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Have you paused to enjoy life?

7/30/2012

We are all busy. Family, work, and obligations can weight us down at times until we crawl into bed at night and wonder where the day went. But have you taken a moment throughout your day to pause and enjoy what you have?

It only takes a moment for our world to change. Your loved ones can be taken from you in a blink of an eye. Children grow so fast that before you know it they are driving cars instead of power wheels. Don't let this precious time slip away from you. Soak up every moment with them as if it were your last, and you will never look back with regret.

Turn off the television early tonight and break out a board game with the family. That load of laundry waiting to head to the washer? Let it sit just a little longer while you wander outside and smell every flower that you see.

When you take the time to really live life, you will never have regrets on what might have been.

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Help us name our new puppy

7/25/2012

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My daughter's dream of owning a puppy has finally came true. She is now the proud owner of a 4lb (promise me you will not laugh...) Dorkie. Okay, I know some of you just giggled despite the promise. A Dorkie is a mixture of a Dachshund and a Yorkie.

Here is what we know so far of our furry new friend: His father was 6 lbs, mother 8 lbs. He loves nothing more than to be cuddled all day long (which is exactly what my daughter wants to do so he is the perfect pet!). Last but not least he wants a name. A cute name! Can you help us?

We have tossed out some ideas, but cannot settle on anything that seems fitting. Let's see if by tomorrow we can come up with the best name ever for this cute little pup. Simply leave a comment below with your suggestiion. Hopefully by this time tomorrow we will have a permanent name!

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Do you have a story to share?

7/21/2012

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People have been asking me if the next book is out yet and if there is still time to submit a story before it comes out. The good news is that if you have been thinking about writing a story, there is still time to get it into the book!

Is there a person you know who has overcome unbelievable odds? Perhaps their story could inspire someone else going through a similar situation. The best comfort in a person's life is knowing that they are not alone.

Stories can be up to 2,500 words long, and anonymous submissions will be accepted for those who are worried about privacy. Changing names will also allowed allowed for the same reason.

Because I am trying to get as many wonderful stories to this next book as possible, I do not have an exact date set for publication. However, I do anticipate that it will be within the next year. Any questions feel free to contact me at [email protected], or facebook.com/WindingRoadBook.

Here are a several of the Amazon.Com reviews from Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child:

I was unsure when I first opened this book just what I would find. But, when I finished it....I said, "This book needs to be sold along with a box of tissues." Some of the stories will make you cry and others make you laugh.

The stories are from individuals who live with, or affect by, children who were born different in various ways. Each story tells how a family adapt their everyday life to the ordeals which become 'normal' in their household. And, it spreads beyond that one child born, beyond the parents and siblings; it affects aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, teachers, clergy, bus drivers...and beyond.

These children teach us as much as the other way around.

The one thing that resonates in this book is...love.

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This book shows the ups and downs both the parents and the children go through in life with disabilities. One story you would die laughing and the next you'll be crying your eyes out. Finished this book within a day. Just couldn't put it down.

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I just read this entire book from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down! There were times when I wanted to cry, and times I wanted to laugh. It shows how each family's situation is unique. There is no mold for a special needs person, and no one right path to take to deal with them.

This book is one that should be read and then shared with others.

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As a mother of a child with disabilities, I picked up a copy of this book in hopes of relating to other families who are dealing with similiar situations. The stories inside made me instantly feel connected. Some gave me hope, others melted my heart. I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout the entire book. It reminded me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. A wonderfully easy read for any busy cargiver who is raising a special needs child.

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Could the title, not be any more perfect?!??!!

I am so proud of Amy and the initiative she took in self-publishing this book. She wanted to find a way to connect her story with others, and this book is going to encourage and bless SO MANY families.

Having any kind of special needs child or family member can be overwhelming at times. Unless you are physically living in their individual situations, it is so hard to comprehend all of the variances they experience on a daily basis. This book not only brings light to the hardships hese families face but also the triumphs and delights that these unique children bring into their little corners of the world.

This book offers hope, inspiration, and ultimately support, to let you know.... you are never alone. You are not, the only one. There are people that understand and will be there to cheer you on in the best of times, and help you pick up the pieces in the worst. Being an advocate for your child and helping others that also need it, can bring the greatest satisfaction and purpose in your life.

EVERY child is special. Special needs kids don't require extra love, just unconditional love..... just like any other child does.

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A new book is born

7/14/2012

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Hope Martson, author of 35 children's books has proudly debuted her latest title, Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey--The War of 1812. In honor of the 200th anniversary, Hope has brought the war to life from the viewpoint a young child, eager to help in the battle.

This is the first book that Hope has self published and I know how hard she worked on it because I worked right along with her making the necessary changes needed to upload her files. Hope's deligence has brought an amazing children's book that is sure to delight and educate her readers. Here's a sneak peak at the synopsis:

Rankin has wanted to join the crew on the Oneida since the first time he saw the ship anchored in Black River Bay. But what can a ten-year-old do on a warship? He hangs around outside the tavern listening to the farmers talk of the coming war with the British, hoping to find out.

The brig Oneida has been built to patrol Lake Ontario and protect Sackets Harbor from an attack. Local farmers are frustrated with restrictions against trading with Canada which cause them to resort to smuggling in order to survive. When the ship's captain finally calls for recruits nearly a year later, many men want to sign up in hopes of putting an end to these rules. Pa gives Rankin's older brother Will permission to do so. Rankin badgers Will to take him along.

On the day set by the captain of the Oneida, Rankin and Will are the first to sign on. During their first months on board, the new crew members gain experience as the Oneida patrols the lake. Too late, they find out that until the war begins, her mission is to apprehend potash smugglers.

Rankin learns to run gunpowder up from the hold to the guns on deck. He sulks when months pass with no battles on the lake. Things change soon after the United States declares war against the British.

On the morning of July 19, 1812, the lookout on Oneida spots five British warships heading toward Sackets Harbor. The brig prepares to defend the village. Rankin is assigned to carry powder to the huge three-ton long gun up on the cliff.

Royal George comes into range and the locals open fire.

The unique way the battle is fought and the unusual way it ends surprises both sides.

Although this is a work of fiction, the historical events portrayed and the persons named are real.

You can purchase this book now by visiting Hope's e-store @ https://www.createspace.com/3836873. Within the next few days it will also be available at Amazon.Com and Barnes & Noble.Com. To purchase directly from Hope (and perhaps she will autograph it for you if you smile nicely) she will be attending the 10th annual War of 1812 Weekend for Friday evening August 3 through Sunday afternoon August 5. More information on the event can be found at http://www.sacketsharborbattlefield.org/2012-1812-weekend.html

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Is self publishing for you?

7/12/2012

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For those of you who have been reading my blog and saw that I was invited to speak at the Delta Lake Writer's Gathering, you may have asked yourself just what is she going to talk about? Well as luck may have it today I am going to share part of my presentation: Is self publishing for you?

Let me first start off by saying that the route to being published is a very personal one. Many have entertained the idea of self pubishing, yet knew very little as to go about it. Others only want an agent/publisher. Only you can decide which option would work best for you and your work. Either way, do your homework!

Just like each agent and publishing house are different, so are your choices for self publishing. There are agents who will charge you a reading fee (be wary!) and there are self publishing houses that will publish your book for you if you pay them upfront (typically in the neighborhood of tens of thousands of dollars!!) If you take the time to research, you will find respectable agents, publishing houses, and self publishing options that can get your work until print.

When I decided to publish Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child
I went with Amazon.Com's publishing house, CreateSpace. It is geared towards the authors themselves and was extremely easy to use. Did you know that author Amanda Hocking used CreateSpace for several of her books and sold millions before she was swept up by a big publishing house? Self publishing is a great way to start building a platform and test the waters with niche writing.

As with anything in this world, there are pro's and con's to self publishing. Here is a quick glance at some of the things you will need to consider:

Self Publishing

*You are in control of pricing, royalties and copyrights if self published

*Books can be sold at retailers, online and to libraries

*You can publish your book, your way

*Quicker print time

Agent/Publisher

*Your royalties and rights will depend on your contract

*Books can be sold at retailers, online and to libraries

*Agents may want to alter your manuscript

*Book could take over a year to hit the shelves

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More excitment for today

7/6/2012

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As I sit upon the serenity of a calm lake, fresh air, and warm people my mind can't help but to relax. The stress of day to day life is replaced with a euphoria of peace. It is every writer's paradise.

With yesterday's presentation behind me today I get to sit and become the student. Time will be spent this afternoon learning the snowflake method of writing, listening in to agent Diana Flegal as she Skypes to the conference, and hearing from author Dave Fessenden, Elaine W. Miller, and Hope Martson. I am eager to fill my notebook with their knowledge.

Hope has just released her 35th Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey, the War of 1812 this past week on Kindle. Her hard copy will be availble very shortly. This book is a little close to my heart because I have been helping Hope get her files ready for publication.

Once the classs conclude I will be off once again to wander the grounds and find a small niche in mother nature where I will sit down and begin utalizing the new mehtods in my own work. A big thank you to Lisa Buske for allowing me to steal this breathtaking photo from her. Her technology was being a little more use friendly than mine was.

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Destination...Delta Lake

7/4/2012

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Recipe for a writer's retreat:

Wait for a day when the temperature has been pre-heated to it's peak then place a blanket on the grass by the water

Open your notebook and flip to a clean page

Stare intently at the beautiful landscape around you and wait for inspiration to simmer. Occasionally stir up the ideas.

Blend in some seasoned writing collegues and sprinkle with flavorful seminars. Allow several hours for mixture to become perfected.

Share the final product with one another, and exchange recipes.

My bags are packed, presentation has been finalized and I am ready to hit the road. The 2012 Upstate NY Christian's Writer's Gathering is awaiting! I will be posting updates as time allows...stay tuned !

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Have you paused to enjoy life?

Help us name our new puppy

Do you have a story to share?

A new book is born

Is self publishing for you?

More excitment for today

Destination...Delta Lake

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