A new design for a new year, plus a new resolution: blog at least once a week. If the snow stays intent on keeping my driveway buried, this should not be hard.

2009 was a dreadful year all round for myself, my family, and most of my friends. Family sentiment especially was “Thank God it’s over.” However, when it wasn’t bashing us over the head with large, spiky sticks, ‘09 did try, every once in a while, to redeem itself.

the life and times of a YA writer

Began Violet my current work in progress (WIP), and finished & revised Kit, my second novel. No, these are not titles. They’re characters.

Lost the ability to attend my Wednesday morning group (regained it later) and so joined a couple night critique groups. I love them, especially the one that meets at IHOP. Not only do I get excellent feedback and advice, I can get my monthly dose of egg nog pancakes.

(Speaking of egg nog, Shatto’s is all kinds of wonderful. The best on the market.)

I’ve discovered the joys of reading on my iPhone – Stanza’s my favorite, but Kindle’s good too. Never thought I’d be an ebook person, but it’s wonderful to curl up anywhere and read. My books are always with me–including some as yet unpublished goodies by friends.

all the pretty music

Switchfoot, Hello Hurricane. On iTunes.
I’ve been in love with them since ‘00 and Learning to Breathe. Most of my first book was written to Switchfoot – all their albums on an endlessly repeating playlist titled “The write three,” which also included some Joe Strummer and Delerium. In Hello Hurricane they outdid themselves. Every song on the album is solid, and many are amazing.

Michael Franti & Spearhead, All Rebel Rockers. On iTunes. Older stuff on eMusic
Stumbled across this on iTunes, heard “Say Hey (I Love You),” and downloaded it immediately. Fun, happy, reggae-esque.

Future of Forestry, Travel & Travel II. On iTunes.
Longing for love and faraway places all wrapped up in melody.

Rootbeer, Pink Limousine. On iTunes.
It’s Pigeon John & Flynn Adam. Can’t beat that.

Others include the latest 30 Seconds to Mars, Owl City, and John Reuben.

and a few well told stories

The Maiden Heist might have gone belly up before it could hit theaters, but it’s no less amazing. Talk about sweet and fun – it defines the words.

The words for my new favorite show, Castle, are hip, funny, non-stressful, and all around good.

The new Wake Series by Lisa McMann, of which FADE came out last year. I loved Wake. Why wasn’t this written when I was seventeen? It probably would have been THE book of my teenage years. It’s exactly the kind of story I like – struggles, hardship, sweet guy, unlooked for hope.

While I wasn’t sure if I liked/disliked THE HUNGER GAMES, I really enjoyed CATCHING FIRE. Not only is it about the aftermath (and I love aftermath), but I actually like Katniss in this book. One of her love interests has grown on me too. Always a plus. Am very interested to see how the story plays out.

moving forward

I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions. Either you do something or you don’t, and if you’re going to do it – do it now. It won’t be any easier in January. But the start of a new decade, after the last one, might be worth a few things-to-do-this-year.

In the year ten, I plan to:
# Finish Violet.
# Send Kit into the wide world of agents.
# Start another story, either Sophie, Tel, or Skittles. Or something new.
# Take a Best Cam photo on even days.

For the rest? Well I don’t want to plot things out too much, takes all the fun out of it.

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