Thanks-giving

I got a wonderful thank you card yesterday. It was from a lady who came to Thanksgiving.
I had 33 people for a sit down dinner at my little house. She was shocked at how I had pulled it off.

In the first place, Gerald did most of the work. We had My daughters new in-laws from Salt Lake. My sons in-laws from price, and my sons friend from Pittsburg.

A couple of other ladies came and I think the reason it went off so well was because of all the people that were there and the spirit they brought.

It was so wonderful, we did it again for Christmas. Happy New Year everyone.

Email

I got a very touching email from a lady who bought my book. She is determined to change the dinamics in her house. She said she got the book just in time.

I was so touched by her email. She said she was going to study my book before she starts to approach her husband and kids. She said she can't take a chance on her plan failing because it will be her last chance.

My prayers are with her.

Another call

I got a call from a friend who had bought my book for his sister. He informed me that she went out and got 4 more. One for each one of her kids.

My cleaning lady at the Beauty Salon is going to give one to each kid for christmas.

I Love hearing things like this.

Adversity

I read a real sad post on 'Good Reads'. A lady gave me a real bad review.
She was divorced. She said that some marriages are better the second time around. She was extremely upset that I stressed that children could be ruined for life by divorce.

I agree with her, surprisingly. There are marriages where the only solution is to get out. I had two of them in my own family. In that case, obviously the children will also be better off. I am not saying the children won't suffer. They will suffer and try not to take sides in any event. A lot of the children who initially suffer emmensely in the beginning can be very well adjusted and successful adults.

The only marriages I am so into saving are those couples who have small children and absolutely no abuse in the family. I also stress that if a spouse messures a lot more bad than good on the marriage ruler, getting out may be the best bet. However, this doesen't happen very often. Most dicorces come about because the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence.

Book Lover's Holiday Hop

I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!! Please follow the link below to follow my new blog and enter the Book Lover's Holiday Hop Click

HERE

Daughter-in-law

My daughter-in-law gave me a sign for my birthday and told me I could use it at my signings.

It said, "The secret to a happy marriage is NOT finding the right person, it's BEING the right person."

How true!!!!!

Gratitude Giveaway Blog Hop

Welcome to the Gratitude Giveaway Hop

To Enter please visit my new BLOG HERE

New Blog

My new blog is sherrimills.blogspot.com. All of my old posts are here on this mundane blog. Go to the new and improved blog.

I have a gmail on my new blog that doesn't seem to be working yet so if you want to contact me, my email is sher@emerytelcom.net.

Moved

My blog has been moved to sherrimills.blogspot.com

Signing

I had a book signing with my very special author friend yesterday. Mandi Tucker Slack was signing her book, 'The Alias'.

When I first got there a local attorney came up and was reading my sign for my book, 'I Almost Divorced My Husband but I Went on Strike Instead.'

He said,"Boy, this is really needed." He said, "I am a divorce attorney and I see so much sorrow and pain from kids that have to go through the divorce with their parents."

We both agreed that if the parents knew the consequences of divorce they would think twice.

He said, "I should send my clients to read your book before I agree to represent them."

No more divorces please

In one week I have heard from four clients who have close relatives who are getting divorced.
I don't know these people but it still breaks my heart. All of them have small children.
They all think life is greener on the other side of the fence. I have seen the other side of the fence and all I see are weeds. Perhaps there are a few patches of grass here and there.
Some how I wish they could come and sit in my beauty shop chair. My chair is magic and it doesn't let people out until they promise they will try to make it work for the sake of the children.

Phone Calls

I have had three phone calls so far today about my book. I Almost Divorced My Husband But I Went on Strike Instead.

People are telling me all the time how my book has helped their marriage. I always tell them that if they like it so much, would they please go on Amazon.com and write a review.
Everyone says they will, however I believe they are probably like me and don't know how to go about it. It took me about 20 tries before I got it.

College Boy

I didn't post anything for a couple of days because I wanted anyone who went on my blog to read the interview with Mandi.

I have another story about my book 'I Almost Divorced my Husband but I Went on Strike Instead'.

I did a woman's hair yesterday who said she had gone to her cabin for the weekend. She met her college age grandson there. She said that while everyone else was out to the lake having fun, her grandson had found my book on the counter and was reading it.
She said when she went back to the cabin, hours later, he was still reading.

He said to her, "I thought this book was going to be about how bad men are." He continued, "Mom, I couldn't put it down, and it says nothing bad about men in here."

This from a young bachelor. How charming.

Alias

When I met Mandi a couple of months ago at the meet and greet. We got lost and wasted 15 minutes at the wrong place. My story differs from Mandi’s at this point. Mandi said I finally got her to the right place. Little did she know that I was the one who got her lost in the first place. I have a reputation of immediately getting lost once I enter a building. For some reason I always go the wrong direction. Poor Mandi had no idea what she was in for when she hooked up with me. Through all the chaos, we did have a good laugh and instantly hit it off. This beautiful, smart, energetic, woman is one of a kind. We seemed to connect immediately. Besides the meet and greet, we worked together at a book signing at Confetti books. This is where I met her husband and her magical daughter. What a beautiful child she is. I can’t wait to meet her other children. She already seems like family.
We are planning two more book signings. She is really going to get her fill of me.
I have a full time job. I am writing my second book and I don’t have much time to read any more like I used to. However, I took the time to read Mandi’s novel, ‘The Alias’. This book was phenomenal. It was a real page turner.
I was tempted so many times to cheat and read the end, so I would understand Kale’s actions. No Mandi, I was good and decided not to peek. I just enjoyed the suspense of all the twists and turns and I loved the ending.
I couldn’t put this book down.
Mandi has done such a masterful job writing ‘The Alias’. I sincerely can’t wait for her next book to come out.
I would like to introduce everyone to Mandi; her answers explain a lot as to why her writing is so remarkable.





1- Who thought of the name of the book ‘The Alias’?

My publisher. I had originally titled the book “As the Shadows Fade”, but when they pitched the name “Alias”, I loved it!

2- Did you always have a vivid imagination?

Yes! When I was a child I was diagnosed with ADHD. This wasn’t an easy thing to live with. I was often in trouble and I spent most of my school days in special-education classes. I daydreamed all the time. I craved adventure, and more often-than-not, my teacher or parents could find me hiding in a corner talking to myself, because I even had imaginary friends. My mind was constantly racing…popping up with new ideas and thoughts all the time. I never thought that one day my ADHD would actually work to my advantage. But to this day, my imagination and ability to day dream has become one of my greatest strengths.

3- Have you ever been a waitress?

No, but in truth, I’ve wanted to give it a shot. I like interacting with people, but I’m clumsy and forgetful. I don’t think I’d make a good waitress.

4- Did you ever meet anyone who was in an abusive marriage like Jacey?

My story ideas usually come from a conglomeration of different events that touch my life. At the time, a close friend was pursuing a divorce where she had suffered some spousal abuse. I was struck by the amount of strength it would take to leave behind such a marriage and the amount of courage needed to build a new life. One of the main themes in The Alias is domestic violence. Jacey, the protagonist, is attempting to build a new life for her son after leaving behind an abusive and controlling husband. One reviewer said, “Having had some spousal abuse myself, the author handled the topic with a maturity I appreciated.” I’ve really tried to portray that quiet strength in this novel.

5- In the book, Blaze was a very endearing child. Did he remind you of one of your children?

Yes. I think Blaze is at an age where he is trying to be grown, yet he still feels so vulnerable. When creating Blaze, I could picture my boys at that age, and I did infuse a bit of my boys’ personality into that character.

6- What kind of mischief did you get into as a youngster?

Haha…I could write an entire book based on my escapades as a child. I was in trouble constantly. One of my favorite memories, however, happened when I was nine. At the time my family was stationed in Germany with the Army. I loved to visit the castles and palaces that were close by. My sister and I made friends with a local German girl who lived in one of the older castles with her family. They worked as the caretakers. She couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak German, so we communicated through our own weird version of sign language, but it worked. One day while visiting the castle, we ventured together to the dungeon. We had plans to turn off the lights and scare my sister, but when my partner in crime turned off the lights, it was I who was scared. I took off and managed to get myself turned around in that huge castle. I ended up in a room where they kept the former royal’s ashes. I was surrounded by urns, and I remember crying. My mom found me moments later, but I was certain the ghosts of the former kings and queens were going to haunt me. I was terrified for days!

7- What type of movies do you like to watch?

I love sweet movies like Anne of Green Gables and Seasons of The Heart. Sometimes I’ll watch suspense, but sweet movies are what I prefer.

8- I know you are working on another book. Can you tell me about it?

I am currently in the process of editing a crime thriller that takes place in Seattle, Washington. Tarrin Grace has just come through a very difficult divorce, and just when things are beginning to look up, her young daughter, Lexie, is witness to a heinous murder. Suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Lexie is unable to recall details of the crime or the murderer. However, the killer remembers her, and Tarrin must risk all she has to protect her family.

Finally

I haven't been able to publish my posts for a few months. I have tried everything and when I would post it would just go to drafts.

I finally discovered a compatibility setting and it worked. Now I can start posting again.

Man Book

A man who bought my book at the Costco book signing sent me an email. He thanked me for talking him into buying the book. He said he loved it but was wondering if I would write two chapters especially to men in the next book.

My publishers asked me if I could write my next book entirely to men and I said, "Yes."

Reunion

We had a family reunion yesterday in Salt Lake.

The minute we got there everyone wanted to ask me about my book.

Luckily I had e few in the trunk. They had me sign books then we got back to visiting. What a wonderful bunch of people.

We decided to have the next reunion in Helper. That way Gerald and I won't get lost.

Three Divorces

I was talking to a client yesterday and she told me sadly that her sister was getting a divorce.
I said, "get my book and have her read it, she will understand that it won't make her any happier."
She had told me earlier that all three of her sisters had divorced their first husbands because they wouldn't do anything around the house, and they felt like slaves.
How I wish my message was already out.
Men aren't jerks, they are just misinformed. This type of a problem can be changed.

Something Wrong

I haven't been able to post blogs since June 12. Some how it goes straight to drafts which don't show up.
Very frustrating.

Had My Launch Party

I had my book launch party June 25. It was an amazing success. I went to work monday and my phone rang off the wall.

Everybody loved the book and I heard comments like; "Now I understand why my husband acts the way he does." and "It's a life changing book." I even had a lady who said, "I don't hate my husband any more after I read your book."

I have been getting fantastic feed back.

More Stories

Since I wrote the book, I have heard more and more horror stories about divorce and children who are suffering.

It is my job to tell anyone who is contemplating divorce, exactly what they are in for. It is never pretty.

More Stories

Since I wrote my book I have heard more stories about personal experiences in divorce situations. None of it is pretty. Hearing about children who have to suffer in these situations is heartbreaking.

No to Marriage

I met a lady in the store today who had a son who couldn't get his girlfriend to commit to marriage.

She said that his girlfriend was afraid she would end up like her mom, doing everything for everybody, at any given time.

I told her about my book and she can't wait to get it. She said her daughter needed it too.

Workshop

I went to a Marketing Workshop for authors Friday. I met a bunch of real neat people.

I thought I learned a lot about working on line, however my brain is as blocked as it always was. I will never give up though. My granddaughter is going to start where Moller Marketing left off. I am going to learn all this stuff if it kills me.

65 And Still Mourning For Her Dad

I talked to a lady yesterday who was excited about my book. We were talking about how divorce makes kids suffer.

I said, "The kids get lost in their parents depression until their straight A's turn to F's, they get on drugs, or contemplate suicide."

She said, "I am 65 years old. My parents divorced 30 years ago and it still affects me."

Tears were welling up in her eyes and she said, "My dad hasn't been to a birthday party, a graduation or anything since the divorce. I will mourn him til the day I die."

We all need to realize the ramifications of divorce before we make a life change.

Got your book

A girl called yesterday and said, "I got your book and I can't put it down it is so good. I think everyone who is getting married NEEDS to read this book"

I'm so glad it is finally out there.

First Signing

*I have been so busy lately I have been ignoring my blog. I had my first book signing yesterday at Costco in Orem. It went very well.

Happy Endings

In an earlier blog I wrote about a client who was headed to the divorce court. Her husband was the one who filed, however she was fed up too.

After we talked awhile about her possible inequities and his possible good points and me being the out-spoken hairdresser that I was, I let her know divorce shouldn't be an option, I waited with bated breath.

She came in yesterday to thank me.(it had been 3 months).

She said,"I didn't realize that I was half the problem until you told me." Then she said, "What a wake up call."

I asked how they were doing, and she said they both had a whole new lease on life and that they were very happy.

Please No Divorce

I had a client the other day who asked me about my book and when do I consider it appropriate to get a divorce.

I said, "As long as there is no abuse of any kind and kids are involved I think we owe it to our children to make our marriages work."

He said, "You mean a couple should stay in a marriage no matter how miserable they are?"

I said, "You want to see Miserable, then get a divorce and see what it feels like to fight to see your kids all the time." I added a few other down sides to divorce that were sure to happen.

We had a long talk and I think he saw the wisdom in Marriage counseling, trying to get that original feeling back, and I saw a light go off in his head when I mentioned that the reason she is so angry might be because she needs her loved one to share in her 79 responsibilities. It was comical, but I think he changed his thinking. Thank goodness.

Great Review

I got a 5 star review from a book reviewer in Malaysia. She said it was a self help treasure. A must have book.

What Are You Going to Live On?

I had a client in my salon yesterday who was determined to get a divorce.

She didn't work. She was having health problems. She had a daughter who was in and out of the hospital. It was her husband's stepchild.

After I discovered for sure that her husband wasn't abusive, was a good dad, but obviously ticked her off, I became ever the bearer of bad news.

I said, "Just because it says in the divorce papers that you get so much money for alimony, doesn't make it so." Then I asked, "What are you going to do for insurance?"

I filled her in on a few more facts and obviously, she is going to do what ever it takes to make her marriage work.

I wasn't fabricating anything. I have seen over and over, insurances on children being canceled, having to go back to court over and over to inforce any kind of payment, etc.. It's just not worth it.

I Really Need That Book

I have been getting so many calls from women who say, "I really need that book."

One mother said she needed to buy one for each son. Another one said she pre-ordered 5, one for her and one for each one of her married children.

They would also make good wedding presents, to inform couples before they have the problems in the first place.

A Message

I was informed yesterday that I might be on the Today Show (with my husband).

I was talking to my former editor and she said, "you knew this was going to happen, didn't you?"

I said, "I wouldn't have stopped until it did." and continued, "I didn't write a book, I wrote a message. If we have a societal problem, I have to go out into the world where society lives."

We are finally going to get there.

What Kate Middleton's Hairdresser Will Tell Her

My Marketing directer had me write an article called 'WHAT KATE MIDDLETON'S HAIRDRESSER WILL SAY TO HER ON HER WEDDING DAY'.

It was a lot of fun. She will send it out to magazines and blogs.

No More Divorces

When ever I tell folks about my book, I get the same reaction. Everyone I talk to seems to be aware of the disasters of divorce to a certain extent. At least enough that they plead with me to keep going.

No one has to worry, I will not quit. Stopping the skyrocketing divorce rate is going to be my life's mission.

Review of My Book From Kirkus

Kirkus, a national book reviewer has reviewed my book. They really liked it.

My publisher informs me it is really a big deal.

Redbook Magazine

I got a call from Emily at Cedar Fort Publishing. She said that the editor from Redbook magazine wanted my phone number. She said they wanted to put an excerpt from my book in the magazine and do an interview with me about the book. They would put the interview in the magazine as well.

Fast forward to Monday and I had my interview. It went well and I was informed that the article would be in the July issue.

I am so excited. My book on the shelves in June and Redbook magazine at approximately the same time.

New Computer

Just when I needed my computer the most it quit on me. Right in the middle of dealing with my publisher, it crashed.

We thought it was fixable, which wasted more time. After a few weeks we knew it was new computer time.

Hopefully, I am now back to blogging.

It has To Be A Societal Fix

One of my clients said her son had given up on women.

I said, "why?"

She said, "He said he's not going to get serious again unless he can find some one like his mom."

He meant domestically.

She said she told him, "they don't come like that any more."

Expectations on both sides are reeling out of control..

Society needs my book.

New Book

My original editor; Bianca Dumah, called and said she wanted to write a novel about the subject matter in my book and asked if I would care.

I said, "Absolutely not. I think the more that is said on this subject, the more we will get change."

Love it.

Pure Hell

I had a girl in my salon yesterday who was the product of divorce. She asked me about my book.

I said, "My next book is going to be about divorce. I want you to write your experience for me." I added, "I will have letters from lots of kids who have been through the divorce of their parents."

She started to cry and said, "Mine will be pure hell."

I could see the pain all over her face.

Retirement

I was talking to a friend yesterday. I asked her how she was enjoying retirement.

She said, "The only one retired in my house is my husband." She added, "The only way I will be retired is to leave my husband, or I should say, 'my child'."

It was sad. Retirement is supposed to be a joy.

Wedding Presents

One of my clients who read my manuscript, asked me when my book was coming out.

I said, "June."

She said, "I want to buy 20 copies. I am going to give them to newly weds for their wedding present."

Jury Duty

I got chosen for jury duty again this week. After I changed my appointments around I discovered The case had been settled. I didn't have to go.

Dialogue

One of my clients said, "There are probably going to be some men who are going to hate you for writing your book."

I said, "In the first place, if they read it they will find out it is very friendly to men."

"However," I said, "I am hoping for controversy because controversy causes dialogue."

Good Quality Card

Get a 3 by 5 card and put all of your husbands good qualities on it. Every time he is acting like a jerk, take the card out and read it. If his good qualities out way his bad, HE IS A KEEPER.

The Serenity Prayer

I had a client today who announced that she was getting a divorce.

I asked her if she loved her husband.

She said, "Yes, but he drives me crazy." she said, "He is lazy, he spends too much money------------." It went on forever.

I said, "What if you figured out what you could accept, what you couldn't, and just worked on the things that could be changed."

The papers had been filed so her half hour appointment turned into an hour and a half. I think I finally convinced her how much worse off she would be if she got a divorce.

I will keep an eye on her.

Fit Me In

I was interviewing a man who was trying to put some life back into his marriage.

He said, "I just happened to see my wife's planner on the counter and was astonished at how many things she had on her list."

What he said next made me laugh.

He said, "I asked my wife, 'where do I fit in on your list'?"

I told him all he had to do was take one or two of the responsibilities on her list, take them as his own, and replace them with his name.

It's funny how great men just don't get it.

Camera Man

I remember when I did the shoot for Studio 5 on KSL TV. After we were finished, the camera man came up to us and said, "I have been divorced for 15 years. If I had known all of this then, I would still be married."

Marriage???

A cute little teenage girl came in my Salon today. We were all talking about divorce and how bad it is.

She said, "I am never never never going to get married." Then she added, "I'll just have kids without a husband. There is no way I am going to wait on a man like my mom does."

Of course I told her she wouldn't have to if she did it right.

Grandkids

I have a face book account but I don't know how to utilize all of the tools. Guess who does? All thirteen of my grandchildren. They are already planning on making a fan base for me and advertising any way they can. What a wonderful bunch of kids.

Book Cover

I got the picture of my book cover. I'm getting excited again.

My New Editor

I got an email from my new editor, Kelly Konzak. She said the book was set to go to press in April.

She said, "Your book has been fun to read. It's refreshing to read thoughts and experiences of someone who believes so strongly in the family." She added, "I am sure it will be a valuable publication."

Letters From Children of Divorce

I had two teenagers in my Salon yesterday who were products of divorce.

I told them I was going to have them and others write letters explaining what they went through, and put them in my next book.

The were both very enthused and stated simultaneously that no one knows how bad it is until they go through it themselves.

Lazy

I am very ashamed of myself. I haven't blogged since the first part of January.

I worked so hard to get a publisher, and now I guess I told myself I deserve a little rest. That is ridiculous. I have to stop being lazy and get back to blogging. There is so much more to say.

No More Divorces Please

I was heartsick today after listening to my last client. She told me there were four people in her office who were getting a divorce.

I asked her if any of them had children.

She said, "they all do. One of them has five kids."

We have to stop this somehow.

Children are the unintended victoms, and they don't deserve it.