Wow. 2016.
Well, now it sounds terrible to say that I haven't posted since last year. Sorry. Life and stuff.
I've never been big on resolutions; it's more of a subconscious thing for me to make these plans but not really follow through.
However, for this year, I've been changing it up a little.
I've been going and making little resolutions for different aspects of my life: school, art, and of course, writing.
So I wanted to share my writing resolutions with you here; your support and constant reminders of my goals would be great!
#1: Write a Novel
Yes, I know, kind of obvious. But this does exclude NaNoWriMo, so it would be a totally independent thing for me. And, therefore, probably a lot harder to follow through with.
My main difficulty with not finishing one novel is that my brain is always working and unconsciously creating new ideas. I'll be super excited about one story, start writing, but the next thing I know, my mind is telling me about this great new idea. So after all these years of writing, a lot of cool story ideas have been left, half-finished, in the dust.
So, really, this resolution is a lot deeper than it sounds. It also requires focus, patience, and dealing with my life-wrecking ADD. (Yes, ADD. I can't even READ anymore. It sucks.)
#2: NaNoWriMo-Vol. 2
This should be a given for me now. Normally, it would be no big deal, especially since I managed it during my insane month of November this year, AND with no former experience under my belt. But I'm pretty sure this year is going to be even worse.
I have a lot of things I'm working on/towards. I'll be a Junior, and I've heard from many people that that is the most difficult year of high school. Not exactly looking forward to that.
And in addition, I'll be hopefully beginning Running Start, teaching an Ancient History class at my co-op, and applying for the Washington Aerospace Scholars. It's a lot of work.
But I'm a big dreamer, and I aspire to be a lot of things. That makes life even more overwhelming.
#3: Enter the Write Out of This World short story contest.
So this isn't totally a resolution; more just a plan and project I'm working on. And another reminder, considering the contest ends on the 31st of this month. Heh. Yeah. I really need to get going on it...
Well, that's it. For now.
I think people try to get themselves off the hook by saying that resolutions are only made at New Years. But they shouldn't be. If we want to change something in our life, start NOW. Life won't wait for ya.
Anywho, happy 2016. Maybe it'll rock, maybe it'll suck.
Adios, amoebas.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Letting Go
Please, no, don't sing Frozen. That's not at ALL what I meant. I mean, really, we all know that fad passed quite a while ago.
Anywhooo...
I've gathered you here today to talk about poetry. Let me explain my reason for the title of this post:
For a long, long time, I've always focused solely on rhyming poetry. My mind told me, for some reason, that that was only the real poetry and everything else sucked. My mother, of course, didn't believe that. She is an English major who teaches a lot for my co-ops, and she absolutely loves poetry. Especially the non-metrical free verse stuff. In fact, she herself is a poet of the same type.
Yet in my stubbornness I refused to enjoy such poetry. I love writing, of course, and I really wanted to write poetry and be remembered as a great poet. But I had a lot of trouble writing it; they all were cheesy and quite awful, really.
Until I let go of my stubbornness.
Once I tried to write just a single little poem in a free verse form, a whole world was opened to me. I realized it was so sad I had been holding back all these years, because of a petty and foolish thought in my head. And suddenly, I realized that I could do incredible things.
Ever read E.E. Cummings? He's one of my mom's favorites, and he's known for his incredible free-verse that not only paints with words but also paints using the placement and form of the words and stanzas on the paper. He can make a little poem mean much, much more just by arranging it a certain way.
It's incredible.
Look his stuff up sometime. You won't regret it.
And for those of you who dislike poetry that isn't all rhyme-y and stuff, try to let go of that. Pick up a book of poetry, read it slowly, let the words wash over you. Or take a piece of paper and doodle with words, not worrying about what matches and what doesn't. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
I want to share with you some of my favorite personal poems I've written in free-verse. I really like looking back at them now, and I feel so proud, instead of embarrassed like how I always felt when I looked back at my older, metrical poems.
Remember, we're human. We're creative. Don't let your poetry be like "An Ode to Spot" by Data (TNG). That only works if you're actually an android.
A Time Ago I Spoke with the Winds
A time ago I spoke with the winds.
There was first Boreas,
fierce and cold.
His words were harsh,
his nature unforgiving.
Then Notos,
hungry for chaos.
Everywhere he went,
disorder arose.
Eureus, the poor east wind.
Unlucky, shy,
and disliked.
I think him quite misunderstood.
But my favorite, that is Zephyr.
The west wind,
warm and soft.
Esteemed above the others.
His embrace, his touch,
spring and summer's love.
The Importance of a Soul
The soul, the Psyche,
no greater invention of God.
For it holds the key,
the entrance to one's being.
What would we be
without a soul?
A shell, perhaps.
Living, animated,
but meaningless.
Or a carved marble man.
Beautiful, lifelike,
and yet, not
more than stone.
Welll, I hope you like the poems...yes, originals of mine ;)
Feel free to comment thoughts!
Picard out.
Anywhooo...
I've gathered you here today to talk about poetry. Let me explain my reason for the title of this post:
For a long, long time, I've always focused solely on rhyming poetry. My mind told me, for some reason, that that was only the real poetry and everything else sucked. My mother, of course, didn't believe that. She is an English major who teaches a lot for my co-ops, and she absolutely loves poetry. Especially the non-metrical free verse stuff. In fact, she herself is a poet of the same type.
Yet in my stubbornness I refused to enjoy such poetry. I love writing, of course, and I really wanted to write poetry and be remembered as a great poet. But I had a lot of trouble writing it; they all were cheesy and quite awful, really.
Until I let go of my stubbornness.
Once I tried to write just a single little poem in a free verse form, a whole world was opened to me. I realized it was so sad I had been holding back all these years, because of a petty and foolish thought in my head. And suddenly, I realized that I could do incredible things.
Ever read E.E. Cummings? He's one of my mom's favorites, and he's known for his incredible free-verse that not only paints with words but also paints using the placement and form of the words and stanzas on the paper. He can make a little poem mean much, much more just by arranging it a certain way.
It's incredible.
Look his stuff up sometime. You won't regret it.
And for those of you who dislike poetry that isn't all rhyme-y and stuff, try to let go of that. Pick up a book of poetry, read it slowly, let the words wash over you. Or take a piece of paper and doodle with words, not worrying about what matches and what doesn't. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
I want to share with you some of my favorite personal poems I've written in free-verse. I really like looking back at them now, and I feel so proud, instead of embarrassed like how I always felt when I looked back at my older, metrical poems.
Remember, we're human. We're creative. Don't let your poetry be like "An Ode to Spot" by Data (TNG). That only works if you're actually an android.
A Time Ago I Spoke with the Winds
A time ago I spoke with the winds.
There was first Boreas,
fierce and cold.
His words were harsh,
his nature unforgiving.
Then Notos,
hungry for chaos.
Everywhere he went,
disorder arose.
Eureus, the poor east wind.
Unlucky, shy,
and disliked.
I think him quite misunderstood.
But my favorite, that is Zephyr.
The west wind,
warm and soft.
Esteemed above the others.
His embrace, his touch,
spring and summer's love.
The Importance of a Soul
The soul, the Psyche,
no greater invention of God.
For it holds the key,
the entrance to one's being.
What would we be
without a soul?
A shell, perhaps.
Living, animated,
but meaningless.
Or a carved marble man.
Beautiful, lifelike,
and yet, not
more than stone.
Welll, I hope you like the poems...yes, originals of mine ;)
Feel free to comment thoughts!
Picard out.
Monday, November 30, 2015
NaNoWriMo: Revelation
Before I say anything else...
HOLY SHCNITZEL ON A STICK I DID IT
Yes, dear reader, this is the truth. I have officially finished my first NaNoWriMo, and I have officially finished my first novel.
It was hard, it was grueling, but I did it.
Okay, so maybe I did change my word count back down to 35k. But that doesn't really matter, right? That's still a large amount of words. And it was still a full blown story, with plot and characters and EVERYTHING.
So be proud of me. How many of you out there actually won NaNo your first year of it? (Okay, so maybe a lot, but c'mon)
To celebrate, I...I don't know.
Maybe I'll not stay up until 11 every night, trying to get in my word count.
Maybe I'll immediately start writing another novel, now that I know what it's like finishing one (actually, this kind of is my plan...)
Maybe I'll go out and get fat on celebratory doughnuts with my writing partner Abby. (Also likely, we discussed this at the beginning of the month XD)
In any case, I'm done. I've finished a book, I know what it's like, I'm motivated to do that again, outside of NaNo.
Be proud of me, people. Trying to write through schoolwork, an obnoxious little brother at home, and craft fair prep is harder than you think.
So, until next time...
HOLY SHCNITZEL ON A STICK I DID IT
Yes, dear reader, this is the truth. I have officially finished my first NaNoWriMo, and I have officially finished my first novel.
It was hard, it was grueling, but I did it.
Okay, so maybe I did change my word count back down to 35k. But that doesn't really matter, right? That's still a large amount of words. And it was still a full blown story, with plot and characters and EVERYTHING.
So be proud of me. How many of you out there actually won NaNo your first year of it? (Okay, so maybe a lot, but c'mon)
To celebrate, I...I don't know.
Maybe I'll not stay up until 11 every night, trying to get in my word count.
Maybe I'll immediately start writing another novel, now that I know what it's like finishing one (actually, this kind of is my plan...)
Maybe I'll go out and get fat on celebratory doughnuts with my writing partner Abby. (Also likely, we discussed this at the beginning of the month XD)
In any case, I'm done. I've finished a book, I know what it's like, I'm motivated to do that again, outside of NaNo.
Be proud of me, people. Trying to write through schoolwork, an obnoxious little brother at home, and craft fair prep is harder than you think.
So, until next time...
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
NaNo Log: Day 11
Ayyy I'm actually keeping up wit dis lyfe. (Insert other stereotypical teenage gobbledygook here.)
Yes, I am sick, and yes, I did get to stay home from co-op today. THOUGH I'm not *exactly* caught up (that would take many, many straight hours of writing), I did get quite a bit done today. Sooo....
Day: 11
Total Words Written: 8,546
Words Written Today: 1,546
Words Left: 36,454
Favorite Line:
Heheh, sorry for the extensive writing excerpt. I'm just really thrilled with this part :) So, pray that I keep up on the writing a lot a day, because it's necessary. VERY necessary. The motivation is so hard, ya know?
Anywho...see ya!
Yes, I am sick, and yes, I did get to stay home from co-op today. THOUGH I'm not *exactly* caught up (that would take many, many straight hours of writing), I did get quite a bit done today. Sooo....
Total Words Written: 8,546
Words Written Today: 1,546
Words Left: 36,454
Favorite Line:
“This is Mission Control.” Said the
man’s deep voice. “Ready for liftoff?”
“Affirmative.”
Marcus said solemnly, nodding approval to Preston beside him.
“Starting
engines now.” Preston turned a dial and the ship roared to life, rumbling
beneath our feet and over our heads.
“T-minus
60, 59, 58…”
My breath
caught as the countdown started. I had nothing to do for now except strap in
and organize myself for launch. Red strapped in next to me.
“45,
44, 43…”
Preston’s
fingers flew over the keys and buttons on his panel. Marcus sat in
anticipation, his hand poised over a little numerical keyboard.
“39, 38,
37, 36…” Sitting back, Preston set his left hand on the armrest and lingered
his other hand over a final lever. Marcus’s fingers started to tremble.
Suddenly he sat bolt upright, bright, intense fear in his eyes. His hand
dropped from the keyboard.
“What are
you doing?” I yelled at him over the tremulous noise.
“I can’t…”
Marcus looked back at me, pleading.
“23, 22,
21…”
“You have
to!” I screamed. The men on the other side of the screen were apparently
oblivious to our situation. Preston and Red were alarmed, but neither could do
a thing.
“15, 14,
13…”
I
unstrapped myself and stumbled over to the captain’s seat. Marcus sat,
statuesque and white as marble.
“10, 9, 8…”
I tore him out of the seat and strapped myself
in. He tripped over to my own seat, and fumbling with the buckles, managed to
get himself tied in.
“5, 4, 3,
2, 1…Please key in launch code ‘030’.”
I did as he
said, my fingers typing in the numbers as quickly as possible. Nodding, I
signaled Preston to complete his final launch duty.
“Liftoff.”
Preston threw the lever forward, and we were instantly pressed against our
seats at the sheer power of the craft. I wanted to turn my head, to see Marcus
as he sat behind me in my own seat. But since the force did not allow me too, I
could only imagine his face.
A face of
pure fear, of pure shame.
Heheh, sorry for the extensive writing excerpt. I'm just really thrilled with this part :) So, pray that I keep up on the writing a lot a day, because it's necessary. VERY necessary. The motivation is so hard, ya know?
Anywho...see ya!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
NaNo Log: Day 10
So, I, uh, KIND OF wrote today. Just a leetle bit. WAITWAITWAIT before you judge, I'm getting sick AND my brother's still home and crying AND I'm still behind on school. And obviously, NaNo isn't my mom's priority for me, right now. But I did what I could, with what I had, where I was. (Teddy Roosevelt, anyone?)
And although this sickness is supposedly just a cold, I'm kind of miserable. Maybe mumsy will let me skip co-op tomorrow, and I will be able to catch up on schoolwork and writing.
Day: 10
Total Words Written: 7,000
Words Written Today: 464
Words Left: 38,000
Favorite Line:
LOOKIE LOOKIE HOW BEAUTIFUL THOSE NUMBERS ARE SO EVEN AND PERFECT hehhhhh...
/\ Me right now.../\
Why, yes, that IS how I look at 9:00 at night, sick and wearing no makeup.
Gollum must leave you now. Gollum says goodbye.
And although this sickness is supposedly just a cold, I'm kind of miserable. Maybe mumsy will let me skip co-op tomorrow, and I will be able to catch up on schoolwork and writing.
Total Words Written: 7,000
Words Written Today: 464
Words Left: 38,000
Favorite Line:
“Good-bye, and good luck.” The official
nodded pertinently and strode through the middle of our group. At the other end
of the bridge he gave a neat salute and disappeared into the dark corridor. We
were all alone now.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
NaNo Log: Day .........8?
Heheh. Sowwy. Life's just been a little crazy for me. IT'S NOT PERSONAL, I PROMISE GUYS I'm totally behind on my word count, too.
A little summary of my life craziness right now:
The little bro just had a surgery. A BIG surgery. So I've been spending many nights and days with friends, trying to get school done and write while not completely shunning the peeps. It's hard. BUT luckily, on Friday night my friend had to babysit so I got an hour and a half of writing in and caught up a bunch. Yay! So please pray, people, I need it right now as does my fam.
And now...
Day: 8...though I've missed logging what, 6 days?
Total Words Written: Haven't finished my writing for the day, but I suppose I should try to get the base down so you get the idea: 6,382
Words Written Today: 548...heh, again, not finished for today. But I got SO much done on Friday, almost 2k, I believe so DON'T JUDGE
Words Left: 38,930 OHMIGOSH GUYS LOOK WHAT
Favorite Line:
A little summary of my life craziness right now:
The little bro just had a surgery. A BIG surgery. So I've been spending many nights and days with friends, trying to get school done and write while not completely shunning the peeps. It's hard. BUT luckily, on Friday night my friend had to babysit so I got an hour and a half of writing in and caught up a bunch. Yay! So please pray, people, I need it right now as does my fam.
And now...
Total Words Written: Haven't finished my writing for the day, but I suppose I should try to get the base down so you get the idea: 6,382
Words Written Today: 548...heh, again, not finished for today. But I got SO much done on Friday, almost 2k, I believe so DON'T JUDGE
Words Left: 38,930 OHMIGOSH GUYS LOOK WHAT
Favorite Line:
It
was the day.
The
morning sprung bright, glistening with dew and the sound of careless birds
singing. I woke up in a puddle of drool on my pillow, still half in my uniform
and my arm draped over an open textbook. But the grogginess in my eyes soon
cleared up.
“The day!” was all I could think. “The day! The day!”
As
I brushed my teeth and smiled into the mirror, “The day!”
As
I arranged my light travelling cases by the door, “The day!”
In
every sound, in everything I thought or saw or tasted, “The day!” Nothing more excited had ever happened, it seemed. My
life before this, truly, was simply the rising action to the climax of today. I
felt a rosy flush in my cheeks and a sparkle in my eye. Nothing could compare
to this feeling. Nothing.
Be proud of me. I had to spend like a whole day or two this week trying to find out how to get a relationshippy talk not sound like it's a bunch of Jr. Highers. Thankee Abby, for being my writing partner <3
Aloha!
Monday, November 2, 2015
NaNo Log: Day 2
So, again, late at night-ish, I finish my writing for the day. I'm gonna jump on the bandwagon and make a little log template for myself, to keep track more easily.
Day: 2
Total Words Written: 2,414
Words Written Today: 1,229
Words Left: 42,586
Favorite Line:
"A gasp caught
in my throat. The sphere, as shown from the scanners, was not a star or other
heavenly body, but instead a planet.
A planet
about ninety million miles from the closest star.
A planet with
a diameter of about thirteen thousand kilometers.
A planet
like Earth."
As I'm sure you've noticed (or not, I don't know how attentive you are), I've bumped up my word goal from 30k to 45k. As I was writing, it just seemed like it was going to be very short, and since it's a sci-fi, I wanted to make it a longer story. Of course, there's a chance I'll change the word goal back if I find I won't have enough content to cover it.
I'm equally as stoked with my story today...but not so much with the writing. It's difficult, sometimes, especially in a sci-fi that deals a lot with technological descriptions. Ever read "Citizen of the Galaxy" by Heinlein? There's literally a whole chapter devoted to explaining the delicate inner workings of the space ship and it's culture. It's still my favorite sci-fi, though. So I though an appropriate geeky meme would fit in nicely with this.
If you don't get this, you're dead to me.
Just kidding. If you don't go watch MST3k* right now, you're dead to me.
*Mystery Science Theater 3000
Adios, peeps. Enjoy life and stuff.
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