Where I've been...

Okay, this is why I hate New Year’s resolutions.  Not that I make them, but I figured if I just sort of …planned…a more regular blogging schedule this year, it would happen.  And since March roared in like a lion and roared out again just as quickly (it’s still freezing here!), I missed getting even one blog done.   So much for planning.

But it’s all good.  I finished the draft of Exit Interview I’ve been working on and sent it out to readers for criticism.   Yes, I employed the “Plan B” that I recommend to anyone waiting to hear about a book or comments from readers or agents or editors or anything else:  I got to work on the next project.  It’s a great reason to combine bookstore therapy with research.  I worked on fleshing out technical details of Exit Interview.  I took a crack at email that had been piling up for a month, and made travel plans for Malice Domestic.  In short, I got involved with everything but worrying (or blogging, apparently).  It’s not foolproof, but it helps.

There was an “Evening of the Spoken Word” at our local high school, and I was honored to be asked to be the guest artist.  I conducted a workshop with the students, and then we all read something from our latest work or favorite writers.  It was not only the sophistication of the thoughts and words I was hearing from the students that blew me away, but their desire and ability to take their work in front of a live audience.  They performed with as much grace and panache as many professionals I know. 

I went to the VA Book Festival and had a blast.  Not only did I have fun with my fellow panelists and the audience for “The Mystery’s in the History,” but I got to see Helen Thomas, who was wonderful.  I caught up with friends and even had lunch with Suzi.  And…there was a gelato place down the street from the hotel.  I admit it:  I went back for seconds.  Hey, there was sun and daffodils, and I had nowhere I needed to be before I hit the airport.  What could be better?

Finally, there was an end to this winter’s All-Consuming Quest:  I found a dress for the Edgars Banquet.  It’s in NYC next month—no, it’s in about two weeks!  Some of you may know that I’m not a shopper.  I don’t dress up a lot (my taste runs to overalls and my husband’s sweaters), but this particular event calls for an effort.  So after hitting the stores on two coasts with grim determination, I found something I believe will satisfy social convention.  I promise:  there will be pictures.  I do not promise they won’t be Photo-Shopped.

So that’s where March went.   More anon.