1. And the book on my mind this week is...

I know, I know. It took me this long to get to it. And believe it or not, that's a good thing. I think I'm finally ready for it. I might have been ready for it fifteen years ago, too, but some things (like emotional stability) move in cycles, and I'm in a state right now that allows for deep, insane, brilliant books like FEED. I am almost done.

If you haven't read it yet, please check it out. M.T. Anderson is undeniably a genius. Delve into his worlds. (I've read his Octavian books and they changed everything for me, even the way I look at empty houses. And they are nothing like FEED. I love how he can be so varied.)

2. My goals for the week are to get ready for a trip to Denver, finish framing my new novel, and go for a run.

3. Earlier this spring I was in the hospital for a mysterious abdominal pain, and it pretty much put a stop to all of my exercise plans. The pain hasn't gone away (or been diagnosed), but I need to get back into shape regardless. Therefore, I will call upon the Master of Pain Banishers, a.k.a. Motrin, and use up some of my willpower and resolve.

4. My daughter's last day of Kindergarten is Thursday. She has learned so much. I don't know if I completely agree with the way the schools are pushing kids to learn, but I am pleased that she can now read and do simple math problems. I just wish it was more child-led learning instead of federal-mandated accomplishments.

This morning, when it was still dark and not time to get up yet, I was laying with my son and he surprised me by saying, "Mommy and Daddy, Wibeff and Henry, that's two and two, which makes four!" I was half asleep, but awake enough to marvel at how he came to that all by himself. Then he added, "Two twos make four." It's amazing what kids will come up with when they realize things on their own, when they are ready. If I'd tried teaching him this, it would have gone in one ear and out the other. This is what I mean when I say I am concerned about my daughter not being in a child-led learning environment. She may burn out, she may dislike school. Or she may roll with the punches and do just fine.

I've read another book since I last blogged, and now I'm in the middle of another one. (And it's fantastic.) I didn't particularly care for the book I just finished, but I don't want to mention the books I don't like because I don't want to interfere with what you may be about to read. (If you're like me, whenever someone says they didn't care for a book, it makes it that much harder for me to pick up--and I might be missing out on something truly great.) 

So, this is what I'm reading at the moment:

It's fresh, funny (if you like Brit humor, which I do), and well-written. I kinda want to hole up somewhere today and keep reading it....

However, I can't because I've got work to do. My writing partner, Emma, and I met last night and hashed out ideas for my new book, and I'm bubbling over with excitement. I can't say anything about it, but I can show you a picture:

These are my own kokeshi dolls, three of which I got when I lived there as a child, and one I bought when my husband and I were in Tokyo the last time (we had just gotten married there). 

And so, from now on, I cannot divulge any more details about my work-in-progress. Not that I don't trust you, but because things change when you're plotting and drafting, and I don't want to confuse anyone. Nothing is set in stone--er, carved in wood--yet. Also, it's more exciting for all of us if I keep it quiet. So it's Sensitive Compartmentalized Information, as we used to say in the Intelligence world.

Other than writing Top Secret books, I've been gardening, organizing, and being Mom. 

What have YOU been doing? Any books you recommend?

Anyone at BEA? One of my Agent-Sisters is there, and I wish her success! (Shannon Messenger)

Off to drafting...