Seven Tears Into the Sea
Phantom Stallion Series
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Thursday, September 21, 2006
TeensReadToo.com
HI
Want to visit a cool book site?
check out TeensReadToo.com.
They were nice enough to interview me and we had a great time "talking" ...
http://teensreadtoo.com/InterviewFarley.html
Explore!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:27 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Love for Adoption
Dear Readers,
I just got a link to a gallery of amazing photos taken by Andi Harmon of the Last Chance Ranch in Oregon, of horses that are up for adoption!
My favorites (although I'd take any one -- or two, or ten --of them) include: from the foal gallery, the beauty of p. 19 and in the mare section, the sorrel with the big blaze, checking things out on p.12 & 22 and the beautiful dappled gray on p. 14 and I wouldn't turn down a star-forehead black in the section for stallions!
Pick a favorite and dream! Terri
http://equine.wisecomp.com/BLM091506Index.html
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:44 PM 0 comments
Saturday, September 16, 2006
HALFway Safe
Dear Readers,
As I told you last week, you've helped win HALF the battle against horse slaughter.
Now that the House of Representatives has voted against horse slaughter, there will be a vote in the Senate.
I've pasted the language of the Senate Bill 1915 below and listed the sponsor and co-sponsors -- all people on the side of the horses on this issue. Check & see how your state is doing so far.
At the very bottom of this blog entry, I've pasted a link to a site which will help you help the horses again -- especially if no sponsors or co-sponsors are from your state!
Use your head to follow your heart,
Terri
S.1915
A bill to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Ensign, John [NV] (introduced 10/25/2005) Cosponsors (23)
Related Bills: H.R.503
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSPONSORS(23), BY DATE
Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] - 10/25/2005 Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] - 10/25/2005
Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] - 10/25/2005 Sen Lott, Trent [MS] - 10/25/2005
Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] - 10/25/2005 Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] - 10/25/2005
Sen Levin, Carl [MI] - 10/25/2005 Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] - 10/25/2005
Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] - 11/1/2005 Sen Bayh, Evan [IN] - 12/12/2005
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI] - 1/25/2006 Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] - 1/25/2006
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT] - 1/25/2006 Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] - 1/25/2006
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] - 2/9/2006 Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] - 3/8/2006
Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] - 3/8/2006 Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] - 3/29/2006
Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA] - 6/14/2006 Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 7/12/2006
Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] - 7/26/2006 Sen Reed, Jack [RI] - 9/6/2006
Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] - 9/14/2006
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert091506#1
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:33 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 14, 2006
MY HEART BREAKS FOR BOO
Dear Readers,
Do you get emotional about books? I do.
I've fallen so in love with characters, I wished I could see through their eyes and feel with their fingers. I've built up white-hot hatred for selfish villains or gotten so scared (Blue Duck in LONESOME DOVE terrifies me) that I almost shout warnings.
If you've ever felt like this, consider sharing your feelings in book reviews.
Don't know how to write one? Just use facts to back up your opinions.
"This book is stupid" doesn't tell us much. If you write, "The violence against the main character doesn't fit with the plot" or "`I do declare,' is dialogue that never was spoken by a teenager in this century," people will see your point.
By writing reviews, you get to communicate with other readers, too, sort of like you would on a forum.
For instance: It's no secret one of my favorite books is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (the headline for this entry might have given you that hint). So, when a friend sent me a review that said "I don't see what all the hype is about" I jumped in with a zillion other people to set the poor creature straight. Afterward, I felt good, like I'd defended my best friend!
Would it surprise you to know authors often have love/hate relationships with online book reviews?
Let me show you why.
* One of my books is reviewed as "confusing and boring" and "a million star book."
* A reviewer said a real horse lover would know horses have no knees & another said cows don't roll their eyes. Ummmm, yes they do. And yes they do, too!
* Weirder are people who maybe haven't read the books they review : "Tempest and Shy Boots don't act like wild stallions!" I guess that's because they're not.
But most reviews of my work make my heart sing, so I can't resist reading them!
How do you review books online?
Pick a website (Bn.com, Amazon.com, the publisher's website, Spaghetti Book Club, etc. & I'd love to hear about your other favorites). You may be asked to use a Kids' Review Form if you're under 13. Then,
1) just pick out the book you want to review
2) scan the page for something like this:
Write Your Own Review
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
3) then, click and go.
Oh, and remember to read the review rules! On Bn.com and Amazon.com,
5 stars = the best, not the worst!
Have fun!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 1:51 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Fairy Tale Star
Dear Readers,
On September 23rd I'll be giving a talk & signing books at a cool place called Fairy Tale Town in Sacramento, California. Although most of you won't be dropping by to talk with me and get a book signed, you CAN see Robo the mustang who'll be my equine escort and his owner, BLM wild horse specialist, Jason Williams, if you click here:
http://www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/xtra-06/238-xtra_cattledrive.html
I'll post more about Robo later!
Best, Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:57 PM 0 comments
Saturday, September 09, 2006
September Q & A
Q: where is my letter im supposed to get in the mail please wright me back
A: My rural post office discourages me from having reader mail sent there, so readers are better off writing to me c/o HarperCollins in New York.
HarperCollins is wonderful about sending me reader mail -- often once a week! -- but I'm not as fast as I could be. Here's why: I put my family first, then writing, then email correspondence, then answer mail from readers & write to each person myself.
Many authors I know have assistants answer readers or use form letters, but since I'm not teaching any more, I treasure contact with students. So, I'm to blame for being slow, but I probably won't change my ways soon.
Q: I found out when your birthday is. Can I mail you a horse? :)
A: Wonderful readers DO send me gifts and I appreciate them more than I can say! Sadly, though, many glass or china horses arrive with delicate ears and legs broken. :(
Q: I noticed on some PS books that the writing on the back of the book doesn't totally match the inside. Sometimes the cover horses aren't exactly right, either. How can this happen?
A: I'm glad you examine my books so closely. So do I! Especially the parts I don't write -- like the words on the back cover. My publishing company is in charge of everything on the books' covers & for the printing of the books. I'm responsible for the stories.
I'm fortunate that my publisher asks me for descriptions of what I'd like on the covers. Most authors aren't that lucky!
I know a few mistakes have crept in -- Tinkerbell's not bay on the cover of GIFT HORSE, for instance, and there've been some misspellings in and outside the books -- but HarperCollins has done such a wonderful job on the PHANTOM books overall, I just can't complain.
I love hearing from you all,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:38 PM 0 comments
PIRATES, arrrgh!
Dear Readers,
I've always been fascinated by pirates. When I wielded a foil (a slim, flexible sword)on my college fencing team, I imagined myself side-by-side with Southern-belle-turned-pirate Anne Bonney. I can still smell the cannon smoke and feel the salt wind in our hair!
Few pirates lived like Captain Jack Sparrow, or legendary (but real) pirates Anne Bonney, Mary Read and Calico Jack Rackham, but your letters and emails tell me you'd like to step into pirate boots and go on fantasy pirate adventures, too.
Whether you're searching for imagination ammunition or researching a paper for school, here's a great place to start your voyage:
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/Pirates.html
Scroll down the page to see a list of books and websites.
Wind be in yer sails, mates!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:03 PM 0 comments
Did it
Dear Readers,
Because so many of you have been...not nagging exactly, or begging...uh, asking politely if I could shorten the time between the end of the original PHANTOM series and Book 1 of the new horse series, I've been working really, really hard.
As a result, instead of coming out in August 2007, as planned, the first book will probably be released in May 2007.
Hope that makes up for all my slow email responses!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:11 PM 0 comments
Friday, September 08, 2006
YOU ARE THE BEST!
Dear Readers,
Your calls, faxes and emails told our Congressmen we care.
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed yesterday by a strong majority -- 263 in favor and 146 opposed.
On to the Senate, now. Soon, I'll give you details on how to help.
Until then, I'll echo wild horse lover Karen Sussman in saying our country will be blessed for choosing respect and loyalty over a big money business which causes 90,000 American equines to die each year in confused and terrified pain.
I know the horses would thank you if they could,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:15 AM 0 comments
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Wild Horses in your Neighborhood?
Dear Readers,
Many of you don't live in ranch or farm country, but some of you do, so when I spotted this news, some instinct told me to pass it on to you.
The BLM is looking for wild horse pastures west of the Mississippi River.
Each pasture must be able to provide humane care for and maintain up to 1,500 wild horses and burros over a one-year period, starting about Nov. 1. That contract could be renewed.
Right now, most holding pastures are in Kansas and Oklahoma, but if you know someone with that much acreage, BLM will pay them well (I can be proud of THAT use of my tax dollars) for the use of their land AND you may have wild horses living nearby!
If you know interested landowners, they can get more information from BLM at www.fbo.gov on or about Wednesday.
Happy trails,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:12 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 01, 2006
Gypsy p.s.
HI again,
I meant to ask you all to let me know when/where you have your first GYPSY GOLD sightings. If you have time, please drop me an email and tell me which store & which city/town. It's kind of fun to know...hmmm and in return, for the first fifty or so emails...What should I do? I know, I'll type you a sentence from the first chapter of RUN AWAY HOME, okay?
Keep readin' and ridin' ~ Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:13 PM 0 comments
GYPSY GOLD & the real Lace
Dear Readers,
I just got a call from a nearby bookstore telling me GYPSY GOLD is in early! Thought I'd pass the word on to you so can call and see if that's the case at your bookstores, too. It's not supposed to be in until next Tuesday, though, so maybe Sundance Books in Reno just got lucky!
GYPSY GOLD features a Gypsy Vanner named Lace and though she's a mare, my imagination kept veering back to Romipen, a Gypsy Vanner stallion I met on the Gypsy Rose Ranch. As I've blogged before, I loved meeting the horses there! When the mares and foals surrounded and nuzzled me in the middle of their pasture it was very much like scenes I dream.
Since the ranch has updated its website, I'll post their link below. Be sure to visit Romipen's page, and the Foals for Sale page (no harm window shopping...and the page is looooong) and if you'd like to see Gypsy Vanners swimming in a lake, check out the Vanner Visions page. http://www.gvhwest.com/index.html
Have a wonderful weekend!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:32 PM 0 comments
TeensReadToo.com
HI
Want to visit a cool book site?
check out TeensReadToo.com.
They were nice enough to interview me and we had a great time "talking" ...
http://teensreadtoo.com/InterviewFarley.html
Explore!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:27 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Love for Adoption
Dear Readers,
I just got a link to a gallery of amazing photos taken by Andi Harmon of the Last Chance Ranch in Oregon, of horses that are up for adoption!
My favorites (although I'd take any one -- or two, or ten --of them) include: from the foal gallery, the beauty of p. 19 and in the mare section, the sorrel with the big blaze, checking things out on p.12 & 22 and the beautiful dappled gray on p. 14 and I wouldn't turn down a star-forehead black in the section for stallions!
Pick a favorite and dream! Terri
http://equine.wisecomp.com/BLM091506Index.html
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:44 PM 0 comments
Saturday, September 16, 2006
HALFway Safe
Dear Readers,
As I told you last week, you've helped win HALF the battle against horse slaughter.
Now that the House of Representatives has voted against horse slaughter, there will be a vote in the Senate.
I've pasted the language of the Senate Bill 1915 below and listed the sponsor and co-sponsors -- all people on the side of the horses on this issue. Check & see how your state is doing so far.
At the very bottom of this blog entry, I've pasted a link to a site which will help you help the horses again -- especially if no sponsors or co-sponsors are from your state!
Use your head to follow your heart,
Terri
S.1915
A bill to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Ensign, John [NV] (introduced 10/25/2005) Cosponsors (23)
Related Bills: H.R.503
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSPONSORS(23), BY DATE
Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] - 10/25/2005 Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] - 10/25/2005
Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] - 10/25/2005 Sen Lott, Trent [MS] - 10/25/2005
Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] - 10/25/2005 Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] - 10/25/2005
Sen Levin, Carl [MI] - 10/25/2005 Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] - 10/25/2005
Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] - 11/1/2005 Sen Bayh, Evan [IN] - 12/12/2005
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI] - 1/25/2006 Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] - 1/25/2006
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT] - 1/25/2006 Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] - 1/25/2006
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] - 2/9/2006 Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] - 3/8/2006
Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] - 3/8/2006 Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] - 3/29/2006
Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA] - 6/14/2006 Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 7/12/2006
Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] - 7/26/2006 Sen Reed, Jack [RI] - 9/6/2006
Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] - 9/14/2006
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert091506#1
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:33 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 14, 2006
MY HEART BREAKS FOR BOO
Dear Readers,
Do you get emotional about books? I do.
I've fallen so in love with characters, I wished I could see through their eyes and feel with their fingers. I've built up white-hot hatred for selfish villains or gotten so scared (Blue Duck in LONESOME DOVE terrifies me) that I almost shout warnings.
If you've ever felt like this, consider sharing your feelings in book reviews.
Don't know how to write one? Just use facts to back up your opinions.
"This book is stupid" doesn't tell us much. If you write, "The violence against the main character doesn't fit with the plot" or "`I do declare,' is dialogue that never was spoken by a teenager in this century," people will see your point.
By writing reviews, you get to communicate with other readers, too, sort of like you would on a forum.
For instance: It's no secret one of my favorite books is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (the headline for this entry might have given you that hint). So, when a friend sent me a review that said "I don't see what all the hype is about" I jumped in with a zillion other people to set the poor creature straight. Afterward, I felt good, like I'd defended my best friend!
Would it surprise you to know authors often have love/hate relationships with online book reviews?
Let me show you why.
* One of my books is reviewed as "confusing and boring" and "a million star book."
* A reviewer said a real horse lover would know horses have no knees & another said cows don't roll their eyes. Ummmm, yes they do. And yes they do, too!
* Weirder are people who maybe haven't read the books they review : "Tempest and Shy Boots don't act like wild stallions!" I guess that's because they're not.
But most reviews of my work make my heart sing, so I can't resist reading them!
How do you review books online?
Pick a website (Bn.com, Amazon.com, the publisher's website, Spaghetti Book Club, etc. & I'd love to hear about your other favorites). You may be asked to use a Kids' Review Form if you're under 13. Then,
1) just pick out the book you want to review
2) scan the page for something like this:
Write Your Own Review
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
3) then, click and go.
Oh, and remember to read the review rules! On Bn.com and Amazon.com,
5 stars = the best, not the worst!
Have fun!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 1:51 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Fairy Tale Star
Dear Readers,
On September 23rd I'll be giving a talk & signing books at a cool place called Fairy Tale Town in Sacramento, California. Although most of you won't be dropping by to talk with me and get a book signed, you CAN see Robo the mustang who'll be my equine escort and his owner, BLM wild horse specialist, Jason Williams, if you click here:
http://www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/xtra-06/238-xtra_cattledrive.html
I'll post more about Robo later!
Best, Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:57 PM 0 comments
Saturday, September 09, 2006
September Q & A
Q: where is my letter im supposed to get in the mail please wright me back
A: My rural post office discourages me from having reader mail sent there, so readers are better off writing to me c/o HarperCollins in New York.
HarperCollins is wonderful about sending me reader mail -- often once a week! -- but I'm not as fast as I could be. Here's why: I put my family first, then writing, then email correspondence, then answer mail from readers & write to each person myself.
Many authors I know have assistants answer readers or use form letters, but since I'm not teaching any more, I treasure contact with students. So, I'm to blame for being slow, but I probably won't change my ways soon.
Q: I found out when your birthday is. Can I mail you a horse? :)
A: Wonderful readers DO send me gifts and I appreciate them more than I can say! Sadly, though, many glass or china horses arrive with delicate ears and legs broken. :(
Q: I noticed on some PS books that the writing on the back of the book doesn't totally match the inside. Sometimes the cover horses aren't exactly right, either. How can this happen?
A: I'm glad you examine my books so closely. So do I! Especially the parts I don't write -- like the words on the back cover. My publishing company is in charge of everything on the books' covers & for the printing of the books. I'm responsible for the stories.
I'm fortunate that my publisher asks me for descriptions of what I'd like on the covers. Most authors aren't that lucky!
I know a few mistakes have crept in -- Tinkerbell's not bay on the cover of GIFT HORSE, for instance, and there've been some misspellings in and outside the books -- but HarperCollins has done such a wonderful job on the PHANTOM books overall, I just can't complain.
I love hearing from you all,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:38 PM 0 comments
PIRATES, arrrgh!
Dear Readers,
I've always been fascinated by pirates. When I wielded a foil (a slim, flexible sword)on my college fencing team, I imagined myself side-by-side with Southern-belle-turned-pirate Anne Bonney. I can still smell the cannon smoke and feel the salt wind in our hair!
Few pirates lived like Captain Jack Sparrow, or legendary (but real) pirates Anne Bonney, Mary Read and Calico Jack Rackham, but your letters and emails tell me you'd like to step into pirate boots and go on fantasy pirate adventures, too.
Whether you're searching for imagination ammunition or researching a paper for school, here's a great place to start your voyage:
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/Pirates.html
Scroll down the page to see a list of books and websites.
Wind be in yer sails, mates!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:03 PM 0 comments
Did it
Dear Readers,
Because so many of you have been...not nagging exactly, or begging...uh, asking politely if I could shorten the time between the end of the original PHANTOM series and Book 1 of the new horse series, I've been working really, really hard.
As a result, instead of coming out in August 2007, as planned, the first book will probably be released in May 2007.
Hope that makes up for all my slow email responses!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:11 PM 0 comments
Friday, September 08, 2006
YOU ARE THE BEST!
Dear Readers,
Your calls, faxes and emails told our Congressmen we care.
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed yesterday by a strong majority -- 263 in favor and 146 opposed.
On to the Senate, now. Soon, I'll give you details on how to help.
Until then, I'll echo wild horse lover Karen Sussman in saying our country will be blessed for choosing respect and loyalty over a big money business which causes 90,000 American equines to die each year in confused and terrified pain.
I know the horses would thank you if they could,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:15 AM 0 comments
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Wild Horses in your Neighborhood?
Dear Readers,
Many of you don't live in ranch or farm country, but some of you do, so when I spotted this news, some instinct told me to pass it on to you.
The BLM is looking for wild horse pastures west of the Mississippi River.
Each pasture must be able to provide humane care for and maintain up to 1,500 wild horses and burros over a one-year period, starting about Nov. 1. That contract could be renewed.
Right now, most holding pastures are in Kansas and Oklahoma, but if you know someone with that much acreage, BLM will pay them well (I can be proud of THAT use of my tax dollars) for the use of their land AND you may have wild horses living nearby!
If you know interested landowners, they can get more information from BLM at www.fbo.gov on or about Wednesday.
Happy trails,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:12 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 01, 2006
Gypsy p.s.
HI again,
I meant to ask you all to let me know when/where you have your first GYPSY GOLD sightings. If you have time, please drop me an email and tell me which store & which city/town. It's kind of fun to know...hmmm and in return, for the first fifty or so emails...What should I do? I know, I'll type you a sentence from the first chapter of RUN AWAY HOME, okay?
Keep readin' and ridin' ~ Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:13 PM 0 comments
GYPSY GOLD & the real Lace
Dear Readers,
I just got a call from a nearby bookstore telling me GYPSY GOLD is in early! Thought I'd pass the word on to you so can call and see if that's the case at your bookstores, too. It's not supposed to be in until next Tuesday, though, so maybe Sundance Books in Reno just got lucky!
GYPSY GOLD features a Gypsy Vanner named Lace and though she's a mare, my imagination kept veering back to Romipen, a Gypsy Vanner stallion I met on the Gypsy Rose Ranch. As I've blogged before, I loved meeting the horses there! When the mares and foals surrounded and nuzzled me in the middle of their pasture it was very much like scenes I dream.
Since the ranch has updated its website, I'll post their link below. Be sure to visit Romipen's page, and the Foals for Sale page (no harm window shopping...and the page is looooong) and if you'd like to see Gypsy Vanners swimming in a lake, check out the Vanner Visions page. http://www.gvhwest.com/index.html
Have a wonderful weekend!
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:32 PM 0 comments