It’s fall in Seattle. The curtains that shaded the back verandah during the summer have been taken down and are stored for the winter. The cushions on the pool furniture have been taken inside. Rather than sitting outside to work, I’m next to a burning gas-log fireplace in the family room with both coffee and computer in hand.
Having spent most of September and a good part of October dealing with book tour events, I’m trying to get my head back into a writing groove. In case you’re wondering if I can write books and be on tour at the same time, the answer is a resounding no! I can’t. The two activities require the expenditure of creative energy, and there’s not enough of that to stretch both ways.
I’ve done the galley proofs for Moving Target, the Ali Reynolds book that goes on sale February 11. Yesterday I had a call from the publicist in charge of that tour because she’s ready to start planning it. The song that comes to mind on that score is “Please, Mr. Custer. I don’t want to go.”
The daughters are busily organizing the Christmas holidays. I’m not ready for that, either, because first and foremost I need to buckle down and finish writing a book.
So that’s the watchword for day. No more blogging. Time to go to work!
Please do get back to writing. I’m always looking forward to your next book. Read Second Watch recently and I really think it is your best ever. Loved learning more about J. P.’s earlier life. I’ve had a knee replacement (just 1) and I had a good laugh about his early hours after surgery. Very funny and very true.
I hope you include the Green Valley library on your tour. I love to see and hear you and that library seems to be my best chance. We will be in GV Jan 15 to April 15. Looking forward to another Ali book
We all have to work and are tired, etc. HOWEVER, your work brings pleasure to many others. That is your inspiration, I’m sure. Since I am older than you and have seen the stamina lessen, etc., I am amazed that you can go as much as you can. It is hard for an independent person to ask for help and when one comes from a family that is self helping, hard to realize you could hire a few things done as well. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Looking forward to Ali Reynolds.
I am so far behind on your books. I could not afford to buy them in hardbacks before, but now I can. Am making a list of the ones I do not have yet. I own most all of the ones you’ve written. Keep up the good work, I love them all.
Thank you for Second Notice…I am a member of the VFW Ladies Aux., Fair Oaks, Ca…and you brought together the emotions of Veterans in a very realistic and kind way. The Vets…don’t like to talk about what happen…whether they are WWII, Pearl Harbor, Korea, Vietnam…and more….Occasionally something will come out…and it is a very important part of our history. One Vet…from Vietnam…started talking with the guys one day when I was present…and told of the South Korean troops that fought in Vietnam…he went into some details …to the point that I went home and started researching his comments on the Internet…it was so true….how little we know about what happen…what I do know is that no one will ever disgrace a Vet or American Troop in my presence…believe me they won’t be standing long…Again thank you for a very moving and emotional story
Dear Lori,
Thanks for writing and thanks for your kind comments about Second Watch. I’m glad you thought the story rang true.
Regards,
JAJance
I had to laugh at “Please Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go.”
The next line is “Forward Ho!”
I don’t remember who sang the song but, that part roles through my brain every once in awhile. Those are the only words I remember, unlike “The Battle of New Orleans.” I remember every single word of that song.
Thanks for the smiles & here’s to 2 spaces after periods.