Funny Things... About Novel-Writing and Kefir

Ya know, it's funny... that when you sign up for a course to "complete a self-edited manuscript within a year"... that THAT'S the week that your computer decides to quit on you...

Self Study No. 568

Ah, the wise words of my baby sis:

"finish itttttt."

She was referencing my "Alison Underland" piece. Which will be finished at some point...

Sometimes I find it hard to finish things... Which is why I'm making a very public display of announcing the official, for real, very surely start of something. Something bigger than my Alison Underland story or my other (very beloved) pastiche pieces.

 I am embarking on something engulfing. This weeks marks the first week in my year-long challenge to complete a finished, self-edited manuscript for my book series. (THANKS to Shay at SpireSpire for being so selflessly devoted to challenging others and helping them to shine!)

Oh boy. I think I can I think I can I think I can.

And with this great adventure, I am mustering up the courage to humbly turn my eye inward. To truly evaluate myself as a creator, thinker, feeler, organizer, and do-er. A frightening task, to be sure. But that's the only way. I mean, really... My biggest pet peeve is when people assume things. So I should probably not assume anything about my own powers. I've got to whip my lil' creative spirit into shape and prove myself. Yeehaw!

In other me-related news...

• I just got back from a missions trip to the Czech Republic. Oh my. If you've never sacrificed your time and energy and traveled outside of your lil' world, then it's time to get on board!!! God is working in a big way in Czech and I'm sososo thankful that I got to be a part of it in some small way! (Note to self: update personal travel/adventure blog with photos and highlights from the trip!) For now, here's a pic of our fabulous class that we were privileged to teach English to:

Clockwise from top left: Bara (she has cool hair!), Martin (he just got married last week!), Dave (love you!), Martin (he has a Scottish accent...oh yes), Honza (our beloved scholar of the group), me, Inka (my roomie when I went to Czech in 2004... oh how I love her!), and lovely Reny (she is soso sweet!). Ahhh... I miss them all! 

•  I discovered Pinterest. It's like a virtual pinboard system and it's great for people who are visually inspired and like to stay organized. Perfect for gathering recipes, inspiring images, a cache of all items on a dream shopping list, or creating idea collages for decorating the home. Words cannot describe the great fun-ness of Pinterest. (Yes, that was the word that I wanted to write there... And for once I wished it was a real word... so I decided to use it anyways...) If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, then you should. Just be prepared to set up an accountability system with a buddy so that you can healthfully manage your new addiction. (Note: I think there's a way to link one's Pinterest account with one's blog... Which I will try to do...)

• I just watched two films worth watching: Grey Gardens with Jessica Lange and a truly groundbreaking performance by Drew Barrymore... And Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Oh Paul Newman.....*swoon*.

Okay... Off I go... I have work bloggies to do... And pinteresting to procrastinate with... And creating to do for my story: The Laraway Legacy!!! Curious? Check out my Laraway Legacy Pinterest board for a sort-of glimpse into my brain! :)

Alison Underland - Part I

Hey readers!

So, Writers of AntiquiTea is working on modern twists on old fairy tales. I'm so pumped about this little project! Here's the first part of my short story. There will definitely be more, so stay tuned!!! :)

Alison Underland

Ode to an Idiom: Charley Horse

Hello readers! Most of my attention lately has been sucked by writing and creating stories. And I couldn't be happier!!! But I do have some recipes I've been meaning to post... I will try to get to that soon!

As for now, here's another Writers of AntiquiTea project. We're calling it an "Ode to an Idiom". Enjoy! :)

Charley Horse

Spasms of the heart...

Uncontrollably freezing up any remnants of valor.

Bravery, that I thought I possessed,

But I must have thought wrong.

This soul dehydration

That leads to invariable twinges,

Drawing bits and pieces,

Sucking spirit from my marrow...

Stiff.

Reactions.

Low levels of joy and

Overabundance of shock

From the under-saturated hues inside the

Kinks and stitches

Of my mind.

Distraction is not enough,

Frenzied games of forgetting

Do little to ease the ache.

It’s a horribly stunning truth

That the only relief to be had

Is from the

Arduous stretching

and

Reaching

And the re-extending...

The expanding of the heart through and beyond

Its source of pain.

Pastiche Project - Prism Poems

Oh my... It's been a LONG time since posting! But I've been busy. This is the project I've been working on for the past couple weeks - another pastiche of sorts, generated by brainstorming and writing sessions from my Writers of AntiquiTea meetings with Lisa.

We're calling this project Prism Poems - 3 unique poems showing different facets of people. So, take a look at the title of each poem and enjoy the artwork that was chosen to go along with each piece. Then, read each poem! And as always, feedback is GREATLY appreciated!!!  THANKS! :)

Oatmeal Soul

Pastiche Project: Terminus

Another Pastiche Project! So, for our latest Writers of AntiquiTea meeting, Lisa and I decided to be manly and leave the fairy tale emotions behind. We wanted to step outside our comfort zones and give ourselves a challenge. She chose to write about a bull fight. I chose to write about a gladiator. Surprisingly similar topics, but different enough that we were able to write uniquely. Here's what I learned while creating this project:

1. It is really really hard for this girl to write about fighting. It was like pulling teeth. I really know nothing about physical combat.
2. Researching gladiators is fascinating.
3. I couldn't find a song to go with this project. I tried lots, but none of them worked. I wanted something epic (but not too 'big' sounding)... Something with heartbeat-like drums (that's not too creepy). Apparently, this music doesn't exist yet. My husband said he preferred the story without music, so I decided to leave it at that.
4. I'm thinking that next time I do a Pastiche I'm going to start with a song, and then find a piece of art, and THEN write the story...

So, here it is... And, if you like, leave me a comment with your feedback! I cherish feedback. :)

Terminus

Writing Project: The Kiss

I wrote this as part of an experimental creative writing project for my self-inflicted writing group homework. I'm calling it a Pastiche Project as it is meant to combine several different types of art. This one uses an image that I edited, a song that I found, and a short story that I wrote. So, to fully experience the project do the following:


1. Turn your speakers on and hit play on the youtube video link. No need to watch the video, it's just to play the music.
2. Take a look at the image.
3. Read the short story! Be sure to comment once you've experienced it and let me know your thoughts!!! :)