Out of curiosity, I popped onto my sorely neglected blog since I posted a comment on a literary agent's blog, and I thought maybe someone might visit me. And what do you know? I have my very first, spankin' brand new comment.
And its SPAM!
You can't imagine how horribly disappointed I was. Immediately, I attempted to log in and delete the offensive message, but I had forgotten my password. After searching longer than I'd like, I found it and deleted the message, banning it to wherever deleted cyberspace messages go.
So, I'm back to rambling to myself. Sigh.
Writing Ventures:
I have been busy busy busy. I'm writing children's stories I'm not allowed to discuss for a company I'm not sure I'm allowed to name. My writing friends think this is funny and often ask if I'm writing for a secret faction of the government. I laugh and say, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." (Just joking of course)
This writing venture has been occupying my time for the past two months, and I'm hoping to secure additional work for the near future. So, I haven't been spending as much time on my picture books and novels lately.
Rutger's One-on-One Plus:
I had the fantastic opportunity of attending the Rutger's One-on-One Plus mentorship conference for writers. Of course, non-writer friends have no clue and go, "Uh, yeah. That's great. What is it?"
One of the other mentees (that's what they called us there, though it sounds like a brand of gum) told me the perfect way to describe the opportunity to people who aren't familiar with the conference (i.e. those who didn't toil over a writing sample and chant "please, please, please" while the council members decided who to admit). She said to tell the unwriterly people that getting into Rutgers is much like getting into the first round of American Idol. I think people could relate to that.
Author Visit at School 42:
As part of a literary enrichment program, local children's writers visit city schools on select days during the fall. I've participated in the past and did so again. I read a couple of my stories and spoke about writing and making children's books. The kids were full of questions, and a few of them even drew some pictures for me.
Illustration Ventures:
Sadly, I'm nearing the end of my illustration course. Kevin Serwacki is doing an outstanding job, and I hope to continue with my studies after we are finished. Even though I am working on picture book illustration in the class, I have decided to start with magazines and then chapter books.
Frogs:
The frogs made a run for it. They escaped a couple of weeks ago. I frantically searched the house and even questioned my older son during his lunch (I thought /hoped he smuggled them to school). He didn't. When I returned home, I saw something scrunched down under the steps in the foyer. I scooped up a very cold and stunned frog, untangled the lint wrapped around all of his legs (must have gone under the fridge), and placed him back in the frog habitat.
We turned the house upside-down looking for the second frog. I left little bowls of water around the house (two of which disappeared). My youngest found the missing frog Saturday. Dried and very dead. Under the futon in the family room. The kids don't seem to be bothered by it, but I can't help but feel a little sad about it.
In case you are wondering, this is what the frog looks like. My 8 yr old is holding him.
What Else?
October was an unbelievably busy week for Cub Scouts. Both kids are scouts now, and their activities and my leader responsibilities tend to be a bit wearing.
