Later this month, I'm heading back up to New England (by plane, not RV) for classroom visits and a book signing on Cape Cod. I'll be talking with 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th graders at five schools. My signing is on Friday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 8pm at the One Centre Street Inn in Yarmouth Port, MA.
I feel ready to get back to writing and hope to make some headway with that. I actually have three projects started, one of which is the sequel to The Christmas Village. We'll see which project calls to me strongest, though I suspect that meeting with all the kids later this month will probably push me in the direction of the sequel.
These past six months have been a whirlwind of travel and adventure, which really hasn't been the best environment for trying to write. It's been a wonderful gift to spend more time with my dear hubby, RVPainter. We've been through the ups and downs of this together and we make a pretty darn good team.
After a few months in, I just decided to let it be okay to not try to accomplish things, and just take in and enjoy all that we were seeing and experiencing. That's a new thing for me - letting it be okay not to strive, or produce or accomplish. Are you like that?
As the season progresses, I hope you'll mention my book, The Christmas Village to friends and family. It's gotten great reviews on Amazon.com, on Goodreads and from bloggers - but most importantly, from kids. You can read some of those reviews down the right side of the blog.
Talk to you all soon my friends!
Hi Melissa .. that does seem sensible -just enjoy the process ... but now you've a chance to settle and write a few more sequels etc. Delighted about the trip back up to NE at the end of the month ..
ReplyDeleteGood for you - cheers to you both .. Hilary
Yes - I LOVE talking with the kids - the look in their eyes -so engaged and excited. It's the best part of the whole book thing!
DeleteI am glad that the whirlwind of adventures which took you out of your comfort zone have been, on balance, so enjoyable. Take care of yourself in your next steps. Busy, busy, busy.
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend. We are very lucky to have this opportunity, I know. I really hope to be inspired, writing-wise.
DeleteI think your attitude to the past few months is great. Not accomplishing and just enjoying the ride is something that everyone ought to try - although for a lot of people it's not an option. You are so lucky!
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa - I know how fortunate we are, and sometimes I've felt guilty that I wasn't always able to just fully embrace it and go with the flow! I think actually, that this is what I need to learn. And I'm still learning it! But we are very, very lucky. xo
DeleteKaren - we always are - it's so funny, isn't it? It's definitely a hard transition. I wish I could have just reported that it was all easy-peasey, but that wouldn't have been true, and it's better we can be honest and share the experience - because that's when we find out we aren't alone!! I also find that a break is good for rejuvenating the creative juices. I think that writers seem to think they should be super-human - the only job in the world that you are required to do every day. I think that's a mistake actually, but that's just me!!
ReplyDeleteDear Melissa, I'll be sure to get word out about your book as I so enjoyed it when I read it. I plan on buying at least one copy to give as a gift to my eleven-year-old great-great-nephew.
ReplyDeleteAll my life, I've felt that I had to accomplish. Achieve. Produce. And yes, perform. That's still true at 76. But slowly I'm learning that just getting out of bed each morning and feeding the cats is enough. The rest of the day can care for itself! Peace.
Thank you so much Dee! I'll be posting about books I've enjoyed this year too as we head into the holidays, and yours will be among them.
DeleteI still find it difficult in this situation to not have to "show up" to do something - it's like if no one is counting on you to show up and do some work -do you exist? I'm doing better with it, but it's not a natural feeling. I am able to write again, so that feels good.
It is hard to just 'be' and I'm glad you've discovered that you can. It's a way of recharging the batteries. Good luck with your book signing and I know you'll be stimulated by the children you meet.
DeleteI am better at it than I was, but it's still a challenge. Can't wait to talk with the kids -that part is a blast!
DeleteCongratulations. I love the kids' reviews. As you say, that's what's most important.
ReplyDeleteBe well and enjoy your re-entry into the writing world.
xoRobyn
Thanks Robyn! I am further along than I realized - on chapter 8. Funny thing is ... I don't remember writing chapter 8. At all.
DeleteFrom Florida to New England in November? Having grown up in Connecticut, I know that most people go the other way this time of year.
ReplyDeleteStay warm!
:) It's only for 10 days - then back to warmth
DeleteI am sure you will be happy to get settled in for a few months. I know all the traveling is fun- but stopping for a bit is nice, too! It is quite chilly here in CT- so I hope it won't be too cold for your visit this way at the end of the month. Don't worry about not working while you have been away- sometimes it is important to live in the moment. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Hi Jess - I hear it's very cold up there today! I don't mind if it's cold when I come back - I like New England, cold and all. You're right, living in the moment is what we're meant to do - so I wonder why it doesn't come more naturally! It feels good to be writing though.
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