Thread: Hello! :)

Introductions always feel awkward! Feels so selfish and self-centered, you know? Maybe I'm just too self-conscious. :^)

Writing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom's a journalist at heart and while she hasn't been active in making that her career, writing has always been a part of her life. While I was bakin' in the oven, she owned a radio station with my dad. I was born into her world of writing radio talks and the like.

The entrepreneurial thinking of my parents is something that supports my desire to become a freelance writer. Getting a book published and being a renowned writer is something I dreamed of while I was learning how to read and write in school. The dreams aren't so big now, but they're still there, just a bit more realistic.

It's a bit hard to say when I started taking writing a bit more seriously, beyond big dreaming. I wrote intensively for a period of about five years, in and out of school, but increasing self-consciousness and perfectionism made me a bit of an underachiever. That affected everything in my life, and I dropped a lot of my passions.

During that uninspired period of my life, I attempted NaNoWriMo three times. I failed each attempt. Two of those tries were my only attempts to write during the course of the entire year. The knowledge I got from those short experiences is something I still cherish. They're far from wasted!

After a couple especially horrible years in school, I convinced my mother to homeschool me. The experience lasted a year, and I admit it wasn't very successful. We decided it was best if I stayed in school until I was legally free from the system. After that we could homeschool again.

Or should I say unschool. :~) The "legally free" boundary was crossed a month and a half ago, and I have to say - I'm enjoying my freedom! My "reunion" with my creativity is nice to be experiencing, as well. Luckily for me that includes writing!

I'm looking forward to critiquing, reviewing, writing, and just generally having fun around here. B)

Oh. And my name's Anna. I'm 16, and live in Finland with my parents. I love art, psychology, plant biology, and animals ( just a few of my too many interests ). My family consists of my three older sisters, my parents, a long list of come-and-gone pets ( and current ones ), my brother-in-laws, and my lovely boyfriend, Justin.

Live, learn, laugh, and love - and thank you for reading.