Its somber at my house with the death of my sweet little pug Ally over the weekend.   My brain has been elsewhere.  (I wrote about dealing with distraction like this on Friday and I wrote about Ally's death on Saturday, mostly in the comments section.)

Since my brain seems to be taking a bit of a vacation, I figured this would be a good time to clear out some clutter and catch up on some odds and ends.  I've been doing a lot of clutter clearing lately, and it is good for the creative soul, that's for sure.  Also, keep reading, because this is good stuff I just haven't been able to fit in anywhere else.

1.  My good friend Ruth Williams (that's her in the photo on the right) has a new book out.  It is called The Prescription for Joy, and its pretty damned cool.  Never mind that I helped her with it the wee-est bit.  If you knew Ruth, you'd know that she is one of the most joyful people walking the face of the earth, and her book reflects that.  Plus, it tells you how you can get in on the action.  Click here for more info. 

2. Also, writing about Ruth reminds me that Room to Write is coming right up.  Why does Ruth remind me of that?  Because she has been to every single one of these Nashville writing retreats.  If you're in the area, you should come, too.  There's lots of time to write, meals prepared for you, and connection with fellow writers.  And, I'll be on hand to guide and coach you.  Check out the Scarritt Bennett website for more details and book soon because it always fills up.

3.  Writing about Room to Write reminds me that I'll soon be in Nashville for that event.  And, I'll  have a few days there before it.  So, if you're wanting an in-person Get Your Writing in Gear session, or a chance to connect with me about coaching, shoot me an email at charlotte@charlotterainsdixon.com.  I'd love to meet with you!

4.  About a month ago, I won a Facebook contest and received Laura Fitzgerald's new novel, One True Theory of Love, as the prize.  I have not had a chance to read the book yet because I put a gazillion books on hold at the library.  And every time one of them comes in, I have to put it at the head of the reading queue because I've got to return them on time.  (And odds are good that if I've put a hold on a book, so have at least 50 other people.  So they aren't renewable.  But, lord, I love the library.)  Anyway, I promised her I would mention the book on the blog.  I wanted to review it, but that will have to wait.  In the meantime, here's the mention.  It looks like a great book, so check it out.

5.  My new Twitter friend Rob has a great project that he is requesting submissions for.  Here's his blurb:  Submissions call out for an Australia-initiated writing project – The Book of Fascination. Contact Rob Kennedy at http://thebookoffascination.blogspot.com/ I love this concept and I'm planning to write something up for him.  Dibbies on writing about writing.

And if your brain has taken what is looking like a permanent vacation, perhaps you need some help jump-starting your creativity.  How about a Get Your Writing in Gear session?  I'm having a March Madness special all month.  You can book an hour-long session with me for only $100 through the end of the month.  Oh, and if you want to book it now but won't have time until later, I have two things to say to you: 1. you really need the session and 2.  you can book it now and do the actual session later.  Check out the page here.