Well I would love to say that I have not been posting because I have been terribly busy doing terribly important things but that’s simply not the case. I’ve been terribly busy trying to do nothing at all. (I’m not very good at that.) More about that later but for now a few shout outs.
Like hey, how cool is it that 
cynthialord fabulous book RULES was a KidPost Book of the Week in The Washington Post??? And congrats to lauramc whose new book, Water Shaper, made its official debut in a lovely party dress. If you’re in the Bay Area (of California, that is) don’t forget that literaticat is throwing a party for Sarah Dessen in a couple of weeks. Read all the details over at notyourmothers – she’s even letting us grown-ups come. How great is that? And woohoo to Janni whose brand new book Secret of the Three Treasures is out now.
I met up with KL Going (author of Fat Kids Rule the World, Liberation of Gabriel King, and the soon-to-be-released Saint Iggy) over at Myspace. She’s launched a forum board on her website and invites writers and readers of all ages to come visit and participate.
And thanks to all of you who have signed up for my newsletter, Susan Writes. Don’t forget the contest for subscribers to win a free galley copy of Hugging the Rock. The first drawing will be held this Friday, April 21st!
Oh, and that part about trying to do nothing at all, I’m trying to learn how to relax and let my mind go and sit and smell the flowers that MUST be growing with all the rain we’ve been having. In short, I am trying to start a new book. ARgh!!!! The pain. Off to acting class.
I’m trying to start a new project too, and am having severe decision-making difficulties. I believe I will resort to more research. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll throw the papers up (or down) the stairs and see if some mystical organization exists. Or something.
It’s that just getting started part that hurts so bad for me. Man oh man. And I can tell anyone I have ever taught to just write anything and not worry about it but find it harder to do myself.
Research is good, unless you let that keep you from getting started. I have a stack of books to read as “background” research and some online looking to do. I figure I’ll give myself the next 2 weeks to read and soak everything up and then I simply must commit to just the writing.
I SO know how you feel.
Okay, compadre, I will join you. (Or would you be a commadre? But I digress.) I will spend the next 2 weeks reading and researching, and then I will ALSO dive in. I will pretend that we have made a virtual pinky swear, because everyone knows you can’t go back on a pinky swear, and that will motivate me to move forward.
Pinky swear
Okay Kelly – want to pinky swear to start on May 1st?
We can be virtual office mates and check in, however painful it might be? I think I need to be accountable somewhere.
Re: Pinky swear
That is a definite plan. I solemnly pinky swear to start writing on May 1st, and to be accountable. That means I’d better bust my hump on research until then, because I have many decisions to make.
are you coming?! did you get your tix?!
Yes, I am coming. I will order today!
I’m the opposite..i get so lazy i have a hard time getting inspired to get anything done.
Oh I can be lazy with the best of them. That’s why I, hmm, turned in the copy edits on my last book 4 months ago, turned in the finished project way before that, and I am only just now getting around to starting something new.
I’m lazy AND I hate starting something new. Deadly combination.
Good luck with the new book!
Thanks. Expect much whining ahead.
Hey, thanks for the mention! 🙂
You’re very welcome. The art for your book is so much fun!
The artist (Eric Brace, who also does cards for Shoebox greetings) did a terrific job–I like the cover a lot!
How great for Cynthia Lord! And thanks for the head’s up for the other books – they look wonderful!
Good luck starting a new book…and remember the saying about April showers!
Right now the only thing the April showers are bringing are weeds taller than my dog! But I am hopeful.
Thanks for the announcement – and it is a lovely new party dress, isn’t it? Hooray for Clarion book designers.