3/25/08: If I'm not writing, do I exist?

Looks like it's been over a week since I blogged, and I don't even have the excuse of an Easter-weekend convention. I guess if I'm not writing, I have nothing to say. It's not that I've been completely unwriterly, but I've been spending my writing time reading for the upcoming novel workshop. I have completed critiquing 7 chapters-and-outlines and am now slogging through my one full novel assignment, an 800-page naval adventure. Fortunately I am enjoying that one.

The author of the naval adventure is, meanwhile, reading my novel, as are deanwesleysmith, my agent, and a few of my writer buddies. I hope they don't ask for major changes. The first novel was recently rejected by a small press and is off to another even smaller. Also, I was disappointed not to make the Hugo ballot, and I don't hold out much hope for winning the Nebula (by the way, if you are a SFWA member, remember that the Nebula voting deadline is 3/31). In this situation it's a bit more work to retain the necessary optimism. Writing requires a combination of great sensitivity (for writing and revision) and a cast-iron ego (for submitting and rejection).

Being in town for Easter, for the first time in who knows how long, we went to our neighborhood Easter brunch. Lots of people there from blocks around, many of whom we don't know, but the food was great and we had a fun time.

We talked with several people at the brunch about bathrooms. Yes, having failed to learn our lesson from the kitchen remodel, we're going ahead with the bathroom. It's a smaller room, so should be easier, right? On the other hand, doing without a kitchen for eight weeks might just be a tad easier than doing without our one-and-only bathroom for the same time. (You know the story about which body part is in charge and why, right?) We have already found -- and purchased -- The Perfect Tub. Despite the fact that we don't even have a signed contract with our designer yet, or more than a vague idea of a floor plan, this 1930s tub we found at Rejuvenation was just too wonderful (and rare!) to pass up.

Apart from that I've been running a lot of errands and doing a lot of to-do list items, including some decluttering (not enough, must get back on the stick about that). I also have met with my financial adviser, tax guy, trainer, hairdresser, and doctor. They all tell me everything is in pretty good shape for a guy my age. Later this week we have several out-of-town friends visiting, and next week Missy the organizer will show up for another day of decluttering. The days, they really are just packed.