I just finished a book about a week and half ago. It was a long haul.

I mean, sure, I’m a writer. I’ve finished lots of books. (Twenty something now.) So finishing a book shouldn’t be that big a deal. But some books are harder to write than others and this book (the sequel to the Farm) was a bit of bear to write–for several reasons, none of which I’ll bore you with. The end result is that I’ve been writing my little fingers to the bones for the past couple of months.

Once I was done (for now–there will still be revisions and editing and tons more work), I felt like a deserved a much needed break. A chance to kick back and relax for at least a couple of weeks. Here’s how I decided to reward myself:

• Read a good book. Or Six. – Technically, this is still work. I had books to judge for the Ritas, so I had a nice stockpile of books that I really did have to read. I finished those up just tonight. And while it’s still been work, it was loads of fun. I still have a few more books I want to read before I dive back in. I had downloaded a sample chapter of Under the Never Sky a couple of months ago and I can’t wait to get back to it. Plus, I have a book to write a cover quote for. So I’ll be reading that one too. (And I’m super excited about that because it’s going to ah-mazing!)
• Shopping – I needed a new purse. Somewhat desperately, actually. And, this is the first time since kids that I’ve bought a really nice purse. It’s leather and everything. And it doesn’t have pockets for carrying sippy cups. I feel so grown up.
• Getting a pedicure – okay, I haven’t actually done this yet. But I’m gonna. Soon.
• Exercise – you know, that strange thing where you move your body around. Yeah. I did some of that. I actually didn’t gain weight this deadline, despite massive cookie eating. So I can only assume I lost muscle mass during my months hunched over the keyboard. Boy, today, when I was doing burpies, I sure felt it. I thought I was going to have some sort of a asthma incident. And no, I don’t have asthma. Just saying that I could imagine…
• Bake! – my love of cooking and baking is well known. So naturally, I’ve been puttering around the kitchen to my heart’s content. Plus, my neighbor just had a hip replacement surgery, so I’m bringing food over to her. And it’s nice to cook for someone new, you know? My family’s familiar with my schtick. New people are easily impressed and appreciative!
• Clean  – shocking, I know. But my car looks like a transient lives in it and my office is worse. Like … there are just no words, worse. So, I’m starting with the closet in my office and working my way out. Progress is slow, but … baby steps, right? Next up is the pantry. Those ten year old spices are going down!

How do you reward yourself when you’ve been working hard? Since I’m suddenly painfully aware of how many spare books I have, I’ll send a copy of my latest two Desires to one lucky commenter.