I know I promised this, oh… five months ago. I could say I’ve been busy, which is true, but that would just be an excuse, so instead I’ll say mea maxima culpa.
If you want to win a free copy of the SPEAK DVD, then enter the contest!!
If you just want a signed copy of the DVD insert, click on the contest link above and scroll down.
Let the game begin!
Yesterday was our anniversary, so BH and I played hooky from life and drove to Canada. (It’s not that far from where we live.) We recently got our passports and wanted to test-drive them. They worked! The border patrol let us out of the country, and then they let us back in.
So Canada was fun. Not much in the way of ethnic food, but beautiful and filled with nice people. Well, not exactly filled. One of the things we like about it is the low population density. It is scattered with nice people.
We had lunch in Gananoque and spent the afternoon walking around Kingston. I had burned a couple CDs to listen to and we talked and held hands for hours. At dinnertime, we found a place that had a special on chicken wings: 35 cents/piece. As far as anniversaries go, it was low-key and peaceful. Perfect.
On way back into America, we felt really bad for the truckers who had to wait in a long, long line to have their cargo inspected. Maybe it was because of the bad guys they found near Toronto last week. I am really sick of bad guys who think that blowing things up is an option. And I’m glad I’m not a trucker. Most of all, I am thrilled to be married to BH.
Cloudy today. Perfect conditions for staring at a blank piece of paper. Writer seeks motivation; apply within.
We had a blast at Paige’s Butterfly Run on Saturday. And yes, I actually ran. To the outside world it may have looked like shuffling, but in my head, I looked like Marion Jones, only faster.
I really enjoyed reading everyone’s responses to the June prompts. You guys rock.
Have any of you ever been to the Hay Literature Festival? It looks like fun.
Off to drink tea and figure out where in 1776 NYC the character in my new WIP lived.
The word “June” is filled with possibilities. It makes me think of chocolate ice cream dripping down the cone and flip-flops and mosquitoes and sand and slightly overcooked hot dogs.
What does it mean to you?
What emotions does it call up?
Are you looking for something to write? Write a scene that makes the reader feel that emotion… try not to use the word of the emotion at all..
I am going to write now… so should you!
This part of the country is quickly becoming a literary hub in the United States. There is already a very long list of authors, poets, and illustrators who live here. Then Suzan-Lori Parks moved here a few months ago.
And the latest news?
Tamora Pierce is moving here, too. Yep. It’s the truth.
See, I told you this is the best place in the world.
For those of you lucky enough to live here – I know what you want to do on Saturday. You want to participate in the 10th annual Paige’s Butterfly Run. This run is held in the memory of Paige Yeomans Arnold, a strong, gentle, beautiful child who died of leukemia in 1994. The Run raises money for cancer research, to support families who have a child fighting cancer, and for a scholarship in Paige’s honor.
You can participate in a certified 5K run, or (if you are out of shape like me) you can enjoy the 3K fun run/walk. BH and I will both be there. I’ll probably be bringing up the rear. You have to register by tomorrow, though, so hurry!
Paige’s mother, Ellen Yeomans, is a dear friend of mine. Not only is she a terrific author, but she is the area’s SCBWI regional adviser, and she teaches courses in children’s literature. She is one of the movers and shakers who are defining the area as a literary hub.