Memoirous

and boy are my arms tired . . . Sort of sounds like an old joke doesn't it, but, no, for real, my fingers are tired from typing. I got so so so much done that I'm actually looking forward to the rest of 2012. When projects tend to drag or the last 20 pages feel overwhelming, then we need to get away and concentrate. What I started last year (a mere seed) at the SCBWI New Year's Writer retreat at the Chicago Cenacle I was able to FINISH. Yay! So for those of you who didn't sign up for the retreat or didn't think of it at the time, please consider taking a retreat, sign out a room at the Cenacle* and get started or push through to the other side. *Rates are VERY reasonable and include meals.

What We Need is Here Geese appear high over us, pass, and the sky closes. Abandon, as in love or sleep, holds them in their way, clear in the ancient faith: what we need is here. And we pray, not for a new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye, clear. What we need is here. --Wendell Berry This amazing little poem, bit of wisdom was left on my pillow at the Cenacle, a retreat center here in Chicago on Fullerton Ave. right next to the zoo. The retreat was anything but zooey. It was the first weekend of 2011 and I used it to get started on a novel that I'm currently finishing up revising. I also wrote a short story that I've revised a couple of times this year and finally submitted--hopefully to win a prize. If in the area why not sign up for the SCBWI New Year's Retreat--and get your 2012 off write, right? Contact me if you need further info.