This has been a busy and exciting month. As most of you have heard by know, the release date for "A Question of Boundaries" is August 26, wherever e-books are sold. It's a little different from my other books as far as setting and time, but the main theme of all my books is still there -- relationships. Relationships between friends and between lovers. Will Caroline get the moody, guilt-ridden Nathan to return her affection? Can she accept her rather strange new friends for what they are?I've begun a sequel and am almost finished with the first draft. The trouble is, these long, summer days are not conducive to sitting down at a computer and imagining other worlds. I made it a goal this year to clean up the yard and most days I'm out there working. I expect I look a sight with my knee-high rubber boots, stained jeans and tee, and a bandanna wrapped around my forehead because, to be honest, I sweat. A lot.
A young neighbor walked by yesterday and asked, "How old are you?"
I didn't think it was impertinent and I'm not ashamed of my age, so I told her. She looked amazed. "I hope I'm that young when I'm old," she said. "You sure have a lot of energy."
I didn't tell her my back hurt and that as soon as I cleaned up the trash in the yard that I'd created by my "energetic" lopping of branches and pulling up vines, I was going inside to put my feet up and possibly drink the last beer in the refrigerator.
"Just stay active," I told her, "and you will be."
Reminded me of what a relative said at our recent family weekend. "Sandy does pretty well for her age."
Ha. I think I do, too. Especially when I sit down to write. Then, age doesn't matter. I'm the same age as my heroine, and as eager for adventure. I remember what it was like to fall in love and it doesn't seem that long ago. The only difference between me and a 20-something author is that I have more experience to draw on.
Yep, I hope I'm that young when I'm old!
I like what you said about being as young as your heroine - makes sense to me! We have to get into the minds of our characters anyway, even the "bad guys"! which is hard to do sometimes. You have more ambition than I do - My daughter and I hire someone to clean up our yards - she lives next door to me - so he does both at the same time and charges me very little since I'm also an elder. Do you like that term "elder"? Or Senior? Many stores give us a "senior discount". In that case, I don't mind being called a Senior. Smiles
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to discounts, I like Bojangles, where they yell "V.I.P. coffee!" instead of "senior." But I kinda like being a crone. Makes me feel all witchy and powerful.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I still feel 25 (most days) so am always astounded when I look in the mirror and see my mother's face staring back at me. :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind that so much -- my Mom was a a pretty woman.
DeleteKeep on, Sandy.
ReplyDeleteLast Sunday, my son said, "Mom, you are in much better shape than I am. It's sad. Really sad."
He looked pensive for a minute, then I told him, "Get your butt in shape then. Make it your priority. If I don't use my age as an excuse, then you have none."
Children. I tell you.
I think recess in elementary school and PE (gym) all 12 years in school got my generation into a life-long habit of physical movement. It's a crime that kids today aren't encouraged to use their bodies as well as their minds.
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