Is it July yet? Is it July yet? No, really, is it July yet? No?

How ’bout now? No? OK, fine.

For almost two years I’ve journalled the growing pains of writing my book, Life in the ‘Cosm. What began in May 2014 has taken me to March 2016, when something happened that got my squee levels up. A publisher I respect is reviewing my full manuscript. I’m elated for the opportunity while I’m chewing mine and other people’s nails.

They told me they’ll get back to me around July. That’s OK, I have things to do. So, uh, yeah. Righto. Will get on that. Guess this means I’m coming up with:

Four brilliant ways to distract myself from going completely bonkers

At least I think they’re brilliant.

1. Working on my craft biz

When I’m not being writey, I’m being crafty. I have a handmade cards and jewellery business called Cait Cards. (Yes, I do have a lot of self esteem, thanks for asking.) Anyway, crafting, preparing for shows, and selling online keeps my mind in a different place. Sometimes I need to not think of words, and deal with shapes and textures instead. It relaxes me. If you have a hobby, I recommend indulging in it. The distraction can be a welcome thing.

2. Writing book 2

I did begin the second book in this series of three. The story has new characters and is written from a different protagonist’s viewpoint. That’s good for me, because it forces me not to think too much about book 1. I tend to write without much forethought, so that free flowing style is very cathartic. When I’m ready to settle down to making sentences again, I will continue this book. I know I’ll get super involved in it and that will help.

3. Bake myself into another time zone

I’m pretty skilled in gluten-free and vegan baking. Don’t believe me? I’ll post snaps of my pot belly. Gosh, I love food, especially cupcakes. Cupcakes should be a food group of it’s own called Freakin’ Awesome. Baking is like doing crafts in the kitchen that taste fantastic and make you feel dreamy. I’ve learned the art of doing away with the guilt that comes with eating your feelings. I’m Irish. I got lots of feelings. They need tending.

4. Renovate my house

I live in the burbs and I am totally a city gal. Finally convinced I’ve done my years of penance in suburgatory, we’ve launched Phase 1 of #OperationFreeCait. The hubster is fully involved in this project, too. We’re getting our house ready for sale and there’ll be lots of lipstick and mascara tasks. I’ll be putting in my share of elbow grease as we pretty up the place. I’m not sure exactly when we’ll find a house to move to, but at least our home will be lovely to live in until then. But yeah, choosing colours, calling roofers and handypeople, painting, and decluttering builds muscles (which mitigates the cupcake eating) and really makes time fly! You want a diversion? That’ll do it!

So, is it July yet?

OK, look, I’m going to wonder and wish and hope a lot until July. My heart is prepared for a rejection, because we writers have to be thick-skinned, but I’m praying for the day I’ll write a blog about a deliriously happy emerging author named Cait Gordon. We shall see!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I must paint my cupcakes. Uh, no, drywall my jewellery. Erm, bake my roof?

I need to re-read that brilliant list again.

All of you who are waiting, too, I’m feeling ya. Good luck and let me know how you do. I’m always trilled to hear when one of us makes it.

Cheers!

/cg

Cait Gordon has been a senior technical writer for high tech and government organizations. Her first novel is being sent to the universe. She hopes the universe likes it. (The second book has begun and a third will happen, too!)