Terry Lynn Johnson's Blog, page 11
March 6, 2011
An Iditarod story
Several years ago, I handled for a musher in the Iditarod, Stan Zoray. For me, being in Anchorage surrounded by dogs and mushers was a little like going to the red carpet for the Academy Awards. So many famous mushers! Everywhere I turned, OMG - there's Dee Dee Jonrowe! There's Charlie Boulding! I even managed to get a picture of me standing beside my favourite author and musher, Dave Olsen. (except at the exact moment the photographer snapped the picture, Dave's dogs needed his attention, and he bent down to them. So I proudly show my photo of me and Dave Olsen's butt)
Fellow blogger Kim Kircher was lucky enough to be at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod yesterday in Anchorage, Alaska. Check out her awesome post about the sites and stories
To follow the teams, or to read more, go check out the Iditarod Official Website. Or for indepth coverage including the actual start today in Wasilla at 2pm check out Eye on the Trail.
March 3, 2011
Best part of being an author, and a challenge
First, I have to show you what I watched this morning while having breakfast:
My dog watched for a while, then shrugged her shoulders and went back to her squeaky toy. She's seen this show before.
Now, allow me to share with you what I think is the best part of being an author. Here are a few awesome emails I've been receiving from young readers of DOGSLED DREAMS.
note: some are editted to take out spoilers and I've replaced the name with the first initial
Dear Ms Johnson,
I really liked your book "Dogsled Dreams" and really liked how you described the characters. My favourite dog would be Apollo, because I think Apollo is a good dog.
I thought the book was REALLY FUNNY, interesting, and sometimes surprising. Sincerely J (gr. 5/6)
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams. the dogs love running and stuff like that. I would love to try dogsledding. It sounds fun.
It was funny when the teacher slipped and landed on the pups' pee. And I'm just like Rebeca I do those things and say those words !
Sincerely,
B
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I love your book "Dogsled Dreams". I thought your characters were fun and adventurous.
My favourite characters in "Dogsled Dreams" are Rebecca, Apollo, Rebecca's dog team and Rebecca's dad. But my favourite character would have to be Rebecca. She was exiting!
I probably like her so much because I am a girl too!
I liked it because of the thrill. It made me nervous exited and worried.
From,
K Grade 6
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams sooooo much. I think it is the best book our teacher has read so far. I am going to read all your books.
My favourite dog is Doppler it is also Rebecca's favourite dog. The book is so funny, I really liked the part when Rebecca and her dad went to the school to show the dogs to little kids and the dogs ran outside the classroom and to the hallway and one of the dog peed in the hallway and made the teacher slip, that was hilarious.
I think you write awesome books and I cant wait to read them all.
Sincerely, Y Grade 5
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book, Dog Sled Dreams. My favourite part was when the teacher slipped on the pile of pee. It was so funny. Your book was so cool. I loved it so much because it also had humor. One thing is that I hate Robin, she is so bad.
Sincerely,
S Grade 5
Dear Ms. Johnson,.
I thought your book was interesting, EXTREMELY funny, and sometimes surprising.
My favourite part is when Rebecca and her dad brought the puppies to school and they went to the bathroom on the floor. Then the teacher slipped and landed in the puddle the puppy made.
My favourite dogs are Tarzan, Doppler, Apollo, and Blaze.
Do you actually have a dog named Apollo? And do you race dogs yourself?
Your #1 fan
E. Grade 5
LOVE ALL OF THESE! And yes, Emma, Apollo was my leader for many years. Here he is:
And finally, I know I've already posted a cell phone pict, but please indulge me again. And to make it worth your while - here's a challenge -
if you find my book in your own bookstore, send me a photo and I'll send you a YA or MG book. Simple as that!
And so - a few pictures that I can't stop looking at and grinning:
Cole's bookstore. bottom left - that's me!
Chapters bookstore - holy crap!!!
Don't forget to enter my Insanely Mega giveaway. Nine winners! Nine fabulous books up for grabs.
My dog watched for a while, then shrugged her shoulders and went back to her squeaky toy. She's seen this show before. Now, allow me to share with you what I think is the best part of being an author. Here are a few awesome emails I've been receiving from young readers of DOGSLED DREAMS.
note: some are editted to take out spoilers and I've replaced the name with the first initial
Dear Ms Johnson,
I really liked your book "Dogsled Dreams" and really liked how you described the characters. My favourite dog would be Apollo, because I think Apollo is a good dog.
I thought the book was REALLY FUNNY, interesting, and sometimes surprising. Sincerely J (gr. 5/6)
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams. the dogs love running and stuff like that. I would love to try dogsledding. It sounds fun.
It was funny when the teacher slipped and landed on the pups' pee. And I'm just like Rebeca I do those things and say those words !
Sincerely,
B
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I love your book "Dogsled Dreams". I thought your characters were fun and adventurous.
My favourite characters in "Dogsled Dreams" are Rebecca, Apollo, Rebecca's dog team and Rebecca's dad. But my favourite character would have to be Rebecca. She was exiting!
I probably like her so much because I am a girl too!
I liked it because of the thrill. It made me nervous exited and worried.
From,
K Grade 6
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams sooooo much. I think it is the best book our teacher has read so far. I am going to read all your books.
My favourite dog is Doppler it is also Rebecca's favourite dog. The book is so funny, I really liked the part when Rebecca and her dad went to the school to show the dogs to little kids and the dogs ran outside the classroom and to the hallway and one of the dog peed in the hallway and made the teacher slip, that was hilarious.
I think you write awesome books and I cant wait to read them all.
Sincerely, Y Grade 5
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book, Dog Sled Dreams. My favourite part was when the teacher slipped on the pile of pee. It was so funny. Your book was so cool. I loved it so much because it also had humor. One thing is that I hate Robin, she is so bad.
Sincerely,
S Grade 5
Dear Ms. Johnson,.
I thought your book was interesting, EXTREMELY funny, and sometimes surprising.
My favourite part is when Rebecca and her dad brought the puppies to school and they went to the bathroom on the floor. Then the teacher slipped and landed in the puddle the puppy made.
My favourite dogs are Tarzan, Doppler, Apollo, and Blaze.
Do you actually have a dog named Apollo? And do you race dogs yourself?
Your #1 fan
E. Grade 5
LOVE ALL OF THESE! And yes, Emma, Apollo was my leader for many years. Here he is:
And finally, I know I've already posted a cell phone pict, but please indulge me again. And to make it worth your while - here's a challenge -
if you find my book in your own bookstore, send me a photo and I'll send you a YA or MG book. Simple as that!
And so - a few pictures that I can't stop looking at and grinning:
Cole's bookstore. bottom left - that's me!
Chapters bookstore - holy crap!!!Don't forget to enter my Insanely Mega giveaway. Nine winners! Nine fabulous books up for grabs.
February 27, 2011
Giant huskies, flying toilet seats, and a little moment
This weekend I went to the Cannington Sled Dog Races. Sadly, the actual race was cancelled due to lack of snow. But the festival drew huge crowds - about 5,000 hardy souls participating in events like the grapefruit fling, big-foot obstacle course, and the toilet seat toss. (I mean, really, if you can't have fun with a toilet seat, you may as well stay home.)
I managed to find a stray mutt wandering around and lured him over with cookies.
Cannington Sled Dog Races mascot poses with DOGSLED DREAMS
The Brock Library event went well. I brought along a dogsled, harnesses, dog booties, gangline, musher gear, and lots of stories. At the end of the presentation, three little boys approached and asked me to sign their booklets, and one showed off his new knowledge by naming all the dog positions in the team. He was listening! It completely made my day.
And the weekend just kept getting better. On my way home, I stopped in at Chapter's Bookstore and found my book. Face out. On the shelf. What a moment that was!
cell phone picture. Little fuzzy. But real.And the placement isn't too shabby either! Look at the little book I'm sharing shelf space with!
Thank you everyone, for all your suggestions for my library reading! Two more stops left.
I managed to find a stray mutt wandering around and lured him over with cookies.
Cannington Sled Dog Races mascot poses with DOGSLED DREAMSThe Brock Library event went well. I brought along a dogsled, harnesses, dog booties, gangline, musher gear, and lots of stories. At the end of the presentation, three little boys approached and asked me to sign their booklets, and one showed off his new knowledge by naming all the dog positions in the team. He was listening! It completely made my day.
And the weekend just kept getting better. On my way home, I stopped in at Chapter's Bookstore and found my book. Face out. On the shelf. What a moment that was!
cell phone picture. Little fuzzy. But real.And the placement isn't too shabby either! Look at the little book I'm sharing shelf space with!Thank you everyone, for all your suggestions for my library reading! Two more stops left.
February 22, 2011
Northern living
It was Family Day yesterday - a new holiday. And what better way to spend it than going to the city to skate on the lake?
One little detail - it was minus thirty-two with the windchill.
cold noses, warm hearts So you would think that we'd be the only crazy family out there - but no. This is northern Ontario! There were many people out - playing hockey or just getting blown around. The skate up the lake was challenging, but the ride coming back down with the wind at your back was FUN!
And more fun: I'll be heading to CANNINGTON, Ontario this weekend for another sled dog race and book signing of DOGSLED DREAMS. I'm also doing a talk/reading at the Brock Library on Friday, Feb. 25.
THIS time, I hope to have photos/video to share when I get back.
Don't forget to enter my Mega Elevensies Book Giveaway in the post below!
One little detail - it was minus thirty-two with the windchill.
cold noses, warm hearts So you would think that we'd be the only crazy family out there - but no. This is northern Ontario! There were many people out - playing hockey or just getting blown around. The skate up the lake was challenging, but the ride coming back down with the wind at your back was FUN! 
And more fun: I'll be heading to CANNINGTON, Ontario this weekend for another sled dog race and book signing of DOGSLED DREAMS. I'm also doing a talk/reading at the Brock Library on Friday, Feb. 25.
THIS time, I hope to have photos/video to share when I get back.
Don't forget to enter my Mega Elevensies Book Giveaway in the post below!
February 15, 2011
Insanely Mega Elevensies Debut Giveaway
My debut DOGSLED DREAMS, has been out for six weeks. I'm grateful to those who have helped spread the word or took the time to review it on Goodreads, blogs, or at Amazon sites. I'm also feeling blessed to be receiving amazing emails from readers that touch my heart. YOU are definitely the best part of being an author!
I want to give back.
So. Up for grabs
HAVEN by Kristi Cook
SO SHELLY by Ty Roth
RIVAL by Sara Bennett Wealer
UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand
THE IRON WITCH by Karen Mahoney
HEAD GAMES by Keri Mikulski
DEBUT BOOKS FROM THE ELEVENSIES
I feel guilty that other ELEVENSIE DEBUT books I've purchased are on my beloved KOBO reader. Sadly, I've just discovered the one downside of my ereader, and that is I can't share the fabulous books from it.
But seriously, you need to read:
WARPED by Maurissa GuilbordVESPER by Jeff SampsonXVI by Julia KarrACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth RevisTROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON by Dannette
To make up for these missing books, I'm going to also giveaway the following
PERILOUS by Tamara Hart HeinerDOG GONE by Cynthia Chapman WillisA TRUE AND FAITHFUL NARRATIVE by Katherine Sturtevant
Rules:
Not many rules. I just want to try to get these great books into the hands of readers. NINE winners!
1. Please fill out your preferences in the entry form. I'll look at the entries and try to match you with your book choice. If more than one person wants one title, I'll do a random draw for that title.
2. You don't have to be a follower, or have read my own book, DOGSLED DREAMS, but it would be lovely if you did!
3. Please tweet, blog, or facebook about this contest. Again, not necessary, but nice.
4. Open to Canadian and US residents. Closes March 18.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
I want to give back.
So. Up for grabs
HAVEN by Kristi Cook
SO SHELLY by Ty Roth
RIVAL by Sara Bennett Wealer
UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand
THE IRON WITCH by Karen Mahoney
HEAD GAMES by Keri Mikulski
DEBUT BOOKS FROM THE ELEVENSIES I feel guilty that other ELEVENSIE DEBUT books I've purchased are on my beloved KOBO reader. Sadly, I've just discovered the one downside of my ereader, and that is I can't share the fabulous books from it.
But seriously, you need to read:
WARPED by Maurissa GuilbordVESPER by Jeff SampsonXVI by Julia KarrACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth RevisTROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON by Dannette
To make up for these missing books, I'm going to also giveaway the following
PERILOUS by Tamara Hart HeinerDOG GONE by Cynthia Chapman WillisA TRUE AND FAITHFUL NARRATIVE by Katherine SturtevantRules:
Not many rules. I just want to try to get these great books into the hands of readers. NINE winners!
1. Please fill out your preferences in the entry form. I'll look at the entries and try to match you with your book choice. If more than one person wants one title, I'll do a random draw for that title.
2. You don't have to be a follower, or have read my own book, DOGSLED DREAMS, but it would be lovely if you did!
3. Please tweet, blog, or facebook about this contest. Again, not necessary, but nice.
4. Open to Canadian and US residents. Closes March 18.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
February 13, 2011
Maxwell Medallion of Excellence
Big announcement!
I've been notified that I have won FIRST PLACE in the Dog Writers Association of America covetted awards
The MAXWELL MEDALLION OF EXCELLENCE
I am truly honoured. (okay, and freaking PUMPED that it's from the DOG writers association)
A fellow Dogs in Canada Magazine writer accepted the award on my behalf at the Annual Awards Banquet in New York at the Affina Manhattan hotel.
February 7, 2011
book signing update - Dogsled Races
MARMORA SNOFEST 2011
photo by Peter Hellman
The good news:
I've survived my first book signing on my book tour!
30 copies of DOGSLED DREAMS were snatched up! I made a pack of new friends. (Waves at 11-year-old Martina the avid reader, eloquent speaker, and sled dog enthusiast.) And I learned a ton about how to move your book at an event. Namely - you actually have to talk about yourself. Unabashadly. The natural (Canadian?) tendency toward modesty must be left at the door. How else are people going to know your book was selected as a Recommended Read by the Iditarod Education Department, unless you tell them?
Photo Peter Hellman
Photo Peter Hellman I LOVED being around all the amazing mushers and sled dogs! 100 howling dogs outside my motel door each evening and morning. Too beautiful for words. I choke up just remembering what that sounded like.
photo by Glen Milligan
The bad news:
I really really wanted to get videos of the start of the races. I wanted to share the absolute joy of the dogs before they run. I taped amazing shots of crazed dogs running past, full teams screaming and lunging on the ganglines. Mushers slipping and wrestling to the start line. It was all so AWESOME!
Then I came home to watch and edit for you and ... AND ...
photo Glen Milligan
I had the recorder off when I thought it was on and on when I thought it was off.
I've got brilliant shots of my feet running in the slushy snow with insane barking in the background.
I didn't get even one photo! (luckily, some did, thank you Peter and Glen)
I'M SO HEARTBROKEN!!!
Photo Charmaine Collins
But - I'll be doing all this again on my next stop in CANNINGTON, Ontario in a couple of weeks. My man will be coming this time. He has graciously volunteered his skills to do the video taping.
Photos are nice - but to really feel the energy and buzz, there's nothing like actually hearing 200 + dogs screaming to RUN!
Thank you to all who purchased my book!
photo by Peter HellmanThe good news:
I've survived my first book signing on my book tour!
30 copies of DOGSLED DREAMS were snatched up! I made a pack of new friends. (Waves at 11-year-old Martina the avid reader, eloquent speaker, and sled dog enthusiast.) And I learned a ton about how to move your book at an event. Namely - you actually have to talk about yourself. Unabashadly. The natural (Canadian?) tendency toward modesty must be left at the door. How else are people going to know your book was selected as a Recommended Read by the Iditarod Education Department, unless you tell them?
Photo Peter Hellman
Photo Peter Hellman I LOVED being around all the amazing mushers and sled dogs! 100 howling dogs outside my motel door each evening and morning. Too beautiful for words. I choke up just remembering what that sounded like. 
photo by Glen Milligan
The bad news:
I really really wanted to get videos of the start of the races. I wanted to share the absolute joy of the dogs before they run. I taped amazing shots of crazed dogs running past, full teams screaming and lunging on the ganglines. Mushers slipping and wrestling to the start line. It was all so AWESOME!
Then I came home to watch and edit for you and ... AND ...
photo Glen MilliganI had the recorder off when I thought it was on and on when I thought it was off.
I've got brilliant shots of my feet running in the slushy snow with insane barking in the background.
I didn't get even one photo! (luckily, some did, thank you Peter and Glen)
I'M SO HEARTBROKEN!!!
Photo Charmaine CollinsBut - I'll be doing all this again on my next stop in CANNINGTON, Ontario in a couple of weeks. My man will be coming this time. He has graciously volunteered his skills to do the video taping.
Photos are nice - but to really feel the energy and buzz, there's nothing like actually hearing 200 + dogs screaming to RUN!
Thank you to all who purchased my book!
January 31, 2011
Swag fun and Junior Musher Video Contest Launch
Next week is my first book signing event. I'll be at the Marmora SnoFest and sled dog races.
I'm sure it will be loads of fun, but I have to admit, I'm nervous. What if no one buys a book? What if I say something brilliantly inappropriate? What if the ink blobs in the pen and messes up someone's copy?
My man surprised me with these little cuties to help out. What could go wrong that a blue-eyed, stuffed husky can't fix?
DOGSLED DREAMS JUNIOR MUSHER VIDEO CONTEST
I'd also like to announce that the JUNIOR MUSHER VIDEO CONTEST is up and running at the DOGSLED DREAMS website.
Contestants are invited to submit videos of their own dogsled dreams.
I'll be posting the videos here, on the facebook page, and on the website. So exciting! Hope we get to see lots of awesome junior mushers with their gorgeous dogs!
You will get to vote for the winner in April!
January 26, 2011
Elevensies Library Book Feast
Breaking News:
You're invited to the Elevensies Book Feast (All You Can Read)!
The Elevensies are a group of 2011 debut authors writing YA and MG books. We're offering librarians the chance to stock their shelves with the latest fiction for teen and tween readers, plus give young patrons the chance to win prize packages with tons of titles they'll love!
What's the Scoop?
We're hosting a year-long giveaway, broken into three seasons. Each season offers books by debut authors that you AND your teen and tween patrons can win. We've got a cool poster advertising the giveaway, and random drawings take place at the end of each season.
Check out the BOOKFEAST website for details on how to enter and download the poster!
Here's what's on the menu:
Each season, we'll offer a selection of books grouped into the following packages or "platters:"
For SPRING:
Blue Plate Special: Contemporary and historical teen fiction that keeps it real
Fusion Fare: Feast on fantasy, paranormal and dystopian teen fiction
Middle Grade Sampler: Dig in to debuts just for tweens, ages 8-12
Check out the WEBSITE for more details on how you can win!
I've already read some of these books and I can tell you they are AMAZING!
You're invited to the Elevensies Book Feast (All You Can Read)!
The Elevensies are a group of 2011 debut authors writing YA and MG books. We're offering librarians the chance to stock their shelves with the latest fiction for teen and tween readers, plus give young patrons the chance to win prize packages with tons of titles they'll love!
What's the Scoop?
We're hosting a year-long giveaway, broken into three seasons. Each season offers books by debut authors that you AND your teen and tween patrons can win. We've got a cool poster advertising the giveaway, and random drawings take place at the end of each season.
Check out the BOOKFEAST website for details on how to enter and download the poster!
Here's what's on the menu:
Each season, we'll offer a selection of books grouped into the following packages or "platters:"
For SPRING:
Blue Plate Special: Contemporary and historical teen fiction that keeps it real
Fusion Fare: Feast on fantasy, paranormal and dystopian teen fiction
Middle Grade Sampler: Dig in to debuts just for tweens, ages 8-12
Check out the WEBSITE for more details on how you can win!
I've already read some of these books and I can tell you they are AMAZING!
January 17, 2011
Reviews!
Wow! I'm liking google alerts lately! Here's what some people are saying about Dogsled Dreams. It's such a strange feeling to know your book is out in the wild without you. Readers are keeping it alive now - it's out of my hands. I LOVE LOVE LOVE readers!
Just One More Chapter
The Writing Room
Just Jemi
Just One More Chapter
The Writing Room
Just Jemi
