I’ve been flying through my wip this week.  It’s all I can think about.  If I could spend 24/7 writing this book, I would.  Can’t spoil it and tell you what’s going on, but I’m at the tail end of Chapter Six and there have been LOTS of suprises for Amy Love.

I’m currently reading Project Date by Kate Perry, which I’ve been cruising through.  If you’re looking for a fun read, pick up a copy, and prep yourself for some laughs.  Kate creates some seriously quirky characters - lol.

I’m also enjoying Stephen King’s On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft.  It’s going to be the first book of his I’ve completed.  I read 90% of Pet Sematary (back in the day), but couldn’t finish it because it was way too scary.  Reading scary books doesn’t work for me cuz I can’t duck during the awful parts like I can in a movie.  I know I can scan, but PS was even too scary for that!

So that’s what I’ve been up to this week.  I must get back to writing now.  I’ve been off for ten minutes and it feels like forever.  Hope you’ve had a good week!

I’ve started a new book. A creepy YA. Any guess what the title is? That’s right! Zombie Love.

Someone suggested writing about what scares me. Well, what could be scarier than knowing something–or someone–is in the room, but you can’t see them? That’s the problem for Amy Love. Amy’s skin prickles into icy goosebumps whenever “they” are in the classroom. She refuses to acknowledge their presence. Afraid of what might happen if she does. But, now, they are done being ignored . . .

I’d categorize Zombie Love as a teen chick lit w/paranormal elements. I’m starting chapter three as soon as I sign off here. Can’t wait to see how Amy attempts to handle this. She’d turned to her best friend for help, but it looks like a certain hottie at school might have more of a clue about the freaky.

So, that’s what I’m writing. As far as what I’m reading, last night I just finished Extras by Scott Westerfeld. I’m curious . . . if you’re a writer, what are you writing? If you’re a reader, what are you reading? If you’re neither, what are you doing here?

What are you passionate about? Painting? Traveling? Writing? What makes a llama tick? Whatever your passion is, there are others out there with that same fire. And let me tell you, it’s amazing to be around them.

I went to my first meeting of Authors of the Flathead and my writing productivity has skyrocketed. It helped that we had a fabulous speaker. There’s a wealth of info to learn. But, it was also just being around other writers. Listening to what they write. Hearing their success and rejection. Nobody gets a writer like another writer.

Same goes with whatever ignites you. Sure, you can explore things on your own. But, meeting up with people on the same quest can be VERY inspiring. Take it from Exhibit A. That would be moi.

I was craving something sweet just now. Looked through the fridge. The cupboards. The pantry. Nada. Absolutely nothing sweet in the house–unless you count gum (and I don’t).

BTW, I don’t KEEP anything “sweet” in the house, so I won’t EAT anything sweet. Catch where I’m going? If not, I’ll spell it out for you… “I SCREWED MYSELF BY NOT HIDING A BACK-UP CANDY BAR FOR DESPERATE OCCASIONS SUCH AS NOW!!!!”

Think: fruit or vegetables. Healthy food.

But how many bananas can a person be expected to eat in one day? I mean, really. Starting to feel part monkey here.

Did I quelch the craving, you ask? Yes, I did. How’d I manage, you wonder? Creamy Skippy Peanut Butter on a spoon. It’s not a Recees PB Cup, but it worked.

Thought you might enjoy the tip. You know, in case you ever find yourself that desperate.

My good friend Misa said “It doesn’t take long to reflect on your year and realize the impact people have had on you and your life.” This seems like wise advice so here goes.

2007 was a year of many changes for me. The biggest thing that I learned is that I need to always be myself. This includes not keep my mouth shut so much. Who knew that would’ve been a bad thing?

Reflecting on people who’ve had an impact on my life:

Christa . . . Thank you for always noticing.
Karen . . . Thank you for a friendship that feels more like family.
Melissa . . . Thank you for guidance, you wise Michelle Pfeiffer.
Virna . . . Thank you for being there.
Erin . . . Thank you for commiserating with me.
Mom . . . Thank you for awesome advice.
Muse . . . Thank you for invading my brain.  Often.
Chloe . . . Thank you for light.
Sam . . . Thank you for uplifting smiles.
Mike . . . Thank you for always loving me.

Feel free to reflect as well and here’s to an awesome 2008!