I hope you enjoy my blog.

You can also find out more about me at http://www.cherylktardif.com

Critically acclaimed author Cheryl Kaye Tardif plans to use the Notes application on her new iPhone 3G to write a novel titled 'Finding Bliss'. She may be the first author to ever attempt this.

EDMONTON, AB, October 10, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Apple's new iPhone 3G hasn't been available in Canada for very long and already one Canadian has discovered a unique use for it. Critically acclaimed author Cheryl Kaye Tardif plans to use the Notes application to write a novel titled 'Finding Bliss'.

"I am often 'blasted' with an idea for a novel at the least convenient times," Tardif says. "Two nights ago a novel idea about a teenage girl named Bliss hit me. I had to capture her story right away, so I immediately reached for my iPhone."

Read the full release at:

Canadian Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif Writes a Novel Titled 'Finding Bliss' on the New iPhone 3G

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

http://www.cherylktardif.com

This cool idea was actually something my husband thought of after I told him how I was writing notes on a new novel on my iPhone and emailing them to my PC.

I'm on CTV News tonight. It may only be the Edmonton station.

6:00 pm (Mountain time) and 11:30 pm

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

bestselling author or Whale Song

Today I was interviewed by AM770 CHQR. They were very intrigued that I'm writing a novel on my iPhone 3G.

The interview will air Saturday, October 11th on QR77's arts and culture show 'Scene & Heard', between 8:00 am - 9:00 am (Mountain Time). 

• download my email contact list in Outlook (or others) so that I have all my contacts on my phone
• call friends just by touching their name in my contact list
• activate the speaker by one touch during any call
• access the internet and enlarge parts of any website or turn the iPhone horizontally for easier reading
• send out a Twitter post in seconds
• plan my schedule in the calendar (I actually use this more now)
• use Google Maps to help me navigate and GPS to see exactly where I am and what's around me (makes ordering pizza a breeze)
• download numerous applications, music, videos etc from iTunes, plus from my computer (did that all on day 1)
• take great pictures; it's a camera too--I can view them separately or as a slideshow
• download photos from my laptop or PC to my phone
• get a TV guide app that will show me what's on TV--great for when I'm traveling (only US for now but they promise Canadian compatibility is on the way)
• get a movie app that shows me what movies are on, where and when (even in Canada!)
• gives me a direct link to YouTube so I can watch clips (get the 6G or higher data package!)
• check the weather forecast for the week--anywhere (great for when traveling!)
• check our stocks (not a pretty picture right now!)
• set world clocks (great for traveling!)
• play numerous games that I can download from iTunes (many simulate the Wii experience)
• use as an iPod, complete with headphones and speaker so I can take calls while listening to music (much like having a bluetooth)
• send and receive email (easy to read and to type)
• easily send text messages*
• type notes and email them to myself so I can save on my PC**

I am also familiar with suicide. My closest friend from childhood committed suicide years ago. And I have had my own personal battles with it in the past. Thoughts of suicide are practically an every day event for teens, and often for adults who can't cope with daily stress. Something must be done!

Karen, one of my good friends, shared with me the story of her husband's life...and his death. I was so saddened by what she told me. It brought such strong feelings within me. Most of all, I felt that her husband loved her deeply, but was just a lost soul who couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Those who choose to die can never see the light. Karen wrote me recently about an event she is participating in, one that I have supported financially and one that I hope you'll consider supporting too. Here is her message, which she has asked me to post here.

Just over two years ago my husband died as a result of suicide after a life-long battle with depression. The last two months of his life were extremely hard for him, the pain of depression hurt throughout his entire body, and medications that he was given usually made the depression worsen or had side effects that were too difficult for him and one day he threw them all away. A few days later he was gone and my life, and all who loved him, have not been the same. So many times he would tell me that assisted suicide should be legal and that one day it will be, that I could mark his words.

I met Cheryl Kaye Tardif online and began a friendship with her after reading her latest novel, “Whale Song”. I wrote to tell her how much I enjoyed the book and that I could identify with each of the characters on almost every level and how touched I was by the story. This is a book that you should read, especially those that have lost someone that they love, no matter what type of loss. To me the book was haunting, spiritual, loving, insightful...I could go on and on.

On October 11th I will be taking part in the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) Out of the Darkness Walk in Portland, Oregon. AFSP is a non-profit group that brings awareness to suicide, depression, and mental illness as well as offer support to those who have survived the loss of someone to suicide and those contemplating suicide. It is a wonderful organization that I have been involved in since my husband died. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, go to my donation page at http://tinyurl.com/677qnp.

Cheryl has graciously offered a signed and personalized copy of two of her novels, “Whale Song” and “Divine Intervention”, to the first person to donate $100 to the walk in my name. Although the walk is on October 11th, you can continue to donate until December 31, 2008. Thank you Cheryl, you’re an incredible person and incredible author!

I will definitely be very happy to give away those 2 books.

Just think: be the first to donate $100 and you'll get 2 books valued at $36. And your money is going to a very worthy cause. I will also give the recipient some bookmarks and a personalized bookplate for each book.

Please consider donating any amount. Suicide should never happen and with your help, people's lives CAN be saved.

Donate now! http://tinyurl.com/677qnp

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

author of the critically acclaimed bestselling novel Whale Song 

http://www.cherylktardif.com

I was then contacted by MIRA, a division of Harlequin, and arrangements were made for me to receive an ARC--advanced reading copy. I take this as an honor. Publishers don't like to give ARCs to just anyone.

The ARC arrived 2 days after I said yes. I can't say much about Rick's book yet--other than it is a fast-paced thriller. I'm 2/3 done, so by next Sunday you'll get to read all about it.

I've only read one other Mofina novel so far--Every Fear. You can read my review of it HERE.

Rick is a fellow Canadian author, so if you're participating in the 2nd Canadian Book Challenge, please consider any of his thrillers. You'll love them!

For more information on Rick Mofina and his novels, please visit: http://www.rickmofina.com/

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

Canadian suspense author

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

This morning a press release went out online regarding Whale Song and Dallas Rocks, a celebrity filled event happening in November. The release is #2 in "Featured Releases" on 24-7PressRelease.com.

Whale Song, a Bestselling Novel by Canadian Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, to be Gifted to Celebrities at Dallas Rocks 2008 Gala Benefit Dinner and Afterparty

DALLAS, TX, October 03, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Canadian author Cheryl Kaye Tardif is thrilled to be donating 125 copies of her bestselling novel Whale Song to the VIP bags that will go to celebrities and special guests attending Dallas Rocks 2008. This fundraising event is in support of Russell Simmons' Diamond Empowerment Fund, which helps raise funds and bring education to economically disadvantaged people in Africa who are affected by the diamond industry.

Dallas Rocks will honor legendary basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson, now retired, was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Since his retirement, he's been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, as well as a philanthropist...

To read the entire release, go HERE.

For more information, please visit Dallas Rocks.

For information on Canadian author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, please visit her website at http://www.cherylktardif.com/.

Whale Song (ISBN: 1601640072) is available at your favorite bookstore. If it's not in stock, you can have them order it in. Whale Song is also available at online retailers, including Amazon, Chapters, Barnes and Noble and many more. # # #