Well, hello.

Apparently I'm not so prolific lately as some of my blogger counterparts, but I haven't forgotten about you! I've just started a new job, and true to form, my writing time has flown out the window.

Despite the fact that it is a part-time, temporary job, I resent it a bit for cutting into my creative time. On the other hand, I am working in a Halloween store and find myself surrounded by strange and wonderful objects that I should use to inspire myself.

I think the other thing that's frustrated me is that I wrote an introduction (I didn't like how my opening chapter just jumped right into description - I thought it needed a wee little prologue) and my editor wasn't a huge fan. I've left it for now, because those three little paragraphs took me two hours and a small headache to boot.

I've got to get tougher skin before I start soliciting for an agent, I know. I'm usually not easily deterred. But when you're just starting a project the smallest snag can be a frustration, you know?

Completely random sidebar of the day: Suri Cruise looks like the tiniest little bitch in every paparazzi shot I've seen.

Formatting question.

So, I've been writing. I have an opening chapter and about a third of a second chapter. Now, when I write on my Mac I use teensy weensy font because I like how it looks, but I know my book will have bigger font when it goes for publication. And smaller pages. But does anyone know what a full page in Pages translates to in young adult formatting? Would anyone care to hazard a guess?

I feel like I've gotten a good start until I look at my page count. I've finished a mere 6 pages, but within those six pages are quite a few words. Thoughts?

Wow, I actually started something. Let's see if I finish!

That subject wasn't intended to sound so cynical, but.. it's been a long night and I'm cranky and tired. :)

As the title suggests, I've begun writing. Yesterday, as a matter of fact. The weather was cool and rainy, and as I was opening my kitchen windows I decided that writing would be a lovely way to pass the time. Four hours later, I had an opening chapter.

Now, for that amount of time some might suggest that I wasn't very prolific, but this is a novel. My first novel. While I don't want to plod on with it for years, I also don't want to rush - I'd rather savor. I wrote again today, but only for about half an hour and with a page as the product of my time. But, my little friends, that is a start. 

And starting is the hardest part.

Work and conundrums.

Today is my last day at work. The job I am finishing today has paid the bills for the last three and a half years, but really has done nothing more for me other than introduced me to some really great people. Otherwise it has eaten my soul slowly and surely in little ways. 

It is an environment utterly lacking in creativity, and I've come to realize I loathe the business world. I realize that publishing is a business, and like with all good business you have to play the game, but the industry I'm currently in (for eight more hours) is not for me. It's dry and unwelcoming and leaves me so exhausted that I don't have any desire to write.

So that job had to go!

I am very excited about having some time away from an "adult" job - no, I'm not a hooker - to really focus on my writing. I am in the middle of a major move right now, so I don't know how much time I will have in the next few days, but I have started. 

What I have: 

• An idea
• Notes
• Characters
• About a page of text

Now, this might not seem like a lot, but considering my job situation, it's a pretty decent start. I like to bring my notebook to work and write at my desk. Not on my work computer, because it's completely trackable, but the pen-and-ink way.

I have two conundrums. Conundrii? Conundra? What the fuck is the plural of conundrum? Oh well. The first conundrum is the work situation. I have a two-month job when I get to my new place working at a Halloween store. I can't really say no, because I need the money and it's run by one of my mom's friends. And it won't suck, because it's a relaxed, creative environment where I can basically help people play dress-up all day. I can probably have as many hours as I like there, but how many is too many when I am trying to seriously start working on my book?

The other conundrum is this: I have two ideas. One, the idea I was talking about a few paragraphs up, is a young adult book with series potential. It's not as fleshed out, but I think it would be an easier undertaking right now. The other idea is not for young adults, so much. It's historical fiction (do I really want to research right now?) and has the potential to turn into a series as well, but I have the entire first book mapped out. 

Any suggestions?

First post!

Aww, look, my very first post. So.. hi! My name is Lindsay, and I'm a writer.  While I haven't always called myself as such by profession, I've always been in love with the thought. I have an educational background in English literature and creative writing, though for the last few years I've come to realize that you can't do a lot with an English degree. Even though I've been sidetracked by a few fruitless jobs (retail, banking, &c.), I've never stopped thinking about my book.

I'm at a big turning point in my life right now, and I've decided to stop dicking around and go for it. 

I plan on documenting the entire process with this blog, the good and the bad. I'll keep you posted as I plot and write, as I look for representation with a literary agent, through rejection letters (because what good writer hasn't been rejected a thousand times?), and hopefully you'll be there with me as I find a company willing to take a gamble on someone with a lot to say.

It's late and I have two more days at my crappy job before the adventure begins. But please, follow me - I promise to entertain you, at the very least. 

Adieu!