What does it take?

To sell your house…

My story… I listed my house on March 7, 2011, received a purchase agreement on March 31st for $5,000 less than my list price and I closed on May 26, 2011.

Of course I de-cluttered my home, painted the walls and removed personal items…interviewed 4 real estate agents and went with the one who offered the most free stuff: home warranty, professional stagger and professional photographer.

I listed my house for sale using the price listed on my 2011 Property Tax Statement, $155,000.

I buried St. Joseph in the front yard. St. Joseph is a Catholic Saint and the story goes if you bury him in your yard, say a pray and have faith, St. Joseph will sell your home.

I also said a pray to St. Anthony who is the patron saint of lost or stolen items. In the past whenever an item is missing I say, “Tony, Tony, turn around and help me find __________it lost and can’t be found.” Sure enough the item appears. So, I asked Tony to help me find the lost buyer.

And lastly I placed “For Sale” signs on my vision board. Ten years ago I took a ‘one day’ management class where the teacher spoke of vision boards and how if you have a “vision” and add “Passion” you would create a realty…not sure what vision boards had to do with management but I’ve been using vision boards for the past ten years and I believe they work just like prayers to St. Joseph and St. Anthony.

But the reason I started blogging… was not just because I have a new story coming out…”Looking for Henrietta” which will soon be released by The Wild Rose Press…

I received a great gift from my good friend Joe, a five year journal with 365 questions…

So, it is here that I begin:

June 8, 2011
What makes you miserable?
Gossiping, no good ever comes from telling another person about someone else’s flaws or short comings. I love to hear stories and I love to tell stories, but when the main point of the story is to show another person in a negative light, or to feel better about yourself, or to gain favor with the listener … it’s wrong – unless of course it’s fiction.
All is fair in fiction.

Where have you been?

Busy...tonight I buried St. Joseph and I have faith that he will sell my house. But what I have started contemplating is...Do you think St. Joseph will work on selling stories?

Happy To Announce

I'm so thrilled to announce - The Perfect Country and Western Story is a finalist for the Booksellers' Best Award.

The judges are booksellers and librarians and the contest is sponsored by the Greater Detroit chapter. In July the winners will be announced at the RWA (Romance Writers of America) National Conference in Orlando.

What fun it is to see other Midwest Fiction Writers: Helen Brenna and Ann Hinnenkamp Congrats to Everyone!

TRADITIONAL

Helen Brenna
From The Outside

Lucy Gordon
Italian Tycoon, Secret Son

Fiona Harper
Invitation to the Boss's Ball

Glynna Kaye
Dreaming Of Home

Joselyn Vaughn
CEO's Don't Cry

SHORT CONTEMPORARY

Christine Columbus
The Perfect Country and Western Story

Robyn Grady
The Billionaire's Fake Engagement

Sandra Hyatt
Having The Billionaire's Baby

Geri Krotow
What Family Means

Lynne Marshall
Temporary Doctor, Surprise Father

Cara Summers
Twin Temptation

Cara Summers
Christmas Male

LONG CONTEMPORARY

Lisa Dale
Simple WIshes

Susan Gable
A Kid To The Rescue

Elaine Grant
No Hero Like Him

Janice Maynard
Hot Mail

Terry McLaughlin
A Small Town Reunion

Kay Stockham
Simon Says Mommy

Linda Warren
Caitlyn's Prize

SINGLE TITLE

Toni Blake
One Reckless Summer

Marilyn Brant
According To Jane

Robin Kaye
Breakfast in Bed

Susan Mallery
Hot On Her Heels

Karen White
The Lost Hours

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Kylie Brant
Waking The Dead

Marilee Brothers
Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam

Ava Gray
Skin Game

Sandy James
Free Falling

EROTIC

Jaci Burton
Riding On Instinct

Red Garnier
The Satin Sash

Lara Santiago
Rogue's Run

Shelli Stevens
Take Me

Tracy Wolff
Full Exposure

SHORT HISTORICAL

Jennifer Ashley
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Caroline Fyffe
Where The Wind Blows

Carolyn Jewel
Indiscreet

Margaret Mallory
Knight of Pleasure

Elizabeth Rolls
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride

Christine Wells
Wicked Little Game

LONG HISTORICAL

Anna Campbell
Captive of Sin

Hannah Howell
If He's Wicked

Hannah Howell
If He's Sinful

Regina Jeffers
Darcy's Temptation

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL/FUTURISTIC

Sharon Ashwood
Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten

Maureen Child
Vanished

Lisa Childs
Immortal bride

Gail Dayton
New Blood

Cynthia Eden
Midnight's Master

Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams

Sharon Sala
The Warrior


INSPIRATIONAL

Sandra Bricker
Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida

Amanda Cabot
Paper Roses

Irene Hannon
An Eye for an Eye

Trish Perry
Sunset Beach

Marlo Schalesky
If Tomorrow Never Comes

Missy Tippens
His Forever Love

BEST FIRST BOOK

Marilyn Brant
According To Jane

Red Garnier
The Satin Sash

Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams

Glynna Kaye
Dreaming Of Home

Living The Dream

I am happy living the dream, enjoying everyday and all the people I meet along the way.

The Wild Rose Press Retreat - Silver Spur Ranch and Longhorn Saloon in Bandera Texas.