One Day Left!

We approach the clock with one day left...
2!
My Family

I believe that family is important under any circumstances. And my family deserves a whopping two-thumbs up for awesomeness. My mom, my dad, and my brother Robert have been highly supportive of all of my goals. Especially my pursuit of publication! Mom, Dad, and Robert have always been there for me, no matter what. Just One of the Guys would never have happened without them! Muchas gracias!

Mom- You got me into reading and put up with me- even when I had to read every sign and label at Petsmart. You taught me not only how to tell a good story, but how to write one. Thanks for all the writer days you put in at my schools and for all the conferences you drove me to! Your guidance, confidence, support, and editorial revisions have been invaluable to me. Hugs, kisses, and love!

Dad- You have been a major part of everything I do. You revealed to me the amazing world of real rollercoasters and you taught me how to fire a pistol. You listen to Mom and me brainstorm about our stories- and you help me brainstorm about my engineering projects! Thanks for your patience, love, and great taste in cool t-shirts!

Robert- I may call you my annoying little brother, but you have been a huge contributor to everything. You've been incredibly helpful during my most recent recovery- even when it meant getting up from a Time Warp episode. You help me keep my Marvel comic history straight and its always fun to hear you get excited about band. Thanks for everything- except maybe the annoying stuff! =)

Just One of the Guys is coming out TOMORROW! You'll be able to get your copy here. And don't forget that the countdown continues here at Sam's Space. There's one last person that deserves a BIG thank-you!

And guess what! It's my sixteenth birthday today! I'm having some friends over for pizza, cake, and gaming. I'll post pictures of everything on Saturday. Yay!

And the Gals...

The thank-yous continue with...
3!
My Girlfriends

Every girl has at least one really close girlfriend. I am fortunate to have several, but I'm only going to pick on, err, thank, the two who have been most involved with Just One of the Guys. All of my girlfriends have been there for me when I most needed them, gone shopping when we've had cash, and watched movies at home when I'm hooked up to an ice machine. I love all of them, and I am very lucky to know such strong, compassionate, and beautiful young women. So thanks Chelsea and Ashley!

Chelsea- You have known me longer than anyone else (aside from my family). Your a sister of the heart, and I'm so glad that you and I met. We've been there for each other through thick, thin, and freshman year. I don't know many people who could be as patient with my craziness and many injuries as you. Nor do I know many people who visit their friend's home in order to clean their room... I love you!
P.S. We really need to go to the beach sometime!


Ashley- Thanks for being so amazingly awesome. You've been to hockey games with me, helped me live through your brother's visits to see my brother, and supported me through two seasons of marching band. You've dealt with my competition hyperactivity and my untimely nacho cravings. Truly, you deserve an award. But all I can say is this... I love you like Tuesday!
P.S. Don't you love Hallmark's Hoops and Yoyo?

Just One of the Guys would not have happened with the support that I have received from both of these chicks. Get your copy starting Friday!

Sam might be one of the boys, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have her girlfriends. Or her girl perspective... And that can lead to some interesting conversations when the boys get involved. Or start asking questions. This summer's band camp will never be forgotten...

To My Guys...

And the countdown continues with:
4!
The Guy Friends

No, I didn't forget, Bertrand! I did promise to mention you by your first name. So here are my thanks to my own guy gang: Preston, Bertrand, Jacob, Eddie, Scott, and the rest. This story would never have happened if I hadn't met all of you. I have had tons have fun in all the years that I have known you guys. No one's mind could possibly imagine half the stuff we've gotten ourselves into- thanks for all the awesome ideas! And yeah, I have contemplated shipping one or two of you overseas every once in a while... but only when you really got on my nerves. Lolz =)

Bertrand- Ta-da! Your name is at long last on my blog in as official a dedication as I can make for you. Thanks for all the hugs and for finally cleaning out the locker. But it is looking a bit cluttered again...

Preston- You're just going to have to read the story on Friday- no more inside info. No matter how many times you ask me in the middle of Spanish class! Thanks for all the computer advice and for teaching me math for two years. Governor's School is gonna rock!

Jacob- I know you don't like my blender metaphor, but it's okay. I'd never really put you in one. Don't give up yet- one day the tennis team will beat Wando. I'll miss you next year, and I promise to visit! Here that? I promise.

Eddie- You've been one of my best friends since 1st grade. Thanks for going to summer camps with me and for teaching me how to fish. Most especially, thank you for not laughing at that bat that once got stuck in my hair! A true gentleman...

Scott- Thanks for making me laugh at myself and for attempting to teach me leet-speak. Even though I'm hopeless. Did you notice my 'lolz' earlier? Also, thanks for showing me that sleep definitely is the best policy for any situation. And don't you DARE torrent my story... >=[

Just One of the Guys is coming out this Friday. Find your copy at quakeme.com!

Sam may be a girl, but she's always been one of the boys. Now she and her friends are at band camp- and the heat is the least of Sam's worries. Giant bugs, crazy musicians, and boys? This may just be a recipe for the perfect "One time at band camp..." story!

The Countdown Begins!

In case you didn't see my Saturday post or the note in the Latest Updates on the sidebar...

Just One of the Guys is coming out
May 1st!

I am officially announcing the countdown to launch (5...4...3...2...1), and thanking a new group of people each day. There have been several people involved with this story, and my writing in general, and it would be unfair to leave them unmentioned. I'd never have been able to do it without them. So, in the spirit of the countdown, I bring you:

5!

School Groups and Teachers

Imagine Creative Writing Club: particularly Jon, Amanda, and Ms. Halloran.
Jon- you've been listening to me since your first meeting- and correcting my grammar and spelling since your second! I've enjoyed reading your work, just as I have enjoyed sharing my own. Good luck at college- and don't forget to continue your writing in that lab!
Amanda- you may be a more recent addition, but you have been amazing! You are so funny- and thanks for taking my side when Jon got into his English professor mode. Hooray for slang! Keep up with your werewolves- don't let them run you ragged!
Ms. Halloran- I'm going to miss you and our brainstorming sessions next year. Thank you for listening to everything and for providing such a great outlet for students to express themselves. The club meetings have long been a highlight of my week!

Teachers past and present: I have appreciated your guidance and support and I don't have enough words to thank all of you, I want to mention a few by name:
English Teachers- Mrs. Young, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Neese, Ms. Milligan, and Mrs. Richardson
And Also- Mr. Ward (cuz he rocks, and he always wanted me to write about band!)

Stratford Marching Knights: I have greatly enjoyed being a part of this organization. Especially this year- we made state finals! I am going to miss you guys when I leave next year, but I am never going to forget the time I spent with you guys. The extra practices, the snack trips, the shared colds... The list goes on and on, and you can rest assured that Sam and the gang will never experience a dull moment so long as they are marching through their stories!

I am so glad to have met all of you. Your faith that one day I would be published has kept me strong. I am pleased that I have finally achieved that goal- and none of it would have happened but for you guys. Now all we have to do is work on my becoming a bestseller...
=)

On May 1st, get your own copy of Just One of the Guys at quakeme.com

Furry... Saturday? Oops!

Yeah, yeah, I know today's Saturday. But I forgot to stick this up on Friday, so we'll just have to pretend. And yes, I know I've kept you guys waiting for like, forever. But, I promise, Alex's doberman is well worth it! Boo-Boo, Boo for short, is a true sweetheart!

Age: 4 years

Gender: Female

Height: 24 inches

Weight: 85 lbs

Origins: Boo-Boo is the Wilson's family dog. They got her from the local rescue shelter as a puppy. While she was (and when nervous is) a tenacious chewer of all things chewable, the family stuck with her. No, they never messed with her ears or bobbed her tail. Isn't she so very cute this way?

Favorite Game(s): Boo loves to wrestle with Alex and play tug-o-war with whatever is handy. She loves it when she gets to play with Sam's Tolkien, and the two will roughhouse and run until they collapse. She also likes to trip people up at the door and pull other mischievous pranks. Her absolute favorite toy is one she's had since puppyhood- a ratty old teddy bear that Alex calls "the mutant." The mutant is, however, a cuddle-only toy and is not up for the ravages of tug-o-war.

More info: Boo-Boo may be a fierce looking doberman, but she has a huge and somewhat cowardly heart! Thunderstorms, fireworks, and even a loud rainstorm will send her to her "den"- a mess of blankets, old toys, and stolen shoes tucked into a back corner of the family TV room.

I hope you enjoyed finally learning about Alex's dog. But I have some completely, totally, amazing news that can't wait any longer:

Just One of the Guys is coming out May 1st!

You can find my first short story at quakeme.com. Sam and the guys are at band camp, a place of work, trouble, sun, and fun. But which will Sam find herself in? Marching, guys, bugs, music, guys... It's enough to make a girl's head spin! Read the story to find out just what it means to be one of the guys!

Blog Status

Hey! I had a major knee surgery last week that's really kicking my butt right now. They didn't tell me two screws would give me this much trouble! So I'm putting whatever I can off until next week- which means all the usual posts will resume then.

This week's Furry Friday, featuring Alex's dog, will appear next Friday. Other weekly features and material will also show up starting Monday-ish.

In the meantime, you can check out my first post at Teen Seen, which will appear tomorrow- Saturday! I will be returning to the Teen Seen blog every other Saturday after that.


Thanks for understanding! Can't wait to see you next week!

Who's Who Wednesday?

This week features Alex Wilson!

Age: 16

Description: Alex is usually found in a standard t-shirt and jeans. His shirts are usually music-related, ranging from concert souvenirs to marching show shirts to guitar shop freebies. Alex's longish blond hair gives him a carefree air, which is magnified by his worn jeans and grungy gym shoes. Alex always has his iPod plugged in when he isn't carting his own acoustic guitar around. Alex is a friend's friend and is a lively member of any gathering.

Driving Status: Restricted with his own Jeep. Has a lot of freedom on the road- after suffering through multiple driver's ed classes.

Favorite Class(es): Chemistry and Band- gotta love the rhythms

Instrument: Tenor saxophone for band class, guitar for jazz band and personal use

After-School Activities: Alex is usually wrapped up either in marching band practice or jazz rehearsal/performances. For him, its all about the music. Alex also likes to compete in spring science competitions- outlets for his interest in wacky science facts.

Hobbies: Alex enjoys teaching himself how to play various guitars- so far he has mastered acoustic and electric. Right now, Alex is learning electric bass. Alex also likes to endanger his parent's kitchen and backyard by replicating interesting experiments he sees on television (i.e. Discovery channel).

Weekend Stuff: When Alex isn't crashing with the rest of the crew, he's usually off performing with the school jazz ensemble. Or maybe he's just at home spending some quality time with his television set. Either way, you can bet Alex is having fun and relaxing before heading back to school on Monday.

Come back on Friday to meet Alex's furry companion!

Furry Friday

Prepare to meet Matt's scaly friend: Smaug!

A real bearded dragon!

(Photos from Scott Kinmartin's flickr site)

Age: 2.5 years

Gender: Male

Length: 22 inches (most of it tail)

Weight: ? Smaug hates the bathroom scale- he hisses uncontrollably whenever it's in sight.

Origins: Smaug is the result of much begging and pleading on Matt's part. Just after his 14th birthday, Matt began his campaign for a pet of his own- one that could be kept in a controlled environment. And voila! A few months later, Matt successfully converted his mother to buying Smaug!

Favorite Game(s): Smaug and Matt are often found on the floor with Matt pretending to be another lizard. This allows Smaug to "fight" Matt as he would another member of his species- no one harmed, its the same in the wild. Smaug also enjoys riding on Tolkien's back whenever the german shepherd comes to visit.

More info: You may have noticed that Smaug is the name of the dragon in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Sam's dog is also named Tolkien. Coincidience? Sort of, but not really. First of all, Tolkien's works are favorites of Sam and Matt. In eighth grade, they both re-read his books as part of a school project. They got pets within a few months- and the names just kinda happened.

Come next week to meet Alex's furry friend!

The Results Are In!

It's official! My first sidebar poll ended earlier this week and I'm here to tell you what's up!

The Question: It's high school and its Friday night: What are you most looking forward to?
Responses: Tailgate with 12% of the vote Game time with 0% of the vote The marching show with 62% of the vote Wendy's after the game with 0% of the vote A late night movie with friends with 25% of the vote

(Apparently the computer can't add to 100... it cuts off at 99...)

Hurray! The majority of Sam's Space viewers can't wait for the marching band to take the field at halftime! Can you hear the gang's applause from backstage?

Sam and the guys (Matt, Alan, Alex, and Colby) are all in the marching band, and, of course, are glad most of you can't wait to hear them. They spend the entire first half of the football game building up to the moment when they are the center of attention. But it takes a lot of work to get to the point that they can march an entire 7.5 minute show, with music, from memory...
JUST ONE OF THE GUYS is my new short story title, coming out later this month. It's the first week of summer band camp, and Sam's already getting into plenty of trouble- with the guys' help of course!

Keep checking back for updates on the story, the characters, and the release

And don't forget to check out the new poll to the left...

Who's Who Wednesday

This week features Matthew (Matt) Collins!

Age: 16

Description: Matt is in possession of short, dirty blond hair topping his 6 foot plus frame. This makes him about a foot taller than Sam, much to her perpetual annoyance. His baggy jeans, t-shirts, and ripped up sneakers are a constant. His hand-held gaming system and iPod are always stuffed into his pockets when they aren't in his hands.

Driving Status: Learner's permit. He's been too busy to take the driver's ed class so far.

Favorite Class(es): Physics and band- composition's the name of the game.

Instrument: Marches lead bass drum on the battery and plays any drum part he can get during concert season.

After-School Activities: Marching band keeps Matt pretty busy, but he's still managed to maintain a decent presence at the computer club meetings. There's nothing like web page design and learning java script and html code to pass the afternoons by.

Hobbies: Matt is a master gamer and a major computer junkie. Always up-to-date on the latest games, platforms, and software, Matt's the go-to guy for technology. He makes a decent buck helping teachers and small businesses set up web pages. On occasion, he has been known to enter himself in video game tournaments and delights in gaming online.

Weekend Stuff: Matt is either hanging with the others or is camped out on his sofa with his various gaming parephenalia. He loves poning his Sam and the rest whenever they game together, but is usually a decent sport. If he's watching movies, they're action and if he's feeling musical, it's usually classic or soundtrack instrumental. Or anything with a piano.

Next week will feature Alan, so don't miss out! And this Friday, meet Matt's beastly buddy!