Homecoming

As most of you have probably realized Pantster has been gone. 

She has been out of pocket for what has felt like 100 days!  In fact, the next time she leaves the country I am going to get her an international phone or chip or whatever she needs so that I can CALL her!

Oh, she took her tablet and we had sprodaic email but it was certainly not the same or as reliable as when she is just over an hour away.  She called it "wonky."  I called it frustrating.

Of course, we have just sold our first book to Crimson Romannce and there are some things that they would like to have from us.  Oh, I can put the requested information together but with Pantster to talk things over with the process wasn't as much fun and seemed scarier. 

And the request came from them for synopsis and sample chapters.  I had never done that with Pantster...hmmmm, what to do! I wasn't sure how to proceed without consulting with Pantster. An important part of the process was out of the country and I was out of my mind.  I quickly called the fabulous Lynn Raye Harris and she responded with her usual grace and professionalism.  It was such a relief to have her calm voice in the storm of excitement that was roaring in my head!

So Pantster is back!!!! I have talked to her on the telephone with us the same time zone!

We have a heroine in one of our books that when her hero is off saving the world from monsters she buys his favorite things to work with , eat and drink.  It is as if she refuses to believe that he might not come back and she puts action to that belief by purchasing things that he will enjoy when he returns.

I was thinking about what I would purchase to welcome Pantster back.  I would get her some new gel pens, a new notebook, some Diet Mountain Dew in an ice cold can, and a new Alabama Crimson Tide mug.  Things she loves and uses at home to show her how glad I am that she is back!

Do you have any rituals that you use to welcome home the ones you love when they have been gone?