The Writing Journey and Moi

Okay, so I couldn't come up with anything more original. Something you will learn VERY fast about me, is that I HATE titles, I don't have a mind for them, I don't like to think of cute ones, or ones with a good metaphor. So be fore warned, a bland title probably means I'm not too far behind. ; ) Better pull on your track shoes and start runnin'.

Yep, that's me, Casey. My eyes are a bit too squinty, don't you think? I have large pupils, so when light hits it, I get really bad squinty eyes. Makes a fun challenge come picture time.

Second to last this week to introduce myself, I have to follow up behind all these great ladies, Pepper, Sherrinda and Mary. Aren't they just the best?? And you still have Krista to look forward to tomorrow. But for today, you have to stick with me. :-P

Here are a few facts you might like to know about me...

I am a homeschooled graduate, my parents were brave enough to spend 12 years pouring knowledge into me and I am ever so thankful they decided to go that route, it has made me the person that I am.

I have 3 other blogs besides partnering in this one, yeah I am a BIT addicted to blogging. ; ) Writing for Christ, Operation Encourage an Author and Bug's Beads. What can I say? They are all different and all a BLAST to work on. : )

I am a beginning/edging into intermediate writer (or at least I like to think I am almost an intermediate- depends how you define the terms : ).

I have completed one novel that I hope and pray will never see the light of publication-yeah it's that bad. Not completely without hope, but for right now it is safely hidden away.

But I am starting a new novel, contemporary this time and just fleshing out my characters and plot. I was told recently that about 360,000 words is around the time when the concepts really start to sink in and publication might be near. So far I am about 120,000 words into that goal.

I am serious about learning this craft and doing it the right way. I have taken classes (with Susan Mary Warren and Chip MacGregor) and have invested in a number of self help books. It is a challenge, but one that I am embracing and hope to succeed at someday. But I am leaving all thoughts and hopes of publication in God's hands. He knows the right time for my to make my debut. : ) I have found that when I dwell on that one aspect of publication or the contests that I have entered and what tomorrow might hold, I tend to hyperventilate and worry unnecessarily.

I have entered two contests this year, the ACFW Genesis and Susan May Warrren's Fraiser. I am a panster, but have found that a bit of plotting is good for me. Just like vegatables. Okay, maybe that isn't a good comparison. : )

I am excited to share this journey with you and hopefully we will be able to learn from each other from the posts we all share.

Okay here are a few worthless facts you might like to know. You never know, you might need them someday to answer a Jeopardy! question about me. : ) lol!

I love to knit (I am modeling one of my creations in the photo). I have made several sweaters, socks and am working on a skirt right now. I love to learn new things about that craft all the time. Coming up next week I will be doing a post on the comparisions between knitting and writing- stay tuned!

I love to read, (no big surprise there right?) Some of my favorite authors include: Julie Lessman, Deborah Raney, Tamera Alexander, MaryLu Tyndall, Janice Thompson, Siri Mitchell, Terri Blackstock, Lynn Austin, Beverly Lewis, Laura Frantz, Susan May Warren and the list goes on and on and on and on and on.... Okay I think you get the point.

I am the oldest of three and live on a farm. I would love for it to be in the middle of nowhere, but God hasn't seen fit to move us yet, so until then, content I will be. I would love for this to be my view every morning, but alas it is not.

I raised sheep for 9 years in 4H. I know, crazy, but what can I say, they are cute, good money makers and I loved the challenge of getting them ready for fair. : ) My sister is taking over that tradition now, though she has devoloped a desire to raise pigs. GASP!

I make jewelry under the name Bug's Beads. You can find the blog link up above. Custom jewelry that is simple yet, elegant, and pretty inexpensive. You can find pictures on that site too. (shameless promotion!)

I am a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). You will hear that name dropped alot amongst our group and if you are serious at all about your writing, you need to check this fabulous organization out. (though I am sure most of you have.)

But the most important thing you need to know about me, is that I am a born again child of God. I try very hard to make Jesus the center of my life and I believe with my whole heart and soul that He died on the cross for my sins and rose on the third day. He is the reason I write and I praise Him for this chance to bring glory to His name.

Soooo, that is me in a nutshell. Hopefully I haven't scared you off. If I have, you'll just have to enjoy the rest of the Alley Cats. Hee,hee, not sure how they are going to like that remark. I might have to edit that out later...good thing this is a cyber relationship and we aren't within swinging range of each other. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I can't wait to get to know you as well!!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?