Monday, June 14, 2010

The "Lure" of Body Parts and Kissing the Baby Goodbye

I've been in a sparkly, brightly-colored nail-polish phase (perhaps one I should title my Regression Period?), which, given my new penchant for open-water swimming, I suddenly realize could have some hazardous results.

Because while most of me is covered while I swim (wetsuit, bathing cap, neoprene booties), my short, shell-shaped nails flash beneath me in the murky water like a perfect set of ten sparkly lures.

I have visions of lifting my hands on each stroke with a series of sand eels and other creatures latched to the tips of my fingers.

In other news, I turned my new baby, my young adult manuscript which bears the working title Frankie Sky, into my agent today, which will receive a cover letter from her and travel on to my editor by tomorrow. Pursuant to my contract with FSG, they have the first option on the book. The few readers who have read the early version of it have given it a pretty hearty thumbs up. I look forward to seeing its journey. At least if it's a successful one. :)

Here's a brief excerpt from Chapter 4 of Frankie Sky.

* * *

I blink my eyes and look over at Simon’s cement frog again. The forget-me-nots are in full bloom. In a few weeks they’ll get this weird rot and turn black and we’ll quickly cut them back to the ground. But it’s okay, because already the bleeding hearts will be open, draping their white and pink teardrops over him. Those will last most of the summer. In fall, Mom will cut those back and encircle the frog in mums, and in winter everything will be dead, so instead, she’ll place a series of brightly-colored glass gazing balls around him. Because, in addition to all things drowning, Mom is excellent with her grief- appropriate gardening.

* * *

Now, off to paint my nails another shiny color. Maybe irridescent purple? :)

10 comments:

  1. Strangely, this post didn't pop up on my blog update, argh. Almost missed it (thankfully checked my fb today, which I am NOT great at doing).

    So excited for your blue nails. I mean, for Frankie Skye. No, I mean it -- the excerpt is diamond. This book is going to hotcake outta here! Can't wait to read it.

    Barbara

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  2. Thanks Barb. I love how everyone (NO, you are NOT alone) wants so badly to put that e at the end of Frankie Sky. Interesting to me.

    The child's name is really Frankie Schyler but because he's only 3 going on 4 and has a baby lisp, he can't pronounce his name too well. So he calls himself Frankie Sky. Of course, there are other reasons too.

    I'm really excited about this one. I hope I don't end up too disappointed. A few weeks will tell.

    Now what kind of hotcakes were we eating?!? :)

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  3. Good luck to Frankie out there in the world! Your writing sparkles even more than your irridescent purple nails!

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  4. I think the Shrieking Eels are color blind, so your nail polish is okay...

    Congrats on getting Frankie Skye out! I wish you a ton of luck, though from the excerpt, I don't think you need it--your writing is beautiful!

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  5. thanks, Hart! Another fan of putting the e in Frankie Sky. Are you all trying to tell me something? ;)

    That's two now, Jim. <3

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  6. I'm telling you, with an e, sky(e)'s the limit

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  7. well, we'll soon find out the limits without it.

    cross fingrs. ;)

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  8. Checked back in to see this. Argh, sorry about the added "e". Funny, huh? And then Tart did it too! Anyway, I love Frankie Sky even more now with the explanation about his name. Cannot WAIT to read this!!!

    Freshly manicured (but sedately Essie Mademoiselle Pink) fingers are ALL crossed! xo Barbara

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