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Two of the happiest sights, ever, in my opinion. 
P.S. I’m still polishing up my novel with my editor at Penguin, and having a surprising amount of fun doing it (who knew that revisions could be fun!?). And, and, and, very excited to report that I’m working on book #2. Stay tuned on that!
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These past few weeks I have been using every spare minute of every single day to work on the revise process of my novel. Yep, when you finish the long process of writing a book, landing an agent, editing the book with said agent, and then finally sell it–wee!–you then roll up your sleeves and start a new layer of work on the book. It’s a long process, and not for the faint of heart. But, P.S. I kind of love it! I’ve watched as this book has grown from a little seed of an idea, to a little green shoot, to a bud, and now, thanks to the keen eye of my editor at Penguin, Denise, it is growing into a big beautiful in-bloom flower. (At least, that is our hope!)
As some of you know, my book tells two stories: that of a modern-day woman, and a woman in the year of 1943. As I’ve been living with these characters (really, they’re like old friends), I’ve come to rely on some favorite music to fuel my writing and imagination. And, I can’t tell you how powerful music has been to me as I write, and now, revise. Particularly, for this book, the old songs of the past–the songs my grandparents listened to–and some truly amazing, jazz music as well as modern-day faves, have gotten me in the place I need to be to write well. Here’s my The Waters of March playlist (in random order):
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Here is Carson, my 3 year old, lounging on top of our dog, Paisley (who is the world’s most patient golden retriever, I should add). They’re best friends.
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Lately I’ve been a little obsessed with the idea of getting a chalkboard for my kitchen–with a cute antique frame. I’m convinced it would be fun to write the dinner menu on it each night, as a daily traditions (other meal-time traditions I love: prayer, candle-lighting, talking about our days, and of course, some pre-dinner wine for mama).
If I had a chalkboard, here’s what I would have written down for tonight (warning: It’s a very random dinner, but we all loved it–even the 1 year old!):
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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!
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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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