My blog posts have been few and far between lately, mostly because I had two editorial letters for two different projects land on my desk last week, so I’ve been keeping my head down to revise. One of those books — the picture book — is just about ready to go back to my editor and off to its illustrator. My critique partners say it’s pretty much set, so I’m just giving it a couple more days to brew, to make sure I don’t have "senders’ remorse" when I fire off that email.
The other revision, for my Dec. 2010 MG novel SUGAR ON SNOW, is….bigger. But I think I’ve figured out a good way to tackle it, and I promise a nice juicy process post about that soon, for those of you who are like me and can’t get enough of the processy details.
Today, though, a breath of fall — courtesy of my kids, who pulled me away from my laptop for a couple hours, and some other critters we hiked with at Point au Roche State Park.
Wooly bear caterpillars were everywhere, getting ready to hibernate in the next couple weeks.
I apparently got too close because this guy actually coiled up and struck at my camera. I think he fancies himself a rattlesnake.
It’s funny… sometimes when I’m revising, I just need to be locked in a room with my laptop. But sometimes, getting out of that room is even more important to the process for me. Looking up through the trees, getting close to a caterpillar, close enough to see the green flecks on a snake, gives me new eyes for my story, too.
That third picture is gorgeous!
Beautiful!
Oh, I was expecting the tree, and I can handle the snake. But those caterpillars–that’s my one freak-out. And ours don’t even have the brown stripe. Shudder! 🙂
Thanks, Anne Marie – it was a gorgeous afternoon!
Thanks!
See? I posted this and was expecting people to go all woozy over the snake. I guess you just never know… :^)
I love your pictures! And I know what you mean…
A day like that demands to be spent outside. Glad you were able to get away – with your camera!
What a wonderful reminder to “get out and smell the roses.” Thank you!
And hooray on your 2010 MG novel!
Eep! Must catch up on my reading! 🙂
I’m pretty sure those leaves are what just fueled me through this last hour of revision…
Thanks, Debbie!
Thanks, Deb~ I guess I haven’t talked about the 2010 book in a while because this fall’s been so busy. But yes…it’s due out in December and revision deadlines are rapidly approaching!
All 3 pictures are beautiful–such detail! The snake’s skin looks woven.
The third picture would’ve been a good cover for your book, too.
I’m always startled by garter snakes on the trail at first, but then I’m so happy when I slow down to get a closer look at them. Their skin really is stunning. Glad you enjoyed the photos!