So I've realized that the reason I get all funny when I do laundry is because I'm allergic to laundry detergent in its powdery form. Joy. Anyways, that's why my nose gets all runny and my eyes get all itchy when I do laundry. Duh.

Also, there is a big, black, shiny cockroach in my garage and I don't like him. Not one bit.

Anyways....as y'all may or may not know, National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is coming up. It's a challenge of sorts that involves the participants writing 50,000 words between November 1st and November 30th. I participated last year but fell horribly short of that 50,000 word mark. This year, I have resolved, will be different.

Lukily, I've had some plot bunnies nibbling upon my tiny little brain. So far, I've come up with this:

Abigail works at a store owned by the mysterious Locke St. James that sells lives--literally. For a high price, any person wishing to escape the life they lead can pay a visit to Mr. St. James' shop on Iwik Street and he will literally change their identity.

When she first arrives, Abigail knows nothing about herself--not even her name. Locke agrees to work his usual magic, giving her a new life and a new start, in exchange for the promise that she will one day give him her most precious possession to him. From that day on, she toils in his shop, witnessing many an odd happening, until the mysterious arrival of the curious Lady Victoria de Okeem. She seems to be an old friend of Locke's collecting a debt, but reveals one night that Abigail will kill her beloved mentor. Abigail flees the store that night and arrives in the capital city of Corpinnia where she discovers it is harboring dangerous secrets.

As she struggles to uncover a twisting conspiracy she meets old and new friends, battles pirates, discovers the faerie, and upholds her promise to her dearest Locke, despite the fact that it threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. (cliche I know, but what story isn't in one way or another?)

So this is going to be a bit steam punk-ish with some fantasy elements. I'm still trying to decide whether the pirate ships are regular ships or airships....I'm not well versed in the workings of either one, so that complicates the story a bit. I'm also going to try my hand at writing my first action sequence(s)...I've never done that before. ^_^;

So...what do you guys think? Any suggestions? Comments? Want to give me some premature praise? Flames?

Also, I was hoping to get some character drawings of just the main characters...that would be about 10....but definitely no more than 15. They wouldn't have to be sure amazing...just something I could look at as a reference so that nothing major about their appearance changes as I write. I can think of someone I'd like to draw them *coughcough* beth*coughcough* But if they don't want to I'll just stumble on...I'm not that bad at drawing, I'm just not that good, either. ;D

So tell me what y'all think (I feel SO texas hick when I say that...) and I'll see some of you sooner than others, I guess.

Here's a little thingy I got from ieatedyourcooki:

You Are Strawberries with Cream

Fresh and uncomplicated, you are always enjoyed but often overlooked. You're confident in who you are. You don't need a facade to feel better about yourself.