T'is The Season ...
... to be overworked, stressed, anxious, weary ... oh, yes -- and jolly!
When I returned from Book Week, there was a five-page revision letter waiting for me with a January 15th deadline attached to it. Doing my best not to panic, I told myself I would feel better once I talked to the editor. Things would become clear and everything would fall into place.
Yes, and no. Things did become more clear, but that didn't sweep away the amount of rewriting to be done; nor did it help me figure out how to go about it. I know what the editor and publisher don't like about the manuscript; I just don't know how to fix it yet.
So while I've been rolling ideas around in my head, I've done some Christmas shopping, decorated the house, sent off gifts, made some antipasto, and created an email Christmas card.
Last evening was Starlight Shopping in Campbell River, which basically means the stores were open until 11 pm and there was carolling, a wandering Santa, and hot chocolate. I spent much of the evening at Coho Books, signing my novels for cheerful shoppers. I had been very tired when I left home, but it didn't take long to get caught up in the spirit of the evening, and before I knew it, I was having a great time.
Today I'm off to Haig Brown house to a welcome reception for Harry Thurston, the new writer-in-residence. I've never met the man, but the writing community is a small one, and we must all support one another.
And when I get home ... well, there's still that 5-page revision letter.