Writing Adventures and an Introduction

Hey everyone!  How's your 2015 going so far?  I've been working on a post of goals for 2015, but it probably won't be up until later this week (good thing avoiding procrastination isn't on my list of goals). ;)

A long while ago, I shared with all of you about my dream of writing my books and getting them published.  In fact, as most of you know, the whole reason I started this little blog four and a half years ago was to gain experience for the day I'd need to do a book blog for marketing.

Today, I'm much closer to achieving that goal.  My first book is over halfway written, and the rest of it is outlined.  I have the basic structure figured out of the three books to follow.  I have a wonderful writing friend who is helping me edit my book.  (Thanks, Rich! You're the best!) :)

Even more exciting is the amazing opportunity coming my way this March.  Every year, there is a writers conference at Mount Hermon, a Christian conference center in Santa Clara, CA.  This year is the first year it's been possible for me to try to attend.  I've already earned over half of my admission fee, thanks to a scholarship from the conference, several gifts from friends, and the sale of some old silverware.  I also have a ride and a roomie lined up (one of my fellow writing buddies). :)

At Mount Hermon, aspiring writers have the chance to listen to great speakers and meet with editors, agents, and publishers to discuss their writing projects.  This is a huge opportunity for me to find someone interested in publishing my books, or at the very least get some good feedback on what I need to change.  I would also get to meet one of my favorite Christian authors, Robin Jones Gunn, who will be the keynote speaker. :D  Well, okay, I'm not sure if I'll actually get to "meet" her, but I'll at least get to hear her speak, and maybe get a signed book. ;)

Honestly, there's a lot I don't know yet since I'm such a newbie to this whole thing.  I'm super excited, though!  It's been incredible how God has provided the admission fees so far.  In fact, when He provided the means for my initial deposit, I had just made up my mind that Mount Hermon was not going to be a possibility. :}

Since I still have around $400 to go, one of my writing friends suggested I try a Kickstarter campaign to raise the rest.  I thought about it for a while and decided to give it a shot.  My Kickstarter page is up and live.  You can see it HERE.  [Side note: After receiving a comment about pledging on Kickstarter, I realized it might be helpful to connect all of you to the Kickstarter FAQ for backers page, which you can see HERE.  This should tell you everything you need to know about how pledging on Kickstarter works.] :)

Now, here's the thing.  I don't want to make this a big focus on this blog, so I won't be mentioning it again (except for the shout outs to my supporters).  I'm not into pressuring people for money, and I'm confident that if the Lord wants me to go, He'll provide the means necessary.  I just thought I might see if Kickstarter was one of the ways He might provide. ;)

Here's the other thing.  I realized it was kind of silly to be anonymous on Kickstarter.  I mean, if I was backing someone else's project there, I'd want to know who they were.  And it certainly wouldn't be that practical for me to write my books anonymously, so this issue would come up anyway at some point, one way or another.

So there's a nice surprise benefit here on the blog, whether you visit Kickstarter or not.  It's time for a formal introduction.

Whew, okay, here we go.

Readers of Never Grow Up, I'd like to introduce you to...me:

I never realized how scary it would be to reveal my real picture to all of you. :}  I know you all have probably had a picture of what I looked like in your head.  Hopefully the real image isn't too disappointing. ;)

So, yep, that's the real me.  Not all that glamorous.  Yes, I have some early grey streaking going on.  I'm trying to decide if I'm just going to tough it out and stick with my natural color, or give in to the overwhelming urge to highlight. :}  And no, I don't have something little and black stuck between my two front teeth.  I've got a weird little gap at the top there that's just small enough to look like food or something. ;)

And since I'm all about keeping it real here on the blog, here are a few of the shots I took when I was trying to loosen up for the camera (and figure out how the stupid selfie thing worked). ;)

Some of the pictures have different lighting because I did two different photo shoots that day.  The second photo shoot was cut short because a mosquito bit my forehead and the bite was starting to turn into a raised welt.  Also, in between shoots, a cat chose to upchuck its cat food right where I needed to take pictures.  Blech. :{

Oh, and here I am as you would see me while typing a post (I have glasses for reading and computer time):

So, my real name, as you've probably guessed, is not Belle.  It's Hannah.  I'm 33 years old.  I make funny faces when I talk.  I often speak before thinking things through and end up saying things the wrong way, much to the amusement of my family and friends.  I have the beginnings of a double chin and open pores, and bags under my eyes, too. (Kids will do that to you.)  I still don't like broccoli (unless it's chopped up and hidden in my ground turkey), and I still am working on that last stubborn 20 or so pounds I need to lose.  Chocolate and bread are my biggest downfalls.  And pizza.  And cold cereal. :}  

Don't worry, though, I'm the same person you've come to know over the past four years.  I still love dolls and toys and still geek out about Disney, Jane Austen, and My Little Pony.  Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and Frozen are still my favorite Disney films.  I love singing and writing stories.  I love my hubby and girls, even when they're driving me crazy. ;)

So really, nothing has changed.  Except that now when you read my posts, you can picture my real face.  Sorry if it'll take a while to adjust for some of you. ;)

I'll be sure to keep all of you posted on my further writing adventures and whether or not I make it to Mount Hermon.  In the meantime, I hope all of you have a wonderful week, and I'll be back with more blogging fun later! :)