Update on my Life (way overdue)

This blog post is wayyyy overdue, and I apologize to anyone who has been keeping up with it.  In the last week of August I embarked on my last journey of college: senior year. This fall semester I was enrolled in four classes: Fiction Writing Workshop, Environmental Crisis Narrative (English literature topics course), US-East Relations, and then Independent Writing (a course in which I work 1-on-1 with a professor of my choice). As of now, I am currently withdrawn from the history course (US-East Relations). I had originally taken this class in order to fulfill a liberal arts requirements--we need to have 2 social science credits. Unfortunately, my sophomore year my school decided to make a rule that students cannot receive more than one graduation credit from the same department. Since I had already had another history class count towards social science, this means that I can't take another history class to receive the second social science credit. This was a little frustrating, considering I had tried to get into other classes that would fulfill the social science requirement. As part of the liberal arts, I understand these general education requirements; however, it's really hard on students (like me) who have a late start. Anyway, hopefully I'll get into a class next semester. I'll have to, otherwise I won't graduate. Some people might think that I should just enroll in a random class that would fulfill that requirement and be done with it, but I want to take a class that I'm at least interested in. What's the point in taking a class that you have zero interest in, and/or taking it to just fulfill a requirement? None, in my opinion.

The start to my semester was a little rocky. I got in the passing range of all of my classes on my first assignments, and to make things worse, classes just weren't working out the way I thought they were. But now, things have calmed down a bit, and I've been able to gather my bearings. My Fiction Writing Workshop class was the one that I had the most trouble with. Let me tell you.

My professor for this class is one that I've had before. Last spring, I took his writing class where we explored novellas. I absolutely loved his class, and the fact that he allowed and encouraged me to adapt my screenplay into a novella. It was a great success. In that same year, another book idea came to me in the form of a character. I didn't exactly have a story yet, but I was very intrigued and fascinated by this character. I had talked to the professor about it, and asked if maybe I could use that idea for this class. Back then, he seemed okay with it. Now, he wasn't that enthused. He wanted me to hold back on "world-building" and write a story where I'd create characters that readers would meet and greet, and then say good-bye (not those exact words, but I'm paraphrasing). Anyway, for about 2 weeks I was in a slump--like, a MAJOR slump. I was so upset, frustrated, and angry. I also think I felt a little betrayed and hurt. I didn't know what to write. It was obvious to me that I couldn't write what I wanted to write, and that was a horrible feeling. No writer should ever go through it. Writer's block seemed better than being told that you can't write what you want to write. During that two week period I began to feel distant from writing. Everything I wrote was half-hearted, and quite frankly, I didn't care what I was writing. And because of that, I didn't care what people were going to say. This feeling was familiar, not that I'd experience personally before, but I remember hearing about it on TV. Turns out, it was every animal show that had an animal rejected its young.

When I had that thought I felt a little disgusted with myself--like a little bit of my humanity disappeared. I consider each story I write as an extension of me, as a child of my creation. That revelation, if you will, made me think that I was a bad person. So I wrote a story about that experience. Unfortunately, I think most people saw it as a jab at my professor, which I won't deny; however, he was only the catalyst. The real story was about a writer who was caught between what someone else wanted her to write vs. what she wanted to write, and how it made her feel. This is a conflict that every student faces. Do you do what you want to do, and what you truly are interested in? Or do you just write what the professor wants, to please the professor?

On that note, I'm ending this post. In the next one, I'll talk about how I got my writing mojo back. So it's a happy ending...at least for now.

Writing Mojo is BACK!!

So it's been a while since I've blogged...aaand I've got no excuse. In fact, I would even say that I haven't been doing any serious writing up until now.

I went to visit my dad at the nursing home with my mom, and this is something I do (or should do) every week, and I was given a very stern talking to.  Keep in mind that my dad's ability to mentally process things is kind of slow--he's not mentally retarded or anything, it just takes some time for him to talk about a subject.  For an example, if you were talking about dogs, he'd have trouble completing his sentences because he'd have trouble recalling words.  Not to mention the fact that he always has the TV on, so sometimes he gets a little distracted (in all honesty, I would too--especially if Spongebob's on). 

(Bear with me on the conversation, I don't remember the exact words)

Anyway, so my dad was asking me about my book--again, not directly.  He didn't flat out ask me, "So how's your book coming along?"  It was more of, "So what are you doing this summer?"  And he wasn't referring to my internship or tutoring job.  I knew what he was asking, and I was playing coy (a.k.a. dumb).  Finally, after much muddling through (I wasn't helping), he said, "For the next two weeks, for the next two weeks, see what you write.  You know, at least 3/4 of it.  Doesn't have to be good, but you need to have at least something to show an accomplishment.  You need to accomplish something." 

Then I kinda nodded, not looking at him, "Okay, okay." 

"No, don't just say okay.  You need to take this seriously." 

I nodded mutely, again. I was thoroughly upset, and I felt like I was getting picked on--I thought my mother had put him up to this.  My mom, I love her, she's been (what I call nagging) really supportive.  No, it's not nagging.  She knew what my goal was (cause I told her), and she was trying to push me.  Well truthfully, I'm a bit ashamed that she was the one doing it.  I should be disciplined enough to push myself.  I wrote a 150-page novel last semester for a class--WITH OTHER CLASSES TO ATTEND TO! So why couldn't I manage this goal of completing my book (roughly)?

My mother told me, on the drive home, that she understood where my dad was coming from and what he was saying.  Being a writer means being your own boss.  You have deadlines, but you don't.  No one's there to enforce you, there are no penalties if you miss it. 

So, since 7:00 PM of Sunday July 6th, I have been actively writing.  I've even looked into creating and writing pitches for the book (the synopsis I will have to tackle at a later date and time).  I have my slow moments, but I'm actually making good progress. My mojo is back.  I didn't have writer's block.  I just caught the extremely-lazy-butt bug that often is seen throughout summer.  Well, that bug is no longer here, and I am even more determined to see this goal through. Even if I should fail, and at the end of my senior year I don't find a literary agent or a publisher to publish my book, at least I'll have something completed.  As long as I have a finished product, and from there I can keep looking.  In the world of writing, you need to persist, you need to bug; otherwise, no one will pay attention to you.  But first you need a finished product. 

You need mental toughness (which is the point of this blog).  And right now, I'm going to need some, because it is currently 5:19 AM, and I'm writing this post instead of my book.

Hopefully I'm not half-dead when I write the next post.  

Summertime! And the writing is...easy?

So...I haven't done ANY writing this entire summer, and I don't have any excuse. I haven't even done any writing for this blog. Currently, I've bought Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and it's been consuming my life at the moment.

My challenge is forcing myself to write now that I have the time, and it's a challenge that I have often found even at school. Now that it's summer, and now that I have a deadline, I don't really have a choice. It's not that I don't have anything to write. I don't have writer's block. I simply just don't WANT to write. However, as my mother used to say: there are things in life that you HAVE to do, but don't necessarily WANT to do.

...Well, I do want to write. After all, I want to be an author someday. I love writing, I really do. It's just so tempting not to do it when I don't have to. Must be my inner-kid.

In the beginning, I was re-reading the Harry Potter Series--I'm currently on The Prisoner of Azkaban--and for a while, I was sucked into Rowling's world once more (again, not an excuse). I was hoping that by reading the books, I'd be influenced by her writing style. I have, but unfortunately I wasn't writing. 

Now that I have written this blog-post, I am determined to start-up the writing and get this book finished! I have the plot outlined (roughly completed), so really...I have no excuse. Aside from my internship with Blank Slate Press, my work with the author, and tutoring a student, I actually have a lot of time.

Hm...maybe I should start posting bits and pieces on here, just for the heck of it. It will not only get me writing, but I could (potentially) get feedback from all of you! I would post stuff that not only pertains to this book, but other future projects--such as the one I plan on writing for my Fiction Writing Course this fall.

I think that's what I'm going to do.

Why I'm a Creative Writing Major

So, for my Principles of Literature Studies class our final project involves us writing an essay. The topic: "a movie, a television show, or a coherent collection of song lyrics. The movie, show, or lyrics you choose must have made a significant impression on your interpretive imagination, so that you can compose an inspired essay in Creative writing". I chose a videogame, with the permission of my professor.  In fact, he seemed quite interested in my choice of media--probably because he already knew my obsession with them.

Creative Reading, as my professor puts it, bridges the gap between creative writing and literary analysis. In our contemporary literary world, as we are learning in the class, the distinction between creative writers and literary analysts has been effectively deconstructed through the work of a number of good writers/readers. This is an attempt to fuse together both English Literature and English/Creative Writing majors, and create one unified English major--the ultimate English major, if you will. Of course, we have yet to see such major make a presence at any university, but it's a nice idea. My professor likes to title this major, UNIFLEX, and is based off of the idea of creative reading, which he defines with the three principles:

1.) The meanings of any literary text emerge from a reciprocal process of co-creation carried out by the writer who produces it and the readers who interpret it.

2.) Although traditional literary scholarship often represses its creative, personal elements, every vigorous act of interpretation is necessarily personal and creative.

3.) Although traditional creative writing often represses its interpretive, analytical elements, the making of any fictional or poetic text necessarily (if unconsciously) involves interpretive engagement with other texts.

The videogame I chose is Final Fantasy X. Now, many of my friends know that this game holds a special spot in my heart. Some of it has to do with its high quality graphics and the voice acting. But most of all, it's the story. As I've said in previous posts, I see videogames as another form of narrative (given that they're not racing, shooter'em all, or fighting--although some fighting games have a bigger story to them...like Dissidia Final Fantasy). Anyway, one of the things I'll be talking about in my essay is the character of Sin. For those who don't know, Sin is this giant whale-like beast that plagues Spira (the fantasy world of Final Fantasy X). It is a mindless beast that lives only to destroy, and immediately specifically targets areas with high population. But while I was searching for things about the game, I came across something interesting. The game alludes to a Japanese myth involving Susanoo and Yamato-no-Orochi:

"Susanoo (Tidus) is banished from his home in the Heavens (Dream Zanarkand) and trying to win back favor to return home. He comes to the mortal world (Spira) and comes across two earthly deities who are weeping because they have to sacrifice their daughters (summoners) to the evil Yamato-no-Orochi (Sin) to keep it from destroying their home. They wish to save their eighth daughter (Yuna) from being devoured, so Susanoo comes up with a plan that involves getting the dragon-snake drunk with wine ("Hymn of the Fayth") and killing it in its drunken state." -- ("Sin" Final Fantasy X wikia page)

This may just be me, but I find that amazing. To be able to produce a great story from this myth--and not only that, this story is original. It's a work of its own...it can stand alone. And in relation to the title of this post, this is why I'm a creative writing major! I want to be able to pull upon other works and create stories like this.

Anyway, I had to write a post on this because I was so excited at my finding.

Here are links to the pages on the game.
"Sin" - http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Sin
"Final Fantasy X" - http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_X  

Keep Writing, Keep Reading

It's a question that every author will encounter during his or her career.  There is always going to be that one person--whether it be a child, teen, or adult--that asks, "How do I become an author?  What do I need to do?" And every time, the answer is the same: keep writing, keep reading.  People must not believe that, since the question keeps getting asked (children don't add to the count because they don't know any better).

The worst thing a writer can do is not write: if they have a project they're working on, not writing is absolutely the worst thing you can do.  In my writing classes, I do everything I can to make my writing meaningful to me.  This means that many of my projects are related to ideas that have a good chance of becoming an actual book.  So far I have taken two workshop classes.  Last fall I took screenwriting, and this spring I am in a class that explores the form of the novella.  The writing projects for both classes tell a story that is related to the book I am writing on my own time.  I am exploring the form of the novella by adapting my screenplay into one (although based on my page count, my professor has said that it has turned into a novel--a pleasant surprise).  This is not only an interesting way to play with different forms of writing, but again, it makes what I write meaningful to me.  The story that the screenplay and novella tell follows a character that appears in my book--this is the same book I plan to use my entire senior year to review, revise, edit, etc--and it provides this character's backstory. 

And then the best thing happened to me whilst taking the novella class.  While I was writing and developing the story, I came across key events that basically lead into my book series.  Those events get the ball rolling for my book (a backstory for my story?  I think most people just call it a prequel...).  Any questions, doubts, and concerns of why I was writing the book in the first place were answered.  It was a very happy day for me.  So, by utilizing these writing workshop classes, I was able to make a huge discovery for my book.  This same book, that I plan to try and get published towards the end of my senior year of college, now had more to it than I could have ever imagined.  There is no doubt that the workshop classes helped--but I did most of the work.  Most students, I find, write their pieces for the sake of having something written for the class.  While I find no problem with that, because at least they're writing, it does add a lack of seriousness for the writer and their piece.  Again, make your writing meaningful to you.  The story doesn't have to reveal your most precious memories (you're just asking for trouble with that one), but it has to hold some form of meaning--whether it involves your career as a writer, or your just wanting to tell a good story.  Why are you telling this story?  Why should we care about YOUR story, and not someone else's?

The point of this post is, yes, the only thing you can do to be a better writer (or a writer in general) is to just write.  Read and write, to be more specific.  Let's be honest, in order to sharpen your skills and craft you need to read the craft of others--no matter how good or bad the writing is.  You will always learn something from the examples of others.  I would also add, that to be a better writer, you should keep returning to the things that you enjoy and that inspire you.  For me, videogames and animals are a heavy source of inspiration.  If I'm experiencing a writer's block, or if I'm in one of those moods where I don't feel like writing, you can bet 25 cents that I'll either be on my PS Vita, GameCube, Wii, or some other console playing a game, or I'll be somewhere surrounded by animals and nature.  As I allow myself to be absorbed into these enjoyments, I am constantly taking note (and reviewing) how and why I found them to be inspiring.  It gets my mind working--much like reading does. Videogames especially, because again, I see videogames as just another form of narrative.  Additionally, they're more interactive than a book and/or movies because you (the player) are in charge of making the decisions (although I'm not saying it's better than reading, just another way to get a story).  You are the active force!  MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Okay, enough of that.  I hope this post inspires you to go write, or at the very least inspire you to do the things you enjoy (gardening, horseback riding, dancing, composing music, etc.--I don't know what hobbies you all have).  Until then! 

Inspiration Part 3 (REALLY Late)

I apologize for this late blog post, but life kind of caught up with me.  It was either a) I didn't have time to blog, or b) I wasn't in the mood to blog.  But with a lot of things happening right now, I might have it in me to do two posts.  Anyway, in this post I'll be talking about my third WT experience which took place at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, MO.  And let me tell you, this was probably the most experience with animal behavior that I have ever had.  It even tops my internship at the Zoo of Acadiana where I was basically a zookeeper for a week....Okay, so I was "shadowing" zookeepers--but I did some pretty cool hands-on stuff that I feel I wouldn't have gotten at other zoos.

Anyway, so at WBS, I worked in both the hospital and the Education Center (which is also known as the "Nature Center").  While the Education Center was cool--it also housed reptiles and mammals--I felt more attuned to the hospital.  That's a weird to say, isn't it?  Most people (and animals) run AWAY from the word "hospital," and I don't blame them.  What made this experience different from the zoo and the Humane Society, was how devoted these people were.  That doesn't go to say that the people at the zoo and HSMO aren't as devoted and passionate about animals; however, there's something about releasing animals that makes it worth so much more.  The people working and volunteering at the hospital aren't just focused on the animals, but on the environment and ecosystem as a whole.  Our effects on animals ultimately will have an effect on the environment, and vice versa.  WBS isn't solely about helping animals, but helping and nurturing the relationship between animals and nature.  After my experience with a course titled "The Ecology of Medieval Art," I only wished I had interned at WBS sooner, because that was EXACTLY what the course was about.   

The man in charge of WBS, Walter Crawford (a.k.a. "The Birdman") will often say that he just wants to leave behind a better world for his grandchildren.  Do you realize how simple, yet empowering that statement is?  Better yet, "leaving behind a better world" doesn't involve technology.  It doesn't involve making the world more comfortable for us to live in, per say, but rather, leaving behind a world--a legacy--that would positively encourage the next generations to do the same.  After all, how can we look forward to a better world if we don't take care of (and cherish) the one we have now?  What good is encouraging children to look towards their "shining futures," when we're presenting and leaving behind a world that is less than that?  Alright, enough of the cheesy, philosophical questions. 

The main reason why I chose to intern at the WBS was so that I could observe the behavior of these wild animals, and also experience this behavior in person, in an effort to understand animals in general so that I may accurately portray these animals in anthropomorphic writing.  Now, when I say anthropomorphic writing I don't mean the stuff that you see in Bambi or Dumbo (and Bambi is very near and dear to my heart).  But rather, present animal behavior in a way that people will be able to identify (or somewhat identify) the behavior in real life.  People always want a definite answer when it comes to understanding animals: they want one answer that is the absolute truth.  Well the thing is, there isn't just one answer, there are multiple.  A lot has to do with context, but some of it also depends on the species and type.  But one thing's for sure, an animal that acts out does not act out simply because "it felt like it," or because it "doesn't like people/men/women/children."  No, if an animal acts out, there's something wrong.  Something (or someone) has triggered the response.  There's another word of wisdom that Mr. Crawford will always say--you can always learn something from animals.  Animals, and nature, have a lot to offer--even if it's just sitting back in the background and observing.  And if there weren't so many ignorant people, people who are wanna-be-animal-experts, or overly zealous animal-enthusiasts, more people would realize that and possibly heed that piece of advice. 

So at the end of my Winter Term, I wrote a chapter of my book that dealt with the location known as "Senki."  It's the place that houses the Sacred Flame of Earth, and is inhibited by both people and animals...but mostly animals.  In that chapter, there is a red-tailed hawk.  I sent it to my supervisor, who read it and responded that my portrayal of the hawk was very realistic and that the behaviors it displayed were accurate.  So I completed my goal, which made me more than happy, and I can only imagine the writing I'll be able to do...when I have the time of course.  I also have a reliable resource now, which is something that, as a writer, is VERY important to have. 

Anyway, so that's all I have to tell of my inspirations.  I'm a very hands-on person, and I always jump at the opportunity that allows me to experience things in person.  I know that most authors would probably be satisfied with just looking and observing, or even consulting secondary sources, but for me, I'd rather experience it first-hand.  It allows me to write things more accurately and realistically.  If I've read or heard that red-tailed hawks have the raspy scream that Hollywood often tags to eagles and vultures in movies, I want to experience it first hand (which, by the way, I did...a good 3 or 4 times.  Got my heart to jump every time, too).  I hope this inspires and encourages you to think more about the world you live in, both animals and plants, as well as encourage you to keep an opened mind.  Your ability to learn new things never ends.  We all can learn a thing or two.

For more information about the World Bird Sanctuary check out the following links:

WBS Website - http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/ 
WBS Blog - http://world-bird-sanctuary.blogspot.com/
WBS on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/WorldBirdSanctuary

Inspiration Part 2

So last time I talked about my first two years of Winter Term at my school, and ended with how much Japan has inspired my ideas and overall outlook on life.  Before I talk about my last and final experience with Winter Term, I'd like to discuss the downside of being inspired by the Japanese.

First off, since Japan is phenomenal at the fantasy genre it is very easy to be swept away into this other world that is created.  In no way do I find this to be a bad thing, but I notice that most people are less inclined to look at the messages and themes behind it: like doing a close reading on a short story or poem.  The reason I say this is because no one is going to take a look at Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and think they could potentially learn something from it:

"Gundam's only cool because it's heavy on the mecha and fighting."
"Gundam involves war: war is bad and is caused by human conflict.  That theme and motif is seen throughout many forms of media.  What else is new?"

What else is new?  The fact that the series dives into the eugenics of human biology and questions the integrity of being able to alter one's genes (whether it's for health or aesthetics), the fact that the characters are so complex that it makes every complaint-inducing detail worth it, the fact that the first season is basically the tragic and heart-breaking story of two best friends that are forced to fight each other.  I could go on and on, and it's so hard not to get emotionally caught up in the series.  So I stand by what I said about Japan being a pro when it comes to evoking emotion within the audience.  It's such a shame that anime and video-games are labeled as being for "nerds" or "geeks."  To me, they're a form of narrative, especially video games--those force the reader (player) to be interactive and more involved in the story.  By the way, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny didn't do quite so well in the States (but thrived in Japan, obviously), for reasons that, while I understand, are just people who don't want to think when they're watching something.  And a reason to complain.

For the same reasons, many people aren't going to look at Final Fantasy X and think they could learn a thing or two about life and the human condition.  They're going to be too focused on the beautiful graphics (which I admit that I do as well), or too focused at how whiny the protagonist is, or how awkward the laughing scene was.  The list could go on!  But very few people, such as myself, can understand and make note of the important moments of the game--and not just because they move the story along.  Like when Yuna finds out the false-hope that the Final Summoning provides, or when Tidus finds out that Yuna will die at the end of her pilgrimage, or the horrible moment when the Al-Bhed's Home is destroyed, there are reasons why people get "shot in the feels" during those emotional moments.  There is a reason why some gamers cried at the end when Tidus says good-bye to Yuna before jumping the ship to join his dad (he doesn't actually die, he just dissolves).  It's not just because of our emotional attachment to the characters; admits all those fantasy elements, all the magic, and all of the fighting, there is a grain of truth about life.  The same thing can be applied to Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, and all other forms of Japanese media.  Call me cheesy, but that's just the way I see it.

Like I said, the downside of the fantasy element is that many people are going to see it as just a form of entertainment, and not something that can provide them comfort and/or some form of enlightenment.  The flip side is that some people take it too seriously and may try to enact events in real life that can only happen in the fantasy world.  Discussions of why violent shooting video games are a bad influence on children come to mind, which is why I'm against the games that have the goal of "shoot'em all."  Granted, some of those games have okay plots, but to a kid, they're not interested in the story.  They're only interest in shooting/killing.  Those games wouldn't be quite as bad if kids knew and understood why they had to shoot the bad guys (and not because they're "bad" guys), and/or know the difference between reality and fantasy.  I know it's a lot for a kid to take in, but in my defense, I was watching ER when I was about 5 years old and understood that while some of those medical emergencies happen in real life, they don't exactly go the way they're portrayed on TV.  

Anyway, I promise to talk about my experience at the World Bird Sanctuary--that'll be in the unplanned part 3!  I can't wait to talk about BIRDS OF PREY!  Did you know that the barred owl call sounds like it's saying "Who-cooks-for-you"?  Now you know how to identify one! :-D

Part 3 is now up! Sorry for taking so long.

Inspiration Part 1

So it's been a week since I first started this blog, and I had meant to blog sooner.  However, it's hard to juggle personal things when college--and anything relating to your life after college--is always demanding your attention.  But I know that the only way this is going to work is if I keep at it faithfully.  Even though I'm not working on my book project, at least I'm writing.  It might not be the best writing, but again, at least I'm writing.

So I want this blog post to be kind of related to my book project and my inspirations for it.  My university offers something that we call "Winter Term."  During the month of January, students are encouraged to participate in either an on-campus course, an off-campus faculty-led course, participate in an internship/externship, or develop an independent study.  Students must complete 3 WT credits--meaning that we must do WT three out of our four years.  Winter Term, as my school likes to call it, "bridges the fall and spring semesters and provides an opportunity for students and faculty to participate in intensive exploration of unique concepts in non-traditional settings."  For those of us that are motivated and take advantage of these opportunities, it is a great time to discover yourself and learn something you've always wanted to learn that you couldn't get at school.  For others, it is an extended vacation that otherwise is an excuse to get drunk and wasted every hour and day of the week.  I chose the former.   

My freshman year, I took an on-campus course titled "Create Your Own Children's Book."  Basically, we learned about the world of a children's author, which included the publishing aspect.  My professor, who was a visiting professor, had written a few children's picture books.  Projects involved writing the storyline to a children's picture book, as well as creating something ourselves (picture book, chapter book, YA, etc).  I thoroughly enjoyed this class--maybe a little too much.  But hey, it wasn't my fault.  I was in the School of Music during that time, and didn't have any writing classes until my spring semester.  Anyway, it's because of that course that I came up with the idea and plot of the current book project I'm working on.  The idea came to me when I was staring at a deck of cards (I know, it's the most exciting thing to look at).  The professor had us do a writing exercise where we were suppose to bring in an object that fascinated us.  I didn't have one.  But she brought in a bunch, and one of them was a deck of cards.  The writing exercise had us look at the object, and write down any curious thoughts that came to mind while looking at the object.  

My sophomore year, I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to travel to Japan!  The course was titled "From Chopsticks to Robots."  The main focus of the course was to study the Japanese concept of "monozukuri," which derives from the Japanese words "mono" which is "thing" and "zukuri" which means "process of creating or making."  Together, it can roughly mean "to make things."  I learned that while monozukuri can be applied to the technological side of things, I also found that it can be applied to the everyday life.  As I was quoted in an article (an article that didn't use my name, but "one student observed"), meditation was representative of monozukuri because the "thing" you are "creating" is you.  Monozukuri is a philosophy, a way of life, not a product.  So now I bet you're wondering why Japan has something to do with my book project.  Well, aside from the language and food, I mostly went there because of the culture.  I'm not unfamiliar with anime or JRPG games (Japanese RPG), in fact I find a lot of inspiration from them (games more than anime).  The Japanese, whether it's music, games, or television shows, are impeccable at capturing scene and emotion (especially drama).  Listen to a game soundtrack composed by Koji Kondo (Super Mario and Legend of Zelda), Yoko Shimamura (Kingdom Hearts), or Nobou Uematsu (Final Fantasy, and my utmost favorite Japanese composer), or for anime: Toshihiko Sahashi (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny) and Joe Hisaishi (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle).  I guarantee you'll get swept away.  Fun fact: Nobou Uematsu is considered to be the "John Williams of video game music."  So if you don't take my word for it, then take it from a person who is also a fan of John Williams.   


I have to end this post now because it's gotten too long!  I'll make PART 2 soon!  The topics will cover the downside of being inspired by Japanese anime and video games, as well as discussing my final winter term where I spent the month of January with birds of prey.

BIRDS OF PREY!! That includes eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks!  Also a pelican--but you'll have to wait!

Operation: Let's get Blogging!

I'm not quite sure I understand the point behind blogging, except that it's essentially a public journal or diary for all the world to see--if the world even wants to see it.  Unless you're knee-slappingly funny, or one of those good samaritans that makes some of us think "my faith in humanity has been restored," the world could care less about your public diary.  And now you're thinking, what does that have to do with the title of this post?  I'm afraid that particular piece of information will come at the end--unless you manage to pick up some of the hints of why I'm starting this blog.

Moving on to the actual post.

So, now that I am a second semester junior in college, I figured I should start thinking about life....like ACTUAL life.  Like...reality.  As in REAL life.  As in job-searching--(insert sarcasm) "Oh, you're a creative/English writing major?  What do you plan to do with that?"  

What do I plan to do with my CREATIVE writing degree?  What a silly question!  I plan to be a creator!  That is to say, a creator of stories and books.  But not just any books.  Books that give people a new perspective on things and cause them to think critically.  Now you may be thinking one of two things--a) Yeah, you and the other hundreds of upcoming authors in the world, and b) Think?  I don't like to think.

Well, what I didn't tell you earlier is that I plan to write children and young adult books.  I know, I know.  So what?  So--my desire is to create literature for children and young adults that inspires and motivates them to strive for their best.  I want to take them to another world--but not in a sense that they escape from reality, but that they find the comfort, hope, and strength needed to confront whatever situation is present or thrown at them.  Deep down, I think that's what most authors want to achieve.  It's nice to be taken away by a book, but once that book is over, cold harsh reality is still waiting for you...with a Cheshire grin on its face.  The same thing can be said with music. 

Many people I've talked to responded to my future career as an author with, "Good.  We need more children's literature books these days."  My reaction?  Well first, I agree.  Second, complete and utter surprise.  I'm used to the condescending, elitist response that involves the hints that I'm going to fail (along with the rest of us writers) and that I should be studying something "useful".  Well, let me just say that there were many subjects in high school that I didn't find very useful...and granted, the people I talked to were older (having lived most of their life), and they ranged from people still working (like doctors) to people volunteering at non-profit organizations.  Each and every one of them admired me for my goals and passions, and wished me the best of luck on my journey.

The thing with children is, they are the future.  I know that's a cheesy and obvious statement and has been said many a time, but honestly, how can we expect to have a future when the future has nothing to look forward to?  Additionally, how do we expect that future to help improve our world and life without the right tools?  That being said, I'm going to quote my mom (and every other good parent) and say that I want to give those children a better life they deserve by leaving behind a world that gives them hope.  Believe it or not, that can be accomplished with books.  And it can be accomplished without the false security that is found in those "take me away" fantasy or dream worlds.

Anyway...

If you happen to still read this, I tip my hat to you.  I think all I've accomplished is what every other blogger does, which is to type every single thought that comes to mind.  However, that wasn't my intention.  The goal of this blog is to help kick-start my career as an author.  Whether or not I've accomplished said goal, I don't really know.  I guess the future knows the answer to that. 

By the way, Happy Chinese New Year!  For all of you born in the year of the Horse, it's all about you. :-)