New Year's Resolutions 2012

QOTD: What is the longest amount of time you have spent writing a single blog post?

I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend so far! First I wanted to start out with some news that is circulating around the blogosphere: 

Mia Hayson is requesting guest bloggers over at Literary Jam and Toast, one of the funniest and best writing blogs ever. This is a great way to meet some new bliggity friends, share your unique skills and knowledge with others, and meet the lovely Mia! Over at Confessions of a Bookaholic, there's a giveaway for all you To Kill a Mockingbird lovers! Finally, a good friend of mine has started her adventures as a journalist at The Constant Interview . Caitlin Byrd is an amazing writer and has always been an inspirational role model to me. Check it out--you will learn so much from her. 

In fact, I found this on her blog: 

Let's all try to keep this in mind as January gradually draws to a close and we start to embrace the second month of 2012. It's strange...I don't even feel like 2011 is over yet. I don't think it has hit me. Perhaps I'm still caught up in everything that happened last year--all the things that changed who I am and all the things I did or didn't do. 

Here's a look at what helped define 2011 for me: 

Year in Review

• Became a reporter for my college newspaper
• Became social media savvy (joined Twitter and tumblr!)
• Chose my career pathway (clinical psychology)
• Completed my first social media & marketing internship
• My turtles grew up into full-size (ish) adults! Yay!
• Got rid of acne with regular skincare
• Reached 160 blog followers, created TRA's Facebook fan page and hosted my first blogfest (and now there are email subscriptions! Look right.)
• Bought my very first Moleskine journal
• Became aware of current news and world events
• Grew more comfortable with speaking in crowds (aka: I no longer get weak or shaky)

Now that I am reflecting over my old New Year's resolutions, I think I did pretty well. I got a lot done. It was a good year for me. A lot changed, but so did I. A small part of me misses where I was (figuratively) at the beginning of 2011, but there is no doubt that I am where I should be right now. 

Do you feel like you accomplished the things you set out to do at the beginning of 2011? If not, are you planning to continue that journey this year, or are you starting fresh?

Speaking of goals and such things, these are my NEW aims for 2012:

I'm kind of a sucker for organization and planning tools, so I always love New Year's. There's something about the idea of starting a new year that makes one feel inspired all over again...as if this year is going to be "it." The big one when everything that's supposed to happen happens. There's promise and excitement and possibility. 

As I browse through this new list, I find myself nodding my head multiple times and thinking, Yes, this is what I want to accomplish in 2012. I've been adhering to most of these so far, though it's going slowly. I know some of these will be tough--especially #8 since I'm a slow reader--but even if I don't accomplish all of these goals at least I will have tried my best. That's what counts, right?

My favorite part of goal-planning is the actual process of completing them. It's fun and actually feels fulfilling. And once we've reached the finish line, we can begin a new race and start all over again. 

New Year's Resolutions 2012

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Winter Break Recap: Harry Potter World 2012

QOTD: If you could donate one million dollars to any organization, which would you choose and why? 

Happy Sunday, everyone! I apologize for my unexpected absence from the blogosphere. I've spent the last week and a half mostly bedridden due to a nasty virus I picked up over winter break. I have literally felt like a walking snot burger (so unattractive, I know). Good news is I'm back now and hope to catch up with blogging, schoolwork and writing! This is not a great start for my new years' resolutions, but better to start late than never, right? 

So how are you doing with your new years' resolutions? Have you gotten into a regular daily routine of working out/gardening veggies/meditating/whatever-you-resolved-to-do, or are those goals already long-forgotten? (And if the latter is true, I don't blame you. I can't even remember my weekend homework assignments.) 

Whether you're struggling to keep up with your resolution plans or have already worked them into circadian habits, check out my Resolutions Guide to make sure you're on the right track! 

I spent winter break in Orlando, Florida. My family and I joked that we experienced a hot Christmas! The most amazing part of my winter break was getting to experience Harry Potter World for the first time. Enjoy! Check back soon for my New Years' Resolutions 2012.

The truth is that you don't need any of the generic traditions like snow, presents or even Christmas trees to make Christmas unforgettable. It's the people you spend it with that make the holiday special. 

Fun Fact: One of my most popular nicknames as a kid (and sometimes even now) was Wendy Lu-Who (like Cindy Lou-Who from Whosville in The Grinch).

Hogwarts!!! I screamed. Loud. We went in and the features were phenomenal. Talking portraits, dragons and magic exist! I saw it all with my own eyes!

The entrance into Hogsmeade, people. I screamed even louder. It really was a mini town with shops (we ate dinner at The Three Broomsticks!) and were just like the ones from the books and movies! 

Could they...be? Yes! CHOCOLATE FROGS!!!!!!!!

Butterbeer: one of the sweetest and most positively peculiar things I have ever tasted. Butterscotch and sugar cookies with a light, creamy froth on top. A real lip-smacker. 

All photos were taken by me. 

Winter Break Recap: Harry Potter World 2012

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"A Mustard Moment": 3rd Annual No-Kiss Blogfest

Thanks to Frankie, 55 bloggers and I have had an awesome opportunity to participate in the 3rd Annual No-Kiss Blogfest yesterday! My apologies for posting my entry one day late, but better late than never, right? The idea of the blogfest is pretty self-explanatory--

"Write a scene or post one from your favorite books, movies, or tv shows that show the almost kiss-- the rising, crushing, excruciating, longing, tension that comes  when two characters get oh-so-close to kissing that you can just feel it, want it, NEED it....and then...they don't!"

For the blogfest, I've decided to go with a scene between Will Schuester and Emma Pillsbury from the musical comedy, Glee. Sadly I couldn't find the scene on Youtube, but the scene is from Episode 6: "Vitamin D" in Season 1. Enjoy!

Lunch period was Emma's favorite time of the day. 

It wasn't that she didn't enjoy advising the children about sibling troubles and relationship woes and the unimportance of popularity (convincing them that the positively linear relationship between boob size and social life didn't matter was tough). 

Quite the contrary, in fact. 

Emma loved being a high school guidance counselor and listening to other people talk about their problems. She liked helping people. 

She especially liked helping Will Schuester, Spanish teacher and director of Glee Club, during lunch period.

Today, the topic was Glee Club. 

"The kids have gotten really complacent," Will was saying now, waving his sandwich around in frustration. "It's like their fires have totally gone out." That's when Emma spotted a smudge of yellow mustard on his chin. She repressed a snort. Seeing the mustard didn't bother her as much as it should have. It looked so funny.

That was one of the best things about Will. When Emma was around him, she felt more comfortable. Her OCD wasn't as big of a problem and wasn't as big of a controlling factor. She could enjoy herself.

Emma cleared her throat and looked down. "Um," she said. "Um, I'm sorry. You've just, ah, you've got a little mustard on your...well, your cute Kirk Douglas chin dimple." 

Was she blushing? Maybe. It did feel a little warm in the room. Emma could never tell what she physically felt like when Will was around. All she knew was that when William spoke to her, she couldn't focus on anything. And for Emma, that was saying something. 

"Wha-?" Will swagged his tongue over his chin and gave Emma an inquiring look as if to ask, did I get it? He laughed and her heart skipped a beat. 

"Um, well, ah..." She reached out one of her plastic-gloved porcelain-like hands over to Will's chin and swabbed the mustard off. "There."

Her fingers rested on his jawline. She smiled, and then noticed that he was looking at her. Really looking at her. His hazel eyes were electrifying. He hadn't looked at her like that since last month when they were alone cleaning Miss. Hoffmire's classroom and he'd brushed chalk dust off of her nose. 

She told herself, don't look at his mouth, don't look at his mouth. She looked at his mouth. He was staring at her, too. her heart began pounding inside. It was like the daily high school stampede into the cafeteria all over again. 

Will whispered, "thanks." 

"A Mustard Moment": 3rd Annual No-Kiss Blogfest

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Happy New Year!

Yayyy we've survived another 5,250,600 minutes. Here's to you, 2012! Wishing all of my followers an amazing year. I have a feeling this is going to be a special one (and not just because it's a leap year ;)). Happy New Year everybody!


Also - my entry for the 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest, hosted by Frankie, will be posted sometime today. Check back soon for my blogfest entry, followed by a reflection and page updates. Thanks so much for your patience!

Happy New Year!

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My Experience as a Critique Partner

QOTD: For the first person to come to mind, think about why you appreciate and are grateful for that person. Feel free to share! 

Quick Announcement: I will be starting my own editing service (completely voluntary on my part, so don't worry it's free) post-Christmas. Come back soon for more updates! 

I used to think that I didn't need anybody. At least when it came to writing. I have always been either too insecure, too stubborn or too fearful to let others critique or even look at my work. I just wanted to do my own thing. I think all of us as writers tend to have this mindset in some way...writing is, after all, as much of a service to ourselves as it is to our readers. But lately I've come to realize that when we decide to put our fears aside and allow yourself to be exposed to feedback, we can learn so much from others and improve ourselves as writers and as people. And when it comes down to it, nobody should have to go through the writing process (specifically revision) alone. 

In one of my earlier articles, What's Your Take on Creative Writing Classes?, I stated that a writer does not need to take classes or a teacher's approval to write well. I still believe this. But...I have a confession to make. I enrolled in ENGL 130, our "Intro to Fiction" class at school, for next semester. I know, I am such a hypocrite. But at least I can admit to changing my perspective a little and stay flexible, right? I think I'm a little too proud for my own good, and getting my writing critiqued by a bunch of stranger-acquaintances will definitely tear those sturdy walls down. I guess the Biebs had it right. Never say never. 

You must be wondering why I have changed my mind so quickly. Not too long ago, I decided to share my writing for the first time with a group of close friends. We'd all agreed to "show and tell" something important to us, and one of my favorite pieces of work was what I'd chosen. I did not know what their reactions would be, but I tried not to wonder to much. 

On the day it was my turn to share, I read my piece out loud. To my surprise, my oratory was met with tears, astonishment and praise. I thought, is this really happening to me? I sighed with relief, and realized that, more than anything else, my fear of rejection and failure was what had kept me from keeping much of my writing hidden. 

Soon after, one of those close friends (let's call him "Frank") approached me, saying he'd love to see more of my work. Turns out, he writes too. We met up on the quad the next day and swapped poetry and stories. Ever since then, we've been meeting together once a week to share our writing and our opinions. Without even realizing it, Frank and I became critique partners. 

This is the quad! It's so peaceful and comfortable, but there are always people around and there is inspiration everywhere. Perfect place to write, don't you think?

And Frank is a fantastic writer. Fantastic Frank (has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) inspires me every day to be a better writer with his honesty, unique writing style and ability to get an overall feel of a piece of work. I can also safely say that our friendship has become a lot deeper, more interesting and complex since we developed a relationship as critique partners. 

Deciding to share my writing with one of my dear friends has been one of the best choices I've made as a writer so far. My relationship with the students in my future creative writing class may not be as successful or enjoyable, but I understand how important it is to at least get a second opinion and make sure I am on the right track. You don't always have to go with any changes they suggest, but you can consider them and see if they make sense or not. 

I made a short list of tips on being a critique partner, AKA "Fantastic Frank." Hmm, I think this term is growing on me.

How To Be A "Fantastic Frank"

1) Choosing a critique partner can be difficult, as writers have different preferences. I love that my critique partner also happens to be one of my awesome friends whom I know well and can trust. Others may prefer a classmate or acquaintance with a formal/professional relationship; that way, conflict of interest doesn't get in the way of feedback honesty. Keep this in mind as you think about what kind of relationship you want to have with your critique partner.

2) No matter who your critique partner is, there must be a balancing dynamic between you two. Feedback must be given both ways, and there needs to be mutual respect, honesty and support. Feelings of competition should be kept at a minimum. 

3) Be open-minded, be curious, be understanding of criticism. Don't be afraid to ask your partner questions about their work and/or their comments on yours to see what angle your partner is coming from. That's what your partner is there for. No matter what, though, don't let your writing style or your personality as a writer be affected. Don't change anything that you don't think will benefit your work or isn't 100% what you want.

4) For me, one of the hardest things at least for me as a writer is to write in a way that initiates the right reaction or gets a point across; and I never know if it does or if my reader feels something totally different than what I had intended. My favorite part of having a critique partner is seeing his perspective and reaction as a reader of my writing. 

5) As critique partners, you should be there for each other during much of the writing process - especially during revision and completion! After you've copy-edited, written those second, third and fourth drafts and submitted your work for publishing, celebrate together with a drink. There's nobody else who understands what that final submission means to you than your critique partner. 

6) What have you learned from participating in critique groups and critique partnerships? Share in comments below! 

There are only 5 days left until Christmas! What are your plans for the holidays? I will be in Florida for 10 days starting on Thursday, but I plan to update TRA as often as I can with photos of my adventures at Disney World! 

My Experience as a Critique Partner

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