Graduation Parties and Whatnot

Wow! God is good, and some exciting stuff has been happening lately. I'm in that exciting (and scary) time of change. I guess I won't really understand it completely till I'm standing on the steps of my college... or ever. The fact that I'm graduating... class of 2014... is surreal. I feel the same as I always did. People keep asking me, "How does it feel to be an adult, how does it feel to be graduated?" Etc. And really... I don't know. Things feel the same. And I'm dreading the entrance exam of my college even if it is only to see where I place on the learning scale.

A fraction of my graduation party attendees.

 And I even wonder about college. There are so many different voices trying to tell me what I need to do for me and for my future. Some encourage me to go to college, to have a career path ready... others say I should follow my dreams, or learn other valuable skills you won't learn in a college. But I don't know. I feel so uncertain. But I know God holds the answer, and I'm praying for His insight in this matter and all matters.

 I had a graduation party in May for my theater friends. We had such a fantastic time eating, singing karaoke (because we're theater kids. Duh.) and playing mafia. It was just a lot of fun to spend time with some of my favorite people on my special day. I'm so grateful for the friends God has placed in my life.

 I've been able to attend a couple of other graduation parties which were a blast. Like I said, I have the best friends.

Argh. I'm a pirate.

 I've also been in Tarzan, as you know. We opened last weekend to a smashing success, and have one weekend left. It is such a bittersweet feeling because this is my brother's last show probably. He's been with me since Joseph back in 2011, and it feels so weird to think we won't be in another show together. Well, with this particular theater program at least. I'll probably talk more about it next week, but I'm probably going to cry buckets. Ugh. Emotions.

Anyway... yes. My life is crazy. But it's good. God is so wonderful to me, and has blessed me so much. Without Him I would be nothing. Thank the Lord for His grace and mercy.

~ a rambling author

Scripture Encouragement

 Hey all! I have so many thoughts about life I could spill out, but since I'm currently on a really tight schedule... well this weekend, anyway... I want to do something I haven't done a lot on this blog, but mean to do more, and that is share a scripture.

 I love the word of God so much, and there are so many things we can apply to our lives... well, we can apply everything! So today, I'm just going to share one, and just think about the words and meaning, and how you can apply it to your life.


Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. ~ Isaiah 44:8

~ a rambling author

Wednesday of Writing!

 Hey ya'll. Welcome to the first... Wednesday of Writing! This is the day of the week I talk about all things writing... whether mine, or someone else's. Today, I'm going to talk about the writing stuff that's been going on in my life.

 If you've been following this blog you know I participated in NaNo. I said I was going to update you guys on that, but totally failed. So see this as your extremely belated NaNo update.

I worked on my dystopian story, Up The Scarlet Staircase. (Which you can read part of here if you're so inclined... Not sure how much longer I'll have it up.) I did, in fact, win NaNo with a whopping 50,002 words. *Balloon deflates.* Yeah, it wasn't as big as some people's word counts, but it was something.

I was proud to get that much, considering it was show week for A Christmas Carol, and we had shows at the same time. I actually worked on the story during breaks, and took my laptop with me to a restaurant the cast went to hang out after the show on the LAST day of November. It was there, cheered on by the wonderful family that was the cast, I managed to whack out the last 2000 words or so. I don't know if I coud have done it if it wasn't for them. I finished it at about eleven or so, and we hurried to get internet so I could make it official. That night was crazy.

 The story still has a long way to go until it's complete, but I think I've given it a good foundation.

 As far as other things going on...

 I'm getting back to the editing of The Prince's Quest. I'd like to have that all ready in the next few

This graphic was made for me by Bryan McBride! :D

months. Here's hoping! I love this story. It was my first novel that was actually the length a novel should be. And though much of it was written before I knew the things I know about writing now, I really want this story to get out there. Even if I have to change every sentence. When author's talk about the one story that is special to them... this is mine. This is my baby. And I'm ready to make it happen.

 Remember The Pauper's Masquerade? That little story is currently submitted to a contest. I finished it, edited it, and sent it in. Now I'm just waiting to see what happens. But whether I win or not, I am content. Because if I don't win, I'll probably just develop it into a story.

 My most recent project is a short story inspired by a morbid thought. What would it be like to be the child of a serial killer? I mean, if you research, lots of murderers have been shown to have children. Imagine what kind of life that would be. So maybe it's my attempt to raise awareness, or just to give the subject some thought. It's titled Before Dusk and is almost completed.

Here's an excerpt: 

  Chills raced up my arms, and I peered ahead as a tall, broad shouldered man exited the vehicle.

 He approached, noticing me right away. I studied him as he did the same with me.

 My dad was… handsome. I mean, for an old guy. He must have been in his late thirties.

 His blond hair was parted to the side, and swept into a supermodel kind of look. Sunglasses rested on his nose, and his sculpted jaw opened in a smile. He was clothed in a suit and tie as if he’d just left a day at the office. I stared at his tan skin, thinking of my own pale complexion.

 He turned his flashy grin on me.

 Yep, definitely supermodel material.

 He lowered his glasses, his deep blue eyes looking at me over the rims. “Sophie.”

 My heart jumped at the sound of my own name, spoken in his mellow voice.

 Mrs. Simpson stepped up beside me. “Hello, Mr. Connors. As you can see, Sophie is all ready to leave.”

 I looked at my foster mom out of the corner of my eye. She was quick to get rid of me.

 He flashed her that perfect smile, and I was sure I saw his teeth twinkle in the sunlight. “Well, that sounds perfect.” He reached for my bag, but I instinctively pulled it closer to myself.

 Mrs. Simpson laughed and jerked it from my hold, handing it to my father.

 He pushed his sunglasses back over his eyes. “Well, then. You ready to go, kiddo?”

 ~~~

  By the way, Baby, It's Cold Outside is finished, but needing some massive revising. And Chasing Shadows is still on hiatus. Poor thing. 

   
But enough about me. What are you working on?

 Come back tomorrow for Book Thursday! Or whatever I decide to call it...

~ a rambling author

The Other Side of Me: Willy Wonka

 Okay. I know I'm late, but I honestly have a pretty good excuse this time. Besides other life things, I had a rather long eye appointment and I had to go to the city about an hour and a half from my home  for head shots/trying on costumes in the evening Tuesday. (Did I mention I was cast in A Christmas Carol? But more on that later...)

 Okay. So today is the second post in my The Other Side of Me series. I'm not promising that these will be weekly, cause I'm still trying to figure out that pesky blog schedule, but we'll see what happens.

 I left off last week talking about the choir I was in. I forgot to mention one thing. While in this choir, we traveled as a group to see The Wizard of Oz performed by Christian Youth Theater.  I was amazed by the talent and professionalism, and dared to dream that someday I could do CYT even though at this time it was impossible.

 Back to my group, and what Mrs. A had said when we first inquired about musical theater. Well, true to her word, around January, info went up about the show they were going to perform in the Spring: Willy Wonka. I was pretty familiar with the Willy Wonka storyline having seen the movies and whatnot. I looked at the roles, and since they said pick one to try for, I decided to try for Veruca Salt. I was thirteen going on fourteen, but they'd said I could try for a kid's or adult part. Even though that was the specific part I was auditioning for, I practiced other parts as well.

 Finally the audition day arrived. Guess what? I was sick. Or recovering. And thanks to my illness, my voice was in a terrible state. I went to the room with Mrs. A privately, and told her that my voice was messed up. She assured me that she already  knew what my voice sounded like, and I sang what I could of my audition. "You have a callback," she said. "It will be here, next week."

 I was so excited! I'd never heard of a callback before, unless you count maybe... the part in Hoodwinked where the schnitzel guy gets an acting callback?

 Anyway, the callback day came. I was so nervous. The idea of competing against others using simply my vocal and acting abilities which probably weren't at their peak completely intimidated me. There were about three other girls called back for the same Veruca Salt part. We all sang her song together, and then sang it alone. Unfortunately, I let my nerves get a hold of me, and was kind of shaky with my audition. After this, we read a few lines, and the callback was over. They told us when the cast list would be posted.

 Oh the wait was excruciating! I may have felt pretty bad about my callback, so I was very nervous about what might happen.

 The cast list was posted!

 I looked-- would I be portraying bratty rich girl Veruca?!?

 No.

 Mrs. Beauregarde - Bethany Baldwin

Was I disappointed? But of course. If you are hoping for something you're going to be disappointed if you don't get it! But my mindset... I don't know if I started it then, or when, but it is this. No matter what part you get, always do your best. Besides, I was a named character! That was something to be happy for!

 Mrs. Beauregarde was one of the characters I hadn't really researched (The mother of the rude, gum chewing Violet,) but I found myself becoming excited anyway. And in the end, I discovered that Mrs. Beauregarde was really the better part for me anyway.

I went to rehearsals, I read lines, worked on acting, etc. When I came into this show I had a shell. I was pretty shy around the other kids except my friend Charlotte who I had known before, and I wanted to do well, but I was a bit afraid to pop the lid off the box. But I did. For some reason, when I get on stage, I feel alive. I become a part of the story, not just an actor on the stage, but I am that person. And for your viewing *cough* pleasure, here are some photos of me as Mrs. Beauregarde.

Here's the top half of my costume. I believe this photo was taken before my first show.

  Full outfit. I should also mention that I got my braces off just in time for the show, so I was smiling proudly. :D

                   This is a photo inside the factory. I changed into this dress for the second act.

                                 In this room here... surveying the wonders of Wonka's creation.

                              About to take a hulking bite in the chocolate smelting room.

                                    Scolding/talking to my daughter outside the Wonka factory.

                                    Looking smug with my daughter during her interview.

                                             My "air guitar" picture as I call it. Who knows...

                                       The finale. Once again, who knows what I'm doing?


 I enjoyed being in my first theater show SOOOO much. Especially after waiting to long to do any sort of acting. I was a bit depressed that I would have to wait an entire year for another show! Which you will learn about next time. ;)

 What do you think?

~ a rambling author

Every Good Word {Link up!}

 So. I'm a bit late on this, but I decided to save it for my regular blogging day! (Speaking of which I'm considering adding another day to my schedule, but we'll see what happens.)

 This is the Every Good Word linkup! Every writer is tagged to answer twelve questions, so I've decided to join in and try it.
                                                                                                                                                    

1. What was your first-ever piece of writing? This is a hard one since I've been writing almost as long as I can remember. It was either a little Thanksgiving book based on one I had, or a little story called Princess Bethany. :P
2. How old were you when you first began writing? I was about six years old when I started writing little stories, but who knows when I made them up in my head?
3. Name two writing goals. One short term & one long term. Short term would be finishing my current projects, especially The Pauper's Masquerade which I want to finish this month. Long term would be to become published, and hopefully be able to share my stories with others. 
4. Do you write fiction or non-fiction? Mainly fiction as far as writing books go. But I blog here, and at A Pinch of Classy, so I write some non-fiction as well.
5. Bouncing off of question 4, what's your favorite genre to write in? I'd have to say... it's probably Christian spec fic. I love being able to use my imagination to create worlds, and characters, and strange, interesting situations. But I've written some suspense, and would love to try my hand at historical.
6. One writing lesson you've learned since 2013 began. Don't procrastinate. I learned a harsh lesson by procrastinating typing up my handwritten novel, so now I have to re-write a bulk of the story because the large binder containing it went missing. This also applies to actually writing, because if you procrastinate, you'll never move forward. 
7. Favorite author, off the top of your head! There are so many. I can't really name one. Francine Rivers, most definitely, Jill Williamson, and Wayne Thomas Batson? But there are so many.
8. Three current favorite books. Uh... The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers, Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke, and either Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker, or Replication by Jill Williamson. 
9. Biggest influence on your writing {person}: That's hard. Wayne Thomas Batson was the first Christian fantasy author I read and that really interested me. In the last year, though, through Go Teen Writers, Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have really impacted me. Also, my family is supportive.
10. What's your go-to writing music? I enjoy listening to instrumental music if I think of it. Haha. Two Steps From Hell is good. I need to discover more music! Today during school... not technically writing... but... I may write to it in the future, I listened to my friend Leah's original writing compositions.
11. List three to five writing quirks of yours! Little habits, must-haves as you write, etc. Um. Word wars. They're a habit, but I don't always have it. Eating... I always seem to write when it's some kind of meal/snack time. :P One word sentences/sentence fragments that I think actually sound good. (Not all of my sentences are fragments! I avoid them except when they add to the story.) My grammar check hates me. Like... I can't breathe. Death. All around me.
12. What, in three sentences or less, does your writing mean to you? My writing is one of the most important things in my life. It is a way of sharing a gift God gave me. It is a way for me to reach out to others, while enjoying myself. 

My Purpose

 Every person longs for a purpose. No matter who they are, no matter what they do, they long for something... more. Some may scoff at this thought, but it is the honest truth. That feeling of something missing in your life, that longing for something else, that is you wishing for a purpose.

 In books, a character must have a purpose for the story to mean something. It can be such a great purpose as Frodo traveling to Mordor to destroy an evil item, or such a simple thing as a person having something they want to do before their death.

 What is my purpose?

 There is only one way to find out your purpose. Prayer. God is the one who has created your purpose, whatever it may be, and He is the one who will reveal your purpose. I'm still not entirely sure what my purpose is, but there are a few things I really get joy from that I feel the Lord has really put a desire in my heart to do.

 Acting and singing When I get on stage, something sparks inside me. I love it. I also love to sing, and praise the Lord.

Writing This is the main thing that I think could be used as a blessing and outreach to others. Ever since a young age, I loved to write little stories, and now I'm attempting large books. So many messages can be spread through the written word, but I also just love it for the writing. I love to have a pen, or keyboard at my disposal, and to let the story flow out. Everywhere I go I get ideas for a new story, every day I have to write at least a little bit. I love to share my writing, even if I get nervous that others won't love it like I do. Because I do love my stories. I believe that God gave me the ideas, and even if all the sentences aren't written in a flourish, the underlying story is what matters.

 I don't really know the purpose God has prepared me for. But for now, I'll continue pursuing the things I feel He has placed a desire in me to do. I love to act. And I love to write. But most of all, I love to write for the glory of the Greatest Storyteller of them all.

 What about you?

~ a rambling author