Thursday, June 16, 2011

Totally Slacking!

Well, I did a horrid job of writing another post after I was done work the other day (two days ago? EDIT: It was really 4 days ago! O-o). Meh. My apologies, if you were looking forward to something.

Tomorrow, I will be posting my sketch of a new cover for the book of my selection for a blogfest that I signed up for about a week ago, I think. And, then, on Saturday, I will be posting my post for my own blogfest, which I have yet to write yet. I will most likely sit here and listen to music and type something random for my post. Yes, most likely. =P

Other than that, there is nothing really special going on today, post-wise. For me, anyway. I have work in about 2 hours, or so. I have to go in for three hours and mull about the bookshelves. I wonder if I should look forward to that. Eh. Maybe I will get some good story plotting done. Maybe. Or, I could talk to people. =P

Last night, I had a treat to go to the Pop Shop, simply because I was in that area. It was featured on an episode of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" (if that was the title of the show) on Food Network! My meal was very delicious. Make sure to check out their link.

Also, if you are a fan of the game: "The Legend of Zelda" and a fan of Mr. Robbin Williams, as am I, then I think that you would really like to see the commercial that he did and then check out the video he made, to explain the commercial. =P All in all, as a true fan, I am super excited just for the game, and, if I manage to get my hands on the 3DS (not that there is anything wrong with my GBA, or my Micro), then, by all means, I will look into obtaining the game for it as well. =D

Sunday, June 12, 2011

"Heigh-Ho! It's Off To Work I Go!" =P

So, I just wanted to say hi before I go into work today. I plan on posting another entry when I get back around 6:30p.

You know, working at a bookstore is great. You can get a lot of thinking done because, aside from the cool jazzy/movie soundtrack/random music they play, it's not often that loud. =D

-Tara

P.S. Please sign up for my blogfest. It starts in just 6 days. Tell your friends about it, too. I'd like to see at least 10 people signed up. =P

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

"It's the Muse-ic Writing" Blogfest!

Hey Everyone!

So, I've figured out how to celebrate my blogiversary. What better way than to host my very own (and first official) blogfest! Here's what's going to go down:




The Rules:

-Pick your favorite track of music (only one) and listen to it as you write a scene.
-The scene can be about anything, as long as it corresponds with the music.
-How will we know that it corresponds? Well, you must tell us what song you were listening to when you wrote your scene.
-Other than that, just have fun with it. =)

The Prizes:

As I am not entirely rich, I will not have any money prizes like cash or gift cards and what not. Sorry. However, the prizes will go as follows:

1st Place: Congratulations! You've just earned yourself a review/edit of your first 4 chapters to your own WiP of your choice.

2nd Place: Congratulations! You've just earned yourself a review/edit of your first 2 chapters to your own WiP of your choice.

3rd Place: Congratulations! You've just earned yourself a review/edit of your first chapter to your own WiP of your choice.


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Oops! XD

So, I've only just realized that I missed my first year blogiversary by almost 3 weeks! I hardly realized that it has been an entire year since I started my blog and I'm not quite sure that I would have realized if I hadn't gone to check Rosie's blog "East for Green Eyes" and had seen her post about her blogiversary. Now, while I did miss the official one year mark (May 18th) of my blog, there is no reason not to celebrate it. Tomorrow, I will announce my plans for it, so, please check back. =D

-Tara

Stereo-typed

Heroes. Heroines. Sidekicks. Villains. Masterminds. Characters, in general, are important. So, let's focus on them.


Heroes:

Most often or not, the hero of a story almost always has one or more of the following characteristics: Strong, Clever, Reliable, Loyal, Quick, Witty, Charming, Skilled, a Fighter, Love-able, Romantic, Haunted (by a dark past), Hopeful (for a better future), Magical, Courageous, etc.

The hero is the focus of the story and, mostly, the POV. He knows what he wants and will seek it out, whether it is the noble cause of rescuing a damsel in distress, or saving the world. He is determined to see his fate through to the end and protect those that he loves. Of course, he could be the tormented hero, constantly second-guessing and always judging himself. He always puts himself down and demeans himself to the point where he is anguished and lacking in motivation to continue. Usually, this type of hero will have a sidekick or a lovely heroine to keep him in check.


Heroines:

Characteristics of Heroines are usually: Strong-willed, Meek, Crafty, Clever, Wise, Slow-to-anger, Understanding, Caring, Kind, Cute, Beautiful, Intelligent, Tortured, Distressed, Magical, Hopeful, Prepared, etc.

The heroine is the focus of her own story and her own POV. She is dauntless and stubborn when it comes to her task and tries not to stray on her journey. She may be willing to help out fellow maidens (probably more than she would like to help men, especially if she is the tortured-type, ie., she was oppressed by a loved one, or harmed, etc.). Depending on the story, her love interest can always include a hero, a sidekick, and on occassion, the villain.


Sidekicks:

Characters who will keep the heroes and/or heroines motivated and focused on their cause. They will show their strength only when the hero/heroine needs them most and otherwise will be shadowed by the M.C. until their purpose is called upon again. They are great movers, tending to the plot and making sure that it is seen through to completion, despite the efforts of the villain.

Characteristics will include: Noble, Loyal, Dependable, Smart, Cunning, Silver-tongued, Quick-witted, Ready, Comical, etc.


Villains/Masterminds:

Usually, these two characters will go hand in hand, if not the same character. They are the darkness that plagues the heroes and the heroines and often find pleasure in the suffering of others. Villains/Masterminds are written to be hated and end up loved just as much as the other characters. Of course, that depends exactly how the author wrote them into the story, because there are some villains that can't be liked.

Often sterotypicalized, just as the other three listed above, the Villain/Mastermind can often be found with the following characteristics: Sly, Brilliant, Dark, Tortured, Deviant, Apathetic, Cruel, Miserable, Foul, Detestable, Harsh, etc.

Friday, June 3, 2011

The Interrupted Blogfest!



Hello all! I wanted to promote the blogfest of someone that I have very recently just started to follow. It will take place on June 26th, and it will be hosted by Sasha from Sasha's Secrets, so make sure to check it out if you are interested. =D

-Tara

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Travel in Writing

Traveling long distances always gives one a good look a perspective, I think. Especially when it comes to writing.

Normally, when I sit down to write or type, and I say that the characters leave one town to get to another city, it doesn't seem to take them no longer than an hour, but it isn't always like that. Major cities are often far apart. Today I drove into a city in PA and then all the way down to NJ. It took a ridiculous amount of time, the ride, I mean. The drive was only about an hour or so, traffic wasn't horrible, but the actual car ride, felt like it took longer.

Traveling can be a strain, and while one might not always want to focus on that strain at the exact moment it is taking place in their story, it is a good idea to take into thought that the characters will be exhausted from their travels. They can't go from one place to another in an hour and then be whooping butt or saving damsels in distress. I mean, maybe they can. Maybe they had "Red Bull", or "5Hour Energy" drinks, or something, but most often, wouldn't they be just a tad tired? Wouldn't they like to take a short rest. If not a short rest, if they are instantly attacked upon arrival, are they still up to par? Or, is their "A-game" digressing a bit? It's just something to keep in mind, hm?