Back in September, I put my blog on hiatus, saying that I would be back in January.  I can’t quite stay away that long… I’ll be returning a week early!

Reasons for Returning:

1. My fall graduate course is completed.  It was even more work than I expected, but I have several posts scheduled where I’ll be sharing writing tips gained from this class.  (One big post on pacing and another big post on emotions as well as a few other little posts on other topics.)  
2. One of my favorite times of year in the blogosphere is when everyone posts their favorite reads of the year.  I want to be able to participate in the discussion of the best books of 2012, as there were some GREAT ones!  And I want to make sure there weren’t any excellent books that I missed!
3. I’ve made some outstanding progress on my novel and have established a solid writing routine.  Without the strains of a graduate class, I’m confident I’ll be able to finish a first draft before winter is over while balancing a blogging routine.
4. Blogging helps me reflect on my reading and identify the traits I admire in other writers so that I can incorporate those traits into my own writing.  I also use my blog to reflect on my own writing process.  This thoughtful reflection is a necessary part of my writing process, and if I can’t do it for a graduate class, then my blog will be my tool.
5. I have a fun announcement… that will be its own post… coming soon…