However, as the Christmas holiday crept closer, I began thinking about the big man in the red suit.

I had a grin on my face as I thought of the fun lore surrounding him – but then as if by magic, all of the puzzle pieces started fitting together in my head.

Santa Claus is actually a VAMPIRE!

I’m totally like a Christmas detective. Please draw your attention to the evidence supporting my theory:

The song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” is like one giant hidden message.

CLUE #1: He knows when you’re sleeping.

WHAT THIS MEANS: Hello?! He’s totally Edward stalking people and watching them when they sleep! How else would he know?

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CLUE #2: He knows if you’ve been bad or good.

WHAT THIS MEANS: He knows because he can READ YOUR MIND!!!

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CLUE #3: He lives forever.

WHAT THIS MEANS: Does this need an explanation? Totally not buying the farce they tried to sell in, “The Santa Clause.” He’s way too smart to fall off a roof and die.

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CLUE #4: He travels all over the world in one night.

WHAT THIS MEANS: He has super human speed! Have you ever heard of a vampire that wasn’t freakishly fast?

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CLUE #5: He does all of his business at night.

WHAT THIS MEANS: Whether he’s afraid of bursting into flames or blinding people with his sparkle, the fact remains that he only comes down from the North Pole at night.  And he lives at the North Pole where it is dark 24/7 during his busy season. I’m going with the theory that he hibernates during the summer as to not freak out the elves. This is also why he has to send out “helpers” to work the mall circuit.

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In short, meet the REAL Santa Claus.

May your world be rocked.

We hit the road in the coolest vehcile going 65 in the slow lane at about six in the evening:

The two and half hour trip was spent discussing my book and where I wanted it to go. I’d obviously thought it out many times in my head, but never really vocalized it in detail to anyone. No real reason why, I just didn’t.

The end result was a total outline of the three books I see the story unfolding in (though, don’t worry – it’s a standalone novel with series potential – nudge, nudge, wink, wink).  The time flew by and I was hit with a renewed sense of determination to finish because I really (and I’ve said this before, but this time I mean really) knew where I wanted to go.

I’ve heard of some writers who have to outline every detail, and others that free write. My place is a happy medium.

What I’ve done is made a ‘goal’ outline. I list the important events in the order I want them to happen in, then free write the in between.

I’m happy with this! I’ve gotten more written using this approach than ever before, so hurrah!

What works best for you? Outlining, free writing, or something different?

 Oh, if you’ve noticed the change in my logo. I’ve decide to quit looking at myself as a wannabe, and taking control of my destiny. I think I can, I think I can, I think I AM!

*cheesefest, I know.

This video should answer any questions of the judy chop‘s origin:

Redneck Ninja

Now that’s out of the way…

I judy chopped that bad boy! Woot!

Sadly, it was an expensive fix, but so worth it.

Crashing waves, gorgeous condo with a wall of windows, and as an added bonus – a killer storm that brought with it a lightening storm of beauty.

I’ve been struggling as of late (which is probably obvious with my lack of posting), but it really comes down to something pretty simple.

Time.

The only way I could find to get the juices flowing again was to get away and it worked!

*cue the choirs and bells*

It feels good to get words on paper again.  This story has seriously been poking my brain daily, but I couldn’t dedicate enough time to get into any sort of flow.

Last night, I went into my room and opened the windows so I could hear and smell the ocean.  In the time I barricaded myself, I was able to get out 2K words!

That’s crazytalk! For me anyway.

So there you have it, people. The beach is the cure.

Sign it, date it, trademark it.

I had to take a deep breath, and by the advice of good friends, I realize that I just need to take it chunk by chunk.  Easier said than done, but I have to do it. I really love this story and I want it to be told, even if no one reads it but my family. :-D

So, FORWARD MARCH my people!

Daunting.

But I already see the benefits.  No less than one week ago I was saying I liked where my story began; yet when I started rewriting I jumped ahead just a smidgen, and it’s already stronger (in my own opinion, of course).

I’m a little overwhelmed right now, but encouraged – if that makes sense.

Anyway, I haven’t fallen off the face of the planet, just in balancing mode again!

I’m all for writing without worrying about editing and stuff, but boy was my plot and pacing all sorts of wrong.  It hit me that I was basically writing thousands of words that  had no chance of working in the end. 

So why give myself more work to do?

I’ve decided to stop, rewind, and fix my issues now.  I just can’t keep going because my own story is getting on my nerves because of how so not right it is.

But, it’s liberating in a sense!  It’s hard because I feel like I’m starting over, but I know that my story will benefit in the longrun.  *sigh*

At least that’s what I keep telling myself. :D

Susan is a master.  Can you believe she crafted her entire outfit herself?  That purple gown? Old prom dress. Awesome zombie slaying gun? Nerf gun.  Goggles? All Susan!

I love people who are willing to try anything, especially when we can do something that crosses my interests!  And Chattanooga had the perfect location for steampunk – a train museum!

Susan’s book is due from HarperCollins in 2012.  Keep a look out for it!

This book brought me right back and I started analyzing myself as if I were a character in one of today’s YA books. 

There always seems to be a Queen Bee/King and his/her followers in all groups, whether it’s the band circle, the jocks, the “popular” types, etc.

They each have their leader and they each have their followers.

I started looking at the people I surrounded myself with and even as an adult, I realize I’m drawn to stronger personalities.  Not that I don’t have a strong personality of my own, because I do, but I’m not the take charge, leader type at all.

Then I started questioning if that was a good thing or a bad thing.  Is there a need for a dominant personality in a group of people for it to work? I don’t really have the answer for that.  I see pros and cons with both sides.

A positives is that there’s someone to make decisions – to make things happen.  That’s nice if you’re typically an indecisive person because otherwise, you may just wind up stuck in your house for days on end. That would be really boring.  Plus, strong personalities liven things up a lot and make you want to be near them.

But on the negative side, it makes you question if you are really in control of the decisions you make (or made).  This is a big one.  I came to the realization a while ago that I was tired of not standing up for what I believe in or want.  It’s no way to live your life.  This is a theme explored in BEFORE I FALL, as well, and it’s one worth noting.

So basically, I realized that I will probably always be a worker bee and never a Queen Bee, but that’s really okay.  As long as I’m aware of the pitfalls of that role and to avoid them, I’m at peace with that.

Have you ever though about your position before?  Where do you think you fit in and how does it make you feel?  Pros? Cons?