"OUIJA BOARD, OUIJA BOARD"

Here's the thing with writing. It isn't necessarily enjoyable. It's something that has to come to the surface, though. It isn't un-enjoyable, per se, it just is more about something that has to come out than it is about having fun. That's my experience, anyway, and that of a few other writers I know. The fun part is what is going on now-- readings are getting squared away, excitement for the book tour, etc. (By the way, a couple of coffee shop readings are confirmed in Chicago for mid-August. Check out my website's events section to see the confirmed readings.)

So, two nights ago, an idea for my next novel woke me out of a dead sleep. I jotted some vague things down-- themes, really-- and went back to sleep. That's so typically me, too. I think I'm just wired to be working, so I have to make an effort to remind myself to chill the hell out and take downtime. I'm much better about I than I used to be, but I have also long since accepted that it's just part of who I am.

That said-- the book is printing and will be packed up and shipped to me soon. That is terribly exciting! The cover is beautiful and edgy and I am extrmely proud to have it on my book.

...And, speaking of things looking nice, I am redecorating a little and listed a few things on Craig's List, one of the most useful sites ever. My two little pieces of artwork went right away and the new owner and I agreed to meet halfway last night. I waited at the subway/bus station until she arrived with her brother-- both terribly nice people-- then took off, pointed towards home in a neighborhood I only marginally know and quickly get lost, witness a sidewalk domestic squabble, a luxury sedan with two white collar men stupidly handing money out the window to a kid, and a fine selection of hookers, one also having a squabble of some sort. But still, I'll take this anyday over too much quiet. I'm no suburbanite, that's for sure.