Diary of a Girl-Next-Door Heavy Metal Novelist

May 18, 2004
I guess the time had come. I've known it would get here sooner or later, but I'm not crazy about it. As I make progress in editing, I'll start to have a pretty good idea of page numbers. What does that mean? It means I'll be ready to ask certain unnamed people for permission to use things like, say, song lyrics in my book. No biggie. The process is the same as it was for movie rights. I'm a seasoned pro at that stuff. I just have to tell said people which lyrics and what pages. Part two is much scarier: story.

Do you think he can smell my fear?

May 19, 2004
I'm getting some momentum now. Over the next few days, I have some official meetings and informal consultation time set up. I've written some outlines for my next few pen-named articles, and I even made time for the new love in my life. His name is Gym. Gym gets me all hot & sweaty and he doesn't mind when I watch tv during our physical activities. I like that he's pretty set on indoor fun. For a homebody like me, that's perfect. Luckily, he seems to attract a lot of people who want to hang out with him, so it's not like he's anti-social. You might not believe this, but you know how once you're in a relationship you can kind of let your appearance slip? I find that the more time I spend with Gym, the better I look. It's true! I don't want to get my hopes up, but I think I really like this guy.

May 20, 2004
Tomorrow morning is my big meeting with the philathropic organization that just seems like a perfect fit with my book project and my personal hopes. Tonight at karaoke, I wore my KISS Nation t-shirt and a guy in the audience gestured to it and gave me a thumbs up. After I got done singing, I saw that he had a KISS tattoo on his ankle. I took it as a sign that things will go well tomorrow.

May 21, 2004
What a day. I met with the philanthropic group with whom I'd like to work. The two gentlemen to talked to me were very nice, albeit appropriately skeptical. When it comes right down to it, I don't have a deep, direct connection with the cause (which is a blessing when you think about it). Also, there may be concerns about my image. Yep. They were very gentle about it, but I got the idea that the girl-next-door may not be girl-next-door enough. Rats. They didn't say no, and there's no way I'm giving up. I can do amazing things as an educator and a motivator if they put me to work. The next step is for them to read my draft manuscript. I should probably call Mr. Simmons in the meantime to see if he'll change the title of his new album.

Hey! One of my musician friends has 2 songs available for illegal downloading. I am not going to tell you who the artist is because I don't want to promote such activities, but I feel like that's an indicator of making it in Rockstarland. Friend, you're on your wy to the next step of fame: having your personal assistant steal your naughty home videos and posting them online. Hooray!

All day I felt like my mom's spirit was very close to me. Tonight, I almost hit 2 deer. Deer happen to be a symbol of maternal love. If that was her, she came pretty close to wrecking my cute car. Sheesh.

May 22, 2004
Oh. My. God. I am seriously stoked. I had breakfast with an artist friend of mine this morning so I could get his opinion of some proposed art ideas for my book. I'm not saying I don't like what my benefactor's people have done so far, but I'm not an expert, and Jeff is. He not only seemed to understand my vision, he came up with some other stuff that deserves consideration.

When I got home, I talked to the latest reader of Won't Get Fooled Again. She stepped in during a period when the person who was supposed to be editing it had to deal with a personal crisis. I loved her feedback, and it made me want to get back to my "If I'm not concentrating on my book I don't deserve to breathe" work ethic. Luckily, my friend Gym gives me balance.

May 23, 2004
After spending time with Gym, I can feel my muscles pinging. I don't know how else to describe it, except that there are itty bitty fire crackers popping inside my body. Now, I'm getting the same static electicity sensation in my brain. Creatively, artistically, entrepreneurially... this summer is going to be the 4th of July for two months straight. I ran into Jeff tonight and I could tell he had the same zing. As long as I can convince a certain gentleman to take a chance, I think great things are in store.

May 24, 2004
Did I say yesterday that I thought great things are in store? Wrong. I will settle for nothing less than spectacular. My friend, Melissa, reminded me tonight that I have every reason to love -- LOVE -- Won't Get Fooled Again. I once told a man that I wouldn't date anyone who couldn't compete with Jackson Hellam. Now I remember why. Oh, Melissa, I adore you. UR B.U.T.ful.

May 25, 2004
Would it come as a great surprise to anyone that I have authority issues? In my baby book, I'm pretty sure it's documented that one of my earliest quotes was, "Don't tell me what to do." How did I get so luck to be working with the most amazing publisher/entrepreneur/whateveryouwanttocallhim? He believes in me and doesn't seem to mind when I go off in my own direction. It's so cool. I want to make him proud (and make him a profit).

I've been procrastinating in my editing, but now I can't wait to get to work. Melissa, formerly of Secret Reader fame, gave me FUN editing to add to the pile of "wrong word" and "awkward sentence" list. Now I can dig in. I didn't realize I have this Monday off from the day job. I'm going to immerse myself in the world of my wonderful wonderful book.

I need to get to work on the next installment of my "Search for Paul Stanley's *bleep*" chronicles and my manuscript submission to the philanthropy I'm trying to woo. I'm going to start tonight, but I'm afraid my typing fingers are sore from dialing in my votes for Fantasia on American Idol. (continue)

June 8, 2004 Mr. Simmons Releases: A**HOLE