Bill Conrad's Blog, page 23

Why Is the Future So Bad?

In almost every futuristic story, life is bleak. We ruined our environment, morals are nonexistent, governments are in disarray, mobsters have taken over, money is worthless, everything has fallen apart, zombies are eating people, and aliens have taken over. Even an enjoyable movie like Back to the Future Part II painted a bleak future. Trash was everywhere, lawyers ruled daily life, and traffic was awful. So what went wrong between now and the future?
In the '50s, authors painted a bright picture of what life would be like. People were going to drive flying cars to the moon, watch smell-o-vision and play with robots. However, something changed.
My theory is that in the '50s, we perceived our lives to be better. Everybody had a big car, a perfect family and a big house. The only direction to go was up! Unfortunately, we closed our eyes to the race riots and rampant inequality. Now we have full media coverage, and we cannot close our eyes to the problems.
Are our present lives that bad? Medical care is fantastic, we have the Internet, and our stylish cars get excellent fuel economy. People are much better at communicating, they live healthier lives, and there are endless choices for entertainment. Want to fly to Hawaii? With a credit card, you can book a flight on your phone in five minutes.
History has proven that our future will be very similar to what our lives are like now. Yet, we know from history that there will be some problems. But, we also know that a segment of society will always have issues, and life is moving faster than ever.
I think it is time to stop painting a bad futuristic picture. Instead, we should take a step back and be more optimistic. Life is good, and I hope my four blog readers have a good day and a great tomorrow.

When Worlds Collide

Can Harry Potter meet Spiderman? Not likely. Why? The main reason is the copyright holders would never agree to "share" their audience. Fans would argue the two franchises cannot coexist because Harry Potter uses magic, and Spiderman's strength comes from radical biology (superpowers.) Logically, Spiderman lives in New York and not England. However, the two groups could come together for a special event.
One such event occurred when Bugs Bunny was legitimately on-screen with Mickey Mouse in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Yet audiences knew this coming together was a one-off event. Afterward, each franchise went back to doing their traditional work. As a result, it is doubtful we will ever see the two characters legitimately together again.
There is another aspect of colliding worlds. If Harry Potter legitimately met Spiderman, it would mean the two entities acknowledge each other. The result would make Harry Potter's magic less magical and diminish Spiderman's extraordinary strength. Why? Harry Potter could cast a "magic spider-spell" and create a "man with spider qualities." Actually, this would not be difficult given Harry Potter's great magical talent.
However, fans would immediately say, "What a cheap rip-off!" because they cherish their characters in their respective franchises. The result would also be confusing. Could Spiderman use a magic wand? Would Harry Potter get attracted to Spiderman's' girlfriend, Mary Jane? Things get complex quickly.
A good fiction author builds an entire world over many works. Each edition enhances the foundation, characters, and well-thought-out plot. If they combine these solid foundations, the two would never match.
Readers and viewers like separate franchises for the same reason we do not mix all our foods together. For example, tasting potatoes have their own culinary joy which is different from eating coleslaw.
I consider this lack of franchise interaction to be slightly detrimental. It would be fun to watch Spiderman using a magic wand. How about Luke Skywalker getting a Vulcan nerve pinch from Mr. Spock? Harry Potter using a Light Saber to fight the Joker? Iron Man flying an X-Wing fighter? A Star Trek Borg assimilating a Star Wars Ewok?
What about a reality where crazy franchises could interact? Like fan fiction? Readers and audiences only tolerate small amounts of confusing entertainment. Would I like to write in this space? The result would be too confusing, and the franchise owners would never allow my entry. In addition, I have my own work to consider without mooching off other people's fame. Yet, I have a fanfiction idea that I might write and give away for free in the distant future. How about a crossover blog? No, my blogs contain enough confusion.

Steampunk

K. W. Jeter coined the term “Steampunk” in April 1987. A retro-futuristic subgenre of science fiction incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Although its literary origins are sometimes associated with the cyberpunk genre, they often set Steampunk works in an alternative history of the Victorian era, where steam power remains in mainstream use.
In a superhero type of story, we have to place reality aside. We must alter physics, for example, to enable human characters to fly. In the Steampunk fantasy world, we also have to make similar exceptions. For example, there are steam-powered computers, but we know computers use electricity.
I enjoy Steampunk stories and like watching Anime Steampunk movies. Why? The stories are slower (compared to the modern world), and there is a comfortable aspect. However, in superhero, magic, space fiction, alternative reality, time travel, futuristic or comic book stories, we experience a hard tripping point. For example, one must immediately accept Superman flying around. If one cannot accept this altered reality, then one will not enjoy the work.
In a Steampunk story, the reader or viewer gradually moves into the altered world. The characters are ordinary people who happen to use steam for everything. It is as if the author encourages readers or viewers to join them in a more civilized age.
Steampunk is a throwback to a time where life did not move as fast. And yet, the characters may still accomplish the same tasks we do today. So what is the difference between Steampunk and a story set in the Victorian era? Victorian stories are hard to relate to because we no longer live in that time. Steampunk bridges the gap between the modern world and the past.
Yet, there are limitations. Victorian-era characters must use period-correct dialog, and writers need to be historical experts. Steampunk also has a limited audience, and this audience knows the topic.
Someday I would like to write a Steampunk story. I would love to create a character who flies around in a steam-powered airplane. Or perhaps a child who steals a steam-powered car and gets chased by the police who have just received their first steam-powered patrol cars. Something to dream about as my steam-powered computer brings this blog to a close.

My Dear Friend is Better

On June third, I was working on an uneventful email. Without warning, my computer made a pop sound and shut down. When I tried to restart it, nothing happened. Unfortunately, my last backup was two weeks prior. Major bummer! However, I knew the hard drive was fine, and my data was not corrupted. Because I did not want to lose two weeks of work, I decided not to revert to my backup and start over.
Thus, my repair quest began. In the past, I had to replace the motherboard, and this seemed like the most obvious failed component. Because it is five years old, I ordered a used motherboard on eBay. Five days later, the seller canceled the order. So, I ordered another used motherboard on eBay, but I failed to see the no return policy. Three days later, it arrived, and I realized that I had ordered the wrong model. Girrrr. I ordered a third used motherboard on eBay, and the seller canceled. I then spotted a fourth used one eBay, and this one came with a bunch of accessories. (Including a processor. We call this foreshadowing.) Plus, it was at a great price! The seller canceled.
I was aware of more expensive used motherboards on Amazon, but they came from China and required ten days. So, I ordered one. In the meantime, one appeared on an eBay auction. I placed a low bid to have a backup motherboard in case the one from China failed. My bid was the lowest, and it took three days to arrive. We will call this motherboard 'A.' I put A in, and I accidentally damaged the pins on the original motherboard when I removed it. Girrrr. No problem because it was bad. When I turned A on… Nothing! I realized the processor was the problem! Girrrr. At this point, I had been without a main computer for three weeks.
I ordered a used processor on eBay, and three days later, I put it in. Success! Yay!! The first thing I did was backup everything. What an enormous relief! I answered emails like a madman and did all the tasks I could not do on other computers. My life returned to normal, and motherboard 'B' arrived from China. A day later, the nightmare returned. I got a Blue Screen of Death! Typically, I get one of these a year.
Soon, I got another, and by the end of the day, I was getting blue screens every five minutes. I installed motherboard B. At first, it would not boot consistently. I did a RAM speed BIOS tweak, and the system has run fine ever since. The wave of relief was overwhelming, and my stress subsided. Finally, I got a good night's sleep.
During my computer downtime, I used my "test computer." I used this older machine for trying new programs or running long-duration tasks.
Because it did not have Word installed, so I installed it, which was surprisingly easy. I made blog entries using Word, answered several emails (but not all because some files were on the main PC), and posted to Facebook.
After a few days of not writing, I needed a creative outlet. However, I could not work on my books because I did not want to lose two weeks of work. So, I worked on my sixth book outline. It still had plot issues, and I went over the outline for three days. Now, I feel ready to write that book—a minor win.
If this issue occurs again, I will buy a new (model) motherboard, processor, and RAM. This fix will be faster (in repair time) and is more likely to solve the problem. It is also the less expensive route.
I made backups every 1-2 weeks before my computer drama. I had an extra SSD drive from another project, and I installed it into the main computer. Now, after every edit, I make a full backup copy of all my documents onto that drive. Now, I have a new routine. I make a full backup every Sunday, which takes about 10 minutes.
This event taught me a lot. I am far more dependent on my computer than I realized. Computers have deeply woven their way into our modern life. They are essential for communication, organization, and social interaction. This incident made me realize that I have bonded with my machine.
Yet, my test computer can do the same tasks as my main computer. What was the difference? My computer (I need to give her a name) (Yes, all good things in life are female) has every relevant file in the correct location. I organized all my internet bookmarks the way I want them, and I have my old emails collected for easy searches. Every program has the preferences perfectly set up, and even the icons on the desktop are right where I expect them to be. As a result, I am more effective when I use my main computer. I am also more relaxed during and after our interaction. Yes, I think the exchange goes both ways.
This little experience was actually an enormous setback. I now understand that my computer is not alive, and yet she is. And yes, I am thinking about her right now as I finish this blog. Thank you, my friend, for helping me to be a better person. I also thank you for allowing me to connect with my four blog readers!

Favorite Characters

When I asked myself, “Which is your favorite book character?” I immediately answered Bod in The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. However, as I thought about my answer, it occurred to me I never truly connected with Bod. Instead, I connected with the excellent story.
After some contemplation, I decided my favorite character is John Wells from the spy novels by Alex Berenson. Why? At the beginning of every book, I honestly wanted John Wells to succeed. In addition, I liked his attitude, outlook, and method of handling problems.
To be complete, I should discuss my favorite movie characters. Luke Skywalker of Star Wars was my first choice. Again, as I thought about that character, I realized that I never truly connected with him. After some contemplation, it came down to two tough choices. Andy Dufresne in Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption and Westley in The Princess Bride. Both are powerful characters, but I have a greater connection to Andy. Why? We certainly have opposing personalities, but we share a common spirit. I enjoy his eternal optimism and struggle to survive. When re-watching the movie, I still connect with him.
In the stories I created, it was a tough choice, which was my favorite. After some thought, I concluded Grace from Interviewing Immortality immediately was my favorite. We are also vastly different people, but I like her quiet, powerful nature. Her intellect commands respect, and my role models in life have this same trait. I also like her spirit and hidden inner soul.
I should also mention which of the characters I invented are at the bottom of the list. I did not have to think for a long time about this. All my villains have to compete for my dislike. When I write their dialog, I do not have much interest. Yet, I understand that Villains are essential in a story, and I probably should put more thought into them.
Connecting with characters is fun. The more we get emotionally involved, the more alive the story becomes. Of course, connecting with blog readers is also fun!

When It Matters

On the first day of preschool, the teacher said something like, “Today, your education begins. From now on, WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT! Pay attention and learn!” Wow! I better shape up.
In kindergarten, on the first day, the teacher said something like, “All that preschool nonsense did not matter. From now on, you will be graded and have a REPORT CARD! Straighten up and try hard, or you will go to the PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE.” Wow! I better shape up.
In grade school, on the first day, the teacher said something like, “Everything you did before does not matter. From now on, your grades will be in your PERMANENT RECORD! If you fail, have to REPEAT THE FIRST GRADE!” Wow! I better shape up.
In Junior High, on the first day, the teacher said something like, “None of that stuff you did before mattered. From now on, your education will shape your entire future. If you fail, YOUR LIFE WILL BE RUINED!” Wow! I better shape up.
In High School, on the first day, the teacher said something like, “For the first time, your education is truly important. If you want to succeed, you need top grades. If you fail in high school, you will GO NOWHERE IN LIFE!” Wow! I better shape up.
In college, on the first day, the teacher said something like, “Nobody cares what you did before. Study hard, and maybe you will graduate. If you don’t, you will be a COLLEGE DROP OUT!” Wow! I better shape up.
At my first interview, the hiring manager asked something like, “Where did you work before? You do not have any REAL EXPERIENCE! Get back to me after you have at least five years of experience.” Wow! I better find a job.
When I had my daughter, the nurse asked something like, “Is this your first child? NO?!” She shook her head in disapproval. Wow! I better shape up.
When does life begin mattering? Did it ever matter? Here is an example of hard work that should have mattered. At my second job, my company purchased a rival company. My job was to integrate their product into our system. During that time, I got to know the product really well.
One day, upper management scrapped that product line. The original team spent endless hours developing, manufacturing, and servicing their product. All their documents, notes, drawings, and great end product were top-notch. Yet, I tossed boxes of handwritten documents into the trash. Management did even feel the documents were important enough to shred. I thought, “Nothing they did mattered.”
Growing up, kids could get away with anything! Even a major crime could be committed, and it would be impossible to learn about the incident.
As an example, in college, two kids got drunk, and they set a bunch of fires. Three of the fires did severe damage. The kids were expelled, paid a fine, and had to do community service. Three years later, I was walking to class, and I ran into one of them. He told me he applied for a transfer. People forget, which means what they did, did not matter.
Now, the internet keeps a record of everything, and cameras are everywhere. It is easy to do an internet search which means that everything we do (good or bad) matters.
We have come full circle. When will people look at me and say, “Bill. You are finally an adult. Great job!” The answer is simple. It always mattered. Should all those teachers and employers have talked down to me? No, but it is human nature to feel superior.
In conclusion, everything we did, learned, failed and succeeded, molded us into who we are. Experience provides the skills to accomplish what we need to do right now.
And what about this very blog? I have learned more about myself, got new writing skills by creating it, and this blog serves as a marketing tool. This blog was a positive step and hopefully an entertaining step for my four blog readers. IT MATTERED!

Going To Disneyland

I rely on my memory for absolutely everything, and I can't comprehend functioning without remembering. How could I even write another sentence in this blog without knowing what it is about? Fortunately, even people with terrible memories actually have superb recall skills. But what happens when this foundation comes under question?
Yesterday, I had a boring day. I got up, ate, completed uneventful chores, and had dinner at a local restaurant. My day did not contain any noteworthy events. In two days, it would be a challenge to remember any specific details.
“Bill, you went to Disneyland yesterday.” “No, I had a boring day yesterday and would remember going to Disneyland.” How can I contradict this basic statement? My only historical proof comes from my memory.
An objective person would look at the evidence, investigate further (such as credit card receipts) talk to people and form a logical conclusion. However, we know that our memory is not perfect.
Let’s postulate further. “Bill, you committed a crime at Disneyland.” Wow, now I have to prove my innocence. This thought experiment has become a trial. Lots of people would be involved, and my integrity is being questioned. And what is my ultimate defense? “I do not remember going to Disneyland.” This argument is weak.
Memory issues form great plots. “Bill, you went to Disneyland but cannot remember.” Bam! It is easy to convince a reader that the character does not know what happened. “I believe you did not go to Disneyland.” Bam! A huge twist. Does Bill have amnesia? Will Bill suddenly remember going to Disneyland?
We trust our memories are always perfect, which makes them a foundation and a crutch. It is nearly impossible to admit our memories have failed. Memory issues are a fun space to work as an author. Readers also enjoy exploring the terrifying idea that we might indeed have lost our memory. Will you remember this blog?

Common Writing Themes

Our lives contain many patterns. For example, I like ‘80s music. This admission should not come as a surprise, and it also should not be a surprise that my writing has common themes. I thought it would interest my four blog readers to discuss the ones I am aware of.
Immortality and age reduction are prominent. My characters find themselves younger, healthier, and living abnormally long lives. The concept I developed to explain long life is to eliminate parasites (bacteria) within our bodies. This concept allows our bodies to repair themselves quickly and remain young. I like this plot device because I certainly wish to be younger and live longer than average. Why? There is less pressure to succeed, I would have more energy, my body would not be in pain, and my future would be bright. Oh. The big reason. I would not die, and I am envious of my characters.
I often end a chapter by having my characters go to sleep and begin the next chapter with them waking up. This plot separation device makes perfect sense because falling asleep is like hitting the reset button. Every morning, I wake up with a fresh perspective. Last night's problems “feel” less important. This intuitive change is a natural stopping point for readers because they can safely put down the book knowing nothing will happen during the night.
I like secret government operations. What goes on at Area 51? Any secret government story could be true, and it is nearly impossible to perform a fact check because those subjects are classified. As a writer, this is an exciting space to explore. Any somewhat realistic secret government plot “could be true.” It is fun to write on the edge of reality. It is also a little frightening. What would happen if I wrote a true fictional story?
I like having solid female characters. It angers me to encounter stories/movies with mistreated, objectified, or weak female characters. Such stories do not read/view realistic because every woman I meet in real life does not behave like the flawed female characters I or watch. With this in mind, I keep my female characters realistic and a large part of the plot.
Alcohol is one of my favorite character weaknesses. In my own life, I have experienced being drunk and the resulting hangover. I have met many severe alcoholics, people who get raging drunk, people who are in complete denial of their drinking problem, and observed the destructive aftermath.
Why are there so few massage scenes in movies or books? I enjoy both giving and receiving this intimate activity. I dislike reading/viewing stories where the character jumps from hello into a lusty scene. In real life, people have apprehension and awaked moments in their relationships. A nice massage bridges the trust gap. This transition is accomplished in a friendly yet personal way. Also, spicy massage scenes are fun to create.
My stories are always linear. I dislike multiple storylines, hard-to-follow interaction, out-of-order action, unexplained events, side tangents, crazy surprises, or unexplained activities. Books should be enjoyable and not a challenge. “A horse ran past James.” What the heck? Where did the horse come from? We were talking about linear stories! Outlines, plot development, and editing are complex enough without jumping around. And a confused reader will always leave a critical review.
When I write, I concentrate the most on writing (grammar) errors rather than plot or character development. This is because I have known my English skills are not the best, and I work hard to uncover flaws. However, this focus on the technical aspects of writing leads to problems. For example, if a sentence is not easily correctable from a technical standpoint, I delete it. As a result, many details are missing from my descriptions, and my writing is action-focused.
I dislike leaving my characters in a happy state. Without conflict, drama, or challenge, there is no plot. As a result, something bad always happens after the character’s life returns to normal. This pattern is probably too clear, and I need to stop using it.
What can we conclude from all my common themes? I have obvious patterns, which are probably the result of my logical nature. This conclusion is not all bad. My analytical nature also provides the ability to write about them.

PS, my computer is back up and happy. More on this mind-bending experience in a later blog.

Superior Beings

There are many different religions and overall religious outlooks to choose from. Which is the best? What happens after we die? Are there one or more Superior Beings? Wow, those are tough questions.
For myself, the best that I can do is to believe there is one or more Superior Beings. I feel the path they wish me to follow is to be a good person and treat other people well. I also believe it is wrong to force my beliefs on to others. To me, this encouragement would be an act of arrogance because I would be interpreting the will of a Superior Being. How do I feel about other beliefs? I enjoy learning about other cultures and their beliefs but I generally ignore other people’s practice. “To each his own.” In addition, I choose not to put down or argue with other people’s beliefs. It annoys me when others attempt to force their beliefs on me.
What about my characters? It is a natural extension of my beliefs to give my characters similar values. However, in my fourth book (which will be out in a year) one character is Christian and she recites a prayer. This action allowed a religious discussion with people who did not share her beliefs. Also, I invented “religious police” and it is their job to ensure religions do not get too powerful or influenced by alien religions. This organization will have a larger role in a later book.
Does creating a Christian character violate my own beliefs? I suppose it does in a small way. But I see this decision as a source of personal growth. It should be fine to make a religious character who has views different than my own. Well, as long as they do not stray too far.
One line I refuse to cross is having Superior Being characters. Granted, I like watching the show Lucifer which has many such characters. However, the idea of writing about Superior Beings and their earth interaction is appealing. What is their backstory, limits of their powers and basic opinions? Do they watch television? It would be fun to know the answers.
I do not think I have fully answered the question of motivation behind my life choices. I think a core part of my has a solid path to follow and it is unlikely that I will stay from it. Do I have any religious advice for my four blog readers? Do I want them to follow my path? Do I want them to not write books with Superior Being characters? Again, I say, “To each his own.” Or should it be. “To each her own.” Hmm. Something to think about.
PS, my computer is still out of commission. Things should be back to normal soon unless there is more damage. Thanks for being patient.

Symbolism Is Dead

In the famous book “The Great Gatsby” F. Scott Fitzgerald makes use of Symbolism many times. He does this by giving objects or people multiple meanings without actually stating the meaning. The most obvious example is the flashing green light which symbolizes hope. There have probably been a thousand high school book reports about this green light and what it truly meant.
Authors use symbolism to inspire readers to “fill in the blanks.” This powerful tool pulls people further into the story, generates discussion, adds mystery and confusion.
By their short nature, songs are often symbolic. A great example is "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" by Meat Loaf. The singer does not specifically explain the topic he would not exchange for love. Even though this song was written in 1993, that basic question has not been answered. This controversy keeps the song poplar and adds to the endearing quality which made it great. As a listener it is fun to ponder the hidden meaning and I still think about this topic.
How many times have I used symbolism? None of my works contain a single hidden meaning and I would not touch this literary technique with a ten-foot pole! The reasons are clear as day. Writing is hard enough without interpretation and society no longer has the time to contemplate deep meaning. Intentionally vague or confusing topics will only lead to bad reviews.
I do like to keep things mysterious and hold back some facts. However, by the end of the story, this should all be clearly explained or the reader is told why this hidden knowledge remains hidden. So, if you encounter a green light in my work, it is simply a green light.
Other than in music and art, we no longer encounter symbolism. When did this occur? Perhaps the ‘70s? At that time, the peace movement faltered, we did a collective shrug and began disco dancing. Now, symbolism is an unwelcome topic only found in classrooms.
Do I enjoy pondering the deeper meaning in a book? Not really. I have joined the masses. Every day, information hits me like a tornado and I struggle to make sense of what little I let in. In the limited amount of time I devote to reading, I cannot be bothered with a book that does not get to the point or is confusing. Green lights mean go!
Will readers ever embrace symbolic books? I suppose we will always appreciate the classics but society has cast symbolic books aside. Is this a sad fact of life? I suppose. However, there is another viewpoint to consider. The author did the symbolic unscrambling. Their clear story made sense and readers were entertained. Everybody wins!

PS, my computer is still not feeling well. Typically, I write a blog and then noodle it for three weeks. I was unable to do that important scrub this time. In addition, I pass the document through Grammarly and Pro Writing Aid. This also did not occur. So, I apologize for presenting a blog that was a tad rough.