Southern Friends

I'm still unable to drive following a motor vehicle accident and resulting surgeries, but once I'm able to make it to the Post Office regularly (we don't have courier pick up here) I will begin the Free Book Fridays where I'll give away a free Steeple Hill book EVERY FRIDAY to one lucky blog commentator.

In the meantime...thought I'd share this.

One of my best Southern friends sent it to me (waving to Robin Miller w/a Robin Caroll). I appreciated it since I moved from the West to the Southern tip of a mid-western state.


FRIENDS" VS. "SOUTHERN" FRIENDS

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the
food. And lots of it.

FRIENDS: Will say "hello".
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big
hug and a kiss. More than one.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. And Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents
Mom and Dad, and often.

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you. And for you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours
there, talking, laughing, and just being together.
Then do the dishes before leaving

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book
with direct quotes from you. And most of the
time know you better than you do yourself.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's
what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole
crowd's back-ends that left you, then walk
beside you in the front of the crowd.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and
say, "Are you home?" If you are not home, they will wait.

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life. And then some.
I have been Blessed with SOUTHERN FRIENDS

As Robin says so well....LOVE Y'all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Miscellaneous Mondays--Dandy Definitions

Since I'm reformatting the way I do my blog posts, I'll only be posting three days or so a week. Miscellaneous Mondays will be just what it says. Random stupid stuff and personal updates.

Speaking of...I've had two more minor surgeries since my recent wreck in April. And though I'm still on crutches trying to progress to a cane, I'm healing well. Still not full weight bearing or able to drive, but much improved from a month or two ago. Thanks for all of your private words of kindness and prayers. I know He hears.

Now, presenting the first Miscellaneous Monday post:


THIS CAME FROM SOMEONE IN MY LOCAL WRITER'S GROUP. NOT SURE IF I HAVE POSTED IT BEFORE. IF SO, IT'S FUNNY AND BEARS REPEATING.

ENJOY!

CHERYL WYATT



ADULT
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOR
A place where women curl up and dye.

CANNIBAL
Someone who is fed up with people.

CHICKENS
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they die.

COMMITTEE
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST
Mud with the juice squeezed out.

EGOTIST
Someone who is me-deep in conversation.

HANDKERCHIEF
Cold storage.

INFLATION
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

MOSQUITO
An insect that makes you like flies better.

RAISIN
Grape with a sunburn.

SECRET
Something you tell to one person at a time.

SKELETON
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.

TOOTHACHE
The pain that drives you to extraction.

TOMORROW
One of the greatest labor-saving devices of today.

YAWN
An honest opinion openly expressed.

WRINKLES
Something other people have, similar to my character lines.

Announcing July's Prompt Winner--Anita Draper

Huge congrats going out to Anita Draper...my July Prompt Contest winner.

All of the stories this month were riveting and I found it very hard to choose a winner. But Anita's story and characters stuck with me. I hope she will stretch the scene out into a full length short story or even a book length novel.

Visit Anita's blog and tell her "Congrats!"

Anita's Blog

Or click the header link above to get to Anita's blog.

There's one more week to get August's prompt in! Wow..the months are flying by!

Warmly,

Cheryl

Wednesday-Borrowed Prayers

I'm reformatting my blog posts and dropping down to three to four a week rather than seven a week. That way I don't lose readership for the folks who are subscribed by Feedblitz and also so I can continue to consistently blog even while under deadline. Blogger has this awesome new feature that allows you to schedule previously written blog posts. I love it. Cutting back will also enable me to be able to comment on your comments more.

I do appreciate each of you and am thankful for your readership. For that reason, I'm devoting my Borrowed Prayers (previously on Sunday...now on Wednesdays) to you...my faithful blog and book readers.

Father, thank you SO much for the privilege of being able to write. Thank you SO much for these people who take time out of their day to read my books and or blog posts. I lift each of them up to you today and ask you to bless them. I pray you would let them know how much they are appreciated by me, Lord. I know this writing gift is from you. I pray you would bless them with the desires of their hearts that are your perfect will for them. Many are still waiting for promises that you've made them to come to pass. Help them to believe. Help them to hope. Help them to persevere through the hard seasons and cling to you like a warm coat in harsh, winter wind. Help them to enjoy the seasons where struggle is light and life is as bright as summer's sun. Bless their families. Give them a strong sense of your presence as you draw near to them today. Let them know how real you are and how much they are loved. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Reasons for a Scene & Building up Scenes-in Seekerville today

I'm guestblogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over to hear (and contribute to) a list of Reasons for a Scene

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Great Industry Blog-CJ Darlington

CJ Darlington has a great blog that has a lot of great advice from industry professionals, including authors, editors, agents and publishers.

Here is the link:

CJ Darlington's Blog

Cheryl Wyatt

BLUSH & CRINGE--Batteries and Band-Aids

I had surgery Tuesday to remove the pins from my right foot. I had general anesthesia during and pain meds afterward. I also had to have Benadryl and Narcan because of an allergic reaction. So between all those drugs, I was pretty groggy and loopy when I came out of surgery.

On the way home, I was still groggy since it was a same-day surgery.

My poor husband had to listen to me ARGUE all the way home over something so stupid. I basically kept insisting that he had to run through the pharmacy drive through and pick up the batteries for my foot.

The convo (which went on for around twelve miles) went something like this...only longer as I argued the point.

"Don't forget the batteries when you fill my subscription."
"You mean prescription?"
"Yes, yes. My pain med prescription and the batteries."
"Batteries?"
"Yes."
"For what?"
"The doctor said I need them for my foot."
"Huh?"
"So don't forget them. The big ones."
"Big what?"
"Batteries. For my foot. I need the batteries for my foot."
"You're not making sense."
"Yes, I'm telling you he said I need batteries for my foot."
Husband gives a strange look. "Why batteries?"
"Because!"
"Batteries? Like, what size?"
"Yes. Big ones. The big kind with no Latex."
"Batteries? Go back to sleep."
"No. You'll forget the batteries."
"You don't need batteries. I never heard him mention batteries and you're not making sense."
"Yes! Yes, the doctor said I have to have batteries in my foot after five days."
Husband laughs. "No. He said you have to have Band-aids after five days."

Oh....the joy of anesthesia.

Cheryl Wyatt-embarrassed but laughing

POPCORN BLUSH AND CRINGE

My hubby and I went on a date a few Saturday nights prior to my wreck in April. We normally go out to eat first then watch a movie, but we were running behind so we decided to hit the movies first.

I was so immersed in polishing my ms in prep to send it off that I forgot to eat that day. I'm serious...not until I got low-bloodsugar-shaky did I realize I hadn't eaten and here it was 4:30pm. So I munched on a raw turnip and had a few nibbles of a Pecan Spinwheel with a cup of coffee. Bad move. Not used to the sugar, eating the sweet roll WITH A TURNIP on a virtually empty stomach made me nauseaus...so I didn't eat anything else.

By the time we got to the theatre, it was nearly seven-thirty and I was HUNGRY. I saw the daughter of a couple we're friends with and went across the lobby to chat with her.

Then I rejoined my husband at the concession stand. He was at the register, so I assumed the tub of popcorn and soda sitting there was ours.

He. He. He.

I reach over, scoop a handful and toss it in my mouth then reach for the soda.

"Nuh-uh."

I turn around...and a woman with her two children (who are giving me REALLY disgusted looks) snatch the sodas....and yes...the tub of popcorn and walk off.

Whoops. They'd just come up to get a refill. And I'd taken liberty to just plow my hands into their popcorn and eat it like it's completely normal for people to eat other people's food without their permission.

Ya know...I'm REALLY glad I didn't reach for that soda first. Yuck.

Did my husband comfort me in my scorn?

Nope. He stood there, dying laughing. And so did the register clerk.

But then dear hubby bought me my very own tub of popcorn...so it's all good.

Cheryl "Popcorn-thief" Wyatt

Christian the Lion-A Must-See Vid!

I thought you might find the following article from snopes.com interesting: Christian the Lion

I think this is awesome!

Bawled my eyes out.

Click the link and play the video. You won't be sorry.

Let me know what you think.

Cheryl Wyatt

KOD Classes

I will post interviews from these September instructors soon!

In the meantime, if you are a mystery/suspense writer...you may be interested in these September online classes:

Murder One Online Course for September 2008

************ ********Permission to Forward***** ********* ********* *****

RWA's Mystery/Suspense Chapter is pleased to announce our COFFIN, College of Felony and Intrigue, MURDER ONE online workshop for the month of SEPTEMBER 2008.

WORKSHOP: A Cop's Life A - Z

Have you ever wondered what it's like to go in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle or be in an officer-involved shooting? Do you know the difference between burglary and robbery?
What does ego have to do with being a police officer? These questions and more will be answered in the Kiss of Death COFFIN online workshop in September 2008. The instructor, Los Angeles Police Officer Kathy Bennett, will present twenty-six "lectures" on A Cop's Life A - Z and answer any resulting questions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to go behind the badge and find out what it's really like to be a cop.

Instructor: Kathy Bennett

Kathy Bennett has been a Los Angeles Police Officer for eighteen years currently assigned as a Senior Lead Officer with approximately seven square miles of the City of Los Angeles assigned to her. She is responsible for crime and quality of life issues within those seven square miles and if things aren't going well, the Chief of Police will want to talk to her and find out why.

Kathy's career with the LAPD began in 1973 as a civilian employee of the department and in 1990 she fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a sworn police officer. Most of Kathy's career has been spent on patrol in a black and white police car, but she's also been a Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, a crime analyst in the "War Room", a Field Training Officer, worked undercover in various assignments and is a certified DARE instructor. She's been named Officer of the Quarter twice, and Officer of the Year once.

MURDER ONE workshops encompass the technical aspects of murder and mayhem.

**PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 27TH day of the month PRIOR to the start of the COFFIN class. Cost of each workshop is $15.00 US for KOD members, $30.00 US for non-KOD members (RWA membership NOT required to take the course).

For more information check out our website at http://www.rwamyste rysuspense. org

************ ********Permission to Forward***** ********* ********* *****

RWA's Mystery/Suspense Chapter is pleased to announce our COFFIN, College of Felony and Intrigue, KILLER INSTINCT online workshop for the month of SEPTEMBER 2008.

WORKSHOP: A Method for Plotting Madness
Wondering whether your book is as fast-paced as it can be? Troubled by the intricacies of balancing suspense and romance? Confused over whether your scenes are indeed building to a breakneck, satisfying conclusion, or whether they're simply making your reader wish she'd picked up a washing machine maintenance manual instead? This course can help!

Blending several tried-and-true fiction-writing sources with her own peculiar methods, Tracy Montoya shows you how to start your book with a bang, keep the pacing tight and the romance and suspense plots focused, and how to stage a final confrontation that's satisfying and suspenseful. You'll receive plenty of instructor feedback and--whether you're a "plotter" or a "pantser"--you' ll walk away with a grid you can use to plot or revise all of your future stories.
INSTRUCTOR: Tracy Montoya
Tracy Montoya has been writing for Harlequin Intrigue since 2000. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier award, the Beacon Award, and the Golden Quill award for romantic suspense A member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Society of Environmental Journalists, Tracy has written about everything from Booker Prize-winning poet Martín Espada to socially responsible mutual funds to soap opera summits. Her articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including Hope, Utne, Satya, YES!, Audubon, and the National Green Pages, and she writes a syndicated column called "The Spirit of Money" for Martha Stewart's Body + Soul. Prior to launching her journalism career, she taught in an under-resourced school in Louisiana through the AmeriCorps Teach for America program.
Tracy holds a Master's degree in English literature from Boston College and a B.A. in the same from St. Mary's University. When she's not writing, she likes to scuba dive, forget to go to kickboxing class, wallow in bed with a good book, or get out her guitar with a group of friends and pretend she's Suzanne Vega.
KILLERINSTINCT workshops encompass writing and craft topics.

**PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 27TH day of the month PRIOR to the start of the COFFIN class. Cost of each workshop is $15.00 US for KOD members, $30.00 US for non-KOD members. (RWA membership NOT required to take the course).

For more information check out our website at http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org

************ ********* *Permission to Forward***** ********* ********* *

BORROWED PRAYERS

I had another surgery Tuesday to remove the surgical pins put in after my recent car accident. I am facing one more surgery next Tuesday. I have an author friend (waving to Camy Tang!) flying in from San Jose, California to help me for two weeks. Another writer friend (Julie Lessman) and her husband are letting us stay the night with them the day before my surgery since we have to travel to the city in which they live. Just this Thursday at Discipleship Community at church, people from my small group (waving to Nick and Carmen and Marcie) told me that any time I want to come to church or need a ride when hubby is out of town to call and they'll come get me. My cousin's fiance and friend of the family Terylinn is coming to clean my house next week. And Aimee and Laurel and my sister Lisa have been helping with my girls. My mom is the taxi service when I can't be. I have had so much help, prayer and support, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness around me.

My family (parents and sister and brother-in-law, granny, sister-in-law etc.) and friends (from church and small group) and my cousins have sent Get Well cards. Many of my fellow Love Inspired and ACFW authors (pubbed and unpubbed) and my editors have also sent Get Well Cards and e-mails of support and prayers. I also have an online prayer support group who faithfully prays for me. My wonderful cousin Cheryl Rose also posts prayer requests on our My Family Web site and I have lots of people praying for me, including churches I've never even heard of. I know you blog readers have been praying too.

To all, THANK YOU! I pray that you have people in your life just like you.

I could spend all day naming the people who are praying for me and offering to help in various ways. People who heard about the wreck on Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers, Shoutlife, My Space, etc. I've gotten e-mails from all over the world. I thank God for each and every one of you. I am more thankful than words can express.

I have a hard time being the one needing help. Anyone who knows me, knows I'd rather be the one helping. But I know there is a reason God has me going through this. I've been unable to drive all summer and mostly homebound. On crutches with impaired mobility. It has given me a new respect for permanantly disabled people. It has also given me a heart for the homebound. Those who can't drive or get themselves around. Those who are forced by their disability or inability to drive to have to depend on others to take them places.

God is doing something in my heart with this. Not sure what will come out of it but I'm praying for the ability to help others once I'm well. I'm praying that I never forget what it's like not to be able to take myself places or go where I want when I want. I think of all the years and all the people I had no mind of who have been homebound or shut in.

Is there someone in your life like that? Can you think of a way to take them to town for a load of groceries? Or take them to a parade for an hour or to a park? Something, anything to get them outside. Maybe it's a neighbor or a loved one.

Here's my prayer. Please, by all means "borrow" it:

Father, I pray we never take what we have for granted. Our physical abilities. There is always someone worse off than we are. Help us to look beyond ourselves and give us compassion to reach out to those who are shut in. Give us acute sensitivity to know how to help those who are disabled and still maintain their dignity. Help us to include them in our activities and never act in a way that makes them feel burdensome. Help us to include them. We don't want anyone to feel left out or forgotten or abandoned Lord. Give us your heart for these people. Help us not just feel sorry for them or for their situation. Help us to do something about it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

By the way...this is (pictured above) my cousin Donnie. He has been a source of inspiration to me from the time I was young. He is wheelchair bound but that doesn't stop him from getting on his four-wheeler and zooming across his yard. He has such determination and joy. He is a hero to me and my family. Please pray that God blesses him and his family.

Cheryl Wyatt

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

Welcome to the latest, greatest news from Refuge.

In case you don't know what Psych Saturdays are, or Refuge for that matter, let me explain. Cheryl Wyatt (this blog owner) is writing a series for Steeple Hill's Love Inspired about a team of U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers. She has set the stories in a fictional Southern Illinois town called "Refuge". I am the cat who traipses through Cheryl's Wings of Refuge Series.

The next Wings of Refuge book will release in April of 2009. To tie readers over until then, I'm bringing you the latest, greatest news from Refuge and keeping you up to date on the characters from the first two Wings of Refuge books. They (A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family) released in January and March of 2008.

Moving onward...here's this week's news.

My current owner Celia is watching a pet that one of the PJs has. Chance Garrison has a tender heart for animals. When his PJ team helped rescue people from a flood, he found this hedgehog (above) on top of a roof. He rescued the pet and now Celia is watching it until Chance can locate the owners.

Problem is, Celia is now playing favorites. She put ME on a diet. And, unfortunately it's not a hedgehog diet. The vet said I'm morbidly obese (whatever that means) so now Celia has cut my tuna rations in half! Can you believe that? Sigh.

In other Refuge news, the blog owner, Cheryl just turned in book four and is ready to mail the first three chapters of book five (contracted by Steeple Hill) for release in 2009.

That's all the Refuge news this week.

If Celia turns her head...sneak me some tuna, will ya?

----Psych----

Free Book Fridays?

Hey all,

Once I am able to drive again (we don't have mail courier service here) I will institute a Free Book Friday on my blog. I will pick a winner each week and mail them their choice of a free Love Inspired novel.

How's this sound to everyone?

Thought so...but just checkin....

Cheryl Wyatt

Interview

Carol Ann Ernhardt interviewed me for her blog today.

I hope you will drop by. Or if you have a moment, thank Carol in her comments section for hosting me.

Here's the link: Carol's Blog

Warmly,

Cheryl

Interview with Literary Agent Rachel Zurakowski

Visit Seekerville for a wonderful interview with Literary Agent Rachel Zurakowski of Books & Such.

Interview with Rachel on Seekerville

Rachel will also be available to answer questions so be sure to leave comments.

I had surgery today to remove pins in my foot...and a funny story about that. But I'll save it for the next Blush and Cringe.

Until then....see you in Seekerville!

Hugs all!

Cheryl Wyatt

Another Great Industry Blog-Five Scribes

I know several of these ladies personally from other writing loops and contests I've entered and judged. And Audra is a fellow Seeker sister. I highly recommend you add this exciting new blog to your Favorites list.

Five Scribes Blog

Warmly,

Cheryl Wyatt

Soldiers' Angels

Most of you know I'm currently writing a series about a team of U.S. Air Forece Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) for Steeple Hill Love Inspired right now.

Since I have a great respect for our military and those who serve, I wanted to share a link with those of you who wonder how you might help deployed soldiers.

I've been involved with this organization so I know it's legit. I pray you'll consider adopting a soldier through Soldiers' Angels. There are other opportunities to help as well.

Check it out:


Soldier's Angels


Cheryl Wyatt

BORROWED PRAYERS

I wasn't going to post on Sundays, but I decided to reinstate something I used to do on my blog.

I'll post a prayer for you to borrow if you're ever in need of one.

Last Sunday our pastor talked about Peter and how he was the only other person besides Jesus who was known to have walked on water. For a few steps...he really did until he took his eyes off Jesus and let his circumstances (crashing waves, depth of the water, etc.) overwhelm him.

One thing that Sandor said that really clicked with me and cracked the entire congregation up!) was that, at least he got out of the boat and tried. Granted he started sucking water but he stepped over that side into something that should have sank him but his feet of momentary faith found solid footing as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus.

Sandor's point was that there needs to be balance between intellectualism and faith. With too much intellectualism, we miss the supernatural. With not enough, we could end up sucking water. I'm paraphrasing now, but Sandor's words about sucking water were hilarious. He made great points.


First, I'd love to know if any of you have ever tried to actually walk on water? Come on...fess up. Sondor did. I had to laugh when he said that because I remember a day when several of my friends and me tried it...all day...without success. But we tried. And I'll bet that made God smile. And I'll bet it made God smile when Sandor tried too. It takes a certain amount of humility to admit things like that. I'm thankful for leaders in my church who are humble enough to be that transparent. The main way I serve my church is by praying for it. Having the blessing of leaders who love Jesus and are true disciples makes my part easy.

What kind of faith does it take to defy waves and laws of gravity and submersion? I don't have it...apparently. Peter did...if even for a moment. Do you? I don't recommend trying to drown yourself. If you're going to try this at home...please...let it be in a few inches of water and not from the side of a boat unless you're wearing a life jacket or are a great swimmer. LOL! Then again Peter probably wasn't wearing inflatables. LOL! And neither was Jesus. His faith kept him up.

Recently a fellow writer died. I was amazed and inspired by her husband's unfailing faith as he continued Kristy Dyke's blog after her tumor left her unable. And right before that another family friend lost his wife. He said he always thought himself a strong person until the loss of his wife upended him. But, what he didn't realize was how strong he still looked to everyone around him because of his faith and his tears of love for his wife. Please pray for these two men (Micky Robison and Milton Dykes) for their tumultous sea is one of missing their beloved wives and believe me, the waves of grief are some of the strongest life comes crashing with. Their faith doesn't mean they won't grieve or hurt. But their faith will keep them from sinking to the depths of an unseen sea so dark and disabling you won't understand unless you've been there.

Father, we pray that you will empower us to believe you for great and mighty things. Bless our churches with supernatural things that will let people know you're still the same God who parted the sea, turned water into wine and raised people from death. You created the universe with your very breath. Please breathe in us faith. Let it be a living thing. Let our faith make you famous Lord and bring attention to you and not us. Whatever our challenges are today, help us step out of that boat...whatever it may be. Bless our churches and our leaders. Help us reflect you. Give us the kind of faith that you and Peter had when you literally walked across the surface of the sea. Bouy those in our lives who've lost loved ones. Please lift your children up and carry them through the tumult of loss. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psych Saturday-CAT CHRONICLES

SPORTS SECTION NEWSPsych here...and I AM psyched today. As you can see, here are the latest scores for Refuge competitions and sports:

CAT-BIRD OUTSMARTING COMPETITION SCORES for Saturday, August 2, 2008.
CATS: 4
BIRDS: 3....er...strike that. 2. He. He. He. Shhhh....don't tell Celia that egg came from the yard....

REFUGE SOCCER TEAM:

Humans: 1 Point
Cats: 2 Points
Ball: forfieted due to injury. Rumor has it, the ball was popped by sharp claws and taken by ambulance to Refuge Community Hospital.

He-he-he.


Pleased-with-himself-Psych

August Prompt Contest

August Prompt Contest



RULES:

• Write a 500 word scene using all ten Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Mail your scenes in the body of an e-mail to Cheryl @ CherylWyatt . com (close spaces before and after “@” and “.”) If the e-mail bounces back to you, please let me know in the comment of this post.
• Put “August Prompt Contest” in the subject line.
• Entry deadline is the last day of the month.
• Winners will be notified the first week of the next month.
• Winners will receive a free Steeple Hill book, mailed the month winners are notified.
• All monthly entrants (not just winners) will be entered into the annual contest for one of several chances to win a six month subscription to any Steeple Hill line of their choice.
• Entries will not be posted or published anywhere and entrants retain all rights to their work.
• New prompts will be posted on the first of the month.
• Most of all, have fun!


August Prompt Words
1. Loose
2. Lose
3. Park
4. Theme
5. Caustic
6. As
7. Like
8. Vein
9. Vain
10. Vane



August Scene Starter Sentences:

“What’s that smell?”
“Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Did you hear that?”


Happy writing!

Cheryl Wyatt