Friday, July 11, 2008

Hello One and All!

On another blog, a few writers and myself were asked to write a snippit about our favorite season in a unique way....as a short "story" or excerpt.
Of course, I chose Spring for many reasons. Besides the temperature being not too cold and not too hot, there is also the feeling of the world being re-born which can be very beautiful! Leaves form on the trees, flowers open their petals for the first time, and the birds sing sweet melodies outside our bedroom windows in the morning waking us up! Plus this is the time for those Lilac bushes which give a sweet aroma that I can never resist.

I love nature and always have. When I was little I used to take my mother's good sheets (she never really had any bad ones lol) and built my own tents in the front yard. Well, it wasn't really a front yard because I lived on a farm and the front of the house was sort of in the center of the property. I used to get yelled at all the time but continued because I enjoyed being outside so much. After I became an adult, I still enjoyed the camping and have gone a few times.
One place I did enjoy camping was at the Johnny Appleseed Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I spent an entire summer there enjoying what they had to offer. I had a tent, shower and laundery facility which wasn't the same thing as really roughing it but it was a little different than staying in a house.

You can't do certain things during the winter because, well its too cold lol. You can't go on a picnic, go camping, go fishing which I used to when I was a kid, can't really go biking, or any of those things. I also really love summer!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com/

Friday, July 4, 2008

Stolen Identity

This book is based on sex, lies, and murder. It is also based on the fact that a man takes the identity of another man, his identical twin brother. In real life, I really hope it isn't that easy for one man to do such a thing.

There are ways a person can protect their lives from being stolen by anyone. First of all, don't hide your keys somewhere outside. And if you must leave a set with someone you trust, have a password even if you're the one picking them up. This way, if you do have someone who looks like you, they can't steal your keys. Second, never throw anything away that has important information on it like your social security number. Shred your paper as much as you can or even burn it if possible. Third, if you feel you are being followed, call the police. In some states, there is a law that prohibits that. Sure, it can be coincidence but use your gutt feeling if there's too much coincidence.

Identity theft does happen but it doesn't have to happen to you. Be safe, protect your loved ones, and always stay alert. Be weary of companies who ask for your social security numbers too. If you ever become suspiscious about someone, please call the police right away!

Thank you!
Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Why do I write?

Why do I write? Why does any author write? That is probably the most important question you could ask a writer. For me, it's who I am. I am nothing without it.

I enjoy creating new and interesting people in strange places and not so strange places with strange people. I enjoy seeing how these people work with others who are different. I've always been a dreamer and have lost myself in the worlds I dreamed about. I couldn't see my life being any other way. Sure I've tried other things in my life but writing is so much a part of me that I can't stop. Even when I'm not writing, I'm writing in my mind.


I sit there and watch people no matter where I go. I try to imagine who these people are, why they are argueing and who they could be talking about. Sometimes I listen to people talk and imagine they could be discussing something I know about and could write about. It helps me learn how real people associate with each other so my characters can become more real.


I also write because I wanted to be someone who was different and wanted people to see that. I wanted to be read by people who I never met or never knew. I wanted them to say, "I feel the same way." "I needed to escape for a little while." "I didn't know that." I wanted to be someone who people could admire because I did something that no one ever thought could. I wanted to stop being a failure.


Becoming a writer really saved my life. A year or so before the decision, I attempted suicide which thank God, it didn't work. I was hurting from the teasing and the laughing from my class mates and I was lost. I didn't know who I was or where my life was going and I just wanted to give up. I honostly thought God made a mistake when He created me. The day I found myself, I knew the path I was on was chosen for me. It was chosen for me, I tell you. Someone wanted me to live that life to mold me, shape me into the person I would become, the writer I would become.


The teasing eventually slowed down and then I moved away with my family taking me to a school where I learned how to become a better person without the teasing. I improved my writing taking classes about writing. I surrounded my life with it. This is my destiny and I refuse to let anyone take it away from me. It is the only thing in my life that has never changed or escaped from me.



Why do I write? Because I am a writer. What about you?

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Love This Job!



Can anyone guess what this city is? It is Cincinnati, Ohio. You know I was actually born in Ohio. Its not something I normally talk about because I feel that I am a hoosier and not a buckeye lol. But yes, I was really born in Van Wert, Ohio.

This was the first time I was ever in Cincy (as they call it there lol). Boy, do they have some hills lol. I walked around the downtown a litle talking to people and introduced my books to a few of them. They were all very excited to meet a published author. Most people are like that, they look at authors as celebrities which is totally cool because I still not used to that. I like the reaction when I tell people I'm published!

Ok, I will wait to tell you where I'm heading after this city but for now, I have some people to talk to about these books. In the next city, I will be heading to some book stores and see how it goes there! I'm excited about that and will hopefully make some deals on some booksignings. If not, at least I tried and that's the main thing.

I'm getting out of my normal routine and getting out there in the world to meet my future and present fans! I love meeting them! You can't be a writer without those fans, good or bad! And if no one is reading than why write. I want to be read so here I go! Wish me luch on this journey!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Inspiration and Support


I have been a very lucky person. I was able to find someone who brings inspiration to me everyday of my life for the rest of my life. This same person also gives me 100% support. Yes, I am talking about my wonderful husband. Tomorrow will be 12 years of married bliss!


We didn't have everyday bliss. There were days when we had an arguement over something stupid (don't all marriages have those lol) and there were days when nothing could go right. We have come a long way in our marriage. We have overcome homelessness, friends who have stabbed us in the back, weather disasters, personal problems, and more yet we have bounced back every single time, together.


We have seen those brighter days where we can't seem to get any happier, then one day comes along and we do get happier! We have a blessed relationship and I wanted to share that with all of you. This weekend, I will not talk about my writing here. This is an annaversary break from that lol! I just wanted to share my happiness with my fans and friends!


12 years is a long time to be married to one person. How about being married for 50 or 75? We have friends who made it that far! They don't know how lucky they are getting to those annaversaries! So, I would like to thank those people for inspiring us to deal with each other on those bad days and living in wonderland on the good ones. For those who have problems with their spouses, look to each other and smile. Now talk. It takes only one person to make a relationship bad but it takes both to make it good. Remember, you love each other. Take it from there!


Amber Rigby Grosjean

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Sometimes You have to rewrite that story...

I began writing my favorite story when I was only 12 years old. To me it was a great story. Lot of action, growth, fighting between good and evil, and so much more. Years went be with rejection after rejection. I had written other stories and didn't send them in so I started thinking I should give it a try to see which story was accepted first. Then 2 books were published. I've rewritten my story over and over again. Now I am in the process of rewriting it one last time.

Over the years, many stories have come out. Some of these stories are very close to the one I had written. I grew attached to those stories knowing I had written something just as good as those others. Charmed is a good story. Harry Potter is too. I always thought how funny it was seeing how close these stories were to mine. I'm still laughing it up.

Since I have now seen those shows (didn't mention them all lol) I am using what I know so they are not so close as they were before. My story was unique at one time and I felt really good knowing that. It will go back to being different again. Peterson Estate is a good story and it can be a great story.

A lot of people say that an author's first book is seldomly published. I think this is due to the writer's improvement in writing. If we all went back and took what we learned and worked on those first stories, they can still be published. We cannot give up on ourselves. We can't let others give up on us either. Keep writing. Don't let others tell you, you don't have what it takes to write (or finish) a great book. You do have what it takes, just believe in yourself. Sometimes you have to rewrite that story to make it the greatest story you have ever written!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Friday, June 13, 2008

Laptop vs. Desktop

Which is better? Laptop or desktop?

I have gone from writing long-hand to writing on a desktop to writing on a laptop. Which do I prefer? You guessed it, a laptop.

Laptops are so much easier for many reasons. First, they are more compact. Because of the size, they move easier which means you can write almost anywhere you couldn't with a desktop. Second, they are lighter so carrying them is more simple which again means you can write almost anywhere.

I really like the idea that I can go anywhere with my computer. I can sit at the park and write if I so choose to. I can sit in my bed and relax while I write. I can have internet anywhere I have my computer. Those annoying wires aren't getting in my way! Don't you hate those darn things getting in your way?

When I was writing in long-hand, it meant I was wasting all that paper. Then I still had to type it up so I could send it to publishers. Having a computer whether its a laptop or a desktop saves time, energy, paper, and pens. It also saves the pain associated with writing things down for so long. I have arthritus in both wrists so typing really helps, less pain!

So which do you really prefer? Now days, laptops are getting more affordable which means more and more people are using them. Let me know, respond and lets see what the world prefers. Thank you! Have a great day!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Vegas was great!



Well, I'm back in Indiana again! Vegas was a lot of fun and I hope to go there again some day! Here is one of my pics in Vegas. I'm standing by the 4 Queens Casino and Hotel just downtown at the Freemont Experience. It was a little chilly that day but not as cold as Indiana lol. I felt sorry for those at home but I was happier being out of winter for the time being.

This sure was a city that never slept. It seemed like there were more people out late than during the day. Of course, it was still busy during the day too. I did get a chance to visit a few places on the "strip" as its called. I rode a few of the city's buses including the Deuce which is a two level bus. I sat on the top right in front and it was really cool! Its a totally different experience so if you ever visit the city, give it a try.

I did a lot of work while I was there. I told several people about my books, making friends in the process. So many people never met an author before so I felt good being that author! I also came up with new ideas which I'm in the process of working on now. I'm keeping them a secret for the time being so keep an eye out! I really hope I hear from publishers soon, I'm getting to like the process of getting new books out there for you. Meanwhile, don't forget I do have 2 books that you can read. Both books are available online! You can learn more through my website at http://www.argrosjean.com so go check that out! Enjoy the summer and see you soon!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Friday, April 25, 2008

An Update

Well it seems Stolen Identity is doing much better than I really thought lol. I assumed it would do good because of the genre it was written in but it is doing better! People are enjoying this new book! I can't be happier!

For a short time only, Cursed Blood is half off on the publisher's website which makes the cost less than $8 for the paperback. The sale ends on April 28. I love sales! Publish America is changing the price for their books after the full website sale goes away so I'm not even sure what the new price will be. I just heard about this so I hope it isn't too soon for you to go check it out.

I have slowed down my writing although I still am writing and coming up with new stories to write about. I just came up with a totally new idea which will be interesting to write but I will not reveal it just yet. I have so much on my back plate that needs to be taken care of first. When I will begin writing this new story is beyond me lol. Hopefully within the next year I will get to it. If not, it will give me something to do lol. There is a long list of stories that are waiting for my attention and I can't wait to get to each and every one of them! I am so thankful for paper so I can write my ideas down and keep them so I don't forget about them lol.

Don't forget to check out my website, it is still being updated. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! You can either ask here or directly on my site. My life is almost an open book!

Thanks! Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!!!
Amber Rigby Grosjean

Friday, April 11, 2008

Hello!

Hey everyone out there in cyberspace! How are you doing today? Well, I am doing great. My newest book, Stolen Identity is out and doing well. Cursed Blood is still getting around too! I'm getting more ideas as we speak and I'm loving it! I just wanted to post a new message to show everyone, I'm still around. Sorry I haven't been keeping my blogs on a regular basis.

I've been working, meeting new people in a new city. It's been fun too so I'm not complaining. I've got another month here and then back home I go. I think I have enough here to keep my plate full for a little while lol. Plus, I've been spreading the word about my 2 books so its been an interesting trip! I'm glad I came here!!

Ok, don't forget to check out my site, its beginning to be colorful! Check it out and you'll see! http://www.argrosjean.com Don't forget to check out the Amazon store and order your books!

Thank you!!
Amber Rigby Grosjean

Friday, March 21, 2008

Happy Easter

I just wanted to take a quick moment out of my busy day and wish everyone a very Happy Easter! Please take some time out of your own busy day and remember what this day means. I'm not a real religous person but I do have the Lord in my heart so this is a good day for me. He has risen!

On other news, Cursed Blood is still selling. If you haven't read it yet, please check it out. If you need to read an excerpt first you may read it on my website at http://www.argrosjean.com or you can look on google for more (read from the actual pages!). Stolen Identity has been selling since the day it was released. Remember, it is only for adults. Please no one under the age of 18 for this book.

Well, I have a book to go write so I will catch you all later! Happy Easter and enjoy the weekend!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Friday, March 7, 2008

Stolen Identity has been released!

I am very excited to share this news but my second novella has been released! Stolen Identity is an erotica thriller so only adults may read this book. It will turn you on, so read carefully.

You may purchase this book in two forms, paperback or e-book, both from my publisher at http://www.amirapress.com or in other places like amazon. Amazon only has the e-book at this time but the paperback will be made available soon. And any local book store can order this book for you in either form so just ask any clerk for the information.

Remember ask for Stolen Identity by Amber Rigby Grosjean! I will keep you posted on the locations as they are made aware to me! Thank you so much! Now enjoy!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Friday, February 22, 2008

Sorry for the Delay

Wow, it has been so busy around here! I've been editing like crazy, finally finished! Now the editor should be working on the formatting so it can be sent to the printer! I can hardly wait to see the final product and hold my book in my hands! I can hardly wait for you to start enjoying this story! There is so much to look forward to!

All right, there are a lot of changes. On my website, I am now going with new colors to go with upcoming holidays, starting with Valentines Day. My pages were red and pink. Now for St. Patrick's Day, the pages are green. I can't be pinched now! Well, actually I really could if I don't physically wear green but at least my site will be lol! I'm still writing, that will never stop. I enjoy this job! In fact, I don't think of it as a job, not really. This is something I have always wanted to do with my life, now I'm right in the middle of it! I'm lovin' it!

All right, check out my website if you haven't yet. If you're coming to this blog from my website, thank you for the visit. I hope you ordered a copy of Cursed Blood. It was fun writing it. But the nightmare which gave me the idea for the story wasn't all the fun so please enjoy the story for me. It makes it worthwhile that way lol. Ok, I have got to go do some writing now. Plus I have a newsletter to finish so I can get that out. Remember, it isn't too late to sign up for that! It will be out on the first. Then I will sit back and wait for my birthday to come. I will be partying for that! Can you guess how old I will be? Come on, respond! I dare ya!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Monday, February 11, 2008

New Update!

Well, as you can see, I have changed my hair color. I'm not sure if I like this or not but here it is. The story is....

I dressed up as a vampire for halloween and everyone at the party told me how good I looked with black hair. It went to my husband's head and he started thinking. Now I have black hair lol. I don't know how long this will last which is why I haven't added them to my website yet. I figured I would play it out first and see what everyone thought about it. Do you like?

Ok, now on to business lol......

So the contest has started now. Been 10 days for that. I have just turned in my final edits for Stolen Identity and awaiting for further word from my editor. It shouldn't be too much longer now! Don't forget Stolen Identity is for adults only due to those naughty scenes. I recommend reading before hubby comes home lol! Then you ladies can attack (in a good way lol). Yes, this book will inspire you, turn you on! Hey guys, don't be left out, its for you too!

A publisher is now looking over Mother of the Dragons. I am very excited about that and have my fingers crossed that they like it. Please do the same for me! I would love to have a romance out for you!

I have had my first interview on podcast. It was early in the morning and I was nervous but I think it went well. It was done over the phone. I will put it on here as soon as I figure out how lol. Then you'll be able to hear it too! I already have and thought it sounded good! You can be the judge of that!

Ok, enough for now. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Final Edits!

I am now working on my final edits for Stolen Identity. After I turn this in to my editor, she will look over my new changes and pass it on to the proofreader who will then make sure words aren't missing and all words are spelled correctly then back to my editor again. This means I am almost finished with this before it goes to the printer! I am very excited about that and cannot wait until everyone gets to read this book.

My contest is now open for those who are interested in winning a free ebook of Stolen Identity. Just go to my website for the information for your chance to win! Thank you!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean