13 hours and counting

I've been writing non-stop for almost 12 hours. My brain is about to explode, in a good way.

No, I'm not working on either of my books. Today I am participating in the Create-a-thon, a community service project to provide marketing materials to non-profit organizations. In a span of 24 hours, about 15 of us are developing brochures, web sites, and other things for the selected groups. As the only writer, I've been a little busy.

It's exciting to get to know these organizations and have the chance to help them out. The only real problem is I haven't pulled an all nighter since college, which was more than a few years ago. I don' t know if I can do it. Fortunately, at this very moment, a double latte is on it's way into my hands.

I must get back to work...I've got some copy to rework. When this is all over, and I've gotten some sleep, I'll post a link to the Create-a-thon web site where the samples will be posted.

I'd sign off with a witty remark, except my brain is no longer really functioning. Bye.

Running Away is Good for the Soul

Okay, running away is a little melodramatic to describe what I did. Really, I was running toward peace and tranquility. The crazy week at work before had nothing to do with it. (Incidentally, thanks to Karen, my beloved sis who handled a few crises by herself while I traipsed off to the Blue Ridge mountains for my writers retreat.)

My escape marks the begining of my birthday celebration. Come on, it's the big 4-0. I had to start a month early. The trip was a gift from dad, and what a great gift. It wasn't just that I had three days to do nothing but write. I got to spend those days in the company of other writers. I can't begin to express what a valuable experience it is to spend time in the company of people who share your passion. I highly recommend it, whether your passion is collecting Civil War era coins, stock car racing, or writing. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Kristen and Darin Gillenwater, owners of the fabulous Meadowood Bed and Breakfast, who hosted this retreat. As writers, they wanted to create a place for writers to gather, share ideas and inspiration, and learn from published authors. As luck would have it, their B&B is located in the Blue Ridge mountains, on 20 acres of gorgeous mountain. The vista from their front porch every day filled my soul with peace and tranquility. It was really hard to leave.

The retreat was a small, intimate gathering... just my style. I had plenty of one on one time with Cindy Holby and Inglath Cooper, the two writers who gave talks on craft, and then shared their personal experiences in the publishing world. What a gift. Both women are fantastic, and I encourage you to check them out.

And the next time you feel a hankering to go spend a few days in the mountains, visit Kristen and Darin. A little mountain getaway is always good for the soul.

Rejection: The Saga Continues

The rejection letters are piling up. The pile is threatening to take over a corner of my room, where it's living with some very cute dust bunnies. While the pile grows, I'm trying to look on the bright side of all this rejection. It's really very educational. Kind of like a laboratory experiment where I'm the test animal. Each agent has a different style, and her personality and attitude comes through loud and clear, even in form letters.

I've seen it all now, from genuine encouragement to patronizing condensation. Some have obviously not even looked at my query (although they'd deny it), but most have. Many of the letters have left me feeling hopeful and proud of myself for doing this writing thing, even though the agent is saying she's not interested me. What a fantastic gift. I admire the agents who are able to say no without making me feel like an idiot. I wish the guys I date could do the same…but that's another topic.

What's my point? Rejection is a good thing. But I'm still looking forward to the day the letter says YES.

I Spoke Too Soon (Big Surprise)

Last week I smugly reported that my work laptop survived a direct coffee hit unharmed. This near disaster experience left me feeling invincible. I knew I could recklessly do anything with no consequence. Forget to back up my hard drive? No worries. Set the expensive printer on a pile of books? That will work. Forget to include the subject line in a query? Whatever.

Why, why, why do I insist on premature gloating?

The laptop did not, in fact, survive the assault. It is at the computer doctor right now waiting for a CD drive transplant. Poor thing. It was most unhappy with me Tuesday when I tried to get it to eject the CD.

There is a lesson in there somewhere. I am determined to find it. As I sit here reflecting on my week, there are no beverages with in dumping range.

Okay. That's a lie. I've got a glass of water. But really, water is good. Right? I'm sure the lesson to be learned has to do with something else. Really.

Is that caffenine fix worth it?

Did you know spilling a cup of coffee on a laptop keyboard is a very bad thing to do? I know it is because yesterday my sister spilled a cup of coffee on our work laptop. When she called our computer repair people and confessed, they told her shouldn't go around spilling coffee on the computer, implying she had stood over the machine and wantonly poured the coffee over the keyboard. Thanks guys. Very helpful.

The next 24 hours, while we waited for the circuits to dry before we could find out if the computer was going to survive, were a little stressful.

This situation doesn't really have anything to do with my writing except that 1.) I got a hysterical phone call in the middle of my morning writing ritual and had to put the pen down to deal with the situation and 2.) I often drink coffee while working at my laptop. Number 2 is a concern because I realize it is only a matter of time before one of my cats jumps on my chest, claws extended, while I'm taking a sip of coffee. Now the question is, since I've learned I shouldn't spill coffee on the laptop, will I stop drinking coffee while I write?

The answer is, absolutely not. I will learn nothing from this experience. The work laptop survived, although a few of keys stick a little. No harm done. Whereas, if I forego my morning coffee, there is likely to be much harm done. I don't even want to contemplate the possible repercussions of that insane move.

Yes. That caffenine fix is worth it.