Boothbay, Maine. Photo by my husband, John

1. I finished my chapter book revision this morning. Now I just need to read it through and send it off to my critique partners for a last look before our meeting on Wednesday. Then it's back to my editor!


2. We're having our house painted, which is a challenge with a little yappy dog, a son with autism, and a guinea pig who squeals with delight every time one of the painters comes inside to use the bathroom or get a drink of water or ask for a Band-aid, etc. But we're getting through it. I just keep repeating to myself: "It will be beautiful when it's done."


3. I've been scouting out a location for my fourth novel. I don't have a story yet, but novels often start with a setting for me. So I'm looking around and leaving myself open to the possibilities.


4. We've had so much rain that my gardens are crazy overgrown. My backyard chipmunks must think they've moved to the jungle!


5. I loved this article from British Columbia about birthday books, including Happy Birthday Hamster. I love that it says we have an inspired partnership. "Cynthia Lord is a Newbery Honor author and Derek Anderson is the illustrator of the delightful Little Quack books written by Lauren Thompson. Happy Birthday Hamster with its oversize format, funny rhymes and delightful illustrations is an inspired partnership."

Read more: http://www.nsnews.com/news/Sweet+stories+picture+book+crowd/8639670/story.html#ixzz2Ypsda8fV