I spent much of today typing on novel #2 and managed to squeeze out about 2500 words. There’s more to come IF, and that’s a big if, I can get my carpal tunnel in my right hand under control.

I developed the pesky (and painful) little annoyance last November when I did NaNoWriMo and haven’t been able to get rid of it since. Most days, I take Aleve or another NSAID and that does the trick, but other days (like today) it flares up and I either type left handed or don’t type at all. I tried a voice to text program but found it to be too slow and quite clumsy.

So, anyone have CT and have any tips to ease the pain? I’ve tried heating and cooling pads and haven’t had much relief. I did hear about steriod shots, but since I have an insanely intense fear of needles–that’s not for me.

Tips?

I’ve got a little question. Okay, see the blue-green graphic above? Yes? So, I made that with Publisher and I’d like to insert clickable links into that graphic. Whenever I do that, I end up making the links inactive when I load it into Blogger. I know it’s doable, but I’m not sure how. I don’t have PhotoShop, which I read is the key to do it.

Anyone know how to make that happen with Publisher or another standard program?

Thanks! 🙂

I cannot wait for late 2009. Why? Because Orlando, Florida is opening a Harry Potter theme park! 🙂 J.K. Rowling is actively involved in park design and details, so I’m sure the park won’t be anything less than extraordinary. I wish I could get tickets now. 🙂 Anyone else interested?

Also, Book Expo America is in NYC this weekend and it would be amazing to go and see the vendors and authors. Has anyone ever been?

TGIF!

Well, I’m thrilled to say that I have a start of www.jessicaburkhart.com up and running. Check it out and stayed tuned for much more content. 🙂

Today I’m tackling my new and soon-to-appear Website. I bought www.jessicaburkhart.com last week and am hard at work getting a new Website uploaded and ready for browsing. My old Website served its purpose as a launching pad for getting my name and work more visible, but now it’s time to move on to a bigger, better site with an easy to remember URL! 🙂

Once the site is up and running, I’ll post an announcement. It could take anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months, but I’m working on getting at least a basic Website running soon.

Do you have a Website? If so, did you design it yourself or did you hire someone?

And, go congratulate Diana on her big news!

Today it’s back to the work week and more waiting will commence. I still have submissions (on my YA novel) out and around NYC, so I must find devices to keep myself amused while I bite my nails. 🙂

I typed a lot over Sunday and Monday after not typing much for a couple of days. I managed to pull out 2600 words yesterday and am hoping to get close to that today. Instead of staring at my phone (at least it’s pink and cute!), I’m attempting to channel that nervous energy into my new book.

I’ve also been reading up a storm. Seriously. My book list for May is insane. I’m reading More Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet right now because I adored Lola Douglas’ first novel.

What are you reading right now?

EDIT: An insane story about book burning! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070528/ap_on_re_us/book_burning

It’s a holiday and I’m working! I’m about 75 pages into my new book (young adult novel #2) and am going to write until lunch. My family is grilling today and there’s no way I’m staying indoors when it’s going to be so nice outside. Eighty-nine degrees is pretty nice, huh?

I worried about a sophomore slump with the second book and was nervous that writing a second would be harder than writing the first, but that’s really not true for me. I’ve found this book to flow easier and I needed a distraction while I waited for news on my submissions. 🙂

I’m on assignment for Listen Magazine this week, so when I get updates on the assignment I’ll post them here.

Thank you all for your congratulations and support! 🙂 I’m going to take the weekend off to relax and do a little writing. I’ll have more details to share after next Tuesday and I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted. The second I make a decision, you’ll find it here!

Have a great weekend!

Hello everyone!

My lovely and fabulous agent, Alyssa Eisner Henkin at Trident Media Group has given me the go ahead to share some super-exciting news that we have been working on over the past week.

My first young adult novel has been shopped to publishers and has received immediate and outstanding interest from a couple of major publishing houses! I will be weighing offers over the next week and will certainly keep you all updated when I make a decision for the right publisher for my book.

I am incredibly grateful to Alyssa for making this happen and I couldn’t have done it without her!! 🙂 She is the dream agent and has been an outstanding partner through all of this.

This is an absolute dream and I cannot believe I will see my book in print! I’ve been itching to share this news with my blogging family and I hope you’re as excited as I am.

I look foward to keeping you all updated with details as they come in and I wish everyone a lovely holiday weekend!

This has been an incredibly slow month for freelancing. Normally, I’m popping out articles each week to different magazines and have at least 25 queries floating around, but this month, I’m down to 10 queries and no immediate desire to send more at the moment. Why? Fiction has taken over! I used to switch back and forth daily, but now I’m finding myself ready for a short break from freelancing and have decided to devote my writing time to fiction. For now. 🙂

Anyone swap between fiction and non-fiction? Do you find yourself strugging with the “rules” for each or is it an effortless switch?