Even More Good News (Maybe)

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here, but it ends up my Personal Narrative piece actually did get published in my college's anthology. I didn't get paid, but it's still pretty amazing. Now I've just finished three more creative writing classes, Speculative Fiction, Advanced Poetry Writing and Writing for Children's Literature. I don't think any speculative fiction is every submitted to the anthology, since it's not considered a serious genre (bullshit in my opinion), and I have not heard anything from my poetry professor. But my children's literature professor is interested in submitting my picture book to the anthology! I'm not sure how that works, as I've never seen a section for children's literature in the anthology, but I'll trust that she knows what she's doing. If it is supposed to be incorporated in the fiction section, that means it's going up against all fiction, not just children literature, in which case it doesn't seem like I would have much of a chance, as I doubt people would rather read a picture book over more mature fiction. But I'm still hopeful.

In other news, I'm almost done with my second year at college. This semester as been the easiest one I've had, with three creative writing classes. I only have two finals, one of which is only on the stuff we learned since the midterm, so that should make it much easier. The second final is for American Literature, an the books we read for that class were all pretty boring. I'm kind of worried, because it's so difficult to study for english classes. The best I could do is re-read all the books but considering the first one we read was so bad that I never actually finished it... I don't think I can get through even one book by Friday. I guess I'll just Sparknote as many as I can so I can refresh my memory, and after that I'll just have to rely on luck.

My life in Seven Steps

On Thursday I had my final Speculative Fiction Writing class, and because of this we had a bit of a party. I made some sugar cookies, which my friends ate some of before class. I had five extra, but at some point between handing them out and the end of class, the five of them were taken and someone put a different cookie into my container... Anyway, the real entertaining part was a writing exercise we did. It was very quickly written and I'm kind of ashamed of it. But it was the message behind it that was interesting. Basically it was a sort of psychology exercise, where what you write tells something about your personality. I won't give too many details at the moment, in case anyone wants to try it out.

First you start off in a place of dense flora. Describe what you see, how you feel, what you do, ect.

I started off in a rainforest, with moist air that felt like sweat and a clear blue sky. Something above me hissed, but was gone before I could figure out that it was.

Next you find a road. Describe how you react, what it looks like...

I stumbled over the first couple rocks as they jutted from the ground, but after that the road became smooth, maintained and perfectly straight, with no obstructions for a long time.

You then find a key. Describe it, what you do with it...

The key I found was delicate, like something from an elvish fairy tale. The prongs were very skinny.

Then you find a cup. What does it look like, what do you do with it?

I found a crystal wine glass, with the stem so tin it looked like it would break the second I touched it.

Finally you come upon an obstacle. What is it? How do you get around it?

My obstacle was a large wall covered with ivy. When I brushed the leaves aside, I found a rock wall with a hole for a key. I simply insert the key and walk through. (I have no idea how this logic works, I was very rushed for this questions)

On the other side of the obstacle is some form of water. What is this body of water? What do you do?

It was a crystal clear pond, with tiny ripples that made it shimmer. I looked down at it as if it was a mirror, but didn't see my reflection.

Not far away is a shelter. What does it look like? What do you do?

It's a simply cabin. Inside looks like it's been recently vacated, so I begin looking around for some food. I find an apple and leave.

The final part is when you leave the forest, or wherever you are. What do you see? What do you do?

I leave the forest and come upon a clearing. About ten feet away is a sharp drop, and below the forest continues. I try to find a way down.

Now for the meanings:

The forest is your outlook on life

The road is the path you will take

The key is your knowledge

The cup is your love life

The obstacle is your problems and how you get around them\

The body of water is your sensuality

The shelter is your home life

The clearing is your death

How I interpreted my writing:

I'm kind of unsure about the forest part, just that there are unseen dangers?

My path starts off bumpy, but as I go along is smooths out and I can easily see and reach my life goals

My knowledge is kind of odd... I guess elves are smart...

I suppose the cup means that I'm afraid to touch love because it could break?

I like the obstacle part. I means I use my knowledge to get around any problems

My sensuality is the best. I have none.

When it comes to my home life, all I want is food. I don't care about companion ship, as long as there is food (classy, right?)

And finally, I will only accept death if it looks just as good as life. (I'm not suicidal! I swear! I have this ability to laugh at myself... And my utter lack of sensuality. Hehe. However, I don't want to lose my memory and mind with old age, so maybe that's what it means.)

I hope this provided some entertainment, and I really hope you tried it before reading the meanings. After it's just ruined.

Book Bomb

About six days ago the son of one of my favourite authors, David Farland, was in an accident and went into a coma. Because the author is American, and because he is a writer, he has no insurance. For this reason, a Book Bomb is being held. This means that today one of his books, Nightingale, is being bought by anyone who wishes to donate to him. There is another way to donate, simply by giving money, but I'm more interested in the book. I wanted to buy a limited edition signed hard cover for $25.00, but apparently you have to live in the states to get that. I looked at the Canadian Amazon, but the prices were a lot higher, and the shippers didn't look all tat trustworthy. I don't like paying just as much for the shipping as I did for the book. So, I went to the book's website, and there I was finally able to get one of the signed hard cover editions for $25.00. (It said free shipping in the US... There was no shipping for my order...)

Anyway, here is the link to his webpage, if you're interested. It's a fairly small book, only about 480 pages. I think several of my friends would be interested, because as you can see, the main character is a good looking guy. Personally, I like David Farland because of his Runelords series, but this book has won multiple awards, so I'm going to give it a try.

I know lots of my friends are a little low on cash, but imagine how desperate this family is? You can read more about the son here. It's amazing how much damage a long boarding accident can cause. Also on this page you can donate some money without buying a book.

Some Good and Bad News

Sorry about yet another slow update. Truth be told, I've barely even turned my laptop on for the past few days. That's pretty big for me, considering my whole summer is pretty much holed up in my room, avoiding the sun and playing on my laptop... Anyway, school is almost over and because of this I've had a ton of essays, projects and final assignments due. I've finished most of them, but I still have a project due tomorrow and a revised copy of the beginning of one of my stories due on Friday, then I also have two finals, which is actually really good. So I can pick up on my blog once this is all over.

I'll start with the good news first. I've learned how to get my work submitted to magazines and hopefully published. It's a critical step toward getting paid for my work, and getting grants. So, I'll be working on that a lot.

The bad news is, no more work will be posted here. I can still post small writing exercises that I've done and a few smaller things, but no poems or short stories. Another problem is the possible closure of Blogger. I haven't heard much about that, just some rumours, but if it happens, I'm not even sure if I'll continue with the blog.

Not a Morning Person

Blah, late post, I'm sorry. I've been really tired lately. I worked the closing shift at work yesterday, and the morning shift this morning, so I'm pretty tired. Because of this I don't feel like doing homework... Not to mention I only have about a week left, so my motivation is getting pretty slim. Right now I'm just watching Netflix. And writing this blog. And doing prety much anything other than being productive. But I swear, tomorrow will be better! I work the closing shift again, so I have most of my day to work on stuff. Anyway, just a quick update to tell you that I'm still here and ave not forgotten about the blog.

The Dragon Reborn is Failing

First off, I have to apologize for my terrible April Fools prank on Monday. I am ashamed of how lame it was. I swear, I will never even try again.

In other words, go here and vote for Rand al'Thor. There is absolutely no way the Dragon Reborn would lose to a girl prancing around half naked... I hold a lot of rage for Xena. I swear, the only reason why she is winning this contest is because there are a lot of middle aged men who enjoyed watching that show because she's a female and dressed in barely more than a mini skirt and a couple metal bowls. And honestly, if she stumbled over her own feet, that breast plate could kill her... I read that somewhere, but I can't remember where. Something about something puncturing the lungs or heart. But still! She's completely unrealistic. No one would be stupid enough to get into a fight with that much skin exposed. No matter how good you are with a sword, you're going to die, whether from a weapon or from exposure.

And if you vote for her, shame. Shame on you. The contest is about bravery. *SPOILER ALERT FOR WHEEL OF TIME* Rand willingly gave his life to save the world and lived for two years in excruciation pain, during which he fought to rid the world of evil, all the while preparing himself to face the ultimate evil. While going insane. How much braver can you get? What has Xena done? Prance around in a metal bikini? The only difference between her and Princess Leia is that Leia unwillingly wore that bikini, and she actually had some modesty.

Okay, I'm done with my rant. Just go vote for Rand... Please?

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