FREE--"YESTERDAY'S CHANCE" Feb. 3 and Feb. 4

Happy Valentine's Day from me to you (a little early!) 

YESTERDAY'S CHANCE, my contemporary romance short story is available today, February 3rd and tomorrow (Saturday) February 4th for free. 

Take advantage of this offer and enjoy!!!

Wishing all a happy Valentine's Day,

Cherri

Tracking Perception is now <<< FREE >>> on Kindle

A wish on a wing, and a prayer. For today and for only a few days more, Tracking Perception is available to all Kindle owners for {{{ FREE }}} . 

For those who enjoy murder mysteries--let me introduce you to Becky McAllen. She's feisty, clever, and holds a heart of gold. She doesn't take much from anyone and freely speaks her mind. Becky loves four things most in life: coffee, her husband, gossip, and dogs (not necessarily in that order). Oh, and murder...especially when she can step right into the middle of it.  Tracking Perception

If you're looking for some reads to pre-load onto that special Kindle for Christmas morning, grab my novel while the gettin's hot! 


This is just the beginning for kicking off a great Christmas Season!


Happy Holidays,
Cherri

 

Some end of summer reads

It's the end of the summer. Cooler weather is beginning to move down on our hot little heads. Finally! 

This has been the summer to remember--weather wise. I'll talk more about this summer once I can get my emotions in check from the drought, water conservation, trees dying, and now raging fires throughout my state. I live in Texas. 

These are my three stories: Tracking Perception (mystery novel), Halo and Holly (short story), and Yesterday's Chance (short story). All have wonderful endings, Happily Ever After, and I hope if you read them you can close them with a smile. They were written with love. 





















I say goodnight with constant prayers for my neighbors who have lost their homes, their treasures, their lives. May the weather change soon and bring us blessed rain. 

Waving from Texas,
Cherri

Summer has arrived

The May totals came in from Amazon. Wow! I doubled my totals. (happy, happy, happy!) 

Summer is in full swing here in Houston and I can't begin to tell everyone how much I hate hot weather. :(  But, June is here and it's time to Heartguard our dog-babies, and make an extra pitcher of iced tea. 

I'm on a quest to read 100 books this summer and actually started on May 1st. Hopefully, this feat will be accomplished. No doubts, cause I love to read. 

If anyone is interested in an cute little cozy mystery...my TRACKING PERCEPTION is available on Kindle for .99cents. You can just click the pic below and it'll take you to my Amazon buy page. 
As always, I wish all my best. Keep smiling and writing, and especially reading.


Happy Trails,
Cherri

Guard your words

More and more I'm hearing horror stories of how some authors are having their novels stolen and placed in ebooks on various sites by scrupulous persons without any morals. Hard work that's being stolen and placed up with some thief's name as the writer. Has our society reached the point of no return? I hope not. 

This is what I'm going to advise--hold your words as close to your chest as possible. Don't speak of a title, or give any highlights, and for goodness sake don't put up any chapters or rambling thoughts about your book and what it contains...until IT IS PUBLISHED! Guard your words as close to your chest as you would your SS#. It won't be long till us Indie Writers have formed enough of a strong hold that we can retaliate with the proper channels. Won't be long. 

On a lighter note--I'm thinking about Amazon DE (Germany). Maybe because it's so new or maybe because of the language barriers--whatever the hold-back, I'm wondering how to promote. See, I can say in German, "sit," "stay," "down," "alert," "search drugs," "go pee," and many other German canine commands...but when it comes to conversing, well oops! I'm at a loss!! And I don't think telling someone to "go pee" would be a nice icebreaker. :-) 

Guard your words, keep your chin up, and happy writing AND reading,

Cherri

KDP Heads

Tracking Perception
All Indie authors know what KDP is, if they're pub'd on Kindle. I've turned into a KDP Head. It stands for Kindle Direct Publishing. 

I check my numbers five minutes after the hour and the half-hour constantly. Then I run check my ranking numbers. And then I run over to the categories I'm in to see where I'm placed. (yep, I've turned into a KDP Head :-) It's basically "writer's crack." LOL!

I can now say I've joined the 100 club! Boy, what a feeling! 

On the flip side to my discombobulated life--my husband and I set up a hummingbird feeder, 2 regular bird feeders and a squirrel feeder in our backyard. Wouldn't you know it the squirrels like the bird food better! And the birds, especially the Bluejays, like the squirrel food! Soooo, everyone seems pretty happy eating till their little bellies are full. That makes me happy.

I love nature and I love the critters running around. Here's a snapshot of one of the squirrels stretched out hanging upside down...laying claim to his own feeder. ha! 

Life surrounds us all so many good things.









Embrace it with open arms...
Cherri

Summer's around the corner

Summer's just around the corner. Time to stack up on your summer reading. You know, add to the TBR! (To Be Read) 

With the economy in the shape of a thin red line...I want to express how much entertainment can be had--with books. Some are downright cheap (like mine!) I offer two short stories, Halo and Holly and Yesterday's Chance at .99cents each. Also, I have a full novel, TRACKING PERCEPTION going for the same .99cent value. And, for a few dollars more, you can read Impact For Murder. All on the Kindle! 

I took off this past week to get some much needed writing done and am having such a good time -- I'm going to take next week off too. The flow is too strong for me to back off now. So, what I'm saying is that I won't be on the internet as much, or FB, or loops, or anywhere...just here chatting with my characters, loving on my dogs, swigging down coffee and having the best time ever!! As writers, we do what we have to do, and speaking for myself, I love this part of my life! 

Happy writing, happy reading--

Cherri

Featured at Vicki Tyley's Blog

This weekend I'm being featured on Vicki Tyley's Blog.

What a neat surprise! TRACKING PERCEPTION, available on Kindle. :>)

Go by Vicki's place and tell her hello! 

Happy days ahead,
Cherri

 

Changes for the Better

Lately, I've been asked about my choice of "going Indie." But the best question was, "are you happy?"

Simply put, I'm always happy. Can't help it. To answer the question though, "Yes, I'm very happy with the choices I've made with becoming and Independent Writer." Who wouldn't be? I set my own writing schedule, don't have to compete with anyone else, and certainly don't have to put up a "publisher's list of favorites" which ticks me off. For Pete's sake, this is a business, not a competition at being the teacher's pet. Too much drama.

Like I've said in the past, I'm a writer, always wanted to be since I was a child--now my career choices are settled and I'm doing exactly what I should be doing. It isn't a mystical dream that materialized. This is what was supposed to happen. It took work. A goal was set into motion at an early age and I'm fulfilling it. It's not magic people, it's sweat, tears, and research. 

Am I successful? Success can be measured in many ways. Not just monetary. Yeah, I consider myself extremely successful. I wake up every day doing what I love to do--Making up stories in my head! LOL! 


As time goes on and life extends itself to an older age, I'll look back and can honestly say, "I've lived my dream." 


Smilin' and keeping it simple, and sippin' on my coffee with Cheyenne at my side----
Cherri

It's Live and Up!

The right file is up and live and available. (yay!!!) 

Had tons of crazy happenings during the "Supermoon" weekend. Waitresses that I had known for over a year all of a sudden didn't have a clue who I was. (no, I didn't change my hair --same ol' me) Then the computer stuff. Everything I touched either disappeared right before my eyes, or did a switch-a-roo on me after I closed the page and went back to it. Strange things all weekend long. 

The good parts of the weekend though, was that my husband and I worked in the flowerbeds all week and the yard is taking shape. Spring is in bloom. And so are our flowerbeds. Honey did an outstanding job laying out landscape and putting his muscles to hard work. (he's a good husband ;p ) 
Now TRACKING PERCEPTION is finally up and in working order-- I hope you enjoy. :-) 

Enjoying our wonderful weather with sunny days, cool breezes, and tall glasses of iced tea,
Cherri

Upload, upload, and re-upload

The day has come to announce that I've finally uploaded, Tracking Perception. But who knows when it'll come "live". For the simple fact that in all my discombobulated hurry, I uploaded the wrong version, the re-uploaded yet again the wrong version, and now am waiting to get back in and upload the CORRECT version. 

However, it doesn't spoil my good mood. I went through this file with a fine tooth comb going over everything I thought possible...from formatting to tweaking, to grammar, to style. Then I uploaded the wrong dang version. Sheesh!  Oh well, the right one will be up soon.

Here's the excerpt: 

A Becky McAllen Mystery Novel

A bloody murder at the Piper Mansion. The only witness, Tasha— a German shepherd dog…

There’s been a murder in Spike, a small Texas town. The bank president and his wife were found in their home with slashed throats. The discovery occurred when four church ladies came to visit for the monthly financials. After stumbling onto the gruesome scene they decided to clean things up before calling the police, to spare the town from seeing the atrocity.

When Becky McAllen, who happens to be married to the chief of police, becomes Tasha’s caretaker, she becomes the killer’s next target…a murderer who’s after much more than blood.

Author’s note: This is the author’s preferred edition of the 2007 release, previously titled, The Scent of Money. 

Wishing all an exciting weekend. Keep on reading!

Cherri 

Our Sabrina Marie

Yesterday, at 11:15 am on the 3rd of January, 2011, our "Brie" quietly took her last breath. 

Brie is my kindred spirit. She was the happiest little girl ever in the canine world. She grinned, laughed, and played in a constant state of harmony. She never fussed or complained about anything. She was the one we called our "clown". 

She came to our home beaten, abused, and emotionally distraught. But, she never gave up on life, and we certainly never gave up on her. She worked through her 'issues' and grew into the most courageous puppy I've ever seen. Brie became our mediator in our household. If a tiff started between a couple of her siblings, she stepped in and smoothed it over, before it escalated. Brie turned everything, and I do mean everything, into a game. Her sweet outlook on this world was a big ball of FUN! 

She knew how to push the lever on the fridge door and get ice cubes--oh Lord, she kept the thing empty! Loved to eat ice cubes and shared them with the others. She could jump up and hit the switches to turn on lights--oh yes, it was nothing to come home from anywhere and have EVERY single light on in the house! For a German shepherd, she excelled brilliantly. And didn't have one agressive bone in her body. She loved everyone, never judging them...human or animal.

Brie died due to a peri-anal fistula. They are horrible. We fought it with every antibiotic on the market (both canine and human)-- for the past three years. She didn't complain with all the pills she had to swallow, or the constant cleaning and medicating her little bottom. I actually scheduled personal activities around Brie's medicating and cleaning routine and would say how Brie's butt ruled our home. I didn't mind. And I'd give anything to still have that routine. My heart feels withered as a raisin right now. Next month she would have been 13.

I know in the days ahead, I'll still glance at the doorway to see if she's peeking in at me, or hear her soft chuffs, or her toenails on the floor...in the days ahead, I know I'll catch a scent of her soft breath--

Yes, Brie was my kindred spirit--and now, the other half of my kindred is gone.

                       SABRINA MARIE GALBIATI  2/6/98 - 01/03/11

Cherri 

A New Chapter Opens in Our Lives

The Houston Police Department is minus one. It's official, my husband is now honorably retired as of today's date. 

Until now, I promised my husband (per his request) I wouldn't blog about where he worked, or give any details. I kept that promise. Now, I'm free to blab. 

My husband...a proud man, an honorable man. He served our country and our city well. For twenty-eight years he left our home to protect and serve with a skip in his step. He cared for the people in his beat, he cared for the Department, and he cared for the victims. His belief in what's RIGHT overrules all else. 

Many years ago shortly after we met, I remember the day he told me he wanted to be a cop. I learned to pray really hard from that day on. And not one day has ever been missed. I thank God for hearing my prayers and seeing us through a lifetime with his life still in tact. And for keeping him all in one piece. 

So now? Well, my sweet husband is in the process of turning his "office" at home into a MAN CAVE! Oh good grief--he's gone overboard, gutting out the old and putting in new speakers, big screen TV, stereo, main-streaming, wireless, wired, and new cabinets, wall decor, new chair, and any other type of comfort for home entertainment. 

He also loves tools...wood working tools, plain tools, saws, sanders, planers, rippers, power tools (he especially loves power tools), and drills of every assortment. He's converting our garage into his "work shop." (shoot me now!) Although, I must say, it's looking pretty organized, so I'm not complaining too much. 

The other night we went for a stroll--we held hands and I thought how comforting it was to hold his hand and, to know that now I don't ever have to let go. 

Yes, we're starting a new chapter in our lives and I'm very grateful for having this opportunity in doing so.

I raise my glass high to you, my love--

Cherri 

Amazon Studios is open

Yesterday's news broke wide open about Amazon Studios! They're in partnership with Warner Brothers! So for all you screen writers out there--go check them out. 

Health issues in week 3 of NaNoWriMo caused me to drop out, for good reason, but I did manage to end the month with 32,300 words. I think at this point in my life, I'm going to pass the torch on to the younger, less encumbered. 

Christmas is around the corner and I hope all who wished for a Kindle, gets one! I know Steve and I enjoy ours immensely. I've had mine for almost a year and can't believe how steady my TBR (to be read) stack has grown. And believe me, I read constantly. It's also been through the Kindle that I've come across some really wonderful authors that wouldn't have gotten the exposure they so richly deserve otherwise. 

The weather is finally cooling for Winter, here in the Houston area. Of course, nothing like up North, but for me, I love cold weather so our bundle-up 35 degree nights and 50 degrees days are what I've anxiously waited for and now I'M TICKLED PINK!  What do I want for Christmas? A warm flannel nightgown!!! 

Our little pecan tree dropped its leaves, and the pecans...and what didn't drop, the squirrels devoured. The wee orange tree is bursting with fruit this year. They should be ready for picking sometime in January. They are the sweetest oranges we've ever eaten! 

Hope your weekend is filled with pleasant surprises and enticing treats--

Happy Trails,
Cherri

Halo and Holly, reviewed by: Diana L. Driver

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Halo and Holly

 Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm filled with thoughts of Christmas which includes Christmas stories. Halo and Holly is a short story by mystery writer Cherri Galbiati. It is one of the best and sweetest Christmas stories ever written. Available on Kindle and Kindle for pc it's a real treat and guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.


The story is centered around two Great Pyrenees, who are as sweet as can be - when they're asleep and playfully wrecking havoc when awake. Halo and Holly is a wonderful story, written from the heart by a writer who knows how to lift any one's spirits. Halo and Holly is destined to be become a Christmas classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family.


Give yourself a treat this Christmas. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this humorous short story. Halo and Holly is guaranteed to put anyone in the Holiday spirit!!


Halo and Holly by Cherri Galbiati is available on Kindle and Kindle for PC - just click on the above link for easy download.  

I wish to thank Diana L. Driver for this wonderful review! She's the author of NINTH LORD OF THE NIGHT  and THE MAYA, PEOPLE OF THE MAIZE.

A few hours of sanity

This evening, D. Nathan Hilliard (Nate) and I stole a few hours at Denny's. For me, this was a godsend. I've been couped up too long in this house and getting out, being around people re-newed the ol' muse, giving her just the right amount of umph she needed. 

We brought our laptops and set up at our usual table. The waitresses, Lauren and Sarah were there to take special care of us. They're the best. Then we got down to business...real business. The side of writing writers dislike with a passion. The "business side" that drains inspiration right out and deposits it on the floor. BUT! We're both doing fairly well. Especially Nate--he's climbing the ranks and making good on his word that all of this is for FUN! And from his totals, he's having quite the good time! Way to go, Nate!!!! 


We brought to the table our thoughts on ebook pricing, the way print is disappearing without a trace, and how we're able to keep up with other authors we've met along the way in various avenues and are remaining friends. (NOT on fb--I personally feel FB is a social cesspool. {{{shivers}}} ) 


Tomorrow will be an exceptionally busy day for me, so I'm putting on my gown and headed to bed. I'll have my Kindle with me for the day tomorrow, then Tuesday it'll back to the grind. Looking forward to this coming week as rain is in the forecast. Please, let it bring in some more cool weather! 

Sending a big wave from Houston,
Cherri

Striving For Balance

Since my husband's been away in L.A., I set some goals. Split between writing like crazy and catching up on the always climbing TBR stack. Well, I've succeeded in both, making sure that the writing has priority. But the outcome on the reading front has been pretty impressive also! 

Just finished Vicki Tyley's "Sleight Malice" and must say it captivated my attention from the first sentence to the end. WAY TO GO VICKI!! Good story, really good! The ending surprised me -- which didn't follow the standard rules of formula, but did, if you think really hard about it. I loved the twists, the characters (Desley's quirks and good hearted reasoning will endear this woman to your very core)--so strong, and the elements of plot. 

D. Nathan Hilliard has done it again and recently (very recent) uploaded "Shades: Wind and Dark Waters" which I wanted to put the pic up, but for some strange reason won't let me copy it. The cover is dynamite though! I'll talk to Nate later today and find out why it won't let me grab the cover and once we figure it out, I'll post it on my blog.


In the meantime, I'm rolling in Becky McAllen's world. She's exciting, filled with life, and is going to make some really tough decisions -- especially when she finds a young woman hanging upside-down from a tree, bled out, just like fresh-shot deer. 

May your day be bright and cheery,
Cherri

 

The Changes In A Writing Career

If anyone had ever told me back in 2006, that by 2010, the publishing industry would be turned on its axis, I wouldn't have believed them. 

As a writer, I held onto my beliefs that going through a traditional publisher was the only way to go. No exceptions. Then in January 2010, I began to notice a trickle of changes outside my small world, cracking those inhibited beliefs wide open. I stood back and listened...and watched. Time swirled around me as I paid close attention, and read everything I could regarding the swift tides crashing in the publishing world, changing right along with it. And no one persuaded me, I'm quite capable of forming my own opinions, which I did.

My goals now are different than when I started out in 2006. Matter of fact, I'm embracing the knowledge that there isn't any restraints over me anymore. What I'm alluding to is that now I can write anything I want, and have it up on Kindle as soon as I feel it's ready for publication. And I get to have the final say.

It isn't a matter of disrespecting any publisher, small or large, for that choice is up to the individual author...it all has to do with the fact that I've changed. I changed in a good way and for the first time in my life, I understand what it feels like to walk without unwarranted guilt. No one will make me feel guilty for the choices I make in my writing career ever again. 

Growing older and added wisdom might have something to do with going Indie. But, for sure, I know my writing will be stronger. 

For the heart of a writer can't not write!

Cherri

Two-week writing treat

Actually, my husband's in L.A. for two weeks, which will allow me to buckle down without too many interruptions to do nothing but write. (except for the fur-kids, but they're angels. lol) 

To kick-off this fortnight, I've ground 3lbs of Houstonian Blend coffee beans, pulled out my favorite CD's, picked up a case of printer paper, and have dipped my muse's wings in creative juice. Now, we'll just have to wait and see where these characters take me. They have been evolving in my head (or more like screaming) for about a month--it's time to let them loose! 

I think most of my readers are going to fall in love with Penny. She walks through this life with a definite style all her own. And wait till you meet her German shepherd. This gorgeous GSD is gonna steal your heart (and the murderer's also). 

Recently, an acquaintance approached me with some questions. Here's the answers: 
1) Have you always wanted to be a writer.
     Ans: No, and yes. Obstacles kept throwing themselves in front of my life, detouring my goals--until I reached forty. Then I didn't give a rat's right ear and decided it was time to fulfill the void my heart ached for. I now have. :) 

2) Do you write anything other than mysteries? 
     Ans: No,...and yes. Recently I wrote the sweetest short story I've ever written, Halo and Holly. It isn't a mystery. It's a sweet canine Christmas short story about two Great Pyrenees. Also, I have a different kind of romance short story I'll be publishing on Kindle soon. But other than those two, all the rest of my novels and short works are mysteries. The Scent of Money, and Impact For Murder--both are novels and are on Kindle. 

3)Do you always write with dogs in your stories. 
     Ans: Yes. Always.

Thank you Shawna for your questions! 

With a huge mug of hot coffee and my writing partners curled up near my feet, it's time for me to begin...my two-week writing treat!


Cherri

High-Tech, I'm not!

The learning curve is quite away out in left field for me. Learning HTML, DTP, PDF, file conversions, and now I'm sinking in the RSS feed stuff. 

I know everyone loves new techology--shoot, I like it too. Especially as we watch blu-ray on high-def TV. Or with the click of the mouse--email all my friends. This is great. But at some point, I sometimes want to say, "this is getting too much, could somebody PLEASE accept my type-written manuscript from an old Selectric typewriter?" (now days, I can't even find ribbon cartidges for replacement) Sooo, I've accepted the computer, the upgrades for software (just as I finally figure out the old one, feeling snappy with it, out comes something 'new' and the old is obsolete), and all the hassles it entails. 

What I don't get, is all the constant "do it yourself" commands. Life at my age should be gentler, less complicated. *sigh* 

Tonight, on the agenda after supper, is to learn about RSS feeds, what they do, why, and how come I have to learn this too. **throwing my hands up in the air, with a smile**

Happy Trails,
Cherri