In 1979, I told my self that I could write a novel. Of course, I was all of 14 years old, so I actually thought I could do it. I got to work and typed an entire summer on a manual typewriter (as this was before the age of desktop computers), with onion-skin paper. I finished said "novel" and was very proud of myself... until I realized it was only 52 single-spaced typed pages, from beginning to end.

And thus began my writing career.

Alas, none of the original "manuscript" remains. However, the story itself -- from beginning to end -- has resided in my brain since that summer and has finally presented itself, requesting release into the public sphere.

So, here it is. The working journal for my first novel, which was titled back then with all of the savvy of my 14 years Deton Star. Corny? Yes, I know. But the title sticks with every incarnation from that day, so there it stays.

And here it is.

Though this may be the only original fiction I may post in its entirety on LJ, it is still copyright 1979 - 2006 by Me. This story was written under two psuedonyms, M. Harrison and J.W.L. Stanlie. Neither psuedonym is extant today, so "Me" suffices quite nicely for now. But rest assured, if I ever find this being claimed by someone else, you will find my name replacing "Me" very speedily.

That being said, this journal is (you guessed it)

Friends Only.

Only because it is the posting of an original work. Although I doubt I will publish this for profit, I may change my mind. And really, only my insane friends would be interesting in the ramblings that began in the mind of a rosy-eyed 14 year old girl.