Slaving away in paradise

As I may have mentioned, I’m at Left Coast Crime in Hawaii, on the big island of Kona. Although from what I’ve seen of the place, I might as well have been in some well-watered resort anywhere in throwing distance of the equator. Without any imput on my part, the planners (Judy Greber and Louise Ure) gave me panels in the afternoons, which leaves mornings free to put words on a page. Or a screen. So that’s what I’ve been doing: Monday a lot of organizational prep work, Tuesday 3000 words, Wednesday 2200, and with luck another 2000 today. So the book is creeping towards the first-draft halfway point, and in the afternoons I do my panel and then I’m free to have drinks in the bar with friends–including two long-time readers, Alice and Merrily, joined Monday by two other friends-of-friends whom I had never met but with whom I have an odd and convoluted relationship, one of them having been very close to the academic whose last name was given (without her knowledge) to Mary Russell.

And lovely food, in the company of devout foodie Rob from Poisoned Pen Press, and I have to say, it’s always more fun to have dinner with someone who just adores what he’s eating.

So I’m working, I’m having fun, I’m drinking more than I have in months, and I’m in a warm, beautiful place with colleagues and friends. If that ain’t paradise, I’m not sure what is.

Aloha, and–mahalo (thanks), for making this possible.

Posted in

6 Comments

  1. Canzonett on March 12, 2009 at 8:12 am

    That’s 7200 words already – great news for selfish me, who only thinks of future reading pleasures! And yes, I think you fully deserve experiences like these. Paradise experiences, that is. Hopefully there will be many more for you!

  2. kamaaina on March 12, 2009 at 8:54 am

    Forgive me for being technical but you are on the Island of Hawai`i, affectionately known as the Big Island. Kona is the town you’re in. I grew up in Hawai`i and miss it greatly. Though my yearly visits do help. 🙂

    LOVE your writing. Thank you so much.

    A former kama`aina (resident of Hawai`i).

  3. Merrily Taylor on March 12, 2009 at 10:25 am

    Laurie, the best thing about this message is that you are both writing and have a good, relaxing time which you richly deserve! Merrily

  4. Strawberry Curls on March 12, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Actually the LCC conference is in Waikoloa, about a 35 minute drive north of Kona. I’m attendedng but not staying at the hotel. Our condo is in Kona across the stree from the Kona Inn shopping center. So Laurie is in Waikoloa and I’m in Kona. Both are on the big Island of Hawaii. LOL — Alice

  5. Laraine on March 12, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    Have a wonderful time, Laurie, and may the dolphins and all else conspire to bring you refreshment and restoration, rejuvenation and great imagination for your future, as well as for the gorgeous words you’re pouring onto paper.

  6. Carlina on March 13, 2009 at 6:25 am

    Glad you’re having a good time! You get to have your cake and eat it too. What more could one ask for. Added plus, the food is absolutely delicious! Enjoy it because, as Merrily said, you’ve definitely earned it and deserved it!

    All the best! C

Leave a Comment