Of all the surprising things about writing and selling a novel (it’s lonely, isolating–yet strangely tons of fun–scary, hunger-inducing (think of all that mental exercise), back-breaking, etc.), I admit, I hadn’t put much thought to the idea that people around the world might actually read my book (which as I mentioned before, will be published by Penguin in the summer of 2011). I mean, surely, this was just the lucky plight of a handful of bestselling novelists, right? Well, then my amazing literary agents sold my book in Germany, after a 6-publisher auction. I got the news on my Blackberry while I was at Trader Joe’s grocery shopping with my two kiddos, and I practically fainted on the cereal aisle. Right next to the instant oatmeal.
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Here’s Russell after his bath tonight. Poor boy has had a high fever most of this week, but tonight he seemed to be perking up. Big sigh. Here’s to hoping he’s able to get some rest tonight (um, and me too!).
In other news … I’m so excited to announce that I sold my first novel! My book, The Waters of March, will be published by Penguin (Plume) in the summer of 2011. I’m overjoyed and excited–and also thrilled to be working with the fabulous Denise Roy at Penguin!
A big thanks to my literary agent extraordinaire, Elisabeth Weed! More on the details of novel-publishing in the months ahead, but for now, here’s the official announcement that appeared on Publisher’s Marketplace today …
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Oh my goodness, it’s sunny in Seattle (crazy, I know), and I totally have spring fever. Here’s a bunch of tulips for you. Aren’t they pretty?
This will be the shortest post in the world because I’m off to do some springy things: a.) walk my dog, b.) plant sweet peas (giddy!), c.) pour a glass of wine and enjoy it on the deck outside while the boys play! Hope it’s springy where you are.
P.S. I may have some exciting news to share soon, so check back for details!
I know–how boring am I!? Blogging about bran muffins? Alright, here’s the thing: I like bran muffins. And when I started this little personal blog a while back, I decided to think of it as a scrapbook–an online scrapbook–of all my favorite things, recipes, thoughts, memories, rants–you know. So, I had to post these muffins, because in 3 years, in 30 years, I want to remember this recipe. They’re that good. If you like bran muffins, get ready to swoon!
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On Sunday, my husband took Carson, 3, to the store after he threw an enormous tantrum in front of my in-laws–a tantrum that lasted, oh, about 3 hours–and they returned with a big bouquet of flowers, above. From Carson. To mama. It melted my heart.
I’ve been thinking a lot about Carson these days. How he’s so passionate. So emotional. So intense. My mom says that the odd years (as in 1, 3, 5 and 7) are the hardest years in parenting. I tend to agree. Did I mention that I also have a 1 year old? I don’t mind if you feel sorry for me right now. It is a wild life. But, P.S. I love it. And, P.P.S. 2 and 4 have to be easier, right? Please say yes!
So, with the excitement of finishing a novel–a novel I am proud of and believe in (this is weird, but my characters have started to feel like friends–I can’t believe I just typed that!)–this has been an eventful month. Yet, this week, I got some news that made all of it seem insignificant ….
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I don’t know how this happened. Suddenly a heart cut-out project with my 3 year old turned into “let’s hang hearts all over the kitchen.” And there they are. Cupid would be proud.
P.S. Sorry, it seems I went dark here for a little while. I’ve been busy finishing a novel (!) … more on that soon … and generally being frantic and overworked and sleep-deprived. You know how it goes.
I made these delicious scones over the weekend and wanted to share the recipe here. They were so good! And if you love dried apricots (or have a bunch in your pantry like I did), even better. They were so light and easy to make, and were perfect with a cup of tea. I felt so proper and British.
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Jason to me today: Let’s take the boys sledding!
Me: No, no, no, no! I have way too much writing to do.
Jason: You’re a work-a-holic.
Me: NO. I’M. NOT!
Jason: Then go sledding with us!
Me (smug): Fine.
…I’m so glad we went, because the boys had a blast (and so did I!). Photos …
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Is it January 22 already? Good heavens. This month is flying. I’ve been busy writing, revising my novel, blogging, mothering, cooking, running (more on that soon, and on Vitamin G), and a zillion other things I won’t bore you with. So, it hit me today that the first month of a new year is, now, almost gone. Wow. Just like that.
I love posting little snippets here on this blog, which I’ve started to think of as a scrapbook. How about that? A scrapbook that the world can see! And just because I don’t want to forget this wonderful month, here are a few little simple things and moments that I want to remember …
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A publicist recently sent me a copy of Jamie Oliver’s new cookbook, Jamie’s Food Revolution, which I promptly took to bed that night and covered in sticky notes. Guys, this cookbook is, in a word: amazing. It’s packed with mouth-watering, approachable (and dare I say, healthful!) recipes that anyone can make. Best part: The book is loaded, and I mean loaded, with photos (which makes a cookbook so much more fun, right?).
Tonight I made Jamie’s “crunchy garlic chicken” and it was so, so, so good. I served it with basil couscous and sauteed asparagus (with lemon + mint–a bit random, but it worked (and you recall how much my 3 year old loves asparagus, right?). Let’s just say, everyone finished their plates–including the baby!
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