So far–entirely apart from ghastly events in the national news–it’s been one of those bumpy, irritating weeks where all kinds of minor upsets keep on happening. I drove up to Nashua to do my weekly errands on Monday, for example, only to find that something–weather related or not–had knocked the power out in the South Nashua shopping district. Some businesses were determinedly staying open, but not PetSmart, and even the traffic lights were dark. There were three cherry-pickers working on the power lines in front of Barnes & Noble and the west bound side of Spit Brook Road (a four-lane roadway) was blocked by a police car. I had to go back up on Tuesday to finish my errands. I learned that the power was out up there from 7:30am to 3:30pm!

Today when I got up, the box of books was on the stoop. I ordered a dozen, so Lulu had shrink-wrapped them in bundles of three, which was very nice. I hardly looked at them, because I was busy stuffing and sealing the Priority Mail packets. I got them all done and put them in a plastic bin to take to the post office. At the post office, I needed both hands to hold the bin, and when I got the heavy glass door pulled open with one finger…I had my foot in the way of the door and the door banged into my toe. No, it didn’t hurt, but I dropped the bin and the packages went all over the place. Those darned Priority Mail packets are high-gloss cardboard and they’re very slippery. I finally got everything picked up and inside, and of course there was a line, and on top of that, I realized I’d left the receipts for the delivery confirmation on the kitchen table. I had to go back home and get those.

But, all the pre-publication review copies, and copies for two book clubs, are now on their way. They’re all done up in neat packets, in a glossy laminated folder, with my business card inserted into the tabs on the inside, and a cover letter, and a “media kit” with my bio, a “book information sheet” (the synopsis), a “review sheet” (the books’ vital specs plus an address to send a copy of the review) and a news release. All of those are printed on this 100% cotton “resume paper” with a watermark that I bought at Staples. If nothing else, that paper sure smells nice. *wry smile*

annef, I found the address for the New York Times Book Review. Another close look at the webpage finally revealed a little box around the middle of the page, with a little list of links, one of which said “Book Review FAQ” and that included the submission guidelines. Sheesh.

Then I went to the bank. By Light Unseen Media now has its own checking account!

I have never seen the Nashua River this high down at the dam. It’s really incredible. And it’s still raining! It’s supposed to rain more tomorrow!