To those who read my previous post for Fundraising for my Best Friend...

In my deepest sorrow, I didn't realize I'd not updated this Blog regarding my fundraising efforts for my Best Friend's transplant surgery.  My Sweetheart stayed strong. He finally received his transplant surgery but didn't survive the operation. My heart is broken.
 Randy loved my stories. He encouraged me to write always! He was my biggest Champion. In his memory I will push through and use my writing to escape my grief. Memories and feelings of our times together will be laced inside my stories and I will keep him alive not only in my heart but in my writings.
  I love you and I miss you always my Sweet.

Merry Christmas to All!

By now the gifts are opened and the children are hopefully settling down. Our hearts are full of love and feelings of tenderness toward our families and we're thanking our Lord for the Blessings of family.
Extra prayers to all of those who were lonely and homeless on this wondrous day.

I believe most of us have had funny, romantic and sentimental memories that were created today. Memories that can inspire some lovely stories. Think of all that you have done or will do during this happy season. Then I challenge you to write a short story, a chapter for your work in progress, a memoir entry and even be inspired to start a new novel! If not a Christmas story then maybe you'll find inspiration from your New Years Eve Celebrations!
If you'd like to share some of your holiday with me, I'd love to read about it. Just drop it in the comments!

I wish everyone a Blessed season and a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Keep Writing and Keep Smiling!

Launching Your Published Book-Learning Social Media

Hi Everyone!
  Since revising my book MEET SANDY GULL, I've been working hard to get my promotion/marketing in order! Social Media has been an enormously helpful way to promote myself as an author. It is also a huge way to promote book sales! Be prepared to spend much time learning how to make your way through the ins and outs of using each one.
  I have been concentrating on my new Business Face Book Page for my Sandy Gull Character. If you have a moment, take a look and if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

                     www.facebook.com/pages/sandy-gull/434597989961672

I've been told that if you can't afford a website immediately, then you MUST go out there and create a FREE Business Face Book Page. I'm feeling happy with my Business FB Page and I hope you'll fly over and take a look. Please "like" it while you're there, (if you do like it).  Smiling......!

   I have also joined Twitter. I have much more to learn with Twitter. I found a book at my local library that was downstairs in the "Used books for sale" area. The book is called Twitter Power. I'm finding it very helpful. I've also purchased a book called Social Media Marketing  all-in-one for Dummies. This book gives helpful instructions to navigating your way around Blogs, Podcasts, Vlogs, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and more! The book I purchased has a copyright of 2010 and I purchased it at Ollie's for $9.99. Although it is already 3+ years old, the basics are all there and it is helpful.
 
   I've taken a workshop at my local Small Business Association Branch Office. (Check your local SBA for free workshops.) There are many business people who are willing to host these workshops and help beginners learn and be successful. Attending workshops is a great way to Network as well. I've attended 3 workshops in the past month. One was to learn Pinterest. (Another social media site). I've not gotten mine up and running yet, due to time constraints, but am looking forward to blocking out the time to do that.

  I am working with a friend of mine named Rob on a basic Website. I've purchased my Domain Name- www.sandygull.com  (Not up and running yet, but I'll let you know when it is.) Don't hesitate to go out there and purchase your Domain name. You want to make sure it will be available when you ARE ready. I used the website www.GoDaddy.com to purchase mine. That website was recommended to me by a trusted source.....my computer savvy son.

  Lot's to learn folks! More than I'd imagined! It's a lot of work, a lot to read ....but will be so worth the time invested. My thoughts are, once I get this all under my belt, I'll become proficient and participating regularly on each social media site will become quick, pleasurable and if done correctly ..., profitable!

In the meantime ... KEEP WRITING AND KEEP SUBMITTING!