The Difference Now

New Location for The Difference Now

2009-09-01T14:05:00.003-05:00

This blog has been around for quite a few years now, and I thought it was high time that I spiffed it up a bit. So we've moved!

Please visit our new location!

Cherie Burbach Quoted in AOL Article

2009-07-10T17:24:00.003-05:00

Kimberly Dawn Neumann recently contacted me for some info on her recent article on AOL called, "Man's Three-Dates-a-Day Plan Pays Off In Marriage." It's about a guy that went on three coffee dates a day until he found his true love. I say, "Good for him!"

Kimberly asked what I thought of the strategy in scheduling lots of dates until you meet the right one. Obviously since I basically did the same thing (smile!) I thought it was a fabulous idea. Do check out her article and let me know if it's something you would do!

Public Enemies

2009-07-07T12:08:00.003-05:00

Went to see Public Enemies over the weekend. Yawn..... I was really disappointed. We only went to see the film in theaters because parts of it were shot in Milwaukee. It was shot well, and I always love a period piece... but still.... it was acted poorly (and I even really like some of the actors in the film) and the story was as dry as toast.

Here's a clip, in case you're unfamiliar with the film:

The film is still a good period piece if you're into that. But rent it.

Cherie Burbach at Writer's in the Sky

2009-07-06T08:47:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Yvonne Perry for having me as a guest on her Writers in the Sky blog yesterday! It was a blast. Yvonne is a wonderful interviewer and has done a lot over the years for writers. I am grateful to know her.

Happy 4th of July (Just a Tad Bit Early)

2009-07-03T10:38:00.002-05:00

Had a bad day yesterday. A very, very bad day. The kind of day that leaves its lingering effects on me today in the form of puffy eyes and diminished energy. What's going on, you ask? Unfortunately, all extremely personal stuff and nothing I can divulge. But I ask you for positive energy and prayers.

One of the business things I did yesterday (which was somewhat frustrating but still very necessary) was to move my dating blog to Wordpress with a dedicated server and domain. I'm nowhere near done yet, so I'll wait to give you all the new address, but suffice it to say you'll find a much more sophisticated look and site. As my blog passed 500 posts quite a while ago, I felt the change was necessary. And I know it's gonna look great. I've blogged with just about every platform imaginable these last few years (Moveable Type, TypePad, Wordpress, and here on Blogger) and Wordpress is by far the best (IMHO.) The move will be grand - I should have done it a year ago.

Of course setting up a blog on your own server takes technology far beyond my level of know-how. Good thing I have a couple pals to point me in the right direction. Besides that, I'm a stickler for learning how to do things myself, so I'm determined to set it up myself and learn. (We'll see if this turns out to be a wise thing or not.)

In the meantime, I wanted to let you all know that I'm giving away several things (as usual) over at Blisstree. Among them are Cube Chic, A Knight's Tale, Momisms, Elements of Style, and my very own book, 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes. I've barely had time to advertise these giveaways like usual so you all have a very good chance of winning right now.

This weekend proves a busy one with fireworks, good pals, sparklers (my favorite!) and probably some potato salad that will sit out in the sun too long. I'm working today to try and avoid working over the weekend (which I know won't happen, but a girl can hope) and look forward to a relaxing and grateful time with family and friends. Hope you have the same.

Margaret George's Mary Called Magdalene

2009-06-24T16:09:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I bought Elinor Lipman's latest book at the store as a brand spanking new hardcover. As I said, this is unusual for me, because I usually shop at used book shops. While I believe wholeheartedly in giving writers their royalties (they absolutely deserve it!) the fact that I love books so much means I would put the family into the poor house if I actually bought all the ones I wanted.

And sure, there's always the library. But sometimes you've just got to OWN a book. You know? So recently I picked up a Margaret George book, Mary Called Magdalene. A few weeks ago my husband had picked up an historical fiction book about Henry the 8th from her, so when I spotted this book I was intrigued. Besides that, how do you write a book about Mary Magdalene? So little is known about her.

Well Margaret George did an absolutely FABULOUS job with it, so much so that it was like being transported back to the time of Jesus. She managed to bring the people in the bible to life and tell an interesting story about this woman that so many people have speculated about. I was so impressed that I also picked up her book about Cleopatra.

Can't wait to tell you all about that one.

Elinor Lipman's The Family Man

2009-06-23T22:06:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was one where I worked quite a bit. Actually, I worked almost the whole weekend. And needless to say, I was cranky. :)

So by Sunday I needed some fresh air and a change of scenery. My hubby suggested we go to the bookstore. An actual bookstore. Not just a used bookstore, which is what I usually go to because I am frugal (and poor.)

I also wanted to find the latest book by one of my favorite authors, and I did. Ta-da:

Elinor Lipman's new book, The Family Man. I'm already halfway through, and what a treat it is. As soon as you open those first few pages, you'll soon be transported by her wonderful sense of voice. Funny, charming, sweet... all rolled into one. I can't say enough about it. I love the characters (as usual!) and highly recommend it.

Which brings me to the other point of my post. I'm all for used book shopping, but every once in a while it's nice to reward your favorite author by purchasing one of their books brand spankin' new. So go out and buy a book today!

New Review of 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes

2009-06-16T07:59:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Christine Eirschele for reviewing my diabetes book on Orato.

Midwest author, Cherie Burbach, has written 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone with Diabetes. It is an easy to read book for family and friends who know people with diabetes. Short and concise, the author relates first hand narratives and useful advice on living with people who face the daily challenges having diabetes presents. ~more

b5's Interview with Cherie Burbach

2009-06-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

I've been with b5 for a quite a while now, and can say that I've really enjoyed my time. The people are fabulous and what fun to write for the sites I cover! They recently interviewed me for their Inside b5 newsletter. Take a look!

Kansas City Examiner Angie Rayfield Reviews Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza

2009-06-08T08:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Angie Rayfield for reviewing my book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza. Be sure to check out her review!

New Site for 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes

2009-05-29T08:43:00.002-05:00

Got a new website up especially for my latest book, 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes. The site has press updates, reviews, and info on yours truly. Promise to keep it updated as often as I can. :)

21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes - First Review

2009-05-28T17:55:00.004-05:00

Just got my first review for my latest book, 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes. It's from writer Subha Ekambaram, who comes from a family of diabetics. Here's her review:

I can see that your 21 suggestions are authentic and heart felt, because you deal with diabetes everyday and your book is borne from what people around, do or don't do. It could help others in similar predicament. I like the disclaimer that the book is not for meant to be a medical reference for learning to fight diabetes, so it prepares me for what lies ahead.

Friends and relatives, even if they are well-meaning, may not always know what to do, what to say or how to act to help a diabetic. Its important to know its about 'regulating' the blood sugar and not always 'lowering' it, which this book could hopefully educate non-diabetics about. Since most people blurt out things out of ignorance that end up being counter-productive, this is a good book that could educate the layperson about some common-sense etiquette, dealing with someone thats suffering from diabetes.

Thank you again to Subha! I encourage everyone diabetic to read this book and pass it along to a friend or family member!

Gift Card Giveaway

2009-05-28T17:50:00.003-05:00

I've been doing some pretty amazing giveaways on my various blogs, so if you've missed them, I wanted to alert you to one that ends tomorrow. You could win a $50 Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Spa Finder gift card.

These were all donated by Gift Card Mall. I just closed out a giveaway with Kohl's, TJ Maxx, and iTunes (sorry, too late for that one!) and it had almost 600 entrants. You never know, though, all it takes is one entry to win!

Giveaways Galore at Blisstree!

2009-05-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

I've got another batch of giveaways I just had to mention. You could win:

Star Trek

2009-05-12T08:55:00.002-05:00

What a blast this weekend! Took some much-needed time off, visited with my sister, and did fun stuff with the hubby. What could be better?

One of the things we did was see Star Trek. We don't go to see movies on the big screen that often (frugal folks that we are) but every once in a while there is a flick we just HAVE to see. Even though I'm not usually into the sci-fi stuff, I knew we had to see Star Trek on the big screen. Since my sister was in town, it was also the perfect movie to see with her. (She loves this stuff as much as my hubby.)

I expected to sit there mildly entertained while the folks around me marveled at the screen. I was wrong. I was ENTERTAINED beyond my wildest dreams! Loved the writing and humor in it. J.J. Abrams does rock, so why would I doubt it? Here's a clip if you haven't seen it yet:

This was one of the few movies I've seen where the previews did not do it justice. Shame on the marketing folks for that! Let me tell you, you'll love this flick even if you don't like Star Trek. Now THAT's a hard thing to pull off in a movie.

If I had one beef, it would be the complete lack of a decent female character. Other than that, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman did a fabulous job with the script.

I super-loved the actors they cast as well. One of my favorites is Karl Urban as Bones. He's fabulous in his role and everytime he spoke I had to smile at how good he was.

Chris Pine is fine as the young James T. Kirk, and Zachary Quinto is scary-good as young Spock. What a groovy thing it was to include Leonard Nimoy as well. I don't care for Eric Bana, unfortunately, and felt like his Nero was slightly weak. Luckily, the other characters, like Simon Pegg as Scotty and John Cho as Sulu more than made up for it. I'm a huge fan of Bruce Greenwood (those blue eyes are one of the few that can rival Ed Harris') so it was great to see him have a pivotal role as well. Tyler Perry looked slightly out of place in the flick, but his appearance is small and doesn't move the story in any direction, so I suppose that's okay.

But don't take my word for it. See it yourself and come back and tell me what you thought.

Honoring Our Teachers

2009-05-06T09:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was "National Teacher's Day." Did you celebrate your favorite teacher? Even privately thank him or her for making an impression?

I've talked in the past about my favorite teacher, and how she helped channel my hyper activity while I was in school. I had quite a few teachers who made an impact, most of them from my grade school years. One of them was my first grade teacher. A few years ago I tracked her down through her sister, and sent her a copy of one of my books, along with a note thanking her for all the wonderful things she taught me. In short, she helped me realize it was okay to "be myself," which is a gift to any young person, especially someone with a background like mine.

Coincidentally enough, yesterday her sister emailed me to let me know that she had passed away. I expressed my sadness, but also told her how much joy she brought to my life. I know I'm not alone in that. I will never forget her.

I hope that if you have a teacher who has made an impact in your life, that you take the time to tell him or her thank you. Just say thank you. Let them know they brought something good to your life.

Image: sxc.hu.

Thank You Laura... AGAIN

2009-05-05T16:52:00.004-05:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you! That goes out to my friend Laura, who is once again the first person to buy my latest book, 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes.

In fact, she is ALWAYS the first person to buy my books. I can barely get the announcement out and she's already on the site and placing an order.

I LOVE HER FOR THAT!

It's nice to have supportive friends who give you courage to keep going. I don't take it for granted!

Thoughts from a Virtual Blog Tour

2009-05-05T16:43:00.003-05:00

The virtual blog tour to promote my book Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza is over. This was the first time I had focused on a "tour" with a concentrated number of stops. Normally, when I promote a book, I contact people here and there and appear at blogs throughout the run of the book. I do that because I work full-time and it's hard to schedule things in one block.

This time around, however, I wanted to try at least one "tour" to see if it made a difference in my book sales or media pickups. And boy, did it ever. It was worth all the work involved, to be sure. And it was a lot of work, especially the upfront posting and answering interview questions. (Fun work - I'm not complaining!) I started working on the tour when the book came out in November and had it finally in April. Here are a few emotions and thoughts I've had along the way:

Amazed at the creative writers we have scribbling away at blogs today.
Happy that the book received great reviews.
Delighted to have worked with some of the best writers and Internet marketers we have today.
Disappointed that some of the authors I've helped in the past didn't return the favor.
Surprised to see a few folks offer up blog space for the very reason that I have helped authors in the past. (In fact, I got on several high profile blogs this way.)
Confused at people who love a book but start off giving it a bad review before they tell you they loved it.
Thrilled to have the support of my favorite group of writers at Suite101.
Sad that the tour has ended!

Would I do it again? You betcha. I'm debating it for the book I have coming out in a few weeks.

In a related note, I decided to start a blog which helps promote up and coming writers. The blog, Working Writers, has job leads and other news, but also includes interviews with writers. I received such blessings from this blog tour when it came to people helping me out, that I had to find to way to help promote other folks as well. I wanted one area that just had tons of great information for writers, either in the area of jobs, trends, or getting to know their cohorts. Thank you to everyone who helped me during this tour, you are welcome on my blogs anytime!

Until then, I'm back doing my full-time writing gig and thinking of future books!

My Lucky Day

2009-05-02T05:23:00.003-05:00

Did you ever wonder about things... to the point where you wondered if you made the right decision in your life. I'm in that place. Or at least, I was.

Don't get me wrong, I love my life right now. But I also have a few things that haven't happened quite the way I've wanted. I've been getting discouraged, wondering if I've made the right choices. (And if you're wondering what, let's just say I'm not tellin' ya! I do need to keep a few things to myself, right?)

The important point I'm trying to make is that just when I was wondering about this thing, just when I kept asking God and the universe for an answer... I got one. I got it from an unlikely source, in fact, from someone I didn't even know before I started asking! (Isn't the universe beautiful in how it works?)

I won't tell you exactly how I ended up in contact with Ellen Whitehurst, who helped with some much needed hope at the exact right time I needed it. But I will tell you, it was an unlikely "meeting" that had nothing to do with the fact that I needed some hope! In fact, it had nothing to do with me at all! (Ain't that an interesting thing?)

I know, I've probably confused you and made you wonder why I bothered writing this at all if I was going to be sketchy with the details, so let me say this: I'm writing about this because I know you all are going to run into one of those times in your life where you feel you're at a crossroads. When you are, stand still and ask God for an answer. Then, PAY ATTENTION. Because you might get the answer from a place you didn't expect. But that's okay!

You didn't think people met each other by accident, did you?

Cherie Burbach at Love Is an Exploding Cigar With the Top Ten Dating Myths

2009-05-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

Chances are, unless you've done Internet dating yourself, you believe in a few myths. You probably believe that everyone on the system is lying, or that it's all about sex, or that there just aren't enough people to meet the right one.

I've got a guest post at Love Is an Exploding Cigar that talks about the Top Ten Myths with Internet dating. See if one or two of them are beliefs that you've held on to!

Interview With Cherie Burbach at Zensanity

2009-04-30T08:37:00.002-05:00

I've got a new interview with Zensanity today as part of my virtual book tour. I have to say, I really enjoyed it! They made me think a lot about the things I appreciate and what keeps me strong.

How to Search for the Right Person Online

2009-04-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Searching for a date online may seem like a simple thing, but ask anyone that has tried online dating and they will tell you that it's a little intimidating. Like anything else with online dating, there is a right and wrong way to do it. I talk about that more at my stop today at the Long Relationships blog.

Review of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza from As the Pages Turn

2009-04-30T08:19:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest review for Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza. Are you still wondering whether you should buy it? Check out what As the Pages Turn has to say!

Favre and Tupac

2009-04-29T17:27:00.002-05:00

This is a big day for me. No, I'm not talking about the awesome virtual tour that I'm on, or the great press I've received of late.... this is WAY BIGGER....

First, the Favre saga continues with a scenario I foolishly never imagined a year ago. A retirement and reinstatement as a free agent. The possibilities abound. I've been flooded with questions on whether I think he will come out of retirement. I think he will, or Bus Cook wouldn't have asked for the release.

But perhaps the even bigger news.... Photos have surfaced that claim Tupac Shakur is alive. I joke on both these events being a "big deal" of course. (And for the record, nothing trumps great reviews and supportive friends who offer up their blogs for space on my virtual tour.)

The Tupac thing is something I've been waiting for, however. Like Jeanne, who wrote the post that alerted me to the recent change of events, I, too have wondered about his death. When he went to prision I wondered if he would eventually fake this death like Machiavelli supposedly did. Plus, he's been very "prolific" since his death. It wouldn't surprise me at all, and if he is alive, I humbly ask that he sign my copy of The Rose That Grew From Concrete. (I'm a sucker for a brillant poet.)

Cherie at Chicago Sun Times

2009-04-29T08:40:00.002-05:00

Had one of my interviews from my virtual blog tour reprinted at the Chicago Sun Times. Do check it out.