Where does the time go? I aim to blog weekly, but August zoomed by. Did it zoom by for you all, too? I’ve been doing lots of playing, which has been a blast. Boating, hiking, shopping, movies, reading, you name it. But, I’ve been working too.

Yesterday morning, I met with a fabulous new writing friend at Starbies (my cutesy name for Starbucks). We drank coffee, gabbed about books, writing, and had a grand time. Did I really just say grand? My friend is married to an English guy and must be rubbing off on me.

Today, I finished THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen. I absolutely adore her books and think about her characters long after the book’s over. She totally rocks. Can’t wait to read her next one.

I’m dying to read the 4th book in the TWILIGHT series. I need to pick that up. Did you all hear about the midnight bashes the bookstores threw when BREAKING DAWN came out? Apparently, a lot of wedding dresses were worn. Does anyone know if Bella married Edward? Don’t tell, just curious if anyone has the 411! Went to the SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS movie yesterday and saw the preview for TWILIGHT. No way I’m missing that when it comes out.

Lastly, I’ve written a few more scenes in ZOMBIE LOVE. It’s getting near the end (so sad!) and is so hard to wrap up. More and more keeps pouring out. Ah, well. I’m sure I’ll have to cut later. Although, Stephenie Meyer didn’t have to! Or maybe she did.

Hope you’ve all had a fabulous few weeks. Been balancing the work and play as well?

Well, the summer is blowing by quickly. Love the sunny weather. In addition to great hiking, I’ve been doing lots of reading. If you’re wondering why I’ve only added one book to my Susan’s Reading list lately, it’s because I’ve been perusing non-fiction health books (guess who’s been juicing?!).

I’ve also been browsing mags about Reece and Jake’s Paris vacay (so cute!), but that doesn’t really count as reading.

Anyway, I’m looking to pick up a good YA novel after I finish the book I’m currently on. Anyone have an awesome recommendation? What are you all reading right now?

After several weeks hiatus, I’m sitting down to write the second half of my new YA and it’s such a struggle.  Normally, when I’m writing a book, I sit down with my fingers at the keyboard and the scenes just flow out.  There’s still the need for editing after the first draft is complete, but the story itself usually pours out event after event.  Not when I take a break though.

I think it might be like when you haven’t seen your girlfriend for awhile and you have to catch up on everything you missed while you were away.  I’m kinda chatting with my characters right now and feeling them out for what’s gonna happen next.  So much is going on in the book and I’m dying to know how it ends.

I’ll dabble a little more, but might have to use a little trick–reading the story fresh from the beginning.  That almost always puts me back in the writing groove.

Do you ever have similar experiences?  When you’ve been away for awhile and you have to test the waters before diving back in?

I’m reading a book right now and am having issues with it.  You know those books that you can’t put down even when your eyes are stinging and it’s 2am?   Well, this is the exact opposite situation.  But, I can’t walk away.

If I were only a few pages in and not invested at all, I could put it down.  But, this is a sequel and the first book was fairly entertaining.  Plus, I keep waiting to see if it’s going somewhere.  Oh, please let this book wrap up well.  I might crack if it stays the same for another hundred and thirty pages.

Can you walk away from a book that just isn’t grabbing you?  Or, like me, do you read on hoping it will pull together in the end?

What do you guys think of Ebooks? They’ve always sounded cool to me, in theory–but at the same time, I’m in love with holding the actual book in hand. I’m not sure if I’m willing to divide my commitment, you know?

But, I’m browsing books on the Internet and numerous Ebooks keep catching my attention. They’re cheaper than regular books, for one. And, did you know that you can fit a couple HUNDRED books in one handheld reading device?

Plus, you can buy extra chips to add memory. How convenient to take hundreds of books with me wherever I go. If I were to physically carry the same number of hardback/paperbacks. . . well, let’s just say that would take some serious muscle (not to mention balancing skills).

This whole Ebook idea is quite attractive. I mean, how cute is this reading device (click here)? And, this pink, reading device cover I found is irresistible (click here). I want to buy them on cute quality alone.

Reading from a physical book has always worked well for me, but what if this little gizmo’s better? That’s why I’m coming to you.

Anyone used one of these gadgets? What do you think of them?

I’m trying a new way of writing. It’s unnerving, it’s chaotic, it’s working!!

Want to know my trick? Writing blind. This means turning off the monitor while I write. Or, if I’m on my laptop, writing with a piece of paper covering the screen. I got this tip from the instructor of my writing class (Dennis Foley) and it’s weird how this method makes the story unfold faster. It flows from my mind to my fingers without my eyes getting in the way. Cool, huh?

I’m currently working on Chapter Eighteen of Zombie Love and I’m reading another one of Sarah Dessen’s books, This Lullaby. It’s good so far, but I’m still savoring Someone Like You, which is up there as one of my top faves.

This weekend, I’m heading to an Easter bash where, rumor has it, the Easter Bunny will be parachuting in. It’s snowing right now, so let’s hope he bundles up for his jump.

Hope you’re all having a great week!

I just started reading a new book called Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. I’d seen the cover before at bookstores, Target, etc. It looked cute and inviting, but when I opened to the first page the font was just so SMALL.

Last week, I was taking the red-eye back from Kauai and I don’t sleep on airplanes. It’s not that I don’t want to, but how people sleep sitting up in a room full of other people is beyond me. What if someone decided to paint my face blue? Or put stuff in my hair? No snoozing on the airplane for me, thanks.

Knowing I had six-plus hours to kill while at 36,000 feet, I cruised the bookstore at the airport. There are slim pickin’s on YAs at the airport, let me tell you. I ended up buying Prep. It’s a trade-size paperback with small font and the tiny words looked intimidating to me.

It seems strange that font-size should a play a part in whether or not I want a book, but there you have it. I guess I obtain a certain satisfaction in turning the page or getting to the end of a chapter at a certain speed. Beats me why. I will say that I’m three hundred pages into Prep now and the font isn’t bugging me like it used to. But, I still gaze at my TBR pile and can’t wait to get back to a normal font-sized book.

Does font size matter to any of you?

I’m back from the land of Aloha. The island sent us home with a lovely fever/cough combo to remember it by. Mahalo bunches for that one, Kauai. Thank goodness for Tylenol cuz I have lots to do.

I ran some errands that couldn’t wait, worked on Chapter 12 of Zombie Love, and read through the beginning of Misa Ramirez’ Dead Girl Walking for her (Misa’s first book, Living La Vida Lola hits stores in January 2009). Now, I’m getting ready to head to a writing class I signed up for. And did I mention the snow’s pouring down?

I’m slipping on my UGGs, then I’m off. Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday!

Sorry for not posting last Monday. I was, um, at the beach. Same with Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and–before you ask–yeah, I’m going again today. When the beach calls, I must answer.

But, I’m checking in to say HI this morning so don’t feel neglected! In addition to the beach, I’ve been going to the local library and working on Chapter 8 of Zombie Love. I’ve also been getting lots of reading in.

I did something quite fun yesterday. My hubby’s a golfer (I’m not) and I rode in the golf cart with him yesterday (they charge a whopping $4 for riders). The views from the Kukuiolono Golf Course are AMAZING. Green grass, palm trees, ocean views and best of all, whale spouts poofing up in the water as the whales trucked along in the ocean.

I brought Sarah Dessen’s That Summer w/me to the golf course thinking I’d get tons of reading in, but I ended up chatting with my hub and his golfing partners between their plays/strokes/or whatever-the-proper-golfing-lingo is. Was LOTS of fun and can’t wait to go again. This time I will remember to SPF 30 my shoulders…they are a beautiful shade of pink right now.

I’ll try to check in again this Monday so as not to upset those of you who hate me (Stephanie!), but if the beach calls again…I’m gonna have to answer (we’ll see, Steph!).

What have you all been up to this week?

I’m sitting here thinking about how much I love being a writer. How nothing could replace it. Here’s the short list of why it floats my boat:

10 Things I love about being a writer:

• 1. Thinking is working.

• 2. Watching movies is working.

• 3. Reading is working.

• 4. Making things up is working.

• 5. Hanging w/writers is working.

• 6. Commuting is two feet.

• 7. People-watching is research.

• 8. The dress code rocks (mainly sweats & slippers).

• 9. I can write anywhere (laptops travel).

• 10. The subjects to write about are endless.

I could’ve gone on (and on, and on), but I need to get back to my wip and I’m sure you don’t have all day, either.

But, before you head off into cyberland, share with us. . . What floats YOUR boat? Why?