Globe Trotting

So Germany lost in the semi-final. I'm bummed about that. My husband went to high school in Berlin and his father still lives in Bavaria so I have family connections in Germany that sway my soccer loyalties.
Now the final is Netherlands vs. Spain: who to cheer for?

I've decided to let my foreign sales choose for me. Those of you who regularly peek at the left sidebar of my blog might have noticed that the rights to Nightshade have gone increasingly global. With the most recent additions of Thailand and Indonesia, Nightshade will be published in 17 territories and counting! I can't believe it!

I'd like to give a huge shout out to my goddess of foreign rights, Lyndsey Blessing, at InkWell. Not only is she brilliant at international book relations, but she's an all around lovely person. Thanks, Lyndsey :)

I'm beyond thrilled that Nightshade will reach so many readers and I can't wait to see it printed in foreign languages - I've already been having fun exchanges with publishers about translation. It's a hoot!

If you're wondering when Nightshade might show up in your neck of the woods, keep an eye out on the publishers' web site. At this moment I'm only sure about the UK/Commonwealth date: January 6, 2011.

Getting back to the World Cup final - Spain has acquired rights to Nightshade, but the Netherlands...not yet. So for now I'll be cheering on Espana. Holland, if you want to change my mind, call Lyndsey before Sunday ;)

We are the World

Hi there!

Remember me? I'm the writer who used to post on this blog.

Sorry for the infrequent appearances of late. I'm still busy writing Bloodrose and am being swept away by the final chapters. But I thought I'd better stop by to say "hello" and thank you for visiting, despite my own neglect of posts.

In addition to writing. I've also been sneaking in some World Cup games.

I love the World Cup! I'm likely to run screaming from the label "morning person," while clutching my coffee cup to my chest. Even so, I'll roll out of bed at 6:30 a.m. to watch Germany vs. Serbia (darn you referee and your yellow cards!!!).

I like the World Cup even more than the Olympics. To me it's like the difference between a family reunion and a girls' weekend with your BFFs in Vegas. One is nice and comfy while the other is a 'rockin good time not to be forgotten.

The World Cup has a life of its own. You get caught up in its fever. I love knowing that all over the world, soccer fans are glued to their television sets, gathered in pubs, cheering on their teams.(Yes I know Scotland didn't qualify for the World Cup. Quiet you!)

I came to soccer, excuse me, football fandom in college while studying abroad in Scotland. My family had spent a summer in Scotland seven years earlier and I went to visit family friends - who've become much more like family than simply friends over the years - and they pretty much adopted me.

No one loves football (or for that matter, sports) than my Scottish Dad, John, and his two sons. For her own part, their mum, Sandra, is a pretty loyal fan as well. To spend time with my Scottish family is to learn to love the beautiful game. I had no trouble being hooked or accepting the fact that to truly be Scottish means always rooting against England.

When the World Cup rolls around every four years it's not just about the excitement of the games or the mesmerizing skill of the players. (Tim Howard is my hero!)It's about feeling connected to my Scottish roots, to a world of roaring fans.

If you aren't watching you should really give it a try, or at least learn what a vuvuzela is.
I'm sending this out to John, my Scottish dad, - his favorite song - and true sports anthem. Wish I were watching the matches with you in Irvine!