From Unlikely Sources

It started out as such a nice, pleasant slave auction.

I'm going to use that sentence, or some derivative thereof, in a story someday.

Now you want to know where it came from, right?

My imagination? No. From the mouth of my 12 yr old son.

Actually, he said something similar and I can't remember his exact wording, but I wanted to tweak it anyway. I think it makes an interesting start to a story. I mean, who expects a slave auction to be nice or pleasant? Certainly not the slaves. Certainly not any of us with a shred of compassion for our fellow man. I love how those words contrast slave auction.

What brought this on? We were watching Voyage of the Dawn Treader (yeah, FINALLY), and Lucy had just been sold at auction. The man hung a crude "sold" sign around her neck and brought out her sniveling cousin, and about that time the cloaks came off, the good guys revealed themselves, and the fighting began. Watching the structure of the scene disintegrate, my son made his comment. Gotta love his wry sense of humor.

I was told once that I would receive inspiration from my children. This one came easy. He spoke. My brain lit up. I had to write it down. Yes, this is the same child with the twisted brain that I've talked about before. I've shared some of his writing on my other blog, the one strictly about my family. Here's a LINK if you haven't had a chance to check it out. :)

And here's a fun LINK to a giveaway my friend is doing on her blog. She's helping me in that final push to raise money to help another FRIEND with her cancer expenses.

Surprise!

This is an actual letter I sent to my publisher, with a few changes to protect the innocent. :) What do you think?

Dear (name withheld):

This submission is in response to this publisher’s public request for Mother’s Day book submissions. I offer you a children’s book with a twist that will appeal to mothers and children alike—as a gift, or for themselves. It is called Lizzie Lilac and the Left Socks.
Lizzie Lilac is a little girl with a passion for socks, so she notices when her favorite socks come up missing. Determined to solve the mystery, she finds herself following a troll to a secret world where she discovers an entire troll village. Lizzie learns trolls steal only “left” socks, because they only know how to knit “right” socks. Caring as only a young girl can, Lizzie solves the trolls’ problem, and earns a reward.
When she wakes up in her bed the next morning, Lizzie isn’t sure if her adventure really happened, or if it was just a dream, but she does find that all of her missing socks have been restored, and someone has left a mysterious gift under her pillow.
I wrote this story with the help of my ten year old daughter, Kylie, and hope to include her name on the cover. Kylie and I have friends, Rebecca and her daughter, Lizzie. Rebecca was diagnosed in May with breast cancer, and her strength and courage has been an inspiration. She makes beaded butterfly breast cancer awareness pins. I’ve included one. Please wear it with our compliments. In my mind, the Lizzie in the story has a mother who is recovering from chemotherapy. She can have either a scarf on her bald head or wear a cute hat. The treasured socks Lizzie misses are socks her mother sewed little, beaded butterflies on while she was sick. I believe, through the combination of the words and strong pictures, adult readers will easily see the deeper meaning behind the book as they read the entertaining story to their child(ren).
I currently serve as President of the League of Utah Writers’ Tooele Chapter. My first novel, The Peasant Queen, is now being sold in stores and online. You can also find my name as one of the contributors in Covenant Communications’ inspirational compilation, Tender Mercies, released Spring 2010, and its upcoming sequel. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Cheri Chesley

Cross your fingers! :)

A Story on Layering

Last week, Rebecca had to have port surgery. If you've been keeping up with her BLOG, you'll know that she's been having trouble with the chemo and they had to do something other than the IV method. This is one BRAVE lady, people. She hates all the medical stuff, hates needles, hates hospitals, etc--and has really come through it all amazingly well. Also, Monday (July 4) her youngest had his 4th birthday. He made sure we understood that all the fireworks and parties were for him. :) What a cutie!

Now I have just the teensiest request for me. Here's where the layers come in.

The Wild Queen, my e-book, is the story of a great, epic romance--but it is not a romance novel. Unfortunately, in categorizing the story for sale, someone *cough* me *cough* listed romance as one of the search words. This has led to at least one misunderstanding. A kind reader picked it up on amazon.com expecting a romance, and was sorely disappointed.

Please understand I appreciate feedback, even the not-so-nice kind, because it gives me a chance to analyze my writing, learn and grow. I also understand a review is simply someone's opinion, and I don't intend to try to please everyone. This reader took the story at face value and didn't like what they saw. Because of that, they jumped to a couple of erroneous conclusions, and really socked it to my non-romance romance novel. I've purposely layered this story, making it more complex than it would otherwise appear. I'm also confident I didn't over-complicate the plot because I've had several readers tell me what they think was really going on--and they are right.

So what's my problem? Simply this: the ONLY review the book has on amazon.com is a 1 star review, which I feel does the book--and my efforts to raise money for my friend's medical expenses--a disservice. My request? If you've read the book, please go to the product page on AMAZON and leave your review. I don't want anyone to diss this person's review or sink to name calling, because that's not what this is about. All I ask is that there be other opinions on there, too.

Thanks!

Changes

I got to see Rebecca on Sunday. She's sporting a really cute, black wig now. As she put it, her hubby really likes this one. HERE is where she talks about it on her blog, and you get to see a picture!

She also has been busy working on things other than the cute, butterfly pins. Check THIS out. Personally, I think it's a brilliant idea. I mean, how many brides end up barefoot by the end of the reception? :)

Rebecca also talks about her last round of chemo HERE. And HERE is where she gets up on her soapbox for a little bit and reminds us a little of how precious life really is.

And, if this blog post isn't "linktastic" enough, I've got a few more for you. If you've been haunting my blog, wanting to help out by buying my books, but just find a $4.99 ebook TOO much of a risk, now you can get The Wild Queen for just $2.99!!! Remember, SMASHWORDS offers the book in all formats, but you can also get it directly for your KINDLE or NOOK. I've heard really good things about it. :)

Happy reading!

Lest We Forget

My friend Rebecca had her second chemo treatment last Thursday. Remember, if you will, to check out her BLOG and leave her comments. She does a pretty good job of chronicling her cancer journey with eloquence and humor.

When she's feeling up to it, she works on these little beauties:

She's been kind enough to do several for me because, in helping her out as much as I can, I'm selling them for $2 each, or giving them to people who help in other ways. I have and wear my own little pink one that is unique and pretty. If you can't read the quote Rebecca puts on each one, it says:

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." ~Anonymous

I've also provided all the handy links to my books so you can pick up whatever you want and, in the process, help Rebecca with her treatment costs. Remember, I'm donating all my book sales income to her *through August 31st, 2011* to help pay her medical expenses. If The Peasant Queen appeals most to you, then you can find the PRINT version here or from your area bookstores. If you'd rather entertain your mind with The Wild Queen, you can find the KINDLE, NOOK or OTHER e-reader versions here.

Or, if you'd rather a quick read, you can snag the chilling short story Ghost Bride for your KINDLE, NOOK, or OTHER e-reader.

And if you're not much of a reader, or don't enjoy YA fantasy novels, you can simply share the link for this post through Facebook or Twitter, or even on your own blog. There more people who know, the more help Rebecca will receive. You never know--just a couple clicks of your mouse may make all the difference! :)

Authors are People, Too

This morning, Yahoo "News" posted an article about a children's author who was ejected from an airplane for swearing. Click HERE for the article. I clicked it mainly because I was curious whether a beloved children's author had been caught being human. Let's face it--we all make mistakes. Some are just more public than others.

What I found ridiculous is that this article is about a TV producer who happens to have a book coming out later this year and said the F-word (maybe) twice in exhausted frustration. This calls to mind many famous actors who have written a children's book here or there. We don't call them authors. They're still actors. But "children's author swears" has a better ring to it than "TV producer says F-word."

That's it, Yahoo. Go right for the sensationalism. Worry about accuracy later. Sigh.

So, before you start thinking that ALL children's authors routinely drop the F-bomb, I thought I'd tell you a story about one of the good ones. :)

Gail Carson Levine, best known for books like Ella Enchanted, The Fairy's Return, Fairest and Ever is such an author. When I checked out my friend Rebecca's BLOG a couple of weeks ago, it was with the intent to find some clue to lifting her spirits. Fighting cancer is no fun, but it generally has a heavy emphasis on the physical fight. I wanted to make sure she had the emotional well being to balance that out. I still want to. But, anyway, one her blog she lists her "Absolute Favorite Books" and, on that list, is "any Gail Carson Levine book."

This got my wheels turning. I'd met Gail briefly at The King's English Bookstore in SLC last year when she came out to help promote her newest Disney Fairy book. I even have a picture of her posing with my daughter on my phone. Let's put aside the fact that I was too star struck to admit to her that, yes, I am also an author and had a book coming out later that year. But I did listen while she talked, especially where she said she posts author advice on her blog. I've been following her blog ever since.

I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great if Rebecca got a signed Gail Carson Levine book in the mail out of the blue? Wouldn't that help lift her spirits? The answer: absolutely. So I commented on Ms Levine's blog and let her know what I wanted to do. I didn't expect a quick response--she's a busy lady--but I got one anyway. Yes, she'd love to send my friend a book. Which one? In order for this to be a surprise, I couldn't ask Rebecca. I chose The Two Princesses of Bamarre, because, to me, it's the story of finding strength you didn't know you had. And I believe Rebecca is stronger than she may think.

Sunday, when she came to church (the first time since her diagnosis), Rebecca told me, "You have connections." She'd gotten the book. Squeee! I was excited. Ms Levine really delivered. I'm so grateful, I just had to share how fantastic it is of her to take the time and trouble to do this sweet thing for a virtual stranger.

That's pretty cool. And I'm almost certain she did it without swearing. ;)

Do a Beautiful Thing--Buy a Book, Help a Sister

My friend, Rebecca White, is 35 years old and has breast cancer. She got her diagnosis May 11th. She had a mastectomy May 13th. Three days later, she went back to the doctor to have the bandages removed. She confessed, almost in a whisper, that she just wasn't ready to see under the bandages.

Rebecca is an amazing, strong person. She's so skilled in all those craft-type things that leave me with glue on my fingers and glitter in my hair. She has a happy marriage and three great kids age 10 and under. Rebecca could be me. She could be your sister, your friend, your mother. She could be you. Check out her BLOG. She shares her journey and experiences there. It's heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.

In general terms, we know cancer can strike anyone at any time. It's not an old person's disease anymore. It strikes children, mothers; in short, anyone. Soon Rebecca will start her chemotherapy. We're all optimistic for a positive outcome, but cancer surgeries and treatments do not come cheaply. Since she won't let me shave my head, I've decided to show my support for Rebecca in other ways.

This is more than taking her meals and taking her kids to and from church; I've done that. Anyone can do that, and they do. We have a supportive ward out here. But I wanted to take it a step further.

I'm donating all my book sales income through August 31st to help Rebecca and her family pay their medical expenses. This is something they need, and in order to make it the most effective I need all the help I can get. And this is why I'm appealing to everyone I can. My book sales don't just mean the royalties from selling print copies of The Peasant Queen (which, incidentally, is on LDS Living's Summer Reading LIST), but also all income from my two e-books--The Wild Queen and my short story, Ghost Bride.

It's so easy. All you have to do is purchase depending on your interests and ability to help. The Wild Queen and Ghost Bride can be found at SMASHWORDS, which not only offers the e-books for every e-reader including simply your home computer, but also offers the highest revenues.

Printed copies of The Peasant Queen can be found, or ordered, at your local bookstores. You can also find it online at AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, and BORDERS.

Amazon and Barnes and Noble also offer each book for the Kindle or Nook, respectively.

Thank you in advance for your help, and happy reading!

The Easiest Way to Give

I want to introduce you to someone. Her name is Rebecca White. She's married to a kind man, and they have three young children ages 10 to 3. Becky home schools, she does awesome crafts, and she makes jewelry. She even made me this necklace.
She's 35 years old.

And she has breast cancer.

Becky found a lump and wanted to ignore it. She's young, younger than the recommended age to get a mammogram. But she had to have it checked out, because she's conscientious that way. Because, even when scared, she does what she knows she has to do.

She got the call the afternoon of Wednesday, May 11th. Thursday she went to see the surgeon. Friday morning they did a mastectomy. That's right--two days after finding out.

As I type this, she's still up at the hospital recovering from surgery. I'm desperately resisting the urge to hover in the hospital hallways, because I know I can't do any good there.

Here's why I am telling you about Becky. This diagnosis has come at one of the worst times possible (as if there is such a thing as a good time to have breast cancer). her husband recently had back surgery, and is still recovering. And we all know medical treatments and procedures are expensive.

For the sake of Becky's family, for their well being and to help prevent financial devastation, I am donating ALL my royalties from my book and e-book sales to them to help pay their medical expenses. This includes all royalties and sales through August 31, 2011. Here's where you can help. In as little as a couple of clicks of your mouse, you can purchase a book or e-book and contribute to my cause.

Just so you know, Smashwords.com offers books in ALL e-reader formats, so you can just go there and get whatever you need. I offer the other links in case you prefer to buy directly from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Ghost Bride is a short story, a ghost story even. It's a fun, quick read that's sure to entertain. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. You can buy it on Amazon, Smashwords or BN.com.

The Peasant Queen is my first print novel, but is also available as an e-book if you prefer. Discover the magic. Here's the summary: After running away from home, Krystal is transported to a faraway kingdom where an evil tyrant is bent on taking the crown - and Krystal's hand in marriage. But when she falls in love with the rightful heir to the throne, she must make an impossible choice: sacrifice her one chance at happiness or face the destruction of an entire kingdom.

You can purchase the PRINT version, or the KINDLE or NOOKBOOK.

The Wild Queen is an unofficial prequel to The Peasant Queen and my first novel length e-book. Roweena is the crown princess of Norvallen, a tiny kingdom with only one thing of value—the Healer’s Grove. The trees in this small section of forest are enchanted, giving a sap that can be mixed into potions or salves to heal almost any wound.

And it’s in high demand.

Lucien, the young king of neighboring Demarde, comes to Roweena’s father seeking an alliance, but comes away with a marriage contract for young Roweena’s hand. Furious and stubborn, this untamed beauty vows he will never conquer her. But the contract purposely gives her time to come to terms with her fate.

Before Lucien can return, Roweena’s home is attacked and her parents are murdered. The Healer’s Grove is also attacked—burned to the ground. With nothing more than her horse and the clothes on her back, Roweena goes to the only person she knows can help her. Lucien.

Purchase The Wild Queen for KINDLE, NOOKBOOK, or at SMASHWORDS.

Thank you. Remember, a little click can go a long way.