Well hello again, ladies and gents. It's been a while. Perhaps too long, maybe not long enough. Either way, I'm back around these parts, at least for the moment, to go back to roots. You may already be aware, but if not, National Novel Writing Month is upon us again, and I'm throwing my hat into the ring once again. A few years ago, when I made my last blog post, I mentioned that I was going to participate that year, but unfortunately, things just didn't pan out. Life got in the way, and I haven't really been able to get back into the swing of things until now, and I'm ready to rip through another month of wordsmithing.
As ready as I am, however, this year, things have changed. Some changes for the better, some for the worse, and some that I'm not entirely sure on. I've got less time to write, less energy, and by far less writing stamina. I'm finding an unfamiliar difficulty in staying focused, keeping my eyes on the ball, another unnecessary metaphor; and that, friends, is what brings me back here. I'm hoping that by revisiting old haunts, reconnecting to resources I stopped caring about long ago, that I can recapture that fighting spirit, the will to write, and the drive to succeed in this mad month.
So, in an effort to start back on the right foot here, let me tell you a little bit about my novel for the event.
Showing posts with label Personal Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Stuff. Show all posts
11/03/2015
1/30/2011
New Ventures Ahoy
So it seems that my prediction as of last update was completely wrong. Instead of ignoring that little Twitter thing, I've actually managed to keep up with that and instead forget nearly completely about this. In an effort to bring my attention back around, I'm going to try and keep myself to a bi-weekly schedule for the blog. So every two weeks, I'll be sure to come back around and update with goings on and various other topics. Which also brings me to touch upon the issue of content. Seeing as how NaNoWriMo has been over for a few months now, I'll be shifting focus on to a more general view on things. I'll still give writing advice if and when I see fit, and of course, I'll be updating with the status of my '10 novel, Shades of Change and the various stages of editing that it happens to be going through.
Other topics I may or may not post about are, in no particular order, personal news, video games, worldly happenings that I happen to have an opinion about (don't worry, there aren't really many of these), and things of the sort.
But, going back to the whole writing side of things for a moment, if you've somehow managed to keep an eye on this blog (with it's lack of updates and all) and its sidebar to the left there, you'll have known that I intended to finally begin revising Shades. Now, shamefully, I still haven't started on it; although I have taken a look back at the first few chapters and realize quite a few issues exist within the writing. The pacing for a lot of the beginning chapters is completely awful. There is basically no spacing between major events, and what little there is, is weak and fairly poorly written. Of course, being a NaNovel, I didn't expect too much more than this, and honestly, it's easily rectifiable. I've also found out that third-person limited may not actually be the best delivery method for the story itself, and indeed, it may benefit greatly from having a complete overhaul into first person perspective (see a few posts back to see some possible reasons why this is).
And, while I've found all of this out, another future project of mine that I've been planning for well over a year now has finally begun to open itself up and make itself available. I haven't really mentioned it very much on the blog here, but I've had this idea floating in my head for the longest time based upon a prompt that I came up with during a completely unrelated event. That being said, this idea refused to allow me to explore it much, and as such most of the planning I've done for it is terrible and probably won't see the light of day. However, recently I've come across a few things about this new plot that would work wonderfully if implemented correctly, and I hope to begin outlining it quite soon. Writing probably won't commence for quite a while, but the thought isn't going anywhere for a long, long time.
Which brings me to more current news. Again, if you've somehow managed to keep up with this blog, even while I haven't, you'll notice that I've also begun quite a new adventure; one more closely tied to my other great pass time, video games. I've begun a Let's Play series on one of my absolute favorite games of all time (which, incidentally, has some of the best writing in a video game that I've seen).
If you don't happen to know what a "Let's Play" is, allow me to explain. A Let's Play is a fairly new thing that has popped up out of the internet culture-pot, the SomethingAwful forums. The basic premise is one or two people take it upon themselves to record themselves playing a game, be it through screenshots or video, and provide a helpful walkthrough and/or humorous commentary. Some of the better Let's Players are able to do both with incredible skill, and they're often great time sinks.
That being said, I've started my own series on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. If you're interested in watching it, you can find it on YouTube on my channel page.
Anyway, that's all I have for all of you guys today. So, with all of that in mind, I bid you all adieu until two weeks from now.
Other topics I may or may not post about are, in no particular order, personal news, video games, worldly happenings that I happen to have an opinion about (don't worry, there aren't really many of these), and things of the sort.
But, going back to the whole writing side of things for a moment, if you've somehow managed to keep an eye on this blog (with it's lack of updates and all) and its sidebar to the left there, you'll have known that I intended to finally begin revising Shades. Now, shamefully, I still haven't started on it; although I have taken a look back at the first few chapters and realize quite a few issues exist within the writing. The pacing for a lot of the beginning chapters is completely awful. There is basically no spacing between major events, and what little there is, is weak and fairly poorly written. Of course, being a NaNovel, I didn't expect too much more than this, and honestly, it's easily rectifiable. I've also found out that third-person limited may not actually be the best delivery method for the story itself, and indeed, it may benefit greatly from having a complete overhaul into first person perspective (see a few posts back to see some possible reasons why this is).
And, while I've found all of this out, another future project of mine that I've been planning for well over a year now has finally begun to open itself up and make itself available. I haven't really mentioned it very much on the blog here, but I've had this idea floating in my head for the longest time based upon a prompt that I came up with during a completely unrelated event. That being said, this idea refused to allow me to explore it much, and as such most of the planning I've done for it is terrible and probably won't see the light of day. However, recently I've come across a few things about this new plot that would work wonderfully if implemented correctly, and I hope to begin outlining it quite soon. Writing probably won't commence for quite a while, but the thought isn't going anywhere for a long, long time.
Which brings me to more current news. Again, if you've somehow managed to keep up with this blog, even while I haven't, you'll notice that I've also begun quite a new adventure; one more closely tied to my other great pass time, video games. I've begun a Let's Play series on one of my absolute favorite games of all time (which, incidentally, has some of the best writing in a video game that I've seen).
If you don't happen to know what a "Let's Play" is, allow me to explain. A Let's Play is a fairly new thing that has popped up out of the internet culture-pot, the SomethingAwful forums. The basic premise is one or two people take it upon themselves to record themselves playing a game, be it through screenshots or video, and provide a helpful walkthrough and/or humorous commentary. Some of the better Let's Players are able to do both with incredible skill, and they're often great time sinks.
That being said, I've started my own series on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. If you're interested in watching it, you can find it on YouTube on my channel page.
Anyway, that's all I have for all of you guys today. So, with all of that in mind, I bid you all adieu until two weeks from now.
1/03/2011
Oh Wait, I Still Have a Blog.
Wow... so it's been an entire month without even so much as a peep out of this tiny little corner of that prismatic thing we call an internet. Anyway, there's been quite a few things happening around the world in my "absence", not the least of which being the holiday season and the start of a new year. It's been quite an adventurous month, as I've been ferried around through three or four states on roughly twenty different occasions, and that leaves fairly little time to do other things, as I'm sure you all know.
Anyway, as has already been stated around the world, quite many times, 2010 is over. That's right, another decade descends into the annals of history and a new one rises before us, waiting to be explored. People around the world have made resolutions for what they will be doing with their lives in this fantastic new year, and I for one, am no different. What is/are my resolutions? Well, simply put, to stop being so damned lazy.
I've been putting off quite a few things, and for quite a long time now. I aim to put a stop to all of it. First and foremost, I will be setting off with a full head of steam, editing the novel I wrote in November to a more polished, much more readable state. After that, well, it's one big mystery, but somewhere along the line, I know that I will probably set off on writing another novel and editing that. But that's another, erm... story. Secondly, I will be finding myself a stable job and saving money. This seems relatively straightforward, but with my lack of social skills, one can only hope this venture ends well. Thirdly, I am resolving to re-enroll in college. While this year off has been nice, I need to hunker down and set myself right.
After all of that, I honestly don't know. I have so many things that I want to do, and if I don't sit myself down and outline a plan, then nothing will get done, I'm sure of it. Regardless, that's the future. I'd like to also talk a bit about the past. 2010 was a year of a great many things - not the least of which being the year in which I wrote my first "full-length" novel. Just thinking back to what we're now calling last year calls forth such a dizzying amount of information and memories that I don't think I'd be able to recall it all to the extent that I would like.
One very prominent memory of last year comes to mind, and very clearly. Before I divulge that, however, I have to add in some back story first. You see, about three years ago, my family became split into about three groups, each living in separate states and all of that. My mother and father, dragging me along, moved to Connecticut. Shortly after that, my mother split from my father, me tagging along with her, and moved to New Jersey. And, remaining in Florida were my two brothers. Since then, one of my brothers has found his way up here, and is now living with us here in New Jersey.
Last year was special for me because it was the first time in two years that I'd seen all of my immediate family in one place, and for once, none of them were fighting each other. Let's just say it was a rather moving experience, and one that I dearly wish would repeat itself, even though common sense and logic are already telling me that it probably won't happen.
But that's enough about me. What about you guys? What have you been up to in this past month, and what are your resolutions for the year ahead?
Anyway, as has already been stated around the world, quite many times, 2010 is over. That's right, another decade descends into the annals of history and a new one rises before us, waiting to be explored. People around the world have made resolutions for what they will be doing with their lives in this fantastic new year, and I for one, am no different. What is/are my resolutions? Well, simply put, to stop being so damned lazy.
I've been putting off quite a few things, and for quite a long time now. I aim to put a stop to all of it. First and foremost, I will be setting off with a full head of steam, editing the novel I wrote in November to a more polished, much more readable state. After that, well, it's one big mystery, but somewhere along the line, I know that I will probably set off on writing another novel and editing that. But that's another, erm... story. Secondly, I will be finding myself a stable job and saving money. This seems relatively straightforward, but with my lack of social skills, one can only hope this venture ends well. Thirdly, I am resolving to re-enroll in college. While this year off has been nice, I need to hunker down and set myself right.
After all of that, I honestly don't know. I have so many things that I want to do, and if I don't sit myself down and outline a plan, then nothing will get done, I'm sure of it. Regardless, that's the future. I'd like to also talk a bit about the past. 2010 was a year of a great many things - not the least of which being the year in which I wrote my first "full-length" novel. Just thinking back to what we're now calling last year calls forth such a dizzying amount of information and memories that I don't think I'd be able to recall it all to the extent that I would like.
One very prominent memory of last year comes to mind, and very clearly. Before I divulge that, however, I have to add in some back story first. You see, about three years ago, my family became split into about three groups, each living in separate states and all of that. My mother and father, dragging me along, moved to Connecticut. Shortly after that, my mother split from my father, me tagging along with her, and moved to New Jersey. And, remaining in Florida were my two brothers. Since then, one of my brothers has found his way up here, and is now living with us here in New Jersey.
Last year was special for me because it was the first time in two years that I'd seen all of my immediate family in one place, and for once, none of them were fighting each other. Let's just say it was a rather moving experience, and one that I dearly wish would repeat itself, even though common sense and logic are already telling me that it probably won't happen.
But that's enough about me. What about you guys? What have you been up to in this past month, and what are your resolutions for the year ahead?
11/03/2010
NaNo News: Day Three
So it comes to be that day three is nearly past and NaNo is definitely in full swing now, with hundreds of thousands of writers pouring their wit upon the now-not-so-blank page in their efforts to write what some of us crazies hope will become the next bestselling novel. I, in a more personal generalization, have enjoyed great success in my own little noveling world, hitting a stride of two 5k word days in a row, and working on making the third one a reality (though it's a little more difficult than the first two were, I must say. A terrible case of the stubborn scene seems to have hit me particularly hard today.) My current word count? 12,778 words, and with four hours to go until the official end of the day, I have a total of 3,009 words to slog through in order to make my self-imposed quota.
Just about an hour and a half ago, I received a comment on my last post regarding my word count and my status as a college student, and I suppose there isn't a better topic today than to give a quick rundown on my writing habits.
First off, I want to say that I am an absolute sucker for pen-and-paper writing. It has given me something to do when there's been nothing else to occupy my time, and it's probably preserved what's left of my sanity admirably. This goes for NaNo especially; while in a particularly redundant lecture, I'm able to pull out my trusty novel notebook and begin busting out passages and scenes that I can later expand upon and type into my novel-in-progress file on the computer. This alone has probably accounted for more than a half of the current word count, plain and simple.
The second thing I do is when I find any free time at all, I write. Five minutes to get to class? Rush and get there early, pull out the notebook or laptop and begin typing furiously. Personal word wars are fantastic in such short bursts. There's also a great potential for inspiration to be drawn from your courses, given the right circumstances. For instance, history courses offer a great starting point. Find a little fact from hundreds of years ago? There's a novel or short story premise, right there.
Thirdly, I find that homework isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's provided me with enough pent-up writing energy and excitement that when I'm finally able to work on my novel for the month, it's a blur of ideas rushing straight from my brain to my computer's hard drive. Okay, so maybe a little bit of finger movement is involved, but hey, it's as close to directly beaming my thoughts into a word processor as it gets, eh?
So there you have it. Writing on a short time frame doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice words when there are plenty to go around. So, what do you all do in terms of quick-writing rituals during times of having no time?
Just about an hour and a half ago, I received a comment on my last post regarding my word count and my status as a college student, and I suppose there isn't a better topic today than to give a quick rundown on my writing habits.
First off, I want to say that I am an absolute sucker for pen-and-paper writing. It has given me something to do when there's been nothing else to occupy my time, and it's probably preserved what's left of my sanity admirably. This goes for NaNo especially; while in a particularly redundant lecture, I'm able to pull out my trusty novel notebook and begin busting out passages and scenes that I can later expand upon and type into my novel-in-progress file on the computer. This alone has probably accounted for more than a half of the current word count, plain and simple.
The second thing I do is when I find any free time at all, I write. Five minutes to get to class? Rush and get there early, pull out the notebook or laptop and begin typing furiously. Personal word wars are fantastic in such short bursts. There's also a great potential for inspiration to be drawn from your courses, given the right circumstances. For instance, history courses offer a great starting point. Find a little fact from hundreds of years ago? There's a novel or short story premise, right there.
Thirdly, I find that homework isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's provided me with enough pent-up writing energy and excitement that when I'm finally able to work on my novel for the month, it's a blur of ideas rushing straight from my brain to my computer's hard drive. Okay, so maybe a little bit of finger movement is involved, but hey, it's as close to directly beaming my thoughts into a word processor as it gets, eh?
So there you have it. Writing on a short time frame doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice words when there are plenty to go around. So, what do you all do in terms of quick-writing rituals during times of having no time?
10/03/2010
Thoughtful Redirection and Anticipation
I deleted the blog, and I un-deleted the blog. Not much to say about that, besides the fact that I can't reliably keep myself on a schedule if it isn't absolutely imperative to my way of life. So, I just hope I remember this thing well enough to update it when I will. Disregard all of that silly schedule nonsense a few posts back, and welcome to the new(ish) blog of mine. I've also wanted to take it upon myself to start up doing Let's Plays (if you don't know what these are, go check out ProtonJon or Chuggaaconroy on Youtube. They're both fantastic LPers.) I don't know when or how, but I'll eventually (probably) do it. My Youtube channel's the same as everything else of mine on the internet, surprise, surprise.
National Novel Writing Month is coming up yet again. In fact, we are now under 30 days until the events begin. "What events?" you ask? The events of locking oneself in a room for 30 days and writing a first draft novel. Of course, the locking in a room is an optional part of things, but I think that's the only way I'll actually win this year. Too many things I want to do, and not quite the time to do it.
As for that pesky job I've been chasing for about a month now, it's finally officially a wash. They made an excuse not to hire me and followed through with it. Not really surprising. Regardless, this means that eventually, I'll have to reenter the job search and fall flat again. Or, perhaps this time I'll succeed. Only time will tell.
In other news, I'm finally continuing my fanfiction - again - and hopefully I'll successfully finish it before I lose interest - again. At any rate, November's slated to be a big month for me, and my hopes are that I can do all that I've been wanting to. Now, off to plotting for NaNoWriMo!
National Novel Writing Month is coming up yet again. In fact, we are now under 30 days until the events begin. "What events?" you ask? The events of locking oneself in a room for 30 days and writing a first draft novel. Of course, the locking in a room is an optional part of things, but I think that's the only way I'll actually win this year. Too many things I want to do, and not quite the time to do it.
As for that pesky job I've been chasing for about a month now, it's finally officially a wash. They made an excuse not to hire me and followed through with it. Not really surprising. Regardless, this means that eventually, I'll have to reenter the job search and fall flat again. Or, perhaps this time I'll succeed. Only time will tell.
In other news, I'm finally continuing my fanfiction - again - and hopefully I'll successfully finish it before I lose interest - again. At any rate, November's slated to be a big month for me, and my hopes are that I can do all that I've been wanting to. Now, off to plotting for NaNoWriMo!
9/14/2010
I'm Richard, and I'm a Bungie Fanboy
So, I've finally got in touch (again) with the hiring manager at the place I'm trying to get a job at, and now I have to wait longer for this potential job to either come to fruition or be cast into oblivion. I hate the real world, sometimes. If only things would just work out, how easy would that be? Too easy, likely, but all the same, all of this run-around just makes me want to hurt something.
Anyway, with that out of the way, I'm obviously still sitting out on the release of Halo: Reach, while looking in. I've been trying not to even look at videos beyond the trailers for the game so I don't spoil it for myself. I'm basically willing to sell my soul for a copy of this game, although not so dramatically.
But, while we're on the topic of Reach, I don't think many people who play it will realize what a momentous occasion this truly is for the franchise. And I'm not just talking about it being the precursor to everything that's happened in the series so far; no, this is based solely on the developer, Bungie. Halo: Reach marks the final game that Bungie is making for the series before moving on to their next IP - which is undoubtedly going to be a smash hit, best-selling game. This means, that whatever comes next for the series is more than likely going to feel... well, different somehow. Not the same, at the very least.
Halo was Bungie's baby, from day one. The original RTS version of the game that got transformed into one of the best first-person shooters of this generation (last generation, if you're speaking consoles), that was the catalyst for arguably the best gaming series of the day and age; all of it came on the back of Bungie's excellent core of programmers and writers. The fact that they were able to take their project from real-time strategy and turn it into a workable (read: great) FPS is a testament to their flexibility, which has served them well. But, now it's all over. The trilogy's done, and now, even the prequel has been realized. I, for one, look forward to the next great Bungie game.
Anyway, with that out of the way, I'm obviously still sitting out on the release of Halo: Reach, while looking in. I've been trying not to even look at videos beyond the trailers for the game so I don't spoil it for myself. I'm basically willing to sell my soul for a copy of this game, although not so dramatically.
But, while we're on the topic of Reach, I don't think many people who play it will realize what a momentous occasion this truly is for the franchise. And I'm not just talking about it being the precursor to everything that's happened in the series so far; no, this is based solely on the developer, Bungie. Halo: Reach marks the final game that Bungie is making for the series before moving on to their next IP - which is undoubtedly going to be a smash hit, best-selling game. This means, that whatever comes next for the series is more than likely going to feel... well, different somehow. Not the same, at the very least.
Halo was Bungie's baby, from day one. The original RTS version of the game that got transformed into one of the best first-person shooters of this generation (last generation, if you're speaking consoles), that was the catalyst for arguably the best gaming series of the day and age; all of it came on the back of Bungie's excellent core of programmers and writers. The fact that they were able to take their project from real-time strategy and turn it into a workable (read: great) FPS is a testament to their flexibility, which has served them well. But, now it's all over. The trilogy's done, and now, even the prequel has been realized. I, for one, look forward to the next great Bungie game.
9/12/2010
Posting Schedule After This Week
Alright, so for future references and for my sanity, I'll be imposing a schedule to which I will update this blog. So, anyone who actually reads this beyond myself, will have ample notice as to when to expect the next big blob of absolute nonsense to be posted on the site, and those who don't, well, won't.
So it'll be like this:
Sunday through Thursday, every day, whenever I can find the time, and I can remember to post things. Friday may or may not happen, depending on whether or not I'm in a rush to head off for Dungeons and Dragons (the real one, the one played with ACTUAL PEOPLE). Saturday is generally a no-go. This be my lazy day.
And there it is. When you can expect me to make a big 'ol fool of myself in semi-public.
As for tonight's post, I don't have much, beyond a short rant about my own stupidity. Awhile ago, I pre-ordered Halo: Reach, much like a lot of other people in the world. I was expecting to actually be employed by the time release date rolled around, but lo and behold, it didn't happen. So now, I'm a very unhappy person. Mostly at myself. GO ME. Let's just hope that I actually get this job by the end of this week. Perhaps that will change my mood. Then again, perhaps not. Moods are very fickle things, you see. More tomorrow, when I should actually have a topic to go off of.
So it'll be like this:
Sunday through Thursday, every day, whenever I can find the time, and I can remember to post things. Friday may or may not happen, depending on whether or not I'm in a rush to head off for Dungeons and Dragons (the real one, the one played with ACTUAL PEOPLE). Saturday is generally a no-go. This be my lazy day.
And there it is. When you can expect me to make a big 'ol fool of myself in semi-public.
As for tonight's post, I don't have much, beyond a short rant about my own stupidity. Awhile ago, I pre-ordered Halo: Reach, much like a lot of other people in the world. I was expecting to actually be employed by the time release date rolled around, but lo and behold, it didn't happen. So now, I'm a very unhappy person. Mostly at myself. GO ME. Let's just hope that I actually get this job by the end of this week. Perhaps that will change my mood. Then again, perhaps not. Moods are very fickle things, you see. More tomorrow, when I should actually have a topic to go off of.
9/10/2010
I Believe an Introduction is in Order Here.
Hey, everyone, I'm Richard. Or, probably better known to everyone else on the internet, Python862. I like a lot of things. I like to read, I like to write (more on this later), I like to play video games (again, more on this later), and, I like to shamelessly promote myself on blogs that likely won't see much traffic beyond myself comment-whoring.
Now, when I say I like to write, I mean that I really like to write. It's one of my all time favorite hobbies, and at some point or other, I hope to be published, just like any other aspiring author. What do I write? Fiction, usually high fantasy or something along the lines of fantasy. I even have quite a selection of stories based upon well known properties (you know it as fanfiction), which, conveniently enough, are all posted upon fanfiction-dot-net. You can probably guess the username. However, I've since drifted away from that and am now focusing entirely on original material. Some of which I hope to excerpt every now and again here on this very blog.
I also happened to mention that I enjoy gaming. I'd rate this right behind writing in terms of hobbies, and it would likely explain why I wrote fanfiction for the longest time. I've recently gotten over an addiction (yes, an addiction, for that's what it was) to World of Warcraft, and I feel better for it. So much wasted time, it sickens me. Regardless, I continue to play games on various systems, most notably Modern Warfare 2 (for both Xbox 360 and PS3 - I'm just lucky like that) and the Mass Effect series (much <3, BioWare). So, with that said, I'm quite likely to start off on some sort of tirade on one issue with gaming or another. Just don't get me started with games being an issue for children's mental health - that's always been a topic I've been hot about.
So that's me in a nutshell. I hope that whoever reads this will stick with me for what I hope will be a long, fun ride in the adventures of variety.
Be Happy, everyone.
Now, when I say I like to write, I mean that I really like to write. It's one of my all time favorite hobbies, and at some point or other, I hope to be published, just like any other aspiring author. What do I write? Fiction, usually high fantasy or something along the lines of fantasy. I even have quite a selection of stories based upon well known properties (you know it as fanfiction), which, conveniently enough, are all posted upon fanfiction-dot-net. You can probably guess the username. However, I've since drifted away from that and am now focusing entirely on original material. Some of which I hope to excerpt every now and again here on this very blog.
I also happened to mention that I enjoy gaming. I'd rate this right behind writing in terms of hobbies, and it would likely explain why I wrote fanfiction for the longest time. I've recently gotten over an addiction (yes, an addiction, for that's what it was) to World of Warcraft, and I feel better for it. So much wasted time, it sickens me. Regardless, I continue to play games on various systems, most notably Modern Warfare 2 (for both Xbox 360 and PS3 - I'm just lucky like that) and the Mass Effect series (much <3, BioWare). So, with that said, I'm quite likely to start off on some sort of tirade on one issue with gaming or another. Just don't get me started with games being an issue for children's mental health - that's always been a topic I've been hot about.
So that's me in a nutshell. I hope that whoever reads this will stick with me for what I hope will be a long, fun ride in the adventures of variety.
Be Happy, everyone.
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