Checking in

I've been neglectful of this space, and for that I'm sorry. Still up here at the lovely stone castle they call the Montreat Retreat Center and attending the Donald Maass intensive week--two more days to go. Getting new ideas for the WIP and have successfully begged my editor for an extension of my Oct. 1 deadline.

This is my second intensive, and while I'm not learning tons of new information, it's simply helpful to have someone standing there WAITING for you to go deeper, think harder, try new approaches. I highly recommend this for any writer who needs to grow and be challenged to try new things. After 100 plus books, I know it's been helpful for me.

So I'll have my work cut out for me when I get back. This is such a lovely area that it's tempting to sit and stare out the window instead of writing, but the deadline calls . . .

Wish you could see this roaring fire and feel the chill in the air. The chill hasn't reached us in Florida, but I've been very grateful for my all-purpose wool blazer. It's become my uniform of the day.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

P.S. I have discovered this store called "Ten Thousand Villages." Not only does it have really unique and beautiful gifts from around the world, but it is a "fair trade" enterprise, meaning that the money you pay for the item actually goes to the artisans who created it--many of whom are in developing countries. I went there yesterday and bought a few gifts, and I think I'll go back again today. These stores are scattered all over the country and I understand they also have a website for their best-selling items. (http://www.tenthousandvillages.com) I HIGHLY recommend this--it's ministry in motion.

P.S.S. Of course there's time to shop at an intensive! :-) Priorities, you know . . .

Angie