Stuck on a deserted island

So there you are, stuck on a deserted island. In your backpack you’ve got a nifty water purifying thingy; a lighter; some objects that you can MacGyver into something to procure food with; a waterproof pup tent; some chocolate kisses; a pack of cigarettes; and a book. What book is it? Mine might be Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle. Because at first it would make me laugh.

Now no cheating. No iPads, Nooks, Kindles, or blank Moleskins. I want to know what you would read if you had only one thing to read. Over and over again. And why. Why that book? And who put those cigarettes in your backpack?

Good Karma: Being Kind to People on the Other End of Queries

I know I promised I’d write about building yourself a platform but… not today! I’m just not in the mood. Can I just share with you? Yes, you! Stop smiling and looking over your shoulder. I’m talking to YOU, the person who’s reading this blog post. Ok then.

Today I had lunch with an editor, someone who I initially met on Twitter. It was so nice to meet somebody who actually looks like their profile picture! (I wonder… did she think the same thing of me? Do I look like my profile picture? Which profile pic did she look at? Straight hair? Curly?) We had a lovely lunch, talking about books, about what she’s looking for, about what I’m looking for, about reading, about my Grandmother, her father, trying to eat a frisee salad politely, ordering gluten free, about books, about authors, about books, about books, about books. Totally my kind of lunch.

One of the other things we talked about is remembering that there are people on the other side of those queries. It’s an issue I’ve mentioned before as something that is very important to me. I think it’s just good karma to be attentive to that; to try to be kind even if you have to pass on someone’s manuscript. You reap what you sow, kind of thing. And also, I’ve got years of being a bitch in my personal life to make up for. Karmically, that is.

That’s all. Just wanted to share that.

How was your day? Did you write? Did you talk about books to anybody? Did you eat frisee?

Linda Unplugged

Hi folks! The Blabbermouth here.

I’ve tried very hard to unplug since last Friday afternoon at 5pm. Hardly Tweeting. Barely looking at Facebook. Haven’t gone near my e-mail. You see, I’m “on vacation.” I was trying to get through some more queries, but I’ve decided that I’m just. not. doing it. I really need a break. I bought 5 magazines at the bookstore today, not even books! I’ve got a bunch of full manuscripts to get through in the next week or so. And house guests! I’ve got so many people coming and going I feel dizzy with it! But you know what?! I’m going to somehow sneak in a book before the New Year. That means an actual book, with pages and everything.

What should I read?!