September already! Where did the summer rush off to? Thankfully Chicago has warm weather again this week. With a cold SNAP in the air over the weekend, PANIC struck me that winter is well on its way. And I am NOT ready to even fathom that thought, especially after the past two winters...
As you see from the badge, it's time for another posting of the IWSG! Imagine FOUR years now. I remember so well when Alex Cavanaugh first posted about this group. I was one of THE FIRST to sign up. Spend a little time if you can and pop over to the list of bloggers who post for this monthly event...It will make you feel sooo good. Here's the link...
This past month has been a whirlwind for me. Never a dull moment for sure. I have two announcements to make. First, this may shock many of you, I've decided to stay in Chicago for a while. My work here has escalated and since Tampa really hadn't panned out, destiny is keeping me here. Since my lease will be up shortly I decided and DID buy a LOFT!!!! And, not just any old loft. The building I purchased in is a former CHILDREN'S BOOK PUBLISHER... AMAZING. Donahue Publishing opened it's doors in 1883 and closed in the mid 70's... A rich body of thousand of children's books published! How appropriate for me to live in such a stellar old building. Since I write MG and YA...it's a perfect fit!
Once I entered, the VIBE was there. I felt happy. Funny, I hadn't felt that way about any place in a long time. There was just something about the exposed brick, eleven foot ceilings, the HUGE windows, the rough, oiled stained, beat up, maple floor, and the massive metal door leading to nowhere, anymore. I felt like it called and needed me. Of course, it's been terribly neglected and needs TONS of work, but I am totally up for the challenge. I've spent the past three weeks picking out cabinets, slate, marble, lighting, wood flooring (for the bedroom, which is carpeted and on another lever), appliances, etc. It will cost a fortune to make it livable, damn my expensive taste. LOL. Now to just find the right contractor. THAT has been the ultimate challenge. My usual guy has sadly taken ill and is not up for this much work. One thing I am anxious about. I only have two months before my lease is up! This week I am determined to sign with someone.
My second bit of news is an update from my amazing time at the SCBWI conference in LA. If you recall, I had won a manuscript critique from the PRESIDENT himself. About two weeks ago I received his response and notes. Since he was kind enough to agree to read both my ms', he had told me he would only have enough time to read the first 100 pages of each...
The first line in his notes to me read as follows... "Hi Michael—Your story was so compelling I read it all the way through."
I was flabbergasted... The rest, he pointed out a few things he thought needed tweaking. Also told me what he most liked about my story. Overall it was a very positive critique and I'm very excited about the future for this story. He's agreed to read my other ms, but when he has time. I was glad to hear that because it needs another revision or two. I had worked on it like crazy and had half of it completed when my computer FREAKED and ATE the ms. I couldn't find it anywhere. Now I am INSANE, trying to get it finished. I should have sent it to him this past Monday. I need to get it out by the end of this week. SO if I can't get around to you guys right away, I know you understand. Deadlines...
So to wrap things up...
Be prepared for ANYTHING. Well made plans can change in an instant. Although I will be staying in Chicago, I still hope to get my winter getaway before the year ends.... but who knows what will happen. We just have to GO WITH THE FLOW... lol. And that pertains to our writing as well. I worked on that MS for FOUR years... look where it ended up. So you never know. Keep writing. Keep dreaming...Keep positive.
Let's keep the positive vibes flowing and let me know what's happening in your writing...
Take care everyone. I'll be dropping by your blogs soon!
