2012 was a pretty big year for me as a writer.  I completed my third manuscript, World Maker, in January then in July found an agent willing to represent it.  I spent more time critiquing in 2012 than I have in any year not in graduate school.  I wish I could get a higher "books read" count, but I continue to struggle to find time to write, let ( Read more... )

This year's reading list seems incomplete.  I might have finished a book or two more that didn't get recorded, but this year brought a lot of distractions that justify my small reading list (and possible lapses in record keeping), not the least of which is the fact that I lived in temporary accommodations for the first two months and spent the next ( Read more... )

Another year has passed.

Some day I plan to use this journal as more than a repository of read books titles.  My silence is the result of my attempt at a writing career while raising a young son (and of selling and buying a new home in this very difficult housing market).  I have precious little spare time (don't we all?), and I choose to use it ( Read more... )

Although a year ago, I couldn't say goodbye to 2008 fast enough, I'm sad to see 2009 go.  It was a good year for me because my son was born, and with him came all of the special times only a new family member can bring.  He has been the welcome focus of most of my attention, and my husband and I are lucky to have him in our lives.

2009 also saw the ( Read more... )

Happy New Year!  I'm not too sad to say goodbye to 2008, although the year did make possible the soon-to-be birth of our baby boy this January.  2008 also saw the marriage of my sister to a wonderful man.  My husband and I are blessed with family and friends to love, and their health and happiness continues to be a blessing.  Thank you and happy ( Read more... )

Had I known what the powers-that-be had planned for me this year, I might not have tackled a project as big as the literary festival.  Now that the culminating event is over, I can say unequivocally that I'm glad I did tackle the project.   After a busy weekend (the festival and my sister's wedding shower, at my house) I am indulging myself in a ( Read more... )

I figure I should post my reading list from last year because doing so will help me feel more like a writer, if that makes any sense.  Compared to the reading lists other people have shared with me, this one's a little paltry, but it's the best I could do.    Since I usually won't pick up a book unless it's been highly recommended by someone I ( Read more... )

Okay, it's been a bit since I wrote in this journal, but I really want to take a moment to give my congratulations to the good people who graduated this January from the Writing Popular Fiction Program.  I'm very proud of you and very sorry I didn't get a chance to hear your thesis presentations.  From what I hear, the presentations were wonderful ( Read more... )

It's been almost a month since I last posted.  I've been doing a bit of writer-type stuff.

Most exciting was the trip to Radio City Music Hall to see Stephen King, John Irving and J.K. Rowling on August 1st.  (That was the day it was something like 150 degrees in NYC.)  The authors chose great pieces:  Stephen King read the story about the blueberry ( Read more... )

It's been a while since my last post, but I've been busy plotting and planning the new novel.   Thanks for the positive response and excellent criticism I received from
( Read more... )