STRANGE ENCOUNTERS with THE SEER
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lindajsingleton's LiveJournal:
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| Friday, July 3rd, 2009 | | 8:10 pm |
5 THINGS ON A FRIDAY
5. Finishing rewriting for SEER #6 and will mail it to my editor/agent before leaving on vacation Sunday.
4. Had my nails done a frosty mauve-pink.
3. Not sure what to read next. Help me choose from these books in my 2-B-read File:
SEA CHANGE by Aimee Friedman or STRANGE ANGELS by Lili St. Crow
2. I have a cold and stuffy nose -- not supposed to in the summer! Annoying.
1. I had a letter from a mom who reads YA books with her 13 year old. Her letter really made my day!
Here's part of what she wrote to me about my DEAD GIRL series:
Thank you, Linda, for all your creativity and for giving girls this age something wonderful to read and a world to explore that's not too far out of their depth. I was thankful and awed at how gently and respectfully you treated a number of very sensitive issues, rape (or the possibility of it) being only one of them. I love books that allow my daughter and I to discuss these issues that are important, but sometimes hard to get to. These are realities of life, but you approached them with strength and character. I am glad to know you, even if just by email!!
HAVE A WONDERFUL 4th of JULY!!! | | Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | | 7:27 pm |
Random Coolness
Stuff happening lately: * Took a raccoon baby to a wildlife rescue society.  * Had lunch with writer friends Danna and Linda W. today. * Drove with hubby & son this weekend to Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe. * While in Reno at Circus Circus, won a bag of stuffed animals on midway--even a giant donkey. * Finished reading AngelMonster about Mary Shelley--which was very interesting. | | Friday, June 19th, 2009 | | 7:51 pm |
Since Savannah ... Back 2 Real Life...and an OUCH!
Savannah with Gothic Girls was like living out a fantasy -- I mean, being with WRITERS! YA WRITERS ...wow.But I'm back home now. Here's what I've been doing.... CAMPING....Packed 5th wheel then went to Sugar Pine Campground. Walked, read and talked. Mom/Dad & other family came so we had nice big group. On Saturday we had our traditional pancake-bacon breakfast . My brother came later with the kayak for just the day. And then came the...no. not zombies...but a flesh-scarring moment....
While I was waiting for everyone to assemble for the 5 mile walk around the lake, I started walking down a hard-rock-concrete path to the lake. My right foot caught on something and suddenly I was flung forward and slammed my left knee into the concrete, pushing off with my palms and rolling into the dirt. I huddled on the ground, breathless with pain and unable to even cry because it was such a shock to my system, hoping someone would come help me. My daughter's dog Athena heard my scream and came, but no one else heard me. I waited for my breath to come back, then I pushed up on one foot and hopped back to the campsite. Then I just sank on a bench, reeling with agony. My hubby cleaned and bandaged my bleeding knee. While my family went ahead on our traditional lake walk, I hobbled back to my trailer and laid down, reading more of CATCHING FIRE, sequel to HUNGER GAMES (a brutal thrilling, captivating book). I was glad to have a book to sink into as I'm a big baby about pain and not one to suffer silently. About an hour later, I was restless and found that I could put weight on my leg, just not bend my knee. So I started walking (reverse direction) around the lake and met up with the others. I had to use a stick and limp a lot, but it felt good to do at least a little of our traditional hike. Then we all had a potluck. Sat around talking, enjoyed getting to know nephew & his girlfriend better. Sunday--Breakfast then everyone packed to go home. Monday--David was off,. I couldn't do Curves so wrote on my book, then ran (limped) errands. Tuesday: Visited my parents in Sacramento. Finished reading SHIVER by the talented Maggie Shiefvater (which I learned was pronounced Steve-Otter). Beautiful writing and a great ending. Weds--We went boating. Relaxing day and beautiful on Hogan Lake. Thursday--Critique meeting, and we invited a new member who writes non-fiction biography picture books and is working on a historical YA set in Russian. We had lots to discuss--very nice meeting. Friday--Wrote a little. Curves, nails done, I came home and put in the audio tape on my boombox and just listened to the story while I relaxed, did treadmill 15 minutes, did dishes and swept floor. I am growing to really love audio books. Well I'm caught up now. | | Monday, June 15th, 2009 | | 7:41 pm |
Some Savannah post-Gothic Girl fun
The Gothic Girls stayed here: 
The historic Robert Low house may look small but it has a second floor, 3 bedrooms, spacious kitchen, dining room and living room. I stayed in the master bedroom downstairs with fantstic roomie Dawn.
Jackson taught me how to post pictures here -- I hope it works!
Here's a picture we asked a stranger to take with my camera -- the only time the whole group was photographed:
One more picture just for fun!
Jackson, Linda (me), Jackie and Brenna
| | Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 | | 10:14 am |
GOTHIC GIRLS in Savannah: PART 3 (end of trilogy)
SUNDAY: Book store trip to Savannah B/Noble and Booksamillion, some stock signed. Later at the house, Jackie made tacos for the group. Dawn painted art on arms and faces. Jackie drew body-art with a Twilight theme. Maggie is an artist, too, plus song-writer. I am in awe of all these talented girls. MONDAY: Worked on my laptop in the sultry sun room surrounded by stained glass windows and flowering trees. Across the alley cats roam freely but are too wild to get close (yes, I tried). The group decided to go walking to an indy bookstore. Really nice out today—sunny. Nice walk and the bookstore. Heidi bought an autographed GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL. All hungry by then so found a café. Evening went on a trolley for a haunted ghost tour. Apparently all the women ghosts have high cheekbones and were horribly murdered. Heard ghost stories about old houses, yellow fever and bodies buried under streets. Stopped at the Pirate Restaurant and went down to the "haunted" basement in the hopes of filming “orbs.” Saw no ghosts but lots of flashing cameras TUESDAY: Jackson, Heidi, Jackie, Brenna, Carrie and I walked to the MRS. WILKES famous 5 star restaurant – on the list of 1,000 things to do before you die book. I wonder if I’ve done any of the remaining 999. Will have to check. We walked about 15 minutes to get there. The line was very long but worth the hour wait! We walked in and were seated at a table with a honeymoon couple and a middle-aged couple with a young daughter here for a Girl Scout event. The table had dishes of all kinds of food; mashed potatoes, veggies, biscuits, stew, bbq meat and the crunchiest best friend chicken. For dessert I chose the banana pudding instead of berry cobbler, it was good. Enjoyed the conversation and home-styled meal. At end, it’s customary to take dishes to the back and then pay and tip on the way out. $16 plus tip. We all loved it. Dinner at Olde Pink House. I chose the pecan crusted chicken with burgundy sauce with sweet potatoes and collards. Afterwards, back at the Robert Low house, I expected a quieter night, I mean, how could we top the crazy stuff of previous nights? But Jackson and Dawn came up with the idea of a vlog using hand puppets for a zombie bunny theme. Dawn water-color painted the back of our hands with faces representing hero-heroine in our books. I can’t wait to see this! I’ll post the link when Jackson says it’s ready. On Wednesday there were several trips to the airport. GOTHIC GIRLS retreat ending. | | Sunday, June 7th, 2009 | | 12:01 pm |
Weekend = Gothic Girls
WEEKEND: Woke up fairly early considering 3 hour time difference. Finally after talking for hours, mostly at the communal table in dining room, we had a break in rain so we went walking to find a restaurant. The rain started and only 3 of us had umbrellas—not me.We were attacked by torrential rains. Dawn, Jackie, Brenna and I tried to hide under a stairwell and kept waiting for the rain to stop. But it didn’t so we dove into wet air, drowning while hurrying through rivers of puddles. It was warm and wet and kind of fun once I surrendered to getting soaked-- kind of an adventure.
Carrie Ryan showed up and she's made of GREAT. Jackson, Jackie, Heidi and Brenna went out for groceries and our brilliant chef Jackie Dolamore cooked Indian spiced chicken-rice-potato-veggies-curried chickpeas on naan bread for dinner. Then sat around table, 9 of us, and talked about everything books and publishing. So much interesting talk that I didn’t read or write or barely leave the room; didn’t want to miss any of the laughing. Maggie went around asking what everyone’s strengths & weakness was in their opinion for writing and I said strength: plotting, weakness: imagery. Great topic!
9PM answered GothicGirls on Twitter, mostly the others with silly answers. Finally went to sleep by 2PM.
Managed to sleep till 9AM. Then had cereal and a banana while talking with Carrie and Dawn and Jackson. Some of us took a walk later to a nearby historic cemetery. Rained a little but not too bad. Kind of a relaxing day just talking and typing on our laptops. Surrounded by talented authors is inspiring! | | Friday, June 5th, 2009 | | 9:57 pm |
GOTHIC GIRLS retreat: Day One
I flew from Sacramento to Savannah with only a few uneasy airplane moments (nervous flyer). Long day on two planes! Landed on time and met Jackson Pierce (author of upcoming AS YOU WISH) at her red car. We waited for the next group of GG (Gothic Girls) – Maggie (author of LAMENT/SHIVER/BALLAD) , Heidi (upcoming author of SEA) and Brenna (just sold a changling fantasy). Jackson drove us through Savannah which is thick with green woods and sultry from recent storm. Lots of old buildings with iron balconies and alleys behind for parking & private yards. Our Robert Low house is bigger than it looks from street with 3 bedrooms and historical whimsical decore. I’m sharing the master bedroom with Dawn (upcoming author of SKIN & BONES). We all talked up in the attic room, with a queen bed and a day bed that we lounged on. We all write YA which is a fun thing to have in common. Maggie gave us copies of SHIVER. YAY!!! I went with Maggie and Heidi to pick up Jackie from train station—she loves vintage clothes and is adorable. She sold MERMAID UNDER GLASS with “our” agent Jennifer Laughran. Stopped by Kroegers for drinks and snacks.Back to the house and lots of talking. Pizza arrived and it was really good. 8 of us sat around the table and talked and laughed for hours. It's like a sleepover with writers.
More tomorrow.... | | Thursday, June 4th, 2009 | | 8:40 pm |
SAVANNAH = GOTHIC GIRLS!
Traveling is a big deal to me. I have to plan, make lists and worry over dumb details, like getting my connecting flight and turbulence (hope not). I leave at 4AM Friday morning. Flying for over 7 hours. This scares me, but hanging out with Gothic Girls Maggie, Carrie, Tess, Brenna, Heidi, Dawn, Jackson and Jackie will be worth the flying anxiety. And I've never been to Georgia so sight-seeing will be amazing. I can't even imagine what it will all be like because I've never done anything like this before....let the adventure begin! | | Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 | | 6:47 pm |
What Happened on Monday
WRITING: I wrote 2 more pages for SEER #6 - MAGICIAN'S MUSE.
SHOPPING: Getting ready for GOTHIC GIRL retreat; leaving Friday for Savannah.
GOOD NEWS: Found out DEAD GIRL WALKING was a 2009 Quick Pick Nomination
WEIRD BUT TRUE: Picked out a cheerful shade of red hair dye for a corpse, | | Friday, May 29th, 2009 | | 9:15 am |
Five Things on a Friday
1. Due to my unoffical LJ poll -- Twitter reprint posts in LJ land are not a good idea. Every single reply said they found them confusing/annoying/repetitious. 2. BEA reports and BEA envy are rocking the blogasphere today. I'm living vicariously through BEA posts from ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) literaticat ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) cwim and other posters mostly on Twitter since it's immediate there. Next year I so want to go -- anyone know where BEA is being held next year? 3. Started creating my "Fan Packet" which I'll offer through my www.myspace.com/LindaJoySingleton site to very special readers. 4. If my hubby hadn't worked today, I'd be in Monterey chowing down on Hopper's Clam Chowder. Instead I'm working, too, and hope to add more pages to SEER #6. About 6 chapters left to write. 5. IN ONE WEEK FROM TODAY I'LL BE IN SAVANN AH FOR A GOTHIC GIRL RETREAT with 8 other YA authors who I have never met (except a quick elevator meeting with Heidi last year). This is definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm a little nervous and A LOT excited. | | Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 | | 8:21 am |
| | Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | | 8:10 am |
Informal Twitter Survey
Hey, what do you think of the the posts on LiveJournal which show recent Twitter posts? I signed up for one of these Twitter-to-LJ things, but reconsidered and cancelled. Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy Twitter (friend me under www.twitter.com/LindaJoySinglet ) but some of the Twitter posts in LiveJournal look a little confusing. So I'm just wondering what other opinions were. So here's the unofficial survey question: Do you like seeing Twitter recap posts on LiveJournal: YES NO INDIFFERENT THANKS!!! | | Thursday, May 21st, 2009 | | 6:23 pm |
Just Stuff
I had critique today with Patti, Erin and Connie. Erin has sold picture books and I've sold YA. But today we did a switcheroo. She gave our group YA chapters to read for our next meeting and I gave them a picture book. It's been a deep dream to have at least one picture book published and a photograph of Verla Kay's inspired the non-rhyming, 500-word dog story I've written. When it's ready (soon!) I will nervously show it to my agent. Some medical problems today -- but a trip to the doctor and my ear-blockage was fixed. Good thing, too, as I can't have an ear infection when I fly to Savannah in two weeks! So all better now. Saturday is the big graduation and party at my parents' house for my son. Should be fun and a nice visit with my family. I'd really love to sneak out to a movie this 3-day weekend. My workaholic hubby is actually OFF. I'd like to see the #2 of NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Looks so fun and I loved the first one. I also will try to stop by the Avid Reader Bookstore to see my Nevada friend, Suzanne Williams, since she's signing her book BULL RIDER. I've already read it and wrote a rave review over at Amazon. Go out and read this fascinating book. Currently Reading: BLOODHOUND by Tamora Pierce Current Writing: THE SEER #6 Also Writing: DOG PICTURE BOOK Overall Mood: Hopeful. | | 7:09 am |
GOTH GIRLS in Savannah!
It's no longer a secret, so I can share this fun news. I'm joining 8 other YA authors for a retreat in a historic Savannah mansion (well, house) for a writing retreat. And the whole thing happened via posts through Live Journal. Some of us were talking "Castle Envy" saying how it was so great for those authors who had a retreat in a real castle. Suddenly plans were made, a location picked, and a cast of writers on board. (more on this here: http://m-stiefvater.livejournal.com/) GOTH GIRLS headed to Savannah are:</a></b></a> m_stiefvatereverflame</span> (Tessa Gratton) </font></b></a> brennayovanoff </font></b></a> dawn_metcalf </font></b></a> carrie_ryan </font></b></a> fabulousfrock (Jackie Dolamore) </font></b></a> watchmebe (Jackson Pearce) </font></b></a> seaheidi (Heidi Kling) </font></a> I've never been to a writing retreat for YA authors -- actually not ANY kind of writing retreat except SCBWI events. So I'm really excited and can't wait to talk books for nearly SIX days! I've never been to Georgia either so this is a FIRST for me on many levels. I'm always a nervous flyer, too, so you know I really REALLY wanted to do this or I wouldn't be flying from California to Georgia. Stay tuned for more news!! | | Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 | | 6:11 pm |
MAGIC THIEF: Lost (Review)
THE MAGIC THIEF: LOST by Sarah Prineas I loved the first MAGIC THIEF book for its creative magic, exciting adventures and fascinating characters. The second book in this series continues on where the first left off. Conn, the thief turned wizard's apprentice, is unable to speak to his magic since his "locus magicalicus" jewel was destroyed. So he comes up with a plan to speak to magic by creating explosions--which leads to dangerous complications. While Conn struggles to regain his magical skills, an unknown enemy is threatening Wellmet, sending shadows that turn their victims to stone. Conn's attempts to save his friends backfire and even his close friends distrust him. To prove his innocence, he goes on a deadly quest to defeat a powerful sorcerer. Sarah Prineas writes fast-paced, thrilling scenes with strong, visual writing. Her characters don't simply move with ordinary verbs; they splat-land, flap-flap, swept-step; unique words that add atmosphere and poetry. The MAGIC THIEF series has gorgeous covers, characters you love, and cliffhanger endings that make you eager to read the next book. Don't miss this magical series! | | Monday, May 18th, 2009 | | 7:01 am |
Dead Girl In Love: First review!
Huntress Reviews are so cool! They just gave me an amazing review for my August 2009 release, DEAD GIRL IN LOVE. Here's a preview of how it will be posted on review sites: TITLE: Dead Girl in Love (Dead Girl #3, Aug. 2009) AUTHOR: Linda Joy Singleton 13 ISBN: 9780738714073 10 ISBN: 0738714070 5 STARS! Amber Borden thought she was through being a Temp Lifer. The first time she found herself in someone else's body had been due to a mistake. The second time had been much sooner than expected. Amber's deceased grandmother, Grammy Greta, who is the head of the Temp Life program on the other side, knows Amber does not want a third time. But when Grammy Greta informs Amber that the living body who now needs a Temp Lifer is Alyce, Amber agrees to one last assignment. After all, who better to BE Alyce than her best friend Amber? Not to mention that Amber feels she let Alyce down during the last assignment. Alyce had needed Amber and Amber had not been there for her. Now is Amber's chance to make it up to her. Alyce has always kept herself distant from others. Amber is her only true close friend. But Amber quickly learns how little she really knows about Alyce's private life. The surprises begin the first second she wakes up in Alyce's body to find herself enclosed in a coffin! Alyce has been searching for "The Lost". That is the only thing her Temp Lifer's Guidance Evaluation Manual (GEM) will tell her. Oh, and that Alyce's problem has to do with love. Figuring out what "The Lost" is turns out not to be Alyce's only secret from everyone. Alyce's mother has a mental problem. Alyce has been hiding and dealing with her mom's mood swings, personality changes, and basically having to be a mother to her own mom. Lucky for Amber she has a few friends "in the know" to help her out. Dustin, Amber's hacker/geek/activist friend, can help with learning what "The Lost" is and locating it. Grammy Greta is only a phone call away since she is the Temp Lifer in Amber's real body. But nobody can help Amber with the biggest problem of all. The Dark Lifer known as Gabe Deverau is back and he knows where Amber is. Either Amber helps Gabe get what he wants or her boyfriend, Eli, will pay for her defiance. ***** O-M-G! Linda Joy Singleton gets better and better with every story she pens. Any time I feel as though this author can no longer surprise me, she throws in a twist that bowls me over. I love it! The story clearly showed to me that grown ups do not always know everything. (For example, Grammy Greta may have once been Amber's age, but times have changed and she is overwhelmed with the new things taught in school. Not to mention the class work is done with computers now.) Since this is the last of the Dead Girl trilogy, much more is going on than the previous two titles. There are things happening in this story that I do not mention in the synopsis too. Twists and surprises spring up everywhere. The story never slows down so I never became bored. The story opens with a bang and hooks attentions instantly. I end this with a warning; do not begin reading this until you have a lot of free time. Outstanding! ***** HUNTRESS REVIEWS Reviewed by Detra Fitch.
www.huntressreviews.com | | Sunday, May 17th, 2009 | | 6:45 pm |
Career Day & Sis-N-Crime ReCap
Better a few days later than never, right? Here's how my career day for 7th graders and a Sisters-n-Crime meeting went: Thursday-Career day at Harriet Eddy School.
Treated like celebrities since they had trouble getting speakers as many parents are out of work. We had fruit, pastries and drinks, plus a greeter from a program of advanced students who stayed with each speaker all day. I met my co-speaker (critique friend) Patti Newman right away and was so glad to have her sharing my talk. We listened to an opening talk with the band playing off/on then were escorted to our classroom. My niece Natasha had 3 classrooms (one combined for two periods plus a break period, which made it easier on us). Patti and I both used power point, and took turns. I loved having a partner! It gave me a nice rest. My career day power point featured four young authors who sold books young; which I hope inspired kids to follow their own dreams. I always say for them to consider my advice for whatever interest/career they dream of doing, since very few will actually have writing dreams. My talks tend to be more cheerleader-for-success and to encourage hard work and ambition. The writers I showed were Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Gordon Korman (his story of selling a 7th grade project at age 12 is amazing), Jeff Sampson and Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I also showed a slide of research fun like when I took fencing lessons and went on a cruise. And I include a few photos of famous writers I've met -- Tamora Pierce, Meg Cabot and LJ Smith. And Patti showed authors, too; her twist was on different types of authors like non-fiction, illustrators and picture books. You'd think giving this talk 3 times wouldn't be exhausting, but after we finished I was so wiped that when I reached home, I had to take a nap. Then I watched Survivor -- yay Coach is gone! SISTER-N-CRIME MEETING; Saturday
The mystery novel speaker writes Napa mysteries for Chronicle under Nadia Gordon, a pen name she choose since she was an editor there once and did a lot of their trendy/non-fiction titles under her real name. She's one of the few writers I've met who live soully on her writing career, doing non-fiction and novelty books like a card deck on Kama Sutra. I enjoyed listening to her experiences with cooking and restaurants which led to her writing about culinary-mysteries. That night I worked on yet another power point (I'm hooked on this format!). This one is about my childhood writing and also the research for my STRANGE ENCOUNTERS series which I'll talk on this Tuesday when I speak to an elementary school in Herald (where I used to live). | | 3:06 pm |
| | 6:49 am |
| | Saturday, May 16th, 2009 | | 3:05 pm |
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