Saturday, June 06, 2009

I AM ONE BUSY MAMA - UR, GRANDMA!

I have only had a minute here, a minute there to check in with my online friends that I wonder if any of you remembers me! Well, I'm here to tell you I truly am alive; I just have been busier than a bee in basket! I have writing deadlines I'm determined to meet, which means daily word-count goals to fulfill. I also just returned from a 5-day trip to Pittsburgh in which I visited my publishing house and had several appointments. In fact, here's a couple of pics to prove I was there. Ha-ha. Don't go away. There's more under the pictures!

Here I am just getting ready to walk through the door!


This poster greeted us when we walked into Whitaker House's main lobby! We felt very welcomed!


These are a few of the people who work in the graphics department. They design my lovely book covers! It was so fun meeting them.


Okay, that was our trip to Pittsburgh. I have many more pics of the beautiful city, but at the risk of boring you to death, I will not post them.

What else have I been doing? Well, baby-sitting my one-year-old grandson for one thing. I have him once a week, and let me tell you watching him is like watching a wildfire spread across a forest. During every waking minute he NEVER stops or even slows down. He is CONSTANTLY investigating, looking for something to get into, and always a step ahead of me! Here're a couple pics of him just being, well, him. I don't want to be one of those grandmas who never shuts up about the cute things her grandkids say and do, but I just have to say this one thing, he's FUNNY and ADORABLE! (Okay, so that was two.)


Seems like Gavin always has a skinned-up nose. Here he is with "Papa"!


Yes, I let him splash in the dirty bird bath. Bad grandma!


What can I say? He's a boy. He loves the sprinkler!


Oh, the joys of living in one-year-old skin!


So, there you have it. On top of these things I am writing like a fiend, trying to meet my daily writing goals so I can finish by my December deadline. December sounds like a long way off -- unless you're writing a novel! Then it's like TOMORROW!

I'm looking forward to my 8th release, which should be arriving on my doorstep most any day. Maggie Rose is the second in my Daughters of Jacob Kane series. If you haven't read number one, Hannah Grace, run out and get a copy so you can finish it before Maggie Rose hits shelves. Abbie Ann, third and final in the series, comes out in spring of '10! And then it's onto my next series!!!! Whew!

Next month, we're off to the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Denver where I'll be signing hot-off-the-press copies of "Maggie"!

Sooo, that's my life in a nutshell, and let me just say God is GOOD and FAITHFUL to His own. Stay the course, my precious friends.

And let me also say this--if you read this clear to the end, BRAVO! You are to be GREATLY commended.

I love you tons!!!!

12 comments:

Nise' said...

Glad you had a great trip to PA. Your grandson is ADORABLE!!! Can't wait to read Maggie Rose.

SHARLENE said...

Hi, Nise'! I don't know how you do it, but you always seem to be "right there" shortly after I post a blog.

We should get together for coffee one of these days!

Hugs...

SHARLENE said...

Oh, Nise', I just remembered the little 'widget' thingie called 'Followers' and how it alerts you to when someone you're following has posted a blog. Duh...that's why you're so on the ball. (I wish I wasn't so slow...)

And the clock now reads midnight. I better get my beauty rest.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharlene,
You're way ahead of me on the technology front. I think I'm doing good to know how to post a comment on a blog, and even that I didn't get on the first few tries. I have no clue about followers, widget thingies, twitters, tweets, or any other fancy technology terminology. (say that fast three times)

Your grandson is a little darling!

Speaking of deadlines, I'll be shutting myself in my home office, praying first, then hopefully writing my fingers off and I am not above begging others who have been there and done that to pray for me. I don't actually have a formal deadline, I just know in my spirit that it is time to get this thing done. This novel has been five years in the making. Know that I will be praying for you as you work toward your deadlines.
Much love,
Patti Hayes

SHARLENE said...

Hi, Patti! Thanks so much for stopping by. I loved your post. It made me smile. I have no idea about 'twittering', nor do I care to learn.

"Lord, please lend Your grace and wisdom to Patti as she sees her current manuscript to its end. Bless her efforts to the MAXIMUM. In Your holy, precious name, Amen."

Hugs and God's rich blessings...

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Wow, it does sound like you've been busy. Those pictures of your grandson are just darling :D

Lynnette Bonner said...

Sharlene, Is Cecil writing with you now? That is sooooo neat! I've got to show that to Marty! ;>)

Therese Travis said...

Shar, your grandson is such a cutie! I have 4 but no scheduled hang out times.

I'm heading over to Amazon, since our local bookstore doesn't have much sense in stocking books...even when I ask...sigh...

SHARLENE said...

Lynnette, did you ask if Cecil is writing with me -- as in co-writing? haha. No, no, no. I have to edit all his letters. He would no more be able to write a fiction book than the man in the moon would. He does sometimes help me with plot scenarios, though, and he's a good research guy when it comes to all matters business or fixing stuff. He also travels with me to most places. My publisher has come to expect that when I go somewhere, he's coming with me - so that's why that poster in the lobby said, "Welcome, Cecil and Sharlene..."

Hi, Therese! So sorry you have troubles finding the books you're looking for in your local stores. Boy, I know how that goes. Although I do support our Christian bookstores as much as possible, sometimes Amazon or ChristianBook.com are just too convenient to pass up.

Maria Cristina said...

Shar, I am so absolutely chuffed for you! your "popularity" (for lack of a better term!!!) is absolutely soaring and I know your writing will thrive more & more and your audience will soar!! Praise the Lord!! I am absolutely ecstatic for youuuu!!!! I am off to DC on the 19th of June through the 6th of July!!! I love you and miss you so! Hugs and kisses to you and to H.H.Cecil!!!!

much2ponder said...

Sharlene...I came back here several times and thought you must be busy because he hadn't posted anything in a while, but today I come back and Here You Are! Welcome back. Your grandson is just adorable and it's ok if you want to talk about it...I don't mind one bit! Just found out my daughter is going to have her first child sometime in January. We are very excited. I have three others who live about 1000 miles away, but it will be so good to have a baby nearby. I am so looking forward to that!

Katybug said...

Shar, that baby is SO PRECIOUS!!! I just want to eat him up!!! Such a yummy!!!