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.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
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!
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!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
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. :-)
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. :-)
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