Summer is winding down, and it’s unbelievable that’s it’s almost time for the kids to go back to school. The laws have changed in Michigan; school used to start before Labor Day, but now it must start after Labor Day. I’m not sure why this change happened.

I’ve not heard back from my agent as to if there’s been any response to the partial she submitted a couple of weeks ago. I’m planning on finishing it this week while N is in a hockey training camp in the event that a publisher is indeed interested. That would be awesome.

I’ve been spending some time on Twitter lately. It’s such a strange tool – letting unknown people have access to people who they normally wouldn’t have any access to – meaning “celebrities”. Some of them are really, really weird. Others seem to be just like a regular person. I dont’ mean that they aren’t normal, but you know what I mean.

I’ve found some really cool twitterchats. One that I’ve participated in is the #kidlitchat every Tuesday evening at 9pm EST. It’s a great experience as writers, illustrators, agents, and publishers get together to discuss a topic or two. I’ve put it on my calendar each week so I don’t forget about it.

All this technology really makes writing not as solitary as it can be.

Peace,
Kris

Since I’m taking the leap and really getting into my middle-grade fantasy novel, I’ve been thinking about tweaking my website/blog. It certainly won’t work in its current state if any of the publishers that my agent subbed the ms to are interested. Flowers and the words “women’s fiction” all of over will be a big turn-off!

I’m also thinking about creating a Twitter account for my main character of said MG manuscript. I think it would be great fun. But my question is, do I do it before I have a book contract or after? I should’ve asked this question during the #kidlitchat on Twitter tonight.

Anyone know of a good webdesigner?

Peace,

Kris

Last Thursday through Saturday, my younger son and I attended Cub Scout camp at D bar A camp in Metamora, MI. I had no clue what I was in for. We’d been given a list of items that we should bring, and I thought I did pretty well getting everything together. I forgot the rain gear. Oops. Thank goodness it didn’t start raining until we were getting ready for breakfast on Saturday. The bummer thing was that J lost out on free time Saturday morning because of the rain. We left early, but I certainly didn’t mind.

I had no idea we’d be at a site that was about a mile from where all of the activities were. Nor did I know that we’d be carrying all of our stuff with us. All day. And me, without a backpack, but a huge bag that I thanked the heavens for giving me some insight in bringing. I slung it over my shoulders, alternately from left to right so that I wouldn’t break my back. I finally figured out that I could sling each strap around each shoulder and carry it somewhat like a backpack. With all of my bitching and moaning (done internally, of course), I was surprised that I actually survived.

Now, I’ve been camping before. The husband and I used to do a lot of it pre-kids. But….we weren’t carrying our whole days’ worth of supplies on our backs. Okay, I digress…

J had a blast with bb guns, archery, bouldering, fishing, whittling, horseback riding, learning about reptiles, and playing human fuse ball. I’ll post some pics here so you’ll understand better what human fuse ball is.

Overall, we had a really good time. The campfire with the entire group was a lot of fun. The entire experience really made me wish that my older son could participate in Cub Scouts, but hockey just takes up too much time.

Here he is earning his Whittlin Chit. Don’t ask me  – that’s Scout lingo.

Here he is on Marigold. He quickly informed me that he loves horseback riding. Great. Another expensive sport.

Here is Human Fuse ball. Not the best photo, but you can get the idea. It’s a long, rectangle filled with sand. Each line has three spots that have three pieces of PVC.

The kids hold on to the PVC and try to score on the goalie.

My little left-handed archer.

J bouldering.

I wasn’t familiar with this, just rock climbing. Bouldering is when you go left to right, rather than up and down with rock climbing. See? I learned something.

I’ve made a list of the things to take next year because I’ve been informed that J will be going. No matter what.

I’m thinking that Mr. Yankee can go and share the fun next time.

Peace,

Kris

I can’t believe that August has already arrived. I don’t know where the times goes these days.

I’m really busy with work and writing. All is good in those areas. One of my new authors is the famous, Carol McCloud of “Have You Filled A Bucket Today?” fame. She’s working on a chap book for older kids. I think it will be very popular.

Hockey season has started already. Didn’t we just end? Hopefully the season will go well. Not sure if N will be on the team with the hubby being laid off. He is for now. Come time for the next ice bill, well, that’s another story if nothing changes on the job front.

Why is it that hubby can get a job in Colorado, Connecticut, or Arkansas, but not here? Where is the “change” we were promised?

Still can’t be all that mad at Pres. Obama – COBRA is a much better deal (I’m told) now that he’s in office.

Send prayers and good thoughts that we don’t have to move. That would suck.

On the writing front, my agent loves my middle grade novel and is talking about sending it out to publishers this week. I hoping that happens. Sure would help out!

Peace,
Kris