Hey You!!

Hello writers and fans of writers! You may be both so double welcome to you!

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend! I guess Halloween is the next holiday! I can't wait for that! What will I dress up as this year. For two back to back years I was a man. The first year, my hubby and I went to a local bar in Fort Wayne for karaoke and some woman actually hit on me, thinking I was a real man. Guess it was that good lol. I felt so nervous, I kept looking at Billy (my hubby) to be rescued lol. She even gave me her phone number. When it was my turn to sing, I used my real voice and watched her reaction. That was funny. She didn't talk to me the rest of the night, thank God!

I also dressed as a sexy ghost. I used an old bed sheet and made it into a two piece outfit. It looked cool. I was also a sexy vampire and used that black hairspray in my hair. Everyone loved the color on me which is why I dyed my hair black last winter. Bad mistake. Luckily my hair is blonde again and starting to grow out now. There was one more costume but I'd rather not say what it was, some may not understand lol. It was interesting though, that's all I can say. I don't think it was ever done so it got some attention lol.

Ok, back to this year. I hadn't thought about it for a while so I think I should start now. What would you suggest? Reply and let me know your thoughts and tell me what your costumes have been in the past. Let's talk about it and share some ideas with each other. Remember some children may stumble on this page so if its adult natured don't share lol. You can hint but that's all! I got some writing to do so I will talk with ya later.

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

Hello Everyone!

All right, can you guess where this building is located at? Do you know what this building even is? If you guessed Nashville, TN then you guessed right but what is this building?

I didn't see the inside during this trip but I wanted to. They were giving tours for the right price and I didn't want to pay what they were asking so I just took this picture so I could remember being there lol.

During my short trip to Nashville, I learned something that I wasn't expecting about this city. I always thought that people in this area would be neighborly, you know wave at you when you walked by (or drove by). I was raised that way being a country girl but it wasn't like that. Sure, some people did wave. Most people were actually rude to us (my husband and I). We got lost a few times and asked for directions. Most people just kept on walking, didn't even look at us. That gave me a very bad impression about the city. The music capital of the world wasn't as great as I thought it would be. So it turned out being a bad choice to market my books but I still enjoyed the site seeing, what site seeing we were able to do lol with being lost most of the time. But at least we were able to find the original Grande Ol Opry which was a site. Did you know this building was originally built as a church? I didn't know until I saw the building up close! That was nice!

I did see real "mountain" people when I was there. They were nice. When they all passed us, they smiled and said hi to us. They were dressed in older clothes like the ones I've seen on television. Not sure if they were really from the hills like my husband said they were but they sure appeared to be. I was too afraid to ask, didn't want to offend anyone. I'm not the type of person who likes to do that sort of thing, you know hurt someone's feelings or affend someone. It isn't me. With my past, I know what it's like so I avoid it as much as possible. Even if it means lying to someone or biting my tongue. I refuse to do it! So with winter slowly approaching, that may be my last trip for the year. I wonder where I'll go next year. Somewhere I've never been I imagine! It makes everything so worth while!!

Any ideas?

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com/

Back to School! College!!

So what are we going to discuss this time? Gee, what is there? Ok, we know that school is slowly approaching. That can be really scary for those who are going for the first time--college that is. Even for kindergarteners, it can be a scary experience.

Thoughts run through your mind like will the other students like you and your style--yes, they will, some may not but that's life. You will make friends! Just be yourself! Other thoughts will be, will I like it? School is what you make of it. You're there to learn. If you chose your classes, there is a reason why you chose them. If it is to learn about something you already like, chances are you will like those classes. And what about those teachers? They're not there to be your friends. They are doing their jobs, help you learn. Whether you like them or they like you doesn't matter. Keep your eyes set on your goal and you will do great and your teachers will respect you for that.

Don't worry about what's in style, ladies. Be who you are and what ever you wear will be just fine. If you're into gothic, there will be others who are too and they will love your fashion. If you are into dressing glamorous, again, there will be others who do too. No matter what your style is, there will be others who agree with that style. Don't try to fit into one group, let that group fit you! Be your own person and others will follow!

Now we do have plenty of time before that first bell does ring. Do you have all your supplies? You got plenty of paper, pencils, pens, folders, something to carry it all in? Did you order your books for those classes you chose? Remember, you can always get slightly used books to save money. They may already be marked in but at least you'll know what's important to study that way lol. Have you decided where you'll be staying during the next four years? Will you have room mates?

If you know where you're staying, check out that area before school starts. Maybe there's places you can work for extra cash or even hang outs for after study time is over. You don't have to be stuck inside your new home after school is out. Make friends and on the weekends, party a little. Just don't party too hard! I've heard that the friends you make in college are the friends who stick with you for a lifetime!

College is a lot different than most highschools. Instead of have 7 or 8 classes being an hour each everyday, you will have maybe 3 classes one day with 2 or 3 hours long and 2 classes on another day that are longer. Each class will be different depending on the day it's held. This could mean shorter days or longer days depending on what you have chosen. It is always a good idea to know what you want to be when you graduate going in your Freshman year but if you don't, you can play around with different classes your first year until you figure it out. But the next year, you should have it figured out so you can get enough classes in to get ceritified for that career.

Ok, that's enough. Anyone else have something to say to those who are getting ready to head into school? No horror stories please lol!

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

Peterson Estate

I have recreated a world that has been with me since the beginning of my writing career. During this journey, I had some fun but at the same time, I was mourning the death of a couple chapters. It was a little hard to let go of those two chapters.

A few people were given the chance to read the story before any of those changes were made and they liked the story the way it was. I also read it to a couple children. While one hung on every word, one (a little girl) had nightmares from one of the scenes. She was a bit younger than her brother which told me her age group was too young for the story. That was when I knew it was for young adults.

Over the years, I had countless rejections from publishers who appeared they hadn't even read it. I was determined to get it published though. I put all my other stories on the back burner and planned on getting this story published first. When Cursed Blood and Stolen Identity were finally finished though, I changed my plan and put threw them both out to the sharks, happily surprised when they were accepted right away.

As time drifted by, I began to think about my original plans of writing for all age groups. Another couple months later, I decided I couldn't give up on this story. I had to work on it and make it fit what I am writing now. When the rewrite began, I felt happy about this decision and enjoyed the journey it took me down.

Now the rewrite is finished and I feel so relieved. I completely took out a couple chapters and I mentioned one of them. In the original story, those two chapters were in someone elses POV and they appeared too childish. Neither chapter really pushed the story along as the new story emerged.

There are still multiple plots pulling through the veins of the story but now there is one major plot that pulls it all together which it really didn't have before, not really. I mean it was there but it wasn't the focus of the story. Now it makes better sense and I'm glad I was able to make it happen. Peterson Estate took a few rejections and a major rewrite to make it what it is and I'm glad it happened this way. Now I just have to get it published! Back to the sharks it goes!

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

Little Scare Last Week

If you notice in this picture, I was in the hospital the other day. Don't worry, I'm ok. I was downtown in the summer heat and I gave my husband a little scare...

I passed out! From what I was told afterwords, I starting shaking and then I began to collapse. My husband used his body to guide me so I wouldn't get hurt. Wasn't that nice of him? He skinned his knees because of that but I was all right. I don't remember any of it lol. He tried everything to wake me up, called my name and slapped my face. I couldn't feel it lol.

When I came to, about 40 seconds later, a group of people were standing over me pouring water on me to cool me down. Someone in the crowd said the ambulance was coming. While I was down for the count lol, my hubby had asked someone to call 9-1-1 which 3 people called at the same time and asked if someone had the water. A couple people tried to get water from the vendor but the dumb guy wouldn't give it away so these people paid for it--yes, I said paid for it. And they didn't ask for the money back either! That was nice of them! My hubby also used his body to shelter me from the sun since it was just after noon which the medic said was the right thing to do!

I was all right after a little while but we decided to go to the hospital anyway to be checked just in case. Everything came back from the lab saying I was healthy as a horse, well not literally lol. I was just dehydrated and affected by the heat. I also have a condition that causes me to get dizzy so that played a role as well. I just hadn't passed out since I was a child, well until now!

So this summer or any summer from now on, please drink a lot of fluids! Soda does not help. In fact, it does quite the opposite. Drink water or even Gatorade if you don't like water. Water is the best though! Now he keeps an extra eye on me to make sure I do drink those fluids. Gotta love the man! He does take good care of me. Please do the same for yourself! Be healthy and stay cool. Don't go out unless you really have to and even then, dress correctly.

Have a great and safe summer!!
Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

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/

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

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

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

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

http://www.argrosjean.com/

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

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

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

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

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