Dena's Going Bye-Bye for the Month

You will not believe the last 48 hours of my life.  Amazing how things turn around.  Okay, here's the scoop.  Remember how I got turned down for that Cat Book assignment? It's back.  Apparently the writer they went with got sick or something.  The editor was so nice, saying I had been a really close 2nd choice, and they really liked my work, and would I consider taking the project?

"Careful now," I said.  "Don't let the author hear the panic in your voice."

"I know, I know!" she laughed.  (She's really cute.  I like her).

So I'm going to do it.  25,000 words in under a month.  Not to mention all the ideas, research, compiling, etc.  I told Blair I hope he's enjoyed our time together the past 2 weeks b/c I don't think I'll see him until September.

FYI, the book will be 320 pages, a browse read for cat lovers (meaning each page is a stand alone), 4-color and hardback.  I'm doing a work-for-hire (meaning they pay me to do my work but I don't make any money from the sale of the book) but they are putting my name on the title page, which is fun.

But the fun doesn't end there! Remember how once I was turned down for the cat book by this company a different editor there asked me to submit some sample toasts to possible work on a book of toasts?  I never heard back and assumed they'd moved on to someone else.

Not true!  My cat book editor on the phone today asked if I'd heard from the other editor, who was planning on offering me the toast book as well!  Unfortunately, both books are on the same deadline and I just don't think with my other regular assignment and my judging (I'm a judge in 3 categories for the Cat Writer's Association annual contest - I am going to have cats coming out of my you-know-where this month) that I'll have the time.

Although I have to admit I'm tempted.  It's why I took the cat book.  I don't like working under pressure and I'm not an especially nice person while doing so, but I work very well under pressure.  I get things done.  And I haven't been feeling I've been getting a lot done lately.  So I welcome the challenge.  Besides, worst case, it's a month of hell.  The project is over by the 1st of September so the pain will end.

But I don't know how much I'll be blogging this month so I thought I would explain upfront.  But who knows?  Maybe I'll manage to keep it up.  Either way, say a prayer for me!