Today is a hodgepodge. Monday, I started Kate Coombs online class, Creating Strong MG and YA Fiction, taught through Writers U. The homework has already stirred story plots and provided a long list of must reads. I’ll report in full on the class when it finishes in four weeks.
On the down side of this week, three months ago my husband lost his job of twenty years. There’s been no job offers yet. Like so many others, we’re facing hard decisions. I’m returning to portraiture (animals only this time) and selling my art. My stomach churns at the thought. I’ve loved every minute of the last two years, writing and studying the craft. I worry I won’t have the time or energy to finish my books. I’m afraid I’ll lose touch with the writers I’ve met and my dream to be a successful novelist will dribble down a hole.
On the up side, late last week, I found a box on my doorstep. I opened it up to find another box, this one crisp white with the words Rothrock’s, Honesdale, Pa. written on it. Inside, a card sat atop mounds of tissue paper. It read: Susan, From all of us at Highlights, congratulations. We look forward to publishing your winning story soon! Sincerely, Christine Clark, Editor in Chief. I peeled back the tissue paper and a small pewter bowl gleamed up at me. Engraved on the outside was Highlights for Children, Fiction Contest 2012. Isn’t it wonderful that just when you need it most, confirmation comes?
