So yesterday morning, when it was 38 degrees and barely light, and I was out doing my duty to dogs and fitness, (I would say “running”, but even “jogging” would probably be considered a gross exaggeration of my pace :)), anyway, I was out slogging and I got stung 4 times by white-faced hornets.
I know!
There I was at 6:45 AM, minding my own business, passing their (very unattractive) home with its (evil-looking) entrance and giving it a wide and respectful berth as I have done every day since I discovered it at the end of July, when an angry buzzing issued forth and I barely had time to think “uh-oh!” before zing! zing! zing! zing!
To which I responded, “Ow!”
There was some sprinting involved at that point as I envisioned the whole nest coming after me like the bees did in Winnie-the-Pooh.
Also I was pulling my fleece off over my head whilst sprinting because one of those nasty little critters had gotten up my sleeve.
And also I was hollering to my Brown Dogs to “Look out!” and “Come here!” (whilst sprinting and de-fleecing) because I was afraid of them getting stung by that evil horde.
Too bad there’s no video footage 🙂
But really, I consider 4 to be overkill. One would have been quite sufficient to get the message across, and even that was unwarranted as I was not threatening them in any way. And seriously, what business did they have even being awake at that hour and in that temperature?!
I tell you, I was miffed!
And then later in the day I found out that my new book, ALPHABEDTIME!, which was due out in Fall 2015 will not be out until Summer 2016. And you all know that impatience is my middle name, so that was a teensy bit tough. Please don’t get me wrong! I am exceedingly grateful to have a book coming out at all! It’s just hard to wait 🙂
Therefore, I believe I have earned today’s Something Chocolate, and I gladly share it with all of you in case you have been miffed or had to bear any little disappointments lately, or even if you haven’t and just want Something Chocolate 🙂
Feel better?
Me too 🙂
Today’s pitch comes to us from Carol who says, “I have been writing for about 30 years and have 7 books to my name. I have sold many articles and stories to publications such as Highlights for Children, Girl’s Life, the SCBWI Bulletin and The Writer Magazine.”
You can find her on the web at:
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Cwabby Wabby Woofen-Snoof
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)
The Pitch: Woofen-snoof was a happy snoof. Every day she laughed and played with the other snoofs. All of the snoofs loved her cheerful outlook and enjoyed being around her. Everyone called her Happy, Wappy, Woofen-snoof. One day, Woofen had so much fun playing that she forgot to take her nap. Uh-oh!
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
Carol is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to all the season premieres this week: Big Bang – which I know already aired but I haven’t gotten to watch it yet – Modern Family, Gray’s Anatomy and Scandal. Yep. Now you know all my dirty little secrets 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Sorry to hear about the stings and the delay–but congrats on the new book! You knew about it, but I didn't–so I'm all going to be all positive and annoying and PSYCHED! Yay!
Eek about those hornets. I was thinking the same thing as you about the time and temperature. Maybe they're a new mutant breed. 😛
And 😦 about the delay in your book release.
Susanna, why did you not offer those bees chocolate??? I am sorry for you all around, and especially about the book release, boo. So, to the pitch: I love the name and the onomatopoeia, it makes me think this will be a fun book. Plot-wise, needs some conflict. Or maybe the conflict is there, but it's not in the pitch.
I'll get right to work on getting my PhDonut! 😉
Ack! I hope not a mutant breed! They're horrible enough already! 🙂
And about the book, it's okay. It's for a good reason – the illustrator had a baby 🙂 – just hard to be patient 🙂
Thank you, Stacy! I didn't know you didn't know, but you've reminded me to embrace the joy of it and not worry about the delay 🙂
Sorry to join in late. For some reason, I'm not getting your subscribed emails or some other subscriptions to blogs. 😦 I feel for you and hope your bites are healing. Here, I'm miserable w/multiple mosquito bites. But yours must be 10x worse! All of us will help pass the time for your new book to arrive. 🙂
For the pitch, I think it could use some more specifics. Seems a bit too happy. I know this is kinda late.
It's never too late, Tina! People can always come back and check and usually do. It is kind of you to come and lend a hand. I'm sorry you're not getting notifications! I don't know why that would be. Maybe try unsubscribing and resubscribing? Which I know is a total pain! But someone said that sometimes works… Thanks for your comments for Carol, and for your concern about the stings. They're all better – just itchy 🙂
Golly gee wilikers, Kathy! Why didn't I think of that? Oh. I know. I don't like to share chocolate with stinging insects! So I guess the stings served me right 🙂 Thanks so much for your comments for Carol!