My Mom broke my heart today....

[nachonaco]

Seriously...

She KNOWS writing is my passion.

Absolutely knows it.

So today she picks me up from school (Yes, I'm a junior and I still don't have my license) and asks me how I plan to pay for college.

I don't get good enough grades to get a scholarship, so I said I'd see what I got from my book sales when/if I get it published.

"You won't get it published."

I'm so angry/upset right now that I'm shaking.

She ALWAYS tears me down and it's about time it stopped.

[SSJPabs]

I have an extremely combattive relationship with my mother. There are definitely times I've done well at things just to be able to say to her "I don't need your advice!" I know it hurts, I have experienced similar situations with my mother as well, but I think all you can do is use it. Use it as a goad to yourself, to prove her wrong and follow your dream. Think about telling her off someday when you don't need her.

As someone who has just finished writing the completed draft of my first novel and has really looked into this, be prepared to get rejected a lot because that's the way it works.

[nachonaco]

Not to worry, Pabs.

I've done the research.

(Out of curiosity, are you on AbsoluteWrite?)

[EinBebop]

If getting published is your plan for paying college, you're either overly optimistic, or not serious about college. Getting published is a roll of the dice. Even if you are a good writer, it could take you years to get published.

Going to college will make you a better writer, and increase your odds. You need to decide that you are going to work your ass off to get a scholarship, or come up with a realistic plan B.* That's probably the direction mom was trying to steer you in, in her own harsh, insensitive way.

** Edit: Or decide that you don't think you need college.

[SSJPabs]

Not to worry, Pabs.

I've done the research.

(Out of curiosity, are you on AbsoluteWrite?)Nope, I have a couple of things on fanfiction.net but most of my stuff isn't. My current novel is character-driven contemporary sci-fi/fantasy.

Also, Ein you are completely correct but the subtext I got from Nachonaco's original post was that college wasn't a high-priority goal. Regardless college will make you a better writer simply because of the exercise your mind will be put through and the responsibilities it requires compared to high school.

[Shawn Hopkins]

She probably should have said, "But what if you don't get published," but she's right. Get off your duff and make a realistic plan for college.

[Kagetsu]

I wouldn't worry too much about what parents say, even when they agree with you it sounds patronizing. But that isn't a solid plan, especially if it's fiction writing. The odds improve if you write nonfiction, but even then I wouldn't bet on getting that much from writing. The college finance system is now set up to simply move money around. Learn to work that system and you'll do as well as anyone else.

[DarthGonzo]

On the other side of the argument...are you putting everything you have into what you think is a wonderful dream of a beautful future? Maybe your mother is being realistic. There seem to be a lot of aspiring writers around here at Toonzone, but realisitically only about .01% of them would ever make it big enough to be able to fully do it for a living.

For years, during high school and college - my sister did nothing but write screenplays and dreamed of making it big on television or in movies. But to be honest, her writing was horribly cliched and derivative.

It sounds like your really passionate and it also sounds like your mother is being pretty tactless. But I don't think she's trying to hurt you. Ten to one she's just being realistic.

[peacebyanymeans]

There seem to be a lot of aspiring writers around here at Toonzone, but realisitically only about 99.9% of them would ever make it big enough to be able to fully do it for a living.
Sure you got the right number there, pal?

[DarthGonzo]

Sure you got the right number there, pal?

Just an overgeneralization. No need to get snippy.

[peacebyanymeans]

Just an overgeneralization. No need to get snippy.
First off, I didn't mean to be snippy and apologize if I was.

Second, what I meant was that you should have said 99.9% wouldn't be able to make it a living.

[DarthGonzo]

First off, I didn't mean to be snippy and apologize if I was.

Second, what I meant was that you should have said 99.9% wouldn't be able to make it a living.

Oh shoot. Look at that. Well let me go back up there and fix that.

[Kury Wagner]

Seriously...

She KNOWS writing is my passion.

Absolutely knows it.

So today she picks me up from school (Yes, I'm a junior and I still don't have my license) and asks me how I plan to pay for college.

I don't get good enough grades to get a scholarship, so I said I'd see what I got from my book sales when/if I get it published.

"You won't get it published."

I'm so angry/upset right now that I'm shaking.

She ALWAYS tears me down and it's about time it stopped.

As someone who plans to be not just a writer, but a novelist, I commend you for wanting to write, but... reality is harsh and cold. I've spend a good year looking for a publisher and I'm nowhere near done. Hell, you could say I've barely started. I'm sorry to say it, but thinking more toward what your mother said would be more realistic. Not to say that her telling you that was nice. My parents do it to me, too. Sometimes, I like that they do it, though. It keeps my head on Earth. Ask your mom to be more supportive. As for the money for college, there are *always* scholarships and grants available, regardless of grades. You really should've been looking into those things already, though. Ask your mom to go through some books and websites with you, and discuss college together.

[Dudley]

Seriously...
So today she picks me up from school (Yes, I'm a junior and I still don't have my license) and asks me how I plan to pay for college.

I don't get good enough grades to get a scholarship, so I said I'd see what I got from my book sales when/if I get it published.

"You won't get it published."

I'm so angry/upset right now that I'm shaking.

She ALWAYS tears me down and it's about time it stopped.

She probably said it without thinking. People can blurt things out like that.
Ask her if she really thinks you won't get it published.

[Antiyonder]

Sure, Nachonaco's mom had good intentions, but we already have enough "Good Intentions" to make a monorail to Hell.

It seems like dear old mom needs to show tact.

That seems to be the real point of the opening of the opening post.

[TheMecca]

Your mother is right. Chances are, your book isn't going to get published.
Just because you're writing a book doesn't mean you can be lazy. Get a plan for college ASAP.

[Mr. Manager]

I agree with your mother, college first, then the book. You need a backup plan for a carrer. You can't rely on the novel.

[Stewie]

Like everyone said, your mom's right that you won't get published, but she should have found a better way to say it.

There's more than scholarships to college. LOANS. Sallie Mae will be your friend. She will be a sick twisted B of a friend, but she'll get you through college.
Starting off at junior college then transferring to a 4-year can save a lot of money. And can make it easier to get in. 6 Seconds after graduation, the only people that care about where you went to school are making small talk at a party.

Keep writing. Keep trying to make it. Everyone who doesn't get sold gave up at some point.
But have another way to pay the bills.

[Zeonic Freak]

All i gotta say is dont give up, no matter how bad things may seem.

For me, my goal is to become a charactor designer with my gift and passion in being an artist. right now im taking graphic design classes at my school because i have one particular place i wanna give a shot at, Epic Games, yes the people who did Gears of War. There company is like 10 min from my house, so if i do get the job, not that far of a drive. But i have to take some classes for 3D modeling and Photoshop because i need those to work my way up in todays world (and something my friend told me about, and took his advice because i thought i could just walk in and say " i wanna be a char designer").

But, i also need to ask them to see what i need to do to work for them, and ill do whatever it takes. Plus, i have ideas to make some manga of mine, but i need to sit down and work on it.

[purplehairedwonder]

There is nothing wrong with having a goal of getting your work published, but you can't just depend on it to pay for college. I started late with looking into it and it cost me being able to attend my dream school as the cost was too much for my family. If you want to attend college, take a pragmatic standpoint, which is what it sounds like your mom was doing. I also agree she could have been more tactful, but the truth can hurt.

[DarthGonzo]

I'm surprised someone would start a dramatic thread like this almost two days ago and so far hasn't gotten back to anything people have posted here.

[Delia]

You have to be brutally realistic when planning for college. I'd start planning now because you cannot rely on something like a book deal to work-- and pay for your education. Odds are you'll be taking out loans-- and yes, debt happens. You can get financial aid information from prospective colleges, banks, and lending agencies. Start early, not late.

[nachonaco]

Darth - Sorry, I've been busy, got grounded and there WAS a holiday after all. ;)

I don't DEPEND on my novel for college....But my college is cheap. Something like 5k a year I think (But it's a VERY good, 4-year school).

My mom said something yesterday that made me cry.

"You know, your behavior these past....six years is the reason I haven't been able to quit smoking."

:crying:

Like I need more fuel for the depression fire.

[EinBebop]

"You know, your behavior these past....six years is the reason I haven't been able to quit smoking."Translation: Your behavior these past six years is her excuse not to quit smoking.

If you'd been an angel, she probably would've just found another one.

[DarthGonzo]

Translation: Your behavior these past six years is her excuse not to quit smoking.

If you'd been an angel, she probably would've just found another one.

Obviously there's more to this story than a mother telling her child out of the blue that they're not a good writer. It seems like deeper issues are at work here.

[TheMecca]

"You know, your behavior these past....six years is the reason I haven't been able to quit smoking."

...did it sound like she was kidding? If not, then wow this isn't just your mother being realistic.

[nachonaco]

No, we were having an argument.

[Artimus Gigan]

As far as publishing goes, alot alot alot of writers usualy had their first books that they wrote go unpublished. Mind you these weren't some quick drafts, but it took them years and years to write and their work was essentialy denied. So they had to essentialy begin from scratch again which took more years to do before they even had a small ammount of success.

So yes it is very chancey, despite what you and a close circle of individuals may think of your work, publishers are far more judgemental

You do need a solid plan for college first and foremost, because for the majority of benefits a college degree is a good thing to have

many writers began writing the archtypes for later books while they were in college and had to work at odd jobs to get through college. So to have success you need to support yourself though definate and stable means.

[Antiyonder]

I don't DEPEND on my novel for college....But my college is cheap. Something like 5k a year I think (But it's a VERY good, 4-year school).

My mom said something yesterday that made me cry.

"You know, your behavior these past....six years is the reason I haven't been able to quit smoking."

Not to put your mom on the spot, but has she ever shown signs of loving you? My guess is she only takes care of you so child services won't haul her to prision.

It seems to me she was a bratty teenager, who was goofing and had you by mistake. And since she couldn't enjoy her life, she doesn't want you to be happy either. If that's the case, then your mom deserves any misery she's going through, you on the other hand should disown her (when you get a place of your own) and sue her for mental/verbal abuse. That would solve your money problems

Mainly has she ever said or done anything towards you that would be considered loving, kind-hearted without hesitation. Or does she do nice things begrudgingly?


Sorry, if this is out of line, but while she may be your birth mom, she needs lessons on how to behave as a mom. While my mom and I have conflicts, it's more of a bickering than a volcano or bomb going off.

[nachonaco]

Yeah, when I was little.

I mean, I've TRIED telling people.

All the school ever does is call the parents. Say it's state mandated or some crap.

Don't they realize that some people WON'T BE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL if that happens?

And, BTW, my dad said if I told anyone, he'd get rid of my new kitten.

And that I don't act like a normal 17 year old.

Just because I don't want to go out anywhere (when they've pretty much instilled "OMG everyone is a rapist/murderer" in my noggin). Or spent money for a Wii but 'won't' save up for a car.

Also tells me that I don't do anything meriting praise.

I'm new to this whole 'family' thing, but isn't it normal to just give praise BECAUSE you're family?

[Antiyonder]

And, BTW, my dad said if I told anyone, he'd get rid of my new kitten.

Abuse alert right there!

And that I don't act like a normal 17 year old.
Who does?

I'm new to this whole 'family' thing, but isn't it normal to just give praise BECAUSE you're family?

You're absolutely right. You parents, while they brought you into this are not family. People who care about you are true family, not the witch and warlock you live with.

[nachonaco]

*shrugs* They just want me to be 'hygenic'. Apparently washing my hair twice a week isn't good enough.

Whatevs.

I walked around for 2-3 weeks with half my head shaved because of a brain surgery.

NOT TO MENTION I'm the only kid of my parents to survive.

You'd think they'd be a little more grateful.

[Antiyonder]

If it was your parents, who got the kitten, I wonder if they see him/her as more of a bargaining tool than a gift.

[nachonaco]

Well, she found us....No buying involved.

[J'onn J'onzz]

*shrugs* They just want me to be 'hygenic'. Apparently washing my hair twice a week isn't good enough.

Whatevs.

I walked around for 2-3 weeks with half my head shaved because of a brain surgery.

NOT TO MENTION I'm the only kid of my parents to survive.

You'd think they'd be a little more grateful.

To SURVIVE? You mean they like beat the others to death because they wouldn't follow their idiotic army regime? Or they all died in pregnancy?

[Antiyonder]

Well, she found us....No buying involved.

Maybe, but your parents probably would have left her wherever she was, but decided to use her to their advantage (Hence, bargaining tool).

Cause, with our pets, they're just as much family as the humans who inhabit our house. My parents certainly don't threaten to take them away.

Heck, our dog and cats are technically the owners, we're the pets.

[nachonaco]

To SURVIVE? You mean they like beat the others to death because they wouldn't follow their idiotic army regime? Or they all died in pregnancy?

Ahhahaha. My first laugh in a while. :D

My brother and sister died 8 hours after birth because they weren't fully developed.

[TheMecca]

*shrugs* They just want me to be 'hygenic'. Apparently washing my hair twice a week isn't good enough.


I think you need to wash your hair every day.
With, y'know, the rest of your body.
Which is supposed to be washed every day to remain hygenic.

[Antiyonder]

"You won't get it published."

Back to the first comment you made, I'm betting your mom's comment was sour grapes. She probably never got to realize her dreams as a stripper/porn star.

[The Guitar Slayer]

To be devil's advocate, maybe this is just a little bit of 17-year-old angst and drama coinciding with a weeee bit of menopause.

The novel thing -- no, you're not going to get it published as it stands right now. Once you've gone to college, you're going to want to rework the whole things. Be there, done that, got the t-shirt. Additionally, my friend has worked in publishing -- you need a day job beyond McDonald's to get it through that whole process. You can't sit around and have it done overnight. It will take years.

The "fuels my depression" thing -- only if you let it. If you know they're bull******** you, don't buy it. You may have to listen to it, but don't cry over it if you know it's not true. You're living under their roof -- sometimes you have to take a little flak. What were you having an argument about anyway?

The cat -- well, if you're acting like a whiny, immature kid and your mom's crazy, of course he's going to send the cat to a better place to live than this warzone.

NOT TO MENTION I'm the only kid of my parents to survive. You'd think they'd be a little more grateful.
Ever think that's your bargaining tool? That by saying "I'm all you got" is a way to twist the screws to get what you want? How do think your mom feels about losing two of her children, and then having you say, "Well, they're dead -- you should treat me better."? Of course she's going to be a *****. Your attitude bothers me. You accuse them of manipulation, and you're guilty of much the same when you play that card.

And we've had this discussion before on this board about your hygiene, and we all agreed that you need to wash yourself and your hair everyday. You're a greasy, disgusting teenager :p The hormones don't help, and at that age, you're extra funky anyway. Make friends with your soap and shampoo or else your roommates will kill you.



Antiyonder: suing? Oh gawd, how do you prove that? It's all word of mouth -- he said, she said type stuff. If there's physical proof, there's a case for abuse. Otherwise, nope. Words are up for interpretation. My dad could call me a dumbass, but he can say he was joking. Besides, if everyone did what you're saying to do, most of the planet would be suing Mommy and Daddy AFTER they paid for the kid's degree in basketweaving and having had supported him/her until moving day. The judge would laugh his ass off. Why the hell is the solution to every single ill in America to sue? The solution is commonly called take a reality check and be on your way.

[DarthGonzo]

Am I the only person here who sees her mom's side of things?

Obviously there's some serious issues at work here - and probably a lot of heavy stuff we don't know. It sounds to me like your parents are laying down some serious ground rules because you NEED it, not because they like being jerks or anything.

[nachonaco]

My mom tells me I'm the one who's responsible for her smoking for the past few years and you're still on her side?

Dang.

[The Guitar Slayer]

My mom tells me I'm the one who's responsible for her smoking for the past few years and you're still on her side?

Dang.
Well, yes, since you haven't provided any other evidence for me to hate her guts and resent her as her teenage daughter would. Additionally, you aren't exactly a martyr.

You're looking for sympathy here. You're not finding it. Move on.

[DarthGonzo]

Your overly dramatic "PITY ME!!" posts give me plenty reason to believe that your mother's decision to continue smoking is entirely justified.

In all seriousness - you come across as a very immature individual with an egocentric view of your world. It sounds like your parents had to deal with some serious family-related issues in their past and I think you fail to see things from their point of view. Perhaps there's a reason they need to be this hard on you.

And don't think I don't know what I'm talking about. My family was sadly quite disfunctional during my childhood and I'm really surprised my parents never split up - looking back on it now I think they only stayed together for myself and my sister's sake. My mother and father have been deceased since 2003 and 1997 respectively and when I think back on my childhood from an adult persepctive it really makes it easier to see where your parents were coming from, and why they treat their children the way they do.

Additionally, I've been a child care enthusiast and have studied child psychology and theories for almost a decade now. From the behavior and attitudes I've seen on display I'm really not surprised at some of the things your mother has said to you.

That said, I feel for you because - at your age and through your eyes - the things your mother says does seem intentionally hurtful. I was there once. And from some of the follow-up posts I've read here, alot of people around here are going through the same thing.

[Antiyonder]

The novel thing -- no, you're not going to get it published as it stands right now. Once you've gone to college, you're going to want to rework the whole things. Be there, done that, got the t-shirt. Additionally, my friend has worked in publishing -- you need a day job beyond McDonald's to get it through that whole process. You can't sit around and have it done overnight. It will take years.

It's not WHAT her mom said, it HOW she said it. That's why I side with nachonaco. And being a parent doesn't always put that person in the right. Maybe in the 1950s, but today, parents are just as human and full of flaws as we are.

Her mom could have easily said:

"Just don't get your hopes up". Or "Then you'll have to improve on your work".

Wouldn't that have gotten the point across better?

[The Guitar Slayer]

It's not WHAT her mom said, it HOW she said it. That's why I side with nachonaco. And being a parent doesn't always put that person in the right. Maybe in the 1950s, but today, parents are just as human and full of flaws as we are.

Parents are not 100% right-- that's why I left home at 18. That's not up for debate.

Let's reanalyze what's been said:

[she]asks me how I plan to pay for college.

I don't get good enough grades to get a scholarship, so I said I'd see what I got from my book sales when/if I get it published.

So basically, Nacho's not doing too hot in school in the first place. Mom has probably told her to pull her grades up in the past. The family isn't so well off to be paying for school so they can't pay full freight. By stating "oh, I'll get my book published," it says to Mom, "Nope, not going to try harder for scholarship." If she had said, "I'll try harder in school and maybe I'll work on my book," it'd be a different story.

I'm with the mom in terms of interpretting Nacho's response as refusing to put in effort at school. If Nacho gives up so easily at school, then there's no way in hell she's going to get the book published -- you need YEARS of perseverance for that.

[TheMecca]

This thread has turned into the investigation parts of Phoenix Wright.

[Antiyonder]

So basically, Nacho's not doing too hot in school in the first place. Mom has probably told her to pull her grades up in the past. The family isn't so well off to be paying for school so they can't pay full freight. By stating "oh, I'll get my book published," it says to Mom, "Nope, not going to try harder for scholarship." If she had said, "I'll try harder in school and maybe I'll work on my book," it'd be a different story.

I'm with the mom in terms of interpretting Nacho's response as refusing to put in effort at school. If Nacho gives up so easily at school, then there's no way in hell she's going to get the book published -- you need YEARS of perseverance for that.

Fair enough, my problem was that you seemed to overlook the tone from her mom not the comment. Not much I can say at this point.

As for the lawsuit bit, that was really more of an attempt to lighten things up in the thread.


However, I have to disagree with your other comment:

My mom tells me I'm the one who's responsible for her smoking for the past few years and you're still on her side?
Well, yes, since you haven't provided any other evidence for me to hate her guts and resent her as her teenage daughter would.

Her relationship with her daughter is no excuse for smoking. Take my dad for instance, he did smoke for quite sometime, but quit along time ago. Even with his divorce with my mom and upcoming divorce with my stepmom he has yet to take another smoke. Meaning, he doesn't use a serious problem such as divorce to smoke.

Point is an excuse no matter how pretty, or tragic still smells of dog crap.

[MEGA TON]

Yeah parents are the ones who want you to look at the reality of things but really it's your decision. Parents should let their kids go out there and experience the world themselves them telling you the reality of it all is like spoiling the ending of good movie......Or comic.

[Artimus Gigan]

Yeah parents are the ones who want you to look at the reality of things but really it's your decision. Parents should let their kids go out there and experience the world themselves them telling you the reality of it all is like spoiling the ending of good movie......Or comic.
or making sure that you don't wind up killing yourself

I mean what does experience count for if you can't share it and have poeple learn from it?

[nachonaco]

OMG.

I don't know what to do anymore. :crying:

My dad threw a fit because of my report card, so instead of suggesting I get help, he calls a bum, a moron, TAKES AWAY STUFF I HAVE PAID FOR/DOES NOT ALLOW ACCESS TO IT, and tells me I'm 'an adult and don't need to be grounded'.

Right before he does ground me.

I just don't know what to do tomorrow.

School won't do nothin'.

Plus I don't want to lose the pets.

[Artimus Gigan]

OMG.

I don't know what to do anymore. :crying:

My dad threw a fit because of my report card, so instead of suggesting I get help, he calls a bum, a moron, TAKES AWAY STUFF I HAVE PAID FOR/DOES NOT ALLOW ACCESS TO IT, and tells me I'm 'an adult and don't need to be grounded'.

Right before he does ground me.

I just don't know what to do tomorrow.

School won't do nothin'.

Plus I don't want to lose the pets.
Yeah usually parents do get upset about bad grades and do take away things.

you're pretty much in a typical situation with that

[The Guitar Slayer]

My dad threw a fit because of my report card, so instead of suggesting I get help, he calls a bum, a moron, TAKES AWAY STUFF I HAVE PAID FOR/DOES NOT ALLOW ACCESS TO IT, and tells me I'm 'an adult and don't need to be grounded'.

Well, from the sound of it, they've warned you before about your grades and their dissatisfaction with them as well as your attitude about scholarships. Bringing in a tutor won't help if the problem is YOU rather than comprehension. Consequences are to be expected. You live under their roof, you live up to their standards. Sucks to be a kid but that's how it is.

School won't do nothin'.

As well they shouldn't. This is hardly abuse -- this is discipline. If taking away stuff makes you buckle down, then they will do it. And that may include pets if you're using them as an excuse ("I can't do this because I have to take care of the dog!/cat/cricket/etc.")

[DarthGonzo]

Well, from the sound of it, they've warned you before about your grades and their dissatisfaction with them as well as your attitude about scholarships. Bringing in a tutor won't help if the problem is YOU rather than comprehension. Consequences are to be expected. You live under their roof, you live up to their standards. Sucks to be a kid but that's how it is.



As well they shouldn't. This is hardly abuse -- this is discipline. If taking away stuff makes you buckle down, then they will do it. And that may include pets if you're using them as an excuse ("I can't do this because I have to take care of the dog!/cat/cricket/etc.")

Beautiful, Guitar Slayer. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Like I said earlier - we don't know the whole story here I think. However, at this point my sympathies go out to your parents. You just don't seem like you've got it all together, emotionally as well as school-wise.

[nachonaco]

Pet care is not a privilege in my house. I am EXPECTED to feed those darn things.

AND THEY KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE!! :D

OK, just trying to cheer myself up.

[EzraBladerunner]

Originally Posted by The Guitar Slayer
Well, from the sound of it, they've warned you before about your grades and their dissatisfaction with them as well as your attitude about scholarships. Bringing in a tutor won't help if the problem is YOU rather than comprehension. Consequences are to be expected. You live under their roof, you live up to their standards. Sucks to be a kid but that's how it is.


I agree with you there, Guitar Slayer. If someone wants to improve upon their lives, they'll have to start making that improvement with themselves. You know, I think there's trust and anger issues that teens go through as well. With them being hot-blooded at that age and all.

Speaking of kids, adolescents are very hot-blooded. Very, very hot-blooded. Even I, who are apart of the rare bunch of teens that DID get along with their parents, had gone through that.

Take for instance, back in my highschool days I wanted to go to college in New York at NYU. There, I would of wanted to go into art and live closer to my dad's side of the family. I absolutely dispised Arizona. You couldn't believe the amount of rants I told my parents and aquaintences.

Then graduation day comes several months later. Guess what? I sit down for a moment before the ceremony begins and I get cold feet. That's right, cold feet. After that night, I had told my parents that I didn't want to follow through with that idea.
You see, I needed to stop for a minute and keep a cool, level head about things so I can think about my life carefully. Here I was at graduation and I was aimless(career-wise), and I was definitely not ready to go through a huge leap in life like just yet, both financially and emotionally.

So I decided instead to take a year off and get myself prepared(applying for as many and any scholarships that I can and to look for a good community college to start off). Diving into cold water head first isn't going to be a good idea for me. Though it may work for other people, just not me. I need to get the ball rolling first, so to speak. I'm aware I'll end up getting a lot of flak for it, but it's my decision in the end(my mom and dad are the only ones that understands that about me). I choose to take it slow by going to a community college for my basic, essential classes and to get a feel of college all the while getting myself going in the dayjob world.

Anyway, with all that mumbo jumbo, what I mean is that you(nachonaco) needs to sit down and stop being so angry at the world/your parents/school/etc. Instead of dismissing the idea of applying for scholarships, you should try it first before saying "nay". Also, don't under-estimate the worth of your education either. Did you know that you can get paid more(when you get a job) depending on the degree you got in college?
So don't throw your education out the window just yet. Try all those things before you reject them.

Besides, if you applied for 100 scholarships and got nothing, you would be no better off than before doing so. So you could atleast say you tried.

Well...that's what I'll be doing anyway.

[candy17]

Seriously...

She KNOWS writing is my passion.

Absolutely knows it.

So today she picks me up from school (Yes, I'm a junior and I still don't have my license) and asks me how I plan to pay for college.

I don't get good enough grades to get a scholarship, so I said I'd see what I got from my book sales when/if I get it published.

"You won't get it published."

I'm so angry/upset right now that I'm shaking.

She ALWAYS tears me down and it's about time it stopped.

Don't listen to anyone who says you can't do it. I have faith in you. I even have a blog written for you about your plight. It's really very insightful:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog

I hope you and your mother can come to a compromise about this.

[The Old Maid]

If I might add three comments:

1. If your parents claim that you "make" them smoke (a very slow and painful way to die), that's a cheap shot. Calling you a "moron" is a cheap shot. Taking away the pets (if I understand correctly) is a cheap shot.

(You can't make people be good to you, but you can step up and start taking care of the pets. If no one showed you how to do that, get some books. Don't let a loving animal get dragged into it. As for the smoking, it's possible they would do that even if you'd never lived there. By the way, that's like saying that someone "makes" you get poor grades. No one else believes that, so why should you believe the smoking story from them?)

2. If "school won't do anything," then what makes you think you have to wait on them? If you're old enough to be considering your future, you're old enough to find a tutor, or to join (or start) a study group.

3. The part about expecting the profits from your writing to pay for college/your future is well-intentioned, but ...

This thread isn't about me, so I'm not asking for a show of hands. I have humbly thought that, perhaps, some of my own writing is good enough that I could be paid for it.

I won't tell you how many years I have been writing, let alone if those "years" take the form of "decades." ;) Basically, I've been writing long enough to know whether or not I could quit all other forms of (a) paid employment; and (b) unpaid self-improvement activities such as studies.

How much money have I earned from a lifetime of writing?

Eighty-five dollars.

That's all.

And like I said, I kinda thought maybe my stuff doesn't, like, totally stink.

If you love to write, write. Why shouldn't you? But you need to realize that people won't necessarily pay you for it. There simply are more writers than publishers to publish them. You need to love writing enough to do it for free ... because, believe me, you just might.

If you are serious about writing for a living, you do need to bring up your grades. You can add creative writing electives, but isn't that part of the argument right now? The claim that you can't make a living at writing fiction? Then go around it: join the Journalism/Yearbook class. Most parents take that class a lot more seriously. If it's too late in the year to join, volunteer. Do whatever boring chores they ask you to do, and then enroll in the next semester/enrollment.

Students in those classes have a better chance of being hired by the local small paper. Students who do one, or both, have a better chance of getting scholarships in the writing field. It doesn't matter if you really only want to write fiction. A lot of published fiction writers have an established relationship with people who publish things; that's why so many novelists started out writing the news.

You can still turn this around. But you have to take up the challenge yourself. It's very possible you can't count on your parents to support your dream ... but they're not wrong that you don't seem to know how to proceed, and that that's why you seem to do nothing. Time doesn't stand still, not with college admissions. Find people who can teach you.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Looks like you have to flip burgers for a while until you save enough money, friend. Don't sweat about getting to college right away, even I had to take a few years off to think things over and save up some more money for me to finish my degree.