My fifth novel - Restored Hope - was published on July 7.
I absolutely love the cover and I am not easy to please, but the art department at Strategic Books worked with me until I got EXACTLY what I was looking for - you be the judge.
I have a book signing scheduled for August 5, and had the manuscript in on April 10 - but we ran a little tight on time so they are shipping the books to me - air freight - their cost - now who does that in this economy?
Every department I worked with - from editing to print layout to production management all the way to the top with contract management has gone above and beyond. This is an exemplary publishing house in a time when that type of business is unheard of. And believe me, I know - I have 5 books - the first two were not with them - but they are the ONLY publishing house I will ever use - and I do mean EVER.
If you are thinking about publishing a book - poetry, non-fiction, children's - whatever, I urge you to seriously consider the Strategic House - you can find them at http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/ ..... and this is completely an unsolicited recommendation from me - I am getting nothing in return, but the knowledge that I am passing on some valuable information to people I care about.
AND if you'd like to know more about the new book, you can check it out by going to: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RestoredHope.html
Starting the new year with a bang! All books in the Youngerman collection are on sale. $25.00 for entire collection shipped within USA. (ask about int'l shipping)
July 29, 2010
July 25, 2010
I write like Margaret Mitchell
I was directed to a really cool website by a good friend of mine, Ruthi Cox. She is an awesome blogger and webdesigner: abitosunshine love and writing.
She told me about Writing Style Analyzer. The website is called I Write Like. If you input some of your writing it will tell you whose style you best emulate. So, I put in the first chapter of my most recent novel, Restored Hope, and it came back with:
Now you tell me? Who wouldn't be ecstatic with that response? so, then I decided to dump some of my new novel (the one I am writing) into the input engine and see what come out. I will let the Badge speak for itself:
Now, if my books would just sell like theirs!
She told me about Writing Style Analyzer. The website is called I Write Like. If you input some of your writing it will tell you whose style you best emulate. So, I put in the first chapter of my most recent novel, Restored Hope, and it came back with:
Now you tell me? Who wouldn't be ecstatic with that response? so, then I decided to dump some of my new novel (the one I am writing) into the input engine and see what come out. I will let the Badge speak for itself:
Now, if my books would just sell like theirs!
July 15, 2010
Always a Mother
My mother is going to be 77 years old in October.
I turned 50 in February.
I have three children (21,20 and 18), yet my mother is still my mother. And still mothers me. I have been having 'issues' that affect my health and let's be honest here - any of us that are parents realize that children really don't care (especially 21,20 and 18) about what is going on in a day-to-day life of their mother.
Perhaps this reflection has to do with the novel I'm in the process of writing that involves a mother who gives up a child at birth only to be reunited later in life. And this novel also involves the mother who adopted that child and has her own biological children and struggles with that -- only to then be faced with her sons' reaction to his 'real' mother. OR perhaps this reflection has to do with the novel that has just been released that has to do with a girl who is left all alone and then turns inward and how does she cope? How does she figure out how to become a mother without a role model?
All I know is that this afternoon at 2:50 PM my phone rang and my mother was on the other end and all she wanted to know was how I was doing. That's it. Simple question. And now I'm sitting here crying because I know my mother cares and there are so many people wandering aimlessly in this world whose mother's are somewhere out there wondering where their children are.
Parenting is a full time job, and it doesn't end when your child moves out. It doesn't end when they go to school, or when they fall asleep. Because the real truth is...A mother is always a mother.
I turned 50 in February.
I have three children (21,20 and 18), yet my mother is still my mother. And still mothers me. I have been having 'issues' that affect my health and let's be honest here - any of us that are parents realize that children really don't care (especially 21,20 and 18) about what is going on in a day-to-day life of their mother.
Perhaps this reflection has to do with the novel I'm in the process of writing that involves a mother who gives up a child at birth only to be reunited later in life. And this novel also involves the mother who adopted that child and has her own biological children and struggles with that -- only to then be faced with her sons' reaction to his 'real' mother. OR perhaps this reflection has to do with the novel that has just been released that has to do with a girl who is left all alone and then turns inward and how does she cope? How does she figure out how to become a mother without a role model?
All I know is that this afternoon at 2:50 PM my phone rang and my mother was on the other end and all she wanted to know was how I was doing. That's it. Simple question. And now I'm sitting here crying because I know my mother cares and there are so many people wandering aimlessly in this world whose mother's are somewhere out there wondering where their children are.
Parenting is a full time job, and it doesn't end when your child moves out. It doesn't end when they go to school, or when they fall asleep. Because the real truth is...A mother is always a mother.
July 11, 2010
Cyber Friends
I have had a cable modem since 1998 - that means I've been hooked up to this world wide web for 12 years - longer than most people. But I am still playing catch up. The world of 'Tweeting' is a mystery to me. I don't really know why anyone would want to know what I have to say and want to follow me. I write a blog (I'm not even sure what 'blog' stands for and yes I've been told more than once!). I used to think that this blog would replace my journal, but that is so far from the truth because I do not really want to put my personal feelings out here for the world to see in the future and come back and bite me in the butt.
I will say that the HUGE advantage this wonderful world wide web has enabled this generation (and even my generation) to do is reach out and make friends with some of the most unlikely people. I ended up having a conversation last night - via email - with an author in Georgia, who decided that perhaps we are kindred spirits. I have 'met' people from all over the country - heck - all over the world - just by email or chatting through various social networks, and I would have to say that some of my closest friends are people I have met online. What would Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison have said about that - or even Ben Franklin?
So here's to you... and you .... and you -- (all of you know who you are) my cyber friends who are near and dear to me and I can't imagine my life without you!
I will say that the HUGE advantage this wonderful world wide web has enabled this generation (and even my generation) to do is reach out and make friends with some of the most unlikely people. I ended up having a conversation last night - via email - with an author in Georgia, who decided that perhaps we are kindred spirits. I have 'met' people from all over the country - heck - all over the world - just by email or chatting through various social networks, and I would have to say that some of my closest friends are people I have met online. What would Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison have said about that - or even Ben Franklin?
So here's to you... and you .... and you -- (all of you know who you are) my cyber friends who are near and dear to me and I can't imagine my life without you!
July 10, 2010
A smile, a nod, a sandwich
Driving along we see them in their usual places. Some still asleep, some busy in the trash gathering things to recycle, others patiently waiting for us to bring them food, or a smile. This week we had no socks and it seemed like everyone asked - that always makes me feel worse - when we don't have something they all ask for.
I'm 'immune' to the drugged, drunk, sleepy, slurry, giddy, toothless, foreign accents and everything in between. I still see some I haven't seen before. That is to be expected. Life on the street is transitory - some come, some go, some stay.
This morning a man in a brown suit (business suit) circa 50's stood next to a bus bench. He had a colored shopping bag next to him and he appeared to be waiting for the bus. "There's John." I was informed. I had never seen him before. We were on a one way street all the way on the left and he was on the right side of the street.
I asked, quite loudly, "John, do you want some food?"
He nodded slightly.
So I went about gathering his lunch and tea and when the traffic was clear I jaywalked across 5 empty lanes of a very busy street. When I got there I said, "Good morning John," and I looked into the saddest eyes I had ever seen. This man had sadness running into his soul. "Here is some food and ice tea."
He looked at me and simply nodded again. I said, "Have a good week," and turned to leave. I had to wait for the traffic to clear before crossing again. By the time I got back to the van John had already opened one of the lunches and was gently tearing pieces of the sandwich off and eating it slowly. I mentioned to Brother Ben how sad I thought he was and his response was he's always been that way.
This morning was truly the first time in almost two years when I felt like crying - and then I recalled a conversation I had with a coworker this week. He was telling me how he had recently begun working with the homeless (and I am always delighted when the younger generation (he's 24) starts this type of work so I was curious). Apparently he is the board at the Los Angeles Mission to configure their new website. He proceeded to tell me that the Mission brings in 15-17 million dollars and all the stars volunteer there (he then began name dropping). I then began to stop listening.
As I drove home after seeing all the regulars and John I thought about everyone I know and everyone I work with and how little all of us really know about each other and how sometimes all it takes is something as small as a smile, or a nod to show someone that they are important.
I'm 'immune' to the drugged, drunk, sleepy, slurry, giddy, toothless, foreign accents and everything in between. I still see some I haven't seen before. That is to be expected. Life on the street is transitory - some come, some go, some stay.
This morning a man in a brown suit (business suit) circa 50's stood next to a bus bench. He had a colored shopping bag next to him and he appeared to be waiting for the bus. "There's John." I was informed. I had never seen him before. We were on a one way street all the way on the left and he was on the right side of the street.
I asked, quite loudly, "John, do you want some food?"
He nodded slightly.
So I went about gathering his lunch and tea and when the traffic was clear I jaywalked across 5 empty lanes of a very busy street. When I got there I said, "Good morning John," and I looked into the saddest eyes I had ever seen. This man had sadness running into his soul. "Here is some food and ice tea."
He looked at me and simply nodded again. I said, "Have a good week," and turned to leave. I had to wait for the traffic to clear before crossing again. By the time I got back to the van John had already opened one of the lunches and was gently tearing pieces of the sandwich off and eating it slowly. I mentioned to Brother Ben how sad I thought he was and his response was he's always been that way.
This morning was truly the first time in almost two years when I felt like crying - and then I recalled a conversation I had with a coworker this week. He was telling me how he had recently begun working with the homeless (and I am always delighted when the younger generation (he's 24) starts this type of work so I was curious). Apparently he is the board at the Los Angeles Mission to configure their new website. He proceeded to tell me that the Mission brings in 15-17 million dollars and all the stars volunteer there (he then began name dropping). I then began to stop listening.
As I drove home after seeing all the regulars and John I thought about everyone I know and everyone I work with and how little all of us really know about each other and how sometimes all it takes is something as small as a smile, or a nod to show someone that they are important.
July 7, 2010
Versatile Blogger Award - I wish!
My Acceptance of The Versatile Blogger Award from Ruthi Cox aka abitosunshine
Me Versatile?
By definition, I guess I am!
Defined by YourDictionary.com: competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many-sided; adaptable to many uses or functions
The Versatile Blogger Award I have received comes with rules:
1. Thank the person who loved me enough to bestow this gift.
2. Share seven things about myself.
3. Bestow this honor onto 10 newly discovered or followed bloggers – in no particular order – who are fantastic in some way.
4. Drop by and let my fifteen friends know I love them.
SOOOOOO here I go following the rulesss (please note that normally I MAKE the rules....don't follow the rules...LOL)
Thank you Ms. Ruthi, or sunshine, or Ms. Sunshine, or partner in crime, or (okay let me be serious for a minute here) Thank you for everything....you have led the way on so many things and push me into things (like this!) I only hope I'm half as good a friend to you as you are to me.
7 things about me:
1. I believe in love at first sight
2. I sleep with a dog
3. I'm left handed
4. I treat all living beings twice as good as I wish to be treated
5. I don't believe in coincidences....all things happen for a reason
6. I am terrified of crowds, but end up speaking in front of them often
7. I've known one of my best friends since I was 4 years old.
10 bloggers (thanks RC!) I came up with 5!
1. Carter Martina - http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com/
2. Laurie Coates - http://crazypsychobooklover.blogspot.com/
3. Debra Shiveley Welch -http://debrashiveleywelchloveandwriting.blogspot.com/
4. Adina Pele - http://blog.adinapelle.com/
5. georgiakevin - http://georgiakevin.gather.com/
the last part is a no brainer - consider it done!
Restored Hope
I am so excited to share the new cover for Restored Hope (especially since I just figured out how to add a picture here!)
So without further ado.........I bring to you........Restored Hope's cover
and this is the back cover text:
Peter and Tara Miller are the image of perfection. They have three beautiful children, live in a wonderful neighborhood, and are still each other’s best friend. When their world completely disintegrates within a short period of time, their daughter must survive the aftermath. Creating a new persona Samantha finally breaks free and discovers that the real world is not much kinder than her dysfunctional family. Emotionally shattered, the solace of the ocean, and a loving dog, carry her on her way.
Samantha meets Timothy Bleak, who was raised in a seemingly kind, loving family, but is virtually invisible to them. His voice goes unheard, his needs are unmet, and his emotions are squashed. Timothy summons the strength to leave his family, and discovers Samantha in his journey.
Restored Hope follows these two bereft young people as their lives intertwine and they face the challenges of life, love and happiness together.
I actually think I'll have copies in time for the August 5th book signing!
This was a minor miracle....Thank you Eloquent --- you are the best!
So without further ado.........I bring to you........Restored Hope's cover
and this is the back cover text:
Peter and Tara Miller are the image of perfection. They have three beautiful children, live in a wonderful neighborhood, and are still each other’s best friend. When their world completely disintegrates within a short period of time, their daughter must survive the aftermath. Creating a new persona Samantha finally breaks free and discovers that the real world is not much kinder than her dysfunctional family. Emotionally shattered, the solace of the ocean, and a loving dog, carry her on her way.
Samantha meets Timothy Bleak, who was raised in a seemingly kind, loving family, but is virtually invisible to them. His voice goes unheard, his needs are unmet, and his emotions are squashed. Timothy summons the strength to leave his family, and discovers Samantha in his journey.
Restored Hope follows these two bereft young people as their lives intertwine and they face the challenges of life, love and happiness together.
I actually think I'll have copies in time for the August 5th book signing!
This was a minor miracle....Thank you Eloquent --- you are the best!
July 1, 2010
Walk the Walk
It is not everyday that I have the opportunity to do something 'because it feels right.' Oh sure I put the spiders outside and I give water bottles to the people standing on the side of the road holding the signs asking for something to help them.
**By the way - that is the probably the easiest and most appreciated thing anybody can do - carry water bottles in your car and when you are driving and you see a homeless person on the side of the road asking for assistance give them a bottle - you will be Amazed at the look of gratitude on their face.**
But I don't have enough money to buy girl scout cookies from every girl scout in front of the grocery store and I don't fall for every kid that knocks at my door asking for help to get him closer to his school project. (Well, you get the drift...) But I was pointed in the direction to read something (Pillow Fight for a Cause that touched me.
I do not know the man who created this group Kevin E nor do I know anyone who is involved with this group. I do know the woman who sent me the link and wrote the poem. She and I have become friends, and dare I say have grown to mutually respect each other for our individual talents. I respect her input on several areas that I am a novice in. I am stating all of this here because hopefully it will reach a different audience and more people will stand up and notice that abuse should not and cannot be allowed - anywhere, anytime in any situation.
I write fiction, however somehow that ugly disease manages to wind its way into each and every one of my novels. Its out there in so many different manifestations and we as a society need to stand up and take charge and say, "We're not going to take it anymore!"
My hat is off to you - Gather member Georgiakevin
**By the way - that is the probably the easiest and most appreciated thing anybody can do - carry water bottles in your car and when you are driving and you see a homeless person on the side of the road asking for assistance give them a bottle - you will be Amazed at the look of gratitude on their face.**
But I don't have enough money to buy girl scout cookies from every girl scout in front of the grocery store and I don't fall for every kid that knocks at my door asking for help to get him closer to his school project. (Well, you get the drift...) But I was pointed in the direction to read something (Pillow Fight for a Cause that touched me.
I do not know the man who created this group Kevin E nor do I know anyone who is involved with this group. I do know the woman who sent me the link and wrote the poem. She and I have become friends, and dare I say have grown to mutually respect each other for our individual talents. I respect her input on several areas that I am a novice in. I am stating all of this here because hopefully it will reach a different audience and more people will stand up and notice that abuse should not and cannot be allowed - anywhere, anytime in any situation.
I write fiction, however somehow that ugly disease manages to wind its way into each and every one of my novels. Its out there in so many different manifestations and we as a society need to stand up and take charge and say, "We're not going to take it anymore!"
My hat is off to you - Gather member Georgiakevin
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