Tag: Cindy Hval

War Bonds

And They Said He Wouldn’t Last

Cindy Hval

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Had a wonderful time at yesterday’s War Bonds reading. My special guests were Dean and Betty Ratzman, from Chapter 18.

Here’s an excerpt from their story:

While Dean wasn’t injured during the invasion, his health still took a beating. He contracted dengue fever several times during his stint in the islands. While in Saipan he got a hernia from lifting a large battery. Following surgery, he was sent to a hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary. There he received some startling news. Doctors aboard ship discovered Dean’s heart had been damaged during his bouts with fever.

When the ship docked in Oakland, physicians at the naval hospital diagnosed the 20-year-old sailor with two leaky heart valves. “The doctors said there wasn’t anything they could do,” Dean recalled. “They told me I probably wouldn’t live past middle age.”

…Betty recalled his proposal. “He told me the doctors said he wouldn’t live past 40. Then he asked me to marry him! I told him, ‘You’re not going to get out of it that easily!'”

Almost seven decades later, she smiled at her husband. “When you’re 20, 40 seems like forever. I figured I’d get another one (husband) after that.”

In June they’ll celebrate their 70th anniversary, so it looks like it will be awhile before Betty can replace him, and you know what? She’s just fine with that!

 

War Bonds

Meet a War Bonds couple!

Cindy Hval

If you’ve ever wanted to meet one of the couples you’ve read about in War Bonds, you’ll have the opportunity on Thursday, February 11.

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The Ratzmans’ story is told in chapter 18 “Letters From Home.”

They are a delightful, sharp-witted couple who truly fell in love through the letters they exchanged while Dean was serving in the South Pacific.
Here’s an excerpt from their story:
But it was her letters that kept a young man far from home from feeling too lonely. “Betty is a great letter writer,” he said. “Her letters were a highlight for me– but I didn’t know who else she was writing to.” He shot her a sideways glance. “She was very patriotic.”

This is a great opportunity to purchase a copy of War Bonds and have it signed by one of the couples featured.

PS: Valentine’s Day is SUNDAY 😉

Columns, War Bonds

Celebrate Love & Reading!

Cindy Hval

So excited for this special Valentine’s Day event!
Join me, Asa Maria Bradley, Kris Dinnison, Sharma Shields and many more authors at Barnes & Noble in Spokane Valley on February 14.

Event starts at 11 AM. I have to scoot out by 1 PM, but the author others will be there until 2.
Pick up a personalized copy of a book or TEN and give the gift of reading to someone you love.
Even better if that someone you love is YOU:-)
See you there!

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War Bonds

Of Cats and Chicken Soup

Cindy Hval

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Getting a box of books with your stories in it never gets old.

“Chicken Soup for the Soul My Very Good, Very Bad Cat,”  is the 8th volume in the series to feature my work and the thrill of seeing my words in print in this popular series is still exciting.

This one hits bookstores across the nation on February 9 and includes my stories, “Another Baby Boy” and “Fat Cat.” One story per cat 🙂

When novice writers ask me how to get published I always tell them Chicken Soup is a great place to start honing your nonfiction skills. The principles of writing are the same whether you’re writing your memoir or laboring on the Great American Novel. You need to be able to tell an engaging story.

The submission process is simple and all online.  They are constantly adding titles and sending new story call outs. Authors are paid $200 for each story, retain the rights to their work and receive 10 free books. You can also purchase more books at a discounted rate.

So while you’re slaving away on your manuscript, sending out agent queries or entering writing contests visit Chicken Soup for the Soul and submit a story.

After all, Chicken Soup can cure just about anything– even writer’s block.

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War Bonds

From War Bonds to Cindy’s All Write

Cindy Hval

Turning the page.

I launched this blog last year to coincide with the publication of my first book War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation.

It’s been a whirlwind of a year celebrating and promoting War Bonds, and while I’ll continue to do readings, special events and signings, the time has come to start my next book, tentatively titled, Don’t Make Me Write a Column About This! More about that later.

To celebrate this new chapter, I’m renaming my blog to better reflect all of my writing adventures. From stories printed in new anthologies, to newspaper and magazine stories, to social media missives and points in between. There’s never been more ways for writers to see their words in print and to share the creative process with readers.

Thank you so much for joining me on the journey. I hope you’ll turn the page with me.

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War Bonds

High School Students Connect with the Greatest Generation

Cindy Hval

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I got to witness something very special today. High school students from Barker and Spokane Valley Tech schools interviewed members of the Greatest Generation at Harvard Park Retirement Community.

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The interviews came about as part of a history/language arts unit. The students were taught basic interviewing techniques, chose to read 1 of 3 books about WWll (including Radioman and The Bellygunner by Spokane author Carol Edgemon Hipperson) and then paid a visit to Harvard Park.

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The students were thoughtful, well-prepared and so appreciative. It was really moving to witness the respect these kids gave to their elders and how much they seemed to value spending time with them.
Afterward a student said, “This is so much more valuable than the average history class. You get a sense of what it was like during this time– it paints a picture for you.”
Story coming soon in the Spokesman Review.

War Bonds

War Bonds in Nostalgia Magazine

Cindy Hval

If you haven’t yet read or purchased War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation, here’s a chance to read an excerpt in the January/February edition of Nostalgia Magazine.

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Chapter 3; The Luck of the Draw

The Luck of the Draw tells the story of Fenton and Violet Roskelley. The pair met when Fenton’s unit was assigned to Violet’s regiment in Cornwall, England.

Pick up a copy of Nostalgia at news stands and bookstores throughout the Inland Northwest or order online.

War Bonds

When a family member serves, we all do

Cindy Hval

In writing War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation, my own experiences as a military wife gave me insight into the unique challenges these couples faced when military deployments separated them.

I had a taste of single parenthood during my husband’s active duty days. Hats off to the wives and the husbands who hold down the fort and keep the family running when their spouse is deployed.

I’m thankful that the military is now recognizing that when one member of the family serves, so does the rest of the family.Thank you from the National Guard

War Bonds

War Bonds = Resident Evil?

Cindy Hval

Oh, my! Some emails from readers just make my day. This one for example:

HI Cindy:

I have a funny story to tell you, I think you will smile–>

I enjoy reading your columns in the Spokesman Review, esp when you tell stories about your family. ( I am also a Mom, 3 kids). I enjoy your writing so much that I asked for your book for Christmas. My husband went to the Valley Barnes and Noble to purchase it for me though the store was out of stock. They put in a on-line order for him and the boxed book arrived in time for Christmas. When he opened the shipped book to wrap it, it was a “Resident Evil” book instead of yours!! ( we do not read “Resident Evil”).

I have attached a picture of the book that I returned to the store. ( She kinda looks like you, don’t you think?)

Barnes and Noble was STILL out of your book, but they offered to ship it to me!! I declined and said I would check out Auntie’s.

Keep up the good work,

Book cover

 

Looks like the author photo for my next book was leaked 🙂 Since the pending title is “Don’t Make Me Write a Column About This” the girl with a big gun thing kind of works, doesn’t it?

War Bonds

Santa and War Bonds

Cindy Hval

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This weekend I had my first book signing event on a military base. The folks at Fairchild AFB were great to work with and as you can see I had a great location at the Base Exchange entrance.

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Santa was also there just a few feet away.

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This was the real deal. Turns out authors top his nice list! And Santa tops mine. Another author was doing a signing nearby. He told us that teenage his granddaughter had recently died in a horrible car accident. A scholarship fund had been established in her name. They wanted to have Santa attend the fundraiser, but were told he’d charge $100 per hour.

This Santa took the author’s card and said, “Let me know the day and time of next year’s event and I’ll be there. No charge.”

Now that’s the Christmas spirit.

Speaking of,  books make great presents! Wrap up a copy of War Bonds today:-) Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Independent booksellers nationwide.