I handed in my latest Harlequin Romance on November 30 - right on the due date. Whenever a book finally leaves and crosses cyberspace to my editor, a huge sense of relief follows. I've spent the last 2 weeks catching up on all things promotion and Christmas. It's been great! Doing up blogs and interviews and guesty type things I have lined up for my duet - the first book hits the shelves January 12. I held my 3rd annual 12 Days of Christmas Contest - always so much fun! I read - for enjoyment, sometimes in the middle of the day when I'm normally working! I finished up my shopping, did some baking, went to Christmas concerts...without the heavy burden of a looming deadline. Last year and the year before I had early January deadlines. It has been wonderful not having that this year!
But that doesn't mean I'm deadline free! I know that I still have a book due end of February, so I can't get too lax about it all. I have edits to do for a book coming out in April and I'm expecting revisions to hit my inbox anytime. I'm currently editing another book that I hope to submit by the end of the month. And so deadlines are still a big part of December, even if they aren't quite as pressing.
It has struck me lately that this is a wonderful position to be in, and I feel particularly blessed. It wasn't very long ago that I was sitting in the slush pile waiting, hoping for The Call. These deadlines mean I have work and that is something to be very, very thankful for.
And through it all, I have held to my resolution to spend quality time with my family. I hope all of you are blessed with the same warmth and joy of the season with those you love around you.
Now here's my gift to you - a recipe so very easy that my youngest has made it her signature "treat" she makes each year.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
3/4 lb semi sweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups peanuts (or nuts of your choice)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Melt chocolate with condensed milk over low heat until smooth. Mix in nuts and drop by spoonfuls on a baking sheet covered with waxed/parchment paper. Cool in fridge until set.
Merry Christmas!
Donna
