I seem to be back. 
It’s been an interesting week.
Not just the loss of internet access, but other issues I won’t get into.
But I did learn one thing…
I get at least three times more writing done when I’m off the internet. A hard truth to face, but a truth nonetheless.
Therefore, I’ll really have to learn to restrict myself. It won’t be easy. I love blog-hopping. But the writing has to be my top priority. :neutral:
In other news…
I’m ending the Anagram Contest as of this post. Congratulations to the two winners, Nicole and Tempest! I promise to get those print copies out to you this week. Sorry for the delay, but in addition to no phone service and no internet, I’ve also had no car. One of those interesting things I mentioned. 
But the books are on their way, I promise—and thanks so much for playing! :waving:
(by the way—the anagram answer was, “Win Let’s Pretend by Raine Weaver”………….see? I told you it was easy!).
Otherwise, I’ve been skimming the reports people are posting from the conference. It’s interesting, but I never quite know what to do with it. I mean, hearing that historicals are still healthy, that YA and graphic novels are coming on strong, that the hunt for paranormals is still on may give me a feel for market swings and who the current editors are—but do I really want to write to suit the market? And I can’t honestly say I’ve known a LOT of people who’ve successfully queried major publishers without an agent anyway. :nonono:
And still we write. 
Find a nice, shady spot, or a big, bulky air conditioner and stay cool, everyone! :grin:
Big bulky a/c here – and I missed you. I hope everything is okay. I understand about the blogging, I’ve cut down on mine. I’m just visiting a few each day – not everyone every single day. It’s hard, but it can be done. I do have my favorites that I will continue to check every day though.
Glad you’re back. It is scary when you realize what a time suck the internet is. :( I don’t know what’s going on with the cars this week, but mine went belly up on Tuesday. It’s fixed now, but for two days it was a pain in the a$$. Hang in there with the other junk.
You’re absolutely right that you can query editors without an agent. An agent just shortens the response time…most of the time. As for writing to the market, I’m just hoping that what I’m writing will eventually fit into the market. ;)
Yeah, the reports back re Nationals are interesting, but not sure how it affects me, or even if I should let it affect me….
It *finally* cooled down here, so the a/c has been off/on intermitted.
Ditto on the time suck vs writing output.
Glad your’e back and everything’s okay.
I missed my Raine! Glad you are back. Hope the interesting things weren’t TOO interesting or were so in a good way.
Yeah, i get more done without the internet, too…*sigh*
Oh, I hear you about the internet! I love to blog-hop too and I spend way too much time surfing the web. I need to go on a web-diet if I want to finish my wereanimal story. *sighs* Okay, I’ll start on that diet… tomorrow. ;)
Oh, I can’t wait to get your book. I’m itching to read something new. Woohoo!
>>It is scary when you realize what a time suck the internet is.
God above ain’t that the truth. I’ve found out the same thing and found a Quickpad on Ebay that should help tons.
Raine you can write for market and write what you love –think the frog prince :waving: See that’s not so hard!
Bailey, I’m glad you have the big a/c! From what I hear, it’s been rough there.
And it is amazing how much time the blog-hopping can eat up.
Jordan, the car is a disaster. But I need it for work, etc., & can’t swing a new one right now.
And I’m constantly wondering why I can’t seem to get out of debt!
But I’m pretty sure you don’t have to worry about ‘fitting in’. Sounds like you’re doing just fine!
Jaq, I have the impression you’ve always had your priorities straight as far as the internetting.
Glad it cooled off for you! :yesyesyes:
Yeah, i get more done without the internet, too…*sigh*…
Mechele, I figure internet time shouldn’t count in the regular hours of the day. I’ll have to have a talk with upper management about that… :thumbsup:
And always good to see you!! :waving:
Tempest, good luck on that diet, lol! :razz:
And the book will be in the mail Monday—promise. :yesyesyes:
Hope you enjoy it!
Amie…………….
Ribbit. :mrgreen:
Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, that started from this tropic port aboard this tiny ship. The mate was a mighty sailing man, the skipper brave and sure. Five passengers set sail that day on a three hour tour. (A three hour tour) …
:mrgreen:
Great to see you back on line. Totally agree on the increase in writing when offline. My internet was down for 3 days a few weeks back, and it struck me too. Scary!
Bailey, I knew you would. :thumbsup:
Saskia, it IS scary! I had no idea.
But now that I know, I’ll do better.
That’s why I’m really not here right now. :nonono:
After your comment I knew I just couldn’t let you down. Blame Tempest.
And yes, the professor was cute.:thumbsup:
Of course you’re not here – it’s your evil twin.:poof: