November 5, 2012

Guest Post From Author Amy Dixon! (And A Giveaway!!!)

Happy Monday Everyone!

Boy did I wrestle with this post.

As you know, today is our day for a guest post from Amy Dixon, author of MARATHON MOUSE.  (And did I mention there's a giveaway?!!)

It was also supposed to be the day I posted the Halloweensie Contest Finalists (of which there are a lot more than 3 because at final count we had 38 entries and 3 finalists was simply not a number I could get down to with so many fantastic stories!!!)

I actually started writing the post thinking I'd put everything in.

But by the time I got to the end of Amy's part, I knew it wasn't going to work.  Wonderful as you all are, I felt it was just too much to ask you to go on from Amy's post to the contest finalists - it was getting VERY long.  So since today is her scheduled day, I hope you will all thoroughly enjoy her post, which is full of inspiring words for writers!  I will post the Halloweensie Contest finalists in a separate post either later on today or tomorrow (which I realize is not a normal posting day for me) - feel free to tell me in the comments which you'd prefer!

So without further ado, heeeeerrrre's AMY!

Amy Dixon

When I was growing up, some of my favorite books involved one Miss Ramona Quimby. I’m sure I related to her trials as the little sister, and to her attempts to prove herself worthy of admiration and acceptance. I will say though, that Ramona went to much greater lengths to gain such admiration. I never accidentally cracked a raw egg on my head, or wore a Chiquita banana sticker on my face in order to be a part of the latest fad. But I was always delighted by her antics, and always wished, in spite of what seemed like constant embarrassment, that I could be more like her. What perhaps now I would categorize as impulsiveness, I then regarded as bravery. Ramona was brave. I wanted to be brave, too.

It was my affection for Ramona that made the nickname I earned on the soccer field when I was 10 a little more palatable. My sister and I both played on a team called The Golden Touch. I wasn’t a flashy player. I don’t think I ever saved or scored a goal. But our coach would put me in the midfield, point out one of our opponents and say, “Don’t you let her get by you.” I took his charge seriously. I followed that player around on the field like a stray puppy who was once given a scrap and was hoping for more. I would not leave her alone for a second. And so, on the soccer field, I became Amy the Pest.

When I started writing for children six years ago, I had no idea the tenacity that would be required to make things happen in this business. It definitely called for a bit of…pesty-ness.  Not a bombard-agents-and-editors-with-e-mails-and-phone-calls-till-your-name-is-engraved-on-their-list-of-psycho-writers kind of pesty-ness. But a persistent, persevering, resilient kind of pesty-ness. A pesty-ness that revises the same manuscript 27 times until it is just perfect…and then starts from scratch because an editor thinks it would work better in third person.  A pesty-ness that takes in each painful rejection and yet still finds a way to send the story back out again. A pesty-ness that makes us certain those rejections will be fun to share later in a “look how many times my amazing, award-winning story was scoffed at before it sold!” presentation.

And so, 20 years after my days as a half-back for the Golden Touch, Amy the Pest was resurrected. I wrote. I revised. I critiqued. I conferenced. I submitted. I was rejected. I revised some more. I submitted some more. I was rejected some more. I buzzed in the ear of the publishing world, and was swatted away again and again.

But like Ramona and her questions about Steam Shovels and their bathroom habits, I wouldn’t go away. I believed in my work. I had critique partners who believed in my work. And somewhere in there, somewhere in between growing as a writer and learning the business of publishing, I became brave. Brave enough to send out MARATHON MOUSE, even after getting some discouraging editor feedback. (So…all that happens in this book is…he runs? Am I missing something?) Brave enough to get a publisher’s offer on MARATHON MOUSE, and ask the editor for 2 weeks to follow-up with agents before saying yes. Brave enough to now say out loud, “I am a writer.”
Get your copy today! :)

So here I am…Amy Dixon, Age 37. Here to encourage you to channel your inner Ramona. Release your pesty-ness.  Learn to be brave. You will grow as a writer, even if, every once in a while, you end up with a little raw egg on your head.


Wasn't that just terrific?  Thank you so much for those inspiring words, Amy!

I will tell you all that I have read MARATHON MOUSE and will be posting it this Friday as my Perfect Picture Book - it's fantastic and I highly recommend it and you should all find any excuse you can to buy it! :)

In the meantime, one lucky, lucky reader is going to win a signed copy, because Amy is just that wonderful!  All you have to do is leave a comment telling about something you accomplished (like a marathon :))  For example, I could say that once I was Sneezy in our third grade play of Blanche Neige - and if you've ever tried to sneeze in French you will know just what an accomplishment that was!  But I realize it's Monday morning and many of you may not be fully caffeinated yet, so if you can't remember anything you've accomplished at this hour you can just write why you'd like the book :)

Stay tuned for the Halloweensie Contest Finalists and don't forget to let me know if you have a preference for later today or tomorrow.  The post is already written because it used to be half of this one :)

Have a lovely Monday :)



114 comments:

  1. delores @ thefeatherednestNovember 5, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    What have I accomplished...well let's see...gosh I'm old enough I must have done something. Well, I took over from the wedding planners and did my daughters wedding. That WAS a marathon lol.
    Give yourself a break Susanna and post the contest finalists tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh, Delores - that MUSt have been a marathon! Wedding planning is not for the faint of heart! And it's you guys I'm worrying about needing a break - the contest finalist post is all written and ready to go whenever... although I'm still agonizing over having to cut so many great stories! :(

    ReplyDelete
  3. I, too, grew up on Ramona and Beezus books! I like this post, to release your pestyness and bravery! Thanks, Amy and Susanna. What have I accomplished? Nothing sporty, but I've accomplished living overseas for 2.3 years, homeschooling and writing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post, Amy! I loved your line: "I buzzed in the ear of the publishing world, and was swatted away again and again." It happens to all of us. Perseverance is key! Congrats on your book! Can't wait to read it.

    Something I accomplished? I overcame my fear of heights and became a rock climber and guide!



    Susanna, I think you should break rules and post tomorrow. We will all need some fun reading to offset election day angst!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful post, Amy. Thanks so much for sharing your story and in the process leaving me feeling inspired and encouraged. I wish you much success with Marathon Mouse and I look forward to reading it myself.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a terrific post, Amy & Susanna. Peskiness & perseverance- just what I need to get past mile 25 in my quest as a children's writer (even though I can't fathom running a marathon). And maybe a bit more faith in myself.


    What I've accomplished? Some days I wonder. Other days, I look back on the careers I've had & think about the organisations I supported that are still going strong; or I look at my three almost adult kids & think about the times we've persevered together (supporting a child through chemo while commuting across an ocean did take its toll); and then I think about the places I'll go...


    Now, off to decide which golden ring to grab as the carousel spins...


    Re when to post the Halloweensie Contest results, either day it will be a real treat to enjoy the creativity of this wonderful PB community.


    Thank you both for some sunshine on this chilly, snow-showery, November day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you, Amy! What a beautiful post on pesty perseverance and a willingness to work your fanny off. Congratulations on your book and I'm looking forward to reading it.

    I would consider my greatest accomplishments to be the decisions in my life that felt like jumping off of the edge of a cliff: pulling my kids out of school, selling the house to travel in an RV, joining a critique group and sending out my stories to be examined and reviewed. All equally exhilarating and terrifying.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for sharing your story Amy! I can't wait to get my hands on your book. (Susanna, I think another day is fine. I agree with Iza's thought about election day. :) Thanks for sharing Amy's story with us).

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh how this pot resonated with me, Amy. And I kind of sneekily hope that editor reads Marathon Mouse and realizes that, yes, she was missing something!

    I am inhaling some of this pesky, pest-pereseverance! Well, I have lived in and adapted to seven very different cultures/nations, and I am about t do it again!



    Susanna, good call to devote this post to Amy, tomorrow would seem a good day to be VOTING on the halloweensie tales!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love you spirit and perseverance! I am eager to read Susanna's review and your book. Good for you for believing in your work and proving the editor wrong. Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am a big Ramona fan! Unleash your inner Ramona--love that message. I can imagine Marathon Mouse has that same spirit! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent post!!! I cannot wait to read your book. *being swatted at* as we speak. For the umpteenth thousandth time. Thanks Amy. And thanks Susanna. Susanna, do not worry about the contest. The finalists will be happy no matter when you post their names. You have a lot going on. Everyone gets that. Hugging you tight. Feel it?

    ReplyDelete
  13. That is the pesty attitude that works. Thanks so much for sharing your story. And for persevering in your pesty-ness :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks, Amy. I never cracked a raw egg on my head . . . but I did wear a
    Chiquita banana sticker on my face as part of a fad. ;)


    And I'd completely forgotten that until now. :D

    ReplyDelete
  15. Susannah ~ Glad that you decided to post the Halloweensie Contest finalists in a separate post ~ either
    later today or tomorrow works for me. Thanks again for running such a FUN contest!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I accomplished falling asleep sometime after four this morning (ugh!), so the best you will get from me is this sounds like a terrific book, I enjoyed the interview, and thanks for running the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my goodness, Rosi! Go back to bed :) Maybe Marathon Mouse can be your bedtime story!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank YOU for entering! (And sneak preview... I think you'll be pleased :))

    ReplyDelete
  19. I know! What was that? My sister and I used to fight over who got the sticker! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Just wait til you read the book, Angela - you'll be really glad she persevered! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do, Robyn, MWAH! And glad you liked Amy's post. And ignore the swatting - just keep going back for more! And I'm not worried about me - the post is already written! I'm worried about you guys having to slog through too much! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. He does! You must read it, Coleen - so good! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Glad you liked it, Pat! Tell us something you've accomplished and you could WIN the book! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Glad you liked Amy's post, Joanna! And oh my goodness you made me laugh out loud - I was totally not thinking of tomorrow being election day - of course it would be a great day for voting! Everyone will be in the mood :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Stacy! And if you want a chance to win a copy for Enzo (I bet he'd love it!) just tell us something you accomplished... or tell us why you'd like the book :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, Heather, all fantastic (and very brave!) accomplishments! Thanks for sharing with us :) And glad you enjoyed Amy's post :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. So glad you enjoyed the post, Patricia. And boy, you have accomplished some things no one should have to - kudos to you and I hope it turned out well. And yeah... I can't say I have any plans to run 26.2 miles anytime soon :) although I've done a half-marathon and that seems like the perfect length to me - long enough to feel like you did something amazing but not so long you feel like you got run over by train :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Iza, you will love your fellow Sky Pony author's book :) And that is quite an accomplishment! I used to climb, mostly at the Gunks, but I never led or guided. And I wasn't afraid of heights either :) Great point about the post :) It think I will post it tomorrow :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. So glad you liked Amy's post, Tina! And the accomplishment certainly doesn't have to be sporty, and you have certainly accomplished a LOT!

    ReplyDelete
  30. My accomplishment is taking a writing class. Little steps right. I will have to step up my pesty-ness. I tend to sit back and wait.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Taking a writing class is a big step, Kathy! Good for you! It's hard work, and scary to put your words out there, so I don't think that qualifies as sitting back and waiting :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I grew up with an older sister who constantly impressed upon me that my hair was 'mousey brown' and my eyes were 'mousy brown'...and my parents were extremely overprotective and cautionary...don't go in water over your knees because you might drown, etc. So it's not surprising that I was timid and shy for most of my life. HOWEVER, although I am not fond of heights, I did go skydiving two summers ago with my son...and although I am afraid of the water, I did go on an underwater walk and on a banana boat ride.
    Amy, thank you for this inspiring post...I also loved the post you did on the first day of PiBoIdMo where you talked about writing the stories you want to write! I agree with you 100% that persistence and determination are the key to success (in just about anything). My husband says I am the most tenacious person he has ever known...if I believe in something, I will not give up and will try as many different paths as is necessary to achieve my goal. Congratulations on "Marathon Mouse"...it sounds like just the kind of book I love to read with kids. :)
    Susanna...regarding the Halloweensie Contest post...whenever you can is fine with me. :) If you posted every day, I would read each one!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I agree with Iza - posting tomorrow would be a welcomed delight! And 'hats off' to Amy for making the choice to persevere - it is a choice. One accomplishment I am proud of brought me no accolades or future career advantage - I finished an emotionally difficult apprenticeship I was in no need of (I already registered a different career move); for the sake self-respect I wanted to take it to the end. Still means so much to me. Thanks for reminding me to think about it!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Om my goodness! Sky diving? That is one I'm really not sure I could do! You are so brave! Glad you enjoyed Amy's post, and you are so nice I can't believe it :) I will probably post the contest finalists tomorrow since that seems to be the popular vote :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. That is so awesome, Julie. Sometimes it's just really personally important to do something for the sake of doing it or for the principal of not quitting. I'm glad if the post reminded you of something you feel good about!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm a huge fan of Amy, and can't wait to get my hands on Marathon Mouse!


    My greatest accomplishment: giving birth to my two kids with no pain medication. That was my "marathon."

    ReplyDelete
  37. Congratulations, Amy! I have learned about the "pestyness" too. Sometimes it's hard to go on, but worth it!


    Something I accomplished? I ran a half marathon. :) Super hard, but that makes me all the more proud at having accomplished it!

    ReplyDelete
  38. You wil LOVE Marathon Mouse - it is SO GOOD! And OMGoodness you are amazing! I had to take pain meds so my husband could survive the experience :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. That is awesome, Janet! DId you tacky-sack while running? Or perhaps sing ethnic music? :) I know you are a woman of MANY talents :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love this post! Thanks for sharing your love of Ramona. I am proud that I have completed NaNoWriMo 4 times! Maybe with some of that tenacity you talk about I will finish one of my manuscripts and try to get it published : D

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love your "pesty-ness," Amy! You are so right. In this business, we have to be tenacious. Even through the discouragement of editors, you believed in yourself enough to pursue your dream. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's so true, Romelle. I think all successful writers need the gene for writing (of course) but also for thick-skinnedness and dogged determination! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. WOW! A 4-time NaNo winner??? I am SO impressed! I tried to do it once, and too many things got in the way. Now I do PiBoIdMo which seems infinitely more manageable. If you've written 4 novels, Deborah, you MUST polish and submit. We will all be here to cheer you on! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for this great post, Amy! Learning all the pesty-ness and learning to be brave! I knew the feeling all along, you put the right words to describe them!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks so much, Amy. Great words of advice. I've run seven marathons. On was in Vienna and one of them I won my division. But that was in my faster days before having children.

    ReplyDelete
  46. So glad you liked Amy's post, Richa! I hope it inspires you to submit :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Holy fleet feet, Batman! Hannah - you are amazing! 7? and to win your division? I am impressed!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Sidney Schuhmann LevesqueNovember 5, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    "Marathon Mouse" sounds so cute, and I loved remembering the Ramona days and what a special character that was to me growing up.

    Something I recently accomplished: When I was 13 years old, I discovered genealogy. I was told my great-grandmother was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I could never prove that she was, so I spent 22 years (yes, I'm 35 years old) trying to find that elusive Patriot ancestor. Only a month ago, after randomly emailing someone I didn't know, did I get the Cherokee tribe application that helped me find my family after all these years! I was so proud when I got the my DAR certificate, I framed it immediately. So many times I wanted to give up looking, but something kept me going. It was worth the wait!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hmmm... I climbed 140 feet up to a Native American religious place while we were on vacation (Bandelier National Monument). I climbed up on rickety ladders and narrow stone steps (AND there were NO GUARD RAILS ON THE LADDERS!!!!!!!). Yep. It's true. :) I would like the book! Great post Ms. Dixon!

    ReplyDelete
  50. AWESOME & INSPIRATIONAL post about pesty perseverance ! I needed that. Congrats & thank you, Amy...and I love Ramona and her buoyant spirit! Accomplishments-humbly I would say my 2 daughters are women I admire....more recently, it's not as exciting as skydiving, rock climbing, or as inspiring as some of the trials these remarkable women have survived - but I overcame my fear of not having a steady income (when our school closed) and chose to stay home to take art/writing classes, join 12x12, and work full time at putting together a children's pb. It's been a roller coaster and I've been tempted to get a 'real job,' but I'm sticking it out.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love this line: I followed that player around on the field
    like a stray puppy who was once given a scrap and was hoping for more.


    Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Great analogy. :D

    ReplyDelete
  52. Very inspiring, Amy! While I cannot say I've accomplished my goal of publishing a children's book yet, I can say that, during college, I accomplished my goal of studying abroad by spending 4 months in Accra, Ghana at the University of Legon. What an incredible experience! Maybe I can draw on that for a book...

    ReplyDelete
  53. Marathon Mouse is awesome! And I love Ramona too - it was great to be reminded of her spunkiness :) How totally cool that you found your ancestor and got your certificate! Are you part Cherokee? (Also, by my reckoning, 13 plus 22 only equals 29, or possibly even 27 :))

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow, that sounds very brave, Erik, and quite an accomplishment! I'm not sure I would have been so keen on the no guard rails part. Of course, I am not as coordinated as one might wish - yesterday I fell off a horse :) There were no guard rails on her either :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. So glad if you found Amy's post uplifting, Laura! And I think what you're doing is a HUGE accomplishment that takes great bravery and commitment. And having seen your art for the first time today, I think you're on the right track. I love Grumpy Kitty :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. I guess that pretty much sums up all of us... checking our email every 30 seconds after we submit to agents or editors, hoping for good news and going back for more if we don't get it the first time :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Are you kidding? There must be great stuff you could draw on from that experience for a children's book! What a cool thing to have done!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I really want this book. Forgot to say what I accomplished: I stayed in a retreat in the middle of Brazil for two weeks and had to live with a huge lizard in my bathroom, and baby lizards rummaging through my clothing. I had to overcome my fear and make peace with their being there. Not a trip about comfort -- but one about being comfortable with self and overcoming fears.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Whoa! I don't think I could live with lizards! Well, maybe baby ones... but not in my clothes! :) You are amazing for making peace with that and making the most of your time in Brazil!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wonderful post, Amy! It was very inspiring for those of us hoping to get published.

    Accomplishment...I have to say that being named the 21012 Barbara Karlin Grant runner-up is HIGH on my list. It made me feel as if my dream can come true. I still pinch myself when I think about it....And with that said...of course I would love to win the book! I LOVE PICTURE BOOKS! LOVE THEM...WANT TO MARRY THEM!!! AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH THEM, OF COURSE!!!

    Halloweensie...I'll bet you're posting tomorrow since it is 8:45 EST and I just got over here:-) I was busy subbing in a library today...is that the dream substitute job or what??? Anyway, I am looking forward to voting.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Glad you liked the post, Penny! And that is QUITE an accomplishment of which you should feel mightily proud! :) Yes, I'm posting tomorrow... that seemed to be the popular choice since tomorrow is all around a day of voting :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you, Iza! I totally admire your rock-climbing, that sounds scary to me!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Barbara Karlin is an AMAZING accomplishment! You go, Penny!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow, lizards in your clothes! That's definitely a new one for me. Brazil sounds fun, though :-)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow, all of these travel stories! I have a whole new list of places to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  66. So admirable, Laura. It can be so scary to take a risk like that, so kudos to you!

    ReplyDelete
  67. No guard rails?? Yikes! Great job, Erik!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Wow, I am so impressed with your persistence. Yay for the DAR certificate. Hang it on your wall proudly!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hannah, you are amazing! I just did a half-marathon and it was hard. But I am realizing it is a little like childbirth...you forget the pain and before you know it, you are signing up for another one!!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Lol, Richa! Except pesty-ness is not an actual real word, but I knew that. But you know us picture book writers, we get to make up words!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks, Romelle. Pretty sure I could learn some tenaciousness from you, Ms. Runner Lady!

    ReplyDelete
  72. That truly IS an accomplishment, Deborah! Good luck with your manuscripts!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Congrats on your half, Janet! I just did my first half too and I agree, it was hard!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Wow, Larissa! That truly is a great one. I only had one without and it wasn't on purpose. It just all went too fast. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Penny, I didn't know you were a runner-up for the Barbara Karlin Grant! Did that get you any attention from publishers or agents? Wow, congratulations!!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Hooray for Amy! Thanks for the always-helpful reminder that persistence pays off. As for an accomplishment, no marathons here. However, I did complete a professional cooking course at The New School of Cooking, though my weeknight dinners would never let on.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Wow, Vivian! You have done some really adventurous things! And what the heck is an underwater walk?

    ReplyDelete
  78. Yes, slow and steady wins the race :-)

    ReplyDelete
  79. Eeesh! That's a late night. I agree with Susanna...go back to bed!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Wait, that's a real thing? I wonder if it came from the Ramona books or the other way around?

    ReplyDelete
  82. I know, I know...it's not a real word. But there is just something about pesty-ness that stick with you!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Being swatted at is no fun. But it is part of the process, so it means you are taking the right steps. Keep buzzing, Robyn!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Why yes, I suppose he does. Maybe someday someone will write a post about unleashing your inner Preston!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Joanna- moving around like you do IS quite an accomplishment. So glad you liked the post!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I do hope you like it, Stacy. Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Wow, those all sound like scary decisions...but I guess the scary ones are sometimes the ones that have the biggest return, right?

    ReplyDelete
  88. Sounds to me like you have accomplished a whole lot! Thanks so much for commenting, Patricia!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I have traveled enough to imagine that living overseas is quite an accomplishment! And homeschooling...don't even get me started...you moms that homeschool are like superheroes!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Weddings can be rough. I always say I had a blast at mine but am so glad I never have to do that again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  91. I'd forgotten all about Ramona until I read your post, Amy. She's a fantastic character. I love the look of the Marathon Mouse so hope I'm lucky enough to win it!

    Something I've accomplished... hmm... I realise this is probably a little lame since I'm amongst many other writers with much greater achievements than me, but I feel pretty proud to have successfully self published my debut novel, The Big Smoke, last month. The fact that I managed to produce a polished, professional product while working full time and while in my third trimester of pregnancy makes me very happy. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  92. Elizabeth Stevens OmlorNovember 5, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    I just loved this post! I think you have inspired us all Amy the Pest! I think I was just ready to give up on a certain ms, but now I know to trust my gut...Elizabeth the Pest it is!

    Something that I accomplished. Well, I went back to grad school, part-time when I had a two and a half year old and an EIGHT MONTH OLD thinking it would be easier when they were young. MAN OH MAN was I WRONG! Sleep? Ah, who needs it? I made it through my first semester, holding the world record for days sick (all but two weeks). But I am almost done and I have learned to sleep more, caffeinate less. I have also learned that I have a very supportive family.

    I would just love to win a copy of this book! Thatnks so much ladies for brightening my day! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  93. I loved this post, Amy! Ramona the Brave is an awesome character. I love your idea of being a pest. And your book looks so adorable! I am very fond of mice, well any rodent for that matter (as you can see by my avatar!). Something I have accomplished is that I raced in the Mount Marathon (3022 ft) race in Seward, Alaska.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Oh my goodness! A marathon is tough enough, but on a mountain!!! Good for you, Loni!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Grad school with babies?! You are one tough cookie! If you can do that, you can get published :)

    ReplyDelete
  96. As it should, Cally! That is a tremendous accomplishment! And I've got The Big Smoke sitting o the top of my TBR pile... if I ever have time to read again :)

    ReplyDelete
  97. That is VERY cool, Kirsten! I should go to cooking school! :)

    ReplyDelete
  98. POSTED FOR TRACY at http://tracycampbell.net/blog/

    I enjoyed Amy's encouraging post!
    When I was in Grade seven I sewed a jacket and pants with lining, and buttons attached, and then modeled the outfit on stage in front of the whole school even though I'm only 5'-2 and 3/4" tall and shrinking. :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. My version of sewing involves glue, staples, or duct tape - no needle and thread :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. Cooking sounds fun! I think my kids would be in support of that one :-)

    ReplyDelete
  101. Great job, Cally! Definitely something to be proud of. Here's to much success for The Big Smoke!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Rob is in grad school right now, too. It is a lot for both of us to juggle work, family, and school. So kudos to your entire family for pulling together to make it work!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Yay for rodents! Wait, did I just say that? Yay for rodents, as long as they are not in my house! lol. And the Alaska marathon is an amazing accomplishment. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I took a camel ride with my family up to the top of Mt Sinai, and walked after sunrise all the way down. Whew! A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
    I feel as though you were cheering me on from the sidelines in your post, Amy. Your new book will be a winner...I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Oh, Jarm! That sounds amazing! I want to do that! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  106. I'm a little late to the party, but I knew I needed to make sure and read this post. Definitely glad I did! Ramona was one of my favorites growing up, as well, and using her as an example of "pesty-ness" is so clever and relatable. I've been waiting for Marathon Mouse to debut and can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I was so into my post, I forgot to say something I have accomplished. A feat for me was leaving my comfort zone and attending my first SCBWI event completely on my own. Definitely a rewarding experience in that I met so many great people and wonderful new writing friends.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer! It's never too late at the parties over here :) Just wait til you read MM - you'll love it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  109. Ooh - that's a good one! Going places along, into groups of new people, is hard! But there are no nicer people than the SCBWIs :)





























    Jennifer Rumberger (unregistered) wrote, in response to Jennifer Rumberger:

    I was so into my post, I forgot to say something I have accomplished. A feat for me was leaving my comfort zone and attending my first SCBWI event completely on my own. Definitely a rewarding experience in that I met so many great people and wonderful new writing friends.

    Link to comment
    IP address: 97.71.22.119

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you and try to respond to every comment. Please share your thoughts!