Eden Robins January 2008

Monthly Garden This month, as we start a brand new year what better subject to talk about than dreams... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird sleeps in the egg; and in the highest vision of the soul, a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities..." ~~James Allen~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dreams By Eden Robins      This year is new, crisp and as of yet unfilled.      It's just like a book. An empty book, with white, clean, blank pages waiting excitedly and expectantly to be filled. But waiting to be filled with what?      Dreams of course. My dreams, your dreams, their dreams. Our dreams.      I'm always perplexed by the people who scoff at dreamers. Those who laugh at other people's seemingly preposterous ideas. Those who think that wanting something else, something different, something more is not practical, possible, or realistic. Yet, as the quote above reminds us, great accomplishments and achievements in this life were at first just dreams.      Who could conceive of walking on the moon before space travel? Who could imagine mold fighting off illnesses? Who could picture that one day people would fly through the skies in giant mechanical birds or that rooms could be heated, darkness made into light, and fantastical machines would operate on an almost intangible something called electricity? And who would have thought that I would be able to reach thousands of people all over the world, by just clicking the "send" box on my computer screen using a mouse that's not really a mouse?      These realities are givens now, but they weren't always. They were once dreams, dreams a person created in their own mind. Visions that to some may have seemed ridiculous, impossible and improbable. Imaginings that an individual had to hold tight to and never let go if they wanted to turn them into a reality.      And it probably wasn't easy. The world probably tested the strength of their dreams. Like Paulo Coelho talks about in his book, "The Alchemist", the world challenges our dreams. But not because it's vindictive or out to get us. Rather, it's because it wants us to not only attain our dreams, but to also have a good understanding of the lessons we've learned along the way.      And with perseverance, faith and hope dreams are turned into realities each and every day. The vision that burns in us, the desire to make our imagining real and the decision to stay true to that are all part of the recipe for success. All part of the mix that turns the seedling into the plant and the acorn into the tree.      My wish for you as we begin 2008 is that you fill this year's empty pages with dreams. Your dreams. Your hopes, aspirations, visions, imaginings. And that you cherish them for the wonderful, precious and important parts of you they absolutely are.      Dreams are the seedlings of reality. Your reality.      It's a brand new year. Pursue your dreams. Hold them close to your heart until they become reality. Turn that seed into a field of sunflowers and that acorn into a forest.      If not now, when? © Copyright Eden Robins

From Eden's Garden

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my January Monthly Garden newsletter and Happy New Year!

I watched that ball drop in Time Square and counted the last few seconds to the new year with my children. Their stares were glued to the television and they were holding their breath in anticipation. Of what, I'm not sure, but nevertheless, that's what they did. Their eyes were wide and watchful, and as the last second was counted they jumped up and down and screamed with absolute delight, "Happy New Year!"

Their excitement was contagious and I couldn't help the silly grin that spread across my mouth as I watched them laughing and squealing. "A new year has begun!" I yelled, jumping to my feet and laughing along with them.

The new year is exciting because it's full of possibilities, surprises and opportunities. I look forward to the start of a year because it's so like an open, empty book, just waiting to be filled. And I plan on filling it with my dreams. You can read more about that in my Monthly Garden.

NEWS:

REVIEW: 5 ANGELS AND A RECOMMENDED READ FOR BENEATH A CHRISTMAS MOON!!!

I was thrilled to discover that Ariana Dupre, Karen McCullough and my holiday anthology, BENEATH A CHRISTMAS MOON received a 5 Angels Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews! That's their highest possible review, so it really made my day. What a great way to start 2008! Please visit http://www.fallenangelreviews.com if you'd like to read the full review.

My modern day twist on Beauty and the Beast, LANDER'S MOON is part of this three story holiday project I worked on with authors Ariana Dupre and Karen McCullough. Both are excellent paranormal authors who have contributed fantastic stories to this fun collaborative effort. This paranormal Christmas anthology, entitled BENEATH A CHRISTMAS MOON, is now available through Cerridwen Press. And don't forget to check out my new cover for this paranormal Christmas tale on web site. I hope you have time to swing by and take a peek!

January GUEST STORYTELLER AT ROMANTIC TIMES BOOK REVIEWS ONLINE FAIRYTALE PAGE:

This month, talented, multi published author, Joy Nash will be retelling her favorite fairytale in her short story, Grandma's House. Wonder which fairytale this is based on? Stop by the RT site and try to figure it out. Joy will be glad to talk with you about this tale or other favorites on the RT Modern Day Fairytale Message Board throughout the month of January. Please stop by and chat with her! http://www.romantictimes.com

UPCOMING EVENTS, CHATS, BLOGS AND INTERVIEWS:

January 19th Weekend Blog at Love Is An Exploding Cigar, http://www.loveisanexplodingcigar.com

BENEATH A CHRISTMAS MOON authors Ariana Dupre, Karen McCullough and I will be blogging about writing paranormal stories during the weekend of January 19th. I've decided to approach this blog a little differently. Instead of my portion of the blog being written by me, I'm going to let Lander Paletsos, the sexy immortal beast from my tale, LANDER'S MOON, do all the talking. He's going to tell you all about what it's like to be an immortal shapeshifter. And you are more than welcome to visit, take a peek at this blog, and ask Lander any questions that come to mind.

January 8th and January 22nd at the Cerridwen Press Authors Blog, http://cerridwenpressauthors.blogspot.com/

I'll be chatting away about this, that, the other thing, what's what and who's who and why at the Cerridwen Press Authors' Blog during the month of January. Please swing by for a visit and, if you have a moment, leave a comment to tell me what you think!

February 1st and 2nd, Glendale Chocolate Affaire, Book Signing and Workshop, Glendale Arizona, www.ci.glendale.az.us/events/GlendaleChocolateAffaire.cfm

I absolutely adore going to this festival each year, and can't miss out on it. I'll be there on Saturday February 2nd, signing books, presenting a workshop on character building, giving away goodies, and chatting with folks at this two day get together. This event features nearly 40 (yes I said 40) Chocolate Purveyors, is the largest gathering of romance novelists in the Southwest, and was recently listed in the Top One Hundred events in North America by the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. With live music, arts and crafts, yummy food, activities for the kids, and did I mention chocolate? This is a great gathering for the whole family. I hope to see you there!
Check out www.ci.glendale.az.us/events/GlendaleChocolateAffaire.cfm for all the details about this fantastic and delicious event! Or alternatively, call 623-930-2299.

CONTESTS

MONTHLY CONTEST

This month I'll be giving away a signed Cerridwen Press/Ellora's Cave Collector's Card Deck. Each card in the deck has various CP and EC book covers on it by some of your favorite authors. This deck features the cover of my dragon tale, AFTER SUNDOWN: SALVATION. Please visit my website to enter today. Good luck! If you'd like to know more about SALVATION, you can also check out the My Books page at my website.

Here's a short blurb:

Welcome to Sundown Security...
We are darkness, danger and power. Preternatural predators, sworn to protect and help mankind. If you enter our world, expect the unexpected. We aren't the type you want to be on the wrong side of in a dark alley, or the kind you take home to mama...

Eric Drache is an immortal dragon slayer. His life, his duty, and his salvation over the centuries has been killing dragons-until he's assigned to protect Sabrina from a crazed stalker.

THIRD ANNUAL YUMMIEST RECIPE CONTEST-WINNER!

Thank you for sending in so many delicious recipes. It was very, very hard to decide on one winner, but here goes. The winner of my third annual Yummiest Recipe Contest is...

Norma Jean Storms!

Norma's recipe for Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars was out of this world. It was gooey, chewy and chocolaty! And it was just what my sweet tooth ordered. I loved the added texture the oatmeal imparted, savored the rich combination of caramel and butterscotch, and found myself blissfully indulging in the decadent chocolate. Congratulations, Norma Jean!

If you'd like to try out Norma's wonderful holiday recipe, please visit my website and check out the Favorite Recipe page.

ONGOING EVENTS AND PROJECTS

WOW!!! NEW COVER: AFTER SUNDOWN: ILLUMINATION

I'm amazed and delighted by the artwork in my cover for the upcoming third book in my AFTER SUNDOWN series, ILLUMINATION slotted for release in 2008. And all I can say is "Wow"! Many thanks go out to talented cover artist, Les Byerley. This cover is probably one of the most striking and dramatic ones I've had so far. I'm very excited about this artwork because it really captures the tone of this paranormal urban fantasy. If you get a chance, please visit please visit my website to check it out www.edenrobins.com. And don't forget that I have a sneak peek of this story on the Work In Progress page of my website also, as well as excerpts from the other stories in this series if you'd like to learn more about the dark, dangerous and sexy security specialists working for Sundown Security! I'd love to hear what you think of this new cover, so please write and let me know at edenrobins@gmail.com

AFTER SUNDOWN: SALVATION-NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!

For those of you who have been waiting to hold this book in your hands, the time has come. This second book in my After Sundown series is now available to order as a paperback, via the Cerridwen Press website or at your favorite online bookstores. This dragon tale can also be found on the shelves of a Borders or Waldenbooks store near you. Or, if it's sold out (I hope), feel free to order it from a salesperson at the store.

BLOG IT!
The blog continues...
That's right. I succumbed to temptation! On my birthday, September 19th, I decided to join other Cerridwen authors in writing a Blog. If you don't know what a Blog is, it's basically an online journal I'll be keeping, covering all sorts of topics. I'd love for you to take a peek now and again to see what's happening with me, and let me know what you think! I'll be writing two Tuesdays a month. Please visit the Cerridwen Press website, and you'll be able to connect to my Blog from there! Here's the website to read my Blog: http://cerridwenpressauthors.blogspot.com.

Your Personal Fairytale Storyteller at Romantic Times BOOKReviews Magazine online:
Do you like the tale of Beauty and the Beast? How about Cinderella or The Frog Prince? If so, I think you'll be interested in this.I've started a fun storytelling joint venture with Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine. Each month a short modern day fairytale will be posted at the RT site for readers' enjoyment. Please check these stories out at: http://www.romantictimes.com/books_fairytales.php. And don't forget to let me know what you think on the RT Modern Day Fairytale Message Boards!

My E-Mail:
Don't forget, I've changed my e-mail. You'll see a new address at the bottom of this letter. If you'd like to contact me (And I'd love to hear from you), please note the new e-mail address below. I'm not receiving all my mail through my website contact address either, so if you've tried to contact me, and I haven't responded, I'm sorry about that. If you send me a note at the below new e-mail, I'll be sure to get it.
edenrobins@gmail.com

MONTHLY GARDEN INSPIRATION PROJECT:
Thank you to those of you who have written to inquire about a Monthly Garden collection book. I'm glad you've enjoyed my essays, and appreciate your support of them over the last four years. Since many of you have asked when I'm going to make a collection of my Monthly Garden articles into a book, I wanted to let you know that I've started this project. However I've incorporated something new to the idea. It's a "real life, real people, real inspirational stories" aspect to my essays. I'm interviewing inspirational folks I know, have met, or who others have recommended I talk to about their lives.

A collection of these real life stories will be included in my Monthly Garden book to coincide with the themes I've written about through the years. I have several people lined up for interviews, but would like to talk to more people. If you are, or if you know someone who has served as an inspiration to you or others, please contact me at my e-mail edenrobins@gmail.com for consideration for inclusion in this book. Inspiration is around us everyday, in many ways, from every day people if we just open our eyes to the world around us. I look forward to hearing from you about your every day inspiration and the people who have affected the life you live and the person you are!

I hope you liked my January Monthly Garden newsletter. Please let me know by sending an e-mail to edenrobins@gmail.com.

Thanks for your support!

I hope this year brings you all that you hope for.

Best,

Eden

Visit Eden at www.edenrobins.com for works in progress, contests, and past columns!