Merry Christmas....!

Merry Christmas from Blissful Writing Thoughts.

I will be heading up north to research one of my upcoming books to take place in, of all places, Bethlehem, New Hampshire! So stay tuned for reports of research adventures on my books and plenty more writing thoughts in the year 2009.

See you back here on January 5th!!

I Never Thought I Would Write This...

How I wanted to share with you a joy over the past week - I heard back from several editors for books and now have several contracts and books to write.

But at the same time I grieve a tremendous loss tonight - our beagle Lady. She was still fairly young (though no one was exactly sure of her age when we got her) but for some reason began to develop multiple health problems all at once. Last week I took her for back issues and suddenly she deteriorated to the point she could no longer eat because of megaesophogus, and had double pneumonia because of aspirating food. Along with this she had urinary issues, a mitral valve murmer leading to congestive heart problems, and a herniated disk with hip issues.

So it was with great pain we decided to put her to sleep this night.

Lady loved to walk and sniff out rabbits around the yard. And yes, she even enjoyed interesting trips like in the canoe or going to the beach house with us this past summer. She would sit at our feet and look up lovingly with her dark pretty eyes. She loved cuddling up, even nosing my hubby's hand, insisting that he pet her. She would love to come upstairs and investigate our kitchen floor for any yummy morsels. And she loved being outdoors and taking long walks around the neighborhood. She even visited my son and I when we went on our big hike in '07 on the Appalachian Trail. She had the greatest temperament, sweet and easy going, and took everything with the ease of a grand lady, including preferring her bedding be aired out and changed.

Lady was a sweetie, my sweetheart love, and we will miss her greatly. But we are so glad for the years we had with her.

December Newsletter and Contest

For this week's blog, I am posting my December newsletter that went out to my readers, as well as this month's special contest and a special rate on signed books. Be sure to check it out!

Hello and welcome to the holiday newsletter for author Lauralee Bliss. It’s been quite some time since I’ve touched base with you, but rest assured I’m still busy with my writing ministry! J And through the grace of God, He has opened doors to several new books and opportunities.

NEWS

- I had the opportunity in the fall to be a part of the Philadelphia “Write His Answer” conference. I learned how to write a non fiction book proposal through a special clinic and met with editors about my first non fiction idea - a book chronicling the adventure my son and I undertook hiking the Appalachian Trail. It proved fruitful, and I had several editors express interest in the proposal which is on several desks as I write this. Please pray this book will be accepted at a major publishing house. It is a work near and dear to my heart.

- I received a contract to write a historical novella for an upcoming collection to be released next fall. The collection, “A Blue and Gray Christmas, will be novellas set during the Civil War period and published by Barbour Publishing.

- I have also heard from the editor of a new publishing house, Summerside Press, accepting my historical book proposal. The connection they have come up with – “Love Finds You In...” takes place in unique towns across the US with interesting and catchy names. My story will be set in the real town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This Christmas I plan to journey there and learn more about the town for this upcoming book.

- I am also working closely with my agent on other projects, namely the book on the Appalachian Trail as well as a historical series that takes place in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Still no word yet on these, but again, I covet your prayers.

Special CONTEST

For this special holiday contest, I would like to introduce you to other authors whose works I have enjoyed this past year. I am giving away three books - “The Perfect Life” by Robin Lee Hatcher, “When the Heart Cries” by Cindy Woodsmall, and “Hot Flashes and Cold Cream” by Diann Hunt. If you are receiving this newsletter by e-mail, you are already in the drawing. If you are not and would like to be included in the drawing, please send me your e-mail address along with a note that you would like to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter by Lauralee Bliss (this is to abide my anti Spam laws). Please have your entry in no later than December 19th.
Thank you for being a part of my writing ministry!

AND GREAT GIFTS for Christmas or any time!

With times tough these days, why not give the gift of a great book? Most of my titles are on sale on my website and at terrific prices. Shipping will depend on the number of books and how you wish them sent. But if you order four or more titles, I will pay for shipping! So please check out my web site for great ideas and books specially signed by me.
http://www.lauraleebliss.com/

Blog

I am writing on two blogs now – one about my hiking interest I which I have updated it with my latest adventure – hiking the trail in October through Shenandoah National Park. The second one chronicles “blissful” writing, that is, my thoughts on writing, a writer’s life which can have its many ups and downs, as well as announcing upcoming books and contests.


Wishing you a most blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s mercy, grace, and peace.

Lauralee Bliss

Website: http://www.lauraleebliss.com/
I am also on Shoutlife and Facebook! Come be my friend.