Well, the second round of parent teacher conferences went off without a hitch. We knew Riana was doing well academically, and still having some minor behavioral problems; this is exactly what we discussed with her teacher during the meeting.
I am wondering if some of the problems stem from where she lived before she was a part of our family and if the instability when she was younger plays a roll.
On the lighter side - she is going to be published in a district wide creative writing book in the city for a very short story she wrote for class. There will be an awards ceremony and she will receive a copy of the book as well.
Also, the teacher recommended an accelerated school for her next year. I have filled out the application and have to give a bit of it to her teacher to fill out and then she will be part of the lottery for that. It is a school focused on literature and I think it is something she would enjoy.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Riana's Award Ceremony
Riana had her second award ceremony of the year today at school, and for the second time she received an academic award of scholarship - last time for reading, this time for language arts and math. SHe is one smart cookie - too smart sometimes I think
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Publish America
Days ago I wrote that my manuscript has been accepted by Publish America and that I was beyond excited that I was FINALLY going to see my work in print for the general public. I thought of going other routes, www.booksurge.com was one them, as was my search for an agent to represent my work.
I did find an agent at one point, but they did nothing but cost me money and depress me. I have learned that acquiring an agent is not something that is easy - agents are subjective about what work they choose to represent. Most of it by their own opinions and not all agents like all work.
I have read, and appreciate the comments left to me by many about Publish America - but I have found positive about them as well. I am happy with my decision. Even if they are a so-called "vanity publisher" then they are working towards increasing my own vanity and my friends and family will be able to buy and enjoy my first novel in print.
Will this take me on to becoming a "mainstream" author? Only God know that for sure, but I know that it is a first step and one that I am committed to - just aws I am committed to my free lance work on Helium and Suite101.
I will be an author - in the mainstream. It is what I am destined for and no amount of negativity will ever stop me from reaching this goal.
I did find an agent at one point, but they did nothing but cost me money and depress me. I have learned that acquiring an agent is not something that is easy - agents are subjective about what work they choose to represent. Most of it by their own opinions and not all agents like all work.
I have read, and appreciate the comments left to me by many about Publish America - but I have found positive about them as well. I am happy with my decision. Even if they are a so-called "vanity publisher" then they are working towards increasing my own vanity and my friends and family will be able to buy and enjoy my first novel in print.
Will this take me on to becoming a "mainstream" author? Only God know that for sure, but I know that it is a first step and one that I am committed to - just aws I am committed to my free lance work on Helium and Suite101.
I will be an author - in the mainstream. It is what I am destined for and no amount of negativity will ever stop me from reaching this goal.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Out of my hands
Publish America sent me my new author questionaire on Monday and I spent most of the week filling it out - they needed simple stuff, my name, the name I want on the book, dedication, scknowledgements, a list of names/addresses to send flyers too when publication is imminent - I asked more people than I got responses from - but, I will resend an email to EVERYONE I know when the book can be purchased and where it can be purchased. maybe this is the beginning of something wonderful
I am starting to get a good feeling about the whole thing, but I am still not convinced that is is real......
I am starting to get a good feeling about the whole thing, but I am still not convinced that is is real......
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Sick Kid
Kept Riana home from school the last two days - she has had a fever, headache and I am terrified that she has the chicken pox - I know it is going around in her class. So far though, so spots anywhere......
Monday, March 12, 2007
My publishing journey begins
My contract from Publish America arrived on Saturday and I signed it mailed it back Priority Mail today. It was Twan's first visit to a post office.
As soon as they get the contract back in their office and process it I should hear about them to begin the pre-production stuff (editing, etc) to get Mohican Lake ready for publication.
I am still not all that excited yet, I want to bide my time until I am sure that things will really happen this time.
Although, I am excited for the first time I am able to hold my published novel in my hands. :-)
As soon as they get the contract back in their office and process it I should hear about them to begin the pre-production stuff (editing, etc) to get Mohican Lake ready for publication.
I am still not all that excited yet, I want to bide my time until I am sure that things will really happen this time.
Although, I am excited for the first time I am able to hold my published novel in my hands. :-)
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
My Manuscript
Just had to blog this - it is good news
www.publishamerica.com has offered to publish Mohican Lake.
Yes, it's true. I will be a published author soon. My dream is coming true.
Now I need to begin work on the sequel - The Masterful Mohican
www.publishamerica.com has offered to publish Mohican Lake.
Yes, it's true. I will be a published author soon. My dream is coming true.
Now I need to begin work on the sequel - The Masterful Mohican
Friday, March 2, 2007
Publish America
I was looking through a message board on www.helium.com today and found a publishing house that doesn't require representation to publish a novel. I checked them out and there is no up front cost to me - the destitute author, so I immediately submitted Mohican Lake to them.
I have had so very many rejections from agents, and had a lot of time wasted by one I was contracted to for a year, that I am hoping that now is my time. The website is www.publishamerica.com and I am hoping that they want to publish the novel for me.
If they do it will be for sale on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com and I can do some self publicitiy and try and get signings booked at book stores around here - as well as submitting press releases to the local papers. If it happens I would even try and have something published up in MA since that is where I am from.
The royalities look good from there too - now, let's just keep our fingers and toes crossed that they like the manuscript and want to publish it for me.
I have had so very many rejections from agents, and had a lot of time wasted by one I was contracted to for a year, that I am hoping that now is my time. The website is www.publishamerica.com and I am hoping that they want to publish the novel for me.
If they do it will be for sale on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com and I can do some self publicitiy and try and get signings booked at book stores around here - as well as submitting press releases to the local papers. If it happens I would even try and have something published up in MA since that is where I am from.
The royalities look good from there too - now, let's just keep our fingers and toes crossed that they like the manuscript and want to publish it for me.
Two Month Check-up
Took Twan (Antoine) to the dr. today for his 2 month check up and first shots. The shots were painful for us both and he cried the loudest I have heard from him.
He is doing great though and is now 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 in
He is doing great though and is now 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 in
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Stay at Home Mom
Well, being a stay at home mom to an infant is kind of boring, although I am relishing the quiet in the wake of Patrick and Jason's departure. Russell thinks it is the perfect opportunity for me to keep the house clean - personally I think he is nuts. Martha Stewart I am not. My housekeeping skills run more along the line of Peg Bundy.
Antoine is not at that fun stage yet, althogh we have seen a few spontaneous smiles from him. He is wide eyes and makes a real cute owl face that I have to try and get a picture of.
Riana is loving the fact that the boys are gone. She has her room back and is getting is a lot less trouble. If I could only get her to stop stealing my make-up she would almost be perfect. I found 6 or 7 of my eyeliners in her backpack yesterday and we too shocked to do much of anything about it.
She wants to grow up so fast; wants to wear make-up, wants a boyfriend and most of all wants to need to wear a bra. She even has her first crush on my friend Marc. You can tell by how she tries to flirt with him - keep in mind she is only 5............ Russell and I are certainly going to have our hand full with her when she gets older........ good thing he has no hair cause he would be pulling it out soon enough.....
Antoine is not at that fun stage yet, althogh we have seen a few spontaneous smiles from him. He is wide eyes and makes a real cute owl face that I have to try and get a picture of.
Riana is loving the fact that the boys are gone. She has her room back and is getting is a lot less trouble. If I could only get her to stop stealing my make-up she would almost be perfect. I found 6 or 7 of my eyeliners in her backpack yesterday and we too shocked to do much of anything about it.
She wants to grow up so fast; wants to wear make-up, wants a boyfriend and most of all wants to need to wear a bra. She even has her first crush on my friend Marc. You can tell by how she tries to flirt with him - keep in mind she is only 5............ Russell and I are certainly going to have our hand full with her when she gets older........ good thing he has no hair cause he would be pulling it out soon enough.....
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