Upon seeing that two books I was sent review copies of months ago and haven't touched except to put on my TBR shelf are being released today, I began to feel guilty.  My number of posts has significantly dropped off, and for that I am very sorry.  I wanted to offer up a quick explanation of why this is, because no matter how much I try and make myself post, it doesn't look to be changing any time soon.

Posting a good entry requires brainpower.

I am working harder at my job than I ever have before.  I am investing more energy in it.  My hours are not the longest they've ever been, but during my contact time with students I am using the most energy I ever have.  This is having very positive results in the classroom and with my colleagues.

Unfortunately, it is completely exhausting.  It is exhausting to the point that my recent hobbies have become reading (but not writing), playing video games (mindless but because they give you tasks to do still gives a sense of accomplishment), and complaining (a rather unattractive trait, being a complainer).  I very rarely cook real food anymore.  A year ago, I was cooking myself a nutritious dinner every night.

So I've been doing the bare minimum here - participating in group events, and then making other posts as I have energy.

So when will you see posts from me?

A week from tomorrow on October 17 I'll be writing a feature about illustrator Brie Spangler and her work for Robert's Snow

In November, during the Winter Blog Blast Tour, I'll feature interviews with Kerry Madden and Dia Calhoun.

I have a whole schedule of things through May but I don't want to reveal them as they're all group events that we haven't begun to publicize yet.  In any case, you are guaranteed a post a month from me.  I know that's not a lot, but that will be there for sure.  Beyond that, you will get reviews when the mood strikes me to write one, commentary on days when I have the good fortune to read the other blogs, and participation in memes/regular weekly events when I get a chance to sit down at the computer.

I just wanted to let you know what was going on so you didn't think I'd disappeared entirely.

See you next week if not before!