Spotlight, Shining Out for You and Me

Sticker spotlight, that is. As I am on a deadline, and don't have a lot of time to post today, I thought I'd reveal the story behind some of my stickers that recently got their 15 minutes of fame on Alison Tyler's blog. So, here are a few of my favorites and where they came from. I hope this keeps you guys busy until I am done with these stories. They are being a bit difficult at the moment.

Sticker 1: Apparently, naughty language is a big deal in Virginia Beach, VA. So, they have signs up with this insignia, imploring you to clean up your dirty mouth. Some industrious person then decided to make shirts and stickers. I loved the sticker immediately.

Sticker 2: Purchased at the Tower Theatre in October of 2004, Morrissey played a wonderful, amazing, perfect concert in support of his album, You Are the Quarry.

Sticker 3 (BONUS): Didn't actually make it into the original pictures, as it lives on the side of the CD holder. I got this sticker in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. They are keen to get their own Australian Rules Football team, and they were having spectators at the game sign petitions to show their support. They also gave away free stickers. My opinion probably didn't do much for them, as I live in the good ol' USA, but I had to have those stickers.

I Want the World to Know, Got To Let it Show

Well, I bit the bullet this past weekend, and told the people I'm closest to what has been going on in my life. I originally told myself I was keeping everything quiet because I wanted to wait until I had something concrete to show them. But, even after the acceptances came in, then the contracts and finally the hard copies, I was still reluctant.

I'm not 100% sure why. I didn't think they would disown me, or even be that upset. I guess I was just so excited about everything, I didn't want anyone else's opinions to ruin it for me.

But, as I happily found out, I shouldn't have worried at all. My mom and sister were both stoked for me. My mom even requested a copy of the magazine that just came out. So, now pretty much everyone knows, or soon will. And, I have to say it feels so good. Not only because keeping it quiet was silly, but because I can finally celebrate something that has been making me so happy. It was tough to keep it under wraps for a number of reasons.

In some small way, the truth has set me free. As stupid as that sounds.

My Music is Where I'd Like You to Touch

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a music junkie. All my blog post titles are song lyrics. I can't even begin to write a story without music blaring through the headphones or speakers. My recently published piece in Bust was about splitting records after a break up and titled after Led Zeppelin.

I find music to be the one thing that always inspires me. When the well is dry, the right song can turn everything around. Lately, Ben Lee's album Ripe has been privy to a slew of new work, helping to coax the lines right out of my head. But, there are many albums that work for me. Nothing gets my (writing) juices flowing like a good song.

What inspires you? If you like to write dirty things, do you need dirty music playing to do it? What music is playing when you clack away at those keys?

Wanna Buy Five Copies for my Mother

More great things in my mailbox! The newest issue of Bust Magazine, featuring little old me, showed up Thursday. Needless to say, I am beyond excited. It officially hits the stands on the 22nd for all you non-subscribers. So, make sure you all run out and pick it up. Grab one for a friend too while you are at it! The issue features the lovely Eva Amurri on the cover, daughter of the fierce Susan Sarandon. So, I'm in very good company.

There is something to be said for seeing your name in print and knowing that other people can actually read your stuff; hold it in their hands. I'm overwhelmed by it, even though I knew it was coming. I'm just so happy things are finally happening for me.

Let me know what you think of the story, I'd love some feedback on my very first hard-copy published work.

If She Does it Like This, Will You Do it Like That?

I took a break from my busy schedule today to go out for a nice walk. On my way back, I stopped at the mailbox and found a package inside.

It seems Alison Tyler's porn closet is too full, so she's been giving away a book a day. I was lucky enough to entice her with a comment that was book-worthy. So, I received my copy of Crossdressing edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel today.

But, that wasn't all. There were also some lovely love stickers and a gorgeous tube of Vincent Longo lip gloss in a fierce pink called Fioresh.

Thank you so much Alison. You made my day. Now back to work.

I Close My Door at Night, but They Get in All Right

Why is it that my most creative moments happen in the middle of the night? I lay down to sleep, and my mind starts spinning tales. Good stuff, too. So, I have to get up and write down what I am thinking, or type it up. But, when you live with someone else, that can be complicated.

I can't just flick on the light and write it up. I have to sneak down the hall and get it down on paper quietly. Or, try and remember it until I wake up the next day.

Why can't I be inspired during daylight hours like normal people? I've never been much of a morning person, but it is hard to be a productive member of society when at 3am, you are staring into a computer screen getting down that key turn of phrase that can change a story from garbage to great. Right now, I'll take whatever I can get, but just once I would like to be struck with genius during the afternoon talk shows. Or at the very least when it is more convenient to get it out of me.

Oh well, I better go see what is on YouTube. I mean, now that I'm up . . .