I wandered beyond the river of death, forgetting the pain it was to be me and looking forward to the excitement it was to become "me" again.
Going back to Latin America (not physically, but article-wise), I found this short article: Liquid Mercury Discovered Beneath Teotihuacan Pyramid.
My first thought was "how many people got sick putting the mercury there?" That wasn't the point of the article, but knowing what we know about mercury now, I can't imagine how many people became sick interacting with the mercury.
Anyway, one of the cool theories behind why mercury may have been there is because "it may have symbolized the river of death." (That's an image/prompt for sure).
Also, my favorite take-away from this article is that they also found "metallic spheres dubbed "disco balls"." I guess they wanted to make sure the person had everything they needed to party in the afterlife. :)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Writing Wednesdays
While writing, even just side stories or prompts, about my characters in my WIP, there is one character who is fighting me every step of the way. He is not meant to be the MC's love interest, but that's what he is becoming.
I usually let my characters do what they want, so long as the story progresses and hits the points it needs to, but this is going against the larger picture. The character is a loveable guy, but he keeps inserting himself into situations where he comes off looking like an amazing guy and a fantastic match for my MC.
This will be an on-going battle, where I am either going to have to be conscious of what he says and does around the MC, or make sure to establish a platonic relationship between the two.
We'll see.
I usually let my characters do what they want, so long as the story progresses and hits the points it needs to, but this is going against the larger picture. The character is a loveable guy, but he keeps inserting himself into situations where he comes off looking like an amazing guy and a fantastic match for my MC.
This will be an on-going battle, where I am either going to have to be conscious of what he says and does around the MC, or make sure to establish a platonic relationship between the two.
We'll see.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Tuesday Tech
Despite there being loads of things happening in the world - which is usually the case - I actually struggled with finding an article for today.
So, in honor of the people who will be graduating college this weekend and next I thought I would share Business Insider's story: 13 Qualities Google looks for in job candidates.
The best one of the attributes, based on the name given, is "Google wants Googleyness." The article goes into what exactly "Googleyness" is, a summation of a bunch of different qualities, and I love that they made up their own word.
One of the qualities I appreciate, as I believe not many companies do (from my experience), is "role-related knowledge." Role-related knowledge is that you have the background and the aptitude to do your job, even if it means you need to teach yourself a few things. A lot of the jobs I have interviewed for seem to expect you to come in knowing everything. But studies show, people don't stay in those jobs long. People like challenge, be it small or overwhelming. Yet, it almost seems companies expect you not only to have the qualifications, but be able to come in knowing how to do most, if not everything, listed in the job duties.
One key thing from this article is that Google wants people to have the willingness to learn. They want you to be smart enough to know that you don't know everything, you could be wrong, and have the willingness to learn (because it's ok to make mistakes!)
That's the short and sweet of it. Hope you all have a wonderful day.
So, in honor of the people who will be graduating college this weekend and next I thought I would share Business Insider's story: 13 Qualities Google looks for in job candidates.
The best one of the attributes, based on the name given, is "Google wants Googleyness." The article goes into what exactly "Googleyness" is, a summation of a bunch of different qualities, and I love that they made up their own word.
One of the qualities I appreciate, as I believe not many companies do (from my experience), is "role-related knowledge." Role-related knowledge is that you have the background and the aptitude to do your job, even if it means you need to teach yourself a few things. A lot of the jobs I have interviewed for seem to expect you to come in knowing everything. But studies show, people don't stay in those jobs long. People like challenge, be it small or overwhelming. Yet, it almost seems companies expect you not only to have the qualifications, but be able to come in knowing how to do most, if not everything, listed in the job duties.
One key thing from this article is that Google wants people to have the willingness to learn. They want you to be smart enough to know that you don't know everything, you could be wrong, and have the willingness to learn (because it's ok to make mistakes!)
That's the short and sweet of it. Hope you all have a wonderful day.
Monday, April 27, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Friday Fun
I was going to look for another comic to post today, but I have another idea, more like a challenge. Ok, another prompt, but this one works for art as well.
Some background: In my eyes, I am a far better artist than writer - confidence I've gained from years of working on my art. Years ago, I found myself struggling to create my own characters. I was always drawing other people's characters, maybe in new clothes or different situations, but it was always someone else's characters.
So, I thought of a challenge - a challenge I have yet to truly accomplish in all its rules.
The challenge: Go to your iTunes (on shuffle), YouTube, Pandora, or turn on the radio. The first song (or to mix it up, the fifth song) you hear, take it and create something with it. Use it as inspiration for your character, or to create a character. The song can create a new scene for your character, it can define your character's attire or attitude.
This really expands into any medium used to express yourself. Sew an outfit, create a hairstyle, throw a new pot, paint a scene, write the actions. Use the song to stir your imagination and emotions and let it guide you to create something new.
Two of my characters in my first MS, actually five of them now that I think of it, grew from this challenge. Most of the characters in my first MS were just OCs (original characters) that I created so I could wholly own the rights to the art (you know, no permission needed for using someone else's creation). But as their designs grew, so did their demands to have a whole world to unite them.
Just another thing to think about if you are suffering from creativity block.
If you want a song, here is the one that reminded me of this and inspired this post (NOTE: I haven't watched the video, but it shouldn't be inappropriate): Rodney Atkins: If You're Going Through Hell (Keep on Going)
Some background: In my eyes, I am a far better artist than writer - confidence I've gained from years of working on my art. Years ago, I found myself struggling to create my own characters. I was always drawing other people's characters, maybe in new clothes or different situations, but it was always someone else's characters.
So, I thought of a challenge - a challenge I have yet to truly accomplish in all its rules.
The challenge: Go to your iTunes (on shuffle), YouTube, Pandora, or turn on the radio. The first song (or to mix it up, the fifth song) you hear, take it and create something with it. Use it as inspiration for your character, or to create a character. The song can create a new scene for your character, it can define your character's attire or attitude.
This really expands into any medium used to express yourself. Sew an outfit, create a hairstyle, throw a new pot, paint a scene, write the actions. Use the song to stir your imagination and emotions and let it guide you to create something new.
Two of my characters in my first MS, actually five of them now that I think of it, grew from this challenge. Most of the characters in my first MS were just OCs (original characters) that I created so I could wholly own the rights to the art (you know, no permission needed for using someone else's creation). But as their designs grew, so did their demands to have a whole world to unite them.
Just another thing to think about if you are suffering from creativity block.
If you want a song, here is the one that reminded me of this and inspired this post (NOTE: I haven't watched the video, but it shouldn't be inappropriate): Rodney Atkins: If You're Going Through Hell (Keep on Going)
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Thursday Travels
Through my usual reads, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Archaeology, I came across this: Iron Age Owl Clasp Unearthed in Denmark.
It's a short article (with a picture!), but in the writing mindset I was in when reading about this iron owl, I thought it would make an interesting prompt.
A while ago I mentioned I was doing writersedit.com "weekly" prompts to get into the practice of writing in my MC's voice. The prompt I was working on (#3 I think) mentioned your protagonist finding something strange in their pocket. So, reading this I thought "what if my MC received this as a gift?"
So, here is a writing prompt for people looking for something to write based on the article:
What if your character (a MC, the protagonist of your latest work, even favorite characters from TV shows, movies, books or video games) received this owl (or even found it)? Why did they receive it? Is it a reward for a long journey? Or is it a gift before the hero goes into battle? Explore your character's reaction to the gift, physical and emotional. Does it stir painful memories or excite them to action?
I'll be working on this as well. Maybe Wednesday I'll post it (seeing if I can finish everything else before then).
It's a short article (with a picture!), but in the writing mindset I was in when reading about this iron owl, I thought it would make an interesting prompt.
A while ago I mentioned I was doing writersedit.com "weekly" prompts to get into the practice of writing in my MC's voice. The prompt I was working on (#3 I think) mentioned your protagonist finding something strange in their pocket. So, reading this I thought "what if my MC received this as a gift?"
So, here is a writing prompt for people looking for something to write based on the article:
What if your character (a MC, the protagonist of your latest work, even favorite characters from TV shows, movies, books or video games) received this owl (or even found it)? Why did they receive it? Is it a reward for a long journey? Or is it a gift before the hero goes into battle? Explore your character's reaction to the gift, physical and emotional. Does it stir painful memories or excite them to action?
I'll be working on this as well. Maybe Wednesday I'll post it (seeing if I can finish everything else before then).
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Writing Wednesday
Writing update time!
I decided yesterday that I enjoy writing in first person, maybe because it's easier, or that I just like to take on the character's personality when I'm writing.
This means that I am rewriting my MS in first person. Good thing I was short about 30,000 words. That's 30,000 words I don't need to rewrite.
It was a tough choice, since it goes against the whole reason this "prequel" series is in third while the "main" series is in first, but that's the breaks.
I don't think many people would have caught on to the convolutedness that is my brain anyway (sometimes I wonder why I like to make things complicated with deep, deep symbolism and connections).
Well, have a fantastic day all! I'm off to rework this MS.
I decided yesterday that I enjoy writing in first person, maybe because it's easier, or that I just like to take on the character's personality when I'm writing.
This means that I am rewriting my MS in first person. Good thing I was short about 30,000 words. That's 30,000 words I don't need to rewrite.
It was a tough choice, since it goes against the whole reason this "prequel" series is in third while the "main" series is in first, but that's the breaks.
I don't think many people would have caught on to the convolutedness that is my brain anyway (sometimes I wonder why I like to make things complicated with deep, deep symbolism and connections).
Well, have a fantastic day all! I'm off to rework this MS.
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