Okay, I’ve waited two weeks to find out how many revisions I’m going to have on NUTCASE, but the good news is my editor loves it.  Whew, what a relief!  She was surprised that I was surprised she liked it, but I never know if I’m writing crap or if the book is going to fly.  Anyway, I decided to use the time to get caught up on my life. I cleaned out my closet, the attic, my office, and did my taxes.  I still have more to do in my house, but I don’t want to get carried away, you know? Like the title says, I don’t know what to do with myself, and one day I was actually bored!  Bored?  Me?  Now that’s something you won’t usually hear from me because I don’t often have time to get bored. I didn’t realize how desperate I was until I saw a commercial for Rosetta Stone, which promises to teach a foreign language quickly. I considered learning how to speak Swahili, not because I’ll ever use it but because I would impress people.  I mean, how many people know how to speak Swahili? I also considered getting back on my exercise program, but I think it would be easier learning Swahili. When I exercise, I perspire, and I hate that. Also, my muscles are going to be sore, and who wants to deal with that! Unfortunately, I usually put on a few pounds with each book, but it was worse this time because I missed my deadline. When I’m stressed I eat chocolate.  I really have to find another food to get me through all the stress, but who wants to eat raw carrots or broccoli? I can’t even spell broccoli — I had to look it up in the dictionary. I don’t think I should be forced to eat something I can’t even spell, you know?

From one tired author…
 
Just wanted to let people know I haven’t left the country, although I would love to have a nice vacation about now.  I turned in my manuscript for NUTCASE on May 14th and as of today, May 23rd, I am still walking around in a daze.  For almost a week I couldn’t bear the thought of entering my office OR turning on my computer.  I haven’t heard back from my editor as to whether I’ll have revisions, but then I’m in no hurry because I’m waiting for my brain to heal.  I have really enjoyed the feedback I’m still getting on WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY.  The E-mails really kept me going during the last month of around-the-clock writing.  Why do so many authors put themselves through such torture?  My problem is that I’m OCD, and I have to rewrite a book about five times before I’m ready to let it go.  My editor, God bless her, was very patient, so I hope the story is going to fly.  Who knows at this point?  Certainly not me!
 
To motivate me into finishing the book, I had already purchased Ann B. Ross’ book, MISS JULIA PAINTS THE TOWN, and put it on my night table, along with a large Snicker’s candy bar.  I am a huge MISS JULIA fan, but the books MUST be read while eating chocolate.  I recommend Godvia, but you can’t go wrong with a Snicker’s bar when you’re in a time crunch.
 
A lot of readers think that the March, 2009 publishing date is a long time to wait, but let me tell you: it’s a lot harder to write than it is to read.  First, I have to come up with an idea for a new book.  Then, I have to spend weeks procrastinating.  Just as I’m getting the story in my head, I’ll get hit with a family emergency.  As some of you know, I spent more than a month helping my mom recuperate from knee-replacement surgery.  Since I am not a laptop kind of gal, I got NOTHING accomplished during that time. 
 
So, we’ll see what my editor and other powers-that-be at Berkley have to say.  I am already trying to come up with the next book idea, but my brain is still fried.
 
Again, thanks for the E-mails that kept me going!