SCBWI CAROLINAS Rocks

What a marvelous learning experience! SCBWI Carolinas in Charlotte last weekend! I had a wonderful time catching up on with old friends and making new ones. I met several wonderful new friends. And I learned a lot. It is great to be with both published and unpublished authors. I sat next to Bonnie Doerr, author of "The Island Sting," had breakfast with Liz Waniewski, an editor at Dial Books for Young Readers and presenter of my first intensive workshop, Laurent Linn, an illustrator and art director at Simon and Schuster Books, and Heather Montgomery, author of non-fiction books and magazines articles, whose workshop on non-fiction was really inspiring. My friend, Stephanie Greene, critiqued my magazine article and generously offered to read the revision. It was good to visit with Jo, Teresa, Debbie, and others at breakfast and on the run. I came back inspired by Shelli Johannes-Wells to work harder on publicity of my children's book writing efforts. So back to writing and to posting on the blog.

Here I am again

Wow! what a crazy few months. I've been on two vacations in Maine and Massachusetts and in California. I also attended the SCBWI Summer Conference. I learned so much about developing character and about voice and I'm once again excited about my writing. I also had three skin cancers removed during July. I'm fine now but it was stressful for a while.

Learning weekend

I spent last weekend in Savannah at a conference featuring addictions and love as the themes. There was good stuff about our need to feel worthwhile and loved. So much research is being done on the brain using MRI's and it's fascinating. I networked with some neat people and got reacquainted with some others. I toured a tall ship named Peacemaker. It was big and awe inspiring. I would love to sail on one of those if I had time. Ah, time, even Barbara Walters wants more time. I am so excited that I got accepted for the Spring Conference for SCBWI Carolinas. I've been working on a middle grade novel. Maybe it will get published some day. I'm ever hopeful.

oops I forgot

Did you watch the Westminster Dog show? I fell asleep during it and missed seeing the Mini Schnauzer but what a beautiful group of dogs. It always makes me sad seeing the ones in the shelter. Our animals give us so much love we should give back to them - not abandon them.

what a difference two weeks makes

Things looked so bad when I wrote that last blog. I didn't feel good and the weather was bad and so on but time has passed. My friend is better, my sinus infection is cleared up, and my writing seems to be going good. My revised web page should be up soon and I love it. Thanks to Maggie Moe who has such good ideas. I just don't have enough time to do all that I want to do (and sometimes need to do - like income tax). God is good and I am happy today.

Waiting

My life is on hold. I'm waiting to hear about my friend who is dying. I'm waiting to sell my house. I'm waiting to see if a book sells. I'm waiting for a patient to come. I don't like waiting. I know I should be more patient but I'm like a small child. I'm not into delayed gratification and that's where I am now. If you would like to add your comments on waiting, please do so.

More frustration

Now that I know I need a way to get readers, I still don't understand links and so on so no one is reading this blog. I won't give up though especially since I've learned that I don't have to write anything profound. It's been a cold dreary day and little has gone as planned. I did see a cute little female Miniature Schnauzer named Savannah this morning. She looked like my Gretchen who died six years ago. I may have to get a female next time not that I want a next time any time soon. Mulligan is such a sweet dog although he i a little timid. I also got another rejection of a book but I persevere.