tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80897084461561147052024-02-18T22:03:12.279-08:00Devin's MusingsDevin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-84789003745809495682014-11-22T00:41:00.000-08:002014-11-22T00:41:45.531-08:00Feelin' LonelyI should be starting my essay for my politics class but it's proving to be a bit difficult so here I am procrastinating. As the end of the semester draws closer and my return visit home (for the first time in over a year!) comes closer too, I often end up thinking about family and friends and all that good stuff. I try not to though, because often it ends up with me realizing how lonely it can be to live away from home. Sometimes that loneliness just strikes hard.<br />
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Having lived with my parents until my move to Japan for practical reasons, I previously thought I'd enjoy the solitude. After all, when my family wasn't home was when I enjoyed things the most. But even introverts get lonely. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hopefully this isn't new to anyone. </span>As the days go by, often times with the only interaction I have being the few minutes here and there in classes and then maybe on the ride home with my friend who lives nearby. Once a week I get a 20 or so minute skype session with my parents, depending on how my shoddy internet wants to behave of course. And sometimes I'll get to chat with friends through skype when schedules allow it. It's hard to believe I ever disliked having all that interaction with people in my house.<br />
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It might be even harder to imagine just how someone can feel so lonely when they're living within one of the most densely populated cities in the world. But in a place like Tokyo, it's everyone for themselves and if you're lucky you'll get a whispered "excuse me" when someone steps on your foot on the train.<br />
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Days when friends send me lots of text messages always ease it, but on days like today where I haven't spoken to anyone except the cashier at 7-11 when paying bills... that's when I feel it the most.<br />
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Also, for anyone reading, if there are any questions about living in Tokyo or things like that, feel free to! It really is a lovely place, even if sometimes it gets me down.Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-62222056663254034312014-11-10T07:10:00.000-08:002014-11-15T00:24:55.734-08:00It's Aliiiiiiiive! Hi again...It's been officially two years since I've last been here. Boy have things changed! But, I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging. It's a bit of a half-hearted return for now, but hopes it'll become like normal again. For those interested--which I can honestly assume isn't many after this long!--here's a bit of an update.<br />
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Biggest change of all: I up and moved to Tokyo to finish my bachelors degree. Let's just say it's a bit of an adjustment to move out for the first time and doing it across the ocean from home. Probably one of the biggest learning curves I've ever had. Probably would've helped if I'd improved my Japanese skill more before arriving, but alas.<br />
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So that happened roughly a year ago. Since then I've experienced many firsts that all people have to accomplish to become proper adults like the horror of discovering your milk sat too long and decided to start making cheese without your permission... Or learning how to do refrigerator tetris with your groceries because it's about the size of a five year old child... </div>
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And then there are the other sorts of firsts like learning truly what humidity is. Nothing can compare to the Japanese summer at its height. It's the truth. I think the most disgusting day was about 98 (F) with 92% humidity. Which for those who are humidity virgins like I once was... it feels like it's about 105 (F) and you sweat from just standing outside. Even more disgusting than the heat is the new set of life it brings about. The bugs.</div>
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Now, being a bit of a country girl back in the states, I'm confident in saying that most insects don't really bug me! But being from the nice and cool Pacific Northwest, I'd never had to deal with certain species of them. For anyone into anime, you know the cliche of the Japanese summer filled with the cicadas (<i>semi</i> in Japanese) chirping one loud chorus. It's true. Even if it's hot as the devil's balls, it isn't summer here until all you here 23/7 (they sleep about an hour a day it seems--I'm a light sleeper) are those dang cicadas going wee-wee-wee. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GekkIT8Owno" target="_blank">If you want to hear for yourself, click here.</a> Besides being slightly annoying they're mostly harmless, though I seem to attract them. Just a little shocking to have one swoop and land on your shoulder then scream in your ear. I just wanted to walk outside, Japan!</div>
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No. The one thing that really gets to me are the goddamned srgsnrungjserkfef ROACHES. </div>
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Not only are they blasted fast, they're so disgusting. I shudder just thinking about it.</div>
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It hasn't been all bad, thankfully, despite the major adjustments. I've made a bunch of friends and grown into a person that I can be proud of even if the road to it was a bit bumpy. Japan got way more tears than I ever thought it would receive, that's for sure. </div>
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I haven't been able to write much for anything, even though I wish I could. But I know my stories will be there for me when I'm ready to devote my attention to them properly. First things first; pass classes and graduate ASAP! </div>
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I feel like I could blather on about a lot of probably useless things, so I'll leave it here for now. Hope to see you all soon! </div>
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Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-46361079603491091472012-04-21T14:12:00.002-07:002012-04-21T14:14:02.281-07:00Long Time No SeeIt's been awhile since I've been on here and lots of things have changed. I did only use this blog for writing/my thoughts concerning that and the like, but now I'm going to be opening it up to include ...pretty much anything and everything I can think of. While I'm not sure how exactly it's going to go, I hope you all can stick around with me :)<br />
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I will continue to talk about writing and my process and everything that entails, I just won't only be talking about it.<br />
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And here's a random sentence that makes absolutely no sense for you all!<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #84b320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">The bobs plotter scratches beside the precedent.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Hope to see you all soon. :)</span>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-60984220855811013022011-10-15T19:39:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:41:40.179-07:00Rule of Three Blogfest: Part Two<br />
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This time I'm running truly late, but alas, life sometimes just makes what you want to do impossible. Hopefully I will be able to make rounds and comment on everyone else's posts soon! I hate not being able to see all your creativity out there! This time I chose the prompt where one of the characters is revealed to not be who they seem to be. If you missed it, check out the first part <a href="http://prinhypnosis.blogspot.com/2011/10/rule-of-three-blogfest-part-1.html">here</a>. Enjoy!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="line-height: 115%;">The clank and tinks of metal against
metal blended with the pounding marches of one hundred caramel and chocolate
colored feet. Dubhan moved with his men as their commander and their equal. The
sun was on the horizon, painting the sky with the red of spilled blood and gold
like the sands of their home. Of his daughter’s proper home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> Having the crown princess disappear
for thirteen years was completely unacceptable. Who would have thought she
would be hidden in the worthless trading town of Renaissance? He certainly hadn’t.
It was a spy that had been the one to inform him of the Schiav orphan the town
currently housed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> And now they would pay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> His general clapped a large hand
over his shoulder with a gentle grimace. A cut to the face had rendered him
incapable of smiling three years ago. “We
will find her, my friend.” His weathered eyes smiled when his mouth could not. “He
would not lie about such a precious thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> Dubhan grasped his comrade’s hand
and nodded, pausing in his steps to look down on the glittering town. These
people—if they could even be called that—would regret tearing his family apart.
His wife had never been the same after the princess had disappeared. He didn’t
care how many houses he would ransack, how many fathers, sons and brothers he
would kill. He and his men were going to find his precious Moirana. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> “You are sure we can trust this boy,
Yoran?” A black gaze met his. “We have already damaged much in our searches.”
Hundreds of towns and cities bordering the desert. They had checked every
single one and had left the wreckage for the citizens to clean up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> “We can trust him.” Yoran removed
his hand to readjust the scabbier on his hip. “He will lead her to us. And keep
her safe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> Safe? “You think they will harm her
when we attack?” Blood surged through his body, racing like a sandstorm. If
they dared lay a finger on her, no—if they even <i>looked</i> at her wrong he
would gouge out their eyes before he snapped off their fingers. That was if he
was feeling nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> “Calm, my king,” his friend said. He
urged him to continue walking, and the rest of his army followed. Nothing like
being persecuted could bind a group of people with the strings of eternity. “She
will be safe. There isn’t any use in getting angry over things that won’t
happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> A sigh slipped from his lips. Dubhan
stopped once again, this time turning to his men and holding his arms out.
Their dull chatter halted. “This is our last town before we give up the search
for our beloved princess.” The faces of the men fell. “But we will make it
worth it. We will feast on their livestock, drink their beer and deface their
homes if she is not there. We are Schiav! No one steals from us! And we will
give them an example as to why.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> The men cheered; raising swords, spears
and anything else they could use to inflict fear and pain. “Go! Prove to those
worthless men how fearful we truly are!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> The sea of bodies parted just enough
to go around him and Yoran, reconvening together in a mass of people trampling
down the hillside. The sight warmed his soul like the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> He and Yoran followed in their wake.
“What is this man’s name again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> “Alexi,” he said. His voice remained
calm despite their sprinting. “The spy’s name is Alexi.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-51598085958449137742011-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-11T00:00:07.939-07:00In Which I Shamelessly CopyOr <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday to my <b><i><u>bestest friend</u></i></b> in the entire world! (AKA Jessie)</span><br />
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In which I'm sure you'll read (at least at first) with a:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Not quite your disbelieving look, but it was the closest I could find. Forgive my lack of gif finding genius.</span></div>
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I could list on and on as to why you're basically the best other half that a person could ever have. I'm sure you know most of them, but I don't think it hurts to say a few, right?<br />
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1. You're one of the most passionate people I've ever met when you get going on a topic that makes you tick--in a good <i>or </i>bad way. You're opinionated and if you have a point to make you don't rest until it's been made. And clearly.<br />
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2. You're cerebral in ways I can't compete with at the moment (perhaps when I graduate from university? We'll see.) And even though you could lord it over people, and I'm sure you've had moments where you want to, you don't.<br />
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3. You could put a Hufflepuff to shame with your loyalty, make a Slytherin gape at your cunning and bring a Gryffindor to tears with your bravery. (Though I'm positive you're a Ravenclaw in all the best ways.)<br />
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I could go on for quite awhile, but I think you'd rather keep it to a minimum. No matter what happens, I love you as my best friend, as the sister I've never had and always wanted and as the cousin I wouldn't want to live without. I hope our relationship continues to grow in all the best ways, and I hope I'll get to celebrate many more birthdays as well as a few book deals. :D<br />
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So Happy Birthday! Make it a good one and just relax. You deserve it. </div>
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See, even Ron agrees.</div>
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Let's continue working on forever. :)</div>
Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-1339570838185979182011-10-06T17:12:00.000-07:002011-10-06T17:12:18.285-07:00Rule of Three Blogfest, Part 1:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ebe1c8; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
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So, it's a bit late <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry! I'm a slave to the school T_T) </span>but here it is. This is my attempt at the "impending doom" prompt. Let me know how I did? Also, I wrote this thinking it was a bit more in the past--which you can probably tell but I wanted to say it out for sure! </div>
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Moira gazed to the brilliant pink
and orange sky, swinging a pale of water in her hand. A merchant eyed her as he
passed in his caravan, face pinched and knuckles white from gripping the reins
too hard. Of course. She turned to him and forced the corners of her mouth up
into the semblance of a smile. He swallowed and slapped the reins against the
horses’ rears.</div>
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<span> </span>The travelers
that came through Renaissance were unused to seeing her kind in the trading
outpost. After thirteen years of experiencing the looks and distrust, she
should’ve been used to it. Even by the towns’ people. It wasn’t like she had
gained any of the habits of the Schiav, a tribe of gypsies, murderers, and
thieves that lived in the Schiavona Desert. She’d been lost at the tender age
of three when her brother found her.</div>
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<span> </span>She
slipped into her house, the first one on the Villein trade route. It was a
modest little thing with a smaller room on the edge of the lot that they loaned
out to travelers when the main inn was too full. Beef and potatoes tickled her
nose, the sound of carrots being chopped caressed her ears. Mm. Her mother’s
stew.</div>
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<span> </span>“You
wouldn’t believe how long it took them to give me the water, Mom,” she said as
she stepped into the kitchen and let the bucket thud onto the counter. “Twenty
minutes. Twenty.”</div>
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<span> </span>“I’m
sure the boys just wanted to flirt with you.” Her mother smiled and tucked a
lock of Moira’s black hair behind her ear. “You’re growing to be such a
beautiful woman.”</div>
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<span> </span>A snort
came from the doorway. “More like they wanted to be idiots and just ignore the
fact that she’s a girl and concentrate on her skin color,” her brother, Sully,
muttered and swept to the cupboards for a mug. Probably grabbing a beer.</div>
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<span> </span>“Sullivan.”
Her mother gave him a disapproving look—whether for the comment or the drinking
Moira wasn’t quite sure. She’d never been fond of it, though she didn’t know
why. “There’s nothing different with her skin, why do you always say things
like that?”</div>
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<span> </span>Moira
shook her head and kissed her mother’s cheek. She thought that ignoring the
difference and pretending it didn’t exist was the best way to deal with it. “Will
dinner be ready soon?”</div>
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<span> </span>“Yes.
We’ve just got to let the carrots soften up and then we’ll be done.” Her mother
smiled and wiped her wrinkling hands against her apron. <span> </span>“Will you cut some bread for us?”</div>
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<span> </span>“Of
course.” </div>
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<span> </span>Once her
mother had danced out of the room, Sully snuck to get himself a lager and left
her to deal with the rest of dinner. She sighed. Moira rummaged for an adequate
knife and was about to start when there was a pounding on the door. She
listened for her mother before striding to it and opening it.</div>
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<span> </span>Alexi—the
mayor’s son, and her best friend—panted against the doorframe. “Moira…”</div>
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<span> </span>Worry
clawed at her stomach. “Why are you so out of sorts?” Someone as fit as him
shouldn’t be so out of breath. The town wasn’t that big. </div>
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<span> </span>“The Schiav
are coming—”</div>
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<span> </span>Her
eyebrows furrowed. “Wh—?”</div>
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“—They say we’ve stolen their
princess.”</div>
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Now to read all the other posts! I'm really excited to see how many stories there are out there. :D</div>
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Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-68891216439545049112011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-13T06:00:21.717-07:00Inspiration or Obligation?I think I can safely say that, for most of us writers, we feel guilty when we aren't putting our ideas on paper (real or metaphorical). The moment you declare yourself a writer there's this urge to prove that yes, you <i>can</i> write a novel, thank you very much. And <i>no, </i>it's not going to take you thirty years to whip out a draft.<br />
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Some people write every day and they can crank out the beginnings of a masterpiece in a month. Their imaginations are a freaking <i style="font-weight: bold;">machine</i>. These are the people we're jealous of. Or would be if we let ourselves feel such envious things--or if we weren't already those sorts. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(No need to be modest, machines! It's a good type of envy.) </span><br />
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Others of us have the ideas, but don't have the inspiration. Or we've got the inspiration, but not the ideas. There's always something. But, no matter which way, we take a day off from the MS, perhaps even two or three, until the guilt eats through your insides.<br />
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And then comes the sitting in front of blank word documents, struggling to get out whatever we can. Waiting and hoping for the day when our machine moment will come.<br />
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Now that I've been working on a different story, I've had less of those obligation days and more inspiration days. I can't say I'm anywhere near being the mental wonder of certain writers, but it's definitely an improvement.<br />
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So, what kind of writer are you? Mental machine? Guilt-tripper? Or perhaps somewhere in between?<br />
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Also, is anyone else joining the Rule of Three blogfest? It looks like it's going to be fun~ Some of you machines out there could do this in three minutes. :PDevin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-69373304947707430112011-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:002011-08-25T14:47:40.729-07:00Are You a Juggler?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://metroevents.org/wp-content/uploads/Juggling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://metroevents.org/wp-content/uploads/Juggling.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>How many of you out there are the type that get yourself completely immersed in one story and have to get at least the first draft written--or hell, have to even get the entire set of revisions completed until it's query ready before you can move onto another story?<br />
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And what do you do when you've got other ideas itching at the back of your brain, trying to coax you into spending time with them instead of the characters you've already got dancing around on your temporal lobes? Do you ignore them with a promise of revisiting later? Or perhaps you choose to ignore completely?<br />
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I've had another story idea chirping in the back of my mind for some time now. So while I really like the idea of finishing a story before I go onto another one, I've decided that I can handle two at the same time. It's how I've always written when I was younger. Why not now?<br />
<br />
It'll be exciting to get this one out, and to see the differences between the worlds in both my stories. Ah~ I'm just excited for it in general! This involved everything that I love the most! Magic, secrets, a backstabbing villain with a sexy voice <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(that bit is optional :P)</span> and a lot of romance!<br />
<br />
Yep. It's about as exciting as winning the lottery on your birthday. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Wouldn't we all like for that to happen?) </span>So how do you like to work? One thing at a time or are you a story juggler?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">If only I could juggle in real life too...</span>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-13924125752323161702011-08-22T06:45:00.000-07:002011-08-22T06:45:00.722-07:00What's the Rush?Yeah, that whole scheduling thing? Not working out so much, haha. But, I've gotta get myself on track somehow! And I'm going to be trying a bit harder at keeping it up. We shall see how it goes....<br />
<br />
Anyway, my goal for finishing my first draft before my birthday is just not going to happen. 56k in 11 days? Not going to happen with this lady behind the keyboard. That's over 5000 a day. And even on a <b>good</b> day, I can't manage that much. My peak has been just over 3000. Some people are maniacs and can whip out chapters like nobodies business. They can crank out a first draft in a month. But that's just not me.<br />
<br />
Whether I'd like to be fast or not, doesn't really make a difference. I've learned that while yes, people <i>can </i>change it's about as easy as sawing off your own arm. And not all of us have the balls of steel like Aron Ralston. (Would <i>you</i> be able to amputate your arm to save your life like he did? I don't think I'd be able to.) So I've learned to accept the fact that I like to take certain things slow.<br />
<br />
Which in this world, just doesn't cut it. Everything needs to be done <b>right now</b>. If you don't cram enough into your day or work at the speed of sound <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(cause if you work at the speed of light, you're a busybody.) </span>then you're just lazy. If you don't want to finish your book within three months, then do you even really want to get published?<br />
<br />
I know I've felt that sort of pressure. If you aren't doing it as quick as you can, then do you <i>really </i>want it? Is your dream of becoming an author <i>really</i> true? Yes. It damn well is true.<br />
<br />
My favorite teacher in high school instilled this saying that I've kept with me: <i style="font-weight: bold;">Quality, not quantity.</i> Of course, he was talking about plants... but I've found that it can be applied everywhere in life. He should be proud, because three years out of high school I'm still abiding by that motto--even though it's the opposite of the world at large.<br />
<br />
So yeah, it's taken me six plots to reach one I'm happy with. And it's taken me about two months to write five chapters. I'm just going to keep at it and when I finish my first draft, I'm going to celebrate because I completed it. Not because I did it before some date.<br />
<br />
Not that I'm not going to try to finish it soon, I'd like to, but I'm not going to beat myself up for being a bit of a turtle. Sometimes slow and steady really does win the race.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nynerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hungry-turtle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://nynerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hungry-turtle3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even the slowpoke gets a prize at the end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What type of person are you? Do you like to go, go, go? Or are you the take it easy type?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-52845549609870756952011-07-25T20:30:00.000-07:002011-07-25T20:30:00.810-07:00Getting in the MoodInto the writing mood that is! There are so many ways to get inspired and get the creativity flowing. It's different for everyone. Sometimes just getting away from your ms and not thinking about it until your muse goes "IDEA!" helps or sometimes looking at pictures sparks the imagination.<br />
<br />
But what about when we're actually writing? I know a lot of us play music when we write that goes with the feeling of the scene Action scene, fast paced music. Emotional scene, something with a down beat. I've also heard of people using scents to get into the mood<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (I've yet to try this one. I'll take any excuse I have to buy more scented candles though. :P) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Most of the time I have to write to music that makes me happy, rather than listening to music that fits the emotion of the scene. And lately I've been finding that <i>where </i>I am also helps. When I'm at home, if it's sunny (which is a rarity at the moment), I'll take my laptop out back and chill out on the deck--let my legs catch some sun <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(under 2 layers of 70spf)</span>--and start tapping away on the key board.<br />
<br />
Being alone and away from the distractions inside my house help infinitely! There's also just something really inspiring about just relaxing. Feeling the heat--at an <i>astounding</i> 72 degrees F <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, it's <i>so</i> hot. I'm positively melting.)</span>--listening to the sound of the wind through the trees, chimes tinkling together and the birds. Even the sound of someone mowing their lawn four houses down and a plane with parachuters humming above. Plus seeing all the green! I just can't help but get in the mood when it's like that.<br />
<br />
What gets you into the writing mood?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Also, the schedule has changed a bit. It's going to be every Monday and Thursday. :)</span>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-35500919186900304922011-07-19T18:56:00.000-07:002011-07-19T18:56:49.330-07:00Crack DownI've been pretty lax on these dang posts. It's a little annoying. I just get so caught up in everything else that blogging disappears on me. So, I've decided a schedule. Every Tuesday and Thursday from now on, there'll be a post. Can't guarantee anything other than that. :P<br />
<br />
Back in January I made a goal to finish the first draft of my manuscript by my birthday. Seven months later, and a month and a half to go, I'm still working on it. I'm 21k in, a lovely little feat, and finishing up the 5th chapter. So, in order to keep this goal I've got to buckle down and write around 10k each week. Definitely doable. If I can concentrate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_UjvSAN1Qc/Tf7U-xopI5I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/Jd_AfLEKQX8/s1600/severus-snape-harry-potter-ron-weasley-hp4-study-1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_UjvSAN1Qc/Tf7U-xopI5I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/Jd_AfLEKQX8/s320/severus-snape-harry-potter-ron-weasley-hp4-study-1920x1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inner Snape will be doing this with my imagination for the next six weeks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I am determined to get my first draft finished! I'll be able to join the ranks of people who've finished their MS~ And that will be <i>amazing</i>.<br />
<br />
Also, have you all seen the last Harry Potter? It was worthy of sending off the best movie series I've ever seen. And once I get my copy of<i> Deathly Hallows </i>returned to me, I will be commemorating by reading the entire series for the undisclosed-th amount. :)<br />
<br />
Hopefully the lot of you enjoyed it to! What other movies have you guys seen recently, or want to see that haven't come out yet? Or any <b>must-see</b> movie recs? I've been wanting to expand my movie knowledge.Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-33206178690739557582011-06-23T19:46:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:46:05.359-07:00Playing the GameThis past weekend was Father's Day. So, like any good daughter would I suffered through an entire weekend of the US Open and the Seattle Mariners vs the Philadelphia Phillies. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Though it really wasn't all<i> that </i>bad) </span>We mainly watched the US Open--so I at least had some cute boys to watch. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Really.)</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/i/tim/2011/06/19/rory_mcilroy_tAP110619031146_620x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cbsnews.com/i/tim/2011/06/19/rory_mcilroy_tAP110619031146_620x350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">like this one:</span> Rory McIlroy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I questioned my dad about terms and players (it makes them feel like you're really interested) and my dad repeated a phrase that I've heard him say a bajillion times. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"In golf--even when you're playing against other people--you're really playing against yourself."</span><br />
<br />
And it struck me. Golf and writing are totally siblings from different parents. We all compete against each other for book deals and contracts with agents. No matter how much we love our fellow writerly friends, we still wish to get those before they do. But the most challenging thing about writing isn't getting the contracts, the agents or the deals <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(though they certainly <i>are</i> a challenge). </span>No. The difficult part is working against yourself to get the idea that's taken over your mind out and into words.<br />
<br />
We've got to work against being tired, distractions, writers block, procrastination, our need to be perfect, MC's that don't do as they're told... the list could go on forever.<br />
<br />
Of course, some of the obstacles in writing are easy for people to conquer. Others just make us want to cry and bang our laptops against a wall and then cry some more 'cause we just lost all of our work. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Hopefully no one has actually done this!) </span>Either way, we're all working against our own personal challenges to complete the same goal. Writing a novel.<br />
<br />
So whether you're the McIlroy of the literary world or the Frederick Jacobson <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(a fairly attractive swede)</span> or the John Daly <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(not so attractive middle-aged man),</span> we've all got to play the game and eventually we'll have our time to shine.<br />
<br />
Where are you in the ranks?Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-56855183715391093442011-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-13T11:56:38.746-07:00Humoring my Edit-SelfHave you ever gone through your MS, editing away like we always should and then <i>suddenly!</i> <b>It hits you. </b>"THE SIDE-KICK WHO'S REALLY NOT SUPPOSED TO BE LIKABLE IS MORE LIKABLE THAN MY MC!!"?<br />
<br />
I hope not. It's a rather upsetting thing!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Trying some humor on for size, folks.) </span>I recently<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (very recently. As in today, recently.) </span>discovered that this<b> travesty</b> had occurred in my NEARLY PERFECT MANUSCRIPT <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(according to my dog maybe? and probably not even him... )</span>. It's a <i>shock</i>, it is. Like finding out that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">your dog actually DOES know what you're saying and pretends to be dumb to trick you </span>or<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"> that your stuffed animals can more themselves around at night!</span> </span><span style="background-color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">(oh no! <i>Censorship</i>~)</span><span style="background-color: black;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The mind just reels! </span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">"How could this happen?"</span> </blockquote><blockquote>"I'm just so awesome and amazing and everyone wants to be me!"</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">"I got an agent just by staring at their twitter account!"</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span>"I have a love triangle, <i>twice!</i> Between a brainiac werewolf who's like a genius with everything and knows a lot of fancy stuff and a goofy vampire with the most awesome, sparkly smile that you've ever had the chance of being bedazzled by!"</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And so forth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So of course, like any natural amazing person like I <i>seriously</i> am, I had a talk with this little inner voice that sounds an awful lot like<a href="http://metahypnosis.blogspot.com/"> Jessie</a> and I came up with <i>EVEN MORE</i> AWESOME. Yes. It is possible, my friends. <i><b>I</b></i>. Have become <b>awesomer.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just wait until I breeze through submission in a minute and get ONE KAZILLION-BAJILLION copies printed in every language the world has <i>EVER</i> KNOWN.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, how do you guys like the new layout? :D I think it's wicked. School is officially out so I am now back in business in the blogging world! I can't wait to read all of you~!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">I hope you enjoyed my attempt at humor. :P</span></div>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-53768101893136068832011-05-13T17:27:00.000-07:002011-06-07T22:00:11.655-07:00Freaky Friday the 13th BlogfestSo, I was convinced to embarrass myself by <a href="http://metahypnosis.blogspot.com/">Jessica </a>for <a href="http://theflightytemptress.wordpress.com/">Kat Brauer</a>'s Freaky Friday Blogfest. You post 500 words of something old and then we get critiqued on it. I'm all for making fun of my really old writing! I've decided to make you all suffer a little--hope you like exercising your critiquing self?<br />
<br />
A small disclaimer so I don't completely ruin my reputation <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(what? I've got a reputation? When did that happen?!) </span>I wrote this when I was like... 14. Before I knew how to <i>truly</i> write. So, here we are. If you get confused, I don't blame you in the least.<br />
<br />
<b>Commence the bad writing!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote>Indrya walked down the marble halls until she reached her husband. "Why are you here?" she asked <br />
<br />
"Its Chandelle. She won`t come out" <br />
<br />
"Zedekiah, you`re supposed to get her out, not ask her if she wants to come out" <br />
<br />
"But-" <br />
<br />
"Chandelle, come out of there! We have to address the kingdom!" <br />
<br />
"Of what news?" a voice whispered from behind the door. <br />
<br />
"Of the war that is flooding into Donrolet" Zedekiah said <br />
<br />
"Why can`t you go without me?" the voice asked <br />
<br />
Zedekiah leaned clsoer to Indrya "Go get the girls" he whispered <br />
<br />
"They won`t help you guys!" the voice said<br />
<br />
"What?" <br />
<br />
"NOTHING IS GOING TO GET ME TO GO!" <br />
<br />
"I`ve got the girls Zedekiah" <br />
<br />
"SEND `EM IN!" he called joyfully. <br />
<br />
A pale girl that stood almost as tall as Indrya asked "Uhh, Uncle Zede, how are we to get in?" <br />
<br />
"Well Jenolya, I suppose you, Nadyla and Don would just walk in there and convince her to come out" Nadyla giggled sweetly as he said this. Jenolya had trouble holding in her smirk. Even their Aunt Indrya was chuckling a little. "What?" he called <br />
<br />
"Honey, have you forgotten our daughters abilities?" <br />
<br />
"Not that I know of. Why do you ask?" <br />
<br />
"If you look down you might find out something new"<br />
<br />
Zedekiah looked down and gave a small yelp. "What? She can make us float now?"<br />
<br />
"I like to call it Levitation father" <br />
<br />
"Ah, well might you be able to let us down? I`m afraid I don`t like heights as much as others" <br />
<br />
"Not until I may stay father!" <br />
<br />
"Chandelle, will you please come out?" Nadyla called, her voice layered in kindness. There was a scrambling noise behind the door.<br />
<br />
"Now look what you`ve done!" Jenolya cried <br />
<br />
"I didn`t do anything! I just asked her a friendly question!"<br />
<br />
"Eh, SHOVE IT WILL YA?" <br />
<br />
"JENOLYA! NADYLA! STOP FIGHTING!" Don called from somewhere behind the two. <br />
<br />
"CHANDELLE! LET US DOWN WILL YA?" Jenolya called <br />
<br />
"As you wish" a small voice murmured "Will ya look at that?! She listEENNNNNNS-!" all 5 of them felt the wind rushing past their ears. The marble floor seemed to look like it was rushing up to them. Nadyla screamed just before everything stopped. <br />
<br />
"Chandelle! Thats an evil trick to play! Nadyla is crying" Indrya called, putting a comforting arm around Nadyla`s shoulders. <br />
"Bu-" <br />
<br />
"Come out this instant!" The big black door slowly creaked open. <br />
<br />
"Where is she?" Don asked <br />
<br />
"Is she in shadow again?" <br />
<br />
"I assume so" <br />
<br />
"Can`t we make her come out?" <br />
<br />
"A shadow is better than nothing" <br />
<br />
"Fine, lets go"<br />
<br />
"Come along Chandelle!" <br />
<br />
Jenolya, Nadyla and Don stayed rooted to the spot until they heard the hiccup of someone crying. "Chandelle?" Nadyla called. The noise stopped somewhere to their left. Don and Jenolya glanced at one another and nodded. Don nudged Nadyla then made a gesture with her head. <br />
<br />
Nadyla nodded then called out "Chandelle, are you crying?" Jenolya and Don slowly creeped towards a shadow. <br />
<br />
"Please say something!" <br />
<br />
Just as they were about to grab her, she yelled "SHUTAE NO HANDE SEIN!" There was a blast and they were thrown against a wall. </blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I even forgot periods! Oh the shame. At least I can say I've improved?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Critique away friends! Let's see how many horrible things you can catch. (Bet it'll be in the double digits!)</div>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-63596222836832649522011-04-30T07:30:00.000-07:002011-04-30T07:30:00.526-07:00Z is for Zodiac and ZealotsI really like the letter Z. It's another letter that I like to write in cursive, haha. Is that weird? Liking a letter for its looks? I'm so vain. There are also a bunch of words I like that start with Z. In fact, I think that I try to use the words 'zealot' and 'zealous' a lot. Probably more than I should, haha. But it's just so fun!<br />
<br />
Now, I can finally use it. I think it's one of those words that people would hate to be called no matter what--I know I would--because it paints such an image. There are few words in my mind that create such a strong picture in my head. And that's probably why people hate it so much. What are some other words that you think have the same abilities?<br />
<br />
And finally! The thing I've been waiting for! <b>Zodiacs. </b>I definitely am a lover of astrology and all of its quirks. I like to believe that most of the traits that the zodiacs have are true. I've met plenty of people and seen plenty of relationships personify the traits of the zodiac and their compatibility with other signs. Some of you might just think that I'm making them be there to prove that its real or something, and that's okay! I'd like to think I'm a realist, for the most part. I definitely don't think that it's the only personality you can have or anything.<br />
<br />
But, that's getting off topic. For the longest time, I would use my astrology book to create a base personality for my characters. Not only did it help create their birthdays, it also helped me get into their heads. I could imagine how a Scorpio would think over a Gemini and wham! Just like magic.<br />
<br />
This is the only story where I have yet to figure out an astrological sign--a birthday, too--for Ax and the rest of the characters. It's a bit weird, but that's okay. It's worked out just fine, so far.<br />
<br />
Do you guys use astrology to help out your writing at all? Or am I a bit odd in this case? :PDevin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-47919391910112062922011-04-29T17:10:00.000-07:002011-04-29T17:10:23.010-07:00Y is for Yuck, Youthfulness and YAY!First off, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">OMG YAY THE HARRY POTTER TRAILER IS OUT. ONLY TWO MONTHS AND FIFTEEN DAYS UNTIL IT COMES OUT! I'M SO EXCITED~~~!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Now that that's over with... Majority of us are YA writers, I'm sure, and I know that one of the biggest worries that any YA writer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(really, I an include MG with this too--kinda) </span>is having a voice that is <b style="font-style: italic;">too old. </b>You can't expect a 16 year old (or a 12 year old) to have a 24-+ year old's voice! (Just picked a random age with the last bit there.) Even those super mature, <i>"old-souls"</i> have moments that are completely and utterly teenaged. So, how do we achieve a MC that sounds young--and not the type of young that adults <i>think</i> is young.<br />
<br />
We all remember being a teen and having our parents use general assumptions of how teens are against us. (I know <i>mine</i> did). I would've never read a book that sounded like that when I was in high school. We have to treat our MC's voice the way a model does their face. The younger it is, the better.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (In this genre!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
Informal speech, contractions, a bunch of slang--some ways we can make our voice young, but they don't always work. How do you make your MC's voice sound like a teenager?<br />
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Also, just for my own curiosity, what are some things that when you read them, they just make you disgusted? Bodily functions? Gore? Bad spelling? Horrible grammar? Excessive swearing??Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-86772036991632739912011-04-29T16:52:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:52:22.539-07:00X is for Xenophobia and XAh~ X. I utilize this letter a lot in my MS, haha. Just look at my MC's name! <b>Ax. </b>And X is such a weird letter, too. I mean, it stands for kisses <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(or is it hugs? I never get that right)</span> and buried treasure locations. Or it can mean that you're wrong and in botany it means an imperfect flower. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(You guys totally wanted to know that, right?) </span>Let's not even begin on how many ways there are to pronounce X. It can be silent, make an S, make the 'cks' noise, or it sounds like a Z!<div><br />
</div><div>X just can't make up its mind, can it? Oh well!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I would've liked to use xylophone, just cause I think they're fun, but that'd have nothing to do with anything! So, onto xenophobia--something that actually applies to my writing. For those of you unfamiliar with the term (though I don't think there're many?) it means the fear (or hatred) of stangers/foreigners or of their culture/politics. I hope none of us here are true xenophobes! Eek. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, I kind of just realized that my MS--unintentionally--deals with xenophobia. Haha, it's pretty funny for me, because I'm not the type to read a book and go "oh, I saw this theme and this theme and blahblahblah" Remember high school english class? Yuck.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But, it was a very pleasant discovery to make. There are so many novels out there that deal with this topic, but I'd like to think that mine is different than those. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(We'll see how true that is later!) </span>I've got both sides of the spectrum being dealt with. Losing and gaining the fear. Haha, it's really fun of me to discover!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Have any fun discoveries lately?</div>Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-76616450408132382382011-04-29T16:32:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:32:30.610-07:00W is for Wonder Tunes and Word ChoiceLately I've been listening to the same few songs as I write. They're energetic songs, which is definitely a plus. It gets my brain working faster, which makes the pace go faster. I think. I've always been able to use music to affect the mood of my writing--to get into my MC's head--but I think I was doing it wrong before, haha. It was affecting something--but it wasn't affecting the <i>right </i>thing. I needed the music to affect <i><b>me.</b> </i><br />
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And that's what I've got--and it's awesome! I even finished my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(new)</span> first scene. Wooot! Though, music doesn't get all the credit. It's just been a little boost.<br />
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Another thing that's helped is doing word wars. Or, rather, word mongering these days. You might've seen people on your twitter feed with #wordmongering in their tweets recently? It's like a massive word war with cheerleaders, haha.<br />
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In my last word mongering session, I realize that the choices of words I can use as replacement swears is quite limited. So many swears out there that I've got converted to two words and one phrase. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(AKA not much) </span>Now I'm on the hunt for other swears.<br />
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Also, did you know that there are only so many ways you can describe the color grey? If only everything in this world was green...Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-3030540211764457922011-04-26T16:25:00.000-07:002011-04-26T16:25:50.457-07:00V is for Very Maddening and VisionsI'm sure we've all had those group projects where you're the only one doing stuff--or where you and only a few others are doing all the work. Well, that has happened this weekend. We had a dialogue in French and two of my three partners are amazing! But... the other one wasn't quite as into the project as we were. We made it quite easy for her. Just write the questions that we'd already answered for her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(which we've done plenty in class) </span>but that didn't happen. So after studying for the test I had today, I stayed up and wrote out her part and then added my part in--which had to happen last. Simply put, I'm not that pleased with her at the moment. But, it's a minor thing! So, it only deserves a paragraph.<br />
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I talked about senses pretty recently, and today we're going to go back to the one we all use <i>sooo </i>well: sight! We're all visual people, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">except those who are blind, of course. But, at the moment that's not the topic. </span>Sight is the sense that people can pick up the easiest because we use it so much. So, how do we make people attracted, intrigued or disgusted with our world?<br />
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All the sights in my MS only drive in the fact that everything is plain. Everything is the same. Everything is in shades of black and grey--any bit of color is sparse and most of the time it's dark--it's an overall unattractive world. And that's what I want people to feel. I <i>want </i>them to get that it's not a place you want to live in. It's not where you'd want to grow up or raise your children. So that's what I make sure to show.<br />
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How do you guys utilize sight to make people love or hate your world?Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-11762352802128512742011-04-25T20:08:00.000-07:002011-04-25T20:08:47.931-07:00U is for Ugh and UnforgettablenessShort post because I've got to study for my French test tomorrow. Darn my professors for giving so much homework! Haha, I know it could be worse though, so my complaints aren't very strong.<br />
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The worst thing anyone could have--especially for us writers--is to be forgettable. No one wants to be forgotten and writers especially don't want to have someone forget our story. A lot of us are sensitive about our brain children. We wouldn't want someone to forget our <b>physical</b> children (for those of you who are parents). The same applies to our stories.<br />
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SO, how do we make sure that we're memorable? How can we make sure that our stories stay inside everyones's heads for weeks, months, maybe even years if we're lucky? We all worry about being able to catch the eye of agents and readers. Yeah, those are important. But, even if our books don't become the next Harry Potter or Twilight. Even if we don't become the next J.R.R. Tolkien or Orson Scott Card--the idea that our story might touch someone's heart and stay with them is something I strive for. It isn't the ultimate goal, but that thought is what keeps me happy.Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-74298905491441481862011-04-24T16:55:00.000-07:002011-04-24T16:55:00.659-07:00T is for Thanks and TaciturnicityThank you is one of those words (technically a phrase) that everyone should know and that everyone should use as often as possible. It's one of those words that can make you look like a southern belle (or beau) or turn you into a ass-extraordinaire, too. Like most English, it's quite versatile.<br />
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You never know when saying a simple "Thanks" could just make someone's day completely. There are so many people out there who do not get thanked that I'm sure they wonder if anything they do is even getting noticed. And because we're all striving to make ourselves look as good as possible to promote ourselves, I think that us author-hopefuls should say <b>Thank You </b>to just about anyone and everyone.<br />
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My French Professor told me one day after class--because I was the slowest to pack up--that she loved to teach and she quite liked living in the US, but the one thing she could <i>not</i> get over after living here for 20 something years was the fact that students, and really a lot of other people, are so rude compared to the people she knew in France. No one said please, or thank you or anything else. Never been to France, so I really don't know if that's true, but I do know that American teens (cause that's who she deals with most) are definitely not the type to thank her for teaching.<br />
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On another note, how many of you have/have read the type of story that utilizes the Taciturn-Man? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Sometimes woman.) </span>I used to be an avid manga reader and they use taciturn (or <i>tsundere</i>, as they call it) characters all the time. And most of the time they're pretty fun. I've written quite a few characters like that myself. But, are they really likable? If they're true to the meaning of the word, are they really going to be relateable, likable--or even lovable?<br />
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Thanks for reading! :PDevin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-52470382458757689312011-04-22T10:13:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:13:18.025-07:00S is for Scenes and SensesWhen I write, I think in term of scenes, not chapters. When I think of them as scenes, it helps me get a complete picture of what's going to go on at that moment. I don't know why chapters can't do that, too, but there seems to be some sort of disconnect between my brain and the word <i>chapter</i>.<br />
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Maybe one of the reasons why is because when I write the story appears like a movie in my head and I'm trying to describe what's going on in that <i>scene</i>. Do you write in scenes or chapters?<br />
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As for senses, I'm really trying my best to utilize every sense I can in my MS. I want people to get the way Ax feels right away. I want them to get a good picture for how it would be like to actually live in this world. That's one thing that books have over movies. Movies might paint a better picture--but a book can bring you to the world. I can describe the dullness of the world easily with just sight, but I feel like adding how the place smells and how the air tastes--the sounds and touches, the temperature--will be so much more vivid.<br />
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May seem obvious, but there are a lot of writers who skimp out on those other 5 senses. Yeah, we have them in when our MC smells some delicious food or touches something gross... Obvious places, where any other sense would make everyone go "Um... What?"<br />
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How many of you succeed on utilizing as many senses as possible?Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-90102291396269809862011-04-22T09:59:00.000-07:002011-04-22T09:59:14.956-07:00R is for Rest and Relaxation??Definitely not getting that, here. Didn't have the time to post R last night because of the fact that I had a crapload of homework to do. Sorry peeps, this quarter is feeling pretty busy. I'll be better from now on though!Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-55091677201200195422011-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:002011-04-20T05:00:01.039-07:00Q is for Qu'est-ce que? and QueernessI really like the letter Q. I wish there were more words with it! I really do. It's just so much fun to write. Especially lower case cursive Q's. Yeah, I'm weird. I know. And that brings me to queerness! And I mean the <i>literal</i> dictionary version of it. AKA: WEIRD. Or odd. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Though I could write about queers, too.) </span>I really like people watching. I do it as often as I can and hope that anyone watching <i>me</i> doesn't think that I'm an absolute creeper.<br />
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Already talked about people watching--kind of--but, it's just such a fun topic. I think it's one of those things (along with many others) that most writers do. How can we not? We expect the masses to read the ideas we create--so why not get inspired from the masses themselves, right?<br />
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What I like to do the most with people watching is eavesdrop. I have had a problem with eavesdropping since I was little. I just want to know everything that's going on with everyone in every place I go. Is that really so bad?? <i style="font-size: x-small;">(Cue an innocent look.) </i>What I think is the best out of eavesdropping is when you hear the targets--that's right. Targets. You're on a mission my friends!--saying a word that you've <i>never</i> heard of. Or one that you've <i>never</i> dreamed of using in that context.<br />
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It's one of the best ways to come up with some cool slang for those of us who are not so linguistically gifted. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(No one ever said writers were the creators of </span><i style="font-size: small;">words. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">And if they did, they most certainly forgot the L that's meant to go in that word. I mean world.</span><i style="font-size: small;">) </i>Next time you're out, do a little eavesdropping in the checkout line, or the que for the bank... or... waiting in the dentists office. Anywhere.<br />
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Now, have you ever been reading a story and suddenly you think to yourself--or even say it out loud--Qu'est-ce que??? Probably not like that--I doubt most of you guys think in French-- but I'm sure we've all done the translation: <b>What???</b><br />
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I haven't had any moments like that recently with books--or critiquing, but I've definitely had them in the past. Let me just say that it was not a good feeling to have as a reader. Have any of you read/critted or even written something that made you or someone else go "<b><i>WHAT???</i></b>"Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089708446156114705.post-24899708682315242462011-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:002011-04-19T15:52:02.905-07:00P is for Pain and PastsHow many times have you read something where either the protagonist or some secondary character has a really elusive or painful past? Or where even the world has a dark tinge to its history? Often. Very often, I'm sure. It's one of those things that I don't think writers can really get away from because we have this desire to work our problems out with our characters (sometimes). Or we do it so our characters have an edge to them--something that can be brought back and haunt them for eternity. Do we need it to? Bad people don't always come from bad pasts. And good people don't always come from good.<br />
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Is it even possible to have a character without some sort of issue stemming from their past? I don't know. Nor do I think that there really can be. They've got to grow from something, right? Someone being good and getting better isn't something a reader wants. I know <i>I</i> wouldn't want to read that. Talk about boring.<br />
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But, do the pasts always have to be painful? I don't think so. Sometimes I think writers (not saying every writer!) make their MC come from abuse or abandonment... or anything else equally unpleasant because they think that that will create more sympathy. And I'd think it's safe to say that it does. But I don't think it's the right kind.<br />
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Do we only want our MC's to be sympathized with? Shouldn't we want to have the readers connect so they can <i>empathize?</i><br />
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I also think that some more amateur writers also subject their MC's to a lot of pain during the story itself--not just the past. Sometimes it's okay and they've managed to write a horrible--but amazing--story. Other times it's just so much that I'm left wondering <i style="font-weight: bold;">"why???" </i>Firm believer of "<b>Don't kick 'em while they're down</b>." Exception being in the climax--that's where it's supposed to be! Even then though, there <i><u>is</u></i> a limit.<br />
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When's the last time you read something that was a bit over the top? Did you feel bad for the MC or did you just wonder why the writer hated their character so much?Devin Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778910287345364738noreply@blogger.com3