Tag Archives: Selima and the Merfolk

MISSY BECAME A MOMMY ON SUNDAY 9TH MARCH 2014

Missy with puppiesAbout three weeks ago I noticed that my beloved Missy was wider than she normally is. As the weeks went by, there was no way that I could deny her pregnancy. After I complained to everyone who would listen, I accepted that there was nothing I could do about the situation, and besides, I had always planned to line her one time before spaying her. Incidentally, just a few weeks ago her vet told me that she was getting old, and if I intended to line her I should do it soon. I guess everything happens for a reason.

I expected that her due date was close. My intention was to take her to the vet on Monday to find out how close, but she decided to save me a vet bill. On Sunday morning, I gave her a bath and cleaned her kennel. I thought it was a little strange when later in the day she did not run to the front of the house, when I left to walk my sister out. I just thought she was mad because I bathe her. She does not play with me or eat when I do that. Seriously, cold shoulder all day.

The action began about 3 o’clock. I was fifteen minutes into Criminal Minds when I heard a puppy crying. I ran to the back of my house and saw Missy with two puppies in the kennel. Normally, I never leave the kennel door open. I only did that because I was hoping she would finish her food because she was pregnant. In that very moment I no longer felt angry about her pregnancy, all I wanted was for her and the puppies to be okay. I even decided to keep both puppies. Originally, I planned to keep one male and give away the others, however many she had. Missy is so amazing, taking care of her puppies. I feel proud of her and impressed at what dogs can do.

My excitement quickly turned to worry when I check her later and saw three more puppies and then one more. Six puppies in all! What was I going to do?

I’ve since calmed down. Pompeks are favored in Trinidad, I shouldn’t have a problem finding good homes for them.

I got Missy five years ago after a terrible tragedy in my life. She was like my personal psychiatrist, and she gave me the distraction that I needed at that time. Things are great for me these days, but maybe I needed another reason to smile. Even though I was dead set against it, today I am happy that she had the experience.

I don’t know which puppies are males or females. The male that I keep will be named Mister.

Dogs are great! They really know how to put a smile on your face. I hope I could say that six weeks from now.

CLOSING OFF THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE

SELIMA 4

Today is exactly one year since I registered with WordPress.com. I am happy to inform you that I will be posting the book cover for Selima and the Merfolk tomorrow, December 31st 2013.

Please visit. I’d love to read your comments.

Enjoy this teaser. I promise you will not be disappointed with the completed work.

For updates and new developments follow me via Twitter, Facebook and Email.
Access all my social media easily from the side menu bar.

Menu Direction

DIARY POST 18: 2013 CONNECTIONS

World-flagsFrom time to time I like to look at my statistics. It fascinates me to see all the different countries/people who have visited my little blog. Trinidad and America are by far my most frequent visitors, but I have also been visited by many countries that I had not heard of. Call me unworldly. Geography was not my favourite subject. Oman, Latvia and Qatar are some of the new countries that I have discovered. It makes me think that we are all truly connected, if we want to be.

My blog has been visited over 3,000 times since I created it in February of this year. Although 3,319 hits is not a significant figure in the world of blogging, every view and visitor counts to me. I was fearful when I stared to blog. No one knows me, and I am blogging about writing a book about mermaids. Not the most popular topic. As this year comes to an end, I must say that I am glad that I tried. My only query with myself is that I should have blogged a lot more.

Before the end of 2013, I hope to give you a preview of my book cover or at least open the year with it. I was beyond excited when the artist, Mr. Jason Jarvis showed me his sketches. I am confident that I would love the finished product, and hope that you would too. Sure you can create a cover online, but I chose to invest a little more because I truly want to produce the best book that I can. That’s why I am forever editing, though I know I have to chillax and type ‘THE END’. (NB Haven’t decided if I am self-publishing so I might use the art work for other things).

Last month a few girls ages 12-21 read and review my manuscript. They all loved the story. Two of them pointed out that they wanted to see more development in a relationship. These girls do not know each other, and I too think I could do a little more work on that part. They didn’t expect the ending, and the girl who lives in the community where the story is based recognized the geography instantly. My supporting characters got some favour as well. Most importantly the girls were able to follow the story and understand the journey of my sometimes confused protagonist.

On Saturday I attended a meeting with a writers group I haven’t visited for a long time. They had a lot of new information and projects. It was very encouraging. I will be dedicating some of my time to support and work with them.

I feel positive and very grateful. It’s been a great year.

Expect Selima and the Merfolk the novel to be available in 2014.

Thanks for all the encouragement and support, and all the best for the new year.

DIARY POST 17: MY FIRST QUERY REJECTION

So far this week has been one of the most productive I’ve had for a long time. I am ready and willing to work, and best of all I am enjoying it. But sometimes things come along to test your faith, your patience, and your dedication. This week my test was a rejection email.

Yesterday I was rushing out of the office to meet with the Artist who will design my book cover. I was gathering my stuff when the email came through on my phone. Immediately, I recognized the name to be an agent I had queried. My heart skipped only one beat when I read that my request was declined. Very unlike my nature, I smiled. I knew with all my heart that that was not  a stumbling block in my way. I appreciate that he (the agent) replied to my email, because a lot of them do not. He was very respectful and encouraging. However, if I did not have a plan I might not have been able to receive his regards.

One thing I have learnt in my life is your attitude can delay your progress. I was certain that I would cry if I was rejected by an agent. When it happened  all I thought about was getting to my meeting on time.  I feel like I barely noticed that a door closed.

By this morning I was offered a wonderful opportunity pertaining to my novel, and I found $5.00, so what do I have to complain about.

A long time ago I decided that the only person that can hold me back is me. Of all the things I can do with myself right now, stressing makes the least sense.

This is a great message from Joel Osteen. http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2013-11-14

SELIMA AND THE MERFOLK REACHES 100 LIKES

100 LikesIt was so encouraging to get a notification that Selima and the Merfolk has reached 100 likes.

Thank you to –

All the bloggers who have liked my page.

Everyone who has taken the time to comment.

Everyone who has subscribed to the blog and my other social media platforms.

EVERY HIT, LIKE, TWEET, AND SUBSCRIPTION IS APPRECIATED

Smiley Thank You

DIARY POST 15: ALL I COULD HAVE DONE WAS LAUGH

Laugh On Wednesday, I was on a role … or so I though. I found out about an opportunity to be published http://www.wednesdaypost.com.au/ For the better part of the day, my fingers were tap-dancing to the song ‘get your package together.’ Amen they only wanted a short synopsis and biography, along with chapters off course.

By lunch time, I was satisfied with what I had written, and my stomach had begun to demand sustenance. I am one of those people who cannot stay hungry. I bought myself a nice beef soup and came right back to work. All I needed to do was insert headers, page numbers and a cover page. Well, like my grandmother would say ‘the devil busy.’ It took almost an hour to get those three menial changed done. When I finally got everything looking nice and professional, I went to Harper Collins page and met this message:

Please return on Wednesday to make your submission

Have you ever heard a silent scream? Like when someone is paralyzed by fear, the sound doesn’t escape their mouth? That was my scream (I was in the library). I knew I was submitting to Australia, but I totally ignored that Australia is almost 13 hours ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

At that point, there was nothing I could do but to submit next Wednesday. I was mad at myself because the time difference was a silly oversight. At the same time, I was excited to have started the submission process.

My mixed emotions resulted in me laughing myself out of the library. It was either that or grumble. At least I have everything ready, and will have a chance next Wednesday.

SPREADING MY WINGS … A LITTLE

Butterfly 1
Last week I completed the fourth edit of my manuscript. I am taking a break from it, and as a result I will not post weekly updates in the Diary of a Writing Woman category. You can however expect articles, reviews, short stories and more.

Perfecting a query letter is my most important task for the next few weeks, and then I’ll check the manuscript for consistency, and any errors I have missed (I have completed the editing process with Writer’s Digest). This does not mean I will hold back on querying. I will do that as soon as I am satisfied with my letter, and I will keep you posted about any developments.

Thank you for your support.
I look forward to your continued visits and comments.

This is a great article on tips for editing http://www.lisatener.com/2010/12/how-to-edit-a-book-how-many-times-should-i-edit/

DIARY POST 11: NOT QUITE THERE

GE DIGITAL CAMERAFirst things first. I didn’t meet my deadline. I take full responsibly, as it is only through my actions or inaction that I am not finished. However, I am glad that I gave myself a deadline. I would not have gotten this far, in this time period. This is my eleventh week of writing the Diary of a Writing Woman posts. Baring when I wrote the first draft (it took me about four months) I have never done more consistent work.

The last three chapters are outstanding. In total they are 35 pages, double spaced. I will continue editing tonight. I should cut that down significantly, before I retire. I have decided to give myself an extension (not like I have a choice) to finish by next Friday.

I didn’t realize how much I had edited out. The third draft was almost 58,000 words. As of now the fourth is about 52,000. It seems like an excessive amount has been deleted, but as I mentioned I had a lot of exaggerated descriptions.

As far as I know, the recommended length of a young adult novel is 55, 000 to 70, 000 words. I think I should take the time to increase my word count. So far, I am satisfied with how it reads, and I love my storyline. I don’t expect to find much of a reason to expand the closing scenes. Not 3000 words worth. I will only do so if it makes sense, or I’ll have to fit in another scene somewhere.

I’m going to utilize my weekend to write. Saturday for sure. In the week, I am tired when I get home from work. I just want to go to bed.

GOOD NEWS. I’ve sent in the first four chapters to be edited by Writers Digest, and I’ve been assigned an editor. She said it should take about two weeks. As soon as that process is completed, I will write a post on it.

Thanks for the support. I am sorry that I fell short, but I am not wasting time staying down.

1 … 5 6
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.