Eppy's Creations

Ah what an adventurous year! Yeah, that's the horrible optimism chirping that rot. Don't know if I'm liking it, but one makes due--you've little choice after all. A bit of changes have happened around my house and well, I'm not one to fancy changes. I once thought I did, but then I grew older and decided I changed my opinion. My husband and I now have new jobs...at the same time. Say what? What do you do when you are so miserable and something/eomeone effects you to the point where you feel physically sick (I'm talking, grab the garbage can I'm going to spew sick), so depressed you can hardly go (and really think of ways to avoid going-not all of them healthy), and that you dread the next day with so much misery you barely sleep? Hmmm, well, everything my dears comes to a boil (metaphorically speaking of course) and if you leave it too long, it either dries up to a horrid little film and burns the pot or you cut it off to make it stop. So that's what happened. I put my foot down and said, ENOUGH! Not nearly as calmly though. I don't like getting angry (the side effects agitate me even further), but when I do the blood pumps so fast and hard through my veins that there is nothing I can't do and no one I can't go through if they are in my way. Granted I feel this way anyways, but it intensifies to a much greater degree when I'm considerably 'torqued off' (to put it in a much more acceptable phrase). I believe you can make things happen if you focus hard enough and believe strong enough...no, you can't make someone go from dying to healthy or move a pencil from the desk--hello, be a bit realistic eh? Though it would be nice, but since I have yet to accomplish or see such feats accomplished, I will stick to my 'down to earth' way of thinking. I mean, you can change your life. It's scary, it's hard, and it may not always work out the exact way you wish...but you find a way to adapt and thus continue on.

Sometimes, you just need to 'jump' in order to get out of a rut or a bad place. Yes, that little 'leap of faith' that you hear about so often, but aren't really sure what it does. Due to unacceptable circumstances at our previous jobs, we left (we worked for the same company) without having another job available to us. I felt that what we suffered for well over a year gave us a 'right'. Don't know if that is the appropriate word, but it'll do. My husband and I gave a two weeks notice, however, I did not complete mine. What? Dear old Christy not do the required thing? Dear old Christy break her 'work ethic'? Hmmm, let's just say that I have a standard and it doesn't just apply to 'my' working quality--it applies to the place of business as well. I have never had to evaluate a business' I've worked for because I have never been treated so below standard in my life. Perhaps I sound snobbish, but I work hard (my previous employers will vouch and so will my medals and evaluations) and give more than 100%. I only expect RESPECT and common courtesy in return. I was raised that work comes first so while I'm there, that is what I do. Perhaps, I am too stiff because of being 'work' minded, but that is what I was programmed with.

I believe in God, I believe in Karma, and I believe in right. My belief's were rewarded. In two days after my leaving (even w/o finishing my notice) I had a job offer. It was a good one. No, not more money. No, further from home for the drive. No, not a higher position. The hours were longer and I do have to work one Saturday a month, but the key to why it was a good one....THE PEOPLE. I work with the type of people I have in the past. No, I didn't know any of them from Adam, but they are 'good' people. They treat me right. They treat me the way I have been taught to treat others and the way that any normal being deserves to be treated--with respect and courtesy. My husband, heard about a job a week later (while still working his two week) and after a three week 'vacation' (for which there was only one week he went unpaid due to having vacation times saved), he too had a position. No, not more money (less even), more of a drive, and he works one weekend a month. The most prized part of his job...he smiles and gets to laugh again. They treat him with respect and actual courtesy and kindness. They treat him like anyone should be treated. I think that in itself is a valuable perk that can't be priced.

Now, don't think for a moment that I am a saint or a demon. Oh no, no, no. I still wish no bodily ill or whatever else to those we left behind. Nah, it's not my way to wish harm. Still, I'm no saint. No, my wish for them is that they receive the same treatment they handed out to us (and a few other victims that left before us in the past--oh yes, we are not the only ones to suffer such foul intentions). To up the 'anty', so to speak, I wish the treatment is handed ten fold. You see, they not only upset my writing flow, my creativity spark, and my mind set--no, they upset something far more valuable...my family. So...karma do your thing!

Now that I've given explanation to my lack of enthusiasm (goodness it's hard for me to admit to being human, but alas, I am cursed to be and a very moody one at that). I will say that I've regained most of my 'self' back that I was quickly losing from that experience. I hope to have a giveaway for Christmas to promote both new books www.eppyscreations.com (to see info on new books). So be on the lookout! I am also working on a trailer for Pell (and if all goes well) I'll do one for 'The One Sock Princess' as well. Book two for Pell is in the works. Ahhhhh, let me say, it's exciting! New items from 'Rare Finds' will be introduced and the 'secret' of Mitsu will be revealed. Blessing to all who read this!

So keep visiting back!   

Yup, that's right. Of course it's not really so amazing since I failed to put out a book last year. I'm honest, yep, I failed in my goal to have a new book out each year. So does that mean that two out this year makes up for that? No. My OCD will still make certain I have a sore spot because of it.

I am extremely proud of 'The One Sock Princess'. I may not be the best illustrator in the world, but for someone who has never had instruction and who started out drawing fan pics of anime characters (the kind that 'I see it, I can draw it but not come up with it on my own'), I think I did rather well. Those pics came from my head and were put on to that paper. Some may think or say, 'so what'. Well, let me tell you, it may be easy for some, but I know there will be a few out there that will understand my utter amazement. I feel like a little kid saying to my mommy that, 'I did it!'

The text pages....well, I hate plain boring pages. I loathe them. You pay money for something, you don't want something you can get at your house (plain white paper). Soooo, I tried to think of a tie in with the illustrated pages. If you look at Princess Keely's shirt...well, there ya go. Don't let the seemingly simplistic idea of a plain black cat head fool you. Those miserable little heads on her shirt did not translate all that grand when I scanned them. Some of them...scratch that, a LOT of them, I had to go back and redraw. I have a simple, truly simple Corel art program...however, with me at the Bamboo tablet, simple turns into a 180 degree nightmare. Why? Well, it is my lot in life to experience the most complex, excruciating, mind-bending, patient testing, trauma inducing ways to accomplish any task. Yes, I'm one of those that nothing goes right and by the end of it--I will pull your hair out along with mine if you disturb me. I am fortunate enough to learn from every mistake, problem, or unexplainable glitch. So, this time, the art program didn't experience whatever traumatic problem and feel the need to close before I saved. Oh yes, every few minutes I save because of lost work. I also have learned the necessity (for my sanity) to make sure every pic will be the same size when uploaded (thank you strange little black cat heads-making certain they were all in the same spot on each page was mind numbing). Sounds like I should hate my book, huh? Nah, the more difficult the child, the more we love them (they crawl under the wires in your brain and latch on). If you'd like to check out more of the pics...preview thing, My Lulu Storefront . It'll show all my books on Lulu and give you a small preview of each. Right now, I have a 15% off sale on my new books AND Lulu is offerring a free shipping if you purchase one of the titles...just enter the code APRILMAIL305 -- so lots of savings actually!

My other child sent out to the world...."Pell Shade and The Myserious Paper" is another joy. Not illustrated, but still loads of fun. I had such a great time writing this book and the editing did not make me cringe nearly as much (I have read my own book four times within a month's time. As you might can tell from the cover, it has origami in it. Hehe, but it is not just ANY ordinary origami paper and even the characters themselves are not ordinary...not by any means. What kind of aunt carries a tazer in one pocket and pepper spray in the other? Then of course there's Mitsu...well, you'll find out more in book 2 about Mitsu. The nemesis, Awl Blott, has a few odd quirks about him as well--I mean, what kind of name is Blott? Horatio and Phineas, Nibs, and Quills show to everyone why Statua Magis can be exciting to anyone who dares try it.

Well, hopefully this has piqued interest to give the books a peek and buy. I'll be holding a contest soon for a chance to win a signed copy of either book and some fun promo items. I have an author event at the end of this month so I want to wait until that is over (I have more ideas than money so the books I've bought now must go there first).

I'll be posting another blog page...maybe tomorrow and give a few lines from the books and some more cool facts. Thanks for reading!! Remember to check out the books and if you could, please, pass along the info to others. I want, need, desire loads of readers. It's fun to share your thoughts, hopes, wishes, and a piece of your soul with others. I think that's why I love to write, I can show you what's inside me. I'm not very articulate...eh, actually I am, but I'm here and most people are there so it makes it hard to connect.

Have a great one or make it so!

I'm exhausted. Mind, body, and spirit.  It's a good exhaustion though and one I'm quite proud of.  I'll show more enthusiasm once I get some rest.  Two books finished!  I went a year (much to my grief) without publishing a book--see I had this odd desire to publish one book a year.  Well, this is the result-2 books in one year.  No, it wasn't as rushed or quick as it may seem.  Many long, long, (did I mention long?) long hours went into both books.  I'm not sure my sanity survived, but once the daze wears off perhaps I'll know the answer then.  Check out the front or home page to this site and you can not only see the covers, but click on a link to take you to a preview and to buy (I hope).

Sorry this is so short, but I've been burning the midnight oils to get these two out so I can purchase copies for an author event at a local mall.  Right now, I've a pillow wishing for my head to be on it (or should that be the other way around?).  Thanks again for all your support.  I'll give more info on the books later!

C

Check out the Something Greater Than Fear and the *NEW* The One Sock Princess for new pics (well new to the site). 

I'll be holding a spring contest for a chance to win a copy of Tyme's Hope.  Of course you know I love spoiling readers (and just about anyone who comes in contact with me) so I'll be putting in some little extras.  I plan to contact some of the online blogging reviewers and readers to see if they'll help spread the word.

Ok, the 'craft project' article went out. I probably tanked but who knows odd things happen in this topsy turvy world.  Just wanted to update that because I have finally finished something! It's just so frustrating to be nearly there on two projects (for which I vow never to do at one time again) and not completely there. I want to share!!!  I feel they are really clever and spectacular and want to get feedback from others--not that my beta testers aren't good feedback but I'm greedy and want more!

Well, it's late once again and I've tons to do before I sleep. I had fun with the last entry 'words of wisdom' tidbit and so plan to include it in each post from hence on (sorry, I'm a lame duck at heart).  May all the snow you eat be white!

Lulu.com emailed me to let me know that 'Spirit Feathers' was given the 'Market Reach Distribution' pkg--it can be bought through EBay now as well as Amazon.com.  There's a bit of tale with this.  A year or so ago, they emailed me to let me know they had put it up for distribution (no charge and different reach) and it would be available on Amazon.com (which usually costs).  Now my wee little short story book does not have an ISBN because it is just a small book that I decided to put together when my mother was ill.  I gave her one of the first copies actually though I'm not sure if she was able to read it since she was so ill.  I've another book that is w/o an ISBN but it was not offerred a marketing pkg so I'm hoping (since I am an optimist after all though the realist side of me is really wondering and afraid to know it might just be some other reason) that someone there took a look at the book and really thought something of it.  I think I'll keep telling myself that one just because it is a very wonderful thought and writers really need positive wonderful thoughts.

Ok, no stones.  Pell is awaiting me to send off the pkg to one of the lit agencies.  I've three to try before I self pub it.  I know that doesn't sound like a lot but I really like these three agencies and I've stalked them on the web enough--I don't think I have it left in me to stalk anyone else and we just won't get into the amount of time spent. 

'The One Sock Princess' is coming along swimmingly...yeah, had to use that word.  Bright vivid colors will, excuse the expression, knock your socks off. *snort*  Anywho, I'll be uploading a few pics of the books soon and I plan to have a contest to win a signed copy along w/some fun promos!!  No plans to send to an agency. This is my little baby and I'm not a trained illustrator so I doubt they'd want my artwork--which I have no intentions of not using for the book (she is "THE" one sock princess).

Well, stomach is burning, the shower calls, I still need to print out a 'craft project' article (yes, you read that right) and send to....*dun dun dunnnnn* Hightlights Magazine.  Yeah, an impromptu idea and the thought of, 'why not-it would be a good credit to add to my portfolio'.  I really hope they like it.  Then sometime this week I will send off the synopsis, first 2 chapters, and the intro letter or whatever it's called.  Seriously wish these people would just be simple about their requirements.  Trying to cram a whole book into a one page synopsis is enough to make you a bit wonky and then we won't even discuss the 'Hi, please, please read my work!!!' or as I like to call it...the 'PICK ME PICK ME' letter.

G'night and may a fly never find its way up your nose.

I am extremely pleased to announce 'Pell Shade and the Mysterious Paper' may be available by Christmas!!!!  I have the story finished at 138 pages/10 chapters in 6x9 format, double spaced, 14 pitch font and so now the editing begins. I do need to do the inside design and the covers but ideas are already swirling so I'm thinking they shouldn't take too much time.  I do have a dilema.  At one point, I had considered sending this little story off to a publisher that I discovered in a book I bought a while back.  I visited said publisher's website and thought them to be friendly--in other words, no agent required and they didn't sound so uptight.  I do read sumbission requirements and some of them just sound down right unfriendly and stiff--why would I want to hand over my children (characters) to someone who I think to be unfriendly? Eh, I like to believe I'm a hopeful waiting for my turn and taking my lumps. Either way, as my borrowed motto goes, 'I will find a way or I will make my own'.  Well, I can decide while I polish the manuscript.  The company I found wants the first three chapters.  Those I've already shinned up a bit so I could always work on the other 7 chapts while I wait for an accept or reject letter/email.  I think their response time is 6 weeks or such--might be 3 months though now that I pull at my little gray cells.  DId I mention that I'm not a patient person? I might go ahead and just publish a copy for myself while I wait--one awesome thing about Lulu is that I can keep my project 'private' or make it 'public'. 

Pell is something different.  Of course all writers say that don't they?  I researched my names very carefully so they are not just meaningless names.  I also even learned a special craft while writing this story and I am still studying another craft because of it.  I would expound more but I don't want to give away the details just yet.  As with all my tales, I instill bits of me inside the story so it'll definitely show you some different sides of me.  No poem though...that seems to be a thing with me on my books lately but not on this one.  I think the title chap pics will have some interesting little tidbits. 

Anywhoooo....I also have drawings I need to finish up on my new pic book, 'The One Sock Princess'.  Let me tell you, illustrators deserve high regard/respect!  Making up a storyboard is easy but creating the actually pictures....  I do have some pictures sketched out but I've a lot more to complete.  The inking and coloring shouldn't be too difficult.  I do look forward to using my Bamboo tablet again.  Put the headphones on, crank the music, and then I'm happily coloring with my pen!  

I'm off to bed now.  Time falls back tonight though I'm so exhausted that I doubt the extra hour will really help.  Good night and blessed dreams!!

It is with great pleasure that I introduce this talented author on blog during her first book tour!!

Author of 'If Wishes Were Fishes'

N.A. Sharpe was born in Wilmington, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware studying Psychology and Elementary Education. She is a single mom and currently lives in central Florida with her son and two dogs, Scooter (a Yorkie) and NaNu (a Morkie).

Throughout high school and college, she volunteered in the elementary school system, and, after receiving her degree, taught autistic and schizophrenic children in a private school in Pennsylvania for five years before moving on to an administrative career.

She has always had a deep rooted love of storytelling and children's literature. This is her first picture book. She has one fantasy book published and is currently writing a Young Adult fantasy adventure series in collaboration with her son.

If Wishes Were Fishes

Title: If Wishes Were Fishes

Author: NA Sharpe

Author web site: http://nasharpe.com

Illustrator: Ginger Nielson

Illustrator web site: http://gingernielson.com 

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

url: http://4RVPublishingllc.com

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

ISBN-10: 0982588674

ISBN-13: 978-0982588673

Genre: Picture book

Format: Paperback

Release date: May 10, 2010

Price: $13.99

Pages: 24

-- - - -

JT Trumanowski is a six-year old with a BIG problem…his grandparents! How do you survive a whole weekend alone with them when you do exactly what they say and still end up in so much trouble?!

JT adores his grandparents and is thrilled to be invited to spend the weekend with them. He tries hard to follow their requests to a “T” with one disastrously humorous result after another. “Why can’t they just say what they mean?” he wonders. Talk about a failure to communicate! Join JT as he discovers people may mean what they say, they just don’t always say what they mean…clearly.

Purchasing links:

NA Sharpe for autographed copies from the author

http//:nasharpe.com

Ginger Nielson for autographed copies from the illustrator

http//:www.gingernielson.com

Publisher, 4RV Publishing LLC

http//:4RVPublishingLLC.com

Amazon

http//:www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9

Barnes and Noble

http//:search.barnesandnoble.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes/N-A-Sharpe/e/9780982588673/?itm=1&USRI=if+wishes+were+fishes  

Books a Million

http//:www.booksamillion.com/product/9780982588673?id=4739415082424

Now let's take a look at the talented illustrator that brought N.A.'s endearing story to life:

Ginger Nielson is a full time children’s book illustrator who lives at the top of a hill, near the edge of a forest in a semi-rural part of New Hampshire. There is a magic wand on her desk and a dragon in her basement. Everything else is perfectly normal. You can see examples of her work at www.gingernielson.com

My Review:

Being six is hard when you have a teacher who expects you to spell your entire name. With a name like Jedediah Tobias Trumanowski that can be a problem! Another problem finds him when he visits his grandparents. They speak in a secret language all their own and poor J.T. is absolutely confused by it. He tries his best to please them by doing exactly what they 'say' even if he doesn't understand what they 'mean'. 'Shake a leg' and 'getting your ducks in a row' are just a few of the odd phrases that he finds troubling. You'll laugh as J.T. does his best to comply.

This story is full of humor that will not only make you smile but give you and your children something to talk about afterwards. The wonderful illustrations lend a warmth and friendly feel as they capture the expressions perfectly. Together, the story and illustrations create an endearing tale that is sure to please everyone in the family!

I am excited to announce a wonderful author and friend, N.A. Sharpe's 'If Wishes Were Fishes' book tour will be stopping our my humble little site on Aug 26th!!!!  So make sure to come back and give a look, leave a comment, and find out more about her and her wonderful book!  You can also follow her along on her book tour to other blogs and have a chance to win a goodie package!! 

5 NEW site members within a weeks time!!  Now some of you may think, 'Oh that's not many.  What's the big deal?'  Well...I may get tons of hits but unfortunately not many sign up or even say hello on the guestbook so to get that many within what I deem a short time period is incredible!!  Way to go peoples!! Thank you!! I feel loved and honored.

Now, I must appologize for such a lengthy wait in updating my blog.  No excuses.  I'm a moody gemini that is a walking health disaster so energy and time is something I must constantly battle with.  Still, that's no excuse so I will try to be better!  I recently discovered at a visit to my podiatrist that I have a fractured/almost broken bone in my left foot. That is not a good foot to begin with so the fractured bone just makes it even more challenged.  I now get to wear a lovely little thick black shoe to keep my foot from bending. Now, you are probably wondering how I can walk around w/a badly fractured bone and not realize it? Well....I have a good tolerance for pain and like I said it is my 'not so good' foot. I have lymphedema praecox in that foot which in short means that it is always swollen.  Perhaps the cushiony swelling kept me from feeling the full effects of the pain? Dunno. I had went to the doctor one time with a really bad pain and a few spots on my foot only to discover that I had shingles.  That was a shocker.  Ah well, I may not have the 'best' body but it functions and I am fortunate that it is as good as it is (some have it worse).

UPDATES:

I've been told that a good friend of mine, author/illustrator J.D. Holiday, has bestowed upon my lovely site an award! 

Kinda cool, eh?  Check out my 'Fellow Artists/Writers' page -- J.D. Holiday's site is one of the links!

Alrighty then, update #2--chapters are coming along nicely with my new children's novel, "Pell Shade and the Mysterious Paper".  I'm quite pleased with the progress even though I'm very impatient.  To be honest the book was not set to be written until probably next year but a few events bumped that and so I cannot stop a creative flow (I'd be a fool to do that).  My other book, that was an idea or prompt if you will, is going along nicely.  I'll be doing the illustrations so....if you click on 'Children's Stories' you will find a coloring picture of the main character.  This book is called, "The One Sock Princess" and will be out in a few months.  So be on the look out for some great reads!

I'll be adding the two coloring pictures from the new picture book to the coloring book.  I am hoping to have a couple of pages from my children's novel (the cover and a maybe a chapter picture) to add as well.

Hello. Since there are 3 messages from the same person on my guestbook, I thought to address you here.  I would much rather you put a somewhat more real or at least personable, pen name.  I doubt you're a type of 'microwave' and I hope you are not a 'bot' hoping to 'hack' my site.  It's a simple site that I don't see why anyone would get a thrill if they were to hack it.  I'm not sure what you mean by 'social bookmarking' on my web-blog but then you mention webpage as well. I'd love to reply to your question by I'm not quite sure what you're asking.  My host, webs.com are the actually ones to admire for their skills on the web-blog and webpages.  I actually just type, or pick an action and viola it posts.  I do know some coding and I'm stubborn/determined enough to get done what needs to be done so as the subtitle of my site goes, "I will find a way or I will make my own". 

I keep checking my blog and pages for a possible answer--perhaps, you mean the social groups that I have joined while being a member of webs.com (the long listing at the bottom of my page).  If you are a member of webs.com -- on the 'dashboard' page after signing in, there's a page tab at the top labeled 'community' click on it and then you will be on a page that has four new tabs-Weblog, Webrings, my messages, and Open Forums.  Choose Webrings.  Then you will find a page 'Connect With Other Sites'-here you can decide whether or not to display those social groups on your front page.  I've a few more that I belong to but it floods my main page-I wish I could put them all up but I don't want the page to be enormous. 

I hope this is the answer you need.  If it's not you can contact me through my email here (main page).  If you could, try not to use the word 'hack'-it gives me the creeps.  When I think of 'hack' I think of someone hacking/infiltrating my site and it makes me paranoid/disturbed/worried.  I'm just a simple person who does not wish to be hacked.