 Tuesday, February 27, 2007 You can't win them all! Today, my best friend reminded me of something very important. Perspective. Keeping it and getting it back. I was a "tad" disspointed (okay, miserable) by a recent review of my new release, AFTER SUNDOWN: SALVATION, and I was talking (okay, whining) about it to my best friend. Well, my friend has never, and probably will never hold back from telling me something if she feels strongly about it. So, after listening to my whining for a good five minutes, this is what she ends up asking me, "How will you learn if you win all the time?" I frowned at her, not quite sure where this was going and said,"What do you mean?" My friend replied, "Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose in life, Eden. That's really not the important part. The most important part is what you do with that outcome." I thought more about this later in the day, and her wisdom, as usual, shined through. My friend was telling me that whether I win or lose, I still have a choice in how I react to the event, and where I go from there. I can choose to dwell uselessly and feel sorry for myself. Or I can put the event in perspective, learn from it, grow and move on. Her point was well taken, and as I pondered it further, I looked at the review differently, and I settled down. And guess what? Life went on, and so did I! Until we talk again March 13 and March 27, I wish you many wins, but also a couple of losses to help you learn and keep perspective along the way! Hugs, Eden www.edenrobins.com AFTER SUNDOWN: SALVATION Now Available AFTER SUNDOWN: REDEMPTION TRS CAPA WINNER 2006. RT Reveiewers Choice Award Nominee, 2006 
Sunday, February 25, 2007 I can appreciate that today. I'm snowed in and doubt if I'll be going anywhere for at least 10 or 12 hours. Since I'm a writer, I've got lots to occupy my mind, but just imagine ... stuck in an airport for, say, a day and having to read just what you can find in the airport bookstore (and depending on what airport you're stuck in, the pickings might be slim). If you have your ebook reader, though, and if it's fully loaded ... priceless.
Friday, February 23, 2007 To them, I say thank you. To Jaynie, my editor, I also say thank you. Thank you for picking me up. Thank you for your help, your guidance, and your insights into what would improve my books. I know this is starting to sound a little like an Oscar acceptance speech, but I really am grateful. This has, for me, been a long road filled with detours, some of which took years. And now that I'm here, I realize it is only because of the support of my family and my friends. I also know that this is only the first step. I've got more stories to tell and there's no way I'm stopping now! :) Hugs to you all Vicky B. http://www.vickyburkholder.com
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 When I first started out on my trip, I thought I was just going into the nearest town to do a little shopping for my aunts. I live with the three of them in Cotswold Forest. It's a fair walk to the city of Mairtree, but can be done in a day. But something strange happened on the way. Let me back up a little. You see, the day before my trip was my natal day and that evening, I made a wish on a shooting star. I wanted an adventure. To say that I got my wish would be an understatement. And I swear I will never make another natal day wish again. Ever. Although my wish did bring me Daniel and many friends I would otherwise never have met, so I guess overall it was a good thing. Anyway, as I started out on my trip, I felt different. Colors were brighter, sounds were sharper, smells were stronger - as if all my senses were heightened. When I stopped to rest, I sat alone along the river rather than at the picnic area a short distance up the road. I'd learned long ago that very few were comfortable in the presence of my aunts - and me. I understand why now, but then, I didn't. I'd just finished my apple when I heard screams - and I knew. So I ran to the area and jumped in the river. I had no time to think. I just did. A child had fallen in and nobody could reach him but me. The river fought me at first, but then calmed and I was able to save the baby. But it was close. When I emerged, the crowd backed away. All but the mother and father. From them, I received undying gratitude. From the others, fear. I quickly left the gathering and continued on my way, but I knew something had happened in that river. Something in me had changed. If I'd only known then... That was the day I met Daniel. And the beginning of our adventures. To find out what changed for me, take a look at my story, Akashan'te. Vicky did a good job telling my story. For now, though, I have to get back on the road. I don't think my adventures are over yet - and I'm looking forward to the challenges. Rowyn of Cotswold as told to Vicky Burkholder
Monday, February 19, 2007 I was talking with my daughter last night and reminded her that Akashan'te will be out on Thursday. Even over the phone, her excitement was palpable. She berated me for not getting e-mails out there reminding everyone of the fact that my book is coming out. I told her I had been. That I'd been marketing my little fingers off and went into detail of what I'd been doing. Then she said she was going to order dozens of copies for all her friends and wanted to know if I'd sign some of them. That's when I reminded her that Akashan'te is an e-book. Her silence spoke volumes. I know I've explained all this to her before, but am not surprised she's forgotten. Between her work as a recruiter for the Peace Corps, work on her Master's degree, and looking for a new job (you can only work for the P.C. for five years and her tenure is nearly up), she's been more than a little busy. So I patiently explained that it is an e-book that has to be read on a computer or PDA or other electronic device. You can print out a copy, but it's not a paperback. I put a positive spin on it, explaining to her the advantages of e-books, including the environmental issues (a biggie for her) and I think she finally understands. Even if her excitement waned, mine did not. Come Thursday, I will have an actual book with my name on it. A story that others will read and, hopefully, enjoy. I can't wait. Vicky Burkholder http://www.vickyburkholder.com
Sunday, February 18, 2007 Yes, I know, I've been through the book dozens of times. I know the story inside, outside, upside down. I know what the cover art looks like (which is incredible!). I've even got the finished author copies. But that's different. That's "ready to go", not "published." But in four days, it will officially be "available for purchase." Last Friday, I took part in a Cerridwen Press author chat - my first ever. I had a great time and even got some people interested enough to enter my contest. It was my first outing as an official "author". I have a book to sell - or will in four days. I've been writing for years and have been published - in magazines and newsletters and work publications. But this is my first book. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I wish Santa Claus would hurry up. ;) Vicky Burkholder http://www.vickyburkholder.com
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 I had planned on writing something about the origins of St. Valentine, the guy himself, and how we ended up with a day mostly known for its focus on lovers and sweeties, but it’s been done and done again. And on this day you probably have better things to do, too, so I figured I’d keep this short (and sweet, of course, in honor of the day) and just wish you a happy Valentine’s Day. Here in the Pacific Northwest it’s overcast and mild, but I know elsewhere there’s more snow and weather you can possibly care to have. So stay inside, keep your toes warm and well-soxed, and read a comfy e-book from Cerridwen Press, and keep the warmth of the day within you.
Happy Valentine's Day! This has been an exciting week for me. I've received several reviews for Night Visions. I'd like to share snippets of them with you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Night Visions. Ariana Dupré gives readers a story about two very stubborn people, both holding something back, both lying to the other while combating an overwhelming hunger for one another. Meanwhile, ghosts are seen walking about and someone is leaving increasingly terrifying notes for Angie. What more could a reader of romantic suspense ask for? Ms. Dupré delivers all these elements masterfully. The glimpses into centuries past to set the stage for the deceptions of now are sometimes down right eerie. Readers will easily be swept away with this story. Night Visions is the first in The Visions Trilogy. I can’t wait for the other books in this series; I am anxious to see what Ms. Dupré brings us next. Reviewed by: Jaymi Have a wonderful day! Smiles,Melissa Alvarez w/a Ariana Dupre http://melissaa.com http://myspace.com/arianadupre
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 to that person, that dear someone, who brought them such cheer. because they deserved only the best on this special day of the year. Some heartfelt, some somber, some fun, and some light, But above all else, they knew that they must say the words right. Near and dear to their heart, there can be no other, So they think and they ponder until it all comes together. Tomorrow arrives, this is it, that snapshot of a moment, that freeze frame in life when they take a deep breath and forget about all other worries and strive. They look deeply into the eyes of their beloved in time, and softly say, "I love you. Will you be mine?" A smile spreads across the face of the person they love. and in that moment it's as if the clouds part and the sun shines down from above, as their dearest nods their head and answers slow and true, "Of course I will, and I love you too." Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Until I post again on February 27th, may all the good you envision for yourself come true. Hugs, Eden www.edenrobins.com
Sunday, February 11, 2007  I'm nearing my release date (June), and I'm trying to explain e-books to people who just really don't get the concept. "It's really a book. Really. I mean, it has a plot and characters and they grow and change and ..." "But when will it be a real book?" "It is a real book. All of the books I've sold (4 to date) are real books." "But ...." I know, there's nothing like holding a 'real book' and smelling the pages and feeling the paper. But since I bought an e-reader, I've become a convert to e-books, especially if a person travels (and I tend to travel at least once a month out of town). It's really come in handy when I was stuck in airports waiting for a flight. There's nothing worse than having only one book to read and finding out that the book you bought was a dud. Granted, I could wander down to the airport bookstore and buy the latest and greatest, but I like having a dozen or so books loaded on an e-reader and just flipping to a different book. But how to explain that to those who've never even seen one, must less used one? I don't try anymore. I just reassure my elderly relatives and non-techno friends that 'the books will be coming out in paper later' and they reassure me that they'll buy it when they see it in the bookstore. Forget buying it from a web site. No, they have to see it in a bookstore. Sigh. J L Wilson Your Saving Grace, June, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007 Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Rowyn, from the Cotswold Forest. Yes, I am related to the witches of Cotswold. Some call me a witch too, but I'm not really. Well, okay, I can do things nobody else can do, but that doesn't make me a bad person - not that witches are bad... Darn. I'm messing this all up. It would be better if you read my story. I told it to a really nice lady. She's a scribe and she wrote down all of Daniel's and my adventures and made them sound much better than I can. The name of the story is "Akashan'te" - which is also the name of the city we ended up in. I can assure you, it wasn't easy getting here. I'd never have been able to make it without Daniel by my side. And poor little Betzal. Who knew such courage could fit in such a small package? Anyway, I don't understand all this modern stuff the scribe told me about, but she assures me my adventures will be available for you to read in just two sennights - on the 22nd. I'll be hanging around here until then and hope to see you at some of the chats my scribe will be attending. Until then, my heart to yours. Rowyn of Cotswold (as told to Vicky Burkholder)
Thursday, February 01, 2007 This is in its own way amusing, because we here at this blog are all dependent on technology. When it works well, technology is "da bomb" -- it's the future! It's what will enable us to [fill in blank here]! Technology will allow us to grow as humankind! When it doesn't work, however, it's beyond frustrating, because we've gotten used to the gleam of the future, and for a tiniest second, we are comforted by the idea of such amazing things surviving us. And then the technology balks, and we are reminded that we live in the present, and cantankerous tech is our way. Anyway, considering I'm writing a futuristic right now, all this should be amusing me. But right now, it's infuriating me! Eilis Flynn THE SLEEPER AWAKES, April 2007 FESTIVAL OF STARS, May 2007 PS Finally! I finally blogged! Triumph is mine today!
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