This month Susan is working on three fables and two children’s stories. She is also putting the final touches to the first draft of her work-in-progress, Brandie Sagadore, a chick-lit manuscript.

While I was in London and Edinburgh I did some research for Brandie Sagadore. I had to get my hair done at two salons, including the fabulous and fabulously expensive Errol Douglas Salon in Knightsbridge. When I first arrived I got permission to curl up on a sofa, observe and take notes. I couldn’t help but notice the work of one stylist in particular. I scored an appointment with Anna the next day.

She took care of my hair and managed to be a great interview at the same time. Her boss, Errol Douglas, was UK hairstyling champion so many times he’s retired to the Hall of Fame. He sets a high standard. Expensive, yes, but if it’s good enough for Iman, it’s good enough for me.

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Months ago I had some agent and publisher interest in some of my work. I also entered 2ManyCooks in the RWA Golden Heart contest. At long last all the responses are in. The short version? They all said no.

The long version: one agent said I was “a fine storyteller” but we weren’t a match. Another agent said I had a good strong ‘voice’ as a writer. But, again, not a match. The RWA Golden Heart judges told me…well, I still can’t figure it out. My highest score was 8.5 out of 9 and my lowest score was 3 out of 9. No Golden nod for me.

But then I received a letter from a publisher who loves my stories. She wants to work with me. She has a specific niche in mind and wants me to come back with more of my work. Even though I didn’t get a yes, her encouraging letter had me glowing for days.

Yes, it’s the telltale sign of someone who is driven to write: we can see the positive in a room full of no.

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Years ago, on my first paid assignment as a television host, I met a man named Eric Bardal. He was a cartoonist and graphic artist who could craft a mean political cartoon. Over the years I enjoyed his laid-back attitude and open mind. I think back on our times together with fondness. Eric died nine years ago this month at the age of 54.

A few weeks ago I found one of his old pieces of graphic art on the cover sleeve of Barney Bentall’s first 45 release (back when Barney was calling himself Brandon Wolf. See www.canadianbands.ca/Brandon Wolf.html). The cover art and the 45 were in mint condition, still wrapped in plastic. I tracked down Eric’s son, David McCaig to see if he wanted this little treasure.

We met for coffee and walked around Chinatown for awhile. Dave is now a successful artist (www.dave-co.com and www.gutterzombie.com). Not only is he is the coolest of cool young men, he happens to be an Emmy-winning cartoonist and illustrator. (Plus he knows Batman personally).

His dad would be so proud.