Alright, so there was one major deal that I forgot to mention and honestly would rather forget. Neither will happen so let's get on with it. A couple weeks ago (or something like that) I stumbled upon a website that ultimately forced me to conclude I was in the wrong. It makes you stop and think: "What the fuck?" I admit, I didn't see it coming but I feel better now that it is behind me, for say. "Art" Thief: Your Help Needed! & All Rise: Guilty Verdict is Rendered should explain all the juicy details.
Honestly, for all that I have tried to remember, I still cannot understand (nor remember) how I placed myself in such a position. I obviously did not help that I was confronted with the issue and perhaps this is for the best. (One must admit, my taking action on this stance helps my request for forgiveness from my readers.) I have always been against plagiarism and remain so. Part of this is admitting when you have failed and owning up to it. For myself, I used the term "involuntary plagiarism" because it was just that (to the best of my current knowledge). I might have been a lot dumber than I thought back then but such a tasteless move just does not make any sense for me to do. However, regardless of what qualifier you place on it, the act itself remains. I have spoken my peace on the subject already through the two linked journals above, but this topic needed to be brought up here. I have moved on from this but the memory will always haunt me.
If there is a lesson to take from this, it is to make sure you never put yourself in such a position; EVER. Still, if this advice comes too late, own up and make it public. Snip your balls, deflate your ego, and man up to it. This way, you admit the error of you past actions and save what you have left. My watchers on dA have been ever so kind with my admittance, though I am unsure if that as more to do with the fact that they just don't care. At any rate, I am lucky to have corrected this before I got published. It was a dumb mistake regardless of how you slice it and I've done all I can to amend my fault in this matter. Hopefully 2009 will be a little more positive in that respect.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Chistmas... An Editorial
Well, here is the end of this year... and another post. The only thing more perplexing than my need to have three "blogs" (not counting the one Curtis T. has) is the fact that this one seems the least needed... and that I mention that fact every time I post. It seems I use this site more as a backwards R.S.S. reader than anything. Well, hopefully I'll find more use for it in the new year... School is out and Christmas just passed. I got a lot of good gifts, including some new music (thanks to iTunes and Amazon), a digital picture frame, and other stuff. I've been building snowmen in homage of Calvin and Hobbes and working the the most snow this region has seen in a good long time. My grades came back and all is well: 2.8, 3.5, 3.9 for the various classes. You would think with all the big papers and stress I was under getting them done this journal would have been a great way to take a break and get my mind of things. Well, again that's what you and I both get for thinking. Three large papers (all 6-10 pages or so) over the span of three weeks to write. After this, I tried to keep trudging along but found I could only get once edit out of my E7 fan-fic. Amazing how sitting down to watch the Futurama movie (well, the first one anyway) helped me clear my mind. Guess I sometimes need to do something rather mindless. (Another way to get my mind off writing for a bit is the snowman project I've been working on.) Got the podcast up and running finally: Back 2 Square 1 Next episode will be up next week. Will likely resubmit the pilot before posting the second episode. 116 download requests so far! Well, let's get back on a writing topic: here is a holiday centric editorial I did about Christmas. Don't get too offended now...
Christians bitch that Christmas has become to secular. People have obviously list the true/original meaning of the holiday; the reason for the season, as it were: baby Jesus and all that stuff. True, the commercialization of the holidays makes many of us wish for its quick execution by the time the first of December comes around, but it is clear many (if not most) Christians forget that they stole what would become Christmas today from the pagans. Ever hear of Yule and the other various Winter festivals that usually centered around the winter soloist? There are much more things to celebrate this time of year than the supposed birth of carpenter's son whose real birthday is likely in mid-Spring. Hanukkah can make a better pass for being celebrated around this time of year than Kwanzaa, which doesn't make much sense to anyone (even Kwanzaa-bot!). Both of these the average Christians would likely look down upon; like they have sole right to the season... sure, some of their gripes are legit, but their reasoning behind their banter is no more selfish and self-righteous than at any other time of the year.
Atheists, Humanists, and other non-religious folk seem to complain that you cannot escape Christmas. Everywhere you go, there it is! You are also expected to celebrate it in some way; if you don't, you are ostracized as a Grinch, Scrooge, or worse and in some cases for to participate anyway. Most non-Judaic religious faiths and the like agree that the pressure and overwhelming nature of the Christmas season is very degrading to those who do not wish to join in the festivities. Again, the total commercialization of the holiday is not helping here and with most of America (and many other Western countries) in on the National event, it would be unavoidable even if not the time of year when many businesses finally start to make a profit. Still, that's what you get for living in a Christian-majority country. Most of the season no longer revolves around a manger but bells, and cash registers and the almighty dollar. There a plenty of other reason to celebrate the season, including selfless work to help needy people, being nice to your fellow humans for once, a reason to be happy in a dark and dreary part of the year.
Ironic, it is, that Christians bitch that Christmas is too secular and other religions and the non-religious complain that it is too religious. Just like with most things in the war between religion (any) and secularism (non-religion), both sides see the other's influence and cry foul. While each has legitimate points of concern, they always seem to make it like some horrid thing that is gong to destroy the fabric of our society... yet every year, here we remain. Yeah, it would be nice not to be subjected to the music and commercials and the holiday cheer everywhere you turn, and it would be nice if for once in its existence humanity would finally grow up so there would be peace on earth, good will towards men/women/etc.; it would also be nice if we could care more about each other the rest of the year and perhaps even more so during this time rather they speaking this feel-good mantra while otherwise cursing the idiot in front of us (however much they deserve it) and priding ourselves for swiping the last must-have item and reveling in the tears and muddled curses of those who came too late.
The holidays as we know them today are but a product of our own creation. We built this mixed bag of nuts regardless of our own intents and further it with our actions each year. No matter how you perceive reality or your opinion on the Christmas season, you -all- and responsible for it. All the good and bad aspect of humanity come out in full force this time of year and whether you bow to God or Allah or Shiva or reject all of their existences and advocate the annulment of the entire fiasco (gods included), and all points in between, we as a species are the enemy we fight to make this time of year what we want; and just like every year that has come before this, we fail. We fail because we forgot ourselves, we fail because we are blind to what the solution to all our problems is, we fail because we cannot see beyond our own self-interests as individuals and member of our various blocs and groups. Everyone wants what they see as the best way to celebrate the season or not. How very selfish. What this season should symbolize is what is lacking throughout the rest of the year; and that should be retained throughout the rest of the year regardless.
As an Agnostic, I enjoy the secular Christmas season but find the commercialized overwhelming presence of the holiday to be enough to drive a man to drink... more often than he already does. I see the beauty of the spiritual/religious aspects and for those who need it, that is fine by me. Those who don't want anything to do with the season, I've been there myself. For America, and I might go further to say any country, we live in a world where you cannot just sit idly by in your own little click and forget that others exists or that these others should bow down to how you view the world. Majority rules in a democracy, but that does not mean the majority is always right or should abandon the minority. Yes, there are many places where this ideology does not apply. Good for them. To me, I celebrate this season in my own way and detail with the part that I cannot honestly change. Yes, this does make me accountable for trying to make things "better", but who am I to make that call? Who are any of us? I merely strive to my this time of year a enjoyable one for myself and those I chose to care about; everyone should at least do that; remembering, of course, that we should only extend an invitation to other to join in our ways and move on if they decide otherwise.
Christmas is what you make of it... or not. So stop bitching and start doing! Just don't make an ass out of yourself in the process! In closing: Merry Fucking Christmas, ya filthy animals; and a Happy Bloody New Year!
Christians bitch that Christmas has become to secular. People have obviously list the true/original meaning of the holiday; the reason for the season, as it were: baby Jesus and all that stuff. True, the commercialization of the holidays makes many of us wish for its quick execution by the time the first of December comes around, but it is clear many (if not most) Christians forget that they stole what would become Christmas today from the pagans. Ever hear of Yule and the other various Winter festivals that usually centered around the winter soloist? There are much more things to celebrate this time of year than the supposed birth of carpenter's son whose real birthday is likely in mid-Spring. Hanukkah can make a better pass for being celebrated around this time of year than Kwanzaa, which doesn't make much sense to anyone (even Kwanzaa-bot!). Both of these the average Christians would likely look down upon; like they have sole right to the season... sure, some of their gripes are legit, but their reasoning behind their banter is no more selfish and self-righteous than at any other time of the year.
Atheists, Humanists, and other non-religious folk seem to complain that you cannot escape Christmas. Everywhere you go, there it is! You are also expected to celebrate it in some way; if you don't, you are ostracized as a Grinch, Scrooge, or worse and in some cases for to participate anyway. Most non-Judaic religious faiths and the like agree that the pressure and overwhelming nature of the Christmas season is very degrading to those who do not wish to join in the festivities. Again, the total commercialization of the holiday is not helping here and with most of America (and many other Western countries) in on the National event, it would be unavoidable even if not the time of year when many businesses finally start to make a profit. Still, that's what you get for living in a Christian-majority country. Most of the season no longer revolves around a manger but bells, and cash registers and the almighty dollar. There a plenty of other reason to celebrate the season, including selfless work to help needy people, being nice to your fellow humans for once, a reason to be happy in a dark and dreary part of the year.
Ironic, it is, that Christians bitch that Christmas is too secular and other religions and the non-religious complain that it is too religious. Just like with most things in the war between religion (any) and secularism (non-religion), both sides see the other's influence and cry foul. While each has legitimate points of concern, they always seem to make it like some horrid thing that is gong to destroy the fabric of our society... yet every year, here we remain. Yeah, it would be nice not to be subjected to the music and commercials and the holiday cheer everywhere you turn, and it would be nice if for once in its existence humanity would finally grow up so there would be peace on earth, good will towards men/women/etc.; it would also be nice if we could care more about each other the rest of the year and perhaps even more so during this time rather they speaking this feel-good mantra while otherwise cursing the idiot in front of us (however much they deserve it) and priding ourselves for swiping the last must-have item and reveling in the tears and muddled curses of those who came too late.
The holidays as we know them today are but a product of our own creation. We built this mixed bag of nuts regardless of our own intents and further it with our actions each year. No matter how you perceive reality or your opinion on the Christmas season, you -all- and responsible for it. All the good and bad aspect of humanity come out in full force this time of year and whether you bow to God or Allah or Shiva or reject all of their existences and advocate the annulment of the entire fiasco (gods included), and all points in between, we as a species are the enemy we fight to make this time of year what we want; and just like every year that has come before this, we fail. We fail because we forgot ourselves, we fail because we are blind to what the solution to all our problems is, we fail because we cannot see beyond our own self-interests as individuals and member of our various blocs and groups. Everyone wants what they see as the best way to celebrate the season or not. How very selfish. What this season should symbolize is what is lacking throughout the rest of the year; and that should be retained throughout the rest of the year regardless.
As an Agnostic, I enjoy the secular Christmas season but find the commercialized overwhelming presence of the holiday to be enough to drive a man to drink... more often than he already does. I see the beauty of the spiritual/religious aspects and for those who need it, that is fine by me. Those who don't want anything to do with the season, I've been there myself. For America, and I might go further to say any country, we live in a world where you cannot just sit idly by in your own little click and forget that others exists or that these others should bow down to how you view the world. Majority rules in a democracy, but that does not mean the majority is always right or should abandon the minority. Yes, there are many places where this ideology does not apply. Good for them. To me, I celebrate this season in my own way and detail with the part that I cannot honestly change. Yes, this does make me accountable for trying to make things "better", but who am I to make that call? Who are any of us? I merely strive to my this time of year a enjoyable one for myself and those I chose to care about; everyone should at least do that; remembering, of course, that we should only extend an invitation to other to join in our ways and move on if they decide otherwise.
Christmas is what you make of it... or not. So stop bitching and start doing! Just don't make an ass out of yourself in the process! In closing: Merry Fucking Christmas, ya filthy animals; and a Happy Bloody New Year!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 4, 2008: Lest We Forget
Hey, here's an idea: multiple entries for one month and something about writing that isn't a general update! I really should get back to my school work. Still, I have to post my latest attempt to get people motivated about the future and continuing to "fight the good fight". I think this is written well. Any thoughts?
November 4, 2008 is a day among days; the coming of age for those once enslaved by the United State of America. It is a day that shall live on in all Americans. Barak Obama is a milestone on the path of civil rights, liberties, and equality. It truly is a historic day; sadly, it is also a tragic one. It is tragic as another minority was denied equality and civil liberty: the states of Arizona, California, and Florida approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage. This vote sets a shameful precedent and balks at the notion of “justice for all”. The road to Civil Rights and civil liberties still beckons all travelers, for the journey is far from over. Once more, victory has shown itself to be obtainable. While many rightfully celebrate, let not this triumph mask the battles still ahead.
‘This is the Negro’s hour.’ Such was the sentiment of Frederick Douglass when finally African-Americans acquired the right to vote. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony disagreed. However, when this time had elapsed, Douglass returned to the suffrage of women. Such is the example all supporters of civil liberties must now embrace. While the continual integration of the Negro into Anglo-Saxon America must not be forgotten, it is time the torch of egalitarianism be passed. The remaining racial minorities, non-theists, and many others still need our persistent support. However, if one cause must be chosen as a galvanizing force, then let it be homosexual civil liberties; for its resolution and realization will do best to further stem the hate and bigotry.
“In defense of the right to [...] marry whom we please -- we might quote some of the basic principles of our government [and] suggest that in some things individual rights to tastes should control… [those choices],” declared Stanton regarding the marriage of Douglass to Helen Pitts, a white feminist; but this new goal transcends marriage rights, for it embodied that which defines America. In this new future, let us not forget the lessons learned: “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important,” reminded Dr. King. November’s progress is the foundation of the new endeavor for civil liberties. Still, while we should not tarry long, in this hour let us all rest and rejoice as one!
November 4, 2008 is a day among days; the coming of age for those once enslaved by the United State of America. It is a day that shall live on in all Americans. Barak Obama is a milestone on the path of civil rights, liberties, and equality. It truly is a historic day; sadly, it is also a tragic one. It is tragic as another minority was denied equality and civil liberty: the states of Arizona, California, and Florida approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage. This vote sets a shameful precedent and balks at the notion of “justice for all”. The road to Civil Rights and civil liberties still beckons all travelers, for the journey is far from over. Once more, victory has shown itself to be obtainable. While many rightfully celebrate, let not this triumph mask the battles still ahead.
‘This is the Negro’s hour.’ Such was the sentiment of Frederick Douglass when finally African-Americans acquired the right to vote. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony disagreed. However, when this time had elapsed, Douglass returned to the suffrage of women. Such is the example all supporters of civil liberties must now embrace. While the continual integration of the Negro into Anglo-Saxon America must not be forgotten, it is time the torch of egalitarianism be passed. The remaining racial minorities, non-theists, and many others still need our persistent support. However, if one cause must be chosen as a galvanizing force, then let it be homosexual civil liberties; for its resolution and realization will do best to further stem the hate and bigotry.
“In defense of the right to [...] marry whom we please -- we might quote some of the basic principles of our government [and] suggest that in some things individual rights to tastes should control… [those choices],” declared Stanton regarding the marriage of Douglass to Helen Pitts, a white feminist; but this new goal transcends marriage rights, for it embodied that which defines America. In this new future, let us not forget the lessons learned: “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important,” reminded Dr. King. November’s progress is the foundation of the new endeavor for civil liberties. Still, while we should not tarry long, in this hour let us all rest and rejoice as one!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote Early, Vote Often!
Short little non-writing blip about voting for all you Americans out there. VOTE! Even if you think things are rigged, even if you don't like the candidates (there are more than two, ya know!), even if you think the energy elite run the planet, VOTE! Play the game, follow the song and dance; this way, if things don't go your way, then you can raise all holy hell and they got nothing on you. There are a lot of big issues, too, on the ballets like doctor prescribed drugs to hasten death for terminally ill patients (Initiative 1000) in Washington state or the anti-gay marriage bill (Prop 8) in California. Vote for the good of the country, not yourself. Vote based not on the enforcement of your religious beliefs on others but on what will benefit the most Americans. Freedom from and of religion, that is a key part of every election. Human rights and dignity are also in the balance. Show the rest of the world that the "leading" democracy is actually worthy of the title. Remember: vote early, vote often; that is, don't put it off and do it consistently. (Sorry, mayor Daily.)
"The Republican Party has nominated John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona as its nominee; the Democratic Party has nominated Barack Obama, the junior United States Senator from Illinois, as its nominee. The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr, the Constitution Party pastor and radio talk show host Chuck Baldwin, and the Green Party former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Ralph Nader declined to seek the Green Party nomination and is running as an independent candidate." -United States Presidential Election, 2008 - Wikipedia
"Initiative 1000 (I-1000) is a ballot measure dealing with aid in dying that will be on the ballot in the US state of Washington in the November 4, 2008 general election. The effort was started by former Governor Booth Gardner. Supporters of I-1000 submitted about 310,000 petition signatures from registered voters, surpassing the state's requirement of 225,000 valid signatures for ballot status. Secretary of State Sam Reed certified the initiative July 25, 2008 after confirming at least 224,880 signatures to be valid." -Initiative 1000 - Wikipedia
"Proposition 8 is an initiative state constitutional amendment on the 2008 California General Election ballot, titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition will "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."" -California Proposition 8 (2008) - Wikipedia
Edit: Obama wins! Anti-gay marriage wins... I-1000 wins!
"The Republican Party has nominated John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona as its nominee; the Democratic Party has nominated Barack Obama, the junior United States Senator from Illinois, as its nominee. The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr, the Constitution Party pastor and radio talk show host Chuck Baldwin, and the Green Party former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Ralph Nader declined to seek the Green Party nomination and is running as an independent candidate." -United States Presidential Election, 2008 - Wikipedia
"Initiative 1000 (I-1000) is a ballot measure dealing with aid in dying that will be on the ballot in the US state of Washington in the November 4, 2008 general election. The effort was started by former Governor Booth Gardner. Supporters of I-1000 submitted about 310,000 petition signatures from registered voters, surpassing the state's requirement of 225,000 valid signatures for ballot status. Secretary of State Sam Reed certified the initiative July 25, 2008 after confirming at least 224,880 signatures to be valid." -Initiative 1000 - Wikipedia
"Proposition 8 is an initiative state constitutional amendment on the 2008 California General Election ballot, titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition will "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."" -California Proposition 8 (2008) - Wikipedia
Edit: Obama wins! Anti-gay marriage wins... I-1000 wins!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Much Ado About Nothing... blame school
Here is yet another rather pointless entry as the monthly requirement. Makes me wonder why I keep this around. Well, school is not helping things. I have not posted much since the quarter and I should be reading now; but it's about midway now and I need a break. Elections are coming up. Vote Edsel or Nader! ...anyone but Obama or McCain. My Critical Approach to mass Media class is helping me understand the world better. Got lots of new and good ideas for my stories. Should try to get caught up over Winter Break. Should be expecting a new commission for a WotW character. That will be awesome! Below is some gift art of Curtis T by *Agent-Elrond!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monthly Required Post
O.M.F.G.! Beeeeeesssss!!!!
That's right, I'm back, baby! Well, been posting the usual suspects on my dA site. School starts next Wednesday. I have not been able to write nearly as much as I wanted to these last three weeks. Still, my ride up to Mt. St. Helens was good. More commissions came in the post and are now hanging on the wall. A couple new works will be highlighted below, along with the stories they represent. I hope to be adding more smaller blips during school and write more and do the other things; not because they are easy but because they are hard. I also need to figure out what topic to make my stalled podcast about. What I do know is it must have a co-host. Anyway, on to the show.
Here is Marcus Till Lindemann, main O.C. of E7: Rogue Wave Rising. Based about one year after the end of the anime series (shortly after the epilogue), 05-06-12006 or so, the story revolves around a misplaced Australian who was been blissfully lifting about the countryside until a chance encounter with two former Federation loyalists, Anemone and Dominic. Having begun to question the world he now lives in, Marcus returned to the place of his first memory in this strange place. After realizing the rather large time discrepancy, he struggles to find his place and discover the reason he was resurrected from otherwise certain death 10,000 years ago. Planet Eureka Seven has had a major political shift after the Second Summer of Love; the Federation has fractured and is now in direct conflict with the newly established Moonlight Confederation, founded on the inspiration and defiance of Gekkostate. The crew of the Gekko and Super Izumo are central players in this epic story.
From Nyx Character Sheet: Named after the Greek primordial goddess of the night, Nyx loves playing off the parthenogenesis of her namesake; but her methods and ideology have put her at odds with most of the world. However, she cares little for the opinions of others, save a few. The life of a vagabond vigilante suits her well, as she is wanted throughout the world for a plethora of crimes and other charges. She considers her actions necessary at the time and refutes her criminal status. Highly intelligent and skilled, she is someone not to be taken lightly. From necromantic voodoo to her sharp tongue, Nyx puts even the most disciplined and renounced crime fighter or superhero to the test. She enjoys her calling and shows no signs of quitting. Nyx was originally Nemesis, she is a D.C. Comics based character who travels the world looking for trouble. She is soon joined by another vagabond, Rex (Subject: R-1-X of Shattered Reality fame). Haven't posted anything about her beyond the character sheet. Need to correct that.
Watch out for more updates, hopefully. Until then, check out my stuff... or don't.
That's right, I'm back, baby! Well, been posting the usual suspects on my dA site. School starts next Wednesday. I have not been able to write nearly as much as I wanted to these last three weeks. Still, my ride up to Mt. St. Helens was good. More commissions came in the post and are now hanging on the wall. A couple new works will be highlighted below, along with the stories they represent. I hope to be adding more smaller blips during school and write more and do the other things; not because they are easy but because they are hard. I also need to figure out what topic to make my stalled podcast about. What I do know is it must have a co-host. Anyway, on to the show.
Psalms of Planets Eureka seveN: Rogue Wave Rising
Here is Marcus Till Lindemann, main O.C. of E7: Rogue Wave Rising. Based about one year after the end of the anime series (shortly after the epilogue), 05-06-12006 or so, the story revolves around a misplaced Australian who was been blissfully lifting about the countryside until a chance encounter with two former Federation loyalists, Anemone and Dominic. Having begun to question the world he now lives in, Marcus returned to the place of his first memory in this strange place. After realizing the rather large time discrepancy, he struggles to find his place and discover the reason he was resurrected from otherwise certain death 10,000 years ago. Planet Eureka Seven has had a major political shift after the Second Summer of Love; the Federation has fractured and is now in direct conflict with the newly established Moonlight Confederation, founded on the inspiration and defiance of Gekkostate. The crew of the Gekko and Super Izumo are central players in this epic story.
Nyx
From Nyx Character Sheet: Named after the Greek primordial goddess of the night, Nyx loves playing off the parthenogenesis of her namesake; but her methods and ideology have put her at odds with most of the world. However, she cares little for the opinions of others, save a few. The life of a vagabond vigilante suits her well, as she is wanted throughout the world for a plethora of crimes and other charges. She considers her actions necessary at the time and refutes her criminal status. Highly intelligent and skilled, she is someone not to be taken lightly. From necromantic voodoo to her sharp tongue, Nyx puts even the most disciplined and renounced crime fighter or superhero to the test. She enjoys her calling and shows no signs of quitting. Nyx was originally Nemesis, she is a D.C. Comics based character who travels the world looking for trouble. She is soon joined by another vagabond, Rex (Subject: R-1-X of Shattered Reality fame). Haven't posted anything about her beyond the character sheet. Need to correct that.
Watch out for more updates, hopefully. Until then, check out my stuff... or don't.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Rewriting Chapter Seven & Stuff
So, I suck at keeping this thing updated...
Anyway, so I'm been progressing steadily on Will-o'-the-Wisp. Chapter four will be posted soon (and Episode 2.4 of Rogue Wave Rising will be up this week, too) and I've gotten to chapter seven last week. It should have been written and ready ready to for editing this week. Well, it was full of suck! This in, surprisingly, the first time I'm written a chapter so horribly that I've had to go back and completely rewrite it. It sucks but it was bound to happen and will likely not be the last time. So I will be taking another crack at this damn chapter this week in hopes of slaying the dragon this time.
The good thing in all this is I found a new character to add to the fray, Robin Goodfellow. I was expecting him at first and he'll NOT be like the Shakespearean Puck you all know. Like most things, I try to get back to the root of the legion. Granted, I've taken a few liberties with him that I think you'll all like. Problem for those who want to see him is I'll likely add him later than chapter seven, since my rewrite will likely not include him. Still, it will be an added bonus to you all.
Since I've failed to keep you all updated on this story, I've also added some other new character you'll meet shortly, including a Púka and Ben, Arthur's roommate. Both play big roles in the story and more name association fun to decipher. I wonder if this will be a 110,000 word monster. I doubt it. I still don't see why such large numbers are so important in the publishing industry. A good story writes itself and is a long as it needs to be. Anything more is a waste. /rant So, I am still not totally sure where this story is headed but it does have a flow to it and I'm sure it will reveal itself shortly. Remember, I'm along for the ride same as you.
So, what other projects do I have on the waiting list besides everyone you can already see on dA and fanfiction.net? Well, a lot: Nebulosus is my vampire/religious epic novel that has been on the books since 2003 and it still my first story idea (really need to start cracking on that one); Emilee is a short story about a sick girl who mistakes a stranger for her dead brother; Bigfoot Chronicles that revolve around a series of short stories about the legionary creature; Light of Life is a short story about existence between life and death; Conitor is a Roman era short about slave twins and gladiators.
Lots to write and so little time; I need to finish these damn fan-fics so I can get cracking on the stuff that I can do something with... so, as if all these other ideas were not enough, Tee Morris threw me another reason to write. Originally I had yet another story that also involved vampires. Meant to be the original epic novel, it's first incarnation didn't go far before I had to rethink it. Nebulosus was and still is a very shorty story about a vampire and a human. After the original idea of the epic, called Certo, failed, I planned to merge these two ideas and work with it, since the short story filled the character needs of the epic. Well, perhaps it's then a good thing that I've waited so long to get things started.
As you all read, Tee Morris is part of the Double Trouble run on Amazon on 08/08/08, which is this Friday b.t.w. While listening to one of the interview he and Pip did for a movie review podcast (the name escapes me at the moment), which was over three hours of pure entertainment mind you, I heard Tee complain about how most vampire-based movies were always romanticizing the species and not being true to what the creatures really were. This is exactly what I've been bitching about for years to my friends. While I will concede that some of my stories do evolve the typical romantic/pulp-fiction Dracula-style vampires, I've always been a buff with the topic and wanted to write a book about the "true" folklore creatures, which are varied and unlike what most people think. Damn you, Morris, you showed me I have an audience!
While I had other plans, I will be start up this resurrected Certo plot and making once again its own story. This is good because I already have a lot of the story already planned out and many of the characters set up. The story would revolve around a dhampir named Blut who hunts the vile creatures across modern Europe and is several hundred years old. The creatures he hunts are these true to form creatures of myth and folklore. There's a lot of great emotional drama and action packed in with the blood and gore; and yes, I'll even make the dhampir more realistic; is that even possible with a fictional creature? Anyway, I'll keep you in the know once I get closer to working on it. Maybe it will even become a movie some day!
Again, remember 08/08/08!
Anyway, so I'm been progressing steadily on Will-o'-the-Wisp. Chapter four will be posted soon (and Episode 2.4 of Rogue Wave Rising will be up this week, too) and I've gotten to chapter seven last week. It should have been written and ready ready to for editing this week. Well, it was full of suck! This in, surprisingly, the first time I'm written a chapter so horribly that I've had to go back and completely rewrite it. It sucks but it was bound to happen and will likely not be the last time. So I will be taking another crack at this damn chapter this week in hopes of slaying the dragon this time.
The good thing in all this is I found a new character to add to the fray, Robin Goodfellow. I was expecting him at first and he'll NOT be like the Shakespearean Puck you all know. Like most things, I try to get back to the root of the legion. Granted, I've taken a few liberties with him that I think you'll all like. Problem for those who want to see him is I'll likely add him later than chapter seven, since my rewrite will likely not include him. Still, it will be an added bonus to you all.
Since I've failed to keep you all updated on this story, I've also added some other new character you'll meet shortly, including a Púka and Ben, Arthur's roommate. Both play big roles in the story and more name association fun to decipher. I wonder if this will be a 110,000 word monster. I doubt it. I still don't see why such large numbers are so important in the publishing industry. A good story writes itself and is a long as it needs to be. Anything more is a waste. /rant So, I am still not totally sure where this story is headed but it does have a flow to it and I'm sure it will reveal itself shortly. Remember, I'm along for the ride same as you.
So, what other projects do I have on the waiting list besides everyone you can already see on dA and fanfiction.net? Well, a lot: Nebulosus is my vampire/religious epic novel that has been on the books since 2003 and it still my first story idea (really need to start cracking on that one); Emilee is a short story about a sick girl who mistakes a stranger for her dead brother; Bigfoot Chronicles that revolve around a series of short stories about the legionary creature; Light of Life is a short story about existence between life and death; Conitor is a Roman era short about slave twins and gladiators.
Lots to write and so little time; I need to finish these damn fan-fics so I can get cracking on the stuff that I can do something with... so, as if all these other ideas were not enough, Tee Morris threw me another reason to write. Originally I had yet another story that also involved vampires. Meant to be the original epic novel, it's first incarnation didn't go far before I had to rethink it. Nebulosus was and still is a very shorty story about a vampire and a human. After the original idea of the epic, called Certo, failed, I planned to merge these two ideas and work with it, since the short story filled the character needs of the epic. Well, perhaps it's then a good thing that I've waited so long to get things started.
As you all read, Tee Morris is part of the Double Trouble run on Amazon on 08/08/08, which is this Friday b.t.w. While listening to one of the interview he and Pip did for a movie review podcast (the name escapes me at the moment), which was over three hours of pure entertainment mind you, I heard Tee complain about how most vampire-based movies were always romanticizing the species and not being true to what the creatures really were. This is exactly what I've been bitching about for years to my friends. While I will concede that some of my stories do evolve the typical romantic/pulp-fiction Dracula-style vampires, I've always been a buff with the topic and wanted to write a book about the "true" folklore creatures, which are varied and unlike what most people think. Damn you, Morris, you showed me I have an audience!
While I had other plans, I will be start up this resurrected Certo plot and making once again its own story. This is good because I already have a lot of the story already planned out and many of the characters set up. The story would revolve around a dhampir named Blut who hunts the vile creatures across modern Europe and is several hundred years old. The creatures he hunts are these true to form creatures of myth and folklore. There's a lot of great emotional drama and action packed in with the blood and gore; and yes, I'll even make the dhampir more realistic; is that even possible with a fictional creature? Anyway, I'll keep you in the know once I get closer to working on it. Maybe it will even become a movie some day!
Again, remember 08/08/08!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Double Trouble
Tee Morris, author of the Morevi Series, Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword, and host of The Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy & Philippa Ballantine, author of Chasing the Bard and host of Whispers at the Edge, present to you Double Trouble, a dual run at Amazon.com to claim the top spots on the charts with their new squeal books:
Troops: listen up!
Briefing: in order to make their mark, these two Dragon Moon Press authors must show the publishing world (once again) that small publishing is a force to be dealt with; especially through the medium of podcasting and podiobooks. Like those who have come before them (Sigler on April 1, Harwood on March 16), this run is critical to giving all small print and prospective writers the edge they need to redefine the world of publishing. Thus, ordering on this date will make sure that message is loud and clear!
Your mission: On August 8th, 2008 (08-08-08) starting at 0800hours Pacific Standard Time (USA), for 24hours you and everyone you know who enjoys fantasy or books in general buy The Case of the Pitcher's Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery and Digital Magic (along with any other of their already published books; but these two at least!) through Amazon.com (the USA version ONLY, NOT any other country specific version). The top dogs in the publishing industry are starting to take notice but they need more convincing before they will start thinking about taking action. Seeing two small press authors in the top two spots on Amazon.com should be the shot in the arm they need to keep this momentum going strong. Let the revolution continue as Double Trouble takes on and conquers Amazon.com.
Troops: you have your orders; dismissed!
Troops: listen up!
Do not pre-order these two books!
Briefing: in order to make their mark, these two Dragon Moon Press authors must show the publishing world (once again) that small publishing is a force to be dealt with; especially through the medium of podcasting and podiobooks. Like those who have come before them (Sigler on April 1, Harwood on March 16), this run is critical to giving all small print and prospective writers the edge they need to redefine the world of publishing. Thus, ordering on this date will make sure that message is loud and clear!
Your mission: On August 8th, 2008 (08-08-08) starting at 0800hours Pacific Standard Time (USA), for 24hours you and everyone you know who enjoys fantasy or books in general buy The Case of the Pitcher's Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery and Digital Magic (along with any other of their already published books; but these two at least!) through Amazon.com (the USA version ONLY, NOT any other country specific version). The top dogs in the publishing industry are starting to take notice but they need more convincing before they will start thinking about taking action. Seeing two small press authors in the top two spots on Amazon.com should be the shot in the arm they need to keep this momentum going strong. Let the revolution continue as Double Trouble takes on and conquers Amazon.com.
Troops: you have your orders; dismissed!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Will-o'-the-Wisp
Will-o'-the-Wisp is my latest story, with the first chapter ready to read! The artwork above is a commission by MoonlightAlchemist. Be sure to check our her website "Ameiga Art" in the Linkage lists to the right! I get got the sketch and original in the mail today. Man, it puts this scan above to shame. Now I really know what they mean when they say their scanner rapes colors. I will be buying frames for it and the Erwin R. Morgenstern commissions this week.
So, since this is a writing blog, Will-o'-the-Wisp started as "Plight of the Faerie". Originally a very short tale that was edited down to a summery of less than 500 words, this sparked three more short summaries. The series stopped when I changed jobs. More recently, another deviation inspired me to do another; but this time it was a "full story" with dialogue and expanded plot. This helped me to begin expanding the summaries into chapters; and thus an adventure was born. Still, something was missing, drive and motivation. This is where this commission come in. It really was the key that got me where I am now with this story. The fire two chapters are comprised on two summaries each, with the third chapter comprised on the fifth installment plus new material. There are links to the original parts in the chapter descriptions.
The story revolves around Arthur Geoffrey, a young man of the Crown who is on holiday on the western shores of England hiking the coastline. There he encounters many fantastic and mythical creatures. While surprised to find them, he is not shocked at their existence. The time frame for this story is modern set in a world much like ours, where such myths are thought of a just fiction. Arthur is a kind man with a big heart and smile who is always willing to lend a hand, which gets him into the adventure of his life. What is it about this young man who can befriend faeries that draws Fate near? Read the story and find out!
It was inspired by a deviation (this is the term given to art postings on devantART) of a bound faerie, which you can find linked in the story description (use the link above!). This is how Gloriana, the nude faerie in the commission, got her start. For the fifth installment, the inspiration this time was another deviation of a sad Gothic faerie with a wish curse. This is where Morgan la Fay comes into play. Arthur gives them nicknames due to his in ability to sing their true names, which are in fact songs. I thought this to be a unique take (though I doubt original) and allows me to better fit names. Arthur is just a product of my brain. As you can tell, these names have connections to each other. While this will be a continuing trend in most all character names for this story, the names are more symbolic than descriptive. Still, the old tales will have an influence.
Biggest concern here is that Gloriana and Morgan are based on other's designs. This is why I had MoonlightAlchemist be sure to take the descriptions I originally gave and run with them. She did this that while keeping to whom they are. I have since modified their descriptions to better match what they look like in the commission. Same goes for the plight to which Morgan is first found. It is a fine line I do not want to cross, that of copyright infringement. However, I am taking an idea and making it my own, not stealing another's work and calling it my own. This is one key factor in my favor. Plus I will likely give credit to the original pieces as inspiration for this work; though this will not be enough should I have to defend myself. In my defense, what I have here is pieced from many sources combined into something more. I have never once taken credit for another's work in this matter so I doubt there is little to fear. Still, I need to delve into this more.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Blog Bullshit & Commission Stuff
So, I was listening to No Agenda with Adam Curry & John C Dvorak and they spoke on how blogs can only be successful when they are updated regularly and (sometimes more than daily) and have catchy titles. Under this formula, this blog is doomed! Well, I never kept to trends, no matter how "successful" they claim to be. I'm not here to please anyone, just keep them up to date on my writing adventures; especially with all these RSS feeds to keep people updated, there's not no excuse for this type of lazy behavior in readers. Srsly.
Anyway, got my commission from my good friend down in Argentina, know as kamikaze777 on deviantART. Think I told you about this sometime before (he posted it on dA about June 18) but unsure if I linked it properly. Well, here it is for those of you who haven't seen it; here is Erwin Rommel Morgenstern:
He, of course, is the leader of Section Nine from the U.N. Security Council charged with protecting three special ladies, known as Hybrids. For all the details, check out Hybrid History. Need to get a good frame for this when I hang it in my room.
Will likely wait on their venture until my other commission arrived from MoonlightAlchemist. She was very fast with this one was did a superb job. I've seen the final product and now am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Once she posted it online, I'll give you guys the link. It is of my three character from my "Plight of the Faerie" series, which I have officially retitled. I am letting my friend be the first to expose the name of the second faerie plus the new title; so you will have to wait 'til then. Got another commission in the works with Meam-chan for my character Marcus from my Rogue Wave Rising Eureka 7 fan-fic. This is by far the most expensive commission I've requested and will be 19x24". Really looking forward to working with her on this one.
I've been working on the revamp of the story formerly known as "Plight of the Faerie". I am trying to coincide the re-release of the updated format and story with the posting of the commission to draw some attention to it. I have a better idea now of where this story is heading but have been too focused on getting what I have done updated to really produce more material. This said, I have added another part to it. What I've done is take two parts currently posted and made them into short chapters. So far I have three, with the additional part tacked onto the end of the fifth part, which is where my third main character is introduced. From here, things will finally start to get interesting. I think you'll like what I've done if you've already read the first incarnation. For the rest of you, let the adventure begin... once I post them. (You'll not I'm no longer linking to the original stories; this is on purpose.)
Should have the next part of Rogue Wave Rising posted next week. That and my redux of Shattered Reality have taken up much of my time. The sooner I get done with them the better, though I still enjoy them very much. Helping my sister move yesterday cut a lot of time out of my day as well. Tomorrow will be a perfect catchup day since with the holiday, I won't have to come in 'til late just to do my nightly run. Want to start some other projects I've been sitting on but for now these three stories are enough. I will be moving rooms sometime shortly so this will also decrease my writing time. Too much to do and not enough time in the day!
One last thing to add: my friend Agent-Elrond has a fun new book/guide out that you should all check out (see her blog in the link to your right for more info)! Wet Money: A Cartoon Guide to Raft Guiding
Anyway, got my commission from my good friend down in Argentina, know as kamikaze777 on deviantART. Think I told you about this sometime before (he posted it on dA about June 18) but unsure if I linked it properly. Well, here it is for those of you who haven't seen it; here is Erwin Rommel Morgenstern:
He, of course, is the leader of Section Nine from the U.N. Security Council charged with protecting three special ladies, known as Hybrids. For all the details, check out Hybrid History. Need to get a good frame for this when I hang it in my room.
Will likely wait on their venture until my other commission arrived from MoonlightAlchemist. She was very fast with this one was did a superb job. I've seen the final product and now am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Once she posted it online, I'll give you guys the link. It is of my three character from my "Plight of the Faerie" series, which I have officially retitled. I am letting my friend be the first to expose the name of the second faerie plus the new title; so you will have to wait 'til then. Got another commission in the works with Meam-chan for my character Marcus from my Rogue Wave Rising Eureka 7 fan-fic. This is by far the most expensive commission I've requested and will be 19x24". Really looking forward to working with her on this one.
I've been working on the revamp of the story formerly known as "Plight of the Faerie". I am trying to coincide the re-release of the updated format and story with the posting of the commission to draw some attention to it. I have a better idea now of where this story is heading but have been too focused on getting what I have done updated to really produce more material. This said, I have added another part to it. What I've done is take two parts currently posted and made them into short chapters. So far I have three, with the additional part tacked onto the end of the fifth part, which is where my third main character is introduced. From here, things will finally start to get interesting. I think you'll like what I've done if you've already read the first incarnation. For the rest of you, let the adventure begin... once I post them. (You'll not I'm no longer linking to the original stories; this is on purpose.)
Should have the next part of Rogue Wave Rising posted next week. That and my redux of Shattered Reality have taken up much of my time. The sooner I get done with them the better, though I still enjoy them very much. Helping my sister move yesterday cut a lot of time out of my day as well. Tomorrow will be a perfect catchup day since with the holiday, I won't have to come in 'til late just to do my nightly run. Want to start some other projects I've been sitting on but for now these three stories are enough. I will be moving rooms sometime shortly so this will also decrease my writing time. Too much to do and not enough time in the day!
One last thing to add: my friend Agent-Elrond has a fun new book/guide out that you should all check out (see her blog in the link to your right for more info)! Wet Money: A Cartoon Guide to Raft Guiding
Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Words Are Just Words: RIP George Carlin
The Chicago Tribune's article regarding the late comedian's death sums things up well, methinks. Still the Independent article rocks more because of the last seven words!
For myself, I found his works 'laugh your ass off cry until you pass out because you couldn't breath roll on the floor make your parents listen just to piss them off tell all your friends about it' funny. More importantly, however, it was his messages behind the routines that made me respect him. Honestly, most of the points, if not all, that he has ever made I generally agree with. Makes me wonder how long this post will be up before its taken down do to my inclusion of his infamous "Seven Dirty Words" in my labels. You know, "shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits"? It might not come down, it just might. My point is the man was right about a lot of things: religion is bullshit, words are just words, and honest is the better policy, especially when talking to little children about the birds and bees. For his legacy and all the work he has done, intentionally or otherwise, I shall forever be in his debt. This week we loose one of the greatest men to ever walk this planet. Of this, I am certain.
RIP man... or at least cause all those fucking god-damn shithead pissy religious cunt-rag cock-sucking tit-sagging motherfuckers of the afterlife some good ol' fashioned Hell!
For myself, I found his works 'laugh your ass off cry until you pass out because you couldn't breath roll on the floor make your parents listen just to piss them off tell all your friends about it' funny. More importantly, however, it was his messages behind the routines that made me respect him. Honestly, most of the points, if not all, that he has ever made I generally agree with. Makes me wonder how long this post will be up before its taken down do to my inclusion of his infamous "Seven Dirty Words" in my labels. You know, "shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits"? It might not come down, it just might. My point is the man was right about a lot of things: religion is bullshit, words are just words, and honest is the better policy, especially when talking to little children about the birds and bees. For his legacy and all the work he has done, intentionally or otherwise, I shall forever be in his debt. This week we loose one of the greatest men to ever walk this planet. Of this, I am certain.
RIP man... or at least cause all those fucking god-damn shithead pissy religious cunt-rag cock-sucking tit-sagging motherfuckers of the afterlife some good ol' fashioned Hell!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Rights and Government
“Natural Inalienable Rights”, like government, morals, society, ethics, culture, privacy, are but products of our collective brain; they are figments of our imagination, if you will. Like currency, their value and worth is based solely on our need and desire for them. Like freedom, rights are not free and to obtain them, they must be fought for and protected. Rights vary across the globe, through the various nations and ethnicities that make up our species. However, it is agreed upon that, generally speaking, most western and western-influenced states adhere to similar basic human rights. Details aside, there is enough consensus among these countries to conclude there is something worth protecting and fighting for. The problem in the E.U. and the U.S. is no one is fighting hard enough to keep these rights.
Once rights are agreed upon by a group of people, laws must be created to ensure them. To enact these laws, governments are formed. To check the power of a government, the people must be proactive and hold their government accountable to the responsibilities given to them. Any government should only be preoccupied about two things: that the rights of the people, and only the people, be maintained at all costs and that the people are given a prosperous environment in which they can exercise those rights. Police and the military, among others, are solely there for the benefit of the people, by way of enforcing the laws, and should not hold loyalty to any government or state. Politicians, too, should only be in office for the good of the people, not themselves directly, and act in the interest of those people based on their input. When a government can no longer fulfill its role, it should be replaced outright. The role of military and police forces in this matter is to make sure the will of the people is carried out, not to assure the continuation of a government.
The problems seen in the E.U. and U.S. are products of the current flawed outlook regarding rights, freedoms, and responsibilities among the people of these governing bodies. For far too long the people has sat idly by while others have made choices for them. This has resulted in no accountability held for the government. Thus the current trend of corruption and the removal of individual rights, replaced by governmental rights, have run ramped. Rights, like all ideas, are bulletproof; however, they fade with time without due vigilance. This is the critical flaw in rights; again for they are nothing more than the products of our mind. In order to keep them alive and real, we must desire them and place value in them. Like love, rights will die without active participation from all parties involved. People get the government they deserve; they also get the rights they deserve. The only way to correct this trend of individual subjection by governments is for the individuals to stand up as one, remove the shackles of social fears, and act for the good of the many instead of the few or the one. No one is free until everyone is free; and no one is free if they let others think and act for them. It is time to stand up; it is time to make a stand; it is time to take responsibility; it is time to think; and to act! They work for us!
Rights and Government
So, this is now you don't make friends on Capital Hill. This is basically a transcript for a audio comment I sent to Adam Curry for his podcast, the Daily Source Code. I'll link the episode should he play it. You can find his site through the blogs at CURRY.com. As you might have noticed, I added a ton of links that are worth checking out. I'll add more if you guys have any for me.
Once rights are agreed upon by a group of people, laws must be created to ensure them. To enact these laws, governments are formed. To check the power of a government, the people must be proactive and hold their government accountable to the responsibilities given to them. Any government should only be preoccupied about two things: that the rights of the people, and only the people, be maintained at all costs and that the people are given a prosperous environment in which they can exercise those rights. Police and the military, among others, are solely there for the benefit of the people, by way of enforcing the laws, and should not hold loyalty to any government or state. Politicians, too, should only be in office for the good of the people, not themselves directly, and act in the interest of those people based on their input. When a government can no longer fulfill its role, it should be replaced outright. The role of military and police forces in this matter is to make sure the will of the people is carried out, not to assure the continuation of a government.
The problems seen in the E.U. and U.S. are products of the current flawed outlook regarding rights, freedoms, and responsibilities among the people of these governing bodies. For far too long the people has sat idly by while others have made choices for them. This has resulted in no accountability held for the government. Thus the current trend of corruption and the removal of individual rights, replaced by governmental rights, have run ramped. Rights, like all ideas, are bulletproof; however, they fade with time without due vigilance. This is the critical flaw in rights; again for they are nothing more than the products of our mind. In order to keep them alive and real, we must desire them and place value in them. Like love, rights will die without active participation from all parties involved. People get the government they deserve; they also get the rights they deserve. The only way to correct this trend of individual subjection by governments is for the individuals to stand up as one, remove the shackles of social fears, and act for the good of the many instead of the few or the one. No one is free until everyone is free; and no one is free if they let others think and act for them. It is time to stand up; it is time to make a stand; it is time to take responsibility; it is time to think; and to act! They work for us!
Rights and Government
So, this is now you don't make friends on Capital Hill. This is basically a transcript for a audio comment I sent to Adam Curry for his podcast, the Daily Source Code. I'll link the episode should he play it. You can find his site through the blogs at CURRY.com. As you might have noticed, I added a ton of links that are worth checking out. I'll add more if you guys have any for me.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Moving On & Projects & Memorial Day
My greatest asset and most damned vice is my thinking big about anything I do. Most of the stories I write end up that way. Where this becomes a true problem is when I write fan-fiction. The problem is that with the nearly impossible likelihood of getting the original creators to let you publish, it is a labor of love and nothing more.
While I had originally planned a minimum of fifty chapter, which would equal out to at least ten episodes, I have decided to shorten my Psalms of Planets Eureka seveN fan-fiction to only twenty parts/four episodes. The reason is as I explained above, it gives me nothing but experience. While such is always needed, I need to start focusing on my original work if I ever want to be published. I believe I have matured enough to take on this task but do not want to leave an "unfinished work. Rogue Wave Rising will end after the first major story arc. This leave a major cliffhanger but I think it will work out for the best. This way, I can start to focus my time on other projects. You can check out E7:RWR on my deviantART account or on my fanfiction.net account.
Another project is Shattered Reality Redux, a Teen Titans Animated Series fan-fiction and my first major story (complete). The Redux indicates the reformatting of the story into my current style and the edits and additions (and subtracts) from the original posting. This story has thirteen chapters (made originally of 39 parts) plus two epilogue-style short stories (with a possible third at some point). The main story is what I am focusing on and so far have completed the redux on three chapters. Once done, the series will be "complete" and I will not edit it further (save for any major spelling/grammar errors). I hope to have this done about the end of the year. You can check them our on both my deviantART and fanfiction.net accounts.
Yer another project I have is a short five-six panel comic collaboration with Kamikaze777 from deviantART. A good Internet-friend of mine living in Argentina (he is an Ecuadorean) his art has inspired many a poem. The project involves me creating an amusing mini story with random characters of his and he will do the part for it. I have sent him the first draft for review. I have also done a short story highlighting the discovery of his Hybrid characters. Farah, Emma, & Ginny are just sweethearts. I've also done a biography of another of his characters from his Yurei Series, The Poltergeist. On a side note, I have commissioned him portray my character Erwin R. Morgenstern from the Hybrid story. (I'll post the picture once it's posted.)
My Plight of the Faerie series will be going into a major revision once I get time. Recently I created the latest in the series. Unlike the other "chapters", which where five-hundred words or less summaries, this one was a a full story with dialogue. I will be going back and expanding the other "chapters". Not sure where this series is going at the moment but will have a better idea once I complete this task and continue the story. I will also be revising and expanding my Tales of Miw series with the same hope of continuing the story and making them worthy of publication. As i stated above, all original stories will be gaining more attention.
So, how was your Memorial Day? Here's how mine went:
Drain-plug unscrewed itself. I had the oil changed on Friday bout did not get a chance to ride until Monday. Thankfully a black S.U.V. flashed me and alerted me to the "leak". This happened on I-5 South and the trail begins just over the King/Pierce line for about a mile and ends just before exit 137 in Fife.
Thankfully I still had a quart left to spill once I stopped. My 2008 KLR 650 takes about four quarts or so. The boss of ABT Towing was a lifesaver. I am ever so grateful for his assistance since none of the other towing companies I called were open. He saw me and pulled over and called up one of his trucks to help me out. Kent Kawasaki took full responsibility for the incident and even paid for the towing. They are a good dealer and have never done me wrong; so I count this as a freak happening. I still need to post this on the KLR forum... but I'm lazy.
While I had originally planned a minimum of fifty chapter, which would equal out to at least ten episodes, I have decided to shorten my Psalms of Planets Eureka seveN fan-fiction to only twenty parts/four episodes. The reason is as I explained above, it gives me nothing but experience. While such is always needed, I need to start focusing on my original work if I ever want to be published. I believe I have matured enough to take on this task but do not want to leave an "unfinished work. Rogue Wave Rising will end after the first major story arc. This leave a major cliffhanger but I think it will work out for the best. This way, I can start to focus my time on other projects. You can check out E7:RWR on my deviantART account or on my fanfiction.net account.
Another project is Shattered Reality Redux, a Teen Titans Animated Series fan-fiction and my first major story (complete). The Redux indicates the reformatting of the story into my current style and the edits and additions (and subtracts) from the original posting. This story has thirteen chapters (made originally of 39 parts) plus two epilogue-style short stories (with a possible third at some point). The main story is what I am focusing on and so far have completed the redux on three chapters. Once done, the series will be "complete" and I will not edit it further (save for any major spelling/grammar errors). I hope to have this done about the end of the year. You can check them our on both my deviantART and fanfiction.net accounts.
Yer another project I have is a short five-six panel comic collaboration with Kamikaze777 from deviantART. A good Internet-friend of mine living in Argentina (he is an Ecuadorean) his art has inspired many a poem. The project involves me creating an amusing mini story with random characters of his and he will do the part for it. I have sent him the first draft for review. I have also done a short story highlighting the discovery of his Hybrid characters. Farah, Emma, & Ginny are just sweethearts. I've also done a biography of another of his characters from his Yurei Series, The Poltergeist. On a side note, I have commissioned him portray my character Erwin R. Morgenstern from the Hybrid story. (I'll post the picture once it's posted.)
My Plight of the Faerie series will be going into a major revision once I get time. Recently I created the latest in the series. Unlike the other "chapters", which where five-hundred words or less summaries, this one was a a full story with dialogue. I will be going back and expanding the other "chapters". Not sure where this series is going at the moment but will have a better idea once I complete this task and continue the story. I will also be revising and expanding my Tales of Miw series with the same hope of continuing the story and making them worthy of publication. As i stated above, all original stories will be gaining more attention.
So, how was your Memorial Day? Here's how mine went:
Drain-plug unscrewed itself. I had the oil changed on Friday bout did not get a chance to ride until Monday. Thankfully a black S.U.V. flashed me and alerted me to the "leak". This happened on I-5 South and the trail begins just over the King/Pierce line for about a mile and ends just before exit 137 in Fife.
Thankfully I still had a quart left to spill once I stopped. My 2008 KLR 650 takes about four quarts or so. The boss of ABT Towing was a lifesaver. I am ever so grateful for his assistance since none of the other towing companies I called were open. He saw me and pulled over and called up one of his trucks to help me out. Kent Kawasaki took full responsibility for the incident and even paid for the towing. They are a good dealer and have never done me wrong; so I count this as a freak happening. I still need to post this on the KLR forum... but I'm lazy.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
1950's
To An End Without God
"Is something that was made by a creator truly more awe-inspiring than the same thing that developed through its own means? I see that which does not have a creator to be the more. Yet while most ask if I have lost anything, I do say yes. I have lost the need to understand things as with purpose. Something meaningless is a most wonderful thing. To think all that is just happened and yet in this vast universe where everything is a product of action and reaction something like the sun came to be, and on one of its orbiting spheres life spawned, but not just life, intelligent sentient life, that is to me more mind blowing than any creator blinking this reality into existence. This is what I have gained from my new perspective. So many fear that without a god, we human become nothing more than animals with no guiding light or reason or purpose or meaning. This, however, is what truly inspires me. That I am nothing more than the net result of action and reaction is truly profound. From this enlightenment, I discover something even more profound. As I am not bound by anything more than I choose, I am free to become whatever. I do not need a god to tell me how to live, or how to act, or how to define right and wrong. People think without a god, we would be nothing less than savages. Sadly, too many of "faith" have shown that god can be used as an excuse to be just as barbaric. So, without this guiding light, why am I not killing and raping?
Society today helps in this respect. As more countries become secularized, why do we not see a breakdown of social order and chaos reigning? This is because those who fear a carnal world without god do not realize the power of humans to control themselves and their lives. As I have determined, humans created god to help them become more. In time, while we still have much to overcome and achieve, we no longer need god to watch over us. Like an orphaned child, we human created parents to teach us and guide us; but in the end, it was we who taught ourselves. Now that we have matured more, the parental unit known as a god is less relevant, if at all. From here, we can move forward, being held accountable for our actions by ourselves, like young adult. Yes we will stumble and fall, but we also learn; however slowly. This is why I cannot see God, for why should I? What does he offer me that I cannot already do? If there was not heaven and hell but a god, then as long as I respect and care for my fellow humans, then what does he truly offers? Common sense is not so common or makes sense to everyone. Perspective is everything. In this, we can still find common ground among the various reasoning of humanity. This is why I struggle to see a god in things, for I do not see a reason for one. If sin is real, if anything that makes a profane entity unworthy of the divine, then this is who I am. If I shall be damned born what I was born into, then who am I to change it? If an offer of salvation is given, then it should not be bound by dogma but by true compassion.
A god I would follow would not require praise and not look down on me for not giving it more than a simple thank you. If God could give selflessly and show it to the world without misleading statements and cryptic messages, then I would accept. However, what I see God giving me is a collar and leash. That he is someone looking for praise. What was the reason he created this reality? To make beings that would worship him? How very selfish of him. Seeing as how his creations, even the angels, are always flawed, does this reflect on this supposed perfect creator? Perhaps, or perhaps it is humans who have mislabeled God. In this, I see that humanity has no true idea who God is or what he is all about. It is for this and the above reason that I removed myself from my foundation to seek the reality of my world. In this, I have discovered something far greater. Life in a world devoid of any god is most satisfying to me because there are no strings attached. In this world of action and reaction where purpose is superficial and truth is in the minds of the beholders, I find solus. In a world were religion is corrupt and the faiths behind it are askew with human interpretation, I can no longer see reality in the ways of the old. The books of the faithful seem nothing more than additions of the former with little more than interpretations and continuation of the previous stories. I see too much humanity in God. I seek what can be seen for myself as the truth, for in the end, that is what all of us are searching for and all that we can find."
When my instructor read this (a reply to the reading in class), he dated my logic back to the 1950's. I love it! While I cannot say I understand fully the modern continuum outlook started by figures like Steven Hawkins, I know it exists. Yet apparently my logic is not in line with it. That said, to be only 5-6 decades off from the modern is not so bad. Guess I have some catching up to.
"Is something that was made by a creator truly more awe-inspiring than the same thing that developed through its own means? I see that which does not have a creator to be the more. Yet while most ask if I have lost anything, I do say yes. I have lost the need to understand things as with purpose. Something meaningless is a most wonderful thing. To think all that is just happened and yet in this vast universe where everything is a product of action and reaction something like the sun came to be, and on one of its orbiting spheres life spawned, but not just life, intelligent sentient life, that is to me more mind blowing than any creator blinking this reality into existence. This is what I have gained from my new perspective. So many fear that without a god, we human become nothing more than animals with no guiding light or reason or purpose or meaning. This, however, is what truly inspires me. That I am nothing more than the net result of action and reaction is truly profound. From this enlightenment, I discover something even more profound. As I am not bound by anything more than I choose, I am free to become whatever. I do not need a god to tell me how to live, or how to act, or how to define right and wrong. People think without a god, we would be nothing less than savages. Sadly, too many of "faith" have shown that god can be used as an excuse to be just as barbaric. So, without this guiding light, why am I not killing and raping?
Society today helps in this respect. As more countries become secularized, why do we not see a breakdown of social order and chaos reigning? This is because those who fear a carnal world without god do not realize the power of humans to control themselves and their lives. As I have determined, humans created god to help them become more. In time, while we still have much to overcome and achieve, we no longer need god to watch over us. Like an orphaned child, we human created parents to teach us and guide us; but in the end, it was we who taught ourselves. Now that we have matured more, the parental unit known as a god is less relevant, if at all. From here, we can move forward, being held accountable for our actions by ourselves, like young adult. Yes we will stumble and fall, but we also learn; however slowly. This is why I cannot see God, for why should I? What does he offer me that I cannot already do? If there was not heaven and hell but a god, then as long as I respect and care for my fellow humans, then what does he truly offers? Common sense is not so common or makes sense to everyone. Perspective is everything. In this, we can still find common ground among the various reasoning of humanity. This is why I struggle to see a god in things, for I do not see a reason for one. If sin is real, if anything that makes a profane entity unworthy of the divine, then this is who I am. If I shall be damned born what I was born into, then who am I to change it? If an offer of salvation is given, then it should not be bound by dogma but by true compassion.
A god I would follow would not require praise and not look down on me for not giving it more than a simple thank you. If God could give selflessly and show it to the world without misleading statements and cryptic messages, then I would accept. However, what I see God giving me is a collar and leash. That he is someone looking for praise. What was the reason he created this reality? To make beings that would worship him? How very selfish of him. Seeing as how his creations, even the angels, are always flawed, does this reflect on this supposed perfect creator? Perhaps, or perhaps it is humans who have mislabeled God. In this, I see that humanity has no true idea who God is or what he is all about. It is for this and the above reason that I removed myself from my foundation to seek the reality of my world. In this, I have discovered something far greater. Life in a world devoid of any god is most satisfying to me because there are no strings attached. In this world of action and reaction where purpose is superficial and truth is in the minds of the beholders, I find solus. In a world were religion is corrupt and the faiths behind it are askew with human interpretation, I can no longer see reality in the ways of the old. The books of the faithful seem nothing more than additions of the former with little more than interpretations and continuation of the previous stories. I see too much humanity in God. I seek what can be seen for myself as the truth, for in the end, that is what all of us are searching for and all that we can find."
When my instructor read this (a reply to the reading in class), he dated my logic back to the 1950's. I love it! While I cannot say I understand fully the modern continuum outlook started by figures like Steven Hawkins, I know it exists. Yet apparently my logic is not in line with it. That said, to be only 5-6 decades off from the modern is not so bad. Guess I have some catching up to.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Satire, Sex, and Ranting
So, let's finally get off to a real writer's blog. Well, most of mt current writing has been with some poems and my Rogue Wave Rising series. I'll start doing posts on my various stories and good poems in due time. Today, I want to take a look at a rant I did a while back that has been both praised and ridiculed for its message and presentation. First, the writing in question, which can be found here: Nudity and Sex: Deal with it
"Here's a suggestion:
Stop treating sex and nudity as taboo or risqué and accept it as a normal and natural part of who we are as a species. Let's put away the old ideologies of shame and ignorance and progress ourselves by showing a level of maturity about these mundane and common facts. Society needs to stop acting like a adolescent (i.e. thinking with one's genitalia) regarding the subjects of nudity and sex. Clothes service a vital purpose in our lives -protection from the elements, our environment, breast shag, and the sight of obese and elderly body-types; economic growth and marketing; social statements; the discrete transport of weapons, explosives, and contraband; etc.- but the lack thereof should not be cause for alarm or disgust (in most cases). Maturity in dealing with these natural traits should be a hallmark of our sentient and cognitive existence. Reason drives us to advance beyond our current lackluster approach and reach a state where such trivial things no longer matter.
I double-dare you. :)"
So, what do you think? Hold that thought until the end. Well, the first thing most people who dislike it say is that it is childish in nature, especially the last sentence (and smiley). The next thing they note is the gross demeaning and discriminatory remarks. Lastly, they disagree with the message as a whole. Looking at it superficially, I would have to agree. However, they miss the larger point I am trying to make.
To address the childish antics this work revolves around. I have often found that those online (and in general) who truly have an issue with nudity and sex do so for what I believe are the wrong reasons; but that is there choice. Another choice they make that only serves to discredit their point, however, is the way in which they present it. This is often in a very childish and incoherent manner that leave you questioning which hornet nest you whacked and what grade level writing abilities they really have. While I forgo the low-level writing technique, I do try to emulate this childishness for two reasons. The first is to speak to those who apparently think this way on their own level. The second is because the argument, in my opinion (duh), is rather childish to begin with and my goal is to draw attention to this.
As to the gross demeaning and discriminatory remarks, if you have not noticed by now, let me make is clear that this is satire. (Please tell me you read the title of this blog post...) One thing you will get to know about me is my consistent use of wit (for better or worse) when giving commentary. Can't say I'm the best at it but it works for my needs. The topics discussed are just jabs at the topics and taboo picks so many seem to have issues. It also reflects the childish antics I refer to above. The last part is, of course, they disagree with what I'm trying to say. Here I can do little but to say that we all must be open to new ideas.
So, what is your take on this? I might have written more if I time but Dinner is calling. Enjoy!
"Here's a suggestion:
Stop treating sex and nudity as taboo or risqué and accept it as a normal and natural part of who we are as a species. Let's put away the old ideologies of shame and ignorance and progress ourselves by showing a level of maturity about these mundane and common facts. Society needs to stop acting like a adolescent (i.e. thinking with one's genitalia) regarding the subjects of nudity and sex. Clothes service a vital purpose in our lives -protection from the elements, our environment, breast shag, and the sight of obese and elderly body-types; economic growth and marketing; social statements; the discrete transport of weapons, explosives, and contraband; etc.- but the lack thereof should not be cause for alarm or disgust (in most cases). Maturity in dealing with these natural traits should be a hallmark of our sentient and cognitive existence. Reason drives us to advance beyond our current lackluster approach and reach a state where such trivial things no longer matter.
I double-dare you. :)"
So, what do you think? Hold that thought until the end. Well, the first thing most people who dislike it say is that it is childish in nature, especially the last sentence (and smiley). The next thing they note is the gross demeaning and discriminatory remarks. Lastly, they disagree with the message as a whole. Looking at it superficially, I would have to agree. However, they miss the larger point I am trying to make.
To address the childish antics this work revolves around. I have often found that those online (and in general) who truly have an issue with nudity and sex do so for what I believe are the wrong reasons; but that is there choice. Another choice they make that only serves to discredit their point, however, is the way in which they present it. This is often in a very childish and incoherent manner that leave you questioning which hornet nest you whacked and what grade level writing abilities they really have. While I forgo the low-level writing technique, I do try to emulate this childishness for two reasons. The first is to speak to those who apparently think this way on their own level. The second is because the argument, in my opinion (duh), is rather childish to begin with and my goal is to draw attention to this.
As to the gross demeaning and discriminatory remarks, if you have not noticed by now, let me make is clear that this is satire. (Please tell me you read the title of this blog post...) One thing you will get to know about me is my consistent use of wit (for better or worse) when giving commentary. Can't say I'm the best at it but it works for my needs. The topics discussed are just jabs at the topics and taboo picks so many seem to have issues. It also reflects the childish antics I refer to above. The last part is, of course, they disagree with what I'm trying to say. Here I can do little but to say that we all must be open to new ideas.
So, what is your take on this? I might have written more if I time but Dinner is calling. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Start Up II
Well, I start this at 0146 hours because I'm at Jon's house and he's beginning the process of moving out. While I have class at 1030 hours today, I cannot sleep right now due to the lights and work (since I sleep on his couch when I'm over) so I figured I'm do part two of my introduction.
Well, last time you saw my writing end. Now I am also a poet. I find it hard to call myself this as I have nothing published. Certainly my ability to create them as I wish and my list over over two-hundred should qualify me, I fear I have yet to go through the effort to try my luck at publication. This stems a lot from my fear that nothing I have written is worth submitting and that fact I'm unsure who is the best to send to. This is further complicated by the tastes of each submission group, the timing, and my laziness. I post all my poems to deviantART, which you can get to through my profile page. My poetry is currently focused on fairly uniform beat and format where the rhyming is often "ABAB". As of late, however, many of my newer works are breaking out of that mold and into the more abstract modern poetry. While I dislike the overemphasis often seen with this current style, I have found dabbling in it allows me to better touch the surreal. While I still enjoy writing the longer, often more complex, and narration based poems, I have found that these new poems are very popular with my small following on dA.
The other issue that is hampering my efforts about getting my name out there is school and a lack of a personal website. School will help me get to where I want to be so that isn't too much of an issue in the long term. dA is a good spot for artists but not quite so good for writers and poets. It also does not help that I rarely read other people's works of either type. So while I do so for most of my dA friends, I do not mingle with the poetry community. Thus a personal website would be very nice for this. However, that won't good me jack until I get people to read my stuff more, especially outside of the dA community. I have many things to work out but I think I'm on the right track. Many of my works are inspired by art that I come across, but mostly for artists I watch. A couple stories have also come from these interactions. Need to figure out a way to publish a book with the illustrations and the poetry and make sure everyone gets a fair share. Need to remember that for later.
So, my friends at finally off to bed at about 0207 hours so I better take advantage of the growing darkness and quiet. So, not the blog I was hoping for but it seems most text documents don't have an embed feature. It may have to do with my dislike of the Creative Commons licence for text. Anyway, from here on out I should start posting some more meaningful stuff.
Well, last time you saw my writing end. Now I am also a poet. I find it hard to call myself this as I have nothing published. Certainly my ability to create them as I wish and my list over over two-hundred should qualify me, I fear I have yet to go through the effort to try my luck at publication. This stems a lot from my fear that nothing I have written is worth submitting and that fact I'm unsure who is the best to send to. This is further complicated by the tastes of each submission group, the timing, and my laziness. I post all my poems to deviantART, which you can get to through my profile page. My poetry is currently focused on fairly uniform beat and format where the rhyming is often "ABAB". As of late, however, many of my newer works are breaking out of that mold and into the more abstract modern poetry. While I dislike the overemphasis often seen with this current style, I have found dabbling in it allows me to better touch the surreal. While I still enjoy writing the longer, often more complex, and narration based poems, I have found that these new poems are very popular with my small following on dA.
The other issue that is hampering my efforts about getting my name out there is school and a lack of a personal website. School will help me get to where I want to be so that isn't too much of an issue in the long term. dA is a good spot for artists but not quite so good for writers and poets. It also does not help that I rarely read other people's works of either type. So while I do so for most of my dA friends, I do not mingle with the poetry community. Thus a personal website would be very nice for this. However, that won't good me jack until I get people to read my stuff more, especially outside of the dA community. I have many things to work out but I think I'm on the right track. Many of my works are inspired by art that I come across, but mostly for artists I watch. A couple stories have also come from these interactions. Need to figure out a way to publish a book with the illustrations and the poetry and make sure everyone gets a fair share. Need to remember that for later.
So, my friends at finally off to bed at about 0207 hours so I better take advantage of the growing darkness and quiet. So, not the blog I was hoping for but it seems most text documents don't have an embed feature. It may have to do with my dislike of the Creative Commons licence for text. Anyway, from here on out I should start posting some more meaningful stuff.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Start Up
Well, here I am. I hijacked my raccoon's e-mail to make this. While deviantART is good for posting things dA related, I figured I needed to have a place to voice myself. When the time is right I'll might make a switch to another blog when I get more serious about my writing but with school and work and my fan-fics, such is hard to do. So, who am I? Well, I am known about the net as Osyris Diamond. I am likely most known from dA as osyris. I also post on fanfiction.net. You will find me on other forums about the web with various deviations on the given names. I am a writer and poet going to school at U.W. Tacoma, where I am studying under the Interdisciplinary department with a concentration of (professional) Communications. I will likely be going the Journalism route verses the Documentary. Personally, I would love to do both but the latter is more likely to help get me published.
So, I know several stories either written or currently in development. I am slowly creating more original stories than fan-fictions, which is what got me started in writing. Currently, I have one series truly completed: Shattered Reality. Based on the Teen Titans: The Animated Series, it revolved around a Original Character known as Subject: R-1-X or Rex and his interactions with the main characters in a more alternate reality. Its thirteen chapters long (avg. page length of 10) and is currently being revised in a Redux edition. The first two updated chapters have already been posted on dA; once all thirteen are completed, I will repost the series on fanfiction.net. My current work is yet another fan-fic, Rogue Wave Rising, based on the anime Psalms of Planets Eureka seveN. This one is a continuation of the series one year (and about a month) after the main events and centers around yet another Original Character known as Marcus T. Lindemann. I have written four episodes (avg. page length of 35) so far and have planned at least fifteen. Each episode is split into five parts of various (semi-equal) lengths.
Another fan-fic I have only two-point-five stories written for is Invader Amos - Black Guard, based in the Invader ZIM universe but relating nothing (directly) to Zim himself. I have other original works in various stages of production including Tales of Miw* (working title), Plight of the Faerie (working title), Nebulosus (working title), Kuro Oni Ronin`, among others. *ToW started as a series of random fan-fics with on reoccurring O.C. before it become its own original series. `KOR is semi-original as it is based on a friend's fractured world and my character interacts with them but most of it is my own story. There are several others that are still being hammered out but I have not really started writing them yet.
Well, I created this during one of my classes so I'll post more about me and my poetry in another blog. Hopefully after these two, the content of this blog will be worth reading.
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