Feeling good again

I just sent my story to my classmates. I was stressed about it but I don't care. As I ranted to my awesome coworker tonight while we worked diligently, she made a great point. It went something like this. "Who cares if it's deep," then reflecting upon one of my favorite things she said "look at Harry Potter it's got young kids and it's full of magic and sci-fi. It's loved by millions of people." That wasn't an exact quote but generally it was like that. What she said was true and it made me feel slightly better, at least for now. We'll see how I do in class next week when everyone gives their comments.

I'm still cracking on the novel. It's getting tough now. I'm losing speed. I'll trudge on.

Also I signed up for classes next semester and on the writing side I'll be taking "Writing for Publication". Sounds fun, doesn't it?

Coming up short?

As I was working on my novel today something occurred to me. What if I finish writing my novel and it's not 50,000 words. It's possible, especially since this will be my first full novel. Generally a novel would be more than 175 pages but it doesn't have to be. What would I do? Should I just force more for no apparent reason, start something else, write a crazy introduction or epilogue or do I just finish and not complete my NaNoWriMo task? I hope that doesn't happen but it could. I guess I'll figure it out if I get there, but hopefully my novel is longer than that.

It's still going well, though. I'm still on track and hopefully it will stay that way. I have pretty much set aside everything else in my life. I barely watch T.V., reading has been limited and poor Kreeg( my canine companion) has been lacking on walks. Darn you NaNoWriMo, you've turned me into a writing monster. That's okay, I like it and it's only a month.

I also added a new friend to my list. My fellow co-worker has decided to attempt to complete the challenge. Of course, I read a bit of hers and it makes mine seem kind of boring. I was thinking about posting a preview either here or at the web-site but I'm not sure I want anyone reading mine. I know, what's the point? I'll probably put something up when I get to a more exciting part.

Stressed about being unique!

I had today off from my everyday job and school so I wrote, a lot. Not only did I manage to type 3000 words for my novel today but I actually got my homework done. I wrote a high school, science fiction story that was a whole ten pages (this is only an awesome amount because it only needed to be six)!
I am a little concerned with my story. I think it's cool and it's definitely a story idea that I would find interesting. The first story I wrote for my class was very realistic and serious, so I wanted to do something different. This story is really laid back and kind of funny. I'm worried because the class had to give outlines last week and from everything I overheard, everyone seems to be doing serious stories. Everybody but one person did a serious, realistic story last time as well. Anyway, my big fear is that when the whole class reads this story, they're are going to think my story is immature and cheesy. It's not deep and meaningful. It's just fun but I think everyone in my class seems really serious. I don't want to change my story idea just because it doesn't go with conformity, that's why I went ahead and wrote it anyway. I am just nervous that people will hate it and not give it a fair chance. After all I am the one challenging myself by writing something completely different from my last paper. I really shouldn't stress, but you know I will.

Can't stop!

My plan for tomorrow is to write my story for class and I absolutely cannot work on my novel until it's done. I never thought writing a novel could be so addictive but it is. All I want to do is post a higher word count. I haven't written anything yet today because I know once I start I won't want to stop until I am tired. Right now I am just killing time until I'm going to watch something on T.V., once that is over I'll be writing in my novel again.

Seeking Approval!

Today I made a pretty sufficient dent in my novel. I think I'm off to a pretty good start. I will probably work on it some more once I get done taking a little break. Not a break form writing but a break from the story.

I also wrote a little bit more in my hero story and I also have not forgotten that I have a story to write for class. It's just I'm so excited about writing a novel that I can't focus on much else. No worries about the class project though. I have the whole story worked out I just have to put it down. Knowing me that will happen an hour before I'm supposed to send it out to all my class mates.

I feel horrible because I didn't get the interview therefore I didn't get the article done. Normally I wouldn't care since I have grown to dislike journalism, but I feel bad because I let my editor down. So I probably won't be asked for another article, which I'm okay with. I just don't like to disappoint people.

Time consuming moron!

I just realized that if I took a word count on all the letters I have written to my fellow co-workers in the past few weeks about the newest employee who acts like an eleven year old, that I would probably have close to enough to meet my NaNoWriMo goal. That is obviously an exaggeration but I do feel like I get less time to work on stuff because I spend a lot of time writing lengthy e-mails recording his moronic behavior. It could make a good book but I unfortunately haven't been saving any of it. Although spreading word of his idiotic ways does make me feel better. I know, now everyone's wondering what this employee does that is so bad. Mostly he lies about being great, doesn't do anything I ask him to and tells me I'm mean when I tell him to do his job. Maybe I'll start posting my e-mails since they are works of writing and they are entertaining.

In creative writing class I got my poetry back and I think the best comment I got was "I can tell you are more of a short fiction person than a poetry person". Our big paper that we have to send to the whole class is due next Wednesday. Then I have to read everyone else's. That should be fun.

I still haven't gotten either article done and the paper goes to print tomorrow. I asked my editor for suggestions. What I got was to go to the meeting for the association tonight (Thursday). I have to work every Thursday and I got the message at the time the meeting was ending. That is partly my fault since I can't check my voice-mail at school because it gets no signal there. I don't want to let the editor down but I'm not sure how much choice I'll have.
Registration for the winter semester starts next week and I have to figure out what I want to take. Decisions, decisions.

Journalism down the drain.

ERR.... I am so frustrated with journalism, I would never want a career in it. I have been calling and e-mailing my article interviewees for over a week and I cannot get a reply. I am going to scream. My deadlines were yesterday. Now both the editors I was working with are going to hate me and never want to work with me again. While I am okay with not continuing with journalism, I am disappointed. I really don't like the idea of not finishing something I promised to do. Unfortunately, though, I just don't have the time to go to campus everyday and practically stalk people until they tell me what I want to know. I'm not saying that is what journalist do but I feel like that is what I would have to do to get these articles finished. Not that it matters now because I am way past deadline.

HAPPY NANOWRIMO!

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, which is probably everyone or no one since no one actually reads this, today is the start of National Novel Writing Month. It's a challenge to writer's around the world to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. I have decided to participate even though it means putting my current novel aside and starting a new one. Today I started and I did the math. I would have to do over 1600 words a day, everyday. Today I pushed myself to do at least that and I ended up doing 1867 words! I have a profile and progress report at http://www.nanowrimo.org/userinfo.php?uid=101540 .

Excuse for laziness:Halloween

I spent today trying to get my articles for the Lookout done. I probably didn't spend as much time as I should have because I was too busy enjoying Halloween! Also I still haven't heard from my interviewees, so really nothing got done.

I'm a little tired tonight, but I'll spend some time attempting to finish the first installment of what will hopefully be an ongoing series of my new superhero story. I am sore from all the crazy Halloween preparations, so I'll probably go to my comfy chair and do some old school hand writing.

Then I'll probably read because it's important for writers to read. I'll start with the latest rejection letter I got today and finish with a few chapters from a novel.

I feel good!

I've been writing like crazy lately and it's making me feel good! I've continued writing about other events in life on my live journal. www.livejournal.com/users/ashlucsha/

Today I continued on my awesome story idea. I'm really excited about it. It's a realistic hero story. While the hero is not super with powers, he's super with heart. The back story to him is really what makes it great.

I have been working on the novel. I'm a little conflicted because November is International Novel writing month. You're supposed to try to write a novel in 30 days. While I think this is a cool challenge that I would love to participate in, I don't want to start a new novel while I have one already going. I can't use the novel I already started because that would be cheating. Not that anyone's keeping track. Hmm....

I can't sleep!

I started my day off by checking my e-mail since I have yet to hear from my interviewee for one of my stories. No call, no e-mail. This stinks because my editor wanted that story by today. I told my editor it would have to be Monday but that means I have to track down the media co-ordinator of the college, get my interview and write it on Monday. I doubt he'll get back to me over the weekend. To top that off, I have another story not due until Tuesday but it's for the cheerleading club that had practice on Thursday. Since I had to work I asked another writer to cover the meeting and they could write the article or not whatever they chose. The writer agreed to it, then called me at work today to say they didn't get to the meeting which was from 5 to 7 last night because they got stuck in traffic. Not only was it a kind of lame excuse but you could have called right away. Now I have to track down the advisor and hopefully a couple of members on Monday and Tuesday. I could have started that before work today had I known.

After getting home from work, I went to see the movie Zorro. It was great to watch the original masked vigilante back in action. It also inspired me for an awesome story, I hope. So the minute I got home I went to jot down some notes and instead ended up hand-writing almost the whole story in prose form. I really thought it would be better as a comic book, especially because I would love for it to be ongoing and that is my true writing passion. But since I had so much trouble finding my first artist, I might just submit it as a short story for now. It also works well because I was a little stressed about writing both articles and having a story outline that is required for class next week. I have been working a lot and have plans for every night this week. So if I don't get a chance to think of an outline for another story, I'll just outline this one.

After staying up too late writing my story, I tried to go to sleep. But then I started watching the A+E Biography of Stephen King, which encouraged me. It was nice to hear about the many rejections he got and how his persistence got him where he is. It makes you feel better when you look at the huge file folder marked rejections and the papers are already starting to bulge out. Don't worry I don't disillusion myself in believing that I would ever be even remotely close to being as successful, but it's nice to know even the best-sellers have struggled.

After that I was going to go to sleep but I usually sleep with the T.V. or radio on. Which is what started my next thought. The Pussycat Dolls annoy me. Their first single is Don't Cha, the second is Stick Wittu. Pardon me if I spelled that wrong. I was going to check the dictionary but I have a feeling some of those words might not be in there. My complaint is if you are going to use mushy words that might be considered proper slang terms or something, at least be consistent. It's got me confused should I replace you with cha or ttu? As a writer I think I should know which is correct for future reference.

Once this thought drifted out of my head I was set on going to sleep. I know this may sound crazy but I usually drift to sleep when I focus on a story I've written, am writing , or might write. I like to play the scenario's out in my head. Sometimes it's crap and sometimes it's the best thing ever and you jump out of bed to write it down before you forget it. Guess what tonight was?

It's 4 in the morning I have to be to work at 9:30ish. And I still can't sleep. So I'll keep writing.

Idling

I have two articles for the Lookout I am trying to work out. It's hard to go to club meetings when you have to work. That's why you tell your editor these things but they don't listen.

The novel is going well I have been working on it every day. Yeah I know! I definitely think the rough draft will be done before December.

The comic is still kind of idling. I wish I had more to say about it but I don't . Although I do plan to send my new idea out to a few smaller companies and see what I can come up with. I would also like to get the new writers market guide for 2006 and send out some more submissions. I'm going to do some more rewrites to the stories I haven't managed to get published and send out a few new ones.

Class is still going well and since my teacher has been sick we are way behind schedule, which isn't bad because it will cut time out of poetry.

Still going

The novel is still going strong, I have only missed one day since I started. I think it could actually be finished ahead of schedule.
I didn't write for the paper last week, and I stopped my reviews. So now I feel like I'm not doing anything.

Class is still going well but I still question the content sometimes. I turned in a story and the main character got picked on at school for wetting their pants. My teacher actually wrote that she didn't feel it was solid motivation for middle school bullies. What school did she go to? I'm still struggling with the poetry but fortunately the due date got postponed a week.

The comic book seems to be idling right now. I'm still just waiting for things that are out of my hands. That is the toughest part.

I have come up with a new comic idea. I'm going to write up a proposal and send it out to a few small companies. So hopefully that has a somewhat good outcome.

My Novel Idea

I just want to say that I have started my novel. Yes folks it's true, last Saturday I typed the first words. Now I'm not gonna give anything away yet but I have been working diligently. I set a schedule for myself and have stuck to it. In fact, I really like my schedule and I think I'll make them for other stories in the future.

Don't be disappointed in me, because I feel I have good reason, but I have officially decided my comic reviews are done. As I wrote last week I was unsure but something happened last week that made up my mind. I had been annoyed that some of my reviews were not published but last week someone changed the grade I gave to a book. It's find to edit things but don't ask for someone's opinion then change it.

I'm not slacking off though. I'm still writing for the paper, and school's going super well with poetry and all.

A novel, nonsense and shattered dreams!

Okay here's what's been up in the world of me. First, I actually got an interesting assignment for the Lookout this week. So hopefully that article rocks because I really want it to.

I think now that I'm writing for the paper, I might not write the reviews anymore. I have enjoyed it but the site has been sometimes only publishing one review I send each week, instead of two, which I'm not sure if it's because of space. It could be because they don't like my writing, choice of small independent books or my pointing out how the women look trashy for no reason. No hard feelings though, it wasn't really my thing. I don't think many people read it anyway and I don't want to stress my self out by doing all this stuff like reviews and the paper, because they're not the kind of work I love to do. Besides the paper is a better publishing credit and I get experience working with an editor. Not to mention that I feel like I say the same thing every week. For now though, I am still doing them but I'll probably stop soon.

So I finally finished the second installment of Double Take the story I wrote that got published in Pandora's Gate. I think I'll send it to them and then wait to see if anyone else picks up the first part before I send out the second part to other places.

In my creative writing class we're working on poetry which isn't my favorite form of writing. It's been interesting learning that you can pretty much do whatever you want and people are like 'that's deep'. It doesn't have to rhyme, or tell a story. It doesn't have to make any sense and someone will still make sense of it. Fabulous!

I think tomorrow being the first of the month, I am going to start a novel. What? I know but I have a really good idea for one and I think it's important to explore all my options. I don't just want to say things that can fit into a comic book or short story. So I'm going to give it a whirl. And all the books I've read say I need to have a schedule and if I follow it I can be done in three months. Don't worry, I'll be writing other things while I work on it too.

And finally on a lighter note (not that any of this was that serious), two of my dreams were shattered this week when Wizard the comic magazine came out. First of all I will not be the first woman listed on the Wizard's top 10 current hottest writer's list, but Yippee! for Gail Simmone who did get that. (And actually there might have been someone before her but none that I'm aware.) Secondly, I was not named Comic's hottest fan girl ever, which went to some model who's dad writes comics. Oh what will I work for now?

It's not my thing

Something occurred to me early yesterday morning, as I sat at the college's financial budget planning seminar. Journalism is really not my thing. I love to write, don't get me wrong, but I don't really care for doing interviews or getting up early on my day off to cover meetings about understanding the model of a community college's budget or their return on investment. Sure I don't like doing comic book reviews either, critiquing isn't really my thing. At least then I'm writing about something I'm interested in.

Of course I'll keeping writing for the paper because it's about the only thing I can get published in. Also be cause it's editing and writing experience. So yeah! It doesn't mean I have to enjoy it though. So now I'll just complain about it.

Exhausted and loving it!

I have to say that I was more than a little stressed this week and I was actually excited about it. This week has had a lot to do with my writing. So let me tell you all the things that have caused me to be exhausted but pleased with myself.

First I'll mention that since the Lookout was published on Monday, a new article must be written this week. So I had to meet with my editor, figure out what I could cover, get all the details, reserve a seat for the seminar and buy a tape recorder.

Then my next problem was my creative writing class. Our first big paper was due today and I basically started it last night and finished a half an hour before class. The reason I waited so long was because I seriously had talked myself out of going to the class. I don't want to follow the rules of fiction and I don't want to read aloud to my peers, which is what today consisted of. Why did I go? Because I can't break a commitment, especially one to myself. I'm glad I went though, we were in small groups and only had to read our first paragraph out loud. Besides that my peers didn't really evaluate me on how I followed the rules but on the creative aspects of the story. The best part was they liked it and my professor even sat in and made a few comments about what she liked. So it was pretty cool.

I got another rejection letter and took forever opening it. I was happy that they said it was just a bit too long for their publication, not "it sucked, don't submit another story ever!"

I got my reviews done too and I didn't think I'd get a chance to. I even fit in a few submissions. I also got up the nerve to give my comic script to someone for some input.

It was a crazy week but I loved it.

My first article(s)!

Well, I was going to show you my first bit of publicity, but I can't get the image to down load so you're just out of luck. (If someone actually wants to see it leave a comment and I'll send it in an e-mail) Sorry! My first article for the Lansing Community College paper, The Lookout, was also published in the same issue as the article about me.

Aside from that, I have been working on a short story for my creative writing class. That's due Thursday and I've got one out of at least eight pages done.

I also started a sequel to my previously published story "Double Take", since it was about two college freshmen super heroes, now they are sophomores. I will probably send it to Pandora's Gate, which published the first. We'll see when it's finished.

Now I'm having some readers take a look at my comic script so I can edit it. I also start my next article for the paper this week and will keep writing reviews, which have fortunately gotten somewhat easier. Of course, I will keep sending out my minimum of five submissions a day.

I am still waiting to hear back on my movie script and my sci-fi/western. That's not unusual though. It's artists trying to make a living have to put the paying job first.

Keep your thoughts in the box!

I hate to seem like I'm ranting or complaining but I am becoming a little frustrated with one of my classes. We haven't been graded on anything yet so don't think I'm making excuses because I'm not doing well. My problem is with my creative writing class, which you think would be my favorite since that's what I love. I just find that the class isn't what I expected. I thought I would get some input on my writing, what interests other's, what's boring, stuff like that. Instead the class is like this big lecture about rules of writing. You can't have a story that tells and reveals, it's one or the other. You cannot switch points of view, ever. No second person, ever. You must have a round character and a flat character. The story should be told by the round character. You must have a plot that sets up a problem, then fixes it. WHAT THE HELL?

I understand these are basic guidelines and generally good to follow, but this is creative writing. CREATIVE! Why can't I do what I want to do? Why can't I be creative? So what if it's not what everybody else has done before? No one wants to keep reading the same old crap. I'd bet money, if I had any, that most if not all renowned writers did not sit down with a check list to make sure they followed every rule. So why should I not get a good grade if I decide be creative in creative writing?

Maybe I'm not giving my professor enough credit. I guess we'll wait and see.

'Lookout' for the next issue!

Last Thursday, I had an interview with a fellow Lookout reporter about my interest in writing comics. Today, I also had my photo taken to accompany that article in the next issue. The same issue that should feature my first article that I wrote for the Lookout. So needless to say I'm a little excited and as always a little worried about how things will turn out for me.

Now I'm just spending a lot of time editing and sending out submissions trying to figure out what my next project should be. I definitely think I want to write something in the comic book genres. I'm just not sure what. Do I start another comic or write some super-hero, sci-fi stories? I'll keep you posted.

One down

Okay, let me tell you that I successfully completed my first article and the editor did not find everything wrong with it. I got my reviews done and my homework, all just barely in time and well that's really all I've done since the last time I pushed the keys to get words to appear on my blog. Sorry if I sound crazy, but this week's been crazy and I think it might have been contagious.

So what's next you ask? More of the same old, boring stuff. Sorry nothing too on the edge-of-your seat. I will tell you, because I love you, that I have started a live journal that is full of some more fun stuff. Here I try only to talk about my work, I know it can get boring when I don't make much progress or I'm on the same task for so long. Never worry this is always priority, the lj is just a chance to write more. It will mostly be about what I read and watch, so don't get too excited. Stop by if you want. www.livejournal/users/ashlucsha/.

By the way, does anyone else think it's funny that blogspot's spell check thinks that blog is a misspelled word?

Here's A Story of a Struggling Writer

While I have spent my time dealing with interviewees that have closed e-mail accounts and don't return phone calls for my first assignment on the LCC paper, I have also been working on coming up with "gems"(ideas that might make good stories) for my creative writing class homework assignment. Meanwhile, still self-editing my comic story, typing up some reviews of my weekly comics, and doing all the crappy work involved in sending out submissions. All the work made me want to take a break and write something fun. The result is the following. Here's a little story I thought of. It's not for publication just for fun and I thought I would post it here for my true fans! HAHA! Anyway, it's just a silly little tale. It's funny to me but probably not to anyone else(maybe fellow writers?). At the least anyone reading it might figure out where I got the idea and maybe it will give some insight as to one of the many reasons why I feel frustrated about writing so often. Hope you enjoy my first piece of original work published here on my little blog.

Born to write. Her creative thoughts were overwhelming. The beautiful structure of each tale so well done that never was there a reader not completely awed by her work. It was clear that she would be the next great creator of world renowned literature, her stories studied and praised for centuries. Such promise was seen in the young girl.
She did not hesitate, once out in the real world she swore to do anything possible to get her work noticed. So she wrote her first story she intended for the world to read. Then she found every guideline for every magazine and anthology that would possibly publish this story and she began to read through each set of rules. Tears began to stream down her face with frustration, she wanted every chance possible for her story, so she would abide by each publisher's request word for word.
She had a job to pay her bills but now she needed a second job just to pay for the postage, envelopes, paper, ink and the most costly of all, the sample copies. Everyone wanted you to read their publication first to make sure your story fit their style. They can never be progressive and step away from their standard style. The publications needed to be sure you send them the same thing they printed last month.
So between working all the time, reading sample copies and printing and re-printing each submission to every individual company's standards, there was no time to write anything else. And the one story that she did write to brighten the world with her gift, would never be seen.
After finally reading every publication and stuffing every envelope with the story formatted to perfection, she was going to head to the post office.
The apartment she lived in had become cluttered, much like an old lady's home who hasn't thrown away a newspaper or calendar in her life because she might need it one day. She wasn't an old lady though, her apartment was cluttered with a copy of every publication ever made. Stacked almost to the ceiling, lining the walls of her tiny studio. There were so many that they had begun to spill onto the small space she had left to walk in.
Her arms filled beyond capacity with submissions, she could hardly see over them. She slipped on the fallen magazines and bumped one of the large stacks as she fell. Her head smashed into the floor, leaving her unconscious. The stack of anthologies and literary publications tumbled onto her head and buried her alive. It wasn't until the neighbors complained about the smell that they found her. Her submissions and sample copies shredded by the mice that had taken up residency. The police would find her body buried under the huge stacks of paper. The landlord would take no care for her stuff as he tossed it out into the dumpster. No one will ever be moved by her emotional revelations, or her compelling plots. She didn't make it as a writer, but she died trying.

Heard, NOT Seen!

Hello everyone! While I was hard at work doing the most grueling part of the struggling writer's job, submissions, I decided to take a break and tell you about my week of progression in the world of writing. Now don't get too excited, they're just small steps.

As you know from my last entry, school started this week and I am taking a creative writing course, which was the first class I had. Of course I forgot that professor's are cruel and like to make you read your work out loud. And it's usually work that you have to write on the spot. Now for those of you who don't know the reason I prefer writing to all other things it is because I can tell my tale without having to speak. Public speaking makes me want to pass out. Secondly, I like that in writing I get to plan things out and edit. Pretty much, I like to think before speaking and I don't feel I get to do that when I have to write on the spot and then read it out loud in front of the class. I don't mind you reading my work, I just don't want to read it to you. Oh well, I need the teaching and the criticism the class provides. Besides, maybe I'll learn how to breathe and read my work out loud at the same time.

Just when you thought this entry couldn't get anymore exciting, I am here to tell you that I am now an official staff writer for the news department of the LCC bi-weekly newspaper, The Lookout. I got the job yesterday and get my first story assignment on Monday. YEAH ME!

Blog Slacker

I know I'm slacking off when it comes to writing in this blog. Never fear though I have been writing other things. I promise I'll start doing more exciting work, so I'll have some more exciting stuff to write. Until then I don't wanna fill my blog with boring blabbering.

I just finished writing a short screenplay. It's a comedy. Now all I have to do is find somebody to help me make the movie. Don't worry I think I might have a potential partner. I'll keep you posted.

As for my comic I've been editing it, I think I'm going to get some outside opinions. It is so hard to edit your own stuff.

Other than that not much to talk about. I have decided to edit a few of my old stories and send them out as submissions. I don't really know if they'll work out but it can't hurt to try. Oh, I also applied for the LCC newspaper but haven't heard back. Not to mention classes start next week, I'll be taking two writing classes.

The first of many

Well the first rejection notice for my short fiction story made it to me today. It arrived fast because it was an e-mail. The rejection letters that cost me $.74 (I just realized there is no cent sign on the keyboard) will take much longer I'm sure. So I tacked my rejection notice up with the others to remind me I tried and stink at writing.

I did start editing on my comic this week now that I'm no longer tired of having read it fifty times in one day. It's amazing how many things seemed so cool when writing it.

Recently I started another small project, it's on the comedy side. Other than that I've worked on reviews.

Sending Submissions

I just accidentally deleted everything I just wrote, so here we go again.

Since the comic is now finished, I have been looking through it. Summer classes are now over and after all my worrying I still managed to pass. I'd tell you my grade but I don't want to brag.

I was also inspired by events last week and wrote a short fiction story. Rather than sitting on it, like I do with most of my work, I sent out a stack of simultaneous submissions. So keep your fingers crossed and I'll let you know when the rejection notices start flowing in.

While we're on the subject of submissions, may I just mention what a pain it is to send out submissions. Every editor wants the work sent in a different format. So you can't just copy a story and send it in. Each publisher's guidelines also include the note that if you don't do it exactly as they tell you, they'll toss it in the trash without a glance, which makes me wonder, if they have a standard system for writing (like MLA, APA, and Chicago), why can't they do the same for writer's submissions. It would give writers more time to do what they are really good at. Drinking!

Just a thought I had to say

I'm kind of tired from staying up late last night to put the finishing touches on my final paper for class. However, I just got done writing my reviews for this week and I just felt like writing about women comic creators.

One of the books I reviewed was written and drawn by women. Not only was this book filled with almost-naked women with huge bust, but the stories were horrible. How are women supposed to get respect as creators when they write stories about heroines rescuing dolls from the sewer?And maybe they have to do art that way to get recognized but this art had panels of just body parts and the parts were way over drawn. If it had something to do with the story that would be fine, but it didn't. And I'm not saying that women in comic books should all be flat-chested and wearing sweat suits. But couldn't we try to change the images of creators and characters little by little, not make them worse?

The awesome ashcan

Well things are getting exciting for me this week. Tomorrow is my last full day of summer classes, then I'll stress about my final paper for a day and then it will be out of my hands.
But the best part of my week has been the comic show I went to yesterday and thanks to the awesome artist Wayne, I now have an ashcan of my first comic. It was AWESOME! And aside from that I have finally finished the rough draft for issue 4.

Now I'll wait a few days and try to forget everything and then go back and make sure it all makes sense and that I tied up all the ends. So that's my exciting news, hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

The Torture

It's been a while since I have written so it must imply that I have been busy at work. This implication would be false. While I have been working on my final paper for my summer course and keeping up on the reviews, I haven't made much progress in anything else. I know, that's not a good reason, especially since I am suppose to have my comic finished by the end of the month. Never fear it will be done.

I know there is never a good excuse to not work as hard as I possibly can but I must admit I took a break to read the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. (And may I just say in my defense that if you ask most writers, they say if you want to write you need to read a lot.) Anyway, I know I should be working on my grand master piece instead of reading someone else's and I intend to. The problem with these books and many other great and renowned stories is that they give me depression. And no, I do not have post Potter depression because I read my books so fast I'll now have to wait another two years, at least, for the next one. I become depressed because I think that no one is ever going to care about my work and that's if they ever read it. I'm not expecting to have millions of people going mad waiting for my next installment, but sometimes I feel like there will never be one person that will actually be moved by what I write, probably because I'm no good at it. So for those of you who do actually read what I have written, sorry for the torture.

On a Role

I know, I know. I probably write in this journal way more than anybody wants to read (that is if anybody reads it at all). But sometimes I just get so happy or overwhelmed or both, about what's going on with my writing, that I just have to talk about it. Unfortunately, nobody really seems to care to listen (another reason to believe nobody reads this).
So what I wanted to tell the world is that I have been kicking out the words in full force this week. I set a deadline for myself Thursday night to have issue three done by Wednesday. I got it done Friday afternoon. Then today I wrote my paper for class, which I usually save until the last minute. I also wrote one of my comic reviews for this week, which needs to be done as soon as comics come out on Wednesday. (It's a great thing to be fortunate enough to read the store's staff preview comics that arrive a week early.)
Now back to my comic, I have started the fourth issue. It has been set out beat by beat and now all I have to do is fill in the blanks. I also did a few updates of the earlier issues and put some notes on where to throw in some more action (which will make them longer), and it will be filled in by the artist at a later time.