I’m not really sure how–or even when–this happened. I’ve always been the type to buy a book, read it, buy another book, read it, and so on. Now, though, I have a daunting pile of books and I’m not even sure where to start! I try to alternate between YA and “grown-up” books, if only so that I can participate in conversations with friends and family when they’re discussing the best sellers they’re reading, but lately all I want to read is YA. I just finished Looking For Alaska  (I know, you’re probably wondering how it is that I’ve JUST NOW read Looking For Alaska… really, I have no idea what took me so long, but I loved it!) so now I’m due to read something in line with my actual age group, but my heart’s just not in it. I’m thinking I’m going to ignore my own rules and dive into Rules of Attraction instead. 

I should take a moment to note: lately it’s been taking me weeks to get through a novel. In addition to the time my real life–husband, daughter, housework (I can’t write if my house isn’t clean!), etc– take up, I’ve been busy adding the finishing touches to my manuscript Forget Me Not and dealing with this:

Cute, isn’t he? His name is Toby. He belongs to my parents, who travel often and allow me the privilege of puppy sitting whenever they’re out of town.  I’ve been told he looks like Marley from Marley and Me, (a book I refuse to read because I heard how it ends). From what I’ve been able to deduce from the Marley and Me movie trailer, it seems Marley and Toby are cut from the same mold.

I have two dogs of my own. Quiet, well-behaved dogs who go lay down when they’re told to do so. Toby… not so much. He’s adorable, but he’s like a newborn. If you’re planning to write, research, outline, revise, read, or do anything else even semi-productive, please take my advice: Don’t get a puppy!