Right now I'm playing with picture book texts, waiting to hear from a publisher (but now my secret agent Erin does most of the obsessing), revising a novel, writing a new novel, preparing a speech, and wondering if dark chocolate's on the menu for lunch. Luckily, it usually is...

New Year's Resolutions for 2008

• Write every weekday, and some weekends, too.

• Figure out how to juggle.

• Prioritize life: family, writing, exercise, MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS (an extremely worthwhile early literacy non-profit organization I volunteer my time and money to).  Forget about housekeeping. It will go away. If the dog licks the floor, that is the same as mopping.

• Say no more often. Say it frequently. NoNoNoNoNo!

• Always bring a manuscript to critique group. No excuses.

• Keep my cell phone charged.

• Stop losing things, especially mind.

I am happy to report that I kept most of my 2007 resolutions, especially since I don't play minesweeper anymore, having regained the family championship (123 seconds, sweet). Besides, on-line SCRABBLE is more fun.