Today I give you the 'Recipe for a Bestselling Novel' over at the Polished Publishing Group blog

Two nights ago Kim Staflund, a publisher I've recently connected with, asked me if I'd like to write a guest post for their blog. Of course I said yes. I love writing, and even more I love a good writing challenge.

The topic she wanted me to blog about was on becoming a bestselling author. She gave me a good week to complete it. I was finished that evening. :-)

I invite you to check out my post on the PPG blog, and please leave a comment for us if you find it helpful. Now, get your mixing bowl ready...

Recipe for a Bestselling Novel

Whale Song is "a magical journey"

Another 5-star review for Whale Song on Amazon:

"A powerful and mystical journey...From the talented author Cheryl Kaye Tardif we are given a poignant and haunting tale - a coming-of-age story of a young girl transplanted to an island culture that combined Native mysticism with the beautiful animal world of the whales...A powerful tale of mystery, drama, coming-of-age, and Native mysticism, Whale Song: A Novel was like a magical journey...I couldn't put it down!

--Laurel-Rain Snow, author of Web of Tyranny

Whale Song is going out of print in 2 days!

My publisher Kunati Books told me that Whale Song will be going out of print as of February 1st, 2009, so if you’d like a copy, you’d better order today. This 2007 edition will become a collector’s item. :-)

Whale Song...

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic assisted suicide of her mother. The shocking tragedy left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her past sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf, yet aided by the creatures of the Earth and by the killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and uncover the truth―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." ―New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

"Tardif again leaves a lasting mark on her readers...Moving and irresistible." ―Midwest Book Review

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel, Whale Song, would be a tough act to follow for any written genre." ―Fresh Fiction

"Cheryl Tardif is a new addition to the ranks of Margaret Atwood." ―R. Kyle, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

Order your copy of Whale Song now, while you can. I recommend ordering via Amazon or Chapters at this time.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.whalesongbook.com/

Whale Song - the movie?

When I imagine Whale Song as a major motion picture, I smell hot buttered popcorn. Really. If I close my eyes and picture a scene from my novel being played out on a big screen, I can almost TASTE the popcorn.

I've even gone so far in my little fantasy to imagine the conversations that people have as they leave the theatre...

"Oh my God, that was so good."

"I know! I can't believe what happened at the end."

"That movie made me cry so hard." Sniff. "But I loved it!"

"That's one of the best movies I've ever seen."

"Have you read the book? It's even better!"

"I have to bring the kids to see it."

"That was the perfect family film."

"I'm getting a group of my girlfriends together and we're coming back to see it."

"Wow!"

"What a powerful message."

"I just loved the scene where Sarah is underwater and comes face to face with the killer whale."

"And didn't you just LOVE Nana?"

"That movie is going to walk away with a ton of awards!"

Yes, I can hear them all chattering away, as I sit in the back row and shamelessly eavesdrop.

I can't wait until that day comes. One day...

Would you go see Whale Song - the movie? Please vote on the poll at http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author of Whale Song

Whale Song - "mystical and poignant"

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song."

--J.M. Lavallee

Sunday Salon: REMOTE CONTROL

Since I was unable to finish the book I'm reading in time to write a review and post it to Sunday Salon, I thought I'd introduce my Sunday Saloners to my suspenseful novelette REMOTE CONTROL.

I wrote the original 2700-word short story back in 1987. Seems like a lifetime ago. The novelette is close to 10,000 words and I'm pleased to say it is far better than my original.

Ironically, a TV game show came out in '87. It was also called 'Remote Control'. I never heard about it until two decades later when I did some research. In 1988 a movie was released with the same title. I never saw that either.

There's also another movie--one that is more current and probably better known. I'm sure you'll think of the title when you read my story.

You can read REMOTE CONTROL on Textnovel.com, where it is being serialized one chapter at a time.

I can't recall what made me write the original story, but it has always been a favorite of mine. Perhaps it was inspired by that old saying...

"Be careful what you wish for."

And now....

REMOTE CONTROL

I hope you enjoy. And you might enjoy signing up for Textnovel (free) and then you can vote by clicking on the "thumbs up" symbol. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
suspense author
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Great Amazon.com deals on Cheryl Kaye Tardif novels

I noticed today that all 3 of my novels--Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention--are being offered as a tri-pack special deal. You can save $2.65 if you order all three now (limited time offer). Just scroll down to where it says "Frequently Bought Together" on Amazon.com.

Also, you might also qualify for an additional $10.00 OFF the total price:

Save $10 when you spend $50 or more when you pay with Bill Me Later®. Offer valid Oct 13, 2008 - Dec 30, 2008. Limited to items sold by Amazon.com. Subject to credit approval. One per customer. Enter code BMLSAVES at checkout. Here's how (restrictions apply).

So if you're looking for some great gift ideas, I invite you to check out my novels. If you email me before December 10th, 2008, I'll be happy to send you some autographed bookplates for each of my books that you order. That way your gift is made even more special.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

http://www.whalesongbook.com/

My blog: http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/

Bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif heads for Vegas, baby!

Viva Las Vegas! I know I'll be singing that song for the next week as my husband and I head to Vegas for the first time tomorrow morning.

We're going to Las Vegas for three reasons:

1. a much needed holiday escape from cold Edmonton


2. bookstore research so I will know where to set up book signings next time we go (yes, there WILL be a next time)


3. a reconnaissance trip to scope out the lay of the land and Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino (as seen as the Montecito in the hit TV show 'Las Vegas') for possible inclusion in an upcoming novel. I'll also write up a review of Mandalay Bay and post it here, just in case any of you are thinking of taking a trip to Sin City. Who knew "sin" could be so much fun?

Regarding #3, I believe that Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay will play an important role in my new iPhone novel 'Finding Bliss'. So I am going to be checking out the hotel and area very carefully.

1. I expect I'll be broke within 10 minutes, but providing I'm not I may even tell you about my adventures with gambling. My husband is also looking at renting a luxury car for a day. His favorite pick was in the thousands for a day. I'll have to ask him which car it was.
   
   

   I'm also planning on doing some Random Acts of Divineness, as I am calling it. I will be giving away copies of my novels to random people I meet on my trip--or leaving them a book on their lounger by the pool.

   If you're in Vegas, come find me and tell me you heard about Finding Bliss and I'll give you a copy of my latest, Whale Song. If I run out of copies, I'll have them delivered, up to 25 copies total.
   
   ~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
   http://www.cherylktardif.com/
   

Contest for Cheryl Kaye Tardif fans on Facebook

I just realized that I forgot to announce the winner of my last contest. I awarded one of my new fans on 'Cheryl Kaye Tardif novels' fan page with a gift bag valued at over $50.00.

The winner was Mike Nicolai. Congrats, Mike!

Thank you to two of the gift sponsors:

Alexia Melnychuk - who donated her new CD Hey Little Love

Sara Westbrook - who donated new her CD Freedom

An autographed copy of my psychic suspense novel Divine Intervention was also in the gift bag.

Become a Cheryl Kaye Tardif fan and you could win prizes too. :)

Join now:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-novels/29769736630

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

Canadian suspense author

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Does it make a difference if a writer researches for a novel?

I pride myself on my research. If a writer wants a story to ring true and be believable, it’s vital to check facts and sources. For my novel Whale Song, I researched killer whales and myths for close to 2 months. There is so much material out there that I could have read about both subjects for years!

I found the information on killer whales to be very enlightening, especially about echolocation and adoption. Since writing Whale Song, I have found some awesome sites, such as: http://www.orcagirl.com/. There is just something about killer whales that intrigues and mesmerizes me.

And even though the main Indian or native myth was one I knew, I still believe in researching everything. As I began to delve into native folklore, I discovered so many stories that I had grown up with, and so many more that I had never heard. They all entranced me.

Strangely enough, when I needed a story to fulfill a particular ‘duty’ or parallel a certain aspect of Sarah’s life, I always found one that was perfect. The Bridge of the Gods, for instance, was a legend I found fascinating. Of course, I won’t tell you…you’ll have to read Whale Song.

So, what about you? Do you like novels that have obviously been well researched? How much research is too much?

Do you prefer novels that are purely fiction? What irks you about research or lack thereof in some books?

Please leave comments by joining in the discussion on Facebook.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling author
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Tips for Plotting Your Novel - Part 1: Percolate Your Ideas

Fiction authors are often asked, “How do you come up with your novel plots? Where do you find those ideas?” As a Canadian suspense author, I am often asked these questions, and my answers will usually include something about letting ideas percolate and ferment.

I know―it sounds like I’m brewing coffee and making homemade wine, but in reality I’m creating what I hope will be a fast-paced suspense novel that will be enjoyed by readers worldwide. I think that percolating a novel plot is the perfect way to describe how my mind processes information that will eventually end up in a novel.

What do you think of when you see the word PERCOLATE? Do you picture a stove-top percolator brewing some strong coffee? That’s how I think of writing a novel. Basically the percolation method, in relation to writing, means that I will think on an idea until it begins to take hold. Then I’ll think about other ideas and just allow the ideas to bubble to the surface, until I have the skeleton of my novel plot.

Most often I’m thinking of everything from the perpetrator’s mind. How does he commit his crimes? Who are his victims? Why does he choose them? What’s his motive? Who else might be a suspect? How can I mislead my audience? How does he finally get caught?

After I have the percolating part, I’ll make just a few notes. Sometimes, I’ll open a file on my computer and write a prologue or first chapter. Once I start thinking of the basis for the novel, I’ll almost always have a scene come to mind that usually throws the reader into some kind of action. I like doing that; throwing you into something unexpected in the first few pages.

Not every writer will plot a novel like I do. Many will use an outline; they’ll often write it out first, thinking of ideas as they go. Some authors won’t start writing until they have a completed outline. I’ve tried working this way, but it doesn’t work for me. So I use the percolation method.

As you think about the novel you want to write, ask yourself: who is the story is really about and what is the story about (in 30 words or less)? Don’t worry if you don’t have all the details yet. That’s what fermenting is for. You can read about that in Part 2.

©2008 Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Visit my website: http://www.cherylktardif.com/.

How Whale Song inspired artist Aynsley Nisbet and changed her life

I first heard of Aynsley Nisbet when an acquaintance of hers came up to me during the 2008 CAA CanWrite! Conference in Edmonton, Alberta. This friend told me that Aynsley had created a painting after reading Whale Song and being inspired. I hadn't seen the painting until today. I tracked Aynsley down online and the story she told gave me goosebumps, and I'm not too embarrassed to say that I had to wipe away the tears. She has given me permission to share this story with you, in her words.

This is Aynlsey's story...how Whale Song "changed my life...forever"

"It was I think last summer, or maybe spring ( I really hate keeping track of time) and I was on my way home the morning after a really long night. It was windy and I felt miserable... I got off the bus downtown and walked past Audrey's bookstore. Something in the window made me stop... it was the cover of your book. Orcas are a symbol of my childhood.

I was born in Vancouver, and every weekend my father ( who had always wanted to be a marine biologist, but settled for a banker...why do some people, not do what they dream!?!!) would take me to the Aquarium. These were my favorite animals for the longest time, and still are now. They are so intimidating, fearsome but elegant... and I admit to even having a fear for them, even though I love them... I took note of the title of the book, and said to myself, "I think I need to read this book..." and then continued walking down Jasper Ave, to continue onward, down my so-called destructive life path.

The summer went by, and I was still miserable. Bitter with anger and resentment of my past, and the people in it. Me even. I hated myself... who I was every second...and was so unsure of my future. One night, after my birthday in October, I thought of the cover of Whale Song, and decided to google it. Read what it was about... I fell more in love with what it's meaning could be to me.

I decided to take my biggest canvas, which stands 5 feet tall, and 4 feet wide, and put it aside... I wrote on the side... "Whale Song". I started drawing ideas, but nothing was complete...obviously, because I needed to read the book. I then got a job at Chapters, and the first thing I did with my first paycheck was buy it. I also worked at a photolab in St. Albert, and it was the type of job, where it was so slow, and all we really did was read... and I always worked alone. I worked there that day after I got the book, and I started reading...

When I was little, and we moved from Vancouver up to Fort Nelson, BC, and the long roadtrip up the Alaska Highway, and all the tall trees... were exactly how you described the initial part of Sarah's journey. My father always wanted to name me Sarah, but my mom liked Aynsley better...haha, which is alright because I feel more special to have the unique name! :) Anyways, I spent a lot of time indulging in native culture when I lived in the north and became very connected to the Wolf and Raven... I found some sort of peace, and place in my world, at which I always had a hard time finding because I was always the weird kid...

Well the further I read into this book that night in the lab, I couldn't stop. I actually told the electronics department that the machines were broken and I was fixing them, just so I could finish it. I cried the whole time I read it... Don't worry, these were tears of self- realization and happiness... a sort of passion and emotion I needed. A sense of forgiveness, ultimately leading to my freedom... My life over just a year ago, was not so great. I was not myself... I didn't paint. It was awful.

You're book changed my life, in ways I can't even explain... If it wasn't your gift, the idea that forgiveness sets you free... I would still be angry, hateful, resentful... all that is negative. I have learned to forgive everything that has happened in life, and now, I have become what I have always dreamed... Happy, a successful artist... at peace with myself... determined...the list could go on. I then finished drawing and painting "Whale Song"... which sits, well hangs on my wall in my Mother's basement...

Well, I think I lied when I said it was going to be a relatively short message... but I needed you to know that your wisdom and your talent as an author is greatly appreciated, and I just want to thank you for all you have done for me... helping setting me free, like a whale... in a deep and endless sea ♥ ...

Thank you so much, for writing the book that changed my life... forever.

Sincerely,
Aynsley :)"

I will be giving away a framed print of her painting..."Whale Song" (see below).

To enter, leave a comment below and your email addy. CONTEST CLOSED.

Please go to Aynsley's "Whale Song" painting and leave her a comment beneath the pic:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1580061&id=589230626

To view all of Aynsley's paintings, please visit her photo album on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45869&id=589230626

You can also learn more about Aynsley Nisbet at:
http://aynz.livejournal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/aynsleynisbet

Thank you, Aynsley, for allowing me to share this. I am sure the Universe will repay you threefold.

And now...Aynsley's painting inspired by my novel Whale Song...

"Whale Song"
by Aynsley Nisbet

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.whalesongbook.com/

Whale Song is off to the Ukraine

Yesterday, while signing books at Audreys Books in Edmonton, a fellow stopped by my table. We had an interesting discussion, especially when I found out that he was a translator. I told him how excited I will be when I see one of my novels translated into another language. Some of my author firneds have their books in multiple translations with varying covers per country. It's really very fascinating.

In the end, he bought a copy of Whale Song for a friend, who is also a translator. I found out that Whale Song will be on its way to Ternopil, Ukraine, shortly and heading to the Chair of the Department of Translators at the Ternopil National University.

Of course, he bought Whale Song for his friend as pure entertainment, but you never know. Perhaps one day the Ukraine will have a translated version. I wonder what the title will be? :)

~CKT

Cheryl Kaye Tardif - a 3-Time Amazon.com Bestseller

I now have 3 bestselling novels on Amazon.com! How thrilling!

After the recent success of my latest novel Whale Song, and after achieving bestsellers' status on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca with the title that I call "my heart book", I am happy to announce that both Divine Intervention and The River have made the list.

Divine Intervention followed soon after, making Amazon.com's bestseller list in the Canadian Detectives category under Mystery and Thrillers bestsellers. Divine Intervention is a paranormal suspense that pits a group of covert psychic government agents against a deadly serial arsonist, sending them across BC, from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria. Divine Intervention is popular with fans of J.D. Robb aka Nora Roberts, Kay Hooper and Allison Brennan.

And more recently, The River, a conspiracy thriller that explores stem cell research and the search for the 'fountain of youth', made Amazon.com's list under...of all categories...Multiple Sclerosis. The River takes place in an area of Canada that has been referred to as "the Bermuda Triangle of Canada"--the Nahanni River area of the Northwest Territories. In The River, Del Hawthorne takes a group of near strangers up north to search for her father who went missing in the area and was presumed dead--seven years earlier. But something leads Del to believe that maybe her father isn't dead after all. For anyone dealing with multiple sclerosis, as does a special friend to whom this book is dedicated to and also one of the characters in the novel, I hope you find The River a journey of hope.

Divine Intervention and The River are being sold together in Amazon's 'Better Together' program.

The regular retail price of each is $22.50 US.

Buy together now for only $30.60 US for both novels (almost a $15.00 savings!).

Pick up your copies of Divine Intervention and The River on Amazon.com now.

Day 30 of Cheryl's VBT: contest reminder and racial acceptance interview

Two days to go on my 'Touring the World' virtual book tour. Today, I have to remind those of you who ordered Whale Song on August 12th as part of my 44 Prizes contest to remember to email me with your Amazon shipping confirmation. The first 44 emails I receive will WIN FREE BOOKS! For more info, please check my contests page.

And now...for today's stop. Today I am visiting Newspaper Rock, an interesting blog that discusses native topics and pop culture. I have read many of Rob Schmidt's posts and find them very thought-provoking. Today he interviews me in a 2-part post.

Part 1 deals with the native element in my novel Whale Song.

Part 2 deals with the theme of bullying and racism, particularly among our children.

Whale Song - An Amazon.com Bestseller

Today, on my birthday, Whale Song made Amazon.com's bestseller's list in Canadian literature (#5 spot). This makes Whale Song an Amazon Top 1000 Bestseller.

My 44 prizes contest is still on, so order your copy of Whale Song today to qualify to enter.

Read the contest rules.

Day 7 of Cheryl Kaye Tardif's virtual book tour - read Chapter 2 of Whale Song

Day 7: Cheryl's 'Touring the World' virtual book tour - here's Chapter 2 of Whale Song, a haunting and compelling novel by Cheryl Kaye Tardif.

If you want to read the Prologue and Chapter 1 first, please go HERE.

Whale Song

©2007 Cheryl Kaye Tardif

two

IT WAS THE dazzling light that hit us first.

Large picture windows wrapped the entire front of the house and faced the ocean. The flaming sunset outside made the interior glow like the embers of a fire.

“Wow,” I murmured.

My eyes swept across the open main floor. There was a living room to my left. It was decorated in bronze and copper tones, and two beige plaid couches framed a chocolate-brown area rug. To my right, a dining room table and four chairs claimed the area in front of one of the windows.

I ran to it, almost knocking over a potted plant. I looked out the window and stared, mesmerized, as the setting sun sparkled on the bay.

“I can hear the ocean, Dad.”

Read all of Chapter 2

Amazon customers love Whale Song - "Unforgettable"

"THANK YOU for a powerful, unforgettable story. It is rare that I read a book that moves me so much that I feel compelled to write to the author and her publisher, thanking them for making the book available to be experienced. Whale Song is such a book for me. I was taken on a journey with Sarah Richardson as she experienced loss after loss, yet emerged victorious, wiser, and stronger. This is a story of grief but most of all of the enduring power of love, and of the amazing connections that all beings have with one another. I look forward to reading more of Cheryl Kaye Tardif's work."

-- Beth Fehlbaum, author of Courage in Patience

2 new Barnes and Noble reviews -- 5 Gold Seals!

Reviews for Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

"Redemption. This beautiful coming of age novel takes us from what seems to be a single tragic event in the life of a young girl, to the even more tragic aftermath. We see this young girl become someone else entirely as she grows into adulthood. It doesn't end there - as she has to complete the circle the tragedy started. Right when you think you know the ending, you might be surprised!" -- Jennine Gleghorn, teacher

"Softly written and beautifully configured, WHALE SONG takes you on an emotional journey of mystery and faith. The losses and healing in a young girls life are described realistically and powerfully. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has done an outstanding job of writing a novel that wants to be read. I couldn't put it down!!!" -- Pam Peters, artist