Challenge Day 2: Short and Sweet

So, my uncle offered me a job this summer working at his restaurant and since I didn't find a job once school got out I headed down to Dothan, Alabama for over a month. I figured it would be good practice for college - living without my mama for quite a long time...

I never expected it to affect my WIP*.

I started JuNoWriMo with (what I considered) a brilliant idea about a banished mermaid and an airship. I knew there was no way I would get 50k but I was hoping over the summer I would have some time to write while I was in Dothan.

I kind of added a whole background story and about ten subplots.

I've been working with some amazing people that have given me such a good picture of how a big business kitchen works. Some of these people have seriously tough lives and they're living paycheck to paycheck and have three kids to take care of - and no spouse. But wouldn't know it just to look at them... they're upbeat and cheerful so much it makes my jawbones hurt. 

I believe everything happens for a reason and one of my sweet friends has recently taught me to be intentional about believing that wherever my writing is concerned. It hit me the other day that I would never have added that extra backbone to my story -- and had so many opportunities to make new friends that will probably end up in this new story -- if I hadn't fought back all the fears of leaving home for so long and being by myself and taken a leap of faith I suppose you could say.

 I'm getting a decent amount of wordage done on this new WIP. And I'm loving the restaurant biz. :)

Love, Kenzie

Second blog post of the week guys!!! Be impressed. ;)

*WIP = work in progress 

You Stole My Star.

A couple weeks ago, whilst dutifully paying attention to a lecture about the Wild, Wild West, I had a vision. Somewhere among the British/Cowboy/Fantasy part of my brain I conjured up an image of a Duchess, swathed in a black veil, riding in a magical stagecoach. She was looking for passage across the West. She was mysterious and magical.

I immediately knew she had a story. She's been pulling my through all sorts of plots twists: airships, samurai, troubled relationships, cowboys and a strange, steampunk version of manifest destiny. She'd wink her dark brown eye, smile with a hint of a dimple and then mysteriously disappear.

She has politely refused all inquiries to her name, has stated to particular purpose or hobbies and has given no references of good character.

She's insufferable. AND THEN THERE'S THE STAR STEALING.

I blame Coldplay entirely.

I was taking a shower, minding my own business, when this song came on. The Duchess suddenly decided to reveal her life-anthem-theme-song-soundtrack-thing to me. I have no idea how exactly this fits into her story - but it does. The phrase 'you stole my star' is especially Duchess-y. I just have to figure out how.

You probably think I'm insane. I'm not... some of my characters are though. Several of them are, actually... I digress.

But seriously, does this ever happen to anyone else? Do characters bother you and send you theme songs, annoy you with half-way details of their past and generally abuse your brain?

Mine do. :/

P.S. What do you think of the new look?!?! I needed a good excuse to post something on this beauty.. although I really was quite perturbed. ;) Thank you Hannah for designing this for me! xoxox