Dementor wasps sound like fun, don't they?
They are part of the 139 new species that were discovered in the Greater Mekong Region in 2014. That's a lot of new species, especially when a mammal is among them.
Another species is a Crocodile newt, which sounds adorable.
Here's an article about the new species:
'Dementor' wasp, giant stick insect among new Mekong finds.
The bat picture they use as the main image is cute as well. It smiles with it's pointy teeth and says "I'm ready for my close up."
I love hearing about new animals being discovered. Some are extremely cute, others are so poisonous you get sick reading about it.
What's even better is that these aren't from someone's imagination, they're real, and they're here.
I've been trying to create some creatures for my fantasy adventure novels, and there are some, in the heat of a scene, that come out as the most ridiculous things I've ever thought of. I need to plan better sometimes. Or maybe I should take a trip to Mekong and discover a new species for myself. (Only joking. Though it would be fun to discover a new species).
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Wednesday Writing
Today I'm going to link to two topics from Janet Reid's (Literary Agent) blog (again) on something that has given me trouble since it was introduced in grade school, the synopsis.
I could never grasp what was important, what was filler, and when to add the emotion (well, the latter was something I've only had to deal with now).
I found some pretty good sites on the internet that detail out how to write a short synopsis, but if I'm teaching myself, I need to see it multiple ways.
So, here is another way: Query Question: What the "deuce" is a brief synopsis? and the follow up, How to Write a Brief Synopsis.
I am certainly no expert when it come to a synopsis, I can tell you they need to have the conclusion of the story and some emotion, but besides that, I'm not a good source. I recommend checking these links out.
I could never grasp what was important, what was filler, and when to add the emotion (well, the latter was something I've only had to deal with now).
I found some pretty good sites on the internet that detail out how to write a short synopsis, but if I'm teaching myself, I need to see it multiple ways.
So, here is another way: Query Question: What the "deuce" is a brief synopsis? and the follow up, How to Write a Brief Synopsis.
I am certainly no expert when it come to a synopsis, I can tell you they need to have the conclusion of the story and some emotion, but besides that, I'm not a good source. I recommend checking these links out.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Tuesday Tech
Goodness! I almost titled today "Monday Musings." As you can see, the weekend swallowed me alive, only to spit me out at work, wondering what day it is.
Here are two articles for today:
Something fun: "Iron Man" Phone by Samsung
Something professional: 15 Body Language Secrets of Successful People
I just got a new phone, but it's no where near as snazzy as the Iron Man phone (the one in the movies or the one Samsung is releasing). I did try to find some cool cases that cover part of the front, making the shell and the empty space on the front look seamless, but alas, I'm just not that cool.
The second article is pretty interesting. I know I have a slouching problem (something that is considered disrespectful), a lot of people my age do. For me, I don't mind when people slouch because I do and it never means I'm not interested or engaged, that's just how I sit. It's when people lean back in their chair and put their feet on the table do I cringe (in a meeting that is).
The second article would be good for writers, and artists, since body language is a good way to tell the characters attitude or interest in a situation without having to spell it out for people.
Here are two articles for today:
Something fun: "Iron Man" Phone by Samsung
Something professional: 15 Body Language Secrets of Successful People
I just got a new phone, but it's no where near as snazzy as the Iron Man phone (the one in the movies or the one Samsung is releasing). I did try to find some cool cases that cover part of the front, making the shell and the empty space on the front look seamless, but alas, I'm just not that cool.
The second article is pretty interesting. I know I have a slouching problem (something that is considered disrespectful), a lot of people my age do. For me, I don't mind when people slouch because I do and it never means I'm not interested or engaged, that's just how I sit. It's when people lean back in their chair and put their feet on the table do I cringe (in a meeting that is).
The second article would be good for writers, and artists, since body language is a good way to tell the characters attitude or interest in a situation without having to spell it out for people.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Friday Fun
I apologize now for the swearing in the comic (and the gesture. Nothing else is inappropriate on that page). I don't usually post these things, but sometimes you need to know why you're frustrated with your work:
once-again-spite-conquers-all comic by 3DMatt (link goes out to the post's page on Tumblr).
Have a wonderful weekend, and don't let evil space wizards hold you back.
once-again-spite-conquers-all comic by 3DMatt (link goes out to the post's page on Tumblr).
Have a wonderful weekend, and don't let evil space wizards hold you back.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Thursday Travel
Genetic Study Identifies Young Paternal Lineages in Europe.
It says that 2 out of 3 modern European men came from 1 of 3 paternal lineages.
Let's see if I can recall high school genetics: It's hard to trace female DNA like this because the X chromosomes split and connect with another half, mixing together the parent's DNA. However, the Y chromosome is just passed from father to son.
There is mitochondrial DNA in hair that can determine maternal lineage, but we never got into too much detail about that. Besides, hair from centuries old skeletons is probably hard to find.
Anyway, I just thought this sounded inspiring for a story or a plot.
I'm still posting tomorrow, but wanted to say: Have a good weekend! And if you are celebrating a holiday, have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Here's a map from the article:
Map from archaeology.org
It says that 2 out of 3 modern European men came from 1 of 3 paternal lineages.
Let's see if I can recall high school genetics: It's hard to trace female DNA like this because the X chromosomes split and connect with another half, mixing together the parent's DNA. However, the Y chromosome is just passed from father to son.
There is mitochondrial DNA in hair that can determine maternal lineage, but we never got into too much detail about that. Besides, hair from centuries old skeletons is probably hard to find.
Anyway, I just thought this sounded inspiring for a story or a plot.
I'm still posting tomorrow, but wanted to say: Have a good weekend! And if you are celebrating a holiday, have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Here's a map from the article:
Map from archaeology.org
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Wednesday Writing
It's an editing day for me, I hope. I guess what I really should say is "it's editing day if work doesn't get in the way," which it will.
One of my favorite things from editing my first MS was when I learned about "crutch words," those words that you tend to use over, and over, and over again. I know I have a ton of them, "I guess," "Anyway," "so," and others.
Here is a blog post about clutch words by Michelle4Laughs: Crutch or clutch words. Throw them in the trash. (A blogger blog).
My first question was "How can you even tell what word is a crutch word?"
I don't remember who first suggested it, but what is recommended is to copy your whole MS and paste it in a program to create a word cloud. The word cloud will find repeated words, tally them, and show you, in an image, what your most used words are. It's fun, funny, and sometimes a little depressing, to see what words pop up often.
Character names came up a lot, which I figured. "I" also came up a lot, but the MS was in first person. But between the very large character names, hid words that were frequent enough to show up in the cloud. I don't remember what they were, but I can tell you, I went back to the MS, did a "Find" command, and took as many out as I could.
I believe this is the generator I used: Wordle.
This is just another way to look at your MS, because we all need a new perspective on occasions.
One of my favorite things from editing my first MS was when I learned about "crutch words," those words that you tend to use over, and over, and over again. I know I have a ton of them, "I guess," "Anyway," "so," and others.
Here is a blog post about clutch words by Michelle4Laughs: Crutch or clutch words. Throw them in the trash. (A blogger blog).
My first question was "How can you even tell what word is a crutch word?"
I don't remember who first suggested it, but what is recommended is to copy your whole MS and paste it in a program to create a word cloud. The word cloud will find repeated words, tally them, and show you, in an image, what your most used words are. It's fun, funny, and sometimes a little depressing, to see what words pop up often.
Character names came up a lot, which I figured. "I" also came up a lot, but the MS was in first person. But between the very large character names, hid words that were frequent enough to show up in the cloud. I don't remember what they were, but I can tell you, I went back to the MS, did a "Find" command, and took as many out as I could.
I believe this is the generator I used: Wordle.
This is just another way to look at your MS, because we all need a new perspective on occasions.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Tuesday Tech
Today is actually a techie day because I found an interesting article about 3D printing: 3D-Printed Exoskeleton Hands Could Augment Human Bodies (Link goes out to PSFK).
3D printing has really taken off in the past few years. On Etsy, there are many customs, creatures, and add-ons that were printed using someone's 3D printing. It's really fascinating to see what people are using the technology for.
This article shows yet another facet of the printer's capabilities, helping humans do more, better. The main image, a hand with an exoskeleton that looks like claws or talons, is a pretty cool sight. While it's awesome we may be able to do work differently, I think it looks like a pretty awesome addition to a costume.
But I wonder what else people will be making with 3D printers. With everyone who does good, or really cool things, there tends to be people who create more nefarious things (right now all I can picture is all those Scooby-Doo badies having an easier time with their costumes).
Yes, I'm leading to a theme/idea/inspiration for writing. It may be cheesy, it may be brilliant, but imagine an antagonist who utilized 3D printing for, well, whatever they do. Of course, you can flip this. Imagine a Batman-esque superhero, minus the wealth. Instead they use their skills to create something to increase their normal, human abilities.
Just an interesting thought.
Anyway, I don't actually own a 3D printer, but one day, I know I'll be getting one.
3D printing has really taken off in the past few years. On Etsy, there are many customs, creatures, and add-ons that were printed using someone's 3D printing. It's really fascinating to see what people are using the technology for.
This article shows yet another facet of the printer's capabilities, helping humans do more, better. The main image, a hand with an exoskeleton that looks like claws or talons, is a pretty cool sight. While it's awesome we may be able to do work differently, I think it looks like a pretty awesome addition to a costume.
But I wonder what else people will be making with 3D printers. With everyone who does good, or really cool things, there tends to be people who create more nefarious things (right now all I can picture is all those Scooby-Doo badies having an easier time with their costumes).
Yes, I'm leading to a theme/idea/inspiration for writing. It may be cheesy, it may be brilliant, but imagine an antagonist who utilized 3D printing for, well, whatever they do. Of course, you can flip this. Imagine a Batman-esque superhero, minus the wealth. Instead they use their skills to create something to increase their normal, human abilities.
Just an interesting thought.
Anyway, I don't actually own a 3D printer, but one day, I know I'll be getting one.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Monday Musings
Have you ever finished a series, be it book or television, and felt like your hollow inside? As if the story, the characters and their antics, filled a void?
I finished several stories this weekend (not written by me), and boy is today rough. Not all characters make it to the end of the story, so I'm usually still mourning their death for a few days, whenever I think about the story.
I'm sure I posted about it here before, but it warrants saying it again, all of my favorite characters die. All of them. Ok, yes, there are some that survive, but an unnatural percentage die. It got to the point I would say "I like so-and-so," and the next scene, they died. Sometimes I would go back and forth on my opinion on a character and I would end up liking them, only to have them die five minutes later.
A joke on the Talking Dead, the talk show after the Walking Dead, is that the moral compass on the show tends to die. I think that can be said about a lot of stories. In the first Avengers movie, was Coulson's death not used to rally the Avengers to action? In Pacific Rim, was Raleigh's brother Yancy's death not meant to stir something in him? (Nerdy references, but they were the ones that jumped out at me first that many people know of).
Death often propels a character into action. As in the cases above, we learn that not all death is permanent, but it's pretty safe to assume you won't see the character again. This finality is what forces a decision to be made to take action against the zombie invaders from the dark realm. It's a powerful tool to use, but it has to be done right.
Someone has to care about the character, be it the audience or the main character. This character should also be a turning point. Their death means there is no legitimate claim to the throne, or that now humanity's last hope is gone. Or, the character's death frees the MC - or antagonist- from what tied them to normalcy. Now, they are free to do as they please, and that will have consequences for someone.
Just some thoughts on a not so pleasant topic on a Monday. But, it's something to think about as I continue to mourn the loss of another beloved character.
I finished several stories this weekend (not written by me), and boy is today rough. Not all characters make it to the end of the story, so I'm usually still mourning their death for a few days, whenever I think about the story.
I'm sure I posted about it here before, but it warrants saying it again, all of my favorite characters die. All of them. Ok, yes, there are some that survive, but an unnatural percentage die. It got to the point I would say "I like so-and-so," and the next scene, they died. Sometimes I would go back and forth on my opinion on a character and I would end up liking them, only to have them die five minutes later.
A joke on the Talking Dead, the talk show after the Walking Dead, is that the moral compass on the show tends to die. I think that can be said about a lot of stories. In the first Avengers movie, was Coulson's death not used to rally the Avengers to action? In Pacific Rim, was Raleigh's brother Yancy's death not meant to stir something in him? (Nerdy references, but they were the ones that jumped out at me first that many people know of).
Death often propels a character into action. As in the cases above, we learn that not all death is permanent, but it's pretty safe to assume you won't see the character again. This finality is what forces a decision to be made to take action against the zombie invaders from the dark realm. It's a powerful tool to use, but it has to be done right.
Someone has to care about the character, be it the audience or the main character. This character should also be a turning point. Their death means there is no legitimate claim to the throne, or that now humanity's last hope is gone. Or, the character's death frees the MC - or antagonist- from what tied them to normalcy. Now, they are free to do as they please, and that will have consequences for someone.
Just some thoughts on a not so pleasant topic on a Monday. But, it's something to think about as I continue to mourn the loss of another beloved character.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Friday Fun
Here is some interesting trivia: Disney has been recycling the same animation footage for years.
Ok, it's not really news, but it is interesting, especially when someone puts the scenes next to each other.
There are also clips of the filler animation where there may be a funny image hidden in the changing emotion of a character's face. It's so split second that the human eye can't catch it. I don't remember where I saw it, but it was interesting.
Have a wonderful weekend and maybe watch a movie or two.
Ok, it's not really news, but it is interesting, especially when someone puts the scenes next to each other.
There are also clips of the filler animation where there may be a funny image hidden in the changing emotion of a character's face. It's so split second that the human eye can't catch it. I don't remember where I saw it, but it was interesting.
Have a wonderful weekend and maybe watch a movie or two.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Thursday Travels
To continue with last Thursday's post about China, here's another article that will hopefully spark some inspiration for a character or scene: Epitaphs From Ming Dynasty Translated.
The title of the article is a little on the misleading side, as they only discussed an epitaph of a woman called Lady Mei.
She lived more recently compared to the late doctor from last Thursday's post, but what bits of the epitaph they quoted made Lady Mei out to be an impressive person, or at least beloved.
A writing prompt idea with this story in mind: use your character's voice (or a voice you want to practice) to describe this woman, like they knew her. What was Lady Mei like? What hobbies did she enjoy? Or even, what were the days of mourning after her passing like?
The title of the article is a little on the misleading side, as they only discussed an epitaph of a woman called Lady Mei.
She lived more recently compared to the late doctor from last Thursday's post, but what bits of the epitaph they quoted made Lady Mei out to be an impressive person, or at least beloved.
A writing prompt idea with this story in mind: use your character's voice (or a voice you want to practice) to describe this woman, like they knew her. What was Lady Mei like? What hobbies did she enjoy? Or even, what were the days of mourning after her passing like?
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Wednesday Writing
For this Wednesday, a guide for writers or an insight for readers on what part of the publishing process looks like.
This was posted on Janet Reid's (the literary agent) blog last week, but I thought it so fantastically amazing, it needed to be linked to this week:
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2015/05/query-question-withdrawing-query.html.
The question, as the link suggests, was about withdrawing a query. However, the editing advice for people who want to submit their stories was fantastic. It bluntly tells you the steps and if you (should) consider yourself ready to submit to agents.
Like anything you put your name on, you want to make sure the work you are sending out is the best you can possibly make it. I'm sure the first time I submitted my MS to agents it was the best I could possibly do at the time. Now, I'm sitting on it again, working on another story, and making plans to learn more about writing so that when I face that MS again, I'll be ready to make it even better.
This was posted on Janet Reid's (the literary agent) blog last week, but I thought it so fantastically amazing, it needed to be linked to this week:
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2015/05/query-question-withdrawing-query.html.
The question, as the link suggests, was about withdrawing a query. However, the editing advice for people who want to submit their stories was fantastic. It bluntly tells you the steps and if you (should) consider yourself ready to submit to agents.
Like anything you put your name on, you want to make sure the work you are sending out is the best you can possibly make it. I'm sure the first time I submitted my MS to agents it was the best I could possibly do at the time. Now, I'm sitting on it again, working on another story, and making plans to learn more about writing so that when I face that MS again, I'll be ready to make it even better.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Tuesday Tech
One of the big stories of the day, according to the numerous articles I saw about it, is that Verizon is acquiring AOL.
But, that's not what I'm talking about. Yesterday, I kind of switched things up, posting about younger people working on their dreams and how they inspire others.
I should re-label today as "Muesday" and yesterday as "Tonday" so I can keep my alliterations.
Anyway, today it's all about being productive. Writers, like anyone else who is working on anything, have moments (you know days, weeks, years) where it's hard to be productive. It could be a marvelous Spring day outside, but you're wired to your desk, or you could be excited about an upcoming trip and all you can think about is what to pack. It could even just be a "I don't feel like doing this" kind of day. Thing is, you've gotta do the work. It's needed if you want to succeed.
In comes the article: Naturally successful people do these 5 things at work every day.
The one I want to bring to your attention is item three, "They focus for 45, then break for 15."
I've never tried taking breaks this frequently as I've always been the kind of person who "takes a break when I need it." And I know when I need it. Otherwise, frequent breaks cause me to lose focus because my mind thinks we were done with task A.
However, this is worth a shot. As the article talks about, a teacher moved to Finland to teach and discovered the 45 minutes of instruction followed by 15 minutes of freedom kept the students energized. Energy is definitely something I could use.
Yesterday I was successful in moving towards a second completed MS, so, I'm going to try the frequent breaks today. Perhaps I'll be able to figure out some of the issues with the MS as I move forward.
Who knows, maybe this will help a lot of people succeed in their work.
But, that's not what I'm talking about. Yesterday, I kind of switched things up, posting about younger people working on their dreams and how they inspire others.
I should re-label today as "Muesday" and yesterday as "Tonday" so I can keep my alliterations.
Anyway, today it's all about being productive. Writers, like anyone else who is working on anything, have moments (you know days, weeks, years) where it's hard to be productive. It could be a marvelous Spring day outside, but you're wired to your desk, or you could be excited about an upcoming trip and all you can think about is what to pack. It could even just be a "I don't feel like doing this" kind of day. Thing is, you've gotta do the work. It's needed if you want to succeed.
In comes the article: Naturally successful people do these 5 things at work every day.
The one I want to bring to your attention is item three, "They focus for 45, then break for 15."
I've never tried taking breaks this frequently as I've always been the kind of person who "takes a break when I need it." And I know when I need it. Otherwise, frequent breaks cause me to lose focus because my mind thinks we were done with task A.
However, this is worth a shot. As the article talks about, a teacher moved to Finland to teach and discovered the 45 minutes of instruction followed by 15 minutes of freedom kept the students energized. Energy is definitely something I could use.
Yesterday I was successful in moving towards a second completed MS, so, I'm going to try the frequent breaks today. Perhaps I'll be able to figure out some of the issues with the MS as I move forward.
Who knows, maybe this will help a lot of people succeed in their work.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Monday Muses
Going through my normal weekday morning ritual, I read some articles while eating my granola bar breakfast, and I found a very interesting pattern in the articles I was drawn to, they were all about young 20-somethings who jump-started their career or found their passion.
24 was the repeated age in most of the articles I was reading. 24 when I realized I was comparing myself to everyone else who had amazing careers or were earning their degrees. 24 when I found my passion to start my business. Even a recommendation to live cheaply in your 20s.
But the article I really enjoyed was: Meet the 13-year-old CEO who built a $200,000 business and is mentored by Daymond John.
I do enjoy Shark Tank (both the show and the blog) and remember when the boy came in to get a deal for his business. It was a wonderful sight to see that Daymond John offered to be his mentor - something extremely invaluable.
Many of the articles I read this morning, and people who enter "the tank," seem to touch on the fact that many people are still looking for guidance. We spend out entire childhood having people tell us what to do and when it's our turn to do what we want, we freeze.
So, take some inspiration from this young CEO (in the article, not me) and do something towards reaching your dream (or at least one of them) today. Even if it's only fifteen minutes, you'll be that much closer to realizing a dream, and you'll be better for it.
Me? I'm hitting the books - both the ones I've written and the ones that help writers improve.
24 was the repeated age in most of the articles I was reading. 24 when I realized I was comparing myself to everyone else who had amazing careers or were earning their degrees. 24 when I found my passion to start my business. Even a recommendation to live cheaply in your 20s.
But the article I really enjoyed was: Meet the 13-year-old CEO who built a $200,000 business and is mentored by Daymond John.
I do enjoy Shark Tank (both the show and the blog) and remember when the boy came in to get a deal for his business. It was a wonderful sight to see that Daymond John offered to be his mentor - something extremely invaluable.
Many of the articles I read this morning, and people who enter "the tank," seem to touch on the fact that many people are still looking for guidance. We spend out entire childhood having people tell us what to do and when it's our turn to do what we want, we freeze.
So, take some inspiration from this young CEO (in the article, not me) and do something towards reaching your dream (or at least one of them) today. Even if it's only fifteen minutes, you'll be that much closer to realizing a dream, and you'll be better for it.
Me? I'm hitting the books - both the ones I've written and the ones that help writers improve.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Friday Fun
One of my earlier memories is when I was at my Grandma's house and I asked her if she could staple papers together for me so I could write a book.
I'm pretty sure that book was about a unicorn, as was most of my tales when I was younger. I wrote a novella to go with my first MS and it has a unicorn in it too. I guess not a lot changes.
In honor of Mother's day and my family indulging in my "books" I "wrote" when I was younger, here is a fantastic book binding tutorial, for books of all sizes.
James Darrow Bookbinding Tutorial - Deviantart.
Go and create my friends!
I'm pretty sure that book was about a unicorn, as was most of my tales when I was younger. I wrote a novella to go with my first MS and it has a unicorn in it too. I guess not a lot changes.
In honor of Mother's day and my family indulging in my "books" I "wrote" when I was younger, here is a fantastic book binding tutorial, for books of all sizes.
James Darrow Bookbinding Tutorial - Deviantart.
Go and create my friends!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Thursday Travels
Tomb Raiders is the topic of the day. More specifically, tomb raiders in China.
This isn't about the video game or the book series, though the latter was mentioned in one of the following articles.
700-Year-Old Doctor's Tomb Excavated in China - is short and interesting, led to a longer topic about tomb raiders, Tomb Raider Chronicles.
I tend to use Thursday's blog post as hopes to inspire writers and others with articles about real life things I find interesting. Today is no exception. There is so many different scenarios these articles spur: the life of a tomb raider (which has been done, but who says it can't be done again?), the ancients who put things in the tomb, this 700-Year-Old Doctor Wu Jing and his life, among others.
On another note, tomb raiders do break my heart. I've said this multiple times before, but I am fascinated by ancient cultures all around the world. So when I hear chances to learn more about the past have been foiled, I can't help but be upset. There are other sides to the issue that I don't want to get into, because that's not what this is about. This is about new ideas, learning new things, and hopefully a spark to create something amazing.
(Side note: I really need to put more pictures in these blog posts. Text is good, but if only broken up by images, videos, gifs, etc.)
This isn't about the video game or the book series, though the latter was mentioned in one of the following articles.
700-Year-Old Doctor's Tomb Excavated in China - is short and interesting, led to a longer topic about tomb raiders, Tomb Raider Chronicles.
I tend to use Thursday's blog post as hopes to inspire writers and others with articles about real life things I find interesting. Today is no exception. There is so many different scenarios these articles spur: the life of a tomb raider (which has been done, but who says it can't be done again?), the ancients who put things in the tomb, this 700-Year-Old Doctor Wu Jing and his life, among others.
On another note, tomb raiders do break my heart. I've said this multiple times before, but I am fascinated by ancient cultures all around the world. So when I hear chances to learn more about the past have been foiled, I can't help but be upset. There are other sides to the issue that I don't want to get into, because that's not what this is about. This is about new ideas, learning new things, and hopefully a spark to create something amazing.
(Side note: I really need to put more pictures in these blog posts. Text is good, but if only broken up by images, videos, gifs, etc.)
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Wednesday Writing
Today some people were talking about words that teens use in everyday conversations. Some of them are abbreviations or derivatives of words, while others are completely out of nowhere.
I don't remember using any strange words in high school, but I'm sure I did. I do remember a time my mother heard a word on TV, a word people used at school all the time, but I had never said. I had to define it for her and that was not an enjoyable experience. I don't remember what the word was, but I did tell her not to bother using it.
Some of the words mentioned today sounded strange, but am I really one to judge? I'm writing of a fantasy world - full of strange sounding, made-up words. I combine English words with extra letters, mash Finnish and Spanish words together, or put a string of letters together that seem to sound good. I usually do a search on the word to make sure it isn't something already - especially if it's something I shouldn't use in a sentence, ever.
Of course, then there are those who invent their own languages in books and movies. I received an email from Duolingo, a language app, and they were advertising that they added more languages. Under coming soon, Klingon was added. Not a useful language in everyday conversations, but I can think of a few benefits of learning a language so few would know.
I would love to create my own language in my MS, but I always joke that I'm not even fluent in English (I'm positive there is a Professor I had who would vouch for that). However, if I'm determined to master English, become fluent in at least Spanish, Japanese, and conversational German, why can't I create my own language? Why can't you? Teens - and industries - do it everyday.
I don't remember using any strange words in high school, but I'm sure I did. I do remember a time my mother heard a word on TV, a word people used at school all the time, but I had never said. I had to define it for her and that was not an enjoyable experience. I don't remember what the word was, but I did tell her not to bother using it.
Some of the words mentioned today sounded strange, but am I really one to judge? I'm writing of a fantasy world - full of strange sounding, made-up words. I combine English words with extra letters, mash Finnish and Spanish words together, or put a string of letters together that seem to sound good. I usually do a search on the word to make sure it isn't something already - especially if it's something I shouldn't use in a sentence, ever.
Of course, then there are those who invent their own languages in books and movies. I received an email from Duolingo, a language app, and they were advertising that they added more languages. Under coming soon, Klingon was added. Not a useful language in everyday conversations, but I can think of a few benefits of learning a language so few would know.
I would love to create my own language in my MS, but I always joke that I'm not even fluent in English (I'm positive there is a Professor I had who would vouch for that). However, if I'm determined to master English, become fluent in at least Spanish, Japanese, and conversational German, why can't I create my own language? Why can't you? Teens - and industries - do it everyday.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Tuesday Tech
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Because yesterday was Star Wars day, a lot of information about the future of the Star Wars franchise was released and rumors spread.
I grew up watching the Star Wars movies, never really sure which movie came first, but non-the-less enjoying them.
Now three more movies are coming out - and that's only in relation to the main story line. Spin-offs have been announced, like "Rogue One."
And now, another is rumored, and it's one people have been speculating about since the character first made an appearance - Boba Fett's origins.
Some information was detailed in the prequel trilogy about this bounty hunter, but not much is known about him.
Of course, this is "rumored," but the story I found on it is here: Fan favorite Boba Fett is reportedly about to get his own 'Star Wars' movie.
This brings up an important topic: Fanservice.
The first time I heard a TV show incorporating a fan-named background character into their regular programming, I thought that was awesome, "people are actually listening to the fans." Well, this was probably not the first time I heard or have seen this happen, but it was the first time I truly recognized what was going on.
This didn't end well for the TV series and they quickly renamed the character as the fan name wasn't entirely PC (politically correct) or sensitive.
I know other series, both TV and otherwise, do fanservice to appease die-hard fans, but at what cost?
Don't get me wrong, when I "ship" two characters, I live for the 30 second moment they share on screen together, be it just a look or standing next to each other - and I know a lot of people feel the same way. What bothers me is when creators, writers, directors, whoever, incorporates largely accepted fan ideas into their original work.
I'm glad they are listening to the fans, but so often when people do this, they sacrifice what they originally had going for them. Stories take bizarre turns, characters become less like themselves, situations become forced, none of it is really healthy for a story.
Personally, I believe listening to fans, maybe arranging positioning and team-ups so that fan favorite characters are seen together more often works. It feeds the fans, the artists, the fan-fiction writers, without compromising the original story. And fans seem to be ok with this. As a business person, I fully believe in listening to your customers. However, sometimes they don't know what they are asking or wanting.
As a fan of shows and series, I trust what the creators have envisioned for their series and I don't want anything to steer them away from the natural growth of their story. As a writer, I appreciate that stories grow on their own and changing them too much - just to incorporate fan ideas - can become detrimental to the story.
Just some thoughts. Remember, trust your vision and ideas, interact with your fans. If a fan idea seems organic to your story, then incorporate it. If it's not, well, maybe a side, "non-canon" story may be in the works, just to show your appreciation. :)
Because yesterday was Star Wars day, a lot of information about the future of the Star Wars franchise was released and rumors spread.
I grew up watching the Star Wars movies, never really sure which movie came first, but non-the-less enjoying them.
Now three more movies are coming out - and that's only in relation to the main story line. Spin-offs have been announced, like "Rogue One."
And now, another is rumored, and it's one people have been speculating about since the character first made an appearance - Boba Fett's origins.
Some information was detailed in the prequel trilogy about this bounty hunter, but not much is known about him.
Of course, this is "rumored," but the story I found on it is here: Fan favorite Boba Fett is reportedly about to get his own 'Star Wars' movie.
This brings up an important topic: Fanservice.
The first time I heard a TV show incorporating a fan-named background character into their regular programming, I thought that was awesome, "people are actually listening to the fans." Well, this was probably not the first time I heard or have seen this happen, but it was the first time I truly recognized what was going on.
This didn't end well for the TV series and they quickly renamed the character as the fan name wasn't entirely PC (politically correct) or sensitive.
I know other series, both TV and otherwise, do fanservice to appease die-hard fans, but at what cost?
Don't get me wrong, when I "ship" two characters, I live for the 30 second moment they share on screen together, be it just a look or standing next to each other - and I know a lot of people feel the same way. What bothers me is when creators, writers, directors, whoever, incorporates largely accepted fan ideas into their original work.
I'm glad they are listening to the fans, but so often when people do this, they sacrifice what they originally had going for them. Stories take bizarre turns, characters become less like themselves, situations become forced, none of it is really healthy for a story.
Personally, I believe listening to fans, maybe arranging positioning and team-ups so that fan favorite characters are seen together more often works. It feeds the fans, the artists, the fan-fiction writers, without compromising the original story. And fans seem to be ok with this. As a business person, I fully believe in listening to your customers. However, sometimes they don't know what they are asking or wanting.
As a fan of shows and series, I trust what the creators have envisioned for their series and I don't want anything to steer them away from the natural growth of their story. As a writer, I appreciate that stories grow on their own and changing them too much - just to incorporate fan ideas - can become detrimental to the story.
Just some thoughts. Remember, trust your vision and ideas, interact with your fans. If a fan idea seems organic to your story, then incorporate it. If it's not, well, maybe a side, "non-canon" story may be in the works, just to show your appreciation. :)
Monday, May 4, 2015
Monday Musings
May the Fourth be with you.
After a weekend of celebrating - eating my weight in all foods - I am tired and sure I've gained twenty pounds.
What a weekend it was though! There was so much going on, which is the best way to kickoff the "start of the summer blockbuster" season.
The 141st Kentucky Derby was on, a major match, playoff games in two different sports, people were getting free comic books, others were getting free Big Boy sandwiches, and others were paying to see super heroes kick butt.
And on Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell will be giving out free breakfast biscuit tacos (I think that's what it is).
What a way to start a month! I recommend all months take a note from May and get their act together.
Now, it's back to the grind stone and back to planning. :)
After a weekend of celebrating - eating my weight in all foods - I am tired and sure I've gained twenty pounds.
What a weekend it was though! There was so much going on, which is the best way to kickoff the "start of the summer blockbuster" season.
The 141st Kentucky Derby was on, a major match, playoff games in two different sports, people were getting free comic books, others were getting free Big Boy sandwiches, and others were paying to see super heroes kick butt.
And on Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell will be giving out free breakfast biscuit tacos (I think that's what it is).
What a way to start a month! I recommend all months take a note from May and get their act together.
Now, it's back to the grind stone and back to planning. :)
Friday, May 1, 2015
Friday Fun
A bit of nostalgia from my younger years:
Something cheerful and fun for the first of May.
(I also wanted to make a .gif of part of an episode, but really shouldn't be doing such things at work).
Something cheerful and fun for the first of May.
(I also wanted to make a .gif of part of an episode, but really shouldn't be doing such things at work).
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