Please welcome Sally Cronin, author of a short stories, a copious and impressive blog, novels, and a number of books on health, wellness, weight loss, and media training. Her most recent book is called Tales from the Garden. I’m particularly thrilled to have Sally on Reade and Write because she is a tireless and selfless promoter of other authors.
Hi, Sally!
Thank you so much Amy for inviting me along today to talk about my books and blog.
Tell me about your new book.
My latest book is a collection of fairy stories called Tales from the Garden and the stories cover the usual fairy story themes of love won and lost, evil witches and handsome princes.
Who is the audience for the book?
Judging by the comments it would seem that fairy stories appeal to all ages and I was surprised by the reaction from men and women when they read the stories originally on my blog. It would seem that ‘Happy Ever After’ is still popular.
I love “Happy Ever After” stories. Tell me about the setting of your book—how did you choose it, what kind of research did you have to do, why did you choose it?
The setting is primarily my garden here in Spain in the mountains to the north of Madrid. Most people assume that Spain is hot the entire year but being at 900 metres we have alpine weather. At night in the winter it can be minus four to five but in the wind shade, with the sun out, you can sit out and tan. The garden reflects this with evergreens and colour most of the year around. We bought the house 17 years ago and the original owners had collected stone statues that were dotted around the garden and sometimes hidden in the hedges.
We have the house on the market and apart from the glorious weather and views, I will miss the large figures that are far too heavy to take with us. I realised that if I created stories for each of them, I could take those with me instead. I did do some historical research on the area in general for some of the stories based in previous centuries but apart from that it was just letting my imagination run riot.
What a charming way to take the statues with you wherever you go! What was the hardest thing about writing the book?
Probably the hardest thing was to keep up to date with the photographs as there are 80 in the book. I also took some pictures when back in the UK and Ireland in gardens of my family to enhance some of the stories and also to add more snow or grey skies when needed for a story line.
If your book were made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the main characters?
I would love to see the book as an animated film in which case I think there would need to be a central narrator with a great voice. Someone with gravitas such as Patrick Stewart… Captain Pickard from Star Trek… Make it so!
Tell me about the other books you’ve written.
I published my first book in the late 90s based on my weight loss and the programme I designed to lose that weight. Size Matters is now in its fourth edition and Ebook. This was followed by three other health books: Just Food For Health which is one for the whole family, Forget the Viagra; Pass me a Carrot which is a men’s health manual, and Turning Back the Clock which is an anti-aging guide. My fiction is a romantic comedy for ladies of a certain age called Just an Odd Job Girl and a collection of short stories – Flights of Fancy and Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story, the book co-authored by our Rough Collie. I also have a Media Training guide that I have used in my training consultancy in the UK. They have all been converted to Eversions in the last 18 months which has been a great opportunity to promote them again.
You must be a very busy woman. Are you in one or more critique groups or partnerships?
Actually only a personal one. My husband is a book designer and we work closely together not only on my own books, which David reads and adds constructive feedback, but also for our authors we work with.
Do you write every day?
I do write every day but not always on my current book. I find that particularly with books on health it helps to take a break and write in a different style with a more creative topic. I post on my blog at least once a day and if I am promoting another author it is more likely to be twice a day.
When you read a book, what authors do you like best? What genres do you like best?
I was weaned on Wilbur Smith and fell in love with epic novels that brought terrific characters and adventures together. I am currently reading Bernard Cornwell again, alternating between Viking novels and Sharpe. That will probably keep me busy for a couple of years! I also love books that explore our origins so have Jean M. Auel, author of the Clan of the Cave Bear and the rest of her books in the series about Ayla in hard and paperback.
Where would you like to go more than anywhere else on earth?
We have travelled a lot in the last thirty-six years and I also lived in South Africa, Malta and Ceylon as a child. We have lived abroad for 22 years of our marriage although I have been back and forth to the UK for extended periods to look after my mother. Once we move back to Ireland we have one more long haul trip to make and that is to take the train across the Rockies in Canada, visiting friends and family and taking in that stunning scenery.
It sounds like your own life would provide you with lots of ideas for books and stories, both fiction and non-fiction. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t force yourself to write in a genre because you think it will sell better than another. Your first book should be about something you are passionate about, understand and can communicate well. Once you have finished the writing… At the very least spell check and then if you feel you cannot edit yourself find someone who can. If you cannot afford to pay an editor then check your local colleges or university for someone who is majoring in English or your native language; see if they will take the book on as part of their course. Read and read again and it helps if you read out loud to establish how the narrative flows. Then decide how you are going to publish the book but do not be too disappointed if you do not get an agent or mainstream publisher. That may happen if your first book is successful in time. These days there are plenty of ‘how to’ blogs and books that will guide you into self-publishing especially in Ebooks. Nothing should stop you if that is what you really want.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I have loved the movies since early childhood from “Lawrence of Arabia” through to “Mama Mia.” If I had to pick a movie that I can watch at a drop of a hat, “The Last of the Mohicans” would be the one. From the opening scene as the three men chase a stag through the forest to the last scene as they look out over the changing world they now face, it keeps the pace and flow beautifully. The cast is magnificent with Daniel Day Lewis in the lead role, the script is brilliant and the music superb. You cannot beat an incredible story brought to life with exceptional direction and acting.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
That the decisions that you make on the spur of the moment can have long lasting effects on your life but that is not necessarily a bad thing. And to be grateful for what you have and delighted when you get more than you thought possible.
Describe yourself in three words.
Writing, music and chocolate.
A woman after my own heart! Can you see yourself doing what you are right now for the rest of your life?
Absolutely. I would like to publish a book at 100 years old and still be able to make people laugh.
Where can readers connect with you?
My blog: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com
Social Media: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/sallycronin1
https://twitter.com/sgc58
https://www.facebook.com/sally.cronin
https://www.facebook.com/sallygeorginacronin
https://plus.google.com/+SallyCronin/about
Where can readers find your books?
All my books can be found via my Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Sally-Cronin/e/B0096REZM2.
Also I have my own bookstore and the books are slightly cheaper there links can be found along with reviews. https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/.
Thank you again Amy for your hospitality.
And thank you, Sally, for your thoughtful and inspiring responses to my questions. I’ve loved having you on Reade and Write.
Until next week,
Amy
P.S. My end-of-winter newsletter is now out! You can view it by clicking here. If you haven’t signed up to receive it yet via email, click here. All my subscribers are entered for a chance to win a Hawaiian Swag Bag to celebrate the release of House of the Hanging Jade. Void where prohibited.
I so enjoyed this blog post and learning more aboutS Sally Cronin. As an author I appreciated her writing advice. Sally you are a delightful person.
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Sally is wonderful, and her energy is inspiring and boundless!
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Reblogged this on Jane Risdon and commented:
If you love reading short stories and blogs then you can’t go wrong with Sally Cronin..check her out.
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Thanks for the reblog, Jane!
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Most welcome any time 🙂
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Thanks Jane.. I thought I would pop into Amy’s interview again, sorry to have missed your comment earlier. xx
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No worries, you are only human. Hope all is well. Thanks so much 🙂 x
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Going great thanks Jane.. house a building site but light at the end of the tunnel..oops perhaps not.. it is my husband in the attic with a torch!! x
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LOL sounds fun…not!
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So wonderful to meet Sally via your interview. I follow her blog posts, and she’s so great at introducing other bloggers to us via her blog as well. Great interview; Sally, I’m so impressed with your energy and the variety of writing in your life. I know this move will be a good one for you.
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Isn’t Sally amazing? There seems to be no end to her energy and generosity. Glad you enjoyed getting to know her through the interview!
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Thank you so much and for the support that you give to the blog too.. keeps me motivated. xox
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Great web page you’ve going here.|
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Thank you! I’m glad you stopped in for a visit!
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Reblogged this on Judith Barrow and commented:
A great interview with the one and only Sally Cronin. Nice to0 see her ‘in front of the camera’ for a change.
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I was thrilled to be able to interview Sally! Thanks for visiting and for the reblog!
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Thank you Judith, I thought I would pop back in today.. And I had my hair done especially for my camera shots! hugs
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Late though I am, I’m delighted to see Sally interviewed here. She is a true treasure to the blogging community. Not to mention a talented writer and general marvel. Mega hugs!
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I’m glad you had a chance to stop in to see Sally! It was a pleasure having her here. Thanks for visiting.
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Thank you Teagan.. catching up on comments and you know that your thoughts are reciprocated. hugs
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[…] https://amreade.wordpress.com/2016/03/08/meet-sally-cronin/ […]
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[…] https://amreade.wordpress.com/2016/03/08/meet-sally-cronin/ […]
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Hi Sally, Great to hear about your new book. Awesome interview.
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Thank you for stopping by and welcome! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Thank you Kristina.. glad you enjoyed this as much as I have. hugs
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Sally Cronin is one of the jewels in the crown of the writing and blogging world. She promotes and supports so many of us on her blog. This interview was delightful to read. Thank you for interviewing one of the best.
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You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. It was an honor to have Sally visit Reade and Write. Thank you for stopping by.
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Ah Hugh.. I will now go and hide my blushes in a corner.. for a second or two.. as I might have to read again.. thanks for the comments my friend.. hugs
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You’re very welcome, Sally. I mean every word I said. There are only a few bloggers who support so many writers, authors, and bloggers, and you are certainly one of those few. Without people like you here on Planet Blog, then many of the blogging communities would not be such a sociable place. Thank you for all that you do.
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♥♥♥
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Wonderful reading, thanks so much.
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Thank you. I’m glad you stopped by!
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So am I 🙂
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Me too 🙂
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Thank you Jane.. it was lovely being over here with Amy..
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I can imagine, wonderful. 🙂
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How wonderful to highlight the infamous Sally here Amy. A wonderful treat! 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it! I was so thrilled to have her here. Have a great day.
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Thanks Amy, you too! 🙂
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Infamous has such a wonderful ring to it.. thanks Debby love it. hugs
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You’ve earned it my lady. xo
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Hi Amy, enjoyed your invite with Sally. I’ll share so others can find out about all her books. 😊 Sally, hope your home sells, although living in Spain sounds wonderful.
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Thank you, Tracy. I’m glad you liked the interview. It was such a treat to have Sally here! Have a great day.
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Thank you Tracy.. I am sure that a family will walk through the door and see everything that we did 17 years ago and fall in love with it. I will miss a great deal.. warm people, sunshine and great red wine! hugs
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Reblogged this on Authors to Watch.
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Thanks for visiting and for the reblog!
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Thank you so much for sharing Tricia.. much appreciated.
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Reblogged this on jemsbooks and commented:
My dear friend and talented author, blogger, Nutritionist, Sally G. Cronin shares her books, blog and thoughts on amreade.wordpress.com.
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Thank you for the reblog!
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Thank you so much Janice for all your lovely support and for sharing.. hugs
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Great interview. I loved this blog post. Like Sally, I too would love to still make people laugh when I’m 100.
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Me too! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for visiting!
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Thank you Maureen and hopefully we can both laugh together at 100.
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Wonderful, lovely interview. Sally, you are an amazing women. so energetic, friendly, and open to everything. You saw the world and love people. Now, I think, I know a lot of you. No wonder you do your wonderful blog. You are such a wonderful person. Love you, Sally. ❤
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What a lovely comment! Sally is indeed a wonder in the world of authors and artists.
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Thank you so much for the lovely sentiments Gigi.. and delighted to have met you in the last year. You have contributed a great deal to the blog. Love and hugs to you too.
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Really enjoyed reading this terrific interview and finding out more about you Sally. I love your profile picture btw. I was also weaned on Wilbur Smith but haven’t read one of his books for years, you’ve made me want to go and dig one out. 🙂
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So happy you enjoyed the interview! I loved having Sally on the blog today. She’s a remarkable woman.
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Thank you Georgia and I envy you diving into Wilbur Smith after a long interlude.. I read them again every decade and each time I find a different perspective.. perhaps because I am older. hugs.
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Lovely interview with Sally. I love her ‘Tales from the Garden’ stories, so magical. It is wonderful to see her work featured, as she is so selfless with helping and promoting others 🙂
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Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. I’m excited to read “Tales from the Garden” and have a look at all those photos.
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You will love it! 🙂
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Thank you Judy.. always lovely to hear good things about a book. You guys make it very easy to support you. hugs
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xxx
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Dear Patrick Stewart…make it so. Hysterical. Always learning something new and fresh about Sally. She is a true treasure. ☺ Great interview here. Lovely questions.
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Glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting and supporting Sally!
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Thanks Van for dropping by.. thank you for your usual kind words.. love Patrick.. although William was a great Captain too… hugs
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Sally is a treasure and thank you for letting us know a little more about her.
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You are very welcome! Sally is an amazing person. Thanks for visiting.
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My pleasure
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Thank you John and hope your Texas weather is heading for spring.. I seem to remember it being quite wet in march. hugs
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We are begging for rain. Hopefully tonight. Haven’t had any since Jan 1.
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I will keep my fingers crossed for you John. X
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We did get a little. Need more. Thanks for the fingers.
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Excellent interview! And a lot of good advice is packed into it.
“The Last of the Mohicans” is one of my favorite movies, too, and for the same reason.
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Glad you enjoyed the interview! I haven’t watched “The Last of the Mohicans” in years, but now I’m anxious to see it again.
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Thanks Joelle.. I could watch that movie over and over.. the music is sensational too.
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I agree. It starts out with a bang and makes you feel like you’re really there.
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I don’t know where Sally gets her energy.There’s always something new and exciting to learn about her and I’m sure that well is d.e.e.p. I’ve never ‘met’ a more kind or giving person. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Ah Tess. where would I be without you in my life.. I know whatever day I might think I am having you always buck me up.. love and hugs.
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I wish I had half her energy. You’re right- she is a wonder and such a great friend to writers and other artists. Thanks for stopping by.
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Reblogged this on deanieblog and commented:
Don’t miss this delightful interview with Sally Cronin!
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Thank you so much Deanie.. I do appreciate that very much. hugs
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What a lovely interview Sally. Your wisdom and thoughts are so appreciated.
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Thank you for visiting Reade and Write! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Great interview! I think I will read Sally’s book just to see the 80 pictures. 😀 It sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!.
As Always, “Keep Reading and Writing”.
Sharon
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I’m also very keen to see those photos! Thanks for stopping by, Sharon, and have a happy Tuesday!
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Thanks Sharon.. glad you enjoyed..
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I don’t think Sally sleeps. She’s one amazing presence in the blogosphere as well as a talented author. I’m still trying to figure out how she does it all. I enjoyed the interview. Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed it. If we can figure out how she does it all, can we bottle it? I’d buy it.
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Me too. 🙂
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[…] Source: Meet Sally Cronin […]
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Thanks for stopping by, Annette!
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I would follow Sally anywhere, but am particularly thrilled to know I’ll be following this wise, generous soul to Ireland! Slainte to Sally and thank you to Any Reade.
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You two will have to meet up in Ireland! How wonderful for both of you. Glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks, Claire!
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Thanks Claire.. I am online house hunting in Waterford now.. even though have not sold our house here yet.. but when we do move it will be fun to meet up when you are over.. hugs
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Though I follow Sally, and am constantly amazed by her unstoppable energy and her fabulous life adventure, I discovered new things I didn’t know about her in this lovely interview.
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Isn’t that a treat? She’s remarkable and I wish I could be more like her!
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That makes two of us.
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Thank you Michelle..I am really a Bot that David plugs in to a socket in the morning and switches me off at midnight!!! I am sure he would love to have that facility… thank you for being part of the adventure. hugs
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Haha! Hugs.
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Reblogged this on newauthoronline.
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Thank you!
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Thank you for sharing Kevin.. hope you are well..
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Love Sally. She’s tireless in promoting others. She truly deserves it.
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She does, I agree. I have been the recipient of her hospitality and kindness on Smorgasbord, so I was very excited to have her on my blog today.
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Thank you Olga and you also do amazingly supportive work too and thank goodness for our community. love and hugs
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Great interview, thanks for sharing! A Patrick Stewart voiceover – I’d watch that 😀
As for writing, music and chocolate, trust me: that’s not just for women 🙂
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You are so right–writing, music, and chocolate transcend all differences among people. I’m so glad you visited Reade and Write.
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Apologies for not showing up more often. So many wonderful posts, so little time 🙂
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That is the perpetual problem, isn’t it?
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Tell me about it. Sigh…
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Thank you Nicholas.. and glad you approve of Patrick as the main man.. love his voice. Glad too that #WMC.. works for you too. hugs
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks for the reblog and thanks for stopping in!
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks Charles.. always appreciate your reblogs.. hugs
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You’re welcome. 🙂 Glad to reblog.
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I really enjoyed the interview – great to learn more about Sally.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for visiting!
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Thank you Mary.. blogging is like peeling an onion.. one layer at a time.. hugs.
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Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
Who better to feature on Women’s Day than Sally Cronin – a tireless blogger, writer, nutritionist and all round wonderful woman. Enjoy!
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I didn’t even plan it that way!But you’re right–Sally is a perfect interviewee for Women’s Day! Thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you Christoph.. I think you qualify for ‘silver tongued devil’… but delighted. Well rounded might have also been appropriate! hugs
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Sorry for any mis-interpretation – not intended ❤
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I was being funny Christoph.. I am well rounded.. nothing you said was misinterpreted it was very flattering. hugs
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Great honour to be interviewed by Amy Reade author of Secrets of Hallstead House and The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor – http://www.amazon.com/Amy-M.-Reade/e/B00LX6ASF2 I hope you enjoy the interview and if you do not already follow Amy this would be a great time.
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Thank you, Sally. It was likewise a great honor to host you on Reade and Write today. You are an inspiration in so many ways and a great friend to authors everywhere!
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[…] Source: Meet Sally Cronin […]
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