Forward and Backward
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 
What a week I've got ahead of me! I can't wait to start tackling my to-do list. Writing deadlines. Conference calls. Reorganizing our filing cabinets. Finishing up orders for our nursery/baby/parenting needs. Two medical appointments. Write Nite. Date Nite. Tax 2011 prep (really dreading this one.) Like twenty other things. Gah! Thank goodness for this iPhone app. Checklists are my fave. Also challenges... Challenges are good too.
I'm so excited for what this shiny new year will bring. I am *this close* to being finished with the first draft of my YA manuscript, and I'd love to be done with a second round of revisions before the baby arrives. In early 2011, I joined a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's (SCBWI) critique group, which eventually evolved into weeky Write Nite meetings. This regular interaction with writers, the routine of digging into my manuscript, attending live readings, and continuously developing the craft of writing has been such a blessing on my life. I look forward to continuing these efforts in 2012.
Maybe one of these days I'll be able to post about how I got my literary agent, the sale of my first children's book to a publishing house, and the process being published? And then maybe this awesome book reviewer will read and evaluate my story? Ahh, one can dream... So I'll just keep working towards that dream.
Round-up of some other life things: I've been spending my spare time watching episodes of House Hunters (we're obsessed), reading NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson (it's a YA about the 'return' of Jack the Ripper), attending yoga classes, and walking my dogs in Riverside Park. We tried to go to this New York hot spot with another couple and there was a FOUR TO FIVE HOUR WAIT (yeah, we passed on that.) I went shopping in Soho with a friend (but a monsoon-like storm cut it short.) I'm in the market for a new living room rug. Also, anything from Marrakesh. Yes please.
It's finally chilly outside, and I'm crossing my fingers for snow. I really want to wear my new winter boots! But this maternity coat has got to go. Actually, all my maternity clothes. I want to shove them all into the back of my closet where they will disappear like cotton socks and necessary camera cords and favorite belts.
Wishing you a wonderful first full week of 2012! What's on your agenda?
P.S. Thank you for all the comments regarding my website refresh. Only the first set of initial changes have gone live, so stay tuned for a more comprehensive layout & streamlined look. And I'll be sharing some brand, writing, and publication news in February!
Reader Comments (4)
Have you looked at stuff from Fes? I was just in Marrakesh and Fes and I found the quality better in Fes. Many blessings to you in 2012!
Marissa – I haven't looked at anything from Fes yet, but now I will ;) thanks for the tip!
You are one busy lady! I love the start of a new year too.... so many possibilities ahead!
Happy New Year! I'm crossing my fingers for snow here too! We have a million things on our agenda for the first weeks of 2012 - the triplets' birthday is tomorrow, I start grad school Monday, many loose ends to tie up before next week... A new, adventurous year! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo