Month: September 2019

Did You Miss It?

On Tuesday, I ran a free eBook promotion for Book 2, The Outsider. Were you able to get a copy? If not, don’t worry. The eBook is always available for purchase. If you like hard copies, each title is available in that format as well.

I run lots of promotions for the eBook versions of the Fairies of Carlow series. Keep an eye on the website for announcements. All the books, in hard copy and eBook, are available at Amazon.com. You can find the links in the left-hand margin of my home page.

These books are written for those of you who can read chapter books. Some of the words may need to be looked up in the dictionary, but it’s fun to learn new words!

If you, or someone you know, prefers picture books, then stay tuned! I have a book coming that takes a glimpse into America’s and England’s history–and introduces you to a family that was instrumental in the formation of the United States.

Plus, I’ll be introducing Guinness the Therapy Dog to you in a series of picture books. He’s a big lovebug and can’t wait to meet you.

There is so much happening! Sonja

Guinness’ Paws

Guinness the Therapy Dog has the biggest paws in the world! He has a problem controlling them sometimes and frequently steps on my feet. That hurts! He’s always sorry and feels bad when his toenails scrape the tops of my feet. Guinness is a good dog.

Guinness is small for his breed and gender, but his feet are regular sized. I think that’s why he can be so clumsy and adorable. His series of picture books will be out soon, so keep an eye out for an announcement!

Enjoy your day, Sonja

Free eBook!

As a way to say thank you, I’m offering The Fairies of Carlow: The Outsider eBook for FREE for 24-hours, starting today! Go to Amazon.com, or use my link in the left-hand margin, to get the eBook today at no cost to you.

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and read all about Princess Morgen as she leaves her own land to marry into the royal family of Carlow.

I think you will enjoy it!

I hope you enjoy reading about Lily, Sonja

It’s Constitution Day!

September 17th is the 232nd anniversary of the signing of our Constitution. The U.S. Constitution is the oldest constitution still in active use in the world today and is the basic document of our republic, which protects the individual liberties of all citizens through written law. It stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.

Read the Constitution and celebrate Constitution Week, September 17-23. 

The Tucson Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, provided the information in this message.

Writing

When I write my stories, I tend to plot them out in three acts. Just like a screenplay or a stage theatrical. One of my go-to books is Screenplay, the Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field.

It sang to me and really morphed with my writing style. It also helped me with my plotting. Sometimes I tend to go off on tangents. I tried writing without a ‘storyboard’, my own version of the standard type you typically see from screenwriters. It was terrible and I wasted a lot of time on stuff that needed to be deleted.

I know many writers who are “pantsers”, who can write without knowing where they are going, but that’s not me. And that’s okay. Everyone has their own way. That’s the fun of writing: it continues to evolve. What works in one story won’t work in another. Just as the story can surprise you, so can your methods.

Enjoy the journey!

Have a great week, Sonja

It’s Sunday Funday!!!

What do you have planned? It’s still hot here in the Southwest so I’m going to be staying inside–maybe a movie, maybe a book, maybe the gym. But I know I’ll certainly be spending part of the day writing! I have a lot of fun creating my stories and I can’t wait to start the next episode of the adventures of Guinness the Therapy Dog!

Right now, he’s shedding up a storm in preparation for the cooler weather. I expect it to sweep over us by the end of next month. Next month, you say! Yup, because here in the desert the hot temps stay way too long. Like a bad smell or that person who won’t leave you alone. You know what I mean– Let’s not go there.

Because it’s Sunday Funday!!!!! Go have some fun! Enjoy youself!

Have a great Funday! Sonja

A Question For You

Tomorrow is Sunday Funday! What do you have planned?

I’m going to spend time with family, including my two furry friends. Here’s a photo of our goofball, Guinness, who is going to star in his own series of picture books.

Have a fun weekend, Sonja

Favorite Things

Being out in nature is one of my favorite things–which is something I have in common with the characters in my books. There’s something about the green of the trees, the whispers of the wind, and the sound of my hiking boots on the dirt trail. Do you feel the same way?

Here in the desert, we don’t have a lot of water, but when we do it seems that everyone gets out to celebrate the greening up of Mother Nature’s gown. The water just left this creekbed, but the trees and shrubs are still reaping the rewards of the damp soil.

Now that we are at the end of the summer, things are dry and dusty. Our monsoon season was a bust; hopefully, we’ll have a wet fall and winter. I haven’t been able to hike into the hills because of the intense heat (safety first!), so I’m looking forward to the cooler days. I’ve been asked why I don’t simply drive into the Santa Catalina Mountains to go for a hike. It’s so temperate there, even in the desert furnace. I haven’t been able to go hiking up there since I ran into the bear (that’s a subject for another post). It really scared me, so I am reluctant to meet another one. I probably wouldn’t see one, but I would be so worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the hike. It’s a quandry!!!

Don’t forget to friend me on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017117478890

and follow my book-specific Pinterest boards!

https://www.pinterest.com/sonjadanielson/

Have a wonderful day, Sonja

It’s Patriot Day

Never Forget…

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

This song was written by the American singer-songwriter Alan Jackson. It was the lead single from his tenth studio album, Drive (2002), released on Arista Nashville. I am including the lyrics below, copied from https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanjackson/wherewereyouwhentheworldstoppedturning.html because, to me, they describe how it felt to wake up and live through that day (9/11/01).

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock
At the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
Pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out with pride
For the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died
Just doin’ what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN
But I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?

Did you feel guilty
‘Cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother
And tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN
But I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN
But I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

And the greatest is love
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Have a memorable day, Sonja