I hope you’re having a great summer so far, and I want to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all you “Dads” out there…

It takes a special guy to be a “dad.” Sure, any guy can father a child, but a dad is a man who can be relied on to offer love, support and all his spare pocket change whenever his child has a pressing need… And this year, I think it’s particularly important for us to remember Dad on his special day, since lots of our dads (and moms, too) are bravely serving in the military overseas. Let’s don’t ever forget how much they sacrifice to keep us here at home safe!

As promised, my Every Day is Mother’s Day column this month takes a look at what’s printed on “Dad’s Label”. You can read “If We Only Came with Labels, Part II” online this month only at either my web site:
http://www.cyberedge.net/~cynthianna/momsday_index.html or Miscellaneous Ramblings ezine at
http://www.miscramblingsmag.com (click on the column link at the table of contents)

And when you give Dad that new silk tie or fishing reel on June 16, don't forget to tell him how much you love him! :)

ALL QUIET ON THE ROMANCE FRONT?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the bookstore, out spring two great reviews for my contemporary romances! From Deborah Barber of Escape to Romance (http://www.escapetoromance.com/reviews/appel-fixer.html):

“…{THE FIXER-UPPERS] just happened to grab me. It was poignant and funny and was a truly good read. The timing was great, the plot tight… This is Cynthianna's first effort and I'm truly impressed. I keep saying to watch for this author on all my reviews but when you get writing that's tight, that leaves little to question and that gives you the whole picture, you know that this writer is going to go places and I feel that Cynthianna certainly will be an author to watch for. If you like a good, heart-warming read, then may I recommend THE FIXER-UPPERS. I don't think you'll be sorry to spend a few hours between these pages.”


Wow! That review made my day—no, year! Thanks, Deborah. And if you enjoy reading authors interviews, Julie Shininger’s interview of me is now online at Escape To Romance, too: http://www.escapetoromance.com/spotlight-appel.html

COUNTRY BOY, CITY GIRL received a four star review in the June issue of Romantic Times magazine! (Check it out at www.romantictimes.com) Am I excited? You bet! Believe it or not, my book received as many, if not more, stars than many other books reviewed in the same issue—more than some written by well-known authors. It certainly gives me confidence to know my book can go head to head with the “big names” and hold its own. I hope a good showing in such a prestigious magazine will help me land a good contract or an agent in the near future.

Yes, I’m still waiting to hear the fate of my humorous romantic manuscript, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. Yes, big NYC publishing houses are very slow to respond. And yes, it is driving me mad. Writer’s protocol says to wait at least TWICE as long as they state in their guidelines before asking what’s the deal… I’m giving it another month before I send out an SOS (“save my sanity”) letter pleading to know what’s happening. In the meantime, I continue to write and submit to agents. I beg for your patience in waiting for my next title to appear. If you have any extra patience lying around unused, please feel free to forward it to me. (Chocolate will work, too.)

For more ordering information or to read an excerpt of either of my books, log on to my web site at http://www.cyberedge.net/~cynthianna (You receive a 30% discount on COUNTRY BOY, CITY GIRL if you order it through Amazon.com, too.)


And now, it’s everybody’s favorite Q & A TIME!

Q: Some of my book-loving friends tell me that the romance novels I enjoy reading are “trashy” and that I should be reading something more “intelligent.” How do I respond to their comments?

A: You mean you haven’t drop kick those bums out your front door yet? What are you waiting for? J

Seriously, whatever you enjoy reading is purely a personal decision. Don’t let others make it for you. Sure, if a friend suggests you try the latest literary bestseller then go ahead. Give it a read. You might like it. But if you don’t, don’t beat yourself over the head about it. Just because your reading interests are different from your friend’s, it shouldn’t cause either of you any grief. Instead, why don’t you recommend a favorite romance title to your friend and see if she doesn’t discover how “intelligent” and absorbing a romantic novel can be… After she finishes it, don’t be surprised if she comes begging to borrow a few more books from you!

I think your “literary” book-loving friends would be impressed by the high quality of writing in most romantic novels. I think the common misconception that a cover design that some might consider “trashy” somehow implies a “trashy” story within. But marketing studies have shown that the “clinch cover” (a man and woman embracing) helps sell books, so that’s why you see them on many romances and other genre fiction novels as well. Tell your friends that you don’t let the “peeling” keep you from enjoying the “fruit” inside so why should they? A whole genre of fiction shouldn’t be judged unworthy just because of some its covers. Help your book-loving friends broaden their horizons and open their minds this summer by suggesting some great romantic fiction titles to read and discuss together. I think everyone will enjoy it.

Q: Are you ever going to have an online contest at your web site like other authors do?

A: The answer is “yes.” I’m still working out the details. Being my own “web mistress,” it takes me a while to learn how to set this kind of thing up, but I’m working at it. Don’t worry—you’ll be the first to know the details as soon as they come available.

If you have a question--any question, related to romance writing or not--don't hesitate to email me at
cynthianna@hotmail.com. (Do not hit "reply" to this
newsletter, as your email will bounce.) Results guaranteed or double your money back. :)


Until next time, don’t forget to hug that special guy in your life. Enjoy your June and God bless!
Cindy
a.k.a. Cynthianna Appel
web site: http://www.cyberedge.net/~cynthianna

PS Feel free to pass this newsletter on to an email friend. You'll be glad you did.