The Sonshine Girls

Amazing Story! Happening Right Now!!!!

2008-12-31T13:24:00.003-06:00

I will be posting this to both blogs. Katy and her mother have been wrongfully evicted and now find themselves homeless. Thanks to networking places like Twitter and other bloggers such as Brandilyn Collins, donations have come in and this mother/daughter team are in a motel and out of their car. They had been sleeping in their car and Katy sees not being asked to leave the parking lot at Denny's a blessing. Wow. Also, NBC has been notified and I believe that right now, at this very moment, they are being interviewed! Please pray that God will bless Katy and her mother Liz. We should always reach out and help where we can. What an awesome way to share God's love! If you would like to help, you can find more information by visiting Anywhere But Here and Forensics & Faith. There is a way to send mony via Paypal on Forensics & Faith!

And please pray that they will be blessed with a beautiful new year!

Oh Come On!

2008-12-27T16:18:00.001-06:00

I know for a fact that I have more than TWO books out there! Are you people telling me you're scared to take your pic and have it posted to the Reader's Showcase? LOL I would love to see you! Please send me a pic and let me know if you liked the book. I would love to add you!

Update

2008-12-26T06:37:00.000-06:00

Well, there isn't much to update. I'm just sorta waiting on the new year to set up more signings and get some flyers out. I'm still finding new things to write about and learning lots of stuff about my characters.

The success of book one will have much to do with book two even seeing the light of day. I sent some review copies to various bloggers and have seen a couple of the reviews, but am still waiting on others. I am hoping they will be up soon since my book released on December 13. I'm also hoping they will be positive reviews and will help get the word out about Summer Secret.

I still haven't heard from KSBJ (radio station) but I know that the list of books that had to be read was long. If I am lucky enough to land on the show, I'll definitely let you know.

Please keep my books in your prayers. I feel they deliver important and helpful information to young girls.

Pictures of Book Signing

2008-12-19T20:43:00.002-06:00

Book Signing Update!

2008-12-15T12:41:00.002-06:00

I have to be honest and say that I dreaded this first signing. For one thing, I'm very shy. For another, I was scared to death I would look like an idiot standing there with a stack of my books on the table hoping to draw some interest. If you recall, my first experience with this store and its book manager was not a positive one. The woman seemed less than thrilled to deal with me, took my book and posters and basically kicked me out the door sans "have a nice day."

When we got to the store, nothing was set up. No posters, nothing. Luckily, something told me to get there an hour or so early just in case something went wrong. I even thought I might need my own table and asked my pastor and his wife to swing by the church and get it. So now, I have a table shoved in my suburban just in case. We found the guy in the book section and told him what was going on. His attitude was totally different than the woman I had met a couple weeks earlier. He had no clue I was coming, but he did everything imaginable to make sure I had a good experience.

I had two choices, front of the store or in the front of just the book section. I chose the front of the store. He set up my table for me, even arranged my books. Dean and the pastor slipped out of the store leaving me with Tracy (pastor's wife) to finish setting up. My poster wouldn't work right in their easels, so he taped it (it's laminated) to the front of the table. There are pictures, but I'll have to get them up later. My SIL, Nichole, walked in with her perfectly thin self and baby tummy sporting a camera. My BIL, Pat, joined the children who were playing Rock Band 2. Flash! Flash! Flash! I think I posed for more pictures that night than I ever did in my entire life. Flash!

Tiffany showed up with a pink monkey from LibbyLu that smells like strawberries. I was seriously happy to wrap my arms around it and hold it all night. I was nervous okay? And then she bought me a caramel frappucino! I love them! She called it my "shot of courage." Caffeine, right! So then I became talkative. Dean and the pastor (I should say, The Pastor..it looks funny and I like it).. Dean and The Pastor (I doubt I can get away with calling him TP...right?) Anway.... Dean and The Pastor show back up and The Pastor and beautiful wife Tracy had bought two dozen roses that are red and yellow! I was so entranced by them that they had to say, "look, they match your book." OH! So they do/did! They're still sitting here on my desk. Gorgeous! In fact, when I finally get to paint my office, they've inpired it's decor!

My MIL and niece, Larri, showed up too! MIL had just gotten out of the hospital a couple days before so that was a surprise! Steven (BIL) Brandy (SIL) and niece and nephews Payton, Jakoby and Lucas came too! Brandy bought me two adorable tops to wear for future signings. She's now been hired as my personal shopper! I swear, it felt like Christmas or my birthday! I never in a million years expected gifts.

The nice Hastings man who help me set up handed me a row of stickers to put on my books. "Come and get me if you need more." He said. I looked at them and thought, I hope I get to use just one! I used them all!

My Bil (Ricky) and his friend Robin were there and stayed with us for quite a while. We even went to dinner afterwards. Funny thing, Robin and I went to school together and had met each other three times before figuring this out. She's great, you would love her. She bought two books so of course, love her! I love all who buy my books! <---- Shameless plug.

One little girl named Christina walked up to the table and picked up a book. I was asked if it would be a series by her mother and was happy to say "yes." She read the words, "Summer Secret" with her little hands wrapped around my book. I wanted to hug her. I signed my book for her and handed it to her with an enthusiastic "thank you."

And then, a miracle happened! Lori called me! ON THE PHONE! We usually email, text or use instant messaging to talk. We both simply don't like the phone. She called me, I answered and was very excited to have her there with me all the way from Michigan. Maybe one day I'll be able to do a signing in Michigan and get to really talk to her. I've met her once, but that was years ago...we really should live closer together. I'm thankful for the internet. Also, Lori sent me a gift card a week or so ago to go towards my book release party. I used it to get my hair done. :D

It's funny. I was so scared to go do this. I had joked many times that I would make a great hermit. But, I found out that seeing my readers loving the books I've written ....well, there is just no substitute for that feeling. In the end, I had a great night. The friends and family who showed up made it very comfortable for me. The book store bought five copies of my book to sit on their shelves. That is cool! I love this particular store so much that I want to have my book release party/first signing there for book two, Operation Salvation.

Thanks to everyone who showed up..and to all of those who couldn't but sent their support. It is amazing how interested people are in these books! I am thrilled! For those of you who are reading them or will read them, I hope they touch your heart or the heart of one of my millions of little girls out there!

I want to also say that I showed up to church on Sunday to more book purchases. I sold four yesterday and will send off another seven to my Dad and June in Athens. So far, they've bought 13! LOL "Send them right away!" June said, "I want them here for Christmas!"

Thanks to everyone! THANK YOU!!!! I love you all!!!!

Just some cool stuff...

2008-12-12T10:17:00.002-06:00

I've been interviewed! :-D You can find it at Library at the END of the Universe! Also, my author directory is up at The Cypress Times.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! - Elise Goertz has a wish! Please read her story and if you can help, please do!

My book signing is tomorrow in Conroe, TX from 5pm-8pm. I'll be at Hastings!

The Cypress Times

2008-12-10T12:21:00.001-06:00

There is an article posted about me in The Cypress Times. This article will move to the front page on Friday! I am really excited! My first book signing is this Saturday on December 13 and if you'll be in the Conroe, Texas area, find me at Hastings and say hello!!

Where do you read?

2008-12-07T10:04:00.003-06:00

The photos taken by Connie over at Easy Share have prompted me to add a new feature to this blog. If you purchase my book, take a pic and send it to me! I'll post it here. I would love to fill this blog with pics of my readers!! I have faith that God will give me readers! :-D There will be a new column on the side bar that showcases my readers! I like the word readers. I love my readers!

Book Release Party on Saturday!

2008-12-02T22:36:00.002-06:00

Everyone is invited! Okay, so we're having one in real life for friends and family. But, I have friends and family all over the place including out of state and out of country! Summertime Books will open their website (where they keep my book) on December 6th so that everyone can have a little book release party fun! I'll post reminders if you're interested! I've had several people expess interest in my first book, Summer Secret! I seriously can't wait!

Also! If you will be in the Conroe, TX area on December 13th, drop by the Hastings and say "Hi!" I'll be there, signing books from 5pm to 8pm! I'll be updating my website tomorrow so you can get all the details you need. I would love to meet you!

Back to Work

2008-11-29T12:37:00.002-06:00

With Thanksgiving under my belt, literally, I'm eager to get back to my normal routine. My kids have been home this past week and I'll just say that it's been noisy. So, on Monday, I can't wait to sit down and get some serious re-writing done. Book two is on its way to being complete and ready to hand over to the publisher. I'm also working on the last of the party details and beginning to bite my nails over my first signing on December 13th. I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you're all set to enjoy the Christmas season!

NaNoWriMo

2008-11-26T12:35:00.002-06:00

I wrote over 51,000 words. I could have written more, but the school district decided that the kids needed an entire week off for Thanksgiving. Am I the only one that remembers only getting two or there days? And they get an entire week? Anyway, I did write a good amount of words, but I didn't finish the book. I can't concentrate with all the excitement of Thanksgiving. I can't wait to dig into all that yummy, fattening food tomorrow! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. And, if you're headed out bright and early on Friday, be safe and good luck with all the sales! I hope you can get what you want!

Preparations

2008-11-22T10:51:00.002-06:00

For a few months now, we've been working on the plans for my book release party. I've been pleasantly surprised to find that there are many people who want to attend that I thought would have no interest in a girly release party! LOL So let me tell you people out there in blog land a little about it. First of all, my characters love their slumber parties so we've decided it will be fun to have the young girls (and anyone who wants to) wear their pajamas! I want to see bunny slippers and all! LOL We'll have lots of good snacks and fun decorations. I really hope that as I introduce my friends and family to my characters, that we have a great time. Of course, I'll remember to take lots of pictures for my blog.

A Box of Books!

2008-11-20T21:42:00.003-06:00

I received this box of books along with another box a week or so ago. I loose track. I took this picture with my camera phone. I mean, how cool does that look? I also do this thing where I show people what they'll look like sitting on a shelf. I take three to five books, line them up and show them. They're always very impressed...at least they pretend to be. :-D Just thought I would share.

Funny Story

2008-11-20T14:03:00.004-06:00

I have my first book signing at Hastings in Conroe, TX on December 13, 2008. So I had to go and drop off a copy of my book so that they could make sure it is in their system. I also needed to drop off some fliers/posters for them to hang in the store. Now this is my first time doing this so I was very excited. The guy at the front was very nice when he directed us to her ~~cave~~ area. I fully expected to find someone with a smile on her face. I'm always friendly, what's up? She acted like she was the most important thing in that store. I told her what I needed, she flipped through her little date book and said, "Sonshine Girls." Yes, just like that. So I handed her my book and posters. "Thank you. Is that all?" That's all she said to me. No fun. Not a bit of fun. You would think that she would have at least given me a heads up for what would happen on the 13th. Nope. Nothing. So I guess I just show up and figure it out from there. I hope I meet lots of people with loads of fun personality. I like to laugh. I can't imagine being grumpy all the time. Maybe she had a cold or something. Maybe she's heard of me and was trying to scare me into behaving. Maybe I should take her some chocolate!

Still Writing!

2008-11-06T14:21:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to post and say that I'm still trudging along. I'm working on three books at a time! LOL I'm working on book three, Dead Butterflies and book four for NaNoWriMo! Dead Butterflies is the result of NaNoWriMo and though I didn't finish, I'm glad that I have it to work on. Hopefully the first draft will be finished in six to eight months. If you look to the left and all the way at the bottom, you'll see my NaNoWriMo word count so far. I'm ahead! Whoo hoo! I have no clue why I always have to be ahead of stuff. Maybe it's because my parents always said, "If you're ahead in school, when there comes a time that you're struggling, you won't fall behind." It didn't work then, but it sure works now. For those of you with kids, keep feeding them those tidbits of information. At some point in their lives, it'll work. :-D

Whoo hoo!

2008-10-08T13:58:00.002-05:00

I just wrote over 2000 words on each book! I lowered my quota to 500 words a day. I find that for some odd reason, I end up writing way more. It's like I've tricked my mind into thinking I'm not working as hard. LOL As for the club, I've decided to just give it a rest for a while. I have articles to work on as well as getting my books finished. Hopefully this means things are looking up.

Stalled

2008-10-08T10:27:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I've been working on a club for girls to go along with my books and I'm stumped. Stumped with the club and my writing. I've written nothing but a couple of articles that I was asked for. I plan to write book four next month during NaNoWriMo but would like to have book three done before that. The problem with the club is that it's not going to hold up to other clubs online be because I know only graphic design, not program writing! ARGH! I have to just believe it will all come together in the end, right? I'm going to open book three and Dead Butterflies and get writing. The club thing has nearly driven me insane...and trust me, that is a VERY short trip.

Nerves

2008-09-25T09:55:00.003-05:00

I kept telling everyone how excited I was to actually have my first book signing. Funny that. I mean, now I'm a bundle of frazzled nerves. I received my first box of books on Friday, the very day that our electricity was turned back on after Hurricane Ike stormed through. It was as if God had said, "Now go home and continue what I have enabled you to begin." Yet I came home and found myself in what I like to call a blah blah funk.

So I began cleaning and hardly gave my laptop a second glance. First of all, I was told that many ARC's (Advanced Review Copies) had been sent and second, I sent my own review copies to those who were chosen. Wouldn't you think that would make me excited? No. Frazzled. Nerves. Jumbled.

So this morning I changed things up. Okay, I allowed God to change things up. I began my morning at 5:15 in prayer. Not able to sleep a big longer, I got out of bed and before I opened my door, I prayed that God would fill me so completey that there would be nothing left of "me." I have a job to do, young people to write for. I may not be, okay, I'm not the best writer, but God has chosen to use Me! ME!! Me?

It is amazing how God can use broken things. It amazes me daily that He does indeed make all things new. And so I've dediced to create new habits that will get me moving earlier. I've decided that God has not only given me a gift to rach others, He has given me joy that nothing can take away. Not nerves, not fear, not stress, nothing. So I'm finally getting busy again, back to writing.

Book Three

2008-09-09T15:20:00.002-05:00

Well, I felt that I was pulling my characters in too many directions so I took today and read from the beginning. I took out a lot, added a lot but ended up losing words. I need to adjust my word tracker over there (left hand column. I am happy with it again though. Now I have definite direction with where I want to take it. Also, my 17 year old has been clearing trails in the woods behind my house and he found a clearing that is perfect for an outdoor writing area AKA office. I love it! Now I just need to fix it up and convince the kids that mom needs to play area, not them. Okay, so it will be easy to share but it was nice to find it just the same.

Dear Bloggers Again

2008-08-23T10:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much for your responses!! I'm still taking them and arranging them in a nice list so that my publisher can look over them and send me the books that need to be sent out. I really appreciate all of the responses. I didn't want anyone to think I had asked for help and then ignored. I've written EVERYONE down! Thanks so much!

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Dear Bloggers

2008-08-22T12:47:00.001-05:00

I know that many of you out there have a strong web presence and live to review books! You love them and you love to tell others about them. I have searched and searched and I'm at a loss. Where do I find the best review sites? The first book in my series, Summer Secret, will be released on December 13, 2008 and I need reviews! As a new author, a lot of my success is up to me. I wouldn't have written the books or signed the contract if I didn't plan to work my rear end off. If you are one of these reviewers (I need blog reviewers with a good audience) and would be willing to read and review my book, please email me. I will pass your information along to my publisher who will then decided how many Advanced Review Copies to send me. I will then send the copies along to you for review.

Here is a synopsis for book one:

A new girl, Kristin, arrives on the scene, and a group of three friends quickly becomes four. Kristin is immediately confronted by the church bully, Greta, and has to learn how to deal with harassment in a Christian manner. But, there's a bigger secret lurking in this little town church. Something has been bothering Ellie and Alma for over 50 years. What could it be? See how the girls, and adults alike, learn how to extend understanding and forgiveness to their friends as well as their enemies.

You can also visit my website, www.renemorris.com, for more information. Feel free to email me if you run one of these great blog sites or know of someone who does. I will also take suggestions for institutions to ~~beg for~~ request a review.

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Just A Little Update

2008-08-13T11:57:00.001-05:00

For those of you who email me and ask, "What are you doing now?" there is a little meter to the left of my blog. See it? It shows how many words I've written to get to my 50,000 word goal. It also shows the title of the book. Titles are subject to change. All writers know that change ...okay, MANY CHANGES are all part of the process. We are the Kings and Queens of Change! LOL Anyway, I think book three is coming along nicely even though I sent it to Lori and Tiffany a few days ago complaining that it was going nowhere. I feel a little better about it now. I'll feel better when I've written more on it.

Book one is definitely coming out in November though I'm not sure of the exact date. If you would like to have the EXACT information about Summer Secret, check this link often for updates. Right now, my book will cost you a few X's. Hee..

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Over 280 Corrections Later...

2008-08-05T18:03:00.001-05:00

Wow. I honestly had no clue that I would find so many things that I wanted to change at the last minute. I have spent the past two days reading through book one in order to make sure that everything is as I want it to be. I want to say, "don't send it back to me! Who knows what else I could find to change!" I am so glad I went back and read it again though. I don't think manuscripts are ever complete, I think they're just finally accepted. Well, here's hoping that everything has been caught!

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Whew!

2008-08-04T19:35:00.002-05:00

Dean (husband) was reading my email subject lines in Thunderbird last night and I said, "if you keep it up, I will ask you to actually read all of the emails to me." So he read the subject lines out loud to me and when he read, Proof - summertime books, I jumped up and kicked him out of my chair. It was what I had been waiting on...the final proof of book one.

It was suggested that I read it just "one more again" to make sure everything lines up and I am sure glad I did. Jeepers! Let me tell you that being absent minded isn't the best way to be when you're a writer. However, I am absent minded so I have to deal with it. I have found plenty of things that I wanted to tweak and even a few "oopses" when it came to eye color or a character speaking.

I began this morning with Chapter One and worked all the way through to almost the end of Chapter Fifteen. That is when Dean came home and I knew that all quiet in the house would cease. My eyeballs were tired anyway and my head was pounding. I think I need glasses. Anyway, I will finish up tomorrow and ship it back to PD (Publisher Dude) so that he can ship it out to the reviewers.

Now this is where you come in. Please pray that these reviewers will find favor with my books. I write them so that others, especially my tween girls out there, can come to know Christ as their Savior. Okay, I must be honest and say that I also write them to pay the bills. That, however, is in God's hands. I'll do my best and trust Him. So please pray that the reviewers like The Sonshine Girls and want to offer excellent reviews. Please and thank you.

Also, I went out to gather my maters and found two gigantenormous caterpillar things munching away. Not only do I find that rude, I also find it DISGUSTING! Gross! They ate half and left the other half on the vine. What am I to do with those? Do you remember that movie, A Bug's Life? Yeah, that big green worm thing, that's what they are.

So I called Dean and said, " ALIENWORMSARETRYINGTOKILLME!" He got a big kick out of it...until, he saw them. He went at them with my kitchen tongs. He flung one into the pond and the other remains at large. *shudder*

Yick! I am not squeamish. I can usher the largest of spiders out of my way, redirect an errant snake and happily fick a locust off the eggplant. But, these things were just odd! Red Horned Tomato Worms they're called and they make clicking noises and shoot green goo at you. Of course, Madison (10 year old daughter) decided that this was her cue to start pretending to be a Tomato worm and created a faux hook on her head using her finger to get people with. Weirdo.

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I Have to Be Brave

2008-08-01T13:35:00.001-05:00

I've stated before that being in front of people makes me more nervous than a cat on an inflatable raft. Recently, however, I've found that I'm not excited to do the book signings..maybe not so much the TV interview. I'm sure I'll get there. Yesterday Tracy called me to tell me all about Meet the Christian Authors Night (you'll have to scroll down) that will be in The Woodlands. Of course, I was excited to go and our little two-some has now turned into four and since I have what I believe to be future writers in my house hold, maybe six. I actually think that our husbands will be playing at the mall on the tree toy...but I'm not sure.

Since I would very much like to be one of the authors sitting at one of those tables next year, I'm going to go and see how I should behave. I also love meeting other authors. :-D

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