Isolation at home for nearly nine months hasn’t been as difficult for me as it has been for some. I’ve worked from home for more than 20 years, so I’m used to spending the majority of my time at my desk with my dog, Peanut, creating new books (with walking breaks in between verses, prose, and page). Sure, I have missed things like sharing my books with children, attending writing conferences and signings, the yoga studio, and spending time with friends and family. And my grown kids, I really miss my kids! But there have been some bright spots to 2020 too:
New book deals!
I am pleased to announce three new books are in the works:
- Summer 2021: Wake Up, Freight Train, a shaped board book illustrated by Jon Anderson and published by Little Simon.
- Spring 2022: A board book published by Little Simon (title and illustrator will be announced soon!).
- Fall 2022: One Blue Gnu, a counting picture book romp illustrated by Ana Zurita and published by Amicus Ink.
My fantastic agent and I are working on other projects we hope to find homes for in 2021!
The internet and Social media
I never thought I’d say this, but thank goodness for social media. It’s been a lifeline for many of us as we ZOOM our way through Covid, attend meetings with colleagues and family, and tweet our latest news. I’m grateful, but I am looking forward to a future with face to face meetings and replacing virtual hugs with real ones.
I Started a Poetry Blog
I’ve been writing poetry for years, but the poems usually go in a file, never to be seen again. I vowed to start a poetry blog this year, and isolation due to Covid made it easier to achieve my goal. Poetrypop.com is nine weeks new, and I’m having a blast reading, writing, and sharing poetry with my followers. I have many fun things planned for the coming year. Please take a look and follow my blog to put a pop of poetry in your day!
More Time to Read and Paint
I can’t complain about more reading time. I’ve managed to go through my stack of To-Read-Books at lightning speed. Now, if I could stop buying more books, I’d get to the bottom of the pile! Also, I dabble in watercolors, and I’ve been able to get more paint on the page with my calendar free of appointments and meetings.
More Time for Fitness
Months before the pandemic hit, my husband and I gave up our gym memberships and created a home gym. It turned out to be perfect timing as the gyms in California began closing. It gives us something fun to do together, and I find myself working out more when I don’t have to get in the car first (which is a good thing since the holiday season has sprinkled treats like snow all over my kitchen). I still like to walk outside on the lake trail by my house on nice days- another thing for which I’m so grateful.
With the recent vaccine distribution starting, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe I’m wishful thinking, or perhaps it’s a train, but I’m hopeful I see you all on the other side of this mountain very, very soon.
Merry Christmas to all and to all good books!
Danna Smith
