I'm a lame poster.

Yes, it's true. I'm as lame as it gets. Twice a month. Ouch.

I got mail this week -- author copies of 5 new books! The covers are beautiful and I will be posting soon.

I've been diagnosed with asthma this last month. This is apparently why I cough my head-off. I'm now immersed in the new world of inhalers. Very handy things.

My rewrite on my novel was buzzing until Chapter 23. Is 23 one of the numbers? I've written myself into a dark little disturbing corner and I don't know the way out.

I got a rejection from a won't be named house. Apparently my short story has a "heavy handed" message with a twist of awful character development mixed in. They liked the chocolate. Yes, I sent chocolate. Hey, I made them read my manuscript -- the bad news, I don't think I like my manuscript either. It's just a dreary piece of exorcist writing -- me, working out the bad dreams that have really happened. I haven't ever found a good story in the bad stuff. I find good story in the victories. I really don't like stories that are a major downer anyway.

The good news is that it is quasi-official that Archimedes invented calculus long before Newton got hit in the head with that apple. At least that's what tonight's Nova episode was about. I'm a Nova addict.

Other important news: I'm not able to keep up with Surface, Threshold and Invasion. I think I like Invasion is the best, but I like William Fitchner. I also had a poster of Shaun Cassidy (producer) on the inside of my record cabinet when I was in the 8th grade. I was a faithful Hardy Boys fan. Threshold has too much "Star Trek" cheese. Surface is like "the most incomprehensible mess" I've ever seen. Ok, that's the Sci-fi wrap up.

On to book news - the next book I'm going to read is "The Liberation of Gabriel King." I will let the world know if I think it is any good.

I want a sign-off thing. I'll start with this. Peace.

Is the sufficiently random for the universe out there?

SCBWI

Jane O'Connor spoke at our first SCBWI meeting of the 2005-6 season. What a great look at the mass market children's world! I especially loved her take on process. I think approaching editing with enthusiastic vigor is the way to go.

My carpool is also one of the best parts of the meeting. The dedication and excitement of all the folks is energizing.

I'm doing writing prompts this week.

Here is my ode to green.

Frogs, pollywogs, leaves, grass,
sewer sludge, trees, emeralds,
peridot, alligators, crocodiles,
turtles, my eyes, kiwi, lettuce,
and the thick ropy stuff coming out of my nose.


I really don't understand why I love the gross out stuff, but I do.

More rewrites, my bad cold, hives, homework and other Benadryl induced nonsense

I'm still rewriting and rewriting. I'm not a writer. I'm a rewriter.

Sent in my most recent manuscript and am hoping for the best.

I woke up this morning with a specially drippy cold.
My daughter says, "Thank you for that image, Mom."

My son broke out with hives after a trip to McDonald's.
He said, "Mom, I get hives when I go there."
Mom says, "That was only one time."

He broke out with hives from head to foot. Yikes. Mom, listen to your son.

I really hate homework more now than when I was kid. It's been the lifelong bane of my existence.

Head is exploding. I need chocolate. TG for teenagers who caused those chocolate chip cookies to disappear!

I love lotion Kleenex.

Good night. Don't let the bed bugs bite.
Life is but a dream.
Ashes, ashes we all fall down.

I notice we've been teaching kids stuff that makes me worry forever.

Will someone out there comment on my blog? Please!

L.A., tea, critique groups, rewrites and the whirlwind

L.A.
I went to L.A. in early August. The Summer SCBWI Conference was a wonderful time. I connected with old friends -- Chris, Sue, Jo, Mary Ann, Vicky, Nancy . . . , there's not enough cyberspace to finish this. Hmm Kevan, you were always at the bar. BTW, congrats on the cover and inside art with Holt. Jazzy. Kudos to Sally (registration) and Kim (critiques). You worked so hard! Gotta love that bookstore, too! Mega kudos to Steve and Lynn. You were wonderful, gracious, inspiring, the usual right stuff. There was good chocolate, yoga (fire alarm, bad), hot tub (sore neck from yoga), SCBWI IDOL (Verla was my favorite), great conversation (hey, Carla, Vicky!). Oh, did I mention the conference? Sonia Levitin did a fabulous talk on researching historical ficiton. And whoa, Brenda Bowen, I will value the process -- I will! Big hand clap for Tim Travaglini -- I was inspired by your attitude. I love what I do, too.

My alpha critique group

I'm taking a few months sabbatical from my critique group. It's hard, but I've got to slow down a touch. It almost makes my teeth hurt though. I miss the conversation.

Rewrites -- from Patti Gauch -- slant, detail. From GCL -- make sure the details make your characters suffer (great advice!). Mrs. Crabtree (Listen.)

The Silver Tea -- What a golden moment! I gathered with a few writer friends and talked about what we are doing, where we are going, who we are -- just lovely. Loved the cream puffs, PKA.

Whirlwind -- School for all four Js started. I'm so busy!

Another amazing thing I didn't know -- the rotation of the moon = the revolution of the moon-- 29 days. Result, we're always looking at the same side of the moon.

Travelogue 2

I had great moments at Chautauqua. I don't think I can name them all, so I'm going to give this the David Letterman treatment.

Ms. Molly's 10 favorite Chautauqua moments in no particular order:

10. When I realized that my roommate was Agy (yellapalooza) from the blue boards.

9. When Pam Ryan (buy her books!) gave me several bags of yummy chai vanilla tea.

8. Talking to Cindy about everything.

7. David driving me to the hospital after my almost famous moment when I went head over heels off my bike while looking at the lake.

6. Patty Gauch (Philomel). Jerry Spinelli (buy his books). Stephen Roxburgh (Front Street). Ok, you know, who ever is around.

5. Picking blueberries and chatting it up over barbecue.

4. Hanging with Becky. Everyone, check out The Moo Cow Fan Club. It rocks!

3. Seeing the body of an extinct Carolina parakeet at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

2. The Summer House, my home away from home.

1. The Highlight's Foundation Writers Workshop. Follow the links, really, GO!