Brandon Sanderson signing and gasps of horror

Yesterday I went to the Brandon Sanderson book signing here in town, along with my two teenage daughters. We were there primarily because of Daughter #2's love of his Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series, of which book five has yet to be released. She has been anxiously awaiting the promised fifth book in the series, so naturally that was, for her, the burning question of the night.

Mr. Sanderson was down-to-earth, friendly, funny and easy to talk to. When we finally made it up to the table for our turn, Daughter #2 told him how much she loved his books and how much she yearns to read the much anticipated book five. They chatted for a moment as he signed the books, and then it was Daughter #1's turn.

As he signed her copy of his newest book, The Rithmatist, Daughter #1 asked him a thoughtful question about what inspires him (part of his answer had something to do with being chased by a cubicle). We were listening intently when, suddenly, Daughter #2 gasped in horror, "Why would you WRITE that?!"

What terrible thing had he written on the page of her beloved book?

"P.S. (insert character name) dies."

After recovering from the shock of her outburst, he just kind of chuckled and she went on to tell him that he "really is a terrible person." If you have read Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, you will understand the significance of that statement.

I think that was the funniest moment of my year so far.

Today is Limerick Day!

I learned from a friend, almost too late, that today is Limerick Day! So, for the fun of it, here is a limerick inspired by the great and wonderful Dr. Seuss.

There once was this guy named Sam

who loved to eat green eggs and ham.

All day and all night

he said, "Please take a bite!"

But I said, "No way, Sam I Am!"

Something's Gotta Give

I have been thinking a lot lately about simplifying my life. So that means something's gotta give. And it's not going to be my writing, or my art, or my homemakerness. It has to be my day job.

I have truly enjoyed working in the library the past three years. It's been such a source of inspiration for me. And what better job for someone who loves books and children?

But, there are things that are more important to me than working a few days a week in order to bring home a few hundred bucks a month. I want to be able to see my kids off in the morning, rather than saying a hurried "see you later" over the noise of the hair drier. I want to be able to make pancakes for them if they want them. I want to be able to spend time with my husband when he has a day off during the week. I want more time to cook and clean and and write and create during the day, so I can focus on my family in the evenings and on the weekends.

With my kids being active in music and sports, I can't say that this change in my life will make my life simple. But at least it will give me a little more room to breathe. And to write.