Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 33

I Must Keep Moving Forward

Well, I cried this week…

It wasn’t a big one; it was more of a sobbing fit. Unfortunately, it was enough for people to notice. I don’t like crying because I have it locked in my brain that “men don’t cry; men don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves because it makes them look weak.” But, today…today was the day that I couldn’t keep it all in anymore.

I lost the job with the photographer. He told me that it was nothing I did wrong, just needed some time for spiritual reflection. But, it still hurt because I put in so much work with so many stories and, now, they’re in limbo. I don’t blame him…I don’t like placing blame – never did. It never solves anything and it won’t change the past. Still hurts like hell but I guess that’s the life of a writer…just sucks, this feeling. And it didn’t stop there.

My other “potential” contract job has, yet, to reach out to me or answer my phone call which sucks because I know it would be an amazing collaboration. I don’t what I did wrong and I still can’t help but think it’s my fault. Now, I have so many stories and content with no one to share it with. Add to that the overwhelming stress of customers and the crippling mall hours and I just I broke down a for a minute. It just happened all of a sudden.

But, after the sob, I picked myself up and, now, I’m back to brainstorming how to acquire more clients. I have to remember that I can’t let myself have a pity party for too long. “We’re black, Justin,” my mom would always say, “You don’t get to stay sorry for yourself for too long. Take a moment to yourself and keep moving forward.”

Well, at least, I’m finally getting my Nintendo Switch this weekend…that’s something to smile about, right? Along with my health, life, friends, and family. “Always celebrate the small victories.”

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

It’s About Damn Time!!!

Finally…FINALLY…FINALLY!!! I’M FINALLY GETTING A NINTENDO SWITCH!!! In the words of Prishe, from Final Fantasy XI: “It’s about damn time!” My older brother is taking me to Delaware to avoid the tax (we’re cheap like that. Haha!) I know I’m a year, or so, late but there’s a semi-good reason for it…

See, I was trying to buy it when it came out but I forgot about my previous obligations to another cause. This caused a trickle-down effect that forced me to wait until this year popped up. I’m not kidding. I was traveling, working, writing, conversing with various contacts and people for numerous events and opportunities. Now, this year, I’m finally able to buy it and I’m seizing the opportunity.

Of course, I’m making sure that I acquire Super Smash Brother Ultimate via the bundle. Honestly, this was going to be my first game regardless of whenever the Switch would eventually be in my possession. Now…this weekend…it will be mine. ALL MINE (evil laugh!!!). But I’m not going to stop there. Oh, no…I’m just getting started.

I’m gunning for the following game:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Sonic Mania
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Fire Emblem Warriors
Super Mario Odyssey
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
Pokemon Quest
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Octopath Traveler
Mega Man X Legacy Collection
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2
Mega Man 11
Super Mario Party
The World Ends with You: Final Remix
Lego Harry Potter Collection
Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu

Along with that, I will be waiting for the following games:

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Tales of Vesperia
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Mortal Kombat 11
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Unsung Story (I’m a backer for it on Kickstarter)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Bayonetta 3

Can’t forget about the goodies to accessorize my beauty (yes…I’m really excited!!!):

Traveler Case
Screen Protector
GameCube Controller
A micro SD with a lot of storage (maybe a 1T)

Ooooh, I am going to have so much long-overdue fun. Haha!!

There Are So Many People To Congratulate!!

Another week has gone by as I work on various things on both work and career. Now, this week was a bit slow but still packed quite a punch. Well…a rather big punch. I would like to call it a hyper combo. There has been nothing but good news circulating around me and I’m so proud of two people. I have to shout it out for the whole world to hear!!!

For starters, my little cousin has finally opened his gym. It was one of his biggest dreams stemming from his career as a fighter. At least, with this stem of business, I won’t be excessively worried about him getting hurt, anymore. I mean…he’s a wonderfully talented fighter, specializing in Kickboxing, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do, and Muay Thai, but I can’t help it…he is my little cousin. Not only does he run group classes but, also, personal training. Take the time to check out his website and get a membership.

Also, Chris Riley, aka CapLucky, a photographer that I have covered from a previous post, We’re All In This Together Part 3, is liking the stories that I have created for him and ready to post to them on his Patreon page. He told me that he would tell me when it uploaded but I have a feeling I’m going to know when it posts since I follow him on his social media. This will be pretty big for me as it will be the first thing, outside of my novel, that will be published.

I decided to take a break from my buddy’s RPG project so I can focus completely on the novel series and it’s working out splendidly. Now, I’ve officially completed the backstory of my LGBT crime series (I think I’ve settled on a name, finally). Now, I’m going to be working on the backstory on the first installment of the series focusing on the gay bashing that plagues our community. The plan is to make every villain more deplorable than the last with the overall villain being the worst of the worst.

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

One Role Model Gain Wings But Left Behind A Lesson

“I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing.” 

– Stan Lee

I’ve been in a bit of emotional slump, lately. One of my idols, Stan Lee, gained his wings and left the world on November 12, 2018. And, as a comic nerd, I joined my brother in sobbing it out (yes, I cried). You may ask me why since I didn’t actually know the man but try to understand that everything the man did shaped the way I think and writer. Actually, if I’m being honest, his method of writing shaped one of my core rule when it comes down to the art form: themes.

One of the most wonderful events that shaped my newbie career as a writer was when I got to meet Stan Lee. Now, surprisingly, being an avid worker of conventions, I’m immune to becoming star-struck; it just doesn’t happen, anymore. But, when I saw Stan Lee, I was more in awe-struck glee that how a man in his 1990s with a pacemaker could still be full of energy and love. But, nothing prepared me for what he told me about my favorite comic team: the X-Men.

See, a group of us were doing security and time control for one of his panels. Because of this, we couldn’t ask him any questions and I had one burning in the back of my mind: “How did he come up with the X-Men?” I know…I know…a novice questions but, you have to understand something about me, I’m a gaymer nerd. My brother is the comic nerd of the family. Anyway, we got lucky and Stan Lee stayed a little while to talk to us so I quickly asked him my question. Without hesitation, he told me that the X-Men revolved around racism and prejudice (yeah, I know!).

Stan Lee further explained that he couldn’t understand why people are so hateful towards things that couldn’t be changed such as skin color, or ethnicity, and wanted to show that in the X-Men. I took a step back and realize that the comic was written in the 1960s, the peak of the civil right movement, so the parallels are pretty uncanny (I know what I did there) if you really pay attention. My favorite being “Professor X to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and “Magneto to Malcolm X” as well everything that the series has covered during it continuous run. This includes racism, antisemitism, diversity, LGBT themes, red scare, religion, subculture and genocide to name a few.

He further explains that all the heroes, storylines and backstories follow a theme that is near and dear to his heart. It makes sense because when you have a theme in mind for a series, it makes it that much easier to make the storylines and such more compelling and easier to write. THAT’S has become my number one when it comes down to writing any type of stories. As I’ve always said, whether it’s a comic, novels, short or scripts, if I don’t have a theme in mind…it won’t get written. And I can thank Stan Lee for that lesson.

Finally, I want to part with one of my favorite “Stan’s Soapbox”  quotes:

“Let’s lay it right on the line. Bigotry and racism are among the deadliest social ills plaguing the world today. But, unlike a team of costumed super-villains, they can’t be halted with a punch in the snoot, or a zap from a ray gun. The only way to destroy them is to expose them—to reveal them for the insidious evils they really are.”

Preach!!!

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. I pray that you are having a wonderful time with your friends and loved ones at the dinner table while disgusting fabulous foods. I know I will and it will also be a day where I’m going to be keeping my hands away from my pen and paper. That’s right. I’M TAKING A DAY OFF!!! Haha! It’s also because I’m forever thankful for my family and just being able to give thanks. Just remember that, okay? “I’m thankful for being able to give thanks.”

Common Lesson Commonly Overlooked

Have you ever met a person that thinks the world owed them something? I’m sure we all have but let’s take it a step further. I’m talking about that one person who thinks that everybody is supposed to march to their tempo and believe that they are the center of the world. Oh yeah, we all know somebody like that. See, this week has been the same as last week with one crucial difference: I watched a narcissistic prick get put in his place.

See, there’s a customer at my job that wanted to buy a phone. Easy enough. One problem: he came when the store was packed with customers and we (a colleague and I) were already assisting other customers from the start. We started to see the man brush past waiting customers to demanded that he be assisted next. My colleague asked if he was paying a bill (respectfully, mind you) and the man said no, he was looking for a phone. 

So, we told him that he needed to get to the end of the line as it wouldn’t be fair to the other customers who have been waiting. Now, of course, the others were already annoyed by the man’s behavior. And, it was about to get worse…

Suddenly, the man claimed that he shouldn’t have to wait in line with “these people” and, then, ordered us to help him or he was going to call corporate. My colleague looked at me with a smile and ask if I wanted to “take the lead on this” (our code for putting someone in their place, for a lack of better words). But I shook my head citing that I haven’t finished my coffee and followed up by saying, “He’s all yours.”

The whole store watched as my colleague eloquently, and swiftly, knocked the man off his pedestal. My colleague reminded the dumb bastard that, for all the money and ego that he may have, he’s still another bastard in a suit and will follow the rules of the store like anybody else. “It’s either that or get the hell out of the store.” Sooo, you imagine what happened, next? The man just up and left as the store applauded; I guess he was appalled. haha!

That’s one thing, I’ve always had to be reminded growing: never let your head get too big. Because God has a way of knocking you down a couple of pegs and, sometimes, it won’t be pretty. You have to humble or, at the very least, respectful of other people. Even I had to learn that the hard way and I’m a somewhat of a better person because of it. I mean…I still have my moments but I know when to take a step back and shut up from time to time. Ha!

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

A New Goal Is Ready To Be Reached

First I would like to apologize for my absence from the blog. I’ve been really busy with the three projects that I’ve been contracted to complete along with my short stories and the LGBTQ+ crime novel series. Since last week, I’ve been tremendously busy with reading, researching, writing and conducting meetings. But, because of this, the progress that has been made is something to marvel at, in my opinion. Check it out:

LGBTQ Crime Series – I’m thinking about calling it Queer Eye Investigation feel that the name is too long for a series name. But, I’ve completed the backstory, physical description, personality and such for all the main and major characters of the series. I’ve even written out the events leading up to the first book. I’m practically halfway through it all since the only things I have left to write are the character’s businesses and the love story in Rio, Brazil.

Short Stories – I have over sixty short stories ideas that I want to explore for next year. The idea is to create a steady flow of short stories that will give my director friends, and such, something to work with and I can finally get these ideas out of my head…PLUS!! My Dimension series isn’t going to last forever (at least, not the way I’m envisioning it) and I don’t want these stories to go to waste.

TPRG Project – My college mates and I have been working on their debut game. Again, I’ve been sworn to client confidentiality and I love reminding my mates that, as a writer, there’s one rule that I always go by: “If you’re going to give me guidelines, you better give me some restrictions.” Why? Because if you don’t, I will let my mind run wild and you’ll more than what you bargain for. For example, because of my lack of restrictions, I made a gigantic map with over 100 stories of lore before my lead look at me and simply said, “Too much.”

Haha! Yeah, that was funny. But, we managed to get back on the same page and, now, we’re just creating the bulletin quest. Not hard but necessary because it tends to hand and hand with the bestiary that I’m also tasked with. Right now, I have 600 quests to create and have already completed over 250 of them.

CapLucky Project – I’ve recently partnered up with a delightful cosplayer photographer, known as CapLucky, to create stories for his models. I promised that I wouldn’t tell too much of our plans until everything is plot and planned. This is something I’m really excited because I get to work on a genre that I need to understand and familiarize myself with. (click here to learn more about him)

Comic Book Project – Finally, I working a comic book series with one of my LGBT idols. I’m still waiting for him to give me his confirmation and execute a meetup but I’m confident he’ll say yes. I’ll be creating the comic series for Class Comic (click here if want to learn about the company and its work); it’s one of my milestone goals as a proud writer of the LGBTQ+ community.

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

Honesty and Morality

It’s interesting to see how far people are willing to go to make a buck and I’ve seen it put on full display this week at work. What happened, you may ask? Well, before I get into that, let me put something out in the open. Due to my upbringing, it has been made abundantly that I’m terrible at all forms of deception. So, my disdain for dishonesty and unethical practice is a combination of my upbringing and the fact that I can’t pull off such a “feat”.

Now, to the funny as hell story:

At work, I’m considered the “tech guy” meaning, of course, I’m the go-to guy for any Android software problems before I’m a salesman. Now, I say this because I was fixing a problem on a customer’s phone before hearing another customer argue with my colleague about some of the company’s “practice”. After completing my customer’s transaction (he had to get a new phone since it couldn’t be fixed), I had my colleague explain to me what happened. This is where things went downhill.

See, he explained to me that he was charging the customer for a content transferral. Arching my eyebrows, I remind him that this was part of the usual business transaction so it shouldn’t be charged. But, he tells me that he’s going to charge because he needs the money and didn’t see anything wrong with it. And, when I said that it’s dishonest and he will get caught, he seems to not care and made it abundantly clear that he wasn’t going to stop and tried to threaten me into silence. I just chuckled.

When he asked why I’m laughing, I said this: “Because I have a family of martial artists, enforcers of law and security, military personnel and a healthy of Puerto Ricans. Plus, I’ve dated nothing but Latinos. Do you honestly think you scare me? I should tell of you just for threatening me but I’ll let you cross the wrong customer and let them report you. Not going to stress myself out over your misdeed.”

Now, I’m considered a buzzkill among my peers because of my morality. Can’t help it, I was raised to put what I was taught into practice. I was taught to be honest, respectful, demonstrate a character of ethnic and morality because I’m not wired to be deceptive. And, because of that, I’m condemned for it.

So, I ask you: Is that okay? Because I’m not going to change.

Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

Forever Loving and Supportive

When I was younger, my mother and grandmother had this saying when raising me: “You’re black. So, what are you going to do with it?” Of course, it’s said to me in two completely different ways but the message was the same, nonetheless. Then, I came out as gay to my mother and just simply asked, “Okay, so you’re black and gay. What are you going to do with it?” It was her way of asking me what I was going to contribute to the community; what I was going to leave behind so further generations can pick up on. Writing was, eventually, my answer and my mom said, “Go for it.” Let me explain why…

I always had this belief that art, if done right, in its purest form, can bring out the rawest emotions of an individual. And, if you know what you’re doing, you can enlighten, teach and inspire generations with your work. THAT’S what I want to bring to my communities. I want my stories to provoke a train of emotions that force people to think about our current and past problems. Give people a reason to reevaluate your pain and hatred and, hopefully, guide them to a healthy mindset. Hence the term “Dimensional Author”. It’s also why I’m quick to correct people when they say I write books; I don’t write books, I write stories. Big different.

One big difference is that I’m very capable of writing more than just novels. As I move along my writing career, you will be seeing me write short series, TV scripts (that’s going to be fun), D & D campaign guides and video games with the intention of teaching a lesson. Duality is my favorite theme and usually my go-to. But it’s a pretty broad one so I have to couple it with a more focused one. Always remember this about me…if I don’t have a theme in mind, it won’t be written. Point blank…NO EXCEPTION!!!

Oh! Before I forget, I reached out to a photographer with a potential project that will further both of our brands in our respective fields and our LGBTQ+ community. He said, “Yes” and we going to run a little trial run before having it as a reoccurring event. I’ll explain more as the project develops as it’s developing pretty fast. This is making me really happy because, again, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone into a genre I’m still learning. Don’t worry…all will be explained in due time…hopefully, next week or so.

Finally, all other projects (crime series and video game) are going wonderfully well. The characters’ backstories are almost done and I have two installments are already planned out. It would have been three but I’m stuck with two wonderful villains to place for the third and fourth installment so there’s that. As for the game, my best mate learned a valuable lesson regarding writers: “Never give a writer guidelines without restrictions.” So, we spent a good spell downsizing the map before continuing with the writer’s portion. That was a really laughable moment.

Well, that’s all for this week. Please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.

Readying For A New Challenge

I got to understand what I can contribute to this world after being apart of the best NYCC to date. Despite the fact that the ATM and convention cafeteria was ungodly expensive, forcing me to travel some distance for decently priced food, I still had the best time of my life in The Big Apple. So, what made this NYCC the best for me? There are so many wonderful answers to such a basic question. And every single one of them leaves a great smile on my face.

First and foremost, I was in New York, again. While Philadelphia is my hometown glory, I do love exploring other towns and cities to gain perspective and insight of the “bigger picture of life”. And, because of that, I ended up traveling to so many places in the United States and New York and San Francisco are my two favorite cities. New York because of its vibrant history and San Francisco, or California, in general, is the LGBT HQ of the country. Any chance I can get to visit The Big Apple, I am immediately on board. But, the big adventure was inside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

See, this year was the first year that I wasn’t working in Panels as I elected to try something new: Anime Fest. Now, this was a big step for me because I’m not really knowledgeable about anime as I’m more of a gaymer and science fiction/fantasy fanatic. I did this because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone to see what else I can uncover. And, lo and behold, I came to a wonderful discovery that I’m quite fond of anime and will be trying to get more involved in the anime community which my best mate, Markus, was happy to assist in. He even gave me a small list of anime to start off with and I can handle the rest.

And, though I made it very clear to myself that I wasn’t going to bring my work to the con – just good old fashion fun away from work. But, when people learn that you’re a writer, opportunities for collaborations and projects seem to open their pathways to you. It’s funny, me being a writer seems to just flow into a conversation and it feels quite lovely. Made me realize that I finally found my place in the world. According to my mom, I finally “figure out what I wanted to contribute to my communities.” Writing…is what I want to offer my communities; stories that bend the minds are what I will focus on.

Oh! I finally got to have a meet and greet with Paul Charles aka “The Gay Comic Geek” at one of the many gay bars in NYC. And, this time, I got to actually have a full-fledged conversation with him and – get this – I got to pitch a Class Comic idea to him, which he was completely onboard for. Paul did tell me that he had to run it by his team, first, which I get, being a businessman and whatnot. Nonetheless, that was my biggest highlight of the entire con; slinging back pints with a potential new friend (I make them really quickly).

But, the con is over now and I’m back to reality with a wicked case of post-con depression…brilliant. *sigh* Well, off I go to work and all that. Haha! But, seriously, I’m fine. Nothing that a lot of writing can’t fix. If I get his (Paul) approval to proceed with the comic series, then I’m really going to be golden.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2018.