*I* certainly don’t have the answer, but the great John Scalzi does! Check out his enlightening post here.

In the midst of Chaos that is my life, I managed to revise 45 pages yesterday. I got through two chapters and a pivotal scene so I’m happy with the progress. I still have a long way to go, though. But, I have to say, I really feel like this is strong work and if the agent does happen to reject me (I fully expect it – maybe I’ll be surprised! haha), I have a backup plan to execute.

And not much else going on other than working and revising. I’m happy it’s Friday!

At 5:10 am, a thuder crack woke me straight out of bed. Scared the crap out of me. And then it poured down rain for about 45 minutes. Turns out we were under a tornado warning. Who knew? Not me because I had my weather radio turned off. Lot of good that does, eh?

I got three more contest entries judged and FINISHED yesterday! YEAH! I have three more to go, but they’re not due until August so I’m going to take a break and work on Phoenix. In fact, I read through the first seven chapters I’ve revised and tweaked, looking for errors. Now I need to hit the rest of the book hard and heavy.

I’m behind in Candy’s workshop challenge, so I’m going to do some serious making up. I need to revise AT LEAST 31 pages today. And I’ll still be behind but it’s a start anyway.

Okay very quick entry here – happy Thursday!

“Parfait’s gotta be the tastiest thing on the whole damn planet.”
–Donkey, Shrek (2001)

There’s this cafe within walking distance of the office that has these wonderful parfaits made with yogurt, fresh fruit and granola. The only catch is, they’re $4.50 for one. Which, to a cheapskate like me, is steep. So this weekend, I got the bright idea that I would make my own.

I bought one of the big tubs of french vanilla yogurt and then went to the farmers market and got fresh strawberries and blueberries. Which are just awesome. So fresh and sweet and yummy. Then I had these Nature Valley granola bars. I took one and put it in a ziploc bag and pounded it into crumbs and – VOILA – granola.

So I took a glass, filled it with yogurt, added the fruit, sprinkled the granola and I swear I had my own little parfait for about half the price. I’ve been enjoying them all week. And they are quick yummy. And the berries are awesome. I love fresh blueberries a lot more than I ever though I would!

Last night Man and I went to The Container Store. Always a dangerous place for us and our wallets. But I was good – I bought nothing. He, however, come home with some things including a new spice rack where we can fill the jars with our own spices. WOO! I’m really excited about that.

Funny, that when you grow up, you get excited about things like washers and dryers and… spice racks. Heck I was excited last summer when I bought tires for my car. Not a fun thing to buy but at least I could afford them.

Tonight I have some chapter business to tend to and more contest entries to get done and then I have to get on with revisions. I simply MUST.

Although, I have to say, I bought myself some time accidentially. The email I sent the agent bounced because apparently I can’t read and typed the durn email address wrong. I didn’t know it bounced until yesterday (and I’d sent it Sunday) so I resent it. And thank goodness for small miracles – the very first word was a typo! Sheesh. Way to go, Michelle. But I fixed it and sent it and it’s all good now. So cross your fingers. For real this time.

It’s hump day – hard to believe the week is half over. I have too much to do! I guess it always seems like that, though.

So. This week, it’s decided to rain. Not that I’m complaining. It was in the 80 yesterday. But it was so humid. The kind of humid where you need gills to breath outside. No kidding.

Yesterday, I nearly froze in the office. I walk outside at lunchtime and my cold hands instantly turn clammy and gross. Ick. Plus, my hair just went flat. Not that it wasn’t already. It’s straight as a board but the humidity really doesn’t help at all. Then Man and I walked down to Starbucks in the middle of the afternoon and it was, of course, sprinkling. Which didn’t do anything good for the already flat hair. Not that I cared. It’s just a little rain, after all. We got our coffee and stopped a local store for an umbrella. Which insured it wouldn’t rain on us on the walk back. Of course, it didn’t. Because we had the umbrella this time.

Got a lot done last night. Got two contest entries judged. Now I have three print and three electronic and then I’m done. I’m really trying to get them done this week so I can concentrate on other things. Like my revisions.

I also worked on stuff for the local chapter. I needed to set up a Yahoo loop for the upcoming workshop and I got that done and invited the instructor and the moderator. The workshop starts on August 3 so I need to make sure I get it all prepared and ready.

Had to run some errands with Man. We went to Pei Wei for dinner and then Bed Bath and Beyond and we each spent about $25 on stuff for the house. Just stuff. But good stuff and stuff we need. I love stuff.

By the time we got home, it was 8:30 and he had to run another errand. He didn’t get back until after 9 and as soon as he walked in the door, it started to pour down rain. That’s the second time in as many days it’s happened that way. I swear I think he brings the rain.

I love the rain. It’s nice and relaxing. It makes me sleep good. Now, can it just not do it during rush hour? Please?

Okay that’s it for me. Happy Tuesday!

Saturday, Man, Mom and I drove three hours east to visit and pick up my boy. It was a great time, really. Long drive, but a really good day. And good food too. We managed to kill an entire pan of brownies Mom made.

Poor Man was not happy about leaving at 8 am sharp, but we he slowly got into better spirits. Mostly because we stopped at Starbucks on the way. We didn’t make it home until nearly 9:30 that night. Very long day. But of course well worth it.

The kid was filthy, too, and I promptly sent him to the shower. He had a hard time getting back to the norm, though, and I think it was close to midnight before he fell asleep.

Sunday was all about shopping. Got the groceries and then went to the Farmers Market, too, for fresh berries. YUM. Then went to JCP because of the huge sale and I had a VIP pass. I got the kiddo some school clothes – 3 pairs of jeans, a shirt and shoes for around $75. I felt so proud of myself. And I can’t believe it’s time to starting thinking school stuff already. The summer is nearly over!

Then got home, cooked dinner, finished laundry. Cleaned house. Just the normal junk.

Then I took the plunge. Sent off the partial request to the agent last night. Here’s hoping. I hope it’s good enough. But if it’s not and I end up with a rejection, there is always Plan B. I’m okay with Plan B.

Anyway – not much else to report. Other than it’s hot again. However, we did get a nice downpour yesterday which was really nice.

Tonight, Man and I need to take a trip to Bed Bath & Beyond for some things. That’s a dangerous store for sure.

Off to work!

My neighbor woke me up mowing at 6:30 am this morning. Yeah, it’s going to be 101 today and I get she doesn’t want to mow this afternoon but at 6-fracking-30?

So I finally just got up, made coffee, turned on the computer and here I sit. Today I’m going to East Texas to pick up my baby boy. YAY! Man and I are picking up Mom on the way there. It’s a long, hot drive. Not really looking forward to the drive but I am looking forward to seeing my child.

Okay I’m starving. I need food. Off to breakfast and then time to get ready!

Yeah I’m late blogging and I’m not exactly feeling the love this morning. Didn’t sleep well and I have a headache, too.

However, I DID manage to get some things done yesterday. Just no revisions. Good thing I had pages banked for the Write Workshop challenge. Now I don’t have as much guilt.

Tomorrow I’m off to East Texas to pick up my boy. Wow I miss him! I can’t wait to see him and give him a big ole hug.

Happy Friday, ya’ll.

I’m doing Candy Havens’ challenge on her Write Workshop. Yesterday’s goal was 17 revised pages and I made it through 19 pages. YAY me!

I haven’t had a chance to see what today’s goal is, but I’m going to keep plugging away regardless. I have lots of ideas to incorporate into PHOENIX to beef up the big ending of the book. I’d always felt there was something not quite right about it and now I think I’ve figured out how to fix it.

Plus I now have a kick-ass opening line. And for that one brief moment when I wrote it, I felt total brillance.

And now I’m trying not to suck again.

But the workshop is inspiring me to keep going! Just keeping going and don’t stop. Plus I really need to have the majority of the revision done before I submit it to the agent. Yes, I’m dragging me feet. But in my defense, I know she has another conference to go to so I’m trying to be a tad considerate and wait until she gets back. Like it’ll make a difference right? Oh, suck it up, Michelle, and just send the damn thing!

Yes, I talk to myself. Sometimes it’s the only way to get good conversation.

So, what inspires you to get those words down?

Hey I’m at Sole Struck talking about paying it forward with shoes. Come on over and check it out.

So I’ve taken up Candy Haven’s challenge and am participating in her new Write Workshop (this is free to anyone who wants to participate! Check out her website for more information!). Yesterday, the challenge was 11 pages of revision (I’m doing the revision instead of new words since I need to finish revising PHOENIX). I’m proud to say I got 40 pages of revision in yesterday. So I banked some pages in the process! YAY!

My goal was to polish up the first three chapters. After I got all the edits done, I printed them and read through them. Just want to make sure there aren’t any glaring errors. You know, sometimes I read through my pages and I think how sucky it is. And then sometimes I read through them and I think how brilliant I was. But for the most part, I tell myself to try not to suck. And I find it to be very difficult NOT to suck. Because sucking is so much easier than trying to be good. It’s the Lazy Writer Way out, isn’t it? You know it sucks but you’re too lazy to do anything about it.

And I use “you” collectively here. I do it too. I’m so guilty of that sometimes. I know some of my previous work could be a thousand and one times better but I was Lazy Writer at the time instead of Trying Not To Suck Writer.

Is it just me? Or does everyone go through that?

Ah well. I can’t wait to see what Candy’s challenge is today! WOO!

It’s hard to believe I have to go back to reality today. I really enjoyed my time off. I think I was in total need of blowing off some steam. Since I got home, I’ve felt very relaxed and laid back.

So, Nationals was great. I had a wonderful time meeting so many fantastic people. I was so lucky in that I finally – after all these year – got to meet Sara Reinke who was the best editor I ever had at Samhain. Sara is just as delightful in person as she in online. And her books are still awesome.

I think the best way to do this is a day-by-day. So if you know me and have already exchanged emails with me about the conference, then this will be a repeat performance. Sorry about that. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy!

Tuesday Night / Wednesday

I arrived in DC on Tuesday and took the Metro from the airport to the hotel. Super easy. And I met Jeffe, the president of FF&P, there and we rode in together. She was a most excellent roommate! We got all checked into the Omni and then I was off to get my headshots done. Damon of Studio 16 took the photos and they were great! You can see the one I’m using for my author page on my website by clicking here. It took a while since they were running a bit behind but it was well worth it.

Then got back to the room and went to have a late dinner at a local coffeehouse. The picture you see here was taken at breakfast on Wednesday and I had a giant cup of coffee in front of me. It was delish.

On Wednesday, we spent the day at the leadership semrinar. It was great. Very informative and I learned a lot. I think I took away some things I can apply to the chapter and be a better leader and lead the chapter into a better place. I hope. We’ll see. I have so much to decompress over on that and get organized. So much to do and so little time to do it, it seems.

At the end of the seminar, the Board of Directions was introduced and that’s where I finally met Sara. I was so happy to meet her! She was the editor I had for A BEND IN TIME when she worked at Samhain. She’s a Regional board member now. I’ve known her for about three years so meeting her in person was a real treat.

That night, it was the Literacy signing. You’ve seen pictures of that already here. Literally 500 authors signing books in a giant room! GIANT! Nora Roberts was there as was JR Ward and a whole bunch of other folks. I met Nancy Haddock who is a dear sweet lady.

Thursday

Got up and went to the opening session with Janet Evonivich who was hysterical. Her talk was wonderful. After that it was off to the Annual General Meeting and then back to the ballroom for lunch and keynote speaker, Linda Howard. The workshops started up that afternoon after lunch. I got one in, then ran to stuff bags with the Prez of FFP for The Gathering, our awards party that night. An hour and half later of stuffing, I headed back to the Omni to get cleaned up and dressed for the party. Got back to the Marriott and we started getting everything set up for The Gathering. And yes, I wore my fabulous red dress and four-inch heels.

After a great panel discussion with some of the FF&P Prism winners, it was on to the Harlequin party so I could catch up with a few folks I wanted to see. I never did connect with one person in particular and I feel guilty about that, but hopefully we can catch up together at the next conference (because already thinking about Nashville!). After that, I headed down to the bar, found some FF&P folks and we sat in the bar laughing and talking until midnight.

Friday

I got up at 6:30 am and headed to Marriott where I met the Elements gals for breakfast. I needed serious coffee. Met them, though, and they were all lovely. So we sat and talked for over an hour and I finally met some of my favorite people from the Yahoo group and then ended up going on to my pitch session with the agent. It was freaking FREEZING in that room so not only was I shivering but I was a nervous wreck. And still really tired from the night before.

So it was my turn finally and I get up there and finally sat down with my stupid little notecard and I felt like a moron. I introduced myself and start in with my book. I asked if I could read from the card and she says, “You wrote the book, didn’t you?” and of course I felt like a jackass. So I babbled my pitch and she asked a few questions and said to send her the first three chapters and synopsis and I got up and left. I swear I only used 2-3 mins of my pitch appointment. At least she asked for a partial but I think she took pity on me. LOL

That afternoon, there was more workshops but I was beat and finally succumbed and went back to the hotel, stopping at McDonald’s for fattening food and then I went to the room. I talked to the Man on the phone for nearly 2 hours (he was pining away haha) and then worked on the opening of PHOENIX and then crashed.

Saturday

Went to some workshops, ran around like a crazy person, and the finally came home that afternoon to Man. He was very happy to see me. So was the cat. LOL Both my flights were pretty good but there’s something about sitting in an airplane, thirty thousand feet up and thinking, Crap. That’s a long way down. I’m thinking I might need an aisle seat next time.

All in all, it was WONDERFUL. I met so many people. I exchanged a TON of business cards (so very glad I got those printed up!) and learned a lot. I absolutely cannot wait until Nashville in 2010. And I can’t believe I’ve waited so darn long to go to a conference. It was a blast. And I made so many new, wonderful friends.

Sunday I vegged out with the Man, unpacked and got the laundry done. We ran some errands. And then Monday he was back to work and I took the kiddo to meet my sister and drop him off for the week. I am so lonely for him! I haven’t seen him in over a week and now he’s off to have fun with chickens and goats and sheep. I know he’ll have a blast but I can’t wait to see him on Saturday. He finally lost is other front tooth and he’s FINALLY front-tooth-less and it’s cute as hell. His permanent teeth are already coming in, though. On my way home from dropping off the kiddo, I stopped to visit with Mom and drop off her JD Robb book I got for her (signed!) at the Literacy Signing.

As for me, I’m back to revisions. And I’m doing Candace Havens new workshop challenge. I’m so excited about that and getting my book done! I really want to start working on the futuristic now, too.

So lots for me to do. And lots to get done. But you know… I thrive on that stuff.

Happy Tuesday, ya’ll!

But today is going to be busy as I’m off to Greenville to drop off my son to my sister for the week. And then I need to swing by Mom’s and say hello and give her the JD Robb book I got signed for her.

And then tomorrow… back to reality. Is it bad of me that I didn’t miss the office at all? haha

OH! And if you’re burning for a “real” blog post, check out my Pop Culture Divas post today. I’m talking about Series Vs. Stand Alone. Click here.

More later!

Somehow I managed to remember my camera last night at the signing. I saw all sorts of fun folks and met some new ones. Below are pictures.

The leadership seminar was good and very informative. Plus, I got to meet Sara Reinke, who actually was my first editor at Samhain. She’s a real sweetheart and I’m so glad I finally got to meet her In Real Life. LOL

After the signing a few of us presidents went to dinner at this lovely French restaurant. Lots of rich food. I think my system is on overload but it was so good. I had the lamp and crepe suzette for dessert along with a glass of the bubbly stuff.

Good times.

Anyway, below are some pictures I got at the Literacy Signing. More later.

Gena Showalter and I sporting awesome green tops.

The very awesome Candace Havens.

A self portrait with the superb Nancy Haddock

Nora Roberts and Moi. Yeah, I’m a nerd. I asked for not only a picture but also a signed copy of her latest JD Robb for my mommy.

Well, I made it. I’m here! In our nation’s capital. Cool, huh?

I really thought I would hate to get on a plane again after so many years but I didn’t. However, I will say this. There is something a bit disconcerting about being stuck in a tin can like Vienna Sausages for two and a half hours. Especially when sitting next to a large man (not large like obese just large like BIG). In his defense, he tried very hard to stay out of my personal space and yakked with the guy across the aisle nearly the entire time.

About 10 minutes into the air, I stuck in the iPod buds and read my book (I’m reading Vicki Pettersson’s The Taste of Night and enjoying it immensely).

Anyway, take off was smooth and looking out the window, I watched the Earth get further and further away, noted the green splotches of trees surrounding houses that looked like Monopoly houses and the murky waters of the Trinity River. The remains of Texas Stadium. Bye-Bye, Dallas.

Flight was uneventful except for a bit if turbulence over Tennessee. And then as we made approach to land, the sights of Washington, DC came into view. From the plane, I could see the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Of course, they were itsy-bitsy but there they were nonetheless. And the Potomac with the afternoon sun reflecting rippling waters. Totally cool.

Washington National is a nice little airpot. I say little because if you’ve been to DFW Airport, then you know what I mean. It’s nothing compared to DFW. Easy to navigate. Made it to the baggage claim and met up with my roommate who landed about five minutes before me.

We rode the Metro from the airport to the Chinatown station where we switched trains to get to our final destination. There was a lot of people on the Metro but really the flow the good and the trains were fast. No delays. It was an excellent deal for $2.55. Our station was literally one block from the hotel. Perfect.

The hotel is gorgeous. The lobby is nothing short of opulent. I’ll get pictures today and post, hopefully soon.  We got checked in and headed to our room which is nice and quiet and away from the elevators – always a plus!

I got here just in time to get changed, freshen up and head to the other side of the hotel for my headshots. They did a great job but unfortunately, no posting until I get home since I don’t have a CD drive on the Mini.

The photographer was running a bit behind but I didn’t mind since he was so good and so fun to chat with. He’s been everywhere so he could talk about anything. After I got done with that, my roommate and I headed down the street to a place called Open City and had a late dinner. A very late dinner on DC time but my system is still on Central time.

Everything seems to be going to smoothly so far. Tomorrow is the leadership seminar which I’m looking forward to. And then Thursday the conference really gets underway with all the other workshops.

And that’s it so far. I’m sure I’ll have more later to post. I LOVE this internett and Mini thing. It’s awesome.

For the first time in nearly eleven years, I’m getting on a plane and flying out of town! Really looking forward to the conference and meeting lots of folks. I hope to blog throughout the rest of the week. But if I don’t, rest assured, I WILL be back on Monday.

Have a super week, everyone!