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Publishing my Poetry?

18 January 2015

I recently sent in a poem that I wrote in September to a writing contest, just to see what would happen and to make a little money if possible. Throughout my writing endeavors, poetry has been my greatest foe. I've never read it very much, because I usually don't like the ones they make you read in English class. As a result, I didn't exactly enjoy writing it, either. However, I've found that it can be an excellent outlet for expressing emotion without making a full length novel out if. But back to the beginning: that writing company recently contacted me asking if they could publish the poem I sent in their anthology. But I won't upload that poem here because who knows, you may get to read the published version one of these days! Today, I'm going to share something with you which I am honestly far more proud of, just to show you how I've progressed in my poetry skills.

Against the Clock

Tis queer to think that when something begins, you cannot foresee how it might end
Friendships may perish with one conversation, while enemies become objects of flirtation
A love you swore would last forever, you’d now throw away for a handsome whoever
And the one you felt certain would forsake you, commits to see all your hardships through
Passions never previously experienced, will leave you breathless and delirious
Yet those too will crash and burn, every heartbreaking downfall provides something to learn
Vocations and hobbies from youthful days, will come to make your life in so many ways              Back then, time was a thing of endless stock; now you’re simply racing against the clock
Childhood not cherished when you lived there, now you dream to return to a world without care
Despite the unpredictability of life, and the sorrow of bearing unspoken strife
It’s nice to laugh because we don’t know, how each circumstance intends to make us grow
You may not see which relationships die, but you wouldn’t be you if life were otherwise
Rather than shake your fist at the past, remember the ones who have turned up at last
If it weren’t for the heartache of which life consists, so many things might not even exist
Think of the people you may never have met, those friends who will forever have your debt
And even though that lover changed his mind, you can’t deny he was a memorable find
Those who weren’t the friends they seemed, changed destiny in ways you couldn’t dream
Darling, don’t wish away a single thing; right now you can’t realize what good it shall bring
That’s half the joy; not knowing what’s next, and one little moment can have so many effects

Tis queer to think that when something begins, you cannot foresee how it might end

I hope you enjoyed this little post; let me know what you thought of my work and be sure to fill me in on your experiences with writing poetry. Happy Sunday, y'all!

Senior Sunday - Second Semester Edition

11 January 2015

Pull out the party hats and some concealer to hide those under eye circles because guess what? The 2015 spring semester starts next week! *pretends to be excited but cowers in fear because I still don't know where I'm going to college*

Can I just take a moment to say a little hallelujah for the college winter break? I mean, I've had a month off, you guys. The fact that this luxury was not extended to me during my growing up years now seems like a cruel injustice, and I want payback! *crosses arms and watches more Netflix* During these weeks of leisure, I've done quite a lot of work. When not catching up with friends and family who are home from college, I've been applying to colleges, signing up for scholarships, and studying for my SAT resit that's coming up soon. All I can say is, whoever said senior year would be the easiest year of high school was a big fat liar peanut, that's what. However, I can attest that this has by far been the greatest school year, and I'm only halfway through! In this upcoming semester I will go skiing for the first time, go to prom, go on tour with my choir, become an adult, and graduate from the easiest part of life! Now if that isn't something to celebrate, I'm not sure what is. ;) For those of you who are actually curious as to what I've been up to during winter break and since I last updated you on my school schedule, here are some mediocre photos. If you don't care, I won't be at all offended if you glide right past them: seriously, just keep scrolling, I don't mind. *writes your name on the naughty list*

 In October our church had a youth retreat and according to tradition, our grade dressed up in coordinating outfits. (there are about 20 more of us) This year the theme was Disney Princesses; I'm on the far right as Ariel.
 Christmas Party at my dear friend Alyssa's house!
 My buddy Joy hosted a dance in her barn for all her senior friends. It was freezing, but I successfully line-danced anyway!
 With my best friend Katie on Christmas day; for the last three years my family has gone to her house for the Holidays and we've taken a photoshoot each time. It's a fun tradition. 
 Just a couple weeks ago I watched the premiere of Downton Abbey with these ladies, and my friend Becca served tea and a glorious array of English delicacies as a treat. 
 Oh you didn't know that I'm part of an acapella group? Well yeah, this is my unofficially-named-acapella-group. We were at Braums after singing at a concert for my friend's sister who was raising money to go to Liverpool. 
And this was our very first choir concert of the year, where I sang my very first solo for the very first time in front of an audience! Haha, I've come a long way from practically bursting into tears of embarrassment if someone heard me yodeling in the shower.

Bless your soul if you actually looked at all those. Now I'm off the write some more college essays and binge watch on Parks and Recreation before the break is over. Hopefully it won't be another three months before I do one of these posts. Let me know how your school year is going in the comments below! Are you a senior? If not, join in anyways! Reading your comments make my week. :)

Beautiful People Linkup for January

09 January 2015

1. How many years have you been writing? When did you officially consider yourself a writer?
I began writing my first story at age nine, so for almost nine years now. I think I considered myself a writer once I started to do it out of purpose, rather than simply out of pleasure. Although writing is one of my greatest joys in life, if I am to ever publish anything I must make myself write even when I don't want to. I must write with equal excellence under the influence of inspiration as I do without it.

2. How/why did you start writing?
I remember the day when I was sitting in my room with an empty red spiral and a pencil in my hand. I started writing my first story just because I wanted to try my hand at it, as the majority of people do at least once in their lifetime. Yet what I found was that it didn't tire me and I never wanted to stop, unlike most people who begin blindly writing a chapter story. Everyday I wrote a little more and I swiftly realized that writing was what I wanted to occupy myself with for the rest of my life.

3. What's your favorite part of writing.
Reading over something you've proudly completed. The actual process of writing is wonderful and beautiful of course, but I'm happiest when I've finished something, am able to read it and think, yeah, I made something good.

4. What's your biggest writing struggle?
Right now, it's maintaining a schedule. In days of yore, gladly dedicating two hours to clicking away on my computer each night was a luxury that I don't have anymore. At times, I can go a full week without writing in my novel. Yet between poetry, journaling, blogging, and school assignments, I'm at least writing something every day.

5. Do you write best at night or day?
Day, I'm a daytime person. I like to sit near an open window with the sun streaming in.

6. What does your writing space look like?
Since there are multiple places where I write, I won't show you pictures this time. Yet wherever I am writing be it on my bed, on my desk, on the couch or even out on the back porch, I always have instrumental music playing and a cup of coffee nearby.

7. How long does it typically take you to write a complete draft?
On average, I'd say about three months. Writing a complete draft is the easiest part of writing a story. It's the hours, and sometimes years of editing which follow, that take the longest by far.

8. How many projects do you work on at once?
I typically only dedicate my time to one large project; I couldn't imagine writing multiple books at once. However, between that, I'm always reading and writing little poems.

9. Do you prefer writing happy endings, sad ones, or somewhere in between?
Happy endings, without a doubt! I like books that make me cry, yet I prefer for the sadness to be somewhere in the middle, so that everything can be alright in the end. However, I do like an unexpected ending. So while I may prefer for the story to finish on a happy note, I like to throw in something that the audience may not have entirely suspected.

10. List a few authors who have influenced your writing journey.
Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, L.M Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, James Herriot, C.S Lewis, John Stienbeck, and Victor Hugo, just to name some favorites.

11. Do you let people read your writing? Why or why not?
Of course! I need honest feedback in order to improve. However I don't let my friends and family see my first complete copy. It can take quite a while before I feel confident enough in what I've written, that I'm willing to let other look at it.

12. What's your ultimate writing goal?
I think  I speak for a majority of writers when I saw that I want to publish a bestseller. 

13. If you didn't write, what would you want to do?
Hmm, to be honest, there aren't very many things I'm good at, so it would probably just wind up being some other creative outlet. Maybe I'd be an English teacher, an actress, a photographer, or pursue something music related.

14. Is there a book which you would like to write on day yet you don't feel ready to attempt yet?
I've always wanted to write a complex and thrilling mystery novel. I've had an idea for a mystery series for a while, but I think until I reach adulthood, I'm going to continue gaining the tools to write that story rather than go for it at this time in life.

15. Which story has your heart and won't let you go?
Ugh! So.many! This is kind of a cruel question. I'd say perhaps, Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery. At the moment I'm re-reading a book from the series and even though I first read it when I was seven, those stories never seem to grow old. 


On a different note, I realize I've been a bit of a crappy blogger lately, but I finally have some new content coming soon! Thanks so much for reading. your comments are invaluable! :)

Publishing my Poetry?

I recently sent in a poem that I wrote in September to a writing contest, just to see what would happen and to make a little money if possible. Throughout my writing endeavors, poetry has been my greatest foe. I've never read it very much, because I usually don't like the ones they make you read in English class. As a result, I didn't exactly enjoy writing it, either. However, I've found that it can be an excellent outlet for expressing emotion without making a full length novel out if. But back to the beginning: that writing company recently contacted me asking if they could publish the poem I sent in their anthology. But I won't upload that poem here because who knows, you may get to read the published version one of these days! Today, I'm going to share something with you which I am honestly far more proud of, just to show you how I've progressed in my poetry skills.

Against the Clock

Tis queer to think that when something begins, you cannot foresee how it might end
Friendships may perish with one conversation, while enemies become objects of flirtation
A love you swore would last forever, you’d now throw away for a handsome whoever
And the one you felt certain would forsake you, commits to see all your hardships through
Passions never previously experienced, will leave you breathless and delirious
Yet those too will crash and burn, every heartbreaking downfall provides something to learn
Vocations and hobbies from youthful days, will come to make your life in so many ways              Back then, time was a thing of endless stock; now you’re simply racing against the clock
Childhood not cherished when you lived there, now you dream to return to a world without care
Despite the unpredictability of life, and the sorrow of bearing unspoken strife
It’s nice to laugh because we don’t know, how each circumstance intends to make us grow
You may not see which relationships die, but you wouldn’t be you if life were otherwise
Rather than shake your fist at the past, remember the ones who have turned up at last
If it weren’t for the heartache of which life consists, so many things might not even exist
Think of the people you may never have met, those friends who will forever have your debt
And even though that lover changed his mind, you can’t deny he was a memorable find
Those who weren’t the friends they seemed, changed destiny in ways you couldn’t dream
Darling, don’t wish away a single thing; right now you can’t realize what good it shall bring
That’s half the joy; not knowing what’s next, and one little moment can have so many effects

Tis queer to think that when something begins, you cannot foresee how it might end

I hope you enjoyed this little post; let me know what you thought of my work and be sure to fill me in on your experiences with writing poetry. Happy Sunday, y'all!

Senior Sunday - Second Semester Edition

Pull out the party hats and some concealer to hide those under eye circles because guess what? The 2015 spring semester starts next week! *pretends to be excited but cowers in fear because I still don't know where I'm going to college*

Can I just take a moment to say a little hallelujah for the college winter break? I mean, I've had a month off, you guys. The fact that this luxury was not extended to me during my growing up years now seems like a cruel injustice, and I want payback! *crosses arms and watches more Netflix* During these weeks of leisure, I've done quite a lot of work. When not catching up with friends and family who are home from college, I've been applying to colleges, signing up for scholarships, and studying for my SAT resit that's coming up soon. All I can say is, whoever said senior year would be the easiest year of high school was a big fat liar peanut, that's what. However, I can attest that this has by far been the greatest school year, and I'm only halfway through! In this upcoming semester I will go skiing for the first time, go to prom, go on tour with my choir, become an adult, and graduate from the easiest part of life! Now if that isn't something to celebrate, I'm not sure what is. ;) For those of you who are actually curious as to what I've been up to during winter break and since I last updated you on my school schedule, here are some mediocre photos. If you don't care, I won't be at all offended if you glide right past them: seriously, just keep scrolling, I don't mind. *writes your name on the naughty list*

 In October our church had a youth retreat and according to tradition, our grade dressed up in coordinating outfits. (there are about 20 more of us) This year the theme was Disney Princesses; I'm on the far right as Ariel.
 Christmas Party at my dear friend Alyssa's house!
 My buddy Joy hosted a dance in her barn for all her senior friends. It was freezing, but I successfully line-danced anyway!
 With my best friend Katie on Christmas day; for the last three years my family has gone to her house for the Holidays and we've taken a photoshoot each time. It's a fun tradition. 
 Just a couple weeks ago I watched the premiere of Downton Abbey with these ladies, and my friend Becca served tea and a glorious array of English delicacies as a treat. 
 Oh you didn't know that I'm part of an acapella group? Well yeah, this is my unofficially-named-acapella-group. We were at Braums after singing at a concert for my friend's sister who was raising money to go to Liverpool. 
And this was our very first choir concert of the year, where I sang my very first solo for the very first time in front of an audience! Haha, I've come a long way from practically bursting into tears of embarrassment if someone heard me yodeling in the shower.

Bless your soul if you actually looked at all those. Now I'm off the write some more college essays and binge watch on Parks and Recreation before the break is over. Hopefully it won't be another three months before I do one of these posts. Let me know how your school year is going in the comments below! Are you a senior? If not, join in anyways! Reading your comments make my week. :)

Beautiful People Linkup for January

1. How many years have you been writing? When did you officially consider yourself a writer?
I began writing my first story at age nine, so for almost nine years now. I think I considered myself a writer once I started to do it out of purpose, rather than simply out of pleasure. Although writing is one of my greatest joys in life, if I am to ever publish anything I must make myself write even when I don't want to. I must write with equal excellence under the influence of inspiration as I do without it.

2. How/why did you start writing?
I remember the day when I was sitting in my room with an empty red spiral and a pencil in my hand. I started writing my first story just because I wanted to try my hand at it, as the majority of people do at least once in their lifetime. Yet what I found was that it didn't tire me and I never wanted to stop, unlike most people who begin blindly writing a chapter story. Everyday I wrote a little more and I swiftly realized that writing was what I wanted to occupy myself with for the rest of my life.

3. What's your favorite part of writing.
Reading over something you've proudly completed. The actual process of writing is wonderful and beautiful of course, but I'm happiest when I've finished something, am able to read it and think, yeah, I made something good.

4. What's your biggest writing struggle?
Right now, it's maintaining a schedule. In days of yore, gladly dedicating two hours to clicking away on my computer each night was a luxury that I don't have anymore. At times, I can go a full week without writing in my novel. Yet between poetry, journaling, blogging, and school assignments, I'm at least writing something every day.

5. Do you write best at night or day?
Day, I'm a daytime person. I like to sit near an open window with the sun streaming in.

6. What does your writing space look like?
Since there are multiple places where I write, I won't show you pictures this time. Yet wherever I am writing be it on my bed, on my desk, on the couch or even out on the back porch, I always have instrumental music playing and a cup of coffee nearby.

7. How long does it typically take you to write a complete draft?
On average, I'd say about three months. Writing a complete draft is the easiest part of writing a story. It's the hours, and sometimes years of editing which follow, that take the longest by far.

8. How many projects do you work on at once?
I typically only dedicate my time to one large project; I couldn't imagine writing multiple books at once. However, between that, I'm always reading and writing little poems.

9. Do you prefer writing happy endings, sad ones, or somewhere in between?
Happy endings, without a doubt! I like books that make me cry, yet I prefer for the sadness to be somewhere in the middle, so that everything can be alright in the end. However, I do like an unexpected ending. So while I may prefer for the story to finish on a happy note, I like to throw in something that the audience may not have entirely suspected.

10. List a few authors who have influenced your writing journey.
Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, L.M Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, James Herriot, C.S Lewis, John Stienbeck, and Victor Hugo, just to name some favorites.

11. Do you let people read your writing? Why or why not?
Of course! I need honest feedback in order to improve. However I don't let my friends and family see my first complete copy. It can take quite a while before I feel confident enough in what I've written, that I'm willing to let other look at it.

12. What's your ultimate writing goal?
I think  I speak for a majority of writers when I saw that I want to publish a bestseller. 

13. If you didn't write, what would you want to do?
Hmm, to be honest, there aren't very many things I'm good at, so it would probably just wind up being some other creative outlet. Maybe I'd be an English teacher, an actress, a photographer, or pursue something music related.

14. Is there a book which you would like to write on day yet you don't feel ready to attempt yet?
I've always wanted to write a complex and thrilling mystery novel. I've had an idea for a mystery series for a while, but I think until I reach adulthood, I'm going to continue gaining the tools to write that story rather than go for it at this time in life.

15. Which story has your heart and won't let you go?
Ugh! So.many! This is kind of a cruel question. I'd say perhaps, Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery. At the moment I'm re-reading a book from the series and even though I first read it when I was seven, those stories never seem to grow old. 


On a different note, I realize I've been a bit of a crappy blogger lately, but I finally have some new content coming soon! Thanks so much for reading. your comments are invaluable! :)
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