writing two drafts at once!

I am doing something pretty ambitious! Drafting two different stories at once! Will I succeed? Time will tell (it's also not a good sign that I'm writing this blog post instead of actually...um...working on said drafts). I know most writers advise to just concentrate on one project at a time--but really I feel like I need to work on these two simultaneously in order to keep my sanity.

One reason is that one of the drafts I've been working on endlessly for the past four years (eight if you count all of high school since creating the kernel of the story) and I just need a breather. But I don't want to stop working on the first manuscript because I just got a sprite of inspiration after watching this phenomenal film, and so I feel all heat up to work on it. The second draft I've had in the back of my mind for a really long time, so I need to just let it out on a first draft and see what I can do with it.

So there you go. My reasons for working on two drafts at the same time. I'm keeping a word count tracker to keep me focused and to track my progress, which I recommend to every writer. I'm also going to be participating in NaNoWriMo for the very first time this year which should be fun. I don't know what to expect but I know things are going to be pretty busy. I have school, a new part time job (at a retail store, which means Black Friday is going to be cray-cray), and keeping up with working out and learning languages. That's it, right? Yeah, I think that's about it. Ha! I'm happy to be doing these things anyways.

I will update here about working on two drafts. We'll see how this goes. Wish me luck!

*ALSO* I'm totally pumped up for NaNoWriMo. Let's be writing buddies! nanowrimo.org/participants/scrumtrulescence

i don't know what to do with my life: part 2

I'm seriously just so confused right now.

Should I graduate next semester, take a break, do a little acting and writing here and there, and then apply for a master's program, and then to the Ph.D program?

I guess I should really go see an advisor. That is what they're there for, after all.

In other news, I'm really liking school right now. I'm finally interested, and I think I've recovered enough that I'm finally working. I'm so happy my mental health has caught up with me. I'm also dipping my toes back into writing and am planning on doing NaNoWriMo. I also need to get back to working out. I want to turn my YouTube channel into a language channel, which motivates me to keep learning.

That's what I'm doing right now. Don't know what I'll be doing in the future though. But I'm not going to worry so much about that. Just take things one step at a time. My next step: Go see an advisor.

Mama is always right though, so I'm going to listen to mine and graduate next semester. Graduate with no loans, no debt. Just finish it up. What I do know is that I don't want to jump right into a Ph.D or Master's program until I get some life experience. How can I help people without experiencing life myself, you know?

So I think this stream-of-consciousness post is getting me somewhere. Improve my grades as much as I can NOW, do my thing (acting and writing), and eventually go back to school and help people! I would really love to work with Doctors Without Borders as a mental health specialist. Sigh, dreams.

OKAY! I knew writing things out will help.

So, moral of the story is: if you're confused like me--write it out!

on knowing what to do with your life.

spoiler alert: i don't know what to do with my life.

But it isn't because there is absolutely NOTHING that I want to do--it's because there are so many awesome things that a person can do with their life, I don't know where to start. I'm not really the type of person that has one top-notch passion and everything else be damned...well, that's kind of a lie. I know writing is my main passion and one hobby/activity that i know if i don't pursue it, i wouldn't have lived my life honestly. My main dream is to one day be a published author--and I'm currently working on a YA manuscript that I hope will be tweaked and polished soon so I can start the intimidating lovely daunting exciting absolutely normal process of querying. But I want to pursue my other interests as well, such as ballet, acting, and eventually getting my Ph.D in clinical psychology. I also love to learn languages and I hope to travel the world one day. You see? I sound like a delusional little kid who dreams of being a space cowboy--only a space cowboy actually sounds like something that can be done.

Ultimately, I think life is too short and too precious to stunt or paralyze yourself from going after your dreams. Ask yourself, "Why not?" and then don't answer your own question. Pretend your question was asked by a senile woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's and just nod with a smile and move on. It's nice to have a plan, and actively work on it every day, but it's also important not to stress on the planning. It's OKAY if you don't know exactly how your dreams are going to play out - that's up to the glorious design of God.

Your responsibility is to make sure you're on track - whatever that track may be and even if you don't know where that track is heading. And if there are people along the way who are telling you that your dreams are invalid, and that they're impossible, use it as a greater motivation to prove their negative asses wrong.

Your dreams are valid, you deserve the most beautiful life that you can dream of, and anything is possible with hard work and a good heart.

don't get me wrong, i LOVE NY

New video!

I love to complain, and one of the things I love to complain about is the MTA. Early morning delays, crowded trains, strange characters & passengers - there's a lot of meat to chew when it comes to tearing up the structure of the subway.
But even though I'm recalling TRUE stories of my adventures of the MTA, I can't help but love the entertainment. Not just the entertainment of the underground musicians and performers, but the entertainment of simple people-watching.
If NYC was void of architecture, buildings, nightlife, but still had its people in tact, then it'll still be the greatest city in the world. You'll never be bored by the strange (in the best way possible) people. You'll see someone walk by and automatically think, what has that person been through? what's his/her story? what will happen to them once they leave this train?
Underground life is already enough. From the acrobatic "What Time is It? SHOWTIME!" guys that swing on poles and do flips on the moving D train between 59th street and 125th street and almost hit you in the face (but they never do) to the saxophone players, to the mariachi band, even a Michael Jackson impersonator, it's a real treat to get some free entertainment on your way to school.
Don't get me wrong--there's a huge downside to NYC and that's the millions of people without homes or jobs. It's sad to see homeless people in the train struggling by, but I'm often told that we shouldn't give them money? Well, even that were true or not, I never have money, so I give them a friendly smile instead and a silent prayer. I want to learn more about helping out with the homeless in NYC.
But, through the good and bad things, NYC is my home and will forever be my heart.