Whew!

I am back from a much needed break from the world of blogging, etc! I will admit I have once again been neglectful, but I return with some great news! And I don't know where to start!

First, I am proud to announce that I am now a part of the SCBWI, Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators! Something that brings on a lot of opportunities! I am part of the Kansas Regional Chapter as well as the National Chapter! So far, I have very much enjoyed the experience so far and look forward to exploring the new paths that it's resources will take me down.

One of which, is nearing! My first Writer's Convention, aka The Birds and the Bees: The Facts of the Creative Life, is getting closer and closer, day by day! Much of today (or rather the time I was able to spare outside of work and class) was spent confirming reservations, preparing manuscripts to be sent ahead, and discussing itineraries. All of which, I will admit, made my heart skip a beat! I still catch myself in a daze from time to time, that I am actually doing what I want to do... pursuing the career that I have always wanted. Everyday seems to present a new adventure!

Of course, I plan to take along my camera, and will report of all that I learn, and experience right here on this blog. The laptop will be among the first things packed in the car! Later, when I have more time, I will go into more depth about the individual events, opportunities, and speakers.

One of the things that I am both excited, and nervous about, is knowing that my manuscript (beginning pages) will be read in front of many people! This was news that brought mixed emotions! I have, in the past, stuck to completing items before sharing. However, because this is a novel, and because the idea is to see if the manuscript can catch the readers within the first few pages, it is as good a time as any to try something new! It will be interesting to get others perspectives, hear publisher and agent critics, and flat out just spend time with some great people!

Also new, I am looking into official websites! My theory, is, as always...one step at a time. I wanted to secure a permanent address for responses to manuscript and query mail, and that is now set to go (p.o box, good idea for those who jump from place to place...aka college kid). Also, business cards should be here any day along with other materials for the process about to begin! So, it is just time to look into the possibility and types of sites that would work for me. Look for more soon on this!

Then of course, there is the whole Agent issue, which... is why I have a bottle of Tylenol sitting on my cabinet and a great supply of chocolate in the fridge! But, in all seriousness...it is yet another learning process. I am not worried about time, and plan on taking plenty when it comes to this. The new Agent Guide that I plan to use isn't even releases yet (but is pre-ordered). It will come out within the next few weeks, and should arrive shortly after I return from the conference. Good timing, and in some ways ironic as the conference will spread a great deal of light onto that topic as well.

Moving on, to work and school. Things are going well...school is a challenge, but not one I cannot face. Needless to say my favorite class is Creative Writing. I hit a small bump this last weekend as we were assigned to write love poems and it could not have hit at a worse time (besides the fact that I am not the poem kind of gal). But that assignment was due today and we have moved on to bigger and better things. Next week we are very lucky to be able to not only attend an event at which a guest speaker (published poem writer) will be sharing her work, but to also have her visit our class. An experience I am looking forward too, despite my queasiness when it comes to poems! I am not quite sure of her name, but will add this later with other info of course!

Currently, I am exploring a great deal of Early World Literature. Reading ancient pieces such as Gilgamesh and the Illiad. Both difficult pieces, but still bodies of work that I (unexpectedly) was able to connect with. I think what interests me most is the delicate language, and style of which these stories were presented. The American Language has lost a great deal of beauty over the past several centuries. So much so, that looking back things seem foreign. Hints the difficulty that we, the audience, are presented with when reading. But it simply means you must work harder, dig deeper. But all worth it in the end.

Then there is Ethnic/Gender Studies, which, I have really loved so far. It is a great way to widen your perspectives on many thing and, generally, in my own opinion, my outlook of our society today. To get into the topics we have discussed would be much to much for tonight's blog, but one I shall save for another day!

Work is great, as always! I continue to love it more each day. This previous Wednesday we celebrated the Grand Opening of our first floor. Which, had been newly remodeled and filled with brand new furniture, decoration, and of course, the compact shelving! It was an exciting day for all of us. Even in the Coffee Shop, where, we have had a different activity each day this week. Giving us all a break from the normal day's schedule in some ways! Then of course, to say the least...chocolate! :0)

Personally, behind my desk, I am on the tail end of my first round of Electronic Course Reserves! Something that, for awhile there, I didn't know if I could ever figure out. But in the end, as with the rest of the tasks that I have learned, it has become second nature! Yet, I am glad that they have slowed down, (for now at least)!

In the area of book reviews, I did read a few more great books, but have been limited as I have had numerous assigned readings that have consumed my time. But I do plan to add a few in the next week or so! Some great ones I might add!

So, in summary, like I said, work is good. It has been helpful lately to keep busy and my mind on various tasks. I hope to keep this way... which, as it is appearing, will be no problem. When there isn't work, there is school, and when there isn't school there is writing... and the beauty of that is it is always there no matter what. Even if that means grabbing a pen and using a napkin to get out your thoughts!

More to come, as always! But until then, you can find me in the books! But first, it's off to bed!