SNOW DAYZ.... CHICAGO BLIZZARD OF 2011

  

This is the view outside my window at 7:00 am. With over a foot and a half of snow the city is covered. Chicago hasn't had a storm this bad in over thirty years. Lakeshore Drive still has vehicles being towed to clear the highway. Thousands are without electricity and low teens and twenty below wind chills are forecasted for today.

My neighborhood didn't get blasted as some of the others ... so I am very thankful.

Now for those of you in Michigan and Wisconsin this is probably nothing, but for us it's a lot. I've lived here for seven winters and this is the worst I've ever seen.

February has certainly come in with a bang! Just when I thought our winter only had another month or so.

What's happening in your neighborhood?

PAY IT FOWARD ENTRY AND DEDICATION

I am repeating yesterday's intro, just in case you have missed it. 

Bloggers, I have exciting news for you today. Shelli Johannes at Market My Words is holding one AMAZING contest. Shelli is agented by Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Trident Media Group and is offering a personal recommendation to her agent to the winner. Hop over to her blog. Become a follower of both her blog and twitter and then enter your maximum four sentence pitch on a completed M/G or Y/A novel. Follow the rules of the contest and you're in. Dates Jan. 31st through February 4th, 2011.

Shelli will then pick her top five choices and ask for a full query pitch letter. The top two or three will get a query critique and the opportunity to send your first three chapters!

Her favorite she will recommend to her agent. How awesome is that! So start writing that four sentence pitch and enter!

Today as part of the Pay it forward entry it will be my pleasure to dedicate a post to the people who have helped and encouraged me through my writing.

First and foremost to my wonderful friend Ulises who has always encouraged me to never give up in whatever project I might be working on whether it be a design, art, or writing.

My parents, who are no longer with me, but I feel their guiding hand when I'm on my last nerve.

Now for the people who have helped teach me what it is to be a writer and who I still learn from. I know I have mentioned her before, but I will again; my first virtual writing friend Erica Olson, of erica and christy fame. Without her I would not have discovered the blog world.

I would also like to thank the best critique partner a guy can ever have, Joshua Jacobs. He has taught me the most about writing. He pushed me to see things differently. Tough love all the way. An excellent writer and extremely busy guy, he still had the time to line edit with me for four months. Thank you, Josh.

There have also been so wonderful writing friends I have met through blogging. You know I appreciate and love all of you, but a few special people have influenced me with there talent and caring. Roland @ Writing in the Crosshairs If you don't know Roland, visit his blog, he takes writing to an art form.

Another special person, who is now going through a very stressful time in her life. I hope and pray for her and her mom who is very sick. She is always in my thoughts. You are very special to me Patty.

There are others. You know who you are. But most of all this community has influenced me and helped me become the writer I am today. I learned so much from all of you and I plan to keep learning so I can give back and help others in any way I can. Thank you all for being there for me, because I am always here for you.

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff....  Now let me show you my entry for Shelli @ Market My Words If you want to learn more about the contest scroll down to yesterday's post or visit Shelli....

I have chosen to enter my first novel, AMBER AND THE WHISPERING WILLOWS. I'm back to the original title. Here is the pitch I plan to use.

Hidden among humans, eleven-year-old Amber discovers she can control the winds.  Amber's refuge, an enchanted willow grove, is threatened by the evil fairie, Sedah, who creates a plague to kill off all vegatation in both the fae and human worlds. With the help of her best friend, Nina, Amber enlists the aid of the fae folk and the creatures of the Willows to combat Sedah, driving It back to the fairy underworld ... if they don't die in the attempt.

MARKET MY WORDS ... PAY IT FORWARD CONTEST... AGENT PITCH!

Bloggers, I have exciting news for you today. Shelli Johannes at Market My Words is holding one AMAZING contest. Shelli is agented by Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Trident Media Group and is offering a personal recommendation to her agent to the winner. Hop over to her blog. Become a follower of both her blog and twitter and then enter your maximum four sentence pitch on a completed M/G or Y/A novel. Follow the rules of the contest and you're in. Dates Jan. 31st through February 4th, 2011.

Shelli will then pick her top five choices and ask for a full query pitch letter. The top two or three will get a query critique and the opportunity to send your first three chapters!

Her favorite she will recommend to her agent. How awesome is that! So start writing that four sentence pitch and enter!

Pop by tomorrow and I will have my entry and dedication to my Pay it Forward recipient. You must pay tribute to a person who has helped you in your writing or personal life. (Also my favorite part of the contest)


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Now for some other exciting news. I was picked as a finalist in Dom's NO FEAR blogfest. Please take a moment and hop over to his blog Writes of Passage and VOTE for your favorite entry. There are some wonderful stories you do not want to miss. Scroll down to mine if you missed it.

Have a wonderful Monday everyone and as always thank you so much for stopping by!

THE FINAL PITCH ... THE BLINDED GARDENER

I't like to thank everyone for your help on my pitch.

For my British/foreign friends, I understand that you may not know the term "military brat,"(A kid whose parents are in the military and they move around a lot, taking their families with them. The judges and agents in the USA will understand this term; I didn't want to explain something that is general knowledge for us. So, Dom and Madeleine, I hope you understand.

Here is the final rendition. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Seventeen-year-old military brat, Aidan, is once again on the move, forced to leave Southern California for Beaufort, South Carolina. He counts the days until he turns eighteen and will be free from the cracked ribs, bloody noses, and swollen lips his father inflicts upon him.

Desperate, Aidan seeks out sexual conquests to numb his deep-rooted pain. High schools have become his hunting grounds, the hottest girls, his prey. 

Lost in a corridor on his first day at school, he encounters Danny, a blind student who perplexes and intrigues him by maneuvering the halls with ease. He guides Aidan to his first class, where he’s more interested in sultry Tanya than social studies.

Visions of Danny haunt Aidan throughout the day. As the final bell rings, his stalking begins with an unusual target this time: Danny.

After an accusation of rape by the general’s daughter and a deadly blow out with his father, Aidan comes to the end of his emotional rope. He has only one place to hide: a rundown historic antebellum home owned by Danny.

Screams in the night reveal to Aidan that Danny has demons of his own. Has Aidan traded one psychotic person for another?

A dramatic view of a teenager coping with an unstable alcoholic father is the setting for this edgy Y/A contemporary novel. Anyone who has experienced a similar situation will find a common bond with Aidan and realize they’re not alone. 

At 58000 words THE BLINDED GARDENER features an emotionally scarred boy trying to live another day.

Please scroll down for my two blockfest entries featuring THE BLINDED GARDENER....

NO FEAR BLOGFEST ENTRY ... AND ... 99TH PAGE ENTRY!

Today I am entering in the No Fear Blogfest at Dom's blog Writes of Passage, he's celebrating his 100+ followers. Congrats Dom! Write a excerpt that shows your favorite character at their bravest moment. This should be GREAT! So don't forget to hop by his blog and read the other entries.

I am also entering Erin, Holly, Pam, and Quita are hosting the 99th page blogfest at their blog Slice of the Blog Pie.  Post the 99th page of your novel. Make sure to drop by and read the other entries.

I would also LOVE to congratulate erica and christy for reaching 150 plus followers. YAY Erica and Christy! Drop by and visit these ladies you will just love them.

Now for the entries. They are listed below. Have fun hopping around the blogesphere today.

And now an excerpt for Dom's contest from THE BLINDED GARDENER.

(WARNING: this might be offensive to some readers.)

Before I knew it, I arrived home and pulled into the driveway. Dad waited for me on the front porch. 

Is this going to be a daily event now?

I couldn’t read his expression. I never knew what he had on his mind or how he’d react. I had to keep it light and casual.

“Hey, Dad.” 

He didn’t answer at first. He watched my every movement as I approached the steps. When I reached the top he spoke. “How was your lesson?”

“Not as bad as it could’ve been.” I looked into his hollow eyes. “I did learn the basic box step today, though.”

“If I ever hear that you give the instructor a hard time again, it will be your last. Get in.” 

He opened the screen door. 

I hesitated a moment not knowing what he’d do to me. 

I better not keep him waiting. It could get ugly. 

As I passed by him, his scotch breath almost got me high. With my back exposed for a brief moment, I prepared myself for possible strangulation, a kick to the back, or a smack to the head. 

Nothing happened. I wasn’t surprised. Last night he caught me off guard. 

He knew I’d be expecting something, so he’s biding his time. Let’s add mental torture to his ongoing list. At least I knew his game now. 

I had to keep one step ahead of him. 

“Sit.” His voice stayed controlled even though I knew he had been drinking for a few hours.

I sat in the chair and faced him. He stood straight and tall like a flag pole. He looked down his sharp nose at me, and then locked his eyes on mine. 

I stared into them, not afraid, but I shook a little. Despite everything Dad had presence. He took a step toward me and kept our contact. 

Then took another. 

I blinked, but remained staring. Sweat tricked down my back. Beads formed on my forehead and ran into my eyes. They stung, but I still held his gaze.

He took two more steps, now only a few feet away from me. 

Did I just see his lips curl? 

I wasn’t sure.

He lifted me to my feet. He reeked of scotch. A smile crossed his lips. 

“You’ve got balls, kid. I might make a man out of you yet. Your dinner’s in the kitchen.”

I hesitated for a moment, I didn’t want to expose my back to him. He forced me around and booted me in the ass. “Move you little pussy.” This seemed odd. It didn’t hurt and his tone seemed almost playful.

The devil’s human transformation unnerved me more than I could say. The questions he asked at dinner didn’t have a threatening edge or a a bit of sarcasm. 

Who was this man inhabiting my Dad’s body? He must of had a really good day. 

Here's my 99th page also from THE BLINDED GARDENER.

“I-I didn’t mean to insult you. But how do you do it?”

Through gritted teeth, he said, “I feel, I smell, and I taste.”

“Taste?”

“Yes, taste!” he snapped. “I like to plant herbs, too.”

“Wow. I see — oh shit, I didn’t mean to say that.”

He ran his hand through his hair and a crooked smile formed on his lips. “It happens all the time.” He took a deep breath. “People have a hard time talking to me because of my situation.”

“Just because you can’t see?”

“That and something else. Look, I didn’t ask you over here to talk about me.” He turned his head. A  glint of blue peeked through his bangs. “How much do you remember about last night?”

“Well, Dad got me drunk, but I don’t remember a thing after that.”

Danny stepped past me and advanced up the driveway, crunching on the pebbles. “Come on, Aidan.” He waved to me.

Shaking my head, I followed him. He opened the wooden gate and walked through it. As I entered my mouth dropped open. Did I just step into Munchkin Land in the merry old land of OZ?

I rubbed my eyes, not believing what I saw. Blinking them open, the brightness still overpowered me. Flowers of every size and color grew on trellises, walls, and around the lilly pond, also in bloom. Did Danny create this amazing garden? I just can’t believe it. I had never seen such awesomeness. 

Swallowing a few times, I uttered a garbled “Wow.”

“This is what keeps me going. It needs me.” His voice choked. “I have nothing else.” 

This is a sample of the novel I entered into the ABNA contest. Scroll down for my pitch if you like to take a look.

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIES FOLLOWERS ... THANK YOU ALL! SIMPLY HOT BLOGFEST ENTRY.

150 FOLLOWERS!

I would first like to thank my new followers who made this possible. Welcome Christopher, Shannon, Steena, Melissa, and finally my 150th follower Heather @ The waiting is the hardest part http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/!

Of course, I appreciate all my followers, you have been so wonderful with your words of encouragement, cheers, humor, and kindness.

Now I have five new friends to get to know better. I hope to see you often.

                                                      
                                         THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU!

                            H A V E     A    W O N D E R F U L    D A Y  !


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SIMPLY HOT BLOGFEST at erica and christy's- Show your favorite mug. Don't forget to hop over there and see the other entries ... such fun!

As you all know I am a huge Harry Potter fan and my favorite mug is the three teacher's mug, featuring Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, and Albus Dumbledore.

  

SMILES, SMILES, AND MORE, SMILES ...THE SMILES AWARDS!.... A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE BLINDED GARDENER.

As promised, I have more awards to hand out. I would like to thank Nicki and Marieke for all the smiles. Today is such a gloomy day in Chicago, now more than ever do we need smiles especially use blogger who live in the frozen north. SO to all of you please take a a You Make Me Smile Sward and pass it on. This little guy can't help but make you smile. Let's share the smiles this long and cold winter.

Yesterday I revealed seven things about myself so I don't want to overload you with to much info about me. One of my comments yesterday hoped I had a kitty too, since I said I love dogs. I LOVE all types of animals and kitties are definitely included, but I am highly allergic to them. I was blessed with the most perfect kitten and after just one week my throat was closing. Not fun.  Heartbroken, I had to give her back to the breeder.

There is a happy ending though, she found the perfect home with a child who has Down's Syndrome. This boy had just lost his black Norwegian Forest cat a few months earlier and was very upset. You see black Wee gees are very rare. The mother was thrilled to find one. SO now my former special kitty is a companion to a special child. It does my heart good to know that she is giving joy to someone who really needs it.

Now for the Making Smiles on Faces Award.

Leigh at That's Write. http://leightmoore.blogspot.com/ Not only does she have a fun and entertaining blog I see her feathered boa and big smile everywhere in the blogosphere always leaving fun an witty comments. SO for today I'd like to honor Leigh (LTM).

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Now for an update on ABNA .... Judging by what I see, you still have time to enter. Take a shot you have NOTHING TO LOSE.

I thought you all might be interested in my PITCH so here it is. Let me know what you think and thanks again for all you warm wishes.

Your blogging buddy,

Michael

Seventeen-year-old military brat, Aidan, and his psychotic father, are once again on the move, this time leaving behind Southern California for Beaufort, South Carolina. Aidan’s abuse is so unrelenting that he lives for the day he’ll turn eighteen and be free from his father’s torture.

Aidan seeks out sexual conquests to numb his deep-rooted pain. High schools are his hunting grounds, where he preys on only the hottest girls. Lost in a corridor on his first day at school, he encounters Danny, a blind student, who perplexes and intrigues him. Although visually impaired, Danny maneuvers the halls with ease, and takes Aidan to his first class, where he’s more interested in sultry Tanya than social studies.

Visions of Danny’s unfocused eyes haunt Aidan throughout the day. As the final bell rings, the stalking begins. Aidan has found an unusual candidate this time: Danny.

Aidan comes to the end of his emotional rope after an accusation of rape by the general’s daughter and a deadly blow out with his father send Aidan running. He has only one place to go: a rundown historic antebellum home owned by Danny.

Screams in the night reveal to Aidan, Danny’s not only blind but has demons of his own. Did Aidan trade one psychotic for another?

A dramatic view of a teenager coping with an unstable alcoholic father is the setting for this edgy Y/A contemporary novel. Anyone who has experienced a similar situation will find a common bond with Aidan and realize they’re not alone. 

At 58000 words THE BLINDED GARDENER features an emotionally scarred Aidan trying to live another day.