Many cultures believe the New Year signifies a new beginning--the one time each year one can start over and make things better. In America, that often includes fad diets, gym memberships, and vows to lose those extra pounds packed on as a result of eating too many Christmas cookies. I admit to making those same vows to myself over the years, and I did embark upon a new exercise fad this year, myself. However, my New Year's goal was different this year than those in years past. Rather that burdening myself with the pressure of unattainable goals, I promised myself I would try my best to be content with what I have, rather than spending countless hours wishing my life away. Being the goal-oriented, extremely driven person I am, this has proven difficult. Much to my surprise, however, I'm getting there.

How, you may ask, am I accomplishing this foreign feeling of contentment? Well, believe it or not, it's my job (in addition to some spiritual improvements I'm trying to make). And not even a full-time job. A single class. Three little, itty-bitty hours each week.

In September, I landed my first adjunct teaching gig at King College, a private liberal arts college in Bristol, Tennessee. During the fall, I taught a couple of sections of Composition, and as scary as that sounds to the thousands of grammar-dissing haters out there, I absolutely loved it--right down to reading their ten-page research papers. But as wonderful as the fall semester was, the New Year brought with it an unexpected blessing. This spring, I am teaching Adolescent Literature. That means I spend my time teaching aspiring middle and high school teachers the virtues of using Young Adult literature in their own classrooms. So...not only do I get to lead discussions on my favorite YA authors and books, but I also get to challenge these students to consider why these books matter so much to teens. Since my own goals include publishing in the YA market, this is a subject close to my heart. (If this post were a movie, I would have glistening eyes and a faraway expression. Soft music--hopeful, yet empowering--would be playing in the background. Think Independence Day or Braveheart.)

So...on my students' reading list this semester? Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, a book I love so much, I don't know where to begin. Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, one that leaves me laughing and crying in equal measure every time I read it. Joyce McDonald's Swallowing Stones, a story that stays with me for days after reading it. And Walter Dean Myers' Monster, a story that never fails to rip out my heart and then send it speeding forward with worry. All of these stories deal with real issues teens--and adults, for that matter--can relate to and learn from. As Laurie Halse Anderson says, "Books save lives." Simple, to the point, and accurate. I couldn't agree more.

So far, my students are already learning from Melinda Sordino, and I can't wait for them to meet all my other favorite characters. While I certainly can't take all the credit for the love affairs my students are developing with YA literature, I've found a unique happiness in having the opportunity to make the introductions. The way I see it, this year is off to a pretty good start.

If you believe the lyrics of carol crooners like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr., then you'll probably agree that Christmas is, indeed, a magical time of year. My beliefs certainly fall in line with that ideology. I love everything about Christmas--the spiritual significance, the weather, the colors, the wrapping paper, the candle scents, and of course, the holiday break from work! When I'm not being a slave to my imagination and working on my novels, I do actually work as an adjunct professor at King College in Bristol, Tennessee. While I love teaching and yes, even grading research papers, the job also comes with a month-long Christmas break! Who could complain about that? So for the first time since I was in college (we won't discuss how many years have passed since then), I get a long college break that allows me to enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest, which includes:

1. Visiting family. One of my favorite holiday traditions is all the wonderful goodies at my mother's house. Kris Kringle cookies. Chocolate Chip cookies. Italian Creme Cake, Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake. (Do you see a pattern here?) On Christmas Eve my brother, sister, and brother-in-law come to Mom and Dad's house, and we eat to the brink of sugar comas and then open gifts. There is always laughing, loads of jokes, and even the occasional debate. I look forward to it every year as the one day that brings everyone together.

2. Music. Now, I'm not one to tolerate Christmas music that begins in October and lasts through January. However, I do have some favorites on my iPod, and I listen to those while I cook or enjoy the trees. Some favorites that I recommend: Christmas with the Rat Pack, A Rat Pack Christmas, and WOW Christmas Hits.

3. The Decorations: I don't go overboard with decorations, but I love the white lights and all the warm colors. This year, thanks to an amazing friend, I have my very first nativity scene. I've wanted one since Kevin and I got married but hadn't found one. However, a friend and neighbor gave a beautiful Hallmark Nativity Scene to us as our gift this year!

4. Time to write. A month-long break is a wonderful time to accomplish some diligent writing. This year's goal: to finish the sequel I've been working on. I'm only about five chapters away from finishing the first write-through, so I hope to spend lots of time with my lap top in my fuzziest pajamas and fluffiest socks. I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

5. Last but not least, time to catch up on my reading. During December, I have read or re-read, in some cases: The Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli, Devil on My Heels by Joyce McDonald, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I recommend all of these wonderful books to anyone, whether you like YA fiction or not. On my list for the Christmas season is: Chime by Frannie Billingsley, The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald, and Defiance by Lili St. Crow.

With that said, I hope that all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. I would love to hear about some of your favorite holiday traditions, so feel free to share those on my site!

Wow... It just occurred to me that I have not posted on this website since July, so for those of you who check from time to time for updates and discussion of books, I must apologize. On the surface, I probably seem like a complete and utter slacker who has neglected her website duties; however, I can promise that I have been anything but lazy since my last post. During the last several months, I have been extremely busy. I switched jobs (and mindsets) from my position as Associate Editor at The Erwin Record to adjunct professor at King College in Bristol. Since August, I have been teaching Composition and grading endless papers (which, disturbingly enough, I find enjoyable). In addition to my unexpected career change, I have also been working on a new manuscript, which is nearly complete, and revising an old one (which I have only just begun), which is proving to be quite a challenge, albeit an enjoyable one. Plus, I am still working on my final degree, so I've been writing essays and preparing to attend my third residency at Spalding University. Add all the writing and the grading to everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, laundry, and tending to the high demands of my cantankerous calico cat, there is rarely a moment to spare. Let's just say that my house is not up to my usual standards of orderliness and spotlessness.

For those of you out there who are not "neat freaks," this lack of spotlessness is actually something I find particularly disturbing. You know, a place for everything and everything in it's place and all that...

You see, ordinarily, I am a highly organized, highly structured creature of habit, and I tend to clean compulsively when time allows. Cleaning is actually stress relieving. There's nothing quite like taking disorder and returning it to order. I think I get this from my mother. She likes to iron. She says removing the wrinkles from clothing is reassuring. So...after my three month hiatus, I think it's high time I restore my life to order. In fact, I am seriously considering devoting my entire day tomorrow to sweeping, dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming, mopping, and the whole shebang. My plants could probably use watering, as well. And Hazel (the aforementioned cantankerous calico) would probably like her pillows fluffed.

Congratulations to Publisher Keith Whitson and the rest of The Erwin Record team for sweeping the Tennessee Press Association Awards and winning the coveted title for General Excellence for the ninth consecutive year! The awards are a reflection of 365 days of hard work, with each employee digging for news, writing their best, taking photos, serving the community and giving 100 percent every day. The job of a journalist is not an easy one, whether writing hard-nosed news, community features, or details as seemingly small as cutlines and headlines. It was wonderful to see all the teamwork pay off yesterday at the awards ceremony in Nashville.

The Erwin Record earned eight first place state awards in its division yesterday, along with a number of second and third place awards. The contest features several categories, including: features, news, web design, photography, editorials and more. Altogether, the staff took home around 20 awards.

Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and your commitment to excellence! It's great to be a part of the team!

Today begins a new project. Call me a complete nerd, but I always get this ridiculous feeling of giddiness when I open a brand new blank Word document. All the bright white of the page is perfect in its emptiness because that means it's my job to fill it with words. It can become anything I want it to be. To me, the blank page signifies the major accomplishment of having finished a two-year project and still feel confident enough to keep writing. So confident, in fact, that the blank document in front of me will, with time, become a sequel to the recently finished project.

Stay tuned for updates!

Welcome to rebekahharris.com, my brand spankin' new website, created by Unearthed Media! Here you can expect to find the latest updates and information regarding the effort to publish my first novel. To get you up to speed, I write Young Adult Paranormal literature and am currently working to have it published, but as I am learning, it's a long process that requires a lot of patience!

On this site, you will find information about me and my first novel, as well as other writings I'm working on. Also, feel free to interact with me through my Discussion page, where I will ask you your opinion on everything relating to the Young Adult fiction we all love. Just create an account or even create an account through your facebook page and let me know what you're thinking. I want to stay connected with you--my future readers--so be sure to look me up on facebook and twitter, as well!