What Writers Do All Day . . .

We write, of course.  All day.  Every day.

Okay, is my agent done reading now?

When I need my 10,785,294th break during writing, I do any of the following:  Make a cup of tea, check my book's ranking on Amazon, look out the window at palm trees and wonder why I'm stuck inside with a computer on my lap, Google my name, go into the kitchen to get an apple, but come back with a Pop-tart and slice of pumpkin cheesecake, check e-mail, pet the dog/cat/goldfish, look up funny baby videos on YouTube, check to see if Amazon ranking has improved since last time I checked, read about someone's breakfast choice on FB, ignore the dust bunnies multiplying under the bed, read blogs.  (Really, it's a wonder I have ever completed a single book in my entire life!) 

On Meg Cabot's super fun blog, she shared an old YouTube video of what a day in her writing life is like.  

And just in case my agent is reading this far, I'm getting back to work write, er, right this minute.  Really . . . just as soon as I check those Amazon rankings one more time.

Book News to Use

1. WIN an autographed hardcover copy of HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL on GoodReads.

2. Guess what comes out in PAPERBACK May 25th? Right! AS IF BEING 12 3/4 ISN'T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT! (Did I hear someone say, "Now I can afford a class set."?)

3. To make room for those brand new paperback copies, Amazon is selling hardbacks of AS IF BEING . . . for the ridiculously low price of $6.40. (Did I hear someone say, "Hey, that would make a great birthday gift for that special tween in my life."?)

4. Don't forget -- There will be a hamster party/book signing/reading at Books & Books at 3 pm this Sunday!!!

Hammy Hamster vs. Sammy Sumo

Hammy Hamster was minding his own business on his lined hamster wheel when his agent called.


"Good news, Hammy," she said. "Your video is on Amazon. You're famous!"

Hammy couldn't believe it. He was so much better than all the other hamsters now.

He wore movie star glasses . . .



He nibbled chocolates . . .



Mostly, he napped while waiting for Oprah to call . . .



Until . . .

Sammy Sumo came to town. Sammy wanted to be a star, too!



"Sorry," Hammy said. "This town isn't big enough for both of us. Go make your own video!"

Sammy didn't take kindly to those words. He pushed his stomach out -- oh, nevermind -- his stomach was already pushed out -- and he bellowed, "Them's fightin' words, Hamster!"

Sammy jumped on Hammy. "Oomph!"



He pounded Hammy. "Ouch!"



Hammy needed to do something quickly.

"I've got to get in shape!"

So he lifted weight . . .



. . . until he was strong enough to fight back. "Whomp!"



Come on, Hammy and Sammy! Can't we all just get along?



APPARENTLY NOT . . .



Uh-oh! Was Hammy doomed?

He had no choice but to use his secret, super power -- something so secret it was to be used only in case of dire emergency -- HAMSTER FARTS!



It worked!

Will Sammy Sumo ever wake? Will Hammy Hamster triumph and return to his life of big-headed leisure? Or will Sammy Sumo get up and take over this town?

YOU DECIDE!!!

Vote for the outcome in the comment section below, then follow the blog or check back soon . . . to find out if Hammy Hamster wins or Sammy Sumo is the victor.