I have exciting news…I’ve just completed final edits with CICADA’s editor. (http://www.cicadamag.com/) If you aren’t familiar with this magazine, it’s part of the Cricket Magazine Group. CICADA is for teen readers, and CICADA also publishes stories written by teens as well.

My story is titled “Hamster, Vietnam War and Me,” and let me give you a little insight into the story.

Years ago I attended a writer’s conference. During a writing workshop, an author had us visualize something true that happened to us as children, and sketch it onto paper. I was elated. After all, sometimes spontaneously writing a story can be challenging, especially when one is worried they’ll have to share said story. But drawing something? Ha! No problemo.  (Did I mention I draw very well?)

As I stared at my blank piece of paper, I realized I still had the same problem I had when sitting in front of the computer with a blank word doc. What story should I tell?

I finally decided to share a tale about the time I was awakened by a kitten tugging on my bedspread. I remember glancing out the window, thinking maybe it managed to squeeze in through the screen somehow  (despite living in a second floor apartment). Turned out that my parents’ friend Terry Robinson had showed up in the night, bringing a cat and kittens with him. Pets weren’t allowed in the apartment complex, so my sister and I went gaga over our furry visitors.

After sharing the story behind my picture, the author (and I apologize–I can’t remember her name) told me I should consider using my memory in a story.

Really? Hmm.

And so, the idea percolated in my head until I finally had the motivation to use it. The story plot itself is purely fiction, although the protagonist is named after my sister. This story is my shout-out to her. But the events in the story only graze across the surface of my own life. I changed the cats to hamsters, and hope I don’t offend cat lovers everywhere because I declined to place them in my story. But it’s for the best. Honestly.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, you can read my story in the March/April 2012 issue of CICADA. I can’t wait!