Bright Day Coming

My little sister reminded me of this song--- the one I'll leave for you at the end. Though it's not Christian or religious or anything, it expresses all of the sentiments of my personal philosophy: "...there's a bright day coming."

I don't know where that mentality comes from. From my ancestors? From the old spirituals that were sung to maintain hope? I don't know. I was never into all that "let my people go" stuff... But I do have to wonder why I have this thing instilled in me. Why, no matter what, I DO believe that things can only get better from here.

Prerna said something that I agree with. We gain strength from every situation, every block, every obstacle we overcome. "You'll be stronger because of the things you survive," she said. Tell me why I want to bust out into a ballad of Destiny Child's "I'm a Suh-vi-vah!"

Just a little reminder to all of you who feel down, or are angsting, or just need it... There IS a bright day coming. Be there, okay? Let's make a date.

I, Deserae McGlothen, want to see you on your bright day.  I want to give you virtual (or actual) hugs and cookies. And I hope you'll be there for me on mine.

We'll talk words soon. I have plenty to tell you guys about the bookish world and what I'm up to.

Lots of love,
Deserae

Commenting on Comments

Prerna- Thank you and AGH! I TOTALLY AGREE!!! The whole ending of Felicity was like... Well, I wanted to pull my hair out. I get that the writers wanted us to see she'd have picked that boy either way, but NOEL!!!! NO-O-OEL!!!!! My heart ached for him. He so deserved better. I do hope to make him proud. :)

Maya- Yes, the tag was loads of fun. Thanks for including me! And thanks for trusting me with your story. You know, it's true. I've had to learn the hard way that I need people. It's hard to need, you know? More and more, I'm realizing people don't want my advice. They don't need my advice. They just want/need me. But I don't know how to be me without my words. Without my mind. Without my thoughts and opinions. I have to learn, though. I'm trying to readjust. There is always room and time to improve upon oneself. And I will. I'll improve if I have to. I'll stay beautiful if you will. Thanks for your love, I appreciate (and need) every ounce of it!

Nicole- Haha! Thanks, Hon! I'm going to try my best to enjoy being Noel. I hold grudges, too! That's something I've been working on, myself! I think I'm at a point where all of the grudges I used to hold are gone, and I'm allowing myself to start over with a lot of people... What I've decided is to forgive. To forget the wrong as a reflection of the person. But never to forget the wrong or what made it wrong. That way I can  move on with my life, but be more prepared for when Life tries to challenge me the same way again. So I guess I don't hold grudges anymore... I hold myself responsible for doing better next time. And in this way, what you said makes perfect sense. It IS hard to know what to do in the moment, so when past experiences aren't enough to lead me, I decide to ask. To voice my concerns. To see if the truth really can set you free. So far so good, you know? So far so good. My friend and I are learning to understand each other better. That's all I could ask for. It's only going to make us stronger in the end. :) I accept all of your love and am sending you some as well! Take care, Hon!

When Life Hands You Lemons...

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Or so the saying goes, encouraging us to make the best out of sour situations.

But to be honest, I've always hated the expression. I love the thought behind the phrase, but I always thought a better thing would be to make the most out of the situation ("When life hands you lemons, cut one of them open, plant the seed, grow a tree, and sell the lot for profit," say), or, if not the most, the best in your own interest (i.e. a "When life hands you lemons, make sure it hands you the cups, the lemon squeezer, the sugar, and the spoon to stir it with too," scenario). Sometimes, I want the saying to be cinematic--- to allow for a re-do (so "When life hands you lemons, throw them back and ask for something sweeter"). And sometimes I get the idea and just wish the thing had said, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, make enough to last for the rest of your life. Because it promises---promises!---never to hand you sour things ever, ever, ever again." 

Gah! I hate the expression. But lately, I've been having to make lemonade. I've applied for some internships but didn't get them. I applied for a Residential Advisor-type position at school and got requested to be an alternate. My computer screen freaked on me so I was with limited internet access the entire week. And all the while I've been making lemonade, wanting to request my refund and demand answers for these injustices. Wondering all the while what it was that I was doing wrong...

But you know, it's just occurred to me now that all those things weren't actually TERRIBLE. I lost out on some internships, but thank God! There are more! And I'm not out of the running for my RA thing--- not yet! And my computer still works--- everything's there, everything's fine! I'm sitting here thinking to myself, "You've been so stupid! Look at yourself, Child, and tell me: what's wrong with a little bit of tang, anyway?" 

The problem, I think, is that I've been so spoiled. So reliant on technology. So sure that anything I set out to do or win was assuredly going to be mine! And I'm grateful a little for this second chance to see myself as a spoiled little brat. If I hadn't had this "awful" week, I wouldn't have written (yes, handwritten, mind you) some thirty pages of a manuscript, gone out of the house to see "The Artist," got an awesome new monitor, got the chance to see my sister, got a chance to try Pad Thai, et cetera, et cetera! It amazes how much I learn about myself every single day. You never stop learning, never stop growing... not unless you want to, and seriously: why would I want to stop doing the things that makes me.... well... me.

So here's my new mantra: "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Say thank you. Ask it to hang around for a bit. Then pass it a glass and remind it to stay deliciously refreshing and refreshingly interesting, and take a sip yourself as reminder to enjoy anything that makes you who you are." 

If it's too long for you, feel free to adopt any of the other aforementioned ones as your own. But be sure to get where I'm going with this--- hating the sour parts is like cursing the good ones that were products of that labor. And as they say (ew! Another saying I abhor), "Don't hate the player,"--- i.e. Life or suckish parts of it--- "hate the game." 

Remember to stay beautiful, Loves,

Deserae

P.S. Need some inspiration? Want to see some pretty things? Visit My Ticket Home and My Ticket Elsewhere! All this month we're celebrating awesomeness.

P.S.S. Psalms 18:32 <3

Commenting on Comments

Prerna- Yes, I wish technology and I were better friends. Or hey! I'll take acquaintances! So glad you liked the poem and I thought we might be on the same page with The Vow. So hard to talk about it without spoilers, but it has this way of making you love and hate it both at once. Do read ONE DAY. You said you liked the movie, yes? Well, I am nearly done with the book and I've enjoyed it immensely. Adult books are slow going, I realize, but it's good--- great build-up, storyline, characters... everything.

Sonal- Thank you about your thoughts on the poem and for being one of the followers who influenced its posting. :) Happy birthday to you, my love! It's officially, what, 2 A.M. March 4th in England-land? I hope you have the best birthday ever. I made you something so you'll have to check out Elsewhere tomorrow (later today?) when you get the chance. Sorry if I mispronounced your name. Lots of love to you, my dear. Best birthday wishes from your pal across the pond.

Yvonne- Why thank you! I appreciate the comment! I've just checked out your blog and I like the recommendations you do. I don't really watch Dance Moms (I was in dance at that age and I think what the instructor does is just awful!), but your book recommendations are always pretty interesting. Definitely out of my usual bubble and I'm trying to step out of that so yay!

Maya- I'm awesome? I think you and Sang are awesome! I couldn't believe she commented! I was like in literal shock and was hoping you'd saw it. Your review was incredible, though. You definitely convinced me that I must feature it on Elsewhere. Sang is sending me a copy soon. If it's signed (and if you want it), I'll send it to you after I read it. I take good care of my books so it'll be a very special thing. I'll even write something to you on the front since you are the reason I'm getting it in the first place! :) SHADOW AND BONES has me drooling. And I seriously love ya, Maya. You are the bestESS. ;)

The Comment That Disappeared

You guys know Maya. If you don't, she often appears in the "Commenting on Comments" section of these posts.

Well, about a week ago, I wrote this post about the chapter that almost ruined me, and three people weighed in. "Well wait a minute!" I hear you shout. "There are only two comments on that post!"

Why, thank you for noticing! I responded to the two beautiful ladies whose comments did appear in this follow up post about my feelings toward the CHAPTER OF EVIL after it was actually done. But I wanted to do a follow up to that follow up because I found Maya's comment to be quite inspirational and though you have the wonderful advice from Arianna and Prerna in the previous post, only I was able to read Maya's comment. Here's what she said:

"I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the "Leave nasty comments" part. :D I won't do that, but I'll definitely try and cheer you up XD
Imagine chapter thirteen is an angry swarm of bees, hiding inside a huge hive. The bees are really irritating you, because they bzzz their way through the night and you can't sleep. You can't do anything about them in your pyjama's, but you can definitely TRY when you put on the right gear and attack them with a net. But you don't have the clothes bee-catcher gear, so you have to go to the store outside of town to get it. It's a long drive, but if you have severa; passengers with yousomeone, it'll be much easier.
I don't know who said this, but there's an awesome quote that I think applies to you: “Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.” You're strong, optimistic and you CAN do this. Just don't give up. "A dream is a flame that burns out if you give up." Write the chapter, whether it sucks or not. It doesn't matter if it's a horrible as Voldemort's face, or not, because once you write it you can always go back. But if you give up, you'll never reach the end.
This will definitely make you feel better; Determinate, by Lemonade Mouth ( I know, I'm so lame I chose a DISNEY band.) It may not be their best song, but the lyrics are totally inspiring and the part where Adam Hicks raps is crazy cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn0DFUBaxlA
And after watching it, eat nutella straight from the jar, then get to work and DETERMINATE!
xox, loads of nasty comments, Maya (LOL!!)"  

There are two things I want to hit from this comment. The first is this idea of being able to do anything with a support group. Maya says, "It's a long drive, but if you have severa(l) passengers with you... it'll be much easier." I smiled because gosh! Ain't it true! I am so fortunate to have a kind of partner in crime with all this. Aria has been my lifeline and my crutch on more than one occasion. It was with her insistence AND encouragement that I sat down and typed the darned thing up. She wouldn't let me rest. Ask her!

But, boy, am I thankful for that! Am I thankful that there is even a single soul out there who takes the time to comment on my blog, talk to me on Twitter, prod me via email, or do some combination of the three because they care about someone else's sanity. And I'm so glad--- so very glad--- that the someone else you guys care about is me. I mean... that's mind blowing. I may never get to thank you in person for it, but thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being along for the ride.

And though there are other gems in this comment, the second thing I want to talk about is how Maya reiterates what all of you were telling me from the start.

"Write the chapter, whether it sucks or not," she says. "It doesn't matter if it's as horrible as Voldemort's face, or not, because once you write it you can always go back. But if you give up, you'll never reach the end."

Some people are great at giving advice. Others are great at taking and receiving it. But me? I'm the kind who loves to give but can't take it. Wrong, I know. But this was like, "Woah." The combination of Maya asserting herself (did anyone else hear, "Write the chapter... OR DIE" or was that just me?) plus the Harry Potter reference for giggles plus hearing, for the first time, someone who knew very little about my book say "you'll never reach the end," totally sparked this light in me. It was an "ouch," at first, but it was enough for me to know that I never wanted to hear her (or anyone else!) say that ever again.

Because the truth hurts, doesn't it? "A man who does not work shall not eat"--- It's the law of life. And a girl who does not write the CHAPTER OF EVIL will not finish her book. That's how it works. No pain, no gain.

I hope you writers out there copy and save Maya's comment somewhere. Use it to fuel a fire within yourselves. And read the other comments from that whiny post and LEARN SOMETHING FROM THEM. Everyone is saying the same thing. "Just do it!" It's not gonna kill you, I promise.

So, Maya, thank you for commenting. And everyone, thank you for reading. Writers, get to writing. And Blogger, fix yourself so that brilliant comments like this don't go disappearing on me ever again.

"...Get to work and DETERMINATE!" -Maya

Love,
Deserae
P.S. No comments to comment on! But you can still read my last post if ya wanna.

In Which I Feel Okay

The Chapter of Evil is done. In fact, here's a screenshot of me being relieved about the fact that it is no longer vague thoughts and inclinations. Ya'll know how Twitter works. You must read from the bottom up to get chronological order (strange logic, I know).

I am... relieved, mostly. Relieved, and slightly exhausted. But I'm also confused. I'm confused because this chapter was supposed to kill me. It was TRYING to kill me, I swear, but yet... Here I am. And I'm also confused because I thought it was supposed to be my worst work yet. But it's... it's actually my most creatively plotted chapters, if I do say so myself. Like... for a chapter, it's quite plotty. It's quite a plotty chapter.

Meaning that although it SUCKS, there is good in it somewhere. It got me to think, stretch my imagination, broaden my mind. It made me envision things I never thought I'd explore, and it's prepared me to be ready to re-envision those things because the way in which I wrote them this first time admittedly SUCKS and they will need to be rephrased and retold.

I am so mad at this chapter. So very, very mad. Because it was SO hard. Why didn't it just finish me off? Why beat me? Strangle me? Wrestle with me? Why taunt and play with me if it weren't going to just be ALL bad? Why show me it had SOME good?

I think it's because this chapter is trying to get me to pay attention to one very important fact. That writers, write. No matter what, no matter... WHAT. No matter how bad their hair looks on the first day of school. No matter how bad their first drafts are. No matter if the apocalypse is supposed to be upon us. We just DO it. It's our jobs, and more importantly, it's in our nature.

And I'm a so-called aspiring author, and you know what they do? They write! No matter if global warming is killing off all the penguins. No matter what people say about their books or their hair (seriously... is it that bad?!). No matter WHAT. Writers write. Authors author. Evil chapters evil. And that's just how it works.

Thank you all so much for encouraging me. Seriously, Arianna, Maya, Prerna, I don't know how to thank you. I would not have gotten through this chapter if I didn't have your love and support. I would have given up and then what? I wouldn't have been able to do this post! And that's boring... So thank you for your love. Thank you for your time and your comments. And I'll have you know, I feel okay. Really, I do. I have to pee, is all, but you know what? I'm okay with that.

Love,
Deserae
P.S. No I'm not hitting on you with this song! This is just my ghetto segue to introduce you to a cool, 18 year old author whose debut novel FALL TO PIECES is due this fall. Look for it! And go meet Vee! She loves this song, and, apparently, "you so much better when you're naked." :)

Commenting on Comments

Arianna- Thanks, Love. You have been my crutch, my first aid kit, my nurse, and my friend during this whole Chapter Thirteen debacle. I'm glad and honored that you'll be the first set of eyes to really look at it and see what's wrong with it. I need your brilliance. And a public congrats on finishing your own "Chapter of Evil!" I know your Ch. 15 was giving you trouble, but hey! You. Are. Done!

Prerna- I DO feel elation! Mostly relief, but there is some elation. One thing's for sure: the end is near. And that's always satisfying. Strange, but satisfying for sure. This fork is definitely different all the time. I'm just glad I WAS able to get over, under, around, past it. 

Maya- I SAW YOUR COMMENT!!! Blogger is being incredibly mean, and I'm sorry for that. But I'm going to do a whole separate post on your comment because it made me so happy so stay tuned. I loved it, and I've saved it, and I have it, and yeah--- don't fret! Thank you for posting something so incredibly sweet, helpful, and inspiring. Love you lots!

Quick-Write Wednesday #5: News!

Some awesome girls are joining the blogosphere, and as soon as their blogs go live and become established, I will post the links in a special blog post. But today's blog post is about me! Don't you love that? I do. SO much. And it has to do with a few changes that are going to be happening over the next week.

I'm going to be starting a new blog. I know, right?! Me. Starting a new blog. But it's because I want to separate some stuff. Like... like this.

Almost (not quite) There (THIS BLOG) is going to be for my personal use. I'll start talking to you guys about MY day, and MY writing, and things that I like. It's going to be very selfish indeed. Kind of like it already is, but better. Hehe! The blog features like Monday Mayhem, Quick-Write Wednesday, and Saturday Snapshot are all going to stay, but they'll be more interesting--- I promise--- because I'm going to get a little more personal with the stuff I post instead of just going, "Here you go!" and hoping you read it. Because that totally sucks, right?! Go ahead... Be honest... And I'm going to try to keep this blog up because I like blogging and I like you guys and I want to. That's good enough reason to do anything, I think.

But this second blog (that's unnamed right now) is going to be for you. It's going to feature things like inspirational quotes and verses, giveaway gabble, blog posts I like, guest posts by some of my favorite bloggers, and bookish things like book reviews and (maybe? One day?) author interviews.

I hope you guys keep up with both blogs because I'll be trying to update them both. And I'll let you know when it goes live. No worries! Until then, here's another Gothic Girls song. Hope you like it! Twelve days to Halloween! Squee!!!

"My Other Side" (It's Almost Midnight) -The Gothic Girls

Ooo... What are you doing here?
I can't go out tonight.
The full moon is so clear,
And it's a dangerous sight.
Turning tops and ticking clocks---
The moon is high; the water's fine.
Looming clouds might make a shroud
But I guarantee, Babe, that you're risking your life.

I can't explain this thing that's happening,
And I can't hide from my other side.
Oh, it's no game; you'd better be afraid---
I think it's time. It's almost midnight.

True... I am growing...
Growing out of control.
And you should get going
If you want to save your soul.
Rumors flying, restless fighting---
Cauldrons bubble, full of trouble.
Moon is high, the water's fine.
So jump right for one adventurous ride.

I can't explain this thing that's happening,
And I can't hide from my other side.
Oh, it's no game, you'd better be afraid.
I think it's time. It's almost midnight.

You should get out; you should go now.
I won't bite... no, oh no I lied.
All my secrets now you know,
So go! I cannot stop the moon, you know.

No, I can't explain this thing that's happening,
But I can't hide--- it's almost midnight.
Whoa, who's to blame for something inhumane?
It's not me, this time, but, Hon, it's midnight.

Oh yeah, it's midnight.
Too late; it's midnight...

Love,
Deserae
P.S. This is one of the BEST. SONGS. EVER. Just saying.

Monday Mayhem #4: Good Things are Happening

Do you ever wake up (especially on a Monday) thinking that today is going to be the worst day in the world, but when you actually get through it, you realize it wasn't as bad as it could've been?

Yeah. That's me today. In fact, I'm going to go as far as to say that today was actually nice. And that's mayhem! Especially since (as you can see) it's a Monday!

Aren't Mondays supposed to be horrible? Aren't they supposed to be like evil creatures from the heavens above?  Mondays, though, have been very kind to me lately. So maybe this is a sign that I shouldn't assume things are going to be horrible before I even give them a try. This goes for people, foods, events, and, now, Mondays.

But I also think this is a sign that good things are happening. I'm really big on signs, because they're fun to look for and meant to keep us hopeful or aware. So I feel like this the Lord's way of telling me that things are never as bad as they seem. And that maybe, they're getting better. And that maybe, they're getting--- good!

I feel like things are getting gooder than good. Real great-like, even. So now I want to spread some goodness to you guys. I'm going to gabble about a giveaway I heard about! And if I remember to, I'll do this more often.

Today's giveaway gabble is featured at PJ Hoover's blog Roots in Myth for a book called Glow.

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.


PJ Hoover is an Indie author who is being represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency's Laura Rennert. Her newest e-book, Solstice, is an ecclectic mix of dystopian and mythology so be sure to check her out, too, while you're over there. 

   

If you guys like the giveaway gabble, let me know and I'll keep doing it. Until later (because I might post again today! Yay for maybes and mights!)...

Love,

Deserae