Between school, work and preparing for the incredible amount of change that lies within the next two weeks; this blog has gotten pushed to the side! But, I had a few extra moments today and decided I would pop in! Things have been unbelievably crazy lately with, well... life in general. The last few weeks have been packed full of graduation to-do's. It's hard to believe that in 11 days I will be walking across the stage and leaving behind Butler! It seems like I just moved in that very fist day, sobbing and all! But time flies... zoooo0000M! :0) I will say that what I have learned over the course of the last two years is amazing. As a person, I have changed in so many ways! But this is something I will write about later when I have a little more time.
I am excited to announce that I got a new computer! Something I have wanted for a VERY long time. Having a computer that you can TRUST to keep your manuscripts safe is something that is key. My last lap-top I did not trust AT ALL! But this lap top, which I have named Willow (yes I name my computers), is very cute and works perfect for my writing. I cannot wait to use it this summer... there are SO many stories that I have yet to write! Lily the Ladybug may have many summer adventures to embark on!
Other than that, life is a on a fast-track with finals. Speaking of which, I must hop back into my busy schedule! I am working on a longer entry, and hope to have it here by the end of the week. Until then, stay safe and be creative. :0)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Why grow up?
As I write this blog, I am finishing off a happy meal! Yes, you read right, a happy meal! Complete with a princess toy (Which I am not quite sure of it's purpose? It's pink and fuzzy! Who knows, I'll figure it out)! Ahhh yes, the moments when I prove, without a doubt, that I am still very much a kid at heart. Moments that are not rare by any means!
Happy meals are a small treat I enjoy when I am writing my children book manuscripts (and other times I feel necessary). I feel that I am rewarding my inner child for her creativity! Ok, that is totally some random excuse I pulled from thin air! I'm not going to lie. I just love happy meals. :0)
ANYWAYS! I am a child at heart. I really don't see the need to grow up completely. I mean seriously? Give me a list of 10 good reasons to be without an inner child? If you can come up with a good list, with 10 solid reasons that I cannot argue, I will consider growing up.
Keeping in contact with your inner child is good for many reasons in my opinion. Reasons that creativity is among! Your inner child can keep you young at heart, ready for challenges, full of energy... so many things. I ask you this... when is the last time that you hugged a teddy bear? Painted without a paintbrush? How about going to the park to swing so high you might fly far far away into the sky? Or how about building a tent out of blankets and reading for hours? My last tent was about a week ago! My niece (age 5) and nephew (age 6) and I (age 19 going on 7) decided to play "princess and power rangers;" building our special hideout tent on top of my queen size bed. One large size blanket, 2 hair ties, a broom and all the pillows in the house later, we had a top secret club area prime for snuggling and reading. Our only limit was our imagination, which in the hours that passed, seemed to span endlessly. Giggles floating out from the makeshift tent edges.
In those hours, I was privileged to be let into their world of make believe and fairies. A world I could not have entered if it were not for my inner child (who, by the way, I think rocks)! When we ran out of books, they turned to me for new stories, which I pulled together in a matter of minutes; their grins fueling my exciting tales. Together, the three of us escaped to a world far away from our small blue house on the outskirts of town. Our stories took us to fishing ponds across the world, meeting creatures like Big Foot (who we like to call Harry, he likes gummy worms and hot chocolate....hee hee, and I am sure nice long walks on the beach if anyone is interested...though he is a hard guy to catch)! We created tales of princesses in castles waiting to be rescued; and of the ninjas who saved them (random but true)!
The point of my babble is this. Being able to pull out the inner child within is a great reliever for stress. Now of course, there are times that it is required to be grown up. This I do not argue in any way. Growing up is an unavoidable process (despite Peter Pan's wishes...though I still continue to look for Neverland, and Tinker Bell... I will let you know if I am successful). But growing up does not mean having to abandon all of our innocence or imagination. Life is serious, but it can be fun too. Taking life too seriously is where many of our stress problems come from... we over think things and complicate what, if we take a step back and breatheeeee, may be simple.
So the next time you find yourself stressed, under pressure or getting lost in the world's buzz. Get a happy meal, or go home early one night and play with your kids, build a tent! Read a book! Do SOMETHING out of the ordinary, something fun, and something creative. Now some of you may think that it is too late, that your inner child is far gone, but your wrong. If you know anything about children, it's that they are stubborn. Chances are, your inner child is close by, waiting for a little attention! So have some fun.... and as for me.... well.... who knows what is next! You'll just have to wait for the next blog, but in the mean time, go fly a kite!
Happy meals are a small treat I enjoy when I am writing my children book manuscripts (and other times I feel necessary). I feel that I am rewarding my inner child for her creativity! Ok, that is totally some random excuse I pulled from thin air! I'm not going to lie. I just love happy meals. :0)
ANYWAYS! I am a child at heart. I really don't see the need to grow up completely. I mean seriously? Give me a list of 10 good reasons to be without an inner child? If you can come up with a good list, with 10 solid reasons that I cannot argue, I will consider growing up.
Keeping in contact with your inner child is good for many reasons in my opinion. Reasons that creativity is among! Your inner child can keep you young at heart, ready for challenges, full of energy... so many things. I ask you this... when is the last time that you hugged a teddy bear? Painted without a paintbrush? How about going to the park to swing so high you might fly far far away into the sky? Or how about building a tent out of blankets and reading for hours? My last tent was about a week ago! My niece (age 5) and nephew (age 6) and I (age 19 going on 7) decided to play "princess and power rangers;" building our special hideout tent on top of my queen size bed. One large size blanket, 2 hair ties, a broom and all the pillows in the house later, we had a top secret club area prime for snuggling and reading. Our only limit was our imagination, which in the hours that passed, seemed to span endlessly. Giggles floating out from the makeshift tent edges.
In those hours, I was privileged to be let into their world of make believe and fairies. A world I could not have entered if it were not for my inner child (who, by the way, I think rocks)! When we ran out of books, they turned to me for new stories, which I pulled together in a matter of minutes; their grins fueling my exciting tales. Together, the three of us escaped to a world far away from our small blue house on the outskirts of town. Our stories took us to fishing ponds across the world, meeting creatures like Big Foot (who we like to call Harry, he likes gummy worms and hot chocolate....hee hee, and I am sure nice long walks on the beach if anyone is interested...though he is a hard guy to catch)! We created tales of princesses in castles waiting to be rescued; and of the ninjas who saved them (random but true)!
The point of my babble is this. Being able to pull out the inner child within is a great reliever for stress. Now of course, there are times that it is required to be grown up. This I do not argue in any way. Growing up is an unavoidable process (despite Peter Pan's wishes...though I still continue to look for Neverland, and Tinker Bell... I will let you know if I am successful). But growing up does not mean having to abandon all of our innocence or imagination. Life is serious, but it can be fun too. Taking life too seriously is where many of our stress problems come from... we over think things and complicate what, if we take a step back and breatheeeee, may be simple.
So the next time you find yourself stressed, under pressure or getting lost in the world's buzz. Get a happy meal, or go home early one night and play with your kids, build a tent! Read a book! Do SOMETHING out of the ordinary, something fun, and something creative. Now some of you may think that it is too late, that your inner child is far gone, but your wrong. If you know anything about children, it's that they are stubborn. Chances are, your inner child is close by, waiting for a little attention! So have some fun.... and as for me.... well.... who knows what is next! You'll just have to wait for the next blog, but in the mean time, go fly a kite!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Dreaming Wide Awake
It was one of those delicious moments where I lingered in between a restful sleep and waking up to begin my day. Snuggled underneath my many blankets, loving my feather bed. I wasn't dreaming, but thoughts echoed around in my head. Thoughts that were perfect for my fantasy novel I am writing; and while I was safely nestled in my warm bed, my mind wandered in a world full of magic.
I have been writing this book for about nine and a half months now. It's a new experience for me, as I am used to keeping my stories roped into a page or two. Currently, I am approximately 53 pages into my novel, my imagination still running strong. I find it relaxing to escape my everyday world, re-locating in a enchanting, hidden world... not far from our own, but different than that which any of us have experienced (that we know of)! In my world, I play with the faeries, search for new and interesting characters, and invent new adventures for my three characters; Eliza, Jamie and Lynn.
It's been very exciting lately as I am working on the second lesson that they will learn on their journey. Without giving away the plot of the story, I can say that this is a very exciting storyline and I find myself living through it. My characters are learning lessons that all adolescents learn as they make that awkward transfer between their childhood and adulthood. But they do it in a way that holds a lot of symbolism and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats!
I have had a lot of fun with this book. I can barely wait to finish it, but know that it will take time and patience and many more developments. Even I look forward to discovering where these characters will take me. My favorite part is that I am so close to their world, that all I have to do is close my eyes, and I enter as a welcomed guest. But just like the characters in the book, I can only stay so long before I must re-gain the real word. There I wait for the next idea to find its way onto paper.
Until then, I continue to enjoy the moments like the one I had the other day in bed; awake, but in a dream of my own. Creating a story that I one day hope to share with the world, one page at a time!
I have been writing this book for about nine and a half months now. It's a new experience for me, as I am used to keeping my stories roped into a page or two. Currently, I am approximately 53 pages into my novel, my imagination still running strong. I find it relaxing to escape my everyday world, re-locating in a enchanting, hidden world... not far from our own, but different than that which any of us have experienced (that we know of)! In my world, I play with the faeries, search for new and interesting characters, and invent new adventures for my three characters; Eliza, Jamie and Lynn.
It's been very exciting lately as I am working on the second lesson that they will learn on their journey. Without giving away the plot of the story, I can say that this is a very exciting storyline and I find myself living through it. My characters are learning lessons that all adolescents learn as they make that awkward transfer between their childhood and adulthood. But they do it in a way that holds a lot of symbolism and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats!
I have had a lot of fun with this book. I can barely wait to finish it, but know that it will take time and patience and many more developments. Even I look forward to discovering where these characters will take me. My favorite part is that I am so close to their world, that all I have to do is close my eyes, and I enter as a welcomed guest. But just like the characters in the book, I can only stay so long before I must re-gain the real word. There I wait for the next idea to find its way onto paper.
Until then, I continue to enjoy the moments like the one I had the other day in bed; awake, but in a dream of my own. Creating a story that I one day hope to share with the world, one page at a time!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Apartments, landlords, blushing and the rest of my day!
My little brother just read my last blog and informed me that, to say the least, it was boring. I opened my mouth to protest, but realized, that...well... the 14-year-old is right! So let's spice it up shall we?!
Today was very crazy! I am in the process of locating a place to live for the next few years while I go to ESU. Obviously, what I am looking for is an apartment. Which, I found... ALOT of them! Today, I looked at over 10 different places, each one different. I did fall in love with one for a certain reason... it had a smaller bedroom (besides the main one) that would have BEEN perfect for a writing room. But the neighborhood wasn't so great. Long story short, I got one that will work. Nothing too exciting, but a place to call home for the next 12-months (and hopefully the birthplace of many more novels)!
Stay with me here, above was not the funny part! No, the funny part was me trying to fill out the paperwork! One would assume that person who spends her hours writing would be able to fill out paperwork no sweat, right? Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa right! Here's the thing, behind paper I do have a special way with words. But in person, over short messages like text messaging, or on small papers; I have a way of getting myself in a bind.
I was filling out paper after paper; the average information, name, date of birth...basically signing your soul away! Well, I got to the part for the "spouse's' information and of course I am not married! In fact, I am recently broken up. So, in rather large letters I wrote single with an exclamation point. I really didn't think about it, until after I handed the paper back. Then, like a light bulb going off in a pitch black room, my cheeks turned pink as the (very cute I might ad) landlord was reviewing the paperwork and turned to that specific section! A moment that I would have been ahead to keep my mouth shut! But instead, I chose to stutter and stumble over words trying to explain why I did that. I'm not sure what the final conclusion was. But he was laughing, and I was still blushing!
So, the moral of the story is this! Don't assume that people who can write have a way with all words, both written and spoken! I proved this today but I do it more often than that! Maybe this is why I became a writer?! For me it's always been easier to write out what I have to say (not confining it to a certain word count). Furthermore, writing is much easier when there is a delete button involved; and trust me, there was no delete button today! But on the bright side, I bet my new landlord remembers me when I go to pay rent on the first day!
Today was very crazy! I am in the process of locating a place to live for the next few years while I go to ESU. Obviously, what I am looking for is an apartment. Which, I found... ALOT of them! Today, I looked at over 10 different places, each one different. I did fall in love with one for a certain reason... it had a smaller bedroom (besides the main one) that would have BEEN perfect for a writing room. But the neighborhood wasn't so great. Long story short, I got one that will work. Nothing too exciting, but a place to call home for the next 12-months (and hopefully the birthplace of many more novels)!
Stay with me here, above was not the funny part! No, the funny part was me trying to fill out the paperwork! One would assume that person who spends her hours writing would be able to fill out paperwork no sweat, right? Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa right! Here's the thing, behind paper I do have a special way with words. But in person, over short messages like text messaging, or on small papers; I have a way of getting myself in a bind.
I was filling out paper after paper; the average information, name, date of birth...basically signing your soul away! Well, I got to the part for the "spouse's' information and of course I am not married! In fact, I am recently broken up. So, in rather large letters I wrote single with an exclamation point. I really didn't think about it, until after I handed the paper back. Then, like a light bulb going off in a pitch black room, my cheeks turned pink as the (very cute I might ad) landlord was reviewing the paperwork and turned to that specific section! A moment that I would have been ahead to keep my mouth shut! But instead, I chose to stutter and stumble over words trying to explain why I did that. I'm not sure what the final conclusion was. But he was laughing, and I was still blushing!
So, the moral of the story is this! Don't assume that people who can write have a way with all words, both written and spoken! I proved this today but I do it more often than that! Maybe this is why I became a writer?! For me it's always been easier to write out what I have to say (not confining it to a certain word count). Furthermore, writing is much easier when there is a delete button involved; and trust me, there was no delete button today! But on the bright side, I bet my new landlord remembers me when I go to pay rent on the first day!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Writing a Manuscript... fun stuff!
The last few weeks, my time extra time has been consumed by the things that I must complete before sending out my manuscripts! For those of you who don't know, there is way more than just licking the envelope and sealing it with a kiss. I used to think this too!
Unfortunately, because of these processes that I must follow, I have been permanently kicked out of the Tree Hugger Club! Okay, I'm kidding, but let me tell you, the amount of paper I go through is insane. Today for instance, I was excited to come into the lab to pick up my freshly printed manuscript copies, crisp and ready to stuff into their big brown envelopes! But literally, just as I reached to pull the rather large stack from the copier, a teacher that has helped me with editing came in with her copy of the manuscript in her hand. "Oh I just happened to find one more thing," she said. Smiling, I took the stack of newly printed, now useless, manuscript copies and transferred them to their new home. The recycling bin! Then headed to the nearest computer to make the new changes.
Now don't get me wrong, as much as I love the trees (and I would claim myself as a tree hugger), getting these last minute corrections are a gift. Every little thing that can be caught now brings me one step closer to the "perfect manuscript." I am thankful for all who have been willing to help me edit, reading Lily's story over and over again! Without them, none of this would have been possible!
Any who... so today I have put printing on hold; deciding that maybe another couple of edits wouldn't be such a bad idea. To date, my darling Lily and her story of childlike shopping addiction has been edited over 113 times by various people. To name a few, my mother (always a good critique), my college Comp. 2 teacher and Children's Literature Instructor, Jane Watkins, the Lantern newspaper advisor, Danita White, my best friend and amazingggg reporter for the Emporia Gazette, Brandy Nance, countless other friends and so many more. All helping to shape Lily to what she is today!
Ok, ok, I have gotten off track! The process of sending out manuscripts! Here we are again, back on track. To those who are wondering what the process takes, I will let you in on a little. To prepare for sending out your story, the following has to be completed first:
- The purchase of what I refer to as the Writer's Bible, but what is called the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market 2008. This was the book that many sites recommend and also the book that I have spent many nights thumbing through desperately looking for answers!
- Editing, editing, editing! Read the story to kids, ask what they think. Have a teacher rip it apart (as a writer you HAVE to be open to criticism and accept that like all humans, writers make mistakes too). Have you mom read it, your sister, your brothers. Share it with friends, etc. The only thing that you may want to be careful of is read it to those you trust as there is always the underlying factor of your idea getting stolen. But don't be paranoid! You have to discover if what you are writing is something that will go over with people.
- Manuscript format. There are a lot of books out there that have different ideas for format. Some companies request special formats. This is where things get tricky. I chose to go with a basic format listed in the book I purchased. However, I will be paying special attention to the requirements that each company holds.
- Envelopes and stamps. Giant brown manila envelopes are my package of choice to send out Lily's story. To save time I have printed out mass labels with my name and address and placed them on all the envelopes. Also note: many companies require that if you want a response or want your manuscript back, you have to but a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) inside the main envelope. Now as far as mailing out your manuscripts, which I have yet to do. That is going to cost a pretty penny. In the book I use, there are well over 200 different publishing addresses. Be cautious though when selecting where to send everything. Read the guidelines carefully; sending a manuscript to a company who won't take it wastes your money and their time.
- Getting you name out there. This is a very important step as well as a very tricky one. Many companies like to be able to access other information about if they are interested. The book I am reading highly suggest that serious authors establish a website of some sort. This includes a blog (which you are reading! yea!). Also, having easy to decipher information helps too. Like a business card, or a portfolio that sets you apart from the rest. Getting noticed is the first step!
- Waiting.... and waiting and waiting and waiting. This is the hardest part. And chances are that the first letter you will get will be a rejection letter, something that can be discouraging. But don't give up! It's worth it all to one day get that acceptance letter; just like getting into college! Except you will get paid instead of having to go in dept! Ha! I can't say that I have experienced the full excitement of selling a manuscript, but I can only imagine. It's my dream, and trust me, I really do dream about it. I have staring contests with my mailbox!
So there it is, a little in site to the first few steps to getting a book published. Nothing is proven, so if it doesn't work for you don't come here screaming at me! I am in the learning process too. It seems to take forever and its a lot of work and dedication. But I keep my hopes up by writing even more. Who knows what could happen tomorrow! I might even get the real final manuscript printed out. But for now....well... I'm going to go check my mailbox! I'm waiting on my final copyright papers...ahhh! Hurry up government ( hurry and government don't belong in the same sentence, I should know that)! Happy writing and reading ya'll!
Unfortunately, because of these processes that I must follow, I have been permanently kicked out of the Tree Hugger Club! Okay, I'm kidding, but let me tell you, the amount of paper I go through is insane. Today for instance, I was excited to come into the lab to pick up my freshly printed manuscript copies, crisp and ready to stuff into their big brown envelopes! But literally, just as I reached to pull the rather large stack from the copier, a teacher that has helped me with editing came in with her copy of the manuscript in her hand. "Oh I just happened to find one more thing," she said. Smiling, I took the stack of newly printed, now useless, manuscript copies and transferred them to their new home. The recycling bin! Then headed to the nearest computer to make the new changes.
Now don't get me wrong, as much as I love the trees (and I would claim myself as a tree hugger), getting these last minute corrections are a gift. Every little thing that can be caught now brings me one step closer to the "perfect manuscript." I am thankful for all who have been willing to help me edit, reading Lily's story over and over again! Without them, none of this would have been possible!
Any who... so today I have put printing on hold; deciding that maybe another couple of edits wouldn't be such a bad idea. To date, my darling Lily and her story of childlike shopping addiction has been edited over 113 times by various people. To name a few, my mother (always a good critique), my college Comp. 2 teacher and Children's Literature Instructor, Jane Watkins, the Lantern newspaper advisor, Danita White, my best friend and amazingggg reporter for the Emporia Gazette, Brandy Nance, countless other friends and so many more. All helping to shape Lily to what she is today!
Ok, ok, I have gotten off track! The process of sending out manuscripts! Here we are again, back on track. To those who are wondering what the process takes, I will let you in on a little. To prepare for sending out your story, the following has to be completed first:
- The purchase of what I refer to as the Writer's Bible, but what is called the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market 2008. This was the book that many sites recommend and also the book that I have spent many nights thumbing through desperately looking for answers!
- Editing, editing, editing! Read the story to kids, ask what they think. Have a teacher rip it apart (as a writer you HAVE to be open to criticism and accept that like all humans, writers make mistakes too). Have you mom read it, your sister, your brothers. Share it with friends, etc. The only thing that you may want to be careful of is read it to those you trust as there is always the underlying factor of your idea getting stolen. But don't be paranoid! You have to discover if what you are writing is something that will go over with people.
- Manuscript format. There are a lot of books out there that have different ideas for format. Some companies request special formats. This is where things get tricky. I chose to go with a basic format listed in the book I purchased. However, I will be paying special attention to the requirements that each company holds.
- Envelopes and stamps. Giant brown manila envelopes are my package of choice to send out Lily's story. To save time I have printed out mass labels with my name and address and placed them on all the envelopes. Also note: many companies require that if you want a response or want your manuscript back, you have to but a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) inside the main envelope. Now as far as mailing out your manuscripts, which I have yet to do. That is going to cost a pretty penny. In the book I use, there are well over 200 different publishing addresses. Be cautious though when selecting where to send everything. Read the guidelines carefully; sending a manuscript to a company who won't take it wastes your money and their time.
- Getting you name out there. This is a very important step as well as a very tricky one. Many companies like to be able to access other information about if they are interested. The book I am reading highly suggest that serious authors establish a website of some sort. This includes a blog (which you are reading! yea!). Also, having easy to decipher information helps too. Like a business card, or a portfolio that sets you apart from the rest. Getting noticed is the first step!
- Waiting.... and waiting and waiting and waiting. This is the hardest part. And chances are that the first letter you will get will be a rejection letter, something that can be discouraging. But don't give up! It's worth it all to one day get that acceptance letter; just like getting into college! Except you will get paid instead of having to go in dept! Ha! I can't say that I have experienced the full excitement of selling a manuscript, but I can only imagine. It's my dream, and trust me, I really do dream about it. I have staring contests with my mailbox!
So there it is, a little in site to the first few steps to getting a book published. Nothing is proven, so if it doesn't work for you don't come here screaming at me! I am in the learning process too. It seems to take forever and its a lot of work and dedication. But I keep my hopes up by writing even more. Who knows what could happen tomorrow! I might even get the real final manuscript printed out. But for now....well... I'm going to go check my mailbox! I'm waiting on my final copyright papers...ahhh! Hurry up government ( hurry and government don't belong in the same sentence, I should know that)! Happy writing and reading ya'll!
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