It's been nearly two weeks since finishing with my semester, and I've only gotten two grades back.
I manged to get a B- in my business of writing class. I was expecting at least a B, but I guess I kind of messed up near the end and forgot to add a couple things to my portfolio. I got the most important things handed in, but I didn't do as well as I hoped. However, this class was less about the grade and more about what I learned.
The Poetry class I took was far more important to the rest of my schooling. And I got an A-! I'm really proud of that. It's far better than I expected. I believe I needed a B or a B+ to continue into the fourth year, so I'm set for next semester!
And I'm stilling waiting on my grade for my English class. I'm not too worried about it. It's another class where the grade isn't essential, especially considering I was taking it for my minor, not my major. However, I believe I'll get somewhere in the B range.
Read it Before you Steal it!
This work by Afyvarra is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Tuesday 28 April 2015
Tuesday 21 April 2015
Back into the Grind
It already feels like it's been forever since school got out. Maybe because I didn't have any finals, and everyone else is still going through them. Instead of finals though, I have work. After working only a max of 24 hours a week, I have a 39 hour week this week. I'm just over halfway in. The paycheck is going to be glorious...
Anyway, Now that I'm not talking about my class, I really don't know what to say. I've submitted a few pieces of writing to some magazines, and I'm just waiting for replies from them.
Oh! I got the best umbrella ever! I has a sword hilt! I got it yesterday, after many days of sunshine and clear skies. I really wanted a rainy day to try it out. And guess what we got today! Except. it didn't start until around 4, and I was at work since 9 this morning. Without my umbrella. Oh well, I'll try it out next time I leave the house when it's raining.
Anyway, Now that I'm not talking about my class, I really don't know what to say. I've submitted a few pieces of writing to some magazines, and I'm just waiting for replies from them.
Oh! I got the best umbrella ever! I has a sword hilt! I got it yesterday, after many days of sunshine and clear skies. I really wanted a rainy day to try it out. And guess what we got today! Except. it didn't start until around 4, and I was at work since 9 this morning. Without my umbrella. Oh well, I'll try it out next time I leave the house when it's raining.
Saturday 11 April 2015
Writing Excuses
One of my favorite authors is Brandon Sanderson, and for many years he, along with Dan Wells, Howard Taylor, and Mary Robinette Kowal, have been hosting a podcast called Writing Excuses, all about writing. I recently started listening to it, and I'm hooked.
All the authors are knowledgeable about their craft, and about others. It's amazing to hear how often they can quote other authors, without any hesitation or indication that they're reading off of anything. They also use their own works quite often, including stories about their own mistakes and beginnings. It's great to hear, to bring them back down to human level from where we placed them as gods of the writing world.
They give great advice, often addressing listeners as new writers, as most listeners probably are, or if not, they understand the challenges of a new writer. The speakers sound natural and humorous, so it's easier to listen to than a lecture. Each podcast is also only fifteen minutes long, so they pack each episode full of advice and anecdotes, and concentrate exactly on what the subject is for the week. It's like a concentrated dose of a classroom lecture.
Their main piece of advice is always "keep writing". Like any authors, they know that the only way to get better is to always be writing. They say to scrap almost everything you first write, either because it'll only be practice, or you'll be too attached to it to make the changes that need to be made. Maybe what you scrap, whether it's a plot point, a character or a witty line, can be used later in the series, or even in another book.
So far, my favorite piece of advice has been about beginnings. They say to not worry too much about your beginning, not when your first write it. Because that beginning that you first write will probably either get deleted, or get moved so that it's not longer your beginning. In fact, the beginning could be the very last thing you write. As someone who has always struggled with how to start, this is great. Now I just need to learn how to end things.
All the authors are knowledgeable about their craft, and about others. It's amazing to hear how often they can quote other authors, without any hesitation or indication that they're reading off of anything. They also use their own works quite often, including stories about their own mistakes and beginnings. It's great to hear, to bring them back down to human level from where we placed them as gods of the writing world.
They give great advice, often addressing listeners as new writers, as most listeners probably are, or if not, they understand the challenges of a new writer. The speakers sound natural and humorous, so it's easier to listen to than a lecture. Each podcast is also only fifteen minutes long, so they pack each episode full of advice and anecdotes, and concentrate exactly on what the subject is for the week. It's like a concentrated dose of a classroom lecture.
Their main piece of advice is always "keep writing". Like any authors, they know that the only way to get better is to always be writing. They say to scrap almost everything you first write, either because it'll only be practice, or you'll be too attached to it to make the changes that need to be made. Maybe what you scrap, whether it's a plot point, a character or a witty line, can be used later in the series, or even in another book.
So far, my favorite piece of advice has been about beginnings. They say to not worry too much about your beginning, not when your first write it. Because that beginning that you first write will probably either get deleted, or get moved so that it's not longer your beginning. In fact, the beginning could be the very last thing you write. As someone who has always struggled with how to start, this is great. Now I just need to learn how to end things.
Gardens of the Moon review
I am still a couple hundred pages off from finishing this book, but I can already tell that I am hooked. I didn't feel this way for most of the book, however.
Gardens of the Moon, the first book in the Malazon Book of the Fallen series, is by far the most confusing book I have ever read. The author, Steven Erikson, even admits that it's confusing, and it's exactly what he intended. He didn't want to have to lead the reader by the hand through the book, and decided to plop them right down in the middle of everything. All the while, the time skips forward every couple hundred pages or so, and it's difficult to tell what side everyone is on, if they're on a side at all. I don't know whether to applaud his bravery at trying this, or toss the book across the room.
I'm glad I kept with it though. I have experience with books like this, and I trusted that it would get better. It did. A lot of this book relies on the reader to figure stuff out on their own. It treats them like an intelligent thinking being, and after my initial irritation, I really appreciated this.
One reason for this confusion is the narrator. It's so far in the third person omnipresent that it jumps from mind to mind within a single paragraph. Most of the time that I see this in a novel, it's sporadic and unintentional. It's when the chapter is in the POV of one character, but a few times we get the feelings or thoughts of another, just because it's handy for the plot or to keep the reader informed. In Gardens of the Moon, if there is a character mentioned, we know how it feels. This can be both very confusing, as most people are not used to it, but also very handy. We get most of our information this way, either from direct thoughts from characters, or by being able to see the connection between two characters. The narrator is so deep, that it's very rare to actually hear the narrator's voice. I would say that 95% of the story is told by the characters. This includes plot, for what is going on now, and what has happened thousands of years before the story even started.
Gardens of the Moon is meant for an advanced reader, one willing to take on a challenge. It starts off being very difficult and confusing, but once the reader starts to understand, the book is very enjoyable.
Gardens of the Moon, the first book in the Malazon Book of the Fallen series, is by far the most confusing book I have ever read. The author, Steven Erikson, even admits that it's confusing, and it's exactly what he intended. He didn't want to have to lead the reader by the hand through the book, and decided to plop them right down in the middle of everything. All the while, the time skips forward every couple hundred pages or so, and it's difficult to tell what side everyone is on, if they're on a side at all. I don't know whether to applaud his bravery at trying this, or toss the book across the room.
I'm glad I kept with it though. I have experience with books like this, and I trusted that it would get better. It did. A lot of this book relies on the reader to figure stuff out on their own. It treats them like an intelligent thinking being, and after my initial irritation, I really appreciated this.
One reason for this confusion is the narrator. It's so far in the third person omnipresent that it jumps from mind to mind within a single paragraph. Most of the time that I see this in a novel, it's sporadic and unintentional. It's when the chapter is in the POV of one character, but a few times we get the feelings or thoughts of another, just because it's handy for the plot or to keep the reader informed. In Gardens of the Moon, if there is a character mentioned, we know how it feels. This can be both very confusing, as most people are not used to it, but also very handy. We get most of our information this way, either from direct thoughts from characters, or by being able to see the connection between two characters. The narrator is so deep, that it's very rare to actually hear the narrator's voice. I would say that 95% of the story is told by the characters. This includes plot, for what is going on now, and what has happened thousands of years before the story even started.
Gardens of the Moon is meant for an advanced reader, one willing to take on a challenge. It starts off being very difficult and confusing, but once the reader starts to understand, the book is very enjoyable.
Eragon Review
Get ready for a whole ton of reviews as I try and catch up on them! First off, the Eragon series!
I've been interested in this book series for many years, but I finally picked it up a few month ago. It is a young adult novel, so I went in knowing this and expecting much less than I actually got.
Eragon, the first book in the series, was the first book by the author, Christopher Paolini, which he started to write at the age of fifteen. For a first novel, at the age that he wrote it at, it is very impressive. The writing itself improves as the series continues and the plot is developed and thought out (to an extent). The first book reads as if a teenager wrote exactly what they wanted to read, which since it's aimed toward a younger reader, is for the best. For anyone used to more sophisticated and elaborate novels, this series is not for them. It's an easy and enjoyable read, without the headaches that accompany the novels that require a flow chart to follow.
However enjoyable the book is though, it's also predictable. The series is heavily influenced by other high fantasy novels and tropes. It barely deviates away from the stereotypical creatures of fantasy: The humans, the elves, the dragons, the dwarves and the humanoid beasts. It reminds me a lot of Lord of the Rings in this way, but makes up for it with the plot.
The plot itself is not original. It's the basic "unexpected hero becomes extraordinary, and is expected to fight and defeat the villain". What makes it different is that this is not the whole story. When one thinks of dragon riders, if they have even heard of the Eragon series, it will likely pop into their head. This is part of the over arcing story, but under the front cover are unique characters, exciting adventures, and unexpected turns, all of which are tied up in a neat ending, which, I admit, tugs at the heart strings.
Eragon is a great series to read as a child or young adult. It rounds out the high fantasy that Tolkien started, but with a much more immersive world and relatable characters.
I've been interested in this book series for many years, but I finally picked it up a few month ago. It is a young adult novel, so I went in knowing this and expecting much less than I actually got.
Eragon, the first book in the series, was the first book by the author, Christopher Paolini, which he started to write at the age of fifteen. For a first novel, at the age that he wrote it at, it is very impressive. The writing itself improves as the series continues and the plot is developed and thought out (to an extent). The first book reads as if a teenager wrote exactly what they wanted to read, which since it's aimed toward a younger reader, is for the best. For anyone used to more sophisticated and elaborate novels, this series is not for them. It's an easy and enjoyable read, without the headaches that accompany the novels that require a flow chart to follow.
However enjoyable the book is though, it's also predictable. The series is heavily influenced by other high fantasy novels and tropes. It barely deviates away from the stereotypical creatures of fantasy: The humans, the elves, the dragons, the dwarves and the humanoid beasts. It reminds me a lot of Lord of the Rings in this way, but makes up for it with the plot.
The plot itself is not original. It's the basic "unexpected hero becomes extraordinary, and is expected to fight and defeat the villain". What makes it different is that this is not the whole story. When one thinks of dragon riders, if they have even heard of the Eragon series, it will likely pop into their head. This is part of the over arcing story, but under the front cover are unique characters, exciting adventures, and unexpected turns, all of which are tied up in a neat ending, which, I admit, tugs at the heart strings.
Eragon is a great series to read as a child or young adult. It rounds out the high fantasy that Tolkien started, but with a much more immersive world and relatable characters.
Tuesday 7 April 2015
Fan Expo!
I think I have a new addiction.
On Saturday, I went to Fan Expo with my boyfriend. It's my first nerd convention, or any convention, for that matter. I've wanted to go to one for years, but I never really had the friends who would go with me. This year I had more friends, though most of them are poor and couldn't afford to go...
We got there around noon, which is about an hour after it started. The place was packed! I knew it would be busy because it was a Saturday, but once we go into the main part of the convention, which is where all the merchants and signings were, it was almost impossible to move. I guess it didn't help that a lot of people were dressed up,some in very large and extravagant costumes that made it hard to get around, or so good that people kept stopping them to get photos. That being said, I definitely dressed up too. Nothing too extreme, since my textile skills are sorely lacking. I just put on my Link costume, complete with the shield my dad made me for Christmas, and the hat that my boyfriend just made me. The costume was better than ever, and still easy to wear. I even had a few people ask to take pictures with me! One was an adorable little boy dressed as the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz.
We did more than just wander around though. One reason why I canted to go to Fan Expo was for the panels. Most of them didn't interest me too much, like the Q&As with actors from shows I don't watch, or tutorials on drawing for graphic novels. Although I'm sure they were interesting, my drawing skills are at the level of an elementary school kid... We visited one panel on cosplaying (costume playing), which was pretty cool. I'm hoping to work on my textile skills a bit, and maybe make a more elaborate costume for next year. The other panel we went to was done by professional authors.
This one was amazing, because these weren't really well known and popular authors. I had never heard of any of them before. And that's the truth about being an author. So many writers see authors like Rowling and Martin and think that's what their life will be, but in the end it's more like this. Writing a few books, making a few bucks, and maybe talking about your craft to a room of fifty people once a year. Not to say that's a bad thing. It's still better than working a customer service job my whole life...
The authors all said a little blurb about their books, then talked a bit about their lives and how they got to where they are now. Most of them were fairly new, having published for the first time within the last few years. One of them had been writing for twenty five years though! They also ranged in genres, from horror/mystery, to post apocalyptic, to children's literature. One thing I realized while listening to them was that none of them really knew how to describe their books in one or two sentences. They all just kept going, revealing more than a few spoilers. Now I know they're trying to sell their books to readers, not publishers, but it just reminds me of myself,and my whole class, how none of us really feel comfortable talking about our work.
There was only time for a few questions, as the panel was shorter than the rest. Something that came up was planning. The veteran author said that there are two types of writers. Planners and Pantsers. Planners are obviously the ones that plan everything out before they write. Pantsers (which I am one of), write from the seat of their pants.They come up with their plot and everything as they write. Apparently Stephen King is a Pantser. It's more difficult, but can also produce some really good work, because it surprises the author and the reader. Of course, there is always the very high risk of discontinuity errors and mistakes, so Pantsers have to be constantly rereading their own work.
I also got a book signed by one of the authors, because he was giving our free copies of his first novel. I'm not sure if he'll actually earn money from that, but my boyfriend was interested in the book, so he might buy the rest of the series.
We stayed at the Expo until it closed at 7, which seemed way too early in my opinion. There was just so much more to see and explore. I wish I had splurged and bought the three day pass, or even a two day pass. But I guess I'll just have to look forward to next year.
On Saturday, I went to Fan Expo with my boyfriend. It's my first nerd convention, or any convention, for that matter. I've wanted to go to one for years, but I never really had the friends who would go with me. This year I had more friends, though most of them are poor and couldn't afford to go...
We got there around noon, which is about an hour after it started. The place was packed! I knew it would be busy because it was a Saturday, but once we go into the main part of the convention, which is where all the merchants and signings were, it was almost impossible to move. I guess it didn't help that a lot of people were dressed up,some in very large and extravagant costumes that made it hard to get around, or so good that people kept stopping them to get photos. That being said, I definitely dressed up too. Nothing too extreme, since my textile skills are sorely lacking. I just put on my Link costume, complete with the shield my dad made me for Christmas, and the hat that my boyfriend just made me. The costume was better than ever, and still easy to wear. I even had a few people ask to take pictures with me! One was an adorable little boy dressed as the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz.
We did more than just wander around though. One reason why I canted to go to Fan Expo was for the panels. Most of them didn't interest me too much, like the Q&As with actors from shows I don't watch, or tutorials on drawing for graphic novels. Although I'm sure they were interesting, my drawing skills are at the level of an elementary school kid... We visited one panel on cosplaying (costume playing), which was pretty cool. I'm hoping to work on my textile skills a bit, and maybe make a more elaborate costume for next year. The other panel we went to was done by professional authors.
This one was amazing, because these weren't really well known and popular authors. I had never heard of any of them before. And that's the truth about being an author. So many writers see authors like Rowling and Martin and think that's what their life will be, but in the end it's more like this. Writing a few books, making a few bucks, and maybe talking about your craft to a room of fifty people once a year. Not to say that's a bad thing. It's still better than working a customer service job my whole life...
The authors all said a little blurb about their books, then talked a bit about their lives and how they got to where they are now. Most of them were fairly new, having published for the first time within the last few years. One of them had been writing for twenty five years though! They also ranged in genres, from horror/mystery, to post apocalyptic, to children's literature. One thing I realized while listening to them was that none of them really knew how to describe their books in one or two sentences. They all just kept going, revealing more than a few spoilers. Now I know they're trying to sell their books to readers, not publishers, but it just reminds me of myself,and my whole class, how none of us really feel comfortable talking about our work.
There was only time for a few questions, as the panel was shorter than the rest. Something that came up was planning. The veteran author said that there are two types of writers. Planners and Pantsers. Planners are obviously the ones that plan everything out before they write. Pantsers (which I am one of), write from the seat of their pants.They come up with their plot and everything as they write. Apparently Stephen King is a Pantser. It's more difficult, but can also produce some really good work, because it surprises the author and the reader. Of course, there is always the very high risk of discontinuity errors and mistakes, so Pantsers have to be constantly rereading their own work.
I also got a book signed by one of the authors, because he was giving our free copies of his first novel. I'm not sure if he'll actually earn money from that, but my boyfriend was interested in the book, so he might buy the rest of the series.
We stayed at the Expo until it closed at 7, which seemed way too early in my opinion. There was just so much more to see and explore. I wish I had splurged and bought the three day pass, or even a two day pass. But I guess I'll just have to look forward to next year.
Thursday 2 April 2015
Business of Writing: The End (Almost)
It's getting to the end of the semester, and I'm supposed to be looking back at what I've learned, and how I've changed. A think a list is the simplest way to answer this.
1) Don't procrastinate. You do NOT have time to finish off a list of fifty things in the last three weeks of class, even if you do have things planned out.
2) Learn to do taxes. You won't have your mom or dad around forever to do them for you.
3) Learn what and how to write things off.
4) Homework is more important than Youtube, or Reddit, or Facebook...
5) Perhaps this blog is more important than you think. Maybe, just maybe, people are actually reading this...
6) Approach people, because they will not approach you. People don't bite... most of the time.
7) Don't compare yourself to your favorite author. You'll only feel bad afterward. Sure, aim to be as good as they are, but never compare.
8) Your CV will never get better until you stop moping about it and actually do something about it. Not all, if any, magazines will care about your current CV, so don't think it reflects your skill, or how they will view your work.
9) If you write something, it means something to you. Even if it's a fantasy piece that has absolutely nothing to do with this world, it still means something to you. Make sure people know that.
10) Even if it's just to bring joy and happiness to people, your work means something. (Note: I hate and struggle against the idea that speculative fiction is not real literature, or not real writing. Just because it doesn't always hold a message, or relate to real life situations, doesn't mean that it's not worth reading and writing, nor is it the easy form of writing.)
11) Learn to talk! If you can't speak up in a class of ten peers, how will you speak in front of an audience of strangers?
1) Don't procrastinate. You do NOT have time to finish off a list of fifty things in the last three weeks of class, even if you do have things planned out.
2) Learn to do taxes. You won't have your mom or dad around forever to do them for you.
3) Learn what and how to write things off.
4) Homework is more important than Youtube, or Reddit, or Facebook...
5) Perhaps this blog is more important than you think. Maybe, just maybe, people are actually reading this...
6) Approach people, because they will not approach you. People don't bite... most of the time.
7) Don't compare yourself to your favorite author. You'll only feel bad afterward. Sure, aim to be as good as they are, but never compare.
8) Your CV will never get better until you stop moping about it and actually do something about it. Not all, if any, magazines will care about your current CV, so don't think it reflects your skill, or how they will view your work.
9) If you write something, it means something to you. Even if it's a fantasy piece that has absolutely nothing to do with this world, it still means something to you. Make sure people know that.
10) Even if it's just to bring joy and happiness to people, your work means something. (Note: I hate and struggle against the idea that speculative fiction is not real literature, or not real writing. Just because it doesn't always hold a message, or relate to real life situations, doesn't mean that it's not worth reading and writing, nor is it the easy form of writing.)
11) Learn to talk! If you can't speak up in a class of ten peers, how will you speak in front of an audience of strangers?
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