Last week I was stuck in my Nano novel. I felt like it wasn't going anywhere: I still had to wait through a few days (in my book) before my main character started actually doing stuff, I didn't know what do in the meantime, and in the long run I wasn't sure how the story was going to continue. I got my character stuck in an attic and had no clue what to do with that afterward. I resorted to writing complaints in my document to keep up the word count*.
But then...I got my character out of the attic (non-too-smoothly, but it's Nano so what do you expect?), went to a write-in, got through a few dream sequences, and finally revealed The Big Revelation (which is only a revelation to the readers, not the characters). I switched perspectives, and when I came back to Davis I was no longer annoyed with him. He has a lot to go through, poor guy. I like torturing him.
So now...it's going much better. I think it's going to turn out longer than 50,000 words, but that's okay...I'll work on it after November. It was supposed to be slightly post-apocalyptic, and I'm thinking of making it a post-apocalyptic-apocalypse. We'll see how that goes, but I just wanted to post this to say that I'm doing way better, and I'm more determined than ever to reach 50k! What's Nano without a little drama? It makes it more fun (I think 2009 is more fun than 2008 just because of the drama).
So...thanks for reading. Wish me luck!
*Although I would like to add that I was never actually behind in the word goal...I just like complaining.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I'm a fortune teller (Nanowrimo from a week 2 perspective)
My novel this year is totally different from last year's in structure. Last year's novel ("Two"...yes, that's its name) was basically a series of events that were related to each other, that eventually formed a cohesive whole (sort of. I haven't actually finished it yet). It was fun because I liked my characters and if it was getting boring, hey, I could just add another event.
This year's novel ("Jigsaw Cloud") is completely different. One of my characters (Mira) goes on an adventure, but I'm actually writing about her younger brother (Davis), who stays behind but ends up going on an adventure of his own. It sounds kind of cheesy, and the Mira-going-on-adventure thing is supposed to be a little that way, but after she leaves for her adventure Davis is supposed to realize something important and the adventure is supposed to really begin.
I say "supposed" because I'm totally stuck leading up to that.
See, Davis is going to have several strange dreams, the last of which will bring on the "realization". I can't find a way to fill in the rest of the time. I got him arrested (sort of), and then trapped in an attic (which is related to the former), which was fun at the time, but now it's gotten me even more stuck.
Basically, I really need to rethink my options.
Instead of working on the story, I have one "letters between the main character and the author" segment, and one essay that basically explains what I've talked about here. It's pretty funny, actually.
But I want to work on the story. And the structure I've invented is not a Nano-speed structure, it's a work-on-it-for-half-a-year structure.
So, basically: waaahhh, Nano is too hard this year.
Aren't I just the amazing fortune-teller?
P.S. I might post my "letters" segment later on my blog, because it's kind of funny and sad at the same time.
This year's novel ("Jigsaw Cloud") is completely different. One of my characters (Mira) goes on an adventure, but I'm actually writing about her younger brother (Davis), who stays behind but ends up going on an adventure of his own. It sounds kind of cheesy, and the Mira-going-on-adventure thing is supposed to be a little that way, but after she leaves for her adventure Davis is supposed to realize something important and the adventure is supposed to really begin.
I say "supposed" because I'm totally stuck leading up to that.
See, Davis is going to have several strange dreams, the last of which will bring on the "realization". I can't find a way to fill in the rest of the time. I got him arrested (sort of), and then trapped in an attic (which is related to the former), which was fun at the time, but now it's gotten me even more stuck.
Basically, I really need to rethink my options.
Instead of working on the story, I have one "letters between the main character and the author" segment, and one essay that basically explains what I've talked about here. It's pretty funny, actually.
But I want to work on the story. And the structure I've invented is not a Nano-speed structure, it's a work-on-it-for-half-a-year structure.
So, basically: waaahhh, Nano is too hard this year.
Aren't I just the amazing fortune-teller?
P.S. I might post my "letters" segment later on my blog, because it's kind of funny and sad at the same time.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
November approaches...
It's almost November, and you know what that means! No? It means NaNoWriMo is coming up very soon! And as you can tell I'm super excited about it.
For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a challenge to aspiring writers (and experienced ones too, of course) to throw caution (and perfection) to the wind and write a novel of 50,000 words or more by the end of November. That sounds hard, but it's actually a good amount: it's doable even if you're busy, but it's not so easy you end up procrastinating because "Oh, I can work on it at any time" (Like I did with Script Frenzy). Plus it's a lot of fun. I think I might try for 60k words this year.
This is my second year doing Nano. Last year I wrote a light SF-ish story about a girl and some...strange occurrences in her family. It turned out really well...I had a lot of fun with it (mostly because of the characters, I think), and I reached the word goal. I have a cool idea for this year's novel, and I hope it'll be as fun as last year's (Well, I guess if it isn't I can just make a big plot twist and change the story completely. Heh heh).
So good luck and have fun to all the participants! It's gonna be fun.
(I can just imagine my next post being "Waaaahhh, I hate Nano...it's so hard this year..." ;) )
For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a challenge to aspiring writers (and experienced ones too, of course) to throw caution (and perfection) to the wind and write a novel of 50,000 words or more by the end of November. That sounds hard, but it's actually a good amount: it's doable even if you're busy, but it's not so easy you end up procrastinating because "Oh, I can work on it at any time" (Like I did with Script Frenzy). Plus it's a lot of fun. I think I might try for 60k words this year.
This is my second year doing Nano. Last year I wrote a light SF-ish story about a girl and some...strange occurrences in her family. It turned out really well...I had a lot of fun with it (mostly because of the characters, I think), and I reached the word goal. I have a cool idea for this year's novel, and I hope it'll be as fun as last year's (Well, I guess if it isn't I can just make a big plot twist and change the story completely. Heh heh).
So good luck and have fun to all the participants! It's gonna be fun.
(I can just imagine my next post being "Waaaahhh, I hate Nano...it's so hard this year..." ;) )
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
100 posts and a first sentence
Two things today.
One, I've reached 100 posts! Thanks so much to everyone for reading, and for sticking with me while I try to figure out this whole blogging thing. Here's hoping I reach 100 more! :)
Two, as you know I'm doing NaNoWriMo this year. I have no ideas what my novel (or "NaNovel"...just made that up) will be about. And while some people have outlines, or character ideas, or just vague plots, I have a first sentence: "It happened the day I got sick. Figures." It just popped into my head today. Now...I just have to figure out who's talking, what happened, and how I can turn that into a novel. By November. Wish me luck!
One, I've reached 100 posts! Thanks so much to everyone for reading, and for sticking with me while I try to figure out this whole blogging thing. Here's hoping I reach 100 more! :)
Two, as you know I'm doing NaNoWriMo this year. I have no ideas what my novel (or "NaNovel"...just made that up) will be about. And while some people have outlines, or character ideas, or just vague plots, I have a first sentence: "It happened the day I got sick. Figures." It just popped into my head today. Now...I just have to figure out who's talking, what happened, and how I can turn that into a novel. By November. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Perspective
What's your favorite perspective in books?
There's 3rd-person perspective ("he said", "she thought"). Some books focus on a large amount of characters and don't really talk much about their thoughts, which makes me feel disconnected. The more specialized "limited 3rd-person", where the narrator only focuses on a few characters (or just one) but goes deeper, are more my thing.
There's 1st-person perspective ("I went"), which can be very interesting if the main character feels real. My mom said once that she generally didn't like 1st person as much as 3rd, maybe because it feels too intimate?
And there's the rarest one, 2nd-person perspective ("you said"...or usually, "you say", since 2nd-person is almost always in the present tense). I don't care for it much in the "Choose Your Own Adventure" kids books, because they try to make the main character as neutral as possible so you can implant your own thoughts into the book. There are a couple of short stories (and books too?) out there, though, that are in 2nd-person. I only read one (something by Ray Bradbury), but it's different because the main character isn't actually you, but by reading it you sort of pretend to be him. And I love this kind of "ultimate-being-in-someone's-shoes"/roleplay. When I write my own "Choose your own..." games (I actually call them "Pick Your Own Path Adventures"...or, PYOPAs) I try to create a character for the reader to become. This character is obviously not as detailed as 1st or 3rd person perspective (maybe it can be, though...I should read more books like that), but it's vague enough that you can put a bit of yourself in it.
Next time: present tense, past tense, or future tense? Heh heh.
There's 3rd-person perspective ("he said", "she thought"). Some books focus on a large amount of characters and don't really talk much about their thoughts, which makes me feel disconnected. The more specialized "limited 3rd-person", where the narrator only focuses on a few characters (or just one) but goes deeper, are more my thing.
There's 1st-person perspective ("I went"), which can be very interesting if the main character feels real. My mom said once that she generally didn't like 1st person as much as 3rd, maybe because it feels too intimate?
And there's the rarest one, 2nd-person perspective ("you said"...or usually, "you say", since 2nd-person is almost always in the present tense). I don't care for it much in the "Choose Your Own Adventure" kids books, because they try to make the main character as neutral as possible so you can implant your own thoughts into the book. There are a couple of short stories (and books too?) out there, though, that are in 2nd-person. I only read one (something by Ray Bradbury), but it's different because the main character isn't actually you, but by reading it you sort of pretend to be him. And I love this kind of "ultimate-being-in-someone's-shoes"/roleplay. When I write my own "Choose your own..." games (I actually call them "Pick Your Own Path Adventures"...or, PYOPAs) I try to create a character for the reader to become. This character is obviously not as detailed as 1st or 3rd person perspective (maybe it can be, though...I should read more books like that), but it's vague enough that you can put a bit of yourself in it.
Next time: present tense, past tense, or future tense? Heh heh.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Words
Do you have any favorite words? I'm not really a word-collector, but there are some that I think have an awesome sound: spontaneity, cacophony, crystalline.
I'm not sure why I like them...they just sound cool. Too hard to spell, though!
How about you?
I'm not sure why I like them...they just sound cool. Too hard to spell, though!
How about you?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Photos from vacation
Yeah, I know. I'm a procrastinator. Moving on...
So, our vacation was totally awesome. We went to the Gulf Islands, which are these little islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland. A picture is worth a thousand words, apparently, so here are some photos from our trip:
So, our vacation was totally awesome. We went to the Gulf Islands, which are these little islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland. A picture is worth a thousand words, apparently, so here are some photos from our trip:
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Vacation interlude
Hey everyone! I'm going on vacation to BC tomorrow, to one of the Gulf Islands. If we're in an internet cafe and I'm not lazy I'll make a post, otherwise see you in about a week! I'll make sure to post some photos when I get back.
*goes to pack*
*goes to pack*
Saturday, August 15, 2009
New one
I made this slightly psychedelic freestyle bracelet yesterday. It was originally going to just be chevrons, but I decided to make it more exciting. What do you think...colorful enough? ;)
Monday, August 10, 2009
100 words
I was looking at this list of "150 things to do when you're bored" and one of the things was, "write a story in 100 words". Sooo...I tried it. This micro-story is based on a plotline that was floating around in my head. This is the most minimalistic version of what I was imagining, and I might expand it (maybe for NaNoWriMo?), but I thought I'd post it here first.
If you could dream about anything you want, every night, what would you pick? My mom said we didn’t always have this choice, and that we shouldn’t really have that choice. I wonder why?
Last night I decided to have a dream about being a goldfish. I couldn’t see past my bowl: just these weird blurs moving around. I wonder if that’s how my goldfish sees.
Books you read in your dreams are the most amazing books ever. Shame you can’t remember them.
I think I know what Mom meant last year. With perfect dreams, we forget to live real life.
...And that's it. Feel free to interpret, or whatever. Leave a comment! Maybe I'll post more about this story if I get feedback.
If you could dream about anything you want, every night, what would you pick? My mom said we didn’t always have this choice, and that we shouldn’t really have that choice. I wonder why?
Last night I decided to have a dream about being a goldfish. I couldn’t see past my bowl: just these weird blurs moving around. I wonder if that’s how my goldfish sees.
Books you read in your dreams are the most amazing books ever. Shame you can’t remember them.
I think I know what Mom meant last year. With perfect dreams, we forget to live real life.
...And that's it. Feel free to interpret, or whatever. Leave a comment! Maybe I'll post more about this story if I get feedback.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
To vlog or not to vlog...
I've been thinking of getting a Youtube account lately, and starting a vlog (or maybe even a collaborative vlog with several people. Anyone interested?). For the uninitiated, a vlog is the same as a blog, but in video form. Anyway, I've been a bit unsure about it because A) I'm shy to have my face on the internet (read: paranoid), B)I'm lazy to do video editing and the like, and C) I know it'll make me blog less. Ignoring A and B, let's focus on C.
Would I blog less? I'm not sure what's more work: editing and posting a video or typing an entry. That'll be an important factor for me. But what about the content?
There's actually a difference between vlogging and blogging. For one thing, rambling is usually a no-no on a vlog, but it's that kind of thought process that makes for an interesting blog entry. So I guess I'd talk about serious rambly things on Every Colour, and more regular life stuff on my vlog? I dunno.
So...would you guys think? Should I start a vlog? Would you watch it?
Would I blog less? I'm not sure what's more work: editing and posting a video or typing an entry. That'll be an important factor for me. But what about the content?
There's actually a difference between vlogging and blogging. For one thing, rambling is usually a no-no on a vlog, but it's that kind of thought process that makes for an interesting blog entry. So I guess I'd talk about serious rambly things on Every Colour, and more regular life stuff on my vlog? I dunno.
So...would you guys think? Should I start a vlog? Would you watch it?
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
"Um...bless you?"
So, yesterday I was just sitting at this desk in the library and reading, when this girl sits down at the desk behind me. She was only a foot or two away, but the way the desks are turned we were facing opposite directions, I just ignored her.
I had gotten to an interesting part, when the girl sneezed really loudly.
And then came the mental conflict.
Oh crap...what do I do now? Do I say "bless you"? I dunno...I would get embarrassed if someone did that, but some people are annoyed if you don't say anything. Ack, now the moment's passing...I shouldn't say anything. But she's right behind me! Oh well, it's way too late to say it now. I hope she didn't think find that awkward...what if she thinks I'm weird for ignoring the sneeze?
So three seconds passed, and I'm just getting over it, when...she sneezes again. And it started all over:
Ohgod, not again! I can't say anything now since I didn't say bless you the first time...aghhh...
And the moment passed. Again. As you can see, I'm kind of oversensitive to social situations (which makes me good at interacting with people, but can lead to stuff like this). How about you? Do you ever get similar problems? Would you rather someone ignored you if you sneezed, or if they acknowledged it somehow?
I had gotten to an interesting part, when the girl sneezed really loudly.
And then came the mental conflict.
Oh crap...what do I do now? Do I say "bless you"? I dunno...I would get embarrassed if someone did that, but some people are annoyed if you don't say anything. Ack, now the moment's passing...I shouldn't say anything. But she's right behind me! Oh well, it's way too late to say it now. I hope she didn't think find that awkward...what if she thinks I'm weird for ignoring the sneeze?
So three seconds passed, and I'm just getting over it, when...she sneezes again. And it started all over:
Ohgod, not again! I can't say anything now since I didn't say bless you the first time...aghhh...
And the moment passed. Again. As you can see, I'm kind of oversensitive to social situations (which makes me good at interacting with people, but can lead to stuff like this). How about you? Do you ever get similar problems? Would you rather someone ignored you if you sneezed, or if they acknowledged it somehow?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Memory lane (again)
I've officially beaten my record for most posts in a year! The previous record was 34, in 2006. 2006 was my the last year of my first blogging phase, and since it's been a while, I decided to go take a look at what Every Colour was like back then.
2006 was a weird combination of enthusiasm and discouragement (is that even a word? It doesn't feel like one today). On one hand, I was getting better at writing thoughtful things (mostly about the Myst series*). On the other hand, you could tell the novelty of having a blog was wearing off fast (there were lots of posts that started/ended, "I know, I know, I haven't written much. Must write more!"). 2006 was also when I started making lots of lists...like the fan-made Ages I loved to find, and internet "adoptables". What can I say? I like lists.
I think my main problem was (and still is) thinking of something to say. You don't really know what will make a good post and what won't. Plus, since I didn't have any commenters back then, I didn't feel encouraged to write anything because I felt like it didn't matter (like talking to an empty room). Plusx2, I ran out of ideas after my fan Age list was done. However, near the end of the year you can see the blog picking up a bit...not much, but it was the start of hope. (Ironically, the last post before my second blogging phase ended with "must post more! Gah!").
And here we are, three years later. I'd say I've gotten better. I ramble more, but that's what blogging is about, isn't it? ;)
*Speaking of which, I'm planning to write a post about that soon. [Narrator voice] Watch this space.
2006 was a weird combination of enthusiasm and discouragement (is that even a word? It doesn't feel like one today). On one hand, I was getting better at writing thoughtful things (mostly about the Myst series*). On the other hand, you could tell the novelty of having a blog was wearing off fast (there were lots of posts that started/ended, "I know, I know, I haven't written much. Must write more!"). 2006 was also when I started making lots of lists...like the fan-made Ages I loved to find, and internet "adoptables". What can I say? I like lists.
I think my main problem was (and still is) thinking of something to say. You don't really know what will make a good post and what won't. Plus, since I didn't have any commenters back then, I didn't feel encouraged to write anything because I felt like it didn't matter (like talking to an empty room). Plusx2, I ran out of ideas after my fan Age list was done. However, near the end of the year you can see the blog picking up a bit...not much, but it was the start of hope. (Ironically, the last post before my second blogging phase ended with "must post more! Gah!").
And here we are, three years later. I'd say I've gotten better. I ramble more, but that's what blogging is about, isn't it? ;)
*Speaking of which, I'm planning to write a post about that soon. [Narrator voice] Watch this space.
Background-y goodness
I finally figured out how to change my background! Yay! So...what do you think of the new one? It's similar to the old background, and it's not hard to read anymore. I'm keeping it for now...I might change it again if I find something better.
Longer post coming up soon.
Longer post coming up soon.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
I speak for the books!
Two posts in one day! Do I rock or what? ;)
I find that people are often biased when it comes to things they aren't familiar with (I'm like that too). I especially notice it when it comes to books genres. I used to think SF was only really tech-oriented space opera kind of things (which it's totally not...although space opera can be kinda fun). The sad thing is, we don't realize what we're missing unless we really investigate the genre...looking at titles in a chain bookstore won't cut it.
This is a very general topic, so I'm going to focus on one specific thing...let's say "YA books" (I'm not a fan of labeling, but I'll ignore that right now), since I've been thinking about it lately.
I hear negative things about teen fiction, on the internet and occasionally from people I know. People seem to focus on the fact that teen fiction produced Twilight (and many Twilight-wannabes), and not so much on the actually deep, good books out there.
Yes, some YA books can be shallow and focus too much on romantic relationships, but so can adults books. And teen fiction has many really interesting books that explore things that books for other ages don't. Self-discovery, other people...and a lot of it feels fresh, since the characters are often finding out these things for the first time. And, I find that books for this age (and younger) are more positive than adult books (but I'm no expert...this is just from what I've heard about various adult books).
And that's just realistic fiction. Fantasy teen fiction (when it's good) is, in my opinion, the best kind of fantasy fiction. It's sophisticated, but it's not as restrained to a genre as an adult book might be.
So...that's my defense of teen books. I'd love to hear your opinion on similar subjects...what genres/ages groups/writing styles/whatever do you love, and why should I love it too?
I find that people are often biased when it comes to things they aren't familiar with (I'm like that too). I especially notice it when it comes to books genres. I used to think SF was only really tech-oriented space opera kind of things (which it's totally not...although space opera can be kinda fun). The sad thing is, we don't realize what we're missing unless we really investigate the genre...looking at titles in a chain bookstore won't cut it.
This is a very general topic, so I'm going to focus on one specific thing...let's say "YA books" (I'm not a fan of labeling, but I'll ignore that right now), since I've been thinking about it lately.
I hear negative things about teen fiction, on the internet and occasionally from people I know. People seem to focus on the fact that teen fiction produced Twilight (and many Twilight-wannabes), and not so much on the actually deep, good books out there.
Yes, some YA books can be shallow and focus too much on romantic relationships, but so can adults books. And teen fiction has many really interesting books that explore things that books for other ages don't. Self-discovery, other people...and a lot of it feels fresh, since the characters are often finding out these things for the first time. And, I find that books for this age (and younger) are more positive than adult books (but I'm no expert...this is just from what I've heard about various adult books).
And that's just realistic fiction. Fantasy teen fiction (when it's good) is, in my opinion, the best kind of fantasy fiction. It's sophisticated, but it's not as restrained to a genre as an adult book might be.
So...that's my defense of teen books. I'd love to hear your opinion on similar subjects...what genres/ages groups/writing styles/whatever do you love, and why should I love it too?
Titus Andronicus
I went to see Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus yesterday evening. Holy cow...so intense, so unsettling. But so good. Like I said after it was over, "I think I'm traumatized, but in a good way."
I really didn't expect to like it very much...while I'm into dark books, I'm not into dark movies (so I figured it was the same for plays). I expected to hide behind my program for most of the play. But no...I was staring intensely at the stage. Even for the parts that I had to look away, I ended up looking back with horrified fascination.
Congrats to all the actors, including the understudy who had to play with a script but was still really good.
I also loved the music...it fit very well. And the costumes were awesome. The play was set in a sort of post-apocalyptic Rome, so the costumes were a mix of ancient Roman toga-type outfits, and modern punk and army clothes.
So...Titus: really dark, really intense, really powerful.
I really didn't expect to like it very much...while I'm into dark books, I'm not into dark movies (so I figured it was the same for plays). I expected to hide behind my program for most of the play. But no...I was staring intensely at the stage. Even for the parts that I had to look away, I ended up looking back with horrified fascination.
Congrats to all the actors, including the understudy who had to play with a script but was still really good.
I also loved the music...it fit very well. And the costumes were awesome. The play was set in a sort of post-apocalyptic Rome, so the costumes were a mix of ancient Roman toga-type outfits, and modern punk and army clothes.
So...Titus: really dark, really intense, really powerful.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
There once was a flying SmartCar...
That was the beginning of a story we attempted at the daycamp. We were playing one of those "one-sentence-at-a-time-story" games. It was supposed to involve the Himalayas, too. That's one story I would've loved to hear. I think it would turn into a story about the Magic School Bus' sidekick, the flying Smart Car.
Anyway. Although I missed the first day of the camp, today was awesome. It's an acting camp, and we're putting on a scene from Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors". I got the character I wanted too, so yay! I do kinda wish I had gone to the first day, because then I would've gotten to know the people a little more, but I'll catch up.
As you can see by this short post, I'm much better at theorizing about books and the like than talking about my life. Oh well, hope you liked it anyway!
BTW, I have a longer post coming up at the end of the week. See you then!
Anyway. Although I missed the first day of the camp, today was awesome. It's an acting camp, and we're putting on a scene from Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors". I got the character I wanted too, so yay! I do kinda wish I had gone to the first day, because then I would've gotten to know the people a little more, but I'll catch up.
As you can see by this short post, I'm much better at theorizing about books and the like than talking about my life. Oh well, hope you liked it anyway!
BTW, I have a longer post coming up at the end of the week. See you then!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Letters from bed
Dear germs,
Please go away. I already missed one day of this cool daycamp, and I don't want to miss any more.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Dear stomach,
Just so you know, a cold does not mean I have food poisoning.
Nicole
I'll have some more meaningful posts up soon (maybe tomorrow). Until then...bye!
Please go away. I already missed one day of this cool daycamp, and I don't want to miss any more.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Dear stomach,
Just so you know, a cold does not mean I have food poisoning.
Nicole
I'll have some more meaningful posts up soon (maybe tomorrow). Until then...bye!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
What do you look for...
...In a book or movie? I know there are a lot of different aspects, but what is one thing (or two things) that you find you can't read a book without?
For me, it's story and characters. I used to think that I found the story the most important thing...and it is very important (that's why I barely read non-fiction). But I recently found out that if a book has characters that I love, I don't mind if the story sucks.
One thing I can do without in books are descriptions of places or things. I have a greater tolerance for them if I'm listening to an audio book, but for some reason I just get bored reading about the surrounding area, unless it's really really unusual or exciting.
With movies, though, it's different. I really like visuals (at least if it's fantasy or SF), and setting takes a bigger role in a movie than it does for a book. Story and characters are more equal, because it's harder for me to really love a character in a movie (maybe because I can't get in their head? Well, maybe I'll post about that later).
So...what about you? What's important for you in a book, and how is it different in a movie?
For me, it's story and characters. I used to think that I found the story the most important thing...and it is very important (that's why I barely read non-fiction). But I recently found out that if a book has characters that I love, I don't mind if the story sucks.
One thing I can do without in books are descriptions of places or things. I have a greater tolerance for them if I'm listening to an audio book, but for some reason I just get bored reading about the surrounding area, unless it's really really unusual or exciting.
With movies, though, it's different. I really like visuals (at least if it's fantasy or SF), and setting takes a bigger role in a movie than it does for a book. Story and characters are more equal, because it's harder for me to really love a character in a movie (maybe because I can't get in their head? Well, maybe I'll post about that later).
So...what about you? What's important for you in a book, and how is it different in a movie?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Blogging challenge: OVER!
The blogging challenge is officially done!! Thanks to everyone who participated. This has encouraged me to try to blog more often...because it turns out I have lots of things to say!
So, here's a little survey for you guys to fill out. You can either reply in comments, or make a new post on your blog.
Would you do WLBC again?
Would you want to make it a tradition? If so, how often would you want to do it? (Annual, bi-annual, monthly, etc.)
How long should the blogging go for? (A week, two weeks, a month, etc.)
Should you have to blog daily, or once every two days, or once a week?
Has this challenge helped you increase the quality of your blog? If so, how?
That's all. Thanks for filling it out! Maybe I'll reply to it myself later.
So, here's a little survey for you guys to fill out. You can either reply in comments, or make a new post on your blog.
Would you do WLBC again?
Would you want to make it a tradition? If so, how often would you want to do it? (Annual, bi-annual, monthly, etc.)
How long should the blogging go for? (A week, two weeks, a month, etc.)
Should you have to blog daily, or once every two days, or once a week?
Has this challenge helped you increase the quality of your blog? If so, how?
That's all. Thanks for filling it out! Maybe I'll reply to it myself later.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday: Auditions and the good old days
The last day of WLBC! We made it! I'll write a "closing notes" (as well as a survey) post tomorrow, so I'll just make this a quick "yay": Yay!
Now, onto today's post. I actually have two things to talk about, but I'm not sure which one to go for first. So...I'll flip this pencil. *flips* Ok, auditions it is.
The next play our teen acting group will be doing is The Tempest (which I might blog about later, but I want to keep this short). And this time there'll be auditions. I'm really worried, because, although they changed two roles to girl roles (so now there are three), one is already taken, so that just leaves two. And there are, what, eight girls auditioning? AND we can't play for guys. So...seriously nerve-racking. Good luck to the people auditioning, even though 99% don't read my blog!
The second thing I wanted to mention was that I've been re-reading a lot of my early posts from 2005. It's funny how my writing style changed in three years. I think back then I viewed a blog like a diary: where you write about stuff that happened to you...or, failing that, you write about current interests. I talked a lot about Myst, and internet adoptables, but you somehow never really found out what I was like. What I thought about the world, or WHY I liked the Myst series so much (hmm...that could make an interesting post, actually). That's what a blog is to me now.
So...what about you? What makes a blog interesting for you, and (if you have a blog) how is your style different now compared to your earlier entries?
Well, I'm done with the blogging challenge! See you tomorrow, where I talk about celebratory things and plan for future challenges. =)
Now, onto today's post. I actually have two things to talk about, but I'm not sure which one to go for first. So...I'll flip this pencil. *flips* Ok, auditions it is.
The next play our teen acting group will be doing is The Tempest (which I might blog about later, but I want to keep this short). And this time there'll be auditions. I'm really worried, because, although they changed two roles to girl roles (so now there are three), one is already taken, so that just leaves two. And there are, what, eight girls auditioning? AND we can't play for guys. So...seriously nerve-racking. Good luck to the people auditioning, even though 99% don't read my blog!
The second thing I wanted to mention was that I've been re-reading a lot of my early posts from 2005. It's funny how my writing style changed in three years. I think back then I viewed a blog like a diary: where you write about stuff that happened to you...or, failing that, you write about current interests. I talked a lot about Myst, and internet adoptables, but you somehow never really found out what I was like. What I thought about the world, or WHY I liked the Myst series so much (hmm...that could make an interesting post, actually). That's what a blog is to me now.
So...what about you? What makes a blog interesting for you, and (if you have a blog) how is your style different now compared to your earlier entries?
Well, I'm done with the blogging challenge! See you tomorrow, where I talk about celebratory things and plan for future challenges. =)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday: The big picture
I've always been competitive. I compare a lot of things, and usually it's fun, but sometimes I compare myself to other people.
I remember I used to worry I'd be the last among my friends to lose all my baby teeth. Ok, I only have 4 baby teeth left...if I lose this one during our vacation I'll have caught up with so and so... Ok, maybe not quite like that, but it was close.
And then...we all finished with our baby teeth. And my competitiveness seems really silly now. I lost track of the big picture: that in the end most of us won't remember how we lost our baby teeth anyway, and we'll all be adults with normal adult teeth. Does it matter who lost what when?
Now that I'm almost done growing, I compare heights a lot. Oh no, I'm shorter than X but at least I'm taller than Y...and I'm not sure about Z, but I think... But, you know, who cares? The height thing will probably seem just as silly in a few years.
I'm sure there are other things like that too. Friends on Facebook. Or how many commenters I have. I generally don't do that, but I can't help it sometimes. But I need to realize that even if I don't have a lot of readers/followers/commenters, there are still people who read my blog. And not just random people, either...they're my friends. I think that's better than a lot of internet strangers.
I remember I used to worry I'd be the last among my friends to lose all my baby teeth. Ok, I only have 4 baby teeth left...if I lose this one during our vacation I'll have caught up with so and so... Ok, maybe not quite like that, but it was close.
And then...we all finished with our baby teeth. And my competitiveness seems really silly now. I lost track of the big picture: that in the end most of us won't remember how we lost our baby teeth anyway, and we'll all be adults with normal adult teeth. Does it matter who lost what when?
Now that I'm almost done growing, I compare heights a lot. Oh no, I'm shorter than X but at least I'm taller than Y...and I'm not sure about Z, but I think... But, you know, who cares? The height thing will probably seem just as silly in a few years.
I'm sure there are other things like that too. Friends on Facebook. Or how many commenters I have. I generally don't do that, but I can't help it sometimes. But I need to realize that even if I don't have a lot of readers/followers/commenters, there are still people who read my blog. And not just random people, either...they're my friends. I think that's better than a lot of internet strangers.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday: Recycled content
Don't worry, this isn't going to be a post about something I've already talked about.
Today I'm actually going to post about recycled content.
When you read a label that says "80 percent recycled content", you think, "Yay! It's environmental!" But what if you read that in a book review?
That was the title of a review on Amazon.com. I'm reading the book ("Juggler of Worlds" by Larry Niven and Edward Lerner) in question, so I've decided to write about that today.
What, exactly, is a book with "recycled content"? In my case, it's a book with certain plot points that have been used before, in short stories (and occasionally other books) by the same author. As in, the actual plots of the short stories. In LN's defense, he did write those parts from different perspectives than the first time, which seemed to change it enough, plus the way he fit all those different plots into a whole was interesting. But still, it's recycled.
When I heard it the first time, two thoughts came to mind: "That's kinda lazy", and "So am I supposed to read all those stories first?" That's my question today: would a new reader want to read the original stories first, and then the book? Or just the book itself?
On one hand, if you just read the book you get the end result either way, and with less effort because most of the plot points are shortened. But that way you probably won't want to read the stories afterward, because the endings have already been spoiled. And not just that: since the plot is condensed, it's not as full and interesting in the book as it would have been in the story.
On the other hand, if you read the stories first, then the book won't be so interesting. And, again, since all the side-plot things will be shortened, it won't be as cool to read as it is in the story.
I think most LN readers ended up reading the stories first, just because they were published a long time before the book. Since I'm new, I actually had the choice. What did I do? I only read some of the short stories. So that way it's only 20-40 percent recycled content, and yet I know the kind of thing I'm missing. So if I'm interesting in something, I can go look for the short story to get the full version.
So, I suppose in the end it depends on how dedicated you are. What would you do? What if you didn't have the choice of a mix? (If I didn't, I'd probably read all the short stories first, but that's just because I'm a fan of the author.)
This post was freakishly hard to write for some reason. I guess I'm not in a writing mood today. Oh well, I've finally got it out of my head! Thanks, as always, for reading. Bye!
Today I'm actually going to post about recycled content.
When you read a label that says "80 percent recycled content", you think, "Yay! It's environmental!" But what if you read that in a book review?
That was the title of a review on Amazon.com. I'm reading the book ("Juggler of Worlds" by Larry Niven and Edward Lerner) in question, so I've decided to write about that today.
What, exactly, is a book with "recycled content"? In my case, it's a book with certain plot points that have been used before, in short stories (and occasionally other books) by the same author. As in, the actual plots of the short stories. In LN's defense, he did write those parts from different perspectives than the first time, which seemed to change it enough, plus the way he fit all those different plots into a whole was interesting. But still, it's recycled.
When I heard it the first time, two thoughts came to mind: "That's kinda lazy", and "So am I supposed to read all those stories first?" That's my question today: would a new reader want to read the original stories first, and then the book? Or just the book itself?
On one hand, if you just read the book you get the end result either way, and with less effort because most of the plot points are shortened. But that way you probably won't want to read the stories afterward, because the endings have already been spoiled. And not just that: since the plot is condensed, it's not as full and interesting in the book as it would have been in the story.
On the other hand, if you read the stories first, then the book won't be so interesting. And, again, since all the side-plot things will be shortened, it won't be as cool to read as it is in the story.
I think most LN readers ended up reading the stories first, just because they were published a long time before the book. Since I'm new, I actually had the choice. What did I do? I only read some of the short stories. So that way it's only 20-40 percent recycled content, and yet I know the kind of thing I'm missing. So if I'm interesting in something, I can go look for the short story to get the full version.
So, I suppose in the end it depends on how dedicated you are. What would you do? What if you didn't have the choice of a mix? (If I didn't, I'd probably read all the short stories first, but that's just because I'm a fan of the author.)
This post was freakishly hard to write for some reason. I guess I'm not in a writing mood today. Oh well, I've finally got it out of my head! Thanks, as always, for reading. Bye!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday: Audio books
Thursday already? We're halfway there, guys! Keep blogging!
When I'm reading a book that isn't going well for me, but that I have to read (for the book club, for example), you'll often hear me saying, "I'm not getting through it, so I've ordered the audio book from the library."
Sometimes I wonder why I find listening to audio books more engaging than printed books. Is it because if I find a description boring, I can just not pay much attention to it and it'll go by? Is it because I can multitask while I'm listening?
Well, yes, but I think there's more to it than that. I'm very people-oriented, and when I listen to someone I pay attention. Certain things seem more interesting when I hear someone talking about it.
Technically you could say that just reading a book is sort of like listening to someone talking (the narrator, the characters). It is, and that's why I love to read (especially dialogue). At the same time, it's not as close to the real thing as an audio book. And I think that's the reason I like audio books so much.
I know this isn't the same for everyone. My mom, for example, prefers reading to listening.
What do you think? Do you like audio books, but for a different reason? Do you hate them? Discuss!
When I'm reading a book that isn't going well for me, but that I have to read (for the book club, for example), you'll often hear me saying, "I'm not getting through it, so I've ordered the audio book from the library."
Sometimes I wonder why I find listening to audio books more engaging than printed books. Is it because if I find a description boring, I can just not pay much attention to it and it'll go by? Is it because I can multitask while I'm listening?
Well, yes, but I think there's more to it than that. I'm very people-oriented, and when I listen to someone I pay attention. Certain things seem more interesting when I hear someone talking about it.
Technically you could say that just reading a book is sort of like listening to someone talking (the narrator, the characters). It is, and that's why I love to read (especially dialogue). At the same time, it's not as close to the real thing as an audio book. And I think that's the reason I like audio books so much.
I know this isn't the same for everyone. My mom, for example, prefers reading to listening.
What do you think? Do you like audio books, but for a different reason? Do you hate them? Discuss!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday: Ages
I'm at day three in the week-long-blogging-challenge, and while I'm not sure what to write about (especially in the coming days), I'm sure I'll figure something out.
A couple of years ago, when I was still really into the Myst Series games, I used to make "Ages" (other worlds) using two very different programs: Photoshop and Terragen.
With Photoshop, I'd combine elements from different photos to create surreal-looking images. Here are some of my favorite ones:
There's also Terragen, which...um, generates terrain. The Ages I made with Terragen look more alike, but they have a more uniform realistic look, since the lighting is all the same. Although I started out making more Photoshop Ages, once I got the hang of Terragen I liked it better. Here are some Terragen Ages:
As you can see, I like to work with lots of water, but you can also make terrain without water.
Well, thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for commenting!
A couple of years ago, when I was still really into the Myst Series games, I used to make "Ages" (other worlds) using two very different programs: Photoshop and Terragen.
With Photoshop, I'd combine elements from different photos to create surreal-looking images. Here are some of my favorite ones:
There's also Terragen, which...um, generates terrain. The Ages I made with Terragen look more alike, but they have a more uniform realistic look, since the lighting is all the same. Although I started out making more Photoshop Ages, once I got the hang of Terragen I liked it better. Here are some Terragen Ages:
As you can see, I like to work with lots of water, but you can also make terrain without water.
Well, thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for commenting!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday: Star Trek
Herein lies day two of the "WLBC", as Dorothy called it. (BTW...yay, three people are participating in it!)
Well, my nerdiness is complete: I watch Star Trek on TV. It started when I went to see the new Star Trek movie (which was really good, by the way). Soon after, I found out that the actual TV series (two series', actually: the original and the Next Generation) was showing in the late mornings. So, I was curious and started watching it.
The "first generation"...that is, the original, is very...sixties. The music is really cheesy ("dun dun...DUNNNNNNN!"), the acting isn't great, and the planets they go to look a LOT like movie sets (maybe because they are? Dun dun DUNNN!). But the funny thing is, it kind of grows on you. I wasn't around in the sixties, and I haven't watched it until now, so there isn't any nostalgia for me. But it's kind of sweet. And some of the episodes have really interesting stories.
I was more into "The Next Generation" when I first started watching. Despite the fact that I was unfamiliar with the characters, I began to like them quickly. It was also somewhat more...believable, I guess. Graphics, music...it absorbed easier. Now I like them equally, because their so different from each other despite having the same setting.
I haven't seen any of the other Star Trek series' (I heard Deep Space Nine is darker in storyline, so that might be interesting), but maybe I'll look for them on YouTube.
Anyway, I'm one of those people that like SF for the story and the characters, rather than the ideas and the science. In some ways, Star Trek reminds me of Larry Niven's "Known Space" universe. Both things seem to put more emphasis on the "science" than the "fiction"...although, I still somehow really like both. I guess I can find enough character to be interested, even if the creator didn't put it there. (I'm talking more about Known Space here than Star Trek...I think Star Trek has some really cool characters, especially TNG. Although so does Known Space.)
And that's it for now. As always, thanks for reading.
Dun dun DUNNNNNN!
Well, my nerdiness is complete: I watch Star Trek on TV. It started when I went to see the new Star Trek movie (which was really good, by the way). Soon after, I found out that the actual TV series (two series', actually: the original and the Next Generation) was showing in the late mornings. So, I was curious and started watching it.
The "first generation"...that is, the original, is very...sixties. The music is really cheesy ("dun dun...DUNNNNNNN!"), the acting isn't great, and the planets they go to look a LOT like movie sets (maybe because they are? Dun dun DUNNN!). But the funny thing is, it kind of grows on you. I wasn't around in the sixties, and I haven't watched it until now, so there isn't any nostalgia for me. But it's kind of sweet. And some of the episodes have really interesting stories.
I was more into "The Next Generation" when I first started watching. Despite the fact that I was unfamiliar with the characters, I began to like them quickly. It was also somewhat more...believable, I guess. Graphics, music...it absorbed easier. Now I like them equally, because their so different from each other despite having the same setting.
I haven't seen any of the other Star Trek series' (I heard Deep Space Nine is darker in storyline, so that might be interesting), but maybe I'll look for them on YouTube.
Anyway, I'm one of those people that like SF for the story and the characters, rather than the ideas and the science. In some ways, Star Trek reminds me of Larry Niven's "Known Space" universe. Both things seem to put more emphasis on the "science" than the "fiction"...although, I still somehow really like both. I guess I can find enough character to be interested, even if the creator didn't put it there. (I'm talking more about Known Space here than Star Trek...I think Star Trek has some really cool characters, especially TNG. Although so does Known Space.)
And that's it for now. As always, thanks for reading.
Dun dun DUNNNNNN!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday: blogging and hair
I was just looking over the comments in my previous post. Thanks for giving me your thoughts, guys...I'm always interested to read them. I actually got inspired to write in my blog more, inspired enough to try something I've been wanting to do for a while: a post-every-day-for-a-week challenge! What am I going to talk about during that time? I have no idea, but hopefully I'll come up with something. I've been wanting to try this for a while, just to see how long I could pull it off. I'll try for a week, and maybe I'll extend it if I feel like it. So...might as well start now! (If anyone wants to take part, feel free.)
So...here's one thing that's on my mind right now. Does anyone watch video blogs (or "vlogs") on YouTube? I do, sometimes. It's interesting that in some ways it's really similar to blogging, but it's also quite different. It seems like if you want a successful vlog, you have to know what you're saying in each entry. Rambling is just kind of boring to watch. In blogging, there's more wiggle-room in terms of how much you want to talk. Or maybe what sounds like rambling in a video sounds more structured in a blog post. *shrug*
Also, I'm getting a haircut today (don't worry, this isn't going to be a rant about the style). It's going to be "medium" in terms of length, and I haven't had hair like that since I was six. Actually, when I was six and decided to grow it I claimed I would never have short hair again. Heh, things change. Well, this is supposed to be the age when you try things! I might go even shorter if I like it a lot. Ok, you probably didn't want to read about that. Oh well!
Well, that's about it. Tune in tomorrow, when I talk about...other random things!
So...here's one thing that's on my mind right now. Does anyone watch video blogs (or "vlogs") on YouTube? I do, sometimes. It's interesting that in some ways it's really similar to blogging, but it's also quite different. It seems like if you want a successful vlog, you have to know what you're saying in each entry. Rambling is just kind of boring to watch. In blogging, there's more wiggle-room in terms of how much you want to talk. Or maybe what sounds like rambling in a video sounds more structured in a blog post. *shrug*
Also, I'm getting a haircut today (don't worry, this isn't going to be a rant about the style). It's going to be "medium" in terms of length, and I haven't had hair like that since I was six. Actually, when I was six and decided to grow it I claimed I would never have short hair again. Heh, things change. Well, this is supposed to be the age when you try things! I might go even shorter if I like it a lot. Ok, you probably didn't want to read about that. Oh well!
Well, that's about it. Tune in tomorrow, when I talk about...other random things!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A lot of questions about "classics"
Book critic mode...engage!
This month my book club was reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin", by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I thought it was kinda boring until the halfway point, then it got really good. Wasn't a big fan of the dialogue, though...but you learn to ignore that. But that's not what I wanted to talk about.
I have a friend who couldn't get through it, and we had an interesting discussion over the phone about classics and books in general. At the book club meeting, the conversation turned in that direction as well. It seems like all of the members, whether they like classic books or not, agree that reading a book just so you can say, "I read this! I'm so scholarly!" is not why you should read it. I think the best way to put it is: classics for the sake of classics is entirely missing the point. I think lots of people, even if they try to avoid it, usually read a classic book with that kind of thing in mind (I know I do!). I'm not saying that it's the only reason someone reads a classic, but it's often there under the surface.
So...that leads to the question: how do you define a classic, then? It seems to be a really subjective thing. Is any book a classic if it's old? Do you have to learn something from a classic? If so, then there are a lot of modern books that have powerful messages. And, as my friend was saying, sometimes modern books are more relevant to real life because they are written by people in our time, who are faced with more or less the same problems.
But...does a book have to be relevant at all? What about fantasy? I guess you can say that fantasy has a lot of symbols for real life, but what if a book wasn't written that way? What if it you don't learn anything from a book that can be applied to your life, but it was powerful in a different way?
I'm kind of going off in various directions here, but what I'm trying to say is: does a book always have to "teach you something"? Is it only a classic then? Or is it just an old book? Or is a classic just a book that you love, for whatever reason? (That makes it a more personal definition, of course.)
So...what do you think? Do you know what I'm talking about? Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear people's opinions.
This month my book club was reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin", by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I thought it was kinda boring until the halfway point, then it got really good. Wasn't a big fan of the dialogue, though...but you learn to ignore that. But that's not what I wanted to talk about.
I have a friend who couldn't get through it, and we had an interesting discussion over the phone about classics and books in general. At the book club meeting, the conversation turned in that direction as well. It seems like all of the members, whether they like classic books or not, agree that reading a book just so you can say, "I read this! I'm so scholarly!" is not why you should read it. I think the best way to put it is: classics for the sake of classics is entirely missing the point. I think lots of people, even if they try to avoid it, usually read a classic book with that kind of thing in mind (I know I do!). I'm not saying that it's the only reason someone reads a classic, but it's often there under the surface.
So...that leads to the question: how do you define a classic, then? It seems to be a really subjective thing. Is any book a classic if it's old? Do you have to learn something from a classic? If so, then there are a lot of modern books that have powerful messages. And, as my friend was saying, sometimes modern books are more relevant to real life because they are written by people in our time, who are faced with more or less the same problems.
But...does a book have to be relevant at all? What about fantasy? I guess you can say that fantasy has a lot of symbols for real life, but what if a book wasn't written that way? What if it you don't learn anything from a book that can be applied to your life, but it was powerful in a different way?
I'm kind of going off in various directions here, but what I'm trying to say is: does a book always have to "teach you something"? Is it only a classic then? Or is it just an old book? Or is a classic just a book that you love, for whatever reason? (That makes it a more personal definition, of course.)
So...what do you think? Do you know what I'm talking about? Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear people's opinions.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Done!
Here's the 19-thread bracelet I was talking about earlier. I think it came out really well. I wore it when I went to my grandma's house and she said it was really pretty, so...yay! What do you think of it? Comment! *smiles eagerly*
Thursday, May 28, 2009
More bracelets
A friend told me that she loved looking at my bracelet photos, so why not? Here's a few more:
Two more diamond patterns. The lower one is one of my favorite bracelets. So many diamonds!
I made these earrings (along with a matching bracelet) for said friend for her birthday. These are the first earrings I made, so I think they turned out pretty well.
This one has the most threads I've worked with in a bracelet (19) and is also the most complicated...there are a few mistakes, but it's coming together. I'll post pics when it's done!
And that, my friends, is all. More later! :)
Two more diamond patterns. The lower one is one of my favorite bracelets. So many diamonds!
I made these earrings (along with a matching bracelet) for said friend for her birthday. These are the first earrings I made, so I think they turned out pretty well.
This one has the most threads I've worked with in a bracelet (19) and is also the most complicated...there are a few mistakes, but it's coming together. I'll post pics when it's done!
And that, my friends, is all. More later! :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Epic bookshelf quest...completed?
Remember a while ago I was looking for a bookshelf picture that kind of fit me in personality?
Check this out:
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/onblack.php?id=3008001862&size=large
(Um...I keep trying to add a link but I can't figure out how to do it. I'll have to show it like this, but if anyone knows how to add a proper link, let me know.)
Woo! I think we have a bookshelf! At least for now. I'll keep looking, of course.
Ok, that didn't sound nearly epic enough. Ahem...QUEST COMPLETE! Or...is it!??! Dun dun dun...
Check this out:
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/onblack.php?id=3008001862&size=large
(Um...I keep trying to add a link but I can't figure out how to do it. I'll have to show it like this, but if anyone knows how to add a proper link, let me know.)
Woo! I think we have a bookshelf! At least for now. I'll keep looking, of course.
Ok, that didn't sound nearly epic enough. Ahem...QUEST COMPLETE! Or...is it!??! Dun dun dun...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sci-fi lists part two
Yay, I actually posted soon after the first one! Good for me.
So, here are a bunch of other science fiction books that I've read recently:
1. Fahrenheit 451 (By Ray Bradbury)
This one is more of a "social sci-fi" book than the other ones, and because of that I didn't love it, but it was good. I think the stuff about censorship and the pretty clueless society was very important. Did the people even know about the war going on? I don't remember. I listened to the audio book, and I can't remember who narrated but I thought his reading style really fit Bradbury's writing style.
2. The Giver (By Lois Lowry)
This was a book I'd been planning to read for ages, and I finally did because of my book club. It's another dystopian book (weird...my spell check doesn't have the word "dystopia" for some reason), although this one is more anti-utopian than anything else. It's kind of creepy and the writing style is uniquely vague...although sometimes I did want the author to elaborate on things more, especially the ending.
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (By Arthur C. Clarke)
Because of this book I learned how to spell "odyssey"...yay! As with Fahrenheit, I listened to it on audio book. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I just might because of the book. I actually wasn't too impressed with it...I thought it was a bit boring, even the whole "HAL" thing (not because the events were boring, but because of the writing style)...at first. Then I got to the ending. I stayed up really late listening to the ending, and after that I lay awake in bed thinking, "WOAH...that was...WOAH". I don't really think I'll be reading the sequel, mainly because I loved the open-ended conclusion, and I don't want that to be spoiled. Unless the sequel is really, really good...(?)
4. Sphereland (By Dionys Burger)
This book was written in Dutch (or something like that), and I was reading the translation, but I can't remember who the translator was. Anyway, this isn't so much science fiction as "math fiction". It's a sequel to "Flatland" (by Edwin A. Abbot), a book about shapes living in a two-dimensional world. "Sphereland" further explores that concept, with some new ideas about curved space and other cool things like that.
There are still lots of books sci-fi books I want to read...right now I want to focus on various classic authors like Orwell and Asimov. Maybe I'll blog about that, too! Oh, and more Larry Niven, of course. Wish me luck!
So, here are a bunch of other science fiction books that I've read recently:
1. Fahrenheit 451 (By Ray Bradbury)
This one is more of a "social sci-fi" book than the other ones, and because of that I didn't love it, but it was good. I think the stuff about censorship and the pretty clueless society was very important. Did the people even know about the war going on? I don't remember. I listened to the audio book, and I can't remember who narrated but I thought his reading style really fit Bradbury's writing style.
2. The Giver (By Lois Lowry)
This was a book I'd been planning to read for ages, and I finally did because of my book club. It's another dystopian book (weird...my spell check doesn't have the word "dystopia" for some reason), although this one is more anti-utopian than anything else. It's kind of creepy and the writing style is uniquely vague...although sometimes I did want the author to elaborate on things more, especially the ending.
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (By Arthur C. Clarke)
Because of this book I learned how to spell "odyssey"...yay! As with Fahrenheit, I listened to it on audio book. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I just might because of the book. I actually wasn't too impressed with it...I thought it was a bit boring, even the whole "HAL" thing (not because the events were boring, but because of the writing style)...at first. Then I got to the ending. I stayed up really late listening to the ending, and after that I lay awake in bed thinking, "WOAH...that was...WOAH". I don't really think I'll be reading the sequel, mainly because I loved the open-ended conclusion, and I don't want that to be spoiled. Unless the sequel is really, really good...(?)
4. Sphereland (By Dionys Burger)
This book was written in Dutch (or something like that), and I was reading the translation, but I can't remember who the translator was. Anyway, this isn't so much science fiction as "math fiction". It's a sequel to "Flatland" (by Edwin A. Abbot), a book about shapes living in a two-dimensional world. "Sphereland" further explores that concept, with some new ideas about curved space and other cool things like that.
There are still lots of books sci-fi books I want to read...right now I want to focus on various classic authors like Orwell and Asimov. Maybe I'll blog about that, too! Oh, and more Larry Niven, of course. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sci-fi lists part one
Since I love reading and I love to make lists, I'm going to make a list of some recent science fiction I've read. WARNING: If you don't like lists, don't read this as you'll find it boring.
I'm generally a fantasy-reader, but recently I've started to love science fiction as well. It actually started through my obsession with the Lord of the Rings movies last fall (still haven't read the books by the way. I know, I'm a bad fantasy lover). This January, I was looking for an online audio book to listen to when I came across "Ringworld" by Larry Niven. I thought, "Oooh...it has 'ring' in the title! Like 'The Ring'! Awesome!" So I downloaded it. I had no clue what it was about, and I'd never heard of Larry Niven, but I saw it had won a sci-fi/fantasy award, so I figured it must be good.
Let's just say I found a new obsession. So...from classic fantasy to hard sci-fi. Kind of a big leap, but I have to say that sci-fi really isn't that different from fantasy. Anyway, it turns out that not only is Larry Niven famous among the sci-fi crowd, but he's written a lot of books and short stories. So, here are the books I've read so far:
"Ringworld" and its sequel "Ringworld's Engineers"
(Ringworld was awesome, the sequel not quite as great...and I'm afraid to read the third one as I've heard lots of negative things about it)
Fleet of Worlds
(I was very excited to find out about this one because it was about one of my favorite characters from Ringworld. It's really good too! This one is co-authored by Edward Lerner)
Protector
(I mainly read it as background info for "Ringworld's Engineers"...I didn't like it as much, but it was still fun for its ideas)
And these ones I'm still reading:
Neutron Star
(I'm actually almost finished with this one. It's a good short story collection that would make a great introduction to Larry Niven's universe)
Three Books of Known Space
(An omnibus with two novels and lots of short stories. I wasn't too impressed with the early stories, but I'm reading the first novel and it's very interesting)
Juggler of Worlds
(Sort of a sequel to "Fleet of Worlds"...not as good as Fleet but not bad so far. It seems to contain a lot of stuff about Niven's short stories, so I want to read lots of those first before finishing this)
This turned out longer than I expected it to be, so I think I'll split it into two parts and make the second post (which will be about various non-Niven books) sometime soon (if not tomorrow, then this week). I may also make a more in-depth post about Ringworld or one of the other ones...I dunno. Would you want to read it if I post it? Leave a comment.
Seriously, if anyone reads this blog, leave a comment. I'd like to know who reads it. I don't bite. =)
I'm generally a fantasy-reader, but recently I've started to love science fiction as well. It actually started through my obsession with the Lord of the Rings movies last fall (still haven't read the books by the way. I know, I'm a bad fantasy lover). This January, I was looking for an online audio book to listen to when I came across "Ringworld" by Larry Niven. I thought, "Oooh...it has 'ring' in the title! Like 'The Ring'! Awesome!" So I downloaded it. I had no clue what it was about, and I'd never heard of Larry Niven, but I saw it had won a sci-fi/fantasy award, so I figured it must be good.
Let's just say I found a new obsession. So...from classic fantasy to hard sci-fi. Kind of a big leap, but I have to say that sci-fi really isn't that different from fantasy. Anyway, it turns out that not only is Larry Niven famous among the sci-fi crowd, but he's written a lot of books and short stories. So, here are the books I've read so far:
"Ringworld" and its sequel "Ringworld's Engineers"
(Ringworld was awesome, the sequel not quite as great...and I'm afraid to read the third one as I've heard lots of negative things about it)
Fleet of Worlds
(I was very excited to find out about this one because it was about one of my favorite characters from Ringworld. It's really good too! This one is co-authored by Edward Lerner)
Protector
(I mainly read it as background info for "Ringworld's Engineers"...I didn't like it as much, but it was still fun for its ideas)
And these ones I'm still reading:
Neutron Star
(I'm actually almost finished with this one. It's a good short story collection that would make a great introduction to Larry Niven's universe)
Three Books of Known Space
(An omnibus with two novels and lots of short stories. I wasn't too impressed with the early stories, but I'm reading the first novel and it's very interesting)
Juggler of Worlds
(Sort of a sequel to "Fleet of Worlds"...not as good as Fleet but not bad so far. It seems to contain a lot of stuff about Niven's short stories, so I want to read lots of those first before finishing this)
This turned out longer than I expected it to be, so I think I'll split it into two parts and make the second post (which will be about various non-Niven books) sometime soon (if not tomorrow, then this week). I may also make a more in-depth post about Ringworld or one of the other ones...I dunno. Would you want to read it if I post it? Leave a comment.
Seriously, if anyone reads this blog, leave a comment. I'd like to know who reads it. I don't bite. =)
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Hathaway House
Hey, sorry I haven't written in a while. It's not because I can't think of anything to post (that's usually what happens)...I've just been lazy. I have a bunch of things to write, and I promised myself I would write them this weekend. So...here we go. I'll just split the things into several posts because then it looks more productive. :)
First off, I wanted to say that my friends and I are putting on a play, called Haunting of Hathaway House. I can't remember who it's by....*grabs script*...ok, it's by John Murray, apparently. I haven't heard of it before we put it on, but I'm not really a script person (as you might've guessed from my "Script Frenzy" post), so that's not saying much. Our play is actually part of 3 one-act plays. I like the idea of a bunch of short plays, rather than one long play, if only because more people get to take part.
Hathaway House is sort of a ghost story, but it's not very typical for one. It's more about the atmosphere than the story, and the 3 scenes don't really connect all that much...well, they do, but not as much as one would think. It's pretty creepy, too...that's always a plus in my book!
I've been in two plays before, but it feels like the last one was ages ago...I've really missed it, so I was super excited when I was invited to take part. I love acting (although I don't know if I'd want to do it professionally). For me it's very much about making friends and having fun as well as the actual production. So...yay!
Wow, this post sounded so much better in my head...oh well, it's not horrible and it kind of makes sense. That's always good.
First off, I wanted to say that my friends and I are putting on a play, called Haunting of Hathaway House. I can't remember who it's by....*grabs script*...ok, it's by John Murray, apparently. I haven't heard of it before we put it on, but I'm not really a script person (as you might've guessed from my "Script Frenzy" post), so that's not saying much. Our play is actually part of 3 one-act plays. I like the idea of a bunch of short plays, rather than one long play, if only because more people get to take part.
Hathaway House is sort of a ghost story, but it's not very typical for one. It's more about the atmosphere than the story, and the 3 scenes don't really connect all that much...well, they do, but not as much as one would think. It's pretty creepy, too...that's always a plus in my book!
I've been in two plays before, but it feels like the last one was ages ago...I've really missed it, so I was super excited when I was invited to take part. I love acting (although I don't know if I'd want to do it professionally). For me it's very much about making friends and having fun as well as the actual production. So...yay!
Wow, this post sounded so much better in my head...oh well, it's not horrible and it kind of makes sense. That's always good.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Script Frenzy
Spring is here! Finally!! The snow is melting and it's warm and other such awesomeness.
Anyway, moving to the topic at hand:
So, back in November I did NaNoWriMo, a challenge to write a novel (at least 50,000 words) in a month. I thought it was crazy, but fun (and I succeeded, as did many of my friends!). Really awesome...check out the website.
Now fast forward to April...Script Frenzy (AKA Screnzy). This time you have to write a script in a month (at least 100 pages). I'm not that familiar with writing scripts, but I figured, oh well...might as well give it a try. I'm good at writing dialogue in my novels, and I don't like descriptions...so this should be fun. Right?
Let's just say it goes fast when it goes well, but when you're on page 10 and already tired of your idea it...doesn't go well.
I think I might just give up on the whole thing and write a novel instead.
I hope I don't sound depressed or anything...I'm actually kind of relieved, and excited about starting a new book.
And, who knows, I might suddenly decide that I love my script. It's happened before. :)
Anyway, moving to the topic at hand:
So, back in November I did NaNoWriMo, a challenge to write a novel (at least 50,000 words) in a month. I thought it was crazy, but fun (and I succeeded, as did many of my friends!). Really awesome...check out the website.
Now fast forward to April...Script Frenzy (AKA Screnzy). This time you have to write a script in a month (at least 100 pages). I'm not that familiar with writing scripts, but I figured, oh well...might as well give it a try. I'm good at writing dialogue in my novels, and I don't like descriptions...so this should be fun. Right?
Let's just say it goes fast when it goes well, but when you're on page 10 and already tired of your idea it...doesn't go well.
I think I might just give up on the whole thing and write a novel instead.
I hope I don't sound depressed or anything...I'm actually kind of relieved, and excited about starting a new book.
And, who knows, I might suddenly decide that I love my script. It's happened before. :)
Friendship bracelets
I've been making friendship bracelets on and off since I was six or seven. My last phase was about a year ago, but recently I was looking at one of my bracelet books ("Friendship Bracelets" by Camilla Gryski) and found myself doing them again. By the way, for those that don't know what they are, friendship bracelets are knotted bracelets made from embroidery floss or craft thread. Like this:
Anyway, my problem right now is that I've done all the designs in my books! I've been redoing lots, but they're pretty easy. So I went searching on the internet, and found several cool sites with lots of patterns (most of which are kinda hard, but I'll get there). I've also ordered several new bracelet books and am eagerly waiting for them.
So I was thinking I'd post some of my bracelets here. Maybe not right now, but at some point. What do you think, my faithful readers? (No, seriously...comment please!)
Ok, now to post about Script Frenzy...
Anyway, my problem right now is that I've done all the designs in my books! I've been redoing lots, but they're pretty easy. So I went searching on the internet, and found several cool sites with lots of patterns (most of which are kinda hard, but I'll get there). I've also ordered several new bracelet books and am eagerly waiting for them.
So I was thinking I'd post some of my bracelets here. Maybe not right now, but at some point. What do you think, my faithful readers? (No, seriously...comment please!)
Ok, now to post about Script Frenzy...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Misc. weather thoughts (plus book club)
It got up to -30 degrees yesterday (Celsius, obviously). It's quite a bit less now, and hopefully we won't get any more of that this winter. Um...can it be spring now? Please? Usually I don't mind waiting for spring because of skiing and other wintry things, but this year I'm getting really sick of snow. I remember last year April was insane...first it was really cold and snowing, then the next day it would be 20 degrees, then it would snow again, then summer again, then...well, it was crazy. Maybe this year it'll be more summery?
On another note: yesterday was my book club meeting. We talked about "The Giver", and decided the next book to read will be "Born on a Blue Day", which is a memoir. I might blog about "The Giver", but I'm not sure. Wait and see, I guess. =)
On another note: yesterday was my book club meeting. We talked about "The Giver", and decided the next book to read will be "Born on a Blue Day", which is a memoir. I might blog about "The Giver", but I'm not sure. Wait and see, I guess. =)
Monday, March 09, 2009
Rants of a future librarian
You know what annoyed me today? When I found that someone had put checkmarks next to certain characters' names in my copy of "And Then There Were None". Was the previous reader checking off who dies or marking possible people who might've "dunnit"? I'm guessing the first. Luckily I only caught one name before I stopped looking...but seriously...use a list instead of marking a library book! *sigh*
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My thoughts on Walden
Ok, so I finished the book Walden (by Henry David Thoreau) a couple of days ago (just in time for my book club meeting), and I was intending to post, but I never got around to it. So, here's my thoughts on Walden:
I didn't like the first chapter. First of all, I didn't agree with Thoreau. He's opinionated. He's critical. He seems to think that everybody will all be like him when they "live up to their potential". He wants everyone to go live in the woods and not interact with each other much. Second of all, the chapter was 60. Pages. Long. I couldn't believe I'd have to read this thing in time for the book club, which was in the end of February (I started late too).
But...once I got past the first couple of chapters, I noticed something weird was happening: it was starting to grow on me. Once Thoreau was done being opinionated he started to actually describe his life in the woods near Walden Pond. I liked his descriptions of nature, especially when they were less descriptions and more like anecdotes (Thoreau chasing a loon on the pond, an epic ant battle). I even started to agree with him on some points.
So, by the end...I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I can see how it's a classic. It's sort of unique too (I think...I'm not really familiar with this genre).
I don't regret reading it...if only for the bragging rights. ;)
The next book we're reading is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. Fiction and sci-fi! Woohoo! Maybe I'll post a "my thoughts" on that as well.
I didn't like the first chapter. First of all, I didn't agree with Thoreau. He's opinionated. He's critical. He seems to think that everybody will all be like him when they "live up to their potential". He wants everyone to go live in the woods and not interact with each other much. Second of all, the chapter was 60. Pages. Long. I couldn't believe I'd have to read this thing in time for the book club, which was in the end of February (I started late too).
But...once I got past the first couple of chapters, I noticed something weird was happening: it was starting to grow on me. Once Thoreau was done being opinionated he started to actually describe his life in the woods near Walden Pond. I liked his descriptions of nature, especially when they were less descriptions and more like anecdotes (Thoreau chasing a loon on the pond, an epic ant battle). I even started to agree with him on some points.
So, by the end...I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I can see how it's a classic. It's sort of unique too (I think...I'm not really familiar with this genre).
I don't regret reading it...if only for the bragging rights. ;)
The next book we're reading is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. Fiction and sci-fi! Woohoo! Maybe I'll post a "my thoughts" on that as well.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Skiing
I went skiing yesterday. It was a really nice day...not cold, but not so warm that the snow melted and got all slushy.
Some interesting things that happened:
1. When I was going up the chairlift I saw somebody had written "please 33" on the seat. I have yet to google it. I wonder what it means.
2. I talked to a friendly ski lift attendant that was reading Kurt Vonnegut's Hocus Pocus. Yay for literary lift attendants!
I noticed that when you're skiing on your own you (or at least I) notice stuff more...you pay more attention to surroundings. The ski lifts feel slower, even. I guess that makes sense.
So yeah. I'm going skating tomorrow...if anything interesting happens, I'll report. Bye!
Some interesting things that happened:
1. When I was going up the chairlift I saw somebody had written "please 33" on the seat. I have yet to google it. I wonder what it means.
2. I talked to a friendly ski lift attendant that was reading Kurt Vonnegut's Hocus Pocus. Yay for literary lift attendants!
I noticed that when you're skiing on your own you (or at least I) notice stuff more...you pay more attention to surroundings. The ski lifts feel slower, even. I guess that makes sense.
So yeah. I'm going skating tomorrow...if anything interesting happens, I'll report. Bye!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Epic bookshelf quest - continued
Oh yeah, and here are two cool bookshelf pictures I found while wandering around. They could be quite fitting for some people (not me, though).
My epic quest for the perfect bookshelf pic
Ok, so a little while ago my friend Dorothy from A Brick Short of a Load (link in my sidebar) posted a picture of her laptop skin:
(I actually found that picture off the web...you can see a close-up of it if you go to Dorothy's blog)
I think it's the most awesome laptop skin ever, and I think it really fits her personality. So that got me thinking, "So what would be the perfect bookshelf pic for me?"
And thus began my quest.
Last night I started by searching "bookshelf" on Google Images. Better to start vague, I guess? That gave me a lot of photos of (surprise!) people's bookshelves. They were very average bookshelves, though, and not very characteristic of anybody (unless you start reading the titles, but that wasn't what I was looking for).
So I decided I need to figure out what kind of picture I wanted anyway. Well, I wanted something like the above pic, but maybe a little neater (to fit my personality), but preferably kind of surreal. So I searched "surreal bookshelf". Ok, that was better... there were some cool ones...but it still wasn't quite what I needed.
"Fantasy bookshelf", perhaps?
Nope, no luck. Mainly just fantasy books.
Maybe something a bit more vague? "Magic bookshelf"?
Nope.
That's where I gave up for the moment. Maybe I will spread my search to a photo website like Flickr. Maybe you people that know me can help me out?
Thank you for listening to my ranting, and I'll post if I find something interesting.
(I actually found that picture off the web...you can see a close-up of it if you go to Dorothy's blog)
I think it's the most awesome laptop skin ever, and I think it really fits her personality. So that got me thinking, "So what would be the perfect bookshelf pic for me?"
And thus began my quest.
Last night I started by searching "bookshelf" on Google Images. Better to start vague, I guess? That gave me a lot of photos of (surprise!) people's bookshelves. They were very average bookshelves, though, and not very characteristic of anybody (unless you start reading the titles, but that wasn't what I was looking for).
So I decided I need to figure out what kind of picture I wanted anyway. Well, I wanted something like the above pic, but maybe a little neater (to fit my personality), but preferably kind of surreal. So I searched "surreal bookshelf". Ok, that was better... there were some cool ones...but it still wasn't quite what I needed.
"Fantasy bookshelf", perhaps?
Nope, no luck. Mainly just fantasy books.
Maybe something a bit more vague? "Magic bookshelf"?
Nope.
That's where I gave up for the moment. Maybe I will spread my search to a photo website like Flickr. Maybe you people that know me can help me out?
Thank you for listening to my ranting, and I'll post if I find something interesting.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A quickie. Don't worry, I'll post a longer one soon
Just a quick post. I upgraded my blog today so I can change my template and add new links now. Yay!
Also, I went to a small lake near my house today to take photos...it was cold, but fun. I'll post some of the photos later...
EDIT: Ok, I added a new background! You like?
Also, I went to a small lake near my house today to take photos...it was cold, but fun. I'll post some of the photos later...
EDIT: Ok, I added a new background! You like?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Summer, games, and Walden
It's a nice day today. It kinda makes me miss summer. I mean, I like winter and all (I like to downhill ski and skate), but I would like it to be summer soon. This might be because I've been making plans about what I'm going to do this summer.
So. What else?
Well, I haven't posted in three years, so I might as well say what I've been doing.
I still really miss the Myst series, but I'm more into action-type games now. Especially platformers and the like. I watch "Let's Plays" on Youtube, and I wonder if maybe I should give it a try.
I'm reading a book right now called Walden (by Henry David Thoreau) for this book club. I didn't know it was a classic...maybe it's more popular down in the U.S. For those who don't know what it is, it's about Thoreau himself when he goes to live in a cottage in the woods. It's about nature, and his philosophies in life.
Anyway, Thoreau and I aren't getting along very much...he seems a little judgmental to me (like, "we should all live like THIS and everyone who doesn't is WRONG.") but I do agree with some of what he says (it's still relevant today even though he wrote in the nineteenth century! Maybe that's why it's still around), and his descriptions of nature are really cool. I'll tell you my full impression after I've actually finished it.
Ok, that's it for now. I'm going to go reread my old posts now...maybe I'll post on that later. Bye! =)
So. What else?
Well, I haven't posted in three years, so I might as well say what I've been doing.
I still really miss the Myst series, but I'm more into action-type games now. Especially platformers and the like. I watch "Let's Plays" on Youtube, and I wonder if maybe I should give it a try.
I'm reading a book right now called Walden (by Henry David Thoreau) for this book club. I didn't know it was a classic...maybe it's more popular down in the U.S. For those who don't know what it is, it's about Thoreau himself when he goes to live in a cottage in the woods. It's about nature, and his philosophies in life.
Anyway, Thoreau and I aren't getting along very much...he seems a little judgmental to me (like, "we should all live like THIS and everyone who doesn't is WRONG.") but I do agree with some of what he says (it's still relevant today even though he wrote in the nineteenth century! Maybe that's why it's still around), and his descriptions of nature are really cool. I'll tell you my full impression after I've actually finished it.
Ok, that's it for now. I'm going to go reread my old posts now...maybe I'll post on that later. Bye! =)
Monday, February 09, 2009
Let's try this again
Ok. Time to get this back up. If only for a few months. A friend of mine has a blog now, so I figure I should have one again too.
I'm thinking of going in a more "book" direction now, but we'll see how it goes.
More posts to come.
I'm thinking of going in a more "book" direction now, but we'll see how it goes.
More posts to come.
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