Writing on the Brain

I think of writing all the time. Ideas flow through my brain. Some I write down, some I don't. Some I kick myself later for forgetting. I wish I had some sort of program that took the ideas flowing through my brain, turn them into words, and type them out. Or maybe a voice program where I could just talk out ideas and the computer automatically types out everything I say.

So many of my ideas slip away and don't make it onto paper or computer. I need to work on that. Every idea is important. Even blogging - sometimes I think of something really awesome to blog about and then POOF! it's gone.

I think about the first story I ever wrote. It was about a couple of kids living on their own, I think it was shortly after reading The Boxcar Children. I was probably 10? I named one character Calliope, not sure what the other one was. As time went on, I wrote more and more edgy YA. Runaways, addicts, abuse, anything I could think of that would shock people. Why write this stuff? Why shock people? Because I thought there wasn't enough. I was a teenager with issues. If I wasn't going through some of this stuff, then I knew someone who was. And being a teen who liked to read, I wanted to read about it, but there wasn't much of anything about it.

No one dared.

Now it seems like lots of authors have dared. There are more and more stories out there considered edgy YA. Have I waited too long? I'm in my 30s now, can I still write YA? I think so. It might not be as crass as it once was, but some of it will still be edgy.

My first book, Natalie's Story, is about a 17 year old girl who falls in love with the wrong boy. He gets violent with her. She forgives and it happens again and again. Then to cope with things, she starts drinking and doesn't want to stop. It touches on abuse, pregnancy, and addiction.

My next book, Teagan's Story, is about a teenager with Epilepsy. I love Lurlene McDaniel. She's a wonderful author. She writes a lot about teens dealing with medical issues. I often read her books growing up and loved her stories. I wanted to branch out to other disorders or illnesses that aren't written about as often. Teagan, who has been home schooled because of her uncontrolled seizures, finds herself in public school when her parents unexpectedly die. This book is about how she deals with Epilepsy on a daily basis.

And coming up? Caelyn's Story. Another medical YA novel. She needs a heart transplant.

I have so many ideas... if I only knew people were interested.

Now is your chance! Leave a comment here. Join my Facebook fan page. Leave a review on Amazon. Help me get recognized! Be a part of it, I won't forget!

Lions, Tigers and BUGS?

Two things to vent about tonight, both having to do with breastfeeding.

Ready?

First, I read that some people are boycotting Old Navy because they are selling a onesie that says "FORMULA POWERED". I'm certainly not shocked, and even though I don't shop there often, I doubt I'll boycott their store. What offends me is that they don't have a onesie that says "BREASTMILK POWERED". How hard is that? Make both sides happy. Although I'm not sure both sides would be happy, it is the right thing to do.

Someone commented that Cafe Press sells formula shirts, however Cafe Press also sells breastfeeding shirts. I think that's the problem here, Old Navy needs to sell a shirt promoting breastfeeding as well. Why aren't they?? C'mon Old Navy, get with it!

Second, I heard on the news that some formulas are being recalled due to bugs. Yes, you read that right, BUGS. Go ahead and Google it if you don't believe me. Certain Similac powered formulas have been recalled because they have been contaminated by insect parts or larvae. Really? REALLY? That is disgusting! No, that is beyond disgusting!

I am speechless. Well, obviously, only to a point. I don't get it, people. I don't. I understand if you're on dangerous medication. I understand if you don't have the ability to make milk - some illness or deformity. But, to all you lazy people... feed your babies the way God intended! Feed them the way your body intended. The milk that comes out of your breasts is meant for your babies!!!!!!!! Not the poisonous, bug infected, stinky formula that some company makes.