Playing Catch-Up

With my internet life, that is.

I just finished up my very first semester of college, ladies and gents. You know that this means? Yup. I now have a month off to write and write and... oh yeah, WRITE. I have a WIP to tidy up and send to agents. =]

But, along with finishing the WIP and attempting to hammer out a rough draft of ANOTHER story, I am also going to catch up and hopefully get ahead in my blogging type things. Like, I have some pre-planned blogs for this blog (not a bunch, really, except maybe in Feb.) and attempting to get WAY ahead on my review blog, which needs lots of TLC from me.

So, I'll be around more. A lot of the time, I'll be playing catch-up.

~Angel

The Newest Member of the Family

World -- I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of my family -- Saffron Emer.

Saffron was originally taken from her litter by a family that couldn't afford her because she, as well as the other pups, weren't being treated.. well, we'll just say they weren't being properly cared for. The family that took her and one of her brothers in, however, couldn't afford nor did they have time to take care of both pups. This is where, a lot of the time, someone at my house is contacted. This time, it was me. And I have a hard time saying no, especially to a little one in need. She was skinny, dirty, and covered in fleas, but I didn't care. I knew she needed someone to love her.

Saffron came to live with me on Friday, and she's been a perfect fit to our crazy house. Taylor and I had to spend some time bathing her and getting every single flea off of her. We fed her a gave her attention that she desperately wanted. She's pretty small, maybe a little bigger than an adult chinchilla. She's full of energy, adventurous, and LOVES her momma (aka, me). She stays upstairs in my room, because she's too small to leave downstairs with the others. And she might, you know, get lost. So, when I'm home, she's at my heels. When I leave, I put her in my bathroom -- which is the biggest in the house and is currently puppy proof and rather nice for a pup's place. She sleeps on her puppy bed in my bathroom, too. My room isn't quite ready yet for a puppy to play in there safely as I sleep -- but by some time this week, she'll end up being curled up in my bed where she always wants to be. =]

I've always wanted to run or help an official No Kill Shelter for animals. When I was young, that's what I wanted to do. I would drag in stays and hurt animals all the time -- it's a wonder my mom didn't kill me! -- but the habit has yet to change.

Since I've moved to our new house, complete with it's 18 acres, this has been a little easier on us space wise. The wild animals (like the turtles I get off the highway occasionally) can go out in the woods. Then there's loads of room for the dogs that sleep outside in the barn or in their pens. And then, there's the inside dogs -- otherwise known as the Goof Troop or Troublesome Trio (well, until Saffron came along). That's Kikyo, Tristan, and Logan -- of the three, Logan is the only one that we didn't willingly bring to live with us. He was a rescue stray pup himself.

Granted, it gets pretty stressful, and sometimes people make me feel pretty bad for having so many -- like I'm doing something bad or trashy by letting animals take up more time than other aspects of my life. "It's a lot to handle", they tell me -- as though I don't already know -- "Do you really think you can care properly for them all?" And of course, I know I can. We've had people come out and check them out to make sure they are all good. We were thanked at our old town because we were keeping a lot of strays from being put down by getting put in the pound. Sure, not all of our dogs have gotten spayed or neutered yet, but we're working on it. And, if by some chance, one gets pregnant, we care for the pups until they are old enough to find new homes, and then take them to said new homes, usually with a towel or blanket and some puppy food to help out the new family. To me, it's more than having a bunch of pets -- it's adding to my family and giving them love when no one else could.

---

Well, I hope you liked this post, and I hope it gave you some insight into my life outside of writing and college. Not to mention -- isn't Saffron just the SWEETEST?!?

~Angel

"You never forget who you really are... no matter how many nights you stay awake trying to."

So, some of you know I messed my knee up like a three or so weeks ago, and that the pain has only gotten worse. Like, to the point of such terrible pain that sometimes I can hardly walk, and in the night it hurts so bad it keeps me awake.

Well, I managed to get in to see my Doctor last week, and it turns out I tore the cruciate ligaments in my knee. He told me I'd need a brace, a lot of rest, and that it wouldn't get better for quite a few weeks. Jooooy. No one is fond of the fact that during some of that healing time I have to go to college. At least, until finals are all done & we're out for Christmas break or winter break -- whatever it's called. They wanted me to take more days off, but we managed to agree I could go back 2 days later. I can't afford to miss a lot of class anymore. Especially with finals coming up.

Though, now, I keep tearing more ligaments up, and they are talking about making me go to the hospital. Worst case scenario -- surgery. Ugh... Not what I need right now.

---

"When one door closes another one opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us” -- Alexander Graham Bell

So, life is going pretty alright right now. Minus the whole, ya know, knee being all messed up thing. I'm doing pretty good in college. I've got my schedule for next semester. I've been working really hard on getting the WIP edited and perfected so I can dispense it to my Beta Readers and Critique Partner before final edits and -- BAM! -- come January (hopefully) I'll be querying. Let's hope for an agent this time, shall we?

And, like the quote above, I've had some changes in my life lately that have brought some unhappy side effects and "closed doors". It took me a while to stop looking so regretfully at said door, but I finally managed to look away and notice the good things that are there. My friends that love me; my opportunity to make new ones. Success looming in the furture. I'm making plans for the rest of my life, and it's both exciting and terrifying.

But it's something I must do. Regardless if I'm ready or not ready, I have to get ready to land on my feet once I'm done at MAC (my college). I have to know what I'm doing, and where I'm going. Will I just go to MAC and spend the rest of my time writing? Or will I go on to do more things and persue a back up career? Will I move far away, or stay close to what I know? There's a million things on my mind that I've got to be ready to answer unless I want to fall on my face. I guess a lot of it is relying on whether or not I can get published and headed in the right direction before my time at MAC is done.

It's a crazy life, but I'm holding on for the ride.

---

So, my schedule, as previously mentioned, is as follows.

Drawing II MWF from 11:00 to 12:50
English Comp II MWF from 1:00 to 1:50
Intermediate Algebra MW from 3:00 to 4:15

And then on Tuesdays & Thursdays:

History of Art II from 8:00 - 9:15
American History II from 11:00 - 12:15
Color Theory from 1:00 to 2:50

That's 18 hours total. Wowza. At least I'll be done eventually -- hopefully sooner rather than later.

---

And I got most of the To Do list done. My honors stuff is done. My research paper was turned in this week. I turned in my short story to the editor I was talking about. So, I'm getting on top of the ball. Now I have less to do and more time for my editing. Not to mention, we've only got, like, three weeks of classes left. And that means LOADS of writing time for Angel. Like, I really think I may stay up all night quite a few times just to get even more done.

So, speaking of writing and editing, I should probably go do that now.

Adios!

~Angel

"Some die looking for a hand to hold."

So, I was pretty relieved when I scratched some things off my To Do list at long last. Now I've just got:

- 6 papers and 3 art pieces.
- 1 paper for Art History
- Final edits on short story due to editor by Halloween.
- Edit/Revise WIP- Rewrite an older story (code name LWY)
- And whatever else comes my way.

Like half of that has to be done by November 6th. Of course the short story has until Halloween. The WIP needs to be ready for querying (or at least I hope it will be) by January. And I want to try to hammer out a rough draft for the LWY rewrite in November.

So yeah, I'm busy. Not to mention the Halloween related plans I have. Plus there is a project I've been working on that I hope to have ready by next Halloween that's going to seriously take a year of planning and work.

Aaaaand, stay excited, folks! Halloween ( My FAVORITE holiday, might I add) is just around the bend, and with that comes my first bit of in-print publication. I promise to link it to you guys so you can order you're little hearts out.

-----------------

I'm thinking about posting a series of blogs about the places I write, including pics. Anyone digging this idea?

~Angel

Boston and Salem Trip!

Really, we did A LOT in the dew days we were in Boston, and I NEVER wanted to leave Salem. I actually hope to live in Salem one day. It's just so spectacular.

This was the view from our hotel in Boston. GORGEOUS, right?!




Not to mention, just across the street was King's Chapel - which, I believe, is the oldest cemetery in Boston. It was amazing!

That's my mom over there. You can tell which luggage is mine. *cough* Skull bag. *cough*

The very first day we got there, we went on a duck tour -- which was pretty awesome.

On the duck, we saw a car -- IN THE WATER!

I don't remember which day, but one of the days we went on a walking historical tour with a very entertaining guide.

She was one of my favorite things on the entire trip! I'd always wanted to see a real street performer! I tipped her and got a picture with her.

We went to the aquarium one morning. I loved the seals. ^_^ I bought a little seal stuffed animal and named him Bently.

Then, right after the aquarium, we went on a whale watch. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. You're feet away from these huge majestic creatures.

It's just... beautiful.

Salem:

We went on this really cool Haunted Footsteps tour through Salem that I really loved. We walked around in the dark and heard stories about some of Salem's grim past.


The above two pictures are from the House of Seven Gables. It was actually really cool, especially when Taylor and I (Taylor = the boyfriend) went up a secret staircase passageway!!


Taylor on the phone with his mom in one of the cemetery's the day before we left. Isn't he handsome? ^_^

More cemetery goodness.

I'm obsessed with the Salem Witch Trials, and was in love with the little tribute they had for the victims. They had all these little benches with the names of those that lost their lives. A lot of them had flowers and such on them. It was really touching.

Though we did a TON of amazing things in Salem, one of my favorite things was the Nightmare Gallery -- a museum with recreated horror movie legends!! They had everything from the classics, like Nosferatu, Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon to more modern things, like Freddy, Jason, Pinhead, and some newer zombies. It was AMAZING!!!

I wish I would've gotten more pictures of all the things we did, but I was having so much fun DOING them that I just didn't have time!

Hope you guys enjoyed!

~Angel

Catching you all up. =]

As usual, I have ten billion and thirteen things to do.

Like, for instance, the day after I got home, I had to go buy my college textbooks. Luckily, for me, I had scholarship money for my books, so I didn't have to pay a dime. I guess the stresses I put myself through are worth it.

College is going alright. It was an adjustment at first, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. I have a great GPA, at least. And I'm not failing Algebra. =]

And I'd like to tell you all that I am about to post this INCREDIBLE BLOG complete with PICTURES from BOSTON and SALEM -- but, I'm not. At least, not right now. I have a ton to do, as stated before, and a couple things have to be done before that. But I figured I'd be polite and let you all know I'm not dead, and that I did have a wonderful time.

I also finished the rough draft of my WIP, and while waiting to begin revisions, I'm working on an older manuscipt's rewrite. And my wonderful friend / critique partner just got through reading B.O.E. (to refresh: the manuscript sent out to agents) and gave me an AMAZING critique that I really needed. So, I hope to work on that a tad when I get a chance. But back to the WIP -- I hope to work my butt off to get it super shiny edited by January so I can start querying agents about it.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention: I'm writing a play for my old high school that will be the spring play. The spring play is a HUGE deal, so I'm really excited to be writing it, as well as being a major part in the casting/directing process.

And I eventually have some articles coming out in print, but I don't know the exact date. I'll post when I know, and I hope that all of you will buy a copy or twenty. ;]

I kinda think I need to get away for a while again. I was thinking about New York in May. I might go to New Orleans sometime for a brief and cheap vacation. Either way, I want to get OUT OF MISSOURI.

Oh yeah -- Don't forget to check out the amazingness of my review blog:
http://angelyoungreviews.blogspot.com/

Well, I'm off to write (as usual).

~Angel

Be back soon!

Thursday morning I'm off to Boston and Salem for a week! Try not to miss me too much!

Much blogging and blabbing about the trip when I return!


~Angel

Where to Begin?

There is quite a bit I need to catch everyone up on over here. It's a little difficult figuring out where I should start.

- First things first: I traded out my London trip -- which I've been waiting to go on my entire life -- for a trip to Boston and Salem. Why, you may ask? Because I needed a car. And I am a girl that knows it isn't about what you want, it's about what you need. And I needed new wheels, since my truck went to truck Heaven. I now drive a Jeep. Liberty. And I leave for my trip the 30th of July, and return Aug. 5th. See you then!

- I have been fairly caught up in my review blog lately, because I was accepted into a group called Word Ninjas. It's a group of reviewers and authors working together. And it takes up quite a bit of my time.

- Something else that has been keeping me busy is my new photography business. Well, it's not exactly a business yet, because I'm building my portfolio still. But you get the idea. The myspace for my photography -- complete with pictures you should comment -- is on my top friends. Go forth, check it out, add it.

- My new WIP is going swimmingly. I'm at about 17,500 words. I want to complete it at or around 40,000. I didn't work on it for a while, then worked on it all night for two nights -- so really, if I set my mind to do it, I'll have it done ASAP.

- BOE, the manuscript that we had our fingers crossed for publication, was given to a beta reader (friend of mine) to see if she liked it, what she thought was lacking, etc. I need to work on it as soon as I get done with the WIP. I am too determined to get published to just sit back and let my manuscripts sit as reminders of my failures on my shelves. So when I'm waiting to go back and edit the WIP, I will edit and revise BOE once again.

- Oh, yeah. I've been keeping this one a secret for a while: I'm getting published. Nothing huge, though it still feels like it to me. I can't give you details at the moment. But once I can, and once it comes out, I hope you all order it. =]


I'm sure there is probably some more things I've forgotten to tell you all about. If I remember, I'll post them on a different blog. But there you have it -- my chaotic life at the moment!

----

So, has anyone else seen Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince yet? I have mixed feelings toward it. I mean, I liked it okay -- the book was so so SO much better. But how about you all?



~Angel

Coming Soon.

So, I promise to have an AMAZING blog up soon, in which I catch up with you all.
I have some important updates reguarding writing, so stay tuned!
And I've got some other news, as well.But for today, all I can give you is my review for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince:
http://angelyoungreviews.blogspot.com/

Go forth, my readers! Read. Comment. Follow. Pass along!

~Angel

Me, in the Media.

I should so start keeping a list on the side bar of the blog of all the places I keep popping up. Like, for instance -- Wyman has written an excellent profile on my over on Jacksonville.com!

http://www.jacksonville.com/interact/blog/wyman_stewart/2009-06-24/author_in_profile_angel_young

Go read!

And don't forget about the review blog, Life's A Story -- this week is a special Chronicles of Vladimir Tod theme! INCLUDING an interview with Heather Brewer!


I'll post more soon! Promise!

~Angel

Getting motivated.

I've been working on the review blog A LOT lately. I've got several reviews waiting to be posted, an interview, pending interviews, some other features -- including coverage of Heather Brewer's release party for Tenth Grade Bleeds. So it's going to be way busy over there. You all should go check it out and spread it to your friends. It's like an STD -- only a lot more pleasant!

http://angelyoungreviews.blogspot.com/

---

So, I have intentions of not leaving the computer until I've written AT LEAST 3,000 words on the new WIP (Work in Progress).
Because I want to get this freaking story done. So I can revise. And edit. And edit. And edit.
Then query query query.
Because BOE is currently getting nowhere at the moment. Which frustrates me. But Oh Well.

---

I also got a tattoo. I shall post pics eventually.
And I have amazingly crazy awesome news to share...on Monday. Yeah -- I'm making you wait. But it's worth it!


~Angel

I have returned.

I apologize for my absence. You see, I graduated May 22nd. I spent all week getting prepared for my grad party on Saturday the 23rd. And you know what -- it was COMPLETELY worth it! Oh my God the stress was enough to make anyone go mad, but it was an absolute success! There were so many people, and we all had a blast. Several people I really wanted there didn't show, but I was still surrounded by friends. That was enough for me.
It lasted around 12 hours, which was kinda scary. Haha.
All in all, last weekend was amazing and exhausting.
And I LOVED it.
So, pardon the lack of Angel.
I've been on an emotional rollercoaster.
But I'll have a new review up soon.
And hopefully some good news.
----
What I need to be doing right now:
- Reading review books.
- Working on Thank You cards.
- Designing a tattoo I was hired to do.
- Finishing planning my trip to London next month.
- Cleaning.
- Sending out more query letters.
- Writing.
- Editing.
- Getting important secret things done.
- Emailing people about things.

What I AM doing:
- Blogging
- Watching TV from time to time.
- Reading comics.
- Staring at my notebook.
- Playing with the dogs.
- Playing on Twitter.
- Of course, Myspace.

I is a slacker.

But never fear! I got over two thousand words in on my new WIP yesterday, and I hope to get some more done today.
So, I am off to write!

~Ange

Type...type type...scribble scribble...

Life has been crazy lately. But I'm okay with that.
And I've been all inspired today. So I write when I'm not cleaning. And I blast Blue October's new cd.
And thus, an idea I've been turning about in my head is taking form. Whenever my main character reveals a bit more info to me, I listen to him eagerly, and scribble down notes. Writing will be delightful tonight.
I saw the new Star Trek -- quite amazing, I must say. And I finished watching the first season of Dragonball Z last night; I've already bought the second season, but have yet to begin watching it. I may end up waiting until school's out. I have a lot to do to get ready for the graduation party.
Plus, I really need to finish reading both Angels and Demons (for contemp. novels) and Graceling (which I need to return to the library). I'll be sad to finish Graceling -- it's an amazing book. I love Katsa -- she's my hero. But I shall post a review for it on my review blog, which will be the kick off to my magnificent review-filled summer. Until something happens with my writing, that is. If I gets all agented and need to do lots of writing, I will more than likely sacrifice reviewing for writing.
Speaking of writing (when am I NOT? Honestly...) -- it has been a magnificent head-clearer lately. I am quite pleased to have the opportunity to come home and get the things done that need to be done, so I have plenty of time to write of an evening if I please. Or read. Or watch anime. Or whatever. And my blood pressure isn't sky rocketing anymore. It's like...amazingly amazing to be feeling this free. Like my heart isn't made of steel anymore -- it's nowhere near as heavy as before.
Well, back to cleaning. We have a new stove and fridge coming in tonight!


~Angel

Of glass, comics, and good moods.

So, after basically FORCING myself to be happy on this already bleak and miserable day -- I'm feeling loads better. It's possibly just a temperary fix, but I try to hope for more.
---
So, I met this woman today that is pretty fantastic and actually helped influence my mood. She's an artist of sorts -- she does these jewelry sculptures and glass hangings and stained glass things... I mean, it's gorgeous work! We talked and she showed me some of her stuff, and I think I may even go learn how to do some of this stuff from her. She was fabulous, and quite the positive influence on my spirit.
---
Today was also FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!! I love comics, so this day is like Heaven for me. Taylor usually goes with me, but he was in Jeff City for a photo shoot. So, it was just me today. I got a Batman comic half off and a TON of free comics. This, too, added to my better mood.
And, since it IS Free Comic Book Day -- I'm going to go see X-Men Origins: Wolverine tonight. I am SO excited! It has Gambit, and Deadpool, and Wolverine....*geeky squeal* I'm stoked.
---
Well, off to clean before the movie.


~Angel

Blogging to blog.

So, I’ve been fairly down in the dumps the past three days. Hence, no everyday blogging. My head is killing me, I spent an hour asleep on my porch with nothing but my Watchmen bag to rest my head on in the rain while waiting for my mom to get home (I forgot my keys). And yet, I blog to blog -- to be here for my readers. ‘Cause I loves you and like the release of my fingers tapping away at the keyboard.
---
I have seriously been considering the idea that I may be Bipolar. My moods have been raging up and down, and it’s exhausting. Yeah, I know -- people (especially girls my age) have mood swings. But these are crazy. Big time crazy.
That or my depression is getting bizarre…
---
I’ve had some good things happen, which always make the world a little brighter.
As of today, it has been two weeks since Mr. Agent-Man emailed me and is supposed to email me back. Has he? No. Do I hope he will tomorrow, or Monday? Yes. Yes I do. Because waiting is starting to get nauseating. Which is yucky.
---
And I really need to start working on some things internet presence wise. I really think I’m going to start reviewing a lot more. Perhaps a lot of what I read -- ARC or not. I enjoy that. And I’ll guest review and whatnot. It’ll all be good.
---
I’m bummed I didn’t watch much Dragonball Z last night because of the stupid storming. I had to sleep downstairs. Ugh. I hope to catch up tonight.
---
So, how is the rest of the world out there? I’m down, hoping for good enough news to bring me back out of my rut.

~Angel

I (heart) My Blog

As do I (heart) the readers of said blogs.

---

I miss New York. Like, I've been plotting some way to just magically appear there soon. Thank God I've chosen the profession I have -- publishers and agents alike hideout in New York. I see myself going back there A LOT.And no, that isn't one of my NY pictures. This is one of those things I'm thinking of adding to spice up the ol' bloggy blog. Pictures in the blogs. Yay, pictures!

---

I'm very VERY pleased that soon I can release one of my big secrets to you all. Like, I'm insanely excited. And wish to tell you now...but cannot.

Bummer...

I'm *supposed* to hear back from Mr. Agent-Man by or on Thursday. I'll give him until Monday. Then I shall go crazy with worry. Behold -- Angel the Worried.

---

I do plan to be more internet-active this summer. I'm going to bust my writerly bum to get out there, not to mention I'm going to start reviewing like a fiend. Everything I read -- BAM! On the review blog. So you all should start spreading the word about my blogging. ;)

---

Okay, off to watch MORE Dragonball Z and probably read..or something.

~Angel

Busy Busy.

So, we've been working on stuff for the house like crazy this weekend. The Grad party is next month and we still have crazy amounts of work to do. Rawr, work. At least I put some stuff together for my room -- which makes me extremely proud. The sooner I get that mess organized and completed, the sooner my Obsessive-Compulsive Virgo self can be at peace.
---
Okay, so I confess: I have been babbling off to mom about random conferences and conventions I'd like to attend sometime next year. I swear, I'm going to make that woman crazy. Which is perfectly alright by me.So far, the two main things I've been stressing are BEA (Book Expo America) and RT (Romantic Times Convention). I'd be even more stoked if I were going as Angel Young, girl whose book is in the process of publication versus Angel Young, still the wanna-be.
*Sigh*
---
Well, what'd you guys thing of the poetry idea? Totally cool if you don't like it, I'm just sifting around. I like to give you guys something to look forward to, and since I can't have good news all the time, I figured a theme or something would be nice. Just a simple pleasantry.
Today, I'm going to throw out an idea that I actually may just start using every now and then for fun, just because I like it.
Quote:
" Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
-- Author Unknown
Fitting for me, I think. Dream dreams, my Scribblings. And fight like Hell to make them become your reality.
---
Well, I am off to draw and watch Dragonball Z. I think this may become a habit for me. Hmm.


~Angel

Just checking in.

Hey all,
I don't believe I mentioned it, but I did join Facebook and Twitter for networking purposes. Twitter hasn't done a lot, but I've been branching out a bit more via Facebook. Go me and my bad self.I'm SO grateful to finally be feeling better. I did get my schedule for college next year. Yay for that! I'm very excited, though I'm absolutely turned off by the idea of algebra *gag* which is why I'm starting off in Elem. Alegbra and working my way to College Algebra. Maybe that way I can figure out what I'm doing exactly so I won't flunk out. Luckily, I seem to have all my classes with my Krissy, which makes the world of college seem a lot less terrifying. (hooray for having the same advisor/major) I don't remember my schedule off hand, but I'll post what the classes are (days & times are still a blur):
- History of Art I
- Elem. Algebra
- American History I
- 2-D Design
- Drawing I
- Wellness Center I
Fun fun. Sixteen credit hours to add on to the nine I'm already graduating with. Weeeee!
---
No word from Agent-Man, ladies and gents. He has until Thursday before I email him whining. Because I deserve to whine after nearly a year. And I swear, if he makes it to May 19th and doesn't reply, he'll get a Happy Anniversary email from yours truly--the smartass. You gotta love me.
Seriously. It's like...law or something.
---
So, I've been bugging people into helping me with the planning of my official "dot com" site -- 'cause I'd like to be ready when time comes for publication. You know, because I'm an obsessive Virgo like that.
I know a tad, like the first few steps, maybe. Otherwise, I am lost.
Any advice you can send my way is mucho appreciated.
---
So, I'm thinking, themed blogs.
I think I might test out a few, starting with one tonight. This theme shall be Poetry.
As in, my good readers, poems I find and feel I'd like to share with you. Tonight, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite poems. Remembrance by Emily Bronte:

Cold in the earth—and the deep snow piled above thee,
Far, far removed, cold in the dreary grave!
Have I forgot, my only Love, to love thee,
Severed at last by Time's all-severing wave?

Now, when alone, do my thoughts no longer hover
Over the mountains, on that northern shore,
Resting their wings where heath and fern-leaves cover
That noble heart for ever, ever more?

Cold in the earth, and fifteen wild Decembers
From those brown hills have melted into spring:
Faithful indeed is the spirit that remembers
After such years of change and suffering!

Sweet Love of youth, forgive if I forget thee,
While the world's tide is bearing me along:
Sterner desires and other hopes beset me,
Hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!

No later light has lightened up my heaven;
No second morn has ever shone for me:
All my life's bliss from thy dear life was given,
All my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.

But when the days of golden dreams had perished,
And even Despair was powerless to destroy,
Then did I learn how existence could be cherished,
Strengthened, and fed without the aid of joy;

Then did I check the tears of useless passion,
Weaned my young soul from yearning after thine;
Sternly denied its burning wish to hasten
Down to that tomb already more than mine.

And even yet I dare not let it languish,
Dare not indulge in Memory's rapturous pain;
Once drinking deep of that divinest anguish,
How could I seek the empty world again?
----

Now, I'm going to try out a few more of these themes, then have a special blog to see which you guys like, and which you don't. 'Cause I'm fun like that. ;)

---
So, I've been talking with my mom about going to the Romantic Times Convention, or Book Expo America next year. I'm really pushing for Book Expo. Sounds fabulous, does it not?
I'm all about the traveling and the book and the networking. ;)
---
I swear to blog more. Honest..
---

Anyway.
How are you all doing, my Scribblings?



~Angel

Finally, we're getting somewhere.

So, I heard from Mr. Agent-Man at long last. He's taken my revised B.O.E. book one manuscript. Turned in my manuscript last night like a good girl.
I've been pretty sick since Saturday night. I haven't been to school all week. Tried to go to school today but was wayyy too sick and was sent home.
Now I'm relaxing, having myself another Batman marathon (I spent Tuesday watching most of my Batman movies). I just finished Batman Returns, and am about to put it Batman and Robin.
Yay me.
Whenever I get done I'm going to get to work on a new project. There is no rest for the hard working sick writers.
Except now, as I watch Batman movies...
Prom is on Saturday. Tomorrow I have Freshman orientation at the college. Joy.

~Angel

Mmmm. Updates.

I've updated the site:
http://angelyoung15.webs.com/
Yummy.
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I'm looking for some more FAQ's. Anything you guys wanna ask me??
And if you don't read Stephanie Kuehnert's weekly posts of Women Who Rock Wednesday, you should. I aspire to be interviewed one day for that...
Here's a link to her most recent interview:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=116728&blogId=480485187
They do rock. Every Wednesday.
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I have that good news still--
but must continue to bite my tongue.

Darn.

Seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself.

So, I have amazing news.
One of those secrets, you know.
Except...I'm not telling yet.
But boy oh boy -- once you hear...You'll be just as thrilled as I am.

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So, I'm working on BOE edits so I can begin querying once more. And, considering my edits are nearly finished, I'm getting ready to start rewriting LWY so maybe, if BOE doesn't do so hot, I have LWY ready to attack the agents.
What? I'm prepared..

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Alright. Writing time.



~Angel

Fighting to get caught up.

So, I've been crazy busy. Blame Senior year, really. Luckily, I graduate in May. After that I should be relatively free as to time constraints. I start college in the fall, at some point in the summer I'm going on a trip somewhere (More than likely Ireland, though it was originally supposed to be England...). Otherwise...I think I'm in the clear to kick my lazy butt back into gear and get stuff done!
Remember summer time, when I blogged frequently, usually with useful info? Well, I hope to bring this idea back from the dead. Granted, I did just have an amazing interview, and I do have some more fantastic things coming up that are secret, I feel kinda...blah lately. Like I have nothing magnificent to share. That's a bummer, huh? Well, I intend to kick myself out of said bummer and get to work. I'm about to start querying again and everything. Go me.
I also need to work on my website and Scribblings. If you have any suggestions, send 'em my way. I may or maynot use them, but the input is always good. So are questions for my FAQ page.
Plus, my blog needs more readers. What's a blog without readers? Not a very good blog, that's what. And I intend to change that.
I plan to do great things. I plan to show the world what I'm made of and just what I can do.
Lookout, world -- I'm planning to be the next 'BIG' thing.
(Yeah -- I know I'm dreaming. But a girl can dream, can't she?)

~Angel

I've been interviewed!

Check it out here:
http://360.yahoo.com/wyman_net
Obviously, it's the article with my name on it. =)

Thanks, Wyman, for hosting me!!!

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I'll have more pleasant news coming soon!! Meanwhile, check out my interview and comment on Wyman's blog!!!

~Angel

Breaking from the chaos.

I've been stuck in some insane choas the past few months. It's like every single time I get past some road block in my life, I hit another. Like, I'm getting pretty numb to the pain.

Like, my father died.

Some little punk is trying to take my best friend from me.

We STILL aren't completely moved.

A zillion things must be done.

I DID get accepted to MAC, the college before I go to Chicago (if I still choose to go to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

At least I hired a friend to be my 'assistant'. Basically, I'm paying her to come over and assist in what needs to be done. This, luckily, gives me a small amount of time to write and get writing related things done. Such as the revamping of queries, and the preparation to send more out -- considering I STILL have yet to get a reply from Mr. Agent Man. Rawr.

And, I have something in the works that is pretty exciting. But, before I can release said information, I have to confirm it. But if all goes as planned, it is a decent step forward for my writing career. Something magnificent to add to my query letters.

I haven't had time in all the craziness to work on The Affliction Chronicles. Granted, it's not that wonderful, and I'm considering condensing it and removing it from the internet for a secret purpose (an opportunity I'm temted to not pass up) -- it still must be worked on. What's super cool is the fact it's actually gotten Fan Art. How freakin' cool is that?? Very.

Well, time for some sleep.

~Angel

My Online Project is FINALLY Up!

The Affliction Chronicles is up. You can view it here.

Enjoy! Comment Juliet's blog and let me know what you think!

~Angel