Far, far away

My husband and five year old left for home today. They went to do the 'man' thing, and get the house all warmed up and make sure all the pipes work and the water is running so us girls and the 'baby' will be comfortable when we get home.
They were so excited to be going. A father, a son, two dogs, and a cat, on a sixteen hour journey.
Tonight they are in Oregon. I am still in California. It is the furthest I've ever been from one of my children. I've barely ever even spent a night away from him. He is so far, I couldn't even get there quickly if he needed me. It is a big step for him to go so far, but home has been calling him for a while now, and he wants to get there.
It broke my heart tonight when on the phone he said he missed me, he sounded so big and brave, until I said I missed him too. Then I could hear the sadness in his voice. He was wishing I was there. Now I just want to jump in the car and catch up with them. I don't care if the house is warm or if the water isn't running. I miss him terribly and it's only been fifteen hours since they left. How am I going to make it through a whole week? And more importantly, will he? I think I am going to have to leave sooner than I planned.

My mind is numb

I've spent the last two days reading and rereading the contract I've been offered for my picture book. It is mind-numbing. I'm still not sure if I have a grip on it or not. I was glad I'd recently joined scbwi and had their sample contract to refer to. I had some wording added that they suggested. Why can't they just write all that stuff in regular english? It would be so much easier.

Unfortunately I'm not much of a negotiator. At least it was all online. (This publisher does everything online, by the way, which is really great for us writers, especially the shy ones.) I would love to have an agent someday to take care of all this stuff for me. Maybe once I have a picture book under contract they will take me seriously. Maybe.

But really, I feel pretty lucky. I don't sub that much. Only when I can finally get a cover/query letter perfected, which takes me a very long time(after I've spent an extremely long time getting the story to the point I feel it's ready) do I sub anything. It takes me forever to customize the letter to a publisher. That is really hard for me.

This story went out to three publishers, got one form and two requests. One request ended with a phone call, because I had an acceptance from the third. I am completely amazed. And I didn't think I'd have anything exciting to blog about. So reading the contract isn't exciting. Having a picture book accepted sure is!

Wow, what a day!

I quickly scanned my email this morning and saw I had one from a friend, a friend whose name is similar an editor--or so I thought. In my early morning confused state of mind I had to read over the email three times before I realized this was an offer... to me... to publish my book, from an actual real-live editor!

My kids went crazy and ran around the house like wild monsters. I got cyber-congratulations from day traders across the country(my husband told his chat room pals). And I have been happy all day, even though I took four children to San Francisco to walk around and see the sights(bad idea).

Now for the stress(You'd think it wouldn't compare to trying to keep children from running into traffic or falling off a boat. Thankfully we're all home safe so that's over.) Anyway, it's under consideration at another house. I opted to call them and leave a message tonight since I'm a chicken, and I figure they'll need some time to look into it anyway. I told them I'd call back tomorrow. Yikes! I'm still shaking from the call I just made. I hope I sounded okay.

Then, I think I should call the agent I queried and give him a heads up, but maybe only if both houses are interested(what are the chances). I'm not sure on that one. If it's just the small house he likely wouldn't care I would think. I'll figure it out tomorrow. I just can't believe I have an actual offer. Now it would just be perfect if my writing pal got one from the same place.

Spa Day

I got a spa day today. My best friend recently got her aesthetician's licence and wanted to treat me. It was great. She has found her calling and is fabulous at what she does. I am so happy that she is in business for herself and doing what she loves. And man do facials feel good ...hot rock massages aren't bad either.

But it was funny, as I laid there with my mask on(My friend had to do a Bikini wax in the other room. Aestheticians are brave people.) I could barely lay still. I couldn't believe I had absolutely nothing to do. I tried to lay and relax. Tried to take a nap. But no. All I wished for was a piece of paper and a pen. There are so many stories I want to work on. There are not enough hours in the day. I couldn't believe I was wasting such a silent opportunity with no one around to ask me to do something. Absolutely no responsibilities. I can't remember the last time that happened, and I'm sure it won't happen again any time soon.
Lesson learned: Bring a paper and pen to the spa ...and arugula on pizza is really good.
Thanks Jes!

Welcome to my frazzled mind

Okay, so here's my blog. Nice and green.

What is a blog for? Telling people about myself? Writing practice? Promotion?
I had a blog that no one read. I actually had things to say because I knew no one was reading it. I have lots of reasons for not having a blog. Want to hear them?

• The computer sucks the thoughts from my mind(and not onto the screen like I hope).
• I don't like people reading what I write. Kind of a conundrum for a writer, huh?
• I am really shy, hence the last reason.
• I edit and edit and re-edit and delete and start over and ...
• I sound like an idiot most every time I open my mouth.
• I'll probably offend people.
• I might tell you things I don't want you to know.
• Everyone's gonna think I'm looney.

Okay, that's enough reasons. It's too depressing. Doesn't sound like this is gonna be very good for promotion. Actually, I look at this blog as a way to get to know my writer friends and for them to get to know me. Heck, if you read this blog, eventually you may get to know me better than alot of the people I know in person. Writing things down is very personal. So, I'm forcing myself to share. Hopefully I'll come up with something interesting.