I came across this link in my Google News Feed and thought I should share this all with you, and for my own benefit, too 😊
Celebrate Nature (ad)
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Quote of the Month
March 2024
The Struggle Is Real/Fatigue
I want to write/ work on my novel so very badly. At the very least write something. So I decided to write this to see if it could get anything started...but I am so exhausted. And this isn't helping. In fact, I'm nearly falling asleep writing this. And each time I open up my novel I find myself staring at the current chapter in progress realizing the words look like they're written in some other language/gibberish. (I can attest it is not as I've worked n this stuff with a fully brain-fog-free mind and while well rested.) All I feel capable of doing is curling up in bed and binge watching stuff on Netflix and Hulu.
So that's my struggle for tonight.
What's yours?
So that's my struggle for tonight.
What's yours?
A New Link & A New Helpful Tip
I just added a new link regarding what prose is versus poetry as I myself find this to be a difficult topic to discern, and was inspired to do this off a writing assignment where we have to turn prose into poetry and vice versa. Of course we were supposed to read what the differences are in our text, but it didn't clarify things, only complicated them. So naturally I turned to Google which led me to the perfect definition of prose, and the site even provided images to help back up their un-complicated definitions. Hopefully if you struggle with this problem too, this will fix it for you. I certainly finally understand the differences now. About time too, I should add.
In other news I added a new helpful tip/writing exercise titled "Raise the Stakes!" so don't forget to check that out too as it gives a whole new outlook to what should happen if one of your characters—or even your main character—should fail at something. It certainly could add an exciting element to whatever story you have in the works.
Well, that is all.
Happy browsing!
In other news I added a new helpful tip/writing exercise titled "Raise the Stakes!" so don't forget to check that out too as it gives a whole new outlook to what should happen if one of your characters—or even your main character—should fail at something. It certainly could add an exciting element to whatever story you have in the works.
Well, that is all.
Happy browsing!
The Monthly Update
- I found a link titled How to Write Love at First Sight that I added to my favs link list for multiple reasons, but the two main ones are this:
- It is important to know how to write scenes like this without being corny (if you're going to write any type of romance at all)
- The link leads you to a blog titled "Reference for Writers" that deals with more than just the first topic/issue. You can get immediate writing advice, visit other useful writing blogs, etc. I think this is an important reference point to have so PLEASE don't shy away from it because you want to avoid the topic of love. That isn't all there is to that blog!
With that said, I also updated the quote of the month for November, and added October's to the "Monthly Quote" list.
Well, I think that concludes today's excitement regarding blog changes/updates. So here's a few personal ones: I had to withdraw from my beloved physical/biological anthrology class due to health reasons (sad day!) but I am thriving in my sociology class, and my KIDD Tutorial. I am so excited I am able to remain in these two classes. I also have gotten really good feedback on my novel (well, the first chapter at least). People thought it was off to a great start, and they gave me wonderful ideas on things to fix. #Excited!
So there ya'll have it: The Monthly Update.
Now back to writing.
"APA Stylistics: Avoiding Bias" - A New Link
I added this to my "Fav. Link's List" as I think this is a very important concept when it comes to writing, and unfortunately one that is not addressed often enough. I will not go any deeper on this subject than this.
However, here's a little side note:
If you are interested in a little more about bias/race/labels and want to dig into a deeper discussion or even start a debate, visit my Hufflepuff Post - News.... as there are often discussions there regarding racial labels and how to use them, or if they should even be used.
However, here's a little side note:
If you are interested in a little more about bias/race/labels and want to dig into a deeper discussion or even start a debate, visit my Hufflepuff Post - News.... as there are often discussions there regarding racial labels and how to use them, or if they should even be used.
Updated: Quote of the Month
Not to overshadow my post below, but I realized I never updated the quote of the month as it was still on September's. Shame on me! To fix this I not only chose a quote I am absolutely in love with (then again, am I not in love with all the quotes I choose?) but I also made it look extra-themed with a Halloween-esque touch. Ooh I just love, love, love it! But then I've loved, loved, loved my other quotes. I suppose that's why I choose them and dress them up the way I do. What can I say? I'm so happy I created this trend!
p.s:
@2:24p.m-
I updated the side bar again. As I promised I gave it a week (well, 6 days) and decided I did not like the new arrangement. So I went back to the somewhat old arrangement, though I did redo the placement of the short stories and helpful tips. Hopefully it doesn't look too crowded? Advice/feedback/critiques are more than welcome.
p.s:
@2:24p.m-
I updated the side bar again. As I promised I gave it a week (well, 6 days) and decided I did not like the new arrangement. So I went back to the somewhat old arrangement, though I did redo the placement of the short stories and helpful tips. Hopefully it doesn't look too crowded? Advice/feedback/critiques are more than welcome.
New Helpful Tip: A "How To" on Essay Writing
I personally believe I just wrote a rather cool faux essay titled "How to Write an Essay: Title Formatting, Mind Mapping and Block Quotes". You can find it at the bottom of my helpful tips! I am informing you all as I said I would anytime I wrote/added a new page to my blog because as I mentioned, it does not show to the main home page whenever I do this, making me appear less active than I normally am. Worse yet, I fear these pages will go unnoticed should I not make a small shout-out advertising them. Above all, I am quite proud of how this turned out. I have envied people who create pieces/faux essays/faux articles such as these to help others create the 'real deal'. And I believe this turned out rather well for a first try. Furthermore, if you are struggling with an essay or anything of the items embodied within the title, I recommenced you read this, taking account the http:// site used in the first footnote will be posted at the bottom of my blog for easy and future access to all. Title: Using and Citing Illustrations in Essays. Also, before you question if this is a "legit" source, I will tell you now that this was written by the Learning Resource Center/Writing Center of the Boston Architectural College. Do not hesitate to use it!
✐Happy writing!
✐Happy writing!
Blog Changes & Life Updates
So I made a few sidebar changes (again) -
I'm not sure how I feel about the new placement of my short stories and helpful tips. I am going to give it a week or so to see if it's comfortable to work with, so bare with me if you dislike/hate it. I might be right there with you.
One thing I am super happy about is the new "email subscription" placement at the top of the page. I don't know—it satisfies me.
Now as for my life: I currently have two hours (+/-) to complete a short story. As I look at the clock now it is 12:09 and I have to leave this computer and head to class at 1:45. So...yeah. There's that. The worst part is, I don't even know what to write! Perhaps I could turn that into a short story...a girl who is a [prominent/famous] blog writer (not me guys, sorry) who has to write a short story for her agent in order to get into a program. I don't know. It's a sucky idea. Better than me trying to redo "Stuck". I think. Before I began blogging about this I aimed to write a realistic scene of me and my main-man D-Dawg (no I don't actually call him that) on the beach, interweaving events that happened last weekend, as well as yesterday. But I think everything I do sucks. At least I feel like it does. Here is what I have so far:
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
That's literally all I have so far. I'm not sure how to combine them or even finish them. Crap. It's 12:18 I wish I could spend my time on this (blogging). But I can't. I have to write something, even if it happens to be a piece of crapola.
#TheJoysOfBeingAWriter :/
I'm not sure how I feel about the new placement of my short stories and helpful tips. I am going to give it a week or so to see if it's comfortable to work with, so bare with me if you dislike/hate it. I might be right there with you.
One thing I am super happy about is the new "email subscription" placement at the top of the page. I don't know—it satisfies me.
Now as for my life: I currently have two hours (+/-) to complete a short story. As I look at the clock now it is 12:09 and I have to leave this computer and head to class at 1:45. So...yeah. There's that. The worst part is, I don't even know what to write! Perhaps I could turn that into a short story...a girl who is a [prominent/famous] blog writer (not me guys, sorry) who has to write a short story for her agent in order to get into a program. I don't know. It's a sucky idea. Better than me trying to redo "Stuck". I think. Before I began blogging about this I aimed to write a realistic scene of me and my main-man D-Dawg (no I don't actually call him that) on the beach, interweaving events that happened last weekend, as well as yesterday. But I think everything I do sucks. At least I feel like it does. Here is what I have so far:
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
The Ocean at Midnight
We buried ourselves in the sand as if this would protect us
from the fierce winds....
We sat with our legs extended, the foam of the cold waves
threatening....
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
#TheJoysOfBeingAWriter :/
#You'veBeenWarned!
I thought this was too perfect NOT to share. My new favorite image (at least for the day 😂😂😂)
Voting/Creative Opportunity!
Name this creature! I have written a soul sucking skeleton-like creature wearing rotting robes, a mix between a dybbuk, a wraith (red eyes), and J.K. Rowling's dementor. I have finally found an image/gif that accurately depicts what I am trying to go for. Now the trouble is trying to find a (creature) name for it. These are some of the options I have going right now:
- Lathuri
- Vhogorath
- Immodr
!Thanks for any following suggestions, and happy voting!
Kathryn in 3D
In tribute to the helpful tip I found on Pinterest about how to write characters in 3D, I went ahead and took a shot at doing this for my main character in my current book. Here's how this turned out! (Also note that I am posting it now as I just finished it...and yes, the starting time-stamp is sadly correct. But at least it is done!) And please, if there's anything that doesn't sit right with you as a reader/viewer of this, don't hesitate to leave a comment as feedback is incredibly important to writers 🙂
side note: the information below is subject to change
Found a Great "Show Don't Tell!" Tip :D
So I found a great writing info tip that I've been using like crazy since I found it. Realized I should post it to my blog. Check it out in my "Helpful Tips" column!
p.s.: one of the reasons it doesn't look like I write a lot on my blog is because I add a lot of helpful tips, and they aren't time-stamped and they don't show up in the regular posts section. I'm considering advertising whenever I add a helpful tip so it will at least look like I'm being productive on my blog, even when it seems like I've been ignoring it. I have come to realize this is a huge reason there are a lot of gaps in between my blog posts.
p.s.: one of the reasons it doesn't look like I write a lot on my blog is because I add a lot of helpful tips, and they aren't time-stamped and they don't show up in the regular posts section. I'm considering advertising whenever I add a helpful tip so it will at least look like I'm being productive on my blog, even when it seems like I've been ignoring it. I have come to realize this is a huge reason there are a lot of gaps in between my blog posts.
I Love This!
I came across this link over Facebook just now as I can't sleep and am lying in my bed of pain. It is a small list of reasons why the English language is absolutely ridiculous, and I found some of these to be comical. I immediately thought: this would be perfect for a writing blog! So I am adding it to mine. Pass it around if you like it as much as I do 😜
And Suddenly...
Hope this makes you feel more confident in your writing abilities as it did my own! I just hope you learn from these mistakes rather than repeat them, and remember people: THIS IS WHY WE EDIT!!!
Looking for New Books to Read? (Final Reading Post...At Least For Tonight)
This is a collection of meaningful memoirs. I highly recommend trying these out even if it's not your usual type of reading material.
Looking for New Books to Read? (Part III - Single Book: Fiction/Horror)
If the one below doesn't sound like your type of page-turner, perhaps try this other fictional horror story!
Looking for New Books to Read? (Part II - Single Book: Horror/Fiction)
Try this fictional horror novel!
A Must-Have for Writers:
Check out this writing magazine- seriously. I did and there's so much in there from publishing contests, schools, study abroad opportunities, top selling books- oh, and of course articles on writing! I highly recommend finding a most recent edition and flipping through it.
Looking for New Books?
In what is going to be the longest multi-post I've written, I have gathered a collection of books I found while flipping through several magazines. I have taken photos of these photos and decided to share each clipping on my blog with all of ya'll in case any of these might strike your fancy. Here is the first grouping. If you have questions about any of these books listed below or in any of the other posts above, don't hesitate to do a little research, and/or email me.
No worries if none of these sound appealing— I've got some other reads coming your way!
Announcement - Quote of the Month:
Happy September first! I am sad to say due to health issues and a hectic summer I completely spaced writing the quote of the month for August. I have been debating about whether or not to post one in the quote of the month section or not, but alas I have decided to use a quote of my own I rather like to fill this void as my OCD cannot handle a gap in this section. Please feel free to check it out as I rather like it myself. Thanks! And sorry for the long absence. For those of you who have continued reading on, and I know there are a few as you have messaged me asking about my well being, thank you—I sincerely appreciate it 😊❤😂
Grey or Gray?
Too Many Characters
It is always best to ease characters into your book rather than throwing them in all at once. NEVER introduce more than (arguably) three characters at a time. And that is AFTER you have established your MAIN character. I have made this mistake over and over, even within the same novel. While I wish I could offer a trick to fix this, it is merely a process that I have worked on through writing and editing time and time again.
Pro-Tip Emailed
I recently (or not so recently) received an email from another writer & blogger who recently published a "Punctuation Guide" asking me to look into it and requesting I perhaps mention it on my blog. I admittedly took a long while to get around to it, but today between appointments I was browsing through the site and thought it would be quite beneficial to add to the list links at the bottom of my blog: "Punctuation Guide: ... A+ Students". The woman who wrote me has a series of other helpful blog posts too, all of which you can find here: at custom-writing.org/blog, and it will also be in the links list too.
Fixing Writer's Block
This should be a helpful story-
I have been dealing with juggling a lot lately and have thus been having trouble focusing on writing my Changing Kathryn book.
Scratch that politeness. I've been dealing with some bull**** writer's block. Normally I have generally been able to fix this by going to my other/less talked about book series Shattered Lives. But I can't quite scratch the surface of this one either. I abandoned it quite some time ago by complete accident and keep having trouble picking it up where I left off (on page 482). And only in the middle of the prewritten timeline. So...yes. I'm having trouble continuing that one. I have thus decided to start a new short-and-possibly-be-nothing-piece altogether. It is so new all I literally have written right now is "Bailee Sutherland lived in no ordinary family." That's it. Lame I know, right? Or maybe I can make it work. I don't know. I'm going to keep the lame a** line and see where it gets me.
Improv writing.
This is how you fix writer's block.
I have been dealing with juggling a lot lately and have thus been having trouble focusing on writing my Changing Kathryn book.
Scratch that politeness. I've been dealing with some bull**** writer's block. Normally I have generally been able to fix this by going to my other/less talked about book series Shattered Lives. But I can't quite scratch the surface of this one either. I abandoned it quite some time ago by complete accident and keep having trouble picking it up where I left off (on page 482). And only in the middle of the prewritten timeline. So...yes. I'm having trouble continuing that one. I have thus decided to start a new short-and-possibly-be-nothing-piece altogether. It is so new all I literally have written right now is "Bailee Sutherland lived in no ordinary family." That's it. Lame I know, right? Or maybe I can make it work. I don't know. I'm going to keep the lame a** line and see where it gets me.
Improv writing.
This is how you fix writer's block.
Blogging for the Sake of Writing
I just want to type something out and write but I'm not quite sure what I want to say, so here I am, rambling about...?
I love my keyboard. The way the slick black keys feel beneath my fingers as I glide each finger from the keys at a rapid rate. When I slow down I notice how soft they are, the keys, not my fingers. The lettering only noticeably worn thin on the E, S, and N keys. Why these letters...well, perhaps it is because of all my secret codes I use? The ones involved in conspiracies across the world? Or perhaps these are simply the most commonly used letters? I'll let you decide ;) A blue light dims or brightens beneath the keys not illuminating the letters but can aid nonetheless in visibility through the even spaces; each key is separated from the other by one millimeter. Their spaciousness is undoubtedly what aides in the clacking I have always associated with typewriter noise via my imagination. It's a sound I love; a sound that inspires me to write meaninglessly or with great inspiration.
And this will conclude my random late night blogging regarding my keyboard. Something I honestly didn't think I would wind up writing about, but alas what do you know?
I love my keyboard. The way the slick black keys feel beneath my fingers as I glide each finger from the keys at a rapid rate. When I slow down I notice how soft they are, the keys, not my fingers. The lettering only noticeably worn thin on the E, S, and N keys. Why these letters...well, perhaps it is because of all my secret codes I use? The ones involved in conspiracies across the world? Or perhaps these are simply the most commonly used letters? I'll let you decide ;) A blue light dims or brightens beneath the keys not illuminating the letters but can aid nonetheless in visibility through the even spaces; each key is separated from the other by one millimeter. Their spaciousness is undoubtedly what aides in the clacking I have always associated with typewriter noise via my imagination. It's a sound I love; a sound that inspires me to write meaninglessly or with great inspiration.
And this will conclude my random late night blogging regarding my keyboard. Something I honestly didn't think I would wind up writing about, but alas what do you know?
Happy July 4th! (Belated...on July 5th)
First off, I would like to say happy (belated) 4th of July ya'll! Admittedly this holiday is my least favorite. The pollution, the over-hype regarding our patriotism...it's all so gross to me. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy seeing some of the colorful explosions, or love the bands that were playing. And just because I don't enjoy celebrating this particular holiday doesn't mean ya'll shouldn't either. But enough of that. This isn't my "iLog...". It's update time!
I have been done with school for almost two weeks now, but I feel like I haven't caught much of a break. I won't go into details now, but I have been dealing with health issues which have stopped me from being able to write as much as I would like, and that goes for blogging too. However I would like to give a shout out to David Huckaby for giving me great insight on how to make my book sci-fi rather than a jumbled collection of genres. Granted while I thought this might be a cool way to go, it proved to be far too difficult for me, and a cluster f*** for my readers. I am also going down a route I've been wanting it to go, but now that I am actually taking it there, I admit I'm getting scared. I could ramble off one excuse after another about all the what-ifs but the truth is because this is where I've been wanting it to go, I'm scared it won't work out; that I'll manage to make a mess of it. This is my biggest fear. But if all writer's stopped writing when they got scared, there wouldn't be any books to read. Eventually I will have to bite the bullet and write it the way I want it to be written. Oh but the image in my head doesn't look nearly as good as it does on paper! But does it ever for any other writer? I suppose I'll just have to figure it out as I go. But I'm starting to feel inspired now that I'm saying all this openly.
I'm starting to be able to feel the rough frayed silk-woven bed sheets, the damp salty air, the plastic stick hitting my character's head.... I think it's starting to come to me. Not quite there. But the scene is certainly within reach. You're no doubt wondering what the hell is going on. That or I'm completely whacked. Or a bit of both. #NoSpoilers ;)
Sadly this is all I can say for now as I am starving and have two nearly back-to-back doc appointments coming up in little over an hour. But Gods it feels good to be blogging again! I may just have to come back and do some more. It's certainly helping my inspiration!
I have been done with school for almost two weeks now, but I feel like I haven't caught much of a break. I won't go into details now, but I have been dealing with health issues which have stopped me from being able to write as much as I would like, and that goes for blogging too. However I would like to give a shout out to David Huckaby for giving me great insight on how to make my book sci-fi rather than a jumbled collection of genres. Granted while I thought this might be a cool way to go, it proved to be far too difficult for me, and a cluster f*** for my readers. I am also going down a route I've been wanting it to go, but now that I am actually taking it there, I admit I'm getting scared. I could ramble off one excuse after another about all the what-ifs but the truth is because this is where I've been wanting it to go, I'm scared it won't work out; that I'll manage to make a mess of it. This is my biggest fear. But if all writer's stopped writing when they got scared, there wouldn't be any books to read. Eventually I will have to bite the bullet and write it the way I want it to be written. Oh but the image in my head doesn't look nearly as good as it does on paper! But does it ever for any other writer? I suppose I'll just have to figure it out as I go. But I'm starting to feel inspired now that I'm saying all this openly.
I'm starting to be able to feel the rough frayed silk-woven bed sheets, the damp salty air, the plastic stick hitting my character's head.... I think it's starting to come to me. Not quite there. But the scene is certainly within reach. You're no doubt wondering what the hell is going on. That or I'm completely whacked. Or a bit of both. #NoSpoilers ;)
Sadly this is all I can say for now as I am starving and have two nearly back-to-back doc appointments coming up in little over an hour. But Gods it feels good to be blogging again! I may just have to come back and do some more. It's certainly helping my inspiration!
An Entire Month Without Blogging?!
You can always tell how involved I am [with school] when I go an entire month without obsessively posting about something on my blog. In this case it's all been thanks to my amazing classes (more on them later), but especially my writing class. It has been turning me into the writer I never imagined. I thought I was good (perhaps mediocre), but damn has this really shed light on my work! How to make it better, more relatable, focused, etc. My professor has told me how impressed he has been with the stuff I've been turning out, especially when it has come to making "Changing Kathryn" a series of short stories I will eventually turn into a novel Charles-Dickens-style (Oliver Twist).
I'm almost done with Part I: The Metamorphosis. It's will be an estimated 22-25 pages, definitely no more and no less. (It helps this is part of the requirement for my writing class considering this is actually being written for an assignment. How freaking awesome is that?!?!?!) And already I'm starting to contemplate how Part II will go; I want to focus on her new life post-metamorphosis. I'm in debate about titles, meaning I don't know if I should start designating one to it yet. Though there is one I'm considering putting into play: Part II: The Transfer. But my heart isn't quite set on it.
Still though, I'm not going to even begin story boarding part deux until this current one is done.
I'm almost done with Part I: The Metamorphosis. It's will be an estimated 22-25 pages, definitely no more and no less. (It helps this is part of the requirement for my writing class considering this is actually being written for an assignment. How freaking awesome is that?!?!?!) And already I'm starting to contemplate how Part II will go; I want to focus on her new life post-metamorphosis. I'm in debate about titles, meaning I don't know if I should start designating one to it yet. Though there is one I'm considering putting into play: Part II: The Transfer. But my heart isn't quite set on it.
Still though, I'm not going to even begin story boarding part deux until this current one is done.
Happy Blogiversary!
I can't believe that one year ago today I started this blog. I generally don't have the ability to keep with something I start, especially not for this long. I am proud of myself, and it's amazing to see how far I have come as a writer, and as a person. It's a journey I am so grateful to have documented.
My Imaginary Friends Are Incommunicado
In short: it's hot outside and as a result I'm sleepy and have writer's block. I'm going to have to go home and play around with writing ideas because I have none. And I'm upset. I don't think any amount of writing on my blog will fix this right now. Not to mention I have a class in 30 minutes. Maybe my discussion [class] on psychoactive drugs will spark an idea? I know my astronomy class has certainly given me new ways to think about world building!
Wish me luck, ya'll!
Wish me luck, ya'll!
SHARE THIS PLEASE!!!
I am very VERY serious when I say I want to start a summer-time writing/art mag (The Creative Coast) so PLEASE let me know if you are interested in helping me get started for this. Whether you want to be an editor, organizer, planner, or a submitter DO NOT hesitate to contact me. There is very likely chance this won't be for just sheer volunteer work but could very well wind up as a chance for me to pay you to help me. I will NOT guarantee this just yet as I need to start a fund for this project n order for a payment plan to be settled and determined, but if you are at all interested PLEASE contact me. And if you know of anyone who might be interested, tell them all about this.
Thank you!!!
Sabrina S.K. Regan
Thank you!!!
Sabrina S.K. Regan
A Highlight of Today's Events
So I got to try kava in class. It tastes like watery grass--which sounds freaking terrible, I know. But it was not as horrible as I'm making it sound, believe me. (Or don't. Try it for yourself!) I also finished writing up an abstract for my anthropology (on psychoactive drugs) class, AND with time to spare! As a result I started cleaning up my blog a little bit. There aren't noticeable changes, I'm sure. But they're there if you look for them (i.e. all located in the sidebar). #gome
World Building- TheNobleMobileWay
In my Creative Writing class we are doing a "world building" exercise, and I'm concentrating on West Earythia (from Changing Kathryn). To get into more I decided to write up an advertisement for a cell one might see in this world. I liked how it turned out so I've decided to share it here:
"MobileWay from TechWay Inc. produces the NEW G2G! Opt for our 1Hour Free Trial-- If you like it, use our PriceTag to set your OWN price! #thenoblemobileway."
I Just Want to Type
I don't have the energy to concentrate on my work whether it be my novel or my homework. But I just really want to type. I want to write something. Anything. And thus I have taken to writing about how I want to write.
And now as result I know what I want to do:
I want to continue my world building exercise.
This is why it's good to blog stuff even when the brain is fried. It might just manage to ignite another spark.
And now as result I know what I want to do:
I want to continue my world building exercise.
This is why it's good to blog stuff even when the brain is fried. It might just manage to ignite another spark.
Summer Goals
I know it's a little early for this, but I can't help thinking about my summer goals already, thus I've taken to creating a list for my own benefit: like my goal to start up hiking again, or finding a vocal instructor, getting organized around the house, or my changes regarding eating habits. But I don't want to bog you down with these mundane facts about my life. No, what I want is to share with all of you my idea to start a legit magazine. Not like my midnight generated idea making it about digital (Sim) lives; this will be about real ones. Real artists. People who are not yet known to the world. I might want it to be Oregon based, to start off. Perhaps even more focused towards Eugene only, just for the first issue, as a concentrated focus might make a first-time magazine easier to manage. And then, assuming it can become an established (even if just somewhat) magazine, branch off to other cities in Oregon and then move into Washington, and then California (assuming it will become big enough to do that). But I'm getting ahead of myself. This is just one issue fixed on Eugene, Oregon, and the unknown talent that's located here.
I call it: The Creative Coast, and I've already got the line-up:
Seasonal Statement: Letter/s and Stuff From the Creator, Editor, & Staff
Up and Coming: Newly Published/First-Time Authors
Life Documented: Honest Narratives Through Writing and Photography
Rhythmic Composition Alliance: Poetry Section
Painted Paper: Drawing/Painting Section
Beyond Reality: Fiction by New/Unpublished Writers
Critique Report: Critiquing and Analyzing Art of ALL Forms
The Square: Ads
Now I just need the people to make this happen....
Wish me luck!
I call it: The Creative Coast, and I've already got the line-up:
Seasonal Statement: Letter/s and Stuff From the Creator, Editor, & Staff
Up and Coming: Newly Published/First-Time Authors
Life Documented: Honest Narratives Through Writing and Photography
Rhythmic Composition Alliance: Poetry Section
Painted Paper: Drawing/Painting Section
Beyond Reality: Fiction by New/Unpublished Writers
Critique Report: Critiquing and Analyzing Art of ALL Forms
The Square: Ads
Now I just need the people to make this happen....
Wish me luck!
Monthly Quotes
This is something new I'm going to start doing. Originally I thought about doing a “Quote of the Day” on “Pen Guardians” but I have been too busy to keep up my online writing group over the school year and have thus made a final decision this will only be active during the summer seasons. However I like the idea of using “fixed” quotes on “…Secret Writer”, though perhaps NOT daily considering the overwhelming accumulation of blog posts that will result. From now on I'll be posting “fixed” quotes at the beginning of the month until I just can't do it anymore. I know we're already half way through April and that I've been blogging for...whoa, almost a year now?! But hey, who’s to say I can’t start a new tradition half-way through the month? Without further ado, I now introduce my “Quote of the Month” [saga]. Check it out!
Application for KIDD Tutorial: Getting Honest
“I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world” ― Ernest Cline, Ready Player One (p.79). I think this is my favorite quote I have come across as this is why I write. I have felt misplaced, fear, rejection, pain…reading and writing are the ways in which I escape my real world; they are my OASIS. I want to read something that transports me to a different time, or perhaps to a different world altogether. I want to dwell into the lives other people live and see that perhaps that my own life could always be worse, or on the flip side: I can strive to achieve something better. I want to write to bring this same sense to the world with my own writing; to help people identify with a fictional character that can bring them out of their own potential misery and into a world where they can fix something, cure someone, and where there are no limits as the ones we have set for us in the real world.
Whenever someone has asked me what I want to be, my first response is “to be an editor”. Following that, I tell people I am also striving to become a published author. Currently I do not feel I have the complete list of necessary skills to achieve either of my goals, but I want to have the confidence to be able to confidently pursue both of my dreams without a doubt in my mind that I can do either one successfully; this is what I hope to gain by entering the Kidd Tutorial. I want to know what it means to be an editor, what it means to be a writer, and to know how to separate these from each other.
KIDD Tutorial Application Sent!
Today I applied for the KIDD Tutorial which is, in the program's own words, "A yearlong sequence of courses for undergraduates in creative writing, intellectual inquiry, and craft-based research". Based on my understanding, I will be in a workshop setting gaining information regarding how to edit, how to get work published, learn the ins-and-outs of publishing houses and their process, hear from agents, meet with agents, and most importantly: learn what it takes to write a novel (that doesn't exceed 300 pages).
This is what I have strived towards since I began my education, and now I have been presented with the opportunity to actually become part of of this process. To get more in depth into what this process is, however, I went onto the KIDD Tutorial site and copied some of the details I found most exciting--
I will be "encouraged and challenged" all year by writing for all three genres, even if my focus is creative writing as it is important to know how to be flexible in your work, and it also helps give new definition to your abilities. I will be "Reading critically as a writer" as this "is an essential life-long skill for all writers...to examine how authors have put together a story, poem, or essay; what craft choices they have made; and why they made those choices and to what effect". This will help me make decisions like this regarding my own work. After all, "Asking questions, analyzing, probing, digging deeper into texts both published and self-generated is how writers identify and clarify issues (both thematic and craft-driven) at stake in their own work". And then "In spring term, all Kidd Tutorial students contribute a selection of their work to the Kidd Anthology, which they also help to edit", which goes along with a final creative project, which means submitting a personal and professional portfolio for my own use when applying to internships and jobs, which will consist of "15–20 poems, 3–4 short stories, a novella, or, on occasion, essays in creative nonfiction". And finally there are the KIDD Talks, not unlike TED Talks, which means I get to go to book signings and have my books signed by the "visiting writers who come to campus as part of the Creative Writing Program’s Reading Series. In addition, visiting writers, writers from the University of Oregon, and Willamette Valley area writers are invited to give 50-minute talks to all the Kidd students in an intimate setting. The Kidd Talks vary from lectures about craft elements, to discussions about the authors’ work (students are assigned work by authors prior to the talks), and Q & A. Previous Kidd Tutorial students have frequently named the Kidd Talks as one of the highlights of their time in our Program".
Yes I used a lot of quotes from the page, but (ironically) I couldn't think of better ways to say all this. Besides, that's a lot of rewriting and I just don't have the energy right now. But with that notes aside: I am hoping to all the Gods/esses and Deities of Writing that I get to become part of this program. This has been a life-long dream of mine to be part of something that sounds so...well, amazingly beneficial. Quite frankly it sounds too good to be true. But even if I don't get in for Fall 17, damn it all I am going to apply until I can get in.
If you're interested in applying at some point too, click on the following link. The deadline for Fall-17 has already passed as of 2 minutes ago, but applications still roll out now and again so follow along and look into it for yourself @ https://crwr.uoregon.edu/undergraduates/the-kidd-tutorial/course-components/
This is what I have strived towards since I began my education, and now I have been presented with the opportunity to actually become part of of this process. To get more in depth into what this process is, however, I went onto the KIDD Tutorial site and copied some of the details I found most exciting--
I will be "encouraged and challenged" all year by writing for all three genres, even if my focus is creative writing as it is important to know how to be flexible in your work, and it also helps give new definition to your abilities. I will be "Reading critically as a writer" as this "is an essential life-long skill for all writers...to examine how authors have put together a story, poem, or essay; what craft choices they have made; and why they made those choices and to what effect". This will help me make decisions like this regarding my own work. After all, "Asking questions, analyzing, probing, digging deeper into texts both published and self-generated is how writers identify and clarify issues (both thematic and craft-driven) at stake in their own work". And then "In spring term, all Kidd Tutorial students contribute a selection of their work to the Kidd Anthology, which they also help to edit", which goes along with a final creative project, which means submitting a personal and professional portfolio for my own use when applying to internships and jobs, which will consist of "15–20 poems, 3–4 short stories, a novella, or, on occasion, essays in creative nonfiction". And finally there are the KIDD Talks, not unlike TED Talks, which means I get to go to book signings and have my books signed by the "visiting writers who come to campus as part of the Creative Writing Program’s Reading Series. In addition, visiting writers, writers from the University of Oregon, and Willamette Valley area writers are invited to give 50-minute talks to all the Kidd students in an intimate setting. The Kidd Talks vary from lectures about craft elements, to discussions about the authors’ work (students are assigned work by authors prior to the talks), and Q & A. Previous Kidd Tutorial students have frequently named the Kidd Talks as one of the highlights of their time in our Program".
Yes I used a lot of quotes from the page, but (ironically) I couldn't think of better ways to say all this. Besides, that's a lot of rewriting and I just don't have the energy right now. But with that notes aside: I am hoping to all the Gods/esses and Deities of Writing that I get to become part of this program. This has been a life-long dream of mine to be part of something that sounds so...well, amazingly beneficial. Quite frankly it sounds too good to be true. But even if I don't get in for Fall 17, damn it all I am going to apply until I can get in.
If you're interested in applying at some point too, click on the following link. The deadline for Fall-17 has already passed as of 2 minutes ago, but applications still roll out now and again so follow along and look into it for yourself @ https://crwr.uoregon.edu/undergraduates/the-kidd-tutorial/course-components/
The application does ask you to get somewhat personal as you are required to write a short few paragraphs regarding why you want to apply, why you write, what you read and why, etc. I felt I was asked a series of relatively personal questions based around my writing, and I am proud of my statement, so don't be afraid to check it out. Especially if you're considering applying too.
Creating Something Meaningful
I am so used to writing seemingly "meaningless" drama (drama written for the mere sake of adding conflict when it is entirely unnecessary to add). Of course drama, in the case of Shattered Lives, does serve a purpose of its own: to prove a point. Though other times because it adds excitement when I feel it's lacking, and because drama fills in 'time'. Little "historical" side note: It used to be the only way I felt I could move a story along. Unfortunately this "meaningless" drama managed to leak its way into Changing Kathryn, the lack of meaning compromising the whole of this new series and what I want it to stand for.
I have found it to be a difficult task to write something that will make a difference; that will be void of meaningless drama. The question to ask then, is this: how can my writing contribute to society? This is an incredibly important task for me to tackle in today's social climate in regards to racism, xenophobia, and the future possibilities i.e. the plausible dismantling of our constitution. That is why I have worked so hard with Changing Kathryn. Now don't get me wrong, my Shattered Lives series has been written to add it's own benefits to society, but I am unashamed and thus readily will admit that there is unnecessary drama. CK has been written and will continue to be written very carefully as my goal is to ensure an international benefit no matter race, gender, age, etc.
To keep true to this promise I have been doing research, my studying involving the meaning behind certain symbols and colors I have used, and that I hold dear within my own spiritual beliefs to incorporate these into the story without being overtly (key word, there) obvious. I am also including: shamanism, other religions, magazine clippings, news articles...everything I am using and writing has a carefully designated purpose in my book. I have also dwelled (unfortunately yet mandatory) into the awful creations known as "Breitbart" in order to gain better understandings of intolerance.
I've taken the time to journal what I have gained/gathered as I go; I would like my future readers to understand further why I wrote the things I have--after all, a lot of carefully planning is going into this book, and I would like to share that with the world. However, due to potential spoiler alerts, I think I will only share these meanings upon request. That is, until I can find a better solution.
Case-in-point, I'm trying to write for change, love, tolerance, and spiritualism. This is what I want to share with you, readers. And I promise to continue striving towards that.
I have found it to be a difficult task to write something that will make a difference; that will be void of meaningless drama. The question to ask then, is this: how can my writing contribute to society? This is an incredibly important task for me to tackle in today's social climate in regards to racism, xenophobia, and the future possibilities i.e. the plausible dismantling of our constitution. That is why I have worked so hard with Changing Kathryn. Now don't get me wrong, my Shattered Lives series has been written to add it's own benefits to society, but I am unashamed and thus readily will admit that there is unnecessary drama. CK has been written and will continue to be written very carefully as my goal is to ensure an international benefit no matter race, gender, age, etc.
To keep true to this promise I have been doing research, my studying involving the meaning behind certain symbols and colors I have used, and that I hold dear within my own spiritual beliefs to incorporate these into the story without being overtly (key word, there) obvious. I am also including: shamanism, other religions, magazine clippings, news articles...everything I am using and writing has a carefully designated purpose in my book. I have also dwelled (unfortunately yet mandatory) into the awful creations known as "Breitbart" in order to gain better understandings of intolerance.
I've taken the time to journal what I have gained/gathered as I go; I would like my future readers to understand further why I wrote the things I have--after all, a lot of carefully planning is going into this book, and I would like to share that with the world. However, due to potential spoiler alerts, I think I will only share these meanings upon request. That is, until I can find a better solution.
Case-in-point, I'm trying to write for change, love, tolerance, and spiritualism. This is what I want to share with you, readers. And I promise to continue striving towards that.
Sincerely,
Sabrina S.K. Regan
Sabrina S.K. Regan
"Devil's Illness"
I was finally able to "create" a drug in my book that has not yet been made in the real world or even has a name that sounds remotely close. This was a surprisingly difficult task. It took several tries and almost an hour's worth of research. Emphasis on almost. I really wanted something unique, but each creative attempt was either off by a letter from being a real drug, or was already one. The end result: diloxidrin. It's the cure for my (fictitious) disease known as Devil's Illness for Changing Kathryn, the profile for which I'll go ahead and add as I'm proud of how it turned out:
Name: Devil’s Illness Deathbell Syndrome
Type: bacterial infection
Cause/source: unknown [bacteria residing in deathbell flowers]
Cure: diloxidrin
Type: bacterial infection
Cause/source: unknown [bacteria residing in deathbell flowers]
Cure: diloxidrin
Main Symptoms:
- Joint redness
- Tingling/shaking limbs
- Random bleeding and bruising
- Incessant shivering
- Fever 105+
- Moments of delusion
- Blistering sores
- Can cause temporary to permanent blindness, deafness, paralysis, etc. (in extreme cases or when left untreated)
- Joint redness
- Tingling/shaking limbs
- Random bleeding and bruising
- Incessant shivering
- Fever 105+
- Moments of delusion
- Blistering sores
- Can cause temporary to permanent blindness, deafness, paralysis, etc. (in extreme cases or when left untreated)
What
to expect: within 3-5 days after infection one may notice an increase in nose
bleeds, notice bruises appearing without due cause, and sometimes hands, feet,
or other limbs will start shaking on and off around this time. One may also
start shivering randomly, and joints will become red to the point of swelling.
Sores will also start to form, though these often look no different from a bug
bite and will also itch like one. These symptoms will have a noticeable
increase in severity over a few days, developing new symptoms seemingly
overnight.
Within 6-9 days upon exposure, victims
of DBS will notice incessant shivering, itching/blistering pus-oozing sores, as
well as blood in eyes, urine, stool, gums, etc. Tingling limbs will become
persistent and joint swelling will increase to the point of near to complete
dysfunction. Blindness is experienced by the vast majority of people at this
point too and may very well become permanent if not treated right away. The
experience of temporary blindness often subdues the severity of the experience
of joint redness and the tingling. An altered mental status may also be
experienced in extreme cases when left untreated; this generally only happens
within 8-10 days upon exposure and will result in high fevers (105+).
Worst cases archived: two survivors of
DBS were camping. They were unable to seek help by the time they were hit, and
thus went un-diagnosed for two weeks until they were discovered by S&R. One
suffers from permanent blindness as well as a weakened kidney; the other had to
be removed. The other is now paralyzed from the waist down, and was only able
to regain use of their right arm again after extreme diloxydrin treatments.
Rarity: 1 in [85]
©2017
©2017
If You Ever Had Any Doubt as to What a Paragraph is:
"Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a paragraph" –The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill
Taking it Down & Editing it Up
I have temporarily paused my "Changing Kathryn" Chapter Teasers blog once again as while I was rereading over some of the stuff I noticed some fairly significant plot details as well as errors that I had to fix. But that's what I get for posting these things before the book is actually done.
Thanks for sticking it out with me!
-Sabrina R.
Thanks for sticking it out with me!
-Sabrina R.
New Look, New Helpful Tip
Sick of all the clutter my blog seemed to have, I decided to tidy it up once again and this time I didn't lose any of my added features, such as my helpful tips or my favorite's link list. Also I personally think this new look is a definite upgrade. Plus I've gotten prior personal/verbal complaints that it's been slightly difficult to navigate through and read due to the changes I implemented last time, so from my through my mistakes I went for a simplistic design. What better way to celebrate the end of February/the beginning of March?
In other news, I posted a new helpful tip regarding the editing process in which I broke down the complicated realm of the fifth writing step. Check it out! I recently/originally posted this as a new post, but it seemed to make more sense in the helpful pages list.
So there you have it. Let me know what you think of the new design in the comments below.
Thanks!
In other news, I posted a new helpful tip regarding the editing process in which I broke down the complicated realm of the fifth writing step. Check it out! I recently/originally posted this as a new post, but it seemed to make more sense in the helpful pages list.
So there you have it. Let me know what you think of the new design in the comments below.
Thanks!
Sabrina R.
Shattered Lives, Fractured Hearts
Before you start freaking, this is NOT a depressing post. It's actually about two other novels that I've got going in the process, and as a result of "Changing Kathryn" they have been pushed aside, lost to my blog. In fact, I don't think anyone even knows about them so here I am, doing some more self promotion.
"Shattered Lives" and its sequel "Fractured Hearts" have been a work in progress since I was in middle school. But once my idea for CK was born, they were taken over and almost entirely forgot about, much to my dismay. The series follows three main characters Blaire Baits, Bridget Quigley, and Serena Gosslin, featuring a few other friends they meet along the way. Each chapter spotlights one of these girls and/or their families, showing how they interact together while diving into their innermost thoughts.
Unlike "Changing Kathryn", SL and FH are realistic fiction regarding the drama high school girls have to face, playing off the horrific stories I have gathered on from my own life and the lives I've played witness to, and of course embellishing those stories, ultimately fictionalizing them while keeping them (hopefully) relatable all the same.
"Shattered Lives" has already been written and edited, though I will be going through the editorial process again as it's been awhile, making sure those edits are up to date and so forth. Once that's done I will be offering up a few free samples- an announcement that should be coming relatively soon. Hopefully "Fractured Hearts" won't be following too far behind. Below are the covers to these two stories combined-
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| ©2017 |
Random Em-Dash Post
So I may have some helpful info on em-dashes and hyphens, but I've still been using both wrong in the case of substituting them for ellipses.
Ellipses are meant to represent something has been left out, or is being left out in a conversation, often used in cases to show someone's voice has trailed off. In the case of 4 ellipses this is a sign someone's voice has trailed off at the end of a sentence. Still, however, I am inaccurately writing in ellipses where there should be an em-dash, like this taken from Arms From The Sea: "Close your eyes.... Go on now, close your eyes". Once I discovered not to use ellipses like this, I went for the hyphen: "Close your eyes- go on now, close your eyes". The accurate version should have been "Close your eyes— Go on now, close your eyes" (Shapero, 34).
Ellipses are meant to represent something has been left out, or is being left out in a conversation, often used in cases to show someone's voice has trailed off. In the case of 4 ellipses this is a sign someone's voice has trailed off at the end of a sentence. Still, however, I am inaccurately writing in ellipses where there should be an em-dash, like this taken from Arms From The Sea: "Close your eyes.... Go on now, close your eyes". Once I discovered not to use ellipses like this, I went for the hyphen: "Close your eyes- go on now, close your eyes". The accurate version should have been "Close your eyes— Go on now, close your eyes" (Shapero, 34).
This mistake can be seen everywhere in my new chapters such as with this prime example: "a multitude of beautiful colors- it’s almost exotic" (K. R., Changing Kathryn). The accurate version should be this: "a multitude of beautiful colors— It's almost exotic".
Technical Difficulties Resolved
I was recently informed that people were having trouble accessing my chapter teasers. After a quick double check of the website tonight, I quickly realized why: the blog had been set to private. This has now been changed and should now be accessible.
Thanks for the notice, ya'll!
If there are any more issues, let me know. Thanks!
Thanks for the notice, ya'll!
If there are any more issues, let me know. Thanks!
And Now I'm at a Loss....
I had such success wyth my first chapter but now I have to take the time and slow down in order to introduce some characters into the plot with Chapter 2... BUT I DON'T WANT TO SLOW DOWN!!!! Ugh, I'm at a seemingly boring point and I'm trying to make it not boring, but I doen't know how.
Ick.
Sooooo what to write, what to write?
I don't know.
I think I'll just work out some writing blockage problems on here and get out my frustrations.
Or perhaps I should just move on?
Though going back might be a pain.
I should probably just push through and get it done...but ugh all the exciting stuff is just about to happen and I have to get the story there but in order to have it be appreciated when it arrives I need to not rush into such high action...well, actions.
Here's what I've got so far in Chapter 2- there won't be any spoilers since I'm not going to post this in the CK-CT blog (aside from a recap like was originally done before).
Kat's just gotten home to her well, home. She's been greeted by her foster siblings. They're a wild bunch. Her three elder foster sisters care for each other, but also fight a lot. We learn how they all met and formed their house of orphans. Kat has shown them the apple and is trying to figure out how to duplicate it. Do I want to go into details how she goes about this? I'm debating....
Do I want to show how the foster fam makes dinner for fifteen people wyth dehydrated food? I don't quite know what to show here- I want it to be a typical day for them in their cabin for the next two chapters so we get a sense of what these people mean to each other, and most importantly what they mean for Kat.
While prepping dinner the girls shoulde have a conversation about Magibes and the prejudices against them. Some other foster kids all between the ages of 10-13 will join in the conversation to offer up their own questions, ideas and opinions regarding the situation between R's and M's.
That's one section down. What else coulde/shoulde I cover? Oh man, I'm at a loss now.
Ooh, chores! That's a new one considering there is no working dishwasher, hot water, working washing machine, or working dryer. Everything has been jerry-rigged by the kids to keep things running and working. Also it's winter and the days are turning to night much quicker, and wythout artilect (the Earythian-wide usage of artificial electricity as we will soon find out) they have to be inventive and creative. Right, that also means no heat. Gotta keep that in mind. They will have running water- that woen't be an issue.
Hmmm.....
The girls should be going into the town of Hawkfire to give an idea of what this kingdom looks like as the only one that has been covered is the city of Dovetail, Aircrest, not even in their own territory.
Now, there are two things I'm debating between, or perhaps combine: To portray the Hawkfire kingdom as failing AND/OR Kat can't go into the main towns.
If I were to write Hawkfire as failing: as mentioned Redwing Mountain is mostly abandoned by now. Their crops are dying, people are starving and migrating North to the other kingdoms, and lifegobs are starting to circle overhead more and more. How is this happening? Why? And why haveyn't Kat and her foster family left?
If I were to write about how Kat can't go into main towns: The only reason I assume Hawkfire is dying is because Kat went all the way into Aircrest. Unless she cannot show her face in Hawkfire because she was outed as a Magibe there. Either way, there has to be a reason she went there....
Hmmm.... this will be figured out later. There's too much to figure out right now.
Topics I want to tackle for sure in the coming Chapter 2:
-Racism against Magibes
-Poverty v. Class in the kingdoms (mainly Hawkfire for now)
-Clash of the kingdoms
-The Great Separation War
-Survival of the foster family
-Lifegobs
Well that's a good list to get me started I believe.
Just doen't expect to see a Chapter 2 recap up for some while.
Ick.
Sooooo what to write, what to write?
I don't know.
I think I'll just work out some writing blockage problems on here and get out my frustrations.
Or perhaps I should just move on?
Though going back might be a pain.
I should probably just push through and get it done...but ugh all the exciting stuff is just about to happen and I have to get the story there but in order to have it be appreciated when it arrives I need to not rush into such high action...well, actions.
Here's what I've got so far in Chapter 2- there won't be any spoilers since I'm not going to post this in the CK-CT blog (aside from a recap like was originally done before).
Kat's just gotten home to her well, home. She's been greeted by her foster siblings. They're a wild bunch. Her three elder foster sisters care for each other, but also fight a lot. We learn how they all met and formed their house of orphans. Kat has shown them the apple and is trying to figure out how to duplicate it. Do I want to go into details how she goes about this? I'm debating....
Do I want to show how the foster fam makes dinner for fifteen people wyth dehydrated food? I don't quite know what to show here- I want it to be a typical day for them in their cabin for the next two chapters so we get a sense of what these people mean to each other, and most importantly what they mean for Kat.
While prepping dinner the girls shoulde have a conversation about Magibes and the prejudices against them. Some other foster kids all between the ages of 10-13 will join in the conversation to offer up their own questions, ideas and opinions regarding the situation between R's and M's.
That's one section down. What else coulde/shoulde I cover? Oh man, I'm at a loss now.
Ooh, chores! That's a new one considering there is no working dishwasher, hot water, working washing machine, or working dryer. Everything has been jerry-rigged by the kids to keep things running and working. Also it's winter and the days are turning to night much quicker, and wythout artilect (the Earythian-wide usage of artificial electricity as we will soon find out) they have to be inventive and creative. Right, that also means no heat. Gotta keep that in mind. They will have running water- that woen't be an issue.
Hmmm.....
The girls should be going into the town of Hawkfire to give an idea of what this kingdom looks like as the only one that has been covered is the city of Dovetail, Aircrest, not even in their own territory.
Now, there are two things I'm debating between, or perhaps combine: To portray the Hawkfire kingdom as failing AND/OR Kat can't go into the main towns.
If I were to write Hawkfire as failing: as mentioned Redwing Mountain is mostly abandoned by now. Their crops are dying, people are starving and migrating North to the other kingdoms, and lifegobs are starting to circle overhead more and more. How is this happening? Why? And why haveyn't Kat and her foster family left?
If I were to write about how Kat can't go into main towns: The only reason I assume Hawkfire is dying is because Kat went all the way into Aircrest. Unless she cannot show her face in Hawkfire because she was outed as a Magibe there. Either way, there has to be a reason she went there....
Hmmm.... this will be figured out later. There's too much to figure out right now.
Topics I want to tackle for sure in the coming Chapter 2:
-Racism against Magibes
-Poverty v. Class in the kingdoms (mainly Hawkfire for now)
-Clash of the kingdoms
-The Great Separation War
-Survival of the foster family
-Lifegobs
Well that's a good list to get me started I believe.
Just doen't expect to see a Chapter 2 recap up for some while.
POSTED!
It's up, ya'll! The all NEW chapter 1 is here ("Changing Kathryn - Chapter Teasers"). Plus all the other information has been updated and added in as a result. The perfect Valentine's Day accomplishment.
Wanna know just how happy I am? Check out my latest Twitter feed:
Happy Valentine's Day! 💖
Wanna know just how happy I am? Check out my latest Twitter feed:
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| (account is private) |
Chapter 1 Almost Redone
So I am almost done reworking chapter 1 from the beginning and so far I think there is a vast improvement! I'm super stoked and I cayn't wait to post it (hopefully here in the next 30 minutes!!!!)
I'll also be adding here in the next few minutes some other new (and relevant) information such as maps, background info on the continents of Earythia, and so forth. I believe this has added to the depth of my 1st chapter. But tell me what you think and what works (or even what doesyn't work) for you.
Thanks!
I'll also be adding here in the next few minutes some other new (and relevant) information such as maps, background info on the continents of Earythia, and so forth. I believe this has added to the depth of my 1st chapter. But tell me what you think and what works (or even what doesyn't work) for you.
Thanks!
New Novel Blog Update
I just switched my "Changing Kathryn - Chapter Teasers" blog off for the time being as I rework some issues that I was having. This will only be temporary I swear, and will probably be back up at the end of the weekend. However, once it's back live and running, you will certainly notice some significant plot changes....
Too Many Ideas
I have no idea how to continue. I decided I was moving way too fast in the novel making a jumbled mess out of a lot of information. Now I have to figure out how to reveal that information to the reader without it being overwhelming, and how to move the book along in a timely manner, and how to make the drama happen.
I'll submit my 3rd chapter of the book on my "Changing Kathryn" blog, followed by some ideas that I'm considering pursing, and perhaps I might get some feedback on how YOU might follow up the chapter? Because I am at a total loss. I would really just like to get something written on the page. I'm done rewriting and rewriting with no success. It's turning out too chaotic for even ME to handle. My poor readers, you will be so overwhelmed I'm sure if you had to read it how it was!
It would also be nice to take a moment to allow some time for character absorption; you know, getting to know who these people are emotionally, mentally, physically.... And what about the planet that they live on? There's some other information too I would like to bring out, but not all in one fell swoop. That's dangerously close to overcrowding.
Remember: Sincere input is always appreciated!
I'll submit my 3rd chapter of the book on my "Changing Kathryn" blog, followed by some ideas that I'm considering pursing, and perhaps I might get some feedback on how YOU might follow up the chapter? Because I am at a total loss. I would really just like to get something written on the page. I'm done rewriting and rewriting with no success. It's turning out too chaotic for even ME to handle. My poor readers, you will be so overwhelmed I'm sure if you had to read it how it was!
It would also be nice to take a moment to allow some time for character absorption; you know, getting to know who these people are emotionally, mentally, physically.... And what about the planet that they live on? There's some other information too I would like to bring out, but not all in one fell swoop. That's dangerously close to overcrowding.
Remember: Sincere input is always appreciated!
Exit All Distractions
This is not novel related, but it certainly is writing related. I have a take-home written exam that's supposed to be 7 pages long, for my anthro class. Thus I am officially not doing any creative writing until Monday the 6th as I have an exam due that day, thus I am setting aside my novel, facebook, hulu, and any other distractions so that I may focus. Blog included. This is going to be my last post until I can get this exam done.
So why am I announcing this?
Because sometimes (for me) it is easier to follow through with something like this when I have made my commitment public as it makes me feel more like I have to uphold my own promise to myself.
And there you have it.
Wish me luck!
So why am I announcing this?
Because sometimes (for me) it is easier to follow through with something like this when I have made my commitment public as it makes me feel more like I have to uphold my own promise to myself.
And there you have it.
Wish me luck!
Editing the Plot
After my last post I got some sleep (and a good thing too! My spelling from that day was much more atrocious than I realized at the time), and took my advice. I went forward to the end result, then realized once I got there where my problem was.
I jumped too far ahead too soon. I didyn't let the chain of events unfold as naturally as I wanted them to, and I didyn't allow the drama of a situation settle in. I just kept pushing on ahead adding more stuff to the story overwhelming it, and even my own self. That's never a good sign, by the way. If you have overwhelmed yourself as the writer, your poor readers are are going to have hell keeping up.
I have gone back to fix this now, but I'm going back from chapter 9 all the way down to chapter 4 where the dramatic sitch first showed itself. It shouldyn't take too long to resolve the problem, seeing as I am almost done completing the problem wyth Ch4. Now I just have to make sure the story carries on wyth as little plot holes as possible.
In other news, it's 3:33! Make a wish!
I jumped too far ahead too soon. I didyn't let the chain of events unfold as naturally as I wanted them to, and I didyn't allow the drama of a situation settle in. I just kept pushing on ahead adding more stuff to the story overwhelming it, and even my own self. That's never a good sign, by the way. If you have overwhelmed yourself as the writer, your poor readers are are going to have hell keeping up.
I have gone back to fix this now, but I'm going back from chapter 9 all the way down to chapter 4 where the dramatic sitch first showed itself. It shouldyn't take too long to resolve the problem, seeing as I am almost done completing the problem wyth Ch4. Now I just have to make sure the story carries on wyth as little plot holes as possible.
In other news, it's 3:33! Make a wish!
Moving On Ahead
I'm exhausted as I write this do sorry in advance for a y spelling errors, especially seeing as I'm typing this out on my phone, whose keyboard has. Send known to be a little less than reliable.
I'm currently Stu k on getting through a chapter and it's been bugging me for quite some time know. But as I'm going to take some old advice of mine and push on to the end result I was t to achieve. I'll go back and add the filler stuff in later. It worked last time so lets hope I can usr the same trick twice....
Also: happy February 1st, everyone!!!
Brain Went Splat
I am so unfocused and so distracted today- I can't read more than a few minutes of my homework before I'm ready to move on to the next thing. And I'll write maybe a sentence in my novel before I forget what I wanted to say. Actually, I'm lucky if I even get a full sentence down. Needless to say my brain went splat on my desk. I am officially mentally checked out. Like this:
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| In the Words of Tina |
The Links List is Up!
Not everything is there, but I have finally been able to acquire some of the old links that were originally on display, and added a new one in addition "Who vs. Whom". Hopefully this will be of use to people again! Sorry this has been down for so long.
Random Post
I wish I could just do a file upload to my CK blog- it would make things so much easier rather than copy and pasting every little thing (including my personally made comments). Will have to complete this task later though- off to accapella rehearsals I go.
Responsibility Shirked, New Responsibility Aquired
So I completely forgot I had posted that I originally said I would be fixing the links list- the only reason I realized it too was because I had news about my "Changing Kathryn" novel site...and when I was about to post it, well, oops!
Needless to say I did NOT fix the LL. I don't know when I will and since I failed at keeping my promise previously, I won't make another until I've got a specific time set aside for such.
But there is a new responsibility I'm taking on. As I mentioned about my CK blog above, I have a new development taking place. I have purposefully been avoiding posting anything else there for fear of copyright infringement issues- but I think I came up with a new solution for this:
There are some stories (i.e on Amazon) that are online where you as a reader than take a preview look inside. Of course not all the pages are available, and in several cases chapters are omitted. But in my case I don't want readers to be confused since the blog site is purposefully set up for acquiring feed back. Instead I will skip posting certain chapters, but will provide a "previously" type section in between in order to keep the reader up to date on what happened in the prior chapter.
Now I realize this may not work, especially since my chapters are well linked up together, but I want to give this a go since I really do want immediate feedback, but moreover I want people to be entertained rather than having to wait. And more moreover, I don't want the site to go dead and be abandoned. I worked hard on creating it. I want to make it stick for as long as I can, and if that means finding a new solution to work around CRII (my personal abbreviation for copyright infringement issues) then I will do everything I can to find that solution, even if it means not being able to post for awhile longer, as much as that kills me to say.
Well, check back soon and expect a coming update regarding my CKNBS ("Changing Kathryn" Novel Blog Site).
Thanks!
Sabrina R.
Needless to say I did NOT fix the LL. I don't know when I will and since I failed at keeping my promise previously, I won't make another until I've got a specific time set aside for such.
But there is a new responsibility I'm taking on. As I mentioned about my CK blog above, I have a new development taking place. I have purposefully been avoiding posting anything else there for fear of copyright infringement issues- but I think I came up with a new solution for this:
There are some stories (i.e on Amazon) that are online where you as a reader than take a preview look inside. Of course not all the pages are available, and in several cases chapters are omitted. But in my case I don't want readers to be confused since the blog site is purposefully set up for acquiring feed back. Instead I will skip posting certain chapters, but will provide a "previously" type section in between in order to keep the reader up to date on what happened in the prior chapter.
Now I realize this may not work, especially since my chapters are well linked up together, but I want to give this a go since I really do want immediate feedback, but moreover I want people to be entertained rather than having to wait. And more moreover, I don't want the site to go dead and be abandoned. I worked hard on creating it. I want to make it stick for as long as I can, and if that means finding a new solution to work around CRII (my personal abbreviation for copyright infringement issues) then I will do everything I can to find that solution, even if it means not being able to post for awhile longer, as much as that kills me to say.
Well, check back soon and expect a coming update regarding my CKNBS ("Changing Kathryn" Novel Blog Site).
Thanks!
Sabrina R.
Blog Update: Coming Soon
I'll be scrounging around my blog to continue adding to the favorites list link which was deleted when I changed the look of this blog- I expect that this endeavor won't take too long, so check back tonight!
First Post of the New Year
I have taken my precious time to make a new post- and now I'm finally at it again.
I'm not quite sure what to write at the moment, so...how about a novel update?
I just reached chapter VII (8), and I've already got a plan in mind for how to finish it (the chapter, not the book). I think the trick with this book this time around, in order to make sure I finally get it right, is to work on a single chapter at a time. I have been planning each chapter right before I start writing, finish it, then go on to the next one. I refuse to prepare anything too far in advance- it was perhaps my greatest downfall in the previous makings.
Well that's about it as far as novel work goes. Right now my little 6+ month-old kitten is curled up asleep beside me in "our" bed, my dad's puppy asleep at my feet. Gods I love them both.
In further news, that's actually not news at all: I Hope this new year is treating people well- it's certainly been a rough one as I've heard from many. Take care of yourselves and each other. And try and make 2017 as easy as possible for yourself.
Best and sincerest regards,
Sabrina R.
Sabrina R.
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