Micellaneous Catching Up

Wow - I've been neglect again and haven't posted in a while. Lots to catch up on.. so here we go!

I've been to two "Basics of Writing a Novel" classes at the community college. I gotta say - the instructor may have the worst case of adult ADD of anyone I've every met (and that includes my brother-in-law, Kelly, who gets so sucked into the TV that he doesn't complete a sentence. Her website: http://patriciaburroughs.com/bio_1.htm
We spent the first class getting to know each other and what kind of authors we want to be. I can tell you that Harry Potter and Twilight have spawned a flood of aspiring "young adult" fiction writers. Half the class wants to write for that audience - don't know what - just that audience. The other half of the class are into sci-fi/fantasy and are all "Engineer by day/Writer by night" types. I think I'm the only one in there who's all "I dunno - I want to write stuff that doesn't suck". It's a little more specific than that - but not much. Ha! Hard to sell that to a publisher someday as that category/genre doesn't exist - much as I think it should.
We got a few cool assignments that first week:
1 - Write 3 pages (front and back) a day. Doesn't have to be towards you book or anything. Just gets things out of your head to clear your thoughts. They actually suggest all artsy-types do that, not just writers. So far, I'm about 25% successful.. but I'm working it.
2 - Every week, schedule time for an "Artist's Date". That means you need to set aside 2-3 hours every week to allow yourself time for something creative. Could be going to a museum or library. Could be coloring. Could be going to some sub-titled movie by yourself because no one else is brave enough to go with. Week 1 - I busted out some markers and made myself a super pretty file folder. This week - it's live music (Bowling for Soup tonight, 1100 Springs tomorrow, and Miyagi Saturday).
2nd class was about about the 3 Act concept in writing. Every story needs a beginning, middle, and end - which sounds obvious but I've read some that don't. Then we spent a lot of time talking about the movie Witness (1980's Harrison Ford) and how it did/didn't follow that structure. Not as interesting of a class - but probably more practical.
Next week - characterization. Think that one will be fun.

Last Sunday, I co-hosted my adorable friend Monica's baby shower. I need to post a pic or two (so maybe over the weekend) to demonstrate the cute-ness. It was a success (at least in my eyes). Stephanie came up with really fun shower games. Sperm = Swedish Fish in her world, so I'll never be able to eat that candy. I almost said "again" but I don't think I ever have to start with. Long fun story - for another time. We also had Monica read us The Ugly Duckling and were reminded how violent and "just not right" fairy tales are. The moral of that story "People will like you more (and you'll have self confidence) if you're hot. Otherwise, you're screwed." Nice - huh? I'm sure it's a little deeper than that - but that's the gist. Anyways - good food, great friends, and an overall pleasant time. Again.. promise to post pics at some point.

Hmm.. what else... We went to a Rangers game in the rain with the in-laws (more fun than it sounds). I finally got to see the new Cowboys (only from the outside) and it's gorgeous. Whoever thought all that glass would be good in a state that is big for strong wind and hail is beyond me, but they'll learn. I survived Annual Operating Planning (budget) cycles at work another year - just barely but that works. Steve went and saw a rapper (totally odd). Hmm.. that might be it...yet I felt so busy.

Anyways.. that's life. Weekend with the 'rents coming up. Going to see my brother's band play (in case you were wondering who Miyagi was) at Falls Fest. Apparently they are opening for 38 Special which would be really cool if I could tell you a song they played - but I can't. I'll take pics and let you know if they rock out or not.

Til later...