Julia
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Age 15, New York
Joined the SDM Team: April 2011
Why I Write for SDM: I've always written for Sweet Designs Magazine as a pursuit to improve my writing and communication skills. Seeing my work published online is always exciting, and writing book reviews gives me a reason to analyze others' work to improve my own.
Activities, Sports, Interests: Writing has always been my top interest, as it is my passion. In the past few years I have dabbled in and have enjoyed participating in school athletics. I run track in the spring, ski in the winter (through my school's Ski Club), and have played soccer in the fall. This next fall I will be playing tennis, crossing over from mud covered turf to courts' concrete. Volunteering has always been close to me as well, especially in untraditional forms. Recently, I have been experimenting in blogging and filmmaking. (As for the picture, I recently finished a five year study of the piano.)
Favorite Authors: As for specific authors, I tend to favor my poetic side, adoring the work of E. E. Cummings and Robert Frost. Among current YA novelists I enjoy Deb Calleti. I adore Scholastic's Best Teen Writing volumes, and I do follow a few of the writers published there. I'll read almost anything, given the time and opportunity.
Favorite School Subjects: English, of course, is my favorite class! Studio Art is a close second.
Favorite TV Shows: I watch an unhealthy amount of television despite my family's nonexistent cable. At the top of the list are Shark Tank, The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation, Smash, and The Middle.
I listen to: Music, finally! Like books, I'll listen to almost anything played, given it isn't vulgar or offensive. A few of my favorite artists are Mat Kearny, Skillet, and Paramore. I just may be addicted to music.
Most Important Values: Values can get tricky because they get personal and sometimes "religious" (as much as I hate the word). As a Christian, I hold following God's will for me above all else. Within that, I believe in not judging anyone, staying optimistic, and avoiding arrogance.
I enjoy: All American ice cream, reflections off windows, and the smell of lemons.
Future Plans: I would love to attend college as a creative writing major, though there's little practicality in it. Teaching writing at a collegiate level is my best idea so far. I'm also considering psychology, though I'm concerned I'd end up in advertising or human resources. I'm hoping the media arts class I am taking next year and the video I'm doing now will lead to some ideas. My largest aspiration is to work for the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.
Julia's Articles
3-12 Beastly, by Alex Finn (Book Review)
2-12 If I Stay, by Gayle Foreman (Book Review)
12-11 The Last Night of 2010
10-11 Creative Claims to Intelligence
10-11 Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork
9-11 Copper and New Contentment
9-11 Sending "Sweet Mail"
8-11 Advice: Stop Tickling Me
7-11 Poetry: Undefined (Tonight)
6-11 Keeping the Pace
6-11 Advice: My Friends Have All Turned Against Me
What I'm All About: I am devoted to my Christian faith and serving others. I strive to reflect positivity and a solid character through my actions.
Favorite Quotes: "Kind words can be short and easy to say, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa