S.A. Borders-Shoemaker's Blog

November Updates

Hello there, friends! November is the middle of the holiday season- and all the chaos with it. Consequently, so it my life.

In bookish news…

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are starting to go out for Waiting for Scotland and I’m reaching out the booksellers about keeping it in stock. I also have my first official vendor of Waiting for Scotland! The Violet Fox Bookshop in Virginia Beach has enthusiastically opened up preorders for the book and is also currently working on a review of it. Many thanks to Emily for being an amazing support! While I do not mind if you order through Amazon, I will be making a specific and concerted effort to support local booksellers. Therefore, I will share the bookshop.org link more frequently when providing preorder options. I do my best to support local economies so that our money goes to good places and people!

I’m also preparing for book signings, so if you have suggestions, let me know! I am willing (and eager) to travel, so it doesn’t have to be local to me. Just within reasonable driving distance. Already, I’m delving into opportunities in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Hoping for some Pennsylvania spots as well.

In addition, I’m also preparing for a virtual book tour and designing merch! You all will get first access to Waiting for Scotland merch, which includes tote bags, notebooks, and mugs as voted upon by you all, my dear friends! Yes, hoodies will be included. It’s hoodie season, and I intend to keep you all warm. Be on the lookout for an email about the opening of the store. I really can’t wait to share it with you.

These pre-launch days are full of technical work, and I do my best to juggle it. Even with the responsibilities of everyday living and preparing to move house during the Christmas season. After publishing three books, I certainly feel more prepared about launching this newest one. Though admittedly, it still terrifies and intimidates me.

In personal news…

Well, it’s looking like we won’t move into our new farm until closer to Christmas. To build is to be delayed, I think. So, we’ll just roll with it. In the meantime, we work on clearing the overgrowth to install pasture fencing. So, here’s a pic from the opening fox hunt at Bacon’s Castle for your patience with tedious news.

Rosa and I competed in our first official AERC sanctioned 50-mile endurance race at the Sand Hills Stampede in SC and did really well. (Cover photo is a photo of us on race day.) She was a champ and had great scores for her well-being. And we did it in the rain, too. So we had quite the adventure. And, Rosa and I have ridden over 1,000 miles since Jan. 1 of this year, which is remarkable considering she wouldn’t move forward under saddle in April 2021. We hit that mile-marker during the race, too! Many thanks to my friend, Mary Howell, for being an excellent endurance mentor. And for her patience with us. Hoping Tim and Manny can join on the next race!

All in all…

Things are going to just get busier and busier! But I’m grateful for you all and your constant support. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of Waiting for Scotland. Pre-sales are quite important to authors, as it boosts the book’s visibility. Many reviewers and readers rely on word of mouth and personal endorsements over official reviews, so it’s vital for you to share your thoughts and excitement with friends and family in person and on social media.

I’m still keen on the idea of making this book a bestseller. While I’m working towards that, it can’t be done without your support. And most of all, thanks for being here through the journey.

This November, I am so very grateful for you.

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October Updates

I’ll tell you about these October updates. This month has been… nuts. Simply put. And I have a lot to fill you all in on.

First, Waiting for Scotland will launch January 4, 2023!

I am beyond excited to share that my poetry collection will finally see the light of the world. And get into readers’ hands! It’s been almost 16 months in the making, and we’re now down to the wire. This also means we’re officially in the launch phase.

Second, Waiting for Scotland is available for preorder!

You read that correctly. It got leaked before the publisher even told me. So you can imagine my surprise when a friend texted me, “Hey, just ordered your book!” Took me a second to register what happened, checked Amazon, and sure enough, she was right!

But that’s not the only bit of excitement. In one day, JUST ONE DAY, it hit several Amazon bestseller lists!

#1 in Poetry About Places

#2 in General Scotland Travel (just behind Sam Heughan’s book… OMG )

#10 in Love Poems

#11 in Poetry by Women

Ranks change pretty frequently, so this might change. But the fact that we achieved this in a single day says that there’s a lot of potential. And I even got placed alongside the big names in American poetry like Robert Frost, Charles Bukowski, and Langston Hughes. I’ll take that any day.

Third, I’m putting together a launch team.

What does that imply? A lot of work and a lot of community. That’s where you come in, friends.

I’m looking for a launch team dedicated to give Waiting for Scotland the best chance possible of success. What does this look like?

Joining a community to get hype about Waiting for Scotland.A little bit of reading and a whole lot of encouragement for all involved.Time for you to shine- you’ll get to be creative with me and make something together!Yes, a little bit of writing on your part (but not a whole book, I promise!).Some free goodies & giveaways!And more!

And this time, I am ambitious. For my last three books, I will completely admit to being shy about what I wanted. About spreading the word. It pained me to ask people to read my book. And you know what? It did those books a serious disservice. I don’t want to do that again. Not for this book, Waiting for Scotland deserves so much more. So, this time, I’m shooting big.

I’d love to make the NYT Bestseller list.

But I can’t do it alone. Typically, it takes 5k-10k sales in a single week to make a prestigious bestselling list. I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone and asking for your help to make this happen. And it’s not just because I want this book to succeed. I love sharing success. Spreading joy. If I do not love and embrace my community, I know I cannot succeed.

So, will you join me?

If you’re interested, shoot me a message via social media (Instagram or Facebook) or an email at sabordersshoemaker@gmail.com.

Lastly, I’m changing my blog to a monthly basis.

It needs to happen. I fall behind a lot on these posts, and I feel like I drag you all back and forth. You deserve excellence from me, not that. It may ramp up a bit with the book launch, but I don’t want to make promises on that front.

Rest assured, though. As people who regularly follow me and my work through my email list, you will have first access to all kinds of things. So thanks for hanging in there with me all of this time.

Phew- that was a lot! And it doesn’t even touch my personal schedule. Oh well, another time!

Stay well, friends, and enjoy the spooky season!

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Book Review: True North

I had the honor to preview Caitlin Gemmell’s newest poetry collection, True North. And let me tell you: prepare to be transported. And also- it’s my 50th blog, so why not celebrate with a little poetry?

What a treat of a book!

I can seldom think of a work where magic is so palpable. In the pages, I found myself also wandering the roads her imagination trod. My mind’s eye sees Britain in fall, hears the rustling of falling leaves, and feels the cool air on my face. I’m even tempted to think that perhaps I have somehow, just for a moment, been to my beloved Devon. And the best of poetry takes us on a journey that is both intimate and engaging. Gemmell’s work does both.

While the poems are brief, the thoughts are deep and inviting. If I had to offer a criticism, it would only be that I found myself wanting more once I’d finished the book. This is Gemmell’s second poetry collection, and has me now curious to read the first. There is a distinct dreaminess about the writing that also conjures images of a warm home, while also taking you on the adventure of reclaiming oneself.

It is a work I recommend for those cold or rainy days where you want to snuggle up with a blanket and read. Gemmell herself is a warm and inviting individual, who is well worth your time getting to know and following. You can find her on Instagram at @icapturethestory.

There are many posts about the detractors of social media. But one positive is getting to know other authors and poets. I have the honor of meeting many lovely people who are simply passionate about sharing love of the written word and stories. Caitlin Gemmell is one of them.

Be sure to look out for this book debuting on September 22, and you can preorder now on Amazon. Don’t miss out on it!

What have you been reading lately, friends?

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What’s New

It’s been a minute since I’ve filled you all in on what’s going on in my life. A lot is happening, and sometimes, I forget to stop and let you all get a glimpse inside. So, let’s dive in!

What’s going on with the book?Having too much fun trying to be the archetype “author”

It’s been a colorful ride, friends! Although we originally meant to have Fall 2022 release, we will now have to wait a little longer for Waiting for Scotland. From what my reps at Brandylane are telling me, it is likely that it will come out probably closer to March 2023. I don’t have an official date, so the best I can give you is an estimate at this time.

Where are we now? We are super close to getting the print release. What does that mean? I’m anticipating in the next few weeks that I will review and hopefully approve the final digital proof. It will then be sent to the press, and I’ll wait for my physical proofs to be delivered to me. Then the clock starts ticking and the hard work begins.

In hand, I have the LCCN. Essentially, that means you can request your library to get Waiting for Scotland. I am particularly happy with this development, since I am a big believer in providing as much accessibility as I can for my readers. Libraries serve such an important function, and I am thrilled Waiting for Scotland gets to be a part of that!

It is SO HARD to wait on this book. There is so much I can’t wait to share with you all, so I appreciate you being here for the ride! Stay tuned!

What else is new?

I just have to chuckle. It’s wild right now.

We are in the process of building a house and establishing a farm. It’s a new adventure for both my husband and me, and it’s the first property either of us own. Inshallah (God-willing), we should have the house delivered next Wednesday. Provided everyone has done their job. Oof. Won’t be too long after that until we move in. Maybe mid-December.

First meeting Blue

We’re on the way to becoming Colonial Spanish Mustang breeders, specializing in Choctaw and Cherokee strains! We are partnering with two master-breeders to learn and properly cultivate our program, and we couldn’t be more honored to be mentored by such generous and kind people!

We’re welcoming two new members to our family herd, though they won’t get to come home until we have their pastures set up at the new property. Our new stallion, Chief Blue Going Streak (aka Blue), is a blue-eyed, medicine-hat Choctaw-Cherokee pinto. And he is so incredibly sweet and personable. Just ready to jump into your pocket and snuggle forever. He is a proven stallion, and we are honored to have him as part of our breeding program.

Cannelle is so sweet and curious!

And, we’re excited to have our first prospect broodmare: Cannelle d’Or! She is also Choctaw-Cherokee with some bloodlines tracing back to the famous Hidalgo’s herd. While she will need time to mature before we consider breeding her, we already love her calm and brave demeanor. I am confident that not only will she produce beautiful foals, but that she will be an incredible riding partner.

The corgis are wild, sweet, and snuggly as ever. Edmund turned 5 in June and Lillibette turned 2 today. I know they’ll love moving to the new farm and get their fenced-in backyard.

That’s all for now! What’s new with you, friends?

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Book Review: Her Hike

Time for a new book review of Her Hike by Jessica Chenard, and this one is close to home. Her Hike is her debut memoir, and I’m privileged to remark on a friend’s work.

Chenard chose to tell a different story.

Jessica’s brother, Richard, is mostly remembered for how he died- an overdose of prescription medication. This is the unfortunate reality for many who lose their battle with addiction.

Until now. Her Hike is Jessica taking back the story of her brother’s life, back to who he really was before the pills. The brother she knew. And woven into all of this is how she healed from such a terrible reality.

Grief is a bear. Pay attention to that.

You either run from it or deal with it. And it’s terrifying and treacherous either way.

She is real about the space left by someone whose mortal life has ended. And just because time makes it fade from other people’s purview does not mean you stop feeling it, stop seeing it in everything. There are several passages that grip my attention, but the ones that really stick out to me are those where she candidly confronts pain.

The mountains provide a shared space for her, her grief, and her brother’s memory to coexist. And even find joy. This book takes you on the trails of actual mountains and those toward finding peace.

She understands the strange tension of joy and grief, and how they live and feed into each other. That’s a hard balance to strike. And for that, this is a work I’ll be recommending to those who are new to coming out of deep pain.

For Jessica, nature is both healer and guide back to what matters.

Her love of the outdoors is contagious in the book and in reality. I am a member of her women’s hiking group, Her Hike Collective, and can recall times where we shared what these hikes did for us.

I know that for myself, hiking with Jessica helped me reconnect with nature. And it isn’t too far off to say it inspired me to rekindle my love of the outdoors. Eventually, that lead me back to horses as well; something that has brought me tremendous joy.

If you’re seeking a book that can help you begin the journey of grief towards healing, this is a great start. To those who don’t know deep sorrow, this is a good glimpse into that experience. To those who intimately know grief, you’ll see yourselves.

It’s a quick and easy read, too. Woman to woman, you’ll feel like you’re walking with her.

To start that journey with her, grab a copy of Her Hike from your favorite bookseller today. And try to support local bookshops, too, okay?

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Adlestrop by Edward Thomas

Switching it up a bit, and introducing you to some poetry that I stumbled upon that you might want to check out, too!

Be sure to never stop being curious- you might find something really interesting and worth your time.

I was in the summer mood and wanted to read a poem about it. My snoping lead me to this beautifully simple piece- Adlestrop by Edward Thomas. I instantly fell in love and had to share with you all!

Adlestrop

Yes. I remember Adlestrop—

The name, because one afternoon

Of heat the express-train drew up there

Unwontedly. It was late June.

The steam hissed. Someone cleared his throat.

No one left and no one came

On the bare platform. What I saw

Was Adlestrop—only the name

And willows, willow-herb, and grass,

And meadowsweet, and haycocks dry,

No whit less still and lonely fair

Than the high cloudlets in the sky.

And for that minute a blackbird sang

Close by, and round him, mistier,

Farther and farther, all the birds

Of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

Such a lovely poem about moments of pause, small in their span but so immense in their mark. Memory is such an interesting thing, and this is a piece that explores those little pockets of pictures we keep, despite their seeming insignificance.

One part of this piece that I like in particular is the imagery. It conjures up many scenes in my mind of British summertime. Transports me into the depths of my mind, honestly. A simple I found while living in the UK was to gaze out the train windows while going somewhere. Just to watch the green countryside slide by. Rhythmic in the way it came and went with my vision. And all the rich journeys I took- experiences I would never trade for anything.

What do you think, friends?

What are some small moments of summer you hold onto?

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Book Review: The Sandman Act I

Time for a book review!

Ever read Neil Gaiman? I’m a picky reader when it comes to more modern authors, but I enjoy this author’s work. And while it’s not for everyone and is clearly for adults, the characters are compelling and there’s a lot of thematic material to chew on.

Audiobooks have been my crutch for the past months to get some reading (erhm, listening) back into my life, and The Sandman Act I by Neil Gaiman was well performed indeed! I thought the voice actors were well chosen and Gaiman is a consistent and good narrator. I enjoyed the voice acting thoroughly! (And it pleased me to have James McAvoy as the Sandman.) Known for dark storylines, Gaiman certainly keeps in line with this book. It’s one of his older works, and is a graphic novel in its original form.

The highlights

Gaiman always has interesting characters and fresh interpretations of things we think we know, and the Sandman didn’t disappoint! Particularly, I enjoyed the figures of Death and Dreams the most. His depiction of Death drew me in, and her character was one I paradoxically looked forward to hearing in the story line. Dreams, her younger brother, has an engaging gray morality and makes choices that are difficult to predict, something I like in a character.

I also enjoyed the storyline of Rose Walker immensely, and Gilbert was so fun. Rose was a character that I felt at home with, and it incorporated a lot of elements I enjoy. I also was truly terrified of the villain in her storyline, The Corinthian. Seriously. He gave me nightmares. I got true goosebumps when listening to his parts of the story.

The lowlights

There were times where the narrative went past my comfort threshold for graphic matter. Particularly with Dr. Destiny, though The Corinthian was almost as bad. And those points made me physically ill to listen to. I do think it’s a strange credit to the performance and writing, as the scenes merit feeling deep and real horror. Some people don’t have trouble with it, but very graphic material just isn’t for me. A side note: content warning for rape, suicide, grotesque violence.

Wrap-up

All in all, reading The Sandman Act I makes me excited to see the new Netflix series and how they choose to interpret the original graphic novel. While Neverwhere is still my favorite of Gaiman’s novels, The Sandman still has me chewing on the themes discussed. I anticipate in Act II that Dream’s other siblings will make for more mind-food to contemplate.

Have you read The Sandman? What do you think?

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Reasons for Writing

I don’t think we as authors talk enough about our reasons for writing. So, let’s open up that conversation, shall we?

In gearing up for the release of Waiting for Scotland this fall, I’ve asked myself these questions. A LOT.

What purpose do my words serve?

What is the message in my writing?

Why write at all?

Ultimately, I write because it is, without a doubt, the best way I can express myself.

I value studying language because it is important to be understood. Human communication is deep and complex, but it is worth knowing. Especially if you have something to say.

And there are some things I can’t express to the fullest outside of poetry. I became a poet out of convenience (I’ll admit it), but leaned into that identity when I suddenly found myself able to articulate things I hadn’t been able to before. My deepest truths are sewn into my poetry.

Writing contributes to the overall human story and experience.

It is an honor to be a part of that longevity of storytelling. Have you ever felt connected to something deeper, older, and larger than yourself? Writing does that for me. I walk in the steps of countless writers before me, feeling old and new experiences bound up in our mutual love of the word.

When a writer creates, they are lacing themselves into the tapestry of humankind’s story. We value stories as people because it is one of the best forms of connection. Think about how often you discuss a film or song that you really love. Don’t you feel instantly bonded not only to the person who made it, but also the people who share that enthusiasm?

If you get any message from me, let it be that you are not alone.

Books have always been a refuge for me. Through that truly human connection created through writing, I have felt empowered in my darkest moments and even cared for. The greatest stories and works of literature act as markers of where other humans have been on this journey called life. Beautiful, grotesque, and strange, people share through writing the perspectives and experiences we might encounter through living. Even offer a glimpse into lives we wish to make for ourselves or will never have.

And that is why I write with honesty: so that if you feel isolated in your days, you’re connected back to the road of life. That I might offer a reminder to come walk alongside a friend, someone who can say, “I understand,” or “I hear you.”

What books have made you feel “seen” or understood? Share in the comments and let’s get a conversation going!

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Behind the Book-Waiting for Scotland

What an incredible question!

And it’s the one that sparked the journey of writing Waiting for Scotland. This poem is the very first in the entire collection, and it really sets the tone.

She asked me—
What if you wrote without apology,
without shame?
Remove the filters—
what would you say?
So, I did,
and this is what I said.

—therapist/method

It’s the linchpin that truly got me started writing this book. And this collection is not just one story, but many. It’s about me. The pandemic. My past. My future. It’s about life as it is, not what we want it to be.

I remember just how much it hit me when my therapist called me out. She said point blank: “there is so much you don’t say that is not only important for others to hear, but it’s also killing you. Your words have life to give.”

I paused, letting the words etch themselves into my mind. Then she followed up.

“Sam, what if you stopped being ashamed of YOUR story?”

So often, I think we run and hide from speaking the truth about our lives. Out of fear of judgement or getting it wrong. I know that was true for me. The great turn in my own healing journey began when I gathered up the courage to say what I locked deep inside my heart.

That conversation was so key to my journey. Waiting for Scotland started as a private exercise in writing and navigating hurt. But the more I wrote, and what little I shared within my inner circle, the more it became clear: this is more than for me.

Waiting for Scotland was born out of hard soul work. It is the love letter to my hurting self and to those who struggle in silence. It is me reaching out to you, to hold your hand, and tell you that you’re not alone. That others don’t have to fully understand what you’re going through to make it valid.

So, I want to ask you, friend: what would you say if you removed the filter of fear?

What is the truth in your heart that needs to come into the light? What words are blocking you from stepping into greater fullness and healing?

These are questions for you to answer for yourself. You owe no one your story. But you owe it to yourself to be honest. That’s where the journey begins.

Take a moment and focus on questions you need to ask yourself. And then, I challenge you to answer them. Truthfully. Without pretense or self defense. It’s just you and your self.

Healing begins when we can first be honest with ourselves.

P.S. I really love this song, especially the line “so I tried/ every night/ to sit with sorrow/ and eventually,/ it set me free.” If Waiting for Scotland had a soundtrack, this one would be on it.

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Cute Animals (And the Future)

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a week here. So, I am providing some comfort. Something we can all agree upon. Cute. Animals. (And other animals in general.)

Take this blog as your comic relief of the day and breath of fresh air. I get heavy a lot, but that’s not all of who I am. Because I like to laugh, too.

And we’re currently building a farm- Tree of Life Hollow! We are in the beginning stages of creating a conservation program of our own, specializing in the Choctaw strain of Colonial Spanish Horse. So you’ll see a lot of new faces in the years to come! I want to include daily life into this blog so we can have a bit of fun and get to know each other better.

My life took a sudden turn within the past few years, and I’m now surrounded by animals. For those who are new to the blog, I figured I’d introduce you all to my furry family. Or reintroduce you, as it were. We’ll go by acquisition order.

Edmund

My bubby. The Beeberson. Sir Edmund Perceval Shoemaker of Smithfield, Earl of Isle of Wight County, seated at Bunckingham on James. Resident grump but secret brooding love bug. 3/4 Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 1/4 Cardigan Welsh Corgi. All mushy love. We got Edmund as the result of a bargain. “You move me away from Washington D.C. to small-town Virginia, you get me a corgi,” I told my husband. Well, here’s the result. This crafty boy who can run forever if motivated. And by motivated, I mean going outside. If we let him, he’d permanently live outside- except for bedtime. Which also means he’s impossible to catch offleash. Heathen.

Lillibette

My beebette. The KWEEN. HRH Elizabeth “Lillibette” Regina von Shoemaker of Smithfield, Queen of Isle of Wight and Surrounding Counties, Seated at Bunckingham on James. She is made of pure love. And pure jealousy. And is purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi. You will have no other dogs before her. She is perfect. She is YOUR queen. So bow down and give her snuggles. You will be very glad you did. We got her because Edmund was lonely. As you can see from the picture, he immediately regretted feeling lonely. And is no longer the only child. Both of our dogs have royal titles. Our horses, however, do not. I offer no explanation, because it lacks logic.

Rosa

I ask her every day, “Who’s my pretty girl?” as I walk up. And she always knows that she is. Rosa marks the lasting return to my first love in life, horses. Before I could spell my own name, I wrote “Horse” instead. Tells you the kind of person I am- a true horsey girl. And I adore Rosa. She has been the toughest challenge of a horse I’ve had (and I have 14 years of riding experience and multiple horses under my belt before her). She is also the most rewarding. People talk about the incredible bond you can have with mustangs, and they’re right. It’s special, unique, and worth every ounce of effort. Rosa was rounded up by the BLM in Nevada and is a register American Indian Horse. I am freest when on her back. I look forward to many years together. And she is also the floodgate to…

Manny

Moodles. My “Chata Isuba”. Handsome Manny. He is our Medicine Hat Choctaw gelding, and we’re obsessed. Spirited, but also the most curious and playful horse I’ve ever met, Manny constantly communicates. It’s been great to learn more about horse psychology and herd dynamics, because we can better understand how often Manny seeks to engage in play with people, when it could be misinterpreted so easily. And although he is primarily my husband’s horse, I truly love working with him. Manny craves to be around people and helped us really fall in love with the endangered Choctaw strain of Colonial Spanish horses. His eyes light up when he sees us, and he’ll call back when we call his name. What an incredibly special horse!

Achukma

Momma’s Boy. ‘Chukma. My baby. Achukma is our stud colt and the biggest lover. Brushing his hair might as well be his drug, because he loves it so much. Cuddly, curious, and crafty, Achukma is a horse who quickly wins your heart. He is our foundation stud for our future breeding program to conserve Choctaws. And I couldn’t be happier about it. We can verifiably trace his ancestors to horses that carried Native Americans on the Trail of Tears. This is a great privilege we do not take lightly, and are undertaking conservation with reverence. Achukma’s disposition is wonderful, and while he knows he’s a stallion, he first and foremost is interested in being with people. Particularly if you’re me. Achukma waits for me all day, and whinnies with excitement when he sees me approaching his pasture (and will even call when I ride by on Rosa). He is a fast-learner, too. And his sire is a miracle horse- a survivor of a deadly coyote attack that almost ripped him to shreds. You can read his story here.

That’s all for now! And I’m happy to answer questions you might have about this new conservation endeavor. Believe me when I say it gives me great joy to be a part of something so special!

And tell me about your pets- what are their names? What are they like? And most importantly, what are their favorite schmakos?

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