Hey all! New Update on Website plus more!

Hello all you fans out there! I have just updated my website again. I have added a little information on the About the Author page plus added 2 interviews you can read in your spare time. If you haven't read Cursed Blood or Stolen Identity yet, now is the time for that with spring break slowly coming around the corner! Don't forget, books make excellent gifts!

I have also just opened my new website called Writing 4 all at http://writingforall.com so if you're a writer or looking into writing, check that out! I'm still working on it but it has something to get you started. I worked really hard to get where I am now so if I can help at least one writer become something more than it was all worth it!

I am always updating my website so you may want to put it on your favorites list so you can check it out often. And my monthly newsletter was just sent out today (a day early lol) so if you want to sign up for April's issue, you may do that while you're at the site or you may simply email me at amber_grosjean@hotmail.com and ask to be added to the list. My subsciber's list is growing and I enjoy sending out my newsletters each month.

In March's issue, I talked about me (of course lol), a favorite book of mine which is finally done, and two authors. Sometime next month, that issue will be added to my website so if you missed it, look for it on the downloads page very soon!

Ok, for now that's enough news lol. I've got some work to do! See you again soon! See you at my site and before you leave, sign my guestbook!

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

Updates on Site!

As always, I am keeping my site updated so you will see something new with each visit! Please, while you're there sign my new guestbook so that I may know you've been there. I am still working on my other site so it will be coming up pretty soon (I hope lol). If you are an author and would like to be added to my "Other Authors" page, please email me so I may add your information! My email is amber_grosjean@hotmail.com and please if you would like to be included in my monthly newsletter, let me know that too. And you can still subscribe for my newsletters. If you missed an issue (starting on Jan 2009) you may take a look at them on my site from the "Downloads" page!

As for new pages......"Ask Amber" has been added so you may ask me anything within reason, of course. Once I get questions, I will be adding the Q and A page to reveal those answers plus I will add them in my newsletters! So, what are you waiting for? Go check it out! Thank you!!

Amber
http://www.argrosjean.com

Website is Back Up!

There's a new look about my site so come on over and check it out! I've been working really hard getting my pages back up so come on in! Don't forget, you may still sign up for my newsletters! The next one coming out is Feb. 1, 2009. If you missed the New Year's issue on the first of Jan. you can still read it on my site, located on the downloads page!

I am very excited about my website going back online so please take a little time out of your busy day and check out the new look! Thank you very much!!!

The Economy

It really looks like we're heading back someplace we never thought we'd be. I mean the USA. Jobs are moving out of our country to places where it would cost less to run those companies. Other businesses are going bankrupt. More and more people are losing their jobs which means its getting harder each day to find jobs. We're going to be in a whole lot of trouble very soon. I think we're in trouble now. Those who really depend on their paychecks like most of us, are going to have a really hard time keeping payments up like electric, gas, phone, and more because the money flow will become less and less. Then those companies like the electric, gas, and phone will end up hurting too because no one will be able to afford to have them anymore. Except those people who are wealthy.

If you are one of those people and I know you're out there, there's help but you really have to know where to look. Start at your local Trustees Office. Then look for Catholic churches because they always have funds for people in need. And before it gets too late, start saving your money now. So when that time does happen, you're going to be ready for it. If you have a family, you need all the help you can get so don't be ashamed to ask for it. It doesn't make you a bad person if you ask for help! And no one will ever blame you when that time does come.

If you're not in that position, lucky you! Reach out for those people who are. Be a good person and help those who are less fortunate than you are. Being this close to Christmas, all help is needed and asked for. Put it in your heart to do something wonderful this year!

Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope you've been good and that Santa brings everything you asked for. I know I've been good and have only asked Santa for a couple things so hopefully I will find something good under my tree. I will have more updates soon. See ya after the new year!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

Hey All Out There in Cyberspace!

Ok, I need to update my blog lol so here I am once again! As an update, I need to tell you that my website is temporarily down. It sucks, I know but what can you do? Nothing execpt sit on your butt and wait, right? Anyway....

I just sent out my December's issue and I am excited about getting the first issue of the year started. I have no idea what to put in this newsletter issue. My newsletters will be sent from my personal email until my website comes back up. If you would like to subscribe just email me at amber_grosjean@hotmail.com and I will manually add you to the list. I will also be getting those authors on there so if you're an author, you can still be added so gather up some information like your name, the title of the books you have published, the genre, a link to your website, why you became a writer, what motivates you to keep writing, inspiration, and anything you would like to tell aspiring writers. Another note, I do free ads on my newsletters so if you have an announcement that you would like to share or selling something, please email me with that information. I don't know how long I will be doing that so get your ads to me right away.

I am still writing, just not as much lol. There's still a lot of things going on right now lol. Life would be so much easier if we didn't have to work so hard at it lol. Ideas are still flooding my mind so I am jotting those down so when my site goes back up, I will need to really update it for all of you! I can't wait for that.

Meanwhile, I am on Myspace so come join me there. I love playing those games like Mafia, Mobsters, Dragons, and more! Some of them, I am doing great but some of them I need more members so keep that in mind, will ya? All right, I have to get going. It's after 1 so I need to go to bed lol. Long day tomorrow!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

A Quick Note

Hey everyone! I'm still around. I just wanted to bring you up to date. I am now in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There's a few things going on in my life right now which is why I haven't been around. Hopefully soon that will change. I miss talking to my fans and friends! I will let you know as things go on so please keep coming back! I hope you all had a great Halloween this year and hope you have an even better Thanksgiving! Start getting ready for Christmas now before everything gets sold out! That's something that seems to happen every year to me lol.

On the writing note, I am still working on a couple of my stories that I actually finished writing. I can make them better so I am editing right now. Peterson Estate is being read by another writer and she's enjoying the story so far. Mother of the Dragons is also being edited. I also have 3 new stories to work on once I get to that point on the list. Those stories will be in my newsletter eventually so subscribe to that if you haven't already.

Cursed Blood is still being read. I was at the library the other day and I noticed one copy was checked out and the other one was being read in the library. Stolen Identity is also being enjoyed. I believe there are more people downloading their copy than they are getting the paperback. Either way is cool but if it were up to me, I'd get the paperback. There's nothing like holding a book you're reading but that's just me. This is an electronic age now so I think it would be nice if the rest of my books have that option so people can always have a chance to read my stories, in any form.

All right, that's enough for now. I hope to see you all again soon. Be good to each other and have a safe holiday!

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

When Being Poor Can Hurt an Author

Being someone who doesn't have a whole lot of money, I can tell you that it takes money to make money esp when it comes to being an author. When a writer becomes published, the work does not stop there--it only gets more difficult even though it is very rewarding at the same time. Every author, doesn't matter how he/she is published, must market the books he/she wrote and had published.

Marketing can be easy for some or seem impossible for others. I'm somewhere in the middle. I've gotten the hang of it some what but without enough funds, we might as well not market at all. For free, we can surf the web and just tell people about our books but without money we can't make a website to send those people to. Free webs work but they are not professional and may scare people away from purchasing that book, not always but sometimes.

I love to write and can't think of anything better to do with my life so its something I will keep doing no matter what. If I keep getting published, great. If more and more people see my books, great! I just can't sit there and wait for someone to just happen to find my book though and neither can any other author out there. We must get out there and tell people. Show them our books, show them how proud we are to have written them. We must be enthusiastic about our work or it will be for nothing.

If you are writing a book now and do plan on getting it published someday, start saving your money now. Set up an account and only use it when that book gets published. Use that money for marketing only. This will help you in so many ways. Keep adding to it too because it will go fast.

After you get your website, there's other expenses to think about. How will you tell others about your book and site? Business cards? Buy about 200-300 at a time. Pass them out to everyone you have a chance to. Baseball cap with your website on it works great too. You can get one for under 30 bucks, its worth the money! You choose the color and everything! T-shirts work too. Those can be made yourself with an iron and an iron-on transfer or you can have one ordered for a more tailored look. Check on the price though cause I've never done that. Bags work too as well as....pens, pencils, matchbooks, tablets, mugs, underwear (yes those work too lol--use them as gifts), and the sky is the limit. Some things you can make yourself to save some money while others need to be ordered but when you make sales its worth it so just save your money now so you can have those things later!

If you are blessed enough to have your own computer with a color printer, great! Use it for your advantage. Ink can be bought using that savings too. Just keep a reciept for everything for taxes at the end of the year. Make flyers, bookmarks, postcards, etc. You can get the items at most business stores or even Wallmart. They come in pre-shaped sizes and all you have to do is fill it in using the code for the printer so it matches up when you print it out.

When you book is designed, save it so you can use the cover of your book to help market it. Once that cover is done, start the marketing process (before that is even better!)

Remember, poor writers can't do as much as people who are well planned ahead and save their money. The more you market that book, the more sales you will see. Never stop marketing or promoting that book. Never stop saving your money to go towards that and you should be all right. Now get out there and start making those sales!

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

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