Memories and Blogs

Pictures from one of  my early book signing tables. Not sure why the camera date stamp is 2008 since the novel was published in 2010. My first novel (Behind Church Doors)  and my first blog                                              http://www.nikolisthoughts.blogspot.com are on display on the vendor table at the event.
Although the nikolisthoughts blog has been inactive, it still has some thoughts that may catch you!  I created the sistersylvia blog to more clearly make a blog to author to novels connection.

I've since written two more novels and my second blog is live at
http://www.sistersylvia.blogspot.com

Please check out my blogs. It would be wonderful if you'd click to follow http://www.sistersylvia.blogspot.com

My blogs aren't long, but they are filling! Lol!
Thanks,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Save Bookstores and Libraries

Classics Bookstore is another place where I got a chance to introduce and promote my first novel!  I think these pictures were taken June 12, 2010.  It was an exciting experience. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I still have contact with the bookstore. Eric at Classics Bookstore definitely supports local authors and the community.
Eric at Classics Books<book_cellar@mindspring.com
Today, I heard from a radio host how we need to give strong support to the libraries in our communities and to encourage children to visit them. I agree.  Many cities don't have as many libraries as they used to have. The same is true for bookstores. If you have one or more in your area, please support them and encourage children to do so. It's a good thing.
Happy reading!
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Borders Bookstore

My first novel, Behind Church Doors, was published in 2010. It was an exciting time for me because I'd finally realized the dream of writing a novel. I'd been writing notes for many years, but it wasn't until I retired from teaching that I gathered my notes, my thoughts, and the discipline to create a  lead character named Nikolis McQuaige (NikkiMac). She came alive to tell the story of her life before she became added to the church and after being in the church. The characters in the novel are described as "warm, spirited, and often humorous"- and other adjectives! Borders was one of the first local bookstores to grant me a book signing. I went on to write two more novels and am currently writing a fourth one.  Borders isn't here anymore, but I'll always be grateful they gave this (then) new author a chance.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

The Chemo Suite

About a month ago, I visited what I call the Chemo Suite for my 2nd injection of Prolia (to protect my bones). When one of the nurses gets to me, my procedure is real quick, in and out.
I admire the positive attitude of the staff and the quiet, calm, and determined manner of the chemo patients who nap, read, knit, tap on their cell phone screens, and chat softly with their family member(s) for hours while they get treatment. Even though the reason for being there is serious, the room is cozy.
Today's impressions: 
"If I remember, your port's on the right." "Yes it is, you remembered right."
"Shoot me up. $5.00 Regular. One more treatment after this. Then I'll be cured."
The sound of wheels rolling each time a patient pushes the pole that carries his/her chemo bag as they walk to the lavatory or around the room for something.
These are brave souls.
I pray for their complete recovery.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Stay on your mission.

This turtle came down from the canal bank, which is pretty unusual in the yard. The turtle caught my attention for a bit, but I figured she'd gotten confused and would soon backtrack to the canal bank. Imagine my surprise when I walked by later and saw the turtle's back legs and feet moving. She was digging a hole in the ground!  Later, many eggs came from her body and dropped into the hole one at a time. Finally, the turtle covered the hole. It took her a long time to complete her mission, but she slowly and methodically got the job done. She didn't turn her head from side to side in distraction. If she noticed my quiet watching from a distance, she didn't let on. She had total focus on her mission. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that total focus to my mission. Sometimes I multitask and temporarily lose some of the focus needed to complete my primary task well.
This is a lesson from a turtle.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Writing Time Flies

I ran across this article from a book signing event in 2010. This was the year my first novel,
  Behind Church Doors, was published. That was almost eight years ago. I remember how exciting it was to see my work in print. I got a rush when I was with a group of people who had read my novel and wanted to discuss it with me and others. I still have that excitement and feel that rush in 2018! Little did I know in 2010 that the first novel would be followed by two more and become a series I named the CHURCH DOORS series. Now, I'm working hard on the fourth novel in the series, because the plan is for it to be released this year. Today, I just about completed the wedding chapter for NikkiMac and minister Adam Greene. The reception is awesome! You're going to enjoy being a guest at this event!
If you don't know about the CHURCH DOORS series, go to www.sylviabrownroberts.com and enjoy the journey!
Sylvia

A Man Came To My Table

I had an almost-moment and a blessing at the November 2017 New Jersey Education Association Convention. Along with other authors, I was there to promote/sell my novels in Authors' Alley. On the first day, I met some of my readers and they stopped by my table to purchase my 4th novel in the CHURCH DOORS series. I had to tell them that it's still in the works. There was good conversation, but no book sales the first day.
It was much the same the second day, and I confess I was about to become a bit  disappointed. Not much foot traffic. No book sales. Quite unusual!  I prayed that God would keep me  positive, because it's not all about the sales. It's also about  an attitude of thankfulness for the gift of writing and the goal of glorifying Him through my work. After that brief, silent prayer, my perspective changed. I kept giving thanks. A man suddenly appeared at my table. "Something told me I should stop at your table. Tell me about your books."  He had the most upbeat spirit, along with a sense of humor. He took a seat at my table and loudly greeted everyone who passed by. Some were startled, others were amused, but they all returned his greetings. He stayed for about fifteen minutes. "Well, Sylvia, I have to attend a workshop session now. It was great to meet you. God bless!" He purchased a novel, got up, and wandered into the crowd. After that, I had several book sales! I didn't try to figure it out. I simply whispered, "Thank you, Lord."
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com