March 2009 News (reprint)

I just checked the calendar and realized if I’m going to get a newsletter out in March…I better get moving. I can’t believe the last time I worked on one was before Christmas. Yipes…I’m sorry! I have had a bit too much on my plate, so to speak, and hope this finds you all in good health and ‘making’ it through the hard times, economically. We have been saying our prayers faithfully. We know so many people that have felt the crunch…and well I always say…”If you’re at the bottom of the bottom, and feeling way down…guess what. There’s only one place to go. Up! It’s true! Anyway…I don’t have a whole bunch to report…but never the less; I wanted to share the latest happenings in the ‘writing world.’

Florida Writer’s Conference.

Aprils almost here. So this month Bill and I have been helping with the upcoming Florida Writer’s Association, Conference. It’s a one day affair held at the New Port Richey, Library and will take place on April 19th, 2009. We’ve been stopping at local businesses and gathering all sorts of goodies for handouts for the attendees. Being a born salesman, I’ve enjoyed the chance to do this and have met so many ‘new readers’ as well. *wink* Bill was asked to design (so I helped, just a little) a color program for the event.  Funny thing, Bill’s getting such a reputation, *smile* as a genius-a wizard with computers-and I am so proud! I still think sometimes about the “what-if” and Thank God, for taking care of my husband!

I’m thinking Agent???

Almost forgot, by volunteering to do some of the behind the scenes kind of work, we get to go to the conference ~free~. Well almost. I have made an appointment ($) to speak to an agent about my book. I’m hoping this will turn out to be something good. Joyce Hart has been in the book business for dozens of years and owns Hartline Agency. I couldn’t believe that she was going to be at the N.P.R conference. After all, she’s pretty much ‘big’ time. I believe she’s coming in from Philadelphia…but stand to be corrected. Gosh…I better do my homework! I’m hoping to ask a number of questions about marketing …and with her knowledge, I should get pertinent answers. I promise (all you skeptics) I won’t sign anything until I’m sure…and, I think I could use a prayer or two, if you don’t mind?

Kudos award goes to:

I have had a great year so far…and want to take a moment to Thank Alan W. and Carol N. for outstanding continual support. I’ve had a number of book signings this year and have been networking on the internet…but Alan and Carol, have been a true blessing as far as “W.O.M.” book sales. (Word of Mouth) is by far my best avenue to marketing and they alone have sold over fourteen books for me. Thank you! Thank you both! For your support; your friendship, and your help, it really means a lot to Bill and me!

B.T.W.

Speaking of books and signings, I tried out the New Port Richey, Farmer’s Market in February. It was a beautiful day- sun was shining- and lots of people were wandering around. I don’t think they expected to see an Award Winning Author there. I enjoyed meeting so many new faces…I’m talking “you” and I appreciate your support too. I’m definitely going to be planning another signing in the future. It was a perfect way to spend a few hours, buy fresh produce…etc., and get to know the people that live in my hometown. Suggestions… anyone? In case you hadn’t noticed I still have my almost famous Ka-Dapple pie recipe up on my web-site. I wondered, did any of you try it for the Holidays? Easter’s coming ! Speaking of the web…Bill and I are seeking suggestions. We feel our web-site should be an online storefront and thought some of you might have some thoughts as to what you’d like to see on our home page.

Questions:

Is it easy to navigate?

Do you find everything you want, with little or no effort?

Have you seen the Book Trailer? (I Must Be in Heaven, a promise kept)

Would you like a schedule of upcoming events?

Please, HELP!!!www.imustbeinheaven.com/Contact.html

Tid-bits

I spent a virtual week at Publishers weekly-Barbara Vey’s, Beyond Her Book- blog. Whew that was an experience! She had a 2nd year anniversary party (for her blog online ) and ‘virtually’ had hundreds of guests with her to celebrate. We all blogged and Uh umm, I served Ka-Dapple pie! Yes …the well known trade magazine that began way back when …now has my Ka-Dapple pie in its archives. Wow…Not only that, but I got to hob-knob with some pretty well known authors. Ah, Life is Good! Of course half of my new acquaintances were complaining the pie was too good and they were ‘virtually’ gaining weight! Maybe this is one of those things …when you just had to be there.

Easter eggs:

Speaking of food …I wondered how many of you ever had an Easter egg fight? This is purely a family tradition, and I will assume most of you probably don’t know about this. (Our statistics-already proven seem to show that) It started with my dad’s side of the family…and being of Russian heritage I presume, this may be a bit more known on the other side of our world.To begin: We would always color our Easter eggs in brightest hues, and pastel shades. And then we’d make sure we picked out a favorite to put our name on. Over the years Bill has commented on his own choice as a having the perfect shape or color…I personally feel it happens to be the first egg you choose, that makes it a winner. Easter morning breakfast-ritual has it-fresh rolls or biscuits, occasionally a breakfast meat, and of course our grand array of brilliantly colored hard boiled eggs along with coffee and orange juice. We all would gather around the table and after saying grace, find our own designer egg. Then: Let the games begin. Egg to egg, end to end (no fair hitting sides) One person hits another person’s egg. Now this is not supposed to do any major damage…just crack an egg. Who ever is holding the egg that isn’t cracked is the winner. The winner challenges all the other eggs.We would go around the table and quite often a winning egg can and will beat all the others…however if it cracks it looses. The new winner is the champion for the round. According to our family a two or three egg round is usually our limit. Overall greatest hardboiled colorized egg is the champion. Easter egg fighting champions get ready!

C.F.O.M.

Christian Fiction Online Magazine has been kind enough to allow me to continue in 2009. I mentioned last time; I needed to have a following to keep my spot. Well I must be doing something right!Michelle Hutchinson (pen name Michelle Sutton) sent me the Author line-up and it meanders into 2010. If you have the chance- check March issue out. The author, Liz Curtis Higgs is very well known and written over fifty books. I loved doing the interview but I about flipped when I read her answer to my last question. Yahoo! She liked me!Here’s the address. www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com

Just some family news:

I heard from a fellow writer, The daily newspaper, TV news and internet news reports all seem so full of bad, depressing news. She was so sick of hearing about it! Considering her statement…I thought to myself, it’s been hard times! Many of us are troubled and weary and maybe we all need to share some Good News with one another.So…indulge me. I’d like to tell you that a few weeks ago, my son got married. This is his second marriage. His first wife and he had been married for about six years and it ended in divorce.This time around, he’s a little bit older, wiser; he’s lived through the dark-side of life which one feels when marriage fails. Optimistically, he happily married his new bride at 3:00 P.M. For March 1st in Florida, the afternoon was unusually cold, windy and rainy. The wedding was preformed at the local water front park and reception was being held at my home. With so many attendees we needed to keep the doors open to our porch for the people overflow. Tables and chairs had been set up in festive decor only the weather just wasn’t cooperating. We Floridians shivered and shook. B r r r….The elders that were invited, gathered together in the living room to keep warm. Most everyone meandered about with jackets on, buttons buttoned. The younger set danced, the food, music and love that filled the air… appeared to warm the chilly atmosphere… to a degree.

Best part of all, God attended. He must have brought the rain- just like tears- for on occasions …they’ll be present in any marriage. But, if this was to be their darkest cloud…well, this young couple will have nothing to worry about. He also must have known the elders would huddle and hold tight to their own loving spouses-recalling earlier days-and providing the upcoming generations with their years of knowledge…that love holds tight, even in frigid, ill temperate times! God also must have known that: with enough food, enough song, and enough dance… life is full, a sweet melody, which offers some slow-some quick-but always steady, steps forward. We just need to keep trusting, believing, and keeping the faith…’Weather’ or not! I think my son and brand new daughter-in-law will remember their day as absolutely, *beautiful*.  As, their *gift of love* given to one another, made mine delightful! Praise God!

***

Well the candle’s about burned down. I am happy to say we have work tomorrow! And the day after too! We need to get our rest. Work’s been picking up …we had a full week, last week, as well. So keep your faith, I think ~maybe~ things are turning around! I’m looking forward to a new month…warmer weather…and going swimming!I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and will enjoy this new season. Ah…Spring. Take care y’all…we love ya .Val and Bill Faulkner