8.19.11

Lordy, I am so far behind today! I couldn't get online because I'd set my Freedom for four hours accidentally, a byproduct of that crazy 10K day.

But making great progress on the revision. This is the word by word pass, the last chance to make substantial changes pass, the I just used that word on the last page pass. Which means it's painstakingly slow. And slow doesn't fit my mood today.

I am happy! I am giddy!

I have absolutely no idea why.

C'est la vie, right? You never question those moments of happiness, you just shake their hand, say, "It's so nice to see you," and enjoy.

I did get a fun email this morning, which contributed to my good mood. The art for the May '12 book has arrived! It is stunningly gorgeous, very moody and different from the Taylor books' art. I keep having to remind myself that this is trade paperback art, which is different. I really like it. Sorry to tease, but there it is.

Also had a nice chat with my agent this morning. A check in call, just to touch base on a few things. He does that. It's nice.

Let me give you some unsolicited agent advice.

Pick one you're going to enjoy working with.

The agent author relationship is like a marriage. You need to find someone you're compatible with. Someone who gets you. Who will call and check in for no reason. Who you like. Who has YOUR best interest at heart. Who you trust.

Because if you don't trust him or her, you won't listen to him or her. And that's not good.

I happen to trust my agent implicitly. So that's a good thing. I like him too. He's cool. And he gets me, which is really nice. I can say bad words and tell naughty jokes and not wince. That's also very nice.

I happen to be one of those authors who doesn't need a lot of hand holding but sometimes my agent and editor like to hold my hand. So I have to let them. And that's nice too.

Had a blast from the past today. When I was in college, CLOSER TO FINE by the Indigo Girls was one of my favorite songs. I was really into Taoism, and fancied myself a great philosopher, so of course it would pique my interest. But I haven't heard it in years. I'm talking at least a decade. It came on the radio this afternoon and I started to sing, and remembered all the words. How is that possible? I have a horrid memory. And yet I nailed it - and the harmony too. Yay me! (I forget, there are new people here. I can't sing. Trust me on this. If I hit a note on key, it is truly a divine miracle.)

That's all, folks. I'll be working very hard over the weekend to get all the words in proper wordly order for the May '12 book. I plan to turn it in by Wednesday. Also get to have coffee with the insanely talented Paige Crutcher (@pcrutcher on Twitter) who is interviewing me for an upcoming magazine article. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.

See you Monday! I'll trace my path to writing then. If you have questions, leave them in the comments. But I have one for you. What was your favorite song when you were 19?