Whale Song in translation for Chinese and German markets

I just realized that I hadn't actually announced that I have two translation rights deals for Whale Song.

First, I've signed a deal with a Chinese company and an ebook edition will be in translation in a few months. There's also a possibility that there may be a Chinese print edition later. Over the next few months, I'll be assisting in the translation by explaining parts of the novel to the translators.

I also have another deal in place for a German translation of Whale Song. It will be published in ebook and trade paperback edition. This is especially exciting as Amazon has recently opened their Germany site to ebooks.

Of course, with both editions this will mean new book covers, which I'll post here as soon as I have them.

Whale Song is available in English in ebook and paperback at your favorite online retailer, including Amazon, Kobo Books, B&N, Smashwords and more. Ask your bookstore to bring it in.

Today on The Russell Show: Children of the Fog

What would you do if a kidnapper told you you had 10 seconds to make a decision: let him take your child, or watch your son die?

A special thank you to my friend Russell Brooks for always being so enthusiastic about my books. Check out his narration from my bestselling supernatural thriller, CHILDREN OF THE FOG.

CHILDREN OF THE FOG is available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

Do you know Mary Higginson?

There's not a lot about school that I liked when I was a kid, but over those years, there were a couple of teachers that made a definite impact on my life. One of them was Mary Higginson. Do you know her?

Mary Higginson was my English teacher at Bermuda High School for Girls when I lived in Bermuda for three glorious years. She was from the UK somewhere. She was kind, pleasant and always encouraging. She recognized my love for writing and encouraged me to "grow" it.

When she found out I was going through some teen/parent conflicts, she said, "Why don't you start writing in a diary, Cheryl? It might help you."

I hadn't thought about that before.

I mentioned this to my best friend.

"You should do what Mrs. Higginson suggested," she said.

"But what if my mom or dad find my diary?"

"Hide it between your mattresses. That's what I do."

It's probably what every teen does. But I did it anyway.

I hid the tiny key in my jewelry box. Does every girl do that too?

I wrote about the arguments with my mom, and how much my dad annoyed me. You know, all the normal teenage angst stuff. Every now and then when I was bored, I'd write a poem in my diary. Sometimes I'd write short stories.

When Mrs. Higginson assigned us story writing, I was in my glory. I wrote my heart out and created characters that made me laugh. Sometimes they made me cry. When I handed in my assignments, I would wait with bated breath for my teacher's reaction.

One day, she said to the class, "Let me read you a story."

I don't recall the story title or even the plot. All I know is that it was mine.

She praised my writing in front of the class and told me that one day I'd be a great writer.

I'm not sure I have the "great" part down yet--I'll leave that up to my idol, Stephen King--but I AM a writer. And Mrs. Higginson was responsible for part of my creation. Without her encouragement, I'd never have known my words could have impact and meaning to others.

So now my search is on. Mary Higginson, where are you???

Do you know a Mary Higginson? If so, please have her contact me through my site or blog.

I have contacted the school, but they have no current info. I dream of the day when I can give her one of my novels and tell her how grateful I will always be. Teachers never get enough credit. She took a depressed teenager and helped turn her into a dreamer, who then went on to achieve her dreams.

Mary Higginson, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
I invite you to check out my novels

Cheryl Kaye Tardif Novels Go International & I Need Your Help

Okay, so I'm trying to be calm, cool and collected while typing this, but it ain't easy! Already I've made a bunch of typos as I try to find the words to tell you my news. I've received two queries regarding foreign rights for my novels--one from a company in China, and the other in Turkey.

One was an outright offer and included a contract.

Now stay with me here, I know I may be rambling, and if you stick this out you may just win a free ebook...

Both companies contacted me regarding my supernatural suspense, Children of the Fog. But at least one is interested in ALL my titles.

My books include:

1. Whale Song
2. Children of the Fog
3. Divine Intervention
4. Divine Justice, 
5. The River
6. Lancelot's Lady
7. Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories
8. Whale Song: School Edition, which comes with a teacher's discussion guide on bullying, racism and more.

So here's my question for you...

If these companies decided to take only 3 of my titles, which 3 should they choose--and WHY? 

Five people who leave their answers to my question will receive one of my ebooks--their choice. I'll do this draw on September 7th, 2011. I'd truly appreciate your input, and I'll direct both companies to this post and your comments. Thank you!

My short story OUIJA is featured in WHAT FEARS BECOME: An Anthology from The Horror Zine

I'm very excited to announce that one of my short stories, OUIJA, is in a new anthology filled with some of the biggest names in horror. Check it out...

From classic horror and pure suspense to Twilight-Zone-style dark fantasy, WHAT FEARS BECOME relentlessly explores our basic fears and leaves you with twisted endings that will make your skin crawl…

This spine-tingling, international anthology contains contributions from the critically acclaimed online horror magazine, The Horror Zine, and features bestselling authors such as Bentley Little, Graham Masterton, Ramsey Campbell, Joe R. Lansdale, Elizabeth Massie, Ronald Malfi, Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Melanie Tem, Scott Nicholson, Piers Anthony, Conrad Williams, and many more.

Edited by Jeani Rector of The Horror Zine and featuring a foreword by award-winning, bestselling author Simon Clark, it also contains deliciously dark delights from morbidly creative writers, poets and artists who have not yet made it big―but will very soon.

Come and discover…

WHAT FEARS BECOME

Buy the Kindle edition today! (You can even read it on your PC/laptop)

Reviews:

"Each spine-tingling chiller takes the reader into the depths of eerie imaginations!" ―Fangoria

"A bold, brilliant collection of some of the most innovative and eloquent voices in modern horror." ―Gabrielle Faust, author of Eternal Vigilance

"An inspired mix of energetic and captivating horror...like a fearful breath from an ancient crypt; enter if you dare!" ―Midnight Street Magazine

"Dip in and you're hooked...a high-bar mix of new and established talent." ―Stephen Gallagher, author of Kingdom of Bones

"Read one and be scared…or read the whole book and lock all the doors and stay up all night listening to the house creak." ―William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Back Bay

"Unusual and deeply disturbing horror fiction by numerous distinguished authors." ― Margaret L. Carter, author of Different Blood: The Vampire as Alien

"Frightful fiction pulls in an impressive cast..." ―The Future Fire

"The well crafted stories, and list of writers new and well known make WHAT FEARS BECOME a must read for horror lovers." ―Selina Rosen, author of The Host trilogy

Buy the Kindle edition today!

(Other editions are forthcoming, including a trade paperback edition later this year.)

Sharon Osbourne, Grace & Heroes

I've never met Sharon Osbourne, MrsSOsbourne on Twitter, and I probably never will. She's known worldwide and I am only a small Canadian writer. I doubt she's ever read any of my novels, though I really wish she'd read WHALE SONG because it has impacted so many people's lives and I believe she would love it.

I'd love to meet Sharon, but that's not why I'm writing this post. The chance of Sharon Osbourne "dropping by" my little piece of the blogosphere is slim to none. And I can pretty much assure you she's never heard of Cheryl Kaye Tardif, or read my blog or my books before.

The reason I'm blogging about a woman I've never met is that she inspires me. Truly. Deeply.

Sharon inspires me because of all she has accomplished and overcome in her life. She has managed countless performers, including her husband and famous rocker Ozzy. Yeah, I bet that hasn't been easy. I can barely manage to get my husband to take out the trash some days.

I do share one thing in common with Sharon. We both have red hair. Okay, two things maybe. I love music. Almost any genre, young or old performers, professional and those just starting their dreams.

Sharon has raised her children, and any parent will tell you that's not easy. Sure, they've had their ups and downs, but don't we all? Through everything, through the grime of celebrity, Sharon rises above with grace and genuine caring. Just watch her on America's Got Talent! She wants people to find their dreams.

So do I. I've always been a dreamer. My motto has been "Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!" I have that on the wall of my office. Being a part of someone's dream might mean giving them advice or a little direction or a caring word or encouragement to keep on keeping on.

I'm sure Sharon has had her awful days. I'm sure she's lost her cool at times. She's probably done things she regrets. Haven't we all? I know I have.

I suspect Sharon has had some ungraceful moments. But again, haven't we all?

I love Sharon Osbourne. Not the crazy kind of fan worship love, but just one human being to another. She epitomizes grace, selflessness, determination, persistence and more, and I strive to be just like her "when I grow up".

Sharon has faced cancer. Again, with grace. In this, she reminds me of my mother, who also faced cancer and won. Two very strong ladies, in my books. Two strong, heroic, admirable ladies. My mom and Sharon Osbourne should get together...and then invite me over for margaritas.

Sharon is my hero, and I don't say that about just anyone.

My novels are filled with fictional heroes, strong courageous men and women who have to battle against darker forces of evil. Jasi McLellan from Divine Intervention. Sadie O'Connell from Children of the Fog. Del Hawthorne from The River...

You probably know a hero, maybe even have one in your family. Maybe it's your neighbor, or a teacher.

My hero is Sharon Osbourne--and all the Sharons out there like her. I salute you for your grace.

Who's your hero?

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
I invite you to check out my novels

Imajin Books Summer Sizzler Scavenger Hunt

This August, the fun continues with an exciting Summer Sizzler Scavenger Hunt over at Imajin Books.

This event runs Aug 1 - August 31. 

Participants have a chance to win some fabulous prizes, including a Kindle ereader with wi-fi.

For more info and contest details, please visit http://www.imajinbooks.com