It just amazes me that people will not stand ground when it's needed!!  I am so angry right now...I had to visit my blog, getting all the details out of my head, as writers are wont to do, but in short, I took my very sick cat to a local vet and received poor care.  They performed an x-ray on her, for whatever reason, long before blood work or other diagnostics.  The doctor told me to go home, wait for her call on the results of the x-ray.  Meanwhile, my cat was getting sicker and sicker by the minutes.

I called, telling the vet she was going downhill and fast, only to have them tell me to "wait for the radiologist report," which was supposed to be in by 5pm that day.  Well, the NEXT day there was still nothing and I had a cat who was so sick, she wouldn't even stand to use the box.

Instead of wait longer, watching my cat crash before me, my Mom and I started running searches of local animal hospitals, looking for one which was rated good.  I didn't want to put her through more tests than was necessary, or risk taking her to another quack.  Literally.  Perrinville Animal Hospital was the one we were referred to.

Upon first calling, I explained the situation, had a very sick cat, x-rays done at other clinic, getting worse, etc.  They told me to bring her in asap, which I did.  Upon exam, the vet at Perrinville told me (and my Mom who went with me for support, after all Mushy is my furry baby), she was very sick (obvious) and she was worried about her not eating especially.  

Apparently, fat cats (yes, she's fluffy) when ill and stop eating, can go into a syndrome known as "fatty liver syndrome."  New one on me.  Never knew.  After discussing her treatment plan with Dr. Rehberger, I specifically asked her if she would have selected to perform an x-ray in this case.  She told me - point blank - she saw "no reason to perform an x-ray."  Instead, she did (what I thought would have been routine) blood work, fluids, etc. 

Now, to current, the first clinic is sending me a huge radiologist bill, and I am disputing it through my bank. My bank needs a letter from Dr. Rehberger stating she would not have selected x-ray as a first-line treatment...would she?  

Nope.  I wasn't asking anything extreme of her - simply her medical opinion.  Would you have performed an x-ray in this case?  Of course, she wouldn't even call me personally to tell me, but had her office staff make the call.  It's great to be wonderful to animals, but what about people? I've just had it with people's unwillingness to stand up for what's right.

I understand a vet not wanting to be pit against another, after all the whole price-fixed system works for a reason, but I wasn't asking this.  I was asking for a basic letter, to my BANK (not even listing the name of the other vet) stating she would not have chose x-ray for my putty-tats treatment.

Worse?  She passed along, through her office staff, that she didn't even remember me mentioning another clinic, an x-ray, etc.  Way to try and back out of it completely.  Funny how she didn't "remember" anything about their being another clinic, or an x-ray performed there, yet she wouldn't write a simple letter of treatment for me?  Hmmm.  Seems strange to have a problem, writing a letter saying "No, I would not have used x-ray as part of this feline's treatment program."  Doesn't it?

I am so tired of the whole, damned thing!  People out there want others to stand in their corner, stand for what is JUST AND RIGHT, but they are not willing to do the same.  How, can the world we live in, possibly improve when people treat others as nothing more than an object?  Something to take what you need from, but never to give.

Fortunately for me, I kept all of her original paperwork, including the original proposed treatment plan she gave me, which had no where on it the words X-RAY.  So, she doesn't want to stand up for what's right?  Fine.  I will use her treatment plan.  After all, wouldn't you say if she had planned, or thought an x-ray was part of a normal treatment plan, that she would have put it on the proposed treatment plan?  But, guess what?  It's not there!

Sadly, my opinion of the clinic has now changed.  While they did wonderful with my cat, they failed on all fronts with the people.  I need someone who can do both.  Maybe I am asking too much?  Maybe there isn't the magic, wonderful vet out there who can work with both animals and people successfully?  

I am reminded of what one of my best friends told me, when our daughter's were in Kindergarten...the teachers are so incredible, dealing with these young children, but when they have a parent in front of them, having to work with them one-on-one, SOME of them simply crash and burn.  They have become so accustomed to dealing with one specific subset, they cannot transition to another.

Is that the case here?  I am saddened so, because we had a wonderful vet.  We trusted his care and he was great dealing with us of the two-legged variety as well.  That was another lovely surprise I had when taking my cat to the first clinic.  I didn't find out it had been 1)sold 2)changed completely 3)prices raised 4)completely different vet until I walked in the damned door.  

Now you tell me?  Bait and switch?  They still answered the phone (the old clinic's) name...until I made a comment on them baiting people in...the next call I placed to them (2 hours later seeking friggen x-ray reports), they were suddenly answering the phone using their new name.

Now, Perrinville Animal Hospital has lost my faith in honesty as well.  After all, if it is more important for the doctor to NOT write the letter for me, thus helping the other clinic, what does this say to me about where their priorities lay?  Money.  

I know people...we all need money, but honestly forsaken for money?  I have NO respect for anyone who would forsake their honor for a dollar.  NONE.

Jesus people!  Be honest!  Stand for what's right, not just what will save your ass!

Thanks for reading my rant!  I was just so damned pissed, I had to have an outlet.  Plus, there was no way I was getting back to work on my novel with this rattling around in my head.  Here I am, writing a novel about alpha-dragons and all I can think of are fluffy, notice I said fluffy, not fat, putty tats.  =)

Notice to business' out there - social media is a monster of a tool, whether it be used for positive, or negative means.  Take it seriously.  If you listen to your customers, the consumers, who keep you in business to begin with, you will never meet the wrath of a pissed off blogger!

In ending, I am thankful for many things, one of which comes to mind in this situation - I can honestly say I have never intentionally let someone down who needed/sought out my assistance.  

Can you say the same?  

Sadly, I've learned, not many can.

Hello everyone!

News, news, news...well, let's see here.  I will be quick and short today, as I have a deadline on time...but here is where the status stands with my current work.

Loving the CEO was completed (YEAH!) and turned in to my Editor on September 15th with a word count of 68,653.  Due to some delays, I am not expecting first edits back for another couple of weeks, but I am thrilled!  I am hoping to have everything done, ready to go for publishing, by the end of December.  Crossing my fingers for sooner...but you know how that goes...out of my hands.  I am also excited to have a cover design in the making, and hopefully soon, available for everyone!

Of course, once Loving the CEO was done, I went right into my next project, Rising Dragon.  I am just as excited about this novel, as this will be another first - my first supernatural!  I have a target word count of 80-100k, but knowing me...yeah, let's just say I hope to stay under 100k.  My deadline for Rising Dragon is January 15th, but I hope to have it completed, and to my Editor, by the end of December.  I have so much occurring from the end of December through mid-January...

My current word count is 28.080 as of today, this minute!  It's coming along, but has taken me a bit longer than normal as I had to basically start over.

What do I mean by start over?  Well, here's what happened, in time sequence.  When I first set out to dedicate myself full-time to writing, I started with Rising Dragon.  Then, along came a spider who offered me a place in their Anthology for a Contemporary Romance piece.  Of course, I put aside Rising Dragon and began work on Loving the CEO.  

Unfortunately, I learned (and quickly) that I simply cannot write a 5k story, which was the max for the Anthology, so I scrapped the idea of joining.  But, by that time, I was so into Loving the CEO, I had to finish.  

As I was working on Loving the CEO, I received contact from Tina Engler (aka Jaid Black), CEO of Ellora's Cave, asking for a sample of my writing.  Well...since I was well into Loving the CEO, I tightened up the first ten pages and sent them off to her...with a prayer in the wind.

A week later, I received an acceptance from Tina, as well as an offer for a five-book contract!  Whoop!  So, I contracted Loving the CEO, Rising Dragon, and three others.  I know...I said I would make this short, but see what I mean about keeping under 100k?  My brain thinks small, but loves the danged words...the more the better!

Okay, so back around full circle.  Since Loving the CEO was the writing sample I sent to Tina, I contracted it with Ellora's Cave, finished writing it and away she went to my lovely Editor, Kelli Collins.

Right about the time of my deadline for Loving the CEO, Kelli was reverting in her role from EIC to Chief Editor, as well as undertaking a huge move.  Thus the delay.

Now, back to Rising Dragon...in the process of writing Loving the CEO, I learned a lot about my writing style.  A huge amount (and I haven't even received first edits back, which I know I will learn more each time).  So, when I picked up Rising Dragon, which I had to 25k when I originally put it aside and started reading over it...yeah.

So, I started from word one, page one, going over each of the 25k words, the sentences, the paragraphs, the story structure, the character introduction and development, etc.  Everything you do to write a novel.  If I had not done this, I would likely almost be done with Rising Dragon, however I wanted this, my first supernatural, to be as tight as I could get it.

As I read through, correcting this and that, changing an area here, a character action there, I found a lot of areas where there were items I just didn't like - I didn't like the flow, the direction, etc.  Thus, why it has taken me so long to get where I am now.  Plus...I forgot to mention...after I turned in Loving the CEO, I took a wee break (of three weeks) before I even sat down to Rising Dragon!

I imagine, if I was a chicka with no kiddos, my writing would be so much faster.  After all, no disruptions...yeah, but not in my house.

In ending, thank you all for your support!  I am hard at work on Rising Dragon, waiting for returned edits on Loving the CEO and have much more in the future planned!  =)

I wish each of you a wonderful day, a beautiful week and I hope, whatever your dreams and goals may be, you achieve each of them.

Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to pop on and say "HI!" to everyone.  I know it's been a while since my last blog post, and I apologize for this and will try to do better in the future.

The last few weeks have been very busy ones for me.  I went on vacation to the ocean with my family, which I loved even though I ended up dog sick...ugh.  On top of that, the next day after returning home, my kids started school. Of course, I had to be terribly sick during all of this.  *feeling sorry for myself*  =(

Also exciting, and nerve-wracking as heck, is my first deadline looms ahead...September 15th.  Naturally, I have been working like crazy trying to wrap up the story.  Yes, you heard...wrap.  My characters seem to have another idea, as the story wants to continue, so I will have to find a good place and call "Cut!"  Hopefully, if it is well-received, I will have the option of continuing Richard and Samantha's story.

Once I get the story part done, then it's edit, edit, edit and having a critique read before I send it off to my Editor, Kelli Collins.  I have only a week left to get all this done, so needless to say, this week will be balls-to-the-wall work.  That's okay with me.  I do some of my best work under pressure - as I am sure many Authors do.  

My biggest hope is that when all is said and done, you the reader, will love my work.  I hope I am able to write characters you can empathize and bond with.  That I can write scenes which you can visualize and live through.  In the end, I hope to have taken you on a journey with me.  One which you will want to come back to time and time again.

Well, it's time for me to get back to work!  This will be my first published piece and I am determined to do my best - for you.

I wish you all the best.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and that you are successful at whatever you set your mind to.  Never give up is my motto.  Work hard at that which you desire and your desires will become reality.

Best Wishes *big hugs*

Shelbie  =)

CONTRACTS SIGNED!!!

After a long wait of wanting to announce it to the world, I am thrilled to finally be able to announce I have signed a five-book contract with Ellora's Cave!!!  

This is a dream come true for me!  Years of reading work from wonderful Authors, published by Ellora's Cave, I have wished to be a part of such a great group.  Now I am!!  YEAH!!

I was thrilled by the response I received from publishers, having several contracts offered.  I would like to thank all those who offered me opportunities; I have already written each of you personally, but wanted to say it here as well.  I was honored to have such a wonderful response in the publishing community.  Since the offers made to me have remained open, depending on my obligations to Ellora's Cave, I may consider them in the future.  One day at a time...one obligation at a time...one Novel at a time. I need to get into my groove, to see what I am capable of producing, before I consider more obligations.  What is important to me is taking the time to produce excellent work, not rushing to produce quantity.

I do not have publication dates yet, but as the process moves along I will keep everyone up to date.  I am currently working on a Contemporary Romance Novella, which has a set deadline of September 2013. After this project is completed, I have two Paranormal Romance Novels planned.  I have not yet decided what to do with the remaining two books of my contract, but as I go along it will become clearer.  I have the option of creating two more stand-alone Novels, or even continuing one previous Novel into a series....decisions, decisions....

For now, the following is planned with Ellora's Cave:  Title (the genre/EC line) approx word count and deadline.

• Loving the CEO (Contemporary Romance/Romantica) 25-30k (possibly larger) September 2013

• Rising Dragon (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k January 2014

• Corrupted (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k June 2014

• TBD for books four and five

Obviously, the dates listed are my deadline; editing, cover design and publishing afterwards.  Since this will be a first for me writing with a deadline, I am anxious to see how it goes.  As well, I am aiming to have the work to my Editor before these dates, but decided it was safest to allow for more time until I see the time it takes me. 

I cannot explain how thrilled I am and how difficult it has been for me to keep from announcing this wonderful news!!  The offer was made to me months ago, and I have been writing during the contract phase, so no time lost.  =)

I am also thrilled to announce that my Editor will be Kelli Collins!  I am confident, with her talent and knowledge, we will create something which readers will enjoy.

I would like to personally thank Jaid Black, for without her, I would not have this opportunity.  No matter the direction my career goes, I will always remember and thank Jaid for her place in starting it.  Thank you Jaid.  Your confidence means the world to me.

I would also like to thank all of you who have been a wonderful support to me over the last several months.  I have gained an immense amount of knowledge through this process, and thanks to the wonderful Authors, many of whom I count as friends, you too have helped in my journey.  I have met some absolutely amazing people and I am thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.

So, here goes nothing, hu?  Now, the ball is in my court, and I have the huge responsibility of creating a story which is engaging, characters you love to hate and hate to love, contained in a world you believe is real.  No small task, but one I am confident I have the ability to achieve. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has offered words of encouragement, advice, a shoulder of support, or even ears open, even though you probably got so tired of listening to me!!  

I would like to thank Rae Monet www.raemonetinc.com for her assistance - not only in designing my wonderful website www.shelbieknight.com but for her friendship.  I couldn't possibly have met a more wonderful person than Rae.  *big hugs*

As I write this, it sounds like I am writing a damned speech for receiving an award....I swear, this is not the purpose.  Ha-ha!  But, I have to thank my family as well.  Without their support none of this would be possible.  

My Husband is my rock - and always there to support me in whatever dream I decide to chase.  Married for almost twenty years now, together for almost 25, I am amazed he has put up with me....but what can I say, it was love at first sight, so he had no choice!  Ha-ha!  =)  I love you.  

My children, they are the two best kiddos any Mum could possibly wish for.  My Son is growing into a charming young man, capable, responsible and helps his Mum out all the time.  I am so very proud of him.  My Daughter, she's a little hellion (in a good way), although her little stunt on our trampoline has cost me an endless amount of grief (and medical bills) with a grade three sprain, and who knows how much ligament damage.  Aaahh...you would think my son would be the one breaking this and spraining that....nope.  That honor belongs to my hellion of a daughter!!  

My children are my life.  I love and care for them above and beyond any other.  They both support their Mum in her dream as well, even putting up with a "don't talk to me when I'm typing!  You mess me up!"  As the regular thing Mom says!

Last, but never least, I have to thank my own Mum.  Without her, I would be nothing - literally.  She is the one, who from the very start of my life, taught me to not take less than I deserved.  She instilled in me a desire to chase my dreams, no matter the work it took to achieve them.  She is my endless support system.  Always there, always with a smile on her face and her arms open for a hug.  I love you dearly Mummers!

Here we go.....the start of a new journey.  Thank you for your support and for playing a part of this most exciting time in my life!!  =)

Big Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

AND THE WINNERS ARE.....

I would like to start by thanking everyone who visited my blog.  The turnout was wonderful, and so much more than I expected!  The excitement generated by people was infectious, drawing me along on an all together different, but amazing ride!

I would also like to thank Silverwood Theme Park, who without their support, none of this would have been possible.  Over the last several weeks, I have worked with some of the most amazing people in any industry, and I am thrilled knowing even though my blog contest is over, I have made some truly amazing friends.  

Now, since everyone wants to know the names, without delaying further, I will list them in randomly drawn order.  If you see your name here, please contact me at shelbie@shelbieknight.com and provide me with your mailing address.  I will be mailing your tickets out this week, so you can have them to schedule your time at Silverwood Theme Park as soon as possible.

Drawing winners:

1. Shaina Bretthauer (CLAIMED)
2. Serena Adkins  (CLAIMED)
3. Kelsey Nash  (CLAIMED)
4. Nathaniel Broden (CLAIMED)
5. Josee Lewis (CLAIMED)

CONGRATS to each of you on your winning draw!  I hope you have a wonderful time when you visit Silverwood Theme Park - and I would love if each of you, during your visit, would take a picture of you and your guest next to your favorite ride, event, etc. and email it to me. I will be putting together a follow-up posting with all of your pictures, once I receive them.  If you feel uncomfortable showing yourself, and your guest, in the photo, a picture (or pictures) of your favorite time at Silverwood would be wonderful!  It helps make it possible for me to do wonderful giveaways like this in the future.

Again, thank you so very much to everyone who entered!  With the amazing amount of entries I received, I can see there are so many people who would love to visit Silverwood Theme Park - so, on that note, remember the newly opened contests!  You can read about them in my blog post below.  Silverwood just started two new contests, with the prize being free tickets, so don't despair if you didn't win here.....JUST SCROLL DOWN TO THE NEXT BLOG ENTRY FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN!!

Thanks again!

Big Hugs,

Shelbie  =)
PS...Thanks Jordan!  You're a doll!  =)

UPDATE:  All of the Silverwood Theme Park winners have claimed their tickets!  CONGRATS to all of you, have a wonderful time! Remember to peek back and my blog now and then, and pay attention for announcements on Facebook and Twitter, as I do drawings frequently!

Thanks again to Silverwood Theme Park for their never-ending support, and to Jordan specifically.  It was my pleasure to team up with Silverwood, and I hope we can do it again in the future!  =)

SILVERWOOD THEME PARK CONTEST UPDATES

I just received some updated information on new contests that Silverwood is running, and I wanted to pass them along to you! 

First off, Silverwood is running a new coloring contest!! If you are interested in finding out more, click HERE

Secondly, Silverwood has just started a new photo contest, regarding their new ride, SpinCycle.  If you are interested in finding out more about this contest, click HERE

When I wrote the blog article, I did not know that the essay contest was already closed; I apologize for this oversight.  But, better yet, you now have two more BRAND NEW contests open - that are great for children and adults both! 

I wanted to make sure and pass the information along so you have the most up-to-date information. Have a wonderful week!!

*big hugs*

Shelbie  =)

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ORIGINAL SILVERWOOD ARTICLE AND YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS......

Read on for a chance to win!!

I am thrilled to bring an opportunity of a lifetime to you, thanks to my friends at Silverwood Theme Park www.silverwoodthemepark,com  

First, I would like to take a minute to tell you about Silverwood Theme Park (STP), and a few of the events they sponsor for children and their families.

Located in beautiful North Idaho, Silverwood Theme Park has over sixty-five rides, slides, shows and attractions, including four roller coasters!  Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants and so much more!

They have a theme park unlike any I have ever experienced!  In addition to a theme park filled with various, incredible rides and engaging events, right next door is Boulder Beach Water Park, encompassing an astounding twenty-one acres!  Pictures and words cannot possibly do it justice; to see it in person is astounding, and literally takes my breath away!

Silverwood Theme Park seeks to bring the best to their visitors, assuring you have an experience unlike any other, and this year they have surpassed this with the addition of an amazing new ride - this one is the first of it's kind in the world! At one hundred and four feet tall, the thrill ride has cylindrical-shaped vehicle seats that hold twenty-four people, facing outward, with their legs left dangling. They are supported by a harness as the vehicle rotates three hundred and sixty degrees, at thirteen revolutions per minute!  At the same time, the entire vehicle is swinging like a giant pendulum, until you are upside down, suspended over one hundred-four feet above ground level!  Riders are then brought all the way around, to repeat again, at over three and a half times the normal gravitational pull!  This is a ride unlike no other - a statement of fact - as it is the only of it's kind in the world!  To see a video of this ride, click HERE

SIlverwood Theme Park, in an effort to make their park available to all children and their families, has also sponsored two wonderful events:

• Essay and Art Contest: Silverwood and the Spokesman-Review have teamed up for a wonderful essay contest.  They invite all students, including those involved with an accreditated home school program, in the Greater Northwest (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, BC or Montana) to write a one-hundred to five-hundred word essay describing a person in their life who would greatly benefit from a trip to Silverwood Theme Park!  In your essay, tell us why they would love a free trip - and you, your immediate family, and the special person will receive passes to the Silverwood!  You can find out more information on submitting your essay, including the rules  HERE
• Family-A-Day:  Another wonderful Silverwood sponsored item is their Family-A-Day Giveaway.  Do you know of a family that deserves a fun-filled day at Silverwood Theme Park?  Enter their contest by clicking HERE  (The submission must be completed by someone eighteen or older.)

In addition to an amazing rides, a water park which would make a dolphin drool, incredible family entertainment, and events, Silverwood has graciously agreed to allow me to give away five (5) pairs of tickets to their wonderful establishment! That means you, and someone of your choosing, can go to Silverwood yourselves, experience the thrill first hand - experience the fun fist hand, experience the terror.....first hand.  

If you are interested in an opportunity to visit Silverwood Theme Park, to experience a day of pee in your pants excitement, enter the drawing below! Silverwood has asked that I run the drawing for a one-week period of time.  After which, Rafflecopter will draw the five winners.  I will then contact you to arrange to mail your tickets to you!!  How easy is that?!  Remember, this contest is open to all - whether you have visited Silverwood Theme Park in the past or not.  For each item you complete in the contest, which are as easy as clicking a link, you are granted the listed amount of entries!

I can assure you, Silverwood is an experience like no other.  When they say it is "The Northwest's Largest Theme Park," they are not kidding, or over-exaggerating!  To see it in person is astounding!

If you are interested in seeing some videos showing Silverwood Theme Park, their rides, the grounds, and other exciting events, click HERE to see some amazing videos!

In ending, I would like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT, and an even bigger thank you, to Silverwood Theme Park. The people I have worked with at Silverwood are some of the best in the industry - I have never felt more welcomed than at Silverwood Theme Park, where I am not simply a visitor, but part of a big, extended family.  I hope you have the opportunity to visit Silverwood and see for yourself.  What better cue to our drawing below....good luck, and to those who are fortunate enough to win tickets....bring Dramamine!  LOL  =)

Thank you Silverwood Theme Park!  What you did for my family, what you do for families, marks people's lives in ways you cannot possibly imagine. You are not simply a theme park, but a place where fond memories are created; memories which will last through childhood and beyond.  For this, and so much more, we thank you!  You are an asset to our community.

Big Hugs,

Shelbie Knight =)

shelbie@shelbieknight.com

www.shelbieknight.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway