Thanksgiving Vacation and NaNoWriMo Update

NaNoWriMo is in it's finally weeks with only 12 days remaining. It's crunch time for writers everywhere...and I find myself to be no exception! The good news is that I leave in a mere 2 days (or 1.5 rather) for Florida; which will give me the much needed break from school and work to focus on my novel. Needless to say, my concentration right now is very low as I am ready to leave this very minute!

Things are going well, but busy. I cannot believe we are already to Thanksgiving and that Christmas is only about 35 days away! Time seems to be in the fast lane. When I return from Florida the first week in December, it will be time to focus on finals, and soon after Christmas, a new semester. The next semester will also be the beginning of my new major (Elementary Education), and new classes. Then, around March/April it will be time to start house shopping, which, I am extremely excited for! We will be moving in May 2010, meaning, my life will be momentarily a whirl-wind of packing boxes again.

I will post another update soon - possibly while I am in Florida as long as I have Internet access! Until then, I send out my best wishes to all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Creatively Yours,

Kat Callaway

NaNoWriMo 2009 Begins!

An epic journey began for writers everywhere today as November 1st kicked off National Novel Writing Month 2009 (commonly known as NaNoWriMo)! 30 days to write 50,000 words. It's a tough, but fun challenge for all of us; one I am extremely excited to begin! For more information visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/!

Where oh where did the time go!?

Time seems to have flown out the window and bounced down the street ;) I returned from the conference in September (which was AMAZING) and hit the ground running! School, work, and play have taken over and I have been writing every second I can spare. Also, life plans are taking different routes quicker than planned, but in a good way! So, a quick update is in order!

As far as writing goes, I am working on pieces that were inspired by the conference itself! I learned a lot this year and met some awesome people. I will make a post specifically about the conference a bit later when I can put pictures with it. Confessions of a Frog-a-Holic is the center of my attention at the moment. I am having fun with it and coming up with some creative twists for the plot-line. I would like to have a loose script by this summer.

In other news, I'm moving out of my apartment. Which is sad, because I just recently finished re-decorating it. However, it's worth it because I will be moving out of my single apartment and WE will be moving into a house. . This will be happening in May of 2010, so there is some time left. However, I suspect that time will fly too as a lot will be happening in the next few months as well.

One of those things is Florida. I leave on November 20th and won't return until the 30th. I'm extremely excited to get away and see my best friend! She and I have a lot of planning to do so it will be nice to have an entire 10 days this year.

Then there is work, and it has been busy as well! We will be having a Haunted Halloween Open House in the library and so I have been working with my co-workers on the Publicity and Outreach Committee to plan for that. It should be spook-tacular ;)

So, life is going fast but grand! I will hop back on here and talk about the SCBWI Conference in a few days once I am able to locate my camera cord!

Creatively yours,
Kat

Conference Coming Soon, and Other Updates!

School has started up, and the September conference is a mere 17 days away! I have been busily working on the final manuscripts to tote with me and getting excited to meet up with old writing friends. It's been very easy to do this as I has a very good friend, Justin, come over to help me make my writing area more user friendly. He has more of an eye for design and decor and well, lets just face it... it's safer for all of humanity if I avoid power tools!

Last week we got a lot done and it looks amazing! My walls are covered with cork boards for story layouts, and I have areas to file stuff, and so much more. It's amazing how much of a difference having a functional writing area makes. Add this in with finally having a computer that works and I am back in business!

In other news, I have been working away at getting stuff ready. Working on new business cards, debating a website renovation (though remembering how much work it took the first time and thinking I might be ahead to stick with what I have)! My main focus is going back and forth between 'Confessions of a Frog-a-Holic" and "Willows." As I get more wrapped up in these stories I am losing sleep because I have had some pretty intense yet helpful dreams. The hard part is wrapping it all together to make a story that others understand ;)

So there you go, a brief overview of life. Everything is going well and I am smiling... so life is good!

Creatively yours,

Kat

End of Summer Update :)

Summer is quickly coming to an end and it has been a mad dash to get things done! My work schedule has been weird due to the switch from summer hours, to interim, and soon the fall hours; so things have been a bit jumbled. Regardless, when I am not at work I have been focusing as much as possible on writing. As September creeps closer I am getting excited (yet slightly stressed) about the deadlines! I cannot believe how quickly time has flown and that September is mere weeks away. For instance, this weekend I will be registering for conferences and booking the hotels. Has it really been an entire year?! All my calendars confirm that almost 365 days have gone by, and what a busy year it has been! Glancing back I realize just how much has happened during that time and it makes me smile. Life has really turned around since last August/September and I can honestly say that while things may be hectic, I’ve been more inspired and flat out happy since then. I’ve got multiple projects going on, the most exciting one being the manuscript for “Confessions of a Frog-a-holic” (yes, that’s right, the secret is ‘toad-ally’ out)! Working with numerous girls to collaborate their frog stories with the main characters has been a lot of fun and certainly humorous! Currently I am working on a blog to go along with this and hope to release it to the public soon, but I am tweaking things at the moment. Look back here for updates in the following weeks.

In other news, I have also taken on the project of re-decorating my apartment. When I moved into my new place, I simply moved in what I had and although I was able to do a little bit, I didn’t have the time or money to go as crazy as I wanted. Things have settled down now though and I have picked things back up. As much as I want to focus on the writing studio, I am going with the bedroom and living room first. They are rather bland at the moment and there is way too much white going on! This is an annoying problem, but the solution is as simple as taking some of my excess creativity and re-directing it!

I have been spending a lot of time in random places writing lately. Recently it was Barnes and Noble; a rather humorous site I imagine. I picked an area in a corner and sprawled my work space out on the floor. This included my giant red notebook and piles of dating and relationship advice books. I am in the middle of researching stuff for “Confessions of a Frog-a-holic” (which if you hadn’t already guessed it, is a compilation of stories that are interwoven with the story of the main character that has spent most of her life kissing frogs and decided to do something about it. It’s a romantic comedy that I am going out of the way to make sure it defies the cliche’s and puts humor back into and takes fear out of the process of looking for that wart free relationship). I am attempting to set this novel up a bit differently than the average book and it is proving to be a challenge. I have approached this project a bit differently than those I have started in the past. It’s really helped to get me out of my writing comfort zone and learn a few new techniques and that is always good.

There is life beyond writing, though I doubt it sounds like this in the above blog! Things have been going well, and lately it’s been kind of hard to stop smiling, as cheesy as that sounds. The end of summer has turned out to be wonderful, and I even find myself thinking that I might actually be ready for school to start. Having said this, let me counteract myself by saying “ask me again in a few weeks when I am up to my eyeballs in Spanish homework.” I may have changed my mind!

Editing Manuscripts

This week I have been editing manuscripts and getting them ready to send; a process that is far from my favorite thing to do! I have found that separating it into manageable parts helps the process go a little smoother. Sitting down to a pile of over 200-pages with a pen doesn't always pump me up! Yet this needs to be done, and it will be!

In the mean-time, things are going really well with the newest project! It's not quite ready to reveal, but look for that in the coming weeks! I have had an amazing response from girls of all ages and from all over all over sending their stories for this special compilation. It's been fun seeing how everything is falling together!

As far as life outside of writing, things are going very well ;) I have been spending a lot of time with friends the last several weeks and enjoying summer. It's hard to believe that we are well into July! Though taking a walk outside into the boiling heat is always a good reminder! I use this as a good reason to stay in and write! Not that you need a reason!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Update: Settling Down and Happy

As some of you may know, I have been writing more on the new blog as I continue working on the new Confessions... manuscript, but I am still planning on keeping this one updated at least a few times a month! Once conferences start up again there will be more to write about!

Currently I have eliminated most cardboard boxes from my life! There for awhile I was wondering if it would ever happen, but it has. Things have calmed down and I am loving the new place and very much enjoying the new writing nook. I didn't realize how much a change of scenery could motivate me, but it really has. Of course, there have been minor setbacks, such as my computer's power cord breaking, but I have been lucky enough to have a computer genius on hand to help me out :0) I pay him in baked goods so it all works out!

Writing has come rather easily lately as I have been very inspired through these last several months. My newest project has been a lot of fun to work on and I am looking forward to completing it. I still have a few fast approaching deadlines but nothing that can't be met. Most of what I am writing at the moment is captured on paper or a voice recorder that I transcribe later when I have computer access. It takes a bit longer but has been working rather well! Especially the use of the voice recorder as you can take it anywhere!

As far as everything else is concerned, life is going really well. It's truly amazing how quickly time can pass. School starts back up next month! Let's hope that this last month goes slowly!

I will continue to keep you updated, and until then...

Creatively yours,

Kat Callaway

Saying goodbye.... or hello?

Just like that, there it will be; a new beginning clevery disguised as an ending. A chance to start over, turn to a fresh page, and start a new chapter...

Sunday I locked the door to Sommerset Apartment #6 for the final time and said my goodbyes before hopping in the car with my final load of stuff. It was a weird feeling to be leaving, but simultaneously a wonderful one.

I am in my new place now, and loving it more with every second I am there. I am slowly but surely whittling away at the number of cardboard boxes. The writing nook is also beginning to take shape. I'm ready to be able to get in there and start writing!

Until then!

Creatively yours,
Kat

So much stuff... so little time!

I thought I would pop in and send out a quick hi! Life has been a swirl of cardboard boxes and packing tape for approximately a week now. It's been chaotic, but exciting nevertheless! Last night I finally started packing up my writing area and realized just how attached I am to what I do! It is killing me to have my writing materials tucked away in the large brown boxes that hold them captive. I know that I won't have time to sit down and work on my writing for another couple of weeks, but knowing it is there if I have a sudden rush of creativity is always nice. Nevertheless, in a few weeks I will be in my new place with a new writing studio and the cardboard and crumpled bits of newspaper will be nothing but a memory!

Things are going really well right now in pretty much every aspect. Work has slowed down a bit as summer has fallen upon us (finally), and I am not taking summer classes as I decided that I needed to spend more time this summer focusing on the deadlines for manuscripts that are slowly but surely approaching. I'm looking forward to this! I even got a new chair for this ;0)

I have spent a large part of this week looking at furniture and sat in over 26 couches in a day! I had a very hard time picking a couch, but went over to this overstuffed chair and plopped down. Let's just say in less than 5 minutes a red sold sticker was placed on the tag and I was the proud new owner of a marshmallow chair! It is the softest, and most comfortable thing. My theory is that everyone needs there special chair and beyond that, it is perfect for sitting in while writing! As for the couch, this took a little longer. However, after recruiting a little help, we were able to slap a sold sticker on a sage green, three-person couch. It's definitely different than what I would have ever imagined myself buying (especially the color); but I like it and can't wait for it (and my marshmallow chair) to be delivered to my new place in about a week!

First though, I have to finish packing and cleaning. Then of course, tomorrow before the sun even comes up, I will be setting up for my garage sale! I am hoping it goes well and I can make a little profit to help with moving expenses. One thing I know for sure though is that I plan to find a nice shady spot and spend the afternoon writing in my journal.

So things are going well. There is so much more going on but time is short so I will have to catch up on another day. I will mention that I did not get the scholarship and won't be headed to California for the summer conference, but that is ok. There is enough going in here it will keep me busy. Then, lickety-split, September will be here and it will be time for the Fall conference (I'm already excited)! Much to do, and even more to write! But until then...

Creatively yours,

Kat Callaway

Another Semester Comes to An End

Today I attended my last Fiction Writing class for the semester and submitted my final portfolio. I had mixed emotions! While part of me was excited to have completed another course, I still felt sad that I wouldn't get to be with my classmates anymore. There is something special about the familiarity of a group of people who share a common interest. On that note however, a few of us decided to set up a summer group, so the fun will continue a bit. ;0) So here is to a productive summer!

Creatively yours,
Kat

Quick Note 5/4/09

We have arrived at dead week, the week before finals and close enough to summer that you can taste it and want to be there so bad it can drive you crazy! So what do you do to cure this? For me, it was skydiving! ;0) My best friend has been in town and we went skydiving yesterday! It was absolutely amazing and really opened my eyes to a lot. (It also sparked that inspiration within). Needless to say, things have been interesting (and busy) lately!

I have been working away on my manuscripts and getting ready for my first deadline that falls in September. Also, I got an exciting letter the other day from a publishing company requesting my work. It's always fun to get mail like that, but I have to do a little research before I send anything. If I could ever give any good advice on this it's to not jump into anything! It takes very little to get yourself into a pickle in the world of literature. Those who are not familiar with it or have no idea what they are doing will often assume that the faster the better. But that's a very dangerous way to go... and something you will learn through conferences and getting to know people who have been there. I haven't had any bad experiences myself, but have friends and fellow writers who have taught me better. Never let anyone pressure you into hurrying! Writing is an art, and it takes time!

Other than this, life has been beautiful. Things are truly looking up and starting about three months ago, life seemed to fall into place in numerous aspects. The writing is going fabulously, I will be moving here in about 2 1/2 weeks (new writing studio!!), my best friend is here for another week (many adventures for sure), and then of course there are other things and all I shall say on that is that I'm smiling! :0) Life is good... and when that happens, it does involve my writing and this blog; because the happier I am, the more inspired I am to write... and let's just say that I think I am writing more than I ever have in my life!

Creatively yours,
Kat

Weekend of Writing Planned

This week has been very busy with everything BUT writing! Therefore, my weekend is going to be packed with it! I have several assignments I need to complete for Fiction Writing and because next week is going to be packed with Heather FINALLY getting here, my 21st birthday, and the usual work/class load, this weekend is really my last chance!

I have been doing a lot of journal writing more than anything, but that is because life has been exciting and crazy and there is a lot to write about! I have neglected my manuscript for a few weeks, but I don't feel too bad because sometimes it helps to take a small break and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Plus, once I get moved and get my new writing area set up I will start my summer writing schedule and have every intention of getting A LOT done! Have too since I have a deadline nearing in September!

Overall, things are going really well right now! I am insanely happy and that always sparks new ideas and fresh creativity! As an added bonus, the weather has been amazing!

Creatively yours,

Kat Callaway

Quote to Share

A friend of mine recently placed a post-it note on my desk with this quote... it was very sweet and inspirational so I thought I would share:

"Fear is the only obstacle that gets in the way of doing what we love. People are scared to travel, to try new things, to follow their dreams. Fear holds us back from living the lives we were made to live." -Unknown

~* Writing Wishes *~

I just submitted my writing wish to a group of 5 god sisters! No really, I did! Every year, a group of women who call themselves Fairy Godsisters, Ink get together and offer a scholarship to one lucky writer. The award amount would be $1,500 and it is used to help that lucky winner travel to the Los Angeles Summer SCBWI Conference. I have not been able to attend any of the huge conferences yet but have always wanted to go. Needless to say when I discovered this lucky chance I was extremely excited!

The contest ended today and it required a 250-word essay about why I could benefit from attending the conference. It was sent via e-mail and I will know in exactly one month on May 15th if my wish is granted! *Keep your fingers crossed!*

Creatively yours,

Kat

For the Story...

Life is a novel laced with pure irony. Irony is what draws us into the story and what keeps us turning the page, usually writing as we go along. But we only get one draft, and a good book is never long enough. So don't hold back for fear of permanent mistakes. It's important to remember that even though you can't take back chapters already written, you can re-read them and learn from your experiences... absorb the knowledge so that when it comes time to write that next page, you won't make the same mistakes. Along with that, learn to realize how precious each page is and how important those words you sprawl across the page really are. Remember that the mistakes usually end with the best stories. And above all, live each day as if it were your last page... your final chapter and chance to share your story. Do it for the irony....the little moments; the tears you hold back, and the laughter you can't; for the likes that somewhere along the way transform into love. Do it for the adventure. Live your life; and above all do it for the story.

Just wanted to say...

Happy Easter everyone!

Have a giggle packed and jelly bean filled weekend!

Creativly yours,

Kat

Erin Gruwell Coming to ESU!

I just found out that a woman who I have looked up to for a very long time is coming to ESU! Her name is Erin Gruwell and she proved through her work as a teacher that writing CAN change lives! I have looked up to her for a very long time and when the video Freedom Writer's was released I practically wore out the DVD! Needless to say, when I got the memo on my desk stating that she would be visiting ESU (campus where I work) on April 28th I was very excited! This is also, coincidentally, my 21st birthday! Who could ask for anything better!

For those of you who don't know who Ms. Gruwell is, let me indulge you! Erin began her teaching career at Long Beach High School in California and entered a very tough and divided school. The kids who entered her classroom were claimed to be "unteachable," but this didn't stop her. Through a series of events and by sticking to her beliefs, hopes and stubborn personality... Erin helped all who entered her classroom and together they learned the power of words and their effect on all of our lives. Her students and she compiled stories that would later be published as Freedom Writer's Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. These same 150 students (who were thought to be lost cases) went on to graduate not only high school but most pursued further education. All because one teacher chose to believe in them. This amazing story was eventually created into a movie, Freedom Writer's. A good movie to watch it you haven't already!

What I love about Erin is that she found hope in a place where there as little, and a story where there was thought to be none. She found a way to prove that each and every one of us is living out our own life stories and they are worth telling. Writing is a powerful thing, and words CAN effect other's lives. I know the student's of Ms. Gruwell's class had a powerful effect on my life. I am very excited to see her! Of course, I will take pictures and post them here! If you happen to be in Emporia and are interested, the event will be happening on campus in the Albert Taylor Hall at 7p.m.. Ms. Gruwell will be giving a speech and speaking about her experiences as well as her thoughts on becoming a catalyst for change, teaching tolerance, and nurturing the leader within.

New Book Idea!!!!

I don't have much time but I wanted to send out an update! I was hit by a wave of inspiration on Saturday and have been working away at a new book idea ever since! It involves.... are you ready for this... a PICKLE PIZZA! It is unique and been a lot of fun to work with! I don't want to share too much just yet but I will update you as I get a more solid layout of the story!

Until then my friends...

Creatively yours,

Kat

New Looks!

You may have noticed that my blog is taking on some new looks! Look for a few more throughout the next few days and enjoy!
Creatively yours,
Kat Callaway

Dr. Wicked's Writing Lab: Great Writing Tool!

I thought I would share a helpful link with my fellow writers! It's known as Write or Die: Dr. Wicked's Writing lab. It's helpful in the sense that it keeps you on track. It may not work for everyone, but it has been helpful for me. It's almost like a beat the clock game for writers.

You plug in the word-count you wish to achieve, the time that you wish to achieve it in, and the level you wish to work under (which includes gentle, normal, kamikaze, and electric shock). After selecting your settings, you click the "Write!" button and are taken to a page with a box to type in. Begin typing right away to begin your time but be careful! As soon as you begin typing the first word the count down begins! If you stop typing, consequences will occur (all depending on the level you chose). I usually use the normal mode and this entails first the box changing shades of red (the longer the deeper the color), and eventually it will start making awful noises.

The warning sound varies on different days but is usually equally annoying! On the kamikaze mode, the consequences are worse! If you sit too long without writing, it will begin to erase words (I am not a fan of this and rarely use this mode, but it depends on your style)!

Last but not least, when you have completed your goal, it helps transfer your words to a document and give you a cool image to post on your blog/facebook/website that showcases your success! It looks like this (image varies depending on the settings and goals you chose):

Overall, this lab is very creative and has been helpful to me on many occasions! Check it out and see if it work for you! It's worth a look into! If it doesn't work for you, then no worries, we all work in unique ways! ;0)

http://lab.drwicked.com/

Creatively yours,

Kat Callaway

Very crazy (bad luck) weekend!

Thursday of last week began a long and drawn out case of bad luck! The event that started it was as work, where I managed to superglue the cup I had been trying to glue back together to my fingers. quickly pulled it off and secretly hoped that no one had seen my idiotic move. However, I had set the cup down on my desk and turned to look at something else for a brief moment. In this moment, I somehow managed to lean against the cup long enough that it attached itself to my rear! Needless to say, that was harder to keep under wraps and by the time I had gotten the coffee cup detached from my butt, the circulation desk workers were rolling (as was I)! It was a lesson learned (don't let Kat use superglue)! As crazy as it was, I soon brushed it off and moved on. Two hours later, the 4th floor began to flood again in the library. Part of me knew it was going to be a long weekend!

Friday came, and the weather was taking a nasty turn. The forecast included rain, sleet, and eventually a lot of snow. However, I needed to get to El Dorado and since it wasn't too bad in Emporia yet I thought I could make it safely. That didn't happen! It got very bad very quick and I was following a SUV at a good distance for awhile. However, he started to slow down so I did too. I made the decision to pull into the left lane just to be careful not to get too close to him as we slowed down. This is when the ice took over. I was going approx 40 to 50 when I lost control. My car first headed towards the ditch/big drop-off. Luckily, I started sliding the other way before going over. My car then swerved back into the lane, spun around 2 times, and then (facing the opposite of traffic) the passenger's side slammed into the concrete median rocking my car slightly before it slide back into traffic vertically across the two lanes. I managed to get it turned around and going in the right direction and no other cars were involved. I was very lucky! I don't know how, but my car only had a slight dent and a few scratches. The way I hit, the entire side should have been crushed but it only caused a slight dent and a few scratches (the auto shop people later told me that I was incredibly lucky that I hit where I did because it handled the pressure of the impact well. If I would have hit at slightly less turned angle, it would have smashed it)! As for me, I walked away with just bruises on my chest from the seat-belt, a tooth that chipped a little in the back from biting down so hard when I hit, and my neck and back are very sore. I was very lucky.

I stayed in the next town and got my car and myself looked at. Everything was ok, and I ended up spending the night at my grandparents while the Blizzard continued to throw everything it had at us! While at my grandparents, I had a light bulb explode in my hand as I was changing it. That was a painful occurrence that scared not only me but my grandmother... who was standing right behind me when it happened. We both screamed and then my grandfather started laughing at the both of us! This was a few hours before half of the town lost power. I was in Wal-Mart when this occurred and was the next person to check out... needless to say, I didn't get to check out! ;0)

Later on Saturday I decided to brave it and get home so I could be here for work, etc. The turnpike was pretty clean and had little snow coverage. I made it home safely and was excited to get into my own home... yet, I didn't quite make it! As I carried my groceries up I managed to stumble and drop an entire cube of coke. It then smacked onto the balcony, exploding at the seams and pop cans went flying everywhere!

After this experience I went into my house, closed the door behind me and vowed not to leave the house again... and I didn't! I stayed in the rest of the night and did nothing that could potentially be hazardous!

Once I stayed inside things started to calm down. I had a visitor that brought me out of the bad luck streak/bad mood and I spent most of the night cooking pizza (he handled the sharp objects as I am not too be trusted, obviously), watching movies, smiling and being lazy as weekends were intended for in the first place. It was enough to make a horrible weekend much better, which I really needed! ;0)

In summary, it has been a hectic weekend! Not all bad, but for the most part crazy! All of this activity did wreck my original plans to spend the weekend writing, but hopefully I can do that some tonight and this next weekend. I continue to stick to my theory of one step at a time. For instance, so far (knock on wood) today has been ok. Nothing has crashed, blown-up, fallen down or been glued to the wrong place! And above all, the snow is melting! If we can make it through today, I'm a happy girl!

Creatively yours,

Kat

How To Overcome Writer's Block (according to Kat) and Other Bits of Inspiration!

1. Create a schedule: Set aside time for writing and stick too it.


2. Create goals: Come up with reasonable and achievable goals for yourself.


3. Create deadlines: Set deadlines for your goals but make these achievable. Deadlines you can't meet just make writer's block worse because it increases your fear. Know what works for you, but stay true to what you set. Start with little goals and work your way up.


4. Create a comfortable and inspirational writing space: If you have chosen writing as a career, it deserves it's own space just as an artist would have a studio or a lawyer a home office. Even if space is limited, section of a corner of a room. Get a comfy chair, or a beanbag, or a desk if you can afford it. Fill this area with things that inspire you. I have chosen to fill the area with items that inspire the project I am working on at the time as well as photographs and quotes that make me smile. Do whatever you need to do to increase inspiration.


5. Take breaks: If you are having trouble writing, leave it for a night. Sometimes taking a break and working on something else is a good escape. The important thing to remember is to not give up. The greatest novels were not written overnight, but over longer periods of time.


6. Try writing exercises: Sometimes the best way to break writer's block is to write, about anything! Often times, if you can start writing about other random things you can break out of your shell and get inspired to continue writing what you need to be.


7. Take a walk, drive, or dance around your apartment: I'm not kidding! Not only do these activities get you moving and increase brain-flow, they are a fun way to find inspiration. Who knows what you will see while you are on your walk or driving. Many times I have found inspiration in the most unexpected places!


8. Call a friend: Friends are great for brainstorming sessions. Try out your story on them! Have some fun and see if they have any good ideas. I don't know what I would do without my best friend. Together we come up with really random ideas that many times form the base for a new story idea that I take to paper. Also, I have a good friend who is very amazing at finding random things to inspire me such as books or movies or just talking to me about various ideas. You'd be surprised at who is willing to help out!


9. Chill out: Usually the biggest cause of writer's block is a combination of fear and anxiety. Your inner-critic is often the harshest critic of all and outside pressures don't help at all. Breathe, and remember that you won't get anything done if you are freaking out! As my little brother would say... "take a chill pill frill dill!"


10. Remember why you started writing in the first place: Today's society is all about "right now" and "instant gratification." However, the best writer's know that writing isn't all about the money (as nice as it is). There is a reason you started writing in the first place and it probably wasn't because you hated it! Remember why you wanted this career to begin with, and why risking becoming a "starving writer" was worth it. Worry about whether it will get published or not later. After all, if you get so freaked out you can't write it really won't ever happen. Stay true to you, and always remember that inspiration that got you going in the first place. This is your passion... keep dreaming. You can do it!

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Here are some fun quotes that I found to be humorous in regards to the ups and downs of writing! Proof that you're not alone!

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"Writing is 90 percent procrastination: reading magazines, eating cereal out of the box, watching infomercials. It's a matter of doing everything you can to avoid writing, until it is about four in the morning and you reach the point where you have to write."-Paul Rudnick

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"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." -Mark Twain

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"The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair."-Mary Heaton Vorse

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"The easiest thing to do on earth is not write."-William Goldman

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'The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shock-proof shit detector. This is the writer's radar and all great writers had it.'
- Ernest Hemingway
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"One of the most difficult things is the first paragraph. I have spent many months on a first paragraph, and once I get it, the rest just comes out very easily."-Gabriel Garcia Marquez

***

"Never, never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

Short Stories: Write one right now! ;0)

I have never been one to sit down and just write out random short stories. However, lately it's become a fun way for me to relax and live out different situations or stories that bounce around in my head. Last night, for example, I completed a 2 page story about two random characters that had formed in my head at some point. It was a sweet story and not something I would usually write about. But at the time, it was something I needed to get out so I sat down at the laptop, lived vicariously though my characters, and wrote for fun. Yes, I said FOR FUN! I have been working really hard to get my Willow Heights Manuscript finished and it has been driving me crazy. Deadlines have the tendency to suck the fun out of writing if you get too wrapped up in it. So finding a new way to relax for a bit has been fun! So if you are suffering from writer's block, or just need an escape from your everyday writing, try a short story. They are quick, fun, and can be as random as you like! Have some fun!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Windy Weather and an Assortment of Words

The weather here is very windy and we are under a tornado watch as I write this... exciting weather indeed! I woke up early this morning to the gust of air squealing under my window, pushing past the wire screen. Despite the wind though, it is a very nice temperature outside.
Today is a strange day for writing in my realm of creativity! I have a feeling new characters are pushing their way out because I am having a hard time keeping my train of thought. Lately I have been working really hard on finishing my Untitled Manuscript (temporarily named the Tale of Willow Heights to differentiate it from my other pieces of work). I really need to work on the mystical world and the characters who help the girls get home. To do this I have been reading more than my fair share of fairy research, goblin stories, and novels from authors who have already been published for their mystical genius. Due to this plethora of information, I have been having the most unique dreams! Many of my ideas come from my dreams, but occasionally a character will start forming randomly throughout a day or week. This is always fun!

This is basically what I am working on for the most part. I have been putting bits and pieces together for another novel idea... but it is more sporadic at the moment. I'll write more on that as it becomes more concrete. Until then, I will continue to live in the realm of fantasy and mythical creatures!

Creatively yours,
Kat

Conference

Due to unforeseen complications, I was unable to attend the conference this weekend.

-Kat

Fiction Writing Class Project

Right now I have put all my manuscripts aside to work on a piece for my Fiction Writing Class. The assignment was to write a short story and was due before Spring Break. Due to the fact that I was a serial procrastinator for those last few weeks before break, I wrote my story in a rush. Overall, I think it turned out ok and everyone in workshop seemed to like it. However, it is now time to re-write it, edit out parts, and do a little work on strengthening the plot-line before I have to turn it in (the first Tuesday after break is over I believe). Easy right?

It should be, that's for sure! I am having trouble with it though! The story is about a young college girl, Liz, who suddenly discovers after her grandmother dies that she has inherited psychic abilities. She discovers this on the morning of her 21st birthday when she is in class and can hear her classmates and teachers thoughts. The rest of the story is about how she learns to deal with this rather extraordinary birthday "gift" and even more so, what she learns about herself and her past.

When I began writing this story, I used inspiration from around me and had big plans for it. Yet because I was rushing it, I don't feel like it met it's full potential! I want to re-write it and do some major character work as well as take the plot down a new path. How I want to do it is another question entirely!

These dilemmas are the currently at the top of the list. I know it will hit me eventually. My hope is that the workshop/conference on Saturday will inspire me and give me some good ideas! Speaking of which... 2 days! I need to pull a little more together portfolio wise, but other than that I am ready to go!

Creatively yours,
Kat

Life is Like a Novel with the End Ripped Out...

I heard this song the other day and fell in love with it. More specifically, I fell in love with one line. "Life is like a novel with the end ripped out; and it really is. We live life one chapter at a time, turning the pages everyday. No one knows how their story will turn out because we are writing it as we go along. Life is a story... and it is our story. Just a thought!

Creatively yours,
Kat

P.S. I am really really enjoying the current chapter in my life! I know that this is random, but I needed to say it somewhere! I'm really happy and it's wonderful!



"Stand" lyrics by Rascal Flatts:



You feel like a candle in a hurricane

Just like a picture with a broken frame

Alone and helplessLike you've lost your fight

But you'll be alright, you'll be alright



[Chorus:]



Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you've had enough

You get mad you get strong

Wipe your hands shake it off

Then you Stand,

Then you stand

Life's like a novel

With the end ripped out

The edge of a canyon

With only one way down

Take what you're given before its gone

Start holding on, keep holding on



[Repeat Chorus]



OoohhhThen you stand yeahhh

Everytime you get up

And get back in the race

One more small piece of youStarts to fall into place

Ooohhh



[Repeat Chorus]

In a Quotable Mood :0)

As many of you know I am addicted to song lyrics and quotes that I can appy to my life! I decided today I would share a few just for fun. So here you go!

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: "I am with you kid. Let's go." ~Maya Angelou

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on. ~Robert Frost

Few of us write great novels; all of us live them. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Life's like a novel with the end ripped out. ~Danny Orton and Blair Daly, "Stand"

Spring Break!

Yea! It's Spring Break, this should mean plenty of time to write.... right? Ok, so it hasn't happened yet. However, I am excited for my work schedule this week because I am going to try and get some time put in behind my laptop on my manuscripts. I also need to wrap up everything for my workshop/conference on Saturday.

I made the decision to save on money (since I am going skydiving in May and other assorted costly adventures) and just get up extremely early to go down to Kansas City for this conference rather than get a hotel the night before. I'm still excited though! I am due for another boost of inspiration! 5 days and counting! Other than this, the week is started and nothing huge is going on. It was a good weekend and it had a very good ending. I wasn't ready to wake up this morning (probably because I was still awake at 4 a.m.), but you have to have a Monday to get a Friday, so I'm not complaining! ;0)

Creatively yours,

Kat

Meg Cabot's Idea's on Writing

I was looking at a few of Meg's video's and found this one... she has some good advice! As she should... she's a genius! :0) Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quc9gWsxXZ4&feature=related

Creatively yours,

Kat

Creative Fun!

I found this video and was inspired! Creativity can be expressed in many different ways! This video is extremly creative! Enjoy!

"Her Morning Elegance" by Oren Lavie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY

Inspiration

I find inspiration in the weirdest things! Tonight, I couldn't sleep because I had too much of my life bouncing around in my brain... so I went for a walk. As I was balancing myself on a curb, I got distracted by a building and suddenly was transfixed on creating a "special story" for it. I then realized that I do that more than I thought! I get creative with the everyday/ordinary stuff... and it's fun! Along my little journey I was able to create several mini-stories in regards to random things I found. It was fun... and it distracted me from my thoughts for a bit.

Inspiration is a very fickle thing... it's different for everyone. For me, I find it in the everyday things that seem extraordinary with a little imagination. In fact... I think we would all be better off if we chose to see beyond the surface. There's more out there than what you see at first glance.... you just have to be willing to open your eyes....

-Kat

In need of a Kat-nap!

I had a sudden rush of writing brain waves last night! I layed down to go to sleep and suddenly felt as if my brain might explode if I didn't get out a pen and paper or the laptop. I tried to fight it off since I had an early morning, but finally grabbed the laptop (I keep it next to my bed for this very reason) and started tapping away! I love moments like that because it is when I do my best work! However, the next day I pay for it when my eyes droop (but it's worth it)! I did fall asleep with my laptop again though... it's becoming a habit.

Other than this, things have been going well! I am finally getting back on track and figuring out a few important thing. This weekend I will be wrapping up odds and ends so that the next weekend I can head to Overland Park for the workshop...which reminds me! I need to go book a hotel! More soon!

Creatively yours,
Kat

New Writing "Office" Coming Soon...

Right now there are a million and one things going on in my life. It's been a roller coaster, and it was time for some change. In light of this, I made the decision (after many late nights and phone calls to my best friend) to move. I'm not the biggest fan of relocation... but... lately... it seemed like the best of plans! So... towards the end of May, at least for a little while, life will be back to living out of a box ! Yet that is OK with me for one reason and one reason alone. Where I am going, I will actually have more of a writing studio! Most people buy places for the view, or the large living room, or a nice kitchen... but I... fell in love with the study/soon to be home of Kat Callaway, Children's book writer! Of course the rest of the place is nice... beautiful actually! I just can't wait to get into it and start unpacking and begin life in the new place. First though, I have a few months and a conference to get ready for! Until I write again....

Creatively yours,

Kat

P.S Did I mention I'm less than 2 weeks away from attending a conference?!!!

Update: What I am Working On

So I realized that it has been awhile since I updated you all on what exactly I am writing! You know, the entire point of this blog ;0) So here's whats under construction:

YA Novels:

Untitled - Hannah, Molly and Claire are less than a week away from graduating from Willow Heights High School; the moment they had all been waiting on for the last four years. But when the three show up late and miss the only bus headed to the camp where Senior Day is being held, they have no choice but to squeeze into Hannah's old clunker of a car and attempt to make it on time to Graduation practice. However, one wrong turn and a few car issues later, the girls are left wandering around an old, abandoned park...or so it seems.
Through this magical and thrill packed story... Hannah, Molly and Claire are taken on a journey through a mystical world that sets their imagination on fire. But when they are told they can only remain for so long before being trapped forever, the adventure soon becomes a race against time. The girls have one chance to escape through a porthole on the other side of the realm, but it only opens once every 400 years and getting there requires facing many obstacles that occur along the way. Will the girls find the porthole in time? Better yet, will they even make it to graduation?

Untitled - Jilly is 15 years old and different from most kids her age...or is she? She's scrawny, nerdy, and has a hard time fitting in anywhere. So when her new homeroom teacher informs her that she has 2 weeks to pick an extracurricular activity (required for all Freshmen) before the school counselor assigns her one, life gets even more complicated. The problem is, Jilly doesn't fit in any of the groups available at River City Heights High. But with the help of her new, mysterious friend, the school's Beaver Mascot, Bucky, Jilly creates a list of clubs that might work and sets out on a misson to find out where she belongs. In a world of change and learning how to grown-up, Jilly soon finds herself discovering that sometimes it takes being brave enough to be different to fit in. (This description is still very rough as I am just in the very beginning stages of writing this and the characters are still coming to me and I am still figuring out her story. I can tell you she is insanely sarcastic and funny! This has been fun to work on so far)!

Untitled- This novel is still very, very rough and mostly compiled of notes and short clips of writing so far. I think I am going to make you wait for this description just for fun! I will tell you it has to do with love... life and all the fun stories along the way! It'll be interesting! More on this romance comedy later!

Picture Books

Various- I am playing around with a few different picture book ideas and editing what I have, nothing solid enough to write about just yet!

Workshop Coming Soon!

Last night after work I slipped my registration form for the Kansas SCBWI Workshop into the big blue snail mail box! The conference/workshop is to be held in Overland Park on March 21st and I am officially counting down the days (26 in case you were wondering)!

"Stay in the Phone Booth With the Gorilla," is a one day event and the purpose of this workshop is to practice creating a story that will keep your readers in the death-grip of the plot and how to use conflict and other writing tactics to their full potential! It should be a blast! As an added bonus, this workshop falls during Spring Break and I have the weekend off so a friend and I are going to get a hotel and just spend the weekend up there! What better way to spend the break?!

HAPPINESS!

Back in November while traveling between Kansas, Florida, and Georgia; I managed to lose my keyring that held all THREE of my jump drives. In other words, I lost approximately 5 to 6 years of writing! Normally, that would not have been a problem because I am little Ms. Neurotic about those things. I usually had a back up jump drive, a printout set of copies, and the original files saved on my computer. However, a week before going on vacation my computer's hard drive crashed, I (in a moment of what could only be labeled as thoughtlessness) attached the backup jump drive to the main keyring and forgot to take it back off, and didn't print the latest versions of all my manuscripts because I was in a hurry to get everything done for the trip, finals, and work! So when I got home and settled back into everyday life and reached for my comparatives to discover they were not there, I am pretty sure a little part of me died! I didn't say anything because I was swimming in denial! I searched my suitcases multiple times, dug through my car, checked pocket after pocket in all the clothing I owned, and called practically every place I had been. About a month ago, I finally realized they weren't going to surface and began to except that I had really screwed up!

Last night however, as I was reaching into my computer bag to grab a disc to re-load Microsoft Word on my computer, I snagged on something stuck in the furthest corner of the pocket (the pocket I rarely use). Much to my surprise, I lifted out the purple keyring with ALL THREE jump drives. Needless to say, I performed the ultimate happiness dance followed by a series of vocal outbursts! I was (and still am) thrilled!

I have learned my lesson since then and pay even more attention to what I am doing. Let me tell you though, next time I travel I will padlock those suckers to my side! Losing my manuscripts was almost like losing my soul!

Creatively (and happily) yours,

Kat

A Few Quick Shout-outs...

Currently I am really busy with work and trying to get my head above water with Spanish, but I thought I would give a few shoutouts!

First off, once again, Meg Cabot is a genius! If you have not read the Princess Diaries Series, you should! You know the saying don't judge a book by it's cover? Well same goes for it's movies! The movies are amazing, but not as good as the books! The plot-line is a bit different and it is for an older crowd and full of laughs! So, basically, read them! You won't be dissapointed (unless maybe you are a guy...then you might not be into them as much as I was)! I say this because I just finished the final book in the series and was sad to see it come to an end, BUT, she went out with a bang! ;0) Also, as always, lots of humor!

Next off, (despite the rule of not judging a book by it's movie), I was very excited to buy "The Secret Life of Bees" on DVD earlier last week. Again, that is one of my favorite books, written by SueMonk Kidd! I still stand by reading the book first (helps the movie make more sense); but they did a good job of following the book for the most part! So if you are looking for a drama/touching video to watch, give this one a shot!

As for me and my writing, I am working on strengthening the middle section of my novel. Currently I am diving headfirst into research of different mystical creatures, fairies, etc. I need to develop some strong characters that the girls (Hannah, Claire and Molly) will face on their journey. I am really having fun with this now that I have re-worked the initial plot-line and things are moving more smoothly than before! So *crosses fingers* hopefully I will be near the finish line with this manuscript soon! I will keep you updated!

Off I go... but until we meet again,

Creatively yours,
Kat

In One Word... Chaotic!

I have been living life in the fast lane lately and consequently not been able to spend as much time as I should on this lovely blog! But you have not been forgotten!

My hours have been packed with classes, writing, work, writing, trying to get caught up with the ever-growing book pile, writing, and just life in general! To sum it all up in one word, I would have to say chaotic!


Currently, I am in the middle of wanting to chuck my Spanish Text Book out the window (though I would never do that to a book) as we enter the 4th week of classes. I cannot, for the life of me, get it all to stick. In fact, only one thing has come from my Spanish Class thus far and that is the constant craving for Enchiladas (with chips and salsa of course)! Last week we had our first exam and it did not, to say the least, go well. So this means I will be studying even more than I was in the first place!


As for my other classes, they are going well. Philosophy is rather interesting and I find that it incubates a variety of interesting writing ideas (which is always helpful)! Then of course there is Fiction Writing, which... well, I love! A great deal of my homework load comes from this class, but I don't mind it at all. I find myself finishing the assignments and moving right along into my own writing because working on the various prompts is inspiring. In fact (beaming ear to ear), I took one of the required writing activities and have turned it into the first 5 pages of a new novel! Which is exciting because finding unique ideas for longer stories is a challenge for me. Yet when it inspiration strikes, it strikes hard! This time to the point that I find myself waking up frequently at night to write about what comes to me in dreams (hints the bags under the eyes), and when I am in class during the day I constantly write notes in the margins of whatever we are doing because ideas seem to be pouring out! Also, some way or another, finding the inspiration for this novel somehow broke through the writer's block I was suffering with my other young-adult novel I have been working on for awhile. I have had so much trouble finishing it, but lately been sprouting ideas like a plant in the Spring!


So, needless to say, the writing is going good! I really think that the class is helping and also I seem to have unexpectedly discovered a few things in my life that spark my creativity and, well... just flat out make me smile (and smiling is always good)!

In the way of reading, I have set aside all other books in honor of Meg Cabot's last Princess Diaries novel, Forever Princess. Which, on this note, i would like to take the opportunity to state that Meg Cabot is the Queen Bee and Supreme Ruler of Young Adult Literature. To say that she is someone I look up to would be an understatement. This diva has published well over 40 items... and none of it is fluff! She truly is an amazing writer... and I would LOVE to meet her someday *crosses fingers! Ok, now that that has been noted, back to the subject at hand! Reading, yes, I have been! I recently read a novel called Living Dead Girl, by Elizabeth Scott. Harsh book to read, but managed to finish it. It is not for the weak at heart, stomach or those who find they get triggered easily. I found her writing style to be unique, and her presentation of the character to be great. However, overall the subject matter was distracting and my no means was this a good book to curl up and read before bed! So, I reached for a Stephen King book to relax (haha)! Also, I neared the end of Nineteen Minute's by Jodi Picoult and the first few pages of The Virgin of Small Plains, by Nacy Pickard. Basically, a little here, a little there! All of which I will finish up after I finish Meg's newest book! Then there is an entire other stack of books I want to read, but we will get into that later!


As far as life, it's going the way life tends to go! Hectic with a side order of chaos and each day presents its own challenges. But I have come to learn that that's just the way it is.... and the important thing is that we embrace the chaos and learn from the challenges.


So there you go, a quick, yet not so short update! More to come! Until then though... as always...



Creatively yours,
Kat

Happy New Year's Everyone!

We are 5 days into 2009 and so far, personally, it has been a great one! I hope the year continues in this fashion and gets better with each day! I know it will have it's rough spots, but I feel that it will be a pretty good year! However, the only way to find out is one day at a time! Whatever the case, I would like to say Happy New Year to one and all and good luck with your resolutions! ;0) One of mine is to write more on this blog! We shall see how well that goes!

Creatively yours,
Kat