Sheryl Brennan

20 Master Plots at the Louisville Write-In

2011-04-29T10:08:00.002-04:00

Today at the Louisville Write-In we are going to learn about the 20 Master Plots as detailed in the book by Ronald Tobias. If you haven't had the privilege of reading Mr. Tobias's book, I highly recommend 20 Master Plots for any writer who needs a little shove into the RIGHT plotting direction.

In later blog posts, we will explore the 20 different master plots in detail, but most importantly how to properly develop the story in order to achieve the proper tension, hook, and depth for your reader.

According to Ronald Tobias, the 20 master plots are:

1. Quest
2. Adventure
3. Pursuit
4. Rescue
5. Escape
6. Revenge
7. The Riddle
8. Rivalry
9. Underdog
10. Temptation
11. Metamorphosis
12. Transformation
13. Maturation
14. Love
15. Forbidden Love
16. Sacrifice
17. Discovery
18. Wretched Excess
19. Ascension
20. Descension

At times, you may find a combination of the different master plots interwoven within a story to make it more complex and engage the reader. Before we explore the 20 master plots in detail, have a little fun and see if you can identify the main master plot theme in your favorite book or movie.

If you are an aspiring or working writer, blogger, or digital content developer, we'd love to have you at the next Louisville Write-In. Until then, consider adding 20 Master Plots by Ronald Tobias into your reference library. Your writing will become fresher and more cohesive as a result.

Where Has All The Customer Service Gone?

2011-03-25T15:20:00.000-04:00

A funny thing happened to me today. My cable TV, phone, and internet got shut off.

Okay, I know, it seems like an every day occurrence, but I really and truly feel it was for a silly reason. Here's why:

My utility bills are set on a recurring basis through my internet banking. I average out the yearly bills and the average is what I put in as the amount. When I get the bill, if it is over that amount, I change it. If it's under, then sometimes I change it, sometimes I let it ride. Better to have a credit than a negative balance right?

Unfortunately for me, I forgot to change the amount last month and the average payment is what got delivered to the cable company. (The bill for February was $20 higher than the average, btw.) Not even two weeks later I got my bill for March, which included the $20 shortage for last month. So I added that to my payment and updated the online bill pay, making sure the bill went out a little early to get there well before the due date.

Now, I have a stellar payment history with the cable company. Been a customer since 2001 and have NEVER missed a payment. However, somewhere along the line I must have been branded a renegade because when I got up this morning, everything cable related was shut off. They even posted a nice reminder when we turned on the TV that read something to the effect of: "Your account has been temporarily suspended due to NON-PAYMENT. Please call this 800 number or log on to www.cablecompany.com to pay your bill and restore your service."

What is even more hilarious is that in order to call them or log on to the internet, I have to use THEIR product which they have shut off! But I digress...

No phone call, no letter, no nothing. Just simply shut down the phone, cable, and internet. How is THAT for customer service, eh? In a non-techno world, a kind customer service rep would have reviewed my account, seen my payment history, and called to find out what happened with the underpayment. Not in the new millennium!

In our technologically advanced society, appreciation for a long standing business relationship comes in the form of coupons to entice me to spend more money with that business. The penalty for a one time underpayment mistake comes in the form of shutting down my service until they get their $20.

What happened to the days of calling up a long time customer to say, "Thanks for choosing us!" or figuring out ways to make it simple and easy for me to do business with you? Where in the world has all the Customer Service gone?

The Louisville Write-In is here!

2011-03-18T10:57:00.000-04:00

Ok, so this is the second major announcement coming from the Sheryl Brennan camp :)

I am happy to announce the formation of a new writing group in Louisville, aptly named The Louisville Write-In. The Louisville Write-In is a place for all bloggers, article marketers, social media managers, published and pre-published authors to meet, get some much needed writing done, network, and support each other.

As the internet and social networking continues to grow, content (and I mean well crafted content here) becomes more important. Unfortunately, more often than not, the creation of it takes a back seat to work or home life. This is exactly why Louisville Write-In was created. To stop the madness, get out of your usual environment, and step into a safe place where the phone, co-workers, or laundry aren't interrupting creative thought.

The first meeting of Louisville Write-In is April 15th from 9am-12pm. Admission is $7.00 per person and provides:

Coffee, water, and munchies
Classroom setting with free Wi-Fi
A 30-minute writing craft tip session
Networking opportunities
Time to do nothing but write
No pressure, no stress, peer-to-peer critiquing session
Plenty of FREE parking

Pre-registration is required because space is limited, but ya can't even get a cup of Starbucks and all those extras for that, so come on out and see us at the launch of the Louisville Write-In!

Three books coming in 2012!

2011-03-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

Sheryl Brennan inks three book contract with Turquoise Morning Press

Louisville, KY March 16, 2011 — Turquoise Morning Press signed Sheryl Brennan to a three book contract on March 15, 2011.

"It isn't often an author is lucky enough to reside in the same city as their publishing company," stated Brennan. "I am looking forward to working with the staff of Turquoise Morning Press, not only for this series, but many more."

Brennan is a local author of romantic fiction and founder of the Louisville Write-In. The three book series will have Celtic themes and include a re-release of Ms. Brennan's debut novel, Celtic Sacrifice, the sequel, Celtic Hope, and an additional title to be named later. All books are slated for release in 2012. Each book will be available in print, audio, and ebook versions through all major distribution channels.

"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Louisville author Sheryl Brennan," Kim Jacobs, CEO of Turquoise Morning Press, responded. "The addition of Sheryl's work to our house will enhance our historical romance line, and we look forward to more books from Sheryl in the future."

More information about Sheryl Brennan can be obtained via email at sheryl.brennan@yahoo.com or phone (502) 802-7328.

To learn more about Turquoise Morning Press, please contact Kim Jacobs at kim@turquoisemorning.com or through the website at http://www.turquoisemorning.com.

I got an idea!!!!

2011-03-11T13:33:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have been remiss in posting to my blog, but hang tight because I am getting ready to announce a really cool community idea for all my writing friends. So bookmark this blog and you will be one of the first to hear about the happenings!

TTYL and Happy Weekend to all,
Sheryl

Ruin is the road to transformation

2011-02-11T11:23:00.004-05:00

If you were among those who were in awe at the movie "Eat, Pray, Love", you may remember this phrase tripping off the tongue of Julia Roberts.

I found it so prophetic, I added it as a note into my I-phone. Partly because I was going through quite a bit of upheaval in my life at that time, and partly because I wanted to remind myself that although things may seem completely lost in the moment, there is a new journey awaiting me afterward.

What are some of the quotes that help you get through each day, week, or year and keep you reaching for the brass ring?

Spending Your Time Intentionally

2011-02-04T09:21:00.004-05:00

The first 2 weeks of January I was relaxed, felt like I got so much accomplished, and had time for myself and my family.

It's now February and I feel overwhelmed, under appreciated, anxious, and miserable.

Why? I think I have over-scheduled myself. You see, I have this plague of an issue that makes me feel like if I just organize my time better, I can take on one more thing. Help one more person. Be a better me if..... does anyone else suffer from this affliction?

I'm finally at the point in my life that I am looking at where and how I spend my time, then making a conscious decision to spend my time intentionally. As a result, I am paring down my life.

The volunteer activities I choose to involve myself in will include aligning with organizations that I truly love, can use my talents, and I feel like I am making an active contribution to the betterment of the organization. I am also limiting my volunteer hours each month so that I am not putting off my family, my friends, my businesses, and my writing to be engaged in that activity.

In business, I will look for people to help and stop feeling like I am the only one who can perform certain functions. I will also stop over-thinking my decisions to ask for help and give the other person the opportunity to accept or reject the offer. My drive to be considerate of other people's time and circumstances, oftentimes gets in the way.

For my family, I will protect my girl's night time with my kiddos and actually block out that time in my schedule for them. I will plan a family-game night so we can begin having those "fun times". Might even teach the kids to be better poker players!

I will routinely set aside evenings that are just "me" nights where I treat myself to a night out to have fun and let off steam. And I will be more purposeful in inviting girl-friends out for a GNO so I can reconnect with them.

Most importantly, I will say "no thank you" to those things I am asked to do that fall outside of this plan and NOT feel guilty about it. That is the key to my success, because as a people pleaser I want to feel needed and wanted. I just need to learn that my life is very full and I am not living it on purpose by allowing other people, places, and things to find the chinks in my armor.

How about you? Are you spending your time intentionally or allowing others to spend it for you?

Sex In The City And The Aspiring Writer

2011-01-20T21:14:00.005-05:00

What is it about Sex In The City reruns that make us romance writers get into character? Not just any character mind you.... but Carrie Bradshaw.

Carrie is the epitome of a successful writer. New York flat, lunch, dinner and/or cocktails with her equally as successful and bougie friends, and the ability to shop in boutiques for Melano Blanik sky-high heels. (sigh)

It's the life all romance writers dream of. We feel that once we get "the call", we will be able to quit our day-jobs and just write until our hearts are content.

The reality of the situation is far less glamorous, I assure you. I work about 12 hours a day and struggle just to find time for my own creative writing. So with each re-run of Sex In The City that I watch, I dream of the day when my companies are making enough revenue that I can afford the time to delve into my own writers coma, then take my royalties to the closest boutique and blow it on expensive shoes.

So, my fellow Carrie Bradshaw wanna be's, Let's raise a glass to aspirations, Cosmopolitans, and re-runs that allow our imaginations to soar!

Why Does Business Get In The Way Of Good Writing?

2011-01-07T10:18:00.004-05:00

So this is week three of my new journey--- yeah, okay, technically week one if we start from the start of New Year's resolution day (aka- Jan 1). My resolution was to make Friday my creative writing day and I've already broken it.

It started at 7 am when I sat up in the bed and realized I hadn't responded to a prospect's request for quote. So from 7 until 9:45, THAT was what I was doing. It is now 10:21 and nearly half the morning has passed my musings by. GRRRRRR.

Why does business have to get in the way of creative writing? Because we have to pay the bills. One day, I will be able to afford the luxury of employees that I can delegate the work to and spend more of my days on my own creative writing, playing golf, traveling, and shopping.

Hmph! Isn't that what all writers say? Oh there are a rare few of us who have made it and can claim an income from our characters and plots, but the rest of us plod along waiting for the day we can live that "Sex In The City" lifestyle.

For those who happen upon this post and are among those fortunate few who are career writers and paying the bills from royalties, how did you get there? How long was your journey to writing for fame and fortune? And more importantly, what advice would you give the rest of us hopefuls out there?

Where did my sticky note go?

2010-12-31T10:05:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am a sticky note junky.

Those little colored pieces of paper with just the right amount of adhesive on the back are very helpful to plotting. I can move those little suckers around and do "what if" scenarios until my heart is content.

Until I lose them.

This particular escapee note had the page number where I stopped my third person POV revisions on Celtic Sacrifice. Grrrr.

But that little note was more than just a reminder of which page to turn to. It was my motivator.

For the new year, I decided to start a new scheduling system. I use time blocks to keep me on task with the different business functions I need to complete. My favorite day of the week is Friday. Why? Because Friday is my writing day. All day on Friday I get to satisfy MY muse and no one else's. That little yellow sticky note with the page number on it was my daily reminder that I was ever closer to my beloved Friday.

Oh well, I suppose I'll just find another sticky note. Onward ho to Celtic Sacrifice revisions and Celtic Hope creation. :)

Getting back into the swing of the pen

2010-12-17T14:38:00.005-05:00

"It's been a long time old friends," I lovingly say to my trusty keyboard and thumb drive containing the manuscripts I've been meaning to revise for well over a year. "Sorry I've stayed gone so long."

What? Why has it been a year, you ask? Well.... I've been a bit busy. Got laid off in August of 2009, started a business in September of 2009, lost business partners and strategic partners along the way, and took on two more start-ups... OH- and started my MBA. All while being a single mom of three and putting myself on hold for a while. (sigh)

But 2011 I am branding as my balancing year. In the new year, I am putting forth the intention that I will try to grow these three businesses to a level that brings forth a sustainable, yet sufficient income to maintain my lifestyle (AKA- food in the fridge, bills paid, and a little savings tucked away for when it rains) AND refine my own identity, which includes one full day of letting Sheryl Brennan out of the proverbial closet to write her Celtic Romances again.

Will I be successful? With the internet and my readers holding me accountable, I certainly hope so. By January 31st, I hope to deliver the 3rd person POV revisions on Celtic Sacrifice to my publisher whom I hope has not given up on me quite yet; followed closely by the polished Celtic Hope for her editing pleasure.

I'll need lots of cheerleaders to make it happen, but that is what friends are for, right? Can I count you in?

The Blue and Red Go To the Green and White- Part Two

2010-03-21T17:07:00.006-04:00

After a very long day of waiting in uncomfortable chairs and Blue's bad jokes, Blue and Red were FINALLY able to get their boarding passes to their Aer Lingus flight.

Next Stop.... DUBLIN! Where hopefully Red will get a better sense of humor. Maybe Blue should make her kiss the Blarney Stone?

....to be continued....

The Blue and Red Go To the Green and White- Part One

2010-03-21T12:37:00.011-04:00

They were a house divided... Blue rooted for the Cats and Red pulled for the Cards. On just about everything, they were in opposition, except for one. Blue and Red wanted to go to the country of their ancestors- Ireland. On THAT, they could agree.

So Blue and Red saved up their pennies for TWO WHOLE YEARS in order to go on this trip of a lifetime. Blue agreed Red could make all the arrangements, which Red thoroughly enjoyed.

Blue packed up Big Car on Saturday, while Red made sure they had their passports.

At 3:30 AM (a little difficult for Blue, not being an early riser like Red), Blue drove them to the airport in Lexington. They hopped aboard a puddlejumper flight and arrived in O'Hare Airport at 7.

Blue, being a gentleman, bought Red some breakfast and even supersized it!

Afterward, they checked on the status of their flight....then took a little nap.

--- to be continued----

Dark Diva's Review

2009-09-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

Celtic Enchantment Book One: Celtic Sacrifice by Sheryl Brennan

Celtic Enchantment Book One: Celtic Sacrifice by Sheryl Brennan
Publisher: Underdog Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Summary: “Do you know how to make the gods laugh, Ceana? Tell them of your plans….”When members of the O’Connor clan come to claim Ceana O’Hagan on her eighteenth birthday, she believes her destiny is clear: to marry Cian O’Connor, become a druid priestess, and restore the mystic powers of a long-lost ancestor.But the path becomes muddy when a mysterious stranger captures Ceana’s heart, setting an alternate course of events into motion. Dangling within the chasms of religion, duty, and newly discovered emotions, will Ceana’s desire to fulfill her tribal obligations force her to give up the love of Cian, her country, and her culture, or will she refuse to become the Celtic Sacrifice the English Crown demands?

My Review: I am a huge fan of Celtic history and when it's weaved with romance, all the better! Reading Sheryl Brennan's debut historical romance, Celtic Sacrifice was a real treat for me.The book started with a fabulous dramatically packed opening hook, which kept me reading until the very end. Weaved into the story is the underlying premise that a higher power guides our steps. I am also a believer of that philosophy, and I truly enjoyed how Ms. Brennan had that playing throughout Ceana's story.

Whenever I read a book that shows the growth of a character, and has an underlying theme, I find that I am more engrossed in the story and the characters. Ms. Brennan has done a great job of drawing me in. This book is part of a series, and I am looking forward to reading Celtic Hope.

Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Eliza!

“Do as I wish … Not as I do” - Part I

2009-07-27T16:10:00.000-04:00

A Short Story by Terence Cannan and Sheryl Brennan

Another spring is upon us. In my native Ireland, spring brought reflection and rebirth. The more years that pass, the more I find myself talking to God about the wonders of the world and path of my life. A life riddled with hardship, broken dreams, and a broken body.

My name is Patrick Boddie and today is just another rainy Sunday in London; time to honor God, rest from a long work week, and spend time with family.

I hail from County Cork in Ireland. For generations the Boddie clan proudly worked the land in Cork until turbulent economic times found us surrendering our land to an English Lord and becoming his tenant farmers.

My father and grandfather before him dreamed of buying back a portion of the land from Lord Dugan, but farmers are poor and the price of land increased every year until the dream they held blew away with the summer winds.

My dream was different than my patriarchs. I envisioned sailing to the Americas and laying claim to my own parcel, perhaps two-hundred acres or more. To hold the rich earth within my hands belonging to none but myself, to see the proud upturn of my father’s lips, and know we served the English no more. I vowed I would die before a rich noble would hold a mortgage just out of reach and keep me bound in servitude. That was a dream worth working for.

Twenty-seven years later I sit in a cramped rented flat, not lamenting for the lack of obtaining my vision, but in the hope my son Liam will not follow in my footsteps.

I see in Liam the same drive and zeal for life I had in my youth. At thirteen years old, he is the youngest of my brood, yet speaks of things far exceeding his years. He is gifted with an imagination and a passion to fulfill dreams of his own, but I fear if he stays in London, he will suffer the same fate that befell me.

Sunday is also the day I tally the weekly wages my family earned from working at the mill. After paying the expenses, I rejoiced in the knowledge of a guinea left over this week; a small bit of savings to kip away for hard times.

Liam sidled into the room with a determined expression contorting his features. “Da, when can I start work at the mill?”

Inwardly I cringed at the question. Biting back the knot wedging itself in my throat, I returned to my paper.

An Irishman who immigrated to Missouri in the states wrote to the London Times of his prosperity. The editors published his words for all to see of the man who came from nothing who purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land for five dollars an acre.

This is the dream I want for my son. To get out of this place and be his own man, work his own land, and not be tied to the mill machinery like a rat caught in a trap, earning a living that barely affords you survival.

I show him the editorial, pointing for emphasis at this man’s prosperity. “I want better for you and yours, Liam. This could be you one day.”

“There is no dishonor in working the mill, Da.” he answered. “It has been good enough for you, why is it not good enough for me? Is it not past time for me to ease your burden of my support?”
His loyalty to the family makes me proud, but I do not wish him to suffer as his mother and I have. I pulled a wrinkled envelope from my pocket and pushed the tattered paper across the wooden table towards him.

“I received a letter from your Uncle Matthew in America yesterday. He says there are good jobs there… Jobs that pay three times what you could earn at the mill.” I watch as he reads through the scribbled text. “I have 3 pound saved. Enough for one steamboat passage to New York. I cannot do much for you and your sister, but I can send you to a place where a man can be anything he wants to be. If you think you are ready to do a man’s work, then take this chance to do what I could not.”

I Haven't Been Eaten By Alligators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-23T08:38:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know. Whip me a thousand times with a wet noodle for not posting. Why is it that life has a tendency to get in the way of what you really WANT and INTEND to do? Isn't there an old cliche' about intentions? (sigh)

As a "trying to get back into the writing zone" present to the masses, I have a short story that I will install once a week. I co-authored it with a very good friend. Enjoy!

In the meantime, stay tuned for the next installment of "HELP! My Teenagers Are Eating My Brain and Other Pubescent Zombie Stories."

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

2009-06-04T09:19:00.001-04:00

We interupt this not-so-regularly scheduled blogcast with a winner...

2009-04-26T09:10:00.001-04:00

Okay, yes, I'm late with a post. Way late. Life snuck up behind me, hit me over the head, rolled me in an area rug, and took me to its secret lair. (sigh)

In case you didn't know, my fellow author friend, Magdalena Scott, and I have been participating in a very fun Girls Night Out event hosted by 103.1 Radio in Louisville, Kentucky. As a prize Magdalena and I decided it would be very fun to give away an opportunity to be featured on our blogs. So, each week, you will see a new person or business featured here. This week, the winner was.... (drumroll please.)

Hope Wethington!!!!

Hope was esecially lucky because she not only won OUR prize, but the 103.1 prize of a pair of diamond earrings. What was really funny about that is Hope and her business partner Kat run a designer jewelry business. Ironic, ain't it? LOL.

Now, Hope didn't want us to post her picture, but she did give us some FANTABULOUS shots of the jewelry she and her friend Katherine Autin make. So, hey, we aim to please, right? And what pretty jewelry it is.

I apologize to everyone, though--if we'd known we were going to photograph jewelry, we'd have taken a camera, and not relied on cell phone pictures. I hope you can get some idea of the lovely things they had displayed at their table.Their company name is Kat 'n Hope Designer Jewelry, and they are based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Here are our intrepid interview questions:

How did you learn about tonight's event? 103.1

RadioFavorite book? Pride and Prejudice (Mine too! I'm liking this gal more and more.)

Interesting bit of information about you: We are jewelry designers and work in sterling silver, hand enameled silver, genuine gem stones, and pearl necklaces, bracelets and earring sets. And we specialize in custom pieces. (Hmmmm... I think I might talk to her about that O'Connor amulet from Celtic Sacrifice.)

Ladies and gentlemen, if you like what you see, come on out to a few of the events Kat 'n Hope Designer Jewelry will participate in the following events next month:

Irvine, Kentucky Mushroom Festival, May 25-26

Louisville, KY benefit for The Parkinsons Support Center of Kentuckiana May 8, 9, 10
10505 Watterson Trail

Kat 'n Hope Designer Jewelry is a division of Eye Candy Beads & Jewelry, LLC.

Congratulations, Hope! Good luck with your business, ladies!

~Sheryl

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Writer and Mom on Strike- Miltary Mom

2009-03-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

PART I

So, what do you do when you have a child(ren) who continuously lie, steal, don’t do homework, and skip school? As a single mom, what options do you have?

In the middle of my strike, that I thought was going very well I might add, my oldest two cherubs decided it was time to go pre-teen hormonal and test the boundaries of mom’s tolerance.

The lying and occasional taking of one’s sister’s stuff is on the normal side of sibling rivalry… but I draw the line--- I repeat--- I DRAW THE LINE AT SKIPPING SCHOOL.

Now mom, you may ask, how did you discover that your daughter was skipping school?

What? You mean I neglected to divulge that portion of the story? Hmmm. Allow me to mesmerize you with my amazing skills of crime scene investigation.

My eldest cherub, who just a week prior had attempted to pinch three packs of gum from the local convenience store, neglected to do a bit of homework and punitive sentence writing. The following morning, I noticed her backpack hidden behind the hallway bench. An attempt to use the “forgetting” of said school supplies as her excuse for not delivering the work that was due that day, I was certain.

It was 7:30 am. Cherub #1 had already vacated the house with cherub #2 to catch the bus. So, I scooped up cherub #3 as well as said backpack and embarked upon the morning routine of dropping off cherub #3 to before school care. After safely delivering my youngest progeny, I made my way to the local middle school.

Thinking very well of myself for thwarting cherub #1’s plans to control her disciplinary destiny, I walked into the school office requesting an audience with my eldest. The office staff was polite and rang the assigned classroom.

After a curt phone conversation, the secretary’s face clouded. “Mrs. Brennan, the teacher says Becca did not arrive at school today.”

A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. And yes, the first one was, “I’m gonna kill her.” Figuratively of course.

Rather than acting upon that impulse, I respectfully asked for an interlude with cherub #2, who confirmed that her sister did not get on the bus.

Oh, she is so dead.

Fighting to keep my blood pressure under control I called my boss to let him know I would not be in, then drove back home. After quietly closing the front door, I yelled the first, middle, and last name of my eldest child followed by a, “Where are you?”

Lo, from the basement comes a small voice. “Downstairs.”

My heart is beating frantically as I rush to the top of the staircase and swing open the door. There, in her school uniform, no socks or shoes, is my eldest cherub… smiling as though she has just won first prize in a scare-your-mom-to-death contest.

Was I glad she was home, rather than walking the streets? Yes. Did I hurt her bodily? No. But HARD LABOR was definitely in the cards.

After taking her to school, I retreated back to my haven to calculate my next move.

Stay tuned for PART DEUX of my latest adventure as a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Striking Mom.

How much do you REALLY know about the Irish?

2009-03-17T11:06:00.001-04:00

Saint Patrick’s Day usually brings to mind short, squat, pointy-eared, red-headed troublemakers with a beer in one hand and a shillelagh in the other. Just goes to show how much the perception of the Irish has been skewed over the years.

St. Patrick's Day marks the Roman Catholic feast day for Ireland's patron saint, who died in the 5th century. "The modern celebration of St. Patrick's Day really has almost nothing to do with the real man," said classics professor Philip Freeman of Luther College in Iowa.

SAINT PATRICK

Snakes often represent evil in literature. The legend goes that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. This is symbolically saying he drove the old, evil, pagan ways out of Ireland and brought in a new age of chritianity.

GREEN

Auspicious, lucky color and used to represent fertility. On Bealtane (May Day), single maidens would wear green clothing until the Catholic priests outlawed the practice.

LEPRECHAUN

Mythical Irish Faery, devious in nature. The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath bhrogan (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma'n (Irish for pygmy). These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected.Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure (left by the Danes when they marauded through Ireland), burying it in crocks or pots. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans whom they regard as foolish, flighty (and greedy?) creatures. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it.However, you must never take your eye off him, for he can vanish in an instant.

SHILLELAGH

Since ancient times, the Irish arts of stick fighting, or Bataireacht, had been handed down from fathers to sons or learned in traditional military fencing schools. During their centuries of skirmish with one another, the English outlawed any Irishman to carry weaponry. Disguised as a simple walking stick, the shillelagh allowed an Irishman the security of a weapon. Eventually, however, the shillelagh became a symbol of stereotypical violent Irish behavior.

SHAMROCK

This three-leafed plant was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).

Now that you know a little more about the Irish, St. Patrick's Day also marks the day of another important event. The RELEASE DAY FOR CELTIC SACRIFICE!

If you enjoy historical romance, you'll love my debut Irish Celtic historical romance, CELTIC SACRIFICE, published by Underdog Press and given 4 cups by Coffee Times Romance.

One lucky commenter will win an autographed copy of CELTIC SACRIFICE. Just post your answer to the following question by midnight, March 18th and you will be entered into our drawing.

What is the most unique, crazy, or risky St. Patrick's Day tradition you have participated in?

To see the trailer to Celtic Sacrifice, click here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIQJCCn0doc

"Do you know how to make the gods laugh, Ceana? Tell them of your plans…."

When members of the O'Connor clan come to claim Ceana O'Hagan on her eighteenth birthday, she believes her destiny is clear: to marry Cian O'Connor, become a druid priestess, and restore the mystic powers of a long-lost ancestor. But the path becomes muddy when a mysterious stranger captures Ceana's heart, setting an alternate course of events into motion. Dangling within the chasms of religion, duty, and newly discovered emotions, will Ceana's desire to fulfill her tribal obligations force her to give up the love of Cian, her country, and her culture, or will she refuse to become the Celtic Sacrifice the English Crown demands?

Celtic Sacrifice - Book one of the Celtic Enchantment series

To purchase a copy, log on to http://www.underdogpress.com/

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT- HOUSE ARREST

2009-03-13T16:32:00.001-04:00

Stay tuned for the next post where I will expound on my daughter's journey on HOUSE ARREST! That's right- this Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom is not only a mom on strike, but now a warden.

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Sowing Seeds

2009-03-09T16:54:00.000-04:00

Make no mistake. This strike has been a great challenge to me as a mom. It is extremely difficult to watch my children struggle and learn things the hard way.

Things such as, if you don’t wash your clothes you have to wear dirty ones that stink to school. Or, if you don’t take a shower, your hair gets a bit greasy after 3 days. Or, if you leave scraps of food out on the counter for a week, you get bugs.

As mom’s we always want to cushion the blow. Throughout this process, I have to keep reminding myself of the goal of this exercise.

When my child leaves the nest (and I DO want them to eventually leave the nest), what is it that I want to have taught them over the past 18 years?

After great introspection the answer came to me: An independent, self-reliant, socially contributing member of society.

That question answered, I had to then ask myself, “Self, what does that mean?”

To me, it means people who are able to take care of their basic living needs without assistance. As a parent, have I done my job if all they ever learn are the cushy feel-good lessons of life? Will they be properly prepared for the challenges and disappointments that are inevitable?

Now, I don’t know about you, but for some reason, I never learned anything by what I did right. The things that I had to struggle with were the best lessons I’ve had.

So, I evaluated my mom behavior.

Q. When mom does the children’s laundry, what do they learn?
A. I have clean clothes. Mom does them on ___ and ___ day, washes dries, folds, and in some instances, puts them away. All I have to do is bring down the dirty stuff, and magically they get clean.

Q. When mom does the cleaning all day on a Saturday because she is too tired from her 9-5 day job to do it in the evening, what do they learn?
A. Complain that you are tired or that something hurts and hold out until Saturday when mom will do the cleaning.

I could go on and on with examples.

The change in MY behavior is starting to change theirs. What have my children learned this past week from the strike? Let’s review:

If THEY don’t do laundry they won’t have clean clothes to wear.
How to operate the washer and dryer.
How to wash, dry, and put away their dishes.
How to plan a menu on a budget.
How to grocery shop on a budget.
How to cook simple meals so they don’t go hungry.

If they continue to do these things for thirty days, then these life lessons will (hopefully) be ingrained in their minds. They may not appreciate me more, but maybe, just maybe they won’t be bringing home mounds of dirty laundry for me to wash on their college breaks, call me to send “more money” because they don’t know how to manage their finances, or worst of all… STARVE.

Sometimes it’s the seeds you sew now that become the harvest of the future.

“To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn.”

To all of you seasoned parents out there, what lesson are you thankful to have taught YOUR children and why?

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Writer and Mom on Strike

2009-03-08T21:34:00.000-04:00

Is the house clean today? Yup.

How, you may ask? Quite simply… motivation.

This morning we awoke to the first warm, sunny day in Louisville signaling the close of winter and entry of spring. Because of the BEA-U-TIFUL day, my boyfriend and I planned a picnic in the park.

(Cue mommy sniggers)

It was approximately 8am when I proudly announced, “Mr. Smith and I plan to meet at the park for a picnic today.”

Each of my cherubs jumped up and down with delight.

(Cut! Stop rolling film.)

Close your eyes for just a moment. Imagine three pre-teen girls giggling and dancing around the house, clapping their hands with glee.

(Roll film. Camera focuses on Mom, a sly smile stretching her lips.)

“I don’t usually go anywhere until MY housework is done. So I am going to go clean my room and bathroom. I’m leaving at 12:30. Those who clean up their mess get to accompany us, those who do not, stay home.”

(Cut to kids. Record scratch effect.) Suprisingly, no one was jumping up and down anymore. Can you here the sarcasm in my voice?

Remember the condition of the kitchen? The rest of the house was the same if not worse.
But suddenly, they had motivation. I passed out chore cards detailing each room of the house and what duties comprised cleaning those rooms.

“Now, here is everything that I would normally do when I clean. You all made the mess, you get to clean it. You can either cooperate, or go it alone. Your choice. Good luck.”

Mom kicks up her heels and waves goodbye.

(Cue wide-eyed children.)

I couldn’t help but laugh as I listened to my children discuss their plight.

“Oh my gosh! How are we going to do all this?”
“This place is a mess.”
“You heard mom, if we want to go, we need to clean up.”

After a few minutes of kibitzing, they finally broke up their pity party and started cleaning. My youngest two finished their jobs in record time, but my oldest, whose job was the kitchen, started to stress.

You see, my oldest is ADHD and Dyslexic. When she feels overwhelmed, she has a tendency to shut down. Her heaving sighs and hand temporarily affixed to her forehead was a dead give-away.

With the youngest two done, it seemed like a good learning opportunity for the concept of service to others.

“Mom, Becca isn’t going to get to go. She isn’t done with the kitchen,” says my youngest.

“Yeah,” says my middle child.

“So what do you think we should do?” says mom.

My two youngest answer as though this is a foreign concept to them. “Help her?”

I nod my head, “I think that would be very nice of you two.” Then I walk away and wait to see what happens.

This is where they surprise me. Rather than being bossy and telling their sister what she needs to do, they actually rolled up their sleeves and helped. The smile on their faces when they told me they were ready to go was worth a million dollars.

Hmmmmm…. Maybe it’s all in the motivation.

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom On Strike

2009-03-06T16:47:00.001-05:00

Today's Episode.. A Dose of Reality

It’s rather amazing the habits and cycles my kids have gotten in to. For instance, here is an excerpt from the conversation I had yesterday with my middle child:

“Hi Michela, how was school?”
“It was ok.”
“What did your teacher say about your homework?”

(That stuff she was too involved with the TV to break away from and do before her bedtime.)

“She just told me to redo it.”

(Oh, you've got to be kidding me.)

“Ah- good for you I suppose. Oh, by the way. You guys are going to your group meeting tonight. And during prayer share time, my prayer is going to be for you guys to be able to get through the next 30 days of Mommy strike.”
“No- mom, please.”
“Oh yes. And do you know what will happen afterward? Your group leader and the other moms will want to know why I’m on strike… and YOU three are going to have to tell them.”
“But mom… what if I start doing my chores and doing what I’m supposed to do? Will you call the strike off?”
“Hmmmm…. Why don’t you try it and we’ll see what happens, eh?”
“Oh I will. I have SEEN THE LIGHT, mom.”
“Uh huh.” NOT!

I’ve noticed a trend in my household. My kids misbehave, I get mad, I discipline, they whine, do part of the time, promise to do better, mom relaxes standards, kids get comfortable, misbehavior starts all over again.

Check out this photo of A CORNER of my kitchen. The only light she’s seen is the one coming through the kitchen window.

Notice the pizza box? It's empty, and has been in that very spot for 3 days. 3 DAYS! And this is only a corner of the kitchen. The rest is MUCH, MUCH, worse. Not to mention the rest of the house.

What's a mom on strike to do?

Hmmm. Well, MY bedroom is clean. MY bathroom is clean. I have a TV, radio, laptop, phone, and any other electronic device known to man at my disposal in that part of the house. If they want to live in squaller... GO FOR IT!

I'll still invite my friends over. And if they just so happen to want to comment on the condition of the house, I will gladly point them in the direction of those individuals who think they are living "high on the hog". He he he. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

Sometimes, you have to take a couple of steps backward and hold your ground in order to move forward.

To my daughters, who think that they can wait it out: Buckle up buttercups, this ride is going to last a FULL 30 days.

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Grocery Store Edition

2009-03-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

“They are shopping?”
“Your girls are having so much fun.”
“It is good to see a mom teaching her daughter’s a life skill.”
“How did you get them to do this?”

These are only SOME of the inquiries I received to our grocery store trip on Tuesday evening. My reply, “Yep. They are doing their own grocery shopping because I’m on strike.”

(Cue the giggles, sniggers, snorts, and guffaws followed by, “What a great idea! I think I’m going to do that.”)

The food in the house is running low. Attitudes get awfully pliable when the tummy wants it’s favorite junk food and all there is to eat is broccoli, peanut butter, and fruit.

What is a mom on strike to do?

Simple. Teach her children how to shop.

“I will give each of you $10 to spend. Between your grocery money and what we have in the house, you should plan and purchase breakfast, lunch, and dinners for the next three days. You can work together or separately, but the Brennan transportation service will be departing in approximately thirty minutes to the grocery store.”

What happened?

My youngest two, we’ll call them team 1, immediately got to work on a menu plan and shopping list. (WOW- they WERE watching me all these years.) My oldest started on her shopping list, determined to go it alone, we’ll call her team 2.

Thirty minutes later, we set off for the grocery.

Upon arrival, each “team” got a cart and headed in opposite directions. Me? I grabbed my own cart, trailing a safe distance behind to watch the action.

Team 1 was smart. They had confiscated a calculator before our departure. When I caught up to them twenty minutes later, they proudly proclaimed they had only spent $8.00 and had all their dinners covered.

Team 2? Well. She quickly realized her $10 wasn’t going to get very far on her own. After a bit of discussion, she decided it might be in her best interest to see if Team 1 would allow her to join them and pool her money with theirs. They agreed.

Fourty-five minutes into the trip, the three cherubs were checking out, grinning from ear-to-ear, and let me know that their total had come in UNDER their budgeted amount of $30.
On the way home, my curiosity got the best of me. “So ladies… what did we learn today?”

Team 1: “When you work together, you get more.”

Team 2: “Groceries are expensive and I need help.”

Some days, you get the bear. Other days, the bear gets you. Today… I got the bear. Objective achieved- lesson learned.

Stay tuned for the next episode of the Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike, when I finally realize this process is going to take a FULL 30 DAYS to get my point across. Two steps forward and one step back... LET'S DANCE!

The Life and Adventures of a Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Days 3-7

2009-03-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

An interesting thing is happening. My kids are LEARNING something.

The first week of the strike was a bit tough on the ole mom. I hate seeing my children struggle and struggling was exactly what they were doing.

On Thursday, my two oldest lied to me for the umpteenth time and were completely disrespectful. I’d hit my limit with the lying, so in a desperate attempt to shock them into submission I wrote on the back of my strike sign: “Our names are ______ and _____. We are liars and are disrespectful to our family. We cannot be trusted.”

I had them read that sign out loud together, then piled them into the car for a trip to the local grocery store. Lo and behold, a few of their school chums and their moms were outside selling Girl Scout cookies. What timing!

(Cue the well placed comment) “Wow, look at that. It’s so and so and their moms. I think this would be a good place for you two to go stand and hold up your sign.”

(Cue the tears and drama from the backseat of the car.) “Moooooooommmmmm! Do you want to humiliate us? We’re sorry. Please don’t!”

On Friday, when placed in a situation where my oldest would have normally lied, the following comment was caught escaping from her lips, “Yes, I did it. I don’t want to lie anymore.” Ah ha! Finally… the voice of reason.

The weekend was quiet. I am a divorced mom, so my three cherubs went to their dad’s for visitation. (Cue chirping crickets and the waterfall.)

Monday went off without a hitch, but it was Tuesday that really hit the mark. Stay tuned for the next adventure of the Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Grocery Store Edition and find out what happened.

An Editor's Art

2009-03-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

I am taking a slight break from my "Mama Strike" to bring you an awesome article written by my very talented editor at Underdog, Sherri Andervich. Throughout the editing process of Celtic Sacrifice, I was surprised when I read her suggestions, that were seamless. Those, that if I hadn't known better, would have had me patting myself on the back for sparkling prose! I was amazed at her ability to marry proper English and the author's voice. Without further adieu, here is Sherri with her .02 entitled:

An Editor's Art

You are a few chapters into book by a well-known, super-prolific writer you know, the ones who can bang out three or four best-sellers a year, usually mystery or spy plots when you notice a subtle change in the narrative, as if a different voice has entered the conversation. You scan back a paragraph or two, thinking you might have missed a clue.

Fret not, dear reader, what you sense isn't a story shift but a shift of story-teller. Many ghost- writers contribute to the production of the best connived and contrived thrillers in the top-ten lists. Skilled as these professionals are, they can never quite imitate the original, nor an exact match of one another.

Writers possess voice, individual voice as unique as thumb print on passport or lip trace upon wine glass. The excitement of discovering a new author or lolling comfortably in the cadence of a favorite is found in that author's individual imprint upon your imagination, "the voice."

Editors are chamaeleons wearing the leather of English I while melding with the writer's song, their grammatical swords falling lightly against inspired tales. Therein lies the secret of a deft editor; the ability to respect the author's work while weeding out the misplaced punctuation, the word that sounds the same but should be spelled differently or the explanation repeated from a previous chapter.

The practice of fiction editing differs from editorial/journalistic and business communication, mediums recognized for style, not voice. From newspapers to magazines, publications often demand a cohesive style from their contributors, a style aimed at their respective audiences.

This approach is market directed. When you pick up a local daily on your doorstep or a glossy monthly from your dentist's side table, you anticipate their content. You scan titles, skim pages, you feel no commitment.

Ah, but when you settle into your favorite lounger and delve into a new novel you yearn for complete seduction. The author's voice transports you into different places, other people's lives and manners of expression. Expression is the thread weaving you into the story, that elusive devise an editor is honor-bound to deliver intact.

Do hard-and-fast never-to-be-broken rules exist for story editing? Yes. Leave your ego in your briefcase. No matter how you think something should be written, the tale belongs to the teller, not you. What about the electronic editing programs available, the many courses, all of the rule books? They are educational; be selective and remember, their primary purpose is to generate income for the originator.

Rules are made to be broken, behooving the editor to be educated. There are classics, from Cry the Beloved Country to Cold Mountain containing narry a conversation quote mark. A well-known Pulitzer Prize author began a collection of short stories with a five-page sketch unbroken by paragraphs or punctuation marks. These are extreme examples and will not apply to most manuscripts. So what does apply?

Thousands of years before methods of recording history became practical, fables, parables and legends were passed from generation to generation by skilled narrators. Voice preceded print and its attendant formalities. Listen for the voice.

Sherri Andervich is the super-talented senior editor of up-and-coming small publishing house, Underdog Press. To learn more about Sherri or Underdog, log on to http://www.underdogpress.com/.

the adventures of the Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Day 2

2009-02-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

At the very least, my stress level is under control. I had so much fun answering my children's questions this morning. The dialog went something like this:

"Mom, if I don't take a shower tonight will it be ok?"
"I don't know."
"Mom, who ate the cookies?"
"Not me."
"Mom! Why won't you answer me? Why do you keep saying that?"
"Because it always seems an appropriate answer to you when I ask a question. Is it not?"

LOL. Oh the freedom!

After a hard day at the office, I picked up my 7-year-old from after school care, then headed home. I walked through the door to the sight of my 11-year-old in the middle of the kitchen, grinning from ear-to-ear with a sponge in her hand.
"Hi Mom," she says.
"Hi Michela."
"I'm cleaning the kitchen for you."
"Are you now?"
"Uh huh. Because I want to SHOW you how much I love you."
"Hmmm. Interesting."

Flash forward to 8pm. They continued to show me how much they loved me by leaving the kitchen in a state of complete disarray that any sous chef would be embarrassed by. YUP- they love me alright.

MY dinner was scruptious though and I put all my dirty utencils in the dishwasher. OH- interesting side note. This morning, I put out one plastic divided plate, one plastic cup, one bowl, one fork, one knife, and one spoon for each child, that will be theirs to tend to for the next 30 days. No nice stonewear, no luxury of putting your dirty dishes in an automatic dishwasher, just good old fashioned elbow grease when they get dirty.

AHHHHHH-- the joys of being a striking mom.

It is Wednesday evening. The clean underwear is running low. Favorite food stuffs are dwindling down. I bet that by Sunday everyone will be in a much more pliable temperment. Any takers?

Stay tuned for the next installment of the adventures of the Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike- Day 3

MOM ON STRIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

That's it.

I've had it.

After a full year of working a full time day job, writing part time in an attempt to jump start my career in romance fiction, and being a single mom to three very capable girls ages 12,11, and 7, I have decided that I'm done with being stressed out over the undone chores, mounds of laundry that more often than not contains clean as well as dirty children's clothes, and accompanying whining, arguing, bickering, and drama.

Therefore, on February 23rd at 6:45 am in the morning I called my sweet cherubs (NOT) into the dining room and wrote the following words in onyx permanent ink on a stark white piece of poster board:

KIDS UNFAIR TO MOM! MOM IS ON STRIKE!

I proceeded, through gritted teeth and a joker-like smile to let them know what the strike entailed. With a rigid index finger, I pointed to each of my daughters in succession as I proclaimed, "I will no longer, cook, clean, or do laundry for you... you... or you. You can either work on an every man for himself basis or cooperate to get the chores done. You choose."

I think they thought I was kidding, but this was no early April Fool's prank. When I came home that evening, I was armed with a new attitude and several 8x10 sheets of copy paper bearing slogans adopted for my cause.

"Labor unfair to management"

"MOM: It's who's NOT making dinner"

"Ask not what your mother can do for you, but what you can do for your mother"

HA!

For dinner, the children made themselves spaghetti, then convienently "forgot" to clean up the mess.

They celebrated their new found freedom by going to bed past their bedtime and neglecting the daily chores so harshly put upon them by the enemy--- MOM.

Me? Oh, I celebrated my lack of stress with a call to my publicist and a nice warm bath, then relished in the fact that when the kids would ask why they didn't have clean underwear for tomorrow I could gleefully reply, "So sorry about your luck. Guess you'll have to learn how to use the washing machine. I'm on strike."

Stay tuned for the adventures of the Backwoods Kentucky Author and Mom on Strike-Day 2

Welcome

2009-02-17T11:52:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Sheryl Brennan's Blog here you will learn more about Sheryl and her writing....

More coming soon so come back......