IN THIS ISSUE:
My monthly column update
Romance Happenings
Q & A TIME!


Happy Independence Day! (and Happy Canada Day, too.)

Dig out the red, white and blue and proudly wave the flag--the fourth of July approacheth! And what could be more American than our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? How about the right to complain. Yep, complain. It’s what we Americans do best. You’ll see what I mean… Just read my monthly “Every Day’s Is Mother’s Day” column IN PURSUIT OF THE ALL-AMERICAN COMPLAINT. Check it out online at Miscellaneous Ramblings ezine:

http://www.miscramblingsmag.com/Appel.htm
or at my new web site:

http://
pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna/momsday_index.html

(You may have to copy and paste the above URL into your web browser to get the link to work.)

If you read my column at my website, you get an added bonus—“You might be from Ohio if…” and “What it takes to be an Ohioan.” I know, I know--everybody WISHES they were from the Buckeye State, but some can actually claim it as their home! ;)

In case you haven’t notice, my personal web site has moved. No, it wasn’t my choice to have my web pages wiped off the face of the Internet—it was my Internet provider’s. They recently “sold-out” and promptly pulled the plug on my web site. Can you say,
“AAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!”?

But to misquote General MacArthur, “I have returned.” My web site is now set up with a more reliable Internet provider. Hopefully, this frustrating occurrence will never happen again. The major obstacle I face now is to find every place on the worldwide web where my web site is listed (and it’s listed at quite a few places) and contact each and every one of those webmasters ask if it’s possible to update my web site address…

If you know of an easier way to do this, please let me know. And, if by chance you come across a site with my “old” web site address on it, please tell me. Thanks! Or better yet, tell the webmaster my new address. For all your kindnesses, I thank you heartily in advance… And may your travels through cyberspace be far less bumpy than mine! :)

My NEW web site can be found at:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna

ROMANCE HAPPENINGS this month are a bit on the slow side. I recently assumed the presidency of my local Romance Writers of America chapter, MORWA(www.MORWA.org). I followed the advice of several friends who are published with Dorchester/Leisure Books and telephoned their offices in New York to check on the current status of my manuscript, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER… I was scared, but the nice receptionist who answered assured me it was okay. She said submissions are really “backed-up” and the market is “slow”. It could be another six months until I hear from them. If there’s anything slower than coming of Christmas, it’s gotta be receiving a reply on a manuscript from an editor!

But, hey, in the meantime, feel free to read my two contemporary romances and discuss them amongst yourselves!

A great quote from a recent review of COUNTRY BOY, CITY GIRL posted at Amazon.com:
“Appel does a very good job of making both Ronnie and Dave very believable (and very likeable) people, a prime requisite for any novel of romance.”—hyperpat from San Jose, CA

(My thanks to ‘Pat’ for the compliments!)

COUNTRY BOY, CITY GIRL by Cynthianna Appel
ISBN 1-58851-918-X trade paperback from Publish America (www.publishamerica.com)
ISBN: 1-59088-037-4 electronic formats from Wings

NEWSFLASH: You can also order the above title from Books-a-million online and receive a 33% discount from the cover price! Copy and paste the following long address into your browser and it’ll take you right to it:
http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=2252989321426&pid=158851918X&rate.x=283&rate.y=11

My first novel, a “five rose” winner at Escape to Romance:
THE FIXER-UPPERS by Cynthianna Appel
ISBN 1-59088-984-3 trade paperback
ISBN 1-59088-058-7 electronic formats both from Wings
Wings ePress web site: www.wings-press.com or at Amazon.com

Amazon.com is still offering a 30% discount on COUNTRY BOY, CITY GIRL, plus they now offer free shipping and handling on all orders of $49 or more… So, stock up on your summer reading NOW.

Finally, it’s Q & A TIME!

Q: I’ve always wanted to write, but I don’t think I can… I never attended college or took a writing class. Is there any hope for me?

A: If there’s one profession that doesn’t “pull rank” and say you must have a license/degree/diploma to practice it, it’s writing. You’d be surprised to know that many of the names on the best-seller lists do not possess more than a high school education. So, get that notion out of your head that somehow a piece of paper from a university magically gives you the ability to be a writer. It doesn’t.

And while writing classes can be very helpful (especially if you have trouble with grammar, spelling, or formatting manuscripts) you shouldn’t think that just because you’ve attended one you automatically become a writer. Nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, many successful writers have told me that they’ve gained more insights into the writing process by READING every book in their chosen genre they can than by taking formal classes. When in doubt, READ.

But remember this: a writer writes. Plain and simple. While reading writing books, taking courses, workshops, talking with published authors and reading books you admire all help, unless you’re willing to sit down at the keyboard on a regular basis and type about 100,000 “throw-away” words for every 100 “keepers”, you may want to re-think your goal of becoming a writer.

Like playing a musical instrument, writing takes practice. A LOT of practice. Many people have genuine musical talent but never pursue music because they hate to practice. If you have the drive to write and write and write some more, then I guarantee, college degree or not, some day you will see your words in print. Have faith in yourself—and get to work now, y’hear?

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, apply your sun block and be careful with those fireworks. God bless!

Cindy
MY NEW WEB SITE: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna

P.S. Feel free to pass this newsletter on to an email friend. You'll be glad you did. :)