Checking In

Hello dear readers!

I would like to say that I have one chapter completed and one more underway for "An Aunt's Love!"  I hesitated to post the last chapter due to the content, and my therapist suggested posting two chapters at once to mitigate the content of the first.  She is brilliant, my friends.  Simply brilliant.  I am working on the next chapter right now, so I will hopefully have something ready to post in a few weeks.

I did not complete Nanowrimo, or even Camp Nanowrimo in April.  I'm not looking at it as failure.  I have more words on the page for one of my novels...so, it's still a win?

Look at me finding those silver linings.  My therapist would be proud.

That being said, I'm still looking for those interested in reading some of my original work for the simple price of feedback.  Beta reading, basically.  I have several different stories underway (cue maniacal laughter here) in a few different genres.  Fantasy?  Dystopian?  Any takers?

Until next time, readers!

So it's been a while...

Hello dear readers,

I know you're all really angry with me...or just plotting my demise.  I'm struggling a little bit, but I thought I would pop on here and let you know that I'm still alive.

Still alive...

Just not doing super awesome at the moment.  I saw my doctor today.  There's a plan, but it's going to take me a little while to get back to myself.

Hang in there, readers. 

Also, if anyone would like to read some of my original stuff, I'm looking for some opinions.  ;)

Life, Updates, and other Sundry

Hello dear readers,

I know, I know.

Trust me.  Nothing you could say about the long lack of updates can make me feel any worse than I do right now.

Life has been pretty difficult lately.  It's been awesome and inspiring, but it's still been difficult.

I moved in with my best friend in July.

The month before that, I had such a bad depressive episode my old roommates straight up told me they were worried about me.

Somehow, I managed to squeak through for a while and then I failed a graduate school class last semester due to a case of the "I just can't."  This case of "I just can't" was due to my depression and anxiety hitting me with a double whammy.  I found it difficult to get out of bed and function.  Just thinking of getting in the shower was a little too much for me some days.  She let me blanket burrito on the couch, made sure I ate a bit, and just kept an eye on me.  My best friend has been incredible, and even took her home with me for the Thanksgiving holiday to allow me to recuperate, as I hadn't really been sleeping all that much.  I kind of existed on the couch day in to day out.

It was very much a "I am the blanket and the blanket is me" situation for a few weeks.  I took time off work because I had trouble focusing and holding things together there.  I did see my doctor, my therapist, and my psychiatrist to try and get things back on track.  I felt better with a plan in place for treatment, and I felt even better after talking to my school program and discovering that there were options for what I was going through.  I love my university.

A week away from home seemed to restore my spirits somewhat.  Her mom (whom I also call "Mom") was so very welcoming and it felt like I just belonged there.  I received a Kindle Fire, because mine had died a horrible death and Mom had replaced  the new Kindle Fire with a larger tablet.  I immediately put Minecraft back on my Kindle, and for the next few days, I played Minecraft while avoiding the bad thoughts. The answer to what I was doing became a default "Playing Minecraft" because I find Minecraft so relaxing.

Blackie the cat let me play with him for a while. He is a very selective feline.  Dad (my best friend's Dad, that is - whom I also call "Dad") just kind of let me be, kept asking if I was hungry, and watched TV with me and talked about how school was going and how life in Morgantown was treating me. Her brother made me biscuits and gravy in addition to making sure my guest room was all set up.  I love my other family so much for always welcoming me home.  This makes twice now I have retreated to southern West Virginia for recuperative purposes in my life.  Thanksgiving vacation was great, and I didn't want to come home.

Christmas passed by in my usual haze of "Oh how I hate the holidays" and too much food.  My car broke down right before Christmas (literally, December 23rd) and there was a bit of a fiasco with my rental car, but I got there and back safely at the end of it.  I am still on the lookout for a new car, and I haven't quite decided what kind of car I want yet. Price is key; everything else is extra.

 I am still working a full workweek, juggling schoolwork, and hanging out with the best friend.  I've had to start a new diet for my health, and boy oh boy, it's WORKING.  It's amazing.  I'm not hungry.  I have been hungry on every single diet out there, and now, the new diet my doctor (and nutritionist, and psychiatrist approved) has recommended is working.  I'm almost to the twenty pounds loss mark.  I go back for blood tests soon to ensure that the diet is doing what we want it to do, but as a weight loss tool, it's been incredible.

I know that you're all hoping for an update.  I want to work on the updates.  I just have to put school and work first at this point.  I have not abandoned them.  I'm just taking a fanfiction hiatus while I work on other things.  Soon, I will have free time again (taking a few semesters off before I finish the program), and then I will be all yours again.

Thanks for hanging in there, dear readers.  I will return to fanfiction soon.

I don't know anymore...

Hello dear readers,

I am still alive.

I will graduate next spring, assuming everything works out and I don't fail. 

I've been thinking about my fanfiction lately.  Should I continue with it?  It feels almost insurmountable to continue them at this point after so long of a break.  I still remember everything, have all of my notes, parts of chapters written.  The stories are there.  I just...don't see the point of them anymore.

What do you all think?

I want to write...but grad school

Hello, dear readers!

I know.  Some of you must have given me up for dead.  Let's just say that graduate school has turned out a fair bit more challenging than I originally thought it would.  I guess I underestimated it.

Dance is not happening at the moment.  One of my old injuries flared up, and if I even so much as look at a dance shoe, my ankle laughs at me and swells up just to remind me that it is injured and it won't be doing anything, thanks so much.  It's annoying.

I'm currently camped out in my hometown's library because my mother doesn't have Internet at her house and I'm ostensibly doing homework.  I'm also taking the time to catch up on my social media and my fanfiction.

I know it's been while since I updated.  I have to admit that I'm not doing much writing at the moment.  In my current class, I have a three-four page paper due each week in addition to readings, classwork, and other assignments.  It's great having an online class, because I don't have to change my work schedule.  It's also really hard because there is a schedule to get all of this work done, and it doesn't fit very well with me.

Once the semester is over, I plan to take my laptop to the coffee shop and camp out there until I have something in terms of a chapter.  "An Aunt's Love" is so close I can almost feel it.   "What is Right" - yeah, the next few chapters are going to be fun.  :)  I've never forgotten my stories - I just haven't had much time to spend with them.

Thank you, dear readers, for your patience.  I will make you all a promise here and now:  there will be an update on both stories before the new year commences.

Until then, you're all awesome. 

Hello there - long time, no post

Hello dear readers,

It seems I disappeared again. Funny how that keeps happening.

I have honestly been busy.  Work has been super crazy as we've had a lot of people leaving (summer time is the transition for that - as we work at a university) and then there was the prep work that went into getting ready for our new people as well as the new trainees that we have every year and yeah....it's been hectic.

I am pleased to announce that I decided to go to grad school this semester AND I GOT IN!!!!!  *dancing*  I am really thrilled because the program is online, which means I don't have to change my work schedule to earn my degree.  I was trying to figure out how I was going to do school and work without having too much of an impact on my income.  The best part is I'm considered a full-time student.  HELLO DEFERRMENT!!!  That means I don't have to pay anything on my student loans while I'm in school.  I most likely will make some form of payment, but it will take off some of the pressure of paying for my education while also in school. 

Now to get through the next three years.....with my sanity intact.  I'm sure it will happen.

I haven't been dancing as much as I was last semester.  I'm trying to get back into shape after being off so long and having to contend with physical therapy (where I spent most of my summer with really nice people).  The good part about being a full-time student again is that I get access to the student rec center.  Hello, indoor pool and free exercise classes.

It may take me a while to remember how to work out like I used to, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.  I hope there will be a Pilates class....boo.  Only yoga.  Perhaps a suggestion box is around there somewhere.  Pilates kicks my butt.

I moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago and the roomies and I are STILL unpacking boxes.  We have thirty boxes of books between us.  Egads.  I think I'm going to have to get rid of some books here.  That equals out to about ten boxes per roommate.  Maybe that's what I'll do this weekend....get rid of a few books.

Oh, I got my wisdom teeth out.  What a horrifying experience.  I'm allergic to a certain painkiller which made the experience that much worse.  I'm on the mend now and I'm starting to eat normal foods (definitely don't want mashed potatoes for a while...).

I know everyone is eagerly anticipating an update - I promise I'm working on it and hope to have something soon.  Maybe I'll carve a few hours out this weekend...we shall see.  Well, dear readers.  That's all for now.  I'll post again when I have the time or something to report.  ;)

It's Avengers Weekend!

Hello dear readers!

It's Avengers weekend!!  My best friend Jen (HELLO BEST FRIEND!!!!!) is here for the long weekend with me.  So far, we have watched the original Avengers movie, tonight we are watching Guardians of the Galaxy, and tomorrow we will make it to the movie theater to watch the Age of Ultron!!!

Yes, the number of exclamation points above are necessary.

The great thing about Avengers is that my best friend and I have theories about Loki.  We think there's more going on there.  We know there's something else going on.  We just...are waiting to be proven right.  We have joined Loki's army.  It's ruining my life.

Loki's right.  I like it.  I feel like anyone joining a fandom should be prepared for just such an event.  I happily join the fandom and will display my Loki's army key chain (a gift from my friend) without a qualm.  I will go to see every movie in the theater and spend more time talking about a line or a look than I have watching the movie. I will line up my bobbleheads and start contemplating fanfiction.  Good thing I enjoy it all.

Is this thing on?

Hello dear readers!

I am pleased to report that I am still alive.  I managed to survive the horrible winter we were having (though our snow fall pales in comparison to Boston).

There's not a lot to report.  I wish I could say that I am ready to update, but I am not.  My wonderful beta has sent back the next chapter of "An Aunt's Love" so I am hoping to get everything ready to go soon.  (THANK YOU, BETA!!!!)

Unfortunately, school has had to come first this semester, and that means that the last thing I want to do when I come home at night is write.  My brain's been exhausted between work and school.  That will all be over soon.  My final assignment is due on April 30th, and that weekend, my best friend is coming in from out of town and will be here for four whole days!!  (Can you feel the excitement?!?!)

Anyone else watching Avengers that weekend?  I know my friend and I are planning on spending some time in the movie theater that weekend to see Age of Ultron. I have a feeling that it's going to be full of sass like the original Avengers.  I've heard tell that there isn't going to be an end credits scene, but I say that there MUST be an end credit scene, as it is tradition in the MCU.

Anyone else have epic plans that weekend?

It's freezing

Just a little post to tell you all some of what you already know...

IT IS COLD.

It is currently -3 degrees Fahrenheit in Morgantown today.

The sun is already up.  It is still below zero.

It is freakin' cold.  So cold that I didn't want to leave my bed this morning, and after staying home yesterday, it was really, really hard to get out of bed.

I powered through and made it to work, unable to feel my face.

Could someone let me couch-surf in a warmer place until spring, please?

Pssst.....I updated!

Yes, that's right, dear readers!  I updated "What is Right: Year Two!!!"  WOOOT!!!

The chapter is short, I'm afraid, but it is an update!  :)

It was difficult, especially since I've taken such a long break from that story, but it's there.  It's updated.  *Dances*

Enjoy!

New Year, New Semester....now what?

Hello dear readers!

For those curious about how my class turned out last semester, I received an "A" for my troubles.  I've started a new class now and I'm pretty sure that it will be a similar experience.  From what my advisor says, this will be my last class. (It better be....)

All told, this class should be a lot more fun because it is a giant research project.  I get to write a really long paper.  The syllabus states that my paper should be about 20+ pages.  There was no maximum page limit.  I'm one of those people that have had teachers institute maximum limits because my enthusiasm for such projects usually carry over into "I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY I NEED TWENTY MORE PAGES!!!!"

Have I ever told you I had a professor call me "Hermione" for an entire semester?

True story.

My current predicament is the fact that I'm torn between two different topics for my project.  My first idea is the role of the creator in Shelley's "Frankenstein" and my other idea is if the classic hero's journey is present in the "Hunger Games."  I'm not sure which topic I'd have more fun writing, but both are kind of stuck in my head.  Suggestions?  (Or something else completely random?)  I have to pin down the topic pretty quickly, but if you have a suggestion, I'm all ears.

I did it!

Hello dear readers!

I am happy to report I have turned in my last assignment for the semester.  I am free!  Woot woot!

I did not dislike the class by any stretch of the imagination.  It was fun dipping my toes back into academia, but at the same time, the class was a freshman level class.  It felt like going back to first grade for me.  A lot of the assignments were busy work to get people to think about how to write a paper.  I already knew that, so this was more of a refresher for me.

I did have some fun, though, and now that the final assignment is turned in, I'm sure I'll miss the class.  The professor was a great person to talk with and we had a couple of nice conversations about literature and writing.

By the way, if you're looking for something new to read, I can recommend Joan Didion's work.  She's an amazing author. Go check her out.  ;)

Nanowrimo is dead....long live Nanowrimo!

Hello dear readers!

Emma has been a busy girl lately, and I am sorry to say that ALL writing has taken a back seat to recent events.

First, there is a full time job at which I spend roughly forty hours per week, followed closely by my second "job" at the dance studio.  I don't get paid except through free dance lessons, but I've finally decided to get my teacher certification for both early childhood dance programs at my studio.  The certification won't happen until the summer, so I have some time before I have to go through training.

I am also taking a college class this semester.  After I walked at graduation and received my little envelope that was supposed to contain my diploma, I discovered my envelope contained a notice that I hadn't met requirements.  So now I am taking the last two courses to finish my requirements.  I'm taking   Why they couldn't have told me that BEFORE graduation remains a mystery.  I didn't realize how much time a simple course would take.  There is a lot of busy work assignments and I can understand the reason behind them, but I seriously don't need to list my thesis, block out my paragraphs, and explain the reason I chose to structure my essay that way.  I've written papers of about thirty pages.  I can handle five without having to break it down.

Therapy is going well, and we're talking about how to wrap it up.  My therapist is concerned that I'm reaching burnout (not sure how it happened.....but I managed to over schedule myself again).  I think it's because I didn't realize how much time my college class would take.

Needless to say, something had to go.  Nanowrimo ended up being the thing on the chopping block.  Nanowrimo takes a ton of time, especially when I did almost no preparation because lack of time.  That's right - it's pantsing.  I'm not sure where the term came from, but it means to undertake a Nanowrimo project without any preparation.  It's HARD.

Well, dear readers, here's hoping that the upcoming holiday (and break from dance!!) means I'll get a little rest, and a little time to focus on writing!

Gearing Up for Nanowrimo

Hello dear readers!

It's almost November, and you know what that means!  NANOWRIMO!!!

Yes, it is that time of year when millions of people take an almost complete leave of their senses and attempt to write a novel of 50,000 words in just thirty days.

Yes, we know it's crazy.

Yes, we know it's masochistic.

All the same, it does get me writing, which usually leads to more writing.  That writing may lead to updates.

Also, would anyone like to beta read for me?  I have a chapter ready to go, but there's a few things I'd like to bounce off someone in the fandom.  Any takers?

Still Alive

Hello dear readers!

I am still alive and well.

Actually, I'm a little better than well. It's hard to explain.  My doctor is trying a new medication that is supposed to help the depression and anxiety at the same time (What a magical substance!!  Must be from the wizarding world...), and I have a feeling that it may just work.  My last round of meds had a few side effects that were less than desirable.

Life is extremely busy.  This was probably the wrong time to sign up for so many teaching hours at the dance studio or start taking a college class, but I am confident that I will be able to meet all of my obligations.  I even wrote this weekend!  And it was in "What is Right: Year Two!!"

I know what you're all thinking:  "IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!"

And you're right.

Still, I am happy with the progress it's making and hopefully will find some free time to update soon.  Perhaps this weekend.  (Do NOT hold me to that.  Anything could happen between now and Saturday.)

I do have a paper due this week, so I must focus on that first.  School is important.  :)

All the same, keep your comments and reviews coming.  They inspire me quite a bit and make me consider things this brain has forgotten.  In the meantime, I'll continue writing.

Emma is back in school!

Hello, dear readers!

Yes, the title is true.  I am back in school!  When I "graduated" in 2008, I did walk in the graduation ceremonies.  I remember my feet hurt and no one knew the words to the school song, but we all knew the words to "Country Roads."  There was even a girl sitting behind me questioning why we weren't singing "Country Roads" and that she didn't know the words to the other one (I had never heard it before graduation, either.).

It was only after graduation that I found out that I did not complete all requirements.  Nice little graduation present there.  There I am, surrounding by family, my feet blistering in my shoes, and a nice little note in the envelope that was supposed to hold my diploma:  "You have not completed the required coursework..."

I was livid.

I took this class in high school, but the credits were lost in translation somewhere along the way between transfers.  I did not know this, and neither of my advisors (yes, I had TWO) caught this.  Neither did I.  I thought everything was finished and I was going to leave with my diploma and student debt in tow behind me while I went off in the adult world.

Some of that happened.  I did leave school behind, and I took my student debt with me, but no diploma.  One class short.  Luckily, this semester, I was able to enroll in that class so that I can finish my degree.  Woot woot.

My first paper is three pages long.  Three pages.  The last paper I wrote was thirty pages long.  I have a feeling that this class is going to go well.  And it's online!  I didn't have to change my work schedule at all to take this class!  It's pretty awesome.  :)

Now I just need to figure out my first paper topic....

Ideas

Hello dear readers!

Ever have so many ideas that your only hope was to snatch a notebook and write them all down because you didn't want to forget them?  I have woken up with ideas, had ideas show up during a shower or while I'm washing dishes (plot bunnies are hydrophilic little critters), while I'm in dance class, while I'm driving - well, you get the idea.  They show up all the time, and usually when I have no notebook available.

I am currently sitting on two great ideas for fanfiction.  One takes place after the Final Battle in Year Seven, and the other takes place during...and after the Final Battle.  It's kind of hard to explain that one.  :)  All the same, they're both awesome stories.  The first is full of reconciliation between characters that make all my feels go a little psycho.  The second is more of an exploration of a situation.  In other words, characters are put in an impossible situation and I kind of sit back and watch.

They're both AMAZING ideas (if I do say so myself...).  I just haven't had time to really put them down on paper, and I know that some of you might actually lynch me if I start new stories without updating the old ones.

My current count of original fiction ideas stands at thirty-one.  Yes, thirty-one.  Three and one together to form a number that matches my age.

Some of them are awesome, others are close to my heart, and some are annoying little idiots that can't seem to keep themselves out of trouble.  One of the characters, Michael, is in the hospital at the moment.  It's not a bad injury, but he did just get over an illness.

They're all in a bit of trouble at the moment.  Cathy just got kicked out of classes...again, Kal is having some issues with a dark wizard, Jade is, well, hiding, and a few others are running.  There is a lot of running.  It's like Doctor Who in my head.

Yes, this does signal the end of the Illness-That-Can't-Be-Named.  Updates are coming!

Lacking Inspiration and Other Tales of Desperation

I cannot name the dread disease that has befallen me in the last week, my dear readers.  To name it is to claim it, and if I claim it, then it will hang around for a while and make itself at home.

I try everything I can to dissuade this unwelcome visitor, every tip or trick other writers have taught me to be rid of it.  I wish that there was a spray of some kind to rid myself of this little pestilence. 

I can't even finish a blog post because I lack the inspiration.  Can't get much more pathetic here....

Just can't....

I cannot express my love for this video...

I found this video online and I just love it.  I thought I would share it with you.

What Sorcery Is This?

Against all odds, dear readers, I have actually managed some progress this month in Camp Nanowrimo.  I know, it's incredible!

I am the happy writer with 41,309 words to her name and it just keeps coming along with more and more words every day.  I'm not sure where this is coming from really, as two weeks ago I could not have cared less if this had happened.  IT IS HAPPENING!!!  :)

The best part is that nothing is wrong with it.  I know that sounds strange, but there is nothing wrong with the story at the moment.  The characters are cooperating, the plot is moving along nicely, the setting is perfect, the dialogue is good.

Wait a moment....

This almost never happens to me.  It is usually an uphill battle the whole way, fighting characters, forcing dialogue....

Hmm.  I probably shouldn't question this until after I reach my goal.

I'll keep you posted.