Friday, October 27, 2006

Whale Song Goes to Hollywood!


My new April 2007 release, Whale Song, is currently being read by two Hollywood film companies. And they are not the first to consider it for movie potential.

Just over a year ago, I approached Mind's Eye Productions, a Canadian film company. They asked for a screenplay, which I then wrote with a fellow writer, Alison Neuman. After careful consideration, they turned it down, I believe due to budget constraints.

And now Hollywood has Whale Song!

Since the day I started writing this haunting story, I have 'seen' it unfold like a movie. And I am thankful that my new publisher, Kunati Books, saw the potential as well.

I have envisioned the emotional impact on the audience and can taste the popcorn. I have dreamed of watching the premier, with a case of Kleenex on hand. And I have imagined potential young stars as the possible main character, like Mackenzie Rosman or Dakota Fanning for the younger Sarahs.

Whale Song has also garnered some foreign rights interest, so keep your fingers crossed. One day you may see Whale Song on the BIG SCREEN and read a copy of it in Spanish while visiting Spain.

Fans have begged me for a movie, and even Writer's Digest had this to say:

"A wonderfully well-written novel. Wonderful characters [that] shine. The settings are exquisitely described. The writing is lyrical. Whale Song would make a wonderful movie."

So, send Hollywood some Whale Song energy! :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, a 2007 Kunati Books release.

6-Word Short Stories


Ok...a friend of mine, a fellow writer Kelly Komm, sent me this fascinating (and addictive) link to some 6-word short stories. When you read the premise, you'll get it.

I posted my own contribution at the bottom...but, oh heck...I'll post it here as well!

To hell and back. Refund, please!

Check out the link...what do you think, should I have won? :)

http://wired.com/wired/archive/14.11/sixwords.html

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Atrophy ~ a short story by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Sometimes an obsession overtakes the mind and heart. Sometimes an obsession can be deadly.

Aggie was stuffed.
She was so full that she couldn’t digest even a single thought.
Homer stroked her hair lovingly while she stared at him, speechless. Her mouth stretched into a slight smile and he leaned forward, gently kissing her lips.
“Happy anniversary, honey. You’re the love of my life, Aggie. Always have been, always will.”
When a tear trickled from her eye, he wiped it away with a tissue.
“I’m not very good at this, but I want you to know that you look almost as lovely as the day we met.”

In the summer of 1968, Homer Duggan’s life changed forever at the Klondike Days fairgrounds in Edmonton. That was the year he had met Agnes McFadden.
Aggie.
She was in line ahead of him, her long coppery hair covered with wisps of pink cotton candy. Noticing the sticky mess, Homer reached out a scrawny hand and plucked at her hair.
“Hey!” Aggie scowled, outraged that some tall, skinny kid with freckles splayed across his nose would have the audacity to touch her.
Homer grinned. “Well, aren’t you a sweet thing?”
Over the summer he followed her everywhere. He was in love. Well, as in love as any sixteen year old could be. Aggie was his dream girl, and he knew they were meant to be together…forever.
When she finally gave in and rewarded him with a date, Homer was in ecstasy. Two days later, Aggie―with hair the color of a shiny new penny and eyes as blue as the cloudless sky―became his girlfriend. A week after his nineteenth birthday he married her.
“I’ll love you forever,” Aggie whispered that first night.
The next morning Homer told her that he refused to have children. He loved her so much that he didn’t want to share her with anyone. Aggie reluctantly agreed, and their life together was perfect.

Until last month, when Matthew Patterson moved in next door.
Homer took a steadying breath.
“It’s all Patterson’s fault, Aggie.”
He leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Some things just had to be said, he realized. Hell, if their relationship didn’t have honesty and trust, how could they possibly last?
“For better or worse, Aggie. That’s what you promised. Remember?”
When she stubbornly refused to answer, he crossed his arms and glared back at her.
“If it wasn’t for Matthew Patterson, none of us would be in this predicament.”
Ten years younger than Homer, Patterson operated a business out of his basement. People would drop by at all hours of the day or night, carrying large packages that they left behind.
At first, Aggie and Homer suspected he was a drug dealer. Then late one night, Homer saw Patterson carrying a garbage bag out to the curb. He decided to investigate, and what he found made his stomach heave.
Immediately stomping over to Patterson’s door, he pounded furiously until the man opened it.
“Homer? What are you do―”
“Explain this!” Homer growled, shoving the bag in the man’s hands.
Patterson stared at it, uncomprehending. Then a slow smile crept across his face.
“What the hell’s so funny?” Homer demanded.
“You must be wondering if I’ve slaughtered someone in here,” Patterson said with a chuckle. “I can assure you, it’s all quite innocent. Come inside.”
Homer shuddered as he entered the pitch-black house. An unpleasant, coppery chemical smell lingered in the air. It reminded him of a hospital.
He paused at the basement door, suddenly terrified. “W-what’s down there?”
“Follow me. I’ll show you my masterpiece.”
In the basement, Patterson flicked on a light, and Homer saw two worktables lining one wall. Over twenty glass jars were neatly labeled and stored on a nearby shelf. But it was the thing in the corner that made his heart skip a beat.
A large Doberman sat upright on the floor, its tongue lolling lifelessly to one side.
“H-he’s dead!” Homer sputtered.
“Rejuvenated,” Patterson corrected as he tenderly stroked the dog’s shiny coat. “I’m a Pet Rejuvenator. What you found in that garbage bag came from Mrs. O’Brien’s dog. Max was hit by a car yesterday.”
He explained how he had preserved the dog by draining the fluids, removing its organs, then filling the body with material to maintain its shape.
Homer had to admit that the dog was mesmerizing. Almost lifelike.
“But why?”
Patterson smiled. “I’m like GE. I bring good things to life. Mrs. O’Brien told me she’d wither away to nothing if she was left alone. She couldn’t stand to be separated from Max. He was all she had left. Lots of people feel that way about their loved ones.”
Homer left Patterson’s house feeling slightly relieved.
When he told Aggie about their neighbor’s strange business, she shrugged. “He’s not doing anything illegal.”
Nothing illegal, maybe. But was it right?

Homer swallowed hard.
“I should have known something was up when you started staying out late, playing cards with the girls.”
He knew that she was going to deny it, so he shushed her. “There’s no point in lying to me. Not now. I saw you go into his house.”
He had confronted Patterson four days ago, knowing without a doubt that his neighbor had been messing with his wife. The man actually had the nerve to deny it, to say that it wasn’t what Homer thought.
“You were sleeping with him, Aggie. And you were going to leave me for him.”
Homer’s throat began to burn as his anger simmered.
“Do you want him now?” he sneered, turning Aggie’s head toward her lover.
Matthew Patterson’s twisted atrophied body was a nightmare.
It was obscenely fastened to the basement wall with hooks and long spikes. The man’s motionless eyes stared at them, unseeing. His temple was caked with crusted skin and congealed blood, and the stench of death oozed from every pore.
Almost perfect, Homer thought.
Except Patterson’s stomach was deflated and he looked…dead.
“Practice makes perfect,” he muttered. “I tried to remember what he showed me. I should have paid better attention when he did Max.”
Of course, having a body kicking and screaming on the worktable didn’t make it easy. Homer had to take a hammer to the man’s head, knock him out a bit and tie him up with duct tape.
Red Green would be proud!
“I’ll do a better job with you, Aggie. I promise.”
He smiled at her. A trophy bride.
Aggie was stuffed. And almost completely drained. Tears poured from her horrified eyes and she made raspy mewing sounds that grew fainter with each dying breath. Her deceitful mouth was glued shut, but a few pieces of stuffing had escaped.
“I’ll have to clip these,” he murmured. “I’ll glue your eyes shut too, my love. So your tears won’t ruin your makeup.”
Suddenly the doorbell rang.
Hurrying upstairs, Homer was greeted by a young courier who was holding a small box. Perplexed, he signed for the package and brought it inside. He opened it slowly, then wheezed in a gulp of air.
A stuffed squirrel was nestled in the bottom of the box.
A card was attached to it. It read:

My dearest Homer,
Matthew found Rocky stuck in the tree. He was dead.
I know you loved watching and feeding little Rocky so I had Matthew stuff him for you.
Happy anniversary and all my love.
Forever yours,
Aggie.

Homer sucked in a breath and struggled to slow his hammering heart.
Forever was a very long time.
~*~

Copyright © 2006 by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Previously published in the March 2006 issue of Silver Moon Magazine.

Monday, October 23, 2006

'Snowballing' an interview

About a month ago I did an interview with an Ezine which got posted and indexed by Google.
As I am the author of a mystery series that features a detective and his girlfriend who are also musicians, much of the interview touched on musicians, famous and otherwise, that I'd met over the years.
Within days it was picked up by dozens on music websites and then indexed and passed onto more featuring some of these musicians and so on, and so on.
Valuable lesson learned? Never pass on any opportunity to promote you and your works. In todays wonderful world of the internet, it's amazing how far a few words will go!


Ric Wasley
Author - McCarthy Family Mysteries

Watch for:
Shadow of Innocence
Coming from;
Kunati - April 2007

Films and Books Features a Review on The River by Cheryl Kaye Tardif


Films and Books, a magazine that reviews--uh, films and books--is currently featuring a review of...The River, "a Must Read thriller".

Reviewed by Christina Francine, who writes for Midwest Book Reviews:

Cheryl Kaye Tardif skillfully balances scientific intrigue, and the human desire to retain a youthful body, with tantalizing sexual tension, and vivid characterizations in this engrossing romantic thriller.The plot steps beyond reality, but by how much? Science grows in its knowledge more every day. One thing is for sure, and history shows it to be true, greed and absolute power taint fabulous discoveries and inventions...

Read the entire review at http://www.filmsandbooks.com/book-chronicles-reviews-of-old/

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of The River, Divine Intervention and Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

out of print

These days, the typical life span for a work of fiction is measured in months: that means that your book, unless it's selling very well, will one day probably be off the shelves and out of print.
You'll feel sad, of course, but there is something you can do to prepare for this:

First, check the out-of-print clause in your contract. Chances are that rights revert to you after a specified period of time. You may have to request that reversion in writing. Once you have the confirmation of owning the rights again, there are things you can do with those rights.

The best thing. of course, is to have your agent look for a new publisher. If that fails and you have a reasonable marketing plan for th ebook, you might consider placing it with one of the many Print-on-Demand publisher (Xlibris is one). You should also explore the programs available through Amazon to make your book availabe electronically as a PDF or e-book.

Just remember: like the man said'it ain't over 'til it's over.

Fellow Kunati Author Receives High Praise for The Game

My fellow Kunati author, Derek Armstrong, received a "Must Read" for his darkly humorous novel The Game on Films and Books.

Reviewed by T. Sentell:



Fathering two teenage daughters, you’d think detective Alban Bane would have enough to fret about, but in The Game, a hugely cinematic thriller with hilarious dark comic moments, we find him quickly dealing with headless corpses. Not that headless corpses give you much trouble because they’re usually real still and don’t talk back and you don’t have to worry about making meaningful eye contact with them, it’s just that this scrappy, witty cop is pretty motivated to find out how they lost so much weight real quick … especially after he gets a creepy letter inviting him to come find out.

This is an irresistible story that centers around a new American reality television show called “Haunted Survivor,” where a boiling-pot mix of soon-to-be-dead-but-they-don’t know-it-yet contestants see how long they can survive in an old Vermont mansion haunted by its former occupant, a mass murder, who left the planet in the first chapter by execution by lethal injection. Survive and get one million dollars, but these contestants are having a hard time surviving. They’re having an easy time, however, getting slaughtered.

You’ve got to love a novel that crystallizes, in a single line, our squirmy fascination with this sort of thing, delivered by Haunted Survivor’s uptight producer who finally becomes good and unstrung at the end of the story herself, “We’re assuming,” she said, “America’s fascination with reality television and crime will continue.” Sure does, lady. Sure does. And you’ve got to love a thriller, like all great literate thrillers, that makes you feel pretty sure you know who the killer is …but guess what...

Want to read the full review?
The Game - Hugely Cinematic Thriller With Dark Comic Moments: Must Read

Armstrong's The Game is due out in April 2007, along with my novel, Whale Song. Check them both out! http://www.kunati.com

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, Divine Intervention and The River

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Authors, Let Readers Meet You!

Attention authors and poets from North America and Canada! Get listed for free on my two pages, Readers Meet Authors from Alabama to Wyoming! (for authors residing in America) and Readers Meet Authors from Alberta to Yukon! (for authors residing in Canada). The Canadian page is new (just created it today) so it only has one listing. Please help fill these two pages up and join about 40 American authors! These pages are based on where you currently live, not where you were born.

Go to my site at http://www.shirleycheng.com and click on Readers Meet Authors (for Authors) in the pink box toward the box...follow the directions exactly when it jumps you to the directions.

Spread the word to all you know!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Authors' Row at the Edmonton Woman's Show

Well, the Fall Edmonton Woman's Show just isn't complete without Authors' Row, a multi-author event I organize with the Show's producer each fall and spring. This year's event took place on October 14th and 15th, at Northlands Agri-Com in Edmonton, Alberta. This show featured Robert Hoffman from TV's hit show Vanished. Hoffman plays the sexy cameraman and has some steamy scenes with co-star Rebecca Gayheart. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta...Oh to be her! :)

Authors' Row featured 7 Edmonton and area authors, including Bruce Atchison from Radway, Alberta. Atchison's debut is part memoir/part bunny care and is titled appropriately When a Man Loves a Rabbit. If you have bunnies or know someone who does, I recommend this book. Patricia Brine, Carissa Reiniger, Jackson Carter, Sue Paulson and Rosalie Rasmussen also participated in Authors' Row. And of course, there was me--Cheryl Kaye Tardif.

This year I promoted my April 2007 release Whale Song (978-1-60164-007-9 Kunati Books) as well as selling my psychic suspense Divine Intervention and my action-packed thriller The River.

A prize package valued at over $100.00 was awarded to Stephanie L. Congratulations, Stephanie, and thanks for stopping by my booth.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

A Total Write-Off Was a Total Blast!


Well, this week has been very hectic. On the 11th of October, I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary by participating in the new TV series A Total Write-Off with host comedian Barbara North. I don't want to say too much about the competition because I want to encourage everyone to watch it when it airs (I believe in early 2007) on Book Television, Access-The Education Station and Canadian Learning Television. The show producer Lisa Miller and all the people at Panacea Entertainment put on a memorable event for writers from all genres and for the live audience who participated in this hilarious show.

On October 12th, my husband Marc and I returned as part of the audience. I had to see what it was like on the other side of the stage! It was definitely two days I won't ever forget. The highlights for me, apart from the show itself, were meeting Barbara North, a fellow army brat, being paired with Damien James, a talented ventriloquist, and chatting with Alan Kellogg, an Edmonton Journal columnist and the show's critic, who I will tell you said our story "roared like a lion".

I'll post the air dates ASAP.

To Lisa, Erin, Mike, Guy and Sarge...and all the others at Panacea, THANK YOU for selecting me to participate. Thanks also to the talented and crazy mime dancers, the band and my fellow writers.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books) www.cherylktardif.com

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Simple Things To Keep in Mind for a Successful Radio Show Interview

As a radio guest for twenty times thus far (with three more interviews coming up), below are just a few tips I'd like to share with others from my own experiences:

1. When e-mailing a radio host, briefly introduce yourself and what you do, and explain why you would like to be a guest on their show. Be brief and write in short, simple paragraphs. Always paste a one-page information outlining your topic and field of expertise in the e-mail.

2. Ask what topics their show discusses and see how your topic can fit in. Always voluntarily tell the host what topics you can cover
by giving the main points or talking topics/subject areas.

3. Confirm each radio appearance (date, time, number to call, and what time to call if the guest has to call in )with an e-mail or a call a few days before the show.

4. Ask the host if they would like to have more information from you. It is best to keep an electronic media kit so you can just e-mail the information rather than mailing it (if they accept attachments, of course...be sure to ask if they do before e-mailing any attachments).

5. Prepare yourself for the show with questions you think the host might ask you. I personally don't physically keep notes; instead, I store everything in my mental treasure box.

6. During the interview, if the host makes a mistake introducing who you are, your company, or what you do, promptly but courteously correct them so they won't make the same mistake the next time and so the listeners can receive the correct information. The host would thank you for it.

7. Have fun during the interview and smile. People can easily tell whether or not the guest is having a good time. Be relaxed; don't feel nervous. Hosts and listeners are just people like you and me.

8. After the show, send the host an e-mail thanking them for a wonderful interview and let them know that you'll be glad to be their future guest.


There are many other tips (i.e. standing as opposed to sitting down during an interview), but they don't apply to me personally and/or are suggested by many others (i.e. stay on topic, use easy language, etc.).


Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled motivational speaker, poet, author and contributing author of eight books,has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy, and did not receive education until age eleven. She mastered sixth-grade level in all areas after about 180 days of schooling in her lifetime. After a successful eye surgery, She hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University. Despite her multiple disabilities, Shirley is living the life she loves and she empowers, inspires, and motivates others to do the same. Be inspired by her books, including The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine, and her newsletter Inspiration from a Blind, to which you can subscribe via her site at http://www.shirleycheng.com

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Poet Shirley Cheng to Inspire Canadian Radio Listeners


Shirley Cheng, a blind and physically disabled 23-year-old motivational speaker, poet, author and contributing author of eight books, will inspire the listeners of The Phil and Scotty Show on Tuesday, October 17 at 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time. Tune in to the live show on am 920 CKNX (midwestern Ontario, Canada).


"I've made it one of my life's missions to touch as many people as I possibly can to bring humor, hope, and healing; and I hope to empower, inspire, and motivate the listeners to go for their gold medals in life as I have gone for mine despite insurmountable challenges," says Cheng.


For more information about Cheng and her books, visit http://www.shirleycheng.com.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Inspirational Writer Celebrates Mid-Autumn with Book Signing


Hudson Valley's motivational speaker and author Shirley Cheng will be holding a book signing during the Mid-Autumn Festival sponsored by Mid-Hudson Chinese Community Association (MHCCA) on Sunday, October 15, 2006 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Roy C. Ketcham High School (99 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590). Some of the proceeds from Cheng's signing will go to Christian Blind Mission International to aid the blind and physically disabled people in 113 developing countries. The books she will sign include her inspirational autobiography "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine: A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials & Tribulations" and "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2", which she co-authored with leading experts like Jack Canfield, John Gray, and Richard Carlson. Cheng will also take pre-orders for the latest installment in the bestselling "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love" series, to which she contributed, along with highly notable people including Carla and Lou Ferrigno, TV's the original "Incredible Hulk" and neighbor on the network television comedy show, "King of Queens"; Dr. Wayne Dyer; and Tony Robbins.


For more information about her book signing, to ask her to speak at your event, or to schedule her for a book signing, contact Cheng via http://www.shirleycheng.com


Being both blind and physically disabled herself, Cheng expresses a strong desire to help those who are not only stricken by hunger and wars but also by their disabilities. "Being blind or disabled is already hard enough without having to endure the suffering resulting from natural catastrophes or economic barriers. I have always wished to help anyone in need, and this is my chance to do so. I hope people will support me in this good cause," says Cheng.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

My Book Signing Had a Great Beginning...

I just wanted to share with you all some happy news regarding my second book signing at Borders (which was yesterday). After we (my mother and I) arrived and noticed they only had one copy of each of my titles they ordered on display, we were puzzled because they should have 17 display copies. "We sold them!" was the answer we received when we asked. I was almost speechless when I heard that. They had sold 14 of the display copies before my signing and just reserved the last display copy for each title. I wonder if more copies would be sold if they had more; guess I'll never know.

On another note: I always bring a newsletter signup sheet to my signings, so I've got a handful of people signing up for my newsletter, Inspiration from a Blind, yesterday. I also gave out my bookmarks and business cards to anyone who passed by.


Shirley Cheng, ShirleyCheng.com

Friday, October 06, 2006

Surprising a Fan is So Rewarding!

Ok, I'm back from high school--a Catholic high school to be exact. Not because I'm a student or a geek, but because I got to surprise a fan today. And you should have seen her reaction!

Alora had been emailing me the last month. She told me she enjoyed two of my novels and was so genuinely excited for me with my news (new publisher, TV series, etc). She even went so far as to convince her family and friends to order Divine Intervention and The River from Amazon.com to help persuade my new publisher to take my other two books! lol

Now that's a fan!

So after sneakily getting the name of her school, I plotted my surprise. I contacted the school and arranged a visit this afternoon. I loaded up a bag with goodies for Alora, her teacher and the class. I waited in the classroom, wondering if she'd recognize me. We'd only met once, but she did see my photo on my site. But she didn't really notice me until her teacher announced a guest.

I was watching Alora. When she looked at me, at first she didn't connect things. But I saw the second she realized who I was. It was quite funny! Part of me was nervous--not about visiting or speaking, but that I might embarrass her. But that wasn't the case...and that made my day even more special. A teenage girl was happy I was visiting her! Jeesh, sometimes my own daughter barely talks to me!! :)

I gave Alora some yellow carnations and a card. Then I gave her tickets to be part of the audience at the filming of the TV series episode I'll be in (see: A Total Write-Off in blog), and tickets to the Edmonton Woman's Show, plus some other goodies. And then I had to give her a copy of the only book she hadn't read--Divine Intervention.

The other students received bookmarks and postcards. Two of the postcards were marked, so those student got their pick of one of my books. Then I talked to them about writing, my books, the TV series/competition, my future projects (including Submerged, which features a young girl named Alora), publishing and more.

All in all, it was a very rewarding day!

A blue binder - $2.99
A black pen - $1.49
A colorful bag $14.99
The look on Alora's face?
Priceless!

I had a blast! Thanks to Denise and Hillaria at Holy Trinity Catholic School for helping me plan this surprise visit, for making me feel so welcome and for buying my novels for your library. Thank you to the students in the grade 11 English class for being interested in my work and asking questions.

But most of all, thank you to Alora for being a fan and wanting to read all my books. I always look forward to your emails! :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

Surprise Visit to a High School to See a Fan

Just a quick note to let you all know that one lucky fan is going to receive a surprise visit from me this afternoon. I've arranged this with her high school and she has no idea I'll be dropping by.

Not only that, but she'll be receiving an autographed copy of Divine Intervention, the only one of my books she hasn't read. And I'll be bringing some extra little goodies for her classmates too.

I'll post again and tell you all about it.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books)

Thursday, October 05, 2006

If a Blind Writer Can Write and Publish Her Own Books, So Can You!

Blind, Disabled Writer Successfully Publishes Own Books Through Lulu


Writing and publishing is a process that is both challenging and rewarding for most people, especially for those who are blind and physically disabled, and this is the case with me. Having lost my eyesight at the age of seventeen, I no longer could express myself in my artwork, so I turned to writing to share with others my imagined worlds and creations. I became an author at the age of twenty, completing three books within one year. I wrote my books using a screen reader, a computer software that reads what's on the screen and tells me which keys I type. It has great functionality that enables its users to use most computer programs with relative ease.


When I first started out as a professional writer, I was clueless to as what I should do to publish my books. I never heard about self-publishing or print-on-demand-technology, nor did I know that traditional publishing is not the route for everyone. I began by researching on the Internet and joining discussion e-mail groups consisted of writers, publishers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing world. I searched for publishers, and learned what to look for in a publisher. For my first book, I first published it with a small publisher who uses print-on-demand technology. It differs from many other print-on-demand publishers in that they review manuscripts in order to accept those of high quality before accepting them for publication. I was thrilled when my book was accepted, and in a matter of a few months, it was published.


For my following two books, I decided to self-publish them through Lulu.com. Although Lulu.com is listed as the publisher since I bought my ISBNs through them, I still consider myself as a self-publisher, for I have completed every self-publishing task, including formatting my manuscripts, on my own without eyesight; I had to upload the formatted ready-to-publish pdf files onto Lulu's servers, set the binding type, color, specification, pricing, etc.. I also found editors and artists to design my covers.


Lulu.com primarily acts like a printer. Whenever I need more copies of my books, I simply order them through Lulu.com at the printing cost without any other fee associated with it. Lulu also fulfills my orders when people order my books through them or from Amazon.com and other booksellers, like brick-and-mortar bookstore managers.


I highly recommend Lulu for several reasons:

1. There are no contracts to sign; there is only the member agreement (the usual terms of service)

2. You retain full copyrights to your work

3. There are no fees to publish any work (but you have the option to buy one of the two ISBN services they offer)

4. You can make your books available through Ingram by purchasing their ISBN service, and it will in turn make your books available on Amazon.com and other major outlets; and bookstores and libraries have the ability to order and stock your book

5. Publishing is instant; after you upload your file onto Lulu's server and specify the options, your book is immediately published once you click on the last button at the end of the simple steps. Once it is published, it is immediately available for others to order through Lulu. (Getting listed on Amazon can take up to eight weeks.)

6. You can have the option of making your book available only to yourself through Lulu, so you can order a copy to make sure everything looks okay before making it available to the public

7. You can publish your books in different sizes and binding types (i.e. trade, textbook-sized, perfect, coiled, stitched)

8. You can use your own ISBN instead of theirs, so you will be the publisher of your work

9. Their printing quality is quite high, combined with paper of fine quality and glossy covers

10. 24/7 availability--you can publish, revise, and order your book anytime

11. You can revise your book anytime for an unlimited number of times, and it's free, unless you have their ISBN+ Distribution where you have to pay $80 for any revision


Publishing through Lulu has been a wonderful experience. Since I do everything myself, depending solely on a computer, and cannot travel to any printers, using Lulu's printing services have been a dream come true for me.


As for marketing my books--I mainly depend on the net for that as well. I design and maintain my own website at http://www.shirleycheng.com
Yes, a blind can do all that just with plenty of passion and faith! I also enjoy appearing on radio shows, holding book signings, and I am in the process of scheduling speaking engagements in my area.


Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled motivational speaker, poet, author and contributing author of eight books,has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy, and did not receive education until age eleven. She mastered sixth-grade level in all areas after about 180 days of schooling in her lifetime. After a successful eye surgery, She hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University. Despite her multiple disabilities, Shirley is living the life she loves and she empowers, inspires, and motivates others to do the same. Be inspired by her books, including The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine, and her newsletter Inspiration from a Blind, to which you can subscribe via her site at http://www.shirleycheng.com

My Total Write-Off TV Series

Okay, well it's not really mine...but I can dream, can't I?
Below is a brief description of what I actually mean to say...

Edmonton mystery author Cheryl Kaye Tardif will be appearing in the reality TV writing competition 'A Total Write-Off', hosted by award-winning stand-up comic and writer, Barbara North, and produced by Panacea Entertainment.

During this grueling competition two teams of two writers will be pitted against each other to write short stories based on live audience participation. It is a mix of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Just for Laughs.

Filming of Cheryl's episode takes place on October 11th (Cheryl and her husband's 20th wedding anniversary) at 6:00 pm. The air date has yet to be announced.

Cheryl is the author of The River, Divine Intervention and the upcoming 2007 Kunati Books release Whale Song, an expanded special edition of her 2003 debut. A few months ago, she entered the 3-Day Novel contest that was produced by Book TV. She was not selected to participate. So she entered 'A Total Write-Off', expecting the result to be the same.

When I received the call that I had been accepted, I was stunned, honored, excited and terrified at the same time. Now that the news has settled in, I feel confident. Years ago, when I operated a dayhome, Ie played the same kind of game with my dayhome children, asking them to throw out words, occupations, names etc. so I could write a story for them.

Wish me luck!

News from Panacea Entertainment:

A Total Write-Off will air as 13 half-hour episodes. It is a fast-paced and fun television series where two teams of writers match wits in a writing showdown as they compete to create short stories based on spontaneous audience suggestions. With comedian Barbara North as host and ringmaster, it's a hip Whose Line Is It Anyway? meets Just for Laughs for both wordsmiths and fans of the written word.

Our guest authors run the gamut from novelists to screenwriters to journalists--even some not-so-famous writers who collaborate with our pros. Anyone who writes, whether it be novels, grocery store flyers, technical journals or even obits will be eligible to enter the fray. The object? To win what all writers desperately crave - the thumbs up from an adoring public! Our writers are divided into two teams.

With Barbara interacting with the audience and the writers in their "pit," these impromptu literary masterpieces unfold on display screens before our eyes, based on plot parameters tossed out with wild abandon by audience members. Barbara also interviews the writers to find out where they get their inspiration, how they face the blank page and hear about their current projects.

It's a car wreck of creativity, featuring a ticking clock, cliche alarms and instant reviews of the works-in-progress by a literary critic.After "pencils down", the completed short stories are read aloud by the writers--while simultaneously acted out by the comical A Total Write-Off Mime/Dancers! And it just wouldn't be a complete write-off without the audience choosing their favourite story to close the show.

A Total Write-Off is created and hosted by Barbara North, who has appeared on Just For Laughs, CBC, W Network, Canadian Learning Television, and more. Barbara also recently created and starred in the CBC TV comedy special Army Brats.

Produced by Panacea Entertainment for Access--The Education Station, Canadian Learning Television and Book Television.

© Panacea Entertainment http://www.panaceaentertainment.com

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Book Signing and Empowering Talk to Aid the Needy

Hi, folks,
Yes, I have something to share with you already. :) I have a book signing coming up this Friday, the 6th of October. It'll be my second signing at Borders Books & Music in less than two months. My first signing there (which was my first signing at a bookstore) was on August 12. My inspirational talk was very well-received; a teacher from a local high school even cried. So I've been invited back to hold another signing. Even though it was quite a small turnout (nine people, including my dear mother), I had a great time. Life is all about having fun and building happy memories with those you care about...I plan to have another happy moment to add to my memory book deep in my heart this Friday.


If you'll be by the area, please do stop by! Let your friends and family know. You'll be supporting a great cause.
Thank you...I certainly hope to "see" you there!


Here's the press release about the event...



Blind, Disabled Prodigy's Book Signing and Inspirational Talk to Aid the Needy


To aid the blind and physically disabled victims of poverty, natural catastrophes, and medical and educational disadvantages in over 113 developing countries, Hudson Valley's author and poet Shirley Cheng will be holding a book signing and giving an empowering talk and donating some of the proceeds to Christian Blind Mission International. The book signing will be held at Borders Books & Music (1820 South Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 6, 2006. Her inspirational talk is titled "I'm Not Disabled, I'm Ultra-Abled" focusing on her autobiography, "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine" and on her trials and tribulations and how she has overcome them with a bright attitude, coming out as a winner each and every time. The books she will sign include her inspirational autobiography "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine" and "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2", which she co-authored with leading experts like Jack Canfield, John Gray, and Richard Carlson. Cheng will also take pre-orders for the latest installment in the bestselling "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love" series, to which she contributed, along with highly notable people including Carla and Lou Ferrigno, TV's the original "Incredible Hulk" and neighbor on the network television comedy show, "King of Queens"; Dr. Wayne Dyer; and Tony Robbins.


For more information about her book signing or to ask her to speak at your event, e-mail Cheng via http://www.shirleycheng.com


Being both blind and physically disabled herself, Cheng expresses a strong desire to help those who are not only stricken by hunger and wars but also by their disabilities. "Being blind or disabled is already hard enough without having to endure the suffering resulting from natural catastrophes or economic barriers. I have always wished to help anyone in need, and this is my chance to do so. I hope people will support me in this good cause," says Cheng.


Shirley Cheng, (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled author and poet of five books by age twenty-three, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since only eleven months old. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no schooling until age eleven. Having mastered grade level in all areas after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she was transferred to a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Cheng lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University.


"Although I'm blind, I can see far and wide; even though I'm disabled, I can climb high mountains," says Shirley Cheng. "Let the ropes of hope haul you high!"


Cheng is the author of "Daring Quests of Mystics" (ISBN: 1-4116-5664-4), a soothing read to relax the mind, body, and spirit; an empowering 700-page autobiography, "The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine: A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials and Tribulations" (ISBN: 1-4116-1860-2); and "Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells" (ISBN: 1-4116-1858-0), an anthology of inspirational and fantasy short stories (fairy tales, fables, and myths) and poems for the heart from the heart.


With highly acclaimed experts like Dr. Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, and Brian Tracy, Cheng co-authored "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Finding Your Life's Passion, Second Edition," the latest installment in the bestselling "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love" series; she is also the co-author of "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2," along with leading experts Jack Canfield, John Gray, Richard Carlson, Alan Cohen, Bob Proctor, et al.


In "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2," Cheng's chapter, "Dance with Your Heart: How to Befriend Your Heart and the World Around You," gently teaches the readers how to achieve spiritual affinity with themselves, then with others around them.


"I've made it one of my life's missions to touch as many people as I possibly can to bring humor, hope, and healing," says Shirley, whose personal motto is "A dancing heart teaches true."


She had been published twice before her writing career. One of her short stories, "Mary Miller, the Elusive Lady," received Honorable Mention and was published by the Poughkeepsie Journal in 1997, and a poem, "The Colors of the Rainbow," earned a merit status and was published in "Celebrate! New York Young Poets Speak Out" in 1999. At the start of the New Year 2006, Cheng tied for 1st place in the national writing contest for Be the Star You Are! founded by New York Times bestselling co-author, TV/radio personality Cynthia Brian. Cheng's winning entry, titled "The Jewel from Heavenly Father," is dedicated to her beloved mother Juliet Cheng, the cornerstone and light of her life, and it can be read on Cheng's site, http://www.shirleycheng.com


Cheng is also an advocate of parental rights in children's medical care, and aide/caregiver monitoring and screening for students with special needs and disabled people. As a parental rights advocate, she wants to help today's loving parents protect and keep custody of their children. "When doctors ask yes or no, parents should have the right to say no," says Cheng, who is the survivor of the 1990 five-month internationally broadcast news of her mother's custody case against a doctor. Juliet was on CBS This Morning with Paula Zahn.


Cheng promotes aide advocacy for the disabled because she was mistreated and abused by one-to-one aides when she attended public schools. "The trouble with the uncaring aides actually lies in the authorities," she says. "If they listened to my complaints and kept a close watch on the aides, I wouldn't have gone through all the suffering."


Cheng is available for interviews, speaking engagements, book signings, and inspirational events. She has been on over twenty radio shows, including Cynthia Brian's Be the Star You Are! for three times, The Donna Seebo Show, and Stu Taylor on Business. In 2004, Cheng was featured in World Journal, the largest Chinese national newspaper in North America.

Introduction from Miracle Survivor Shirley Cheng

Greetings, my fellow booklovers,
I'm honored and delighted to be a part of the blogging team. I'm highly thankful for Cheryl for her kind invitation!



Before I post anything, I thought I'd introduce myself so you all can get to know me better. I welcome you to visit my site at http://www.shirleycheng.com to learn more about me, my books, and what I do, and to listen to some of my radio interviews.


I'm Shirley Cheng. I'm a blind and physically disabled 23-year-old motivational speaker, poet, and author and contributing author of eight books, two of which I co-authored with highly acclaimed experts like Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, and John Gray, including the latest installment in the bestselling Wake Up...Live the Life You Love series. I empower, inspire, and motivate others to go for their gold medal in life as I have gone for mine despite insurmountable challenges.


I've had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since only eleven months old. Owing to years of hospitalization between America and China, I received no schooling until age eleven. I started schooling in a special education class in elementary school. Back then, I only knew the alphabets and few simple English; I knew that two plus two equals four and that three times five is fifteen. Other than that, my book knowledge was non-existent. But because of my thirst for knowledge, I devoured everything that was taught and mostly self-taught myself how to read. So after about 180 days of attendance, I achieved grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. I was a high honor student and received numerous art, writing, and academic awards, including the student of the year in sixth grade. Unfortunately, I lost my eyesight at the age of seventeen. I became an author at age twenty, and completed three books within one year. The next high mountain I need to climb is to get the eye surgery to hopefully restore my eyesight. Then I hope to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University.


My first book is Daring Quests of Mystics, a collection of what I call philosophical fairy tales to relax the mind, body, and spirit, and it depicts my dreams of a utopian world where good is the best magic and where pure goodness is not too good to be true. My second book is The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine, an empowering autobiography, replete with fifty black and white photographs of my mother and me at the back, to bring humor, hope, and healing. My third book is Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells, a collection of inspirational and fantasy short stories (fairy tales, fables, and myths) and poems from the heart, for the heart. I co-authored 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2, with 100 self-improvement experts, including Jack Canfield, John Gray, Richard Carlson, Alan Cohen, and Bob Proctor. If you want to achieve spiritual affinity and ultimately the success and fulfillment that come with it, then read my chapter, Dance with Your Heart: How to Befriend Your Heart and the World Around You, which gently teaches you how to hold hands with yourself and then with others around you. I also contributed to Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Finding Your Life's Passion, Second Edition, along with Dr. Wayne Dyer, Anthony Robbins, and Brian Tracy.


Since I'm blind, I wrote my books using a screen reader, which is a software on the computer, that reads what's on the screen and tells me which keys I type. I type using only my two index fingers, but I manage it quite well typing at the speed of about 60 words per minute. Not only have I written my books but have also successfully completed every self-publishing task, including formatting my manuscripts, entirely on my own. I also design and maintain my own website. Yes, a blind can do all that with just plenty of passion and faith!


Well, I am very much looking forward to contributing to the blog! E-mail me from my site if you have any questions or comments...let me know what you'd like me to post.


Take care.

Shirley Cheng

Monday, October 02, 2006

Welcome to The Write Type - Musings From Multiple Authors

The Write Type is something I've been thinking of doing for the last few years. I started this blog because authors have so many wonderful ideas, tips and stories to share, and I wanted a place where multiple authors could meet. This blog will eventually contain a medley of delectable morsels--some poetry, short stories, advice to other writers or general information about what we are doing.

We are a diverse group...or we will be, once I've invited my author friends to join me here.

I hope you bookmark this site and visit us often. Tell us what you like, or don't like. Let us know what you'd like to know. Are you an aspiring author? Published author? Closet writer? Or are you an avid read?

Is there a question you always wanted a writer to answer? Do you need tips on promoting your books?

Email us at cherylktardif (at) yahoo.ca.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com
http://www.kunati.com/catalog_whale_song.html