1. Trust in your ability to write. I know you've talked yourself out of creative writing because you haven't felt what you've written so far is up to your standards. But you haven't learned how to re-write or edit, yet. And really, your stories are ambitious and above-average for your age group. Don't stop. You can write more than essays. Your fiction is good and worth reading. Be confident.
2. You're smart; believe it. That Scott kid in 5th grade who told you that you weren't smart enough to be a nerd was a douchebag. Don't trust a douchebag.
3. Take keyboarding.
4. Apply to more than one college. You'll never feel like you actually made the choice to go where you went otherwise.
5. For heaven's sake, say "yes" when Uncle Dennis asks you to go to India with him for spring break.
6. Get to know your grandparents. Go stay with them for as long as they will have you. Take videos.
7. Show choir is fun, but Muse Machine would have been cool too.
8. Write a TV show about Showchoir and get it on the air in 2007 or so. But try to have internal consistency and artistic cohesion. That'll probably get you cancelled but you'll have made a better show than crappy crappy Glee.
9. Directing and writing is cooler than acting. Remember that when you aren't cast in your first two shows senior year and end up directing and writing in two shows instead. And don't lock yourself in poor Mr. Maurer's closet during first period crying about how he ruined your life. Perspective, 16-year old Darian, perspective.
10. Run to the trees as often as you choose, but do not faint.
If only! This is a pretty good list, not to selfish, but not too selfless.
ReplyDeleteWhat the heck is Muse Machine?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I kind of want to steal your "run to the trees" story for my book. I had a "run in the rain" friend, but that is a bit more cliche.