Firsts

Finally got to see my book on the shelf in Barnes and Noble. It's something that I've dreamed about for so many years now that I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I was awake. I'm kind of a shy person, but it's funny how suddenly you want to tell everyone you see about your book!

Finally gave in and read the Twilight series. I've been putting it off because I had so much writing to do and I knew that once I started, I wouldn't be able to stop. They are amazing; I loved the characters and the conflicts, and of course, the vampires. Can't wait for the fourth one to come out in August. But now, I've got work to do- I've got to get back to work on my own stuff! :)

Weekend of endless rewrites

Really been slacking off on this blogging business. Spent the beautiful weekend inside, trying to get my rewrites finished so that I could get them sent back. I made occasional forays into the sunshine, but since I burn just thinking about going outside, it's probably for the best. Unfortunately, I like the sun but it doesn't like me.

I had to take a break from the book I've been working on to fiddle with the rewrites for the previous one. I'm to the point with the current book that I just want it to be finished, and given the fact that I'm only halfway through, I might have to put it away for a while until I get interested in it again.

Was supposed to help my mom put in the garden yesterday, but it rained all day. Ended up babysitting my niece instead- she's darling, but she's hit her terrible twos a bit early. She's only been walking for a couple of weeks, but it seems to have enhanced her already independent nature. Anyway, she loves to watch QUBO, and I always end up with one of the theme songs stuck in my brain for days- today, it's Theodore Tugboat. :)

Had one of the patients from my office call today and tell me that she really liked Spare Change. She is the first patient who's read it and given me her opinion. Since the book is about a girl who works in an office like mine, I was curious to see what the patients would think about it. I'm really glad she enjoyed it.

Something to think about

I watched a memorial through the lunchroom window at the hospital where I work today. They have it once a year, as a chance for staff and family members of patients who have died to have a chance to gather and mourn together. I watched curiously from the third floor as I ate my microwave lunch. When the short service was over, people tied ribbons on the surrounding trees and hugged each other. It's easy to forget how short and uncertain life is, and working here has taught me to be glad for every day that I have.

On another work-related note, if you want to read an interesting blog, go to www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer. It's easy to think that you're having a bad day until you read about someone who is fighting just to make it to the next one.

Monday again already- the weekends are gone almost before they start.

Worked in the garden on Saturday- it was so nice to see the sun. In fact, it was almost a little too warm, but that's Utah for you. We go straight from 50 degrees to 90 in one day!

Still plugging away at my rewrites, but I feel like I'm making some progress. Spare Change seems to be selling fairly well also, although I still have trouble believing it. Not that I didn't think really believe in it as a book, because I do, but there are just so many excellent books out there. I never have enough time to read all the books I'm interested in, and I'm so grateful for the people who have taken the time to read mine. I have been very richly blessed.

My day off

Wednesday is my day off, and I love it! There's something so nice about having a day off in the middle of the week. I usually watch my niece for half the day and try to get some writing done the other half.

Got my first review on www.goodreads.com. It's so exciting to think that people I don't know are reading my book! I'm sure that people who know me will say they like it because they feel like they have to. But when a stranger likes it, that's awesome. :)

Good night

Had a bit of a breakthrough with the rewrites last night. It was the same with my first book. When I hear about everything that needs to be changed, I always think it's impossible. I just know that there's no way to fix it, and I fight it for a while, but then something just clicks. Once I get started, it's easier to see the end goal. I think it's mostly about change and how threatened I am by it. Even positive changes in my life are difficult for me to process because I am such a creature of habit.

Anyway, I'm starting to look forward to working with it again, which is a good sign. Before last night, every time I sat down to look at it I ended up playing endless games of spider solitaire instead...my favorite form of procrastination. :)