Secret Number One

So here it begins, the start of secret list. It's sort of funny to me how I decided at this time of giving to finally...well...give to myself.

But the truth is: I started writing to learn about me. I continue writing, because learning NEVER ends.

Okay, here it is: SECRET NUMBER ONE

I don't like the smell of Christmas trees.

And I desire to spend at least ONE Christmas in Disney World!


It's not that I have anything against the odor of evergreens, but it lacks that reminiscent warm feeling for me that so many others talk about.

I wonder if it's because my family had fake Christmas trees while I was growing up. I don't have BAD memories of Christmas. As a matter of fact, I have some pretty great thoughts about the holiday as a child. My mom always went out of her way to make sure the season was special. And I absolutely LOVE creating new memories with my critters.

And that leads me to my next thought, Christmas in DISNEY! Why? Because it's warm. Maybe I'm seeing the grass as greener on the 'other side' but truthfully, I hate snow. The song "White Christmas" makes me cringe. Blech! The photo above was taken in November 2009 at Disney World. I felt more Holiday spirit there, in a tank top and shorts, than I ever could wearing snow boots and gloves at home. And somehow, I don't think the novelty would wear off after a few years. Go ahead! Prove me wrong! ;)

Maybe both of these truths show more about me than I'm ready to realize. But I know next year, when I go to Disney in November, I'm bringing the song below with me. And instead of Santa, I'm going to ask Mickey for all of the things listed on "My Grown Up Christmas List."

The Time has Come

I am a girl.  But not any girl.  I am JUST A GIRL.

What does that mean?  I don't know quite yet, except that I have written the book.  And that's its title: JUST A GIRL.

But I'm also a woman.

And a nurse.

And a wife.

And a mother.

And a friend.

And an auntie.

And...the list goes on and on.

So what does JUST say?

I'm only starting to figure that out for me.  And I'm about to give all my secrets away.  Because "I need another story.  Something to get off my chest...."-OneRepublic

Another web site!

In January, I entered a contest at KidLit. The winners are absolutely amazing and they deserve every second of recognition they get. And even if I don't win, I still found a website that will help me so much in my quest to secure an agent.

But in February, I found something extraordinary. Via Twitter, which I resisted for a long time, I found this great resource, writer and marketing expert, Georgia McBride. She hosts chats on Twitter and maintains an online community that rocks for YA authors, called YALITCHAT.

It was because of one of her chats on Twitter, that I first heard about a publishing house that caught my interest, Teen Fire. And by becoming more involved, I found my contest for February AND an adventure for March.

Yes, people, I will be going back to NYC for the launch party of Teen Fire. It is going to be held during the week of the NYC Teen Author Festival. Another amazing opportunity, I might add.

Are the golden bricks finally falling into place for me? Yes, I do believe the great Emerald City and Oz are not that far away anymore. I know I still have a lot of work to do, but each step fills me with excitement and reminds me that I am meant to be a writer of YA fiction!!!

The Kidlit Contest....

A few months ago, I posted a blog about chances. And I believe one chance IS all I need. But in order to increase the likelihood of actually getting there, I need to create my own chances.

Anyone can do it. And if you have a novel that you are ready to submit, here's your chance. It's easy. And to be honest, I have found the preparation fun, but that's me. So, to all you YA novelists out there, take your chance along with me. Submit your first 500 words to:

Kidlit contest

And may the best words win!!!

Good luck.