Writing and Personal Update

My revised collection was sent to my fantastic editor at RH a few weeks ago, a chunk of my new novel was delivered to my lovely agent, and my novel contest screening is *almost* done. April was a solid month.

May onward? Organize the rest of the raw material for Resurrection Fern! I have SO much raw material (hundreds of pages), and I realize I FUSS so much with every line. But, after last summer and getting derailed because of moving from GA to IL; renovating our new house and living in the basement for a bit; living minus a phone, internet, and computer for 1 1/2 months (all because of a bundled package and 'cable' issue!); and dealing with movers (beware WHEATON Company...they will eat up a month of your life fighting them for destroying your furniture); I AM BACK ON TRACK. And happy. Now, if I could just stop fussing so much with every line...

I am hoping to be finished by Fall. Summer is (usually) my super-productive time. Long days, lots of sun.

The novel has pretty big scope. Set in the David Lynch-esque town of Wallo, Resurrection Fern deals with a boy who has the ability to heal through the power of touch. Omniscient voice. Of course too literary, I'm sure. And LOTS of threads. And lots of characters, who have, if I'm being honest, driven both the book and me. I've had to apply my knowledge of Structure after they've had their way and say. This novel pushes me, everyday, to extend my literary boundaries. But, as I'm told: That's a good thing.

Phil and I are LOVING Chicago. We've found our 'fit' in Oak Park, with its beautiful houses, tree-lined streets, tons of activity and interest. Even today, one block from our house, we have a free Multicultural Festival going on, with live professional singers, dancers, performers, a parade (going by our house) and tons of ETHNIC food. And, it takes us just fifteen minutes to get to the heart of Chicago's art and business district, and the beach at Lake Michigan. Phil and I look at each other all the time and marvel over how lucky we are, how blessed.

We had to say goodbye to our beloved Persian, Tom-Tom, after 21 years of life. But we are welcoming a new Himmy into our home on May 15th. And we have our close friends coming to visit the end of May.

It's a great life today. Here's "Rupert", or, as I've been calling him, "Boo-Boy."