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

Too Good Not to Share...

Tis' the season to be jolly! This video made me smile and was too good not to share. Show's that anything is possible... as long as you set you mind and never lose sight of your dreams. :0)


http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/11076595/abc/20081212/av_abc_gma/_ynewsspotlight_abc081212_gma_nutcracker

Back Soon!

Things have been a little crazy for multiple reasons... but the main one is that classes are coming to an end and the great and wondrous finals time (sarcasm) has brought itself upon us all. I have been trying to keep up with everything but once again had to push blogging and a few other things to the side! I will be back, starting next weekend, with a long update blog (especially about the best Thanksgiving I think I have EVER had)! Until then, stay creative and warm! It's pretty chilly here!

Creatively yours,
Kat