I and the whole committee would appreciate it. On Tuesday, donations are matched, doubling the effectiveness of your generosity. You can donate at https://www.facebook.com/donate/840706753266302/ Thank you in advance!

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is now closed! As soon as the winner names are drawn, I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the new giveaway, Oh What Fun It Is To Read prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I had a booth date of November 23rd, and one for December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

In between my two Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market events, I’ve signed up for an outdoor market event at our local coffee shop, Common Grounds. That date is December 4th and runs 9am – 2pm. Common Grounds is in Payson at the corner of Colcord and Wade Lane.

 

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 http://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 my 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.

California Dreams Status, Twilight Tuesday News, Happy Thanksgiving: Monday Blog Post

 

Newest News:

Poor Zeke! I made a whole chapter full of trouble for Zeke. With Mary’s help, he succeeded, and they gained traveling money. Hmm. What to do next?

I’m at tomorrow’s Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market. The Incidental Blue Grass band will be playing, a local restaurant will be doing street tacos and I’ll be set up to sell books and give autographs. See you then.

We’re coming into the holiday season. Thursday is Thanksgiving and I’m thankful that my husband and I have stayed well all this year. We’re having the holiday dinner by ourselves, but I plan a feast anyway. I’m going out on a limb and making Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert. What special dish are you making this year? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

Closing very soon, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I have a booth date of November 23rd, and one of December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

In between my two Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market events, I’ve just signed up for an outdoor market event at our local coffee shop, Common Grounds. That date is December 4th and runs 9am – 2pm. Common Grounds is in Payson at the corner of Colcord and Wade Lane. More details when they release a flyer.

 

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 http://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 my 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.

California Dreams Status, Twilight Tuesday, Holiday Season: Monday Blog Post

 

Newest News:

So what is going on with Zeke Stanford and his new bride Mary? They’ve made some decisions and Zeke, as of my writing yesterday, has had an epiphany about himself. Pretty good for a very young man, if I do say so myself. And at the end of that chapter, it occurred to me to use a background character I had only put into the scene for window dressing has turned out to be more. Much more. Today’s writing my flesh that out. We’ll see how that goes.

A reminder for those in or around Rim Country, that our Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market started last week. This Tuesday, the 16th, the charity Empty Bowls will be at the market. I fully intend to attend and get my new pottery bowl, hope you can too. It’s a very worthy charity and all the donations go to food banks right here in Payson. I’ll be set up to sell books and give autographs next week, the 23rd. See you then.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We’re coming into the holiday season. I’ve already been buying my Christmas baking and candy making supplies in small amounts so as not to stress the grocery store supply system. Wherever you are in the world, please celebrate safely. The pandemic has not released its stranglehold on my area yet. It seems like more and more people I know have caught the virus or are catching it. Continue to wear masks, socially distance, and wash those hands. I want to see all of you in 2022!

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

Closing very soon, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I have a booth date of November 23rd, and one of December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

In between my two Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market events, I’ve just signed up for an outdoor market event at our local coffee shop, Common Grounds. That date is December 4th and runs 9am – 2pm. Common Grounds is in Payson at the corner of Colcord and Wade Lane. More details when they release a flyer.

 

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 my 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.

Fall Festival, National Novel Writing Month: Monday Blog Post

Fall Festival, National Novel Writing Month: Monday Blog Post

Me at the Pine/Strawberry Fall Festival. By Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

As promised, I was at the Pine/Strawberry Fall Festival all weekend. There were fewer vendors than normal, and fewer visitors. I expect that’s a result of people still being careful of the pandemic. However, those people who did come out seemed more than prepared to buy stuff. All of the vendors I talked to said they were doing very well. People wanted to spend their money. I did the best I’ve ever done at a book selling. Anywhere. Ever. So a good weekend for me. Check out my next event (an outdoor one), below.

When not talking to visitors to the Fall Festival, I was thinking about what to write for National Novel Writing Month. NaNo is now three weeks away and I’m still coming up empty. I don’t have a well enough thought-out plan for book 5 of the Brown Rain series. I have no idea about a 5th book for my Jean Hays cozy mysteries. I have a dreadful draft of the 2nd Zoe Ohale. I have a bit of an idea for a 2nd book following up Slave Elf. And a bit of an idea for a 2nd book following up Gold Dreams. So, YA Post-Apocalyptic, Cozy, SciFi, Fantasy, or Western. As for something completely new, um, no. This despite my idea folder being full of possibilities. No matter what I choose, some research needs to be done. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s take Gold Dreams.

If I choose that one, I’ll have to figure out how Zeke and Mary get from Central Arizona to Northern California, the Sutter’s Mills area or San Francisco area I think. Easiest I’m guessing, is to to go by a wagon train down to Yuma and across to Los Angeles then north to San Francisco but I’ll have to look at the open routes that were available in the late 1800’s after the Civil War. One thing might be to have them travel down to Globe AZ, catch a train to LA, then San Francisco and buy their gear there. See what I mean? There are possibilities, hazards, and risks for each of those decisions.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is over! As soon as the organizer pulls the winners, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on October 23rd. This is a one-day flea market type of event being held in the Payson High School parking lot starting at 10am. It lasts until 2pm so stop by early. I’ll be in the Arizona Professional Writers stall with 2 or maybe even 3 other authors. This is a great time to get books for your entire Christmas list, but also to check out all of the fantastic businesses here in Payson. I heard there’s going to be candy handed out for Halloween as well so bring the little ones.

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I have a booth date of November 23rd, and one of December 14th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

 

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 my 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.

PEO Meeting, Hello Fall, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

 

Newest News:

On Friday September 24th I spoke to the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a U.S. based international women’s organization of about 230,000 members. They focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. I spoke to twenty or so women about how I started writing and a little about how ideas make it from my head to the pages of a book. They seemed to enjoy the talk.

I’m writing this blog on Sunday and it’s a rainy Sunday. A gentle rain has been falling for hours now, very unlike the usual monsoon deluges we usually get. We’ve gone from temperatures in the mid-nineties to 56 degrees as I write this. I had to ditch my usual shorts and tee-shirt for sweatpants and a fleece. Hello Fall!

Writing related, I’m starting to think about National Novel Writing Month. I know it’s still September but if I’m going to write a story, I need to start planning for it soon. I still need to finish my All About Bob story, It’s All About Home. After that, though, there are several options for me to choose from. I could write the next Brown Rain novelette. That would describe Alyssa and Kyra’s trip from Ohio to Illinois, Scott Air Force Base and what they find there. Big clues, I think to the mysterious group that caused the brown rain disaster. Who knows what trouble they’ll find on the base? I’ve been noodling around with a follow-on story for my Slave Elf story. What happens next for Queen Delia? My SciFi story, Troubled Streets actually has a sequel, but it was so awful I just put it away. It might be time for me to pull it out, rescue whatever is good about it and toss the rest. Essentially, starting over. What do you think? Which might you like me to work on? Of course, there’s still the editing of Mystery at the Reunion to also finish, but that’s not a NaNo project. I just need to do it.

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is now over! As soon as the organizer pulls the winners, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

On October 9th, I’ll be at the Pine/Strawberry Fall Festival all weekend. This is a craft fair with a chili cook-off at 11am on Saturday, antique vendors all weekend, and other crafters there as well. I’ll be in the community hall both Saturday and Sunday. Doors open 9am. I hope you can make the event.

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on October 23rd. This is a one-day flea market type of event being held in the Payson High School parking lot starting at 10am. It lasts until 2pm so stop by early. I’ll be in the Arizona Professional Writers stall with 2 or maybe even 3 other authors. This is a great time to get books for your entire Christmas list, but also to check out all of the fantastic businesses here in Payson. I heard there’s going to be candy handed out for Halloween as well so bring the little ones.

I found out from our local farmer’s market managers that they are going to do the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market again this year. I signed up. I don’t know if I’ll get a single day or be a permanent booth. It will run from November 9th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st.

 

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.

Roses, Covid Test Results, Writing: Monday Blog Post

Photo by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

My roses are in a second bloom, well, reaching the end of their second bloom and the hubby has been out there taking some pictures. We had a rain a few days ago and he went out early and found one of my yellow roses perfectly covered in raindrops. That’s the above picture.

I mentioned last week that I was scheduling myself for a Covid test and an antibody test. Well, that happened, and I was pleased to see I don’t have Covid and that the antibodies I am supposed to have were actually in my system. The testing process was super easy. The techs came out to the car. I waited the 15 minutes for the results. Altogether, probably 20 minutes at the office. I was reassured that my autoimmune diseases didn’t have an effect on my vaccinations. It was worth the 20 minutes for peace of mind.

 

On writing, I’m into Mystery at the Reunion, I’m into the story doing my best to add more background, develop each character’s point of view more, that sort of thing. Also on my mind is my Gulliver Station series. At the start of the year I did a little redesign of the cover of the first book, A New Start. I had so much trouble getting it uploaded to KDP that I burnt out on it. However, I think I’ve recovered my gumption and want to get into the last three books and get those covers updated. I didn’t make big changes, just minor ones. No need to go out and get all new books.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. The delta variant of the virus is racing through my county. New cases have doubled every week since mid-July and the majority of the people hitting the ICUs and ERs are unvaccinated. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together. Please schedule your vaccination as soon as you can. The shots are still free!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is live! There are 24 prizes and $66 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

I found out from our local farmer’s market managers that they are going to do the Christmas Market again this year. I signed up. I don’t know if I’ll get a single day or be a permanent booth. It will run from mid-November to just before Christmas. (The above poster is from last year.) I’ll let you know when I find out the details. Stay tuned.

 

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.

Fruit Trees, Covid Testing, Lord of the Rings: Monday Blog Post

Pears, taken by Randy Cockrell

 

Newest News:

This is the time of year my fruit trees produce. I’ve already mentioned the peaches, now a lovely memory. I also have a nectarine tree and this year I thought I didn’t get any. The tree doesn’t produce regularly, I think because it’s sensitive to late spring cold. However, my husband was looking on the back side of the trees and found a small bunch of weather damaged but perfectly good nectarines. They look bad but taste really good. Yay! The pear trees are also producing. These are late varieties so won’t be ready for a few weeks yet. Looking forward to those.

I’ve scheduled myself a Covid test and an antibody test as I do have two auto-immune diseases, Celiac and Hashimoto’s. I am probably still in good shape from my last covid shot in March, but I’d just like to know. The tests are tomorrow morning at 8am so I may have to go out to breakfast too!

On writing, my writer’s brain is still functioning. The hubby and I rewatched The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Ring movies not long ago. In the hobbit, I think it was, Gandalf was talking to Bilbo about the Wizards. In the movie, Gandalf told Bilbo that there were five wizards in his order, himself, Saruman, and Radagast, plus two “Blues” whose names he couldn’t remember. This tiny bit of trivia has stuck in my mind for weeks now. I don’t remember it from the book. And with only 5 in the order, why can’t Gandalf remember the two blues? Has it been so long since he’s seen them? Where did they go? What do they do? What were their specialties? Do any of you know? I don’t generally write fan fiction, but those two wizards are much on my mind. I may have to seek out a Tolkien facebook page and ask these questions. Feel free to comment below if you have answers or suggestions.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. The delta variant of the virus is racing through my county. New cases have doubled every week since mid-July and the majority of the people hitting the ICUs and ERs are unvaccinated. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together. Please schedule your vaccination as soon as you can. The shots are still free!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, islive! There are 24 prizes and $66 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

 

Where will I Be?

It’s peach harvesting time in Rim Country. Photo by Randy Cockrell

I found out from our local farmer’s market managers that they are going to do the Christmas Market again this year. I signed up. I don’t know if I’ll get a single day or be a permanent booth. It will run from mid-November to just before Christmas. I’ll let you know when I find out the details. Stay tuned. https://www.paysonfarmersmarket.com/

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.