I am happy to report that Jane and I have finally turned in the final, final draft of Except the Queen-- which I think might even be scheduled for publication sometime late next year. I did the final edit-to-cut, and managed to cut a big chunk of lovely but unnecessary text out of the manuscript to give us a leaner and more muscular version of the novel. There is nothing quite so daunting as cutting out another writer's text -- especially one as well-known as Jane Yolen, so I was quite relieved when she approved. That was some pat on the back.
I celebrated by heading north to see family, enjoy a bit of cool respite from the desert heat, and paddle my toes in Lake Michigan. So now I am home, my study is cleaned...and well...I guess I am ready to get back to new work and the blog. Recess is officially over.
*art is "The Jungle" by Cuban painter Wilfredo Lam.
