For those that missed my post on the weekend, ice-out has officially been called for last Thursday. Jeff has updated the Ice-out page.

I was amused by the photo above, which Steve Brinich took while walking through his neighbourhood. I checked out their Web site, but it looks like OHI is an acronym rather than a last name. Darn, thought I found a new relative. :-)

Knowing that housestuff (we get possession in 26 days!) is likely going to be cutting into my writing time, I've been focussing on fiction writing lately, with a goal of getting Puck's Hollow finished and sent off to my agent. This is the novel I wrote for Nanowrimo a couple of years ago before my tendinitis hit, and I liked it enough to want to edit/polish it for publication. With the various setbacks I've encountered since (including a sprained elbow and a detached retina), it's been a bit of a struggle and it's sometimes been hard to stay positive throughout. Viavoice was fine for nonfiction, but agonizing for fiction writing.

BUT things are getting better, and continue to improve.

My article in the current issue of Country Connections magazine.

Now that my tendinitis has improved enough so I can do solid stints of writing at a time, I'm VERY keen to get this book finished so I can start/finish editing other fiction projects. I carry my laptop around and work whenever and wherever I can; I take soundproof headphones with me to block out whatever chaos is going on. I set my computer alarm to force me to take arm breaks every 30 minutes. I've been spending much time offline, and (as some of you have already become aware, I know) my personal e-mail and blog-reading have fallen behind. Thanks for your patience.

I still comb the freelance writing job boards for opportunities and update Inkygirl when I do. If any of you have writer-type friends, please do tell them about Inkygirl; I've only recently started to update regularly. Inkygirl is a weblog for writers who work from home, and I post telecommuting jobs for writers, resources, writing-related editorial, cartoons and Painter experiments (the latter is part of my ongoing prep for illustration work).

By the way, Joy Kogawa's Naomi's Road has been rereleased with a brand-new cover and interior illustrations...by my sister! From Amazon.ca's reviews: "Based on her award-winning adult novel, Obasan, Joy Kogawa's Naomi's Road takes younger readers on a remarkable journey into the life and times of six-year-old Naomi Nakane as she grows up in the shadow of one of the darkest moments in Canadian history."

While you're ordering Joy's book, of course, you should also buy a copy of Ruth's new book, Me and My Sister, which is only $5.95 on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com.

Ruth just got back from her book tour in Ottawa and is getting interviewed by YTV as I post this Blathering, by the way. I believe she'll be appearing on a show called This is Daniel Cook. I'll post more airing schedule info when I know more.

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