Procrastination or Doubt?

Instead of thinking and writing in this world:


I've been mentally absorbed in this world:


What if I never am able to climb out? I'm afraid the only way is to sell the first book and get on with it, and THEN write the next.
But I can't wait for that. I must press on with Yemen and leave New Zealand behind... even if I am increasingly concerned about what the editor may say when he eventually calls or writes to me.

Home Again

Phew. Two weeks away without Jim (and with Elizabeth) can be exhausting, no matter how fun it may be. Denver was relaxing, but Orlando was anything but. We went to Disney's Magic Kingdom just hours after arriving, and then spent the next day at Cocoa Beach, lounging. Um, I mean, running up and down the surf. (Elizabeth doesn't "lounge.") Then we went to SeaWorld on Thursday and Disney's Animal Kingdom on Friday. My dad was there the last few days and treated us royally--we actually ate at the real restaurants in the parks, avoiding the greasy fast food lines. (The Shark's restaurant at SeaWorld was not only exciting--imagine dining next to a HUGE tank of sharks--but delicious.)

We all took a long nap as soon as we got home.

And...I just (as in, a minute or two ago) finished reading Emily of New Moon. What I want to know is: how in the world was I unaware of it's existence when I was a child? Never before have I felt so slighted in the book world! It would have done wonders for me, I just know. All I can do is be thankful that I read it now, before I got too old and when I'm just starting my writing "career." Frankly, I gobbled that book up. It was tastier and more nourishing than a bowl of chicken noodle soup at high fever. Thank you, Laini, for suggesting it!

Toddler Irony

My blog is named nap-time writer, right? And you have read me complain about how she does not nap regularly, right? Well, on our way to a birthday party, as I was talking up the pizza and presents, she passed out. When we got there, I changed her clothes. She stayed asleep. And moaned.

She slept in her stroller for another hour, amidst shrieking kindergartners hopped up on sprite and cake. The whole time, I pondered her logic: Why now? Why nap when it's ok to be awake and have fun? Why sleep through this when you refuse to sleep through my writing time?

At least she was cute as she napped in her Ariel nightgown at the PJ party. ;-)

Tomorrow, we fly back to D.C. Then on Tuesday, we're flying to Orlando for my cousin's high school graduation. I'm beginning to wonder about my sanity when I booked these flights...

Zoos and a Snooze

Well, just one zoo, actually: the Denver Zoo. Elizabeth and I took a spontaneous trip out to Denver to stay with my parents while Jim was away at a conference, so we went to the zoo yesterday. My parents didn't go (they work--I mean, who does that?), but E-beth and I had a great time strolling around. The zoo is fantabulous, and I think, maybe better than the San Diego Zoo. (For some reason, saying that feels like heresy.) We had a few arguments over hats (like, she wasn't allowed to do anything or see anything unless she had her hat on), but overall, we had a blast. She especially like the "choo choo" and the other "choo choo" (the carousel).

Today, I took her to the Children's Museum. We were only inside for a little over an hour (the A/C was on full-blast and I couldn't stand it), but it was fun. They have a room decorated like a little village, complete with carpeted streams, bridges, fake trees, tree-house houses, an apothecary, a fake garden, and a little boat you can fish from (magnetic fish, of course). Awesome. Then we went upstairs so she could play dress-up and dance in front of the mirror. Then we went back downstairs and sat in on a reading of Green Eggs and Ham, and the kids got to eat real green eggs! I thought she wouldn't like them, considering she turns her nose up at yellow eggs, but lo and behold she asked for more. Four times!

And now, she is napping. Oh, a glorious day! I'm about to do a critique for my writing group. It's something I have to do (and like to do), but it's also, I have to say, a way to procrastinate. I've been doing that a lot lately. I don't know why. Is it because the past month was very difficult with E-beth? Or maybe I'm having a hard time just getting started? Or maybe I'm stalling because I'm feeling pretty low about writing in general since I haven't heard back about Rohana? Who knows. Maybe it's just because I'm lazy and pregnant.

One good thing is that one of my writing group friends just got THREE OFFERS for her book, all from really great publishing houses. It's just amazing! I'm so happy for her, especially since she's part of my "group." And a really cool writer-artist lady. (And she'll read this eventually, so I have to pump her up!)

Phew--Aliens are OK!

This just gave me a little chuckle:

According to the AP, the Vatican's chief astronomer says that believing in aliens does not contradict faith in God.

The Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, the Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory, said that the vastness of the universe means it is possible there could be other forms of life outside Earth, even intelligent ones.

Now, if only the Catholic church could go back in time and un-burn-at-the-stake those who made such comments long ago...

Writer-at-Work

photo source

So...Elizabeth is down for a nap (I think...she is at least quiet), the laundry is going in the machine, and the house is mildly picked up. What time is it? Time to work on my book!

Last week I had a fantastic idea swell upon me, but, of course, I did nothing but sketch out a few items. I mean, it's hard to write a book, and even harder to write two at once, so I'm putting that one on hold until my Sheba book is well underway. The new idea? It's sci-fi, but more Brave New World than Space Odyssey.

Ok, so she is not asleep. I better go back up there... (When, oh when, will I get my time??)

Cranford

I just watched the first installment of "Cranford" on PBS and have just recovered from my tears. (I cannot stand to see children die in movies.) Still, it is well-done and would not let me leave my seat (not that I was trying). Since I had not realized it was part 1 of 3, I was completely shocked when it suddenly stopped. Now, I'll be useless to my family next Sunday night when it comes on again!