I Am a Writer. That's What I Am

Last week I watched the movie,That's What I Am. It has a great middle grade voice, and is a sweet, heart wrenching story about tolerance and first loves. I learned along with Andy Nicol to stand proud and tell the world who I am.
If you have Netflix like we do this is an Instant Play. Plus Ed Harris is so cute in his bow tie and glasses. Below is the dialogue of an early scene in the movie that spoke to my "poor grammar, atrocious speller" self.

Andy-"I'm not a very good writer"

Mr. Simon -"I beg to differ with you, Andrew. I find your writing fascinating. You're a keen observer with a colorful perspective. In fact, underneath the poor grammar and the atrocious spelling, I believe there lies the heart of a great writer. Do you enjoy writing?"

"Sort of, sometimes. Making up the story part at least."

"Well if you enjoy something and you're good at it then first you must define yourself as what you want to be. Repeat after me. "I am a writer, that's what I am."

(Andy weakly, like a question) "I'm a writer, that's what I am."

"Let's try that again. Stand up straight, shoulders back, deep breath: I am a writer, that's what I am."

"I am a writer, that's what I am!"

"Excellent Andrew. Now go, and write."

Writer friends, stand tall, shoulders back, take a deep breath, and tell the world, "I am a writer. That's what I am."


Now go, and write.

What Happens When You're Sleep Deprived

You pour milk into your full glass of orange juice (instead of your cereal bowl)

You forget how to change diapers in the middle of the night (and insist that your hubby do it for you)

You wear your red Crocs to Church (and no, they didn't match my outfit)

AND

You don't keep up with emails and miss when your crit. partner publicly announced she's agented with the brilliant Vickie Motter!

If you haven't already, go give Taryn Albright and Begging to Breathe some comment love.

2012 Goals

Besides the fact that I'm not a guy, don't have a comb over, and don't wear glasses (at least not in public) this guy could be me, right now, committing to my writing goals and sharing them with *gasp* the 8 people that follow my blog. I'm scared, but determined to . . .

1. Clean my NaNo, The Girl Who Could See, until it Shines and has a better title 

2. Begin Querying my NaNo (Yikes!)

3. Read 10 books on craft

4. Write the MG novel I'm bouncing around in my head

5. Attend at least 1 writing conference . . .figure out how to make it work with baby 

6. Join the Online Writer's Community
      A. Read other writers blog AND comment
      B. Blog once a week twice a month
      C. Start Tweeting figure out what it's all about

7. Participate (and win) NaNoWriMo 2012