I am back in Edmonton now, wading through thousands of emails after an awesome trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (pronounced "Meh-hee-ko" after a few pina coladas!) This was a long overdue holiday and the first REAL vacation my husband and I have had together in 21 years--the last one was our honeymoon.
While I am tempted to run out and buy margarita and pina colada mix and keep on holidaying, reality set in when I turned on my computer and opened up my email program, which took almost 10 minutes to upload.
I felt like I was wading through a swamp of emails without a bathing suit! I stepped ankle deep into a bunch of spam mail and quickly deleted it. Then knee high into business emails.
And that's when I found a hidden gem, amidst notices to send in book information and fanmail.
"Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif has won the attention and admiration of readers worldwide with her uniquely compelling suspense novels, including the celebrated “Whale Song,” “Divine Intervention,” and “The River.”
Those who have noted her blogs at Creative Thinkers International and elsewhere know the author is not one to simply rest on her five-star literary laurels, but often shares quality communication with her readers and lends humanitarian support to the causes and issues that concern her. We are honored to present Ms. Tardif as the CTI Spotlight Artist for March 1-15, 2008, and invite you learn more about this gifted Canadian author at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/CherylKayeTardif."
I also received an email from Aberjhani at CTI:
"It is our pleasure at Creative Thinkers International to inform you that in recognition of your outstanding literary accomplishments, inspiring interaction with your reading audience, and participation at CTI, you have been selected the CTI Spotlight Artist for March 1-15, 2008. We hope this token of recognition helps in some way to further enhance your individual creative vision and marketing efforts."
I invite you to check out my page at Creative Thinkers International.
And please check out CherylKTardif.com and sign my guestbook and sign up for my monthly newsletter.
Hasta Manana...
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Random Acts of Kindness
During our stay at the Riu Vallarta Hotel in Mexico, I had the pleasure of meeting some great people and giving away some of my novels. Ironically, most of the people I talked to were from Canada. The funny thing was that two people--one Canadian and one American--said they thought I was from the States. Apparently, I have an American accent. Go figure! :)
One day I passed by a woman who told me she liked my red hair. Then we went our separate ways.
Later that day or the next, I decided to pass out some more of my books. By the pool, a couple sat to my right and I debated on leaving a book. Neither of them seemed to be reading, but I felt compelled to leave a copy of Whale Song anyway. I did so when the couple went to the pool.
Then switched seats with my husband and waited.
When the woman returned, she gathered her belongings and gave a few glances at the book lying on her chair. She walked away, and I felt a bit deflated. But she returned right away and made a beeline for the book. She asked my husband if it was his. He said, "No. It's my wife's."
When she turned to me, I explained that I was the author and that I had left it for her as a gift, if she thought she'd enjoy it. The next thing I knew, she was sitting down on her lounger and reading Whale Song. I had to laugh when my husband and hers started talking. She moved away slightly and gave me an apologetic look. "I don't want to be distracted from your book," she said with a smile.
I may have gifted her with a book, but she gave me something unexpected back in return. With all the book signings and special events I have held, it is a rare treat for me to actually observe someone reading one of my books. It is an indescribable feeling--a delightful mix of accomplishment and humble thankfulness.
A while later I took a walk with 4 books in hand, one each of Divine Intervention and The River and 2 of Whale Song. I walked down one row of loungers until I reached some women who were reading. I introduced myself, assured them I wasn't selling anything and told them I wanted to give away my books. Within seconds I had no books left.
The last gal took The River, I think. When she first glanced up at me, she said, "Hey, you're the one with the red hair." It was the same woman I had passed earlier.
Coincidence? I don't think so. I don't believe in coincidence.
Have you ever been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness from a total stranger? If so, please share.
Have you ever "given" a Random Act of Kindness? If so, please tell us about it.
I challenge each of you to do one totally random "nice" thing for a stranger--someone you've never met before. Do this by Sunday, March 9th. I guarantee you will impact a life and you'll feel really great afterward. :)
If you're unsure of what to do, give someone a copy of Whale Song. :)
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author
One day I passed by a woman who told me she liked my red hair. Then we went our separate ways.
Later that day or the next, I decided to pass out some more of my books. By the pool, a couple sat to my right and I debated on leaving a book. Neither of them seemed to be reading, but I felt compelled to leave a copy of Whale Song anyway. I did so when the couple went to the pool.
Then switched seats with my husband and waited.
When the woman returned, she gathered her belongings and gave a few glances at the book lying on her chair. She walked away, and I felt a bit deflated. But she returned right away and made a beeline for the book. She asked my husband if it was his. He said, "No. It's my wife's."
When she turned to me, I explained that I was the author and that I had left it for her as a gift, if she thought she'd enjoy it. The next thing I knew, she was sitting down on her lounger and reading Whale Song. I had to laugh when my husband and hers started talking. She moved away slightly and gave me an apologetic look. "I don't want to be distracted from your book," she said with a smile.
I may have gifted her with a book, but she gave me something unexpected back in return. With all the book signings and special events I have held, it is a rare treat for me to actually observe someone reading one of my books. It is an indescribable feeling--a delightful mix of accomplishment and humble thankfulness.
A while later I took a walk with 4 books in hand, one each of Divine Intervention and The River and 2 of Whale Song. I walked down one row of loungers until I reached some women who were reading. I introduced myself, assured them I wasn't selling anything and told them I wanted to give away my books. Within seconds I had no books left.
The last gal took The River, I think. When she first glanced up at me, she said, "Hey, you're the one with the red hair." It was the same woman I had passed earlier.
Coincidence? I don't think so. I don't believe in coincidence.
Have you ever been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness from a total stranger? If so, please share.
Have you ever "given" a Random Act of Kindness? If so, please tell us about it.
I challenge each of you to do one totally random "nice" thing for a stranger--someone you've never met before. Do this by Sunday, March 9th. I guarantee you will impact a life and you'll feel really great afterward. :)
If you're unsure of what to do, give someone a copy of Whale Song. :)
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Saying "Great Job"...with cake!
Recently my family and friends gathered to help me celebrate the run up to publication of JANEOLOGY, which makes its debut in less than 30 days.
How did they express their happiness? With cake! Now that's the kind of kudos everyone needs.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Fatal Encryption, A First Look at the Cover!
My cover for Fatal Encryption is now complete, and thanks to Jim Bisakowski at http://www.bookdesign.ca/ for the amazing job.
Here's what the back cover copy says:
Dressed as Kermit the Frog on Halloween night, an unemployed Alex Bellamy wonders where his life went wrong. It could be worse. A few miles away, Zachary Ternoway is stabbed at his front door. In need of cash, Alex agrees to help catch a computer prankster at McKinleys’ Department Store. But things turn serious when someone vows to permanently encrypt the store’s data and torch the building unless ten million dollars is handed over in two weeks. Alex knows there’s a connection between the murder and the extortion threat, yet time’s running out. People are questioning his competency, and a killer’s threatening his life.
And thanks to our own Cheryl Kaye Tardif for the terrific blurb. She's the best!:
FATAL ENCRYPTION is a corporate caper with plenty of twists and turns, and an assortment of appealing characters to keep you guessing. Debra Purdy Kong’s newest novel offers a well-plotted mystery reminiscent of the classic whodunits. A great beach read!” – Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author.
I'll let you know as soon as the sample chapters are posted on my website.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Cheryl Kaye Tardif and Michael Connelly
On my trip to Mexico last week, I realized how many people read books while on holiday and I said to my husband that one of my dreams was to walk past someone reading one of my books. I had no idea that would happen by the end of that week.
The second day, we decided to spend some time on the beachfront of the Riu Vallarta. By the way, I highly recommend this hotel! Beautiful rooms, stunning views, soft sandy beach, yummy all inclusive buffets and restaurants and refreshing pools.
While relaxing on a lounger and working on my freckles, I noticed two couples a row in front and a few seats down. I saw books in their hands. Immediately, I plotted how I could anonymously leave them one of my books. When they disappeared into the beach restaurant for lunch, I strode toward their loungers and left a copy of The River on one seat and Divine Intervention on the other.
Inside each book, I wrote a special message--something like this:
If you found this book, it is yours.
This is a Random Act of Kindness from the author.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
Riu Vallarta - Feb. 22 - Mar. 1st, 2008
When the two couples returned, I shamelessly spied on them and watched their puzzling looks. Okay, I admit, it was fun to do this unexpected thing, even though my husband Marc was worried they'd just throw the books away. But mischief me got a big kick out of watching them covertly from my wrap-around sunglasses while I tried hard not to smile.
I saw them look around, then finally one of the men opened the book and saw my message. I was torn between wanting to go over and say Hi and just wanting to revel in doing this random act. So I remained in my seat. The reward came first when I saw one of the men open up my book and start reading.
Even more ironic was the fact that on the day we left, we came across the same couples. As we drew closer I realized that one of the men was holding Divine Intervention. He was halfway through it. Then I saw the other man with The River, also halfway finished. So I leaned down and said, "Can I ask if you're enjoying your book?"
It didn't take them long to figure out who I was and I was rewarded with smiles and praise.
But it's the words of the one fellow I won't soon forget.
"Your style is similar to Michael Connelly's," said the man reading Divine Intervention.
WOW! That is high praise! And I am immensely honored.
So, to these kind couples, if you come across my site and blog, please sign my guestbook.
And to anyone reading this blog post, please check out Divine Intervention and The River on Amazon, and please let me know what you think when you read them. :)
http://www.cherylktardif.com/
The second day, we decided to spend some time on the beachfront of the Riu Vallarta. By the way, I highly recommend this hotel! Beautiful rooms, stunning views, soft sandy beach, yummy all inclusive buffets and restaurants and refreshing pools.
While relaxing on a lounger and working on my freckles, I noticed two couples a row in front and a few seats down. I saw books in their hands. Immediately, I plotted how I could anonymously leave them one of my books. When they disappeared into the beach restaurant for lunch, I strode toward their loungers and left a copy of The River on one seat and Divine Intervention on the other.
Inside each book, I wrote a special message--something like this:
If you found this book, it is yours.
This is a Random Act of Kindness from the author.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
Riu Vallarta - Feb. 22 - Mar. 1st, 2008
When the two couples returned, I shamelessly spied on them and watched their puzzling looks. Okay, I admit, it was fun to do this unexpected thing, even though my husband Marc was worried they'd just throw the books away. But mischief me got a big kick out of watching them covertly from my wrap-around sunglasses while I tried hard not to smile.
I saw them look around, then finally one of the men opened the book and saw my message. I was torn between wanting to go over and say Hi and just wanting to revel in doing this random act. So I remained in my seat. The reward came first when I saw one of the men open up my book and start reading.
Even more ironic was the fact that on the day we left, we came across the same couples. As we drew closer I realized that one of the men was holding Divine Intervention. He was halfway through it. Then I saw the other man with The River, also halfway finished. So I leaned down and said, "Can I ask if you're enjoying your book?"
It didn't take them long to figure out who I was and I was rewarded with smiles and praise.
But it's the words of the one fellow I won't soon forget.
"Your style is similar to Michael Connelly's," said the man reading Divine Intervention.
WOW! That is high praise! And I am immensely honored.
So, to these kind couples, if you come across my site and blog, please sign my guestbook.
And to anyone reading this blog post, please check out Divine Intervention and The River on Amazon, and please let me know what you think when you read them. :)
http://www.cherylktardif.com/
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Blog for Sacred Space
This is a blog about space, not outer space or myspace, but sacred space. The mere mention of this place rings holy, divine and reverential. Beyond cyberspace is that place of our own, a physical spot on the planet where our soul is at peace. To some it may be the beach, to others a mountain view, for a writer sacred space is essential, it is the very center of where thoughts begin.
When I was younger and a single parent there was no such place. Every inch of our small house was tagged, even my bedroom. There were only so many corners four people could escape to and no place was off limits in our home. If I put paper and pen on the dining room table, someone was bound to settle in next to me, if I thought to stay up, pillows fluffed behind my head, I would find myself next morning slumped over with pen still in my hand. So my writing became portable, because we were portable, our lives a constant swirl of motion. My sacred space was in my car, on the sidelines of a soccer game, on a rain-drenched field under an umbrella, on my lap at lunch, at five in the morning sitting on a kitchen stool and in motel rooms during championships from here to Phoenix.
The stories in my head began in long hand on yellow legal pad without the benefit of a holy spot, the ever sought after, close-the-door-place I could flee to when the words bubbled over.
Today I have an office in what used to be the playroom. Surrounding me are snippets and quotations, kid photographs and a smiling Buddha. This is the place, the space I blog about today, the spot I encourage each one of you to create and seek. Your spirit is revived in your hallow place, your soul finds comfort, your mind rests and your creativity flows.
Where is your scared space?
Look around, walk the terrain, touch, smell and listen. Move the furniture, pictures and lamps until it feels right. Mark your place on the planet. Deem it yours.
Blog what you hear, what you see, what you feel.
Linda Merlino, author, Belly of the Whale
http://www.kunati.com/linda-merlino
preorder on amazon.com
When I was younger and a single parent there was no such place. Every inch of our small house was tagged, even my bedroom. There were only so many corners four people could escape to and no place was off limits in our home. If I put paper and pen on the dining room table, someone was bound to settle in next to me, if I thought to stay up, pillows fluffed behind my head, I would find myself next morning slumped over with pen still in my hand. So my writing became portable, because we were portable, our lives a constant swirl of motion. My sacred space was in my car, on the sidelines of a soccer game, on a rain-drenched field under an umbrella, on my lap at lunch, at five in the morning sitting on a kitchen stool and in motel rooms during championships from here to Phoenix.
The stories in my head began in long hand on yellow legal pad without the benefit of a holy spot, the ever sought after, close-the-door-place I could flee to when the words bubbled over.
Today I have an office in what used to be the playroom. Surrounding me are snippets and quotations, kid photographs and a smiling Buddha. This is the place, the space I blog about today, the spot I encourage each one of you to create and seek. Your spirit is revived in your hallow place, your soul finds comfort, your mind rests and your creativity flows.
Where is your scared space?
Look around, walk the terrain, touch, smell and listen. Move the furniture, pictures and lamps until it feels right. Mark your place on the planet. Deem it yours.
Blog what you hear, what you see, what you feel.
Linda Merlino, author, Belly of the Whale
http://www.kunati.com/linda-merlino
preorder on amazon.com
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