Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 38

A New Skill Requires Guidance

Screenwriting for Dummies by Laura Schellhardt & John Logan

For the time being, I’ll go back to Chad Lane and his Frat Gay For You series for a bit because a project required me to acquire a new skill: Screenwriting. And since I have learned from the ground up, I was going to need a crash course of this valuable skill to further my career as a writer/author. With that in mind, what better book to start off then one of the For Dummies series.

I’ve always been a fan of the For Dummies series. They know how to – well – break down a subject into logical steps and sections while dumbing it down to the most novice of individuals. That’s something I’ve always liked about this series. They just assume that you know nothing and teach you the core essentials and then some.

After finishing my read, my copy of this book is now littered with highlights and side notes. To make it even better, I managed to remember ALMOST everything after the first read. Luckily, reference books are meant to be bought, stored and revisited every now and again. This is precisely why I ALWAYS buy reference books in paperback form; it’s meant to be a willing textbook for career-minded individuals.

I’m always going to gravitate towards the For Dummies series because I can always count on them to educate me. Not only that, they make sure I remember and apply it to practice. A key example? Now…I always carry a small journal with me and it’s about ten pages full of notes and ideas. Pure genius.

Confidence is what I’ve had in writing a story. Now, I can add screenwriting to that list as well and it’s thanks to Screenwriting for Dummies. I cannot stress how helpful this series is towards learning, or improving, a new skill. I’ve even made a list of books I’m going to buy from the series.

Grade: A

If you want to purchase the book, you can do so at this link: https://goo.gl/UuYodk

And, if you want to view the author’s page(s), they are listed as followed:

https://www.playscripts.com/playwrights/bios/1161

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19586.John_Logan

What Do You Do With A Problem…

Grammar for Dummies: 1,001 Practice Problems by Geraldine Woods

Do you want to know the irony of being a writer? Terrible grammar. That’s right. We have terrible grammar. And when it comes down to me, I have abysmal grammar. I move so fast that I tend to forget my English lessons from grade school. But, that’s okay because that’s what editors are for, right? Right…but not really. What happens when what you are writing for can’t get to an editor in time? That’s why I got this book.

Grammar for Dummies: 1,001 Practice Problems functions as a workbook that helps improves the grammatical knowledge of the individual. Not only does it give out exercises for each topic but it also reminds the reader of grammatical traps to avoid. Of course, it gives the answers at the end but that’s not important.

I got this book because a friend who I’m working on a gaming project with acknowledging my superb storytelling and writing talents. But he respectfully pointed out that my grammar needs some serious work and I will not always have an editor to save me. Those words I took to heart and began work on the problems in that book.

Just one note to make. The book isn’t going to as useful as you may like it to be without English Grammar for Dummies or some sort of grammar book. That way you will have, yet, another reference point to…well…refer to.

All and all, this book is godsent for writers.

Grade: B

If you want to purchase the book, you can do so at this link: https://goo.gl/8yyLer

And, if you want to view the author’s page(s), they are listed as followed:

https://www.amazon.com/Geraldine-Woods/e/B001H6KH4K

Duality of Work & Career

I’m working on my four projects for three different people – myself included. And, now, I have a big boy job (suit & tie) to add to my workload so balance is starting to play a big role in my week and hereafter.

Let me start off by saying, I started my first week at Targeted Focus Inc. and I’m loving every bit of it. The boss is funny as hell; I mean I already met him in the interview process. He likes the fact that I don’t see title among people. I can joke and talk to EVERYBODY equally without offending anybody so that’s a plus among my colleagues. Plus, I look pretty damn good in a suit.

That was the biggest adjustment for me: wearing a suit and tie. Up until this point, if I could avoid it, I will opt out of wearing a suit and tie due to the annoyance of making a complete suit fix me. But, that’s not the case this go around. I have NO CHOICE but to wear a suit in the office; on the field, I don’t have to worry about that.

Now, after a month of being away from my rough draft, I also have to put into my schedule to do the first round of revision of Dimensions: Heroism & Villainy (still playing with words). Oddly, this is my favorite part of the writing process because it let me see what I did and make it better.

In addition to that, I can return to the backstory & background of my LGBT+ series. Yes! I’m STILL working on the foundation of my LGBT+ series; Crime and Romance are new to me and I want this to be really good. Right now, I got the first three books outline in pieces. Mostly, villains – both overall and individually – and progression in romances.

But, now, it’s time for me to start my day with FINALLY writing my SIX reviews (3 games and 3 books). 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.

My Birthday Wish…Personal Growth

You will be surprised how much one can grow when you are willing to acknowledge the fact that you have a REALLY troubling flaw that needs to be rectified. That what this week was about for me…that and my birthday.

Yeah, my birthday was this week and I got exactly what I wanted: a day of rest & relaxation. Just me with my games and my computer in heavenly bliss as I pamper myself with no one’s problems or dilemmas. I mean…I got a call from my mother and my brother but all and all, I had a great birthday for myself. Never been one for going out and celebrating; I’m more of a homebody.

I also got through two books at Barnes & Nobles. One of them was a psychology book, written by Travis Langley, revolving around the Game of Thrones series. I love the man’s series because it’s relatable and you get to see it from all sides of the show. I highly recommend this as well as the other books of the series. It’s soooo good. (Read my review later this week to see the list).

Going into the last three days of my job in Turkey Hill, everybody is happy and upset about me leaving. Happy because I got the job I actually wanted and will remain there are a part-timer but sad because, in their words, “One of the good ones are leaving.” It’s heartbreaking but, as my General Manager always points out: Turkey Hill isn’t my rightful place, it’s only there to help people transition.

OH! About the second book, I also bought a book that will help me with my MAJOR grammar problems: Grammar: 1,001 Practice Questions for Dummies. See, here’s the thing, writers/authors are notoriously terrible at grammar and it’s so common, now, that it’s becoming a cliché. That’s why editors are NEVER going to be out of a job.

However, it’s a different story when editors are the people who need to read your work, first, i.e. a group of game designers that you’re writing a story for. Yeah! That was embarrassing…so, I did what any grown-up would do. I embraced the problem and formulate a plan to fix it; I bought a book – one of many – to help me get a grip on my grammar problems. Pretty fun, too.

Now, it’s time for me to start my day with some more grammar tutorials. 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.

P.S. Be on the lookout for three book reviews and two game reviews. I didn’t forget…just been really busy. I did warn you that those two sections wouldn’t be consistent.

The Good, The Great, The Splendid!

This is a week has followed the theme of two words: Looking up. Everything is starting to look up for me and it all started with one call on Monday morning…

After four days of three interviews, I got a job that will finance my writing career. Today, I will be starting my job at Targeted Focus Inc., a marketing and branding firm. Truthfully, this is right up my alley since I’ve done branding and promoting of the Oculus Rift upon release. Plus, this will allow me to have an additional network to work with when I release my book or series.

To add to the good news, I recently found my writer’s heaven in the form of Office Max. I mean I knew the store existed, but I never actually knew the purpose of that store until now. And, now, I have a one-stop shopping place for all – and I do mean ALL – my writing needs. I’m definitely going to visit that store more frequently after I get my apartment.

Finally, I’m getting myself prepared for the biggest and nerdiest event that I have the privilege of being apart of. Three Words. Marvel’s Infinity War. I have been waiting for this movie ever since my brother made it clear to me that what it was leading it. You know…all the stones and such. Good thing, too, because that just makes me that much more excited on what the MCU has to offer next storyline wise.

Now, it’s time for me to start my day. 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.

Brotherly Love, Support & Advice

“God has two speeds when handing out blessings: good now and better later.” My brother had to remind me of that quote from our pastor would always say to the most impatient of his flock. Another one of my little brother’s favorite quotes is “Celebrate the small victories.” So, why am I telling you about my little brother’s favorite quotes? Because it’s part of what I had to remember for this week.

For starters, I had to deal with the fact that I didn’t get the job at TQL. This actually hurt a little bit because I’m not using to not acing an interview. But, when I told my brother, he gave me our pastor’s line (one of his favorite quotes): “God has two speeds when handing out blessings: good now and better later.” Just means that God has something better for me down the road.

If I’m being honest, I was probably knocked off my groove since I went to the interview upset at my altercation with my assistant manager while OFF DUTY. I ended up turning my silver tongue into acid to tell her that her powers have an assistant manager is the same as the power of a vice president: Non-existent. This led to the manager getting involved and my head not being in the game. Honestly, I should have just ignored her.

Nonetheless, my brother, again, reminded me that everything that happens to me, both good and bad, is on the path of something better…more beautiful. That’s why he’s my support system; he’s always looking out for me. The projects that he convinced me to take part and the mindset that he assists in helping me maintain is mostly all of his doing.

Now, it’s time for me to start my day. 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.

Working With my Favorite Defender

Two words…Jessica Jones.

While I’m adding my contribution (my story) to my friend’s folder to share with the other team members, I’m going to binge-watching the season 2 of my favorite Defender of the MCU: Jessica Jones. I also get to hope for an actual happy ending for Ms. Jones, too; God knows she needs it. But that’s just the start of the good news for this week.

I passed the second part of my interview at TQL. It’s a job that will better fund my living, personal, and professional expenses. The funny part of the whole thing? I had to take four tests. One of them being a state test where I had to identify all fifty states according to their abbreviation. I haven’t had to do that since the fifth grade and I couldn’t help but laugh.

After passing all of my tests with flying colors (I’m not kidding, I got high 90s on all four test), I got invited to my final interview where I pray I get the job. In the meantime, I still got some work to do with my LGBT series.

Right now, as I play the balancing act with my two buddies’ projects, I have to get the chapter format down pack before I start writing it. Along with that, I have to set aside money to make sure that my best mate, David, is paid for a modeling gig that I contracted him for. I’m excited to get back to this book series. It’s going to be such fun.

Now, it’s time for me to start my day. 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.

All Angles Points To The Goal

As I’m always reminded, writing, in any form, has always been a passion of mine and I have to learn how to adapt and appreciate the fact that God has gifted me the ability to tackle my art form in various angles.

And, it’s because of this gift that it has been the busiest week for me since. Got done with the writing for my friend’s indie production company. Later that week, I got done with the completion of the rough draft for Dimensions: Heroes and Villains. Now, I just need to finish up the main story flow for another friend’s project (a game) and I hope to get this done before the end of Friday.

No, I’m not going to talk about the game because, like I told him (college mate), I’ve been burned too many times. But, still, he managed to convince me to take part in this project and asked me to write a touching story that will tug at the heartstrings. This story is completely opposite of anything that I’ve written and I’m quite proud of it.

Finally, I’m finally getting a good groove going with my writing career after chatting with producer friend about using my Instagram as a business account. Well, funny enough, Instagram beat me to the punch and help me set up my business account, so I have to get the hang of using instastories and such. But, nonetheless, I think I’m going to enjoy this a lot; I mean…everyone else is.

Now, it’s time for me to start my day by continuing to read Screenwriting for Dummies. 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 Videogame Full of Cuteness

Name: The Lego Movie Videogame

Platform: Varies (Played it on the PlayStation TV)

Style: Action/Adventure

Publisher(s): Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Developer(s): TT Fusion

Release Date: February 7, 2014

Date of Completion: February 18, 2018

The Lego franchise has always been adorable and quirky in appearance. It can take a serious series like Harry Potter and make it so cute and special. And this game has got to be the cutest of them all…at least, from what I’ve played so far.

Normally, when I buy a Lego game it’s for my little cousins. This time around, I decided to buy the game for myself to see why my cousin loves it so much. This makes The Lego Movie Videogame the first Lego video game I’ve ever played of the franchise and, I have to say, I’m impressed.

Based on the movie of the same name, The Lego Movie Videogame follows the movie’s storyline to the letter and goes a great job of transition the story from film to game. I mean, seriously, the game plays out JUST like the movie but with the player acting out the fight scene. It’s really cute and action-packed but geared towards kids which probably explained why I wasn’t too invested in this game.

Don’t get me wrong, the game was great. You got to swap out among various characters from the movie along with a few others, each with their own ability that will allow you to revisit completed levels and thus increasing its replay value. Something like that gets points with me. So, what was wrong with the game?

Nothing…outside of personal taste. The game doesn’t hold my heart; there’s nothing memorable about it. It’s cute but cute for kids, not cute for me.

Even still, I will give it a 9 out of 10 because it was still a great game with a hilarious ensemble cast of characters with easy to comprehend gameplay.

Stretching My Heart To Wankanda

This week is going to be an “alley-oop” for the following weeks to come. Again, I can’t get into the full details of it, but I can say that I’ll be working with some friends on two projects. But I’m not going to get too much into it but I have do have some faith in these endeavors. Now, on to new news.

First things first, if you haven’t seen Marvel’s Black Panther. I strongly suggest that you go to your nearest AMC and enjoy the best Marvel movie to date. Everything about it was fantastic. The cast. The plot. The theme. Seriously, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it. This has one of the best villains of the MCU.

However, in all fairness, I was working off of backup energy from being up for 24 hours so that’s why I’m going to see it, again. Plus, I have to get to Barnes & Noble to pick up a book, Screenwriting for Dummies, so I can be a better scriptwriter. Actually, this works out perfectly since I want to get some knowledge on the subject…maybe I’ll go to https://www.masterclass.com/ for more training and such.

This is really good for me since I had to deal with a reoccurring customer that has a disgusting knack for harassing me and my mates about trivial things. So, I reached my breaking point with him and “threaten” to find a way to sue him for harassment and sprinkle a bit of homophobe. I mean…of course, I was bluffing but it worked. Haven’t heard a peep out of him, now. Unfortunately, I did get the “fatherly” scorning look from my boss in the process but it was so worth it. Haha!

Now, it’s time for me to start my day by going to see Marvel’s Black Panther…again. 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.