Working on art collective thangy thangs makes me feel like I'm doing something productive with my life. After sending out emails, writing outlines and trying to get contributors, we are going to get a publication project rolling!

My eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen for too long and it's one in the morning, but I still want to post more on this blog. I'll be uploading a resolution list in a bit! Exciting? Maybe not for you, but for me? Totally. I've been completely down in the dumps up until today and now, I feel the need to take the reigns and start doing something beneficial for myself. If I'm happy and productive and doing good things for myself and other people, nothing can go wrong! Right?

...I hope so.

I usually change my mind on what I want to be, it’s almost as often as I change my clothes. However, writing seemed like the most consistent thing in my life- regardless of how much I’ve changed, I’ve always had a journal and sketch book that made me feel safe. Granted, I know that’s totally different than writing a screenplay or novel, but I’ll reread old entries and see how my writing and perspective has progressed over time. It’s nice to see that personal evolution and remember where I’ve been and how every experience has shaped me.

Last year, I wrote my very first play for San Francisco State University’s PCN and was finally able to cross it off of my list of “Things to do Before I Get Old and Die”. Okay, so I didn’t cross it off all the way because it was condensed into a 15 minute skit, but man, did it feel rewarding. I’ve even gotten a few special compliments from a former script writer (and someone I look up to very much) and it was so sweet, it made this dark girl blush. That’s quite the task, let me tell you!

After that first experience as well as getting a few piece published on The Girls Are, a music website feature female musicians, I started to think that maybe I should really give this idea a go. I mean, I basically have nothing to lose and if anything, every failure or mistake I make will be learning experience for future endeavors. Right? Oh goodness I hope so!

1. Get an internship at a magazine or publishing company

2. Take classes in creative writing and journalism

3. Write a screenplay

4. Get published in a print magazine or newspaper

5. Not suck

1. Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries

Dorky? Yes, absolutely, but I first started reading The Princess Diaries when I was around 9 or 10 and the character of Mia Thermopolis was so relatable. Throughout middle school and high school, she remained my best friend, she made me feel less weird and awkward and that if one character can feel so real, than maybe, there are other people just like me. What a comforting feeling!

2. Maria Raha, author of Cinderella's Big Score

I found an advertisement for this book in an issue of Spin Magazine, Raha was a contributor, and rushed over to the Border's to pick up a copy. Holy shit, was this one of thee most important books of my adolescence. Let's be honest, punk and hardcore has been male dominated since it's formation, whether that was intentional or not. However, there are women whose helped shape the underground music scene as well as forming their own movement, riotgrrrl. Raha's book highlights and features these gutsy ladies and their influence on music and on the girls that came after them.

3.Pati Navalta Poblete, author of The Oracles

One of the most important things in any form of creative outlet is to be able to look up to someone who comes from the same cultural background as you. I understand that regardless of cultural backgrounds, everyone has different life experiences that can't be generalized to the greater community, but that's not what I mean. What I mean is that when someone from the same community has achieved success, they serve as a great inspiration and role model.

That is what Pati Navalta Poblete is to me. Her novel is about the cultural differences between her grandparents and herself, a girl experiencing both traditional filipino and contemporary American values. She was able to beautifully recreate memories from her childhood and early adolescence that as a reader, I was convinced something similar has happened in my own life. As a writer, she inspired me to re-evaluate my life and analyze those moments when my parents traditional values and expectations intersected with my own need for independence and rebellion. Her story isn't just about being upset or angry or lonely, but it evolves into an understanding of why our parents and grandparents cling so closely to their traditions and how she grew to appreciate and love them.

So there you have it, dearest readers! My new purpose in life! I hope all works out with this, and if it doesn't, there are always other ways to be useful in this life time.

Stay lovely,

Dandy Dara