Terry Lynn Johnson's Blog, page 13
December 19, 2010
DOGSLED DREAMS book giveaway
It's finally here - the contest you've been waiting for! I'm giving away a signed copy of DOGSLED DREAMS. Here's the deets:Fill out the form
Contest ends December 31
Open to everyone
Two random draws
I'm asking for you to do at least ONE of the following to help out with promotion of my debut novel. You are most welcome to do more than one - they are all simple and cost nothing but a tiny bit of time. There are no points involved here, just goodwill between bloggers.
1. Add DOGSLED DREAMS to your Goodreads list
2. Post the cover anywhere on your blog
3. Ask your local library to order a copy of DOGSLED DREAMS, ISBN-13: 978-0-9826423-4-4
4. Post a link to the Dogsled Dreams page on Facebook
5. Tweet about this contest
TO ENTER FILL OUT FORM
December 12, 2010
Junior musher inspirational video
I had to share this video by The FilmDailies about 15-year-old Krista Halnses and her sled dog racing career. It's longer than I usually post - five minutes, but just watching her with her dogs for a few seconds will mesmerize you.
December 10, 2010
Giving back for December
It's been a little chilly around here lately - minus twenty Celcius. But this morning, it's much warmer - which usually means SNOW!
first day of freeze-up
settling in for a long winter's rest Here's a little GIVING BACK post to warm your heart.
The New York Lit.World is accepting donations for children's picture books in partnership with The International Book Bank. The books will be shipped to Liberia and Sierra Leone to find children who may never have had a book of their own - some never have seen a picture book before.
Ambassador Kimmie Weeks reading aloud from book donationsAbout LitWorld: LitWorld is a non-profit organisation that advocates for global literacy. LitWorld believes stories are life-changing and sharing stories will create connections that have the power to change the world.
About The International Book Bank: An organisation that has been delivering free books and educational materials to developing countries since 1987, with the goal of increasing literacy and advancing education.
WHERE TO MAIL OR BRING BOOKS
LitWorld and The International Book Bank would like new or gently used favorite books to be mailed to:
LitWorld Holiday Book Drive C/O
Deacon Sharon Brennen
Christian Pre-School
Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church
43 Ashford Ave
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522
CONNECT WITH LITWORLD!
litworld.org
facebook.com/litworld
twitter.com/litworldsays
first day of freeze-up
settling in for a long winter's rest Here's a little GIVING BACK post to warm your heart.The New York Lit.World is accepting donations for children's picture books in partnership with The International Book Bank. The books will be shipped to Liberia and Sierra Leone to find children who may never have had a book of their own - some never have seen a picture book before.
Ambassador Kimmie Weeks reading aloud from book donationsAbout LitWorld: LitWorld is a non-profit organisation that advocates for global literacy. LitWorld believes stories are life-changing and sharing stories will create connections that have the power to change the world. About The International Book Bank: An organisation that has been delivering free books and educational materials to developing countries since 1987, with the goal of increasing literacy and advancing education.
WHERE TO MAIL OR BRING BOOKS
LitWorld and The International Book Bank would like new or gently used favorite books to be mailed to:
LitWorld Holiday Book Drive C/O
Deacon Sharon Brennen
Christian Pre-School
Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church
43 Ashford Ave
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522
CONNECT WITH LITWORLD!
litworld.org
facebook.com/litworld
twitter.com/litworldsays
December 6, 2010
Kate Messner in the house
Welcome to the blog the fabulous KATE MESSNER as my first ever guest! Kate is the author of a little book you may have heard of - THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. Yeah, that's right. I've got a famous author on my blog!
Today she's here to talk about winter! And her latest book, SUGAR and ICE, a middle grade novel about a girl athlete with a dream about a winter sport. And who doesn't love books like that?
By Kate Messner:
When you live where I do, outdoor winter sports are a part of life in a way that's hard to explain. It's not that we don't feel those –30 degree wind chill temperatures; it's just that most of us know how to bundle up and appreciate the brighter side of bitter cold.
My new figure skating novel for young readers, SUGAR AND ICE, takes place in Northern New York State and is about a girl from a small-town maple farm who earns a scholarship to train with the elite at Lake Placid's Olympic Center. Before the action turns to drama on the ice, though, there's a scene set on the family's maple farm, where Claire has grown up skating on the cow pond with her cousin.
Some people who have read early copies of SUGAR AND ICE have asked if we really skate on the frozen ponds and lakes in the winter time, and the answer is… well, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Not only do we venture outside on some of the coldest winter days; we long for those temperatures to drop when winter arrives. It takes the perfect mix of bitter cold overnight temperatures, still winds, and a few days without much snow to turn Lake Champlain into a giant skating rink.
Sometimes, it's a rink that needs shoveling, but it's well worth the effort! Later on, when the snow is too well packed to be swept away, we turn to cross country skiing past the ice fishermen, a scene that Claire would appreciate, I'm sure.
Readers of my blog shiver, I know, when I share some of these pictures. "How can you go outside in that?" my California friends write. But take a look…
If winter looked like this where you live, wouldn't it be hard for you to watch it pass by from inside? I feel like Claire and I are kindred spirits in a lot of ways…waiting and waiting for that first good freeze so our seasonal rinks can open for business.
Want a personalized, signed copy of SUGAR AND ICE?
The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid is hosting a SUGAR AND ICE launch party from 3-5 pm on Saturday, December 11th, so please consider this your invitation if you live in the area! If you can't make it but would still like a signed, personalized copy, just give the bookstore a call at (518) 523-2950 by December 10th. They'll take your order, have Kate sign your book after the event, and ship it out to you in plenty of time for the holidays.
'SUGAR AND ICE
Junior Library Guild Selection
Winter 2010-2011 Kids IndieNext List
Amazon.com Best Books for December 2010
For Claire Boucher, life is all about skating on the frozen cow pond and in the annual Maple Show right before the big pancake breakfast on her family's maple farm. But all that changes when Claire is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-a scholarship to train with the elite skaters in Lake Placid. Tossed into a world of mean girls on ice, where competition is everything, Claire soon realizes that her sweet dream-come-true has sharper edges than she could have imagined. Can she find the strength to stand up to the people who want her to fail and the courage to decide which dream she wants to follow?
Thank you, Kate, for your great photos and post!
Check out Kate Messner website HEREHer BLOG HERE
Today she's here to talk about winter! And her latest book, SUGAR and ICE, a middle grade novel about a girl athlete with a dream about a winter sport. And who doesn't love books like that?
By Kate Messner:
When you live where I do, outdoor winter sports are a part of life in a way that's hard to explain. It's not that we don't feel those –30 degree wind chill temperatures; it's just that most of us know how to bundle up and appreciate the brighter side of bitter cold.
My new figure skating novel for young readers, SUGAR AND ICE, takes place in Northern New York State and is about a girl from a small-town maple farm who earns a scholarship to train with the elite at Lake Placid's Olympic Center. Before the action turns to drama on the ice, though, there's a scene set on the family's maple farm, where Claire has grown up skating on the cow pond with her cousin.
Some people who have read early copies of SUGAR AND ICE have asked if we really skate on the frozen ponds and lakes in the winter time, and the answer is… well, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Not only do we venture outside on some of the coldest winter days; we long for those temperatures to drop when winter arrives. It takes the perfect mix of bitter cold overnight temperatures, still winds, and a few days without much snow to turn Lake Champlain into a giant skating rink.
Sometimes, it's a rink that needs shoveling, but it's well worth the effort! Later on, when the snow is too well packed to be swept away, we turn to cross country skiing past the ice fishermen, a scene that Claire would appreciate, I'm sure.
Readers of my blog shiver, I know, when I share some of these pictures. "How can you go outside in that?" my California friends write. But take a look…
If winter looked like this where you live, wouldn't it be hard for you to watch it pass by from inside? I feel like Claire and I are kindred spirits in a lot of ways…waiting and waiting for that first good freeze so our seasonal rinks can open for business.
Want a personalized, signed copy of SUGAR AND ICE?
The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid is hosting a SUGAR AND ICE launch party from 3-5 pm on Saturday, December 11th, so please consider this your invitation if you live in the area! If you can't make it but would still like a signed, personalized copy, just give the bookstore a call at (518) 523-2950 by December 10th. They'll take your order, have Kate sign your book after the event, and ship it out to you in plenty of time for the holidays.
'SUGAR AND ICE
Junior Library Guild Selection
Winter 2010-2011 Kids IndieNext List
Amazon.com Best Books for December 2010
For Claire Boucher, life is all about skating on the frozen cow pond and in the annual Maple Show right before the big pancake breakfast on her family's maple farm. But all that changes when Claire is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-a scholarship to train with the elite skaters in Lake Placid. Tossed into a world of mean girls on ice, where competition is everything, Claire soon realizes that her sweet dream-come-true has sharper edges than she could have imagined. Can she find the strength to stand up to the people who want her to fail and the courage to decide which dream she wants to follow?
Thank you, Kate, for your great photos and post!
Check out Kate Messner website HEREHer BLOG HERE
December 1, 2010
celebrating snow, reviews, and 200 followers!
our deck - gateway to winter wonderland We finally got our snow, the lake is making ice as I write this, I've got 200 followers! And Dogsled Dreams continues to get good reviews! So much to celebrate! What should we do?
First, let's make fun of my step-daughter's little Remmington, and his snow ball plight.
little dog likes to tromp through drifts like the big dog but doesn't have the fur for it!
Now, let's announce that NEXT WEEK, author Kate Messner will be stopping by to talk about winter, and her latest book SUGAR AND ICE.
Next, I'd like to share a review Dogsled Dreams received from a famous musher and author.
Dogsled Dreams by Terry Lynn Johnson is a story that demonstrates the bond between mushers and their dogs, the devotion mushers feel for their dogs, and the lengths to which they will go to ensure their dog's health and well-being.
The most important lesson in this book is that it shows a young person being responsible and treating animals humanely and that this behavior is admired by their peers.
This story also truly shows that mushing is a family sport that enhances family connections and one that bring joy to humans and canines. People of all ages will enjoy reading Dogsled Dreams.
--Pam Flowers, Author of Alone Across the Arctic: One Woman's Epic Journey by Dog Team
All this great news - makes me feel like giving away signed copies of DOGSLED DREAMS! Any cool ideas out there on how to make it fun?
our deck - gateway to winter wonderland We finally got our snow, the lake is making ice as I write this, I've got 200 followers! And Dogsled Dreams continues to get good reviews! So much to celebrate! What should we do?First, let's make fun of my step-daughter's little Remmington, and his snow ball plight.
little dog likes to tromp through drifts like the big dog but doesn't have the fur for it!Now, let's announce that NEXT WEEK, author Kate Messner will be stopping by to talk about winter, and her latest book SUGAR AND ICE.
Next, I'd like to share a review Dogsled Dreams received from a famous musher and author.
Dogsled Dreams by Terry Lynn Johnson is a story that demonstrates the bond between mushers and their dogs, the devotion mushers feel for their dogs, and the lengths to which they will go to ensure their dog's health and well-being.
The most important lesson in this book is that it shows a young person being responsible and treating animals humanely and that this behavior is admired by their peers.
This story also truly shows that mushing is a family sport that enhances family connections and one that bring joy to humans and canines. People of all ages will enjoy reading Dogsled Dreams.
--Pam Flowers, Author of Alone Across the Arctic: One Woman's Epic Journey by Dog Team
All this great news - makes me feel like giving away signed copies of DOGSLED DREAMS! Any cool ideas out there on how to make it fun?
November 27, 2010
To Gee or to Haw, that is the question
Bark River Racing team photoFind out how tuned in mushers are with their leaders in the latest FUN FACT #3 on the website HERE.
November 23, 2010
November 21, 2010
The Next Fifteen Minutes by Kim Kircher
CONGRATULATIONS to Kim Kircher for signing with Behler Publications for her debut memoir, THE NEXT FIFTEEN MINUTES.
From Kim's blog:
My memoir, THE NEXT FIFTEEN MINUTES, takes readers on a wild ride of salvation, finding answers to a scary diagnosis in the oddest places, including the bottom of a snowy avalanche and the cockpit of a Beaver floatplane.
As a ski patroller, I use explosives to prevent avalanches and my EMT training to save lives. When my husband got sick, it was the most important job yet: rescue him. My training taught me how to survive any crisis, even a terrible diagnosis: just calm down and breathe. During the twelve months waiting for the liver transplant that would save him, I conquered my greatest fear by returning to the mountains. I mined our lives spent skiing, climbing, and exploring the wilderness for lessons I could apply to our current dilemma. THE NEXT FIFTEEN MINUTES offers a rare glimpse into the strange and fascinating world of ski area work, where steep terrain and deep snow, the twin fuels that run our business, can teach us how to get through the worst trials just fifteen minutes at a time.
Kim's story sounds truly inspiring, as does her lifestyle of adventure as an avalanche specialist and ski patroller. Go check out her amazing blog! Way to go, Kim! Can't wait to read it.
From Kim's blog:
My memoir, THE NEXT FIFTEEN MINUTES, takes readers on a wild ride of salvation, finding answers to a scary diagnosis in the oddest places, including the bottom of a snowy avalanche and the cockpit of a Beaver floatplane.
As a ski patroller, I use explosives to prevent avalanches and my EMT training to save lives. When my husband got sick, it was the most important job yet: rescue him. My training taught me how to survive any crisis, even a terrible diagnosis: just calm down and breathe. During the twelve months waiting for the liver transplant that would save him, I conquered my greatest fear by returning to the mountains. I mined our lives spent skiing, climbing, and exploring the wilderness for lessons I could apply to our current dilemma. THE NEXT FIFTEEN MINUTES offers a rare glimpse into the strange and fascinating world of ski area work, where steep terrain and deep snow, the twin fuels that run our business, can teach us how to get through the worst trials just fifteen minutes at a time.
Kim's story sounds truly inspiring, as does her lifestyle of adventure as an avalanche specialist and ski patroller. Go check out her amazing blog! Way to go, Kim! Can't wait to read it.
November 17, 2010
Getting the snowshoes ready
This is a recycled post from my blog's first year. Thought it was a good time to post again since it's one of my favourite activities and from the forecast, sounds like it won't be long now.
The best thing about snowshoeing is looking behind you. Something about that narrow tunnel stamped into a fresh sheet of white snow makes me feel like an explorer. The sole human visiting a magical place with drooping spruce branches and secretive silence. I was here.
The best thing about snowshoeing is looking behind you. Something about that narrow tunnel stamped into a fresh sheet of white snow makes me feel like an explorer. The sole human visiting a magical place with drooping spruce branches and secretive silence. I was here.
November 16, 2010
What fun can you have with a bucket of bloody chicken parts?
FUN FACT #2 has been posted to my website. Check it out HERE.
Also, you may notice Chapter One of Dogsled Dreams has been officially posted on the top bar.
I've been busy lately considering a CIRCLE SUPERIOR book tour to Thunder Bay and Duluth. I could take in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and visit my old haunts in Thunder Bay. I've been invited by a Thunder Bay musher friend of Boreal Journeys to join them at the race festivities. Dogsled Dreams is based in the outskirts of the city.
This hasn't been officially decided yet. I have a concern with the road conditions in January. But just in case, are any of my dear readers along this route?
