Laurie Sandell

Don’t let this photo fool you–Amanda and I arrived at her mother’s summer rental home last night and since then, all we’ve been doing is working. I came outside into the backyard to let my dog go to the bathroom and to snap this photo, in all its wistful glory. It is a beautiful place, with a pool, and two living rooms to lounge in, and lovely white painted floors, but Amanda and I are both on deadline with two magazine pieces, two books to write–and one to promote–between us. Right now she’s camped out in the dining room, surrounded by paper and reference books and allergy medication, and I’m in one of the living rooms, finishing up an article. NOT THAT I’M COMPLAINING. What could be better than going to the Hamptons for a writing retreat in the middle of the week? Not much, that’s what.