Monday, May 17, 2010

Counting down...and looking ahead

This time of year gets me very excited, as I work for a school district. We’re now in single digits in the countdown for the last day of school. That’s probably enough on that subject, right? You don’t need to read another word to understand why I’m nearly bouncing off the walls, just like the kids.

I’m also in the countdown to turn in my latest manuscript for Harlequin American Romance, a book that--fingers crossed!--will be out sometime next year.

And I’m looking forward to summer.

For months, I’ve been making plans, writing to-do lists, and toying with an idea or two for stories I’d like to start writing next. The way things worked out this year, we don’t have any major trips lined up this summer, which will give me plenty of time to get everything done that I want to accomplish....

Well...it sounds good, anyway, doesn’t it?

Since I’m going to be a stay-at-home writer this summer, I’d love to hear what plans you have for vacation, whether you’re keeping close to home, too, or seeking adventures far and wide.

Talking about your trip in advance will prolong the pleasure and make you even more excited about it--just as counting down to the last day of school is doing for me!


All my best to you,

Barbara

~~~~~~

Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

16 comments:

Dale Mayer said...

You're bouncing off the walls because you'll finally have time to write. I'm bouncing off the walls because I'll have 4 kids home! Lol. As a full time writer, my summer plans include writing everyday and hitting the beach at least 6 out of 7 nights. There's nothing like de-stressing in the warm lake after the crowds have gone home and unwinding before bed.

Good luck on getting your latest book off and getting through these last days!!

Dale

Donnell Ann Bell said...

Barbara, you just went back to school, it seems. My how time flies. I'm delighted you'll be at home writing. For a writer, that is a vacation, right?

I've got a trip to Seattle and to Orlando planned. And in between, I hope you'll join me in getting back to our walking program. Good luck with your summer and book plans!

Barbara White Daille said...

Dale - thanks a bunch!

And I think you're so right. The idea of all that uninterrupted writing time is just pure bliss.

Of course, even full-time I don't think I can keep up with you! LOL

And you do it with four kids!!!

I'm glad you have the quiet night time at the lake for unwinding.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Cynthia D'Alba said...

Summer - just get me through National Conference and I'm home free! LOL

No vacation scheduled. I think hubby is going on a guy trip. (YEAH)

I think I'll be doing the "pontoon boat on the lake" thing all summer

Barbara White Daille said...

Donnell - I know--the time just breezes by!

Yes, all those hours of writing are definitely a vacation. I can't wait.

And YES, we need to get back to our walking program. (Can I say ***desperately?*** LOL Especially since I'll be spending so much more time at the computer.)

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Cyndi - that "pontoon boat on the lake" doesn't sound bad at all.

And the guy trip sounds even better. ;0) Oh, for a weekend of solitude.

Hmm...I think I'm noticing a trend to my responses here. Dale's right about why I'm bouncing off the walls!

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Amy Atwell said...

I used to love summer vacation--well, I guess I still do, even though it doesn't change my routine that much. Traveling to a conference midsummer, but other than that, I'm hoping to stick close to home and finish another book. Hmmm, sounds similar to your plan! Great minds!

Liz Lipperman said...

Did we know you just turned in a manuscript?? If you mentioned it, I was in another world -call it deadline brain.

Anyway, congrats and have fun this summer.

Estella said...

Being retired, I am on vacation all of the time----and never go any where. I prefer to stay home and read or garden.

Barbara White Daille said...

Amy - yes, definitely--great minds! LOL

I'll keep plugging away if you will, and by the end of the summer we'll both have something to show for it!

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Liz - no, you didn't know because I'm not quite there yet. Still on deadline.

But I'll make it!

Thanks for the advanced congrats.

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Barbara White Daille said...

Estella - it's nice that you have a garden and, of course, that you're such a great reader.

I would be lost if I didn't have opportunities to read good books and make up stories.

Enjoy your year-round vacation!

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

linda s said...

We are taking the car ferry from bellingham in washington State to Dutch Harbor, the last island you can reach by ferry in Alaska, and then returning to Prince Rupert and driving home. That's the plan. How it will play out with all the ferry changes is a mystery. Just an adventure.

Barbara White Daille said...

Linda - that sounds like a great trip!

I've never been to Alaska but I know quite a few people who cruised there and loved it.

Good luck with the ferry changes. Think of it as an adventure!

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Carol said...

Barbara, I can only imagine how up in the air you are about summer vacation! You certainly deserve lots of R&R. 'Course R&R to any writer is time to write.

I have my grandson several days a week during the summer. Needless to say I'm busier than ever, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Precious moments together mean the world.

We're planning a couple weeks away at the beach with the kids. Can't wait to begin playing with my grandson on the beach. He's nine and such fun! Everything is fresh in young minds and I love being transported back in time.

Good luck wrapping up your manuscript. I'm looking forward to reading your upcoming book also.

Barbara White Daille said...

Carol - your summer plans sound great, and it's fabulous that you're able to spend so much time with the grandson. He'll be a better person for it, I know.

And you're making memories that will never leave either of you.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving all those kind comments! Hope you enjoy FAMILY MATTERS. I sure had a *ton* of fun writing it. ;-)

Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com