Chocolate Covered and Slightly Crazed

     Well, I haven’t blogged since January 1st. That’s never a good sign, right? So, in this long awaited (okay, not) post, I’ll attempt to explain why. I’ll also catch you up on my life in general. I’ll begin with the obvious.
     I still don’t have a vehicle. It’s becoming a real bitch to find one. Enough said on that. I’m moving on.
     Work. Ah, the daily grind. This is gonna be long. Deep breath, folks, we’re diving in. January is a dead month in Chocolate Land. Really. Everyone’s wallets are recovering from Xmas, and no one wants to spend that kind of money on gourmet chocolate. So hours were hard to come by. Meanwhile, I was dealing with a lot of personal and financial issues outside of work. I had no money, no car, worried about food, worried about where we were staying, and I’ll admit it: I became horribly depressed. I never said as much to anyone, but I did. I had trouble sleeping, and when I did it was always too much that never felt like enough. I cried almost every night. It was hard. Obviously, that affected my work. And my bosses noticed. They called me out on it—on the day I had discovered I was overdrawn, somehow, on my bank account… not that they knew that—saying that it seemed as if I didn’t want to be there at all. This, of course, climaxed after closing one night and forgetting to do something very important that I got into a heap of trouble for. This was approaching Valentine’s Day now—when I would get more hours. I had made a new friend, but I was still feeling lost. Our store’s DM was coming soon, and my manager mentioned that she was afraid to work me because he might fire me for the “deer in headlights” look I seemed to be giving everyone. Not something I needed to hear. But V-Day came and went. My new friend had come to the decision to quit Godiva and go with her other two jobs. I didn’t blame her—and still don’t. Three jobs. Come on. Things weren’t getting any better for reasons I’m still unsure of, at work or at home. A new employee was brought on to replace my friend, and then the DM arrived. On my birthday, by the way. Which I was scheduled to work, and then got cut. But I’m pretty sure, looking back, that this was my turning point. I still had a good birthday. Better than last year’s, to be sure. I think I had decided then that my life was what it was at the moment. If I wanted happiness back, I was going to have to just take it. And take it I did. Following that day, I was just happy. Finding whatever I could to be happy about. Sunnydale Crossing—an art group on Deviantart—had restarted their couples’ contest. So I started doing photo manips again—check out my link on the right to see some! Sometime later, the assistant manager quit (drama here I’ll skip as I wasn’t really involved). After that, two other associates quit (rather recently and suddenly). That has left Godiva with only our general manager, myself, and two other associates on schedule. That’s… it. Yes, as you may guess, I’m getting hours now. Not complaining. We’ve only hired one more person, and summer’s dead. We might not be hiring any more. We’ve gone from a staff of 10… to 5. Yikes. But things are… smoother, somehow. That’s the entirely too condensed version of life at Godiva… but I’ll just say this: crap happened.
     Which moves to me writing. In short, I did none. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Wasn’t helping my mood at home either. And although I’m loving those extra hours on my check, it’s not helping my writing time. But that’s only my fault. I’ve been lazy. I could write on my days off. But I don’t always do… until just the other day. I decided that if I needed to write, then I was going to write. And I did. I sent off an original fiction story, decided which OF I was sending off next (after edits), and finished a chapter of Trials (what? Fanfic relaxes me).
     And that brings me to the part of this I’ve been dreading the most. Resolution update. Have I completed all the challenges entered? No. In fact, I dropped out of two. I actually wanted to vomit. I was so angry with myself for this. I’ve thought about doing the unofficial tracks for these two… still thinking on that. Then it wouldn’t be quitting, right? Right? Have I finished a novel and/or novella? Did you read above? No. But it’s always on my mind. This is my year, and I know that. Am I married? No, damn it. I’m not. But this damn year’s not over yet! Have I been eating better? I work in a damn mall! No. Have I finished any of those fanfics listed in the last post? No! But! I’m so close. I know that’ll happen. Have I started any of those other listed fics? No… but that’s fandom fear holding me back.
    To sum up, I’ve still got seven damn months of 2012 left. Don’t count me out yet. To end on some bright notes, I’ve had some works released. Here’s the info on that:

My story, "Mirror Image," appears here, and it's a truly wonderful anthology.

My short story, "Ties," appears here.  I'll be honest.. I haven't read this one yet.

My flash fiction, "Bad News," appears here.  I honestly can't wait to read this one!



     Also, I got my first royalty check. It was about $20 more than what I expected. Always good. And best of all… my story, “The Curious Tale of Elizabeth Nigel” will be published. The editor of the anthology, Clockwork Chaos, Mr. Neal Levin found a new home for it! I’ll explain in a later post why this is so awesome!

     So, what can you expect from this blog in the future? Well, I think I’m going to review the chocolate of Godiva. I’m going to list some of my original fiction projects. I’m also thinking of doing a post that’ll be a quote game! And I promise I won’t take as long to post again. Also, I’m getting a tooth pulled Saturday. I’ll be sure to let the world hear about that. Until next time!

2011: Early Round-Up

Okay, so it's been nearly two months since I last blogged. I apologize for that. So, what have you missed in the way of the Trishverse? Well...

Work

I've been working at Godiva for this entire time, and I gotta say. I really like it. I mean, it's not a career--that's still writing or librarian work at the very least--but as a job to support myself with while I work on those other two, I really like it. I mean, it's fun. It's a great group of co-workers and supervisors. It's not really stressful. I mean, there are moments, but nothing too horrible. Definitely have done more stressful work (those of you who know my workforce history know exactly what I'm talking about here). And I've found out that I'm being kept on after seasonal, so I don't have to worry about finding another job after Feb. 14th (which is when Godiva seasonal ends). All in all, this has been what has taken up most of my time, but I'm okay with that. I just need to re-discover my writing groove.

Personal

Car's broken down. Like, since before Thanksgiving. Busted valve, I think. But today it got hauled to a mechanic to see what it'll cost us to fix it. Thankfull, he's not charging us anything to look at it and give us an estimate. It would be absolutely frickin' wonderful if it wasn't all that much. So, fingers crossed on that.

My Christmas was kind of low-key. Not bad, but not as big as I usually do it. But, I'll tell you, I'm okay with that too. After years of aiming for big, decorative Xmases, it was kind of like a vacation. I'll do it big next year, and it'll be cool. Preston and I are both doing our personal Xmases a little later (actually, he just bought me something small as an Xmas gift, and ordered the big gift--the new Abarat book *yay!*). I need to figure out what to get him, lol. I have an idea, but I'm trying to do the money math and see if I can work it out.

Writing

Wow. I can't even properly express how far behind I am. I mean, I have two different fanfiction challenges to finish. That I'm behind on. I have several original fiction stories that I need to spruce up and send out. I need to do my 2012 Submission chart. I need to finish so many longer works that it's insane. I also am signing up for a longer fanfic challenge in the new year. And, oh, believe it or not, blogging has been on my list to do for these past two months. That's right... the blog I am just now typing. That's how behind I am.

But, I did get an acceptance for a story, "Ties," that I'd been trying to get published for the better part of a year now. Also, I have stories that have come out in PillHillPress's Daily Frights and Daily Flash collections. Also, my story, "Tooth Jacked," is/will be available from Pink Narcissus Press. And on Jan. 15th, my story, "So, These Monsters Walk into a Con..." will be available within UnCONventional, from Spencer Hill Press. Appropriate links for ordering/pre-ordering will be added over in the sidebar ---->

I haven't updated my writing site in a little bit. I'll have to catch up on that as well.

To Sum Up...

Screw it. 2012 is a new year, and I'm ready to face it head-on. My 2011 sucked so hard. I lost my house. I lost most of my material possessions. I lost good relationships that I never thought I would lose. I've been a burden to some and burdened upon. But right now, in this moment, things are okay. I have a place to stay. I have a job. I'm an aunt to a beautiful baby girl. Preston's doing great in school. He graduates in June. Things are getting better, slowly but surely. 2012 will be a better year. I know it will be. And I can't wait to greet it.

Oh, about the photo manip at the top of the blog. Much thanks to sunnydale-crossing.deviantart.com for restarting their challenges. I'd fallen behind on my photomaniping as well. It's nice to be getting back on track. (That was a winning manip, too).

It Has Begun

I mean a lot of different things with that title. Namely, however, I speak of NaNoWriMo. I did the midnight start up--as I've done every year but the very first year I did NaNo. I'm now sitting--as you can see at the side--at 2,070. I intend to add more to it tonight before I go asleep, trying to stay ahead.

I also start work tomorrow. I mean, I went to a Sunday night clean/stock thing, but this is work-work I'm starting tomorrow (Wednesday). During store hours. I really hope I don't accidently blow the place up or something.

Oh, and I also began one of my Wishlist 2011 fics last night. I don't plan for it to be longer than 300 or 400 words, so I got some good headway on it (like 50 words, lol). And I haven't started the next Trials chapter yet--I mean, NaNo--but it shall be done soon enough. In fact, if I feel good enough about it tonight, I might start it. I need to keep the relatively steady pace I have been so I can finish it and put up Tribulation.

Back to workforce gabber, I'm still looking for a second part-time job, as well as looking at libraries (well, going to be looking at libraries). And my fiance has an interview tomorrow, so good luck to him! Oh, I also got all my ID troubles and most of the car troubles fixed today. Things are looking up. Let's hope they stay that way.

Keep an eye on the sidebar to see my word count for NaNo rise! Or add me as a buddy! My name on NaNo is PatriciaLouise.

Plate=Full

Or rather, overflowing. I'm not sure where to start. How about the non-writing stuff for a change?

Non-Writing Stuff

Okay, so I'm still trying to get an apartment. To do that, I need my birth certificate. Hopefully I'll get a text from my sister at any moment, announcing that she's found it. At least, that way, I don't have to pay to get it and go through that whole mess. I think I'll also get a State Issued ID until I get an opportunity to get my license. It seems a bit easier that way. Also, although I do plan to have a ceremony when I can afford it--dress, flowers, the whole shebang--my fiance and I will be getting married as soon as we can afford it in a civil ceremony at the courthouse. That way, we can qualify for a bit more of the help that we need.

Oh, also, I totally have a job! I start this Sunday--if I understood that right--at Godiva Chocolatier. Godiva! Of all the 9-5s I could have gotten, I'm so happy that it was that one! I can't wait to be making a steady paycheck again. I miss it, seriously. As much as I love writing, that steady paycheck is just so nice.

Writing-Related Stuff

(The Twisted Library)

A sad bit of news here. I had three stories accepted and waiting for print (+2 I was waiting to hear from), and the Library has recently had to drop just about all of their anthologies. It was just costing the owner too much in this crappy economy. While understandable, that leaves me with 5 stories to search for new homes for. However, the Library will continue publish novels (+3, if I remember, of their anthos that were planned for print). If you want to support them, check out the forum here to see how to go about buying one of their ridiculously awesome novels!

(Trials)

I recently posted chapter 19 (titled "Between the Devil and the Deep Crimson Sea) up on fanfiction.net! After that, the count of chapters left to write and post, including the epilogue, is 7. Just 7! The end is near, folks! And I've got 122 reviews on it, and it'll end up being way longer (word count) than Untested was. Now if I could translate this power I have for this story into some of my novels or other fanfics. Anyhoo, the sequel to Trials will be call Tribulation, so there's something to chew on while you wait for chapter 20!

(NaNoWriMo)

Have I outlined? Nope. I actually negative outlined. Do I need to? Like you wouldn't believe! I need to get to 50 next month--while writing and working and doing holiday stuff and moving--and I have no plan past chapter one. Actually, I need this novel to end up being about 80k when it's finish. So, yeah. Oh, and speaking of that...

(Novellas)

So I added about 1500 or so words to Aftershock the other day. Yay moment, right? Yeah, I should have added it to Winds of Change. That's the one that's got an honest to God deadline. Something else I need to be working on. And another one that I only have a vague outline for. Not to mention the slew of other novellas I have planned that I haven't even started!

(50 States of SPN)

I've got a vague outline--no title--for my fic set in Alaska. I have a really good idea of what I want to happen in it and how I want it to happen. But for the one in Alabama? I've got a vague outline of the beginning. Have no idea how I'm ending this. I need to do more research for both, really, but mostly for the Alabama one. Of which I have no title for. Yeah. Posting for this begins Dec. 1st. Yikes, right?

(Wishlist 2011)

I have all 12 of my prompts! I'll be doing a post on my LiveJournal account of the complete list. They'll be in order I got them (not necessarily the order I'll do them in). Posting starts for that on Dec. 1st as well. I have a couple of those I have to research for, but only a couple. I'm sort of working on one of them now, since it's a character I've never written for before (did this to myself).

(SPN Crossover Big Bang)

What's a big bang? Well, as it was explained to me, it's where a fanartist and a fanficcer meet up. The fanficcer writes a story (in this case, a crossover and a long one), and the artist does fanart for that story. There is a sign up period (Jan 11th-Feb 25th) and several checkpoints. Posting of the fanfic--which is beta-read beforehand--doesn't begin until June. By then, the writer has written the complete fic, and the artist has done the art for it. Now, the big question is, am I doing this? Well, to be honest, I'm considering it. What Supernatural Crossover will I be doing? That's part of the consideration. I either have to come up with one, or stretch the one I have in my mind into a chapter-length fic. Of course, with the stretching idea comes the fact that I need to complete a particular sequel fic first. And I could do that. I could. I could work on both and post only the sequel fic. Then, ideally, it'll be done by June, in which I could post the Big Bang fic. But that's crazy, right? I just don't know. I'd really like some imput on that one.

And I think that's everything. I mean, I have a few other things going on that I need to do (flyers and craigslist related, oddly enough). Well, until then, here's my NaNo calender.

That Ol' Knot Is Back

By that, I mean the knot in my stomach. Yes, this isn't an update on my writing so much as a personal rant/seeking advice. I have a lot of things on my plate that are worrying my at present. I mean, really. I'm still searching for a job--although I totally just applied for a Tech Writing job that I am oh-so qualified for. And I need money. Now.

Enter the desperation. Now, I'm not "selling illegal stuff" desperate or "selling an organ I'm still using" desperate, but I'm pretty bad off. I've applied and applied, and barely got a nibble. I'm tired of not bringing in any cash. I mean, don't get me wrong, most of the stories I've submitted and got accepted have a payment attached, but these are short stories. They don't pay much, and they only pay when they're in print/online. And I know what some might think: "Well, just finish the any number of longer works you're working on." Yeah, well, I kind of need money to do that. Can't write if I don't have a place to write in.

But let me get to the seeking advice part of this blog. I stumbled across Hubpages.com and I've done a little research. They're legit. However, I don't know if doing this would be a waste of my time. Do I sign up and go for it, or what? I think I might just.

Anyhow, my point is thus: I'm a college graduate with a BS in English (haha, I know). I've been working in the independent publishing (fiction) game practically since I left UNA's doors. I have library experience, as well as experience dealing with massive amounts of teens at once. I can write like nobody's business. Wanna know what I'm not good at? Job hunting. I could use some help there. I don't want to work in fast food--or food at all, if I can help it. Not because I think I'm "above it," but because I think I'd be the worker that everyone would mutter, "Are you freakin' serious? She messed up that?" in those situations. I'm not a terribly confident person sometimes, so I'm not sure I can handle that. But there are 9 to 5 jobs I'm pretty sure I could do. Retail, for example. Why the hell can't someone just hire me? I feel like I've gone in the same circles, round and round for nothing.

So, if anyone out there reading this knows of someone who might be interested in an English major with a history minor who has a crapton o' library experience, give me chat. Meanwhile, screw it. I'm signing up with hubpages.

Facebook Etiquette

Just a quick rant here. So, I'm sure that all of you now have several family members in your Facebook friend's list. Okay, that's awesome. But I'm having a really sucky night, and I feel like I can't properly use my Facebook anymore to vent that like I used to. I'd really like to post a status that truly expresses how I feel, but not only to I have family on there, I have former employers on there as well. And what I wanted to post could be taken the wrong way. Not to mention that I posted a quote from Michael C. Hall that talks about how he feels playing Dexter, and one of my relatives kinda got a little freaked out, I think. I hate this!


Well, since I can't post it on Facebook, here was the status that I WAS going to post just a few seconds ago:

Patricia Louise Puckett is having one of those days when, to quote Foamy, "The world sucks, and everybody sucks, and you just want to kill everybody, but you can't because of the legal ramifications."

The Count..and No, Not the Fangy One

Number of Papers Done= 1 of 1 left
Number of Finals Done= 4 of 5
Number of Chapters Done= 2 of a total of 10 (rules applying, of course)
Number of Days Left in the LRC= 2
Number of Days Until Graduation= 3
Amount of Xmas Decorating Done= None :( *intense saddness*)
Amount of Xmas Shopping Still to be Done= A fair amount...
Number of Hours of Sleep Today= 2 1/2
Number of Hours Left in the LRC Tonight= 4
Number of Tassels Bought for Graduation to Please Everyone= 2, plus the one that came with the set (sad, no?)


Well, just a small update.

Bogged Down and Ready for Something to Happen

Well, all is going well for the Trishverse. I have my other half of my loan, which means my money worries are over...I'm still trying to be judicious with my money, mind you, but at least now I can get started on my Xmas shopping. Which, I've already bought my Father's gift and part of dear Slinky's gift...and I already had part of Kimmi's gift...so I'm doing fine.

Above you see a new obsessive pastime of mine...thank you, Slinky...Thanks to her introducing me to the Gimp Program, I am now free to do my own fanart...and so it began. This is one of my two favorites (I've done three...working on a fourth with several more planned.). Also, I finally got my nanovid out...I was really happy with it!

School's going fine...I had a change of work schedules, which is tiring me out even more trying to adjust...My writing has been nil...that part is really what's bothering me...I wanted to finish All Fall Down before Nano...I'm still going to try, despite that I've got a crapload of plans this weekend...

As for Nano, I realized something the other day...I think, for me, I've been going about it all wrong these past few years...I've been too concerned about keeping up with the word count...which is important, but it bogs me down. However, I've found that if I just take it a chapter at a time, not concerned with word count, I actually get more words (see Untested and Years After for examples of this, haha). So, that's how I'm looking at it this year. 50, 000 words, yes...but one chapter at a time.

So, that's it for me. Until next time!

Welcome to Monday...

My 9am class was cancelled, but I came early anyhow to work on the internet. I actually managed to sleep through the night until a decent hour!

Blah, I have an hour until my class...and then work. I've nothing really to blog about...I'm going to the beach this weekend!! I can't wait!

um...so, that's all...nothing eventful, like, at all.

The Trishverse, Since the Last Time I've Blogged...

Okay, so this is what has happened since the last time I've been here:

1) The Apartment Situation

Okay, so we found out that the owner/manager of that apartment was a shyster. So, we continued out search. We found a better deal. It's a bit smaller, but the perfect size for us. But, we haven't heard yes or no on whether we have it or not. It's been about two weeks since we applied. So, Preston's going up to the office Monday and no leaving without an answer.

2) My Fanfiction List

Okay, since I'm on my own computer, here's my list of fanfics that I plan to complete in order:

--Untested (only four more updates to go!)
--Baby Makes Three
--How to be a Dhampire
--All Fall Down
--Tip of the Theological
--Of Old Gods and Archaeologists
--Pardoning the Prince
--Youth and Innocence

I'm still pushing along, but since I'm at home...yeah, my writing tends to slow down...(well, right now I'm at Preston's...). Well, I found what I have of my re-write of Dark Mistress and the Lady of Light...I intend to continue to work on that. I also feel a desire to begin my notes for NaNoWriMo (be proud, Slink.). And I'm still working on the original fics I mentioned last post. So, working on it...still not publishable....

3) Work

I've completed one month with Upward Bound...and we didn't ever have to call Mrs. Freeman down after dark-thirty! Go us! All I've got left is the trip! Six Flags and the Georgia Aquarium! I'm so excited!! I didn't get to work with the LRC this month...no big loss. Since I'm not living over there yet, that just would have been too difficult. I'm not taking a class this summer, so they couldn't hire me on federal, and they ran out of the University Fund. Like I say, no big loss.

4) The Death of Michael Jackson

Okay, so this affected me more that even I thought it did. I tried to hide it when I first heard. Finally, while staying at Savvy's, Slink asked me how bad it affected me, on a scale from 1 to 10. I said 5...which, as it turns out, wasn't entirely true. It was really like an 8. I'd been fighting tears for days, and would tear up if I thought about it too hard...but I'd always been able to control it. Then, I'm reading an article to Mom--she couldn't read the small print--about the memorial...and I bust out balling. I mean, I was sobbing. I put the newspaper down and said, through tears, "I'm sorry. I just can't read anymore." I've been listening to nonstop Jackson music--mostly Smooth Criminal, it was my favorite. We have two newspapers and two magazines about it...So, Michael...I hope you're at peace now.

Well, that's all about that's happened. The fireworks at the Fourth were fantastic! We had over 2000 dollars worth! I loved it! Well, until the next time I have internet access...

See you!

Writing Goals...Still Not Publishable...

Okay, so I've made fanfiction goals. No, I haven't abandoned my original writing, I'm working on it as well. I just take more time on it than I do my fanfics because I care about it more. Anyway...

I have a list of fics to finish in the near future. At the top of the list, my CV fic, Untested, followed by my Batman: TAS fic, Baby Makes Three...the list goes on to cover I think ten or a little less of my currently on going fics.

I'm working on a short story sequel/follow-up to Babelmouth called Fun, Sun, and Spells. Expect that on Fictionpress soon! I'm also going to be putting out the next chapter of Dilemma sooner than I did the last one, promise!

On a personal note, I has an apartment! It's 2 bed, 2 bath, $385 a month and allows pets after the pet deposit is paid! Or at least, I'll have it after our co-signer is approved. Which he should be. I'm so excited!!! My move-in date is expected to be the end of this month, so...yay!

Well, gotta go. I'm at work!

Post-Spring Break...Blah

Okay, so I'm a tinesy, tiny bit behind in a couple of my classes. However, at least now I have a subject for my Lit. Crit. paper. One down, one to go. I still haven't finished my grammar test--but I'm a decent ways through it...sort of. I don't have a subject for my History and Historical Research Paper...but I have figured out what my prose reading selection will be for Oral Tradition. I'm going to read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes short story, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." My favorite Holmes story--not to mention the first piece of Holmesian lit. I was introduced to.

So, Spring Break was nothing but sleep, play with the cats, watch TV, do one fanfic chapter, get my taxes filled, and pretend to get some work done. Not much unless you list it like I just did. A Guild challenge is due tonight that I meant to finish over SB...didn't happen...I started it, just didn't finish it. Then tomorrow, I must work on my April Fool's challenge for the Guild...yikes.

By the way, anyone out there want a kitten? Free to a good home!

So, that's it for me...I'll be back to blog about something more interesting maybe tomorrow. Bye!

Tis the Season for...Eating Turkey!

Okay, so I'm still behind in two (technically) of my classes, but I'm not worried. It's not really as much as I thought. And I've got time, just not that much.

I check out of my dorm at noon and I'm gone home until Sunday sometime at 1pm. And I've got a busy schedule for the holidays. It is as follows:

Tues, Nov. 25-- Check out, pick up Mom from work, prepare shopping lists, check Christmas lights, make admendments to shopping list.

Wed, Nov. 26-- Go with Mom to pick up her check, shop for rest of Thanksgiving stuff, fill out for advance on Income Tax, possibly go see Twilight

Thurs, Nov. 27-- Turkey Day! Cooking, eating, cleaning up, sleeping

Fri, Nov. 28-- Black Friday! This is the first time I'll have ever shopped on Black Friday! I'm so excited! I really get to be the aggressive shopper I am because it's actually expected on this day!

Sat, Nov. 29-- Decorate my house for Xmas. One of my favorite things to do! This means listening to Xmas music and swearing at my decorations...and planning as I go...I love it!

Sun, Nov. 30-- Pack for dorm, get back to dorm, do any remaing homework that absolutely needs to be done.

What's great about this is my exams start Dec. 5 and I can check out of my dorm on Dec. 11. I only have two actual exams--and I've got a week to work on one of them. I have a book report, of sorts, due in American History I on the day of the exam--which is comprehensive. I've got a paper (8-10 pages) due in Chaucer by the 10th. And my Creative Writing Portfolio is due on Dec. 5. I also work in between these days.

So, gotta go now. I'm at work once again. Must go check email and harrass my fellow RPGers.