Story boarding, not water boarding.

Put together my first story board. It seems to have a good flow and this is a good exercise for my very visual self. Side note: it was not as painful as water boarding, although I was frightened it might be.


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Warning: Expletives, Etc.

I feel angry. Not because I truly have anything to be angry about besides routine bills, little annoyances around the house, work stress, or global warming--but I just feel the anger burning inside tonight. If I were you--at least this is what I've been thinking lately--I wouldn't read this blog. It's fucking boring. Yes, I just used a swear word. I once said I'd never use a swear word on my blog. But then I started to think, what's wrong with it? I set up this blog to explore what I'm trying to do with my life, what I like, what's interesting or funny to me. I have another blog where I get to post cute pictures of my family for my family and close friends to look at, but this blog is supposed to be about me being me. And if you know me (which you may not, but if you're visiting this site it's about damn time you figure me out), then you know that I am vocal and passionate and I use EXPLETIVES quite often. I try to not say them in front of my children or the cute kids I teach, but I'm sure my daughter (16 months) will probably at some point in the near future mutter under her breath like her mama does, "Fuckin' knuckleheads." So, here I am feeling like I'm at a crossroads (for lack of a more overused cliche) and I need to just suck this up and DO IT. So maybe I'll start posting like mad about NOTHING important. Just dare me.

Writing continues...

It's been too long since my last post. However, take that as a good sign. I've been writing like crazy (except for the past week because I had a horrible cold and was overwhelmed with work). I'm now working on Chapter 14.

But even better news, I'm planning on going to a writer's conference this summer. It's a big leap for me. It means I actually have to admit that, yes, I'm a writer. Maybe not a best-selling multi-millionaire writer, but a writer nonetheless.

At said conference, they have a writer's contest. I decided to enter my young adult fiction book into the contest LORD KNOWS WHY. It feels like I'm putting my heart on the table. I had to frantically edit the first three chapters of my book and figure out how to write a one-page synopsis. The mission was accomplished (with the help of my dear friend Sara and my husband as editors) and my submission was sent off.

It's hard to believe I'm doing this, but I'm OVERJOYED. I can't wait to experience the conference, to meet editors and agents and other writers, and to just try something new for a change. It would be thrilling to be a finalist in the contest, but I anticipate all this even more because I know someone will be forced to read my submission.

So, my next goals are to finish the book and edit like mad so it's ready for the conference and then see what I need to do to start submitting it for actual publication--that's something I'd like to start doing this summer when I'll have more time. For now, writing, writing, writing...

Glory be...

...and yea for me. I'm working on chapter 11. Chapter 10 was draaaaaging. It was a difficult chapter because so much was happening. Chapter 11 is where the climax really gets close. It's an exciting point in the book and an exciting time of revolution for my main character.

This book has really got me thinking. I've had 2 our stories pop into my mind that I've started to write a little bit about. One is an adult novel, with a really cool heroine. The second story is gruesome and dark--much like what I used to like to write when I was 19. In fact it's based on a short story I published when I was 19. I'm so happy that I have some really good writing coming forward.

I've also been toying with the idea of practicing interviewing people. I would love to put stories on here occasionally that are interviews of interesting people in my community. We'll see where that one goes!

Letters and Other Writings...

So far, I've written a letter every day for the new year...ok, so it's only been 4 days. But 4 letters have been penned by me and mailed. They're really letters of gratitude so far, and it really feels good to acknowledge in others.

I've also been working on the novel. I made a new rule for myself--I do not get to bring work home except on Thursday nights. I will no longer drown myself in paperwork. I'm making sure it gets down at work. It's a challenge, but I think it's beneficial for me and my other pursuits as well as being wonderful for creating additional family time.

I am working on chapter 10 at this point. I'm trying to get the backbone of this book down as quickly as possible and then I think I'll go back and just edit it like mad. My loosely fitting goal is to have the first draft done by mid-February. Cross those fingers!

Inspiration

I always think about music and how certain songs really play into what I'm writing. I'm really influenced by Swell Season, The Frames, The Black Keys, and many others in the same genres.

Two songs that have been in my mind lately are The Black Keys' "Howlin' For You" and Gary Jules Cover of "Mad World." I've heard some writers are putting soundtrack lists with their books--I think that's something that will definitely happen with my book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrmy_Yjc4Ik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4

Happy New Year!

I feel absolutely refreshed. I'm excited about 2012 because I know it's the year I finish my first book. It's also the year that I read more and think more. Recently, thanks to my having a Nook and being able to have my reading material on the go, I've been reading books like Writer's Market as well as some classics. What I'm reading from the newstand is The Writer, Poets & Writers, Oxford American, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and (the ultimate sin) Entertainment Weekly. I'm so excited for what's to come. On a spectacular side note, I've also decided to challenge myself to write a letter a day to someone, anyone. I was missing handwritten letters and I also thought I really need to show my gratitude more to those I care about. I might post a letter every now and then...

Here's to a great, and successful, new year. I'm going to push myself hard and I plan to accomplish lots!