Midnight Update

I have been in a rut for some time. Although, in reality, when am I not? I took some much needed time off from writing for school and to read one of my friends novels. Now that I have completed both (successfully I should say), I have been taking my time reading and resting my brain. At least that's how I sell the procrastination to myself.

Ever since I worked at Border's in the stock room, there has been a book that has jumped out at me. I've read the first few pages countless times. Just it's mere placement in the Border's store confused me. It was placed in metaphysical, the synopsis and cover seemed to state otherwise. Anyway, I just stocked the things. I wasn't the one dictating their placement. Either way, I've seen it around ever since and debated whether or not I wanted to toss out the cash to purchase it for my own use. A couple days ago I did just that in an effort to buy myself a little happy. I was stressing over my choice of going to a "special event" I had been planning on attending for the past six months, or doing a show written and directed by one of my closest (if not best) friends. At the time of auditioning I had an idea that it would conflict, but I thought it would be a simple answer and it wasn't. Basically it boiled down to my husband building up doubt in my thoughts until I couldn't handle my feelings. So, I escaped to Coldstone for a Strawberry Shortcake Serenade, which the bitch had no idea what I was talking about (noob), and then I traipsed over to Target to buy some more joy. Thus I finally broke down and bought "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho.

The book was fantastic. His short, quick, style of storytelling was a little off-putting at first but once I had become accustomed to it the story opened up for me. As I was about halfway through the novel I understood it's Border's placement. It bordered on allegory, self help, and fiction. I wouldn't know where to put it now, really.

While reading it all I could think about was my own Personal Legend and how I was going to achieve it.

I don't want to ruin the ending, so instead I will just say: Read the effing thing now! It was very... As cheesy as it sounds, it was very inspiring for me. And I have taken a small step to get back to editing. I will have my novel finished. I will get it published. And it will be read by hundreds of people. (I'm starting small.)

Reflection

So, here I stand poised on the precipice of a new year. Looking back at 2013 there was no particular milestone in my wishful career choices (aka writing, aka becoming an author) but the major things of note are: getting married to the man I’ve spent the last ten years of my life with; and going to a place I have dreamed of going to since I was a kid, London. Besides these major changes, my life was relatively stagnant for the majority of the year. These things didn’t even occur until November. So… At least I’m ending the year on a high note. Oh, and the other thing that was a major and wanted change was I finally broke my husband down, after years of discussion, to where he wants to adopt. Seriously… that’s big.

As per my usual M.O. I intend to dedicate this upcoming year to getting my book published. I feel optimistic about it because I’ve spent a lot of time mulling it around in my brain trying to make sure all the plot points and stories line up. I tricked my husband (can you tell I like saying that) into listening to the first chapter and give me any critiques he may have. It was truly helpful and brought about a different perspective. So I will make the necessary changes and move on to the rest of the story. Now if only I could get him to read the rest of it. But that’s more complicated than actually finishing-finishing the thing.

This Christmas my husband (there it is again!) got me a gift that I feel embodies this coming year. It is a watch. Now, it may seem like an ordinary object but for me it holds a lot of meaning, because sewn into the leather band is a tiny compass. For me it seems to say: it’s time to reach my destination. I’ve pussy-footed and dicked around when it comes to my novel long enough but it is at the point that it needs to be done.

So this years goals:
1 – Finish my novel
2 – Get an agent
3 – Lose 50 lbs.
4 – begin the adoption process.

By this time next year I’m hoping that things will be very different and that I myself will be unrecognizable.