STUFF

     First: I never did hear back from Karin about the IF I LIE giveaway, so I'm afraid I can't get the book to her.  It wasn't easy for me to choose a runner-up, but I'm choosing Cheyanne.  Cheyanne, congrats!  Again, please email me your address at muranosb@gmail.com, and I'll get the book right out to you!
     Next: I spent the weekend, beginning early Friday morning, at a writer's retreat with three of my fellow critique group members.  We stayed at Michele's house on Cape Cod - vacation home for now, all too soon to become primary residence when Michele and her husband retire and leave New Jersey.  The weekend was wonderful.  We drove through torrential rains both ways, but it was well worth it.  Aside from grocery shopping and eating (we never did make it out to a restaurant, except en route) and one lovely walk on the beach (complete with seals poking their heads up out of the water to look at us!), we just wrote and critiqued.  What a luxury, what a blessing, to have a full day to set aside all other responsibilities and just focus on our writing.  Good company, lovely surroundings, and a full day to do what we love best.  It was a treasure of a weekend, the kind I wish for every writer.  I'm tired and inspired and rejuvenated, all at the same time.  Thanks, Michele and Julie and Alice!  I love you guys!