Eventually we hope to have all the websites and blogs linked. This is going to take some time as my tech person has a full time job, works on computers on the side and then does my website coding.

2010 promises to be a great year. Happy New Year to all my readers!

Sheri Ann

I am looking for forty blogs, all garden related to visit during my virtual book tour. I will visit one blog per week. The dates will be set once I have forty blogs committed.

During the blog tour I will be having a treasure hunt. In order for participants to win a free, autographed copy of my book “101 English Garden Tips” they will need to follow along. There will be forty clues. The answers to the clues will be posted, one at a time, in each blog post. So, if they miss a week, they will need to go back and look for the clues.

During the “official day” that my article is posted on your blog I will visit periodically to make posts and answer questions. As long as the questions keep coming in, I will keep returning to your blog to answer them.

This will bring new readers to your blog which will increase your traffic flow. Sound like fun? Then do drop me a line, give me a link to your blog and join in the ring of 40 blogs that will be part of the virtual book tour to promote “101 English Garden Tips.”

I hope to hear from you soon!

Sheri

Poems were the first thing I began writing. They were short, sweet and to the point. Writing was an escape for me. A way to express what I was feeling. I was an only child, surrounded by adults. I never really had any close friends. The closest person to me was my little cousin Chris.

I tried song writing, short stories and fiction but none of it was a fit. I took a creative writing class in high school which almost made me give up the dream. That same year I also took a mythology class. The teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Kissane, spoke with me about joining her journalism class the following year. I decided to sign up thinking that it would be an easy class that I might enjoy.

The year was 1985, AIDS was the hot topic. Ryan White had been diagnosed right in Indianapolis. I lived in Gas City. So, I asked if I could write a center spread on AIDS. The answer was yes. Mrs. Kissane helped me get information from the Mayo Clinic and the article, center spread, was published in January 1986 in the Smoke Signal the newspaper of Mississinewa High School.

That article launched my writing career.

I was scheduled to attend the Ball State Journalism workshops that coming summer. I was hoping to be editor of the school paper my senior year. I had even gone to work for the local paper the Twin Cities Journal-Reporter. Life was good. I had plans to go half a day my senior year so I could work at the Marion paper. However my plans were not to be.

My mother became quite ill. My dad had found a job in another town. We had to move. I was so sad. I was leaving my life behind, my dreams of being an editor, a journalist. My senior year was going to suck – and it did.

Before I left however I was awarded the first ever outstanding journalism plaque from Mississinewa High School. I did get to attend the Ball State J-Day Workshops and came in 1st runner up for a $300 scholarship.

We moved and I was enrolled in a new school. I signed up for yearbook, newspaper and radio. I was excited again. Within a short time I was told I had to give up the yearbook and newspaper classes. School rules did not allow you to take both and these courses required pre-approval from the instructors. I did not have, and could not get, that. Radio on the other hand was fun. I really enjoyed that class. It was the only class I enjoyed my senior year.

After graduation I went to the local paper in Huntington to get a job. I was turned down. I went to the weekly paper to get a job and was again turned down. I went back every time there was a job opening only to be turned away.

I kept writing poetry. I kept thinking someday, maybe.

In 1997 I moved to a farm and got my first computer. My boyfriend at the time had a Harley-Davidson. We were surfing the net one night when I saw an ad looking for a female with a Harley-Davidson who could write. He encouraged me to apply. I sent in my AIDS article and anxiously awaited a reply.

I was given the job. I was so excited. One article per month. I was writing and on a site where people could see my work. Wow. Soon other work came my way. I wrote on animals, plants, cards, leather, fashion clothing, you name it. Best of all I was getting paid.

By spring of 1998 I decided I wanted to write a book. I spoke with an editor at Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. about working on an herbal calendar. I was excited. While waiting on the contract to arrive my mother passed away. The letter, with the contract, arrived the day of her funeral. I set it aside and forgot about it. A year later I found it.

Not knowing what to do, I picked up the phone and made a phone call. I explained who I was and what had happened. I told the person on the phone I really wanted to write for them, so an article was born “medicinal astrology.” It went in the 2002 Moon Sign Book.

I continued writing for Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. for several years. I also continued working at various newspapers as a writer, editor and layout person, as well as writing for magazines and websites. Whatever work came my way, I took no matter how small the pay.

In 2007 my book of poems, the one I had been writing since I was ten was accepted for publication. It was published in 2008 under the title “Perspective Visions: Enigmatic Masterpieces.”

I also had a short non-fiction work “Magical Gardens” accepted into the Amazon Shorts program that year. On New Year’s Eve 2008 it hit #22 on the shorts best seller list. I was blown away.

In 2008 I also had a book accepted by LifeTips titled “101 English Garden Tips.” It was published in 2009.

This year has been an amazing year for me. I have four more LifeTips books coming out. One is on organic gardening, one is for beginning gardeners, one is on self-sufficiency through the garden and the one I am currently working on is on the secret life of a gardener. The first three are in the editing stages now, the fourth is being written.

If all that were not enough, this was the year I got the call from New York. A garden writer was needed to help finish a book. The book had to be completed in three weeks, no excuses. I said sure. The book, which will be coming out in February 2010, is titled “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Year Round Gardening.”

I turned 40 in August this year. To date I have twenty books in various stages of release. I moved my writing shelf today and was amazed at how many websites, newspapers and magazines I have written for. There must be thousands of articles there. I have joined the ranks of professional writers at last.

What a great feeling that is!

This book is so cool because it tells you, no matter what hardiness zone you are in, how to garden year round. It doesn’t matter if you have a heated or unheated greenhouse, garden indoors, use frost covers or cold frames, you can defy nature and grow many varieties of fresh produce year round.

Here in Indiana we have been successful with a variety of produce – lettuce, peas, radish, turnip, carrots, to name a few. This year, using season extending ideas like you will find in this book, I planted tomato plants on April 1.

Don’t miss your chance to own this fantastic book. Even seasoned gardeners are sure to learn something – and don’t let the name fool you, The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Year Round Gardening should be on every gardeners’ bookshelf!

I sailed through the writing of the book completing it several days before the final deadline. Let me say, writing a large part of a book in three weeks is not an easy task, but it is doable.

Once the Complete Idiot’s Guide was submitted, I had a little time to get back on track with the other two books that were due by the end of July. I made that deadline too. Both books were submitted early. Yea!

The titles of the three upcoming books are The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Year Round Gardening, 101 Organic Gardening Tips and 101 Gardening For Beginners Tips.

 With those three projects submitted, I have started on two more books – 101 Ways To Self-Sufficiency Through Your Garden and 101 Tips For The Secret Life Of A Gardener. Intrigued? Wait until you hear what each chapter covers. These two are must have books for homesteaders, do it your selfers or anyone interested in saving money and learning how to utilize your plants.

Stay tuned for official book release information and exciting tidbits about upcoming talks, book signings and more!

Reader reviews:

101 English Garden Tips

101 English Garden Tips is a fun, fine book, liberally packed with a wealth of wise, useful garden know-how. Sheri Ann Richerson is an experienced, super passionate gardener, and here she shares with her readers both her enthusiasm and her considerable understanding of gardening. A handy, useful, interesting and delightful book; would make an excellent gift for any gardener.

Thomas Leo Ogren, author of Allergy-Free Gardening, Safe Sex in the Garden, from Ten Speed Press, and Random House.

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101 English Garden Techniques is chock full of essential information, broken down into logical, manageable chunks. Whether you’re passion is for roses or rock gardens, you’ll find instructions here on how to get started. Sheri includes both practical information, like how to make your own pest control products, and more whimsical suggestions: enjoying edible flowers. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to start their own English style garden.

Ellen Zachos, author of Down & Dirty: 43 Fun & Funky First-Time Projects & Activities to Get You Gardening (Storey Publishing)

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“The title of Sheri Ann Richerson’s book is deceptive. It’s packed with plenty of tips on every aspect of gardening, from chocolate gardens to how to protect roses from winter kill.”

–Doreen G. Howard,
award-winning journalist and former garden editor for Woman’s Day
http://www.desperategardens.net
Order your copy today!

I turned in the last of my work this afternoon. It took me less than three weeks to write my portion which was four parts, two appendices and nine complete chapters. Let me just say I am exhausted, but it sure feels good to have accomlished the task before the last minute was up.

The estimated release date is February 2010. As the time draws near I will be letting everyone know more about this book. Believe me you will want this one on your bookshelf!

Now that the first part of the CIG, the writing is out of the way, I will be working on my two new titles from LifeTips – “101 Organic Gardening Tips” and “101 Beginning Gardening Tips.” I want to get these finished before the editing process begins on the CIG.

 Although this one took me a while to get done because life interfered and then I got really nervous about writing my first garden book, the two new ones I am writing will be out this year, hopefully by the end of summer.

 I am working on “101 Organic Gardening Tips” and “101 Beginning Gardening Tips” right now. I am about halfway finished with both books. I also have two other proposals in that I expect to be approved once these two are finished. I am not telling what they are on, but they are unique and you are sure to love them!

While working on these books, another offer has come my way. I am going to be working on a Complete Idiot’s Guide. I am in the process of writing the first chapter now. More to come on this later. It will be released in February 2010.

So, what it all boils down to is this, if you love my writing, look for my upcoming books, sign up for my newsletter and RSS my blog. Find me on social media -  twitter, my space, facebook, etc. and keep up with what is going on so you can be the first one to know the latest scoop!

http://www2.webmasterradio.fm/life-tips/2009/do%e2%80%99s-and-don%e2%80%99ts-of-publishing/

The second book titled “101 Gardening For Beginners Tips” has a bit of a misleading title. Although it is intended to lead beginning gardeners down the right path to make their garden successful, it has tips that even the most advanced gardener can learn from. Don’t miss the section of bees, butterflies and birds! Does the tight economy have you down? Feel like you can’t garden the way you want? Then check on the chapter on money saving tips! If all of that is not enough to tempt you, then maybe this will do it – an entire chapter on preserving the harvest complete with recipes!

Can’t wait for these books to come out? Pick up a copy of “101 English Garden Tips” to read while you wait. This book is about so much more than just English Gardens – although there are lots of tips that apply to that style of gardening in the book. If you are into heirloom plants don’t miss the chapters on antique florist plants and old fashioned plants. Planning a gothic garden or simply like dark colors? Then you must read the chapter on dark colored plants. It is sure to inspire you. There’s even chapters on scented flowers and edible flowers. You are sure to love it, so get your copy today!