Party Poppers & New Directions

     As soon as I had posted on my Facebook this morning in regards to asking people what they’d hoped for in the upcoming year, or what they wanted to accomplish in 2015 it got my own mind going. I’m striving towards more in 2015, I’m wanting to reach out more to those who read my books and I’m wanting to be more active with my creativity. 2014 was a hard year for me to get a lot of things accomplished on the sidelines in regards to projects, marketing the books, or meeting other writer’s mainly due to time constraints. Not to say at all though that 2014 wasn’t successful. I was incredibly blessed with the reception that ‘In With The Pack’ got back when I released it in August. I met a lot of other great people along the way and made some very close friends in the process which in itself is an automatic success. But, maybe what I’m trying to get at is I want to branch out a little more with myself. Try to dedicate more time to my projects and make them just as successful as I did with Malakai and his pack. I’ve already got another project going that will probably not be released until 2016, but that is ok. It has been slow going and even though I’m trying to put out a new book every year, it’s added a lot of stress to me as well as trying to find the time to keep up with everything else in my life. Hell, I’m an independent and self-published author I am really my own boss that decides on the when’s and where’s of things. But, in the same instance writing is something that I just can’t turn off and walk away from and decide to be done with it for a while or even take a break from.
     Just like one of those internet meme’s that I saw online the other day, ‘Writers can’t take vacations from writing because even on those vacations you are still writing’. It’s the absolute truth of the matter. But in the same instance, it’s just not that. I love to tell stories; I love to give something to someone who says ‘Wow, this was great! When’s the next one happening?’. I’m not meaning to toot my own horn here but if I can entertain someone other than myself when it comes to writing stories then I have succeeded as a writer. But at the same time, I’ve been mulling over ideas of things that I’d like to do in 2015 as well as my writing:

Meeting other local talent- For those who have met me in person, or know where I live. The Lewiston-Clarkston Valley is an extremely small community. With both populations of Lewiston and Clarkston we probably top out at close to around forty-thousand populous. So, when it comes to meeting other local writer’s or talents I am always excited to meet them. I think as writers, artists, photographers, etc. It’s important for us to stick together especially in small towns. But it’s also fun to plan events were you can have more than one person available for signings. It helps with exposure as well for them! One of the things I’d like to do in 2015 is organize more events or even some kind of a writer’s guild locally here in the valley for all of us to come together. Non-judgmental and the first meeting don’t even have to be about reviewing anything. It’s fun just to get together and talk and learn about the other various types of talent that we have here locally. Maybe even organize some events for us all to participate.

Photography- Though this is done away from both pad and paper I’ve always enjoyed photography. At the beginning of the month I shared some pictures on my Facebook with that of an old flour mill that is located just outside the city park in Asotin. When I got them home and photo shopped them a bit and posted them the response I got was very humbling. So, I was thinking of maybe also doing some kind of photography class or just doing freelance and working on what I already know to take some pictures here locally around the valley and beyond. Where I live there are lots of woods, rivers, canyons, and even some ghost towns for pictures to be taken in. That is also something else I’d like to do both with snowy weather, and sunny weather. Photos capture so much, and even with landscapes that stay vivid in your head it could lead to potential story settings. Really, it’s a win-win situation for me.

Video Productions- Though I know very little about this particular field, I had the opportunity in both 2013 and 2014 to help with video productions of a few budding directors. While the opportunities have been smaller and not as abundant as they had been, this is something that I’d still like to help in. It’s exciting to see people’s ideas jump from the paper to flesh and blood characters. How excited the entire production team is to making this the best product that they can regardless if it is a serious movie or if it’s a humorous movie. The expectations and standards that these independent film artists hold themselves to are phenomenal. It’s almost as intense as writing a book. A little more stress added when you are dealing with the actors/actresses. Where in the process of writing a story you can tell them exactly what you want them to do and you won’t get any fuss about it. With actors/actresses you may get a degree of defiance whether it’s something they don’t agree with on their character or time constraints. Either way, I enjoyed being a part of the production value and helping them realize their own dreams.
     I’d also considered doing more video blogs in the upcoming months of 2015. From what I understand blogs are kind of going on the wayside of things and that VLOGS are the most popular route to go when you are trying to reach out to subscribers. Maybe it’d be a way as well to show off the pictures that I plan on taking. Making a mini-slideshow or something with them. Something to toy around with I guess. I really never learned on how to use the video editors because by the time I graduated *cough* 2002 *cough* things like Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Excel etc. were all beginning to come into popularity with not only business professionals but also teachers. I guess my question is do people even use cardboard to make presentations anymore? Or, has it gone to this new digital format? But I digress. So, those are just some things I’d like to concentrate in the upcoming year that I’d like to branch out into. Will it happen? If I can put my head to it and get things situated anything is possible. My own indecisiveness will be my only enemy. 

     

     What do you plan on doing for 2015? Feel free to share with the others at the bottom of this blog, or you can leave a comment on my Facebook page!

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