Okay, the first wasn’t hard to expect–I’m a Master of the Fine Arts in Children’s Literature, and I have been since October. However, Hollins University only has one ceremony, and you bet after all the hard work I put into that program, I was going to walk!
And even though I’ve had my diploma for seven months, the ceremony made it feel official, just like the conference is making it feel real that I am taking a step forward in the journey toward publication. I will be the first to say you do not need a degree to be a successful writer. There are many people out there who prove this to be true; however, without my loving Hollins fam., I think it would take a lot longer for me to feel comfortable even looking into details relating to a conference. Who would read my work? Where would I turn for advice? There have been so many people who have contributed to the successful completion of my graduate education, too many to thank, including my guy, family, professors, and friends. Thank you to all!
Now you ask, a cat person? I know, it sounds disgusting. Cats? I’ve always thought I was not a fan. I didn’t hate them, just never liked them. However, a little guy, with no name currently, popped into my life this past Tuesday. And I CANNOT get enough of him. Right now as I type, he’s playing hide and go seek behind my computer screen. He’s four weeks old, too young to be away from his momma, and it seems that now I’ve taken that role.
I’ve always been a dog person. Dogs are exciting, full of energy, and love people. They depend upon people, just like I do. I’m a total people person, well, depending upon which people. But I’ll say this, I hate, HATE being alone. I like to share every moment of every day, which I know drives some people in my life nuts. When I see something that excites me, I generally chase after it full force, tongue flopping and all.
Now cats, they are loners, for the most part. But no name, not so much. I guess because he’s still a baby, he loves being around people too. But with that being said, he also loves his alone time. He crawls into this dark space under the couch and curls up to sleep. I mean, I love to sleep, but I love my dark spaces even more. Cats do not need people to interact with them to accomplish gratification, they play on their own.
So, where is this going other than I love the two most popular domestic pets out there? I’m like both animals when it comes to my writing habits. When I have a new idea, I chase after it like it’s a T-bone steak. And when I’m wrapping up that idea or need feedback, I love and need the support of my writing pals. However, my idea is my idea. I like to curl up in a space by myself, generally the couch, and get to work. I write when no one is around and can entertain myself for hours manipulating my story and characters.
It’s funny, the two sides of my personality that make up the writer I am, the published author I am hopeful I one day will be. Here’s to both personalities being as stubborn as they can be, just like any pet, to achieve my goals.
PS-Pictures to come!


