I was up until 1am this morning, cleaning out my office. I dumped out boxes, I sorted, I filed, I threw stuff away. And I got all my writing files condensed into two drawers. It was quite an interesting moment. I stood there, looking at those two drawers, and thought to myself :
"This represents my Life's Work."

Two drawers. Years of accumulated research, first drafts, notes, it's all there. Basically the last 15 years. Granted, they're the big huge file folder drawers and I've filled them, but it's interesting to see it all in one place, instead of stowed in separate tubs, for once.

Amazing to see all my work and sweat and stress and tears condensed into such a small space.

Yeah, I'm having a pensive day.

I Did it!!

I grabbed my mini before bed last night and edited! My EMMA story has been pulling at me...a LOT lately, and I sat down and read. I love the beginning. I am TOTALLY in LOVE with it. But after the beginning, it sinks like a sad souffle.

So, I started editing, and found myself taking a whole new direction. Now that I'm telling the whole thing from Emma's POV, it's difficult. She's only thirteen, so I have to sound like a thirteen-year old. I can't be all "clever" and "observant" because most teens just aren't like that. Well, Emma is a genius-level kid, so I guess I can get away with a few things, but for the most part, she says "kinda" and "pretty" and "I guess" a lot. I mean, she's a TEEN. They have their own language and vocal patterns. It's CRAZY.

But I'm proud I did it. Now I'm itching to do more. And I will. Tonight!

I'm BACK!!!

...and rearing to edit!!! It will get me through these cold winter months, no doubt! This week is focused solely on getting my Christmas decorations down and getting the house ORGANIZED, especially the creation of a warm, inviting writing space (ambience is everything for me, when I'm writing and editing) and as soon as I have that done I am back to business! I have two novels to edit, a novel to write and an agent to find! 2010 here I come!!!

:-D