Okay, so I've gotten as much revising and rewriting done on the SF novel that I can do without my eyes crossing.

So... Elizabeth and I are spending the week on North Carolina's Outer Banks with my family, doing Turkey Day and fishing (mostly Elizabeth and my dad, I'm guessing -- I've no patience for fishin') and lots of reading (for me, I hope).

And, in an executive decision I made this morning, I'm not bringing the laptop.

No writing this coming week, unless it's in my paper journal. I did this when Lizzie and I went to the mountains, and it was a really nice break. This way, I won't look at the laptop sitting there and feel guilty or anxious about writing.

I'm looking forward to relaxing with the fam and getting caught up on some reading. I'm bring 6 books to read -- three romances as fun "research" for the Blackbeard novel (Roberts, Sparks, Grayson), two anthologies (CONJUNCTIONS and the 2003 BEST AMERICAN STORIES), and the Donald Maass BREAKOUT NOVEL book for inspiration for the next novel. I also have a printout of the Blackbeard novel I can read if I get inspired.

That oughta keep me busy. I know it sounds silly, but not bringing a computer was a big decision for me. I mean, that's the first thing I do every day -- fire up the computer. It'll be good to get a little distance from that wired lifestyle.

So everyone have a great Thanksgiving and a great week. Next thing you know, it'll be freakin' December! Later.