My Name Is Diana and I'm A Twi-hard...

I love Twilight, the entire series. My kid sister introduced me and I will ever revere her name for pushing them on me. Seriously, she guilt tripped me into reading the first one, but I love them and have never looked back. I read them every year and keep them in a drawer next to my bed. I also have the soundtracks and every DVD thus far. I jealously guard them and I don't feel bad about it.

What I love the most about them is the fact that Stephanie Meyer wrote such a fabulous story without a lot of crap. I have heard critics ridicule the notion that abstinence among teens in unrealistic, but how many teens (and adults) have absolutely fallen in love with these books. Apparently a story can be compelling and still retain certain values. She is my hero.

I love J.K. Rowling (writer of Harry Potter, for those of you living under a rock) for the same reason. They have written amazing stories with minimal (if any) garbage.

Now there are other critics who scream, "they're promoting witchcraft!" and other such dark opinions but these are also the people who take exception to Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. It's called fantasy, people! Get a grip. I know where I stand on things so don't worry your crazy little heads about the message I'm sending.

I will probably never be a top selling author but if given the opportunity to publish my books, I will never have cause to regret anything I have written. You don't need garbage to sell a story so if you use garbage, the story wasn't that good to begin with. Just sayin'.

Can I get a witness? 

Ju Got Some 'Splainin To Do...

When I started my educational pursuits, nigh on two thousand aught eight, my goal was nursing school. Since then I have written a book (and have ideas for several more) and I've found I have a passion for it. My loved ones have mentioned that my eyes light up when I talk about writing and I confess, I feel a brightness coming from within whenever I think about all of the lovely stories that I plan to write. Because of said joy, I have changed my goals just a smidgen. Nursing school is now plan B.

Mr. D. asked me, a few nights ago, what the point of the last few semesters were, if I have changed course. I didn't have an answer at that point but have since found it. The point, my dear Mr.D, is this... I have learned things in those classes that make my stories so much better. I have been inspired by teachers, classmates and the subjects themselves. I have seen a way to weave reality into an engaging story and I have seen myself become...more.

Even if I never get to nursing school, I won't ever see those classes as wasted effort. I see them as doorways to what I am capable of.

Now, if I can just find a publishing house that feels the same way.

Ree-JECTED!! Again...

I'm getting used to receiving rejection letters. Got my fourth one last week. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't looked in the junk file (Take that publisher who shall not be named!). So it's back to the thing where you draw up new plans (the word escapes me just now).

Anyway, I'm not giving up I'm just changing course. Any ideas?

I know I Shouldn't Complain...

Because I did it to myself.

I was reading a friends blog today and she was commenting on the fact that all four of her children are now in school and thus she has free time, or rather, kid-free time. Her children are the same ages as mine, within months, and I have to admit, I'm feeling a little bit jealous. Had I not decided to homeschool my children, I would be in the same empty boat.

What was I thinking?! I could be doing so many kid free activities right now. I could be studying for exams without "MOM! Eeny's closing the door in my face!" or "MOM!! Tell Meeny to stop being...a meanie!" I tell you what, if I ever felt it seemed like a good idea at the time, this is one of those times.

As I said, I can't complain because this was a choice that I made. Would I do it again? It depends on the day. Is it worth it? That remains to be seen. Would I give it up for more free time? I think not.

So enjoy your kid-free time, Mom's. You've earned it. And while you're at it, enjoy some for me, too.