i, MEME, mine

I've read about 10 of these now and I still don't have the first clue what meme means.I wanted to say first fucking clue here because I like the rhythm, but I'm trying to cut back on the gratuitous fucking.

And, you better believe I'm doing my Meme. Kim tagged me and she used to be an editor and even when I'm not writing another word of anything, you better believe I always write when an editor tells me to. Fucking always.

1. I started writing as a distraction in 9th grade so I could look like I was doing something productive in class when I was busy not paying attention. My friend Renee and I wrote three "books" back and forth that year. I'd write a chapter and give the notebook to her. She'd write the next and give it back to me.

2. I kept writing because my letters made people laugh. And because it was the only academic thing I didn't totally suck at. And because I could get a journalism degree without taking any math classes.

3. I would much rather meme than do any of the other things I'm "supposed" to be writing right now. If you give me three months to write something - I still won't start until the night before it's deadline.

4. I write long hand with my right hand - wrong hand - when I'm totally blocked and it opens the flow. sometimes. And, surprise, surprise, the only music I can listen to while writing is the Grateful Dead. Thanks, Jerry! I know it all so well it doesn't distract me.

5. Two-years ago I hadn't published in more than three years and knew I would never be able to write again. I was terrified of taking on 500 word recreation stories for the paper. One year ago I knew I could write newspaper stuff but thought that was my ceiling. Today my entire income is writing and when I say I'm writing a book, it doesn't feel like a lie anymore. Big thanks to all of you for believing in me with such fervor I couldn't help believing in me, too!

I tag Prema, Jess and Tracy. You're it!