Spaghetti BBT visits The Blood Red Pencil - Stop #5

The Blood Red Pencil, is run by a group of editors and writers, who have a lot to say, so they carry a big red pencil so they can say it loudly, clearly, and with emphasis.

Chuck in all his glory.

Hmm, well I haven't fact checked the actual size of their pencil, but I imagine it is colossally large. In my mind it resembles Selkirk's Chuck the Channel Cat, but far less fishy.

The goal of their site is to help writers by blogging about what they know best – editing.

Dani, 1st Reader Extraordinaire

Dani Greer is hosting me on the BRP site and I couldn't be more pleased. Dani heads up the Blog Blook Tours group and started this group of fearless Blood-Red Pencil editors. She has great information for authors trying to set up their own blog tours and is an advisory board member and special projects coordinator at Little Pickle Press. She also critiques and edits manuscripts, with special attention to period details and voice in historical novels and plot resolution in her favorite cozy mystery genre.

Dani is also Little Pickle Press's first reader, which means she was the first person to read my submission of Spaghetti. If it didn't make it past the "Dani Test," Connor's story would remain on my hard drive, not brought to life by Sarah Ackerley's beautiful illustrations.

So come over to The Blood-Red-Pencil and feel free to share with us your favourite, enormous road-side attraction!

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

I know everything about Dinosaurs, Dogs,
and Math!

Spaghetti BBT Stop #4 - Confessions of an Asperger's Mom

Not the expert mom with all the answers
- the mom who can't stop looking for them.

I had the distinct pleasure of "meeting" Karen Wesley Weaver, the host of today's blog stop, on Friday December 7, 2012.

The date is firmly etched in my brain as that was the date Little Pickle Press posted Karen's book review of Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food on their website.

I was especially nervous as Karen and her family are exactly who Spaghetti was written for - families with kids on the spectrum.

Would she like it? Would she think I had done her boys justice? Would she see the merit in Connor's story?

Thankfully she said "yes" to all the above and posted a glowing review.

I'm ecstatic that she is hosting me today on her blog, Confessions of an Asperger's Mom. Karen is an Autism Advocate, Writer and full-time Mother to two boys on the autism spectrum, who are now in middle and high school. She blogs about her journey and also administrates an online support community for Autism and Asperger's Parents on Facebook. 

Karen is an outspoken and passionate advocate and I encourage you to seek her out on her blog, Facebook and Twitter. You'll be inspired, encouraged, and most of all welcomed.

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Connor just wants to be as cool as everyone else...

Spaghetti BBT #3 - Mom-Ology - 'Cause Momma Knows Best

Advocate of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The third stop on my virtual tour (doesn't that sound like I'm part of  the Matrix?) is at the awesome blog site; Mom-Ology, where advocacy and action meet.

Jen is the mastermind behind Mom-Ology and is a stay-at-home Mom of an 8 year old boy on the Autism spectrum (a.k.a. Bean).  She started blogging in November 2011, shortly after she started homeschooling her son.  She's married, and has been for 11 years.  Her hubby (a.k.a. Hubby) is an avid martial artist and together they run a specialized program for kids on the Autism spectrum.

Jen also has 2 golden retrievers; Ollie and Jorga (pronounced Georgia).  Ollie is Bean’s autism service dog and Jorga… well, she’s known as ‘The Spazmanian Devil’.  They add just a little more craziness to their lives, which they thoroughly enjoy!

One of Jen's big passions is raising autism awareness. she is an active advocate in the community for both autism and autism service dogs.  She's also a supporter of the I CARE Foundation and the work that they are doing to help end International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA).  Not only will you see a number of things on her blog in reference to autism, but also related to IPCA.

She's a proud Canadian blogger and loves to share Canadian content. Jen's my first stop with a fellow Canadian and it is a true honor to be hosted on her site. Plus, she and her post absolutely rock and we are going to have oodles of fun today! 

So click over to Mom-Ology; you'll find support, community, and great resources.

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Connor's Story - Quirky, laugh-out-loud fun!

Spaghetti Blog Book Tour - It's Not all Gravy Stop 2B

The Lovely and Talented
Maryann Miller

You may be asking yourself, at this very moment,

"How did that newbie author from the Great Plains of Canada get hosted by the likes of Maryann Miller?"

I keep asking myself that very same question and keep coming out with the same Karma-esque answer, "Because Maryann's from Texas." 

Confused? Let me enlighten you, Jodi-Style.

There is something about Texans that I'm drawn to. Maybe it's because I'm only two left turns and 1,200 miles from literally driving down Main Street, Dallas. 

It would be a 20 hour drive, I'd be mighty tired, and the tolls in Kansas and Oklahoma would confuse they heck out of me, but it is a possibility.

Or maybe it's because we're both prairie folks - albeit there's a ton more snow and far more -20 degree days up here in Manitoba - but we both have wide open spaces that let our imaginations float free for mile after mile or kilometre after kilometre. However you measure it, there's a lot of land to daydream across.

Maryann's blog is a "commentary about life and writing, and the absurdities of the human condition." 

As a journalist and author for twenty years, she has amassed credits for feature articles and short fiction in numerous national and regional publications. She has several non-fiction books in print, including the award winning, Coping With Weapons and Violence In Your School and on Your Streets.

Maryann is the Theatre Director at the art center, where she had the privilege of directing one of her original plays several years ago. She enjoys directing, especially working with young performers, and every summer holds a two-week Youth Drama Camp. When not directing, Miller likes to be onstage and has appeared in "Squabbles" as Mildred at the Main Street Theatre in Sulphur Springs, where she also appeared as Mama Wheelis in "Daddy's Dying, Whose Got the Will?" and Martha Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace." 

When not writing or "playing" on stage, Miller enjoys her little ranch in East Texas where she lives with her husband.

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Being a caveman, eating spaghetti is not as
cool as it sounds.

Spaghetti Blog Book Tour - Magic Dog Press - Stop 2A!

They're a Heinz 57 Publisher
(& they're house broken. Almost.)

I am thrilled to be hosted at Magic Dog Press for my second (part A) blog tour stop.

They are a "growth stage" publisher, supportive of other innovative presses such as Little Pickle Press.

Here's a wee bit about Magic Dog, in their own words:

"It's a mongrel, that's what it is. There's nothing purebred about anything we do.

Our books don't fit neatly into genres. Our picture books spill into our biographies which spill into our novels which spill into our children's books which spill into our posters. And everything's just a hair off-beam. We espouse vulgarity. We cultivate irreverence. We hold barbecues with sacred cows. We're not biters, but we might very well have an accident on your rug.

Your favourite rug.

But we'll wag our tails and lick your hand afterwards. We're storytellers. We might tell the story in words, in pictures, or on a t-shirt, but always, always, it's there-- even if it can't be told in mixed company.

We're new in town; check back with us for things new, strange, and possibly wiggly and damp."

Magic Dog Press isn't afraid of trying something new and step outside the box of traditional publishing - just like my rockin' publisher, Little Pickle Press.

So come on over to Magic Dog; you'll like what you find.

Here are the other blog stops on the Spaghetti tour:

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8   -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Humorous, quirky, and down-right lovable, 8 year-old Connor!

All Aboard the Spaghetti Blog Tour! Stop #1!

http://amzn.com/B00ADVR54U

Hey Friends!

Today's the first day of my Spaghetti Blog Book Tour! 

First stop - Flannery Sullivan's: Living on the Spectrum: The Connor Chronicles.

Connor, Flannery's seven-year-old son, has severe ADHD and mild Asperger’s.  He is their pride and joy, as well as their biggest challenge.

Her blog discusses her every day struggles and accomplishments and is a wonderful resource for other parents with children on the spectrum.

As an advocate for ASD, Flannery is a strong supporter of the Facebook site;  Austism Shines. The website is quickly growing in popularity and is a place to say, “this is my amazing, beautiful child,” as well as a place for adult autistics to say, “look at me, I’m just like YOU!”

I hope you'll join me along the way as I scoot around the Internet sharing my Connor's story with the world.

Here are the stops I'll be making. Just click on the blog site names and...presto you'll be there! 

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Here's a quick summary of my book:

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Now available on Amazon! Click here to easily purchase your eBook.

Blog Book Tour - FAQ

Come January 7th, I will officially begin the 

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons Blog Book Tour.

When I told my family and friends about this exciting week long event, I received countless blank stares. So, I thought I'd better get a' bloggin' about...bloggin'!

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions, which should provide a good review of how a BBT works.

Q. What exactly is a blog book tour?

A. It's an online book tour that stops at various blog sites, where the book in question is discussed. In this case, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food.

This can be done, by posting a book review or by conducting an interview with the writer - aka Yours Truly. Once the host blogger posts their review or Q & A, a lively discussion follows.

Q. Who can post comments or ask questions?

A. Well, anyone - which includes you! Maybe you are wondering how writers come up with ideas. Perhaps you relate to one of the characters and you want to share your experiences with others. Or you may possibly want to know what Connor's favourite color is - who knows? But if you ask it, I'll try to answer it.

Q. Am I obligated to buy the book if I follow the blog tour?

A. Absolutely not! But, of course we hope you fall in love with Connor and want to read Spaghetti from cover to cover. Or give it as a gift. Or share it with your students. Really the possibilities are nearly endless!

Q. Why isn't there a "traditional" book tour?

A. Although jetting from city to city is a writer's dream, the world of publishing has changed immensely over the past 5 to 10 years. Extravagant book launch tours are a thing of the past and are now reserved for the biggest names in literature.

Q. Who hosts the blog stops?

A. Extremely awesome bloggers, with large followings have graciously agreed to host our tour.

Q. Are there any other benefits to taking a virtual tour?

A. Most definitely. Blog tours create permanent posts discussing Spaghetti. They'll be there...FOREVER. If you're 21 and posted pictures of your Spring Break trip to Daytona Beach, this may be a problem, but for authors this is MARVELLOUS! When readers are searching for information about a book, author, or topic, up will pop these blog posts.

Q. How do I know where the Spaghetti Tour will be stopping?

A. Here are the dates and blogs that I'll be visiting. (Click on the Blog Sites and you will be magically taken to their outstanding blogs.)


January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

Hope to "see" you there!

Happy New Year - Blogging Style!

www.hellolidy.com

Happy New Year!

2012 was one fine year.

So many great things happened over those 12 months, that I was sad to bid it adieu, farewell, au videsen, good-night.

Yes, I watched The Sound of Music over the Christmas holiday. Twice. And replayed my favourite songs, singling loudly, proudly and completely tonelessly.

Nothing says Merry Christmas better than the sound of a yodelling, possibly dying, moose. 

You'd think my children would've been horrified. Nuh-uh. They were only mildly annoyed. They rolled their unamused eyes, with perfection, and popped in their ear buds, tuning out my loud braying. Kids. No accounting for taste.

But, 2013 has been rung-in with excitement and huge plans for the future of Connor and his adventures in Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons. 

www.themovieblog.com

Firmly at the helm and driving Spaghetti upward and onward is my fearless, tireless, and possibly genius publisher, Rana DiOrio. Every few weeks, she whispers to me another few words of her Master Plan, and my heart leaps, my mind whirls with the possibilities. Oh, and she has plans. Big, audacious plans.

Top Secret, "Jodi, you must keep this to yourself until the time is right," plans.

Argh. Being quiet is extremely difficult for someone whose dreams are soaring to heights only dreamt in private. Plus, I'm a might bit excitable. It's part of my very nature. It sits right next to my hyper rabbit-talk, and fidgety feet. It occupies the space where patience lives, in people other than moi.

And I've tried to keep pace with Rana. I've even tried to "out-think" her plan. To "expect" her next whisper, but every time she astounds me. Trying to keep up with her, is like chasing the wind - and she's a mighty Nor-Easter that is hell heck bent on success. (Keeping it family friendly, peeps.)

What I can share is the news of my upcoming 

Blog Book Tour, running January 7 - 13th. 

Come join us for some laughs and find out more about Connor and how he came to be.

Here are the dates and blogs that I'll be visiting: (Click on the Blog Sites and you will be magically taken to their outstanding blogs.)

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADVR54U/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Calling all Tweeters #Spaghettiparty is ON!

Oh, so Purpley.

Happy St. Stephens Day! Happy Boxing Day!

You're invited to my very first Twitter Party! It promises to be a hilariously tasty time.

 

When: Today from 10am to Noon CST

Where: On The Twitter

How: Follow us using #spaghettiparty

As you can see from my photo, I dressed up in all my finest purple attire. (It is a party, after all.) And as my eldest daughter announced this morning (ala Will Ferrel - Buddy the Elf)

"Good Morning Mommy, that's a nice purple top, its very purpley."

I'll take that as a compliment.

New to twitter, or looking to make following the Spaghetti Party easier?

Click here http://tweetchat.com/ and get setup on Twitter Chat. When asked for the hashtag to follow, simply type in #spaghettiparty.

 

Hope to get tweeting with you soon!

Dare to Dream It!

www.wildthingsrunfree.com

Dare to Dream It! Work to Achieve It! 

This is the motto at the amazing school I work at as an extremely part time secretary. I've had a lot of jobs and I can easily say, working at Linden Meadows School is the best job - ever - outside of writing - which, for me, is too exhilarating to be classified as work.

Writing is my passion and something I need to do - like breathing. Or eating mountains of chocolate.

Yes, I know.
My brows are Tres Brooke Shields.
I'm hoping for a spa day from Santa.

This week has been filled with awesome moments that have confirmed that listening to Drew and my fellow Anitas to NOT quit writing, back in January, was the best decision I have made all year. Perhaps even the best decision I've made in the past several years.

On Monday I picked up my gorgeous Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and Other Life Lessons) posters from Prolific printers. A huge thank you to Rana DiOrio, Chief Executive Pickle of Little Pickle Press for donating them to our fundraising campaign for Asperger Manitoba Inc. We'll be selling them at various events over the next 6 months and all proceeds go to Asperger Manitoba.

Today, whilst picking up meatballs and lingonberry jam at IKEA, I received a surprising email, which sent me happy dancing around the cinnamon bun display.

I've been accepted into the Sheldon Oberman Mentorship Program run through The Manitoba Writers' Guild! Over the next 5 months I work with a mentor on my Young Adult manuscript, Who Needs Romeo - A Tale of a Modern Day Juliet. Being accepted into this program, is a true honor and is exactly what I need to get Who Needs Romeo, publication ready.

Here's a brief bio of my mentor, Carolyn Gray. 

Mentor. 

How utterly cool is that? 

Carolyn Gray, who is a Winnipeg writer, actor, director, designer, and puppeteer. She is a founding member of Adhere and Deny Object Puppet Theatre, helmed by Grant Guy. Her full-length play, The Elmwood Visitation, was produced by Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2007 and won the Manitoba Day Award for excellence in archival research. Catarinetta was produced by the MTYP Junior Company the following year. Her most recent play, North Main Gothic (Scirocco), premiered this April with Theatre Projects Manitoba. Gray was the 2008 winner of the John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer.


Follow this link to find out more about the Sheldon Oberman Mentorship program: http://www.mbwriter.mb.ca/programs-services/the-sheldon-oberman-mentorship-program/

Looking to join the Manitoba Writers' Guild? Click on this link: http://www.mbwriter.mb.ca/


Find out more about Asperger Manitoba here: http://www.asperger-manitoba.ca/

Fellow writers, do NOT lose hope. Keep the faith. 

Follow your passion and keep on writing.

Dare to Dream It! Work to Achieve It!

www.austinwilcox.tumblr.com

First Review of Spaghetti - a Hit!

http://amzn.to/VmKP08

I have to admit, I was terribly nervous when I opened Little Pickle Press' site this morning.

The first Friday of every month is a big day for the LPP blog. It's when they feature a review of a children's book - either one of their own, or another title that has caught their interest.

My heart leaped at the first few sentences and when I got to the following section of her review, I shouted to Drew to come and read along with me. (It's always best to share your most joyous moments with your best friend.)

"The story kept me interested and audibly laughing all the way through. I fell in love with Connor's honesty and desire to share his passion with everyone he meets on his journey. I couldn't wait to see what challenge he would face next, from dealing with peers to his teacher in the classroom."

 

Karen Wesley Weaver reviewed Spaghetti and is an Autism Advocate, Writer and full-time Mother to two boys on the autism spectrum, who are now in middle and high school. She blogs about her journey raising them at http://confessionsofanaspergersmom.blogspot.ca/ She also administrates an online support community for Autism and Asperger's Parents on Facebook.

Karen, and her boys are exactly who we're looking to reach with Connor's story. Karen seeing her own sons' journeys reflected in Connor's day, is exactly what I dreamt would happen.

You can read the whole book review by clicking on this link: http://blog.littlepicklepress.com/2012/12/book-review-spaghetti-is-not-finger.html

Here's the link to Amazon, so you too can purchase a copy of Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons: http://amzn.to/VmKP08

Looking for an autographed copy of Spaghetti?

 

Please click on the Authorgraph button on the side bar and send me a request. I will happily write a personalized note that you can keep with your Kindle books.

Spaghetti - Now Available on Amazon!

WOOHOO! It's here!

Launch day, at last.

So thrilled to finally have my first chapter book ready for young readers.

It is now available on Amazon for your Kindle.

 

Please click here to puchase your copy: http://amzn.to/VmKP08

Don't have a Kindle?

For your convenience I have listed various links for you to download a Kindle app, allowing you to read Spaghetti on your PC, Mac, Android or iPad. Once your app is installed follow the same link to Amazon and you're good to go.

App Links:

 

Click here for PC

Click here for Mac

Click here for Android

Click here for iPad

In 91 days, Spaghetti will become available on iOS, NOOK, KOBO and Sony eReaders. We're pushing for a print copy, and once we get a large enough order we'll be full steam ahead for a paperback, too!

Spaghetti, in summary:

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

I Caught the Paper Chase!

I admit it.

That is the cheesiest blog title, I have ever dreamt up and certainly in all of the blogophere.

Yet, I kinda like it!

I just got the word from Bob Armstrong, Winnipeg Free Press journalist extraordinaire, that a blurb about c'est moi will make it to this Saturday, December 1st's Paper Chase column. Unless it needs to be cut for space issues, then it will be in the December 8th edition.

(But still, it's 99% a sure thing!)

So, Winnipeggers, if you don't already get the Saturday paper, why not check it out this weekend? Bob's column is superb and you may even see my smiley face.

Here's the link to the book section of the paper. I'll update with a permanent link once it is available:

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/books/

 

 

3,2,1...Book Launch!

 

 

Bazinga!  

 

We're down to the wire, the final few days to...

 

"Da-da-da-daaaaaa! Book Launch Day!"

There's been a flurry of activity as we set up the marketing for Spaghetti. Blog posts on other sites, interviews, designing posters for Asperger Manitoba, that sort of authory thing. It's made me even more thankful for the community of writers both here in Winnipeg and alive and well on the World Wide Web.

Nothing like finding a million other people, just like yourself, chasing that same publishing dream and willing to help first time authors find their way.

I was fortunate to get connected with two wonderfully supportive writers who have outstanding blogs and on December 3rd I'll have a guest post up on each.

Stephen Tremp at http://www.breakthroughblogs.blogspot.ca/ has a diverse and vibrant blog that has something for everyone. Throughout December he's opening his blog to guest bloggers, so visit often, the tone and subject will change daily.

Michelle Weidenbenner's blog teaches adults and teens how to write. She's partnered with Robin McClure and their funny and uplifting blog can be found at  http://randomwritingrants.com/. It is a terrific site for writers, both new to the business and those who'd like to polish their skills.

More news to follow as dates are confirmed!

 

Top 3 Book Launch Emotions

Lucky number 7.

 

That’s how many days left, until Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, launches into the digital world.

 

For the past two weeks, I’ve slept very little. It feels like I’m counting down to the most incredible Christmas morning of my life.

 

I’m a natural born insomniac, so all this launch fervour has kept me awake for much of the night, every night. On the plus side of being awake at 2:00 a.m., I’ve had loads of extra time to surf the net, get lost on Pinterest, and narrow down all my heightened feelings into a top 3 list. Oh, how I love a good list. (And chocolate. Just sayin.')  

 

My Top 3 Book Launch Emotions:

 1. Excitement – that my first book is being published. I’ve actually given myself migraines after speaking with my publisher. On numerous occasions. True story.

 2. Trepidation – what if I sell so few copies, my publishes wails to the heavens and refuses to return my emails? (Even when they are loaded with super-smiley-faced emoticons.) I quell this fear with kilograms and kilograms (pounds and pounds) of M&M’s and Caramel Kisses.

3. Hope – I am riding a Tidal Wave of Hope.

Hope that Connor’s story will reach our desired audience – Asperger Syndrome kids and their families; teachers; as well as children who aren’t on the spectrum, but have a classmate or friend that is.

 

I hope, with all my heart, that Connor's story impacts lives.

 

I hope it brings understanding. I hope it brings compassion and acceptance. I hope that hope grows within the Asperger and Autism community that inclusion is possible. I hope that this hope spreads to other communities as well and we foster inclusion for all.

My hopes are bigger than me.

They’re bigger than big and grander than grand.

They’re audacious.

And that’s the best thing about hope.

Hope has no limit. Hope has no maximum weight.

Hope springs eternal.

 

 

And hope, nurtured and encouraged, spreads like wildflowers across the prairies.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons

www.littlepicklepress.com

"On the 12th day before my book launch, I get to introduce to you -  Connor my favourite eight-year old boy!"

Yes, you were to sing that line to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas. Work with me people, I am tone deaf after all.


Finally, I can show the world my book cover and show off Connor's baby blues.


The illustrator, Sarah Ackerley, captured the true essence of his personality and with the guidance of art director, Leslie Iorillo, my story has been brought to life.

There are oodles of book launch-type parties and events in the works and I'll keep my blog, face book, and twitter updated with news as it rolls in! We're still working towards a December 3rd eBook launch date and over the next week I'll post the link so you have easy access to Amazon.

And we're hammering out the details, so I will be able to sign your eBook. Isn't technology wonderful? (Even if I truly have no idea how it works.)

Still not sure what Spaghetti is all about? 
Here's my elevator pitch:  

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Busy is as Busy Does

www.smittenandhazel.com

The days are quickly ticking down.

Only 14 more until Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons launches on Amazon. The past week has been a rush of haphazard activity, lumped onto my already overflowing schedule.

Due to my inability to remember anything more complicated than the middle names of both my daughters, I meticulously created my to-do list, so that no tasks were forgotten.

My ever-so-long list included; writing two guest blog posts, a book review for McNally Robinson's Night Table Recommendations online site, completing a blog book tour course, working (best not to skip that), a critique for The Word Junkies, and chauffeuring my girls to art class, swimming, orthodontic appointments, and my mom to the grocery store and physio.

Hm, after reading over that last paragraph, I'm reminded of an article I read recently regarding how list-making-whiny we've become as a society. According to this study, we North Americans love to wallow in our busyness and compare hectic lives, like farmers comparing prize winning pumpkins.

I'm not sure I want to pit my life against the lives of my neighbours, but I do think many of us have gotten into the habit of over extending ourselves, to the point of exhaustion.

My theory also conveniently explains why every night at 9 pm I eagerly climb into my blue plaid "man-jammies" and burrow under my duvet 'til dawn.

And I do so love my man-jammies. They're the most hideously masculine ladies' pj's ever sewn, but they're also the softest, coziest pair of jam-jams I have ever owned. I highly recommend you pick up a pair. Some even come with matching fluffy socks. I kid you not.

Alright, enough about sleepwear. I'm fairly certain I had a point to make.

Oh, right. The one thing I miss most, in all this recent mondo busyness, is writing new material. I have entirely neglected my current WIP, Who Needs Romeo. My poor protagonist Julia is still muddling along, lost in those pages with her hormones in a jumble, trying to figure out if Evan like-likes her or just likes her. Oh, the humanity.

Who knew I'd ever be in this position? Too busy launching one book, to write the second? How completely ridiculous a concept. It's a thrill of a life time and if getting published means I'm more tired than normal, then bring on the busy! I'll make a to-do list that's Santa-length worthy.

First, let me add a back up pair of Man-Jammies to my shopping list. I might just get too busy to get to that Kilimanjaro sized mountain of laundry in the basement.

If only I could remember where I put that list...

Changes are a Comin'!

www.taniaboutin.com

You can’t avoid change – it surrounds us.

How we bank has changed, how we buy books has changed and now my blog design has changed. Not quite in the same, "impacting society" category, but still, it counts.

The world of book tours has changed as well. Long gone are the days of jetting from city to city, holding book signings and readings, all at a hefty price tag. Now authors take part in Blog Book Tours.

A Blog Book, what?

A Blog Book Tour is an online book tour that stops at various blog sites, where a review of the book is posted by an incredibly talented blogger and a lively discussion follows.

So, I am currently taking an exciting online course from blog guru, Dani Greer, on how to run a successful Blog Book Tour or a BBT, to those in the know. Apparently I will become one of those smartie-pants by the end of this course. That would be this Friday. No pressure. The course is called, none too surprisingly, the Blog Book Tour Course.

Dani, or Sarge; as her students like to call her, is an expert at coordinating BBT’s and chaperons all the Little Pickle Press tours. In January when I’m travelling the digital world for 2 weeks promoting, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, Dani will be firmly at the helm.

Now its full blog ahead.

My mission: to become a world class blogger

My strategy: to whip my blog into shape

My plan: to change my template and layout so they’re clean, easy to follow, dynamic and fun

My back-up plan: to look sad, pathetic, and even desperate so my computer genius husband will take pity and fix all my “oopsies” and “uh-oh, that wasn’t supposed to happens.”

Oh yeah, and I have 28 days to become a pro. Wish me luck.
(Or send Chardonnay.)

www.4photos.net

And 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

www.thestayathomemother.com

The countdown has begun. In only 34 sleeps it will happen.

The launch of my very first book.

Finally the world will get to see, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, in all its glory.

I suppose you could say I'm excited, but that is a huge understatement. Every day my feelings run the gamut from thrilled and overjoyed to nervous and stunned.

In one moment I think, "All my hard work is paying off." Only seconds later my mind switches gears and resembles a hamster running on a wheel of self doubt.

"How can this be happening to me? Is this a dream? Am I going to wake up on December 3rd and find out the last 9 months was just a Rip Van Wrinkle type slumber?"

 

And wouldn't that just bite?

My solution? I keep pinching myself. Yes, I am black and blue, but it's working. It stops that negative inner voice from jumping it's hamster wheel and lunging out of it's cage to run willy-nilly around my brain.

Now back to work. Today I search for authors to blurb my book. Blurbing. Doesn't that sound all writerly? Makes me feel thrilled and overjoyed, with no room for nervous or stunned.

So shove off hamster and stay on your wheel.

Your work is not needed here.

www.gauthamabuddha.blogspot.com

 

The Seeds of a Story

institutechildrenslit.net
This is actually a close cartoon likeness of me.
Except the desk is missing my clutter, coffee cup,
& "cartoon me" has much tidier hairdo.

Not to state the obvious, but a lot of work goes into publishing a book. Yup. Thousands of hours of labour.

It begins with creating the characters, building the story, and adding details that make the reader avidly turn every page.

To develop your story, deleting words, phrases, and passages that you have painstakingly created can be a painful step.

In the writing world this process is called, “Killing the darlings.” All those cutesy, fanciful passages that don’t carry the story along, although they make you feel like an ever-so-clever writer, have just got to go.

Constructive criticism is crucial and an open mind to receive it, is imperative. A great way to get feedback is to join a critique group of genre specific fellow authors.

roashina.wordpress.com

Once you are confident your manuscript is the next best thing to follow Harry Potter’s adventures at Hogwort’s, you begin the Submission Process.

This is slowly followed be the Reception of Rejection. It can take three to six months to hear back from publishers and unlike constructive criticism it doesn’t matter if your mind is open to it or not, it’s a’ comin.'

Then, if you have actually written a decent story, found the right publisher, and you’re willing to listen to their ideas for its future place in the Universe of Literature, you will receive an offer to publish.

For my novel, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons this will be a five year process, from the moment of conception to publication this November.

But really the seeds for Spaghetti and the seeds for all my story ideas germinated in me when I was a child.  My mom always looked for free ways to entertain us, so we spent almost every winter Saturday at the Centennial Library, our noses buried in books. My brother and I would grab a stack and race each other to one of our favourite reading nooks. That’s when my love of reading began and was further nurtured by my mom’s love of poetry.

A.A. Milne was our house favourite and our copies of Now We Are Six and When We Were Very Young both lost their covers as a result of our love of Milne’s words.

My favourite poem from A.A. Milne is, Halfway Down.

thelovelys.com

Halfway down the stairs
Is a stair
Where i sit.
There isn't any
Other stair
Quite like
It.
I'm not at the bottom,
I'm not at the top;
So this is the stair
Where
I always
Stop.

Halfway up the stairs
Isn't up
And it isn't down.
It isn't in the nursery,
It isn't in town.
And all sorts of funny thoughts
Run round my head.
It isn't really
Anywhere!
It's somewhere else
Instead!

Fellow readers, when did you first get hooked? Can you remember what book was the “one” for you?

Fellow writers, when did you know, “I am a writer?”