Most of you know I’m about to turn a book loose in the world, so if you’re a writer, you understand my state of body and mind. I’m booked pretty solid through August and probably September, but believe me, I’m eyeing November or December for some down time.
To add to the confusion, Blogger ate my Blog List last week and then did some nasty things to my posts, so I had my head into html again–not fun in the summer, well anytime really. Apologies for not getting around to everyone’s blog as usual. I’ll be catching up soon.
My Email Connect ( EC) is growing. And in August I’ll be featuring my sixth author. Who I pull from the hat is always a surprise for my EC followers, and I’m really enjoying reading, reviewing and featuring writers like this. If you’re interested in what’s going on behind the scenes, sign up and join us for my launch month. It’s going to be special with more gifts–dragon related, of course. And more about my copywriting course. I’d love to have you as part of the group.
I’ve turned to landscaping as one way to hoist myself off the writing chair and change a garden to native plants. We have a vacation home that my in-laws built back in the seventies, and it needs mega work. Great! Another project. But I’m enjoying the creative part (moving rocks and digging holes for new plants–creative?) while my husband shakes his head over the construction issues.
I took a quick break and went to San Francisco for a SCBWI mixer at Books Inc. (the oldest bookstore in the city, btw) And I’m really glad I did. I met a lot of booksellers as well as authors and illustrators. I’ve been trying to do more volunteering for the organization, so I hope to be at more mixers like this one.
Well, I’m off to check on my book blog tour. Today I’m visiting these amazing bloggers.
Alex Cavanaugh
Yolanda Renee
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium (sounds ominous, doesn’t it?)
My Quote for the Week: “Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.” Thomas Jefferson (This one seemed appropriate on many levels.)
Hey superstar human author, Lee,
Arf and your wait for a comment from me is finally over! First of all, bad blogger! My human and I are experiencing all sorts of trouble with blogger, email setups and the internet in general. Bad, bad internet!
Your book will be loose and the world awaits with fiery breath.
As for landscaping, I can dig that. In fact, I've pawed a few plants in my time. Gardening, good for the soil and the soul.
Pawsitive wishes and all the beast, um, best,
Penny!
I am looking forward to having you on my blog! Ad the landscaping looks beautiful.
Congrats again! It's so exciting. Working in the garden is a great way to equalize while on the "book tour".
I really enjoy my garden and that's the place you'll find me if I'm not at my laptop. I've not got to landscaping yet though – baby steps 🙂 I've really enjoyed travelling on your tour with you, Lee. I'm sure your book will be received well. Can't wait to read it. Have a super week.
Well, I gave myself the elevated title of landscaper. I should have called myself hole digger, rock mover. However, I do try to dig the holes and place the rocks where they'll look their best. 🙂 Thanks for your support, Nicola. See you again soon.
I remember how excited and nervous I was with my first book release, now I'm still excited and nervous, but dread the marketing and promoting aspect.
I love to putter in my gardens too. It's calming and usually a sense of quick accomplishment to me.
Wishing you great success, Lee.
I think gardens quiet the mind and bring a sense of well-being. And since it's always changing, it never stales. Thanks for your good wishes.
The mixer looks fun. I'm doing a lot of things around the house that's keeping me busy. Sometimes it's a pain and other times it's great exercise and a way to keep myself occupied.
And it's something you can step away from and look at. Hey! I did that? Very different from a typed page. But I need both in my life. All I want now is more time.
Congrats on your new release. Love the cover 🙂
Hi Cherie. Thanks. I do like the cover. I was so pleased when I saw what the designer had in mind.
Lee, I'm thrilled for you. Your book looks wonderful. I wish all the success. I used to enjoy landscaping, but our front garden is on a hill and has become a nightmare for me. Luckily, I'd planted a lot of perennials. Still, they call my name after all our rains.
I hear what those plants are saying. Thanks so much for your good wishes. They are really so helpful.
Yeah, when my wife talks about landscaping my ears perk up, too. I know that somehow, I'm involved with the heavy work.
Interesting. It's just the opposite in my house. I'm the one involved with the heavy work when it comes to landscaping, but that's good. I like to build muscle and bone. My husbands is the brains. I'm the brawn.
We are looking forward to sharing our review of your newest release with our readers next week. 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck with your launch. Sorry to hear about your blogger problems. 🙁 The gardening sounds fun to me- but I know it can be a lot of work. Good luck!
~Jess
I'm so excited to be with you next week, Jess. Thanks so much.
Working outdoors always relaxes me. Those weeds don't stand a chance. Looks like you're busy with meetings as well as touring. The big day is almost here. Hope the dragon and boys find a lot of readers.
Hi Beverly! I'll bet you're one top notch gardener. Thanks for the good wishes.
How wonderful you're so busy. I'm at my best when I have to manage my time and meet deadlines. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
What is there about those deadlines that make us more efficient and productive?
Hi Lee – getting out and moving boulders sounds a very good exercise and mind settling occupation! Enjoy .. and good luck with the book – and those mixers … they sound fun – cheers Hilary
There's no hope for my hands anymore, Hilary!
Can't wait for your book:) And so cool you were at Books, Inc. – they're the ones who will be selling my book at my first author event in August:)
Yay! Now I know we're linked by some cosmic connection. That's where I launched my first book, too.
It's such a busy time! The gardening sounds like a nice bit of balance.
It is a busy time. I love gardening because it doesn't involve sitting.
I love gardening to take my mind off things. Good luck with the blog tour.
It is a refreshing, mental cleansing activity, Thanks, Natalie.
Sounds like a busy time. Your post on my blog should be coming up soon.
I'll be by your place soon. Thanks, Patricia.
Busy, busy, busy. I'm in awe. And gardening? Good for you!
Next month, it's Mai Tai time and lazy hammock reading.
I am surprised you can do anything else while you are in book launch mode. And super impressed.
Love your landscaping project too – which would be more than enough for my lazy self without adding bookmania to the mix.
I think it's keeping me somewhat sane. I fret over my new plants instead of my new book!
The cover of your book looks great and I'm sure the story is too. Best of luck with this and your landscaping tasks.
Hi Greg. So great to have you here. Thanks for taking a look at the cover. Glad you like it.
Sorry for the blog issues! Those are never fun. It sounds like the mixer was a lot of fun; that's great you were able to attend.
-Lauren
Hi Lauren. I'm hoping things will settle down soon with Blogger.
That garden is certainly coming along. One of these days, I've got to try another writer's conference. My husband goes to conferences several times a year for his work, so I figure it should be my turn.
You'll come back very jazzed. At least that's what usually happens to me.
Wow, that really sucks about Blogger. Sorry it decided to become such a headache for you, all of a sudden!
And how cool about that mixer at Books Inc. Glad to hear you had such a great time there!
Hi Heather. Thanks. The mixer was great.
That is a lovely garden path!
When Blogger does something, just keep calm and wait for the problem to disappear on itself
Good advice. I did finally report the problem, but I'm sure my message went to Middle Earth and Golem ate it.
The mixer sounds fun. Congrats on the date getting nearing and hope survive your busy intact with lots of sales.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
That would all be very nice. Thanks for your help along the way, Juneta.
Good luck with you book, you must be feeling the strain.Take care.
Yvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne. Come December I'm on vacation.
Your landscaping is really good, and that mixer sounds like a great event.
I'm doing plant incantations to be sure they make it through the summer heat. Thanks
You certainly do sound busy! Best wishes in all that you have going.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Arlee.
Oooo, lovely garden path. I'd love to visit the oldest bookstore in SF. The bookstore here where I live (Hastings) is closing. 🙁 It's been a major center of activity for A LOT of families for many, many years.
Oh no. I hate it when a bookstore closes. We finally have a small Indie again after Borders closed! Want to keep this one.
Good to mingle away, seen you at many a bay today. Ugg to dumb blogger screwing up too, never fun at any zoo.
Thanks for the morning rhyme, Pat! And the sympathy.
Happy Monday! It was nice to see you at Alex's place. Gardening is a good way to get some exercise, isn't it? Speaking of which, I need to attack some weeds in my vegetable garden soon.
Glad you stopped in to see Alex this morning. He's always a great host. Get those weeds!
I'm NOT a gardener – but I do love a pretty garden. Thankfully my hubby doesn't mind the weeding! 🙂
You need one gardener in the family. That's enough.
Blogger once locked me out of my own blog. That was fun.
My garden gets my butt out of the chair.
If I had the energy, I'd jump the Blogger ship. One day, perhaps. Happy gardening.
Sometimes blogger can really throw you for a loop. So happy to be hosting you today! Hang in there it's just the hottest season of the year – and I'm doubling down on books about dragons! 🙂
Ha! This is the best season for a hot dragon story, isn't it? Thanks for hosting me. Loved your interview questions.
The landscaping bit sounds like a great way to relax and stir your creativity at the same time.
I hope the back holds out. Those rocks are bigger than need be.
Way to get out and mingle.
Happy to host you today!
It was a very nice gathering. Real people. Real time.