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.

National Novel Writing Month, Phoenix Fan Fusion News, Veteran’s Day: Monday Blog Post

 

Newest News:

National Novel Writing Month. Started NaNo on time with a sequel to Gold Dreams. I’m calling it California Dreams for now. That may change. I’m behind schedule as I tried to figure out how to get my characters out of a jam. I did it but now I’m behind about 8k words. I’ll have to speed up.

Had an email from the Phoenix Fan Fusion folks about the upcoming event. No mention was made of the proposed January event, they talked about it being back on Memorial Day weekend, as usual. I’m confused. Their website now says May 27 – 29 2022. I’ll keep you posted or you can follow https://phoenixfanfusion.com/ to stay abreast of changes, ticket prices, special guests and more.

Veteran’s Day is Thursday this year. So I wish everyone who is a Vet or if you’re the family of veterans, a happy holiday.

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.

National Novel Writing Month, Summer Giveaway Winners, New Signing Event: Monday Blog Post

Taken by Randy Cockrell. A leaf resting on rock.

 

Newest News:

It is National Novel Writing Month. The very first day. I don’t know what I’m going to write. As I write this part of my blog, I haven’t even registered for this year on the NaNo site. I had an idea a couple of weeks ago but didn’t write it down, so it’s gone. It may appear later as I put words to paper. We’ll see how that goes. This is an actual good thing though, as I’d like to get my writing habit back. Wish me luck!

November is also gratitude month for me. Every day on my personal Facebook page I list something I’m grateful for. I like this exercise. It reminds me every year of all the things/people/activities that make my life wonderful. Give it a try yourself if you don’t already.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is over! The winners have been drawn. My winner of my first prize, an ebook copy of Troubled Streets, Is Michele. The winner of my 2nd prize, a $5 Amazon Gift Card is Jennifer. I’ve emailed them their prize notifications. The Grand Prize winner of $66 in Paypal cash is Richard. Congratulations to all of the winners.

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?

An old poster. Actually begins Nov 9th at 3pm.

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 Color, Business Expo on Saturday, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

Aspens by Randy Cockrell

 

Newest News:

Last week hubby and I decided to take a drive up the rim to see how the aspens are doing in their fall finery. It was a nice drive, and we took the 300 road past Woods Canyon lake for a few miles. The aspens were in various stages of their fall color. Some had already dropped their leaves. Some were still mostly green. A good number, though, were in their pure golden dress. Randy took some good pictures. I took a short video trying to catch the trees leaves in the light breeze, making a sound like rain. His pics were pretty good. My video, not so much. That’s his picture above. My video here:

Take the opportunity if you can, to catch the fall colors near you.

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Saturday. Details are below. This is an outdoor event, for those looking to maintain some social distancing. Hope to see you there.

Still no idea what I want to do for Nano. It’s now 2 weeks away.

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 by myself. No other authors decided to take me up on my offer to share the stall. 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.

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.

October, Twilight Tuesday Events, Writing Related: Monday Blog Post

Sumac in Fall, Upstate NY

 

Newest News:

It’s October already! Did it sneak up on you the way it has on me? Despite the self-isolation at the beginning of the year, the tentative coming out in the spring and because of the Delta variant, going back into a modified self-isolation, it’s been a busy year for me. This last quarter of the year is even busier. While October seems a little early to start review my year, I’ve been looking back. Just what have I been doing? This blog post, for one thing. I want to thank you, my readers, for helping me to keep honest about my writing. A big help to be sure. There have been social events, outdoors mostly, which I have enjoyed. One is a weekly lunch in the park with some other women. These are great fun and I’ve learned a lot about the women in this group by having this social, bring your own lunch, every week. What have you been doing with 2021?

Heads up, I have new details for Twilight Tuesdays, below.

There were no responses to my question from last week about what you’d like me to start working on. All of it, I expect. Anyway, I’ll pick something and get moving. You’ll all be glad to hear it, I’m sure.

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.

More news for the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year. It 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 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.