Retreat & Renewal

Some of you may know I’ve been working really hard this semester…

I need a break, so I’m taking off for a weekend getaway with girlfriends. Total pampering and damn do I need it. I’m taking time away from everything normal: husband, home, work, writing. Yep. Even writing. Not bringing my laptop.

If you’ve been wondering–no agent news. That’s another reason I need to unplug. Have been obsessively checking email to no avail. There’s been no word. Yes, it’s only been two weeks, so why am I stressing? Because I need a massage and a mani-pedi, that’s why! I need someone to cook for me and do the dishes, too. I need time off for good behavior;-)

In WIP news, I’m getting to know my characters, giving them their own particular personalities and quirks, and have cleared out the swamp of messy memories that bogged down my conflict.

In work news, I’m teaching the “literary research paper” this summer. It’s a fun class because we rip through short stories, poetry, and a play. I always feel that’s a lot for 16 weeks, so it should be interesting to do it in 6. It’s not as much fun as creative writing, but it pays better. And I have a week or so off between terms. 

Meanwhile, to get me through this intense semester, I’m hoping a change of scene and a new focus will improve my mood and mental outlook.