Cheryl McKay

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About Cheryl McKay

Cheryl McKay has been professionally writing since 1997. Cheryl wrote the screenplay for The Ultimate Gift, based on Jim Stovall's novel. The award-winning film stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Abigail Breslin and was released in theaters by Fox in 2007. Cheryl also wrote the DVD for Gigi: God's Little Princess, another book adaptation based on the book by Sheila Walsh, as well as the Wild and Wacky, Totally True Bible Stories audio series and books with Frank Peretti. Her screenplay, Never the Bride, has been adapted into a novel for Random House Publishers and was released in June 2009. She also released Finally the Bride: Finding Hope While Waiting, the non-fiction version of Never the Bride, and her autobiography, Finally Fearless: Journey from Panic to Peace. Cheryl recently co-wrote two faith-based feature films, Extraordinary and Indivisible. Cheryl and her husband relocated from Los Angeles to Atlanta, Georgia (aka "Little Hollywood").

Visit her website: www.purplepenworks.com or the ministry she runs with her husband, finallyone.com. Her new website for the Dates with God series is: www.dateswithGod.com.

Twitter: @PurplePenWorks

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Titles By Cheryl McKay

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Never the Bride: A Novel May 27, 2009

by Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl McKay

( 124 )

$14.99

“What girl can’t identify with Never the Bride? This is a fabulously funny novel with deep truths embedded in its pages.” –Kristin Billerbeck, author of What a Girl Wants

“I admire writers who employ words to paint touchable pictures, likable characters, introducing us to instant friends who lead us to unexpected endings. That’s why I love Never The Bride.” –SQuire Rushnell, author of the When GOD Winks books

Eleven Bridesmaid Dresses Don’t Lie

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?

Cheryl McKay is the screenwriter for the award-winning film The Ultimate Gift. She also wrote an episode of Gigi: God’s Little Princess, based on the book by Sheila Walsh, and Taylor’s Wall, a drama about high-school violence. She’s been writing since the tender age of five when she penned her first play. Cheryl is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Los Angeles.

Rene Gutteridge is a critically acclaimed comedy writer and novelist. She is the author of fifteen novels including the Boo series, My Life as a Doormat, the Occupational Hazards series, and the novelization of the motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She lives in Oklahoma with her family.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , Audio CD

Novelizations - How to Adapt Scripts Into Novels: A Writing Guide for Screenwriters and Authors Aug 5, 2014

by Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl McKay

( 14 )

$4.99

Novelizations - How to Adapt Scripts Into Novels
A Writing Guide for Screenwriters and Authors

Are you an author who wants to explore the business of adapting screenplays into novels?
Are you a screenwriter who'd like to see your unproduced script written as a novel, to help get your film made?
Are you a screenwriter who wants to adapt your own script into a novel?

This book is for you.

Novelizations used to pump business for existing movies and TV shows, but now a fast-growing trend has publishers contracting authors to pen novel adaptations based on scripts that haven't been produced--yet. At least until the novel raises awareness about the script and gives it a life of its own. It's a win-win for all creative writers.

If you are a novelist, you can benefit from learning the craft of adapting scripts into books. You may just end up penning a novelization that will one day be a film. There is an art to this form of adaptation that may differ from starting a novel from scratch.

If you're a screenwriter who is sitting on a gem of a script, what are you waiting for? We'll give you tips on how to team up with a novelist. Or you, too, can learn to adapt your screenplay as a novel. Just like screenwriting, there's a craft to be honed. With the whole story and characters of that script already in place, you're half way there.

Want to learn the trade secrets of this burgeoning business? Look no further. Using specific, side-by-side examples that compare script pages to novel pages, writing team Cheryl McKay (the screenwriter) and Rene Gutteridge (the novelist) share their experiences, tips, and know-how on adapting scripts into novels. Covering everything from creative technique to collaborative contracts, Novelizations: How to Adapt Scripts Into Novels is an invaluable tool for both screenwriters and novelists to successfully master this highly specialized art form.

* * *

RENE GUTTERIDGE is the one of the go-to authors for novelizations. She has written Old Fashioned, Heart of the Country, and Just 18 Summers for Tyndale. CHERYL MCKAY, screenwriter of The Ultimate Gift (which Gutteridge also novelized), has worked with Gutteridge on the novelizations for her scripts, Never the Bride for Random House and Greetings from the Flipside for B&H Publishing.

Other Formats: Paperback

Finally the Bride - Finding Hope While Waiting: The Single Woman’s Guide to the Wait for a Husband and Marriage Mar 5, 2014

by Cheryl McKay

( 104 )

$5.99

Why Would God Care About My Love Life?

From the woman behind the screenplay and novel, Never the Bride, comes a roller coaster of a love story with God. Cheryl McKay pulls no punches about what it's really like to be single, with your age creeping up, and no end in sight to the wait for love and marriage.

It seems that many years ago, God asked Cheryl to surrender the pen she was using to write her love story. All He wanted was carte blanche. No problem, right? Cheryl tentatively conceded--that is, until it became apparent that the Almighty had no intention of conforming to her writing schedule, much less the tick of her biological clock. In fact, He blew every deadline she ever attempted to set. As romance seemed to pass Cheryl by, she couldn't help but question: Could God really be trusted to bring her the love of her life?

Written during a long wait, this book opens up Cheryl's painfully honest, personal journals. She explores what it's like to enlist in God's Marriage Boot Camp, and how to survive singlehood year after solitary year. She wrestles with her Creator over multiple best friends that never see her "that way." Then there are those lists of what she wanted--you know, the ones she revised a billion times then laminated for safekeeping. She watches, bewildered, as much younger women find love that seems to elude her.

Through it all, she falls head over heels for a God who proves Himself to be as resistant to her controls as He is faithful beyond her wildest dreams.

Are you still waiting? Have you lost hope? Venture to victory with a woman who knows just how hard it is to wait for the day when you are Finally the Bride.

This book includes a collection of real-life God-written love stories by such authors as SQuire Rushnell & Louise DuArt (God Winks Series, Couples Who Pray), and Victorya Michaels Rogers (Finding a Man Worth Keeping).

If you purchase the Kindle version, get the audio book for 1.99 through Amazon / audible.

Cheryl McKay is the screenwriter of the award winning film, The Ultimate Gift, and co-author of the ACFW/Carol Award winning novel, Never the Bride. Cheryl keeps her purple pen busy through Purple PenWorks. She's also released a new book series called Dates With God.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Love's a Stage - a romantic comedy: Divine Romance Collection Nov 17, 2017

by Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl McKay

( 8 )

$2.99

From the award-winning writing team that brought you Never the Bride comes a comedy romance novel.

Can This Show Really Go On?

Grad student and budding marriage counselor Aly Brewster has had it all.

Perfect childhood. Perfect parents. Now she's on track for a dream life of her own. Stage One: finish her Masters. Stage Two: build a successful practice. Stage Three: find a husband at twenty-six. But Aly's idyllic bubble bursts when her parents' news blindsides her: they're getting a divorce.

Actor Nick Armstrong has been gaga over Aly since freshman year. He relishes his place in her Friend Zone just to be near her. But after five years as just best buds--it's time to move on.

Suddenly, the usually-unflappable Aly begs Nick to help save her parents' marriage. Nick hatches the perfect plan. They'll fake an engagement to each other. Their act will inspire her parents to save their marriage. And who knows? Maybe this fake engagement could trigger real feelings.

Diving into character, Aly ups the ante on their act, complete with plans for staging a wedding on her parents' boat, duplicating their wedding day. More actors are cast to pose as Nick's family. As the lines between acting and reality blur, these feigned fiancés must choose. Will this become more than just a play?

Or will they exit stage right--alone?

Order your copy of Love's a Stage: a romantic comedy today.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

All About Courage (Mr. Henry's Wild & Wacky Bible Stories Book 3) Mar 3, 2003

by Cheryl McKay, Bill Ross, Frank E. Peretti

( 4 )

$4.49

Mr. Henry knows that kids can have many different fears. That's why he shares the victories of some of the Bible's bravest characters: David, Esther, and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Forget suits of armor and superhero outfits, Mr. Henry says. Asking God for courage and strength is the slingshot any child can use to defeat life's giants. With perfect aim, Mr. Henry shows what can happen when we stand strong and take our best shot for God.

Other Formats: Hardcover

All About Obedience (Mr. Henry's Wild & Wacky Bible Stories Book 1) Dec 30, 2002

by Cheryl McKay, Bill Ross, Frank E. Peretti

( 5 )

$4.49

No kid likes to follow all the rules, but Mr. Henry has a funny way of showing that it's totally cool to obey the Lord. Children will come to see that the garden's bananas taste a lot better than the snake's baloney, that it's no fun being fish food at the bottom of the sea, and that red rope licorice goes very well with Jericho crumb cake. It's a smorgasbord of biblical truths about why obeying God always tastes good.

Other Formats: Hardcover

All About Faith (Mr. Henry's Wild & Wacky Bible Stories Book 2) Mar 3, 2003

by Cheryl McKay, Bill Ross, Frank E. Peretti

( 5 )

$4.49

What happens when kids mix a little faith with a big God? They get giant results, as Mr. Henry reveals in his humorous renditions of three Bible classics - Noah and the Ark, Moses and the Israelites, and Daniel and the Lion's Den. From the Moose that licks Noah's nose and the pot of Golden Calf Soup the Israelites drink, to the crazy dreams of crabby King Nebbie and the hungry faces of lions looking for lunchmeat, children won't forget these tales and the truth that there is no other way but to trust and obey.

Other Formats: Hardcover

All About Helping Others (Mr. Henry's Wild & Wacky Bible Stories Book 4) Mar 3, 2003

by Cheryl McKay, Bill Ross, Frank E. Peretti

( 3 )

$4.49

God loves us just the way we are, and He wants us to love each other, too! That's what Mr. Henry wants kids to learn as he retells these stories from the Bible: the Good Samaritan, Jesus and the disciples, and Jesus and the little children. In his own wacky way, Mr. Henry teaches some of the most important principles of helping one another.

Other Formats: Hardcover

25 Dates With God - Volume One: Adventures in Faith (An Inspirational Devotional Series Book 1) Dec 2, 2016

by Cheryl McKay

( 11 )

$2.99

Venture into a Heavenly Romance

Imagine it. The Creator of the universe longs for time with you. The Lover of your soul is asking you out on a series of dates. He patiently awaits your response. The Almighty calls:

"Come away with Me, My beloved."

You may love God with all of your heart. You might long for creative ways to express yourself. Maybe you're asking these questions:

What do dates with God look like?

How can I fall in love with Jesus?

Take a bold step of faith. Become intentional about how you interact with God. Accept the divine invitation. Pursue the One who pursues you with a love beyond compare. Explore new depths of spiritual intimacy in your supernatural relationship through these 25 dates with God.

From the screenwriter of The Ultimate Gift, co-author of Never the Bride, and author of Finally the Bride: Finding Hope While Waiting

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

25 Dates With God - Volume Three: Falling in Love With Jesus (An Inspirational Devotional Series Book 3) Sep 6, 2019

by Cheryl McKay

( 3 )

$2.99

Fall Head Over Heels in Love with Jesus Imagine it.

The Creator of the universe longs for time with you. The Lover of your soul is asking you out on a series of dates. He patiently awaits your response. The Almighty calls: "Come away with Me, My beloved."

With every date of your heavenly adventure, you will fall deeper in love with Jesus, the One who stretched out His arms and died for you. He is calling for a deeper love relationship with you.

Are you ready to answer the call?

Will you accept Jesus’ invitation into a greater love story?

Journey through 25 more dates, including indoor hideaways for fall and winter. Curl up with the One who loves you beyond imagining.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Greetings from the Flipside: A Novel Oct 15, 2013

by Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl McKay

( 65 )

$9.99

Hope Landon has been rewriting other people’s greeting cards since she was six years old. There’s always a funnier caption in there somewhere. She’s ready to chase her creative dreams in New York City with her fiancé—until he leaves Hope at the altar.

That may give her something to write about . . .

Hope disappears for the time that would have been the couple’s month-long honeymoon, and upon returning learns of her own funeral. Everyone concluded Hope must have killed herself after being jilted. Needing a fresh start more than ever, she heads for the Big Apple only to discover it isn’t easy to rent a place when you’ve been declared dead.

Taking shelter at the YMCA, Hope lands a job at an inspirational greeting card company assisting Jake, the guy who shut down his organization’s humor department. She has lost her faith in love; he needs to find something or someone that will make him laugh again.

Fun and faithful, Greetings from the Flipside will keep turning over in your mind.

Other Formats: Paperback

25 Dates With God - Volume Two: Courting Spiritual Intimacy (An Inspirational Devotional Series Book 2) Jun 15, 2018

by Cheryl McKay

( 5 )

$2.99

Court Deeper Spiritual Intimacy

Imagine it. The Creator of the universe longs for time with you. The Lover of your soul is asking you out on a series of dates. He patiently awaits your response. The Almighty calls:

"Come away with Me, My beloved."

If you've already begun your Dates with God journey through another volume of this series, perhaps you are ready to go deeper into the fresh waters of spiritual intimacy. Maybe you're asking these questions:

What does divine courtship look like?

How can I go even deeper with God?

Continue in your bold step of faith. Explore new depths of spiritual intimacy in your supernatural relationship through the next 25 Dates With God.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

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