Friday, May 24, 2024

What's Going On

 Time flies.  Just like that there are cherries and peaches at Costco.  May is flying by and my trip to Writers Police Academy/Killercon is fast approaching. Jakey is almost finished with first grade.  I am go glad to be able to see him just about everyday.  We are already planning some short trips for summer.  I love going places with him and hearing his take on things. 

He used to just come to the door of the room that I write in when he wanted something--usually food.  But now he comes up right next to me, usually starling me.  I just realized that I think he is looking to see what is on my computer screen as he can read now.

I had to set aside the next Molly book while  work on the edits for Classy Yarns and Tea for You.  I thought the editor might suggest making the title shorter, but she didn't, so I guess that will be it.  Even though her editorial suggestions are just here and there, I go over the whole manuscript, tweaking and correcting as go.  I am enjoying going through it.  I really like the characters.

Even though I more or less set Molly's next adventure aside, doesn't mean that I'm not thinking about it.  I keep noticing things that relate to the plot and take notes.  

I can't wait to get back to working on it.  I am calling it MURDER BY THE HOOK. 

8 comments:

Linda D Osborn said...

My youngest granddaughter graduates from Jr.High today, in Idaho. I do have the little ones, great grands, all on the east coast now. Be glad you have Jakey around most of the time. Looks like he may be your only grandchild !!

The year is really flying by , June in a week. That academy trip sounds great. I should have been a detective. My birth family is from that area too, many still there.

Thank you for the mention in the last book, very kind of you. I am a forever fan. Take care, I know you are keeping busy !!

Patty Jenkins said...

Good morning -- Love the name for the new Molly book -- my kids think having a crochet hook involved with murder is funny!!

Your grandson finished first grade, mine finished eighth. They had a promotion ceremony -- played "Pomp and Circumstance" as the students walked on stage -- made me cry. The kids didn't wear a cap and gown -- just whatever they wanted and wow, some of them really wanted what I thought was totally inappropriate. One girl had a long dress that was so tight she had to take tiny mincing steps in her high platform shoes!!

Tomorrow is Project Linus drop-off day -- I have a good stash to give them. I'm loving the stripes and speckle yarns -- makes up beautifully. Last evening, I went through the binder in which I keep my patterns and got it a bit more organized -- some "patterns" are just ideas I've jotted on a slip of paper, others are actual patterns.

How's the floor repair going? Be nice when it's done, whenever that may be!!

Enjoy your weekend --

Linda O. Johnston said...

I agree that time really flies, Betty. I'll be eager to hear your experience at Writers Police Academy/Killercon. And how fun that Jakey is almost finished with first grade! Wish I got to see my grandsons more often.
And your writing definitely sounds like fun!

Betty Hechtman said...

Linda Osborn, It must be hard having your grand and great grandchildren so far away. Yes, it looks like Jakey is it and I am so glad to be able to be so close with him. I didn't have any living grandparents and am trying to be the grandmother I wish I had.

I remember that you said you had a family connection to Appletonn. This will be the third time I'm going to WPA in Appleton. At least I know what to expect. It's not a great area for vegetarians, but I know there is a Jimmie Johns next to the hotel that has a vegetarian sandwich.

I am glad to include you in the books. I consider you a friend.

Betty Hechtman said...

Linda Johnston, it must be hard haiving your grandsons in Indiana. Even with FaceTime and Zoom etc, not the same as being in their presence. I love being able to be there in person.

Even though my books are all cozy and the cops always miss the real perp, I like knowing how things really go. This time it is supposed to be set up to start with a murder and then follow how it is investigated. The speakers are an ex Chicao cop, some CSI people, a detective and some other experts. It's also a safe place to ask question that might seem suspicious if I asked the local cops. I have gone to WPA numerous times and always end up using something I learned there.

Betty Hechtman said...

Patty, I probably sound like a crumegeon but I think a lot of the clothes girls are wearing are really awful. Stuff being so tight or so revealing seems really inappropriate.

I bet those Project Linus people love to see you. I imagine all those blankets being cuddled by their grateful recipients.

The floor repairing, Ha! We are still dealing with the insurance company and getting estimates. The house is livable and I'm not looking forward to the upheaval when the work is doe, so I'm not in a rush.

Happy crocheting!

Sally Morrison said...

My grandkids span ten years. 22 to 12. The oldest granddaughter (22) is getting married on May 31. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. The sweet little babies are grown. Four are actual adults. The next one is 17 and the two youngest are 13 and 12. I miss the babies but I'm so happy to see how they are growing up to be good people.

I'm excited for the wedding. It will be a grand affair.

I just finished your latest book. Loved it. I'm now re-reading all of the yarn retreat mysteries.

chkntza said...

I am always amazed at how hard and long authors work to write a story and we readers devour it in such a short time. I taught first grade my whole teaching career. It is the best grade! Enjoy your time at the WPA. I finished an afghan I have been working on and now I have to find a place to donate it.