Today is Easter, so I figured this was a good day to start. This is to be my writing blog, where I will rejoice in the beauty of writing, angst at things that suck, and post snippets of works-in-progress from time to time. I expect that real life will intrude at times, however, and sometimes I just need a place to vent.
So.
First things first: I am a writer. I live and breathe it. It nurtures my soul, taking me to faraway places that only exist in imagination, in the world of dreams. It is me.
Second: I have a twisted mind. The things that end up on the page (or screen, as it were) sometimes shock me. I’m a huge fan of horror. I love it. I especially enjoy pyschological situations where your mind is your enemy. It’s a recurring theme in my novels. I almost became a psychologist, and it shows.
Those who know me well would probably say, nah, that can’t be. But it’s true. I’m the kid who cheerfully disected various animals and insects while my pale-faced lab partners watched. I have the Stomach of Steel. There’s very little that bothers me. Visually or otherwise.
I especially love vampires. Why? That’s a damn good question. Since I’ve been writing about vamps (roughly 4 years), I’ve pondered that alot. I suppose it’s because they are different, usually the castoffs of society. They have magic, in some form or another. They live forever (well, most do). That fascinates me as well — what would that be like? Would it be a gift or a curse? Perhaps it’s a little bit of both.
I’m also a freelance fine art photographer and darkroom enthusiast. There aren’t many of us left in this world, and I cherish it. I started out in college, my junior year, fell madly in love with fine art photography (b&w in particular), almost changed my major (but didn’t), and decided after graduation that I couldn’t go back to the color and lab-developed b&w photos of the past. I wanted the Real Deal. Luckily for me, my parents, the angels they are, allowed me to build a small darkroom in their basement. For that I will always be grateful, because it allowed me to continue my work. However, for the past few years, it has taken back seat to life (divorce and a major move) and I’m taking steps to bring it back to center. I really miss it, more than I ever realized, and I can’t wait to jump back into it.
I also teach photography classes at our local college, something I’m so proud of, seeing as I have no degrees (well, half of one) and alot of practical experience. Ten years, folks. Freelancing, working, working, exhibiting, getting published. It’s been alot of fun so far. 🙂
I am no stranger to hard work. I have worked 2 jobs for most of my adult life, and at one point, had 3. I’m driven to the point of obcession, and stubborn. Once I decide to do something, I throw myself into it 110% and give it my all. There’s no half-assing with me. It’s all or nothing. This I believe is why I’ve been so successful over the years: I refuse to take no for an answer, and I refuse to give up.
Ah, writing. Case in point. I’ve been pursuing it forever, but seriously for around 4 years. I have a few finished manuscripts, and some major WIPs that I’m still poking at. I’m getting ready to start the Agent Hunt late this year or early next. I am dead serious about this. I’ve wanted to be a novelist since I was a little girl. Real Life, being the bitch that it is, demands that I have a steady paycheck. But the goal has always been to go pro.
I’m 31. I figure I’ve got plenty of time. 🙂
Happy Easter everyone.
Weaver of Words 