That was the cost of ONE year at USC when I was attending there (which was 6 years ago, so I'd wager it costs even more now). But don't worry--I didn't pay that. I had that wonderful scholarship they gave me--the one I didn't even apply for--yes, THAT one. It didn't cover everything, but it covered most, and I only went there for my Junior and Senior years so it wasn't AS bad.
Anyway, you're probably wondering why I'm talking about this (besides giving those of you who are parents panic attacks about College funds), and I promise--there is a reason.
See, as I've been NaNoRevisMo-ing I've been looking for HELP wherever I can find it:
Critique Partners
Alpha Readers
Beta Readers
Twitter
Blogs
Websites
Writing Books
Wordle
Ninjadillo
**The following is an exact transcript of an ACTUAL conversation
I had with myself**
Um...Shannon?
Yes?
Hi. You look very cute today, have I told you that?
Why yes, yes you have--but I never get tired of hearing it. Go on...
Well, okay, I really like the way that new eyeliner makes your eyes look like a rockstar and you're having a pretty good hair day--and--wait--this isn't what I wanted to talk about...
It isn't?
*Bats Lashes*
Well, go ahead then.
Okay, well, um, I've been thinking...
Oh good, I'm glad ONE of us is doing that!
Yes--that's my job--and um...I know you're stressing about revisions and looking for writing advice, and, well...didn't you go to a very expensive school where you studied, oh, um, I don't know--WRITING!
Why yes, I do believe I did.
*giggles*
But that was YEARS ago--I can't possibly remember all that now.
But, um, didn't you keep all your notebooks--packing and unpacking them through four moves before storing them in a closet where they've sat for years gathering dust?
What? Me? No. What notebooks?
Walk with me.
*Tromps into messy extra room*
*opens closet*
*jumps out of the way of falling stuff shoved in there last time guests came*
Those notebooks!
*Stares at giant stack of spiral notebooks.*
Oh. Those.
*Coughs from dust*
But--no--see, I was studying screenwriting and this is a NOVEL and they're different and there can't possibly be anything useful in there.
Take a look.
But, they're all dusty.
So?
But...I'm allergic to dust.
OPEN THEM!!!!!!!!!
All right, all right. You didn't need to go exclamation point crazy--sheesh!
*Takes down notebooks*
*coughs*
*scratches hives from dust allergy*
Well, would you look at THAT. There's a TON of good stuff in here. I can use ALL of this. Wow, this is going to be so helpful.
I'm SO glad I thought of it.
You thought of it?
Uh huh.
Um, do I need to remind you that I was the one who thought of it?
And do I need to remind you that we're the same person, talking to ourselves like a crazy person?
Oh. Touche.
**End of Transcript. Suggest seeking in Professional Help**
Quick Survey: How many of you are worried about my sanity now?
Anyway, what I'm trying to say--in my usual, long winded, rambling way--is that I found a goldmine of awesome writing advice shoved in a closet--I love when that happens, don't you? I poured over it all last night (whilst scratching those annoying hives--stupid dust allergy--no one can say I don't sacrifice for my art!)
But while I was busy making notes for myself, I suddenly realized how selfish I was being. This is good stuff--I should share this wonderful information with my intrepid followers, since most of you guys are writers too!
So I was all set to type up a nice long post when a nagging doubt hit me--KABOOM!
Is that presumptuous of me? Me--an unpublished, unagented, aspiring writer--offering writing advice to YOU GUYS--geniuses of the writing and blogging world? Is there anything I could share with you that you don't already know? In fact, would you be reading the posts laughing at me and thinking, "She didn't know that?"
I'm really not sure, so I leave it up to you. Do YOU want me to share? If yes--please, feel free to tell me in your comments and I'll be happy to oblige. If not, no worries--I'll just keep it for myself. *evil laugh* I'm good at being stingy.
MINE! MINE! ALL MINE!
See? :)
17 comments:
I have conversations with myself like that all the time. Except usually not as politely.
It is your blog. Post what you will.
YES. OMG yes please share! I share what I know on my blog, at times, but I didn't study writing in college (holy crap, 5 years ago - has it really been that long?)
Also - do share about the eyeliner! I'm looking for something new... haha
Q- I think I'm going to need to read a transcript of one of your mental conversations sometime. :)
Sara: Yay, someone who wants me to share! Oh, and LOL about the eyeliner (It's Oil Slick by Urban Decay--Black with a hint of silver shine--and it stays put all day. I'm in LOVE with it) :)
Definitely share! Even if we've already read it, a reminder can't hurt. You said yourself that you'd forgotten some of it, and you learned it all six years ago. (You should actually be pointing at yourself and saying, "She didn't know that??!!" But you did know that. You just forgot!) But there's a chance that we haven't read them, too!
Heather- LOL-I kinda did. It was definitely one of those "What is WRONG with me?" moments. But cool, that's three votes. Looks like I'll be sharing. :)
Hi Shannon :)
Thanks for the great fun post.
I love the conversation!
Thanks for sharing,
Love & Best Wishes,
RKCharron
xoxo
Hey Shannon I am not even a writer and I would love to hear all of it! btw I am Courtney's sister !! :)
RK- Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation instead of thinking I'm insane.
bamagirl1- Hey! Wow, I'm meeting the whole family! So cool. Yay, another vote. Looks like I'll definitely be sharing. And thanks for the comment-it's really nice to meet you!
Yes please do share!
I love the idea of you posting your knowledge!
Please share - I am sure Ninjadillo would approve ;o)
Yes, bamagirl1 is my sister - glad she found you!
Hayley- Thanks for the comment. Don't think I've met you yet, so Hi!
Southern Princess- This is going to be interesting getting to know you both--well, know you in the sense that we've never met in person (though for all we know we might've sat right next to each other at PBB) and we know very little about each other and --oh, never mind). :)
I'd love to hear it!!!
Actually, sometimes I get sick of following published authors who share knowledge with this great "I'm imparting wisdom to the masses who will never be as published as I am" attitude. Sharing what you've learned from others is completely different from sharing wisdom you've developed by becoming the Sphinx of authors.
Share away!
I loved the conversation with yourself--while thinking that you might possibly need professional help or a job with a more creative outlet. ;) Just kidding. You have to be a little crazy to keep at this.
Hi Shannon :) You stopped by my blog today and I was so happy to have you visit. So here I am and loving your blog too :)
Definitely share!!!! LOL
So nice to meet you!
Hugs :)
Kelly
Wendy-Thanks so much for the follow back--I love meeting new people this way. And yes, I might need professional help. My husband agrees. :)
TheChicGeek- OK, I loved typing your screenname--SO CUTE! Thanks for the follow back and the compliment. It's nice to meet you too! :)
BTW - (regarding the mascara link - so totally not blog related) Bad Gal Lash is amazing! I use the black and have for years. I just ordered the pair because it also comes in PLUM! (Super excited to try it, haha)
Oh yes! Please do. There is nothing quite like the sharing of knowledge. You are not tauting your superiority but rather just sharing what you yourself learned. I think it's a good idea!
Sara: LOL-YAY, someone else I can talk make-up with--I LOVE IT. I've heard good things about Bad Gal Lash, but haven't tried it yet. Looks like I'm going to have to try it. And plum? Ooo, fancy!
Heather- Thanks Heather! I'm giving it a shot. Here's hoping people enjoy it!
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