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It's been two whole months since finishing NaNoWriMo and I have spent that entire time struggling through a novel I've been writing ... -
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So here I am at Day 23, barely skirting 10 000 words. I haven't had a chance to write in the last couple of days...work, day trips, work...
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look mom! i'm using vectors! May 30, 2007, 5:08:51 PM so i took a hiatus from writing (and by "took a hiatus" i mean i ran out...
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I'd love to say that I haven't posted in this blog because I have been diligently working on my novel and keeping up with my daily w...
Friday, March 1, 2013
It's been two whole months since finishing NaNoWriMo and I have spent that entire time struggling through a novel I've been writing for many, many, years. The difference in this endeavor, however, is that I've learned a few things from NaNoWriMo and have been writing fairly consistently. I wanted to share certain tricks I've learned from that month of hell that have helped not only put words on paper (so to speak) but have kept me motivated.
1. Ignore the Editor
Always easier said than done. While I do allow myself to go through what I've written and fix a few things here and there, I do not allow myself to focus on grammatical issues or wording. Instead, I change certain plot issues in order to make the story flow and seem more cohesive. Nit-picking can wait until I go through the first draft.
2. Set a Goal
This tip I only began to adhere to recently. For the past couple of months I've been fretting over how much of the story I was actually writing and felt as if I had accomplished nothing by the end of the day. Starting this week I decided to allot myself a daily word goal of 350 from Monday to Friday (thanks to Chuck Wendig and his great blog for this advice). It may not seem like a lot, but it's really easy to do and I feel like I've accomplished something each day. Can't write on a Tuesday? No problem, just write 700 words on Wednesday. Wendig's reasoning behind this goal is that within a year of following that pace you can finish a novel. Since I started this regime at 50 000+ words, I know it won't take that long. I also know that I will write more on some days and also contribute to my word count on the weekends.
3. Just Write
Stuck in your plot? Not sure where to turn next? Just write! Whether you continue on at your stopping point or work on something that happens later on in the novel, keep writing. Eventually it will all come together and instead of wasting time banging your head against a wall you will be even closer to achieving your goal.
1. Ignore the Editor
Always easier said than done. While I do allow myself to go through what I've written and fix a few things here and there, I do not allow myself to focus on grammatical issues or wording. Instead, I change certain plot issues in order to make the story flow and seem more cohesive. Nit-picking can wait until I go through the first draft.
2. Set a Goal
This tip I only began to adhere to recently. For the past couple of months I've been fretting over how much of the story I was actually writing and felt as if I had accomplished nothing by the end of the day. Starting this week I decided to allot myself a daily word goal of 350 from Monday to Friday (thanks to Chuck Wendig and his great blog for this advice). It may not seem like a lot, but it's really easy to do and I feel like I've accomplished something each day. Can't write on a Tuesday? No problem, just write 700 words on Wednesday. Wendig's reasoning behind this goal is that within a year of following that pace you can finish a novel. Since I started this regime at 50 000+ words, I know it won't take that long. I also know that I will write more on some days and also contribute to my word count on the weekends.
3. Just Write
Stuck in your plot? Not sure where to turn next? Just write! Whether you continue on at your stopping point or work on something that happens later on in the novel, keep writing. Eventually it will all come together and instead of wasting time banging your head against a wall you will be even closer to achieving your goal.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
When most of us put together a puzzle, we don't simply start at the top and work along row by row. No, we usually establish the border, sort by similar colours, and put together what we have. Then, after we have pieced together chunks of the puzzle, we put it all together to complete the activity.
This is a splendid metaphor to describe how I write and I want to explain why this method is effective. While discussing writing techniques with someone I know, she scoffed at my idea of writing bits of the story here and there. She only writes from beginning to end. Which makes sense, since that is how the story is read. Personally, if I subjected myself to such a strict method of writing I'd get absolutely nothing done.
I find when I write things that happen later on in the story, it creates an opportunity to fill in those Point A to Point B gaps with information that will set up what is about to happen. If I know X, Y and Z are going to occur, I can provide information early on and alleviate those moments where I stare blankly at the screen going: "Uhhhhhhhhhhh......"
"But what if the story changes and those scenes are irrelevant?"
Oh well. Change it, get rid of it, move it around. It doesn't matter. It's my experience that it's best to just write something, anything, than to write nothing at all.
In other aspects of my life I tend to be an all or nothing person. Why bother putting all my clothes away in my bedroom if I'm not going to vacuum and change the bedding? Why clean the toilet if I don't have time to also scrub the sink and bathtub? I try not to be so rigid in my writing, taking delight in having written something instead of expecting to write everything.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Anyone who reads my blog (i.e., no one) knows that I do not write from start to finish. I like to jump around, exploring different scenes and moments in my novel despite where they occur. I find this is a great way to defeat writer's block...if I can't come up with something during the course of the story, I write something that happens later on.
However, this poses a problem when I am suddenly faced with the task of connecting my main storyline with something I have previously written. Sometimes this happens effortlessly, but most times I am stuck at a point where I know something I've written before has to happen. I'm just not sure how to get there.
So I present a post dedicated to bridging the gap between Point A and Point B, A being where I am in the narrative and B being where I need to go.
1. What needs to happen between the two plotlines?
The characters are trapped in limbo in one part of the story and they need to get to another part. Certain things must happen for B to occur. If I could just plunk the existing scene into the story, I wouldn't be writing this point. When we think about what needs to happen first, we don't necessarily have to focus on physical actions. Sometimes we need to consider how the characters' feeling must change in order for B to make sense.
For example, in my current effort, I am stuck in a sort of meh scene where not much is really happening. What I want to do is add in something I have already written because, well, it's time. I'm not going to sweat over what actions need to occur. Instead, I'm going to look at how the characters are feeling and interacting and think about how they will feel and interact in the new scene.
Try working backwards from Point B to Point A It's often easier to figure out how to finish the journey then to conceptualize how it started.
In order to do this, I grabbed my trusty notebook and jotted down what had just happened in the story. I then left a few lines blank and wrote what happens in the scene to be added. Now all I need to do is scribble in what has to occur in between. Have I done that yet? No. I decided to procrastinate instead and write this post.
2. Go big or go home?
Now we know that SOMETHING needs to happen between A and B, but how big should you go? That all depends on Point B. Is Point B dramatic or story changing? Is it highly climatic? If so, then the middle ground should be low key and work on building up the big scene. What if Point B is mundane and merely moves the story along? Depending on what point of the story you are at, you can go either way. Think about whether it's time for something exciting or if a slower pace is more appropriate.
3. How big does the bridge have to be?
So how much bridgework are we facing? Let's use a bridge as an example, since that seems appropriate.
You need to figure out what kind of distance you are covering. If the middle ground is a body of water, you need to figure how wide it is and what kind of bridge you need to build. If you're facing a small stream then obviously you don't need a big, fancy bridge. Something short and sweet and simple will do. However, if the body of water is massive then you need to build something bigger, higher and with more structural support.
4. Invest in a good computer.
This point may seem out of place in the scheme of things, but I think it's great advice for anyone trying to write a novel. Nothing kills a train of thought quicker than a system that freezes and lags. I swear to god if this thing lags up one more time while I'm trying to write this post, I will vomit shards of rage.
Side Note: Immediately after writing Point 4, Firefox lagged twice, crashed and then disappeared. Thank the Lord Baby Jesus that Blogger saves drafts.
However, this poses a problem when I am suddenly faced with the task of connecting my main storyline with something I have previously written. Sometimes this happens effortlessly, but most times I am stuck at a point where I know something I've written before has to happen. I'm just not sure how to get there.
So I present a post dedicated to bridging the gap between Point A and Point B, A being where I am in the narrative and B being where I need to go.
1. What needs to happen between the two plotlines?
The characters are trapped in limbo in one part of the story and they need to get to another part. Certain things must happen for B to occur. If I could just plunk the existing scene into the story, I wouldn't be writing this point. When we think about what needs to happen first, we don't necessarily have to focus on physical actions. Sometimes we need to consider how the characters' feeling must change in order for B to make sense.
For example, in my current effort, I am stuck in a sort of meh scene where not much is really happening. What I want to do is add in something I have already written because, well, it's time. I'm not going to sweat over what actions need to occur. Instead, I'm going to look at how the characters are feeling and interacting and think about how they will feel and interact in the new scene.
Try working backwards from Point B to Point A It's often easier to figure out how to finish the journey then to conceptualize how it started.
In order to do this, I grabbed my trusty notebook and jotted down what had just happened in the story. I then left a few lines blank and wrote what happens in the scene to be added. Now all I need to do is scribble in what has to occur in between. Have I done that yet? No. I decided to procrastinate instead and write this post.
2. Go big or go home?
Now we know that SOMETHING needs to happen between A and B, but how big should you go? That all depends on Point B. Is Point B dramatic or story changing? Is it highly climatic? If so, then the middle ground should be low key and work on building up the big scene. What if Point B is mundane and merely moves the story along? Depending on what point of the story you are at, you can go either way. Think about whether it's time for something exciting or if a slower pace is more appropriate.
3. How big does the bridge have to be?
So how much bridgework are we facing? Let's use a bridge as an example, since that seems appropriate.
You need to figure out what kind of distance you are covering. If the middle ground is a body of water, you need to figure how wide it is and what kind of bridge you need to build. If you're facing a small stream then obviously you don't need a big, fancy bridge. Something short and sweet and simple will do. However, if the body of water is massive then you need to build something bigger, higher and with more structural support.
4. Invest in a good computer.
This point may seem out of place in the scheme of things, but I think it's great advice for anyone trying to write a novel. Nothing kills a train of thought quicker than a system that freezes and lags. I swear to god if this thing lags up one more time while I'm trying to write this post, I will vomit shards of rage.
Side Note: Immediately after writing Point 4, Firefox lagged twice, crashed and then disappeared. Thank the Lord Baby Jesus that Blogger saves drafts.
Friday, January 25, 2013
So I recently discovered Gizoogle and decided to branch beyond reading my own blog posts in gangsta talk. Here is a short biography of Robert Frost I found while Gizoogling one of his poems:
"Robert Lee Frost [1874-1963] started doin thangs up in California USA on 26th March 1874 yo. His muthafathas Lil' Willy Prescott Frost n' Isabel Vibeie, kicked it wit when they was both hittin dat shizzle as mackdaddys. Robert was tha eldest of they two children, Jeanie bein his sister.
In 1885 followin tha dirtnap of his wild lil' father, tha gang moved up in wit his stupid-ass grandfather up in Lawrence Massachusetts."
"Robert Lee Frost [1874-1963] started doin thangs up in California USA on 26th March 1874 yo. His muthafathas Lil' Willy Prescott Frost n' Isabel Vibeie, kicked it wit when they was both hittin dat shizzle as mackdaddys. Robert was tha eldest of they two children, Jeanie bein his sister.
In 1885 followin tha dirtnap of his wild lil' father, tha gang moved up in wit his stupid-ass grandfather up in Lawrence Massachusetts."
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I found this "composition", I suppose you could call it, and wanted to post it here. It may seem dark and grim, but it came from a time when I was in a dark and grim place. I like keeping it around because when I read it I don't hear my own voice, I hear someone else's.
December 12, 2010
If I were to write a suicide note, I imagine it would sound something like this:
"Row, row, row your boat" had it right. Well, the ending at least. Life is but a dream, a series of dreams, not like chapters in a book. A book you can go back and relive; life is a series of dreams, each explicitly real and fading. Nightmarish and beautiful, but never relivable. You can't go back and no memory is as strong in the present as it was in the past. The downfall of that reality is that with a book, you can close it, put it aside and never open it again. Life is a dream you can never wake up from, only in death. The past is a faded memory that you can never shut out, and while the reality of past situations resonate only softly, the pain resides forever. And while lessons can be learned and the future reshaped, the hurt never goes away. A book is a controllable creation: conflict created, resolutions planned, a definable conclusion. Dreams are uncontrollable phenomena. I used to believe that one could control one's destiny but I've come to learn that this is not truth. Whereas I can make the necessary decisions to cease my emotional pain, they are never easy and the pain never really ends. Conclusions do not result in emotional resolution but merely the cessation of collective hurt and suffering. At whatever point the story ends, that specific experience of pain never really goes away. It subsides and is covered with new tortures or inexplicably resurfaces like an old wound. It's inescapable and haunting. While they say we create our own pain and happiness, most of it is created upon us...by others, by an unseen force, by circumstance. And how is it possible to outrun a relentless nightmare? Either we continue to run and hope for eventual happiness or we wake up. For now, I'll keep running. not away from the pain, but toward an ultimate conclusion. Toward the beautiful dream.
December 12, 2010
If I were to write a suicide note, I imagine it would sound something like this:
"Row, row, row your boat" had it right. Well, the ending at least. Life is but a dream, a series of dreams, not like chapters in a book. A book you can go back and relive; life is a series of dreams, each explicitly real and fading. Nightmarish and beautiful, but never relivable. You can't go back and no memory is as strong in the present as it was in the past. The downfall of that reality is that with a book, you can close it, put it aside and never open it again. Life is a dream you can never wake up from, only in death. The past is a faded memory that you can never shut out, and while the reality of past situations resonate only softly, the pain resides forever. And while lessons can be learned and the future reshaped, the hurt never goes away. A book is a controllable creation: conflict created, resolutions planned, a definable conclusion. Dreams are uncontrollable phenomena. I used to believe that one could control one's destiny but I've come to learn that this is not truth. Whereas I can make the necessary decisions to cease my emotional pain, they are never easy and the pain never really ends. Conclusions do not result in emotional resolution but merely the cessation of collective hurt and suffering. At whatever point the story ends, that specific experience of pain never really goes away. It subsides and is covered with new tortures or inexplicably resurfaces like an old wound. It's inescapable and haunting. While they say we create our own pain and happiness, most of it is created upon us...by others, by an unseen force, by circumstance. And how is it possible to outrun a relentless nightmare? Either we continue to run and hope for eventual happiness or we wake up. For now, I'll keep running. not away from the pain, but toward an ultimate conclusion. Toward the beautiful dream.
I hate giving in to hype and commercialism, but there is something about the new year that I can't ignore. It's the beginning of a new calendar and logically this is the appropriate time to make life changes. What better way to track personal progress than to start at the beginning of the year?
I always make resolutions, and most of the time I do not keep them. Get in shape. Eat better. Quit this, start doing that. I'm tired of making myself promises every January and never seeing them come to fruition. I decided this year that I would task myself with specific goals rather than obscure resolutions.
So far I have decided to accomplish these things:
1. Learn at least one song on the piano.
2. Complete one painting every month.
3. FINISH a novel.
4. Paint an accent wall.
5. Read 50 books.
Are these life-changing promises? Maybe not, but they are things I do want to accomplish and a year in more than enough time to do so. And who knows...maybe I'll write a best-seller, or create a beautiful piece of art or simply enjoy my apartment a little more.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
look mom! i'm using vectors!
May 30, 2007, 5:08:51 PM
so i took a hiatus from writing (and by "took a hiatus" i mean i ran out of ideas
) so i thought i would take up the wonderful art of vector drawing. i don't know that i'll ever return to hand tracing on psp! using vectors not only produces a smoother image but takes so much less time to create an outline (with colour filling no less!).
my attraction to vectors did not come without a purpose. i stumbled upon cafepress.com while perusing easy ways to make money (currently i am jobless in brantford and we are running out of money f*a*s*t*). brain juices started a-flowing and i realized that if i can create a catchy group of characters i may be able to sell their image on calenders, mugs and thongs without investing a cent!
so kyu_ti_gochikku was born. so far i have seven characters who each represent a different facet of the gothic subculture. i will be posting first draft images here for comments and critiques. so please, let me know what you think and how i can improve them! also let me know what you like about them, so i can feel good about myself.
Look, Mom! This is back when I was very cool and didn't use capital letters!
look mom! i've neglected my blog!
Feb 7, 2008, 10:50:16 AM
Wow, so much has happened since my last journal entry! i found a new job and have settled into ontario quite nicely. i've been home once and have had family and friends down to visit since moving here. i participated in nanowrimo, started a blog, and saw the Spice Girls live in concert (i know, it doesn't really fit in there).
i'm back to revamping my silent hill fanfic. i gave it a new name and a new direction. check it out here: [link].
work keeps me busy so there is less time for art and writing. right now i'm focusing on my writing, since it's something i can do at work during down times.
anywho, this is not a terribly interesting journal posting. check out me blog, which i try to update regularly: [link].
May 30, 2007, 5:08:51 PM
so i took a hiatus from writing (and by "took a hiatus" i mean i ran out of ideas
) so i thought i would take up the wonderful art of vector drawing. i don't know that i'll ever return to hand tracing on psp! using vectors not only produces a smoother image but takes so much less time to create an outline (with colour filling no less!). my attraction to vectors did not come without a purpose. i stumbled upon cafepress.com while perusing easy ways to make money (currently i am jobless in brantford and we are running out of money f*a*s*t*). brain juices started a-flowing and i realized that if i can create a catchy group of characters i may be able to sell their image on calenders, mugs and thongs without investing a cent!
so kyu_ti_gochikku was born. so far i have seven characters who each represent a different facet of the gothic subculture. i will be posting first draft images here for comments and critiques. so please, let me know what you think and how i can improve them! also let me know what you like about them, so i can feel good about myself.
Look, Mom! This is back when I was very cool and didn't use capital letters!
look mom! i've neglected my blog!
Feb 7, 2008, 10:50:16 AM
Wow, so much has happened since my last journal entry! i found a new job and have settled into ontario quite nicely. i've been home once and have had family and friends down to visit since moving here. i participated in nanowrimo, started a blog, and saw the Spice Girls live in concert (i know, it doesn't really fit in there).
i'm back to revamping my silent hill fanfic. i gave it a new name and a new direction. check it out here: [link].
work keeps me busy so there is less time for art and writing. right now i'm focusing on my writing, since it's something i can do at work during down times.
anywho, this is not a terribly interesting journal posting. check out me blog, which i try to update regularly: [link].
Saturday, December 15, 2012
2006 Wrap-Up
Dec 31, 2006, 12:31:47 PM
Egads! I haven't posted a journal since October? Damn Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas! Why do you occur at year's end?!?!
So I thought I would write up a quick blurb about what I've learned this year:
1. I want to be a pirate.
2. Working with children is not my career path.
3. Keeping in touch with friends is cool.
4. I am never going to be a writer/artist/actor but trying sure is fun!
5. I want to marry Jack Sparrow (see #1).
6. I wish I could teleport into the future and join the crew of the Enterprise NCC1701-D.
7. X-Men 3 was a total screw up. As was The Wickerman (where was the horror? and what was in that bag?), Tristan and Isolde (all they did was fuck...where's the love?), and Snakes on a Plane (didn't see it and never will).
8. I am still in love with Ewan McGregor.
9. No Snow = No Christmas Spirit. Damn global warming!!!
10. Writing lists is fun.
Okay, and now for my New Year's Resolutions (i.e. promises I make myself but never keep):
1. Get in shape.
2. Become more cultural (hard to do in this city, but I should give it an honest try).
3. Write a book.
Have a great New Year's everyone!!!
I just have to make a comment here because, well, I can. Number 2 certainly did not prove true, as I am currently an Autism Support Worker who works with children every day. Is it my career path? Who knows, but I still love every minute of it. Consequently, number 4 is no longer true, because now I have something called faith in myself. In conclusion, numbers 6 and 7 still bode very VERY true for me.
Haiku
Feb 6, 2007, 12:07:40 PM
Here's a haiku I wrote at work:
Snowflakes fall sweetly
Sugar sprinkles on cupcake
Winter is yummy
Dec 31, 2006, 12:31:47 PM
Egads! I haven't posted a journal since October? Damn Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas! Why do you occur at year's end?!?!
So I thought I would write up a quick blurb about what I've learned this year:
1. I want to be a pirate.
2. Working with children is not my career path.
3. Keeping in touch with friends is cool.
4. I am never going to be a writer/artist/actor but trying sure is fun!
5. I want to marry Jack Sparrow (see #1).
6. I wish I could teleport into the future and join the crew of the Enterprise NCC1701-D.
7. X-Men 3 was a total screw up. As was The Wickerman (where was the horror? and what was in that bag?), Tristan and Isolde (all they did was fuck...where's the love?), and Snakes on a Plane (didn't see it and never will).
8. I am still in love with Ewan McGregor.
9. No Snow = No Christmas Spirit. Damn global warming!!!
10. Writing lists is fun.
Okay, and now for my New Year's Resolutions (i.e. promises I make myself but never keep):
1. Get in shape.
2. Become more cultural (hard to do in this city, but I should give it an honest try).
3. Write a book.
Have a great New Year's everyone!!!
I just have to make a comment here because, well, I can. Number 2 certainly did not prove true, as I am currently an Autism Support Worker who works with children every day. Is it my career path? Who knows, but I still love every minute of it. Consequently, number 4 is no longer true, because now I have something called faith in myself. In conclusion, numbers 6 and 7 still bode very VERY true for me.
Haiku
Feb 6, 2007, 12:07:40 PM
Here's a haiku I wrote at work:
Snowflakes fall sweetly
Sugar sprinkles on cupcake
Winter is yummy
Friday, December 14, 2012
Photomanip...ing?
Sep 10, 2006, 10:02:56 PM
I guess we all want our stories to be heard. Before, back in the dark ages of no internet, you had to do something R E A L L Y spectacular to garner any sort of attention. Now all you need is a MySpace account.
Maybe it's because I want to reconnect with my friends. You know, the friends you only speak with on MSN. The friends of whom you know about what's going on in their lives only by their MSN names? But will my friends be interested in what I have to say? What's going on in my life? My opinions?
I hope so. If not, at least I can a few things off my chest.
Note: Upon finding this particular post, I immediately deleted my MySpace account. Don't look for it. It's not there
Sep 10, 2006, 10:02:56 PM
So I've tried my hand at the art of photomanipulation, having seen what many talented DA artists are creating. Having been a H U G E fan of 
when it comes to stock images, I decided it was time to put her work to work (?).
I wanted to create an image that represented a story I've been working on (and by "been working on" I mean started, forgotten, re-wrote and have never finished). I wasn't in the mood to hand draw something, scan it, digitally colour it, blah blah blah...so I gave photomanip a try.
Overall I am actually quite pleased with the result. Granted, I am trying to add it to a background and work with light and stuff, but this initial result is quite cool. And it makes a nifty desktop pic.
when it comes to stock images, I decided it was time to put her work to work (?). I wanted to create an image that represented a story I've been working on (and by "been working on" I mean started, forgotten, re-wrote and have never finished). I wasn't in the mood to hand draw something, scan it, digitally colour it, blah blah blah...so I gave photomanip a try.
Overall I am actually quite pleased with the result. Granted, I am trying to add it to a background and work with light and stuff, but this initial result is quite cool. And it makes a nifty desktop pic.
Blog...ing?
Oct 8, 2006, 12:13:43 PM
So I've made the decision to blog...to put my life in full view of the world. I don't know why...I don't read other people's blogs so why would anyone read mine? Why can't a just keep a diary like I did when I was 8?
I guess we all want our stories to be heard. Before, back in the dark ages of no internet, you had to do something R E A L L Y spectacular to garner any sort of attention. Now all you need is a MySpace account.
Maybe it's because I want to reconnect with my friends. You know, the friends you only speak with on MSN. The friends of whom you know about what's going on in their lives only by their MSN names? But will my friends be interested in what I have to say? What's going on in my life? My opinions?
I hope so. If not, at least I can a few things off my chest.
Note: Upon finding this particular post, I immediately deleted my MySpace account. Don't look for it. It's not there
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Maybe if I loved myself a little bit more I would not post this on my blog. But, fuck it, if you want to judge me on shit poetry then this one is for you. Consequently, it is a poem about an old story I wrote as a child that I am currently reworking into something half-decent that really has nothing to do with the original tale.
The Salad Days
Jul 28, 2006, 5:45:22 PM
Recently I took a stroll,
to the past (a travel back to younger times)
into the innocence of my soul
captured in hasty prose and awkward rhymes.
And there I came upon a tale
(well, three, all dealing with the same cast)
layered like a piece of shale
spanning the distant past
They were based on a tv show
of some popularity known as Sailor Moon
but they weren't about the good guys, no,
they were about the bad guys and the goons.
They are short and kind of dumb
but they represent me in many ways,
like from where my writing talents come.
Those were the salad days.
The Salad Days
Jul 28, 2006, 5:45:22 PM
Recently I took a stroll,
to the past (a travel back to younger times)
into the innocence of my soul
captured in hasty prose and awkward rhymes.
And there I came upon a tale
(well, three, all dealing with the same cast)
layered like a piece of shale
spanning the distant past
They were based on a tv show
of some popularity known as Sailor Moon
but they weren't about the good guys, no,
they were about the bad guys and the goons.
They are short and kind of dumb
but they represent me in many ways,
like from where my writing talents come.
Those were the salad days.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
So I've been posting a whack of pictures of a character named Danae, but I have yet to explain who she is and where she comes from. Here is a [very] brief description of a story I'm working on:
***
C.A.T.S. (Combat and Tactics Specialists)
Danae Crowe, an officer aboard the CAT5, is a highly trained combatent. She is trained to solve political mayhem, using violence if necessary. Unfrotunately, a manipulative roomate, Echo Parks, prevents Danae from accompanying Commander Kyle Dravus and his team into the warzone, causing her to remain onboard the CAT5. While suffering through an unbearable bout of onboard security, Danae stumbles upon evidence implicating Echo in a political conspiracy involving the galaxy's most tyrannical political group (the Confederacy of the Planets), led by Rebel Di'Uno. Danae spends her time onboard piecing together the puzzle. When circumstances remove her from the CAT5, Danae learns that she is more than just an investigator of the Sacrament of Chaos conspiracy...she is an intricate part of it.
***
You know, that old chestnut.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
For the record, I am deleting these off my DA as I re-port them here. I hate knowing that all these silly little thoughts are floating around various mediums in cyber space. It's probably best to just dump them all here where I can keep track of them.
I'm still trying to find an elegant and intelligent way to describe this...but I can't.
Eraserhead...and 10 other reasons I love David Lynch
Mar 10, 2006, 6:30:09 PM
1. Lesbians
2. Crazy reptile babies that resemble embalmed cow fetuses (that's right, Lynch, Imma on to you)
3. Waiting for something to jump out...but it never does.
4. Two words: Dancing Worms
5. Two more words: Twin Peaks
6. The inspiration behind my favorite game of all time: Silent Hill
7. I can't look away from the imagery...and when I do I'm not quite sure what it real.
8. Inspired Kid N Play's stand-up do.
9. Giving me clues that may or may not have any significance to what the hell is going on.
10. He is totally fucked up.
I'm Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Apr 11, 2006, 8:52:02 PM
So I handed in my last essay of my undergraduate degree yesterday. And seeing as I have no exams, I am tout fini. As of May 19 I will be Chelsy Theriault, B.A. (maj Psyc). I like the sound of that. ;3
But now I feel empty. Other than housework, there's really nothing I have to do. Work is sporadic, but that's the nature of the company I work for (I work as a human service counselor and get jobs as they come). So I guess that's why I've been doing pic after pic for my gallery.
Anywho, I just thought I'd give a life update.
I'm still trying to find an elegant and intelligent way to describe this...but I can't.
Eraserhead...and 10 other reasons I love David Lynch
Mar 10, 2006, 6:30:09 PM
1. Lesbians
2. Crazy reptile babies that resemble embalmed cow fetuses (that's right, Lynch, Imma on to you)
3. Waiting for something to jump out...but it never does.
4. Two words: Dancing Worms
5. Two more words: Twin Peaks
6. The inspiration behind my favorite game of all time: Silent Hill
7. I can't look away from the imagery...and when I do I'm not quite sure what it real.
8. Inspired Kid N Play's stand-up do.
9. Giving me clues that may or may not have any significance to what the hell is going on.
10. He is totally fucked up.
I'm Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Apr 11, 2006, 8:52:02 PM
So I handed in my last essay of my undergraduate degree yesterday. And seeing as I have no exams, I am tout fini. As of May 19 I will be Chelsy Theriault, B.A. (maj Psyc). I like the sound of that. ;3
But now I feel empty. Other than housework, there's really nothing I have to do. Work is sporadic, but that's the nature of the company I work for (I work as a human service counselor and get jobs as they come). So I guess that's why I've been doing pic after pic for my gallery.
Anywho, I just thought I'd give a life update.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Recently I was perusing my DeviantArt account and went back through some old journal entries. I realized something recondite about the internet and the various ways we can chronicle our inner-most thoughts almost simultaneously across varying channels...then I kind of forgot what the deeper purpose to that realization was. Instead I decided to clear out my DA journal and condense my widespread thought-scat into one pile.
So here is a collection of some old and archaic posts from DA and potentially other sources.
[5 Things] if i could i would...
Aug 17, 2005, 8:51:34 PM
So here is a collection of some old and archaic posts from DA and potentially other sources.
[5 Things] if i could i would...
Aug 17, 2005, 8:51:34 PM
If I could I would...
1. ...write a novel so awesome that it would be adapted into a movie
2. ...run every morning
3. ...travel to europe with my husband every year
4. ...tell people what i really think without worrying what they would think of me
5 ...translate my thoughts, ideas and feelings into a functioning story or an image
...what would you do?
[5 Things] you may not know...
It's amazing how, after six years, all of these notions are still absolutely true. Except that I don't plan on visiting Europe with my husband because I don't have one anymore. Oh, boo.
1. ...write a novel so awesome that it would be adapted into a movie
2. ...run every morning
3. ...travel to europe with my husband every year
4. ...tell people what i really think without worrying what they would think of me
5 ...translate my thoughts, ideas and feelings into a functioning story or an image
...what would you do?
[5 Things] you may not know...
5 Things You May Not Know About Me...
1. I am a geek. I know too much about Star Trek, Star Wars, LOTR, HP, Red Dwarf, Video Games, etc.
2. I don't think I could ever bring myself to go commando. Undies = Security = Comfort
3. I cry EVERYTIME I watch Big Fish.
4. I still sleep with a stuffed animal I've had since I was 3. Her name is Flurry.
5. Sometime I wish I could escape this world and live in my imagination.
What don't I know about you?
1. I am a geek. I know too much about Star Trek, Star Wars, LOTR, HP, Red Dwarf, Video Games, etc.
2. I don't think I could ever bring myself to go commando. Undies = Security = Comfort
3. I cry EVERYTIME I watch Big Fish.
4. I still sleep with a stuffed animal I've had since I was 3. Her name is Flurry.
5. Sometime I wish I could escape this world and live in my imagination.
What don't I know about you?
It's amazing how, after six years, all of these notions are still absolutely true. Except that I don't plan on visiting Europe with my husband because I don't have one anymore. Oh, boo.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Now that NaNoWriMo is over for the year, I find myself struggling to bide my free time. It reminds me of when I was planning my wedding over seven years ago: when it was finally over I was at a loss as to what to do. Granted, that marriage is no more (oh darn) but that feeling still resides with me. Here I am, no word goals and no writing that I feel has to be done. So what am I doing in my free time?
Writing.
It's like a bug. I've built up this momentum over 30 days and now I can't seem to slow down. I've been digging through started stories, checking word counts, and considering what the next move is. For now I am merely reading through them, adding and removing what I feel is necessary.
Another activity that is filling my time is the creation of Christmas gifts. Yay. I'm balancing on that fine line between "I hate Christmas" and "When is too soon to put up my Christmas tree?" I am known for my general dislike of this particular holiday but as soon as the calendar hits December I start to get the urges. The shopping urges. The decorating urges. The urge to listen to Christmas music in my car. I know from years past that there is no point in fighting the joy of the season but every year I attempt to.
So I thought I would bite the bullet and at least change the template of my blog to reflect the holiday season. I'm not sure exactly why I openly detest Christmas. I think it has something to do with the hustle and bustle and the stress of completing tasks by a certain date. I guess this year I feel like I'm Wrimo-ing all over again...instead of 50 000 words I have to prepare 50 000 gifts before December 25th. Thanks, NaNoWriMo, for positioning yourself in the month that perpetuates my stress for another 25 days.
I must say that Christmases since I left my husband have been wonderful. During our marriage Christmas involved countless visits to almost every single member of his family, resulting in a day full of scurrying about with zero relaxation. Now, it's simple. I wake up with my boyfriend, we do our Christmas thing, I go to my mother's (who is conveniently located one floor down in the same apartment building), my brother and his wife bring the kids over and I barely have to move a muscle. Maybe I land at someone's house for Christmas dinner, maybe I don't. Not a big deal. Even when my father lived in this province (he recently moved to Ottawa last month), we always got together on a day that was not the 25th. No rush, no hassle.
Maybe this year I'll try to chill the fuck out and enjoy the season. At least making Christmas gifts gives me something to do...and an excuse to not write. Which I can do now.
By the way, follow me on Twitter (@noirness) and watch as I tweet random shit and make attempts to communicate with celebrities. Fun!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Anyone who has played this game and participated in NaNoWriMo will understand the significance of that video clip. If you've only done either one or the other, or neither, then you probably have no sweet clue why the fuck I would post a video of a creepy guy yelling at a camera.
As I sit here on the Eve of Day Final, I feel much like I always do when I play Nightmare: It's the last minute, time is running out, the only chance of succeeding hinges on speed and chance. My heart is racing, sweat forms upon my brow and I'm worried that if I make a wrong move all my efforts will have been all for naught.
Fortunately, I do feel like I'm sitting at the game board, all keys in hand, just waiting to land on the center square to determine my fate. I am only 1645 words away from my first successful WriMo, but it's not over yet. Fate my have a different idea for me come tomorrow night at 11:59.
But I'm confident, and that makes a difference. Even as I sit and write this blog post instead of working on my word count, I don't have that feeling of anxiety settling upon my chest, causing my hands to shake and my heart to beat unusually fast. I'm calm, I'm cool, I'm ready to do this.
Because if I don't, that would be a total nightmare.
Monday, November 26, 2012
I'd love to say that I haven't posted in this blog because I have been diligently working on my novel and keeping up with my daily word count. But I can't. Two weeks ago I couldn't wait until the month of November was over but now I wish I had two more weeks. After wasting about five whole days throughout the month not writing (partly due to a lung infection) I found myself facing this past weekend with a large undertaking: to catch up on almost 10 000 missed words.
Fortunately, due to the sheer will to succeed, I am only 4291 words behind today's daily word goal. But I am looking at 10 949 words to go until the end and, despite the encouraging words of fellow WriMos, this is seeming like a large undertaking. Luckily I have finally created a plot twist that will ensure a few more words to add to the count. Otherwise I spent the last week merely picking at already written scenes, trying to add more bulk to the story.
It's easy to say at this point that I have succeeded in surpassing all previous word counts from all previous attempts, but I find myself under more pressure due to this circumstance. If I make it so close and fail, it will feel more bitter than failing miserably.
So I strive on, adding what I can to a story I feel is doomed anyway. I guess at this point I'm writing for my own entertainment, somewhat curious how the characters end up where they are going (having already determined the conclusion of the story).
To any WriMos who are reading this blog, my advice to you is this: just keep going. Your story may suck and you may be bored out of your mind with it, but we are down to the final days. Now it's a matter of successfully submitting a word count as opposed to successfully creating a story. After the end of the month we have two options: re-work our drafts or shove it in a dark corner to be forgotten. Either way, if nothing comes of what we are writing, we can claim that we achieved something great. Something most of us probably never thought was possible.
Because even if it's shit, we wrote a novel in 30 days.
Fortunately, due to the sheer will to succeed, I am only 4291 words behind today's daily word goal. But I am looking at 10 949 words to go until the end and, despite the encouraging words of fellow WriMos, this is seeming like a large undertaking. Luckily I have finally created a plot twist that will ensure a few more words to add to the count. Otherwise I spent the last week merely picking at already written scenes, trying to add more bulk to the story.
It's easy to say at this point that I have succeeded in surpassing all previous word counts from all previous attempts, but I find myself under more pressure due to this circumstance. If I make it so close and fail, it will feel more bitter than failing miserably.
So I strive on, adding what I can to a story I feel is doomed anyway. I guess at this point I'm writing for my own entertainment, somewhat curious how the characters end up where they are going (having already determined the conclusion of the story).
To any WriMos who are reading this blog, my advice to you is this: just keep going. Your story may suck and you may be bored out of your mind with it, but we are down to the final days. Now it's a matter of successfully submitting a word count as opposed to successfully creating a story. After the end of the month we have two options: re-work our drafts or shove it in a dark corner to be forgotten. Either way, if nothing comes of what we are writing, we can claim that we achieved something great. Something most of us probably never thought was possible.
Because even if it's shit, we wrote a novel in 30 days.
Monday, November 12, 2012
I'm sitting here only 1800 words away from my daily word count and I find myself continuously slumping into a rut of "What's the point?" Unfortunately this has been a common theme not on in my writing but also my life. Both are trodding along with no excitement or purpose. Both are a humdrum recount of useless events.
I thought when I began this journey that writing a romance would be easy. What could be hard about it? It's simply storytelling about two people and love.
Wrong!
As I mentioned in my previous post, there is a lot involved when writing a romance. But beside from all the intricate details of the genre you have to have a story, and once you have a story you have to write it. I know my story, I just don't know how to get from point A to point B. I feel like I'm rambling and wasting time.
Once I get going on an idea for a scene, I run with it. Then the scene ends and I'm left slack-jawed, staring at my computer going, "A-buuuuhhhh."
Then I re-discovered Twitter and found another avenue of procrastination.
I was honoured, though, to be featured in a fellow Wrimo-Tweeter's article about inspiration during National Novel Writing Month.
Click Hither
Check out my Tweet. It's the first one!
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