Monday Musings

It's a big week in the video game industry as E3 kicked off yesterday.

I love the excitement that generates around major events like championship games, conferences, and conventions. They also give me something to look forward to in the upcoming months/year.

Of course, there could always be an announcement that is made too early, or fades into oblivion leaving fans questioning if they ever saw it in the first place.

In honor of E3 and the hype it generates, here are some games you can play, courtesy of Google.

1) Atari Breakout
Go to Google Images> Search Atari Breakout

2) Zerg Rush
Go to Google and Search Zerg Rush

*Links lead out to the search (hopefully).

Monday Musings

It's a rainy day here in the cave, and I'm several hours behind in work because of a hiccup.

So, here is a rabbit:

This is how I feel trying to play catch up, a bunny running around before a rain storm. *Cue Beatrix Potter opening song from the animated series*

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.

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. :)

Monday Musings

Last week I (finally) had the chance to finish Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran. So, here are some of my thoughts on it. I know there are plenty reviews on it, but I like to recommend books to people and my two cents are free. I'll try to avoid spoilers.

She is my favorite historical fiction author and I was thrilled when Rebel Queen came out - and it did not disappoint.

Ok, yes, I was disappointed it was on the shorter side, since I ate it up way to fast, but that's life.

I am unfortunately ignorant on most details of history, despite my love of it, so historical fictions are great reads for me because I'm never sure who is going to die and who's going to get married. This was continued for me in Rebel Queen, about the Rani Lakshmibai, told in the point of view of Sita, a guard in her personal all-women army.

If you have read her other books, Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra's Daughter, and Madame Tussaud or The Second Empress, this book falls closer to the first four as it doesn't switch POVs. I usually like different POVs, but with Michelle Moran's writing and choice of characters, I usually want to stay with the main protagonist.

The difference is - which might be a spoiler, so be forewarned - it's told after the fact. Sita is actually retelling the events, so there are moments when her older, experienced voice reflects on things she didn't understand when she was younger. It was nice though, to see Sita's hindsight on the events of her life that got her where she is at the end.

In addition, I adore the introduction of words, like purdah, that people are generally not familiar with. If there was ever a question about a words meaning, there was a glossary in the back of the book, defining certain words. It needs to be said that while reading I could see the depth of knowledge and research that went into Rebel Queen was intimidating - and greatly appreciated. The world really came to life and I am happy to say I have an expanded view of what was going on during the Victorian Era in England.

Anyway, to the story itself, I always love Moran's choice in people who are telling the story. Sita is a magnificent character - strong, thoughtful, witty, and very human. Her horizon is expanded from her village beginnings to knowing the Rani and Raja. Sita is a relatable character and has a wonderful voice.

Here is a minor spoiler about the ending, if you know nothing about the mid-to-late 1800s in India and English involvement then it probably isn't, but it's a sad/tragic ending. I told someone it's bittersweet, but more on the bitter side. So, if you are looking for a happy ending, you may want to stay away from historical fictions.

The good news, though, was I wasn't wrecked over the ending, but it did put things into perspective.

Well, anyway, check out her books if you like historical fictions, Ancient Egypt, Reign of Terror France, or English East India Trading Company India time.

Monday Musings

Wow! April is going by fast!

Between work, editing, reading, and writing prompts, plus life in general, this year has gone by fast.

It's so strange how the concept of time changes as we age. I remember how an hour long TV show felt like forever and how school almost never ended.

Now, hour long TV shows are no where near long enough and, well, a work day still feels like it will never end.

It's interesting how perspective changes as we age. Yes, we have more experiences and knowledge when we are older, but at least for me, it feels like my perspective changed over night.

Just a random thought for the day since I'm still really busy. But tomorrow I found something for the writers and authors out there (just an article, so don't get too excited). Stay tuned!

Monday Musings

Are we sure it's Monday? Because last I checked, it was Friday.


I didn't get half the amount of stuff done that I was planning to, but such is life.

I'm starting a new creative project at work, and while I was enamored with my idea on Friday, working on it today has left me not so enthused.

That is when it's break time - or an excuse to read for a few minutes. I have been dying to read Michelle Moran's latest book, Rebel Queen, it's even on my desk, but I haven't been able to read more than a paragraph.

I know this sounds like a whiney post, but it actually isn't. I just wanted to say, whenever you get stuck on writing, a creative project, or any project really, you should take a step away from it and do something else.

Distancing yourself from your project will give you fresh eyes and even a new perspective. Whenever I get stuck with writing I will either read or draw. It might be a few days before I go back to writing, but by then, whatever problem I was having seems a lot smaller.

The other suggestion for when your stuck: eat something. Seriously. I become a defeatist when I'm hungry, and I know I can't be the only one.

Just don't over do it. :)

Monday Musings

I missed my Friday post. I am sad over this. I had started planning a post that was going to have two recipes in it, one for cookie dough truffles I found, and a fruity lemonade (pink in color).

Well, that was last week, and this is the first full week of April 2015 (in case you wanted facts).

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. There was much chocolate to be had and plenty of pictures of bunnies and chicks to change any sour mood to warm and fuzzy.

I have always lacked the ability to recall full definitions of words. I can use them properly in a sentence (most of the time), but often there is nuance that I miss.

Anyway, I saw some people I follow on Twitter talk about how they don't understand how people could ever be bored when there is so much that they can do/need to do.

People can clean, read, write, draw, do other housework/(or work work), exercise, play with pets/family, etc.

But here comes my problem. Whenever I'm bored, I can list all the stuff I could do, but none of it interests me. I would say "I'm bored", and my parents would list such things as I mentioned, but none of the tasks sounded remotely interesting. I even shouted, in my sleep, "I'm bored!" (which I rarely talk in my sleep, so it must have been a serious matter for me).

According to merriam-Webster, boredom is: (n) the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest.

So, boredom doesn't sound like the lack of things to do, like many people seem to insist, but a state of mind or being where we lose interest in things. Suggesting things for the bored person is helpful, it has helped me once or twice, but it might do better to suggest a change of thinking for the person to get them to see the dull tasks as interesting.

Monday Musings

So, this post is late for a whole variety of reasons.

1) I fail to schedule posts.
2) Life is starting to calm down again
3)My keyboard was utterly disgusting (and it has been that way for 9 months).

Just look at it:

It was disgusting. In the left hand side you can see I had cleaned a little of it.

Now, I am not saying I am perfect and all my keyboards are dust and grime free, but this was not me. It had been bugging me for these past 9 months and I finally decided to do something about it.

Needless to say, 2.5 hours later, not only was my keyboard clean(er) my whole desk was as well. Nothing like a good spring cleaning sometimes.

Of course, the entire time I was cleaning the keyboard I pondered why companies provide disgusting keyboards? I know other people left them that way (and my desk is near a vent that seems to spit a fresh coating of dust every night). But it's gross. I would hope companies would have a little vac or something to suck out the dust and stuff.

Do all companies give keyboards like this? I really hope not. This is the third time I've received a keyboard for a job and 2 out of the 3 times it was dirty (and I don't remember the other time).

I know I'm not the only one who "procrastinates" by cleaning their work space. Someone mentioned it to me once, and it's like they seared the idea into my brain. Now, if my workspace is messy, I can't work.

Sorry for the complaints. I'm actually really proud of the work I did. I even got other work done while I was cleaning the keyboard. Too bad it wasn't writing/novel related.

Monday Musings

What a weekend! I achieved nothing that I needed to do, but I did a little what I wanted to do, except read.

I did watch TV though. Season/mid-season finales always put characters' lives on the line, hoping to entice you to watch on. Sometimes, they go so far as to kill off a beloved character.

That character? Well, they're usually my favorite character. It says a lot about the show if it can kill off my favorite character and I come back to watch anyway (bitter about the loss, but still holding on).

This always leads me to think about favorite characters, how fandoms mourn them, and why it's always my favorite character that is offed.

I call it a curse. Be it books, movies, or TV shows, as soon as I mark someone as my favorite character, it's a death sentence for them. Even in a video game, after going back and forth about my opinions about the character, I decided I liked him, quite a bit. Not a second after I finished the thought that an assassin took aim and fired, killing him.

Every. Time.

The same happened in a TV show. I think "oh, I like this character," and in the next scene, they're killed. Oh look, a movie, boy the older brother is a good character, well, he was.

It's a curse really. Either that or like people have noted on The Walking Dead, the "moral compass" is the one that gets killed first, and I tend to like characters with a moral compass, which still leads me to believe it's a curse.

Only once, in my memory, did my favorite character defy all odds and made it to the end of the book (well, play). Way to go, Horatio, for defying the odds of being my favorite character in a Shakespeare tragedy. *throws confetti*
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Anyway, the way people mourn over the death of characters makes me wonder, does it affect us the same way as the death of a loved one? (You know, someone we actually know in real life). I'm sure the attachment has some sort of emotional toll. There are still character deaths I get a little teary-eyed over a while after they are gone. Mostly though, I'm just bitter, especially towards the writers who thought it was ok to kill off the character.

But, life moves on. More stories, games, movies, and shows are created and I set my heart up for more pain when I see a new character I like.

Does this happen to other people? Or am I just an odd duckling? (I guess both options are possible, but in this scenario). What favorite characters are people still upset about? (I just realized this post could have been the mother of all spoilers for all things entertainment, but it wasn't. Except for your Hamlet readers, I'm sorry to tell you, but Horatio did live.)

Monday Musings

When the going gets tough, the tough get Mad Men.

Now, I have never actually watched Mad Men, but I know it's popular. Many places I turn talk about or reference the show, proving just how big it is in pop culture.

Why the post though?

Well, this morning I read an article on Business Insider saying "Every studio passed on 'Mad Men' at first; here's the epic story of how it finally got on air." It's a long article, but it details not just the process of getting a network to pick up the series, but how agents and actors/writers parted ways because of negative opinions.

In an industry full of form rejections, it's nice not to just read about best sellers that had stacks of rejections, but hearing that novel writers are not alone in the mine field of rejections is refreshing.

I am in the midst of rejections, and I am sure that I will be seeing many more in my future. But, if I give up now, not only will I disappoint myself and my characters, but (yes, you need to be a little cocky to say this) I'll disappoint the world.

A key take away from the article? Persistence. It's important to not to give up on something, but sometimes that something needs a break. The timing may not be right. As many novelists have hears, Dystopian and Paranormal Romances are tough sells right now. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't write that Dystopian Paranormal Romance. Who knows, you might be the exception to the saturated market.

For those who are not familiar with the publishing industry, Dystopian and Paranormal Romances may be hot now (or dying down in my opinion), but publishers are looking about two years into the future. Two years from now, we may read one or two dystopians, but not many. We'll be crazy over Sci-fi cozies or something.

Well, that's my shiny penny on the topic.

Remember, shoulders square, chin up, and get your work done!