The Scoop

I’d like to announce that I just signed a big fat publishing contract, and while I’d like to announce that… it just ain’t the case.  Sorry to disappoint.

So here’s the scoop…Which isn’t actually “the scoop.” My use of social media presence has been a bit on the skimpy side for much of the fall, checking in occasionally on Facebook to drop a comment or post a photo or two. My poor blog likely thinks I’ve abandoned it. But nope, here I am.

Fall is always my busy time. Things get away from me. I’ve stop trying to stay on top of everything. I’m only me, after all. Working six days a week when Fall comes doesn’t give me much wiggle room. I wasn’t able to write everyday. And I had to simply say “no” to a few things and not worry if people didn’t understand. It has taken me a long time to know my limits. Even now I sometimes struggle with the word “no.” Not only that, my world has expanded to include grandchildren so we need to make a special effort to spend time with them. (The kiddies grow too quickly.) Even then, we didn’t get to see them as often as we’d have liked because of work and other obligations.

Saturday, Jan Coates and I shared a table at the New Ross Christmas Tree Festival craft fair. We had a great time. It was so nice to see so many people out supporting local crafters. I think Jan would likely agree with me about this one lady who turned out to be my favourite customer. She happened by our table just as Jan and I was enjoying a homemade cookie and coffee. She bought a book from each of us, but was so impressed that we were authors she chimed, “I can’t believe you’re both published authors and you’re just sitting there eating a cookie like it’s nothing.” Yup…that we were. That was just a highlight to the day, although there were many other people who happened by who were quite delightful, as well. So nice to have that kind of support from the community, and nice just to see a friendly smile or have someone stop and chat even if they already have your book or are not planning to purchase one that day. It’s more about meeting the public and enjoying the day. If book sales happen that comes as an added bonus.

Christmas is coming. No need to panic…Deep breath. Some how things will all get done as I mentioned recently on my Facebook status. I know it. The tree is in the stand—not yet decorated, but that’s okay. Maybe on the weekend if we get time. I’m in no hurry for that and can remember a Christmas, not too many years ago, when the tree wasn’t decorated until Christmas Eve. Lots of shopping left to do but that will get done as well. I made fruitcakes a few days ago. (No one eats or wants fruitcake. It’s just something I’ve always done.)

This year, Levi had fun picking out the family tree. 😉

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12295427_585814727079_1086416405704928326_nThe Lilly and Lleyton are now three months old, smiling and laughing. What precious a thing it is to see them developing their own personalities.

 

Miss Charlotte brought home her first report card and has even experienced her first snow day of the season in New Brunswick. She’s anxious to come for a visit during the holidays and hasn’t yet met new baby cousins.

12348423_10153274457043951_1571437249_nHere in Nova Scotia it doesn’t look the least bit like Christmas, if you’re used to a white Christmas, that is. All that could change very quickly, and the weather forecast is calling for some snow on Tuesday. We shall see. Of course that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be in for a white Christmas. The temperatures have been fluctuating most of the fall.

So there it is, the scoop… sort of. Am I doing any writing? Sure am. While I struggled many day this fall to make the time, I’m actually working on a few projects. I have a piece coming up in another anthology next year and lots of ideas brewing.

So, what’s your scoop or non-scoop? I’ve missed you all these past few weeks.

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18 Comments

  1. Thanks for the update and especially the pictures of the grandkids! Yup, it will all get done. No use fretting. Have a wonderful Christmas!! I´m off to do a reading in Northern Spain from my bi-lingual book. This will be my first reading here in Spain. Hope it goes well.

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  2. I don’t think you want to know my “scoop”. LOL. Once I get wound up, I don’t seem to be able to stop talking about it. The “it” is the flood that happened at our son’s home yesterday, and because the insurance/restoration company have begun ripping out ceilings, walls, carpet, etc., today, the whole family is moving in here tonight for several weeks — five people, which includes a special needs youngster and the grandson’s girlfriend; oh, and another big dog. It’s a pre-Christmas adventure! We UN-decorated their tree and all their house, packed all their Christmas stuff away and brought their empty tree here. We’ll re-decorate it with our extra ornaments. We love the idea of being together with our family here, but not the overwhelming stress and frustrations that they are experiencing.

    Wishing you a Christmas filled with happy times!

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    • Oh my, Carol, that is quite the scoop. What a full household that must be! And how generous of you and your husband to open your home up to them. I can understand the mixed feelings you must be having. It will be a lot of extra work for you yet how wonderful to have family close by for the holidays!

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  3. Wow, you have been busy! My scoop is that I finished my latest journal project: A Journal for Teen Writers, and got it up at Amazon, etc. but that’s been the limit of my creativity. I’ve been swamped with grading papers and several concerts and too many late nights. I’m not teaching in the winter semester, so I’m looking forward to working on all the ideas I’ve been cooking up while I couldn’t carve out creative time on the laptop. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2016, too.

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    • Oh my, Heather, congratulations! Glad to hear you’ll have some creative time this winter to work on some new projects. Have a wonderful Christmas, too and my all your creative endeavors come to fruition in 2016!

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  4. This is my first year doing markets, and I have to agree with you: it’s about getting out and meeting the people. I meet a lot of excited readers who are impressed I wrote a book. I also meet a lot of writers who are just starting out with the hope of some day writing a book and getting published.

    I know this is a busy time of year for you. Because of you, many of us get to enjoy a lovely, real tree for Christmas.

    You are ahead of me. We haven’t bought our tree yet. We might pick it up this weekend. I’ll probably decorate December 22nd, definitely before the 25th. lol

    I bought a few gifts yesterday. There’s still loads of time left, more than two weeks.

    Enjoy those grandkids. They do grow up fast.

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    • Isn’t it wonderful when people actually appreciate what we do! It amazes me sometimes, but more importantly you know these people are more often avid readers!

      I’m really looking forward to time with the kids and grandkids. Such fun having them around. I’m hoping to get out shopping Saturday or even Sunday. I’m not a big fan of Sunday shopping but sometimes it’s a necessity, especially this time of the year!

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  5. Well, you already got my scoop during our five hours at the craft fair:) It’s an annual tradition I’ve already grown to love and anticipate! Last night I hosted our 25th annual cookie exchange – 25!! How is that even possible. Hope your holidays are filled with baby snuggles:)

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    • 5 hours, yet I still feel there were things we haven’t covered. 😉 We couldn’t have asked for better weather. I’m always a little antsy when it comes to planning something this time of the year. I took part in a cookie exchange once..but 25 years. Wow!

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  6. pattisj

     /  December 11, 2015

    The grandchildren are getting big! Look at Levi with his chain saw, prepared to cut the year’s tree. A lot of things are hit-and-miss this time of year. Glad you know what can wait.

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    • Yes, they do grow quickly, Patti! I feel so fortunate that they are all healthy. Yes, there’s no point fussing over the things we can’t do. The important part is being together as a family.

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  7. I happen to love a good fruitcake. I generally don’t write in December, there’s just too much else going on, and who needs more frustration? My “scoop” is that I’m trying for another Kindle Scout publishing contract with a supernatural suspense novel. Enjoy your sweet grandchildren. You’re right, they do grow so quickly. I wish you and your family the most wonderful of holidays. 🙂

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    • Okay, so I like fruitcake too, but I ‘m pretty sure we’re in the minority on that. 😉 Linda, you’re doing SO well and I’m so happy for your success. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and also vote for your book when the time comes. You deserve all this! Congrats!

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  8. Your life sounds rich and full, Laura. I think that’s the best kind of life. The photos are beautiful. And I can imagine you sitting there munching on a cookie. Life is especially good where yummy cookies are concerned. Looking forward to seeing where you go in 2016. It’s been fun following you every step of the way.

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    • You can never lose when cookies are involved! And that’s SO much for always being in my corner. I appreciate it very much! I hope 2016 is magical for you and your family! 😀

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  9. David

     /  December 18, 2015

    These last few weeks have been busy ones. Throw in some health worries about my 85 year old (young) mom, a few days were very, very hectic. But, we’ve been doing fine.

    So, you and Linda enjoy fruitcake too. I enjoy it too, especially if it’s homemade. My mom used to make it regular. I found her recipe card, and made some for myself and my dad, who’s also a fruitcake lover. Unfortunately, my daughters haven’t taken to enjoying it.

    Have a very Merry Christmas. And, spoil those grandkids of yours. They’re worth it.

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    • I hope all goes well with your mom, David, and I hope your days of worry are over.

      My kids won’t eat fruitcake, either. That younger generation–what do they know about fruitcake?

      Merry Christmas to you, too. All the best in 2016, and I hope you continue to write through it all! 🙂

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