Kate's Blog

It feels good

I handed my latest book in--big sigh of relief! It's currently titled The French Count's One-Night Mistress. It's a fun little challenge for me to try and think of a title the editors might actually keep. So far I have not succeeded.

Just as I was planning on having a bit of a rest after this book was handed in, a host of other activities clamored to be on my to-do list. Top is finished the critique of someone's manuscript that I promised absolutely months and months ago, before a baby and two books swallowed up my entire existence. (Stefani, I'm sorry!!! I will have your lovely ms back to you very, very soon) I also have to bring this website into 2009, and update my eharlequin profile. I might even spring for a glossy, high-res photo of myself (something I've avoided--you might have noticed there is no such photo on my website!). I'm not photogenic and I hate photos of myself. I know a lot of people suffer from this affliction, but they actually look good in photos. I don't.

I also have to write the next two parts in a serial I'm writing for The People's Friend. It's a contemporary story about a New Yorker who relocates to Vermont to run a bed and breakfast. And speaking--or rather writing--of New Yorkers, I fear I might have become one. By accident, you understand. This place gets into your blood. The other morning I was walking to school at a *very* brisk clip, Starbucks decaf latte in one hand, a cellphone clamped to my ear as I checked messages, baby Anna in the baby Bjorn on my chest. I was walking along Fifth Avenue by Central Park and a group of tourists slowed to a halt in front of me so I nearly collided with them. Annoyed, I almost muttered something to myself about their snail-like pace, until I realized they weren't walking particularly slowly, I was simply moving at the speed of light. Then as I reflected how my walking pace has changed since moving here, I jaywalked the next intersection, striding out into the street in a way all New Yorkers do (if the car has not crossed the intersection, it's safe--really!) and appalling all the tourists around me. I was carrying a baby, after all. [If you're worried reading this, please don't be. No cars were coming, I promise.] So all in all it looks like I've become a New Yorker. At least when I'm walking.

posted by Kate Hewitt at 5:59 PM