Monday, November 19, 2012

Grateful

Just so you all don't think I've fallen off the planet entirely (at least those of you who are not friends with me on Facebook), I wanted to post a quick update before I head off to Paris for Thanksgiving. I know, I know - it's a tough life I lead. Seriously though, I'm beyond ready for a break from Russia. No snow for a few day will be a nice change, especially since I'll be in Montana for Christmas. Plus I get to see some of my family members who I don't get to see nearly often enough. And it's freaking Paris! How could I not be excited?

Writing has been awesome this month. I finished the rough draft of my new YA Contemporary on Sunday and I'm really excited to dig into revisions next week. Then it's off to a few betas (a nice mix of tough love and cheerleading, both of which I need in equal measure). I wasn't sure I'd be able to get this sucker written in three weeks, but despite work, working out, having a toddler - to include multiple major potty training fails - I made it work. My expectations are low, but it's nice to be reminded why I put myself through the tortuous submission process: because I LOVE to write. I'm grateful for so many things this year, everything from water filters to my job to the fact that I found my passion in life (it's writing, in case I didn't make that clear). Life is good. Cold, oftentimes awkward, and generally inconvenient, but good.

I also made a fake cover for the heck of it (since the NaNo website has a spot for one and it was killing me to see a blank box just sitting there). I took this photo from Office clipart, played around with it on PicMonkey, and voila!


It's not perfect, but I was limited in dimensions by NaNo and I wanted to fit in the title and as much of the girl's face as possible. Considering she's some random model, the photo was kind of perfect for a book about a girl who pretends to be someone else. She even looks the way I envisioned my MC, so yay! Making fake book covers is such a fun way to procrastinate...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!


5 comments:

Emily R. King said...

Sounds like you have a whole lot of good going on, Mara Rae! I'm so glad you're going to Paris, and that you finished your rough draft. Your cover is fun too. It's nice to put inspiration in another outlet, isn't it? Happy Thanksgiving!

LNRB said...

Can't wait to get my hands on this book!!

Sarah said...

Tough love and cheerleading - wonder which one I am... ;) love you! Can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

Paris-- I kind of lost focus after that announcement. I was living vicariously. Enjoy your holiday, love the cover. You've been inspiring with your accomplishments this month.

Amy said...

You're going to Paris. I'm going to...Nashville. Awesome.
But, hey, YOU have fun over there! ;)