Tuesday, June 2, 2009

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

Friday, May 22, 2009

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



Thursday, May 7, 2009

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

Monday, May 4, 2009

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

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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