Time to pack up!

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How is it the last day of camp already?! It seems like just yesterday I was settling into the routine of writing, revising, and reconnecting with my story, and now it's ending!

You may be thinking, "What next, Haley?" And here's my answer: I just keep writing. To be honest, my story felt more finished when I started Camp than it does now. In the process of revising, I was reminded of plot holes and character inconsistencies and elements that I want to draw out and develop more.

So now you're wondering, "Well, what exactly did you do during Camp then?!" And here's my answer: I was figuring that stuff out. I don't think that there's any way to "revise" or "edit" a novel in complete control. And if there is, I sure haven't found it. But I also believe that no writing session is wasted. Perhaps you'll scrap the whole thing, but that's because you realized it wasn't right. And in that realization, you got a little bit closer to what is right.

Here's where I'm at: My novel is a mess. It's all over the place. Like I said in my first letter, revising is kind of like remodeling a house: it's going to get a LOT messier before it gets prettier. And to be honest, I think this month of Camp was 100% making it messier. And that's okay. Because one day, it'll stop getting messier and start getting prettier. And I just have to keep writing until I get to that day.

New May Wallpapers & Folder Icons!

This week, I also had lots of Arts & Crafts time to work on some new wallpapers and folder icons for the month of May. If you're looking for a fresh way to update your desktop for spring, mix and match these wallpapers and icons for a new look!

Click here to read the post and to download the collection.

As we laugh, and eat, and talk over the boring parts of the movie, I’m suddenly struck with a new feeling. Today I've been so wrapped up in the memory of losing Mom that I almost didn’t notice the family I still have, the family I’ve gained. Jon and Dad talk about old war films and I can only sit back and take it in. It’s a new normal, and it feels good.

“Elle?” Jon says.

“What?” I snap out of it.

“She was probably having a better conversation with herself,” Dad jokes.

I bump my shoulder into his. “Just thinking,” I say.

“Jon was just saying that he got some ice cream too,” Dad says.

I look over a Jon, my appreciation showing on my face. “My hero,” I say.

“Chocolate or chocolate?” he asks.

I think I’m in love.

Although it's sad to say goodbye to Camp NaNoWriMo, I am so glad to be leaving with new friends, new ideas, and (hopefully!) a stronger writing habit and direction.