I'm Baack!!

OK, left for a while, but now I'm back. I got overwhelmed by the work I have to do, and left this alone. Which is not a good thing, because this is how I keep track of how I'm doing.

So, I guess you could say I wasn't doing that well. But now, I'm back.

Word counts:
3200 new words on Virago. (Thanks Ryan and Christina. You gave me the push I needed to get back to this.)
23,750 edited words on one of my novellas. And now, ready to go.

Concerning word counts: Dust and I have made a pact, because we've both been letting down the word count side lately. We are each going to hit our word count every day (new words not edits) and then email each other when we're done. I hope this helps me get back on track. I'm acting like a whimp about Virago, and I don't know why.

And Manhood Road is at a publisher!! Yahoo for me.

I don't know why I didn't post this -- just part of feeling overwhelmed, I guess. However, heard back from the first publisher I sent Manhood Road to (well, query and first chapter, anyhow) and they wanted to see the rest. I did some quick after Banff editing (I hope it worked. Felt pretty good, but sometimes I can overreact just a tad....) and now it's in the hands of someone else. Someone who may actually publish it! So keep the good thought for me.

I go to the first meeting with another critiquing group tomorrow night. The instructor at Banff suggested this group, and introduced me. I hope there's a good fit here, because I really want the input of regularly published writers. At least I think I do. I'm nervous. It's that "newbie" thing, I guess. I want everybody to like me. Hope I get over that quick.

And my buds from Banff are making the long trek to my house for a three day get together in January. I am so excited! They are fantastic people, and both terrifically committed to perfecting their craft. And, they are a laugh riot, which makes things great. I'm going to try to get Mom to knit them mittens. Edmonton in January. Hmm. (Well, one is from Winnipeg, so she knows, but the other one is from Ontario. I'll have to help him bundle up.)

Speaking of Mom, both she and I are delegates in the upcoming Liberal Leadership Convention. And, God help me, we're going to Montreal early to do a little sightseeing. I hope we both survive this. (Actually, it'll be good. She has a much better handle on enjoying the hell out of herself than I do. I need her enthusiasm.)

None the less, I'm back, and I'll post more frequently. I promise. (Couldn't see my fingers, could you? I had them crossed! But I'll do my best. Really I will.