Not Unlike The Pack...

     Rejection. It’s hard to not concentrate on the feeling when every passing day the truth becomes stronger, and things become more and more apparent to you. I’m not here to complain, and be extremely negative. But at the same time, I've been looking for a way to vent. I’m going to try and keep this blog as positive as I can. If it comes across incredibly negative then I am sorry. It’s been a difficult set of years since my brother passed that I’m finally beginning to see a bigger picture in a particular situation that involves me with family. As much as I try to be a part of them and want to spend time with them, it all seems that it’s in vein for the simple fact that often times we are left out on things. Always hearing about events days after? Or moments before something is said to take place. In the dark constantly, with no firm communication between anyone on that side. It’s been difficult for me, and after the history that has scarred my life it still shakes down the foundations of which I used to stand on it. I think that my brother was aware of the situation well before I was. He tried to point it out to me several times, but now that he is gone I can see a clearly defined set of circumstances that he once tried to point out to me over and over again. It seems the more that I deal with these particular set of circumstances my pack becomes more clear to me, and the more I begin to write. Whatever the reason is for being constantly rejected, pushed away, and shunned by these particular people hurts. It hurts like a damned knife. But having been writing and continuing on with my pack and watching them from a far I’ve come to an even more clear revelation.
     Sure, blood is thicker than water, but at the same time. Sometimes family doesn't always come in the form of that. Something I have learned from writing and watching my characters, is that you don’t need blood relations to feel wanted, needed, or for this matter loved. As much as it pains me, and how much it bothers me, to feel like I’m unwanted or am not important enough to share in their lives. I still have what I would consider my own family standing next to me and by my side. The more I have written and the more their story has played out the more I’ve come to realize that really, me and my main character are not that far off. It’s not like I had planned this thing or anything, it’s just what I’ve written with my trusty pen in a blackened room, with a nice cup of tea by my side. Apparently, just not needed at this point and time, and everyone has become very self-sufficient and they don’t feel the need to want to include me with anything at this time. However, with that said MY family, friends, and whom I would consider blood related demonstrate to me everyday exactly, how much I am needed and that gives me a comforting feeling unlike the cold shouldered, mentality of what I had felt. Which, I might I add is almost comparable to the wind that is blowing outside my window currently. Slowly the delightful cooling breeze of the fall is beginning to become tainted, and spoiled by that of the winter that is quickly approaching. I guess, what I have learned overall and sitting down and writing this blog, is that we are never alone. At the darkest times, when you feel you are don’t.
     Though I yearn, for a bit of attention from these particular people, I know now that it might not be a possibility for a week, a month? Maybe longer. But to my family, friends, brothers, etc. I know all I have to do is call them and they will be more than happy to lend an ear and be there for me. If you have made it through the blog, I thank you for taking the time to read my frustrations and let me vent a little. I hadn’t meant for this blog to be too extremely negative but I felt that I needed to vent. Not only that, but it has helped demonstrate to that I have found a way out of this darkness. That, with the power of writing, my imagination, and to those who CHOOSE to surround themselves around me anything is possible. That there is a comfort in knowing I have them when I need them. A quick way to jot down my thoughts, opinions, and my feelings real quick in this short paged blog. I do promise that the next blog WILL BE more positive. Because hopefully by then, I will have two stories to go off to the editor, and I can finally relate and tell you some more information about this upcoming Wolf book that I’ve been writing for almost eight months! For those who have followed me on Facebook and Twitter, I’ve dropped a few hints there but nothing too much. I’d like to talk a bit more about characters, and familiar settings. But until then, everyone be safe and take care! Have a VERY Happy Halloween and thank you again for taking the time to read about my frustrations and feelings and not turning away!

Which Wolf Will You Feed?

Which Wolf Will You Feed?

     It has certainly been a while since I've typed a blog. According to my Blogspot here it’s been since June 30th of this year. I apologize for the lack of blog writing, as it is something to do in between writing sessions and it gives me a chance to clear my head a little bit about what I am currently writing about. For those who have been following me, or maybe you aren't quite in the loop My story about my fictional pack is almost complete. One more major obstacle and the book will be finished. I currently have another book that is waiting to go off to the editor’s. It’s a matter of getting everything put together and as of late my schedule hasn’t really allowed me to do much, and consist much of me being in a car. No worries though! It will be done this year. I’m shooting for the next release to be in the summer time of 2014. My Wolf book, I’d like to be in the winter. But we’ll see how things fall. Life has been very busy as of late. So, those who do follow me on Facebook and Twitter, I thank you for all of your support, your responses, and your conversations. Now? Onto my blog now that I’ve given a bit of an update on where everything kind of stands with book releases, and scheduling.
     What an interesting way to start a blog off right? Which Wolf Will You Feed. I’d like to clarify right up front that this has actually nothing to do with Wolves. For those who have followed me on Facebook they know how much I believe in the conservation of Wolves. But not only the Wolves, but for all of the animals really. Since I have started my writing my book I have found how important conservationism really is to everyone. It has brought on a whole new perspective for me and the world that I live in. The title of the blog is really about a Native American short story. I will have it copy and pasted and the bottom for those who are wanting to read it. But the story deals with life, and some of the challenges that come up in life. Recently, I’d have a huge trial that I was dealing with. It dealt with some personal relationships within my family that carried very deep scars. Some of which, have not completely healed over, and still remain fresh. Without giving a lot of details into the entire situation, I will say that conversation was very difficult and hard with this person. It’d gotten to a point that we had completely quit talking. Nothing was happening on either side, and this continued on for almost a month. Then? Out of the blue I received a text message from this particular person apologizing for the absence on their part and how they really wanted to meet up with me again to do lunch. At first? I didn't quite know what to do. I wanted to completely ignore the text message all together and go about my business like I had been. But, I begin to think further down the road and what the possibilities could be. Unfortunately, I lost my brother December 22, 2010. Almost three years ago, and that scar will never go away. The sudden passing had really left a lot of things unresolved between the two of us. Things that could have been said, things that should have been said, and feelings that could have been expressed. That entire situation came to mind as I stared at the text message debating on whether or not to answer it.
     Being a writer it is so easy to think up moral dilemmas and situations to put your characters into. It is completely the opposite when you are dealing with your own personal dilemmas and how exactly to handle these situations. In your novels, short stories, poems, novelettes, and series you know the outcome. The outcome that you have very specified for your character. It’s always within sight as you right. Sometimes you almost curse yourself because dealing with personal issues it’s not always that easy. I stared at the text message for a very good while, and decided I needed a second opinion. I called a very good friend of mine and told him what the situation was. My very good friend is quite the jokster. This conversation for him was the exact opposite and he brought up some good points. Points, that I had already discussed about with myself as I studied this text message that had been sent to me. Life, I have found out is all about second chances. Sometimes, it’s about three or four chances more. This is true to say not only about personal relationships, but very much about things you encounter. Whether your testing for a promotion, you are attempting to publish a book, the beauty about life is that we don’t always have to leave things at only one or two tries. Often times, it takes much more than that to really get at where we are going or where we want to end up with things. He reminded me of all these things and then brought up the real personal facts about this instance. Life can change so suddenly, and so rapidly that these instances where we get these opportunities to really take charge of our own destinies does not happen often, or in my case doesn’t seem to happen enough.
     Just like the instance with my brother, I realized that it’s important to not let these kinds of small opportunities to pass you up. That, if we continue to hold these kinds of grudges against our own family and friends, and even if it was over something small in the end? You really need to ask yourself ‘Is this problem really worth the de-railing of my friendship or relationship with this particular family member’? In this world, that is all we have is friends and family. That is why I embrace anyone and everyone that talks to me. It’s important to have friends and acquaintances. I knew what my friend was talking was straight truth and after hanging up with him, I ended up calling this family member back and we met for lunch. The result? We had completely worked out the issue that we’d been feuding on for a very long time. So, I felt that I wanted to talk with everyone who followed me on Blogspot about this issue. Opportunities like this come up, are not only a chance to help move on with these problems and get them resolved. These opportunities will also help bring closure in case you never get the chance to speak with the person again so you don’t have the guilt of what could have been said or needed to be said hanging now in limbo. I appreciate everyone who took the time to read this, and let me vent a very personal detail with the world. I hope that if you are in a similar situation like I have been. That there is nothing wrong with being the bigger person even if you are the one who instigated it, or you are the person on the receiving end. If these people matter enough to you, then in the end you will find the closure to the problem that is between you and them. The Native American story about the two wolves came to mind after I thought about it some. I've included it below for all to read. It brings up a good point, and begs to ask. Which side will you feed Light or Dark? In the end, when you leave this life how do you want to exit out. I am still in the process of attempting to write a blog about Fan-Fiction but am trying to be very careful about how I write it.

The Story of Two Wolves

An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life.

“A fight is going on inside me,” he told the young boy, “a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil, full of anger, sorrow, regret, greed, self-pity and false pride. The other is good, full of joy, peace, love, humility, kindness and faith.”

“This same fight is going on inside of you, grandson…and inside of every other person on this earth.”

The grandson ponders this for a moment and then asks, “Grandfather, which wolf will win?”

The old man smiled and simply said,

“the one you feed.”

Goals On The Ocean Of Imagination

     I have always valued myself as a writer. Whether it be in short stories, novels, opinions, or critiques it’s always came easy for me to be able to write something on a given subject. I have been writing for a very long time. I have been writing since I was about twelve years old, went all the way through Junior High School (Middle School for some) and into High School. I’d won an award my Senior year of High School for a writing contest that I entered into, taking home third place and a cash prize. Believe it or not, I have the check in a frame still on the wall. To me, writing has never been about the money. Nor, the popularity? To me, writing has always been about being able to produce a good story that keeps people interested in with what’s going on with characters. I take critiques and enjoy hearing what others have to say about ideas. I try to keep all of my ideas somewhat within the realms of reality. An idea, that “Yeah this could happen but it hasn’t yet”. Always been about entertaining those around me with what I write. OceanView has been very popular amongst the people that I used to send it out to. OceanView, started as a story concept back in 2006. Over the course of about seven years it has grown and adapted into a collection of short stories. This will also be my first published book on the market. To me, publishing this book has been a dream come true. It’s something that I have always wanted to do, and something I have enjoyed as a hobby. Though as a writer it seems that it’s slipped away from a hobby and keeps me constantly thinking of ideas and characters.
     I had always been intimidated by the prospect of being published. Having seen some of the agents on Twitter, and how they talk about potential writers, and in a way make fun of them because of the way they submit something. To me, I think it’s those writers that keep those agents in business. We are the ones that allow them to keep their jobs! Could you imagine that if EVERY writer in the world decided to self-publish (like me) how quickly they would be looking to sign anyone that was willing to turn in a manuscript. So, again going back to the original topic it was so very intimidating to me to see these kinds of things posted. The amount of rejections that people have gotten saying their work was no good, or crap. But like anything in life, you can’t accept failure you have to prosper and keep on over the top of the negativity. Self publishing OceanView has been a very scary and exciting step for me all in the same process. It’s been exciting for me, because it’s allowed for me to branch out and meet some of my fellow writers out there. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook have become outlets for people to get together and exchange ideas, or promote their books. The road hasn’t been easy with having to go back and do the edits, along with having to buy a state business license (For the state that I live in), along with all of the other fun investigable things that I have had to do. But it is so very well worth it in the end. I have several other local Authors here that we’ve been talking and have been attempting to get together for a panel for our books. The stress level of trying to keep things on a deadline, and keeping everything within time constraints has been hard.
     While I want to push through these edits, and get it released to Smashwords, and start getting my books on the print and sent to me, I want to deliver a good product. Yes, I am a writer but at times my English can be a bit off. I have been trying very hard to take things easy, and take them slow. Once OceanView is released, I would rather you concentrate on the story and everything going on in it, rather than the amount of spelling errors, grammatical errors, or things that just don’t make sense because I overlooked it while I was doing my proofing. I want everyone to be happy with my first finished product. I currently have another book that is sitting with it’s copyright papers ready to be sent off to another Beta editor. However, I am going to take some time between the release of that book and OceanView, just to unwind from this huge undertaking of Self-publishing. Now, I’m not trying to convince anyone that going through an actual publisher is a bad idea, but to at least Self-Publish yourself it might work out in advantage. Some writers have been contacted about their books from publishing houses. Below, I am going to be posting a link to a video that Anne Rice posted about publishing books. Her advice, and words on how the best way to pursue things. I am so grateful for everything that has happened with me, my book, and my lovely wife as we are on the verge of this exciting point in my life. You may feel as if it is a burden, and get disheartened as you start through the processes of self-publishing but please, don’t give up! If this is truly what you want, and want to make it happen look that diversity in the face and tromp over the top of it.

Anne’s video: http://youtu.be/bw2KXX7WrOY

Shadowed Contractual Agreements

     I’ve noticed something about the muse, and I’m sure as writers everyone here has one. Sometimes, she’s a roaring lion, other times she as soft as a lamb and just as quiet. Since my injury that I received almost two weeks ago, my muse has been pretty quiet. But, at the same time I think it’s because she knows that I’ve been injured. Not a whole hell of a lot of things you can do while you’re injured especially when it deals with your wrist, as well as dealing with your shoulder. The whole typing thing becomes incredibly hard to do and since I’m left handed and not right handed (Thank God) I found that I think it would have been easier to just write things out. But even then the Muse seems to be sitting in the back of my mind with her hands up holding them up in front of her and going in an up and down motion for me to just quiet down and sit there. This startles me very much. Never, has my muse been this quiet or willing to let me do something other than rest and not work on any of my current projects. It’s been nice though, to sit and find some other things I can work on while my right shoulder is on the mend. It wasn’t till about a week ago that I was cleared to not have to wear the brace. Oh boy, you would have thought that was some kind of flare sent up in the darkness. That, like the loving Gym coach that the Muse had been before the injury had respired to life. I could almost hear her asking me ‘Oh your hands are both free? Guess that means they are good enough to pick up the electronic pen and get back to work’. But at the same time we reached a pretty subtle compromise.
     Even though I was down an arm, with limited mobility to do anything I found that I could use sticky note pads (I know, I know, things of the past right?). I used these and jotted down quite a few different story ideas. Though some of the ideas didn’t really revolve around the Wolves, and my furry friends the other ideas coming to me where just as wonderful and I am looking very forward to getting a chance to let everyone read them. As a writer it never seems like my brain ever takes a break about not exploring different possibilities. The best kind of metaphor I can give is like a bank thief attempting to rob a bank. He decided one day, on a whim to just walk into a random bank and rob it. After getting back to the safe (Using the old pointer finger in the coat routine might I add) he simply stairs at this big metal monster. These metal monsters that is so large, and so in charge that he now realizes that he’s in over his head. Then his best method of trying to crack this safe is to use the old vintage idea, the one thing that never fails, and you can always get the safe cracked! Insert heavy gasp of breath with the finger in the air here folks. Listening to the internal gears of the safe. My mind feels like that all of the time. I’m constantly attempting different combinations of things from ideas that I already have. For instance, I could match up characters fine, setting fine, the plot is the thickest thing to try and weave after that point. Sometimes, I take away from the plot to make it a little less dense, a little less complicated, and overall a little more fun for the reader. But on the other hand, sometimes I find I add plot, I add complication, twists, suspense even when it’s not needed to keep the reader guessing the whole way through. I know the rush I get when I have watched TV shows or movies and a twist and turn in plot is presented I find myself going ‘Whoa! That’s cool’ right along with the folks.
     The one thing that the Muse and I can come to fully agree on, and this is where the title of the blog fits in. We find it mutually wonderful when we go on car trips. It could be thirty minutes from here? It could be six days from here it doesn’t matter. I asked my wife tonight about this, curious if it was because maybe the change of scenery was better? Or if it’s just for the simple fact where we went today was also where I grew up, born and raised. But with that said as well I find that if I go higher up into the mountains, less populated places, lakes, camping, any of that kind of thing the Muse and I get along wonderfully. She breaks out of the Gym teacher mode and instantly wants to become my friend and confidant! Anyone else have this kind of an issue when it comes to writing? Maybe it’s the fresh air and the change of scenery that helps shake off the cobwebs of the same day to day same ole, same ole writing room. I’ve got a lot of family up in the mountains, maybe what I need to do one of these days is just pack it up and spend some time in the mountains for a week and just settle in and do some writing there. It’s worth a shot. What do you do to help enhance the creativity to write? Or, is it one of those things that you have to be in the mood to do so; and does it have to be more centrally located to you as to what the setting in the book is (I.E. Big City, Cattle Ranch, etc.) Please feel free to comment below in the comments and share with the rest!

Writer's That Double As Gamers!

     So, today after I’d posted about Diablo III and that I was an avid gamer, I felt compelled to go ahead and write a blog about it. Now, that I can actually type again. The injury had me cornered for about a week, including doing the edits to my book and writing on the newest venture I’d taken on with my Wolf. It feels good to be back in the saddle again and back at the writer’s desk. I don’t think I could have taken it much longer. I’ve scaled all of the wonderful walls in my house; I was running out of room. If I’m going to be scaling any kind of mountains it’s going to be out in the wilderness with my characters; not within the confines of my own house. While I was down and out, I found myself turning more towards the huge stack of games that I have for the Computer as well as some of what most people call the ‘Next Generation’ consoles (XBOX360, Wii, Etc.) to help pass the slow ticking time. I’ve always been a bit of a gamer but with my busy schedule I’ve always found it very hard to sit down and actually get anywhere in any of the games. But because of my injury I was not allowed to move said limb and to keep it immobilized, hence came fourth my ‘clicking finger’ of destiny. That not only helped with figuring out taxes, building new cities, and keeping the evil Trash monsters away in Sim City that knocked down almost my entire town. But to the more recent of keeping Demons’ at bay and killing there warlords with ease in Diablo III in which, I noticed a little bit of a pattern.
     As writers, are we drawn more towards a particular genre that we either write about? Or we are spellbound by? Personally I’ve always liked Survival Horror, good mysteries, and a paranormal twist on most on modern day twists. This, ironically said is typically the genre that I write. One of the other games that I picked up from my collection that I hadn’t played in several decades (Or at least how it feels) is the game LA NOIRE which takes place in The late nineteen forties of Los Angeles, California. It’s a great Detective game dealing with having to determine on whether or not people are lying to you based on their facial expressions, body movements, and overall statements. Constantly reviewing the evidence you collect at each crime scene and going from there. Those kinds of games enthrall me, I like a good mystery but I also like a game that makes you think, and not just blindly kill your opponents. But with all of that said, a good game can have glitz, it can have glamour, it can have the critics ranting and raving about a ‘Game of the year’ potential but for me, if the story isn’t good, character development sucks, and things aren’t fluid then I’m probably not going to be able to finish it. But, I think that goes back to being a writer, things need to make sense for me and have a good pace going through things. Stories, which go too fast or leave too much out and then reveal it at the end, annoy me. What are your thoughts on today’s’ games? Too much blood? Too much Gore? Not enough story? Not kid friendly enough? All reasons and complaints I’ve heard about why people have shied away from the current systems out there.
     Myself? I have my opinions on the matter and the gaming market, but am very specific on what I say. Again, if a game can present a decent story to me, it can keep my interest, it can make me think, and reward me in the right direction then I’ll give it a thumbs up. However, I’ve never been big on the games where it’s straight through killing. Again, being injured and not being able to physically type, and do edits on a final draft, and work on a rough draft of a new story makes it incredibly hard. I again, found my inner gamer and embraced him fully. Anyone else out there gamers? What types of games do you enjoy? Are they from the old school? (NES, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, etc.?) Or do you prefer the newer modern consoles? Or, are you a computer gamer? I know this blog is a little far off from writing, but it’s a topic that I wanted to cover because I’m sure a few of you were shocked out there. But I feel that we are all writers’ here. We are all friends (I consider you all my friends), and I feel that we should be able to kick our feet up once in a great while and be able to have some fun doing some gaming online. I posted my tags earlier today for my games, but if you are looking to join me on Diablo III, or Sim City and you lost it the first time, I will include them down here at the bottom of the blog. Again, I apologize for the lack of logs the last few weeks. It has been very busy with things as the weather improves, weddings pop up, and friends’ children are being born. In the word of writers’ some days it just pays to not have any kind of a schedule am I right? Heh, Good day everyone!


Sim City ID:
XxRogueWoifXX

Diablo III ID:
RayvenScript#1964

Through The Fur & The Claws!

     As a writer, I know I’ve mentioned several times before that I was always with writing Modern/Realistic fiction. However, this has changed it seems since I finished my last book “Whispers” which is strictly a paranormal piece. I was going back through the manuscripts that I’d started on and one character in mind came very clear to mind. For those who follow me on Twitter, and on Facebook you have seen me mention him several times, I lovingly and adoringly refer to him as “The Wolf”. Is he named? Yes. Does he have a unique personality? That’s an understatement. But why do I refer to him simply as “The Wolf”. It’s really a series of two different things. The last blog I wrote about was dealing with animal totems. I strongly feel that my animal totem (Amongst three others) would be that of a Wolf. Often times, I can find comfort and strength both in this animal which is why many times you will find several pictures of wolves or wolf related things posted on either my Twitter or Facebook. It’s a friendly face that I can unremarkably find comfort in when comfort is needed. That? And it seems to affect my overall attitude with my writing and personality as I brain storm. But, at any rate back to the point at hand with me and “My Wolf”.
      Not only do I feel a connection with this particular character, but an even stronger ambition to really tell his story and to get it out in the open. But in the same instance, writing from an animal’s point of view always seems to be harder than when dealing with a normal human character. Some of the biggest differences I am finding is that they are limited. Animals are extremely limited to what they can and can’t do. Either because they lack the vocalizations and being able to talk with each other. Or, they can’t figure out typical things that normal human characters would be able to find out on how to use almost right away. The biggest example I could share there with you is doors. Opening doors, and going through them. Using weapons is another large one. The only things that these particular characters have are there claws, and the brains that were given to them. But as a writer, I fully embrace the opportunity to take on a challenge like this. Every character in my mind, has the right to tell their story and let themselves be heard where they have fur or fingers everything in my mind has a right to be heard. The other part of this particular challenge is writing from the first person view of an animal. Typically, all of the stories I’ve ever done have revolved around a third person point of view. Though you are still allowed inside of their heads you can clearly hear what they are thinking, opinions, or thoughts on other characters.
      I’ve talked a bit with Mrs. Michaels as well to help the wolves communicate a little better without making them entirely human. I’ve got notes on how this can be done, but am also looking into other ways. Being in the first person view of this animal, you find out what they are thinking constantly. They don’t have the advantage of knowing what their enemies are thinking or friends are thinking. To me, that’s harder but the outcomes of the actions are a lot more exciting because of the surprise you feel along with the character as a friend or foe makes themselves onto the scene. You have to go by what the main character is thinking and you start feeling these biases towards these characters because you start relating so well to them. Another thing that has taken some time is doing the research for “The Wolf”. I want it to be somewhat realistic when there are interactions between him and the other wolves in this story. I’ve done a lot of research on pack behaviors, as well as general displays with teeth, tails, and any kind of submissive details. I am very happy that I am not tied to having to do what kind of genre. I think since I finished “Whispers” and the initial conception of it has really helped open the door to a lot of other different options to me as a writer, and shows me how easy it is to branch out and talk with other characters!

The Spirits Within

I’ve always been incredibly interested in Mythology, and various other aspects of different Faiths. Now, before you decide to not read this log here me out. This isn’t going to be standing on a box preaching about a religion or any particular views I have on it, but it’s close. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the Native American believe in Animal Totems. I am sure that everyone here knows what an animal totem is. The best way I can describe an animal totem is the large single poles of wood that have several different animals sculpted into them. You see them typically on movies, that might have a campground or a woodsy kind of scene to it. As of late, there have been several ideas running through my head and one of those involves writing about an animal from his point of view. As a writer, I’m always looking forward to a challenge, and that can be from choosing to do another type of genre? All the way to different view points of characters. Trying to write perhaps, from the bad guys point of view or something that I don’t typically do. This character has made his presence known several other times before this particular idea has come back to me. He had his own short story (Maybe fix to six pages) a year ago and gradually I’ve worked on it here and there. But as of late, he has come on strong again and seems to be watching me from a distance, like an animal of this kind is known for. But, with this I always think back to what I’ve been told about animal totems and the Native Americans beliefs on animal spirits and how they can play a normal occurrence in your daily life.

Again, I am not going to be getting on any kind of soap boxes here about Faith, Religion, etc. that is a whole different bag of discussions and topics that I find better to NOT talk about. But several years ago, on a way back from a field trip I was having a discussion with a friend of mine that is a Native American and we where discussing animals. I asked her what her favorite animals where and she in turn, she asked me. Which at the time, was a hawk and the Velcioraptors from Jurassic Park. She proceeded to ask me if I’d ever given any kind of thought into maybe that these particular animals I didn’t choose to be my favorites what if they chose me. I quirked a brow at her, and continued to press forward by asking the all questioning of questions Why? There belief is that when a person is born, the particular person does not always choose there favorite animals. There thought process and belief is that the animal chooses them. She says there are always different aspects of why the animals pick particular people, but a lot of it will have to do with there attitudes, moral standing, work ethics etc. Now, let’s flash forward to today and the topic at hand with this character that seems to be following me around. I’ve always felt very drawn to the Red-Tailed Hawk, and I’ve always felt very drawn towards that of the Wolf. But it wasn’t until several years ago I had a firm attachment grow TO the Wolf. I’m in absolute awe by this creature, and the beauty that they carry with them. Sure, they are a predator at heart, but the intelligence, and the society they setup within there packs, the way they hunt. The animal is very intelligent.

I have noticed that during times of trial and tribulations in life, I find that pictures of wolves will pop up before me, or in movies, songs, videos all of the above. That’s part of the belief is that the animals will appear to you when you are in need or you need guidance from them. There have been instances where people can meditate and embrace these particular spirits and have discussions with them. From what I’ve read online during the research is that it happens more like a vision, or a dream. Now, with this said and continuing on the subject as of late I had several trials and tribulations going on in my personal life. When again, I saw the wolf appear to be on several different occasions. During this particular time in my life, I started seeing my familiar character again that I’d written on a year ago. He seemed to be wanting attention, he had something to say, and was very loud in my mind. What would you say? Is it more than coincidence that I started seeing him again? Or is it because the muse wanted me to. I think that it Is definitely very interesting to keep a kind of perspective open on all things in the world. Reading the article on this particular webpage I found it to be very interesting and fascinating. What kind of animal are you drawn to? I would look forward to everyone’s responses, comments, at the bottom.

Website about animal totems:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html

Darkened Clouds & Obtuse Scenery

In my entire writing career, a good majority of my stories have been pretty strict in one genre. Typically, the genre I like to keep close to is that of realistic/fiction. You will find that most of my stories have some kind of a plausibleness to reality to them. Then, about four months ago I started writing on something that took me deep into the heart of the paranormal. I am a huge lover of the paranormal, and I believe strongly in it. But, as far as my writing goes I never thought that I could bring myself to write an actual paranormal type of story or Hell, for that matter a novel. The idea started off basic, and from there blossomed out into something that completely took my full attention and I began to work furiously on it. The initial idea was dealing with Ghosts, and in this particular setting it wasn’t hard to manifest something like that up. But as I wrote, I found that a lot of the chains that held you in Modern/Realistic either had eased up or had completely gone away. Now, with that said though the story maintains a very realistic tone to it and offers up everything that you might see in a investigation. What kind of investigation? Well you will have to wait and see when it’s released. To me, it seems to take a certain kind of writer and imagination to pull off something paranormal. I’ve seen many movies, tv shows, and other various writings that had a paranormal tone to it but the problem was, they couldn’t quite deliver to me what exactly the writer was trying to get across.

That was always my fear. I have this wonderful idea about a paranormal book, and I want to write it out. The characters are going absolutely nuts in my head, describing to me everything that is happening. I can see clear visions of the scenes, interactions, and characters that I didn’t even knew existed at that very moment. As I started writing, I didn’t want or need something that a person who is into these kinds of novels going Well this appears to be very cliché. I didn’t want a predictable storyline, I wanted something that would scare the absolute hell out of someone and keep them drawn in. Keep them drawn into these world and afraid to turn away, or afraid to put down the book. I feel that the current upcoming story will do exactly that. I’ve already told some of my readers to be tender when it comes to reviews because this is the first time I’ve attempted a book of this nature. Overall? I am very pleased with the product that came out of it. I added enough realism to keep things seated to where the plot wasn’t floating off into the wind, but then turned and added such a paranormal presence to it that it would give you goose bumps during scenes. But again, what makes a cliché horror or paranormal book? I think the over emphasis on the blood and guts of the creatures can be made to a cliché point, but not always the case. I think the predictability of a paranormal story is ultimately what will make it go down in flames. In the story I’m just finishing up it takes several twists and turns. Some of which you might not see coming.

Is there a great possibility that you may or may not see more paranormal novels coming from me in the future? I would confirm that if the idea arises and it happens to be paranormal I think this time around I will not be as hesitant to write about it. Being in the right state of mind really helps as well, I found that having a herbal tea of some kind really helped with the flowing of the ideas. It seems that Muse loved it greatly. I’ve gotten several pages of notes around the office here, about another potential paranormal story involving another time period. A friend of mine and I have talked about possibly doing some kind of a collaboration of minds on a paranormal series but that is still in the very very infant stages. Another fun, exciting idea that we’d pondered. I’ve never co-wrote anything before and I would be curious and excited in the same instance. The thoughts I had for this particular paranormal series would be very awesome to have it in some kind of a graphic novel. As of lately, I’ve been getting into the graphic novel series. I’d always kind of shied away from them but the more I read, the more I realize how deeply covered in detail they are and how the different storylines all can either vary from each other? Or they eventually will all tie into one another it’s amazing. What I love is the fact there is no kind of limitations to writing something paranormal other than one’s own imagination.

Really? That’s it?

To everyone, who has been looking forward to the next blog, I apologize immensely for not being able to get it out sooner that it had. Between life, health, and other medical things it made it hard to sit down at a keyboard to get it typed up. I am confident, and hope that everyone understands this. Now? Onto the main portion of the blog.

The topic for this blog is Story length. Let me ask you this first, what exactly constitutes as proper story length? What do you feel is necessary for a story to be a story, have depth, plot, character development, all of the things that a good story needs in order to survive and attract readers? Should it be limited by only what you put into it at first, being the original plot? Or is it possible to add in more details of a story. Perhaps a sub story? I think the only thing holding a writer back IS themselves. We all know, and have delved into our imaginations. We can come up with a thousand different scenarios for our characters. Perhaps each scenario for the character is different. But is it a good idea to leave items in the story unresolved or skipped over? It’s always exciting to be writing a novel, novelette, short story, poems, and want to get it out for your readers. But what’s the proper length in which you should stop? At what point should you limit your imagination or limit the characters to what they are doing? Maybe, give them a way out of a scenario that could bring the particular piece of work to a grinding halt and make it hard for not only you, but for the character to trudge through. I will be the first to admit that in my imagination, and stories at times I get a bid wordy with ALL the characters details.

However, I know that I’m not the only writer out there that would do this. I think it’s incredibly important at times to add to the story what the characters are doing every time they are in a scene, what they are thinking, etc. However, I’ve read over some of the scenes in my upcoming novel “Whispers” and see where I have been almost too wordy with what is going on in the scene. A quick resolve, but at times it’s dropped me about a ½ or even a whole page of writing. To me? It’s irrelevant on how long a story should be. If I cut out a page or two pages of writing that drops my story to maybe twenty three or twenty five pages that is ok. To me, it’s more important to keep your idea to the point, instead of wandering off track and getting lost with something irrelevant to the story. Whenever I read scenes, and notice these wordy situations I can always imagine my readers sitting in a chair, with one hand propped against there hand. My book would be open and a sigh escaping there lips as they flip the page. The story should be enthralling, it should be riveting, it should keep them interested to the point that they are wanting to turn page and page because they are excited for what is happening in the story with the characters. Short stories are still stories. They can be entertaining, and enthralling as a thousand page novel.

But with that said, a story can be a thousand pages and full of crap. Either the plot development is horrible, slow, maybe irritating? Characters don’t click as well as they should or maybe slapped together too quickly? Editors can be a WONDERFUL help in this department and be able to tell you if you are being too wordy, or maybe not wordy enough. When is detail too much detail? That is up to the individual writer. I think the amount of detail you put into it should keep your writer enthralled and hanging on, instead of making it feel like your reading a dictionary or a quickly rushed idea that has the potential to have a ingloriously awesome idea. It’s important to listen to your muse while your in that frame of mind. Whether your sitting in a police car listening to your characters talk? Or if you are sitting at an Inn in the corner listening to various conversations amongst characters it’s easier to write all of it down as it happens and then go back and read it again later. Really, it’s no different than having a tape recorder walking out in the general public and recording what you hear. At least this way, you’ve got it all documented on the scene and what’s happening. Perhaps there are irrelevant things you can cut out along the way that doesn’t make it into the MS before it goes to editing.

Perhaps, those details can be used for another story, time, or setting. With this said, and since we are all friends here. What is one thing in your stories, poems, etc. that you tend to go on in almost too much detail that you feel? Please, post in the comments below to share with everyone!

Where does the Muse Find You?

     In the last blog, I talked about character development. This blog is taking a step back really from what I talked about last time. Before you can sit down and come up with a setting, a plot, characters, anything of that nature you have to be able to actually sit down and do it? How do you sweet talk your muse? Let’s face it, The Muse will not be completely compliant every time you sit down at your computer, your favorite chair, a writing desk, or even on the back patio. Sometimes she’s rather arrogant and blocks the process and all you can do is stare at the computer screen and admire the blinking cursor. But as you look at that cursor you scowl a bit and think to yourself The only one getting any work done here is the cursor itself blinking and making sure you know where you’re at during the time you have your processor open. Other times it takes a little bit of coaxing to talk to her. Keep in mind, that like cars not all muses are created equal and some are male? Some are female. I often describe my muse as a female, and often times as a very strict boss. It takes a lot of negotiation sometimes to sit down and try get around the wall she puts up. What do you use to get your Muse to let down those walls to allow you to step into your character’s world? Or for this instance, the ability to maybe build one? For me there are several different resources that I use to channel that inner creativity.

     Most often times, I will reflect on the scene to see what is exactly going on in it. Is the scene extreme? Is it character dialogue?, Is there something complex going on? Then I will set to work at looking for either movies, music, art, or even cruise the internet letting the Muse have her way momentarily. Typically for me being in certain settings is what allows me to find the best relaxation to write. As described earlier this week in one of my Twitter’s I talk about the Snow. It seems that the muse becomes most active during snow days, snow storms, or just even a general snow shower. But again, going back and talking about negotiations with the muse. Sometimes, the snow is nice and all but other times it requires a little bit more to be settled. It maybe other adverse weather reactions, Holidays, or Sometimes it’s a certain recliner, sometimes it’s animals present in the room. Other times it’s music turned down low. Often other times I can find inspiration in other ways. For me another huge source of Inspiration can be found through that of music. I tend to listen to the harder music of today some of the band’s including: Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Metallica, Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, and the list goes on. The music can help inspire scenes? Or it can help get me through scenes depending on what is going on with them. Now, on the counter balance of that I have listened to older music to get me through as well. Some of those bands include: Foreigner, Styx, Patsy Cline, The Highway Men, Boston, and again the list goes on from there.
  Just because you listen to one particular genre doesn't mean that you will be able to write to it. Please, I encourage you to listen to any and all kinds of music.

     What about fellow writers? Let’s venture away for a moment from scene creation. When you first picked up that pen, and you touched it to that paper and you let your imagination began to wander. Is there any particular author that stands out alone that you first started reading? That, once you started reading, grasping at the concepts of there stories, and realized the flow pattern of characters, ideas, and overall concepts that you snapped your fingers and went “A Ha! That is who I want to be like there?” Just like the music any particular concepts of other art? What about the respect of other Author’s? George Romero for his inception and creation of the Zombie and walking dead, Bram Stoker and his creation of the Vampire. Stephen King and all of the movies, tv shows, and even comics, Michael Crichton perhaps? All of those are excellent authors, Is it Shameful for anyone to admit if anyone particular writer, singer, dancer, etc. inspired someone to carry on with there dream or find a new one? I’d have to say no. Reading any of the above authors could influence you. For example, if one where to start a paranormal book about Vampires, but you really didn’t know much about them. Where could you go? Bram Stoker would be an excellent reference, What about Laurell K. Hamilton and her Anita Blake Series again. It’s all dependant on what you want to write. But I would recommend experts of the genre and maybe reference to those who created and opened the worlds for everyone else. Doing research on different genres of Vampires, Zombies, Were animals, and all of the likes.

     Who knows, maybe you will create something that will spark an interest with a fellow writer, or maybe even start them down the path of something great. Maybe your story will be like that of Bram Stoker’s and it’ll carry through generations of which everyone will know them. It just takes a little inspiration is all. I encourage everyone who reads this to leave a comment down below. What inspires you? Don’t be bashful!

Don't tell me what to do!

     That’s a funny way to start a blog isn’t it? Probably thinking that I’m making a reference to an editor, or publisher, or something of that sort. Actually, what I’m talking about is the characters I often come face to face with in my short stories, or my novelettes that I’ve written. You are probably asking yourself, What in the hell does he mean. Most of the time when you think of characters you think of the basic principal of one. Male, Female, tall, short, skinny, fat. Are the characters nice? Or are they cruel? The kind that if they unexpectedly had something happen to them in the story it wouldn’t hurt your feelings at all if something where to happen to them? For a moment, I’m going to step beyond all of that and describe a little bit about my characters. With all of the classifications above, I would they could be just that easy to put into a group. Come up with all of my heroines, my bad guys, and the rest of the supporting cast that makes a story good. Unfortunately, in my stories it doesn’t always work that way and about ninety nine percent of the time characters tend to come half-hazardly stumbling into a scene that as I recalled in the initial draw up they weren’t there.

     Does the scene still work? Yes and No. It would have always been a lot smoother if the scene could have been without this particular character or in some cases characters but it adds to the story and it adds a lot more development to it. But on the flip side of this very own coin is that it sometimes can hinder scenes if characters don’t show up at the right time, or in many instances not at all. Reading through this already I’m willing to bet, that you are thinking that I am a complete nut case. Someone who treats these invisible people as if they where truly flesh and blood. That, just like any new age television show, or movie I treat them with delicacy and make sure that they stay happy. But as any writer will tell you it’s not always about what you want the characters to do, they’ll do what THEY want to do. A story will not always have a happy ending, nor will it always have a bad ending. The more time you spend working on any specific character or characters the more likely they will “talk” to you. Again, there you probably think Wow, Grayson you have truly lost your mind. I bet you had an invisible friend as a kid growing up that you shared your toys with. Truth be known, no I didn’t have a invisible friend growing up as a kid. But the more time you spend with a particular character the more of a tendency to let you in.

     But with that said, there are also many instances that a character may or may not talk to you through the entire story. They may want the attention, but will not say anything to get it. I have one character in particular right now that has said very little in the means of development or letting me in on any of his secrets. The character keeps himself well guarded with very little to say all of the time. Even in the current story he gives off a vibe to the rest of the characters that are creepy to them. With all of this said as well though you’re going to find that any one character may not want to be put into a particular situation or later in the story you end up finding out that they refuse to do something. One character in the up-coming marshals story you find she is a huge risk taker. Well when I had originally designed her she hadn’t been that way at all. It’s always fun to see characters evolve into something or make more out of themselves as you had intended to. It’s like watching a child grow and take pride when they do something great in the scheme of things (No pun intended). Or shake your head and cover your eyes when they get themselves into situations that you think they should know better. But always on the other side of this you have a character that is screaming for attention, waving there arms up and down frantically as they try to flag you down. But with this comes the possible chance that they don’t even belong in the current project you have going.

     A lot of the times, the characters will be from either a different series? Same series (That is not relevant to the plot), or a completely new idea. How do you wrangle these characters up and keep them quiet so you can work on your current project? I find that writing the idea down, the character, basic description, and what they do is a simple way to quiet them down. It’s like putting them on hold during a phone conversation. It keeps them quiet and waiting patiently. What’s the point of my blog? My point is this: For any writer out there, that is brainstorming characters, having a hard time coming up with characters, or struggling for plot development. The best thing you can really do is just sit on it. Get a pad and paper and just think on the idea. A lot of the times, the characters will find you before you find them. Once you have a character in mind, or just a basic outline of what you think you want in one. Jot down notes, how can this particular character come into play in either this story? Or a separate one in itself. Many-a-times in my work you will find that my characters have a tendency to overlap in the different series. But in my defense, the characters jobs often overlap which you will seen in OceanView, which will hopefully be online and available by the end of February 2013.

     Nobody wants to read about a two dimensional character that comes from a cookie cutter mesh. If you have an easier time with doing backgrounds or histories? I’d recommend starting there. If you have a easier time with names and jobs? Start there. Either way, the more you brain storm on a particular idea the easier the characters will come to you.