Repeat the Sounding Joy

Hello, friends. I know I said I wouldn't be blogging anymore, but it turns out I just can't help myself. I'm feeling the need to connect in as many ways as I can.

This past year has been a doozy. A series of tests revealed a malignant, early-stage sarcoma in my right shoulder area, which required surgery. The surgery involved the severing of my C5 and C6 nerves, which led to a delicate nerve graft, for which I am still engaging in intensive physical therapy. I endured the extraction of my wisdom teeth, three months of radiation, and four months of chemo. And worst of all, my beloved grandfather passed away.

But all this has not diminished my sense of hopefulness. Because, all things considered, I'm still probably luckier than 99% of people in this world. I have a wonderful husband and amazing family and friends. I have a roof over my head in a vibrant, unique city. I get to make a living doing what I love. And I seem to be keeping all things cancerous at bay. I have a pretty sweet deal, people.

Big thanks to all those who supported me over the past year; I had no idea so much generosity and love was possible. You really outdid yourselves.

And for all this, I look forward to 2011 with joy.

Happy Bird-day!

Hello, friends. Can you believe Bluebird Works has been in business a full year already?

Many thanks to all the fine-feathered friends who've been so helpful and supportive over the past 365 days. And tweet regards to my fabulous, brilliant clients; working with each one of you was such a pleasure, I almost didn't want you to leave the nest! I'm thrilled for those who have found agents and publishers who love your stories as much as I do, and I'm always happy to offer encouragement and advice to those who haven't found the right match yet.

As for me, I'm slowly recovering from some much-needed shoulder surgery, and hoping for more great clients and projects over the coming year. Also, I'm going to look for ways to find a bit more time to write; I have a few of my own ideas in the works, and I can't wait to get them off the ground. To that end, I'm sorry to say I've officially decided to stop blogging; I will, however, maintain my Twitter feed, @karalareau, so you can keep up with my advice and observations on editing, writing, and life in 140-character installments.

Here's to another year of satisfying work, simple pleasures, and soaring to new heights.

Be well and keep writing!

Kara : )

The Cold Shoulder

Hi, all. I was meaning to post a nice, long blog entry this week, but my shoulder injury is acting up again, and it's looking a bit more serious than previously determined. I hope to be able to post some thoughts before Thanksgiving, even if I'm only typing with one hand.

In the meantime, have a great weekend. More next week (I hope) about managing stress, both during the holidays and throughout the writing process.

Over and out,

K : )

Things that Currently Interest Me, Autumnal Edition

1. Barbecue chicken pizza

2. Vintage Vera Neumann scarves

3. The Haunting of Hill House, and the brilliance that was/is Shirley Jackson

4. Getting all my holiday shopping done before Thanksgiving, most if it done in antique stores, local businesses, and via Etsy

5. Honeycrisp apples, preferably with cheese (check out the Robusto at Whole Foods — you won't be sorry)

6. Informally committing to NaNoWriMo, and formally committing to not letting this novel kick my ass

7. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, and pie ordered pre-made, leaving just a few low-stress side dishes to make myself

8. Maintaining my green thumb by keeping all my indoor plants alive

9. Stripy wool tights

10. Being thankful for everything, every day

And you?

Anniversary

One year ago, I was laid off from my job.

In the days that followed, I was shocked, and angry, and sad, and confused (though much of that could have been the Prosecco talking). But I soon learned that what I was actually given was an opportunity, an opportunity to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my life, what would be truly gratifying for me, what would make me happy.

Fortunately, that soul-searching didn't take long. What followed was an incredible year, and a life I can now call fulfilled, balanced, and completely my own. I'm living proof that setbacks can lead to good things — and sometimes, even better things! — if you let them.

Many, many thanks to those of you who've supported me, especially over the past year, when I was trying to get this bird off the ground. And big love to the writers and illustrators who allow me the honor of working with them every day. I am truly blessed, and I wouldn't change a step of the journey that led me here.

Tweet regards,

K : )

Remembering Norma

I was fortunate to work with Norma Fox Mazer while I was at Candlewick Press, editing an adorable picture book called Has Anyone Seen My Emily Greene?, about a girl and her father and their special hide-and-seek tradition. As you might imagine, Norma was a delight to work with, and I was both thrilled and honored to help her bring one of her books into the world.

There was so much to admire about Norma, it was often difficult for me to maintain my focus when we interacted. Of course, I was impressed by her lifelong dedication to her craft and to telling young readers the truth. But she was also such a lovely person, both inside and out, and such an inspiring, encouraging teacher, willing to share her knowledge and her honest opinions.

She was brilliant, she was funny, she was beautiful, she was genuine, and she could rock braids like nobody's business. She will be missed — though whenever I need the courage to stay dedicated to my work and true to my stories, she'll be in my thoughts.

Norma Fox Mazer was, in every way, the real deal.

A Great Quote

If you can come to such friendly terms with yourself that you are able and willing to say precisely what you think of any given situation or character, if you can tell a story as it can appear only to you of all the people on earth, you will inevitably have a piece of work which is original.

— Dorothea Brande, Becoming a Writer