My First Published Piece!

Today, when I got home for my lunch break, I was very excited to find an envelope with my name on it! Tucked inside were my five copies of Penn-Union. Penn-Union is a student literary journal, put together by the MA in Writing at Johns Hopkins program for each graduating thesis class. Students submit a portion of their work to be included. I submitted the opening of my book, a little teaser for anyone who might be interested in YA literature.

This is the first time I've ever gotten to have my work published. While it's not a traditional journal in the sense that it is open to public submissions, it's still an honor to be included in the biannual Johns Hopkins Journal. I must say that it's very exciting to see your work in print amongst nearly thirty other magnificent writers.

I'm extremely proud of our Fall Semester class, and proud to call myself a Hopkins Graduate! Congrats to my fellow thesis members, can't wait to see my Homewood ladies this weekend!

Completely Random, Non Writing Related, Friday Photos

Today's suggestion for the Ultimate Blog Challenge was to share a photo. Because I have been so busy, I am taking them up on the suggestion.

Over the summer, I spent time visiting my friend's farm. They have/had cows, horses, lambs, and cats. I can't wait till it warms up and I can go back and visit again....!

So, for the two pictures I'm sharing....here they are....

First, to absolutely make your heart melt, here is a picture of a baby, miniature cow. His name is Oakley, and he is ADORABLE. You should see the videos of him playing with the cat and running around like a little wild man...!

And, if that was not cute enough. Here is a day old cow. His name is Oreo. He grew up, and isn't at the farm anymore, but was a very fun surprise the day he arrived!

Just take a look at that little face and then tell me you still want to eat veal :-P

Anyway, sorry for the random post! Just wanted to share!

Happy New Year 2015 ... "The Future" is Finally Here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome to 2015!

Sign I drew :)

So, to any of you Back to the Future fans who will get the significance....2015 is finally here! And I must admit that I've definitely been chilling on the couch most of today, attempting to regain energy from last night's festivities, and watching the trilogy. While Marty and Doc won't technically grace our century until October of this year, my family and our friends celebrated a little early, dressing up, decorating, and making Back to the Future themed food last night as we rang in the new year.

Now, "how does this pertain to your blog about writing?" you ask. Well, I am writing a time travel trilogy as well, and there are definitely a few Back to the Future references sprinkled in there for any fellow fans. Originally, my series took place in 2015 (and the year 2000), back when my friend and I started working on the initial idea in 2006. As the story morphed into what it is becoming now, I had to push back the dates to 2020. However, 2015 is still going to play an important part in the entire series, as this is the year I plan to find an agent, and begin the publishing process.

Back to Back to the Future....So we decorated the home, we had people come dressed-up as Marty, Doc, Jennifer, Lorraine, Western Marty, Prom Goers, 50s gals, Greasers, and more! People brought meatloaf and potatoes, baked beans, pizza bagels (you know, to rehydrate). We put around fliers and faxes.....Read on to see a few of some of the fun decorations/food we concocted!