Tate Hallaway's Blog, page 19
June 19, 2014
The Dragon of Awkward
I feel somewhat bad for the nameless Loft photographer who attempted to come into my classroom today to take pictures. When the door opened, I looked at him and my lectured screeched to a halt. I stared at him for what felt like a long time (though it was probably only a matter of seconds), trying to figure out what was happening and who would just barge into to a class in-progress--and then I saw the high-powered camera he had in his hands and everything clicked into place.
Being who I am, I pretty much narrated my entire thought process, "Oh, and who are you... a photographer? Are you here to take pictures of the class?"
Even as I was talking, another part of my brain was thinking, "No, just no. Not these kids."
I should stop for a moment and explain. Last year when I taught a class of the same name, I had a rowdy room full of self-confident, smart-a$$, BRILLIANT kids. Seeing a camera, they would have jumped up to pose dramatically or come up with an on-the-spot reenactment of a battle of wits involving pens and origami hats or something even sillier and outlandish. I never had to worry when I asked, "Who would like to share?" that I was going to get crickets. They were those geeks--the ones not unlike myself, really rather relish the theatre of it all and who would, if provoked, recite all of Monty Python's skits while on the city bus.
This year, I have a slightly smaller group of utterly BRILLIANT, deeply shy, perfectly NERDY kids. I had a couple of students desperate to share their work but so unable to read in front of a group that they had me read their entries for them. Only now, four days in, have they, with my coaxing, very, very, vvvveeerryyyy slowly begun to trust me and each other enough to flail around and squee a bit when things are going well in class. (Today, in fact, one of them was bold enough to say to *me*, "Hey, now, settle down!" because I was waxing nerd-ly about science and bouncing on the balls of my feet.) But my geeky side has proven that I am one of them, but I suspect they see me as a squirrelly, eccentric auntie who is just a little too loud in public.
So, when this photographer came in my mama-bear side came roaring out. I looked at him in the middle of my stream of consciousness chatter and said, "Oh, no, that's going to be awkward."
He looked at me.
He looked at my class (half of whom were giving him the stare of doom, the other half of whom were trying to find something to hide behind). He put his camera down. Very slowly as if hoping not to anger us, he backed out of the room and said, "Yeah, a little too awkward."
It was like we'd defeated a dragon together.
Being who I am, I pretty much narrated my entire thought process, "Oh, and who are you... a photographer? Are you here to take pictures of the class?"
Even as I was talking, another part of my brain was thinking, "No, just no. Not these kids."
I should stop for a moment and explain. Last year when I taught a class of the same name, I had a rowdy room full of self-confident, smart-a$$, BRILLIANT kids. Seeing a camera, they would have jumped up to pose dramatically or come up with an on-the-spot reenactment of a battle of wits involving pens and origami hats or something even sillier and outlandish. I never had to worry when I asked, "Who would like to share?" that I was going to get crickets. They were those geeks--the ones not unlike myself, really rather relish the theatre of it all and who would, if provoked, recite all of Monty Python's skits while on the city bus.
This year, I have a slightly smaller group of utterly BRILLIANT, deeply shy, perfectly NERDY kids. I had a couple of students desperate to share their work but so unable to read in front of a group that they had me read their entries for them. Only now, four days in, have they, with my coaxing, very, very, vvvveeerryyyy slowly begun to trust me and each other enough to flail around and squee a bit when things are going well in class. (Today, in fact, one of them was bold enough to say to *me*, "Hey, now, settle down!" because I was waxing nerd-ly about science and bouncing on the balls of my feet.) But my geeky side has proven that I am one of them, but I suspect they see me as a squirrelly, eccentric auntie who is just a little too loud in public.
So, when this photographer came in my mama-bear side came roaring out. I looked at him in the middle of my stream of consciousness chatter and said, "Oh, no, that's going to be awkward."
He looked at me.
He looked at my class (half of whom were giving him the stare of doom, the other half of whom were trying to find something to hide behind). He put his camera down. Very slowly as if hoping not to anger us, he backed out of the room and said, "Yeah, a little too awkward."
It was like we'd defeated a dragon together.
June 18, 2014
Double-Feature MangaKast
Because I'm sure you've all been waiting on the edges of your seats for our return to MangaKast. Well, the wait is over, my friends. Here it is:
http://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/lucky-thirteen/
http://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/lucky-thirteen/
June 17, 2014
New Update
Just a quickie post to let you know that there is a new bit of UNJUST CAUSE up on Wattpad. Check it out: http://www.wattpad.com/55131739-unjust-cause-part-12-the-innocence-of-dragons
June 16, 2014
Well, that was... flail.
Today was the first day of my "More than Just the Zombie Apocalypse" week-long class at the Loft as part of their Summer Youth Writing Program. It was... yeah, it could have gone better.
Several factors were working against me, however. First of all, I could *not* find a copy of my syllabus anywhere. It took me forever to remember that I had a copy stored on Google Drive. I got that transferred to a usb drive and then had to make a dash to Kinko's/FedEx in order to print it out and make enough copies. The only thing working in my favor was that I guesstimated that I'd have 10 students and I was exactly right. (Last head count was seven and I always plan for a few extra.)
So, I already started out a bit frazzled and feeling like I was running behind. The frustration was added to by the fact that there was a woman at Kinko's who insisted she was still on the copy machine when all she was doing was collating her things on the table nearby. Finally, she gave into my frantic hovering and muttering about how I had class in less than a half hour and NO SYLLABUS if I couldn't get to the copy machine.
My copies done, I busted out and hit the highway only to discover... no parking spaces. I ended up parking in a very weird "services" parking lot for an apartment building and, as I left, I thought, "No, this isn't right. I'm going to get towed." So, when I found the Loft education coordinator I asked her about it and she graciously allowed me to park in the Loft Staff spot, but that meant I had to rush back out, move my car, and get to my third floor class all within about ten minutes.
So, I came to class feeling flustered and out of sorts, and then... it occurred to me:
I'D FORGOTTEN TO EAT.
Not, just "oh, crap, no time for lunch," but a full-blown, "oh, sh*t, I forgot breakfast as well as lunch." So I was literally running on empty the entire class. It's probably a miracle that I didn't faint dead away an hour into my hour and a half class. But, that's extroversion for you. I got the energy I needed from being in front of people and being expected to perform.
And there was a lot of dancing monkey and flailing, let me tell you.
A lot of flail.
All I can hope is that the students will be forgiving and all show up tomorrow. I tell myself they've paid and probably have nowhere else better to be. Also, the first class is usually just introduction at any rate, and I did manage that (though they must be all thinking instructor = moron.) I also introduced the ideas of the wiggly definitions of science fiction and fantasy and how we'd probably end up covering both since: wiggly-wobbily define-y whine-y thing.
Oy.
Several factors were working against me, however. First of all, I could *not* find a copy of my syllabus anywhere. It took me forever to remember that I had a copy stored on Google Drive. I got that transferred to a usb drive and then had to make a dash to Kinko's/FedEx in order to print it out and make enough copies. The only thing working in my favor was that I guesstimated that I'd have 10 students and I was exactly right. (Last head count was seven and I always plan for a few extra.)
So, I already started out a bit frazzled and feeling like I was running behind. The frustration was added to by the fact that there was a woman at Kinko's who insisted she was still on the copy machine when all she was doing was collating her things on the table nearby. Finally, she gave into my frantic hovering and muttering about how I had class in less than a half hour and NO SYLLABUS if I couldn't get to the copy machine.
My copies done, I busted out and hit the highway only to discover... no parking spaces. I ended up parking in a very weird "services" parking lot for an apartment building and, as I left, I thought, "No, this isn't right. I'm going to get towed." So, when I found the Loft education coordinator I asked her about it and she graciously allowed me to park in the Loft Staff spot, but that meant I had to rush back out, move my car, and get to my third floor class all within about ten minutes.
So, I came to class feeling flustered and out of sorts, and then... it occurred to me:
I'D FORGOTTEN TO EAT.
Not, just "oh, crap, no time for lunch," but a full-blown, "oh, sh*t, I forgot breakfast as well as lunch." So I was literally running on empty the entire class. It's probably a miracle that I didn't faint dead away an hour into my hour and a half class. But, that's extroversion for you. I got the energy I needed from being in front of people and being expected to perform.
And there was a lot of dancing monkey and flailing, let me tell you.
A lot of flail.
All I can hope is that the students will be forgiving and all show up tomorrow. I tell myself they've paid and probably have nowhere else better to be. Also, the first class is usually just introduction at any rate, and I did manage that (though they must be all thinking instructor = moron.) I also introduced the ideas of the wiggly definitions of science fiction and fantasy and how we'd probably end up covering both since: wiggly-wobbily define-y whine-y thing.
Oy.
June 4, 2014
Spoilers and Silliness
Mason and I give you our 12th MangaKast, a podcast about all things manga. This episode we discuss Bleach 583, Toriko 280 and I give somewhat sketchy and random reviews of other things that I'm reading/watching (namely Vinland Saga and Yowapeda).
http://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/06/04/a-dirty-dozen/
In this podcast, I also discuss a new anime that I'm watching called Yowapeda. In the podcast, I mostly talk about how it relates to Bleach (there are voice actors in common). But, here, I thought I'd take a moment to talk about how strange Japanese storytelling pacing often is for a Western viewer.
For instance, here I am, about to start episode 4, and the premise of the show--an "otaku" (Japanese nerd/geek) joins a bicycle racing club--hasn't really even happened yet. We've met our hero, had many discussions about the dorkiness of his 'mamachari,' "Mommy bike," and met a few other characters. People have mentioned the biking club in passing, BUT NO ONE HAS JOINED YET.
I think, by now, this show would have been cancelled in the U.S.
To be fair, there was an exciting race at one point, up a very steep hill, and there were many IMPLICATIONS that our otaku hero might actually be even stronger/faster than he knows. But, it kind of amazes me the extent to which speculation has fueled the "action" of this story.
I always tell my writing students that you have to start strong, lay it all out, get to the point, so that people will know what the story is about, what's at stake... basically, show why a reader should invest their time and keep reading. We spend a lot of time as writers talking about 'the hook' and how important it is to get our 'hooks' into readers so that they will be dragged deep into the story from the get-go.
There's something about this that is utterly and truly DEFIED by animes like Yowapeda. By rights, I should CARE LESS. I mean, really, all that I know that's at stake is that our anime-loving hero would really, really rather join the anime club, but it cancelled due to lack of interest. THIS SHOW SHOULD BE CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST, but it's in its second season and, frankly, I'm fairly captivated.
I wonder if it has something to do with character. Because character can be its own hook, and, frankly, our little nerd hero represents a lot of things a lot of people are and WOULD LIKE TO BE. I'm a nerd. I'm scared of sports clubs (or was, when I was in high school), and I would really, really love to be recognized for my specialness (wouldn't we all?) So, right away there's a kind of guilty pleasure watching people looking at our dork/geek hero and saying things like, "Oh, even on his Mommy bike, he does x and y like a pro!" The implication is: this guy is special. Without even having joined the biking club yet, you start to get the feeling that this little doofus is going to be critical in elevating everyone to a higher level.... and there will be cheering and trophies and heartbreak along the way.
I'm in.
Totally. Just on the IMPLIED promise alone.
http://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/06/04/a-dirty-dozen/
In this podcast, I also discuss a new anime that I'm watching called Yowapeda. In the podcast, I mostly talk about how it relates to Bleach (there are voice actors in common). But, here, I thought I'd take a moment to talk about how strange Japanese storytelling pacing often is for a Western viewer.
For instance, here I am, about to start episode 4, and the premise of the show--an "otaku" (Japanese nerd/geek) joins a bicycle racing club--hasn't really even happened yet. We've met our hero, had many discussions about the dorkiness of his 'mamachari,' "Mommy bike," and met a few other characters. People have mentioned the biking club in passing, BUT NO ONE HAS JOINED YET.
I think, by now, this show would have been cancelled in the U.S.
To be fair, there was an exciting race at one point, up a very steep hill, and there were many IMPLICATIONS that our otaku hero might actually be even stronger/faster than he knows. But, it kind of amazes me the extent to which speculation has fueled the "action" of this story.
I always tell my writing students that you have to start strong, lay it all out, get to the point, so that people will know what the story is about, what's at stake... basically, show why a reader should invest their time and keep reading. We spend a lot of time as writers talking about 'the hook' and how important it is to get our 'hooks' into readers so that they will be dragged deep into the story from the get-go.
There's something about this that is utterly and truly DEFIED by animes like Yowapeda. By rights, I should CARE LESS. I mean, really, all that I know that's at stake is that our anime-loving hero would really, really rather join the anime club, but it cancelled due to lack of interest. THIS SHOW SHOULD BE CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST, but it's in its second season and, frankly, I'm fairly captivated.
I wonder if it has something to do with character. Because character can be its own hook, and, frankly, our little nerd hero represents a lot of things a lot of people are and WOULD LIKE TO BE. I'm a nerd. I'm scared of sports clubs (or was, when I was in high school), and I would really, really love to be recognized for my specialness (wouldn't we all?) So, right away there's a kind of guilty pleasure watching people looking at our dork/geek hero and saying things like, "Oh, even on his Mommy bike, he does x and y like a pro!" The implication is: this guy is special. Without even having joined the biking club yet, you start to get the feeling that this little doofus is going to be critical in elevating everyone to a higher level.... and there will be cheering and trophies and heartbreak along the way.
I'm in.
Totally. Just on the IMPLIED promise alone.
June 3, 2014
It's Tuesday....
Tuesday! So that means there's another installment of UNJUST CAUSE for you to read up on Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/53052964-unjust-cause-part-11-jazz-dance-of-justice
"Jazz Dance of Justice" a title that will make more sense when you read the installment, but which has to do with the fact that Alex's superpower can be somewhat... unhelpful, since sometimes the messages she gets from 'beyond the grave' are garbled at best.
Enjoy!
Next week I may not get my installment up on time as we're going to be on honeymoon in the Boundary Waters. There's limited internet there, so I will try, but no promises....
"Jazz Dance of Justice" a title that will make more sense when you read the installment, but which has to do with the fact that Alex's superpower can be somewhat... unhelpful, since sometimes the messages she gets from 'beyond the grave' are garbled at best.
Enjoy!
Next week I may not get my installment up on time as we're going to be on honeymoon in the Boundary Waters. There's limited internet there, so I will try, but no promises....
May 29, 2014
The Joys of Obscurity
We all have this dream. It goes like this: write a book, get it published, and live the life of the rich and famous authors like J.K. Rowling.
Most published authors don't live like J. K. Rowling. Instead, they live like me... and this guy: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/books/review/please-turn-to-the-chapter-on-obscurity.html
My favorite part of this column is the bit that goes like this:
It reminds me all to well of the time I was booked at a B. Daltons or Borders (when those still existed) and they gave me a card table in the hallway near the food court. I was reduced to hawking my wears to passers' by, most of whom looked baffled to be harangued by an author (this was Minnesota, after all.) A woman gives me a sneer and said snootily, "I'm sorry, I don't read." "At least you're sorry!" I replied.
Like Mr. Rosenblatt, I've play to audiences of three... sometimes even none--beyond the awkward, apologetic bookstore liaison/event organizer. I've also had the experience of sharing a signing with a FAMOUS author, and watching his/her line stretch around the corner and out the store. Both are frustrating, but I've always been lucky to have friends who will push through the crowd and shout, "OMG! TATE HALLAWAY!! WILL YOU SIGN MY BOOBS!?!" (because those are my friends...) This is, btw, a true story, and I remain proud because it made Neil Gaiman turn his head to see who I was to rate boob signing....
So you have to make the best of it as Mr. Rosenblatt says. Learn to take joy in the obscurity.
Most published authors don't live like J. K. Rowling. Instead, they live like me... and this guy: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/books/review/please-turn-to-the-chapter-on-obscurity.html
My favorite part of this column is the bit that goes like this:
In Boston, a woman approached me after the Q and A., her face tense with anguish and disappointment. "I thought you were going to be Alice McDermott," she said. "So did I," I said.
It reminds me all to well of the time I was booked at a B. Daltons or Borders (when those still existed) and they gave me a card table in the hallway near the food court. I was reduced to hawking my wears to passers' by, most of whom looked baffled to be harangued by an author (this was Minnesota, after all.) A woman gives me a sneer and said snootily, "I'm sorry, I don't read." "At least you're sorry!" I replied.
Like Mr. Rosenblatt, I've play to audiences of three... sometimes even none--beyond the awkward, apologetic bookstore liaison/event organizer. I've also had the experience of sharing a signing with a FAMOUS author, and watching his/her line stretch around the corner and out the store. Both are frustrating, but I've always been lucky to have friends who will push through the crowd and shout, "OMG! TATE HALLAWAY!! WILL YOU SIGN MY BOOBS!?!" (because those are my friends...) This is, btw, a true story, and I remain proud because it made Neil Gaiman turn his head to see who I was to rate boob signing....
So you have to make the best of it as Mr. Rosenblatt says. Learn to take joy in the obscurity.
May 28, 2014
Hair Curls of Doom!
Hair Curls of Doom! Costume squee!
Mason and I present our 11th podcast: https://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/eleven-heaven/
Mason and I present our 11th podcast: https://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/eleven-heaven/
May 27, 2014
MOAR
In keeping with tradition, here is another Tuesday installment of UNJUST CAUSE. This time, Alex and Jack investigate the second 'drop' victim who was found by members of the werewolf biker gang on the side of the county highway.
http://www.wattpad.com/51990582-unjust-cause-part-10-maggots-and-magpies
Hope you enjoy!
http://www.wattpad.com/51990582-unjust-cause-part-10-maggots-and-magpies
Hope you enjoy!
May 21, 2014
The Song of Our People (Otaku)
Our tenth podcast is now up! http://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/and-then-ten/ In this episode, Mason and I discuss Bleach, Toriko, and One Piece... and our cat Inky sings you the song of his people.
