Inspirations Unlimited

The Story Behind the Book...

2011-07-17T05:57:00.000-06:00

One main question I get from a lot of "would-be" readers of Too Precious For Earth, is why I wrote this book? Good question, but hard to answer with just one response! When my son died I felt completely alone in this huge world. Even with countless support from family, friends, co-workers, etc., I still felt "wrong." I turned to reading and journaling my thoughts. Unfortunately, there are not many books written on child loss that I could associate with. A few I loved and re-read many times, but I wanted real-life stories; ones that spoke to me on the level I was currently at. Ones that didn't read like an informative text-book (these are the stages of grief, this is what you need to expect, this is what you should do, blah, blah, blah). This may sound harsh, but it was how I felt at the time. I knew what I felt like and what I was going through, what I didn't know was that I wasn't alone in how I felt. The craziness and physical pain I was feeling was normal--and there were other people out there that had gone through what I had and had survived. There was also the flip-side; ones who never were able to pull themselves out of the abyss of grief. I was only able to find these facts out by searching and scouring the Internet. One of my true loves--reading--was failing in that category.

I spent multiple hours on-line finding forums and websites to help me through my pain, and many were wonderful, but I still wanted books I could read, re-read, write in the margins, cry over, laugh over, and take my pain away.

Then, I met Richard Paul Evans. He changed my life; he convinced me to turn the journals of my experiences into a book that would help others. A book that would read like a novel, reaching out to those of us that wanted to read a real story about child loss--going through the same trials, tears, laughter, joy, ups and downs, and everything associated with what it feels like to lose a part of yourself. So, with his help and guidance, I wrote Too Precious For Earth: A Little Miracle That Will Change Your Life. (Clicking on the previous link will take you to a YouTube book trailer video about the book).

Another great joy this book has brought me, was winning the "League of Utah Writers" Olive Wooley Burt Award. The award is given each year for a great non-fiction published book. What an honor!

So many people benefit from reading this book. If you just want a good read, if you have lost a child, if you know someone that has lost a child, if you want to understand what a parent goes through that has lost a child, or if you simply want to read a true story about a little boy that changed the world around him in a very short amount of time here on earth; this book is for all of you. If you'd like to read some reviews about the book, click here and let me know what you think!

Please help me spread the word about my book! I am a featured author in the "Bookwise Author Blog Party" this week, and to reward those who are helping to share this amazing story, I'm having a contest to give away three copies of my book, and several eBooks!

There are several ways you can win this week:
1. Become a fan of my Facebook page here and leave a comment for me.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post and become a follower.
3. Visit my website and sign up to receive my quarterly inspirational newsletter here.
4. If you are already a fan on Facebook, simply leave a comment for me regarding this blog post.
5. If you have read the book already and would like another for a gift or an eBook, you can win by leaving
a review of the book on Amazon, Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, or Borders.
6. If you buy the book, you can also win a free eBook version. Here are several sites you can buy it from.
Amazon
Deseret Book
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Make sure you leave a review where you purchase the book from to qualify for the contest.

Also, the more ways you enter to win the book, the better chances you have of winning! I will be running this contest the week of July 17th through the 23rd, and the winners will be announced by August 1st. Thank you for your support!

Book Contest

2011-07-15T18:14:00.000-06:00

This coming Sunday, July 17th, I will add a blog post telling you the story behind my book and how you can win a copy or eBook. Don't forget to check back here on Sunday!!! This is part of a huge event where you can win many different things from over 50 different authors. Don't miss out!!

http://bookwisepublishing.com/bookparty/

Book Give-away Contest!

2011-07-13T19:04:00.000-06:00

This weekend I will be posting info about how you can win a free book or eBook of Too Precious For Earth. Keep checking back for more details!

Thought for the day...

2011-06-29T17:44:00.000-06:00

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising every time we fall." Confucius penned this quote-one I love and is listed in my book. Truly, this quote is powerful. If we take the time to realize that all of our trials are events we can learn and grow from, it will help us be stronger during our darkest days.

Book Trailer

2011-05-02T12:23:00.000-06:00

My book trailer is finally done! Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks for your support!

Book Signing

2011-03-29T09:05:00.000-06:00

Please join me this weekend for a special book signing. It will be at the Hastings in Logan, Utah. I will be there on Friday from 5:30 until 7:30, and again on Saturday from 12:00 until 2:00. It would be great to see some familiar faces! Thank you for your support!

Review of The Peasant Queen

2011-02-23T09:49:00.002-07:00

First of all, I love fantasy books and can’t ever get enough of them. That being said, I was excited to read The Peasant Queen, by Cheri Chesley, solely because of the genre. Cheri’s first novel proves she has chosen her topic well. The entire book was entertaining, exiting, and overall a fun adventure. I finished it in one weekend because I couldn’t put it down!

The story begins with a farm girl named Krystal. It focuses on her life and the different events surrounding her betrothal to a man she truly doesn’t want to marry. Then, forces take place that whisk her away to a kingdom far from her own, showing bits of magic along the way that keep you interested. I’ll admit, I’m hoping that in her next book she will focus more on the magic employed, but I’ll just have to wait!

All of the elements we love about fantasy are involved in this story; magic, bravery, courage, mystery, intrigue, and most of all—character development. I truly enjoyed getting to know each character along the way. The main characters are given their due in the descriptions of their lives and you feel you know them personally.

One of my favorite aspects of Cheri’s writing is the sarcasm she intertwines throughout the entire story. I myself am a person that loves humor. The best books involve intrigue and laughter rolled into one, and Cheri writes perfectly with both. Reading The Peasant Queen was very enjoyable for me, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out! I would recommend it to readers of all ages. Buy the book on Amazon or at any bookstore.

Slacker...

2011-02-16T22:30:00.003-07:00

Yes, it's official, I'm a blogging slacker. It seems as though I get so busy that my blog suffers from neglect! So here's a quick one to make me feel accomplished...

I realized today that it's so easy to change someone's day. All I did was make eye contact with people I passed in the halls at school and smiled at them. The bright, happy look in their eyes made me giggle inside!

Try it and see what happens! Just make eye contact with people around you and SMILE!

Christmas Gift Idea!!

2010-11-29T09:35:00.001-07:00

HUGE SALE PRICE ON A GREAT BOOK!!

Need a great Christmas gift for someone special in your life? Whether you have experienced the loss of a loved one or not, Too Precious For Earth is a perfect book for this holiday season. It is a true, inspirational story of a tiny miracle child who came to earth and only stayed a short while. The impact this child left on an entire community, however, continues to this day. Read a beautifully written story about child loss that has won two writing awards, and how one family rose from tragedy to triumph. Order the book through the author's website at a discounted price for the holiday season! You will receive a personalized, signed copy by the author for only $9.99 plus tax & shipping, instead of the regular price of $14.99 plus tax & shipping. If you buy only one book this holiday season, make it this one--a feel-good story that anybody can enjoy!

Thank you!

Amy C. Maddocks

Author of Too Precious For Earth: A Little Miracle That Will Change Your Life

www.amymaddocks.com

Purchase the book today at any bookstore or online!

Book Signing Event

2010-08-22T10:26:00.002-06:00

Come and join me for a fantastic event at the University of Utah! Saturday the 28th, from 10:00 until 6:00 p.m. This is a book festival put on by KSL and it will be amazing! Many authors will be there and many activities are planned to entertain you...plus, it's free!!

Book Review, Women of the Book of Mormon, by Heather B. Moore

2010-08-09T16:32:00.002-06:00

I read this amazing book in one weekend; writing my review took some time because life got in the way, but I shouldn’t have let it, because this book was fantastic and a must-read for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the role of women in our ancient times.

The first thing I noticed the author did a fantastic job of, was in pointing out the similarities of these women of our history to modern women; nurturing, caring, religious, sensitive, faithful, devoted, enduring, among many others. I felt stronger and more proud of being a woman after reading of the likeness between myself and these powerful women.

Another trait I noticed of many of the women that was brought out, was how so many of them turned to the Lord in times of need. It is humbling to know that when I go to the Lord on bended knee, I am not weak—quite the opposite—as the author shows us with these women.

I also appreciated the extensive and deep research Heather did while writing the book. The knowledge presented shows a true love of the art of this author; she is an insightful and knowledgeable author, and it shines through in her writing.

The book takes you through several women’s lives that are mentioned in the Book of Mormon, whether mentioned briefly or in depth. Heather shows us the connections, testimonies, strengths, and identities of these women and how we can apply their experiences to our own lives. The subtitle, Insights & Inspirations, is appropriate in how I was able to see just that. It gave me insight into what these women endured and inspired me to become a better woman. Their trials may have been different than mine, but our faith and devotion remains the same. Thank you, Heather, for writing a book that pulls so closely to the hearts of so many women.

You can purchase the book anywhere books are sold, or on Amazon.

Radio Interview

2010-07-01T07:50:00.004-06:00

Please listen in as I'm interviewed by the "Open to Hope Foundation," for which I am also a contributing writer. I'll be discussing my book, Too Precious For Earth, and ways you can heal after the loss of a child.

2010-05-21T20:17:00.001-06:00

share

Posted using ShareThis

2010-05-20T18:14:00.001-06:00

share

Posted using ShareThis

Three words said too often-or not enough...

2010-04-04T18:47:00.005-06:00

Thinking about Easter...I just enjoyed an amazing dinner with about 25 of my family members. I am so thankful for the wonderful family and friends I have and what joy they bring into my life. I'm setting a personal goal for the next two months; I want to write a personal letter to each of my siblings. Something that would summarize everything they mean to me, so that (heaven forbid) if I were to leave this life early, nothing would be left unsaid. They would know exactly how I felt about them and how grateful I was for them and the presence they have in my life.

I wonder how the world would be different if we all wrote a letter to our friends and family...expressing our gratitude. "I Love You" is probably the most overused and underused phrase in the English language. We need to say it more often when it matters, and not use it in trivial ways that makes it dull. I want my friends and family to know that I love them, and I'm going to do it on paper. Yes, the old fashioned way, dare I say it ... handwritten! Okay, so maybe I'll type it (much faster) but I will definitely print and use snail mail! We don't get enough opportunities to write to each other...I hope this helps inspire others to do the same. Let's change the world around us one letter at a time!!

Valentine's Day Thoughts...

2010-02-14T08:59:00.003-07:00

Said Albert Einstein--"There are two ways to live your life. One is a though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."

I thought of this quote (in chapter 11 of my book) when I woke up this morning and thought of Valentine's Day. Is it only for lover's? I think not...it's a day to celebrate the love we have for this precious life and all that we have been given. So here is my electronic THANK YOU to the Lord for all the miracles given to me--even the short time I was able to spend with my son were a miracle, and I am so grateful I had them. I hope everyone will take a moment today and thank whatever higher power you believe in for all the miracles in our life!

Making Ourselves Amazing

2010-02-10T16:34:00.003-07:00

"As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Thinking about how amazing that really is, by changing ourselves and making our own selves greater, we in turn are making the world a better place. We should all start within ourselves, and the world will then follow!

One of my favorite quotes...not sure who said it!

2010-01-16T22:57:00.002-07:00

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

BOOK RELEASE!!!

2010-01-12T14:42:00.003-07:00

Well, it's finally happened! My book is finished, printed, and in my hands! It's a surreal experience...holding a copy of my first book. What a long, bittersweet process it's been. Now the harder part begins...marketing!!!

Duh...publishing is a tricky business!

2009-10-24T17:54:00.001-06:00

Last time I posted anything was WAY back in August. I promise, I'll get better! So, as a quick update, my book is currently being printed. Ship date has been pushed back (again) so I'll let ya know when I do!! However, my new website (still being polished) is up and running. Check it out at www.amymaddocks.com and let me know what you think!

Book ready to print!

2009-08-11T15:32:00.002-06:00

Soooooo, my publisher informed me my book is finally ready to print! The web site to order should be up soon and we'll be taking pre-orders, with a ship date of October 1st. I'm so excited to finally have my work printed! I hope that people who read my book will gain a better understanding of what a person, family, or community go through when a child dies, and I also hope that those who have gone through such a trial will gain some much-needed peace at a terrible time in their lives. I also wrote the book in the format of a 'novel' in hopes it will be a heart-warming, old-fashioned, good-read. I'll keep you updated on the progress, but for now, thank you for your support!

The 3 Gifts Challenge

2009-04-13T12:36:00.001-06:00

This is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog first. (That means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well.) Get it? So, the first 3 people to comment on this post will be the lucky ones!

Thanks for the Little Things

2009-03-17T19:37:00.003-06:00

Been a while, I know, I know. . . my thoughts today center around a quote/poem (as usual) by Helen Steiner Rice. "Thank you, God, for little things that often come our way. The things we take for granted and don't mention when we pray. The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtul, kindly deed, a hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need."

How true this statement is for me. I sometimes forget to thank the person I need to the most often, and this poem reminds me to be grateful for all that I have been given and continue to receive.

Changing the world . . .

2009-02-18T18:18:00.004-07:00

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” --Mahatma Gandhi

If we want to make a difference in the world, whether that be a large or small difference, we need to first focus on ourselves. In doing so, don't you think that that--in and of itself--is what will then in turn change the world? Really, if we focus on being great ourselves, our world around us will be a better place.

Irish Blessing

2009-02-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. And may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

2009-02-13T22:06:00.002-07:00

Helen Keller said, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us." On this day, Friday the 13th, while people out there are focusing on the negative, let's take a moment and focus on the love and goodness in our lives instead.

Common Daily Stuggles

2009-02-13T21:57:00.003-07:00

So as I left the parking lot today after getting groceries, I was cut off by some idiot thinking they just HAD to get somewhere so fast that they risk the lives of all those around them. I start fuming inside myself, and my thoughts wander to that dark place where all I do is focus on the negative. My mind starts counting all of the things going wrong in my life at the time, and I realize with a sudden start that I am focusing on things that will bring me down for no reason. All this--just because someone is driving badly? What was my problem? So I turn on the radio, find a song I can sing along to (loudly, since no body can hear me but myself and the ghosts in the engine of my car), and start purposefully counting all of the things I have to be grateful for. This is an exercise I do often, whenever I recognize the "little green monsters" are attacking me from all sides. Unfortunately, I have to do this activity often. Music seems to help the most. It takes me to a place where nothing else matters and I can focus on what is good. Which is a lot - we all have so much to be so grateful for. If we would but count the blessings we have each day, we would realize we have so much. As I was pulling into my driveway, thinking of the dishes, laundry, scrubbing, and "life" I had to face when I walked through the door--I smiled. Thank goodness I have those things in my life to plague me. They should be a blessing because they exist for me--not a curse.

So Close!

2009-02-03T16:31:00.003-07:00

I am almost done! I finished the final edit--now my manuscript is off to the designers to turn into a real book! The cover is finished and now I am supposed to be helping with the design of my web page. On a sad note; today as I was visiting my son's grave, I discovered his January stuffed animals had been taken. I could tell there had been a recent burial, so I assume a little kid wandered over, saw cute stuffed animals, and decided to help themselves. I know these things happen, and it won't stop me from putting more animals out each month, but I have to wonder--what do these kids' parents think when they see the new toys? Makes you go hmmmmm....

Almost Done!

2009-01-24T10:07:00.002-07:00

So I am near the finish line with the "tweaking" on my book. I can't wait to see it in print! Now I have to decide all the little details and such that go into the cover. Wish me luck as I continue on this bittersweet journey!

Hmmmm, new to this

2009-01-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

So I've finally been convinced to start "blogging." I guess I'll give it a go and see what happens!

I am 'almost' a published author! I am having my FIRST (hopefully many more to come) book published within the next few months. It will be titled, "Too Precious for Earth: A Little Miracle That Will Change Your Life." It is an inspirational book about the life and loss of my son, Connor, and what amazing things he did for all those around him. His short exsistence changed many people's lives, mine included, and I hope to be able to help others that have experienced the death of a child--and what you can do with your life after such a devastating loss.

Please stay tuned for more information - I'll keep you updated on my progress!

Thanks for reading!