Library Appearance, Among Other Things

So, tomorrow, I'll be speaking the Noblesville Library from 7PM to 8:30PM.  I've been fortunate over the last few years to be invited to speak at libraries.  I always say yes.  Libraries are sacred ground, neutral ground.  The place where ideas and answers can be found, no matter the angle of the discussion or argument or question.  I use the library frequently.  I hope there will always be real books on the shelf. It is a refuge that I seek out, sometimes just to sit and take it all in.

I have been noticeably absent from this blog since about mid-June.  I wish I could tell you that this is a return to regular posts, but I don't think it is.  Here's the thing--well, there are several things really: It never occurred to me when I first started out writing more than twenty years ago that there would ever be a physical cost from sitting in the chair doing my work.  But there has been.  I have had back problems for a while.  Turns out it's a common affliction among writers.  But in the late winter, my bad back got worse.  I won't bore you with the details, the appointments, the change in chairs and routines, but suffice to say, it's been a journey.  One that has left me with some nerve damage that may well be permanent.  I can live with it.  And for now, I've figured out how to sit and do my work, and walk away without much pain.  The thing is, I've had to focus on the work that I needed to do--my indexing work, and the novel that I'm writing that is due in October.  That was the priority.  Still is.

I like the idea of a blog, of having place where I can communicate outside the bounds of my books, or Facebook, but it may very well come to the point that I have to focus entirely on what I have to do, not on what on I want to do.

The other thing is simpler.  The new book has had sets of demands that I have not faced before, physically and creatively.  Some positive, some not so positive.  The book is still not done, and there are other projects lined up behind it.  I'm lucky to have an abundance of demands on my time between future writing projects and indexing projects that continue to fill my schedule.  I'm grateful to sit down at my desk every day, no matter the price.  

I have retreated into a more private space, and honestly, I'm much more comfortable being quiet, doing my work.  Especially right now...at least until I get the new book done, until the end of busy indexing season, until I figure out my space...

The dogs are good, and it's been an exceptionally pleasant summer in Indiana. The tomatoes are starting to come on.  The goldfinches are chirping.  It's the middle of August, usually heat and humidity season, and today, I have the windows wide open and the A/C shut off.  It was 48 degrees when I walked the dogs this morning.  Maybe it's the new normal.

If you're out and about tomorrow evening, stop by the library.  It'd be great to see you.

Sunny in his favorite evening spot.

Brodi keeping an eye on me while I work.

Indiana tomatoes...