a snapshot…

Life is rushing by so quickly. If only it would slow down so I could enjoy every moment.

I wanted a little snapshot of my writing life to remember this time by.

I’ve been feeling…a struggle between feelings of failure and the knowledge of grace. Incidentally, this is something Kyri is struggling with as well. It’s cool how I get to work out my struggles through the lives of my characters.

I’ve been reading…Wuthering Heights, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Four Loves. I have lots and lots of reading to do.

I’ve been listening…to the October Baby Soundtrack and lots of Audiomachine for long writing sessions.

I’ve been learning…that performancism is a tendency hiding in my heart and it makes me depend too much on myself. That stress is the symptom of a heart problem and trust and gratitude are the answers. That moments when my life feels out of control point me to the One who is in control. That I don’t have to be on top of everything or accomplish all my writing goals. That I’m free to write imperfectly because I was freed by the Perfect One.

I’m excited about…the OYAN Winter Workshop. It’s 60 days away and I’m waiting for an email with my pre-workshop reading assignment. And frantically drafting a novel which needs to be ready. The nerves and the exhilaration mount daily. So much to do before January.

I’ve been playing…character conversations through my head continually. As I flesh out Kyri’s personality, her unique voice gets clearer…and louder. Still have a lot of character analysis to go for my minor characters.

I’ve been drinking…tea in warm mugs throughout long days of typing and tests and practice. Chai tea lattes, Tazo Refresh, Constant Comment, Sleepy time, Tazo Zen.

I’m thankful…for warm fingerless gloves and moons that shine through my bay windows. For deadlines and grace and typing words late at night. For stacks of books on my bedroom floor and the 13 I’m currently in the middle of.

I’m wishing…that time didn’t spin by so fast. I was with my sister when she early voted today and everyone kept trying to hand me forms, not realizing that I was underage. I guess I look eighteen. And that scares me. My senior year is rushing past. I want to savor it.