I’m in the Editing/Writing cave. I’ve got deadlines pouring out of my ears. Two new projects underway and Full circle to prepping for a CP review. In the midst of all this I had my family visiting and we’re not only getting the girls ready for school, but the younger one is turning nine this week. Which of course means birthday party planning and execution and the kiddo is wanting Sharks.

So I leave you with my current Jam as I descend into the madness that is deadline/birthday party hell.

I sat in my car in the parking lot this morning giving my manuscript a final reader over before I send it into my editor. I was there at 6:45am because, this is a one car family and that means if the man has to get to work early then I go to work early. Some of you might think this is a bad thing, but I’ll tell you what it’s not.

Yes I’m a little more tired in the evening on the days that he has to go to work early. But, I do get an extra hour to write/edit on those mornings. It’s just me, the empty work parking lot and my laptop. Sometimes i’m joined by the odd woodpecker or squirrel.

The truth is I’m beginning to like these mornings. When my creative brain is on and I don’t have anyone asking me to find their socks or their backpacks. (the kids are at grandma’s. Fall will come soon enough. In case your wondering I have beach time scheduled with them this week)

You’ve heard that writing advice, write first thing in the morning. It turns out it works. At least for me a few days a week.

I’ve been the girl who has to wait until the kids go to sleep at night. I’m the girl who eeks out  an hour and a half of work before dropping into bed.

This self publishing journey has taught me and reminded me of a few things:

• Do not rush 
• Quality, Quality, Quality then Quantity
• Taking care of yourself is a major priority everything else will suffer if you don’t (hence the PIYO and My fitness Pal)
• Plans are meant to be modified, flexibility and creative thinking are necessary
• Deadlines are important. you can’t be going off all wily nily 
• Don’t forget your family or your friends
• when all else fails a day off will recharge your batteries 

OK that sounds wrong but I have the conference crud and I’m not changing it. A few months back I went to Las Vegas which is another first. until this year I hadn’t been west. I’ve been  up and down the east coast but not west. 

This conference was full of the unexpected. The happy coincidences like finding out that your chapter mate Jessica Souders was also on the plane to NOLA. Or walking into the bar to find one of your favorite cover models and friends, Scott Nova and Hildie McQueen hanging out on the first night.

 The bar  and also the lobby would be the gathering place and the meeting hub of the conference. If you stood in one place long enough you’d eventually see all the people you wanted to and  even a few you didn’t expect to see. Unless they were ninjas or wore a cloaking device. The Marriott was on the corner of Canal and Chartes.

From Canal Street it was a quick walk into the quarter or the Picayune Historical District and food. Believe when I say food is a big part of travel for me and Louisiana didn’t disappoint. Two blocks down and across the street we discovered The Ruby Slipper Cafe . The makers of Bananas Foster French toast and steamed milk for my tea.

The food is what kept me fueled to handle the RT Booklovers Convention. 

It was an action packed week that started long before I arrived and finished up after I left. It was marked by long lines and a wall of sound that hit you every time you exited the elevators. This RT Book lovers Convention was huge. Masses of writers and readers alike took over the Marriot in a celebration of stories and books. Cover models roamed the halls and author sighting abounded. Check in with me next week for part 2!

My theme song since I came back from #RT2014.