A SILENT STARSONG! My cover! Yep, that's how I'm starting 2014 blog posts...

I can't tell you how excited I am about this!!  I wrote Kyra's adventures long before I even thought about Heather and the MacArthur family.  The Husband-of-Awesome has been a fan of Kyra and Marne for years and years; they're his favorite of my literary "children."

AND THEY'RE FINALLY REAL!!

The fabulous Veronica V. Jones is the artist for this cover, and she made them EXACTLY how I picture them in my head.

E-X-A-C-T-L-Y!!!!

So, I'm thrilled to pieces to finally share this with you!

Here are the deets for this baby:

Title: Silent Starsong

Author: T.J. Woolridge

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.spencerhillpress.com) Please feel free to use any images, text. Links, etc. from our website.

ISBN: 9781939392930

Release Date: July 15, 2014

Formats: Paperback, e-book

If the stars were singing your future, what would you do to hear it?

Eleven-year-old Kyra Starbard has proud family legacy of interpreting the future from the stars' songs.  But her deafness, incurable by the best medics, breaks her mother's heart and pushes her father to try anything—including the expensive purchase of a telepathic alien servant to help Kyra communicate on a planet inhospitable to disability.

Marne's telepathy is too weak for his Naratsset culture, so he is sold into slavery and expects to die at the hands of cruel owners—until he meets a human child who begs her father to "save" him.  Her kindness introduces Marne to a new world—one where he would risk his life to save a human from her own people's abuse and the stars' songs can touch even a deaf girl and a defective telepath. 

But there are forces that believe Starbards, whether they can hear the stars are not, should be utterly destroyed. Can the two friends, not good enough for either of their cultures or families, manage to keep each other safe when several different worlds threaten their lives?

If you’d like to request an ARC, please use the reviewer form on our website (http://www.spencerhillpress.com/reviewers.html). ARC’s will ship in February/March 2014.

Below is the wraparound. There have been a few tweaks to the lettering/wording, but you HAVE to see how gorgeous the whole thing is!  Veronica has outdone herself!!

Happy Happenings

This Manic Monday post is brought to you by…

Moms and Happiness!!

I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day! Many hugs & blessings to you all!

Newsy Newsiness…

I have a partial MS request out for Kyra - the novel I >just might< href="http://www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com/">Stained Glass Creations and Beyond) drawing for me - and we had some great times using her hubby and each other as models.

We're also working on a more serious schedule than, "once a month, if we can possible, maybe, find one day a month where we are both free." J

And… we found a grant and are looking into it!

- more finger crossing! -

xx

BAD-ASS FAERIES 3: IN ALL THEIR GLORY is coming out end of this month!!!

Our head editor, and my friend, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, has details about the Legendary Triple Launch Party in Baltimore over Memorial Day Weekend. If you'll be at Balticon, PLEASE GO!! There are some fabulous prizes to be won, there's always great food (I’m sending Danielle my famous macaroons), and just a Bad-Ass good time!

xx

And you can still see my poem from the Eye on Life Poetry Contest at Poetry Locksmith here!

xx

This week in my blog, I've got planned a more essay-like response to the conversation on Freedom, Rights and Responsibilities of Creativity that I shared with Dr. Aimee Weinstein. Then, Foodie Friday will cover my adventures with strawberry and rhubarb and thickening agents. (Confession: Mostly, it was adventures of the Husband-of-Awesome with said ingredients: I followed directions and managed not to sneeze, cough, hack, pass out, or slice off a finger while following instructions.)

xx

The one real down note: Allergies are kicking my butt… so that's the end of this post. : ) !

Late Blogging

Late Blogging

My Monday is not quite half over, workwise, though I intended to wake up much earlier. Obviously, I was still worn out from deadlines and morning-person sleep patterns. (luv U Renée & Sean!)

I turned in all my deadline stuff Friday, in a reasonable time frame. (Before midnight to all editors!) On top of all that, I was already at Renée & Sean's for their grand opening. I helped organize the shop, cook, and felt useful… all while tapping away at said deadlines. I went to bed (after a shower - after the all nighter on Thursday night) around 1AM or so, and was up at some pre-noon hour, probably 8:30, because the store was opening at 9. (I thought it would be opening at 10… oops!) There were about 75-80 people who came into the tiny store (which is more like an open studio), and a good amount of stuff was bought, some classes were signed up for… and we busted into a FABULOUS cake by my friends at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters.

Aaand, I got about 4 pages done on the kelpie story that's been in my head for almost 2 years now. J

xx

Other news this week is that I'll be at Borders in Shrewsbury with Broad Universe friends & colleagues talking about "our maternal lines in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative fiction." The Borders event is Saturday, March 6th, and starts at 1:PM. We've also got plans for similar events at Toadstool Books in Milford New Hampshire at 7:00PM on Saturday, March 13th, and Jacob Edwards Library at 6:30 on Thursday, March 18th.

Later on this month, I'll be at Conbust in Northampton from Friday, March 26-27 - and then back home on the 28th for the Bay State Equine Rescue's Wine, Beer, and Liquor tasting at the Castle Restaurant in Leicester.

Yeah… March is quite the lion for scheduling. J April… won't be all that much better. Or May…

But it is all a good kind of busy; the kind of busy I dreamed of being as a kid when I dreamed of being a writer.

xx

Now, it's back to my own to-do list for the week, which includes more evals and follow-ups for tutoring, going through "Cemetery Angel" feedback, submitting Starbard queries (upon hearing back from one last person whose opinion I dearly respect), a restaurant review, and actually writing my Women's History Month report on Madeleine L'Engle.

Happy writing to all of you!

News of the week…

I ought to be asleep right now because sinus pressure is threatening imminent head explosion. It's either allergies or a cold; I can't tell which. Hand sanitizer stock is rising…

xx

Cyndi's surprise baby shower went off wonderfully. It was Stina's idea, and she's got it documented on Facebook, for those of you interested. Third time was, indeed, a charm as Cyn confessed, "While I was wrapping [Stina's] gift, I thought for a minute, is this another… no, they wouldn't…"

Well, we did. We surprised her for her Sweet 16, we did it for her wedding… and now for her first baby.

We <3 U Cyn!

xx

There was no Friday blog (though it is written), due to planning for abovementioned shower, and the fact I was totally exhausted from my Thursday adventures.

Thursday adventures started Wednesday… with dropping off my car at the shop.

Then, I was up at an ungodly hour to bring Scott into work, and then drive out to the Boston Animal Rescue League for an article I'm researching for Massachusetts Horse. Despite my lack of Boston-driving prowess, I managed to arrive (and later leave) with much fewer minutes (in some cases, hours) lost in the city. Boston driving still is rated as one of my LEAST favorite things to do (along with vacuuming and roller-coasters and massive surgery), but the trip was TOTALLY WORTH IT!

I'm wicked excited with everyone I met and stoked to write the article… so, I won't divulge any details until I decide what makes the cut. Regardless, make sure you get the April/May Massachusetts Horse and definitely check out their website!

They are teh awessomesauce!

xx

Oh… and after the fabulous trip to the Animal Rescue League (and during the earlier driving), I had been working out the details for obtaining a ride to collect my car (damage = $600 *Waaah!*). Renée came to my rescue, and for as late as I was running and the car was finished (left the shop at 4:45), I decided it would be a brilliant idea to just drive out to Sudbury to pick up the hubby - who was going to get out "relatively early."

Yah… well, um, he had to do more tests for his project.

8:45 and the Starbucks across from his job was mopping floors and giving us stragglers (me and three German girls) looks, and finally, he arrives. I'd written my blog post, but figured I could post it at home (without the hassle of LJ's and Blogger's confusion that: omigod, I'm posting from a different computer!).

After dinner at a great healthy Asian place next door to Starbucks called Lavender, we get home for… around 10:PM. We have to still pack for the shower trip, and after our busy days, we both need a breather.

Cue collective couch slump for Burn Notice.

Good intentions: pack between commercials.

Reality: blergh… teeveeeee

Packing accomplished by 1:AM.

Up again at 7:30 for the Chiropractor and the shower preps… and you can guess the rest.

xx

Dear Sinuses & Immune System,

I apologize for the lack of sleep and intense running around in the past several days. Can you please forgive me and blow the m*****f***ing germs and allergens out of my system now? Pretty please?

Love,

Me!

xx

Writingwise:

Just received one good friend's email about her crits of my new chap 1 for Starbard. The message went something like: "Remember, you asked for it."

Mañana… will deal with it mañana.

And then send it off to current dream agent…

Also, still some debate & good conversation regarding my post on plagiarism. ;) If you missed it, please feel free to check it again and comment.

(Cuz, good comments = good karma)

REALLY Manic Monday

It's 3:AM* and I'm just churning out my blog post. Wheeee!!

*Posting at 4:AM - sorry for not pinging you Julie!

Anyway…

Buncha stuff.

I was planning a review of the Wii Fit Plus, especially after the warm reception to my letter to the Wii Fit Plus developers on behalf of writers.

So much is going on, here's the short version.

4 weeks = lost almost four pounds. A good rate of weight loss.

Exercised using the Wii 24 of the 30 days I've been using it - not including days I've played with horses, spent over an hour stacking wood, went hiking, or played extensively on Wii Sports Resort. Results: Much more regular exercise than previous to using Wii Fit Plus.

In general, the adorable anthropomorphic Wii Balance Board character is both supportive enough and aggravating enough to make me want to return - even if it's to cuss it out. "Yeah, I do happen to trip over my feet a lot! F*ck off about it, will ya?! No, balance is NOT my friggen cup of tea. Earl Grey is… or Rooibos… or Lotus Green. Bite me. See ya' tomorrow!"

The games do make you want to exercise, too. They are short - few last more than 3 minutes - so you can see how much better you are getting (or how sh*tty a day you are having) pretty quickly. Also, you pick how strenuous you want to be and what you want to work on. While I know I can't handle some of the strength or yoga exercises yet, there's still a good 30+ different things I CAN do and not be bored (or feel like a disgusting fat-monster).

The downside to the many short exercises is the fact that your 30 minute daily workout averages about 45 minutes of time or more - especially if you include the Body Test. Make sure you set aside about an hour to commit. Also, it guilt trips you when you go on vacation. Adorable Anthropomorphic Wii Balance Board: "Is that Trish? I haven't seen you for days! I hope you are well." Trish: "Yeah, yeah… I was at a friggen convention. Deal. My husband does - and he doesn't pout at me."

Next month: Will Trish have maintained her exercise schedule and lost more weight? Stay tuned.

xx

Still on a writer's high for finishing edits on A Silent Starsong!!! I've put off the final edits on this one for… about 2 years, really. I love this story, and so does everyone who's read it… Husband-of-Awesome and Del have been pushing me constantly to send it out. But I am a perfectionist… and it's terrifying when you feel so strongly about something. Anyway, looking over my query again and sending Kyra out into the cold, cruel world of publishing.

Do I dare send it to my top-most agents? I've been stalking them long enough to know it fits what they like: voice, story, style etc. It's even a reasonable word-count for its genre (mid-grade/YA) at just over 50k. I read at least three different authors that each of these desired agents represents… no, I FAN <3 at least three different authors that each of these agents represents. (I found out about said agents because I also "stalk" these authors.)

Aaah - the anxiety!!!!

Wish me luck!!!!

xx

The reason this post is at 3AM is because I traded guest-blog spots with my sales colleague, Rick Roberge. J You'll see some guestwork from him here on Wednesday, and I'll let you know when my post (or posts, because my 1000-word averages are… a bit long for his blog) runs on his page.

xx

I won another award!

It reads more like an Interwebz Meme, but I was rather happy with it. Thank you very much, The Pirate's Bounty!

Kreativ Blogger award: tell 7 secrets and tag 7 people.1. I try to eat healthy, but love food so much that portion control becomes an issue.2. I have a bad habit of falling into leadership positions, doing well at them, and then complaining I have no time to fulfill them.3. Part of my procrastination process comes from pride that I can get something done - and done well - no matter the odds.

4. I occasionally fail due to procrastination, but not enough and not badly enough to prevent the practice.
5. I am still a sucker for fun pop songs.6. I am becoming disenchanted with Massachusetts as a state.7. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was about 12 or 13 - till I realized I might have to defend people who were bad.Now to pass it along:

TokyoWriter
Kelly A. Harmon
GirlWriters
the voices in my head
In Common with Humans
Obligated to Exaggerate
The Teresa Jusino Experience

J I don't actually know the criteria for this award, so my criteria: not-already-really-famous people who's blogs I enjoy on a regular basis - or who I will visit when they remind me they've updated.

Or: People with blogs who deserve more positive attention.

Oh, and if you don't respond to the Meme, that's fine… I am happy for an excuse to tout your blogs. ;)

Congrat's y'all because I think you are fabulous!

Happy Week!

Vacation!

Some people would complain if it snowed on their vacation. Not me.

Snow is falling outside, Husband-of-Awesome is sprawled on the couch watching the Pat's game, and I'm having some quality time with Rosie. It's kind of funny, because he's paying as much attention to me as I am to him – though we keep talking to each other.

(The exception is during my moments of maximum expletive vocalization because I keep screwing up on my slightly smaller keyboard – or I can't remember my damned bank security questions. That seems to get his attention.)

Anyway, falling outside is lovely snow that we have to neither shovel nor move nor drive in. And a beautiful grey and white-capped ocean outside our balcony. The heat works great, and while I miss the crackling wood stove, it's very nice to not have to get up every 20-30 minutes to maintain it.

We have plenty of wine and alcohol, and I brought all my beta reader comments to Starbard, my sketchpad, pencils, and watercolors. Scott also picked me up Heat Wave – because I wanted it. I have many choices of what I will do in this welcome snow-in: all things I WANT to do – including editing Starbard.

Breakfast food and leftovers from yesterday's family Yule party sustain us for the night. It should be cleared up tomorrow – and we may attempt a winter hike or ocean walk. Just because. Or we may visit some distilleries or vineyards or galleries. Or we may stay in again.

It's up to us.

We don't HAVE to be accountable or organized.

We're on vacation.

Life is good.

xx

Decided to work on Kyra, so I spent a good 9 hours or so going through the hefty pile of feedback I'd gotten over a year earlier. I took extra special care on the Husband-of-Awesome's comment because one of the things I've always appreciated about him is his honesty.

I'm okay if he says a pair of jeans isn't flattering on me. It means I don't look bad going out.

I'm even better when he tells me a scene isn't working. It would be something an editor or agent would definitely catch.

Also, his enthusiasm for the Starbard has been a great push. He wouldn't be excited if there wasn't anything to be excited about.

So, now, I have a good 6 inches of commented pages between him and others to work on… and he's perfectly comfy watching TV while I type away.

Yay!

xx

Oh, and an aside cool thing about this place is the nifty journals they keep in the room. I took a few breaks between versions of Starbard to look at the other entries and add some of my own.

Analog blogging!

Would it be bad form to leave a business card in the pages?

I was too excited to work on Starbard to take pix today, but I did yesterday before the snow fell.

Why bring this up?

Because the other really cool thing about this place is the ocean is outside my door.