Read You Tell Me: How Do You Deal With the "Am-I-Crazies?"
Perfect summary of what I was discussing three posts earlier, under "Turning a New Leaf."
Here's my answer to the "Am-I-Crazies?" question:
I don't deal with it well at all. Which is why I had to post "Turning a New Leaf."
But hey, at least I'm not the only one!
Forget arthritis, this is authoritis! :) OK, I'm going to have to share that...
I did find a little solution. Of course, not the best, but better than nothing. I can always put up a website and post my novels/writing works up there for FREE! At least people will still get to read my stories even if I'm not getting paid. And that isn't so bad...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
What to Watch...
(500) Days of Summer!
Isn't it just the best?
People said it was good, but it was actually even better than I thought it would be.
It's such a touching story and very well made.
Loved it!
Best movie I've seen in a long time.
Isn't it just the best?
People said it was good, but it was actually even better than I thought it would be.
It's such a touching story and very well made.
Loved it!
Best movie I've seen in a long time.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Jonathan Brandis
A young Jonathan BrandisThe Saved by the Bell: The College Years Thanksgiving episode just came on. Aww, Jonathan Brandis guest starred. And now I am sad!
He was my first celebrity crush. Because of him, I subscribed to Teen Bop. I bought (or my mom, rather) every Jonathan Brandis product out there. My friends and I would sing his name in harmony (no joke). When Leonardo Dicaprio first came out, we thought he looked like a melted Jonathan Brandis. How time can change careers.
It was so shocking to find out about his death. He was only 27.
He still looked good in the episode (actually better than I remembered). I found a clip here.
He looks like a young Christian Bale, no? And sounds like him too! Or maybe a real-life Howl from Howl's Moving Castle. The pictures don't do him justice. Aww, he's still very cute in my eyes.
Turning a new leaf
It's going to be hard, but I'm going to try to learn to relax.
Anyone who knows me can say that I get pretty into my hobbies. Like take-over-my-life-and-do-nothing-else into them.
Luckily, by now, I have finally learned to weed out the temporary passions with the real ones. But that doesn't mean I'm not still tempted to pick up something new and get extremely into it. But the urge is getting less, thankfully. Otherwise, I'd never have any time.
One of my main hobbies is writing. I've been writing stories pretty much my whole life, but I drifted away from it during my teen years. I started again in college, but after being away so long, my skills were just not there. However, the past two years, I have been pretty dedicated to improving my writing and reading as much as time allows me to. This has become much more than a hobby/passion. I am really dedicated to making it work. No matter how much of a dream it is, I'm going to stick to it because I think it's possible. I don't believe I'm reaching for a unrealistic dream (an unlikely one yes, just by pure numbers), but not an unrealistic one. I am not trying to be an actress or a singer, which I obviously don't have the skill set for. But I do believe there is a writer in me. And though I may not be good at many things, I know my strongest asset is creativity and imagination. That I know I have.
But writing has been torturing me slowly for a long time. I've had passions, but I've never had such focused goals before. Trying to become a published author has been pretty horrible, sometimes I don't even know if I'm happy. Like, I still love writing to death, but the whole process is so consuming. There is honestly not a second when I'm not thinking of another story, a new idea, developing a character or a scene. Even when I'm reading other books and watching movies, I am still thinking! I think in the shower, while I sleep, in the car, at work, even when I'm talking to other people. It's pretty insane. I once read that it's not worth it to give up EVERYTHING to write, have it take over your life to the point where your life is unbalanced. And that is honestly where I'm headed.
I also read on Nathan Bransford's (famous literary agent) blog to not play the "if" game. Because if you do, then that might be a clue to stop writing. It basically goes like this: If I got an agent, I'd be happy. If I got published, I'd be happy. If I sold x amount of copies, I'd be happy. Basically, letting your happiness rely on some action that may or may not ever happen. But you want it so badly, it just takes over your life. It also doesn't help reading all the millions of published authors and their inspiring (often lucky!) story on how they became published. For some, it's a cakewalk! A perfect, dream-come-true, easy journey. And others have written for ten years before their first novel was published. It's a crapshoot.
But I've decided no more! I will not let writing torment me any longer. I am going to do what I love and enjoy it and if it happens, then it happens. If not, oh well, at least I will still have the rest of my life to be thankful for.
That is what I need to do.
Anyone who knows me can say that I get pretty into my hobbies. Like take-over-my-life-and-do-nothing-else into them.
Luckily, by now, I have finally learned to weed out the temporary passions with the real ones. But that doesn't mean I'm not still tempted to pick up something new and get extremely into it. But the urge is getting less, thankfully. Otherwise, I'd never have any time.
One of my main hobbies is writing. I've been writing stories pretty much my whole life, but I drifted away from it during my teen years. I started again in college, but after being away so long, my skills were just not there. However, the past two years, I have been pretty dedicated to improving my writing and reading as much as time allows me to. This has become much more than a hobby/passion. I am really dedicated to making it work. No matter how much of a dream it is, I'm going to stick to it because I think it's possible. I don't believe I'm reaching for a unrealistic dream (an unlikely one yes, just by pure numbers), but not an unrealistic one. I am not trying to be an actress or a singer, which I obviously don't have the skill set for. But I do believe there is a writer in me. And though I may not be good at many things, I know my strongest asset is creativity and imagination. That I know I have.
But writing has been torturing me slowly for a long time. I've had passions, but I've never had such focused goals before. Trying to become a published author has been pretty horrible, sometimes I don't even know if I'm happy. Like, I still love writing to death, but the whole process is so consuming. There is honestly not a second when I'm not thinking of another story, a new idea, developing a character or a scene. Even when I'm reading other books and watching movies, I am still thinking! I think in the shower, while I sleep, in the car, at work, even when I'm talking to other people. It's pretty insane. I once read that it's not worth it to give up EVERYTHING to write, have it take over your life to the point where your life is unbalanced. And that is honestly where I'm headed.
I also read on Nathan Bransford's (famous literary agent) blog to not play the "if" game. Because if you do, then that might be a clue to stop writing. It basically goes like this: If I got an agent, I'd be happy. If I got published, I'd be happy. If I sold x amount of copies, I'd be happy. Basically, letting your happiness rely on some action that may or may not ever happen. But you want it so badly, it just takes over your life. It also doesn't help reading all the millions of published authors and their inspiring (often lucky!) story on how they became published. For some, it's a cakewalk! A perfect, dream-come-true, easy journey. And others have written for ten years before their first novel was published. It's a crapshoot.
But I've decided no more! I will not let writing torment me any longer. I am going to do what I love and enjoy it and if it happens, then it happens. If not, oh well, at least I will still have the rest of my life to be thankful for.
That is what I need to do.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
What to Watch... What to Not
WHAT TO WATCH...
Hooray for THE HANGOVER.
By now, you've probably already seen the movie or heard about how good it is.
I have to admit, when I first saw the trailer, I thought the movie seemed lame. Like an idea WAY overdone.
But of course, after hearing the great reviews, I went to watch it and I'm not disappointed.
I think the best part of the movie is the acting. They really reacted to situations like how I think real people (like my friends) would have reacted!
And also, I thought it was cool that the main characters were older. Not in high school or college, not like a Road Trip-type movie.
And Bradley Cooper doesn't look too bad in a suit.
...WHAT TO NOT
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Oh no, people are going to hate me for saying this, but I just thought the movie was long and boring. I couldn't wait for it to be over.
And I'm surprised I feel this way. Everyone always says, "The book is way better," whenever they watch a movie adaptation, but Harry Potter was the one series I actually thought was better on film. Why? Because you get to see all the little whimsical elements instead of imagining them. But by the six installment, those little whimsical elements just aren't surprising anymore and get a bit old.
And the movie was quite long, but how much actually happened? Not much. Even the ending climax was a bit disappointing. For some reason, when I read the book, it didn't feel that way at all. But when you actually see on film how little action there is to move the story along, it really drags on.
But I do have to say that I enjoyed the book quite a lot. So maybe it's back to "the book is way better" for this one.
Hooray for THE HANGOVER.
By now, you've probably already seen the movie or heard about how good it is.
I have to admit, when I first saw the trailer, I thought the movie seemed lame. Like an idea WAY overdone.
But of course, after hearing the great reviews, I went to watch it and I'm not disappointed.
I think the best part of the movie is the acting. They really reacted to situations like how I think real people (like my friends) would have reacted!
And also, I thought it was cool that the main characters were older. Not in high school or college, not like a Road Trip-type movie.
And Bradley Cooper doesn't look too bad in a suit.
...WHAT TO NOT
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Oh no, people are going to hate me for saying this, but I just thought the movie was long and boring. I couldn't wait for it to be over.
And I'm surprised I feel this way. Everyone always says, "The book is way better," whenever they watch a movie adaptation, but Harry Potter was the one series I actually thought was better on film. Why? Because you get to see all the little whimsical elements instead of imagining them. But by the six installment, those little whimsical elements just aren't surprising anymore and get a bit old.
And the movie was quite long, but how much actually happened? Not much. Even the ending climax was a bit disappointing. For some reason, when I read the book, it didn't feel that way at all. But when you actually see on film how little action there is to move the story along, it really drags on.
But I do have to say that I enjoyed the book quite a lot. So maybe it's back to "the book is way better" for this one.
Watchmen
So Watchmen is out on DVD. I'd have to say the Amazon Exclusive Director's Cut version is pretty cute. It comes with a Nite Owl ship DVD case! Awww *pet pet*
Anyway, I know people didn't really like the movie. And I guess I'm going to have to agree. After reading the graphic novel, I wasn't really sure how well it would translate to film. But to be honest, the movie DID stick pretty damn close to the novel (except the end, which I thought was a good move). Perhaps, as some critics believe, a little too much. So I can't say I totally hated the movie because they did a good job staying true. But like many novels turned into films, perhaps it was always best for the story to stay on paper.
Anyway, I do have a point and it's this: read the graphic novel. The novel is really good. I don't want people to be turned off by it just because the movie wasn't the best. And I know the ending is a little WTF, but I think the story isn't really the main focus. It's more just a vessel to show what the novel is truly about--the characters and their history. And Watchmen has some amazing, complex characters! My favorite. Perhaps I need to broaden my literary horizon, but in my opinion, Watchmen has a few of the most well-constructed characters I have ever read about (I wasn't too crazy about the young Nite Owl and Silk Spectre II, but the rest... :).
So if you haven't already, give it a chance and read it. You will see how much more Rorschach comes to life!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Old, new, or inbetween, 5 songs I can't stop playing
Hmm, I've noticed I always post in chunks. There'll be no posts and bam! I'll post like 3 in a row.
Oh well.
This week, my music is all about girls girls girls and girls! Some people on the list (especially Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus) might not really float people's boats. But I honestly like their songs. I know, it's like the equivalent of listening to a song from New Kids On the Block. But I think people should learn to move passed the lameness or whatever bad impressions they have about the artist and just enjoy the music. Cause once you get over it, it's actually pretty good.
I am going to do a block party and then some.
1) "You Picked Me" - A Fine Frenzy
I went back and forth for a year deciding whether or not to buy this album. I just wasn't sure, but I kept coming back and listening to 30 second samples. Finally, I took the plunge and bought it and I don't regret it at all. The whole album is REALLY good, but this song is one of my favorites. She's so young and talented! Which means I automatically have to hate on her. HAHAHA jk. I don't have that for musicians, only for authors. LOL.
2) "Rangers" - A Fine Frenzy
Another great song by Alison Sudol.
3) "Sick Muse" - Metric
I admit--I'm late riding on the Metric train. It seems they've been out for awhile, but I never knew who they were until their latest album. But I like them! They're songs are quite catchy and I like their arrangements. I'd say they're like Silversun Pickups and Yeah Yeah Yeahs combined.
4) "Satellite Mind" - Metric
Another catchy song.
5) "Every Part of Me" - Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus
Okay, here we go. The "lame" part. But honestly, this song is good! Give it a chance to touch your heart!
6) "Don't Wanna Be Torn" - Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus
Same thing here.
7) "Here We Go Again" - Demi Lovato
I really love Demi Lovato's voice. This girl can sing! And I like the song. I believe if this song was re-sung by Kelly Clarkson, it would be a big hit. So let's not discriminate just because she started her career on Camp Rock.
Oh well.
This week, my music is all about girls girls girls and girls! Some people on the list (especially Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus) might not really float people's boats. But I honestly like their songs. I know, it's like the equivalent of listening to a song from New Kids On the Block. But I think people should learn to move passed the lameness or whatever bad impressions they have about the artist and just enjoy the music. Cause once you get over it, it's actually pretty good.
I am going to do a block party and then some.
1) "You Picked Me" - A Fine Frenzy
I went back and forth for a year deciding whether or not to buy this album. I just wasn't sure, but I kept coming back and listening to 30 second samples. Finally, I took the plunge and bought it and I don't regret it at all. The whole album is REALLY good, but this song is one of my favorites. She's so young and talented! Which means I automatically have to hate on her. HAHAHA jk. I don't have that for musicians, only for authors. LOL.
2) "Rangers" - A Fine Frenzy
Another great song by Alison Sudol.
3) "Sick Muse" - Metric
I admit--I'm late riding on the Metric train. It seems they've been out for awhile, but I never knew who they were until their latest album. But I like them! They're songs are quite catchy and I like their arrangements. I'd say they're like Silversun Pickups and Yeah Yeah Yeahs combined.
4) "Satellite Mind" - Metric
Another catchy song.
5) "Every Part of Me" - Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus
Okay, here we go. The "lame" part. But honestly, this song is good! Give it a chance to touch your heart!
6) "Don't Wanna Be Torn" - Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus
Same thing here.
7) "Here We Go Again" - Demi Lovato
I really love Demi Lovato's voice. This girl can sing! And I like the song. I believe if this song was re-sung by Kelly Clarkson, it would be a big hit. So let's not discriminate just because she started her career on Camp Rock.
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