A-ha!

Nicholas Sparks has struck again!

If there are any Nicholas Sparks fans out there like I am, then you'll probably share in my excitement when you hear that his newest novel has been released. If you are like me, then you're not about to wait for the book to come out in paperback. That would be pure torture! You'll buy the hardcover version and read it cover to cover, unable to pull yourself from it until it's finished. Unfortunately, following the completion of the book, you'll experience an intense sense of sadness, not only because his books have a tendency to make you cry, but also because you know that you'll have to wait at least a year until he releases another book. Nevertheless, the long awaited book is well worth the wait and I personally have never been disappointed.

I had planned on doing a review on his latest novel that was released in October, At First Sight, but would rather share my thoughts on the author's writings in general. I am a fanatic when it comes to this man and own every book that he has ever written. I literally run out and buy the book the second it hits the shelves and if I am unaware of a new release and see the book sitting there in front of me at the store then the surprise is even better! There are very few authors who have captured me with every single novel they've published. Many times I will choose an author's work because I have read a previous book by them that I enjoyed, or because they were suggested by someone to me. Often I tend to be disappointed. If you love one of Sparks' books you will enjoy them all. Just ask one of his fans!

I truly love the way that Nicholas has incorporated his family life into his stories. A couple of his books are based on actual family members. The characters of his novels are all named after his children: Miles, Ryan, Landon, Lexie and Savannah. His novel, Three Weeks with My Brother is a very personal account of his life that I thought was very touching. It was nice to get to know the author on a more personal level and it gave me great insight into how this man creates such amazing stories. The struggles that he has faced in his life have definitely left him with something to write out.

"None of my characters are rich or famous, and the situations they find themselves in could happen to anyone".
Nicholas Sparks

I typically do not read love stories anymore. I used to read Jude Deveraux books faithfully but grew tired of the same love story. Girl meets boy, he hates her-she hates him, and then they fall in love and live happily ever after (something along those lines). I prefer reality! So, If you are looking for a love story without all of the mush (the fairy tale, never going to happen in a million years love story) then pick up any one of his books and prepare to be swept.

If I may toot my own horn...

I thought that I would use this post to share my good news with all of you. I was nominated by my college to receive honorary award recognition by having my biography published in the 2005/2006 National Deans List Association book. While I am proud of the accomplishment that I have made, I felt a little silly at first because the nomination was being sent from MCC, a mere community college, not a more prestigious school like Harvard, or my dream school-John Jay University. I know several people who have made the Deans List, so besides feeling good about myself it was really not that big of a deal-or so I thought. Then I read that only ½ of 1% of all students receive this honor. I also realized that while I was nominated by MCC I will be recognized nationally with other students around the country and have my biography published in a book (that I’m sure only those who made the list will read).

As most adult students would probably agree, being a returning  student is a lot of work. It takes time to get back into “school mode” after being in the work place for so long. I started taking part time classes almost two years ago while working full time at my previous job. When the company closed the doors last December, I took the opportunity that presented itself and decided to go to school full time. I had always wanted to go back full time and obtain my degree but never had the courage, or the means for that matter, to actually do it. Who can afford to quit their job and receive no income while going to school? It also seemed impossible to go to school full time and still have time to work.

Well for those of you out there who have struggled with the same dilemmas that I have in the past-it is possible. Especially with the fairly new invention of on-line, or distance learning. I was a full time student last semester taking all on-line classes. On-line classes might not work for everyone. Access to a high speed internet is required for starters, but motivation is the key. As for me-I love on-line classes. What could be better than going to school in your p.j.’s? Another benefit of taking classes from home is eliminating the drive to campus, especially during the winter months and with gas prices being so high.

For those of you who are looking to attend a SUNY school, or have debated taking a night time class but don’t have the time, check out the SUNY Learning Network for more information on on-line classes.

Stress Over Posting

Here's a question, what do you write about when you have nothing to say and no topic in mind? You ponder, and stress, and stress some more, and then you give up and write a post about it!

Being the newcomer to the WME team, with little to no blogging experience prior to my arrival I might add, I have been uncomfortable knowing that the day was approaching where it was my turn to write a post in this blog.

Being a college student I am quite familiar with writing when I have to. The difference between this task and writing a college paper is that college determines the topic rather than allowing me the freedom to write whatever I please. I have been programmed to write only what is required using at least 1000 words or more, the equivalent of four pages double spaced, with one inch margins on each side. This I can pull off in no time at all. When asked to write a simple post on this blog, however, I found that it took me weeks to create just a few sentences.

So this is my post - showing the frustration and anxieties that go into writing something for the first time - something that other people may actually read. Especially when you are working in an environment surrounded by talented authors! This group of individuals has published books as well as managing their own blogs - that they write in daily. A little intimidating, you may agree?

So here is my challenge-can I impress my boss and colleagues with my somewhat mediocre to hopefully potentially fabulous writing ability? Any advice out there?