Preschool graduation

I think Liam was more excited about being done with school than the singing program.

Mama Kaylie and the Very, Very Good Day

This weekend, I went to a writers' conference downtown. I wore my (only) fancy-schmancy business-type pants. I left the children with Mark all day. I drove to the train station, bought a ticket, and rode on it like a commuter. I arrived early and talked to some grown-ups. Yes, folks, she can work it. I met an editor of an online children's magazine and another writer. I got my name tag (printed in black-and-white, no markers or crayons in sight) with my name on it. I sat in an uncomfortable chair and met more writing types. I listened to a presentation by a real, live New York editor and a real, live published author. I bought myself lunch which I ate all by myself. I didn't even cut it in pieces first. Then I wandered around to the bookstore, bought some of the books people were talking about, and strolled around outside without a stroller. I listened some more and met some more people. Then I had to run back to the train station in my grown-up dressy shoes (curse those very grown-up high arches and bunions), lost a shoe a couple of times, and sat down inside the train. I read a book all the way back to my station, drove home, and arrived there to find the children still alive and happy (Mama who?), and the oven preheating for our pizza dinner. Can I do this again next week?

Four writing updates

Writing update #1: Mark gave me a Barnes and Noble gift card for Mother's Day. I hope he didn't plan on seeing me again before July.

Writing update #2: My wrists and neck have been bothering me muchly lately. I've been trying to improve the sloppy posture (I know, Mom, I should have listened to you years ago), but since I spend so much time on the computer, we decided to buy an ergonomic keyboard. Let's hope the children don't destroy this one.

Writing update #3: My new goal is three pages of the novel per day. There, now it's in print and online, so I'm accountable. If we assume I have about 120 pages to go (and who knows), I can get it done in 40 days. That's five weeks, but give me about one day off a week, and that makes six. I could have the first draft done by the end of June. Here's hoping.

Writing update #4: One possible title idea for Book 2: Canadian Shield. I'll at least wait until the book is finished before I decide.

Hilarious!

I found the Top 10 Reasons to be a Writer on Janette Rallison's web site. http://www.janetterallison.com/ It makes me laugh! You'll have to scroll down, but it's worth it.

swings and things

We've been spending some time outside because we're not going to let this chance pass us by before it storms again.

We have a winner!

I posted my title dilemma on the SCBWI discussion boards as well as this blog, and the verdict is in! Candied Yams and Canadian Ham is the clear favorite. Sorry, Mark, you're outvoted, unless I someday get an editor who agrees with you. Thanks, everyone, for your input.

So the slacker

Some days, I think to myself: Yes, if I could write ten pages a day, I'd be done the first draft of Book 2 (which still doesn't have a title--you know how I struggle with titles) in under two weeks! Writing ten pages wouldn't really take that much time. Maybe 2-3 hours, if I were on a roll. And let's say I wanted to make a few hundred dollars consistently every month from writing. If I sent out 10-20 magazine article queries every month, odds are I'd get about one assignment per month for my efforts. So I tell myself I will not waste time until after I have written for at least an hour.

But then I remember I need to email someone. And I've got to check my blog for comments. And what about that friend request I sent out yesterday on Facebook? And did anyone post a reply to my question on the SCBWI discussion boards? And, look at that grass in the backyard! It's grown since yesterday. I bet if I sat and watched it, it would grow some more!

The good thing about not being published (yet) is that I don't have any deadlines.