Asrai Devin's Blog, page 13

Of Dr. Horrible and 8-bit simulations

Awesomeness. I really have nothing else to add, becuase I'm sure my life is complete. Except I still cannot type the word BECUASE. *sigh* One more hurdle and then onto world domination.

Tagged: Asrai Devin, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Games, Joss Whedon, life completeness, Nathan Fillion, Neil Patrick Harris, Sequel, world domination

Fairytale Romance Not all it's cracked up to be?

I wrote before about how I love to write romance.

But I am coming upon an issue with the fairytale aspect of it.

By fairytale I mean, "if you love someone then you are meant to be together forever and all other problems are moot."

I'm struggling with writing, because this has oft been the essence of many a romance novel. We're in love, so you and I will be together forever.

Never mind the hero and heroine only met sometimes days before. It doesnt' take long to fall in love with someone. But falling in love doesn't mean you should jump into anything. I bought into this myth too many times and made some mistakes, and managed to catch myself before making them.

The last time I did it I wound up with my current partner and he was the best one I'd seen so I elected to stop spinning the wheel of fortune and keep him. It's been my best decision to date.

My life aside, I think it's the wrong message to send to women, one that has gone on far too long. That's reality however.

Fantasy is another issue. As a writer, it's easier to just go with the fairytale. It's another layer of complication that sometimes my story could do without. I also love the fantasy that one person can fix all the problems in my life.

But going with it, isn't true to my thoughts on the subject. It also adds a layer of complication that might just make my story a bit better. And I can dream about inspiring someone, somewhere to think about her choices just a little harder before she jumps. (Isn't influencing someone what we writer's really LONG to do?).

So, as a reader or writer, how to do you feel about the fairytale aspect of romances?

Am I being too realistic (read that is fun killer) with the fantasy and the dream? Should fairytales stick around as escapstist fiction?

Or do you prefer fiction that ins grounded in realism?

#Row80 Round 2, goals

1) Write 750 words 5 days a week. (I want to say six but I think five is a big enough challenge). Go big or go home. I am nearly done this blasted story I'm working on and I have some more pinching at my brain. OR fingers. And as soon as I get paid … I am hiring an editor, but I couldn't pass up the chance for Holly Lisle's How to Think Sideways course, so the editor had to go on the back burner … so hopefully some of this time will be editing, but doubtful for April, probably in May.

2) blogging at least twice a week, not including Row updates and my interspiration link mashups for Saturdays. I was trying to post more, but it was making me crazy. Twice a week seems to be working.

3) go for a walk once a week and go to the park with child(ren??) once a week.

4) get the yard cleaned up. nuff said, the paining done.

5) Connect with others by using the @USERNAME when I tweet links to people's blogs.

Lucky 7 Meme

I was tagged by Shannyn Schroeder in the Lucky 7 Meme.

Open your WIP (current work in progress) and

1. Go to page 77

2. Go to line 7 on that page

3. Copy the next 7 lines, sentences, or paragraphs as they are written.

4. Tag 7 new authors.

This took me a while, because I write in plain text in a little program called Q10, which blocks out the entire screen.

When I participate in memes I always delete the part where it requires you to send it on to 7 other people. yes, I am a chain mail breaker. I think it was getting burned too many times by the panty chain mail letters back as a teenager.

He smiled compassionately. "You're smart, you'll figure it out. And if you don't, you'd be surprised what people will overlook when you are royalty."

"I would only be royal by marriage. And I won't be a popular one if I forget your lords' names."

"You'll do just fine. If need be we'll hire someone to help you out. Don't worry so much." He kissed her forehead.

"So do you get training for that?"

"For what?"

"Your charm. Your way with words."

He shrugged. "I had no idea I was that charming."

Tagged: Asrai Devin, internet meme, Manuscript, meme, memes, Plain text, WIP

Interspiration #3312012

Expectations low, visions high. http://bit.ly/GSCwEy

Advice for first time authors about writing a series. From @PrudenceMacLeod t.co/c8PC9QZp

Tips for watching TV in bed without disturbing your partner. http://bit.ly/H71z7e

Another look at pinterest's TOS. Or "What should you pin?" http://on.mash.to/GHfbY7

How to set up your own ebook store from @DavidGaughran http://bit.ly/GXy9HB Answers some of my questions. I still have some RE: Canada.

Wolverine vs Drover. Which Jackman do you prefer? http://bit.ly/GRmRYa

When dad gets to swoop in and save the day. http://bit.ly/GTwB3u I love when that happens.

Warnings signs you've pushed too hard. http://bit.ly/GVbhcb

Which Hemsworth brother is hotter? http://bit.ly/GPP5y2 I vote Chris.

Still stuck on your about page? Here's 5 cheats. bit.ly/GPPAIy I think I'll go for 1 and 2.:) New bio coming soon.

#Row80 Round 2 is open for you to declare your intentions to join us. Goal setting is always better with community. http://bit.ly/GVsiiB

There are two groups looking for happiness, those who believe there is an equation for it and those who make their own. http://bit.ly/GVsBd2

Everyone around poor Pat is an overacheiver. She's inviting you to brag as well. http://bit.ly/GVt3rZ Go ahead brag just a little.

Love this daily truth bomb: Approach everything as a creative opportunity. http://bit.ly/GVta6R

Weekend guests? Sleeping on an airmatress? Some tips to make it a little more comfortable. http://bit.ly/GU4wsw

Save money and time with a default grocery list. http://bit.ly/GU4IrK

Cookies and creamcheese cupcakes. http://bit.ly/GU4ReA Okay I thought I wanted these but I don't like creamcheese in dessert. I need SWEET.

Despite changes Pinterest still violates DMCA. http://bit.ly/GU5kgS

STOP THE MADNESS. No more author vs pub, indie vs trad. Via @bob_mayer http://bit.ly/HbtiAl

Quitting money? Could you quit it? http://bit.ly/GWbWvB I like the romantic version of it. reality is, I like my crap.

But it really isn't my fault!! From @_SamanthaWarren  http://bit.ly/GWcJg5 I've used that a time or two myself, trying to quit the habit.

Loved this post!! RT @CJohnsonWriter: Creating the Perfect Time Management Soufflé http://t.co/0lsxvBtj via @KristenLambTX

the art of getting creatively unstuck. http://bit.ly/H4JpAN from @justinemusk

Possibilities

I can't make this start at 2:03 and then watch until about 2:23, the whole thing is pretty brilliant but those 20 seconds made me think of possibilities …

Other things Edward might listen to:

Maybe Edward likes certain kinds of underwear?

[image error]

The Cullens do have a lot of time on their hands.

this one seemed a little more fitting for James.

Honourable mentions: Dora the Explorer soundtrack, Big Girls don't Cry by Fergie, Shake your Groove Thing, Say A Little Prayer for You, Unpretty and Help! by the Beatles (though my daughter thought it would be a better song for Bella).

My daughter and I spent a lot of time on Youtube laughing about which songs Edward would secretly listen to. The facial expressions make it so much better.

Any songs to add for Edward's alternative listening choices?

Tagged: Beatles, Bella, Bella Swan, Edward, Edward Cullen, Fergie, parody, Twilight, Twilight parody, Unpretty, youtube

Money, money, money

If you've ever seen Gail Vaz-Oxlade's show, "Til Debt do Us Part" you'll hear the opening soundtrack. If you haven't, try to find it.

I'm reading Moolala by Bruce Sellery, which I thought was going to be your usual how-to for money. Spend less, make more, save, save, save. It has the tag line "why smart people do dumb things with their money (and what you can do about it)".

Image via Wikipedia

It's not about spending less, making more or saving. Well it is about all those things too. Just on a deeper level. You could call it psychological or spiritual, whatever you want to name it.

We all have ideas about what money is for, what it does for us. Most of our ideas come from our childhood experiences.

For me, money was a point of contention. My dad made good money, but he spent it on things my mom didn't agree with, and she always felt we didn't have enough. (which may have stemmed from her childhood experience of growing up the seventh of 10 children on a farm). I guess I grew up with the idea that I needed to save, I needed to stash money away for LATER. My money context is money is for later. I'm good at putting things off, buying things. Like when we were given a large gift of money, my husband bought a television (we didn't need) and I was to buy a video camera. We picked one out and it was out of stock, and we've never gone back to get it. My husband says that's happening soon.

So then, in this book, which I've only gotten a chapter into, it asks you to rewrite the context of money, because guess what? you get to tell your money what you want it to do. Money doesn't control us, we control it. Or at least we should, because money isn't sentient, yet.

I'm trying to figure out what I want my money to do after the whole survival thing is over. So I"m trying it out.

Money is for freedom. Freedom to do what I want, freedom to create and enjoy life.

Money is for security. I need a certain amount of money stashed away for security. This isn't bad, it is what I need.

Money is abundant. Part of my money is for the future, is a scarcity mentality. I'm going to add this one as a reminder on my debit card, so I'm not worried about spending. There is more and more and more. And I can have all I want.

What is your purpose for money?

Tagged: Asrai Devin, Bruce Sellery, Debit card, Gail Vaz-Oxlade, Home, money, Moolala, Personal Finance

Interspiration #3242012

6 positive strategies for dealing with whining. http://bit.ly/GDpr01

Guess what this pendant light is made from? http://bit.ly/GDoAMS

RT @JayrodPG: A blog on the many faces of manipulation today. Is peer pressure good or bad? http://bit.ly/GDo5SU

For love of men in uniform. http://bit.ly/GDqeOt I agree clothes do help make the man. At least when it comes to looks.

Best tip for any kitchen. http://bit.ly/GDqFYY (I am very very bad at following this one)

Introducing the new Behance Network. A user's guide. http://bit.ly/GDqUDC

Real men wear tights. http://bit.ly/GBv2Eo Like Cary Elwes http://imdb.to/1pPPBt

All the things you did right. http://bit.ly/GFbkVc

What does the song "Imagine" mean to you? http://bit.ly/GFCIHE

 

One last #row80 check in

The last week or ten days has felt like a year. From finding out about my cousin's passing to the funeral to snow storms and my husband going to help my mother and husband pack their house, so much has occurred. I also skidded into a snow bank with the truck. Note to self: it does not have anti-lock breaks.

So Row80 Round one Look back:

Writing: I had the goal to finish edits on two books, have some betas done and look at hiring an editor. I finished the edits and did betas for book one. I also had some editors look at it for sample edits. The news was bad news. The book wasn't up to par.

I was FRUSTRATED. One very sweet editor worried she'd hurt my feelings with her comments. Bless her heart. I'm not hurt, I'd rather hear the truth, but the book is broken. It's not the book I wanted to write. I don't hate the book but i dont' like it either.

I have written this book 4!!! Times. Four times. I have to drop the characters, move on with life. No more rewriting, no more writing, no more, no more. I do have to re-examine the last Up In Flames book and look at my sample edits and get this book out. I love this book. I cried tears for it.

Those who followed me this round, know that after I finished editing I was trying to plot. And I discovered that I cannot plot. I just don't think like that.  Reading "Save the Cat" is on my to do list, it's supposed to teach you how to plot. But i find that my way is equally valid. I call it reverse plotting, I summarize the scenes when everything is written, I stick them in a plot form, I move things around so they make sense, I fill in any missing holes in the plot and then I move on to edits.

I think going outside a few times a week was one of my goals. I failed miserably. i don't do outside in winter if i can help it. I'd rather play video games. bad mom.

Exercising: yeah, so fell off the wagon on this again. As soon as it's warm out, I'm going to go walking a few times a week and head to the park once a week during karate. And who knows what else? My SIL is trying to get me to join the gym with her. It's on her end of the city (small city but I have to drag sunshine boy all the way across town). I  have no desire to go to the gym with her.

Meal plan: mostly.

read one book, watch one movie. Been reading some, I have three books on the go. Not so much with watching movies. I'll keep trying.

So I didn't do all that well on my Row Goals, but  I did figure some things out about myself. And I have some new goals in mind for myself for next round. Looking forward to it.

Perception

The difference between:

This is all I get for the rest of my life?

      And

I get all this for the rest of my life!

Tagged: Asrai Deivn, Health, Law of Attraction, Perception, perspective, philosophy, positive outlook, positive thinking, Reality