THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHERYL KAYE TARDIF

Mystery, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, horror & YA by "Cheryl Kaye Tardif" & romance by "Cherish D'Angelo". Cheryl is represented by Trident Media Group in NY.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Cheryl Kaye Tardif's Upcoming Radio & TV Appearances

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of the bestselling novel Whale Song will be a guest on some upcoming radio and television shows:

June 1st - 11:10 AM (ET) - "Toronto Weekend” at AM640 RADIO in Toronto - (by phone) to discuss Whale Song, assisted suicide and Dr. Jack Kevorkian's parole release.

June 1st - 2:00 PM (MT) - CHQR RADIO in Calgary - (interviewed by phone) to discuss Whale Song and The River and movie interest, especially Hollywood. Will air Sunday, June 3rd from 6-7 AM (MT).

June 6th - 12 noon (PT) - "Urban Rush" at Shaw TV in Vancouver - (in person) to discuss Whale Song and The River and movie interest, especially Hollywood. She'll be giving away 1 copy of Whale Song and 1 copy of The River.

Whale Song - Book

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Cheryl Kaye Tardif on the Cover of 24 HRS

Ok, I received a few phone calls this morning from people who saw the COVER of 24 Hrs. It's 90% me...my photo...God help me.

Ok, for someone with a rotten flu and a fever of 104 on Tylenol 2's and decongestants, I guess it could be worse.

The article is short and sweet on page 5, but I have to say I've seen myself everywhere this morning when I went out. The 24 boxes are on every corner about every 3 blocks, serving over 1 million people.

Let's hope all the big stars and producers who are in town shooting Christmas in Wonderland see the cover!! Leslie Nielsen and Patrick Swayze are among a few big names who are in presently in Edmonton, shooting at West Edmonton Mall. All it takes is the right connection...Leslie, Patrick...call me! :)

Click below to view the cover and article:

http://24hrs.ca/edmonton/cover.pdf

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Red Deer Chapters, Cheryl Kaye Tardif and Luanne Rice

This past weekend I left the big city of Edmonton for the smaller city of Red Deer, Alberta. I went there for a book signing at Chapters. The welcome and support I received there was phenomenal. God bless those smaller cities!

My husband drove the 1.5 hours there and back, so I was able to do something I rarely have time for—read a book. I’m reading Luanne Rice’s Angels All Over Town, and is it ever good! We arrived in Red Deer early (I hate to rush) and I wasn’t expecting things to be ready for me yet, but when I entered Chapters, they had the table set up, red tablecloth and my book display. The store had just opened. Wow, that bookstore is Efficient! I grabbed a Chai tea (one of my addictions), and started to work.

What a friendly place Red Deer is. I have always enjoyed it in the past, but my signing there on Sunday was the icing on the cake. I felt like part of the ‘team’ and was often asked if I needed anything and how I was doing. A couple of hours into my signing, one of the young gals came up to me and handed me a gift card. They do a ‘random act of kindness’ where each staff member hands out a gift card to customers. But she said she wanted to give me hers because of the great job I was doing. It was so sweet and I was very grateful. I need more books. I always need books.

Then she told me that one of the gals had ‘quit’ her job that day and it was my fault. Of course she smiled when she told me this and then proceeded to explain. One of the prized positions at Chapters is the job of “greeter”. I think they must fight over this like cats and dogs! I know I would. J Apparently, Nicole--who was supposed to be greeter--decided to ‘quit’ because she said I was doing a great job greeting everyone who came into the store anyway. I hope they didn’t make her stack the shelves…yikes. Sorry, Nicole.

Hey, you guys put me at the door and I’m not going to just sit there and stare off into the distance. No matter which bookstore I am in, I always take it as my responsibility to be the unofficial store greeter. Not only that, I can usually direct customers to the washrooms, book sections, Starbucks (ok…if there is a Starbucks in a 5 mile radius, I usually know where it is!). Just don’t ask for directions to some place outside of the store. I am directionally challenged on a wider scope.

So thank you, Red Deer Chapters. You all are wonderful and I can’t wait to come back. You made my signing fun, you showed so much interest in my upcoming movie deal on The River, and you were all very efficient and enthusiastic in how you advertised beforehand and promoted me during my signing. Loved the announcements, although the first time you said “bestselling author” I had to pinch myself. (Oh yes, wait…that is me.)

And imagine my utter ecstasy when I arrived home, only to find this wonderful review waiting for me, like a reward for a signing well done.

"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." -- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most

I think I need to go to Red Deer more often!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, Divine Intervention and The River

Monday, May 21, 2007

Luanne Rice Reads Whale Song

Every now and then, the universe drops you a treasure. One of mine has been getting to know author Luanne Rice and having her read Whale Song. Since I always treasure my relationships with people, I hope that she knows how grateful and honored I am, but also how interested I am in her continued success. One day, we shall meet...

"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."
-- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Review: The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice


A Sweet, Lyrical, ‘War-Ravaged’ Story

Luanne Rice’s latest novel, The Edge of Winter, was a delight to read. It is not a fast-paced novel filled with mega-action or explosions. There is no big chase scene or hold your breath pivotal moment. What it does have is a slow, steady buildup of plot and an intense look at the lives of numerous scarred characters and how they are intertwined, brought together by old wars, new wars, love, family ties, death, secrets and forgiveness. If you’re patient with this book, you’ll come to know these characters and care for them…and miss them when you’re done.

The Edge of Winter is a journey, rich with details of the land and nature―of snowy owls, windswept beaches and watery graves. It is the story of Mickey and her mom, Neve. A story of sweet, innocent first love and cautious, suspicious second love. Mickey is a teenager with a soft spot for all things wounded, including an injured owl and Shane, a lonely teenaged boy with a passion for surfing. Neve, frustrated with her ‘deadbeat’ ex-husband, is drawn to Tim O’Casey, the ranger from Refuge Beach, where a German submarine had sank off the coast after being bombed in World War II.

When a rich and powerful man decides to raise the submarine and turn it into a museum, Mickey and Shane are spurred on to save the submarine’s resting place and a piece of their history. But there are secrets that haunt the waters. Perhaps, the lost souls don’t want to be raised. In this story, there are many lost souls who need saving, and that may be its only down side. It may be unrealistic to wrap up every character in a ‘happily ever after’ theme, but I know (as an author myself) it is so very tempting.

The Edge of Winter is a tribute to Luanne’s father, a navigator-bombardier who flew in World War II, and to all the men and women fighting wars, then and now, on both sides. The author writes about the far-reaching and ravaging effects of war that carry on for generations. We are shown how forgiveness and understanding can set free even the most crippling guilt. The last few chapters are very emotional and really bring forth the author’s message: “It was war.”

A simple but heartfelt summer read with unforgettable characters, perfect for reading while at the cottage or relaxing on a beach. I gave this novel 4.5 stars mainly because my favorite Luanne Rice novel is still Beach Girls.

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, the high-octane thriller The River and the sizzling psychic suspense Divine Intervention.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Review: The Secret Ever Keeps

5/5 New – Fiction
MUST READ

The Secret Ever Keeps

Great story! Loved the flashbacks sequences!

Art Tirrell’s The Secret Ever Keeps is a modern Cinderella story, with a rum-running, sunken treasure twist. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Laurel Kingsford discovers that there is more to her family’s past. There is a secret that has laid buried, one that is yearning to be revealed.

While searching for a treasure buried far beneath the sea, she uncovers a conspiracy, a passionate new love, a jealous and formidable rival, more family than she wants, and riches beyond her dreams. But of course, something—or someone—wants to spoil her plans at happiness and they will go to any length to take her breath away—permanently.

The Secret Ever Keeps is a tantalizing read. Fast-paced, sexy and sensationally plotted, it will keep you guessing and cheering on the heroine until the explosive and satisfying ending.

I have given this novel 5 stars because it deserves it! The story is awesome and it is believable and well-researched. Great work! I look forward to Art’s next novel.

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Finding Your Spiritual Muse

One of my personal missions as a published author, is to help other writers and authors in any way I can, when I can. So when a friend asked me to help her promote a course that she is teaching, I was very happy to. Catherine Kuehne is a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC). I have seen her at a number of events lately, always supporting authors, including my own book launch for Whale Song. Now it's my turn to support her. :)

Finding Your Spiritual Muse
May 26th and June 2nd
10 am - 4pm
MacEwan Writing Works
Grant MacEwan College, City Centre Campus,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Looking for inspiration from a source greater than you? Learn how different writing styles and formats have been used by people for thousands of years to connect to their spiritual source. Learn how sound, meditation, poetry, personal stories and inspirational writings can stir your creativity. You will discover ways to find inspiration within yourself through a powerful creative source – your spiritual muse.

Instructor Catherine Kuehne has lived in a Shinto shrine in Japan, followed pilgrimage paths to churches and shrines in Europe and met many people of different faiths through her travels. She has taught courses, workshops and made presentations at local and national events and conferences. Catherine's writing has appeared in numerous periodicals including Synchronicity, The Mennonite, Lifestyle 55+, Edmonton Journal, BC Parent and Complete Canadian Gardener and in the antholology Edmonton on Location: River City Chronicles.

Visit Finding Your Spiritual Muse for more information

Submitted with Catherine's permission.
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

BE the Magnet!

For any of you who have read The Secret or attended a T. Harv Eker seminar, or one of the many other motivational, inspirational gurus out there, you'll find a common thread. They generally believe that if you think positively, visualize what you want, go after it and open yourself to becoming successful, that all things are possible.

I have to agree. The more conscious I am of being a "magnet", the more success and opportunities are drawn to me. Some even 'fall in my lap', seemingly from out of nowhere. Synchronicity and Serendipity are my 'sisters'.

Last night, for instance, I received an email from out of the blue from someone who wants to review Whale Song and talk about my emotional novel on a Toronto Italian radio station with over 500,000 listeners. How exciting! Now all I need is a translator! :)

Then this morning, I received an email from a gal who had bought a copy of Whale Song at a recent signing. Now she wants another copy of Whale Song and 2 each of my other novels (The River and Divine Intervention). I am very honored to have made a new fan. My fans are blessings!

Later today, I received an invitation to be a guest blogger on another site, to talk about Whale Song and how the inspiration came to me. I'll send out the link to that once it's up.

But the highlight of my day was chatting with various film producers, people in the film industry and learning a bit about the contract side of how a film is made. Then I started negotiating the film contract for The River, a fast-paced thriller set in the Nahanni River area. I feel very positive that we will come to an agreement. And I received an email from a lovely native singer-songwriter who is interested in getting involved with the film. I love her music and I just heard her in a movie sound track. What an awesome contact to have!

I invite anyone who has read The River to comment here. Please give me your thoughts on a movie version of my novel. Would you go see it? Why would The River make a great movie? What Canadian actors do you see playing the 2 lead roles--Del and Jake? What American actors do you see? Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

If you want to see success in your life, I suggest you do what I do:
BE the magnet!

Envision yourself as one magnetizing power source that all great things are drawn to. Keep focused on your goals. Visualize them, their fulfillment. What will it be like when you reach your goal? What can you see, hear, feel, taste, smell? When you can see this in your mind as clear as a memory, you can bring it into reality--magnetize it.

For me, I see a huge theatre, the screen framed by plush red velvet curtains. The River is playing and we're at the chase scene. I can hear suspenseful music--tribal drums--beating faster as Del runs. I hear her screams, feel her terror. I can feel the sweaty, slippery cup of ice tea in my hand and I smell the popcorn in the bag on my lap. Crunch! Yum, extra butter!

Now the movie is over and people are talking.

"That was awesome!" someone says.

I smile.

It will be.

~Cheryl

Order The River on Amazon.com or on Chapters.ca.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Whale Song book trailer (new)

Whale Song - "moving, crowd-pleasing...sweet and sad", the story of a woman haunted by a past that won't let go and by her mother's tragic assisted suicide.




This is the newest trailer for the bestselling novel Whale Song, a novel about love, lies, tragedy and forgiveness.

*Copyright © 2007, Kunati Books, used with permission. Kunati allows distribution of its proprietary novel trailers. Feel free to redistribute them for non-commercial purposes, provided no alterations are made and full credit is given. ™ - Novel Trailers and Kunati Trailers are trademarks owned by Kunati. Creative: Kam Wai Yu.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Oprah and Whale Song


Today I sent off another email to my dear friend Oprah. Okay, I'll admit, she's not really my friend (yet!), since I've never met her and she doesn't know I exist. But I admire her and want to be her friend. I have renewed admiration for her after watching the show on the girls' school in Africa that she built. What an amazing, awe-inspiring gift she has given. She shared a powerful message with me through that show. I want to donate my books, visit the school and share my dream of becoming a writer...maybe of just "becoming".

But what I want most is for her to read Whale Song, so I can share my message with her.

So this is what I said to dear Oprah:
'I always wanted to be a published author. I was a journalist at 14, wrote my first novel at 16. Fiction was my PASSION! I submitted query letters, sent outlines, followed the rules and hit every brick wall possible.

I was told early on that Canadians couldn’t get published, that it was ‘impossible’, that I should do something else. I was a hairstylist, a childcare provider, a motivational speaker, a telemarketing manager, a Pampered Chef consultant. In every profession, I wrote!

In 2003 I told a friend about a novel idea. It haunted me for 2 years. It was based on a legend about killer whales close to shore―reincarnated souls saying goodbye. My friend said, “Don’t worry if it gets published. Write it for yourself! Write it because you HAVE to!”

I self-published Whale Song in 2003. In 2004, I self-published Divine Intervention. But I was shot down. One person told me, “You never should’ve self-published. That was a big mistake. No one will take you seriously.” One bookstore manager actually told me, “We’ll consign your books but we won’t let you have a signing.” When I asked why, she said “You’re a nobody.” She lectured me on why my books would “never sell”.

Determined, I self-published The River in 2005. I was interviewed on TV, radio, newspapers, magazines across Canada and the US. I created websites for authors to promote their books, organized multi-author events, spoke about self-publishing and I kept hold of my big dream.

In spring 2006, Whale Song was picked up by Kunati Books. It released in April 2007, dedicated to my brother who was murdered in 2006. I found a beat up copy of the original Whale Song in his room―the only book of mine he’d read. Whale Song has already made Amazon.ca’s bestsellers list, has almost sold out and has a dozen film companies reading it―half from Hollywood. And I’m negotiating a movie contract for The River.

I’m now the Canadian Author Liaison for Infinity Publishing, paying it forward.

I’ve never read The Secret; I LIVE The Secret.'


(Well, I must confess, my original email probably had close to 4000 words, with spaces. And there is a restriction of 2000, with spaces, in order to send it to Oprah. Talk about self-editing! There is so much more to my story, so much I want to share with other writers, with people who have a dream. One of my mottos: "BE the magnet!")
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

The River and Whale Song: Hot Movie Ideas

Okay, I can smell fresh popped popcorn with extra melted butter...and a large ice tea to wash it down. There is nothing better than popcorn at the movies. Oh, wait! Yes there is! Eating popcorn at a movie...that is based on YOUR novel! At least, that is what I am imagining and have been for the past few years.

With three novels published and all three capturing the attention of the film industry, I think I may be on to something. Maybe all these years of visualizing my novels as movies while I write them is a form of deja vu. Regardless, I believe it is only a matter of time.

Well, yesterday was an exciting day. I opened up my email in the morning and found an enquiry from a film producer/director who is very interested in my eternal youth conspiracy thriller The River. Of course, I'm not mentioning names here, but I will tell you that we are already discussing the creation of a screenplay, one that will follow my novel very closely.

One of the thrilling aspects for me is the opportunity to work on this screenplay with the producer, to have input in the process and to feel part of the movie's creation. Like my bestselling assisted suicide novel Whale Song, I have seen The River unfold in my mind, from beginning to end, even before I started writing it. And like Whale Song, I smell popcorn when I even start to think of a movie.

I can visualize the mysterious Nahanni River, an area that has been referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of Canada. I can clearly see Virginia Falls in my mind, taste campfire smoke in my mouth, see and hear the rapids...and a strange blue light...

So, for all of my fans who have emailed me over the past 2 years, it looks like your good wishes and all those crossed fingers may just pay off. I will keep you informed of this as things develop, but in fairness to the producer, I won't be releasing his name until he gives me the okay.


Take the ride of your life...
on
The River

Order The River on Amazon
Order Whale Song on Amazon
Order Divine Intervention on Amazon