An Overall Blah

Clouds have invaded the east coast, and they appear too comfortable to leave. Every professor who comes into my office at work mentions the clouds. In fact, one said, "Now, Emily, it's your job to make sure the sun comes out tomorrow."
Unfortunately, I don't have any special contacts with mother nature.
Not only is the lack of sun depressing, but it drains the motivation too. While rainy days are awesome for writing, consecutive cloudy days?
...Not so much.
Which is why I'm coming clean. I haven't worked on THESE WICKED WATERS since my resolution post. 

I haven't been totally lazy. I've been hard at work prepping SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS for Ink & Insight's contest. (Anyone care to beta read 10,000 words???) But I know I need to get back on track, good weather or not.
Wish me luck. I've got a whole new chapter to write for TWW. You have no idea the massive editing that has been done on this book. I just hope it's worth it!

First is the Worst

Time for a confession, readers. My sweet, easy-going demeanor covers a dirty secret:

I'm slit-your-throat competitive. 

Except I don't go announcing it. Instead I keep it bottled up and hidden.

Until now.

Woops.

Believe it or not, the italicized confession above is 100% true. In fact, I had such a hard time reading when I was a kid because I wasn't perfect right away. Rather than painfully sound words out, I refused to read at all.

Obviously I've had some personality growth since my five-year-old days. Proof in the fact that I am typing this.

Even still, at 22 I hate to be anything other than first. I hate participating in anything where I might not be picked as Number One, The Lead, or win the Biggest Prize. You could say, rather than I'm overly competitive, that I have an ego/pride problem. I wouldn't correct you there.

This summer has been full of writing contests (contests which I've eagerly entered). And in none of them have I "won" the elusive (and mostly figurative) First Place.

My pride is rather irked at this. So much so that it brings to mind the elementary poem:

First is the worst.

Second is the best.

Third is the one with the treasure chest.

Though for third, with immature fifth graders, it was usually Third is the one with the hairy chest.

But I'm turning over a new leaf. Or at least attempting to. There's nothing wrong with being "unperfect," "last place," or "a greenie."

Wherever you are in the Scale of Life, embrace it. Each moment is fleeting. Be thankful for the opportunity and for the adventure.

I'm trying to be.

*Don't forget to enter my contest for a $15 Amazon gift card--only 18 DAYS left!

Vlog #5: Judging & Interviewing Books, A Confession