Anxious Author

Yes, I'm anxious. Very anxious. I finally bit the bullet and decided to submit my books for print. So, I submitted the files yesterday, and now I wait.

I understand that even with professional editing and proofreading, nothing is "perfect". Trust me, I know from reading many, many books. I also understand all my readers are not going to be English majors. I'll keep you all posted.

My blog posts may be a little few and far in between for a couple of weeks. Once I receive the proof files, I'll be submerged in looking them over. Did I mention I submitted 5 books? Well, I did. I'm also working on editing another book. (And the day job never ends.)

I'm not a drinker (well...not an every day drinker), but this may be the day I partake in the celebration. Happy National Kahlua Day, y'all!

And if you're into strawberries, it's your day to celebrate. Happy National Strawberry Day! With the weather we've been having down south, it's a wonder the strawberries (along with everything else) aren't producing year round.

Hope the remaining days of February are kind to you all.

Author Savannah Rose

Goody, Goody, Gumdrops

What!? Yes! Today you have permission to eat as many gumdrops as you want...or you can. Happy National Gumdrop Day everybody!

Oh, yes. This is an actual day of celebration for some. If I wasn't married, I'd definitely celebrate. And just a side note for those happy couples not eligible to actually participate the true reason for this national holiday: Chocolate is 50%-75% off today! (You're welcome.)

This week is crazy for me. Deadlines approaching at the day job AND for my writing job.

Wishing you a Happy Hump Day and a wonderful remaining week.

BTW...What type of deadline(s) are staring you directly in the face today? Care to share?

Author Savannah Rose

Reset Button Pressed

Let's just say, I'm glad this past week is over and today I pressed the Reset button.

Not to bore you with details, here's a brief summary: 2 days out of work due to IBS flare up, 2 recall service appointments for Lola (my car), CPAP machine training and pickup, ending with a routine teeth cleaning in which I was told I now need two crowns. To ice that crazy cake, everything (other than the IBS attack) was scheduled on Friday--the one day I only have to work for 4 hours at my day job.

BUT...this is a new week. New goals. Sunday, I finished the final read through on "Bobby Jo". So, over the next 5-7 days my goal is to put the edits in, run spellcheck, and format the manuscript to get this 5th novel of mine ready to publish on Smashwords.

Once this novel is out there for everyone to read, it will complete what I'd set out to do by republishing the novels I once was too scared to have published at retailers (remember...bad reviews). Now, next phase...new novels.

With that in mind, I think I'll celebrate...

That's correct. Today is the day to organize your files and folders, delete junk files, delete duplicate files, and delete old files and programs not being used.

All this work can build up a mighty hunger, so indulge with a large plate of tortellini. "Why?" you may be asking.

You guessed it!

How was your week? Did you press the reset button today in hopes to put the last seven days behind you? Happy Valentine's Week everyone!

Author Savannah Rose

Happy National Frozen Yogurt Day Y'all!

Spent the day with my son and daughter-in-law (they live out of town) so my regularly scheduled blog will be short and sweet (pun intended).

Happy National Frozen Yogurt Day. Grab yourself a huge bowl of frozen yogurt and celebrate the day!

Author Savannah Rose

Where's My Time Machine?

First off, that little feller up there gets a bad rap. I don't really think it's his shadow that scares him back into that burrow, I think it's the fear of being shot! Well, yesterday was Groundhog Day. Did you receive the prediction you hoped for? Are you slowly packing back up your white pants and sandals? Either way, HAPPY (post) GROUNDHOG DAY!

So, "Where's My Time Machine?" My mother use to tell me..."Angela, my darlin' daughter, you were born in the wrong era." And maybe I was. Not to get all political up in here because everyone is entitled to their beliefs and their opinions, but I don't have a problem taking care of the home while my loving husband goes out every day to bring home the bacon. I said "I don't have a problem with it..." I didn't say I had the luxury to do it.

When my children were babies (at home), I was able to keep them from daycare and stay home with them. (Not that anything is wrong with daycare. I just chose not to.) I worked for a company that sold figurines and so I painted those little darlings while taking care of my babies. I loved it.


Once my children were in school, I went to college and even secured my job of fourteen years (and still counting to retirement) at that very same college.

It was during the time I was staying home with my kids, I rekindled the passion I once had for writing. I was reading a Kaye Gibbons book and just thought to myself, "Wow...I want to write like that." I dug out my book of story ideas I'd hidden away several years prior, and began writing. Do I do it for the  money. Heck no...I'd be living in a cardboard box by now. I do it because I love it.

I said all that to say this: I've been on both sides of the "argument". And I can tell you, for me, I was more at peace at home with two screaming toddlers, doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking, taking care of the yard, running around paying bills (we didn't have all this online options back then), and anything else a stay-at-home mom (or housewife) would do than I've had climbing the corporate pay scale. I simply do not have a problem with my husband taking care of what used to be considered manly responsibilities when it came to my family. But that is my life and my opinion. I totally respect anyone (woman) who must be the provider for one reason or another. We do what we have to do.


Don't get me wrong, I completely agree everyone should be entitled to live how they choose, but just as I don't and won't ever judge you, please show me the same respect. We all have dreams...and we should all be able to try and live our dreams...peacefully.

So, to get back on track, yes I should have been born in a different era. I enjoy music from the 80s, 70s, 60s, and even 50s. I can't quite get into the music of today back to the 90s. Which brings me to...today is...

...National the Day the Music Died day. I don't really see putting "Happy" before that but to celebrate, put on some Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, or The Big Bopper music and relax with a slice of scrumptious carrot cake 'cause it's also National Carrot Cake Day!

It's nutritious for goodness sake. It has carrots in it!

And please don't forget to wear read for...

My mother had several strokes in her early- to mid-forties. Later, before she passed almost 10 years ago, she was also diagnosed with heart disease. You can go to www.goredforwomen.org for more information.

There is so much going on in the world today that all I can ask is everyone treat others with kindness, compassion, and a little bit of understanding. We may not all agree on "the issues", but that's perfectly okay.

BTW...there are conflicting reports of the groundhog's (or should I say "groundhogs") prediction for Spring 2017. My suggestion? Just layer your clothing and enjoy the day.

Author Savannah Rose

The "Love" Month

I once thought my husband and I were the only couple on this planet to not really celebrate Valentine's Day--which BTW is only two weeks away. Turns out, many people don't. I say..."If you can't love me at least 75% of the year, don't pretend on Valentine's Day." But I won't stop anyone from handing me over a ridiculously large box of chocolates...lol.

So, we start a new month. Awesome! Many people start planning vacations for either Spring Break or Summer Break during this month. At the beginning of the month, we set new goals. February is a month in which people plan surprises for their loving partner for the big St. Valentine's Day tradition.

My goal, my plan, my hope is to finish revisions on my novel "Bobby Jo" and republish it on smashwords.com before the next month begins.

The writing schedule I scratched out during the two week holiday vacation doesn't always work for me, so right now I get in as much writing time as I can. Mainly on the weekends, but that counts, too.

Question for you...do you have anything to change from the previous month? Are you satisfied with how your personal 2017 goals are going so far?

Before I get to the Fun Holiday portion of my blog, remember, February is the month for lovers. If you can't celebrate it throughout the year, try to celebrate your love for at least this month. Don't just target it to one day (February 14th).

And here is your Fun Holiday portion of the program...

Happy National Baked Alaska Day!

Have to admit, I've never tried this. BUT I have had an ice cream cake from the Dairy Queen. Does that count?

For all you snake owners/lovers, Happy National Serpent Day!

Yes, I know. Snakes are evil. Snakes are dangerous. Snakes are gross. I happen to like snakes, it's spiders I detest. But did you know:

• Only 1/8 of the known species of snakes/serpents are venomous.
• Snakes/serpents eat their pray whole.

If you happen to come across a snake/serpent, just throw him/her some Baked Alaska...WHOLE!

Bottom line to this entire blog for today is...the reset button has been set. It's a new month. Celebrate the day anyway you'd like, but just celebrate. *And don't forget, if you just need to get that special someone flowers for Valentine's Day, send a plant with roots instead of cut flowers. Nothing says "love" better than a live plant for your honey than cut roses that will wither away in days.*

Author Savannah Rose

Goodbye January 2017

Goodbye January 2017. Tomorrow's the last day. One more day to achieve the goal(s) you set for this first month of 2017. And if you can't, know it's okay. There's still time. Sometimes there are setback but it's all in how we handle those setbacks.

On a more bubbly note...

HAPPY NATIONAL BUBBLE WRAP DAY!!

How does one celebrate such a day, excluding the obvious?

Pop those bubbles! If you've placed a bubble around the fear of failing, or the fear of disappointment, or even the fear of succeeding for the new year, it's time to pop those bubbles. Reality is everyone fails at one time or another. Everyone disappoints someone. And if we're lucky, success IS the end goal, so why be afraid?

People say each New Year's Eve, the next year will be better than the last. A different feeling came over me when 2016 rolled over to 2017. I actually, for the first time ever, believed that it would be a better year.

Who cares if I don't sell a million copies of my books? That's not the reason I write.

Who cares if someone leaves a bad review? We can't please everyone all the time (goes back to fear of disappointment).

Who cares if I can't shed those stubborn pounds? It only matters how I feel about ME.

Today is also National Blue Monday...

When you have a moment alone, take the time to review how January has treated you. Think about the resolutions you made and if today would be a good day to set new goals or have a "do-over".

While you're pondering on Blue Monday, go ahead and comfort yourself with a warm, buttery croissant...

Guess what day it is???

Author Savannah Rose

Winter IS Coming...Right?

January 2017 is getting ready to bid everyone a fond farewell. And for my little corner of the country, we haven't the slightest idea what season we'll wake up to from one day to the next. Who exactly pissed in Mother Nature's cornflakes?

Actually, I'm very grateful for the mild weather we've been experiencing here down South. Some of my health issues don't act too well when the temperatures dip low in the 40s, 30s, and especially below that range. I am afraid, though, our "warm weather luck" is gong to run out soon. And when it does, remember my motto..."Snow on a no-work-day is USELESS snow." LOL.

So, our temps are going to dip a little lower this last weekend of January 2017. That's okay for me. I have writing to keep me busy. As the last Friday of January dawns, let me help you out with some reasons to celebrate the end of the first month of 2017...

HAPPY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY, y'all!!

See that...right up above? That's my son's Groom's Cake at his wedding this past summer. Guess what? I'd almost give my right arm for a slice of that today. Instead, I think I'll just go to my local bakery and buy a small, manageable chocolate cupcake to celebrate the day. But that cake up there was divine...simply divine...and almost worth a right arm.

My heart couldn't be happier for a reason to celebrate cake...especially chocolate cake. Did you know chocolate cake has only been around for about 150 years? A moment of silence for those poor people who never even knew what a slice of chocolate cake could do for a person's soul. Celebrate today with chocolate cake in any form or fashion your prefer.

Oh, Happy International Fun at Work Day!

If you started off your day celebrating with chocolate, I'm pretty sure you'll also participate in having fun at work during this international fun holiday (unless you're crashing from a sugar high or don't work on Friday). Whether you work from home or work outside your home, make it a FUN day.

There are several other "Fun Holidays" to celebrate today, Saturday, and Sunday. Look them up. If you're experiencing winter weather in your area of the world, maybe some of these wacky holidays can brighten up an otherwise blah day.

I plan to format my novel "Third Time's A Charm" and get it ready to upload to smashwords.com. I might even celebrate with some chocolate cake, again.

Wishing you all a happy last Friday of January 2017. Let me know how you plan to spend this last weekend of the first month of the new year. May you stay cozy and warm if "Winter is Coming" your way.

Author Savannah Rose

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Twenty-three years ago, I bought my very first house. Not a week later, I was greeted at my door with a homemade cake and a "Welcome to the neighborhood" from my new next door neighbor.

Later in the month, I had met almost everyone on my street and even the street behind me.

My daughter, five-years-old at the time, quickly became friends with the other children in the neighborhood. When my son was older (he was just a baby when we moved in), he, too, made friends. They'd all spend their day playing, riding bikes, or just sitting on someone's porch talking. Us mothers visited each other during our spare time and weren't a bit hesitant to call on one another when needed.

Over the years, my roots loosened from that soil and were planted several times in many different types of "neighborhoods". With each one, I just haven't felt the same bond as I did with my first home.

People do not "welcome" new neighbors to a community like they used to. Neighborhoods no longer truly exist in my part of the world, or at least that's been my personal experience.

Maybe it's because everyone works endless hours to have the necessities of life. All we want to do is spend our free hours at home relaxing before the free hours speed by. We're afraid of being crowned that "nosy neighbor", perhaps, or always the one who drives the people back inside their homes to avoid conversation.

It's true...times have changed, but are the changes actually good ones?

The reason for this post? We have new neighbors. They started moving in this past weekend. I watched the trucks back up and I reminisced of the days I moved into my first home; how friendly everyone was, how I was anxious about moving into a place so close to others, and most importantly, would my children be happy growing up there. Would I have neighbors from hell or would I be the neighbor from hell?

What exactly happened to society? Are there any "neighborhoods" left in this wonderful state, country, or world? Can we really live next door to someone and never even know their name? Yes, we can...

Anyway...to the new people across the street...

Author Savannah Rose

National Handwriting Day

Handwriting. Is it a thing of the past? Do teachers even emphasize the importance of "HANDwriting"?

As a child, I remember being so excited to receive that new pack of paper or notebook from my mom for the first day of class. I also remember standing in front of the pen or pencil aisle at our local WalMart (before it was a fancy Supercenter) or K-Mart, finding it very difficult to decide on my choice of writing equipment. I still do that to this day and I'm 47 years old.

Whether it was printing...

...or cursive, I loved to practice my handwriting--daily.

The generation of today (and maybe the generation before) have no clue of the importance of penmanship. With all the electronic devices available at their fingertips, why would they?

Do you believe in good penmanship? Do you agree it should be included, once again, in the school curriculum? I certainly do. It's important. And hopefully, one day, it will be necessary.

Oh...by the way...have a slice of your favorite pie today.

This is a picture of a slice of authentic Key Lime pie I had when Da Hubs and I went to the Florida Keys several years back. It was fantastic and it's my favorite kind of pie!

Doesn't matter if you've joined Weight Watchers, Jenni Craig, or bought up an entire pantry of Nutri System meals in hope of honoring your New Year's resolution...

It's National Pie Day...so celebrate!

Author Savannah Rose

Best Test EVER...I Think.

Thursday, after I complete 9 hours of work at my lovely "day job", I am scheduled to check in to one of our local hospitals. No, I'm not sick (I don't think...lol). I will begin the first night of two being wired up and monitored while I sleep. Yes...SLEEP.

My thyroid doctor believes the reason I wake up totally exhausted is because I may have trouble reaching the realm of sleep that actually lets a person rest and refresh for the next day. Okay...? So, we shall find out exactly what the problem is.

Wish me luck and happy dreaming...

Author Savannah Rose

Staycation...

Today is a staycation for me (and Da Hubs). If your place of employment is celebrating MLK Day, then I wish you a day of relaxation.

I plan to enjoy the day celebrating National Do Nothing Day...

and...

Enjoy the day...

Author Savannah Rose

Friday the 13th...Good Day? Bad Day? Just Another Day?

Friday the 13th...good day for you? Bad day for you? Or just another day? Why, exactly, does most everyone freak out when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday?

Studies have shown that retail sales are down the most on this day due to people's fear of even leaving their home. Why? As I researched for answers, I read several religious reasons. There were superstitions about this shunned day. Then there are those who fear this day "just because". Personally, I view Friday the 13th as an excuse to pile up on the couch or my bed and enjoy a movie marathon night. Can you guess which movie?

Maybe my joy for Friday the 13th is because I'm an October baby. Maybe it's because one of my favorite holidays (if not THE favorite) is All Hallow's Eve. Maybe it's because I like to be different and not conform to the "norm". Whatever the reason, I'm excited for today.

If Friday the 13th has you paralyzed with fear and you refuse to go on with your daily routine, let me give you a few reasons to celebrate.

Today is National Make Your Dreams Come True Day...

While you're all secluded in the bottom of your closet with a flashlight and cell phone, think of what you want for your life. Think of what childhood dreams you once had and hope to be able to achieve if you survive this day.

If you find your growling stomach may give you away from your hiding place, I have good news for you. Today is National Peach Melba Day...

Be sure when collecting your survival gear, to celebrate with some Peach Melba.

If you find yourself in need of a companion and an art project while hunkered down, well I have good news for you. Today is National Rubber Ducky Day...

as well as National Sticker Day...

So grab that duck and make him purty.

And if those are not enough to turn your frown upside down, why don't you participate in National Blame Someone Else Day...

When it's all said and done, remember, eventually, Friday the 13th ends and Saturday the 14th will soon begin. And be thankful today is only Friday the 13th and not the day of The Purge.

All joking aside, share with me your thoughts of the beliefs behind Friday the 13th being a day of fear. One of my siblings refuses to leave her house on this day so I know the struggle is real.

Author Savannah Rose

Reasons to Celebrate...Every Single Day of the Year

Need a reason to celebrate the day other than the fact you're still breathing? Did you know there is a "fun" National holiday for every single day of the calendar?

As part of my "make my life simpler so I can spend more time having fun with family" resolution for 2017, I've spent a little time researching wacky National holidays. For instance, today (January 11, 2017) is National Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day...

Now how fun would that be?

Also, it's National Milk Day...

So get drunk on nature's bounty...and thank a cow.

Also, it's National Step In A Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day...

If you live where I do, you may have to make your own puddle with the hosepipe but why should that stop you. (Be sure and pick a really, REALLY good friend...just my advice.)

I'm sure there are many more listed out on the vast World Wide Web. Go ahead...Google it. There are even sites giving the history of the holiday and what hashtag to use on social media when posting the great fun you've experienced for these days.

The bottom line is this...there's always a reason to celebrate the day.

If you could declare one of your favorite foods, activities, or just anything you can think of as a National Holiday, what would it be? *Remember PG people...I have family who read this blog...lol.*

Author Savannah Rose

Hello 2017...The Year of Greatness

Well, we're already a week into the new year. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Over the last year (actually the last couple years), I put my writing to the side. Why? Maybe it was fear. Maybe it was writer's block. Whatever the reason, I'm happy to say as the new year emerged, so did my love for writing. This is going to be a year of greatness.

I've already put the Whistle Creek Series back on Smashwords (after much needed revisions) and I'm working on revisions for "Bobby Jo" and "Third Time's A Charm". Hopefully those will be back on Smashwords in the next few months.  You can download a free sample or purchase the entire novel(s). Here is the link: Savannah Rose's Author Smashwords Profile

For 2017, I'm mapping out what I'd like to accomplish for the year. I know most people do this before the giant ball drops but, like I said earlier, my passion for my writing just finally returned. Along with the books mentioned above, I hope to start on the 10-book series, Cherry Blossom Collection, soon. I will have a new book (sort of new...briefly put a few chapters on Wattpad) published soon, "Sunrise Sisterhood". I'm really excited about this book. Out of all I've written, this has to be my favorite. I'll tell you more about that in another blog.

For those who don't know, the Whistle Creek Series, "Bobby Jo", and "Third Time's A Charm", I wrote several years ago and had listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords for all my wonderful readers to enjoy. Unfortunately, someone or someones found it necessary to leave nasty, NASTY reviews. I'm not talking about "the book was poorly written" or "the story line didn't go anywhere", I'm talking vulgar, nasty stuff. So, as much as it pains me to say it, they got to me. I quickly removed all my books and since then have been slowly editing and revising. I'm glad to say that I found my courage and my desire again and I've quickly come to understand that not all people have manners or morals.

I've had a few people ask about my book "Magnolias in Moonlight". Have I finished it? Can they buy it? I'd love to say "yes" but the truth is I've pretty much abandoned the original idea of the book. I do, however, plan to rewrite the story just a little differently. When will that occur, I really can't say at this moment. But I'll keep you all updated.

For my writer friends, have you ever been shaken so bad from a review that you questioned your work? And if so, how did you handle it? Please share your experience.

For my non-writer friends, have you ever given up a hobby because of someone's opinion? If so, were you able to find your love for that hobby again or did you move on to another? Please share your experience.

Author Savannah Rose

New Year's Resolutions...Yes? No?

2016 was a good year for me. I stuck to the one New Year's Resolution I made...I am now a vegetarian. Well, actually a pesco-vegetarian (I still eat seafood and fish). As 2017 quickly approached, I figured if I could keep that resolution, I'd try again. Nothing too elaborate. Nothing too demanding. Nothing that before I even started, I'd already set myself up for failure. What is it, you ask? Keep reading...

MINIMIZE...my closets, my house, my garage, my life. YUP...simplify is the goal. My husband and I have lived in our little 1550 square foot home for nearly 5 years now. There are boxes in the garage that haven't even been opened. My closets are bursting at the seam. Not just with clothes (although that is a problem all in itself) but "stuff" that hardly ever sees daylight. So, I watched a documentary during my 12 day vacation from work (my husband and I work at the same place so we both were home) titled "The Minimalist".

Of course my husband said right off the bat...isn't that the reason you don't eat meat anymore...Netflix documentaries...and it's true.

Anyway, the way these people expressed how freeing it was to get rid of their "stuff" made me want to be free, too. I want to be able to walk to my closet and open the door without praying nothing falls on my head. I want to be able to go to my garage and actually not have to slide against the car to get in. I want my life to be simple and carefree (well as much as it can be).

There are some things I cannot change (at least not right at this very given moment) in my life. But this...this minimal living...I can do this (maybe). We'll start out slow like cleaning out the garage and go from there.

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? If so, have you ever been successful in keeping them? To be quite honest, in my 47 years on this Earth, last year was the first resolution I was ever able to keep for the entire year. Share your thoughts.

Author Savannah Rose

Back to Blogging

Hello all. Tomorrow I'll post my first blog of 2017 (besides this announcement...lol). As of right now, I plan to post on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. See ya soon...

Author Savannah Rose