Those three words describe my week in a nutshell.
Bookended by two weekends of shooting/filming, we are moving into our new house while I begin my writing project in an attempt to become world-famous. Just kidding. I just want to write stories and maybe someday get published. :)
Watching someone direct and hearing the actors going over their lines while fixing dinner for everyone...is very cool. I love all of it. I love being on set, I love doing makeup and special FX [putting the fangs on was pretty fun], deciding which clothing the actress should wear and hearing them laugh when they forgot a line...I LOVE this world of film! Plus I saw some footage last night and...it is beautiful. I'm very, very excited about seeing the finished product!
I am also ecstatic about moving. I've thought over where I want to put things, how my craft room [YAY] is going to look, and what I'm going to do on Saturdays while Stu is working. There will definitely be a lot to do these first few weeks and then after that I intend to invite people over every week! There are some people I've wanted to invite over but we did not have a big enough house, hardly any parking, or no food to spare. But now we at least have a house and parking so...hooray for guests! There is something inside me that thrills to cook for and entertain people in my home. It is a delightful occupation that I hope will make people feel welcome and I'm serious when I say that I adore having company and if people are ever bored, I will find something to do at my house! :)
In the midst of these two rather gargantuan projects, I have started a project of my own. I'm auditing the ENG 1110 Class with Mr. Wenger but what I'm really doing is the equivalent of an FDS. I have drawn up a list of 10 children's books and I am going to read them, write a research paper about what each has in common, and then attempt to write my own children's book. I have the first 10 pages but I need someone to push me to finish it and since Mr. Wenger likes children's books, I think it will be a good fit. I am going to edit and revise it next semester in hopes of searching for an agent next summer. I am ready and willing to wait for just the right one and I know it could take years for me to get published, possibly with a different book. For some reason...this choice to write makes sense. I have always had a passion for books, particularly children's books. I read them whenever I can and I also love to introduce people to books I think they will enjoy. I've got lots of ideas so hopefully if I find an agent...I will begin a Non-Corporate Career as a crazy artistic writer. :)
And in the middle of all these exciting things, I will be playing RPG's, building dollhouses, watching movies and t.v. shows, painting/drawing, playing music, and, maybe someday, playing with a new puppy. :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Dreams, Dreams, Dreams
Wow. I have had some weird dreams the last few nights.
Here are the first 3, from two nights ago:
1. I dreamed I worked at a store called MODE [not Ugly Betty's Fashion mag] at an airport.
2. I dreamed I was living in a big, dark dorm with Laura, Tabby, Melissa, and a girl named Amanda.
3. I dreamed that I was meeting the Obamas [I was dressed in a suit and my hair was in a ponytail] at a function. It was strange.
Last night I had a weird dream and a nightmare.
The weird dream was that I was at Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore's house. I'd heard a rumor that Demi was a lesbian and that she and Kutcher weren't really together. I mentioned this to Kutcher and he was really upset [like sad upset] and I said, "Ashton, I don't think that - I think that if you two are in love then that is wonderful. People don't realize that love means different things to different people, and that everyone needs to be loved." That was the gist of it, and then I went on to say that homosexuals need just as much love as heterosexuals and that it was a shame the way people treated each other, etc. It was a long lecture about love and loving. Very odd. Then he got up and made sure that Demi [who was asleep] was covered up with a blanket. It was sweet.
The nightmare I had was AWFUL. I dreamed I lived in an underground community in the desert because of a zombie virus outbreak [global]. We were playing soccer and getting dinner together and I was worrying about who would get the virus next when I figured out that 2 of the "humans" were actually aliens.
Here are the first 3, from two nights ago:
1. I dreamed I worked at a store called MODE [not Ugly Betty's Fashion mag] at an airport.
2. I dreamed I was living in a big, dark dorm with Laura, Tabby, Melissa, and a girl named Amanda.
3. I dreamed that I was meeting the Obamas [I was dressed in a suit and my hair was in a ponytail] at a function. It was strange.
Last night I had a weird dream and a nightmare.
The weird dream was that I was at Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore's house. I'd heard a rumor that Demi was a lesbian and that she and Kutcher weren't really together. I mentioned this to Kutcher and he was really upset [like sad upset] and I said, "Ashton, I don't think that - I think that if you two are in love then that is wonderful. People don't realize that love means different things to different people, and that everyone needs to be loved." That was the gist of it, and then I went on to say that homosexuals need just as much love as heterosexuals and that it was a shame the way people treated each other, etc. It was a long lecture about love and loving. Very odd. Then he got up and made sure that Demi [who was asleep] was covered up with a blanket. It was sweet.
The nightmare I had was AWFUL. I dreamed I lived in an underground community in the desert because of a zombie virus outbreak [global]. We were playing soccer and getting dinner together and I was worrying about who would get the virus next when I figured out that 2 of the "humans" were actually aliens.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Bits and Pieces
1. I've finished watching all the episodes of seasons 1 & 2 of The Guild. They're only 5-6 minutes long, you can find time to at least watch the Pilot. :)[www.watchtheguild.com]
2. I'm on book 2 of The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. The first book was a bit of a drag for about 60 pages but I powered through and it got VERY interesting after that. The 2nd book started with a bang. It's great so far.
3. I made another 2 minis - a halfling and a half-orc.
4. I've packed up half the house but I ran out of boxes - if you have any extras, please let me have them!
5. vanilla pudding makes a tasty breakfast. Unfortunately, I'm still hungry.
2. I'm on book 2 of The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. The first book was a bit of a drag for about 60 pages but I powered through and it got VERY interesting after that. The 2nd book started with a bang. It's great so far.
3. I made another 2 minis - a halfling and a half-orc.
4. I've packed up half the house but I ran out of boxes - if you have any extras, please let me have them!
5. vanilla pudding makes a tasty breakfast. Unfortunately, I'm still hungry.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Guild
If you are a gamer...then this show is for you. Starring Felicia Day [Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog], Written by the same...this show is AWESOME.
The basic storyline follows a "guild" of people who are all comfortable staying at home for days on end...gaming. Something happens and they are thrown together in the real world. Hilarity ensues.
They have a new music video that's pretty hilarious too.
Here's the link for eps: http://www.watchtheguild.com/
I'm on Season 1: Episode 4 [they're about 5 min long].
Let me know what you think. This is courtesy of my friend Rachel who introduced me to The Guild. :)
The basic storyline follows a "guild" of people who are all comfortable staying at home for days on end...gaming. Something happens and they are thrown together in the real world. Hilarity ensues.
They have a new music video that's pretty hilarious too.
Here's the link for eps: http://www.watchtheguild.com/
I'm on Season 1: Episode 4 [they're about 5 min long].
Let me know what you think. This is courtesy of my friend Rachel who introduced me to The Guild. :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Fall Frenzy
Yes. These next two weeks will be frenzied. This week is Welcome Week, then we start shooting "Borrowed Life," then Stu starts school, we move, and then finish up filming "Borrowed Life" at the end of August. I am excited that this fall we will be able to live relatively clutter free [since we will have an attic], I will have my own craft room, and that I'm off Fridays and will be doing an FDS with Mr. Wenger!
I am going to attempt to schedule in exercise and music practice as well...I just found out that music practice is categorized as "gentle exercise," and I realized how true this was - holding my arms up for 45 min. - 3 hours has made my upper arms quite large...at least, for a person my size. I have trouble getting shirt sleeves to fit properly. Anyway...I figure if I walk once a week, practice music 3-4 times a week, and do Tae Bo 3-4 times a week, I will get enough exercise to start slimming down. I don't want to lose a lot of weight...but I am right on the point of being obese so I'm going to exercise and try to eat more raw vegetables and fruit. :) Moving into a new house and into a new work schedule will help. :)
I'm working on my poem, still...wrote a verse with no problem this morning...LOL...why can't it always be like that?! :)
I'm super, super, SUPER excited about our D&D 4.0 campaign. I'm playing a half-elf named Andromeda. :)
Anyway...have a great week, everybody!
I am going to attempt to schedule in exercise and music practice as well...I just found out that music practice is categorized as "gentle exercise," and I realized how true this was - holding my arms up for 45 min. - 3 hours has made my upper arms quite large...at least, for a person my size. I have trouble getting shirt sleeves to fit properly. Anyway...I figure if I walk once a week, practice music 3-4 times a week, and do Tae Bo 3-4 times a week, I will get enough exercise to start slimming down. I don't want to lose a lot of weight...but I am right on the point of being obese so I'm going to exercise and try to eat more raw vegetables and fruit. :) Moving into a new house and into a new work schedule will help. :)
I'm working on my poem, still...wrote a verse with no problem this morning...LOL...why can't it always be like that?! :)
I'm super, super, SUPER excited about our D&D 4.0 campaign. I'm playing a half-elf named Andromeda. :)
Anyway...have a great week, everybody!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Poetry is Hard Work
So I've been working on this poem for about...a week and a half now. It's only a draft on FB now so nobody can see it. But here I am, toiling away for an hour, two hours, three hours at a time and...whew. I'm almost sweating with the effort. I know it's going to be better than a lot of my other poetry because I'm spending this much time finding just the right words to say what I want to say. Some days, though, words and rhymes come much faster. I've written and rewritten a lot of this poem, which is unlike me since I usually only write one or two drafts and I'm done [for the bulk of my poetry, anyway]...but I always have a song to work to and it helps the flow.
I can't find a song for this poem. Ergo, I am having to work hard. :P
I find writing poetry interesting. It's not my favorite, but it is a joyful occupation at times. Other times, it helps rid me of pain or hurt and I can move on once I write it down. In any case, poetry is helpful to me and I enjoy very much trying to find rhyming words. I wanted to talk a little bit about how I write poetry in hopes that other poets/poetesses will dialogue with me about the way they go about it.
1. I see or hear something that sparks an idea - it's usually a song, but can sometimes be a book, another poem, a painting, a picture, or a piece of clothing [like the one I'm working on now - it all started because of a gorgeous 1490's Italian Renaissance gown on Etsy.com]
2. I write down the immediate rhymes that come to mind - this is the easy part. Some things just fall into place and I scribble it down on a piece of paper somewhere. Sometimes the verses don't really go in a linear direction but that's where I spend some time re-writing.
3. I have to start with an outline if I'm going to finish the poem - My father instilled in me the need to write an outline every time I started writing something. Whether it's a poem, a paper, or a manuscript, I HAVE to start with an outline. Braintstorming and lists are also involved.
4. I try to connect the rhymes I have and write in the other verses using the outline. This is where the most time is spent, agonizing over using "Dark despair" or "cold despair" - which one sounds better and works for the poem?
5. Polish - This is the 2nd thing that takes the most time. I re-read my poem over and over, sometimes becoming so unsatisfied that I try to start over. Other times, I realize I did my best and I change one or two things and then finish it.
Everyone's got a different writing style. I only write tragic or goofy poetry, and I don't spend a whole lot of time on each poem - except in rare cases, like this one. I can sort of "see" my "author voice" coming out in one or two poems, and you can tell who my influences are, though hopefully it's not obvious and I don't sound exactly like them. Emily Dickinson is my favorite poet of all, though I enjoy Robert Frost, e e cummings, William Carlos Williams, Robert Browning, his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Percy Shelley, among others.
I do enjoy memorizing poetry, from time to time, and I have memorized bits and pieces from Emily Dickinson, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Robert Frost. And also a poem by William Carlos Williams.
Who do you enjoy? Do you write poetry? [let's see some!] What does your writing process look like?
I can't find a song for this poem. Ergo, I am having to work hard. :P
I find writing poetry interesting. It's not my favorite, but it is a joyful occupation at times. Other times, it helps rid me of pain or hurt and I can move on once I write it down. In any case, poetry is helpful to me and I enjoy very much trying to find rhyming words. I wanted to talk a little bit about how I write poetry in hopes that other poets/poetesses will dialogue with me about the way they go about it.
1. I see or hear something that sparks an idea - it's usually a song, but can sometimes be a book, another poem, a painting, a picture, or a piece of clothing [like the one I'm working on now - it all started because of a gorgeous 1490's Italian Renaissance gown on Etsy.com]
2. I write down the immediate rhymes that come to mind - this is the easy part. Some things just fall into place and I scribble it down on a piece of paper somewhere. Sometimes the verses don't really go in a linear direction but that's where I spend some time re-writing.
3. I have to start with an outline if I'm going to finish the poem - My father instilled in me the need to write an outline every time I started writing something. Whether it's a poem, a paper, or a manuscript, I HAVE to start with an outline. Braintstorming and lists are also involved.
4. I try to connect the rhymes I have and write in the other verses using the outline. This is where the most time is spent, agonizing over using "Dark despair" or "cold despair" - which one sounds better and works for the poem?
5. Polish - This is the 2nd thing that takes the most time. I re-read my poem over and over, sometimes becoming so unsatisfied that I try to start over. Other times, I realize I did my best and I change one or two things and then finish it.
Everyone's got a different writing style. I only write tragic or goofy poetry, and I don't spend a whole lot of time on each poem - except in rare cases, like this one. I can sort of "see" my "author voice" coming out in one or two poems, and you can tell who my influences are, though hopefully it's not obvious and I don't sound exactly like them. Emily Dickinson is my favorite poet of all, though I enjoy Robert Frost, e e cummings, William Carlos Williams, Robert Browning, his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Percy Shelley, among others.
I do enjoy memorizing poetry, from time to time, and I have memorized bits and pieces from Emily Dickinson, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Robert Frost. And also a poem by William Carlos Williams.
Who do you enjoy? Do you write poetry? [let's see some!] What does your writing process look like?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
On Being a Wanderer
As you might be able to tell from my Facebook status, I've read The Host [by Stephenie Meyers] for the third time and it has struck me again with how...how complex this arrangement of soul and body is.
I'm not going to defend Stephenie Meyers against all the people who haven't read or read and disliked her books. All that I'm going to say is that she is a YOUNG author and needs to be given time to grow into her voice and talents. She's definitely got a way with words and if she continues writing has the potential to go far. The Host is her best work and if you haven't read it, please do. I am interested in your thoughts.
I think I love The Host so much because I identify with the main characters. I won't write any spoilers so you're free to continue on [unless you're bored, of course, in which case, go to www.notalwaysright.com and laugh a little].
The difference between soul and body didn't really make a lot of sense to me until I heard C.S. Lewis's quote, "You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." I realized I hadn't made that connection. Living in a physical world, I of course concentrated on my physical surroundings and my physical part of my being [female, short, big nose, green eyes, brown hair, etc.].
EXCEPT as a child, I knew there was something else. A glimpse or flash would appear every so often to remind me that this was not my final destination. As if it were a secret, I kept those feelings to myself. Sometimes I felt ageless, as if my soul was very old. Other times, I thought about how part of me would never die. And sometimes, I thought about what it felt like to be placed in a body, and how my body was not a part of the immortal me.
As I grew up I forgot about that, until seeing C.S. Lewis's quote and reading The Host. It opened up my eyes and I realized how much I forget that I am not this body. This body was given to me; I had a responsibility to care for it...but it was not me, and not who I am. The soul inside me is who I really am and, instead of caring so much about the outside, I should be concerned with what is inside.
It's weird, being 2 things. A mix of physical and intangible, complex and simple, mortal and immortal. It's odd.
I want to be more concerned about my soul than my physical body. I want to take care of my physical body. I want to be a complete unit but know that there is a difference between the part of me that will deteriorate when I leave and the part of me that will live forever.
God is a very creative and imaginative individual.
I'm not going to defend Stephenie Meyers against all the people who haven't read or read and disliked her books. All that I'm going to say is that she is a YOUNG author and needs to be given time to grow into her voice and talents. She's definitely got a way with words and if she continues writing has the potential to go far. The Host is her best work and if you haven't read it, please do. I am interested in your thoughts.
I think I love The Host so much because I identify with the main characters. I won't write any spoilers so you're free to continue on [unless you're bored, of course, in which case, go to www.notalwaysright.com and laugh a little].
The difference between soul and body didn't really make a lot of sense to me until I heard C.S. Lewis's quote, "You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." I realized I hadn't made that connection. Living in a physical world, I of course concentrated on my physical surroundings and my physical part of my being [female, short, big nose, green eyes, brown hair, etc.].
EXCEPT as a child, I knew there was something else. A glimpse or flash would appear every so often to remind me that this was not my final destination. As if it were a secret, I kept those feelings to myself. Sometimes I felt ageless, as if my soul was very old. Other times, I thought about how part of me would never die. And sometimes, I thought about what it felt like to be placed in a body, and how my body was not a part of the immortal me.
As I grew up I forgot about that, until seeing C.S. Lewis's quote and reading The Host. It opened up my eyes and I realized how much I forget that I am not this body. This body was given to me; I had a responsibility to care for it...but it was not me, and not who I am. The soul inside me is who I really am and, instead of caring so much about the outside, I should be concerned with what is inside.
It's weird, being 2 things. A mix of physical and intangible, complex and simple, mortal and immortal. It's odd.
I want to be more concerned about my soul than my physical body. I want to take care of my physical body. I want to be a complete unit but know that there is a difference between the part of me that will deteriorate when I leave and the part of me that will live forever.
God is a very creative and imaginative individual.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
10 TV Shows I'll Be Watching This Fall
[some of these are seasons we've bought that are no longer on Television. They will be marked with a *]
1. Leverage - Season 2 [already here - available on Netflix]
2. Psych - Season 4 [Ep. 1 is on Hulu!]
3. Chuck - Season 3 [Might be the last we see of Chuck...SADLY]
4. X-Files* - Seasons 3-?
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer* - Seasons 4-7
6. Castle - Season 1 [watching on Hulu]
7. Ugly Betty - Season 4 [This fall]
8. The Office - Season...5? 6?
9. Project Runway - Season 5 or 6 - IF I CAN FIND IT ONLINE
10. Arrested Development* - Seasons 1-3
1. Leverage - Season 2 [already here - available on Netflix]
2. Psych - Season 4 [Ep. 1 is on Hulu!]
3. Chuck - Season 3 [Might be the last we see of Chuck...SADLY]
4. X-Files* - Seasons 3-?
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer* - Seasons 4-7
6. Castle - Season 1 [watching on Hulu]
7. Ugly Betty - Season 4 [This fall]
8. The Office - Season...5? 6?
9. Project Runway - Season 5 or 6 - IF I CAN FIND IT ONLINE
10. Arrested Development* - Seasons 1-3
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Haircut!
Yep! I got a haircut at 11:20 this morning!! I have QUITE short hair now and I LOVE IT!!! It is sort of like a character's I played in a D&D campaign...LOL...now I just need to dye it white...JUST KIDDING. Although now I think I might like to dye it a subtle red or maybe just the fringes. We'll see. It's the first time I've ever had my hair razored. Pretty awesome.
I don't have any pictures up yet but when I get some I'll post 'em. :)
Other than that...I don't have much to report. Just same old work stuff...and hopefully we'll be moving soon. Although I'm not looking forward to packing. I've half-packed 2 boxes and categorized in my head what we need to do and where we need to start. :P No fun.
I've realized how much I enjoy spending time by myself. I've been able to spend a few hours alone recently and, if I have something to do [do dollhouse stuff, sculpt Warhammer figurines, or reading], music to listen to, and a chore list, I am quite content. Although I am VERY happy when Stu comes home! Too much alone time and I start to get antsy. :)
I got another childrens' fantasy series - the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper [5 books], based on Arthurian mythology. It should be interesting. But I have an idea it won't be as wonderful as the Prydain Chronicles, which I found, to my surprise, that I want to read again! I miss all the characters...especially [to my surprise] Gurgi. Go and read them, you'll understand what I'm talking about. :)
I've made two Warhammer figurines in the last 3 days - a female dwarf and a female human or elf [I have yet to put on the ears]. I'm getting much better at sculpting faces and I even put eyes in the sockets of these two. I still have to do that for my elf.
Haha, not much to report...sigh...I think too much.
Hope you all are happy and well and perhaps sometime next month those of you who live nearby can come see us in our new and lovely house! :) For those of you who live farther away...now we have a place for guests...:)
I don't have any pictures up yet but when I get some I'll post 'em. :)
Other than that...I don't have much to report. Just same old work stuff...and hopefully we'll be moving soon. Although I'm not looking forward to packing. I've half-packed 2 boxes and categorized in my head what we need to do and where we need to start. :P No fun.
I've realized how much I enjoy spending time by myself. I've been able to spend a few hours alone recently and, if I have something to do [do dollhouse stuff, sculpt Warhammer figurines, or reading], music to listen to, and a chore list, I am quite content. Although I am VERY happy when Stu comes home! Too much alone time and I start to get antsy. :)
I got another childrens' fantasy series - the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper [5 books], based on Arthurian mythology. It should be interesting. But I have an idea it won't be as wonderful as the Prydain Chronicles, which I found, to my surprise, that I want to read again! I miss all the characters...especially [to my surprise] Gurgi. Go and read them, you'll understand what I'm talking about. :)
I've made two Warhammer figurines in the last 3 days - a female dwarf and a female human or elf [I have yet to put on the ears]. I'm getting much better at sculpting faces and I even put eyes in the sockets of these two. I still have to do that for my elf.
Haha, not much to report...sigh...I think too much.
Hope you all are happy and well and perhaps sometime next month those of you who live nearby can come see us in our new and lovely house! :) For those of you who live farther away...now we have a place for guests...:)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thoughts About Writing
Just a sort of processing post...
1. I REALLY want to take the English FDS with Mr. Wenger. I'm trying to come up with a plan in case I can't do a regular FDS...as in, I'll sign up for a regular English class from Dr. Wenger and turn in my own assignments. I just need something to push me to finish "Violet's Monster" because I won't do it by myself.
2. I'm learning more about myself, as a reader/writer. I love childrens' fiction. It is by far my favorite genre and most often what I am reading. Romance, Non-fiction, Christian, Information, etc., never held any interest for me. I do read Classics, Westerns, Mysteries, Sci-fi/Fantasy, but most often I read books meant for people well below my age. There is something fascinating about those worlds I've explored. One of the things I have learned about myself is that I truly love reading. I mean, I knew I liked reading, but not being able to read for pleasure until recently has made me aware that I would MUCH rather spend time reading than anything else.
3. I've also discovered that I could possibly enjoy a career as a writer. It's far enough away from Corporate America that I could keep my own hours, work a part-time job, pursue hobbies, and still make a little money. :P I do like the idea of writing. I've been writing since 6th grade. I've written poetry, short stories, beginnings of novels [yes, I have yet to finish a novel], and I've got several ideas written down all over notebooks, cards, envelopes, napkins, and bulletins that show I definitely have enough material to be a writer. I just need to figure out how I, as a writer, work. How many words can I write in a day without burning out? Am I the kind that re-writes and re-writes and re-writes, or am I the kind that edits along the way and have few revisions to make at the end? [I know of 2 authors who are like the examples I've given]
4. I have been wondering what my author voice/style is. You could give me a book without the author's name and, granted that I'd read them before, I could probably hazard a good guess as to who it was based on the author voice. No one else besides Natalie Babbitt would write this line: "Nevertheless, the people who lived there were extremely proud of the mountains, for they were the only point of interest in a countryside that neither rolled nor dipped but lay as flat as if it had been knocked unconscious." [Kneeknock Rise] I'm interested to see who I am as a writer. It will be an interesting journey to discovery.
5. The more I think about it, the more excited I am about writing. Mr. Wenger was VERY excited and it always helps to have someone that you know and trust who is excited about what you are doing. That's the way Dr. Dan always was about whatever I wanted to do and it boosted my self-esteem and confidence much more than any other childhood authority figure ever did.
6. One of the reasons I want to write is because there aren't a lot of stories available to me that I want to read [I STILL don't have a library card. SIGH.] - so I'll write stories like what I want to read.
7. The other reason is that I love making up stories. In my head, on paper, on screen, on stage...I am in love with story-telling. The art of it is so...beautiful.
1. I REALLY want to take the English FDS with Mr. Wenger. I'm trying to come up with a plan in case I can't do a regular FDS...as in, I'll sign up for a regular English class from Dr. Wenger and turn in my own assignments. I just need something to push me to finish "Violet's Monster" because I won't do it by myself.
2. I'm learning more about myself, as a reader/writer. I love childrens' fiction. It is by far my favorite genre and most often what I am reading. Romance, Non-fiction, Christian, Information, etc., never held any interest for me. I do read Classics, Westerns, Mysteries, Sci-fi/Fantasy, but most often I read books meant for people well below my age. There is something fascinating about those worlds I've explored. One of the things I have learned about myself is that I truly love reading. I mean, I knew I liked reading, but not being able to read for pleasure until recently has made me aware that I would MUCH rather spend time reading than anything else.
3. I've also discovered that I could possibly enjoy a career as a writer. It's far enough away from Corporate America that I could keep my own hours, work a part-time job, pursue hobbies, and still make a little money. :P I do like the idea of writing. I've been writing since 6th grade. I've written poetry, short stories, beginnings of novels [yes, I have yet to finish a novel], and I've got several ideas written down all over notebooks, cards, envelopes, napkins, and bulletins that show I definitely have enough material to be a writer. I just need to figure out how I, as a writer, work. How many words can I write in a day without burning out? Am I the kind that re-writes and re-writes and re-writes, or am I the kind that edits along the way and have few revisions to make at the end? [I know of 2 authors who are like the examples I've given]
4. I have been wondering what my author voice/style is. You could give me a book without the author's name and, granted that I'd read them before, I could probably hazard a good guess as to who it was based on the author voice. No one else besides Natalie Babbitt would write this line: "Nevertheless, the people who lived there were extremely proud of the mountains, for they were the only point of interest in a countryside that neither rolled nor dipped but lay as flat as if it had been knocked unconscious." [Kneeknock Rise] I'm interested to see who I am as a writer. It will be an interesting journey to discovery.
5. The more I think about it, the more excited I am about writing. Mr. Wenger was VERY excited and it always helps to have someone that you know and trust who is excited about what you are doing. That's the way Dr. Dan always was about whatever I wanted to do and it boosted my self-esteem and confidence much more than any other childhood authority figure ever did.
6. One of the reasons I want to write is because there aren't a lot of stories available to me that I want to read [I STILL don't have a library card. SIGH.] - so I'll write stories like what I want to read.
7. The other reason is that I love making up stories. In my head, on paper, on screen, on stage...I am in love with story-telling. The art of it is so...beautiful.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Suggestions, Please
I'm trying to work out an FDS to take so I can remain at CIU and be a student worker in Academic Services. I want to do something that will be productive, something I can send out at the end...a manuscript. [It sounds thrilling, doesn't it?]
Here's the basic idea of the FDS I want to take:
1. Read 10 children's books of a similar vein [award-winning, old favorites, fiction, fantasy, 3-6th grade, light-hearted but dealing with deep issues]
2. Write a paper comparing them and pick out certain themes and plot points that are the same.
3. Write a manuscript [working title: Violet's Monster] to submit.
I just have too many favorite children's books. Would you suggest some?
Here are some of my ideas:
1. The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis
2. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
3. Frindle - Andrew Clements
4. The Mona Lisa Mystery - Pat Hutchins
5. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Ian Fleming
6. No Flying In The House - Betty Brock
7. The Light Princess - George MacDonald
8. The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt
9. The Puppy Sister by S.E. Hinton
10. Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
11. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Joan Aiken
The problem is, the only ones I can think of that have the same feel as "Violet's Monster" are the following:
1. No Flying in the House - Betty Brock
2. The Search for Delicious - Natalie Babbitt
3. Frindle - Andrew Clements
So...I need 7 more. Ideas? What did you enjoy as a child?
Here's the basic idea of the FDS I want to take:
1. Read 10 children's books of a similar vein [award-winning, old favorites, fiction, fantasy, 3-6th grade, light-hearted but dealing with deep issues]
2. Write a paper comparing them and pick out certain themes and plot points that are the same.
3. Write a manuscript [working title: Violet's Monster] to submit.
I just have too many favorite children's books. Would you suggest some?
Here are some of my ideas:
1. The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis
2. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
3. Frindle - Andrew Clements
4. The Mona Lisa Mystery - Pat Hutchins
5. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Ian Fleming
6. No Flying In The House - Betty Brock
7. The Light Princess - George MacDonald
8. The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt
9. The Puppy Sister by S.E. Hinton
10. Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
11. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Joan Aiken
The problem is, the only ones I can think of that have the same feel as "Violet's Monster" are the following:
1. No Flying in the House - Betty Brock
2. The Search for Delicious - Natalie Babbitt
3. Frindle - Andrew Clements
So...I need 7 more. Ideas? What did you enjoy as a child?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The End of the Prydain Chronicles
I finished up the last book of the Prydain Chronicles, "The High King," last night. After finishing it, I put the book down and thought about the Chronicles. I'm still thinking about them.
They're wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
The ending isn't the happy fairytale ending - it's bittersweet. Almost tragic.
The Chronicles serve as the beginning of legend. It becomes a mythology...the very beginning of a country that had existed for several hundred years already...it's hard to explain but it's something that calls to you and seems familiar, as if we could have come from such beginnings.
I read that Lloyd Alexander cried for three days after finishing the last book. I definitely had tears in my eyes while reading the last chapters, agonizing over what was happening.
It reminds me of something C.S. Lewis said - after putting down the book, I was happy, but it was the solemn kind of joy.
The Prydain Chronicles have won several awards throughout the years, understandably, and they have just one another loyal fan.
I'm just sad Lloyd Alexander isn't alive to read another fan letter. :(
They're wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
The ending isn't the happy fairytale ending - it's bittersweet. Almost tragic.
The Chronicles serve as the beginning of legend. It becomes a mythology...the very beginning of a country that had existed for several hundred years already...it's hard to explain but it's something that calls to you and seems familiar, as if we could have come from such beginnings.
I read that Lloyd Alexander cried for three days after finishing the last book. I definitely had tears in my eyes while reading the last chapters, agonizing over what was happening.
It reminds me of something C.S. Lewis said - after putting down the book, I was happy, but it was the solemn kind of joy.
The Prydain Chronicles have won several awards throughout the years, understandably, and they have just one another loyal fan.
I'm just sad Lloyd Alexander isn't alive to read another fan letter. :(
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Why Everyone Should Take An FDS
Faculty Directed Studies are the best creations of the Academic World. At least, for those of us who, like me, learn better by creating things. I highly recommend doing at least one FDS during your academic career. Although it's a little more work [no busy work, that's a plus!], it is much more rewarding, at least in my opinion, and I got to pick my own homework assignments!
The one I did was called "Translating a Character from Literature to The Silver Screen" or something like that - basically, I read all 7 Harry Potter books, focusing on Snape, wrote a paper about him, and then did an art project - his background, quotes about and from him, drawings of what I think he looked like, and who I would cast in a movie. Then, I watched all the movies [5 were out at that point] and wrote a review of how well they did transferring Snape from the books to the movies. It was one of the best times I've ever had at school. If not THE best time. :)
I know people who have studied Psychology in the Psalms, people who are doing a Graphic Novel Based on Russian Monarchs [Anastasia's parents], and it's just incredible that you can CHOOSE what you want to learn...there are so many choices!!!
I am trying to see if, as an alumni, they will let me take an FDS course so I can stay at work in Academic Services [although since I adore FDS's I'm going to make sure it's loads of fun!].
Here are my ideas so far:
1. Writing A Children's Novel
-basically, this class would entail: reading 10 children's stories, writing a paper about the best elements in them and then writing a children's story that tries to incorporate them.
2. Illustrating 101
-this class would entail choosing a book and then drawing/painting/etc. 5-8 illustrations throughout the semester to illustrate it. I would make a gallery at the end and include quotes from the book.
3. Constructing Scenes from Novels
-as you might have guessed, this also entails reading a favorite book and then building a scene from it. Since I've been building a dollhouse, I've realized how much fun it is to play in the world of miniatures and this would be a great opportunity to show off what I can do! :) I'd also create a binder with a list of materials, a budget, the time it took, and pictures taken along the way.
What do you think? Which class would you choose? Or what class would you make up if you could take an FDS?
The one I did was called "Translating a Character from Literature to The Silver Screen" or something like that - basically, I read all 7 Harry Potter books, focusing on Snape, wrote a paper about him, and then did an art project - his background, quotes about and from him, drawings of what I think he looked like, and who I would cast in a movie. Then, I watched all the movies [5 were out at that point] and wrote a review of how well they did transferring Snape from the books to the movies. It was one of the best times I've ever had at school. If not THE best time. :)
I know people who have studied Psychology in the Psalms, people who are doing a Graphic Novel Based on Russian Monarchs [Anastasia's parents], and it's just incredible that you can CHOOSE what you want to learn...there are so many choices!!!
I am trying to see if, as an alumni, they will let me take an FDS course so I can stay at work in Academic Services [although since I adore FDS's I'm going to make sure it's loads of fun!].
Here are my ideas so far:
1. Writing A Children's Novel
-basically, this class would entail: reading 10 children's stories, writing a paper about the best elements in them and then writing a children's story that tries to incorporate them.
2. Illustrating 101
-this class would entail choosing a book and then drawing/painting/etc. 5-8 illustrations throughout the semester to illustrate it. I would make a gallery at the end and include quotes from the book.
3. Constructing Scenes from Novels
-as you might have guessed, this also entails reading a favorite book and then building a scene from it. Since I've been building a dollhouse, I've realized how much fun it is to play in the world of miniatures and this would be a great opportunity to show off what I can do! :) I'd also create a binder with a list of materials, a budget, the time it took, and pictures taken along the way.
What do you think? Which class would you choose? Or what class would you make up if you could take an FDS?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Lloyd Alexander and the Prydain Chronicles
Two of my favorite books growing up [well, they're still two of my favorite books, who am I kidding?!] were/are "The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen" and "The Arkadians" by Lloyd Alexander.
The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen chronicles the life of one Prince Jen, who gets caught up in a fantastical adventure set in medieval China.
The Arkadians is a goofy book, combining Greek and Roman myths in a hilarious jumble.
I tried reading Taran Wanderer [4th book in the Prydain Chronicles, but I didn't know that]but didn't really understand what was going on [understandably], so I put it down and said that I liked Lloyd Alexander but only some of his books.
At that point in my life, my parents frowned upon reading too much fantasy [well, they still do, who am I kidding?!] and I didn't read any of his other books after that.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday I had all morning to myself. It was lovely. I printed out a large amount of piano music [most notably the Pink Panther theme, which I can now play almost perfectly], practiced for 45 minutes, and then went to the library to wander around and find some reading material.
As always, I went to the children's section. I've read all the Nancy Drews...I've read the classic children's books of our generation, like Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, J. Craighead's Julie of the Wolves, Zilpha Keatley Snyder's The Egypt Game, etc., and I wasn't having much luck. I spotted A String in the Harp [I forget the author], a story about Taliesin, the most famous bard of Wales, and then I looked up on the shelf above and spotted the five books of the Prydain Chronicles. I took them out and sat down in the brown beanbag chair in the corner and flipped through all the dust jackets to get a feel for the books.
What I found sparked my interest. A medieval fantasy tale, an idea that came from reading Welsh mythology? The story is his own, to be sure, but he loved Wales and the stories that came from it and that sparked the Prydain Chronicles: The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron [yes, the book the cartoon is based on and no, I haven't seen it], The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, & The High King. I decided to give it a second shot and checked them all out [I love when a whole series is out and I can feast upon the entire thing at once].
I read The Book of Three & the Black Cauldron yesterday, and started The Castle of Llyr. They are quite good.
I believe that Lloyd Alexander's fantasy novels belong to another era. Children today don't know about these books, or if they do, they struggle to figure out how to say Eilonwy, Gwystyl, and wonder how on earth someone came up with the name Flewddur Flam...and then put the book back on the shelf. I recall people my age and older loving the Prydain Chronicles, but haven't heard of them recently.
Not that it's outdated - his style simply reminds me of a bygone era of children's fantasy. After C.S. Lewis, before J.K. Rowling.
Whatever era the books are in, I would recommend these. They are something all their own, and the characters are as memorable as they are loved by the faithful readers of Lloyd Alexander.
If you'd like to sample his writing style, try The Arkadians or the Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. The Prydain Chronicles would remind you of the language of King Arthur, so it's a bit different but still definitely Lloyd's voice. I must try to read some of his other books now.
I'm also interested in reading Susan Cooper's fantasy series [which includes The Dark is Rising and The Grey King] and Ursula K. LeGuin's Earthsea books. Anyone read those?
The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen chronicles the life of one Prince Jen, who gets caught up in a fantastical adventure set in medieval China.
The Arkadians is a goofy book, combining Greek and Roman myths in a hilarious jumble.
I tried reading Taran Wanderer [4th book in the Prydain Chronicles, but I didn't know that]but didn't really understand what was going on [understandably], so I put it down and said that I liked Lloyd Alexander but only some of his books.
At that point in my life, my parents frowned upon reading too much fantasy [well, they still do, who am I kidding?!] and I didn't read any of his other books after that.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday I had all morning to myself. It was lovely. I printed out a large amount of piano music [most notably the Pink Panther theme, which I can now play almost perfectly], practiced for 45 minutes, and then went to the library to wander around and find some reading material.
As always, I went to the children's section. I've read all the Nancy Drews...I've read the classic children's books of our generation, like Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, J. Craighead's Julie of the Wolves, Zilpha Keatley Snyder's The Egypt Game, etc., and I wasn't having much luck. I spotted A String in the Harp [I forget the author], a story about Taliesin, the most famous bard of Wales, and then I looked up on the shelf above and spotted the five books of the Prydain Chronicles. I took them out and sat down in the brown beanbag chair in the corner and flipped through all the dust jackets to get a feel for the books.
What I found sparked my interest. A medieval fantasy tale, an idea that came from reading Welsh mythology? The story is his own, to be sure, but he loved Wales and the stories that came from it and that sparked the Prydain Chronicles: The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron [yes, the book the cartoon is based on and no, I haven't seen it], The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, & The High King. I decided to give it a second shot and checked them all out [I love when a whole series is out and I can feast upon the entire thing at once].
I read The Book of Three & the Black Cauldron yesterday, and started The Castle of Llyr. They are quite good.
I believe that Lloyd Alexander's fantasy novels belong to another era. Children today don't know about these books, or if they do, they struggle to figure out how to say Eilonwy, Gwystyl, and wonder how on earth someone came up with the name Flewddur Flam...and then put the book back on the shelf. I recall people my age and older loving the Prydain Chronicles, but haven't heard of them recently.
Not that it's outdated - his style simply reminds me of a bygone era of children's fantasy. After C.S. Lewis, before J.K. Rowling.
Whatever era the books are in, I would recommend these. They are something all their own, and the characters are as memorable as they are loved by the faithful readers of Lloyd Alexander.
If you'd like to sample his writing style, try The Arkadians or the Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. The Prydain Chronicles would remind you of the language of King Arthur, so it's a bit different but still definitely Lloyd's voice. I must try to read some of his other books now.
I'm also interested in reading Susan Cooper's fantasy series [which includes The Dark is Rising and The Grey King] and Ursula K. LeGuin's Earthsea books. Anyone read those?
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