Home of Author Isabelle Santiago
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So, as of yesterday, I’m back at work at Barnes and Noble. And what an odd little world it is, to be surrounded by so many books, by other lovers of the written word, by the smell of paper and brewing coffee. It’s nothing like the days I spent at home watching PBS, or covered in Sweet Potato baby food, or napping with my Peanut. And although I miss him horribly (and really, the naps were quite lovely) I have to say that it’s nice to have conversations with other adults and to talk about something I love, which is reading and books. Not to mention, I’m thrilled to get the discount on books, because now I have full access to all the YA fantasy goodness (Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is first on my list!) so that I can review them on Tales from the Hollow Tree.
And of course, I’m scheduled to work on Black Friday, so I’ll be here with some fun stories about that. I expect to have a very large Caramel Machiato and maybe a slice of cheesecake to comfort myself after getting yelled at by rabid customers.
Starting Tuesday I have been scheduled to work a few days a week at my old day job, B&N. This both terrifies and thrills me. For one, I haven’t been back to work for about a year and now I’m returning on the busiest shopping week of the season. And I love my coworkers to death but my extent of human interaction has been limited to an infant for quite some time.
So I’m understandably anxious and already missing my Peanut. On the plus side, I’ll have new influences to inspire my muse which has been in a serious writers depression. I’ve been stuck on the same chapter for months, despite rewriting it like four times. I need a boost. A creative rewire. Though I wonder, is working Black Friday the answer? Probably not. But maybe a few days not changing diapers or being flung with baby food will be good for me.
Although it’s been quiet here on Twisted Fairytale, I have certainly been working hard to up my productivity. So hard in fact that I reached a frightening level of burnout and had to slow myself down. I think I fooled myself into thinking that I could write, keep house, and run after my 8 month old without something suffering… not to mention weekend plans with CBear and other responsibilites. It just couldn’t be done. Not with the schedule I was keeping. And I was simply not willing to sacrifice the important things in my life- so I have come to this conclusion:
Daytime is reserved for Peanut and housework/errands. I will also be returning to work in a few weeks and handling the opening shift at the bookstore, which I think will force me into a more regular routine. This is a good thing! I’ll wake up the same time everyday, I’ll break/eat at the same time, I’ll get home at the same time. Then it’s play with Peanut and clean up until Hub gets home. Then it’s dinner. And finally, writing time!
I’ve decided that I cannot force myself to be productive during my ‘off’ hours. I’ve always written better at night and trying to change that was making the quality of my writing suffer. I’ve also allowed myself to get far too distracted by the internet (evil Facebook games) so I think from now on, I will be printing the chapter I’m working on and working by hand. It forces me to focus, helps me weed out the junk in my head and get to the meat of things. I like this plan. I think it will work. 
I don’t expect to triple my production or anything, but I’m hoping at least to get back to writing every day.
Also, things at Tales from the Hollow Tree are going really well! We’ve met some great people, readers and bloggers alike, and we’ve touched on some great movies, books and trends in YA fantasy! Come visit us and tell us your thoughts! Lisa has a fantastic post up today about book series vs. stand-alones. What do you prefer? Why? I happen to be a big fan of the series. If I fall in love with a character, it’s nice to spend more time with them in their world.
And to all those doing NaNo this month- right on! Get those manuscripts written! 
This has been a LONG week. Glacial. Peanut is teething so he’s been really cranky most of the week. Crying lags, early morning wake ups, and wanting mommy to hold him and coddle him all day. And I’m ok with that. I just wish there was more I could do for the poor baby.
I also got notice that I’ll be going back to work in about two weeks. It’s only seasonal, and now that Black Friday is coming up, things do tend to get really busy so I’m hoping my presence will be a big help. I’m only working opening shifts so that I won’t miss more than two hours with my baby. I’ll be at work about two hours before he even wakes up. My grandma is coming to keep an eye on him. The extra money will be great so that I can get him the things he needs. More bowls and sippy cups, a gate to keep him in my living room and away from the entertainment center. Ha ha.
Anyway, enjoy your weekend guys. I know I plan to.
Blogging about one of my favorite series of all time, Star Wars, for Movie Magic Monday at Tales From The Hollow Tree. *hums theme* Come tell us which movie was your fave and why! And may the force be with you.
