The 2007 CBC Literary Awards

I get email notifications for this contest every year. I have only entered the once. I think I might give it another shot this year. Short stories are hard for me, but if I don't practise, then I won't get any better.

I have been thinking of what I could write, and I think I have decided. I was in the book store yesterday (picking up a copy of Anne Rice's The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty), and I realized that it has been a long time since I have found a good vampire story.

Now, I define a good vampire story as something that has more to it than just sex and biting. There are other issues that I think could do with exploring.

In thinking about it, I have had flashes of some cool ideas for my own vampire coven (including a vampire who wears only the brightest primary colours). I haven't decided all the details of my vampires yet, but I think that I might write a bit of an introduction to the story, and send it in to the Literary Awards.

I figure that the worst that will happen is that I will lose $20.  I think I can live with that if it in any way helps to advance my writing career.

--Phae

Gratitude Catch-Up

Haven't been feeling terribly grateful lately. I have actually been feeling a little ... hazy lately. I never know how to explain it. I just know that I need to find some way to help ground myself or October is going to be a really weird month.

Anyway ... Gratefulness:

1) I am grateful for the cooking channel. One of the best parts about the Harvest Home season is finding new and interesting recipes to try. Mmm, plum and fig glazed pork chops!

2) I am grateful for hot coffee. The simple act of drinking warm drinks helps to remind me of the here and now.

3) I am grateful for growth. Sometimes I feel like I should know things before they become as obvious as a smack in the face, but I am glad that I am not so set in my ways that I can't recognize when something needs to change.

4) I am grateful for good friends. Everyone has so far been so great in encouraging me with my new passion. WD has even suggested creating a storefront for my hair falls once I get going with it.

5) I am grateful for the fall. I may have said this already, but I absolutely love the cool and misty time of year. It's very magical for me.

6) I am grateful for resilience. WD has been having a tough time of things lately, but he is resilient enough to not let it get him too far down. He is also vocal enough so that I can try to help him before things get really bad.

--Phae