Some random writerly bits

1. I recently finished Jhumpa Lahiri's newest book, Unaccustomed Earth. It is half short stories, and half linked short stories, and IT. IS. AMAZING. Read it. There's really not much more to say. She's a marvel.

2. I forgot how emotional writing is. I started a new story, and man, monitoring my thoughts as I got back in front of the computer was crazy. I felt:

• impatient--I wanted to know what was going to happen already!
• scared--where was this story going? Was I wasting my time?
• annoyed--why was this taking so long to figure out?

All of this in about 30 minutes of writing.

3. OK, not a writerly update, but I thought I'd announce that we moved! We're just getting settled into our new "country estate" (sounds much better than suburban colonial, right?). It's so nice and relaxing. I am really happy with our decision.

Must. Start. Writing. Again!!

I haven't written a word in weeks. Nothing in my journal. Nothing on my blog. Nothing in a Word doc. I blame it on moving and simultaneously tying up the loose ends of my thesis.

I'm still living out of boxes, and still feeling out of sorts as I adjust to a new house, commute, life. But the only I'm going to feel better is if I get myself back into some sort of routine regarding exercise, eating, and writing. Yes, writing is as important to my well being as healthy food.

I've taken the first steps. I wrote this post. I bought a new journal yesterday (my old one is packed in one of many boxes). Tomorrow, I'll take the next step and actually write in it. I'm imagining spewing forth on my feelings and thoughts about our move, and some ideas for new stories.

Happy publishing news

Not about me, unfortunately! But I do like to share good news even when it happens to strangers, in this case a Canadian writer who self-published his novel after not being able to land an agent or publisher. He recently won Canada's most prestigious award--and $10,000!

Check out the details here.