Friday Update

I've been a bad blogger. Haven't posted a Friday update in weeks. I've been too jammed to even lift my head, as I'm barreling toward the end of my work-in-progress and it's hard to take a break. The emotional zone I'm in is pretty heavy.

But ... due to financial necessity, I took on a big freelance copywriting assignment, so I've had to break my flow. And of course, that only added to my logjam.

Good new is that I've made excellent progress on the novel. I'm at 77,000 words now, and expect to finish up at around 85,000. The copywriting job is moving along well, and I have to admit there's something satisfying about getting back in the saddle.

In other news ...



*I had lunch this week with a great group of Long Island lit pals. Left-to-right in the photo are Saralee Rosenberg, yours truly, Carol Hoenig, Debbi Honorof and Brenda Janowitz.

* Speaking of Brenda Janowitz, she has an excellent article posted in Publishers Weekly today. It's all about the high concept novel, and if you're a writer, you really should check it out: What's a Novel Without a Hook?

* Right now I'm reading Robin's Slick's forthcoming book, DADDY LEFT ME ALONE WITH GOD. What a ride! I'm loving it and am thrilled she asked if I could provide a blurb. My biggest problem will be finding the words to do it justice.

* My writer friends have been so industrious lately it's inspiring. I'm happy to share with you a link to another terrific article--this one by the very funny and talented Debra Borden. Read it and weep, laugh, etc: Generations: In the Gym ...

* I'm happy to announce I've been invited to speak at the Newburyport Literary Festival, April 24-25. It's a wonderful event with such literary stars as Andre Dubus III, Anita Shreve, Julia Alverez, Elinor Lipman, Richard Bausch, Peter Orner, Lewis Turco, Anne Easter Smith, David Crouse, Junot Diaz and more. If you're in the Newburyport/Boston/Eastern Mass. area I hope you can come!

* One more thing I really want you to click into. It's an interview Donna George Storey did with my pal Susan DiPlacido. Here's a little sample to whet your appetite:

DGS: What draws you to Las Vegas? Do you have any recommendations for a first-time visitor to get beyond the tourist traps to get an authentic “Vegas Experience”?

SD: I'm a shallow person, and, some would say, a degenerate gambler and a bit of a drunk. So, Vegas is a good fit. Read more ...