Vacation: a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday
I don't write when my kids are on vacation, and I am out of my routine.
Therefore, I am on vacation too: a vacation from my vocation.
I have to remind myself that writers need "a suspension of work" too: after all, we are with my mother up in Crosswicks, the family homestead in Northwestern Connecticut. This is where my grandmother set A Wrinkle in Time and the early Austin books. (And even she needed time to decompress and let things marinate.)
The winter has been strange with nary a snow flake - the trees are bare and the grass a yellowish-brown. Climate change brought us a white Halloween and then sixty degrees in February.
We always have to keep what we think we know in check.
Crosswicks has undergone so many permutations since I was a child, running in the fields. There have been additions and renovations. In my mind's eye, I still see the weeping willow that was in the front yard during my childhood.
This picture, above, shows me that another tree has been in it's place for the past twenty years.
Vision is a funny thing. Can I really see what is in front of me, here and now without my whole life intervening?
This is why re-vision is so important, changing our perspective, our point of view. We have to deal with what's in front of us and accept it. The willow tree isn't there anymore, my childhood is gone but I have so much more than I ever dreamed.
And the author Patricia O'Brien finally makes it under a pen name at the age of seventy.
Who is Patricia O'Brien, aka, Kate Alcott? I was blown away by this article in the New York Times yesterday: this author has thirteen rejections of her sixth book, in large part because her previous books don't have a stellar track record. Her agent sends the same manuscript out under an alias, and voila - she gets a 6 figure deal in THREE days! Talk about a book being judged by it's cover!
The fear-based state of today's publishing industry had Patricia O'Brien re-visioning her career. She (and her agent) gave her book a chance to judged on it's own merit.
This post comes about because I have a very big revision of a manuscript looming large, one in which I am taking a "vacation" from, and will relish sinking my teeth into.
Léna is also a Regional Manager for Writopia Lab whose mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in kids and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing.
"Well, the question is, what do you want to believe? Do you want to live in a world where things are possible, or in one where they aren't?" Cin, Edges.
Please make sure that, if you choose a pen name, you let your fans know, um, er, secretly of course!
ReplyDeleteOh Britton, thank you for that psychic hug! xoxox
DeleteWhat a wonderful connection you make between revisiting a place and re-vision. Re: pen names, I can't say it any better than Britton. I will add this, though, there's an apocryphal story about a writer who retyped a Jerzy Kosinksi book and submitted it years after it was published, in manuscript form, to various editors and agents who rejected it.
ReplyDeleteThat Jerzy story is an important one too Deborah - thank you! Nothing is one-size-fits-all is it?
DeleteFirst, I'm totally stealing "revision" for one of my Word-in-a-Word Wednesdays! (I'll give you credit though.)
ReplyDeleteSecond, you're blog posts have really taken on new life lately. You've injected care, passion, reality, vulnerability into them. It's what makes great fiction. And great creative writing, in general. Keep! It! Up!
Third, may I read the latest draft of the manuscript you mention above? I'd love to help however I can.
Fourth, I'm gonna miss you in Mobile this weekend! It's my wife's birthday and we're out of town. We're going to connect eventually though!
Keith! I love your comments and your encouragement! Thank you for mentioning the progress I've made as a blogger. This makes me want to keep up with the practice!
ReplyDeleteHappy B'day to your wife!
Good blog post. I want to thank you for interesting and helpful information and I like your point of view. Thank you!reisbureau online
ReplyDeleteTop quality material is the key to entice the customers to go to see the web page, that's what this website is offering.camtecelectrical.com.au
ReplyDeleteMany shops charge an excessive amount of for these kinds of products. Try foldable your clothing in innovative methods will occupy less room. Trying away different foldable techniques enables more to suit in your own bag.their address
ReplyDeletecoach outlet
ReplyDeletecoach handbags
beats headphones
versace sunglasses on sale
bottega veneta outlet
tiffany and co
louboutin pas cher
michael kors outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
michael kors sale
mlb jerseys
links of london jewellery
swarovski jewelry
ray-ban sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
coach outlet online
polo ralph lauren
mulberry outlet
coach outlet
pandora outlet
polo ralph lauren
coach outlet store
polo ralph lauren
louis vuitton bags
adidas outlet
louis vuitton sunglasses
babyliss flat iron
asics,asics israel,asics shoes,asics running shoes,asics israel,asics gel,asics running,asics gel nimbus,asics gel kayano
bottega veneta outlet online
ray ban sunglasses
cheap nfl jerseys
oakley sunglasses
nike air force 1
true religion canada
mont blanc outlet
16.6.7qqqqqing
deployed as an integrated suite with search software and Linux that one normally run.70s Fashion
ReplyDeleteA awesome straighten that devise be totally just afterwards in sect to for each appropriates nucleus.Personal Injury Attorney Tampa
ReplyDeleteToo been entirely clobber telegram devolve. Each sole of us have gotten to struggle fabric-casuals confidential of leg to facilitate regulate resources intensity furnished outcome constant although however receiving compulsory crammers to promote lead washed-up particulars reduce regarding idiosyncrasy further further ease diplomas.Tree Trimming Queens New York
ReplyDeletewhat a fantastic research that you have done. It has helped me a lot. thank you very much..cleaning kitchen hoods
ReplyDeleteAlthough many paperwork which have been key resources continue in non public arms, the typical location for the children can be an save. These types of is usually community as well as nonpublic.treadmill desk
ReplyDeleteThis kind of writing grudge is typically minus a suspicion fabulous. My husband furthermore i started away the literal look, liked what right My husband also i obligatory in summation I had quantity separate of patience along no training! That is asst seen viscous pilot monument My husband also i watch professional consequently drastically! Belief an appropriate pertaining to expressing this up-to-rendezvous persons.wifi providers
ReplyDeleteHickey “I haven't laughed so hard in years. It's touching, poignant, funny and oh so very real."money transfer comparison
ReplyDeletePositive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.design your own hoodie
ReplyDeleteI found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious.online contracts
ReplyDeleteWow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site..rats
ReplyDeleteIt is not quite same bet anymore, especially now that the legal market has taken a hit and law school tuition is going up.fast love voodoo magic spells
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome post. I like this topic.This site has heaps of advantage.I discovered numerous fascinating things from this site. It helps me in numerous ways.Thanks for posting this once more.Rvintage clothing online
ReplyDeleteSuperb post. I recently ran into your website and wanted to state that We have truly cherished studying your website threads. Every tactics I'll be checking to your feed so i we imagine you posting once again soon.ct airport transportation
ReplyDeleteCheck below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use.space reservation system
ReplyDeleteDigital Ads Pays is a company that is here to stay and will help change the lives of so many people.By being a part of my team, you will see exactly how we will take DAPS to the very top!custom t shirts toronto
ReplyDeleteBei uns finden Sie sämtliches Zubehör zum Aufhängen von Bildern. Vom einfachsten Bilderhaken bis hin zur Bildaufhängung mit Diebstahlschutz. Wir als Bilderrahmenprofi haben hier alle Produkte zur Bildaufhängung in einem Shop zusammengestellt.USING COVERS AS SELLING POINTS
ReplyDeleteThis post has helped me for an article which I am writing. Thank you for giving me another point of view on this topic. Now I can easily complete my article.golf swing
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the information are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which really should do the trick! Have a nice day! discrimination attorney
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays hopefully fun? we will wait for other information that is very nice thank you python programovanie
ReplyDeleteHalf of the soy bean oil absorbed in the U.S. at that time was hydrogenated, which was excellent for increasing shelf-life and enhancing cooking quality, but not so excellent for human wellness.materassi in lattice biologici e naturali
ReplyDeleteGood post. I was checking consistently this blog and I am impressed. Quite useful information specially the final component.brampton real estate
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, I look for such article along time, today i find it finally. this post give me lots of advise it is very useful for me.mortgage broker cambridge
ReplyDeleteWhen My partner and i go through some sort of blog site, I'm hoping who's isn't going to let down everyone approximately this blog. make your own shirt
ReplyDeleteMaine is having a hot dry, near drought summer. None of the pictures was taken less than six weeks ago.tucson exterminator
ReplyDeleteexcellent. one of the best articles I have every read. This is the information which I have been searching. Great information.tree pruning suffolk county ny
ReplyDeletePretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info.vintage shops london
ReplyDeleteyou are a good person for posting this information engineering recruitment agencies Toronto
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. golf tutorial
ReplyDeleteGood analysis made on the market exclusivity..Thanks for sharing.. london real estate
ReplyDeleteFind the perfect destination for your dream holidays in Greece and Turkey.Book your hotel room,hostel or private villa among the thousands available and prepare yourself for an exciting and memorable holiday.vintage shops london
ReplyDeleteYour blogs further more each else volume is so entertaining further serviceable It appoints me befall retreat encore. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates.stratford real estate
ReplyDeleteI am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept.Bound Gravel
ReplyDeleteThanks really valuable. Will certainly share site with my good friends.premiercasa.com
ReplyDeleteI can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.Costa del Sol
ReplyDeleteIt is a sexy prominent bauble. My occupation is cute clout pleased negligible your legitimate pointed. You belong fully important information.Podgorica
ReplyDeletevery nicearticle. Thanks for sharing this .. check this commercial pest control
ReplyDeleteGreat information, really loved to read this blog post. Find latest version of clone hero from this site:zlavy.sk
ReplyDeleteIts like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.arborists of long island
ReplyDeleteThis web site is really a stroll-by way of for all the information you needed about this and didn't know who to ask. how to hack into someones email
ReplyDeleteIm no master, however I trust you simply made a brilliant point. You absolutely completely comprehend what youre talking about, and I can genuinely get behind that.lethbridge real estate
ReplyDeleteYour work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more
ReplyDeleteinformative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us.babysitting Lynnwood
An individual's lash as well as migrate are typically altered as well as improved effective to the phantasm ruby near the scholarship. property management pest control
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Thank you!90s hip hop fashion
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteNew Jersey SEO company providing you with the best digital marketing services all over the US. The SEO company New Jerseycovers all aspects of digital marketing terms to boost your ranking on the search engine platforms. Seo company new jersey also provides you all social media services
for the promotion and growth of your business on a social media platform like Instagram SEO .New Jersey Seo company also provides you with the service of web designing, mobile application development, and application development.
Dental Services in New Jersey since 1998-Hamilton Dental Care. Offers a variety of dental services in Hamilton to meet all of your dental needs. Let’s say if you are searching for the cosmetic dentistry near me or cosmetic dentistry hamilton NJ then you might come across with the Hamilton Dental Care because it is the best dental health services provider in the NJ. It gives you a smile that you can be proud to show off.
ReplyDeleteExcel Dental - Dentist in Langhorne offers cosmetic dentistry procedures, restorative dentistry, affordable dental implants including mini dental implants as well as full dental implant in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Book your dental appointment for teeth whitening for any cosmetic procedures in Langhorne, Pennsylvania if you are searching for a general dentist near methen you might come across with Excel Dental Langhorne because of its best dentist in Langhorne
ReplyDeleteThe affordable online boutique is a leading store for the fashion loving women, and it offers classy, designer and trendy outfits at economical prices. Boutique in Atlanta offers a wide range of shopping options for women of all age groups. If you are looking for women's trendy tops or boutique dresses then affordable online boutique is the destination for you. The highlighting aspect of the southern boutique is the seasonal dressing offers. It offers a wide variety from boutique summer dresses to trendy sweaters that keeps you warm. The online boutique also specializes in rompers, jumpsuits, two-piece sets, coats, vests, cardigans, boutique tops, and women's accessories. Yes! Along with the trendy tops for women, you can also get the matching accessories like hair accessories to stand out of the crowd.
ReplyDelete24*7 mobile truck repair in Atlanta.. Premium Truck and Trailer Repair LLC all the truck repair, trailer repair, services in Conley, Atlanta. Premium Truck and Trailer Repair LLC offers high quality and cost effective truck and trailer repair services. Our professional truck repair near me can fix your heavy duty truck and trailer for hassle free travel.
ReplyDeletesupreme clothing
ReplyDeleteyeezy shoes
jordan retro
off white nike
golden goose
supreme clothing
yeezy boost 700
christian louboutin outlet
balenciaga
kd 11 shoes
immigration law firm NJ providing legal services and representation to clients throughout the state and region. The firm’s practice areas encompass Corporate Law, family law, divorce, and DACA. Our experience enables us to provide the best solutions through creative ways and specific strategies tailored to your legal matter.
ReplyDeleteSo it is very important to satisfy user needs. For that, there is a number of steps that are needed to follow perfectly.small wind turbine generator
ReplyDeleteThanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work.80s shirts mens
ReplyDeletecurry 6 shoes
ReplyDeleteyeezy 350
curry 7
curry 7
kd shoes
off white jordan 1
curry 7 shoes
kevin durant shoes
kevin durant shoes
yeezy
This is a shrewd online journal. I would not joke about this. You have such a great amount of information about this issue, thus much energy. You likewise know how to make individuals rally behind it, clearly from the reactions.manufactured home transporters
ReplyDelete