It’s Not Writer’s Block –

Although the last time I blogged was March 21st. and the last time I wrote was March 31st.

It’s Not a Mid-Life Crisis – although I did celebrate a birthday and I turned 51.

It’s Not Spring Fever…Although for the first time ever – Minnesota experienced a March with no snow.

It’s Not Lack of Time – I still have 24 hours in a day and my kids are no longer living at home.

No the only explanation I can find is … Parker’s Butt.

After 40 hours of sitting behind a computer and answering the phone, “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking,” I find the idea of sitting down distasteful. And when given a moment a free time, I hoola hoop, go to Pilates, pluck dandelions, go for long walks and occasionally do enough laundry to get me through another 40 hours of “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking.”

I even paid to have my Aura read, hoping to discover a cure for Parker’s Butt – but the only thing I learned was I’m yellow – very creative…but low on energy – which is the number one symptom of Parker’s Butt.

Now this isn’t the first time I experience Parker’s Butt – a long, long time ago I had a husband and he took one look at me and said, “You know what your problem is?”

Being Young and Naïve, I shook my head, opened my eyes wider and waited for enlightenment.

He voice was steady and sure. “You are afraid of success.”

For many years I thought that I had a strange defect and that I was afraid of succeeding…until the day I realized … I wasn’t afraid of success and I wasn’t afraid of rejection. I wrote and I submitted a number of writing projects – some were accepted and some were not.

Now a person who is afraid of success – would stick all of their writing in a drawer – or on an external hard drive…but not me I was submitting my work – clearly I was not afraid of success…

If my ex-husband had any insight fifteen years ago he would have said, “Honey, the only thing wrong with you…is a little Parker’s Butt.”

If I could park my butt down in a chair – I could write.

So, first thing tomorrow, I’m going to start looking for a cure for Parker’s Butt.

Tonight’s blog was accomplished with the following aids… Big Bowl of Popcorn and Little Glass of Wine.

Tomorrow, I might try Big Glass of Wine and Little Bowl of Popcorn…

Stayed tuned to see how this author cures her Parker’s Butt.

Night Owl Review Top Pick

Night Owl Review Top Pick


Trust Your Heart – TWRP


Melinda said, “This is one that will enchant you. I loved that Michelle was an average middle-aged woman who has dealt with divorce and betrayal yet still is strong throughout the whole ordeal. This book definitely keeps your attention and I enjoyed the suspense of waiting to find out who gets Michelle’s heart…the new guy or the old guy. Loved it. “

Christine Columbus Web Site



Tootin’ Cowboys
Ingredients
• 2 cups uncooked wagon wheel pasta
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 small can of corn, drained
• 1 can tomato soup
• Shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the chili, tomato soup, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Mix well; heat through. Drain and rinse pasta; stir into chili. Garnish with cheese if desired.

I Can Do That

On Saturday, I spoke about the Journey of The Perfect Country and Western Story from an idea to the novel. The audience was fellow authors at Midwest Fiction. One of the things that I surprised me – besides how long an hour can be when you are standing in front of a crowd.

“I Can Do That…”

I was explaining that my diverse publishing credits come from my “I Can Do That…” If I’m at a Craft Fair and I see something I like – instead of purchasing the item, I always think or say…I could make that.

When I see a posting and someone is looking for Flash Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Romance or Children story. My first reaction is…I Could Write That… and I generally do…


My Latest – I Can Do That… my daughter wanted a Snuggle Blanket… and of course I didn’t buy one… Because I Can Make One – Can’t be too hard.

Stop By

http://justwritewithannemarienovark.blogspot.com/

Stop by Anne Marie Novark – Just Write! – I am the March 10 Spotlight Author…. Stop by and say, “Hi.”

The Perfect Country And Western Story GREAT READ!, 5 out 5 Stars

GREAT READ!, March 7, 2010 *** Posted On Amazon***

"Stacy Dawn" Canada

What a great read! Along with a wonderfully romantic story, there was a fun, underlying use of song references...and I don't just mean by title. I highly recommend this book to any romance lover...or country music lover for that matter!

Six Pack

Stop by http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com on Saturday March 6^th – leave a comment and have a chance to win a Six Pack…

…A Six Pack of Short Stories: First Class Male, Drama Queen, Coffee And Love To Go, Hard Day On The Farm, Happy Meal and Christmas Mischief.

Brian Storming Process....

What is your brainstorming process for a new book?


You know how there are people who sing in the shower...

Writers-on-writing at TessQuinn.com

http://tessquinn.com/writers-on-writing-christine-columbus/

5 Diamonds

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Perfect Country and Western Story by Christine Columbus


T
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 2-18-09
Alexandra found the love of her life at a music fest a year ago and lost him the same day. A family tragedy tore her away from the event while he’d gone to bring friends back to meet her. Leaving so unexpectedly, she took with her a Stetson autographed by Toby Keith that he’d temporarily had her hold. Guilt has weighed heavily on her as much as her longing to see him again at this year’s event. If he comes…if she can find him in a crowd of 50,000…if he’ll forgive her for leaving with his prized hat. So many ifs.
Ben thought he’d found ‘The One’ a year ago, but evidently he’d been wrong. He’d left her alone for a few minutes at the fest and when he’d returned, she was gone, along with a prized hat he’d intended to give to his disabled younger brother. And he hadn’t even gotten her name. All he could hope for was that she’d come to this year’s fest, with his hat. He was no longer interested in anything more from her.


But love can be a complicated thing. It can twist a person’s emotions around and make them be stubborn at times. And yet sometimes it finds a way to bring people back together. If you enjoy second chance at love stories as much as I do, then this book is for you.
Posted by GOT EROTIC ROMANCE? at 5:59 PM
Labels: Christine Columbus, Starla Kaye, The Perfect Country and Western Story, The Wild Rose Press


http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2010/02/perfect-country-and-western-story-by.html

First Book Signing A Success

My book signing on Saturday was a lot of fun and a learning experience. I wish I would have told the local paper that I was going to be signing books and that I had given more thought to creating poster/signs outside of the gallery.

It was great to see everyone, the turn out was good. I had the response I've had to The Perfect Country and Western Story - has all been positive.

A big thanks to everyone who showed up on Saturday, I appreciate your support and next Friday on the 19th - I will be signing books at the Elks 44nClub in Brooklyn Park.

Saturday I'll be signing books....

February 13...I'll be at the
Robbin Gallery
4915 42nd Ave N.,
Robbinsdale, MN 55422 (

Signing books from 1 to 3 pm...

If you're in the neighborhood stop by and say, "Hi."

The Robbin Art Gallery is located two blocks east of Highway 100 on 42nd Avenue North in the Robbinsdale Historic Library Building. Look to your right for a high wooden privacy fence, then a beautiful brick library just before the railroad tracks. Turn RIGHT before the railroad tracks and park on the side street.

30 years ago

Thirty years ago my high school sweetheart said, “Promise me you’ll always write under your name.”

“Sure, but why?” I stared into his Wiley Coyote eyes.

Stop by http:// kmnbooks.blogspot.com

To find out why and for a chance to win a 3 pack of short stories (pdf) - Uncle Mike's Love, Coffee and Love To Go and Happy Meal.

Here's the link:
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/

Do you know the answer...

… people should ____________________ as many times as they can…

Hint…

Stop by www. HeroinesWithHeart.Blogspot.com
And read the interview with Christine Columbus
http://www.heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/

After Reading many posts – about Book Signings…

I have come up with a list of advice…

(of course feel free to correct or add to the list)

Prior to signing check out the store …

do they have any posters or fliers announcing the event…

Let the local paper know you’ll be signing books, maybe they have someone that wants to come to the event take a picture …

do an interview…

On the big day arrive 15 to 20 minutes early…

bring a camera (to snap your picture with the manager) –

bring small token of appreciation… flowers, chocolate…

Dress in layers in case you end up freezing…

Be approachable…

I guess that’s where taking off the layers would come into play…

Bring friends…and give aways…or give away your friends…

Potential customers are always shyer that the author…

So try to make them feel comfortable…

Smile…

(imagine everyone with their clothes off – until you start laughing

– than redress the customers in layers)

Have friends, family acquaintance stop by

and fondle and gush over your books…

create a little buzz…

if you can’t find friends to show up…maybe a flashing blue light…

a blue light to customers is like a bug zapper to insects…

just can’t stay away.

Offer anyone passing by a friendly hello

and a book marker or flyer a postcard

with you book cover on the front…(try not to stare

if you are still imagining them running around

in their birthday suits)

If the book store has a coffee shop…

place your book or table tents advertising your book signing….

Include an excerpt…

Also arrange to have your book displayed at the cash register.

Have people sign-up for a drawing or a raffle…

have people sign up for a mailing list…

Entice them closer to your table

with the scent of chocolate…

any food should do…

(After all it works for Costco to offer free samples)

When they approach your table

hand them your book when you introduce yourself.

People are too shy to pick up a book,

but if you hand them one, they will start to flip through it…

maybe start reading it…

maybe even buy it.

If you have a great reviews…

show them off in a frame or plaque and place it on your table…

have some of the reviews printed that you can hand off to customers…

Have Fun and Remember You are Living The Dream…

You Wrote a Book…

You Get to Sign Your Name…

Where to sign?

Title page - this is usually a facing page

(i.e. right hand side), and it usually only has the

book's title printed on it.

What to sign?

If you know the name of the owner of the book,

a brief personalized note is nice…

remember to correctly spell their name…

When my childrens story Nothing At All was published

it was fun to write…

I hope you enjoy ‘Nothing At All’

Christine Columbus

And you can always sign with the standard…

Enjoy the read,

Happy reading,

Or have the customer do the work…

have half sheet fliers with your picture of you

and your book cover…

For a personalize book please print the name

you would like inscribed with a brief message…

ie Happy Birthday…Happy Anniversary… Thank you…etc

2/27 Writers Helping Writers - EGG - Cerpt

Mating Rituals

from Amira Press

ISBN: 978-1-935348-58-0
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Cover Artist: Mira Romano
Book Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Word Count: 82,800

Blurb-

With rock-hard fortitude, Marohka Taunton battles to maintain her position as top mineralogist and refuses to see why she should marry even if the law requires she take a mate. Fighting her attraction for Stihl Fermesium, she struggles to save her father’s company.

Stihl, determined to win her as his mate, is faced with the commission deal of a lifetime and needs the money to save his family land. He wrestles with her emotional resistance and discovers someone other than Marohka is unhappy about their union. In fact, they want to separate them in the most basic of ways, death.

Excerpt-

Staring straight ahead, Marohka Taunton avoided eye contact with every man she passed. Moving along the edge of the dance floor, she wove her way back and forth across the assigned path. Her steps, jerky and clumsy, she hid her natural smooth gait. No man, in his right mind, craved an ungraceful wife. At least, she hoped not.

With the stairs a few steps ahead, she tasted victory and allowed herself a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

A masculine voice in front of her chuckled. "It’s not over yet, princess."

Marohka paused to inspect the stranger. The laughter reflected in his warm brown eyes—surprised, the intelligent focus—intrigued, and the dark spark of interest—captivated.
A foreign response slithered through her chest. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Her heartbeat rang in her ears. Her hands turned clammy. Awareness of the man claimed her senses.

His face, framed by dark brown hair, showed rough lines of strength and fortitude. A crooked nose, a square jaw, and a chiseled chin marked his unique personality. Added together, the sum indicated the man rarely backed down from a fight. He’d stand up for his beliefs and defeat his opponents. His lopsided grin with a dimple at the corner of his mouth teased her.

A silly feature on such a stern face. The little mark claimed her heart and spoke of a rare sense of humor, a trait absent in most men.

A tingle ran down her spine. Her toes curled. Either as an appealing partner or a worthy adversary, the man presented a dangerous combination. Right then, without question, Marohka decided never to cross paths with him again.

"It is for me," she responded to his comment. She lifted her chin a little higher and repaired the chip in her armor with a sassy comeback. "But you’re welcome to any of the girls behind me. I’m sure they’ll enjoy your charm."

Marohka lifted her skirt and swept up the stairs. The sound of his laughter spoiled her intended snub.

Find at www.amirapress.com

Thanks for participating in the Egg-cerpt Exchange,

Tina Gayle

www.tinagayle.net

Early Bird Relase....

I am so excited.... I can't wait to hold my paperback...

Alexandra has the Stetson hat, now all she needs is the cowboy. But with three days and over 50,000 faces to search, will she be able to find the man who stole her heart?

Ben still can’t believe he was foolish enough to let the beautiful thief walk away with his autographed cowboy hat. If the heartbreaker dares to show up at Country Time again this year, he’ll not only be looking to get his hat back, but aiming for a little payback as well.

The Perfect Country and Western Story (paperback)

• by Christine Columbus

Retail Price: $11.99

Visions

Drop on by and say, "Hi."

01/22/10
Interviewed by Ana, stop by
Heroines With Hearts

The month of January is Cowboy Lovin Stop by the
The Cozy Page
I'll be there January 28th - and I'll be talking more about Visioning and how visioning helps me write.


Visions... about 3 years ago I was down in South Padre Island with my sister and we went into Karens Custom Toe Rings.... and I knew I wanted one, but was running short on money... So, I decided when I turned 50 I was going to have a toe ring.

This year my daughter was on South Padre Island for New Year's Eve... and guess what she brought back for me....

Last year it was Hot glühwein

Last year it was Hot glühwein at the Christmas Markets in Germany.

This year it will have to be mulled wine in Minnesota…

Mulling Spice Mix

The recipe makes 14 spice bags.

If you are giving as a gift, be sure to include the recipe instructions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

14 double-layer cheesecloth 5-inch squares

14 (10-inch) lengths of white string

3 ounces whole cinnamon sticks

6 whole nutmegs (1 ounce)

1/3 cup chopped dried orange peel

1/3 cup chopped dried lemon peel

1/4 cup allspice berries

1/4 cup whole cloves

2 Tablespoons finely chopped, crystallized ginger (1 ounce)

Preparation:
Place cinnamon sticks and nutmegs into a heavy freezer bag. Smash into small pieces with a mallet or heavy pan.

In a bowl place orange peel, lemon peels, allspice, cloves, and ginger. Stir in small pieces from freezer bag.

Place equal amounts of the mix on the center of each cheesecloth square. Secure with string. For gifts remember to include the directions.

Yield: 14 bags each will spice a 750 ml bottle of red wine - 3-1/4 cups wine.

Mulled Wine Recipe Instructions

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup white granulated sugar

3-1/4 cups (750 ml bottle) red wine

1 mulling spice bag

Combine water and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.

Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add wine and spice bag.

Heat wine slowly over low heat and only until small bubbles
form around the edge of the pan.

Do not boil.

Discard spice bag and serve hot.

Remember When.... Tis The Season

Remember when happiness was:

An Easy Bake Oven, Electric Football Game, Barbie, G.I.Joe, Legos, Twister and my favorite Tiny Tears doll.

Rock Em Sock em Robots, (I’ll knock your block off) Hot Wheels, Spirograph, Kerplunk and Pong video game, mood ring and a pet rock.

Now at 50 Happiness is:

Family, Health and Love, Safe Travel, Big Smiles and Warm Hugs, Tis The Season….

4.5 wings

Classic Romance Revival gives Christmas Mischief 4.5 Wings

Amber’s on her way to spend the Christmas holidays with her grandmother, accompanied by her faithful mischief-making dog, Charlie. On a snow covered road in a rural part of the country, Amber gets a flat tire and Charlie locks her out of the car. Enter Tony, a charming resident who helps Amber call a tow.
Amber is smitten by Tony, but once he drops her off at her grandmother’s house, she wonders if she’ll ever see the handsome Good Samaritan again.
The pacing is just right, leaving the reader, and Amber, worried for her as she tries to get help for her flat tire in the snow-covered road bank. Amber and Tony are characters that embody the Christmas spirit of giving and receiving. The story is told in the first person by Amber and Columbus does a great job capturing Amber’s own unique voice. The romance is “sweet” for CRR. Overall, Christmas Mischief is a heartwarming holiday read.

http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1511

Happy Thanksgiving

The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was.....









Beer.

I'm blogging at Dayana Knight . blogspot Stop on over and leave a comment for a
chance to win a download of Trust Your Heart.

www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com