Out of the mouth of babes.

So now I'm teaching more classes a week than I can keep track of and one of those is a girl's level one class with kids that are like at the first grade, kindergarten age.

One of the girls was kind of quiet and not really opening up, so I made a comment about how cool her Hannah Montana leo was. She gave me a shy nod in response, but this other girl piped up and said, and I quote:

"Yeah, but she takes her clothes off and lets people take pictures of her naked."

My response: "......................I did not know that..........let's have a cartwheel contest....."

The Next Step

At this small moment in time, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.

Matt and I had a long discussion today which mostly consisted of him trying to convince me to send out my book. It started when I announced to him that I will soon be starting the next one - as it has been on my mind constantly for the last week. He doesn't think that is the best idea because there are other things to concentrate on in my book world.

Like publishing.

Ugg. While I have made the decision to submit to agents first, (considering I even decide to start the whole process)I haven't done much else. I know this process will be tedious, time consuming, and heartbreaking. So forgive me if my attitude isn't so gung ho.

Despite the fact that I've given my book to my mom and two friends, and not one of them has commented back, (Don't worry Aubs, I know you're swamped in a "real life.")tonight I've begun to research the impossible steps to finding a literary agent. My book has a strong Christian angle, so at least my sights are narrowed a bit. But for goodness sake....

Road Block #1.
Most agents and publishers won't even look twice at you if you've never been published before. Well that seems a bit redundant, but seeing that I don't yet rule the world, it will be something I have to find a way around.

Road Block #2.
Most agents who do sign unpublished authors were refereed to them by friends or other clients. This would be fine, except I'm pretty sure Bill Meyer and Orson Scott Card wouldn't give me the time of day. Its too bad I'm not trying to break into the music industry - if so, I could have just called up Gabe from Cobra Starship. Isn't life ironic?

Road Block #3.
In a query letter, agents like to see writing credentials. I.e. contests you've won, short stories you've had published, magazines that have featured your writing. I learned that from a well known auto technical writer. Unfortunately though, he won't be opening up any doors for me in the publishing industry since I have a restraining order on his step son. *rolls eyes* Give me a break.

By the way, the only thing in my name that might constitute as writing credentials is my flimsy associates degree in Creative Writing and the occasional poems and short stories I've had humbly published in their school magazine.

Road Block #4.
It's been advised that one way to "get your name out there" is to start a writing blog. First of all, how do you attract a lot of attention on a blog when you are just like everyone else? No one cares. And Twitter is highly recommended. *shutters.* I loath Twitter. There is only one thing more evil in this world that starts with "TWI" and if you are an avid reader of mine than I need to go no further. I'm sorry, I'm just not that self involved that I feel the need to have my friends updated with texts forty times a day as to what I'm doing and how I deeply sorrowful I am for the families of random dead celebrities. Who am I, Jay Z?


And ya know, I've thought about it, and I really don't want to parade myself around on the internet saying, "Check me out! I'm an 'author.'" From the beginning I've made the decision to keep very quiet about this expedition. I've chosen a pen name because I, personally, don't want to be famous. It would be just too hard to stay humble if too many people liked my work and knew my name. I just want to live a quiet life with my family, and do what I love.

I'm finding out that unobtainable dream may be a lot harder to come by than I thought.

Don't Tell Anyone...

I have a confession to make....

I love doing my laundry. It's just so neat! Clothes with stains go in. Clean, good smelling clothes come out. It's magical!

Anyway, so far it's been a pretty peaceful night. Matt is out in the woods somewhere (Which must be far away because there are no forests as far as the eye can see.)doing research for one of his classes that ends in "ology" and won't be home til after mid-night. Aubrey and Kenny stopped by about dusk and surprised me with a visit. So the three of us and the dogs sat on the lawn while I ate my dinner. Harley and Torque did really well, not begging too much. But Torque did sneeze in my water.

Oh well. A little dog slobber never hurt anyone.

My night ended with a luxurious bubble bath, complete with candles. I'm not going to wait up for Matt, but instead retire early in hopes that I will be functional at 6am. Wish me luck!

This and That.

The seven week break came and went as fast as a good night's sleep. We got a lot accomplished on our list, including a much needed unexpected trip down to Utah to visit Sara and Nathan and their little dudes. I really wish we lived closer to family. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching their lives pass me right by.

We also took a short week out of our busy lives to visit our families in Missouri. I miss my mom. We had such a fun time and I love how the inlaws have made efforts to bond, but I touched down in Rexburg feeling a bit more nostalgic than anything. My parents house has changed so much since I left. Mt room is purple now. My sister's room is a tea room. Even the place I use to eat isn't the same. My grandmother is gone. It made me realize that whether I like it or not, I live in Idaho. BYU Idaho.

So I've been trying to make the best of it. But since the college kids have come back, it's been more difficult. I've been trying to tell myself, that it's not that I "don't fit in," but rather, "I'm unique." It's a good thing. At least I'm telling myself that.

Work has kept me busy. I've started working alot more hours during the week at the Gym, just like I wanted. Last week I even got to sub a few extra classes. This means I am down to working only Friday and Saturday at Wal-Mart. It's a much smoother schedule, but it has had me so mixed up the last two weeks. I've been kinda spacey, forgetting to do important things like eat dinner and pay bills. (That reminds me, I need to make myself some pasta.)

I'll admit, Aubrey's move has had me a little preoccupied too - at least mentally. Last Monday I made myself her slave and helped her clean her apartment for our anal retentive landlords. Luckily, she let me go early. I really miss her at church, but we've still found ways to keep our friendship in tact. She brought her dogs over to take a walk with Matt and I. Just a few days ago I made the drive out to her house to meet her mom and grandma who were in town.

I have found myself a bit confused as to what to do with my spare time now that I've finished "The Book." Yes, it is written. And I'm quite happy with it. (except the first three chapters are kinda weird, like the edits didn't save or something. Gotta fix that.) Not sure what I'll do with it. It's kinda just floating in a random thought bubble above my head for the moment. I'm not sure I have the guts to send it to someone who will make it worth my while. Still deciding.....In any case I will probably start the second one soon. I've felt very inspired for it lately.

I did leave a copy with my mom before I left Missouri. But she has yet to even make a comment about it. Though she has told me about the books she's reading from real authors.

Speaking of writing, I've updated the Chinese Chicken blog, and I'll be adding more in a few minutes. Only 50 entries to go now. I know it might seem stupid, but it's interesting for me to revisit my old thoughts and finally understand why I did what I did. If only I could understand those things now...

I guess maybe in ten years I'll right a blog explaining this blog. Lol.