Monday, November 25, 2013

The writing of 'The Christmas Violin'

"The Christmas Violin" comes out Dec. 2, but you can pre-order now. 
...
I remember the morning as if it were minutes ago. Winter was tumbling into spring and I awoke from a dream that followed me like a shadow. 


I was standing on the stone steps of a cemetery. A young woman with beautiful red hair played the violin in front of a small granite tombstone in the shape of a teddy bear. I was mesmerized, watching her slender fingers dance as the violin bow tickled the strings.  She was playing a lullaby, a beautiful lullaby. 

From my perch, I saw an old homeless woman watching the violinist, peeking out of a cluster of arborvitae bushes. And I also saw a young man, dressed in a suit, watching the violinist from a few graves away. 

That’s the image I woke up with and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Even when I tried pushing it aside to work on something else, it wouldn’t let me. It had a real attitude and, gosh darn it, I was going to listen. 

So I did.


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Check out the Prism Book Group sale

Check out the books at Prism Book Group and receive a 25 percent discount using the code below, just in time for Christmas1

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom is available

The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom is now available on Kindle. WOOT!


This is the second book in The Yearbook Series. The first, Gina and Mike, was released in August.


REVIEW: "The second in the Yearbook Series, "Sue and Tom" will help restore the hope that love can be found again. Like her first book "Gina and Mike", Buffy Andrews pulls you into the story within the first few lines. From there I assure you, you will not be able to put it down! It deals with some very sensitive life issues such as infidelity, insecurity, jealousy, and intimacy. Be forewarned though, it is not predictable and some parts will totally surprise, if not shock you!! It will make you gasp, laugh, blush, cry and at times say "WOW" out loud! You have to read this book!!"



REVIEW: "After surviving the traumatic and emotional story of Gina, I was excited to read about Sue and the sweet character, Tom. Sue is Gina's steadfast friend and Tom provided support to Gina she didn't even know about during the most difficult part of her past. Sue and Tom's story is beautiful: a mix of struggle and the development of trust and love. I was hooked by the simple and straightforward opening line, and I couldn't put it down from that point forward! The characters in this series are consistent and you learn something new about them with every new story. I can't wait for book 3 :)"

Other books currently available:

The Moment Keeper

The Christmas Violin

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Meet Mary Ball, author of 'Stone of Destiny'



Meet my colleague, author Mary Ball of North Carolina, author of "Stone of Destiny."

About the book:

Can a mysterious ring change lives?
 
The sapphire symbolizes mental clarity, faithfulness and truth. For centuries, a legend in the Harrison family revolved around a ring.
Taylor Harrison has given up on everything but her work. The youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company, her life is complete. That is, until her grandmother asks her to oversee renovations at the family home and find the missing heirloom.
First contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Taylor experiences strange dreams. Feelings surface; she doesn't understand; thoughts that should remain
unspoken, voiced. 
 Taylor’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself. 
Is this a fairy-tale or her soul, reaching out for a life she can only find through faith and trust in God?  

Connect with Mary:

Website 




 
Q&A


Q. Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
A. I enjoy the early morning hours. I do my best writing in my home office when everyone else is asleep. 

Q. Best piece of writing advice. 
A. Never give up your story idea, if it isn't working, just change it around a little.
 
Q. One thing that you would like your readers to know about you. 
A. I live in a small town and enjoy rural living.

Q. Share one of your favorite quotes. 
A. "In my writing, as much as I could, I tried to find the good and praise it." by Alex Haley

Q. When I’m not writing, I’m ... 
A. reading or fishing.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Cause a Ripple and make a difference


I've been wanted to share this for some time. Big hug to my friend, Sharon McGowan Kirchoff, who always inspires me. 

When I first learned about Cause a Ripple, I knew instant
ly that I wanted to be a part of it. I loved the story that inspired the website, product and movement. I’ve always believed strongly in giving back to the community, helping others when I am able. Sharon began Cause a Ripple after listening to a sermon that spoke to her and she shares this story on the website. I encourage you to read the “808 Story.” I know that you will find it as inspiring as I have.

I love the idea of Spreading the Ripple and the gift set is a simple yet profound way of acknowledging those in our life who have inspired us. it’s also a neat way to offer words of encouragement and support.

The stone I was given sits on my desk and is a daily reminder that what I do and say can make a difference. I never take that lightly, and I hope that the ripples I’ve caused will be felt long after I’m gone.

If you are looking for a gift to give someone starting a new job or journey, someone who might be facing challenges in their life and could use your encouragement, someone who has inspired you to be a better person, I encourage you to explore Cause a Ripple.

As our minds and our hearts prepare for the Advent season, you might want to consider giving the stone as a gift to that special someone in your life. It would make a great stocking stuffer as well.

I believe that Sharon has the start of something good, and I encourage you to be a part of it. I think that together, we can make a difference, and Sharon and Cause of Ripple can help lead the way.



Saturday, November 16, 2013

Meet Dan Beard, author of 'Santa's Magic Bootprints'


Meet my friend Dan Beard, author of "Santa's Magic Bootprints.

Dan not only wrote this wonderful storybook but created an entire activity packet that includes 15 reusuable, self-adhesive bootprints; a special "North Pole Air Mail" envelope, a sing and read along disc and a "Christmas Together Instruction and Idea Guide." 

He also created a website for this product that includes videos as well as tips for enjoying the story with your family.

The story:

http://www.santasmagicbootprints.com/images/bootprint_new_gold.png "Santa’s Magic Bootprints" tells the story of how Santa forgets one of his reindeer’s names, and how, in turn, Mrs. Claus discovers a magical dust that ensures Santa will never miss any homes while delivering gifts to children. 

The book is available on Amazon and on the website.

Connect:


Q&A

Q. How did you come up with the idea/concept for this book?  

A. Our first grandchild, Ryan, upon experiencing his first "grown- up" Christmas at the ripe old age of 2, asked me, “Poppi why doesn’t Santa Claus leave his tracks behind?” The idea inspired me to write a rather detailed story- rhyme as to how and why Santa's Bootprints will now suddenly appear in homes all around the world on Christmas morning

Dan Beard's grandson provided the inspiration
 for 'Santa's Magic Bootprints.'
Q. What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
A. Being with all the Family and especially the grandchildren

Q. Favorite Christmas movie? 
A. "Miracle on 34th Street"

Q. Real tree or artificial tree? 
A. Definitely Real

Q. What is something about you that readers might be surprised to learn? 
A. U.S. Paratrooper; Founded the Auto Locator Magazine in 1979


Friday, November 15, 2013

Cover reveal: The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom


I'm super excited to share the cover of Book 2 in The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom. I love the cover and I love the book. I hope you do, too. The book will be out this month. As soon as the date is nailed down, I'll be sure to let you know.

Also, to celebrate Book 2 in the series, we have an awesome giveaway. My publisher Limitless Publishing is giving away 5 ebook copies of Sue and Tom. Enter below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

This review made my day

This review for "The Moment Keeper" made my day. Thank you to all of my readers. I am truly blessed. 

REVIEW: I love Buffy Andrews' writing! Once again she has written a story that will pull you in from the minute you start reading! Andrews' imagination and creativity are truly amazing. The premise behind the story made me wonder if Moment Keepers do in fact exist. I loved the main characters Sarah and Olivia. At times it was so heart-breaking to see how unfair life can be sometimes. You are drawn in and feel such a part of each of their lives. There is such a powerful message about life, love and unanswered questions, the ending was phenomenal. I wish this book was available in print! I am not fond of reading electronically and would love to have a copy to keep and re-read many times over, wearing the pages thin! I give this book and A++

Photos from book signing