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DONE!
Last week, I typed these two little words--THE END--and completed the first draft of my novel-in-progress.Big deal? YES. Because I've been in first draft hell for 3 years, more or less. (When it comes...
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Where the Magic Happens
Hm. Bit quiet around here lately. *dusts off chair* In the 4-1/2 years of this blog, it's rare that I've gone a whole month without a post. Lots of reasons why, which I'll tell you about soon. But I'm...
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Pilgrim's Progress
When I finished the first draft of my new novel back in September, I issued myself a challenge: Finish the second draft in 2 months.As any of you who still follow this blog can attest--and as anyone...
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Book Club Love
One thing I'm thankful for: A really vibrant, enthusiastic online community for young adult lit. Today, I'm thrilled to be the visiting author at one of the best all-around YA sites: TeensReadToo.com....
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Purr and Prejudice
Now, you all know I like me some Jane Austen. And I do adore cats. So this recent discovery, which I am about to impart to you, made me squee with delight. Yes, for those of us who like a little purr...
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Is It 2011 Yet?
The title of this post pretty much sums up my current mental state. Where have I been, you ask? Under a rock?If "rock" means "finish-novel-celebrate-holidays-get-a-new-puppy," then yes. That's exactly...
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Aftermath
It's an odd feeling, finishing the writing of a book.For thirteen months I was immersed in the world of my new novel. I wrote with a constant sense of urgency, even though the only deadlines I faced...
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The Philadelphia Story
Last week I was discussing romantic comedies with a co-worker, and--as always happens when romantic comedies are being discussed--we wondered why so many of them are so terrible.I mean, when someone...
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Writing Buddies Blog Carnival: The Shredder Edition
The typical writer's cat is content to curl up for hours at his owner's side, purring subliminal messages of comfort and peace; furry, faithful balm for a weary writer's soul.And then there's Seamus...
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A Pint of Ale and the Deathly Hallows
The other night we caught a movie at one of our local pub theaters. We love our pub theaters, because 1) $3 admission, and 2) I've yet to see a movie that is not improved by pizza and beer. (Or if you...
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A Beautiful Light Lost
In September 2008, I went to the Kidlitosphere Conference here in Portland. Of the many people I met that day, one of the most delightful was Lisa (L.K.) Madigan. Like many authors, Lisa had spent...
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Why Raising a Puppy is Like Writing a Novel
THEY TAKE OVER YOUR LIFEPuppy and novel are both massive time-sucking vortices. Their needs expand to fill every waking hour. Your daily routine is bludgeoned to death; your entire life is now THE...
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Gray Funk
"...for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain..." Joel 2:23I don't know what good old Joel was actually...
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Still Geeky After All These Years
Yesterday was the five-year anniversary of my blog. In that time, I've written fewer posts than many people do in a single year: 183, including this one. In the same five years, I've also written:2-1/2...
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Rain + Naughty Dog = Waterproof + Pockets
After coming home drenched from yet another Roxie-walk (did I mention it's still raining?) I told my sweetie what I really want is a waterproof dog-walking jacket."What about a regular waterproof...
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Chasing Giraffes, Part I: In Which Our Heroine Sets Off on an Adventure
We are sitting in a small conference room with brick walls, blinds closed against the bright South African sun, listening as nurse Gillian Thompson describes all the possible ways we might vrek once we...
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Another Beautiful Light Lost
Three years ago, I was the only young-adult author I knew. I think of that time as Before: before I discovered how many other young-adult authors live here in Portland, Oregon. Amazingly talented...
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Chasing Giraffes, Part II: In Which Our Heroine Actually Chases Giraffes
When last we spoke of South Africa, our plucky travelers had been challenged to a foot race to determine who was the speediest among them. Alas--but not surprisingly--I finished dead last. Track star,...
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The Summer of the Book
Memories of certain summers taste of certain books. These are the summers that held A Book so memorable, I can never think of one without the other. To reread a particular passage is to bring back the...
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Closets and Recollections
So I'm cleaning out my closets, and this time I swear I'm going to be ruthless. It doesn't matter how cute something looks on the hanger. For once, I'm going to accept the fact that......I never got...
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National Train Your Dog Month, or: Baby, You're Just Getting Started
One year, one week, and three days ago (not that anyone's counting), we brought a new dog into our lives. Our lives have yet to go back to normal. In fact, normal is no longer on the menu. It's like...
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Roxie Goes to BAT
A friend of mine told me that once in a while, she pines for a dog. She misses having one, and she wants her young son to experience the same joys she did growing up with a canine buddy.Then she thinks...
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Writing and Fear
So you sit down to write a blog post. That was several hours ago. Since then you've checked your email several times and Facebook an embarrassing number of times and played a dozen games of solitaire...
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The Heinz 57 Challenge
Our German Shepherd, Roxie, has been stealing the limelight lately with her antics. But today, it's our other dog's turn. Meet Inja:When we met her as a 12-week-old brindle baby, our first question...
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Heinz-57 Part II: And the (DNA) Survey SAAAYS...
Thanks to everyone here and on Facebook who took a shot at which dog breeds went into making mutt-tastic Inja. Your guesses included:German Shepherd: Catahoula Leopard Dog:Some kind of sighthound (ie,...
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