Colby R. Rice's Blog, page 7

CEFJ #85 Q2 Creative Achievements Round Up! (10/12/18)

The second quadrimester (meaning from May 1 – Aug 31) of the year is over, and I’ve gotten a BUNCH done. Again! I know this update is late, and we’re already 30% into the last quadrimester, but better late than never, right? Lol!

Anyways, here’s a comprehensive round up of everything I’ve gotten done! I’m *STILL* having a lot more fun (and “success”) this year, and I just hope I can keep up the momentum!

(Don’t want to listen to the podcast? As much as my voice sounds like honey on a hard-on, I totally get it.

CEFJ #84 Hello Theatre & Directing, You’re Awesome? (10/8/18)

Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

Hi boos! So, my podcast is short, but I have some awesome news: we have officially OPENED and CLOSED our black box production, ERASED, and it’s gone super well! I have some quick closing thoughts on my experience as a dramaturg and director on this show, so tune in!

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CEFJ #83 Not Sure What This Podcast Title Should Be, But I’m Chillin’ (10/1/18)

Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

It’s been two more weeks from the last podcast, and honestly? Things are going GREAT! I’ve been pretty busy with my directing stuff, but because that’s the main project I’m focusing on right now, I don’t have much news to report on in other aspects of my life.

Still, I managed to help wrap up our launch of UPRISING, get some writing done on The Books of Ezekiel series, and do some reflection on where I’d like the rest of this year to go.

So tune in! Today’s a short podcast, but an upbeat one.

Book Worms- Here Are Some Interesting Ways to Find New Reads!

If you’re a keen reader, you can work your way through books at an incredible rate. As a bookworm, chances are you read more in a month than most people do in a year. When you have a love of books, you always have something fun and productive to do with your time which is fantastic- however it can be difficult constantly finding new material to read. While there are always new books being released and ever changing book charts, as a keen reader you’ll know that many of these are far from riveting. People like Youtubers with no writing experience (and often no talent for writing) often make it to the top of the charts just based on their name. Large advertising campaigns and other strategies can mean books can reach the top and aren’t based on any merit whatsoever. For this reason, you’ll want to look a little further out. Here are some more unexpected ways to find books to read.

Look at forgotten books that have been turned into games and movies

When a book has been wildly successful, it will often be turned into a movie- and from there things like games are produced too. Take Final Fantasy for example, this might be best known as a game series, but was actually based on a graphic novel. These days Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire invites you to a new adventure and can be played on your smartphone. Take a look at movies and games, and trace back their origins to the novels they were based on. It can be an interesting way to track down a good book, as you’ll know has a good premise and concept since an entire empire has been built from it. In many cases, all people will know of the novel is the movie and/ or the game- do some research and seek out the forgotten novels they were based on.

Consider older literature

Many of the classics were taught in schools, however, have you ever read them of your own accord as an adult? If you want a more challenging read this is definitely a route to go down, there are plenty of study guides and information about these books online which can help you work through them if you get stuck. When we think of books, it’s often the classics that spring to mind and yet few people have ever actually read them outside of a school setting. Pick up books by Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare and the Bronte sisters amongst others. Find out for yourself what it is that make these so special.

Visit an old bookstore

In this day in age, many of us read right from our phones, tablets or e-readers. We can access hundreds of thousands of titles from Amazon and other places online, and so scouring an old bookshop might not be something you do much- even as a keen reader. However if you’re after an interesting read, go and find an old second hand bookstore and take a look around. Not only is this a wonderful experience in itself but you’re bound to pick up some new reads that you simply wouldn’t have come across online.

CEFJ #82 Directing, Staying on Code, and Pussyfoot Politicians in Academia (9/17/18)

Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

Join the UPRISING 15-Paperback Book Giveaway for a chance to win 15 dystopian paperback novels: http://bit.ly/Uprising15PaperbackGiveaway

OKAY, guys! So it’s been two whole weeks since I’ve been back to give you details on my journey, and boy do I have an earful for you! Some of the more major accomplishments, though, include:

learning a whole lot through this directing experience,
co-launching a 12-book dystopian box set, and,
getting admission into a USA Today aimed box set for urban fantasy and paranormal romance!

But, of course, victory has its vices, and the past two weeks have also been shadowed by some unfortunate political and bureaucratic rainclouds as we try to get the production we’re directing on its feet. And of course, I’ve got something to say about it.

Tune in for the tea, boos!

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My Novels: http://bit.ly/ColbyRRiceAmazonAuthorPage

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Sources Of Inspiration When You’re Suffering From Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is always a challenge for writers; even if you have clearly mapped out the tale you want to tell, there will be moments when the words just won’t come. In an effort to shake writer’s block when it strikes, it may well be worth exploring the following sources of inspiration…

Real-life stories via online forums

When writing fiction, it’s easy to become lost in the world you have created. Sometimes, a return to reality and discussions of the problems people face, and how they overcome them, is just what you need to sweep your writer’s block to one side. Online forums such as Reddit are thriving, active communities that provide insight into the everyday, real-life issues people are experiencing, and browsing these can be genuinely beneficial when seeking a way past your writer’s block.

TV Shows

TV shows are also useful sources of inspiration, provided you are active in how you engage with them. Just watching the show is unlikely to be helpful when it comes to easing writer’s block, but looking at the storylines, and the plots that had to be tied together to create them, can really help you see your way through your own storytelling troubles.

Museums and Libraries

Museums and libraries feature fascinating collections that provide a glimpse into worlds few of us have ever had the chance to experience. Exploring historical or obscure collections, such as those mentioned in the infographic below, can clear your mind and ensure you are able to sweep aside your writer’s block thanks to a fresh, new, inspired perspective.

Infographic Design By University of Southern California

CEFJ #81 Divas and Directing Don’t Mix, Boo (9/3/18)

Hoooneeeey!!!

These past three weeks have been really fruitful, but also really cray cray, and I’m literally just trying to keep the ship on course right now. Lots of great stuff happening (TV writing, the upcoming release of a new box set, directing a brand new studio show, and a developing master thesis), but also lots of diva attitudes popping up that are dampening my vibe a bit.

I’m spilling a little tea here, but I’m keeping it classy and anonymous as I guide you guys through my creative journey as an artist and as a director. So stay tuned!

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CEFJ #80 Still Chillin’ Before the Storm (8/13/18)

Not much to report this week, boos. Just more creativity and coastin’ until grad school starts NEXT WEEK! ::lightning strike::

Check out (and buy) THE CAMILLE, episode 1 of 50 at Amazon: amzn.to/TheCamille

VLOG VERSIONS

 JOIN COLBY ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Support Me on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice

Subscribe to the Podcast: http://www.colbyrrice.com/the-epic-fantastical-journey-of-a-black-female-sci-fi-writer/

My Author Website: www.colbyrrice.com

My Novels: http://bit.ly/ColbyRRiceAmazonAuthorPage

Support the F’empire on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice

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CEFJ #79 The Chill Before the Storm (8/6/18)

Short podcast today, y’all!

Grad school’s starting up again in 2 weeks, but I am committed to staying as unbothered as possible. Keywords being: AS POSSIBLE. Lol. Strangely, though, the inevitable beginning of the school year has encouraged me to slow my life down even MORE and enjoy the calm, the chill before the grad school storm.

As a result, I can slowly feel myself shifting back to my philosophy of deep focus (sort of automatically), and I also feel myself staying FIRMLY in the realm of self-care. So tune in to hear more!

Check out (and buy) THE CAMILLE, episode 1 of 50 at Amazon: amzn.to/TheCamille

VLOG VERSIONS

 JOIN COLBY ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Support Me on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice

Subscribe to the Podcast: http://www.colbyrrice.com/the-epic-fantastical-journey-of-a-black-female-sci-fi-writer/

My Author Website: www.colbyrrice.com

My Novels: http://bit.ly/ColbyRRiceAmazonAuthorPage

Support the F’empire on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice

My FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ColbyRRicePage/

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColbyRRice

My Instagram: https://instagram.com/colbyrrice

CEFJ #78 Cleansing My Creative Palette & Falling Back in Love with My Creative Life (7/30/18)

So last time I came to you guys, I was at a loss. I felt as though my love for writing and creativity was slipping away. But today? I’m feeling AWESOME!!

After realizing that I focused too much on product vs process, I took a well-needed hiatus from writing to explore different creative channels. Specifically… I’m exploring the world of fashion design!

Fashion design is just a hobby at the moment, but by focusing on the playful exploration of doing something new, I’ve REALLY been able to explore the idea of process-oriented learning (as opposed to results-oriented learning). At the end of my hiatus, I was even craving a writing session, and I was able to actually sit down, write more of Hollow Point, and ENJOY it!

There’s more to tell, obviously, but you’ll have to listen to this podcast to find out the tea.