Kristin Butcher... has novel ideas

Like everyone else in Canada, watching the Olympics has become part of my daily routine. My favourite events are the short-track speedskating races. I especially enjoy the relays -- a sort of civilized roller derby on ice. The skaters weave themselves in and out of the action like commuters getting on and off a busy freeway.

It reminds me a bit of life. The constant circular movement is the ongoing activity of the world. The individual skaters are like 'Everyman', pushing through the crowd to establish a place for themselves. Sometimes they get a boost and sometimes they get bumped.

That's kind of where I am in my own world right now. Lots of good things are happening, but I'm having to deal with some not-so-swell stuff too.

First of all, about a month ago, the publisher pulled the plug on my secret societies book. I understand the rationale for it, but I put a lot of work into that project and was really disappointed to see it canned. But I knew moping wasn't going to help, so I got to work on a partial manuscript for a picture book story I've had on file for years. Surprisingly, I even finished it and sent it off to a publisher. If my picture book track record is any indication, it will probably be returned, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

After that I got to work researching and plotting the historical murder mystery fantasy I want to write. Because that process doesn't require any actual writing, it was like taking a much-needed break. I also pulled out my art supplies and got to work on some paintings -- something I've been planning to do for ages but have just not gotten around to.

Then last week I received an email from one of my editors, informing me that Zach & Zoe and the Bank Robber has been nominated for the Diamond Willow Young Readers' Choice Award, and asking if I was planning to write another book for the series. Sweet! I had an idea for a story, but for various reasons had been procrastinating about pursuing it. This nomination was all the motivation I need, so I whipped up a chapter outline and whisked it off to the editor. Now all I can do is wait to see if the editorial staff like it. In the meantime, Zach & Zoe: Bully and the Beagle was reviewed in today's edition of CM Magazine and received a 4-star, highly recommended review. I can't ask for more than that.

Everything is on schedule for the April release of The Last Superhero, and I'm excited for it to see daylight. That book was a long time in the making and had several incarnations before it actually became the story it is now. On another writing front, I received my revision letter yesterday for Cheat, a novel for reluctant readers that's due out in the fall. The changes asked for aren't as onerous as I'd expected, so that is a major relief. I should be able to meet the March 5th deadline no problem.

Also it looks like I shall be able to attend the Silver Birch gala in Toronto in May. Author visit bookings have started to dribble in, which means I'll be able to pay for my flight.

On the downside, I crashed my car on Tuesday. It was the other guy's fault, and neither of us was hurt, but it was a nasty collision. The whole front of my vehicle is gone. So now I'm carless in Campbell River. Though I haven't had official word from the insurance company yet, I'm pretty sure it's a write-off. And I so loved that car!

I have my first Skype visit (to a high school class in Minnesota) coming up on Monday, and then on Friday I'm presenting to a couple of Grade 8 classes in Victoria. Both are events to look forward to, but I woke up this morning with the start of a head cold, and that is not a good thing when you have to be energetic and talk for an hour or two.

I could go on, but I'm sure you get the idea -- and besides, today's Olympics are about to start.