Published: Man Repeller

One of my favourite websites is Man Repeller. The creator, Leandra Medine turned her popular blog into a business, a book deal, and a revolution from dressing like a mannequin.

The blog recently started a writing club, and each week they ask for submissions for a new topic. Last week the topic was Fan Fiction. I was watching quite a bit of Full House on Netflix and somehow this story just fell from my fingertips. I submitted and they chose it!

If you've ever been a Full House fan, this one's for you: Date Night with Dr. Dare

Happy Monday!

The Advice Read - Stephen King

When I picked up Stephen King's "On Writing" I wasn't necessarily sold that I would find the advice I was looking for.

First, this book wasn't in the self-help section.
Second, I've never read a Stephen King novel.

"On Writing" is half-memoir, half writing advice. King has written over 150 short stories, and over 50 books, so his reputation is sound. Once I began reading, I became a hooked student, sitting at the imaginary front of the class, absorbing as much as I could.

His writing advice is simple, such as: write 1000 words a day even if you're not inspired; always use "said" when writing dialogue, the rest if fluff. And while I tried to write 1000 words a day (and got pretty far) I've now fallen off that wagon, and have set a new goal of just writing something every day.
I found most of his advice On Writing, so valuable that I started sharing with anyone who would listen.

While this book may be more beneficial for people who are looking to improve their craft, the first half is about King's childhood and journey to becoming a writer. The quote I chose to highlight from the book can apply to all areas of life, even if you're not about to write a novel. Enjoy! x

"The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better." 

Finishing It

Those are 33 post-it notes currently stuck on my bedroom wall.

This way, when I wake up each morning, I'm faced with my ideas. They highlight scenes from a screenplay I've been "working" on for years. Working is put in quotations, because while I have all the elements of my story, while I have scraps of paper with the characters and dialogue, and while I have 22 pages written in a script format, I haven't been able to finish.

As an aspiring writer, my life is full of first, second and third drafts. I write things I know I'll never submit. I have 3073 words of a young adult novel. I think about my made-up stories and characters as if they are friends that I don't always make time for. 

So once again I vow to finish something. 

I just finished working on a personal essay that I feel is almost ready. The big test will be sending it off. It could be the fear of rejection that may come with finishing a project. Once it's done, the only thing left to do is to work with someone to edit it, and then try to make it into something bigger than your notebook. 

I do know that I get strong satisfaction out of ending a scene, or writing new dialogue. This is something I've always felt, even as a child. I've always loved creating stories. 

Even if you are not an aspiring writer, I urge you to finish something.

Even if the only thing you've started is an idea, give it a shot.

Because even if I finish my script, my novel, my essay, and they do not get published, at least I can say that I completed something. 

And that could be the start of everything. 

Gossip Girls and Boys

When you give in to gossip or negativity it can feel like someone has pitched a seven person tent in your mind.

The tent is billowing and sturdy. It's firmly implanted into the ground, the rooms are huge and spacious, the people are rowdy and messy. It's impossible to think about anything else. You know it's just a tent and logic tells you that it's not as strong as a house, yet it feels all powerful.

The same goes with words. When you hear something or read something bad about yourself, it can shake everything that you believe in. The mind can play tricks. Suddenly it's the idea: What if they're right? What if I am this or that?

We thrive off other people's approval. We all want to be liked, stroked, appreciated. We want to be told, "Hey you're brilliant!" even if we'll never, ever believe it. Yet, the moment we start living for other people's approval is when we lose everything. If I changed based on every single person's opinion of me, I would be a different Amanda everyday.

I recently had a bout with insecurity based on the above. I hate that I can't be the girl who lets it all slide off her back, or the girl who walks into a room wearing lime green pants and a bird on her head and doesn't care who's watching. I also hate when I become this rambling, insecure, mess of a person who can't articulate herself because she's so easily persuaded to believe the worst. It took a week, but I decided that if I'm going to be a writer, I have to be prepared for the critics. Moving forward, I need to try and be stronger.

Not A Model's last words: if you're not hurting anyone, trying your hardest and working towards something that you love, there isn't anything that someone else can say that can bring that down.

And with nothing more than a sneeze, the tent collapses.

Off The Map

I prefer holding the pen and clicking the shutter, but cue the nerves because I'm about to stand in the spotlight. 

When Off the Map webzine contacted me to feature Not A Model in their Fall 2010 "Regeneration" issue, I was flattered to say the least.

I discovered OTMzine through reading some articles linked from people on Twitter. I was blown away by the clean, professional layout of the magazine and the budding Toronto talent they featured.

Editors Tara and Aimee are hardworking, innovative and they exude a sense of professionalism way beyond their years. Everyone made me feel comfortable (a difficult feat considering how camera shy and awkward I was) and I was impressed by the chatty, upbeat people working diligently together. An extra special shout-out to photographer Alice and make-up artist Cat who had their hands full.

So how does it feel to be on the other side of the notepad?

I felt a variety of emotions including: terrified, excited, happy, nervous...they all seemed to mesh together. My spandex dress seemed like a great outfit pick at home, but added extra pressure once I arrived. I bounced around and tried to "work the camera" in my tight, short, leggy ensemble while trying to remain classy (translation: keep everything under wraps) as a bunch of people stared. It definitely took work.

I'll admit I was nervous to see the final product, but I can positively say that I am happy with the end result. I knew I was in great hands. I hope that the message of my blog comes through in the article, titled "Breaking the Mold" written by the fantastic Bronte Martin.

Below are photos from the shoot with credit given to photographer Alice Xue.

I encourage you to check out the "Regeneration" issue (my interview is on page 56) and the teaser trailer.  The bloggers, musicians, models, actors and writers that are featured are incredible. I can't wait for the winter launch. 

Thanks to everyone for supporting Not A Model and for all the positive comments and feedback. You all keep me going! xo 

Some Girls Prefer Diamonds I...

Some people collect stamps, coins or those little sparkly figurines...I collect notebooks.

Technological advances in communication grants anyone the ability to profess their thoughts in a variety of texts, tweets or types, yet I still prefer pen and paper.

Call me Jane Austen, but I feel a simple pen provides me with the power to control the movement, scribbles and flow of my thoughts. If possible, I would use those feather tipped pens but clearly I was born in the wrong time period.

When I spot a new notebook, I always have an inner debate of whether I should purchase it. The funny thing is, I don't even use half of my notebooks. Perhaps I'm waiting to fill it with the brilliance of my future [insert best selling novel/ academy award winning script] but I can't seem to find something worthy to put in them yet. 

I remember being on a lunch break when a fellow coworker asked me, "What are you always writing in that thing? What is that your diary?" Humph! Well obviously I got embarrassed and defensive. Why is it when a girl writes in a journal beyond the age of 13, she is suddenly writing in a diary? Dear Diary, today's sandwich was extraordinary. The perfect ratio of bread to tuna.

Definitely not. I find it a tad offensive. I always keep some sort of writing pad in my purse in case I have an idea for a blog post or anything else that I want to write about. I'm not sitting around drawing hearts and the last name of the boy I have a crush on.

Last night I attended the media preview for the Hermann & Audrey exhibit for CONTACT at the Baitshop gallery.  I was really nervous attending my first media event where I would have to introduce myself officially as a blogger. With a multitude of options, I opted for my DVF notebook. I seldom use it, but it was the perfect occasion. Stay tuned for a full blog post on the exhibit.

So boys, forget diamonds (for now) buy me a notebook and you've got the key to my heart. Add a good pen in there, you know the ones that are inky but not too inky and don't leak all over your hands (I'm a lefty and ink can be a problem) and it's pretty much a done deal.

Behind the Sugary Scenes

This picture is kind of funny and maybe a bit embarrassing.

Stefania and I got a behind the scenes look at the kitchen of Cafe Creme (705 College St, Toronto) when visiting for our latest review. While stuffing my face, chef Allan Davis showed me photos of his sugar-free creations. For all my non-tweeters who haven't read, check out the full blogTO review here.

All in a day's work folks, including that haphazard hair.

My Pen & A Cup of Coffee

Sitting in a cafe with a hot beverage and writing in my notebook is one of my favourite things to do. There is just something about coffee shops that bring people together while providing some time for unwinding and relaxation.

Therefore, I'm super excited to be contributing to the talented blogTO team as a cafe/restaurant reviewer!! I will be scoping out the latest Toronto eateries and writing about my delicious discoveries. I am also happy to have two ridiculously cool photographers (who have been all over my blog) Stefania Sgambelluri (photo credit above) and Cory Vanderploeg to take photos of the delectable treats along the way.

So check out my first blogTO review of Cafe Bernate with Cory's fantastic photos right here. 

My Pen pal

Go ahead and unplug.

I know telling my blog readers to sign off their computers is like a retail shop owner telling customers to stop buying clothes, but hear me out.

Today, I received a package from my dear friend Keith. Keith is an English teacher in Korea and we decided to keep in touch strictly via letters since he left. Sure, we can e-mail, Facebook or tweet but there is something exciting about searching through a pile of mail (bypassing bills and alumni brochures) and finding a handwritten letter bursting with updates.

What used to be the only way people kept in touch has become an almost dinosaur form of communication. But it is a known fact that people love personalized snail mail. Think of the e-mails devouring your inbox or the constant flow of online information you filter through every minute of the day. Now imagine coming home to a letter or a card in the mail. Don't you feel better already?

I'm all about old-fashioned communication.

It's a distinctive way to deliver a message and can set your piece of information apart. I'm an avid thank you card writer and I find people are super appreciative after receiving one of my cards. I also managed to land my very own penpal (here's looking at you Keith). His letters make me laugh out loud, and I love reading about all of his adventures. This time he sent some treats including crackers/cookies, pine tree toothpaste and socks that feature these famous crime show celebrity stars that are apparently all the rage in Korea.

I know you're jealous. So the next time you want to send a thank-you or a friend goes abroad, hold off on the e-mail and grab a pen and some paper.

It's time to get your cursive on!

Tweeting to the Masthead

While painfully waiting in line at the airport, I turned to my phone for some light entertainment. To my surprise, there was a tweet from my friend Erica exclaiming that she saw one of my tweets in the latest issue of Flare Magazine.

I quickly searched through my carry-on bag (luckily I had the magazine with me) whipped through the pages, and low and behold my tweet was printed in the letter section!

While it may not seem exciting to most people, including my parents and sister who gently teased me about my enthusiasm, I was pretty stoked. Okay, maybe I'm being a little narcissistic, but as an aspiring writer seeing anything in print is a surreal moment, no matter how small.

I also think Flare is one step ahead by including social media in their letters/opinions page. Today, people share a lot of opinions and information on social media and it is a good way to get insight into their readers. 

So check out my published tweet below titled "Sister Act." I'm back from my family vacation and ready to hit the blog. There are many exciting things happening in the next couple of months so stick with me!