So, I'm back from vacation. It was very productive, and in a completely unexpected way: I started and finished one short story (seven pages handwritten) within two days after getting the idea, and I also got a very good start on another one whose idea I've had for a while. That second one I've been thinking about for literally years. It started out as a few paragraphs written for an exercise in a writing class two summers ago. Then I wanted to make a proper short story out it, so I've worked on it sporadically since then, but could never quite get the proper inspiration to just make it flow and work and sound nice. I had left it alone for months, and then last week I finally got that inspiration, sat down, and began writing it again from the top. Now I'm almost done with it... *dances*

And about the first one, it was quite an interesting experience writing it. Got the idea Friday evening, started around 11, then stayed up until 1:30 writing. Then I couldn't get to sleep, so I got back up around 2 and wrote some more. After that I still couldn't sleep properly (you know, one of those nights where you toss and turn constantly and your mind's in this sort of loop), so around 5:30 I gave up and wrote from then on. By dawn I had five pages written, and was feeling amazing. (But I still slept until 10:30 afterward.)

And then I wrote the last three later on that day, and wrote the last paragraph yesterday morning. I don't think I've ever finished anything in such a short time after getting the idea. Wish it would happen more often, if wishing so doesn't jinx it...

But anyway, the rest was quite relaxing. Visited a couple colleges as well, and fell in love with one of them; we'll see how others compare... Oh, and I got Toa Ignika as well, finally (belated birthday/Christmas present) – he's awesome, and the skyboard is quite a brilliant piece of work, just like Aanchir said. Also has a bunch of pieces I've been wanting (plus those delightful new (+O) ones), and will be making an MOC with soon. Related to Noctesquo in idea and somewhat in looks.

And yes, now that I'm back I can get Atrokan and Kairox up, for Kame. Have to dig up a few pieces for Kairox, but otherwise...

Oh, about the title, I'm now officially editor of the literary magazine next year. Not that there's been any question about it since I joined in 9th grade, but it's always nice for things to be set in stone (or in printer ink), isn't it?

~ ToM