I am a young adult. I am capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, and capable of making intelligent decisions. So, why do people feel the need to demean me because they don't agree nor understand my life choices? "Why aren't you going to college?" "Why don't you have a real job- how can a job online be credible and safe" "Did you even graduate, it was an online school?". 

Well, college is great, but it's an expensive, timely ordeal that I don't have the means to go through right now. 
It's 2015, the internet is a a job...I don't have the breath to explain the age of technology to you.
Really, this again?!? Let me just flash you the class ring that never leaves my right hand, in case you haven't seen my diploma [enter several internal screams of obscenities]. 

I am a sensitive person, but I hide it well- allowing people to repeatedly hurt me. After the initial feeling of being made small, I become angry. I am angry at the people who feel the need to tear people down, especially when that person is proud of themselves. I am angry that I give these types of people the light of day, the ability to damage my confidence in what I love and do. 

What gives me confidence? I gain confidence from my friends that support me. I gain confidence from being told that I am talented. I give myself confidence by seeing how much my skills have developed. I give myself confidence by believing in my ability to be someone in my chosen field.  I give my myself confidence by loving what I do. 

However, this confidence isn't always prevalent. I hear the echo of the back-handed comments, harsh words, and words of doubt from others in my mind. So, whats a girl to do? Stay motivated- motivated to prove others wrong and to continue doing what I'm doing. Motivated to make myself happy first!

Feelings of inferiority are a natural part of life, but it's knowing the truth about myself and others that can keep my head floating above water. 

Instead of comparing myself to people, like others compare me, I will use that as an opportunity to reflect on all the things I have accomplished so far. I don't have to feel inferior as a result of others if I don't have to. 

What makes you feel inferior? 


Happy Writing, 
Katie 












 

Writing is a lifestyle-  my lifestyle. I am constantly thinking of my stories, the characters, plots, lines, dialogue, etc. However, I'm not writing . I feel the guilt that accompanies a writer ignoring their writing. I am certainly courting insanity (if you get this reference, I love you). 

Perhaps this inability to progress on any of my projects is due to self-doubt. I have stated this before, writing is the end-all-or-be-all for me. Am I filled with fear that the outcome won't ever be positive, that I'm not even going to attempt? I acknowledge that I have many talents, one of the biggest being writing. Eventually, if I persevere and continue to build upon my skills, I might make it. However, that end result won't be any nearer in the future if I am not actively working to reach it. 

In my last blog post I stated that I am a news writer. I have enjoyed it immensely and hopefully I can stick with this organization for a long time. I have already noticed a huge impact on my writing skills in the short amount of time since I have gotten the job. 

This raises a question in my mind; has earning money for writing made my writing seem less beneficial to me- is it a waste? 

I certainly hope not, however, its a valid question to be asking myself. Yesterday I opened up my writing application and stared at it. Usually when I am staring at a blank page, the words flow from my fingertips as if they are in control, but I couldn't type a single word. I forced three lines that were totally bogus, and hated it. 

To aid my efforts (what little they are right now) in working on my writing projects, I have formed a plan to get myself back in the habit; I will write at least a page a day by setting time aside to focus only on my personal work. 

Maybe some of you are experiencing a  bit of a "dry spell" as well. I encourage you to have the motivation to  write by setting small goals and scheduling writing time. I promise to do the same. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie 

Recently, as I'm increasingly desperate for cash flow, I have tried my hand at several freelance writing sites. It's been more like setting myself up for disappointment- until last week. 

I signed up for Upwork.com (formerly ODesk) several weeks ago, but struggled to figure out the website for the first two weeks. Then, I got the hang of it. And boy did I get the hang of it. A few days after submitting my first few applications to potential clients I landed a job! Excitement ensued. 

I am very pleased to announce that I am now a News Writer for a very popular website. This seems to be a long term job, which is good. Every article I write I am able to add to my writing portfolio, making me employable for other jobs in the future.

Due to this I have been lacking on updating this blog. Every time I post on here I generate a good amount of traffic. THANK YOU! I am still striving to be a published author, but that will take longer than I originally hoped for. Doesn't it always? 

Thank you to all who have supported me in the past and all those who will ever support me. You are my rocks. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie 

I started school (preschool) at age three. I was an outspoken, attention-grabbing child at that time. Elementary school was met with backlash from my classmates towards my dreams and how I acted. I started middle school (grades 6th-8th) painfully shy, never speaking. I was easily brought down and always daydreaming to escape my surroundings. 

I was conscientious of my school work but never excelled in all areas. All of middle school years ended with genuine anxiety that I had not passed on to the next grade. I loved to learn but the classroom hierarchy made that difficult-so did my growing procrastination.  I realized that the World wasn't how I painted it to be as a child and that I was a lot different than who I was for a long time. 

When I started high school at age 14, I was learning how to be more outspoken (but still usually kept to myself). I actually liked high school a lot. People who had bullied me in middle school were now my friends and I understood then that people change and grow.  Of course, I was still dealing with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Almost everyday I wore a size 3XL hoodie to "hide" me. Looking back at it, I can't believe I hid beautiful me. 

I had issues when it came to becoming friends with the wrong kind of people. I was often looked at has having their reputation despite not knowing them outside of a school setting and not partaking in whatever (illegal) activities they did. Guilty by association? Oh well. 

Other than some social issues, a few mean teachers, high school wasn't too bad. However, once everything seemed okay, it quickly turned to Hell.

When I turned 15, nearing the end of 9th grade, I started having new medical issues. School was actually making me sick. It took almost an entire year to be believed and get a diagnosis. Turns out I am highly sensitive to artificial lighting-fluorescent lights- and they (immediately) trigger migraines.  By the time I am diagnosed, I am halfway through 10th grade and progressing backwards. I no longer kept friendships, talked, slept, ate, or even tried to go to school most days. I felt trapped in my body and I was suffering. Despite that, what work I did do for school, was all A material. I had too much anxiety to let my school work suffer as well-and it didn't, for the most part.  

It got to the point that I stopped going to school, one week before my sixteenth birthday. I broke everyone's heart that day. But I had had enough. I developed an anxiety disorder from it all. I begged to go to cyber school and made very convincing points (also, there weren't any other options). I wrote down all the information I could find about the school I wanted to enroll into, and it was set. I was out of school for a total of eight months before the next school year began. 

I started 11th grade off extremely optimistic and elated. I was enrolled into Connections Academy, an accredited K-12, online, tuition free, public school. Instantly, I knew my work ethic had changed. I strived to be the best student I could be; even the best in my classes. I went from a setting where I prayed for a D so I could pass a class, to getting A's. 

Allow me to break down the stigma towards online education:

1. My online classes were taught by teachers whom never made me feel like I wasn't getting the help I needed. They worked with me to make sure I was living up to my potential and always explained things further to make sure I understood how to do an assignment. 
   
2. I had scheduled classes where I would be in a specialized chat room with my teacher and the other students. Everything was interactive. 
   
3. The courses were just like any other course at any other school. I say they were even more in depth and more challenging. I knew exactly how a class was taught at my previous school and my new school did dwell deeper into topics, learning more. 
   
4. It was very social. Every student had the opportunity to go on three field trips per month. (I personally never did take advantage of that). Several clubs were available to join in; I joined two. 
5. Textbooks, computer, printer, and materials were all provided-for free!
6. I had more opportunities through online education! Academically and personally. 

Within my first few weeks, my work did not go unnoticed. I was selected to represent my school at the state capitol, through my American Government class. I was invited by one of our senators to participate in a program he created called, "Senator For a Day". I was a part of a mock congress. Experience of a lifetime! After that, my flame for academic success was ignited to a higher degree. 

I woke up everyday truly excited to do my schoolwork. I became an overachiever, disappointed in myself if I got questions wrong. The reason is the best point I can possibly make. I became independent. If I failed, it was only one me. There was no one else to blame. I had to take the initiative to do my school work, study, and succeed. There was no one physically beside me, making sure I did it. I couldn't blame my teachers like I could in previous years. The teachers call/email everyday-never allowing a student to be ignored and left with questions unanswered. If a student failed, it was because they didn't do their work-they just didn't care. I felt in charge of my education. That is what fueled me.

When I graduated last year, there were several thousands of students enrolled in my state alone. Every year that number grows, proving that online education is a great alternative to a traditional schooling style. 

How does this pertain to writing? Through the new schooling experience, I realized that my writing skills were evident to my teachers. Through my various discussions, essays, and assignments, my teachers commented on my creativity through writing and how well I wrote. Once it was known what kind of writing/work they could expect of me; I was critiqued harder. At the time I thought it was awful. I would turn in an essay that I thought was great and receive a lower mark than I expected. I would open up the PDF of what I turned in and the comments/marked errors would shock me. This is because they knew what I was capable of doing. I'm glad they did that; it made me a better and more conscientious writer. 

In my marine biology class we had an assignment to write a narrative as a scientist on an expedition. This is what I turned in:

HMS Challenger

We set sail today, marking the day of, December 21st, 1872 of great importance to us and our loved ones. Saying goodbye to my sweet Molly and our beautiful children filled my eyes with a stinging sensation I am foreign to but acquainted with. As we sailed away from Portsmouth in the fine land of England I couldn’t help but think about being a child and watching the same ships that I occupy now sail by and think about my children watching me set sail on one in the present time.

The weather matched our wariness of the path ahead. My family couldn’t see me off and had to watch through the windows of the tavern across the street where we had our last moments together to survive the downpour. The wind held the rain against us making it hard to maneuver with good sight. However, I am filled with excitement knowing what this is all for. It is my duty to conduct the Buchanan Water Sampler. What a genius contraption it is. I am due to begin in a few moments. I must bid my faithful writing journal goodbye for a few hours.

What a treacherous task it was to collect samples while the sea roars omens of bad weather. Despite, I was able to collect several organisms to study. I collected Euplectella subearea, a deep-sea glass sponge. I also surveyed Hemiaster phillipi, which is an urchin. Overall, the first day was filled with strenuous work and I look forward to what lies ahead as all paths will eventually lead home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the first few days of life at sea I came to an understanding with the world. As I continue to surface organisms to study them, I have come to know what my job is as a scientist and my role as a human being. I am one in this world of plenty, yet I am significant. I gain knowledge of the unknown so that generations to come have the gift of knowing what coexists with them on this planet. When the day comes I leave behind my legacy, my children. They will discover things after me and their children, and their children’s children. This is life, the art of discovery. We are all scientists, everyday. That is my greatest discovery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are in the Bermuda at this point in the voyage; it is May 7th, 1873. The rain is nonstop today but I shall not let that dampen my beloved day off with the shipmates. I joined a small band my bunkmates started. I am playing the trumpet, a skill I learned years prior from my own father. I wish to teach my son the same upon my return home. We played for about an hour in a half before meal time in the early afternoon hours. We had a hearty meal that consisted of cavitch, pellow, sea venison, plumb pudding, and biscuits. It makes me miss my dear Molly and her cooking fiercely.

Being away, especially on a ship, for an extended period of time has been costly for my spirit. I find myself in need of a simple embrace from my love in England. I miss the solid ground and tire of the caressing sway of the waves around me that threaten our lives with the slightest of storm in the horizon. The data I collect on a regular basis for the good of science is worth the temporary distance between my family and me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is now August of, 1875; time has been flying but not flying fast enough. We are in the Hawaiian Islands and the weather is better than usual. After encountering terrible conditions time and time again it is a great relief to not have to worry about the weather for a moment, however, that aside I do have a bigger issue on my mind, Scurvy. We have lost many to this already and the outcome is wary. I obtained Scurvy from lack of fruits in my diet. I am extremely weak and the doctor is telling me that he is going to be giving me lemon and orange juices. He is telling me I am going to be fine but my body suggests otherwise for now. I went a long time without being diagnosed.

It has been a few days now since the doctor first started to treat me with the juices and I am gaining strength back. I couldn’t be more pleased. I should soon be able to join the rest and continue to scope the ocean floor for new discoveries. This journey is not over yet and neither is my personal journey. I, Reese J. Thompson, bid you a farewell, my faithful journal.

Obviously the grammar is atrocious, but my teacher was not expecting to be as entertained and impressed by the creativity of one of her students as she was. She told me that I have a real talent. I earned extra points ;) From that day on, I opened my eyes to the idea that I could actually make writing my life. Why not? I enjoy it immensely. She really changed my life that day. 

So much good came out of enrolling into cyber school. My last year of high school I was a straight A student! It showed me that I could succeed if I tried hard enough. I received the encouragement and education I needed. I was no longer in the presence of mocking peers, but in a place of acceptance and growth. 

School choice is about knowing what is best for you (or your child). Everyone learns differently and at different paces. I highly encourage everyone to consider alternatives. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie 

I am new to the online writing community and definitely have a lot to learn. My mission is to be able to provide some sort of entertainment for those reading my posts and ultimately be relatable and motivating. 
I am highly interested in what you all want to get out of a blog that is aimed towards writers. Participating in my poll will help me gain a sense of direction for my blog and help my scattered mind focus. If you think about anything else that I could not, please leave a comment below or contact me through Twitter. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie

As long as I can remember I have always written. When I was a child I would call what I wrote "songs" and now I obviously know that all long I was writing poems (totally crushing my inner singing/songwriting dreams). They are arguably the same, but there are some key differences.  

When life threw obstacle after obstacle at me, I turned to writing. I often re-read my first pieces and every time I am reminded of my natural talent and love for writing. I am impressed (for a young age) by my use of vocabulary and natural flow of the poems. I am also impressed by how well I properly conveyed my emotions. And of course, I'm biased ;)

I do, however, critique myself-as anyone would. Separating myself from writer to reader can be a task but normally I have no difficulty. It is imperative to know that everything I write is not going to be good. I'm going to repeat myself: everything I write is not going to be good. In writing, I recognize my strengths and I recognize my weaknesses. In poetry my weaknesses consist of structuring, form, word-choices, and grammar. It is a bit tricky. Thank goodness for Google. 

I am fortunate not to be the only writer in my family. I have an Uncle who is an artist in every definition of the word. I have admired him my whole life and he has influenced me greatly. My older brother writes poetry as well and we frequently share with one another. I think he shines through his poems due to the honesty in his words and reveals his emotions-even the emotions he didn't know he had. He is an exceptional writer. When my brother is taken aback by a poem I have shared with him, I feel no greater joy because I respect his work as well. Imagine that; there is no greater criticizer than a sibling, after all!

Poetry, to me, is a small glimpse of the inner-workings of a person's psyche. Poems reveal a lot fairly quickly. One should always consider how much poetry can affect them, either through writing or reading. For this writer, it's a release of everything I can not or do not say out loud. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie 
*Due to the fact I do plan on submitting my various poems to publishers, I will not share them quite yet on this blog. 

I follow a slew of writing pages on Facebook that frequently share quotes from well-known writers. I personally love quotes; they inspire me and I can relate to most. I post a lot to my twitter (linked above on twitter icon) and fellow writers from the community appreciate that and do the same. 

I also visit many blogs that I get great advice from. It's never a bad thing to need help gaining motivation or inspiration. I have added some quotes that I find helpful when I need to get back into the right mindset. 

There's only so much inspiration a writer can obtain from the workplace and at home. After a while a change of setting is an absolute necessity for some writers. I have brainstormed a few places that wouldn't be a hassle and are free. 
1- The Local Park
When I say park I am not talking about the one with swings, slides, and a frenzy of screaming children. I'm talking about the big patches of open fields, pavilions, and walking trails. If fortunate enough to have a community park like that one, I suggest long afternoons of drawing in the surroundings and opening the mind to any idea. 
2-By The Water
Creeks, rivers, lakes, ponds, and the ocean are all congenial places to get writing done. The serene environment is ideal-need I say more? (The ideas will flow. The words will pour out like fluid-yes, I had to do the obvious). 
3-Library 
This one is self-explanatory. It's quiet, low-key, and there are plenty of resources at hand.
4-Gardens
Some areas (may need to expand how far you're willing to go) have community gardens that allow visitors. A nice walk through there and/or finding a bench to briefly inhabit is not only a delightful place to be but one that a writer can find to be a boon. 
5-Friend's or Relative's House 
A friend trusting enough to allow someone in their home while they're not there is a good friend indeed. Possibly a relative has a nice place or big backyard that is a fine place to escape to. Either way, a writer doesn't always have to be outside or in a library-just another home where they are comfortable in (or uncomfortable, depending on what is being written;being outside of a comfort zone is key as well). 

Do you have any other places? Leave a comment below!

Happy Writing, 
Katie 

One of my all time favorite quotes is one I try to remind myself of daily. "Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams." from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

All individuals deal with hindrances out of their control and some can not be simply overcome, or overcome at all. This concept can be applied to all areas of life, but, after all, this is a writing blog. Writing is one of those occupations that some people surrounding  the writer won't necessarily believe in. It can be disheartening and discouraging-especially if writing is the be all or end all for a person. One of two things will be the result of this:
1-a writer stops pursuing their dream and switches their focus onto an occupation others want them to have/think they should have. Stop writing in their spare time because "what's the point"
2-a writer uses the doubt of others to push them into making their writing career/dream a reality-they better themselves 

If you're like me, you have the feelings of number 1 but act upon number 2. Be led by your dreams.  Despite being someone who is hurt easily if others discredit me in any shape or form, I believe in my ability to become successful* in writing. Granted I have plenty to learn but I am willing to put the effort in because this is my passion. Whatever my problem is, I keep pushing myself to be the greatest writer I can be in the moment. 

However, everyone has at least one supporter, even if it's subtly known -there is always one. I'm fortunate enough to have friends in my life who offer their love and encouragement almost daily. 

Even if you're the only support system for yourself (possibly you're a secret writer-no one knows) don't stop. Writing is one of those rarities in life that actually gets better in time. The more a person writes the better they become. I feel fortunate to have discovered my passion in my teens, giving me a world of opportunities (hopefully). And with time, supporters will be garnered as well.  

Having others who support me is ineffable. They let me know I should never doubt my abilities and always keep writing-my day will come. 

Don't allow others to tell you that your dream isn't valid. If there's an obstacle in your way-face it. Don't buckle. 

Happy Writing, 
Katie 


*my definition of success: being happy with what you are doing while being able to support yourself. 

My mental power struggle-too many prominent ideas. Just when I think I'm on the right path with one novel, I can't stop thinking about my other one and switch gears. I'm talking about novels that I have plotted out and have the gist of the whole thing down pact. Novels that are begging to be written! 

I know I'm not the only writer who struggles with this and it must certainly be the cause of headaches and delays for many, as it is for me. The amount of composition books I possess are enough to dominant an entire drawer. Each one is christened with my chicken-scratch scribbles of lines, paragraphs, scene ideas, etc, for over 11 ideas, three of them of which are my golden stars. Two of those three are my power struggles;both of them demanding my undivided attention. 

A popular phrase (I'm paraphrasing) among writers says that a writer isn't the one doing the work, it's their intuition. I agree wholeheartedly with this but when my intuition says this is the one (novel) I'm going to focus on and I truly feel it's the right choice, my intuition glides me through a few days of glorious progress and then does a complete 180. What's a girl to do? No, seriously, tell me. 

Any person, especially a writer, should become accustomed to "going with the flow". Life throws unexpected situations and obstacles at us and we must adapt or it will be more difficult. In writing, minds take a writer to places they never thought they were capable of going. Personally, my best writing has come without a single forethought and came simply by being open-minded and letting my pen/keys take the lead. I just write-don't think-write.

 Perhaps, my "power-struggle", is of my own doing-not allowing myself the fluidity to flow between two stories I am fully passionate about. Maybe it's my stubbornness in wanting to finish one as soon as I can and be the best I can be in this moment. Maybe I'm thinking too much! Whatever it is, I need to put a lid on it because during this change of focus I simply stop writing and just write down small things in my composition book-not making any real progress. Go with the flow, Katie, is something I should tell myself more often. Otherwise, I'm just wasting my time being unsure of what to do. 

Have you ever dealt with this struggle? I would love to hear your comments and I'm open to any advice. 

Happy Writing and Go With the Flow, 
Katie