Fear and Trembling Magazine Acceptance

Real quick--I'm supposed to be studying micro--

Fear and Trembling just accepted my vampire story about damnation and repression! It was a hard sell because no one wants vampires or damnation or repression, so I'm really glad! 

Here's the cover letter I used:

Viviana refuses to drink human blood. It doesn't matter that she wants to. It doesn't matter that everyone around her says it's natural. It doesn't matter that every other substance on the planet is poisonous. It's wrong to kill an innocent.

But wasn't she supposed to go to heaven when she died? Wasn't that was 'gracia sola' was all about? Is she damned? If not, why is she housed in a crypt with clammy blood-suckers? Does this have anything to do with the same-sex attraction she denied all her life? And if so, is she repeating her crime against nature by denying her new desires, too?

This is a story about hoping against hope when God doesn't show up.

Look for it in the upcoming months, if you're into dark, weird, probably offensive stuff. Otherwise, forget I said anything. Also, this short story is an allegorical not-autobiography but yes-me-too-story! 

Okay, that's a little personal, but yes! Same-sex attraction sharing time coming soon to a little blog near you. Specifically, this one!

Love ya.

Short and Sweet: Why YA is a Realistic Category and Teens who will Save the World

I've heard a few people say that inherently, YA is kind of an unrealistic book category--I mean, if a teenager had to save the world, we'd all be SCREWED. And covered in those stupid Ke$ha posters.

Hold up, are you kidding me? Teenagers have saved the world over and over again throughout history. Back in the day teenagers used to be the captains of ships, the fodder for armies, even the rulers of nations. It only takes a quick look through European, Chinese, or American history to find examples: Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, King Tut, they were all influential teenagers. Most pirate captains started out as teens, and the historical mother of Jesus was most likely only 14 when she did her thing and challenged all known religion with her belief she'd been impregnated by YHWH.

Historically, "teenager" is a 50s phenomenon that was invented to describe a new transitional phase in a rapidly gentrifying and comfort-based society. It's not a real thing, it's a construct.

Teenagers can still save the world, if they stop believing that they have to wait until they "grow up" to fulfill their dreams. These teenagers are doing it right now: http://archive.causes.msn.com/kids_save_the_world/?section=gallerylong

Never ask a kid what he wants to be when he grows up. Ask him what he wants to be, and show him how he can take steps towards that NOW.