Spoiled Rotten

This is the first weekend in a very LONG time I haven't had to write and/or host a party. It was soooooooooo nice. I forgot what it was like to actually have a weekend.

One book-related thing. Because friends and family have been bugging me, I took a clean manuscript along with a temporary cover I designed to Kinko's and had some copies bound into books to pass around. While I was at the Kinko's counter a guy standing next to me (early 30's with his girlfriend) asked if I'd written it and said that judging by the cover he'd like to read it. I didn't bother to tell him he wasn't exactly my target market, but I thanked him anyway. I wasn't sure if it was the title or the picture of the Porsche that piqued his interest...probably the Porsche.


Anyway, it was exciting picking up copies of my book, even if I commissioned the printing myself. Now I'll be waiting for the first reviews, even though a critique from your Mom doesn't really count.

Party Pic!

It was a success. We had almost 30 people I work with and their spouses, kids or significant others. My daughter acted as caterer so we had lots of good food. And I couldn't have asked for better weather (well, okay, it was in the hundreds. but that's good for a swim party.) The fountain was splashing, the lions were spitting and the waterfalls were falling. With all that water it really is hard to believe there's a drought going on.

P.S. You'll note my mom wearing her trademark shower hat (a swim cap would smush her up-do.) She's one of those throwbacks who gets her hair done at the beauty parlor once a week.

Is No News Really Good News...

Evidently, typing "The End" does not a novel make. I forgot about the little details like a final draft, which, if you've ever written a novel, is never REALLY final.

BUT, after several weeks of editing, she's as done as she'll ever be...and I mean done as in forwarded to the editor by way of my agent.

I forgot how much FUN this part is. Nothing like your heart needing a jump start with the paddles every time the phone rings or the e-mail dings.

But wait...everyone in New York is in the Hamptons this time of year, right?

And do I really want to get the phone call that will crush my hopes? At least while I was writing the thing, hope was my constant companion. Now I'm stuck with the twins, dread and self-doubt.

I miss hope.

The only way to get my best friend back is to start another book. Fortunately I have three good ideas. I'll just take the weekend off to host another pool party or two and then get started...

THE END!!!!!

That's right. At 12:09 Monday morning I typed the words every writer yearns for. This is my 4th completed manuscript but I think the thrill is still the same.

Spoiled Rotten is 90,000 plus words of chicklit-arama. (Is that a category?) I guess if I had to narrow it down it's a Chick Lit Mystery. You could also categorize it as a romance that breaks ALL the rules.

AND...the best part is I have an editor from a big-time New York publisher who wants it e-mailed to her ASAP.

The bad news? It still needs some polishing.

That's why I've got to run!