Gone*

Just for the weekend ahead. We'll leave this afternoon, aim east and then, ultimately, south.

Why south? you ask.

Because that's where love is.

And what's love?

Many things, actually, but it's first knowing there's a reason to go. Reason full of excitement and anticipation, and it gives way to need.

It's the journey, driving distant yet familiar roads; those that stretch out before you, and the ones back to your heart, too.

Love is the arrival; pulling up on memory from before, history, well-aware there is more where that came from.

It's the gathering of people you've known your entire life; people whose airs, mannerisms, noses reflect your own. Who have connection through blood, marriage, experience and name. It's hugs, laughter, music, food, reminiscence, games, pictures, stories and tears...

Love.

I sometimes think there's none greater.

So I'll be gone for a family reunion. I know I'll have a special weekend, and I hope you do, too.


*Remembering those lost 9/11/2001.

Janna: Unplugged

I did it. I actually made it through the weekend without getting online. And I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms! Oh, I could have logged on; two brothers-in-law had laptops (with wireless internet), and a sister-in-law had her does-it-all cell phone. But I rather enjoyed being "unplugged." And though I took Sally, my AlphaSmart, I didn't use her either. I did a lot of reading, a lot of eating, and spent quality time with my husband's family. It was a grand weekend, full of fodder for my writing. (Don't ask what I did that my sisters-in-law dared me to do...) How can one go wrong with any of that?

I didn't have anything pertinent waiting in my inbox when I returned, rejection or otherwise. What I want to know is, when days pass with no reply, does it mean A) they've not had the time to look at my query yet, period B) they didn't like it and have moved on to other stuff, without letting me know or C) they think they kinda like my storyline and they're stewing over whether or not to request more from me? Yeah, I know it could be any of these things. But it's the not knowing that's toughest.

I do feel a renewed surge over Novel 2. I haven't touched it in a few weeks, but at last sit-down I'd made my way through part of the second chapter. I need to revisit it and get to work, so as not to fritter any time away. I think it would work to my advantage if, once an agent expresses interest in working with me, I can say I've conceptualized and begun work on a second book.

What about you? What's big for you? What are you working on right now?