In the end, it'll all work out.

Another Post

2010-06-16T22:50:00.001-07:00

Still no "official" job and I seriously doubt there will be one. I guarantee that if I had spent the summer in Noblesville, I would've found a job. The market in Muncie is just downright terrible.

The main reason I stayed, besides because I'm paying rent, is for a specific person. They haven't been around much, through no fault of their own. So I'm left here, mostly by myself. I mean, I have friends here but I haven't seen them much. I'm not antisocial it's just I don't know when they're around and I truthfully haven't been making much of an effort. What I'm getting at is that I'm not blaming anyone, only my own apathy. I would probably jump at the chance if someone contacted me, though.

However, I have been working as a guide for ChaCha (txt any question to 242-242 for free) to bring in a little extra cash. It's been really slow this week, unfortunately. So anyway the best time to do it is at nights and on the weekends. Since this is my only source of income, this seriously cripples my social life.

So I play games, watch shows, etc. during the day. Whatever to pass the time and avoid deadly boredom. I only wish I could spend more time with this person. They're gone all week but will be back next week sometime.

What else, you say? Nothing, absolutely...well. I finally got my student teaching assignment. Pendleton Elementary. Seems like a good school. I think I'll be teaching 2nd grade which seems like a fun age and a grade I have yet to teach.

Don't ask me about writing, please. Just know that I'm working on it.

God damn. I can't shake this awful feeling. I feel, more and more often, that I'm just drifting through an empty void. That's how my life feels. That's how living feels to me. Sure, I distract myself by doing stuff, hanging out, etc. but I keep coming back to this. Does everyone feel this way? Do I still lack purpose, after all I've accomplished and all I am hopeful for towards the future?

I don't know...I just don't know.

Also, I've been packing up so many boxes of my things. Little things, big things. Unused things. Books, games, etc. Not all of them so far but most. I've been moving them to the crawlspace in my basement back home. Plenty of room up there. Plenty of time to forget all of my crap that will soon be up there.

It's weird. I keep thinking about this one thing. I like to collect things. Games, movies, books, comics, CDs. I have lists. Wishlists on Amazon. Lists in my head. I want to collect all the the things I want to collect. I want to watch, play, read, and listen to them as well but I simply want them. But at the same time, I wouldn't miss them. It's just to pass the time, to have something to do. I'm really not that material. I just have things.

I am rambling, I know. But it's 2 in the morning and I'm in a very weird place.

I don't know what else to say, only that I hope next week is so much better than this one. It will be only if I get to spend time with that person I was talking about.

If not, I will flip.

No Title

2010-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I haven't posted in how long? Less than a year, though.

You have to understand, I have little to no motivation to write here. Sure, maybe one or two people read this thing but I feel as though I am writing in a journal but online, for the world to see my ramblings.

So why update? Boredom, mostly.

Let me catch you up to speed on some things that will most likely work themselves out but who knows. I have just completed my fourth year here at Ball State and I have one more to go. In the fall, I am suppose to spend the semester student teaching but I have yet to get my assignment. I could get assigned a place here or perhaps in Noblesville or who knows where. Plus my lease is up in August and there is no way to renew it so I have no idea where I'll be living, either (perhaps out of my car).

Currently, though, I have begun my summer break looking for a job. I applied at a slew of places last week but have not heard from a one of them. I have submitted applications to two particular jobs that I have good feeling about but I don't know if they are going to work out, either.

Plus I'm close to broke.

On the less darker side of things, I have gotten my shit together in terms of writing "House on Hickory Hill." I have been totally revamping the first section and am a good ways completed with that. My second task is to finally settle down and write the second and third sections. Once that undertaking has been accomplished, I can dig into the last four sections, make sure they flow well with the first half but mostly just heavily edit them. And then I can think about submitting it somewhere. But right now, my priority is this first half.

What else, you say? What else is there to say? I'm a poor, unemployed college student, just like so many others. Big deal.

I'm also already growing bored. It's seeping into me like an apathetic poison. I just have to keep myself occupied or I will waste a lot of time.

I'm also really missing Waycross and Europe. The two best summers of my life.

Probably no one is going to read this, so really I'm just talking with myself. In that case, all I can say is good luck. And that I don't believe in luck.

But maybe, sometimes, I do.

Time and time again

2009-08-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

In my life, I have found that, as the title of my blog states, "in the end, it'll all work out." And so it has. Money woes be gone. Stress gone. For now, anyway.

I'm doing alright in my life. Not much has changed and those things that have, have done so in subtle ways. I feel as though I am an improved human being after this past summer and I feel like a lot of people are as well. Can we just all improve as a human species? Its been a long time since I've found faith in humanity but here it is again. Love is real and will always, always find a way to get you through.

All you need is love. Maybe, maybe there are other things but love is a damn good start.

Third Eye Blind's new album "Ursa Major" has come out. I love every single track on it and I believe it is their second greatest album (the first being their self-titled, freshmen release).

This is the final verse/chorus of track 9 "Water Landing":

"Put on your life vest only if told to do so
Well I'm telling you now
Strap it across your chest
Prepare yourself for impending death
You and me are nose-diving
At the speed of whiplash, life passes by
In an endless plane crash
Muffled I love you through an oxygen mask
On my face, brace, brace
And the cabin erupts with religious conversions
God's sick joke as we lose the engines
Some people scream and some people are gracious
And the reason's the same
Cause the sky outside is so spacious
Its so spacious
So if its a water landing
Then its a water landing
And its coming inside."

This summarizes so many things. Because if its a water landing, then its a water landing. I only wish that I could have had this song playing in my head every time I flew. Oh well. Better now than not at all. Love.

So this is where I am...

2009-08-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's about 1 AM Saturday. I am well awake and listening to oldies (songs from the 50's and 60's). Currently playing is "Ain't Too Proud To Beg."

My thoughts were so strongly focused on "House On Hickory Hill" for so long but now my mind has wandered over to "Skin and Bone." This back and forth is quite common. However, I started re-reading what I wrote of SB and I'm astounded. I don't have the same problems in this one as I do in HHH (such as several big holes that need filling, a huge revision of chapters and/or sections). No, the biggest problem I had with this novel was double spaces after a period. I've fixed that all in the first section of the book. That was step one. I need to add a scene at the end of this one chapter then after that I can go back, fix all the god damn adverbs I've used, and then delete a few things (there are several parts where I say the same thing but in three different ways. As a reader I am annoyed). The writing, though, is fantastic. My style, as far as mechanics go, is pretty steady from when I started writing this (freshmen year of college). I've got good sentence variation, good flow. Sure, I've learned stuff since then but I'm still impressed with myself.

Now this book is divided into three sections, each section representing a different key location. I've actually modeled these three distinct locations after my trip to and from school and home. Basically the story starts out at "home" and my protagonist ends up going to a mid-point town in part two, called "Frankton," which is a real town. My friends and I have nick named it the "Zombietown," because often when you drive through there, you never see anyone around. It's eerie but cool in a way. The third and final location is a mixture of my college and college town. I haven't actually written part three. Part 1 is essentially finished (just needs some mop-up) and part two has a good leg up, but part 3 is just in my mind for now. I know some things though that I will share with you:

In this third part, my protagonist, James, has finally arrived at his university. This was his ultimate goal because he knew that his school had some really advanced bio-labs, top scientists/professors, and such. He hoped against hope that it would still be standing and that people would still be there, working hard on a cure. At the end of part 1, we hear a radio broadcast affirming that this place is a refuge and that it is, indeed, still standing. James is hoping to help find a cure. That is about all I can tell you. Oh, and of course, when he gets there...it isn't at all what he expects. Cliche in a way but also, true in life as well as fiction.

Now "Stay (Just A Little Bit Longer)."

Why I love Okkervil River so much and other things of interest...

2009-07-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Why? Why, why, why?

Here's something I think is amazingly awesome. To promote their newest album, Okkervil River had a Stand-Ins project (the album being named The Stand-Ins). Aptly named because they had fellow indie musicians cover their songs and they taped it and put it on youtube (thus these artists Stood-In for Okkervil River).

Here's a breakdown of the tracks with the artists who covered them in case you recognize one or some of them:

"Lost Costlines" - A.C. Newman of The New Pornographers
"Singer Songwriter" - David Vandervelde (accompanied by Will Sheff of Okkervil River)
"Starry Stairs" - Jack Ladder
"Blue Tulip" - Bon Iver
"Pop Lie" - Bird of Youth
"On Tour With Zykos" - Zykos
"Calling and Not Calling My Ex" - Ola Podrido
"Bruce Wayne Campbell" - one cover by Crooked Fingers, another by Jordan Geiger of Hospital Ships

Now I can't say I recognize all of these musicians but the fact that this assortment of different indie musicians are covering Okkervil River's songs from their new album is very awesome. What a sweet idea, in my book.

This is one reason why I love them so much. But there are others.

I love their songs at the most basic level. Their chord structures, though most of them are simple, are unique to each and every song. No two songs even sound the same musically. Nor do they lyrically, which is one of the biggest reasons I love Okkervil River. Each album has a running theme that shows up in their songs.

Here are a couple of my favorite Okkervil River songs, complete with album and track name, as well as an example of the lyrics I love so much from each particular song.

"And when I killed her, it was so easy
That I wanted to kill her again.
I got down on both of my knees and
She ain't coming back again."
-"Westfall" from the album "Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See"

"He says, 'I am waiting on hoof and on hand.
I'm waiting, all hated and damned.
I'm waiting - I snort and I stamp.
I'm waiting, you know that I am,
calmly waiting to make you my lamb.'"
-"So Come Back, I'm Waiting" from the album "Black Sheep Boy"

"It's a gray day in the fall
And the radio's singing down the hall
And I rise to turn it off cause all I'm seeing is her face
Age 8
8"
-"Savannah Smiles" from the album "The Stage Names"

These lyrics, coupled with the music, form some really intense songs that really capture the scenes Will Sheff has created. The music in each song fits so well with the lyrics that it just really takes me away. I absolutely love this band.

So yes, I'm still working on "House on Hickory Hill." My immediate goal as of this moment is to really hammer that first goddamn chapter down to something I can feel comfortable showing a publisher. I want to do this before school starts up at the end of August. The first chapter has about 8 parts. The first part is finished and I'm quite happy with it. Just 7 more to go. Several of these should be easy to go through but the end needs tweaking. Fortunately its mostly all written, just some scenes need to be re-written and revised because they have the right idea but the wrong wording. Easy, right?

That being said, I hope to have my novel ready to be submitted by the time I graduate in two years.

Also, I'm having a hell of a time getting my student loan for this year. Before it was pretty easy, I just log onto Sallie Mae, submit my info, and voila, loan completed. Now they're asking for credit checks because of our shitty economy and because they have a new loan type in place. I can't pass a credit check because I don't really have credit and I haven't had time to get a job. So I'm trying to get a co-signer but so far no one in my family has been able to pass because apparently their credit isn't perfect enough.

Fuck this. But it's all I got.

Maybe I'll just drop out and get a shitty full-time job. I don't have a lot of options.

On a much happier note, I'm going on a camping trip next week with some friends. But damn, its really hard to get my mind away from this money sitaution. I hadn't really felt the economic crunch until now. Awesome. Great fucking timing.

"Westfall"

2009-07-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

As you can see, my new blog quote is from Okkervil River's "Westfall." As much as I loved that band before...

I've had to opportunity to listen to their older stuff and I've been loving the shit out of it. Westfall, in particular, is among my favorites. Anyways, that song, as well as Okkervil River itself, reflects my new blog layout. The picture above is from "Bloody" Charles Mackenzie's mausoleum. It is among my more supernatural experiences (not encounters, though) from Europe. You can read more about this all my adventures in my other blog (linked from here) as well as see every picture I took over there on my flickr page.

That's mostly all for now. I am hopefully going to see The Decemberists live in a couple weeks and I am also going on a camping trip or two in the next month or so. Then school starts up again.

I'm feeling my muse so I think I may finally, finally, finally tackle that first chapter of my camp novel and get it down, for good. I could really use that kind of writing win.

More to come, stay tuned. I am alive.

Brand New Day

2009-05-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

So my PC contracted a virus. All in all, I had to reinstall Windows after tirelessly trying to eradicate the pest from my machine. All is well, though. Everything important was saved to my external hard drive, nothing but time and my Internet bookmarks were lost.

I'm half-glad actually. I love new beginnings. I like starting fresh and anew. Hallejulah.

Also, I'm madly in love with the band Okkervil River. The song "So Come Back, I'm Waiting" has been haunting me. I've learned to play it on guitar, as well.

I am on book 4 of Harry Potter, The Goblet of Fire, and have two weeks to go until I leave. I feel however, that I can both study for finals, take finals, and finish the series before I head home on Friday.

Only time, that fickle bitch, can tell.

“Old emotions are coming back to me.”

2009-04-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks Third Eye Blind, you said it.

I have so much on my mind. It’s making me anxious and restless. I don’t like this feeling but sometimes I do experience it. I’m drinking some Woodchuck and about to play my guitar and hopefully that will calm my nerves. That’s pushing my luck, though.

I leave too soon. This semester can’t end soon enough. Time is a wicked, filthy slut. I can’t go slowly when I want. I can’t speed up when I want, either. I can’t fucking have what I want.

Please…Please let it all work out in the end.

I need a hug from a certain someone.

In other news, I'm trying to both read through all 7 Harry Potter books and refurbish my first chapter of House on Hickory Hill before I leave. Good luck to me, indeed.

Sometimes...

2009-04-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I want to forsake everything for something simpler. Not boring, just simple. All this man needs is a pad of paper, a pen, and a multitude of environments. That's it.

Sleep paralysis

2009-04-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

I experienced it for the first time last night. I was lying on my side, facing the wall. There is a spaced between my bed and the wall, enough to walk through (though its a tight confinement). Near the end of the bed, along the wall, is a window. I was looking at this window, lying on my side, when this black mass appeared. It was a black cloud darker than darkness of night that pervaded my room. There was a very minute amount of light pooling in from the window but this cloud covered it and it grew. I felt as though there was something in the mass that was slowly approaching me, to attack or do God knows what. I couldn't move. I wanted to so badly but I just could not. I could see myself, in my mind's eye, reaching my hands out to push the thing away but I could not actually move anything. I just lay there in distress.

This was both a dream and not a dream. It was a dream in the sense that I "woke up" from something but I lay exactly as I had in the dream, the only difference was that I was finally able to roll over, away from the window. The terror was real. My heart pounded and I breathed heavily upon "waking." So much so that I felt as though I had just gone running.

One effect of sleep paralysis (other than the obvious which is you cannot move) is hallucinations. I've heard a couple other stories but had never experienced something quite like this. The black cloud was the hallucination but everything else was incredibly real, because it was real. When you sleep, your brain releases this chemical that temporarily paralyzes you so that you don't act out your dreams and injure yourself. With sleep paralysis, you wake up but your brain thinks your still dreaming so this is why you cannot move and why you can hallucinate.

Scary. Incredible.

The scariest or most interesting thing to note is that I was talking with someone about this very thing only a few days ago and I deduced that this is what they were experiencing but I told them I've never experienced it before. Perhaps I was meant to experience this then, or maybe it was a weird self-fulfilling prophecy type of thing.

Let's talk about camp some more...

2009-04-02T11:43:00.001-07:00

The opening of a story or, in this case, a novel is one of the most important parts. When an agent or editor goes to read it, the first page needs to knock them out.

I'm working on House on Hickory Hill yet again. I feel as though if I can just get this chapter down solid, it'll help with the rest. The first step in doing so is having a truly incredibly opening, one that summarizes it all. But I'm lost. I don't know how to do it. The opening I have now...it isn't weak but it's not what I want. It's not powerful enough.

I'm not asking for help I guess. Just words of encouragement? Maybe a muse. Maybe I need to track the muse down and beat him with a bat. How's that for being proactive? Hell, yeah.

Mitch

2009-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I've never written about this before or why I haven't recalled it until now but here it is. I believe I remember the kid's name and that it does start with the letter 'M' but for anonymity, I will call him Mitch.

Yes, this is a camp story.

Summer of 2006. I worked at a summer camp down in Brown County for the whole summer. I can't remember which week this but I believe it was sometime in mid- to late-July. This particular week there were less campers and there was also a simulataneous, specialized camp going on called Hang Out Work N Stuff where older teens went out with our counselors to build houses in the community. So, there were only a handful of cabins this particular week. I believe I had five campers. One of them was Mitch.

He quickly became a problem. He'd disappear on us all the time. He would not get along with the other campers in our cabin. Every activity and every person was "gay" or "stupid." It was frustrating to say the least. I believe he was 9 or 10 but I can't remember exactly. So Mitch was the one problem kid I had that week. My co-counsloer David and I struggled in vain to get him interested and to keep him with the group.

Well, we found a few things out a day or two later. Mitch was a foster child. Looking back, I should've talked my parents into adopting him, he would have been a great little brother. Anways. Not only that but his brother, who was also a foster child, was at camp. Apparently they lived, for whatever reason, in seperate foster homes and so never saw each other. That is until camp.

So now I understood. But it still posed a problem. David and I both had seperate talks with Mitch but nothing changed. That is, until the overnight, which was Wednesday night. Our adventure group (a boy and a girl cabin together form an adventure group) hiked out and went to our camping spot, away from all the other cabins. I think by now Mitch and I were starting to form a bond of some kind. Whenever we did activities, he wanted to be on my team. He wanted me to be his canoing partner in the lake, etc. I obliged because I knew it would help him enjoy himiself.

On the overnight, we had a mini game of capture the flag. Mitch was on my team of course. I inadvertantly knocked another of my campers down while chasing him, but that's another story. He also helped us cook dinner, gather wood, etc. Overall, he started to be more a part of the team. I think it was a combination of all of us accepting him and allowing him to particiapte, as well as David and I setting stern ground rules (but also allowing him time to visit his brother) that helpped Mitch.

Over the course of the rest of week, he stayed more with our group, interacted more and got along with the other boys in my cabin, and did what David and I asked of him. It was great.

On the last day of camp, as his foster parents' car pulled away, he shouted out the window at me, "See ya Will!" I could hear the week's enjoyment emanating in his voice.

"Have a great summer, buddy!" I shouted back.

There is something to be said...

2009-03-24T20:57:00.001-07:00

Okay, three posts in one day. It's a new record. But that isn't the point. I have had three, seperate but equal) points to make.

This one?

We could all take a lesson from tea. It's subtle, warm (or iced), and good for you.

A Leaf By Any Other Name...

2009-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

So this leaf is (still) on a tree right outside my house. It has survived the winter and I think this says something about how determination is more powerful than sheer strength.

We were perfect when we started, I've been wondering where we've gone.

2009-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

-"A Murder of One" by Counting Crows

"The world is a playground. We knew that as a kid. But somewhere along the line we forgot that."
-Zooey Deschannel in "Yes Man"

"When we were kids
We hated things our parents did
We listened low
To Casey Kasem's radio show
That's when friends were nice
To think of them just makes you feel nice
The smell of grass in spring
And October leaves cover everything"

"When we were kids
We hated things our sisters did
Backyard summer pools
And Christmases were beautiful
And the sentiment
Of colored mirrored ornaments
And the open drapes
Look out on frozen farmhouse landscapes"
-"Have You Forgotten" by The Red House Painters

All of these quotations capture it perfectly, beautifully. Poetically. Sorry for the adverbs but its true.

Everything, everything, everything I have ever thought or written about stems from this. Childhood is beautiful and magical. I understand that this isn't true for all, but for me and many others it is.

I remember everything. I remember when Christmas parties meant getting treats and gifts, playing with my cousins, singing carols and seeing Santa Claus. I remember how summers never seemed to end but August always came a little too soon. I remember getting up with the sun and playing until after it went away.

I remember. The good and the bad. And I feel nostalgia for everything.

Here's honesty: I feel like I don't have direction. It's easy when you're a kid because adults tell you what to do. You go to school, you play with your friends and family, you have fun. Sometimes you have to do chores and homework but its always worth it.

Then you grow up and you get a part time job, and that's when things start to set in. Money is great to have and all but its not everything, and a lot of the time its not worth what you have to sacrifice to get it. Then you go to college which comes with all sorts of learning experiences, good and bad. Its good to have bad learning experiences to, to make mistakes, because this is what learning is.

But you learn a lot about yourself. Stuff you never knew and stuff you never wanted to face. It changes you, sometimes for better but a lot of times for worse. You realize you are no longer the carefree little child you used to be. You worry, you hate, you limit yourself. You try desperately to hold onto old things and resist, terribly so, the new. But you can't hold on forever, and the more you resist the harder things become.

I write and I play guitar not too escape but to ascend. I'm trying to find not a balance but a new level. I want those feelings, those memories...all of them, the sights and smells and feelings of childhood but on an adult level. I want to live, damn it. And I don't mean necessarily going bungee jumping or anything of the sort. I want to be happy all the time. I want to sometimes just be carefree. But I also want to be responsible.

I don't know how close I am or how much further I have to go.

All you need is a sharp knife.

One last post of reviews

2009-03-19T21:55:00.001-07:00

At least for awhile.

Here's the three for this one: "Doubt," "Gran Torino," and "Wall-E."

"Gran Torino"

Yeah Clint Eastwood is close to 80. And yeah he's still badass, especially in this role. I can't think of one thing I didn't like about this movie. It says so much about a lot of different things. From most people, the thing they dislike most (or the only thing they dislike) is what happens at the end but honestly I thought that things happened as they should have. Eastwood's character made the right decision: He set out to do exactly what he aimed to do which is to give those kids a future while protecting their physical and mental wellbeing.

9/10

"Doubt"

This movie was astounding. Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman put on a hell of a show, let me tell you. These actors were freakin' wonderful in the film. I saw them, yes, but it was like their faces were on someone else's bodies the acting was so well done and so believable. On top of that, this story, and this theme, was phenomenal. Yes it isn't a perfect film, it was a little lacking in some parts but overall it was just amazing. I mean the atmosphere, the way they juxtaposed the priests and the nuns, old ways and new. Awesome.

8/10

"Wall-E"

Okay so it's not big news that Pixar/Disney can make one hell of an animated flick. Wall-E is no exception. Great visuals, great story, great message. Its shorter than these other two films and very kid-friendly so if you have some young'uns, I recommend renting this flick for the family and the other two for yourself and your significant other.

8/10

More Reviews

2009-03-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Yes Man"

So a new Jim Carrey movie, eh? I feel like the last comedy he was in was Bruce Almighty, which was pretty good. If he's been in any other comedies since then, they probably weren't important because I don't remember them.

However, I really enjoyed this movie. There were several times where I laughed out loud. Sure, it sounds a lot like "Liar, Liar" and it is in some regards but for the most part, this movie was awesome. And the very cute Zooey Deschannel is in it (you'll recall her as the love interest in "Elf" even though she's been in other movies).

You'll also recognize Carrey's characters friends, at least I did. One of them played "Hyde" on "That 70's Show" and the other well I'm sure he's been in a bunch of other movies but I recognize him as "Ben" from "Wet Hot American Summer."

Man, there were some very zany and very funny, and kind of gross and kinky stuff in this movie. Please rent it.

8/10

"Blindness"

All in all, this was a good movie. There was a little too much sex and nudity, though. A couple times very unnecessarily so. But it was a neat concept and neat twists and such. It was artistic in regards to the effects they used.

I didn't like a lot of what the main woman character did (and I forget both the character name and her real name). She didn't do what any person would've obviously done and so it dragged the story along unnecessarily so. Basically, she didn't know how to survive but somehow managed to. It really pissed me off.

I didn't like how the government reacted in this movie, either. It seemed a little unbelievable. They basically did what they did with like TB patients back in the day: put em all together in some isolated location and kept the world away from em and vice versa. Except this wasn't staffed with doctors and nurses, they basically just quarantined these people, gave them a little food, and let them do whatever inside. Sure, everyone thought they were contagious, but come on. I call shenanigans on this film. It was entertaining for the most part but it felt too much like a prison movie in an unbelievable context.

6/10

"Miracle at St. Anna"

Yes, this is a Spike Lee film. And yes, this is the first Spike Lee film I've watched all the way through (almost 3 hours long). I liked it, I really did. It showed the story of four black US soldiers who find this little Italian boy who is...not crazy, just kind of off. Parts of it are magical, surreal, and spiritual. Though it does drag on, it is very interesting, the lives of all the characters in the film.

The ending was kind of lame, though. Very cheesy, hollywood. But all in all it was a good film. It did drag on at times, but I put it up there along the lines of movies like "Saving Private Ryan."

9/10

Movie Reviews

2009-03-11T22:26:00.001-07:00

I have watched quite a few important movies lately. I am going to post my $0.02 for each here. There are a few more movies I mean to watch and probably will review them. The reason I'm writing about all of these is because they are all pretty much dramas and are more meaningful, in many ways, than just straight up comedy or action flicks.

The three I'm going to review in this post are "Changeling," "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas," and "Watchmen." These may or may not contain spoilers so read at your own risk. Here we go:

"Changeling"

This movie was critically-acclaimed. Directed by The Man With No Name himself, Clint Eastwood. Powerfully acted by Angelina Jolie, John Malkovitch and others. This movie, among other things, paid detailed attention to the time period. There were several stories going on actually, and several themes as well. It's interesting that even in the late 1920's, the LAPD was doing poorly.

Although the story of Christine Collins (Angeline Jolie) was very intriguing, I was more interested in the story of the boy Sanford Clark. They did pretty well following the history of everything that happened (I did my research on it). If interested, look up the Wineville chicken Coop Murders to read about all of the actual history, before or after the movie, either way.

8/10

"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas"

No I didn't spell it incorrectly, well I did but that's how the title is spelled, for whatever reason. This movie is about an 8 year old boy named Bruno. His father is a Nazi officer and the family move out into the country--about a mile away from a concentration camp. This story is about Bruno learning about the Halocaust and what Jews really are (actual people) and the friendship between him and Schmul (a Jewish boy stuck in a concentration camp). There was a lot to be said in this movie. It's powerful how blatantly black and white things are in it, especially through the viewpoint of a child.

And goddamn the ending. That's all I have to say.

8/10

Before I review "Watchmen," I want to talk a little about the previous two movies. Both involve tragedy and children. I'm with Eastwood on the idea that the worst possible crimes a human can commit is against children. I happened to watch both of the movies (seperate nights) late at night before I went to bed, which I recommended against doing. These movies stick with you and make you think about a lot of things. They also make you want to find the children in your life and hold them close, away from all the goddamn despicable evils out there.

Holy shit.

Anyways, onto...

"Watchmen"

Here are my two complaints, somewhat spoilerific: Ozymandias' character was shown as very shallow in the movie. In the graphic novel, he was revered by everyone and so the ending was so much more shocking. Also, the ending was very hollywood, not too detracting but I liked the conversation between Dr. Manhattan and Ozy at the end of the graphic novel.

Everything else was superb. Yes it's 2 and a half hours long. Did it feel like it? Yes and no. Some people say its too long and slow in parts and others say its not long enough. Yes there was a lot of superfluous material from the graphic novel cut (the thing was loaded with material) but overall, I think it was one of the best, if not THE best comic book adaptation I've ever witnessed. Yes I saw it on opening night and yes I am a fan of the graphic novel. Other than the things I've mentioned, really all the complaints people have against it are ultimately against the graphic novel itself because the movie is very true, shot for shot, to the source material.

9/10

So not too spoiled, I suppose. But anyways, expect more...I plan to watch "Seven Pounds", "Doubt," "Gran Torino" (of course more Eastwood!), and "Blindness."

All Mixed Up

2009-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

So it's not secret that I'm in love with music. It is my religion. I've felt closer to God or Nirvana or what have you more when listening to music (and particularly when playing my guitar) than at any other time or location in my life. What I'm gonna do is take a break from talking about writing or whatever it is I usually talk about and post several lyrics. These lyrics are some of the most meaningful to me. I will also list the artist and track title in case you are interested in looking them up (youtube is most helpful when it comes to this).

"When we were kids
We hated things our sisters did
Backyard summer pools
And Christmases were beautiful
And the sentiment
Of colored mirrored ornaments
And the open drapes
Look out on frozen farmhouse landscapes"
-"Have You Forgotten" by Red House Painters

"She tricks me into thinking
That I can't believe my eyes
That I wait for her forever
But she never does arrive"
-"All Mixed Up" (Cover) by Red House Painters

"Sorry that
I could never love you back
I could never care enough
In these last days"
-"Carry Me Ohio" by Sun Kil Moon

"And I am a writer, writer of fictions
I am the heart that you call home
And I've written pages upon pages
Trying to rid you from my bones"
-"Engine Driver" by The Decemberists

"So now you're scared of love
I'm here to tell you love's not some blood on the receiver
Love is speaking in code
It's an inside joke
Love is coming home"
-"If Work Permits" by The Format

Okay, it's also no secret that I'm a huge Third Eye Blind fan. I've saved these lyrics for last because I wanted you guys to get a taste of something else that I enjoy. And for that very reason I'm only going to post a select few lyrics from songs that aren't on any official studio album.

"She said
Why can't you be
Like a candle I can snuff
You're still a diamond in the rough
And I swear to god I've had enough
How can I call your bluff?"
-"Why Can't You Be" by Third Eye Blind

"And I will write a new song and I will sing it tonight
No one sings along but Mom it will be all right
And the family will hold even though we've lost the means
And the family will hold in this graceless, sad routine"
-"Second Born" by Third Eye Blind

"Persephone
Can you help me?

I pushed away a summer breeze
I want the promise of a real spring
Free and born again
Help me

Old emotions are coming back to me"
-"Persephone" by Third Eye Blind

When I was little I thought a few was 3 so there ya go. Look them up, try them out. I hope you enjoy them.

51 Posts

2009-01-19T21:36:00.001-08:00

So apparently my last post was my 50th post and this will be my 51st. Sweet, I guess.

I've been listening to "Dissolved Girl" by Massive Attack a lot lately. The album Mezzanine is not bad but I just really like that song. This particular song was feature in the first Matrix movie during the scene where Keanu Reeves as 'Neo' is asleep at his computer desk and listening to music. This is the song that is playing. It fits in with the themes of the movie but that's not why I like it.

It's chill, that's why.

Going back to my previous, its interesting because that aspect feels totally gone from my dreams. Now they just seem like random, dumb shit. I mean, its possible that they're all occurring in this same world but they're not so much apocalyptic and more so dumb.

I've been writing a bit in my "Skin and Bone" novel and I have a good feeling about it. Its setup kind of similar to the Watch books (Night, Day, Twilight Watch books) in that its three separate parts. The parts are basically novellas but fit together as a whole novel. That is how this story is.

I've got a good chunk of the 2nd part, I'm nearly finished with the 1st, and I've got loads of ideas for the 3rd.

I've also been reading quite a bit. I'm kind of forcing myself to because I enjoy it but also because I have a lot of unread books on my shelves that I want to get to (mostly short story collections). I just finished re-reading The Road (which I admit it also for my fiction writing class but I love this book to death) and I'm in the process of reading the non-fiction book My Custom Van by Michael Ian Black. If you like any of the stuff he's done: Stella, The State, The I Love the...Series on VH1, or just generally find him funny, you will enjoy this book. It is essentially a collection of essays on all kinds of random topics. It's great.

That's about it for now. I figured I hadn't posted in awhile so here ya go. Enjoy.

Dream World

2009-01-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

First, I am becoming increasingly intrigued with the life-after-apocalypse stories. I just bought Fallout 3 which is such a plot. I'm finding it hard to put my thoughts into words but basically...there is just something about an apocalypse that is so profound, so incredible, and so enticing...not just as an author but as a human being. I'm not talking about annihilation or genocide, mind you...just..."a new beginning." I play these games, read these books, but most importantly...have these dreams where an apocalypse is occurring.

So dreams...I always thought that it was just a recurring theme in my dreams, a sort of end of the world scenario I mean. But now it's dawned on me...all my dreams are in the same "world" or "universe." For most people, I think, each dream is a glimpse into some other world...This world may or may not be the complete imagination of each person but for me...I'm very sure its the same place, just different locations. Often times I had dreams in laboratories, schools, office buildings, or rural/secluded locations but there's always the same theme...the world is always on the brink or just past it of destruction.

This may be inconsequential to you, my reader, but to me...it is utterly profound. I just woke up this morning and had this realization. Its astounding. I'm curious if the characters that show up in my dreams recur. And I think they do, at least metaphysically they are the same because physically they often look different. Oftentimes there is a young boy, sometimes many children, in my charge. Also, there are usually fellow survivors. Sometimes a love interest. I'm rambling. Anyways, good night.

Reviews

2008-12-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

So, I have a big problem with Rottentomatoes.com and Metacritic.com and basically any site or newspaper that critiques movies. My problem is that people who review movies tend to be cynical, tend to overlook the good, and tend to sometimes dramatize the bad in movies. I always try to preach that people think for themselves and when it comes to movies, this is especially true.

Basically, don't let others' opinions movie you one way or another. If you go watch a movie with your mind already set, your doomed to succumb to that self-fulfilling prophecy.

Granted, some movies are just so good it doesn't matter and, on the other hand, some are just so bad.

Anyways, that's enough soapboxing.

Here are two movies I've seen recently and MY opinions of them.

Valkyrie:
This movie is about the most famous failed attempt to assassinate Hitler by his own people. I'm not sure how "true" these events are but I did see a documentary on the History channel awhile back and from what I can remember, this movie sticks pretty well with history. My only complaint about it is lack of character development. Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise's character) is probably developed the most because he is the main character but there are many men shown that are developed enough. I wanted to more about these men, these German Nazis, who took it upon themselves to kill Hitler, free Germany, and end the war. Guess I'll have to watch the documentary again.
8/10

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button:
This movie is truly epic, both in length of runtime and length of character. It is about 3 hours long and follows the life of Benjamin Button, a man (played by Brad Pitt) who's body starts off old and gets younger as he gets older. His mind, however, fits his age. There are so many neat things about this movie: the scenery, the characters, the plot in general. I'm not going to go on and on about it but I definitely recommend it. It is truly an intriguing movie that will have you thinking about it when you leave the theaters. If you like movies like Big Fish, Forrest Gump, etc. then I believe you will like this.
9/10

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk at our Christmas party.

2008-12-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Know the lyrics to that song?

I decided this break I want to do more than sit on my ass and watch time go by. I want to write, damn it. I have been writing but I want to work toward submitting stuff finally.

Fo' sho'.

Old emotions are coming back to me.

2008-12-05T08:52:00.001-08:00

"Persephone" by Third Eye Blind.

I'm doing it. Slowly but surely I am capturing everything, and I do mean everything, in House on Hickory Hill. All of those emotions I felt at camp and am feeling now. All of those relationships that were or should have been. All of my hopes and fears. They are rearing their heads in my novel. This story began as a seed of experience and is growing into something so much more.

Some thoughts on the Punisher.

2008-12-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

I own the Director's Cut of the Thomas Jane film, I probably won't see Punisher: War Zone until it is out on DVD, and the 80's film is on my wish list.

Over at www.aintitcool.com, they already have a review. Read it if you wish.

A lot of people (including comic book writers) treat the Punisher as some one-dimensional psychotic murderer, which just pisses me off. I only like seeing his violent killings to a degree. Without depth, the Punisher becomes a bloody, campy, lame piece of shit.

To truly create a well-down Punisher franchise, you need to start with the origin. This formulic approach to storytelling is tried and true. The first film always develop's the origins in some ways to the character. A good Punisher franchise would start off with a film about a nice guy named Frank Castle who goes to Vietnam. The things he sees there, the choices he makes, turns him into something wicked and dark. He says 'yes' to the Grim reaper and essentially because a self-proclaimed Angel of Judgement, punishing the guilty much like Ghost Rider does.

After all the Vietnam shit happens (which should be about 2/3) of the movie, Frank comes back and tries to settle in a civilian life with his family. When they get killed, caught in the crossfire between gangs, that is when Frank loses it. He has been haunted by Vietnam all this time, he gave in and said 'yes' to some force that allowed him to live. In return, it took his family. Now he becomes the Punisher. First killing all of the members of those gangs, and realizing his true purpose: Killers, rapists, psychos, sadists will come to know him well. He is the Punisher.

In film number two, he is the Punisher in his prime. Here you can introduce villians like the Russian, bring in Jigsaw (who could be introduced in film one as a perfect-faced gang leader), etc. In this film, the Punisher (because he is no longer Frank CAstle) becomes psychotic. He kills relentlessly but then in one scene, he begins to doubt and question himself (maybe he kills one of the bad guys in front of the guy's kids). He's realizing that all of his war experience...it just creates this blind, bloodthirsty hatred. He kills without thinking, without considering the consequences and others' choices. He realizes that he isn't punishing but revenging. Perhaps at the end he decides to hang up the skull-shirt and maybe try on the badge. Or maybe he tries to kill himself. Statistically, this would be the best film.

In film number three, should there be one (which is dangerous...because the third film of the trilogy tends to be the worst as far as comic book movies go) Frank is a cop again. He tries his best to be a good cop but his tactics are questionable at best and so he ends up getting suspended over and over again. He realizes that the judicial system is flawed, so at night he becomes the Punisher again, one with a brain. He doesn't necessarily kill at first, more like setup criminals or something. But then some big bad guy forces him to become violent and dirty again. He must find a balance between good justice and killing. Perhaps at this end, he attempts to put a bullet in his own head. Depth can be added by creating a love interest who is a sort of femme fatale, in the same vein as the punisher. There's a good story arc in the Punisher Max series where he meets a woman who has been betrayed by these other women (they are the wives of mob bosses). This particular woman is sisters with one of the mob wives. Frank can see himself reflected in her thoughts and actions and it scares him. It causes him to look at himself objectively. Perhaps Frank is killed, so is the big bad guy in the climatic battle, but the woman lives and by giving his life, the woman gets a second chance at hers.

Just some thoughts.

1 in 4 American girls has an STD

2008-11-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

Yet another line of lyrics from a song off of 3EB's Red Star EP. In this case, from the song "Nondairy Creamer."

I failed to mention in my previous post that the three EP songs: Red Star, Nondairy Creamer, and a live version of Why Can't You Be are all featured on Third Eye Blind's myspace. You can get there quickly by just typing in www.thirdeyeblind.com

"Nondairy Creamer" may seem ridiculous at first, and it kind of is, but I've realized something. I can not dislike any Third Eye Blind songs. I thought I disliked "Tattoo of the Sun" and "Self-Righteous" but now I like the former and love the latter. Same thing with "Nondairy Creamer." It has truly grown on me.

I'm also following in with an unreleased song, "Persephone." Apparently it didn't make the cut to get on their last album, Out of the Vein. Supposedly it may be featured on Ursa Major which comes out next year sometime. Keeping my fingers crossed.

"Old emotions are coming back to me."

You were so pretty in the days you spoke your mind

2008-11-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

Those are lyrics from the song "Red Star" off of Third Eye Blind's recently released Red Star EP. It is a taste of things to come, definitely a holiday teaser. I pray that Ursa Major comes out in February like they say is supposed to, but I'm not holding my breath. Well, in a way I am. The EP is pretty good.

I've been trying (and failing) once again to write a song. Every time I try to write a song the lyrics come out as cheesy love song lyrics and the guitar part is mediocre at best. A good song doesn't need complicated guitar work, I know that. I'm just having trouble coming up with good lyrics. I don't want my lyrics to be like every other wannabe out there who sings songs about his estranged lover, or breakups, or shit like that.

Damn it.

House on Hickory Hill

2008-11-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, if you look to the right you will notice I have updated the word count for my camp novel, House on Hickory Hill.

I wrote over 200 pages this summer longhand and I literally just got finished typing them up yesterday. I took a lot of breaks.

You'll also notice I am over my 90,000 word goal but the thing of it is, is that I am not finished.

Whether you knew or not, this is how I have my book setup:

Prologue
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Epilogue

Each day is divided up into smaller, numbered sections. All the days are finished except Monday needs to be finished and Tuesday hasn't even been written. There are huge gaps between Sunday/Monday and Friday/Saturday because I wrote all of this at different time periods. There are many inconsistencies that I, unfortunately, have to work out. I changed a lot of my ideas around specifically one big one: originally this was Andy's (main character's) first year at camp. I decided it would work a lot better if Andy is returning to camp a second time after a one year hiatus. So he worked there the summer he was 18 and now he is returning as a 20-year-old. It's great because he left a bit of a legacy and everyone is so glad he's back. And then around Wednesday the shit hits the fan.

This book has a lot going on because there was a lot I wanted to put in it. I wanted to reach a wide audience. There's something for everyone: love, sex, action of all sorts, friendship, humor, morbidity, mindfucks (in a way), suspense, mystery, lore of all sorts, etc.

It's packed but not saturated or overwhelming, I feel.

So this isn't even draft 1. This book is in all sorts of forms. I've gone through Monday/Sunday/Wednesday/ and parts of Thursday already. So those parts are practically on draft 2. The latter part of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all first drafter. Monday needs a lot of work. And Tuesday is currently nonexistent. The epilogue has been written on paper but there are a lot of changes I want to make to it.

So I would say, after writing the epilogue, finishing up Monday, and writing Tuesday, I will have over 100,000 words so about 400 or so pages. Then editing is going to be long and arduous because of all these inconsistencies. Not to mention my writing has improved dramatically over the two years I've been writing this (started in 2006 when I was at the actual camp this is based off). It is hands down the largest undertaking I've done in terms of writing.

Life and Death, Death and Life, among other things...

2008-10-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

So why are weddings and funerals so much portrayed as opposites? Are both not about love? Love has a beginning perhaps, but does true love ever end? Do you stop loving your spouse because they die? Or friend or relative? Absolutely not.

But then, perhaps people compare the symbolic "new life" of a freshly married couple to the very literal death of an individual. But if so, that's not a very good antonym because hot is the opposite of cold, not the idea of hot is the opposite of cold, if that makes sense. Birthdays are the opposite of funerals.

No wait, that's not quite right, either. Because both celebrate one's life, do they not? Funerals are about mourning, but do we not honor that person's life in a eulogy?

So what is the opposite of a funeral? Perhaps there is none, really. Because funerals, weddings, birthdays, they're all symbolic. The days are literal, sure, but their meanings go far deeper.

So it is the love of life that truly drives these things, perhaps.

In other news, there is no other news except...

There's this...something in existence. Its something I'm slowly discovering. This "something" is both a very strong feeling and some sort of transcendental/spiritual awakening or I guess a better word is epiphany. I haven't fully discovered it but whatever this "thing" is, each day brings me closer to the climax of the ultimate discovery. I have a feeling that this "something" is or has to do with the idea of the interconnectedness of all things, a sort of chaos theory. Except without the chaos.

It's like a massive jigsaw puzzle. Every day it feels like a new piece is added, and then sometimes one is taken away. I don't know what it is or what kind of implications it will have but I do know one thing, I'm going to Europe next summer for a study abroad program. Maybe there, as they say, I will find at least some answers to these burning questions I have.

Maybe there, I will find some sort of peace. Deep down in the depths of my heart, I am a drifter. I love, but I don't like to be constrained. I don't like time and I don't like deadlines and I don't like being responsible for certain things. What I like is living each day to its fullest potential. Every day should feel like a week and every week should feel like a day.

This is life, 'til death do us part.

Fear.

2008-09-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

What is fear?

At its most basic level, it is the flight in "fight or flight."

It is caused by neurons firing in the amygdala of your brain in response to some stimuli found threatening.

Fear is things nesting in dark corners, shifting, coiling. Fear is born unto darkness. It keeps you awake. It torments your dreams and your waking life. Fear can be power and fear can be weakness.

Fear is powerlessness when those dark things come to haunt you at night. Awake or dreaming, they are there in the darkest regions of your room. Why do they only come out at night?

Another Update

2008-09-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

Okay.

So as you've noticed, I deleted those parts of my novel from here. Don't worry, I've actually converted the text of the entire prologue and first chapter to an .html document and I plan on uploading it to the internet here soon. Once I do, I'll provide a link.

Mostly, I was bothered by how it didn't format and how the posts worked (you saw the chapter first, then the prologue) so I'm going to upload it later.

In other news. I'm taking a creative writing class here in good, ol' college and loving it. All novels have been temporarily suspended. I'm focusing on what's going on in class and also several unfinished short stories I'm very excited about.

Hopefully I'll get my act together and submit some of these (once I've completed and revised them numerous times) for publication.

Enjoy your life,
Will

Dreams

2008-07-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

There's something about them...maybe mine specifically...It's not answers I'm finding in my dreams but something else, something strong and powerful but at the same time masked and hidden. Symbols, yes...but also...it's like a riddle or a scavenger hunt where each item is a tiny piece in the huge jigsaw puzzle that is my life: past, present, and future. Each is a clue leading to the key. I have many keys only I don't know to which door each belongs.

I don't want to go back to vacation, I just want to be with my cousins again...one in particular.

Life is pain. Love is pain.

Pain sucks.

Update

2008-06-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

First of all, here's my current life situation. I'm working a job that I hate but that I'm also apparently really good at. However, don't even consider that right now. I'm currently on vacation. It is 12:53 AM and I am in a shitty Days Inn in Hilton Head Island.

I stayed up all night last night because we were leaving early. I slept maybe a good hour or two between several short naps in the car.

Now the in the hotel, I can not sleep. My parents are snoring and I do not have ear plugs. Music does not help. I'm just staying up all night again because, frankly there is nothing else I can do. The good news is I'll get some great sunrise pics.

I got a sweet new camera by the way.

Now, in terms of writing news...I've officially written 150 pages long-hand this summer all for House on Hickory Hill. I'm also updating the current word count of my story. This is only current for what I have typed out, not all that I have written. My story is divided into 7 days, Sunday to Saturday. Sunday is finished, as is Thursday. Friday I'm currently writing. Monday through Wednesday are either unfinished or in the editing process but mostly unfinished.

Once I complete this manuscript, I plan on setting it aside and finally getting some god damn stories published (and hopefully a little compensation).

God...damn...

Cheers,
Will

One Thought

2008-06-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

Anyone can become a badass if such an occasion presents itself, and if one rises to said occasion.

In writing news: I'm burning with the passion.

Work, work, work, Senora, work it all the time...

2008-05-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

You'll recall those lyrics from Harry Belafonte's "Jump In The Line" made famous by the movie "Beetlejuice."

It was randomly stuck in my head. But also, it relates to how I've been working a lot (but not like Senora). So there ya go.

Since I haven't had much to do at work yet, I've read a shit ton and have written quite a bit, too. I've finally overcome this piece of shit writer's block or whatever it was. I've written about 20 pages or so, continuing my story. I kept myself so locked up with working backward that I wasn't focusing my energy forwards, which was really where I wanted to go. Anyway, I've unleashed my writing prowess and it's doing good so far. Makes time go by, anyway.

Short but sweet. For now.

All of My TV Shows

2008-05-20T07:58:00.001-07:00

These aren't really in a particular order. I'll try not to spoil too much but read at your own risk.

First off, Heroes.

It isn't wise to compare season 2 to season 1, I think. The main purpose of season 1 was to get all the characters together at Kirby Plaza. That was the main directive of the writer. In season 2 that wasn't so. You didn't have that sense of interconnectedness at first, but it did come later on.

I really thought season 2 was good. I don't think it was as good as season 1, of course, but I still enjoyed it, especially watching it a second time. I really like the character of Adam Monroe. Actually, Maya too a bit. I definitely like Elle. Her character has a lot of potential, not to mention I think controlling and conjuring electricity/lightning is one of the coolest powers. Peter seemed to use it a lot.

I did like West, even though they're starting to repeat abilities. Even though it's nice to see new abilities, it kinda makes sense that abilities would overlap and that multiple people would have the same abilities. It doesn't mean that they're related exactly, I don't think.

Here's my projections for season 3. If you haven't seen the preview they showed at some convention, youtube it.

From the basis of the preview, I believe that the black guy they show can turn his body to metal a la Colossus. I believe there is also a sort of Brotherhood of Mutants type of group out there that exist for a nefarious purpose. The young looking guy that Sylar choke holds is a peon in that group and recruits Sylar. After watching every Heroes episode at least twice, I feel like I have a good grasp on Sylar's character. All he wants to do is gain more power. He doesn't give a crap about regular humans unless they get in his way. He does not ally with anyone unless it serves him a purpose. The only reason he teamed up with Maya and such was he didn't have his powers.

Sylar is going to join this Brotherhood and wait. Wait until he gets the opportunity to pick off each member and steal their abilities.

It's also been introduced that a new character (whose name keeps changing but is currently Daphne) that has super speed and is Hiro's arch-nemesis.

This leads me to the next portion of my discussion. The fall preview shown recently on NBC purports that all the Heroes have a dark side and will be tempted a la Peter Parker in Spider-man 3. Here's what I think about that.

Peter has already been tempted. He was going to kill Will in season 2 when he was telekinetically choking him. You cold see the evil in his eyes. Adam tempted him to the dark side as well. However, through this I believe Peter will become the hero he is meant to be. He has to be. Sylar is the most powerful villain and so Peter, the other side of the coin, must become the most powerful hero. Sylar and Peter have not had the climatic battle they deserve but I'm thinking they will during the season finale of season 3.

The only characters, without going into too much detail, I believe will be tempted are Matt and maybe Maya, if they bring her back. Maya has already been tempted into the evil side by Sylar, as seen throughout season 2. She has good in her for sure, but her power can be used for evil. Matt has tempted himself. He has risen to the power level of his father and I believe he will surpass it. I believe he will become evil, perhaps even a tool of the Company.

I'm very excited to see what happens in Season 3, so much so. September can't come fast enough.

BSG:

I love this show, so much. I first started watching is socially but then it became an obsession. I've seen every episode from the first three seasons twice. And let me say that Season 4 is amazing. Just amazing. It's going to suck when this half of the season ends and I'll have to wait until next February to watch the rest.

Man...the Writer's Strike effed up a lot of my shows, including Heroes Season 2.

Lost:

This show isn't what it was. I think because most of the mystery has been taken away and now it just feels liek they're making shit up, which is odd because that is the exact opposite. In the beginning, they were BSing the hell out of the show but now everything is planned.

I will watch every single episode until the show is done, however. I guess that's all I can say on it. It doesn't suck, it's just meh.

In writing news, I'm working on getting my ass in gear. My goal, as I said, is to publish a novel before I graduate. The first step is finishing a novel. I'm going to work on my camp novel because I feel is has the best chance of being publish.

Sloop John B

2008-05-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

No reason for the title other than I've been listening to that particular Beach Boys song a lot lately.

If you read this post in its original, long form, I apologize. Please disregard my late night banter. I am currently reading and wanted to make sure this was wiped from the internet. There is no more to say on the subject.

Good day.

Carry Me Ohio

2008-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

"I'm sorry that
I could never love you back
I could never care enough
In these last days"

"Children love to sing but
Then their voices slowly fade away"

This isn't so much to talk about writing (although I will mention that I am feeling the itch that only writing can scratch) as it is to talk about my life. This coming week is my last full week of the semester and living in the dorms.

I have my el ed portfolio to work on, as well as two essays, two projects, and two exams. All of which are due this coming week and next. After these two weeks, I go straight into my job. I will be working this job all summer, up until sometime in August.

Furthermore, I know my summer projects are to write and read, clean up my music library, play some games, and hopefully get into some photography.

What is this thing called life? What's the worth? Maybe...

April Marches On

2008-04-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

That it does.

So I finished The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman. I learned a few things and it was nice to see things from an editor's perspective. The most important thing I learned, and I know it's going to sound arrogant but I promise I'm not overplaying it, is that I am doing a lot of things RIGHT. That's right.

I'm not saying I'm the best writer or that my writing is flawless. All I'm saying is, from what I've read in the book and compared to my own writing (more recent writing, like within the past year) is that I'm doing things well. There are things I can improve on and develop more, sure, but I'm doing a lot of things right. Like I'd read a chapter and think of my writing and realize, "Wow, I've managed to avoid that or do that right." It's not that I just am a perfect writer, I've been developing my style for years. I had quite a bit of help in high school and later on, through both books and people. I used to do many of the things that Lukeman condemns but now I'm doing well.

I probably sound defensive in these paragraphs, sorry about that...I just didn't want to come off as arrogant.

In other news, I saw Once recently and while it was a good movie, it didn't change my life. However the song, Falling Slowly did. It is sung by Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova. And it is amazing. I loved it so much I am learning to play it myself on guitar. A wonderful, wonderful song...it's so beautiful and powerful, I just dig it so much.

Also, while I'm recommending music, be sure to check out Greg Graffin's (of Bad Religion) solo album Cold as the Clay. On it he covers a bunch of folk songs he grew up with in the most amazing way. Usually it reminds me of Autumn and Mississinewa (this War of 1812 reenactment I've gone to the past two years) but lately it's been reminding of that wonderful thing known as summer.

In sad news, I haven't written a lick in awhile but frankly guys...I'm too consumed by school. Occasionally, I'll write a bit of a short story or something but not much. I know, I know, I'm being quite the slacker. It's not that I don't have the time...I just don't have the quite environment I guess...I don't know all my excuses are lame but hopefully I will write quite a bit this summer.

LIFE GOAL: To publish my first novel before I graduate. I have approximately two and half years to go. I have two unfinished novels.

Goldmine

2008-04-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

This will be really quick but I just wanted to exclaim how much I love the goldmine I wrote over the summer. I had these three short stories stored on an online drive (www.freedrive.com) and forgot about them for a while. But I recently went back and downloaded them to my macbook. They are phenomenal. One, the dog one mentioned in the previous post, is finished but the other two are still in progress. They are great. Morbid for sure, but wonderful.

One is currently titled Pizza and its a first person story about a guy that takes care of his 500-pound, morbidly obese neighbor. He just can't take it any more and cracks.

The other is called Ghost Writer. It's about this guy that discovers a type writer in his attic and a completed manuscript. The manuscript is gold and he publishes it. After a time, another appears, just as good as the last. They are all stories of tortured souls. It turns out these have been written by some sort of entity inhabiting this guy's house and he keeps taking credit for the stories. The ghost gets pissed and exacts his revenge. There are going to be many twists, however.

I really think these are publish-worthy stories so I am going to find time to work on them. Hoorah!

Two dogs walk into a bar...

2008-04-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

I have no follow up to that. No punchline. It's not a real joke, sorry. I just thought it was nifty title because it ties in with this short story I wrote over the summer and recently went back and read. I'm really excited about this one.

I wouldn't classify it as horror per se, hell I don't know what you'd classify it as other than spec lit. It's about two abused dogs that overcome their tormenter in a morbidly amusing climax. It takes place all from the dogs perspective (even though it's technically third person). Personally, I think it's well done and, dare I say, well written. Ha-ha, anyway.

Also, in like a lion and out like a lamb, my ass. I had to walk about a mile in the rain with no umbrella. The rain soaked through my backpack and onto my macbook which barely survived. I'm currently using it to write this and I hope it holds together. I've saved all important documents onto a flash drive just in case but god damn. Fuck you, March.

Go ahead and eat that extra slice of pie (I almost said cake, but I don't like cake),
Will

We're lacking something, something good...

2008-03-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

So it seems to me that every person who is really big into music has a band or artist that represents him. Mine, after long deliberation and years of listening to music, has become Third Eye Blind. As much as I feel other music represents me, Third Eye Blind will always hold the strongest place in my heart.

So here's a little taste of their greatness:

"A spaceman fucked an ape
Then cut out on the date
And now its much too late
The spaceship has escaped.

We're lacking something
Something good
Is this all for nothing
Show me the goods
Something good"
-"Darwin" by 3EB

Also, Audiosurf is the best ten bucks you'll ever spend on a game. Guaranteed.

EDIT:

I have update my word counts, finally. This includes all the bits and pieces I've written of both works. And yes, Skin and Bone is the title of my zombie-esque novel. Maybe in a few years I'll be published and be looking back at this post and have some sort of epiphany or whatever. Maybe nostalgia. Whatever.

Summertime and the wind is blowin' outside...

2008-03-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, some interesting news. When people ask me how the Big Brother thing is going, I always say "not bad" or "OK" or "good," because truthfully, this is what they want to hear. Or rather, it is what I want them to hear. I didn't want to go into detail because it was something I was really struggling with. The truth is, it wasn't going well at all. The kid was fine, its just we never connected, I never felt like we clicked. We got along, just never connected.
The good news is that I am breaking off the relationship and starting anew at some point in time. I'm going to be very cautious this time. Before, I should have said 'no.' This time I will be wary in saying 'yes.'

In other news...

This is going to be a confession post, I feel, because the other thing I wanted to talk about was camp. It's been almost two years since I first set out for Waycross, a young, naive, soon-to-be college freshmen. I've grown up so much since then. I notice it all the time. But, and I say this without any sort of exaggeration or dishonesty, that summer of 2006 changed my life. It caused me to realize a lot of things. The most potent of which being that I miss everyone and everything from that summer. Sure there were downs (I missed vacation with my family, first time in fourteen years, I didn't make as much money as I could, etc) but there were so many ups to outweigh them.
The truth is, guys, not a day goes by that I don't think about the place. I'm heartsick for it. I am in love with it. But I can't go back. Partially for monetary reasons but also because going back would not be the same. The first time is the best, I think.
But I've discovered something else. I'm sure by now you're wondering, "You haven't talked about writing yet. Does this relate, somehow?" And it does. The only way I'm going to get this off my chest and out of my mind, the only way to cure my aching heart, is to write about it. Which means my camp novel is going to go through some changes. Nothing horribly drastic. I can keep about 90% of what I've written and probably only need to delete about 2%, which leaves the other 8% to revisions. The biggest change is that my main character, Andy, is not going to be an eighteen-year-old going to camp for the first time. He is going to be a 20-year-old returning to camp after two years. He hopes for the best and discovers the worst. He'll find love, loss, hope, and more. And he'll find something else. But I won't say it here.
So that is where I am in my life. I'm trying to overcome my hatred for things. Yet another confession. I hate, a lot. It's not like I mean to, it's just things bug me. So I hate. I can love, too, don't get me wrong. I'm a pretty caring guy. It's just a lot of things piss me off. I won't ever blog about them, I got that out of the way in my younger days (this is my fourth blog, by the way, the other three are gone because they were way too whiny--and political).
There. That's all for now. Take a breath because this isn't over yet. I'm just beginning. The change to my blog isn't just to lighten things up, it's to show that the future is bright. I have so much ahead of me. It's time to jump in.

Hang on to me and I'll hang onto you...til the end or until the day is through

2008-02-26T20:28:00.001-08:00

The very last song on Carbon Leaf's album Indiana Summer is the best. It's over 7 minutes long but it's the best.

So I have been writing. A little bit here and there but more so than I've done in the past few months, which is great. Oddly enough, this is crunch time. I have all these projects and essays and shit do. I have all these video games and books and television and other stimuli but despite it all I've managed to write. Go figure.

I'm slowly connecting the dots on Skin and Bone, well the first part anyways. Once I finish that first part, I'll put it together with the second part in a word document (for word count purposes mostly and for formatting) and then update the word count here. I'm rather excited for whenever that happens. I probably only have about 40 more pages to write (about 10,000 words). That sounds like a lot but if you've ever gotten on a role, you know 40 pages is nothing, except countless hours that you don't even notice passing by.

Then I need to make some changes to part 2 but generally continue writing it. Thankfully part 2 isn't a bunch of pieces like part 1 was. Not so much in the beginning but later on I wrote scraps here and there and now I'm busy connecting them. Part 2 just needs to be altered a bit (if you've read it, what I'm doing is adding the kid's father into the mix. Just...don't get too attached to him). Then I need to continue it. It's at about 75 pages but I know exactly where it's going and it's going to kick ass.

Part 3 is the biggest part. I have actually written a few pieces here and there and I will certainly incorporate them into it. They're like teasers to myself, which is great.

My hope is to at least have part 1 and 2 finished by the beginning of May and hopefully have the first draft of this god damn thing done by next semester (mid-August for those keeping score at home).

I try not to have definite goals at the moment because it wold stress me out too much and make me feel bad if I didn't meet them. So right now I just have hopes which, as a theme in my story, is best.

Take care and rock on.

Third Eye Blind -- Live!

2008-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

That's right. Last night, February 9th, 2008, I went to a Third Eye Blind concert. It was actually crazy chance that I ended up there.

See on Wednesday I was driving around with one of my buddies, who loves 3EB also, and we got to talking about concerts and stuff. I told him how 3EB came to Indy over the summer and how I almost went but didn't really get around to informing people or anything. he's like, "Oh man, you should have called me." And I definitely should have. But anyways, the next day, just out of curiosity, I check 3EB's tour schedule. Lo and behold, they are in friggin' Crawfordsville, IN on Saturday at Wabash College. So by now I'm sure you can put two and two together.

I went there with my buddy and his girlfriend and we, essentially, had a great time. The concert was phenomenal. Picture about 1,500 college kids in a gym that is sized fit for a high school rather than a college, and you probably imagine lots of shit. Lots and lots of shit. There was shit, indeed. Plenty of douchebags and bitches that came because it was a free (for Wabash students) or cheap concert. I'm pretty sure there were several people from a frat party or two that came. However, there were some true fans there besides my friends and myself.

3EB rocked so hard, it was phenomenal. I'm just in awe, I can't even put into words (shame on me, being a writer and all...haha) how great the experience was. The good news is, they're working on putting out a 4th album AND a live album. In fact they were recording for their live album last night so when it comes out, listen closely and you'll hear me (admist the crowd of a thousand people, haha). The new song was great...I sort of forget how it goes or what it's called but it was great. Man, it was just so great. I bought a t-shirt. Awesome.

I don't want to talk about writing right now, though. Fuck school.

2007-12-26T18:47:00.001-08:00

28
Looking for payday loans?

The Mist

2007-11-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

So I saw the Mist today. Yes, I went to see it by myself but you know what? That's okay.

I almost cried. So very close. In fact there may have been a tear or two.

Go see this movie. Now. Like right now.

I haven't updated in awhile. I've been through a lot this semester...realized a whole great deal of things, and yet not much has happened. I know that I want to go back to work at Conseco this summer but that I'm going to make a better effort for social things, for instance.

Those word counts aren't accurate. I'm completely revamping Skin and Bone. There are so many changes that whoever has read any pieces of it will hardly recognize the final product (2009, maybe).

For some reason, The Mist (which is phenomenal by the way) has inspired me to make my camp novel, The House on Hickory Hill, be the best damned book it can be. Riddled with emotion, struggle, and the supreme battle of good vs. evil. I've already written a few incredible scenes that I need to insert. Powerful stuff.

I just need to find time to write again. I got so much to do these next three weeks. In fact, I have to start studying for a test now. See you soon, readers.

One on one

2007-09-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

I should be writing other things right now but I feel the absolute need to do some philosophical reflection right now. So here it goes...

One on one.

One of the most profound, powerful things I have found in this life is having a one on one conversation with someone. A deep, emotional exchange between you and some other soul, someone you either truly care about and/or are truly interested in (in any way). To sit with another person and to talk, in depth, about any subject is so incredibly powerful.

It is as if we are strongest, most honest, and most intelligent when it is just us and another person we trust and yet at the same time we are vulnerable, emotional (to any degree), and weak. It is at this time that we are honest with our companion--and ourselves. So many truths become self-evident during these conversations.

It is a harmony of souls. One person to another.

I don't know if this is obvious or a given to anyone else...but through my experience, these are....

Well, to be honest. I've not only lost my train of thought but also my desire to continue this. I don't wish to delete it so I'll leave my ramblings here. I hate for this blog to become like my livejournal and other things, which I used mostly as an outlet for frustration. Maybe that's the best way to do it, I don't know.

Personally, though, I don't care to read other's anger, nor reflect on my own. But writing it seems to let it out. And not just anger, either but a whole array of emotions, most of them in fact.

So there it is.

In writing news, I'm back onto House on Hickory Hill. Skin and Bone is on pause for now.

Enjoy life, everyone.

The same black line that was drawn on you was drawn on me

2007-09-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

And now it's drawin' me in. 6th Avenue heartache.

So yeah, I love the Wallflowers now. Don't care much for Bob Dylan but his son and his son's band are awesome. The Difference, 6th Avenue heartache, and of course One Headlight. Totally adore them now. Rather, I can't express in words how much this band means to me. It is one of "those" bands to me now, if that makes sense to all you audiophiles and music gurus out there.

So let's talk about life. No job, and I don't care to talk about it. I'm currently in the process of being setup with a kid as a mentor, via Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. And I'm also doing an after-school tutoring program where I might get the chance to drive a university vehicle (awesome!)

At first I was completely nervous about BB/BS but after my interview and going through orientation, I'm now just ready for the phone call that says "hey we got a match." The kid is going to want to do this and he's gonna love me, I'm just waiting for now.

Not sure what to think about the tutoring thing but it starts tomorrow so whatever.

I think I've unlocked what I need to unlock in Skin and Bone, my novel. I just got to keep kicking. We can build it, yes we can.

Our Endless Numbered Days

2007-08-25T00:14:00.000-07:00

That is the title of a CD by Iron & Wine. I used it for the fact that it is poetic and awesome. Great "band" by the way (quotes because it's pretty much just one guy).

Yes, I'm back at school. And yes I survived that first week of classes. I did drop one, because it was impossibly hard, but I picked up another which is incredibly easy. Not that I'm slacking, only trying to make things easier for myself. Teaching--nay--learning to become a teacher in and of itself is going to be challenging.

I haven't written in awhile, nor have I read but frankly I don't give a shit. I'll get around to it, always do. I'm just trying to get into the swing of things once again.

I'm hopefully going to start big brothers big sisters soon which is both exciting and nerve-racking.

The weather sucks. Its unbearably hot and I have no air conditioning. I wish it were fall.

Not sure why I'm up so late. in fact I think I'm gonna go to bed.

Night, world

Interesting Already

2007-07-27T08:37:00.001-07:00

So I had a very interesting morning this morning, or dream rather. Basically I was with a group of people and we were sneaking around some house (was the father’s house of one of the people in my group) and for whatever reason we were trying to sneak a couple chickens into his house, ones I guess we rescued, because he had a nice little chicken coop and some chickens already. Well we go in there and for whatever reason, I knew that I could stop time, right, so I did. What I’d do was really focus and then clap my hands. Everything would become still. The only things that could move were me and anyone else because, I learned, even though I could stop time, I couldn’t interfere with free will, choice. So humanity could still move about but everything else just froze (including the chickens). It was kind of Harry Potter-esque how we were sneaking around at night.

In the other part of the dream, I was with another group of people, a group of peers, all guys. I was some sort of leader in this gang or whatever it was but some guy was smart-talkin’ and tryin’ to usurp my authority. Well I got into a big brawl where I was fighting like three guys at one time. I managed to incapacitate two of ‘em and pull a knife on the other. Then there was a skip in the dream or something happened and that guy I pulled the knife on had become the new leader and I was just a loner. I remember now, they threw a bunch of knives or shot arrows or something at me and whoever was still allied with me. They all died but I got pumped full of knives, I think they were knives, and pretended to be dead. Then I was like able to travel through the Twilight (which would make sense if you read the Watch series I’ve mentioned in other posts) which basically meant I could travel in this sub-reality, in darkness, where they couldn’t see me. I attacked a couple who were trying to use flashlights to spot me and failed. Then in the end I came into the light, confronted my nemesis, and got the majority of the guys to return to my side. That was all.

I’ve been using deductive reasoning to figure out this zombie-thing, like how to make it realistic. I don’t want to go the end of the world/demon route, nor do I want to use the toxic waste excuse. It will involve a virus (not the T-virus from Resident Evil) and the virus will be extremely mutative (which could later lead to, god-forbid, fast zombies) and it will involve hemophilia (which will help explain how one bite can kill) See everyone has the virus already, it was in the water (“Was there something in the water?” people always ask that in this type of scenarios) but I’m thinking it lies dormant until you die, when you die it mutates and takes over. When you’re bit, the saliva from the zombie transfers the mutative strain of virus into your blood and unlocks the dormant cells in there, which kills you in about 24 hours and then takes you over.

That’s a start anyways. I feel kind of like House or something, trying to figure this out. If only I had a vast knowledge of medicine, then I could probably come up with a good explanation easy. Alas, it will just take time.

Tuesday

2007-07-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Fuck this Tuesday and every Tuesday ever!

No particular reason other than Tuesdays are the very worst day of the week.

Anyways, I updated the word counts for my two novels.

That's all. I felt the need to update but didn't have much to say so sorry for the short post.

Take care.

A New Post

2007-07-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

Well...immediately counting down the few days until Harry Potter. Yeah I'm a fanboy but can you blame my excitement? When you anticipate something for so long and it's so close you can feel the weight of the book in your hands, you get excited. Anyways after that countdown I'm waiting until the first weekend in August when I get to go visit some family (practically my second family) and then the couple of weeks until school.

I'm also kinda stressed because I need to secure a vehicle before I go back to school and time and funds are short. I'm trying for a Jeep but we'll see.

As for novel length, I haven't updated my count but I got almost 16,000 words going. I've also got a nice book of guitar tabs/chords going and I'm also kinda working on writing my own songs (taking inspiration heavily from Colin Meloy and The Decemberists).

That's my life for now.

"I can't wait to quit this job."

"Hands on a miracle...

2007-06-26T23:10:00.001-07:00

I've got my...hands on a miracle." -Foo Fighters

So it's about 2 AM, little less than 3 hours until I leave for vacation. I'm caught up on all my Punisher MAX comics and I'm about to start my novella about a guy who can conjure and manipulate lightning/electricity. That's the update on my life. Feelin' a little weird because of this energy drink...like I gotta burp or something.

Email me...I'll have internet access. I may or may not check up on here though so email is your best bet.

Good night, good luck, good day, and good God.

Cheers,
Will

Ghost of a Dream

2007-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the dream I dreamt:

It was like a marathon of sorts, a long trek on a long track. Along the way were people that stood in your way and the only way past them was to incapacitate them. The problem that came up among me and my fellow marathoners was do we kill them or just neutralize them. I suggested neutralization because it was more humane. (I think the people in the way were teachers or had something to do with teachers). Well the only other part I remember was the end. It led into like this sort of bubble/spherical watchtower thing. Inside, I was surrounded by a bunch of baddies. It was me and a few of my fellow marathoners versus dozens of these punks (men and women). Some of them had knives, others had guns. We were, as the French say, fucked. Too true because I took seven bullets to the chest, mostly from the side. Then something happened. I don't know how I knew, but I knew that I could do something spectacular. I clenched my body up tight, closed my eyes, and realized some sort of energy, knocking everyone back and disarming them. I did this several times, beat up several people, and then went on to another dream.

It was great. This wouldn't be the first time I've exerted some sort of psychic/kinetic energy. Good times.

Ooh baby you want me? You can get this lapdance here for free...

2007-06-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Got your attention? Those're lyrics from N.E.R.D.'s "Lapdance" they're pretty awesome so check 'em out.

So yesterday I was feelin' shitty. Aside from the massive headache (I took about two grams worth of aspirin. Yeah, I'm doin' grams now biatch) I felt almost sick to my stomach and I was tired. I came home and took a nap for few hours and still the headache wasn't gone. It did go away eventually and I managed to be well enough to go to Wal-mart to get some stuff. I got new sunglasses, a watch, some legal pads, and some memo pads in which to jot notes. Good stuff.

I didn't write anything yesterday but it's okay, I had good reason. I didn't read either, save some comics.

No news on any of my stuff submitted out there, so I'm still waiting.

I want to rant about commercials. Obviously no one likes them but nowadays they sicken me. None of their gimmicks, lame songs, false promises, or overt sexual content sway me. It does nothing but irritate and turn off. I hope the same is true for you. In fact, I hope you don't even watch TV like I wish I didn't.

That's all.

Right about now, the funk soul brother...

2007-06-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well, folks. Today's the summer solstice which is the longest, brightest day of the year. It's true, I was blinded when I left work today, my eyes were burning so much they almost watered. That could also be due to the fact that I have contacts and they're very sensitive (as you contact wearers know) to different climate conditions. Either way, I was painfully (minor) reminded that it is summer.

In good news, I wrote at least 2,000 words today (on break of course). At least. I wasn't counting but I did finish my dog story and got a good ways into my fatguy story (both mentioned in previous posts). I also started my next endeavor, Ghost Writer. And came up with a cool idea. I'm going to title that story Sandman. Ooh can't wait.

The dog story and the fatguy story take place in the same universe, in a town called Conner's Corner where everything is connected.

Right about now.

That's it for now. I finished Ghoul almost done with Brother Odd and about to start Lisey's story.

Goodday sir.

Don't Wait Up

2007-06-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm up to three rejections and one acceptance right now, which is fine. I'll take the one acceptance even if it came with ten rejections (don't jinx it though, still got stuff pending).

I finished Ghoul and it ended in a typical Keene fashion. I won't say what that is for those of you who haven't read his stuff before. Don't worry, his stories are great and this is him at his pinnacle. His next novel, Dead Sea, which is excerpted at the end of the book, is going to be great. He's finally going back to zombies. He has two more novels coming out after that one. I forget the title of one but the other is Ghost Walk and I think has something to do with a haunted house. I've never read any of Keene's short stories but I might buy some of his collections of his website. Because I love this author as much as I love SK. I can't wait for a www.williamclements.com. Haha.

I haven't written all day but I'm hoping to finish my dog story (the one mentioned one or two posts ago).

That's it for now.

Waiting For My Real Life To Begin...

2007-06-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is it!!

I am finally a PUBLISHED author.

My story "Distortion" is featured on Magazine of the Dead. I'll admit that it's not my best work but it's my work nonetheless. Please enjoy. Ooh I'm giddy.

In sadder news, "Cast Them Out" was rejected early this morning but I'm hoping to submit it elsewhere this evening.

Music:

And the title says it all. Colin Hay's CD "Going Somewhere" is incredible. The songs "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin" and "Overkill" were both in episodes of Scrubs. The way they employ the songs into the episodes is so incredible. Then again, Scrubs + music = incredible...and I don't even like math!!!

Anyways. I'm hoping to finish both Ghoul and Brother Odd by the end of the week. I'll then start in on Lisey's Story. Don't worry Rob I'll read Phantoms when I go on vacation. I think I might take King's On Writing with me too because I've had the urge to reread it.

In writing news I've started another short story about a guy who takes care of his morbidly obese next door neighbor and snaps, due to the obese mans fatness, and kills him in a grotesque, sadistic fashion. It'll be funny in a sardonic (I think that's the correct usage, it took me forever to remember this word) way.

Enjoy my story!

All You Ever Wanted Was Someone To Truly Look Up To You...

2007-06-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Linkin Park's new Minutes to Midnight album is pretty good. I don't listen to the complaining or the whining. LP is progressive, enough said. Oh and they're pretty awesome.

I've started a list of a slew of ideas for short stories and the current one I'm working on is about a couple of abused, neglected dogs rising up against their owner. It's morbidly comedic but pretty awesome.

Movies:

Nightwatch and Daywatch. These are movies based off of books of the same name, by Sergei Lukyanenko. Apparently he's the biggest sci fi author in Russia. I guess he's their version of Orson Scott Card. Anyways, here's what I have to say about both movies.

Nightwatch: "The son also draws."

Daywatch: "A man without pants has nothing to hide, except a knife."

Submitted

2007-06-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Wow so I've submitted a sh*t ton of stuff today. Here's my list:

Story - Market - Date Sent - Status

Don Lewis - Whispers of Wickedness - 6/9/2007 - REJECTED

Suffer in Silence - Arcane Twilight - 6/15/2007 - Pending...

Distortion - Magazine of the Dead - 6/16/2007 -Pending...

Wandering Trust - Crime and Suspense - 6/16/2007 -Pending...

Sanitized - Thieves Jargon - 6/16/2007 - Pending...

Lycanthropy - Lycanthrope The Beast Within - 6/16/2007 - Pending...

Poems:
Left-handed - Chimaera Serials - 6/16/2007 - Pending...

Bentoville Cemetery - Chimaera Serials - 6/16/2007 - Pending...

I'm tracking all of these on Duotrope, which is quite handy. Thanks again Rob.

As for my novel, I haven't written anything since I last updated and I may not write any of it today. I'm feelin' kinda tired and burned out, not of writing but just of writing prose. I'm thinking about writing some poems today, though.

Wish me the best.

EVERYBODY'S WORKIN' FOR THE WEEKEND!

2007-06-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry but that song was playing in my head at 6 A.M. this morning.

I wrote just over 1,000 words yesterday and about 900 today. I've updated my word count and as you can see I'm at about 11% which mean's I'm one-tenth of the way there. It's kinda weird to think about. I just have to write nine more segments of ten thousand words and I'll be done. Yet it feels like there's so much to write.

I think as I write this I'll release little "secrets" here and there. The quotes mean that they're not real secrets because they're not giving anything away or spoiling anything.

Today's secret: The first section of this novel takes place in Frankton, which is based off a town in between here and Muncie, one I pass through on my way to and from Ball State. While taking my friends home, they mentioned how much of a zombie town it is and that kind of stuck with me. I mean, it really is because there's never anyone outside or anything. So it would be more aptly named a ghost town, but a zombie town sounds cool. Maybe I'll call my book Zombie Town, but as I told Rob today, I don't want to include 'zombie' in the title. Probably not 'undead' either or similar words. It'll come to me sometime. Rob did show me this cool site called Bonsai Story Generator. Essentially, it turns the text you enter into it (up to 5,000 words, I think) into some kind of a poetry format. You have to see for yourself. Its useful for coming up with titles apparently though I haven't tried it myself.

No new music, books, or movies today. Or comics. I'm still reading Ghoul, Punisher MAX, and listening to Joshua Radin, Richard Buckner, and Secondhand Serenade. Oh, actually...I picked up Dean Koontz's Forever Odd yesterday from the library. It's the third part in the Odd Thomas series and potentially the last. I haven't opened it yet, so I'm hoping to get to that today or at least this weekend.

Take care, Spidey fans.

Another day to write

2007-06-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, first of all...I'm sorta upset.

Someone at the office, nay multiple someones, complained to Christy (my supervisor's supervisor) because they saw me reading yesterday. OMG he was reading!! Look, I was on a break/lunch but I didn't have a sign that said so. Fortunately my supervisor gave a break sign and told me about it so its all taken care of. What pisses me off is how people flip out when other people are reading (which, as a writer and avid reader, is completely offensive) but mostly, how some people just need to mind their friggin' business.

ARGH! Okay, that's off my chest.

Next order of business: guitar. Now, look down at the picture on my previous post. That's option A. Option B is:

An Acoustic-Electric. I've already pretty much made my decision but here's how both weigh in:

I'm going to get them both eventually
I play acoustic more than electric
I know more acoustic songs
It's hard to rock out/solo on acoustic
Silver satin is cooler than blue

I'm going with the Acoustic, of course.

As for writing, I wrote about eight hundred or so words yesterday. I'll update my word count at the end of the week while smiling because I'll have my first Conseco paycheck in hand. Well, pay stub because I'm going to cash it at lunch.

Music:

Okay, thanks to Rob (for showing me Pandora) and Pandora (for finding this song), I've found a band called Secondhand Serenade. It's actually just a guy and his acoustic but he's awesome. It's a sort of emo band but the songs are great and not about suicide or crying!! My favorite song of theirs/his is "Vulnerable"

Someone Else's Life

2007-06-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

That's the title of one of Joshua Radin's song. He's so great, I've been listening to him like all day. His songs are very mellow and relaxing, great writing/reading/whatever music.

I finished The Long Walk today. This was my first Bachman book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was...interesting, but definitely not disappointing. In fact, I kinda loved it. So now my focus is on Ghoul even though I have more Stephen King books to read, mostly Lisey's Story and From a Buick 8 which are going to really help me with my zombie novel because they are about people and mine is about people (the zombie apocalypse, though it rules their world, is like an afterthought).

OMG (yeah, that's right) check this out:

I'm getting this Ax when I get back from vacation (July 10th or something) after I get my paycheck. I've been creaming my pants (heh, sorry) over and over for this guitar since August, I think.

I'm going to get a nice, hardshell case for it too.

I cannot wait.

In other news, I wrote about 800 words yesterday which is short of 1,000 words but that's not my goal, exactly, that's Rob's.

COMICS!!:

Picked up World War Hulk Issue 1. I wanted to pick up Issue 8 of Punisher War Journal but they claimed it didn't come out this week, even though it clearly did. Bastards. I hate that comic store for many reasons. First, the bag and boards (Even though its really nice that they're complimentary) are not modern size, they're bronze or silver age or something. Also, there's always a bunch of guys playing table top games, like guys older than me. I don't mind guys older than me, nor them playing table top games. I think what annoys me is that it seems like they're always in there playing games and not contributing to society like I am.

Oh well.

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday

2007-06-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a lick yet today but I'm just about to. I'm getting a few thing situated (bookmarking some good ezines and such to submit to).

My goal is this: to get stories published in four free markets. By free I mean they don't pay. Then I'm going to do two small paying ones. Once all this is accomplished, I'm gonna make Lycanthropy the best it can be and submit it to weird tales. It definitely needs tinkering and is on like its eighth revision right now.

Music Recommendation:
The Hill by Richard Buckner (actually anything by this guy). In particular, The Hill is a collection of poems from Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology. It is the awesome! It's like the coolest project he has ever undertaken, I think.

I'm currently reading:
The Long Walk by Richard Bachman (AKA Stephen King) and Ghoul by Brian Keene. Both books are undeniably great (almost finished with Walk, it's a fly-through) and it goes without saying that both authors are the cat's pajamas. (Sorry, but I've been dying to use that expression ALL day! Weird, eh?)

And so it goes.

2007-06-11T16:55:00.001-07:00

And so it begins.

I wrote about two thousand words today. I'm taking a break from House on Hickory Hill, my aptly named camp novel, to work on my zombie book and also to submit short stories. I'm feelin' pumped about this zombie story. I'm takin a cue from Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead (comic that I totally recommend) and focusing on characters and not gore. Not to say their won't be gore and other nasty surprises, only that I'm going to work very hard to make these characters interesting and appealing.

As far as music, I've found a new artist. His name is Joshua Radin and he's awesome. His music has been on Scrubs and there's a commercial (Kohl's or JC Penney or something, I think) that uses his song "Only You." Not only have I fallen in love with this guy, but I've also learned to play "Only You" and another one of his songs, "Everything'll be alright." It's so tight...love it!

So, I submitted one of my stories to Whisers of Wickedness. It doesn't pay but I figure if a non-paying magazine publishes me, then I got a chance getting others to publish me. Then once I get a few stories published in the non-paying market, I can do what I really want to do and that's submit my story, Lycanthropy, to Weird Tales.

That's my goal.