Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

Back in the spring I entered the 24th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Today I received the commentary on my book FROM SCRATCH.

Below is what the judge had to say:
"Judge, 24th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards."

Judge’s Commentary*:

"FROM SCRATCH: WHY I WALKED AWAY FROM MY LIFE AND BUILT THIS HOME by Sally Paradyz is a book that works on so many levels: new beginnings, spirituality, building a home -- anyone interested in any of these topics would do well to check out this wonderful memoir.

The cover is lovely. I like how the sunlight captures shadows, framing the author shown relaxing on the steps. The back cover copy is great and encourages the potential reader to peruse the book. The endorsement by a bestselling author adds credibility to the book. The author biography gave me a chuckle when I read about her cats.

Inside, the book is well presented. I like the drawing of a house before each chapter. I think a lot of women can relate to not being their authentic selves for much of their young lives. Most women are brought up to please and serve other people. This book is about one woman's growth as she and her partner build a home. I have never been part of such an immense building project and it was interesting to go through this by reading this book. I love the happy ending. Very inspirational. FROM SCRATCH will touch many hearts."

Needless to say I am honored to have received such a review! Thank you Writer's Digest.

If you would like to purchase this book you may do so at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or email me at: paradyszs@gmail.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

As we prepare our tables with food for family and friends tomorrow, let us remember those of us who are less fortunate. Many have had challenges over the past year, or years, and are not able to be filled with wonderful food, or a find a warm enough place to call home. If we go out to shop, or to football games, or to drive around to see the Christmas lights that start emerging after Thanksgiving, let us keep those less fortunate in mind.

So much can be done for others in small ways that are meaningful. Dropping off a meal at a front door, buying an extra blanket or jacket and handing it to someone on the street, or a call on the phone to let someone know you are thinking of them. Small acts of kindness that are so needed. Remember, too, the animals of this world that need our help. Adopt or rescue if you can. If not, spread some extra bird seed, or leftover bread cubes. Make a shelter, if there is room on your property, for an outside friend to take cover in for the cold months. I am fortunate to live in the woods. It is not only a peaceful place, but a sacred one. A sanctuary for all those who enter. There is a spirit here and I invite you to spend a little time in nature this holiday season. See how it gives you something that you have been missing.

From my small cottage home to yours, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. One filled with peace, gentleness, warmth, and love. And I will visit with you once again on the other side of this holiday weekend.

Most likely I won't be posting as much as I once did. However, I've been posting on my Facebook author page five days a week.

I suggest that you give it a try. Sally Paradysz, Author

Hopefully you'll find it worthy!

Last evening I was siting on the screened porch that we made six years after our home was built. In the large picture above, the porch sits to the left side. The screens are home made and can be taken off if desired. The doors were made at a company in Carlisle, PA. They are wooded, lots of screen, but with the old time handles.

Anyway, as I sat there reading I looked up occasionally to see what might be walking around the woods. Sure enough, five deer were moving around the feeding stations looking for food. Two bucks, plus mommy and her twins. The spots are gone now from the twins, and the bucks have a nice rack of antlers already. An antler grows about a quarter inch a day inside a soft coating filled with arterial blood, a nourishing tissue known as velvet. Antlers are bone--the calcium to make them comes from the deer's own body. By September, antler growth is complete, and the velvet that nourished the bone falls off in strips. It seems the deer know that Labor Day just passed. Every year it's the same.

I'm thinking that I need to go to the feed store to get some cracked corn. Right now I only put a small amount out every three or four days. Just a little bit to let them know they will always have food at my feeding stations as winter and colder weather approaches. The deer don't need me in their life, but I love being a part of theirs. Who knows, maybe we both need each other. Nature provides strange bedfellows at times!

Ahhhhhhhh, Nature!

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There is nothing like going out to my garden, picking a container of blueberries, and then eating them! Especially in my writing cabin. I have a small refrigerator in there and it comes in very handy.

While I was picking this morning, I tuned in to the sounds of Nature all around me. Wrens, bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, and mockingbirds were serenading me over and over again. When I looked up to find them, I also spotted a red fox. She was scamping along the fence row next to the field, I haven't yet seen her babies this year, but I'm hoping....

Now, as I sit here looking out at the woods surrounding me, I understand the messages I'm being given. Simplicity is today's theme. Less is more it has been said, and if you are a lover of Nature you will agree. I see subtle changes from day to day and that is enough.

Nature is always enough!

Cute as a writing cabin!

The book FROM SCRATCH was written within the walls of this writing cabin. Cute as a button the cabin sits in a wooded area close to my home that I built FROM SCRATCH. 

I wrote to the music of the birds, frogs, and peepers, each day for several years. If you haven't had a chance yet to read this book you can get a copy online at Amazon or Barnes&Noble. Also, it is available in local bookstores if you happen to live or play in upper Bucks County.

With help from my family and my partner I was able to finish the inside of my cabin last week. Now it is ready to accept the challenge of another book to be written, and so am I.

After meeting and talking with a very precious book club in Newtown, PA last week, I realized there may be other book clubs who would like me to speak to them as well. My contact information is below.

It has been an interesting spring this year. So much rain and wind has kept me from going forward to complete the cabin. But now, with a little cooperation from the weather and a lot of love given to the project, the cabin stands strong in all of its cuteness. It is hard to be humble enough to enter and begin writing yet another book or story, but I will give all the effort I have to keep moving forward. As I sit here at my window watching a Rufous-sided Towhee hop in the leaves, I realize the wonder nature has to give.

https://www.paradyszs@gmail.com

My boyz!

I looked into these two little faces of love this morning and melted...again. They give me the courage to go forward in every moment of my day, by sharing their souls and trust with me. 

Courage and trust are huge in my life. Let me give you an example, if you don't mind. Three or four years ago, I decided to write a memoir about building a new home. At sixty years old. It took me so long to write the book, edit the book, rewrite the book, edit the book, etc. Then I questioned myself as to whether I might even try to publish it, because I didn't feel worthy. It took every ounce of my courage to go forward and publish, but I did. It took every ounce of my trust to think someone would purchase the book, but they did and my words have helped so many. Imagine.

At times in our lives we are all challenged in some way. If we choose to trust, we will find the courage needed to do most anything. So, take a deep breath and begin something, anything that's been on your mind. You will find yourself in an new life, an unknown world really. Scary? A bit, yes, but it's so exciting to live a more fulfilled life. 

My book, FROM SCRATCH, has led me to a lovely life that empowers me each and every day.

I hope you become successful in every thing that challenges you. Trust.