And The Winners Are...

And the winner of KISSED BY AN ANGEL is

 Martha Ramirez!

You can buy 

KISSED BY AN ANGEL

for little to nothing and help these precious children!

http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Angel-Robyn-Campbell/dp/151936055X

And the winner of HOW TO SAVE YOUR DYING CHURCH is Connie Arnold!

Pastor Jon White's book 

HOW TO SAVE YOUR DYING CHURCH

 can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/How-Save-Your-Dying-Church/dp/1516863615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455216474&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+save+your+dying+church

Faith, Charity, and Love (and a two book giveaway)

FAITH AND LOVE

 My title probably doesn't make sense with the photo of my kiddo...but it will. I couldn't find the picture of my pastor holding her on the day she was Christened. Pastor Jon, long gone from our old church, as are we, is still my spiritual guider. I go to him in confidence and trust that he will lead me in the right direction. He is an amazing man who tells the truth and sometimes the truth ruffles comfortable peoples' feathers. I know he's ruffled mine a time or two, but I know what he is says is right and he says it because he wants me to be a better Christian and person. Please don't be offended if you aren't Christian. I expect you aspire to be better in the eyes of your Lord too.

Pastor Jon's book, HOW TO SAVE YOUR DYING CHURCH, is not just for churches, although that is what he would like...He'd like small struggling churches to read this in Sunday School and see if they can get a message from it and help their church bring more disciples to Christ. For me reading it, it helped me see some of my shortcomings and some of my strengths.

Don't let the plain cover fool you! It's set up like the standard church bulletin. The lessons in it are well worth the read and then discussing with a friend or in fellowship. I am giving away a copy to one lucky reader on February 22nd.  Please spread the word.

Pastor Jon White's book HOW TO SAVE YOUR DYING CHURCH can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/How-Save-Your-Dying-Church/dp/1516863615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455216474&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+save+your+dying+church

LOVE AND CHARITY

I love this woman! Robyn Campbell is the most caring, passionate woman around and if you don't know you...you must have just gotten your first computer last week.  Don't worry she will find you!

Robyn gives so much to the writing community. She is always helping others and reaching out to people. She home schools her children and her son Christopher has Sturge-Weber Syndrome. He has so many battles in his life and she keeps on fighting for him.

One of the amazing things she has done is compile an anthology called KISSED BY AN ANGEL and all the proceeds go to the foundation. The book is LOVELY! It is full of beautiful uplifting stories about children who find a special gift of sorts within themselves. The book is appropriate for children aged 8 to 12, but I believe anyone with a gentle heart would love this book. And if you like short stories that's another plus!

Eleven amazing writers worked together to create this wonderful book for the Sturge-Weber Foundation. You can buy this KISSED BY AN ANGEL for little to nothing and help these precious children!
http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Angel-Robyn-Campbell/dp/151936055X

I'll be giving away a copy of KISSED BY AN ANGEL  on February 25th.

FAITH, CHARITY, and LOVE...

I love Jon and Robyn. Please help me help them share their books with the world. Just hitting the tweet my post button may bring more people here and give them more exposure...Sharing on Facebook would be great too.  I'm not so good at the fancy helicopter thing.

In your comment tell me which book you would be interested in. I'll put your name in an extra time if you tell me you Tweeted my post and another time for putting it on Facebook. (I'll trust you.) And yes, because I'm old school...I will be putting names in two jars and drawing from them on the 25th.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SHARING ABOUT MY FAITH, CHARITY & LOVE POST!

And An Angel Is Born...Kissed By An Angel's book birthday

It's a special day when a book is born, not just for the writer or the reader, or the family and friends of the writer...it's the day when someones words and thoughts are preserved forever.

Kissed By An Angel is more than just an anthology filled with amazing stories about children with special abilities...it's a book put together by an amazing group of women all in the name of love and hope.

Robyn Campbell's son Christopher has Sturge-Weber Syndrome. You can pop over to the Sturge-Weber Foundation site to learn a lot more than I can ever explain to you.  The thing you automatically see when you meet someone with Sturge-Weber Syndrome is what is commonly called a port-wine stain, a dark red coloring over one part of their face, but that's just what is happening on the outside. On the inside lots of terrifying things are going on. Once Christopher had a headache for 18 months! I can't imagine the pain he was in and the pain Robyn was in watching him. There was nothing doctors could do to help. A lot of praying was going on across the world for Christopher during that time. He has seizures constantly.

Imagine if this was your child. So...

This amazing group of writers ( Robyn Campbell, Lynn Kelley, Yvette Carol, Theresa Milstein, Cheryl Secomb, Catherine Johnson, Suzy Levinson, Erik Weibel, Hope Lim, Vivian Kirkfield, Ellen Leventhal) got together and wrote a book with the proceeds going to the Sturge-Weber Foundation. Perhaps, if enough awareness is it there about the suffering children and people who have this syndrome go through it will eventually lead to a cure.

Please take a moment and think about all the charity donations you make. Perhaps a book purchase, a Facebook post, and a tweet to encourage others to buy Kissed By An Angel will bring up awareness of Sturgis-Weber Syndrome and help children and families affected by this disease.

Purchase a copy of Kissed By An Angel

Please consider buying a copy and sharing it with someone for Christmas.

And the Winner of George Green's Book Out of the Spotlight is...and Journal Your Way Through Troubled Times

 Sorry, if you didn't win a copy of George's book OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT, you can still purchase it in paperback or Kindle versions on Amazon.

But....

Could you hop over to our (I'm speaking in a universal manner because everyone loves her) dear Robyn Campbell's blog and tell her she's a lovely woman, an amazing mother, an awesome writer, and a winner?

George's book is such an inspiration. Think about how your life has changed over the years. Have you had dramatic changes? Taking you from one extreme to another? How can you use that to make you or your writing stronger? How can that make you more compassionate? Or your character more compassionate? Your life experiences are things you can build on in your manuscripts. Yes, listening on other people's conversations is a great way to get dialogue and ideas, but your life is FULL of gems.

When I struggle with something I journal, to help me get through it. I'm struggling with something right now. I haven't been sleeping or eating well. I've been exercising a lot, but I think the only way I'm going to get through this is to write it out.

So please, pop over to Robyn's blog and then start journaling your life experiences so you have things for your characters to fall back on....and perhaps it will even help you through a tough spot.

((((HUGS))))

A Charming Giveaway...

Why do you write? Is it because you want to be rich or famous? Is it because you have stories in you and they must come out? Does writing give you freedom?

For me, I write because I have stories inside me that have to get out.

Back in the summer, my friend Robyn Campbell shared with me a writing project called a Crock Full of Charms. Eighty-eight writers joined together with freelance editor Sally Odgers to create three volumes of short stories. We didn't do it for money or fame...well, maybe some of us did it for the darling charms that Sally sent us. You can only get a copy by contacting one of the writers who is in the book. (So if you want a copy you'll have to let me know and I'll sell it at cost plus shipping.)

My story,  A Charmed Life, is in volume 2.

Three of my critique partners are also in the Charms Anthology.  Lenny Lee and Robyn Campbell are in Volume 2 with me and Theresa Milstein (and her daughter) are in Volume 3.  It was so much fun doing this project with them. Sally tied the three books together, but they can be read separately.

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Josh, Hannah, Ash and Immy are clearing the attic when they unearth a mysterious treasure. Someone has collected dozens of charms in silver, bronze, gold and brass. Whose are they? What are they for? No one knows, but as the four are about to discover, every charm has a story...

The Charms anthology is a collection of stories for readers aged four to fourteen. It will be available in late 2013 in three age-graded volumes. Charms is an innovative project containing more than a hundred stories and poems by authors from several different countries. The stories are linked by a storyline that flows through linking and embracing the stand-alone pieces by contributing writers.

Our authors range from teenagers to senior citizens, from multi-published pros to moonlighting artists and those entering print for the first time. We were all inspired by the project and we all love to write. We look forward very much to sharing our stories with readers. The first volume is packed with stories and poems for younger readers. We have lighthearted poems, bedtime stories, pets, grandparents, friends and wild adventures.  Volume One is a sunny place, where pirates may run but they'll never catch you, and teddies find their way to loving owners.  This is the place where readers from four to eight may happily browse for hours. The last few stories may appeal more to adventurous readers or nine or ten.

The second volume has older characters and broader-ranging themes and genres. Volume Two has more excitement, stronger fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, historical stories, a few tangled dilemmas, some tears and even a few shiversome creeps. Mature readers or nine or ten will find plenty to enjoy, while young teenagers may find the later stories more to their taste. 

The third volume is mainly for the teenaged reader. Watch this page for updates. Titles of the stories can be seen here.

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I'll be giving away a copy of Volume 2 (signed by me LOL) on December 28th. All you have to do is leave a comment telling why you write.

It's Coming...International Be Positive Day

Do you have a happy place?  You know, the place that you feel your very best.  Your heart is content. Your mind relaxed.  A place that you go to (physically or mentally) where you can breath.

This is my place.  Bull Shoals Lake.  It's on the border of Arkansas and Missouri.  Right now I am a long way (physically) from my happy place.  But I can go there in my mind whenever I need to. When I get there...I breath better. I feel lighter.

Where is your happy place?  

Robyn Campbell and I are declaring May 21st as INTERNATIONAL BE POSITIVE DAY.  You still have to go to work on the 21st, but you can join us on our blogs, on Twitter and on Facebook spreading positive and kind thoughts with the Universe.

Saying positive things not only helps the person who reads it feel better, but it also helps the person who wrote it.  Let's face it, writing is a hard gig.  There is more rejection than acceptance in this industry, but we can help each other by showing our support for our fellow writers and friends (and even strangers) by saying or doing something positive.

If you would like to join us, please leave a comment and I'll send you a reminder on the 20th.  I hope you join in.  The last time we did this I had lots of great feedback from people.

So come on...on May 21st make someone feel positive!

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I would like to thank all of you who left me kind notes here or on Facebook.  My Nanny was a wonderful, beautiful lady.  I miss her terribly, but am grateful she is no longer sick or suffering.  Again, thank you guys for the thoughts and prayers you sent me.  <3 p="">

And...the winner is:

And the winner is...Robyn Campbell! (according to random.org)

If you haven't checked out Janna's art...please visit her on etsy.  :)

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I've been really struggling with my WWII story.  So many people suffered so much.  Watching Schindler's List really put that suffering in perspective.  If you or your family has suffered persecution because of your faith, race, sex or other reasons I really want to know about your struggles.  The only way we can move forward as a society is to NEVER FORGET the struggles of individuals and groups....  Please email me at sharonkmayhew at gmail dot com so I can tell you or your families struggles to the world...so they will NEVER FORGET.

Hugs to all....

Operation Help the Elf

 Operation Help the Elf (Pete) is the brainchild of Angela and Becca.. What a wonderful way to end 2012!  We're supposed to let Pete know someone who been especially good this year....Now I know a lot of you have been really good, so it was really hard to chose one person to tell Pete about, in fact I couldn't chose one person.  I settled on telling him about two people.

Robyn Campbell and Theresa Milstein

 Robyn is an amazing woman and a great writer and critique partner.  She is one of the most positive people I "know."  She has lifted my spirits so many times over the past twelve months.  I don't usually talk about my religious beliefs, but let me tell you...Robyn is an amazing prayer.  She has prayed for someone I love daily.  In return I do the same for her family.  This year her family has been through a lot of things and even through everything, Robyn, kept a positive outlook on life and continues to work on her writing goals.

I am so proud to call her my friend....Robyn, be watching your mail for a little something from me.  (wink)  Be sure and hop over to Robyn's blog and meet her.

I "met" Theresa a couple years ago.  She was a struggling substitute teacher.  A position I had been in many times.  I tried to comfort her and encourage her not even thinking about the writing side of her life.  Her blog was just one of those blogs I had to visit to see is she was okay.  Over the past year we've become closer, trading manuscripts (OMGoodness she is SO helpful), emails and even a phone call.  I know my mg novel will be better because of her.  Not only has she ripped my manuscript to bits (LOL), she gave me suggestions on how to improve it, and she has encouraged me so much this year.

I am grateful to consider her one of my friends and a critique partner.  If you haven't met Theresa (or T, as I call her) please hop over to Theresa's blog and check her out.  T, keep an on your mail a little something should arriving in a couple days from me.

Our writing community is full of selfless people and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.

If you didn't join in on Operation Help the Elf and you'd like to give props to one of the people who have influenced, helped you or made a difference in your life...feel free to do so in the comments.  (It will make you feel good, whether they see it or not.)

Have a wonderful holiday and I'll be back on schedule after the new year.
(((HUGS))) to everyone!

National #bepositive Day is coming up!!!

December 6th, 2012 

is

National Be Positive Day!!!!

(I can't post any photos because blogger says I've used up all my space.)  :(

The lovely and enthusiastic Roybn Campbell and I decided that we all should celebrate this wonderful day by going on twitter at least once that day and saying something positive followed by #bepositive.  At the end of the #bepositive day, I hope you will friend all the people who joined in and maybe do some retweets to inspire some other people on Twitter.

I hope you will join us...in our positiveness on twitter.

You can succeed! #bepositive

You have many talents! #bepositive

Something good is going to happen to you today! #bepositive

So who's in???

Disclaimer: Robyn and I made up this national holiday, but we believe it needs to be one!

So please join us in trying to make December 6th a very positive day on the web.

Pets, Picture Books and Pals...

Can I hear an "Ohhhhh?"  

Macy has spent her whole life trying to make a special (furry) friend. 

 Now she has one.

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November is a busy month for lots of writers.  Some participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month--50,000 words in one month) and others participate in PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month--30 new picture book ideas in one month).  I've been dabbling a little in both.  I'm thinking I'm going to have to commit to one or the other, as my brain seems to be skipping around.  

Last weekend I went to the SCBWI-MO conference and had the honor of being critiqued by Quinlan Lee from the Adams Literary Agency.  I submitted my picture book manuscript; Operation Pied Piper to her (you can read the blurb for it on my completed manuscripts page).  As always, I like to share a little of what I learned.  

• At 659 words, it is the perfect length for a picture book.  (big smile)
• Has great details and voice.  (huge smile)
• Interesting time in history.  (big smile)
• A historical fiction is a hard sale for a debut author.  (hmmmm)  Try writing something more commercial, quirky, fun first.
• Story leaves you hanging...not enough action.  (yep, I knew that)
• Would the story be better if it was told through a different character's eyes.  (OMGoodness...I was just thinking that!)
• Consider making it into a middle grade novel.  (Yay!  I've already started writing it and am on chapter 7.)

I have to say Quinlan was lovely and very supportive.  Her presentation to the whole group was outstanding. If you have the opportunity to interact with her at a conference, go for it.  She is super friendly and a delightful speaker.  She even took some extra time to visit with my dear friend Susan.

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This is the Pals part of my post...

My wonderful bloggy friend Sheri Larsen has been working furiously on picture books this month!  If you don't know Sheri you should hop over and check her out.  She has a great site full of useful information for writers of all genres, plus she's wicked cool!

If you haven't entered my giveaway for Susan Kaye Quinn's new book OPEN MINDS hop over and leave a comment.  I'll announce who the winner is on my November 17th post.

Everybody's pal (and picture book writer) Robyn Campbell has been sick all week...so if you get a chance to hop over and give her a virtual hug I'm sure she'd appreciate it.  

Are you participating in NaNo or PiBo this year?  

Do you have a pet that you love more than chocolate?

Thanks for stopping in and hugs to all!!!