The story so far...

As of right now, I have completed one novel ( The Silver Hawk ) and sent away queries to 19 agents based in the USA. I have had 2 requests for pages so far and one of those politely declined, so I am waiting on feedback from the second. I manage a blog based on the brilliant book "The 3 a.m. Epiphany" by Brian Kiteley called, surprisingly enough: "3 a.m. Epiphany Project" which was inspired by the film "Julie and Julia" with Merryl Streep. Today, I felt so inspired by the lack of disaster at recieving form rejection letters that I went out and submitted a short story of mine called "Bastet" to five different online magazines - Niteblade, Allegory, Expanded Horizons, GUD and Daikaijuzine. I'll keep you apprised on how that goes.

On a more personal note, I am a 21 year old New Zealand chick living in Christchurch and working writing into the spaces between being a Hoyts Cinema Attendant, a Psychology Tutor at University and a part-time Graphic Designer. I have a degree in Psychology and a diploma of Graphic Design. I have been with my Chinese boyfriend for five years now and I'm still trying to learn the language. I'm a lot better since taking a course in Chinese at Uni last year, but I have a long way to go.
I'm still living at home at the moment, but hoping to move out as soon as it is financially feesable (mum already has plans about what she's going to do with my bedroom!!)

I owe a couple of people a lot for giving me the confidence to write. First would have to be my English teacher at High School - Mr Brock. I thought I sucked at English until year 12 when I had the privelage of being a big fish in a small pond for once. Second equal (chronologically) would have to be my Aunt Kristina (who lives in the USA) because she told me after my very first National Novel Writing Month that she thought I could be a real author. Not saying what I wrote was anywhere near descent, but her absolute faith has been there since then and never faltered. Also my father, who still reads everything I write and thinks it's cool - love you papa! Thirdly, would have to be my friend and muse, Tehnuka. She listened in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens when all I wanted to do was talk about this story idea... for hours! She has listened ever since then, falling in love with characters entirely irrelevant to the story who suddenly become central because of her appreciation... telling me when I was making a mess of things and always keeping it real. Would you believe her degree is in Vulcanology?

Oh dear, I really could go on forever. My mum, who used to be a technical writer and is the most amazing editor. My good friend Karl, who manages Kiwireviews and gives me the most amazing opportunities to read, review and be seen.

I guess the moral of the story is: We are who we are because of the amazing people around us. I feel incredibly privelaged in that regard.

Thank you so much guys! I love you all =D