I definitely goof off way too much. Right now, instead of writing, I’m watching Mythbusters. Specifically, I’m watching Mythbusters blow things up. I can call that research, right?

Tomorrow I’m leaving for the weekend, heading to the RAW retreat in the great state of West Virginia. The Blue Ridge mountains in early autumn are amazing. The sky is never that blue any other time of the year, and when it’s the backdrop of mountains of green trees gilt-edged with gold, its more than amazing. It’s beautiful.

The RAW retreat is actually the Reader’s Appreciation Week. Lora Leigh (an awesome writer you need to check out if you like racy supernatural erotica . . . and I do!) has invited several writers to come and sign books and hang out with their fans. It’s in a beautiful place, with fun and wonderful people, and I for one have been waiting all year for this. I’d love to tell you where it is, but I haven’t yet figured that out yet. I’m carpooling with friends, and given my previous track records with not ending up where the map tells me I’m supposed to be, I’m relegated to ballast for the backseat. Which is cool with me, actually. I can get caught up on my reading and maybe get something written. I’m looking for some good inspiration, and I’m hoping the mountains will be just that extra something that gets me going. I’ve been battling the big black demon lately, most commonly known as writer’s block, although to me it feels more like being mired in Alabama mud. I can see what I want to do, just on the other side, but I’m slogging through the middle like an upended elephant. I have a hard time battling my own inertia, and eventually I will overcome. It just means digging in deeper.

I wonder if Mythbusters could bust the myth of writer’s block? Hmmm.

I plan on uploading some pictures when I get back. I actually remembered to pack my camera this year. I hope to have lots of fun stories and embarassing anecdotes to share.

See you Monday!