I just got a new Tumblr page! So all those of you out there who have Tumblr accounts make sure to click the link below and check it out. I need to find more people to connect with so if you will follow me, I'll follow you back. The more the merrier.
http://sheilaanielson.tumblr.com/
Showing posts with label Forbidden Sea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forbidden Sea. Show all posts
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
How Would You Like to go Back and Visit the Magical Mermaids of Forbidden Sea?
The final edits on the sequel to Forbidden Sea are nearly done! I can not tell you how excited I am to begin the final preparations for publication. Hopefully, I will soon have a release date for you all. In the mean time, I want to throw an idea out there to all of you fans. What do you guys think about my sponsoring a mass rereading of the original book, Forbidden Sea, in order to celebrate that we are now heading down the final stretch for the sequel's release? We could read a chapter together every week and then discuss our thoughts on my Forbidden Sea Facebook page. Imagine talking to fans from all around the world and finding out how they felt the very first time they read the book? As we do this, I will write about how I created each chapter as a writer--and even reveal a few secrets about Forbidden Sea that didn't make it into the final book. I might even sponsor a few giveaways as we go. But first, I need to find out how many people would be interested in joining in the fun. If this sounds like something you would be interested in participating in, cast your vote by leaving a comment below. I only want to do this if there are enough people who are truly interested. I'll wait a week to see how many votes I get. If there aren't enough people interested to get this going--then I will have to think of something else to celebrate and get you all excited. So pass the word and tell all your friends to vote as well. The more the merrier. This is your chance to be heard. Here is the address to my Facebook fan page where the discussion would take place. Check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forbidden-Sea/300689349440?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forbidden-Sea/300689349440?ref=hl
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Forbidden Sea Book Trailer is Here!!!
Okay guys, this is what you've been waiting for. Me most of all. I present to you, the finished Forbidden Sea Book Trailer. Here is a link to a high definition copy you can view and show all your friends. Enjoy!
http://vimeo.com/44663998
*SPOILERS* Do not scroll down beyond this point unless you have read the novel, Forbidden Sea.
Just remember, when doing a trailer, sometimes things have to be changed and condensed to get the idea across in such a short period of time. Yes, I am well aware that Denn was not the one who went with Adrianne to the fortuneteller--but it was the only way we could get him in there--and that was the most important thing. Also, in the trailer, the mermaid you see is how Adrianne imagines her before meeting her, not what she really looks like--as those who have read the story will well know.
Other than that, tell me what you think of the trailer in comments! : )
http://vimeo.com/44663998
*SPOILERS* Do not scroll down beyond this point unless you have read the novel, Forbidden Sea.
Just remember, when doing a trailer, sometimes things have to be changed and condensed to get the idea across in such a short period of time. Yes, I am well aware that Denn was not the one who went with Adrianne to the fortuneteller--but it was the only way we could get him in there--and that was the most important thing. Also, in the trailer, the mermaid you see is how Adrianne imagines her before meeting her, not what she really looks like--as those who have read the story will well know.
Other than that, tell me what you think of the trailer in comments! : )
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Forbidden Sea Mermaid Contest Giveaway!!!--CLOSED
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
The winner will be announced sometime later tonight. Keep checking back to see if you have won!
Forbidden Sea Contest Rules
As much as I would love to open this contest to everyone--I'm afraid I'll have to limit entries only to those with a USA or Canada address that I can mail to. Unfortunately, international shipping is WAY too expensive for my slim budget. If you do live in the USA or Canada, (or have a friend willing to let you use their USA or Canada address) all you have to do to be entered in the drawing for these prizes is leave a comment below with your name and email address so that if you are chosen I can contact you and let you know you are the winner. And just to make the drawing more interesting--anyone willing to blog, tweet, Facebook, or otherwise post about this contest to friends, family, and complete strangers, will get their name in the drawing a second time. Just include a link to the post/tweet/whatever in your comment so that I can see it.
You have until midnight on May 27th to enter yourself in this contest. On the evening of May 28th a winner will be chosen and posted so make sure to check back then. If the winner does not respond to my email within a week--a new winner will be chosen at that time. A winner who can not provide a USA or Canada address will be disqualified.
Good luck to all!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Interview with Adrianne Keynnman!!!
SPOILER WARNING: The interview below gives away many important plot points (and even the ending) of Forbidden Sea, the novel. Do not read the interview that follows unless you have read the book. You have been fairly warned.
Seriously . . .
I mean it . . .
Are you still here? Okay then.
Author's Note: I recently wrote a letter to Adrianne Keynnman and asked her if she would be willing to answer a few questions for me and her fans. She was amazed to learn how many people had read her story and become interested in what happened to her after her experience with the merfolk. Adrianne was a little reluctant at first but eventually I persuaded her to do the interview. I sent the questions to her in a letter and she wrote back her answers. I’m posting those answers here for everyone to see.
Why didn’t Denn know you were the right girl for him from the start?
Because like all the boys on Windwaithe Island, Denn, can sometimes be a complete and utter idiot from time to time. I say that with only the greatest of respect for my dear friend, I assure you.
Did you and Denn fall in love after you returned to Windwaithe Island?
What kind of hair-brained question is that to ask a person you’ve only just met? My feelings for Denn are my own business and nobody else’s! For your information, Miss Nielson, Denn was nosing about my personal things the other day and almost discovered your most impertinent question. I had to wrestle your letter away from him and tear it to pieces before he had the chance to see. If Denn were to get wind of such nonsense I’d never hear the end of it! So, no more silly questions about my private feelings for a certain dashingly handsome young man with red hair and freckles, if you please.
(I really hope Denn doesn't see that last part before I have a chance to send this letter off to you. I’ll hold you personally responsible, Miss Nielson, if he does.)
What happened to Auntie Minnah after you went back to Windwaithe?
Not long after my return Auntie Minnah packed up all her things and left us to go live with her friend, Laura Mills. While I must admit I like not having to deal with her griping every day—I do regret having her leave before I had a chance to try and repair our relationship in some small way first.
What happened between Cora Lynn and Denn after you returned to the island of Windwaithe?
Once Cora Lynn realized that Denn was not going to come around and make up his argument with her, she changed her tune and started hounding him. She flirts shamelessly with him at every opportunity, trying to regain his interest. He tries to avoid her whenever possible and will often hide if he sees her coming. Denn frequently stops over to visit my family’s cottage at odd hours during the day in order to escape from Cora Lynn’s clutches. She refuses to come anywhere near me or my family (especially in pursuit of Denn) which is just fine by me.
“I’m going to pay for my mistake with Cora Lynn for the rest of my life, aren’t I?” Denn once moaned to me after ducking out on the poor girl for the third time in one day.
“Very likely,” I said with an unsympathetic grin.
He has no one but himself to blame for it.
Is there going to be a movie made of Forbidden Sea?
Miss Nielson has tried to explain to me what exactly a movie is—and failed miserably in the attempt. She said it is something that hasn’t been invented in my time, thank heaven for small favors. I got a headache just trying to imagine how such a thing would work. It sounds like something mermaids might conjure up with their magic. I’ve given up trying to understand THEM, so I think I’ll pass on this question and try answering the next one.
Did you ever tell your mother and Cecily about your trip to the Mercity after you returned home?
Mama would have worried herself sick if she had ever found out the truth so I never told her about what happened to me the night I left Windwaithe. I was able to sneak back into the house without getting caught the next morning. Mama never suspected a thing about what I’d been up to. As for Cecily—I didn’t tell her what happened at first. For a long time she suspected I was hiding something from her and Mama but didn’t press me about it. One day Cecily accidentally discovered where I’d hidden the blue dress the mermaids gave me and demanded the full story from me right there and then. I told her everything and she promised never to say a word to anyone about it. My sister has faithfully kept that promise.
Do you get to see Dartemore anymore?
Since I’m the only one that can safely ride Dartemore, he has become my number one responsibility while working up at the manor stables. It is my job to exercise him every day. Denn comes along to help me sometimes. We take the horses out for long rides together. Denn is determined to ride Dartemore someday. Personally, I think he has a better chance of getting his thick skull cracked open than he does of ever convincing that horse to let him ride on his back.
Do you regret not meeting the Sea Prince?
I’ve thought about this question quite a lot since coming back from the mercity. Jendayi told me the Sea Prince would eventually fall in love with me but she never said I would fall in love with him—probably for good reason. It would have been nice at first, having my every want and wish fulfilled, but eventually I think it would have driven me mad with boredom. I would have missed my family and (truth be told) Denn something fierce. I don’t think even the devastatingly handsome Sea Prince himself could have made up for the emptiness that would have been left inside me by the absence of those most dear to me.
No, I do not regret my choice and I’m pretty certain I never will.
Did Jendayi ever come back?
Jendayi said I would never see her again—and she is rarely wrong. However, Miss Nielson says that the day might come when Jendayi will once again be an important influence in my life. Sometimes I wonder if Miss Nielson might have a touch of mermaid foresight herself. I guess we will have to see.
Author’s note: Just for the record, I think Adrianne has answered our second question without meaning to. If you will reread her answers you will see that she and Denn seem to be spending an awful lot of time together these days—don’t you think? : )
Seriously . . .
I mean it . . .
Are you still here? Okay then.
Author's Note: I recently wrote a letter to Adrianne Keynnman and asked her if she would be willing to answer a few questions for me and her fans. She was amazed to learn how many people had read her story and become interested in what happened to her after her experience with the merfolk. Adrianne was a little reluctant at first but eventually I persuaded her to do the interview. I sent the questions to her in a letter and she wrote back her answers. I’m posting those answers here for everyone to see.
Because like all the boys on Windwaithe Island, Denn, can sometimes be a complete and utter idiot from time to time. I say that with only the greatest of respect for my dear friend, I assure you.
Did you and Denn fall in love after you returned to Windwaithe Island?
What kind of hair-brained question is that to ask a person you’ve only just met? My feelings for Denn are my own business and nobody else’s! For your information, Miss Nielson, Denn was nosing about my personal things the other day and almost discovered your most impertinent question. I had to wrestle your letter away from him and tear it to pieces before he had the chance to see. If Denn were to get wind of such nonsense I’d never hear the end of it! So, no more silly questions about my private feelings for a certain dashingly handsome young man with red hair and freckles, if you please.
(I really hope Denn doesn't see that last part before I have a chance to send this letter off to you. I’ll hold you personally responsible, Miss Nielson, if he does.)
What happened to Auntie Minnah after you went back to Windwaithe?
Not long after my return Auntie Minnah packed up all her things and left us to go live with her friend, Laura Mills. While I must admit I like not having to deal with her griping every day—I do regret having her leave before I had a chance to try and repair our relationship in some small way first.
What happened between Cora Lynn and Denn after you returned to the island of Windwaithe?
Once Cora Lynn realized that Denn was not going to come around and make up his argument with her, she changed her tune and started hounding him. She flirts shamelessly with him at every opportunity, trying to regain his interest. He tries to avoid her whenever possible and will often hide if he sees her coming. Denn frequently stops over to visit my family’s cottage at odd hours during the day in order to escape from Cora Lynn’s clutches. She refuses to come anywhere near me or my family (especially in pursuit of Denn) which is just fine by me.
“I’m going to pay for my mistake with Cora Lynn for the rest of my life, aren’t I?” Denn once moaned to me after ducking out on the poor girl for the third time in one day.
“Very likely,” I said with an unsympathetic grin.
He has no one but himself to blame for it.
Is there going to be a movie made of Forbidden Sea?
Miss Nielson has tried to explain to me what exactly a movie is—and failed miserably in the attempt. She said it is something that hasn’t been invented in my time, thank heaven for small favors. I got a headache just trying to imagine how such a thing would work. It sounds like something mermaids might conjure up with their magic. I’ve given up trying to understand THEM, so I think I’ll pass on this question and try answering the next one.
Did you ever tell your mother and Cecily about your trip to the Mercity after you returned home?
Mama would have worried herself sick if she had ever found out the truth so I never told her about what happened to me the night I left Windwaithe. I was able to sneak back into the house without getting caught the next morning. Mama never suspected a thing about what I’d been up to. As for Cecily—I didn’t tell her what happened at first. For a long time she suspected I was hiding something from her and Mama but didn’t press me about it. One day Cecily accidentally discovered where I’d hidden the blue dress the mermaids gave me and demanded the full story from me right there and then. I told her everything and she promised never to say a word to anyone about it. My sister has faithfully kept that promise.
Do you get to see Dartemore anymore?
Since I’m the only one that can safely ride Dartemore, he has become my number one responsibility while working up at the manor stables. It is my job to exercise him every day. Denn comes along to help me sometimes. We take the horses out for long rides together. Denn is determined to ride Dartemore someday. Personally, I think he has a better chance of getting his thick skull cracked open than he does of ever convincing that horse to let him ride on his back.
Do you regret not meeting the Sea Prince?
I’ve thought about this question quite a lot since coming back from the mercity. Jendayi told me the Sea Prince would eventually fall in love with me but she never said I would fall in love with him—probably for good reason. It would have been nice at first, having my every want and wish fulfilled, but eventually I think it would have driven me mad with boredom. I would have missed my family and (truth be told) Denn something fierce. I don’t think even the devastatingly handsome Sea Prince himself could have made up for the emptiness that would have been left inside me by the absence of those most dear to me.
No, I do not regret my choice and I’m pretty certain I never will.
Did Jendayi ever come back?
Jendayi said I would never see her again—and she is rarely wrong. However, Miss Nielson says that the day might come when Jendayi will once again be an important influence in my life. Sometimes I wonder if Miss Nielson might have a touch of mermaid foresight herself. I guess we will have to see.
Author’s note: Just for the record, I think Adrianne has answered our second question without meaning to. If you will reread her answers you will see that she and Denn seem to be spending an awful lot of time together these days—don’t you think? : )
Sunday, June 5, 2011
There Are Not Words to Describe . . .
. . .what an amazingly talented friend I have working with me at the library. One of my co-workers made--by hand, mind you--a netted-beadwork collar necklace that looks just like the one Jendayi wears in my book. I and a few of my family members are currently working on trying to possibly make a book trailer for Forbidden Sea and we needed a necklace like this one for some of the footage we want to film. If you would like to see this amazing work of art click here to see a photo of it.
There are not words to describe my appreciation and gratitude. That must have taken her hours and HOURS to make by hand. Just beautiful.
There are not words to describe my appreciation and gratitude. That must have taken her hours and HOURS to make by hand. Just beautiful.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Forbidden Sea on Twitter!
I now have a Twitter account! Check out the link below:
http://twitter.com/#!/sheilaanielson
Become a follower and be the first to learn any new updates about Forbidden Sea and other future books I'm working on.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Forbidden Sea Discussion Guide for Book Clubs
One of the things I have enjoyed most about being an author is that I am often invited to speak at local book groups. Book clubs are the best! I love to hear the discussions readers have after reading my book and see what insights they gain from Adrianne's story. Forbidden Sea is definitely the kind of book that sparks interesting, in-depth discussions. I even tried out the first chapter of Forbidden Sea's sequel on the last group I visited with. They loved it!
I was recently asked to create a discussion guide for one group I visited with. I thought it might be fun to share the questions I came up with here on my blog, just in case anyone out there in cyberspace decides to use Forbidden Sea for their own local book club. I'm including the questions below. Feel free to copy or modify these for use in your particular group or come up with some new ones of your own.
*SPOILER WARNING* This discussion guide is intended for those who have already read Forbidden Sea in its entirety.
1) Auntie Minnah hated Adrianne because she reminded her so much of herself when she was young. Why do you think that is? Why would Auntie Minnah favor Cecily who was nothing like her?
2) Denn thought he was in love with Cora Lynn because she was so pretty and flirtatious. But when Cora Lynn got angry with Adrianne for calling her a monster, he takes Adrianne’s side of the argument. What does this say about his relationship with Cora Lynn versus his relationship with Adrianne? Why would he choose Adrianne’s side even though he thought he loved Cora Lynn?
3) Adrianne could not bring herself to look Cora Lynn in the eye in the beginning of the story—but when she finds out Cora Lynn is happy that she caused the poor tide drifter woman and her sick children to be kicked off the island, Adrianne doesn’t have this problem anymore. Why not?
4) When Adrianne doesn’t want to stay in the merworld, Jendayi grows angry and refuses to let her go back to the surface. Why does the mermaid feel she is justified in doing this even though she had already made it clear that she felt Lady Lauretta’s father had no right to do something like that to his own daughter a hundred years before?
5) Adrianne thinks she is ugly through most of the story, but the reader can see she is not as bad looking as she believes. What are some clues that Adrianne might not see herself clearly? Why is she convinced she is so ugly? What is it that makes people cling to mistaken thinking? What does it take to convince them they might be wrong?
6) Why did Adrianne choose to return to her difficult life on the surface rather than stay and marry the Sea Prince? Was this the best choice? Would you have stayed or gone back? Why?
If your book group comes up with any extra good questions, feel free to share them in comments below so others can use them in future discussions!
I was recently asked to create a discussion guide for one group I visited with. I thought it might be fun to share the questions I came up with here on my blog, just in case anyone out there in cyberspace decides to use Forbidden Sea for their own local book club. I'm including the questions below. Feel free to copy or modify these for use in your particular group or come up with some new ones of your own.
*SPOILER WARNING* This discussion guide is intended for those who have already read Forbidden Sea in its entirety.
1) Auntie Minnah hated Adrianne because she reminded her so much of herself when she was young. Why do you think that is? Why would Auntie Minnah favor Cecily who was nothing like her?
2) Denn thought he was in love with Cora Lynn because she was so pretty and flirtatious. But when Cora Lynn got angry with Adrianne for calling her a monster, he takes Adrianne’s side of the argument. What does this say about his relationship with Cora Lynn versus his relationship with Adrianne? Why would he choose Adrianne’s side even though he thought he loved Cora Lynn?
3) Adrianne could not bring herself to look Cora Lynn in the eye in the beginning of the story—but when she finds out Cora Lynn is happy that she caused the poor tide drifter woman and her sick children to be kicked off the island, Adrianne doesn’t have this problem anymore. Why not?
4) When Adrianne doesn’t want to stay in the merworld, Jendayi grows angry and refuses to let her go back to the surface. Why does the mermaid feel she is justified in doing this even though she had already made it clear that she felt Lady Lauretta’s father had no right to do something like that to his own daughter a hundred years before?
5) Adrianne thinks she is ugly through most of the story, but the reader can see she is not as bad looking as she believes. What are some clues that Adrianne might not see herself clearly? Why is she convinced she is so ugly? What is it that makes people cling to mistaken thinking? What does it take to convince them they might be wrong?
6) Why did Adrianne choose to return to her difficult life on the surface rather than stay and marry the Sea Prince? Was this the best choice? Would you have stayed or gone back? Why?
If your book group comes up with any extra good questions, feel free to share them in comments below so others can use them in future discussions!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Amazingly Talented Young Fans
I received the most wonderful Christmas gift from a young fan named Anastasia who read and loved Forbidden Sea this year. Pictured above is the front and back view of a necklace she made for me. Isn't it stunning? Now I can carry Adrianne with me everywhere I go. Thank you so much, Anastasia, for such a beautiful and rare gift!
S0 many of Forbidden Sea's young readers are overflowing with talent. Another gift I received this year was a book of poems written by the Pickwick Society, a group of talented young writers ages 7 to 12. They read Forbidden Sea together and then decided to each write a poem about it. Afterward they presented me with a beautifully finished scrapbook of their work. I've scanned each poem and included them here so the rest of you can read and enjoy them as well.
*SPOILER WARNING* The poems are about the Forbidden Sea and sometimes give away small parts of the plot. Read at you own risk. : )
S0 many of Forbidden Sea's young readers are overflowing with talent. Another gift I received this year was a book of poems written by the Pickwick Society, a group of talented young writers ages 7 to 12. They read Forbidden Sea together and then decided to each write a poem about it. Afterward they presented me with a beautifully finished scrapbook of their work. I've scanned each poem and included them here so the rest of you can read and enjoy them as well.
*SPOILER WARNING* The poems are about the Forbidden Sea and sometimes give away small parts of the plot. Read at you own risk. : )
Friday, December 3, 2010
Forbidden Sea Book Signing
For those who might be interested, I will be visiting the Storybook Nook at Gardener Village to have a book signing on December 11th. I will be there 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Those who visit with me can get their name in a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind handmade miniature mermaid necklace. I will also be handing out adorable sea creature shaped lollipops to anyone brave enough to come up and talk to me while I'm out there. Books will be available for purchase, but even if you don't buy the book, come on by and just say hello.
The Storybook Nook's address is:
100 W. 7800 S.
Jordan, UT 84088
Hope to see you all there.
The Storybook Nook's address is:
100 W. 7800 S.
Jordan, UT 84088
Hope to see you all there.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Deleted Scenes Part 1
*SERIOUS SPOILER WARNING*
Do not read this post unless you have already read the book. Don't say I didn't warn you. : )
In the original story Jendayi had essentially been raised in the royal court of the Sea Queen. The queen acted as more of a mother figure to Jendayi than a cousin. The Sea Queen had been pushing Jendayi to marry, but because of all the political scrutiny involved in such a match, Jendayi and Rriess were attempting to keep their budding relationship under wraps for a little longer to avoid the inevitable public excitement that would quickly follow. They felt they needed time to get to know one another better. The scene was removed because there just wasn't time to go into enough detail on the subject for it to make sense. The scene below happened right after Rriess meets Adrianne for the first time.
ORIGINAL SCENE BEFORE EDITING:
"I think Rriess likes you," I said to Jendayi. She calmly continued to swim as if she hadn't heard me.
"I think you like him," I added recklessly.
Jendayi turned her full attention on me, her amber eyes searching my face. "I always thought you were a perceptive girl," Jendayi said, nodding her head. Her crown flashed, reflecting the light of the city in its polished gold surface.
Breathing out a long watery sigh, Jendayi continued. "My cousin, the Sea Queen, has been after me to marry for many years. I would appreciate if you would not speak to her of my meeting with Rriess today. It might cause--" Jendayi hesitated.
"Speculation?" I finished for her.
"Well spoken indeed, Adrianne of Windwaithe," Jendayi said with a smile.
Do not read this post unless you have already read the book. Don't say I didn't warn you. : )
In the original story Jendayi had essentially been raised in the royal court of the Sea Queen. The queen acted as more of a mother figure to Jendayi than a cousin. The Sea Queen had been pushing Jendayi to marry, but because of all the political scrutiny involved in such a match, Jendayi and Rriess were attempting to keep their budding relationship under wraps for a little longer to avoid the inevitable public excitement that would quickly follow. They felt they needed time to get to know one another better. The scene was removed because there just wasn't time to go into enough detail on the subject for it to make sense. The scene below happened right after Rriess meets Adrianne for the first time.
ORIGINAL SCENE BEFORE EDITING:
"I think Rriess likes you," I said to Jendayi. She calmly continued to swim as if she hadn't heard me.
"I think you like him," I added recklessly.
Jendayi turned her full attention on me, her amber eyes searching my face. "I always thought you were a perceptive girl," Jendayi said, nodding her head. Her crown flashed, reflecting the light of the city in its polished gold surface.
Breathing out a long watery sigh, Jendayi continued. "My cousin, the Sea Queen, has been after me to marry for many years. I would appreciate if you would not speak to her of my meeting with Rriess today. It might cause--" Jendayi hesitated.
"Speculation?" I finished for her.
"Well spoken indeed, Adrianne of Windwaithe," Jendayi said with a smile.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Forbidden Sea Available for Pre-order
I got the thrill of my life today when I discovered that Forbidden Sea is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. It's almost like I'm a real author or something. Click the link below to see this miracle of miracles.
http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Sea-Sheila-Nielson/dp/0545097347/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259712393&sr=8-7
Okay, maybe you're not as excited as I am about this--but that's my book on Amazon!!! It doesn't get much better than that.
http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Sea-Sheila-Nielson/dp/0545097347/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259712393&sr=8-7
Okay, maybe you're not as excited as I am about this--but that's my book on Amazon!!! It doesn't get much better than that.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Forbidden Sea Contest Giveaway
The contest is now closed. The winner of the necklace will be anounced sometime Monday so check back then! Good luck to all who participated.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Good Things are Coming!
I have been honored, and completely floored, by the amount of positive interest that has been generated regarding the release of my book, Forbidden Sea. I am thrilled and excited for everyone to get a chance to read the book, and wish it were possible for me to give everyone who wanted one, an ARC of the book. If I were J. K. Rowing, I would demand enough ARCs to hand one out to every fantastic book reviewer who is excited to get their hands on one! Unfortunately, I am not J. K. Rowling and my publisher has given me very (and I do mean very) few ARCs. In fact, they gave me less than originally promised. (I think they like to be the ones to decide how to distribute ARCs and to whom they will go.) So for all you wonderful reviewers, bloggers, and delightful book loving people who are dying to read my book, I would suggest contacting Scholastic Press directly and see if they will let you have one. The last few remaining ARCs I do have left in my possession will be given away in drawings on this blog in the last couple months leading up to the release date of Forbidden Sea, so stay tuned. The drawings will be only for those who are official followers of this site, so make sure you are signed up. You just might be one of the lucky ones!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Completed Cover
And here it is in all it's glory. If you look to the left you will see what the final artwork for my book's cover looks like. It came out so stunningly beautiful. I should be seeing a copy of the first pass of printed pages within the next few weeks. I can't wait to see how it will look all completed. I am almost done with the rough draft of the sequel. (Only two more chapters to go) Then comes the hard work of editing and polishing. Of course, it is possible that if this first book doesn't sell they won't want the sequel, in which case, I and my writer's group will be the only ones who know what happens next. (Raspberry, I promise to send you a copy, if that happens) The other story is coming along nicely as well. I can never seem to limit myself to one story at a time. They all team up on me, demanding a life of their own.
Friday, March 27, 2009
You Will NOT Believe This
They've changed the title of my book again. I'm hoping this is the last time--but know it may not be. As of this moment my book is called Forbidden Sea. I actually like it a little better than Dark Sea so no complaints here. I also got some more exciting news! They want to move my release date up to January 1, 2010. Less than a year away! The book will be offered by Scholastic Book Fairs exclusively until May when they will have the main stream release. (Sorry guys. Unless you have kids with order forms you'll have to wait until May to get a copy.) The only way this can happen is if I can get the manuscript revised like--yesterday. Guess I won't be getting much sleep in the future. Wish me luck!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
First Draft of Revisions Done
When I started revisions my manuscript was 218 pages long. It is now 260 pages long. This number is sure to change again as I polish up the new chapters I've written. Hopefully it won't get too much longer. Even though the first draft is complete there is still so much editing to do in the coming weeks. I feel the changes have greatly improved the story and am excited to show them to my editor. Wish I'd thought of the improvements the first time around, but I guess that is what professional editors are for. No word on a title yet. *sigh*
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Forbidden Sea Soundtrack
The creative juices flow better if I have music playing as I write so I will often create soundtracks for my different books. I collect different songs reflecting the mood and theme of certain chapters or characters. For example:
The theme song for the mermaid in Mermaid of Windwaithe Island was Return to Innocence by Enigma. I’d listen to it over and over again to get a feel for what she was like. Listen carefully and you can hear the whales singing.
I also loved to listen to certain songs from The Time Machine soundtrack. (Hated the movie, but loved the music!) The song Eloi was my favorite from the CD. The music is majestic like my mermaid.
Various songs by Hilary Stagg, Gary Stadler, Secret Garden and Celtic Moods often helped me get into the right frame of mind for writing.
Though it is a modern song, Taylor Swift’s Teardrops on My Guitar perfectly describes the complicated relationship between the Adrianne and Denn. I consider it to be their theme song.
The theme song for the mermaid in Mermaid of Windwaithe Island was Return to Innocence by Enigma. I’d listen to it over and over again to get a feel for what she was like. Listen carefully and you can hear the whales singing.
I also loved to listen to certain songs from The Time Machine soundtrack. (Hated the movie, but loved the music!) The song Eloi was my favorite from the CD. The music is majestic like my mermaid.
Various songs by Hilary Stagg, Gary Stadler, Secret Garden and Celtic Moods often helped me get into the right frame of mind for writing.
Though it is a modern song, Taylor Swift’s Teardrops on My Guitar perfectly describes the complicated relationship between the Adrianne and Denn. I consider it to be their theme song.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
(c) 2010 Sheila A. Nielson