First Snow

We woke Saturday morning to drifting snow. And as the day went on, so did the snow.

Fortunately, there was no need for the dash to the grocery for bread and milk and diapers that so many folks in this county seem to perform as a reflex in response to the first flakes.

There was one thing to do -- walk barefoot in the first snow to ensure health all year. Eddie tells me he's safe.

And now so am I.

(I don't always walk so spraddle-foot; that was me being ultra-cautious on a slick surface, not wanting to be healthy but with broken bones.)

It was a perfect day to sit by the fire with our five dogs, as well as Justin and Claui's two who were dropped off for doggy day care.

And I had the page proofs of The Day of Small Things which arrived late Friday! I have to read through all 400 plus pages very, very carefully in search of typos and other errors.

I've been away from Day and so deep in Under the Skin that it's almost like reading someone else's book.

And, though I'm only a third of the way through it right now, I've got to say that I'm glad it was I who wrote it.

Seriously, I've almost made myself cry a couple of times (not an easy thing to do.)

I'm looking forward to the rest of it -- I hope it's as good!

Page Proofs !!!

My page proofs for In A Dark Season are here! This is my last chance to catch those typos and weirdnesses that the book gremlins sneak into unwary manuscripts. I'm reading through v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, trying hard not to get caught up in the story and read at my usual gallop.

Believe it or not: there are bits in here I'd forgotten. We made some changes on my last pass through -- a Janice turned into a Tracy and a few other odds and ends. Anyway, I'm finding myself excited to revisit some of these scenes. I really think this is the best Elizabeth Goodweather novel yet. Very soon the ARCs (advance reading copies) will be sent to reviewers and I'll be waiting anxiously, hoping some of them agree.