Tag Archives: Sandra Warren

Thanks to Those Who Wrote a Testimonial for My Blog!

Joan Y. Edwards, Jan 11, 2023
Joan Y. Edwards, 2023

“Thanks to Those Who Wrote a Testimonial for My Blog!” by Joan Y. Edwards

Thank you to each of you who wrote a testimonial for my blog. I am very honored. You touched my heart. Please read what they had to say. I also put links to their websites and/or books. 

My hope is to inspire you to never give up on you…no matter what…live, love, write, illustrate, work, share.  Here’s what caring readers like you say about my Never Give Up blog, January 2023 in alphabetical order! I am filled with love and thankfulness. It fills me with joy to hear from you. I treasure these  testimonies and each of you in my heart. Subscribe to My Blog

Dr. Bob Rich

Dr. Bob Rich
Bobbing Around blog

     “I have a scale of spiritual maturity. At the bottom are infant souls. You recognize them from a complete lack of empathy.
Then there are toddlers. Their three key words are ‘No!’ ‘ Why?’ and above all, ‘Mine!’ Because of this, unfortunately, they run the world.
At the other end are mature spirits who find compassion, cooperation, empathy, decency to be natural. Their joy is to benefit others, not because it is expected, or because of some payoff, but because that’s just the way they are.
Joan is one of these mature spirits. Regardless of her circumstances or personal tragedies, she is always there for anyone and everyone. Read her blog if you want to know what I mean.”

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Carla Stack

     “I am a busy person working for a dental office and a consulting company. I first met Joan in the office where I work. And what a blessing Joan has been to me and others in our office! I do not always get to read Joan’s posts and blogs as much as I would like.  But when I do, I pause! And I am always reminded to count my blessings.  This morning I opened an email from Joan titled “Do You Need an Ego with a New Inner Critic and Encourager?”  What a blessing this was with me today.  A gentle reminder that God is a God of encouragement.  A reminder to change our inner critic voice to one of encouragement by using affirmations.  Thank you, Joan, for your beautiful, sweet soul and for your uplifting emails and blogs.”

******************** Carol Baldwin and her beta reader for Half-TruthsCarol Baldwin and Elliott Kurta, her beta reader for Half-Truths
Teaching-Story-Fiction-Writing-Grades 4-6
Carol Baldwin’s Blog

     “I enjoy Joan’s blog because she always looks to encourage her readers. I often leave with a smile on my face!”

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of fiction, poetry, and the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers.

“Expertise is the magical word when notified of Joan’s blog entries. I never miss an opportunity to learn something new.”

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David Parle and Anna Verberg

David Parle and Anna Verberg
David’s books under Pen Name Roger Rapel

“Joan always has a smile, even in tragic times. Sometimes we all need a lift and a listening ear to help us through the sad times.
She has become a friend albeit electronic and we both know that we can contact each other.”

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Gretchen Griffith

Gretchen Griffith, author of When Christmas Feels Like Home, Called to the Mountains: The Story of Jean L. Frese, and Lessons Learned: The Story of Pilot Mountain School

“Many times when I’ve felt discouraged about my writing, along came Joan Edwards with words to give me the encouragement I needed. I’ve followed her positive thinking blog for years and found it to be a valuable resource about using social media in a way that I can understand.

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Jeff Morrill

Jeff Morrill
Profit Wise: How to Make More Money in Business By Doing the Right Thing
https://www.jeffmorrill.com/

     “Thanks to Joan’s blog, I ended up with a publishing contract with TCK Publishing after reaching out to many of the publishers I found on this post: https://www.joanyedwards.com/50-publishers-who-accept-unsolicited-manuscripts/
Without preexisting fame, it is very difficult to get a book published. Lots of hard work and a high capacity for rejection are necessary but not sufficient—it’s also important to know who might be looking for a particular manuscript. Thanks, Joan, for doing the hard work of gathering and sharing this useful information!”

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Joan Leotta Joan Leotta
Feathers on Stone

     “Joan’s blog is always a good read! I find inspiration for my day in the assortment of contemporary and classical poetry she offers. So, when she started to send me notices of her blog, I immediately clicked to read. The blog is a delightful collection of wisdom–sometimes a reminder of helpful tips, like the recent blog on home fire extinguishers, or the ins and outs regarding ghostwriting. Other times, her blog is the springboard for a deep dive into thoughts about issues such as the need to consider all possibilities life offers or the need to use our inner critic to also encourage ourselves. I like the mix of offerings. Her blogs are like fine chocolate–always good, each one with a different delicious filling. I am always encouraged by her blog entries–to action (as with the fire extinguishers) and/or to reflection.”

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Joan B. Reid

Joan B. Reid
Joyful Passage-A Woman’s Path to Retirement

“Joan Y. Edwards blog is inspiring and positive.  Several posts have lifted my thoughts and made me feel better. 👍”

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Jo Ann Mathews

Jo Ann Mathews
 Women in Adversity Book Series
Jo Ann’s Blog

     “Joan Y. Edwards hits the mark with her blog “Never Give Up.” She encourages people to brush aside the clouds and see the sunshine. Her recent post ‘Consider All the Possibilities’ is an example. She walks the reader through steps to move forward from a dilemma and ‘get out of that box.’ Everyone faces situations that don’t appear to have an answer. Joan’s blog offers suggestions on how to solve that dilemma.”

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Joy Moore, Author

Joy Moore
Joy’s previous published works includes, Wiggle-Wiggle, Scratch-Scratch-, Itch-Itch-Itch with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and many magazine articles and poems. Joy’s website: http://www.word-painting.com

Your encouragement to submit my manuscript has led to my signing a contract. I love the process of writing. I hate the process of researching a publisher and sending it out. When I signed up to use your plan to submit my manuscript, I knew it was what I needed to get me going. Just as you have said so many times, it did lead to something. So that is what I want to tell you I appreciate the most, because nothing would have happened for me if I hadn’t followed the advice.

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Karen Tomas

Karen Tomas, past columnist for the Fort Mill Times 

 “Joan Y. Edwards’ Never Give Up blog is totally addictive. You can’t read just one!!!”

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Karen Cioffi

Karen Cioffi, Article Writing Doctor and Online Platform Instructor

“Joan’s Never Give Up Blog offers great information on writing. It’s obvious that she puts a great deal of effort into each post and it’s a blog I value. Along with information, Joan offers encouragement and insights related to the writing world. So, join me and the many others who benefit from reading Joan’s posts.”

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Linda Gutheil

Linda Gutheil
Linda’s Blog

     “I visit Joan’s blog to see what she’s got to say and share. Before I even knew Joan well, her blog led me to know that she loved to share helpful tips with others. She’s always been kind to share links to articles that are helpful to writers and people just needing a new or more positive outlook on life. She also has a creative approach in the way she looks at things. She shares from the heart and tells personal experiences and stories that have teachable moments. I can’t imagine my life without Joan in it. She makes my life rich and full. I’m also blessed to call her my best friend. She’s a real treasure.          Thanks for always being there for me.”

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Mary Lash with scarf

Mary Lash
A Roller Coaster Down, Love and the TSA and The Desert Murders: How Junk Science, Witness Contamination, and Arizona Politics Condemned an Innocent Man

 “Never Give Up is like a good friend. With characteristic generosity, Joan Edwards offers helpful information and insights with each post. Reading her blog never fails to encourage and inspire me.”

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Melanie Robertson-King

Melanie Robertson-King
https://melanierobertson-king.com

     “Joan’s blog is a wealth of information, inspiration, and motivation. I subscribe to it via email to know when something new has been posted. Not all topics interest me, but I take the time to read all the posts. I’ve learned and shared (through the comments) many things since I first discovered her wonderful blog.”

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Sandra Warren
Sandra Warren, author of Obsessed By A Promise, We Bought A WWII Bomber, and twelve other books written in multiple genres. 

     “Have a social media question? Scroll through Joan’s blog for the answer. Invariably, you’ll find it there among her many blog posts. Joan is the “go-to” gal for social media know how. Plus, if you ask a question she can’t answer, she’ll research it until she understands and then, not only share it with you, but also the world.
     Feeling down and discouraged with your writing or life in general? Joan laces inspirational tidbits guaranteed to lift your spirits throughout her blog.”

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Shawn Simon

        Shawn Simon
Stepmomshawn.com
Stepping into a New Role: Stories from Stepmoms

“Joan’s blog is inspirational and encouraging. She will get you thinking about the good in life and will give tips for reframing life’s challenges. Visit regularly for a dose of positivity!”

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Cathy and Thurman Bruffey
Cathy and Thurman Bruffey

Thurman Bruffey

“From the start I want to say Joan is my first cousin. All of us who read Joan’s blogs know how incredibly knowledgeable Joan is.
I have been a fan of Joan’s writing since the first days of “Flip Flap  Floodle”.
I can tell you her elder care book was written from the heart and from first hand experience with her Mother, Ethel Meyer, my  Aunt.
Joan is always seeking input and doing in depth research to ensure her blog posts can be helpful to others. I highly recommend everyone to read her blog.”

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Testimonials page: https://www.joanyedwards.com/testimonials/.

Subscribe to Joan’s blog for new articles of inspiration, information, and humor. Receive free 2 free gifts. Join 265 subscribers and over 1,908,000 visitors. Thank you.

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Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Copyright © 2023 Joan Y. Edwards

Flip Flap Floodle Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox?
Joan’s Elder Care Guide A guide to help caregivers and elders find solutions.

Spivey’s Web, a Christmas Story: Interview with Author, Sandra Warren

Spivey’s Web written by Sandra Warren; illustrated by Susan Fitzgerald. Available on Amazon.“Spivey’s Web, a Christmas Story: Interview with Author, Sandra Warren” by Joan Y. Edwards

Today, it is an honor to interview Sandra Warren, author of Spivey’s Web. Thanks for coming today, Sandra. I want to hear all about SPIVEY’S WEB, a picture book that’s out now that you had in your head for 15+ years! 

Sandra Warren

1.Tell us about Spivey’s Web.
I am very excited that Spivey’s Web is out now since it has a Christian twist at the end. It’s about a spider who wants to spin a web of her own design, not the expected web for a barn spider. After being ridiculed for her efforts, she moves to a window high in the loft and when the Star of David shines through, it sprinkles stars, like a disco ball, around a manger and calms a very special baby. Although the baby is not named, you can tell by the illustration that it’s the baby Jesus. I love the last line….My web didn’t catch flies. It caught the light!

Spivey’s web is more than a Christmas story, however. It’s also about having the courage to follow your heart and do what makes you happy even when everyone around says it can’t be done or it’s never been done like that. From Spivey we learn to never give up.
Writers take heed. When agents and editors say, no, no, sorry no, we have to keep at it and never give up because if we do, we’ll never know how close we came and we’ll never know what amazing things might come from our creative, imaginative minds. We all need Spivey’s courage to spin a web of our own design.

2. Did you submit Spivey’s Web to traditional publishers? Christian markets? 
Sandra: I tried for years to get Spivey’s Web traditionally published, but it was too secular for the Christian market and too Christian for the secular market. A major agent loved it until she got to the end and realized it was a holiday/Christian theme. She said she doesn’t do holiday books. Although I was still holding out for a traditional publisher, everything changed when I met an amazing artist. 

Spivey’s Web
https://www.amazon.com/Spiveys-Web-Sandra-Warren/dp/1981217673/

3. Marvelous illustrations. Who is the illustrator? 
Sandra: Susan Fitzgerald, oone of our part-time neighbors at Hidden Lake is a FINE artist who approached me asking if I’d LET her illustrate a manuscript of mine. I was floored because she’s an amazing artist who exhibits full-time in a gallery in Jacksonville. Her concept of Spivey and all her illustrations are fabulous in my opinion.

4. Did you encounter any problems with the formatting of the book?
Sandra: Oh my, yes! One problem we had that took us almost a day to figure out was that we were trying to put a landscape/horizontal illustration into a square template. A landscape picture book template was not offered by the company we chose. We also had trouble balancing the required minimum 300 dpi of each illustration for printing. It’s tricky to send illustrations through email without losing dpi. Now we know how to do it. Our original vision was to have a horizontal format with illustrations that bled off the page–flowed to the very edges. But because of issues with the horizontal formatting of the original artwork, we had to compensate by reducing the size of each illustration allowing for a border or frame around each. 

Here are suggestions if you’re self-publishing a book:

  • Make sure you download the publisher’s PDF Specification Guide from CreateSpace or other publisher and read it before beginning to make sure they print books in the size and format you want.
  • Don’t be afraid to contact Support if you have any questions. The folks at CreateSpace are very helpful! 

Despite all the formatting issues, we’re thrilled with the end result that Spivey’s Web is now available online. 

https://www.amazon.com/Spiveys-Web-Sandra-Warren/dp/1981217673/

Thanks for being a guest on my blog, Sandra. Thank you for offering a giveaway, too.. The GIVEAWAY was completed on December 21, 2019.

Thank you to all those who left a comment! You make my blog sparkle with excitement.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sandra Warren’s website: http://www.sandrawarren.com
Sandra’s blog: http://sandrawarrenwrites.blogspot.com
Other books by Sandra Warren:

 

 

 

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Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2018 Joan Y. Edwards
Flip Flap Floodle Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox?
Joan’s Elder Care Guide A guide to help caregivers and elders find solutions.
80 Gospel-Based Crossword Puzzles for Year B Fun for Children’s Liturgy, Children’s Church, Sunday School, and Home Bible Study.