Terry Lynn Johnson's Blog, page 12

Book readings

I have a burning question for you today.

I've been invited to do a reading of my novel, DOGSLED DREAMS, at the Cannington Public Library during their Sled Dog Races. This is something I have never imagined myself doing. Not even when I dreamed about one day having a book published.

Living in a small town, I haven't had too many opportunities to even attend a book reading. I've been to one - a memoir. The author read from a scene in the book, not the beginning. He read for a LONG time, and the only thing I know for my own reading is that I want to be sure to read a very SHORT passage. (especially since it will be a middle grade audience I hope to impress the most)

I've been stressing a little about this, but then I remembered I have a blog and an amazing group of blogging friends who probably have much more experience attending readings than I have.

So, what do you think about what part to read? Do you prefer when the author reads the first chapter, or part of it? Does it interest you more when the author reads part of an action scene from somewhere else in the story?

If anyone has read Dogsled Dreams, please chime in and tell me which parts you would suggest!

note: I also plan to do some dogsledding activities and fun things, so the reading will only be a very small part of the presentation.

Debut author challenge

Though I didn't quite finish the 100 book reading challenge last year, (read 76 books) I did enjoy keeping track of the books I read. This is the place I'll keep the books I've read in 2011 - and since most will be debut's from the fabulous list of authors at THE ELEVENSIES, I thought I'd join The Story Siren challenge!

1. Ever Soul a Star by Wendy Maas (MG)
2. The Trouble With Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante (MG) 2011 DEBUT

Another Glorious Hike

The most popular posts on my blog are when I stop talking and just let the photos tell the story.













View from the top of Mount Arabella - the highest peak on the north shore.

Let sleeping deer lie

Little story of adventure today.

It's a testiment to how silent snowshoeing is that I could sneak up on a deer at all.

The soft "whoomp whoomp" on new snow doesn't make much of a sound, but my wheezy breath should have given some advanced warning of my approach. (yes, little out of shape lately)

Okay. so NORMALLY I do try to be very aware of my surroundings. The whole point to snowshoeing is being in the moment and drinking in the peace of nature. But in this instance, I was hurried, absent, mind racing ahead to everything I had to do when I got back.

And that's how I nearly tripped over a deer curled up asleep in the snow. I saw her just before I stepped on her. It startled me into a very awkward crash to the ground beside her. And when I say beside, I mean practically in her lap. The lap with long legs unfolding with wicked sharp hooves at the ends.


photo credit FlickerCC. I did not have time to take out my cameraWhat happened next I'm sure would have won a funniest home video contest. Neither of us could get away fast enough. I flailed and rolled in the deep snow like a turtle flipped over on its back, frantically trying to get up, she flailed trying to get her cold, stiff legs underneath her. It is a wonder I survived unscathed.

this is about how close I was. photo credit FlickerCCThe whole event reminds me of the day I nearly died by moose. (In fact - that story is being published by Wild Washington in the near future.) Or the sleeping bear I surprised during a rainstorm.

I'm thinking perhaps the deer might have been chased by wolves - they become exhausted and don't like to move once they've bedded down. Or maybe she had slipped on the ice and injured herself. I'm going again today to check on her.

Life Lesson #214 - Look up from your snowshoes.

Teachers Guide for DOGSLED DREAMS

The fabulous Natalie Lorenzi has completed the Teacher's Guide for my novel, DOGSLED DREAMS.

It is beyond amazing. Some of the creative ideas for activities to do with the class are brilliant and inspired. Really. I can't say enough good things about it.

Please check it out here.

DOGSLED DREAMS released!

My debut novel for middle grade readers is now out in the world! What a strange emotional mix of thrilling and terrifying!You can purchase copies at the links on the sidebar - Amazon or B & N.

You can also visit the Elevensies site today for a chance to win a copy. One day only!

Also, check out Paul Greci, my awesome critique partner's post about the book! I'm very lucky to have found such a great partner. (and I can't wait till the day I announce HIS book)

And Kathy Habel at I'm a Reader Not a Writer, is also giving away a copy!

And one more - OMG, please visit Just Jemi to read her review! I'm completely blown away!

Thank you to everyone who has shared this journey with me!

Winner of DOGSLED DREAMS

Happy New Year! I can't believe 2011 is here!

And for my first post, I'm pleased to announce the winner of my contest for a signed copy of the new release DOGSLED DREAMS



is



Shannon O'Donnell!!  Of Book Dreaming


Yay, Shannon! 


If you entered but didn't win - good news. You still have a few chances to win a copy. Over the next few weeks you can win a copy at

Goodreads
The Elevensies
Dogsled Dreams Facebook Page

and  a few other surprise places that I'll announce shortly.

Thank you all for entering and helping out. I'm so thankful for my followers!

My own "best of" list

one of my "power" places Tanzer has a hard life forced to hike every dayBeen out snowshoeing lately. Not much snow, but glorious weather. Unfortunately, I don't have my camera when the sun shines through the hoarfrost on the branches turning the whole world into awesome.

Shannon had a great idea on her blog listing her most popular posts for 2010. Personally, I tend to blog in sporadic fits. I read and catch up on what's going on for a couple days, then I get busy and miss lots.

So, in case you missed them, I'm listing my favourite posts this year.

1. On Passion
2. What Fills Your Soul Up?
3. Ever Wanted to Mush a Dog Team?
4. Wildlife Shots
5. End of Summer Adventure Photo Collage

Bark River Racing

Bark River Racing runs sled dog educational programs through schools and a newsletter they produce called the "Daily Scoop". They have just announced that DOGSLED DREAMS is a book they "highly recommend". I feel honoured they liked the book. Here's what they said:

Looking for a good sled dog read for your students?



Try Dogsled Dreams by Terry Lynn Johnson


The book is about a 12 yr old musher who dreams of becoming a famous dog sled racer. There is much about the book to enjoy, but the most exciting part to us is that the story includes a very good description of mushing. Through Rebecca's eyes you see life in the dog yard and being out on the trail, as well as the excitement, butterflies, and self doubting that comes with entering your first race. We highly recommend this book for our BRR teachers and students.
 
 
I was so excited to read this! When I wrote the book, this is exactly what I was hoping to accomplish.
 
Don't forget to enter my DOGSLED DREAMS giveaway. Four days left!

A few random things before Christmas

photo credit sympatico.ca pets
1. We had our Christmas last week - step families get to have TWO Christmases. And I'm in love with my new Kobo Reader.

2. I plan to finally get some snowshoe adventuring in during the Christmas break. Photos to come.

3. Don't forget the DOGSLED DREAMS giveaway here. Merry Christmas to all!

4. I don't think I'm going to make the 100 book reading challenge, but I did read 75 books. Check out my list here.

5. I've been up to my eyeballs in promotion prep for DOGSLED DREAMS. My amazing publicist has made a snazzy little booklet that includes the first chapter, reviews, and info about a secret junior musher video contest that I'll be announcing shortly. If anyone wants booklets they could use to help me with promotion, please contact me.

6. The Book Dads have reviewed Dogsled Dreams. Check it out here.