18 year-old Canadian female. Clinically depressed. Aspiring poet, novelist, and songwriter. Compassionate, yet selfish. Deep, yet sometimes incredibly shallow. Likes to experiment with different styles here and there. Unsure of self, and trapped in a pre-made mold. Dislikes hypocrites, yet is one herself. Doesn't know how to break free... yet does.

Contender's top five (based on comments and personal preference):

1. Needle (21)

2. Cyanide (10)

3. Out of Place (7)

4. Tattered Little Deliverance (2)

5. Prisoner (13)

Newest things in Contender's world

November 13, 2005
November 2, 2005, the night before the first anniversary of my first time telling anyone about my struggle with homosexuality, my parents confronted me about a poem they found on this page, called Exposed, that deals with that. I guess that means it took about a year for me to come out. That is, I think, relatively fast.

I know I haven't posted much lately, but I thank all those who have taken the time to faithfully review my work... kudos to Liz and Shadow. The reason I haven't been posting is because I'm attempting to write a collection of short stories, which turned into a novel, and I want to have it mostly finished before I start posting it on here. It's taking up most of my time and creative energy, which is why poetry has been slow-coming. However, now that I'm out of the proverbial closet, I'm posting another poem on that topic today, so eat your hearts out. Special treat for all you reviewers.

Ah, for awhile I was proof-reading a story for Spartacus, but I think that's over now and I'm back to a plain reviewer, which is okay. I think it turned me into too much of a grammar freak.

Hmmm, I am working full time these days, which takes up much of my time that I might otherwise use for writing. I am also attempting to learn to play the guitar, but that is slow-going, as I care more to be writing than playing music. The tune can come after the lyrics for my stuff.

December 18, 2005
Posted my latest poem today... hadn't written many poems in the past 2 months, and I think this one's pretty good. As for my novel, it is coming along, and I may soon begin to post portions of it for reviewing. Things are settling down for me personally, and I think that's mainly a good thing. I'm not sure I'm ready to pass judgement on that yet.

March 28, 2006:
Wow, it's been ages. My life and emotions have recently swung out of control, past the point where poetry can do anything for me, so I've hardly written in the past 4 months. Still working on that story when I'm able, although I now have two others (somewhat) in the works. I'll probably be posting here again soon enough, once I can get my head back on straight. Well, um, be sane, I mean. Heh heh heh.

June 24, 2006: It stinks when one has to pause in writing a long work, because she's indecisive about the ending and how to bring it about. I don't want to post tidbits of my longer work on here until I'm sure I'm finished.

Due to a suggestion from a reviewer, I posted a free verse type thing today. It's not poetry, it's more a descriptive paragraph, but I want reviews on it, because I'm trying to get back into writing more now, and I inevitably need guidance. Any reviews on "Peace" would be appreciated.