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[fajangled [semi-hiatus]]

posting to check my post history

[Garrison]

I’ve been a member of this group since 2013 and can count the number of contests I’ve missed on one hand. Throughout those four years, I’ve pushed the envelope of good taste with some of my stories, especially those with violence or rape in them. As of today, I only have one more short story to write before Poison Tongue Tales 2: The Right to Remain Psychotic is complete and ready to be critiqued. After that, I have plans to write a novel that once again pushes the boundaries of good taste. It’s called Puberty X Piracy and is an urban fantasy about a teenager who uses and distributes internet porn on an obsessive basis. Some of these chapters include masturbation, actual sex, and worst of all, male genital mutilation. I don’t write sexual stories that often, because they’re usually met with a chilly reception wherever I post them. Six days after my 29th birthday in 2014, I managed to anger some readers with an erotic bondage story called “Tainted Love”. Puberty X Piracy is ten times worse and as of now will span twenty chapters. So my question to everybody here is, based on the exposition I’ve given you guys so far, would it be acceptable for me to post my novel chapters here, maybe with tight conditions? If not, then I’ll post them elsewhere and use more short stories to enter the contests. I have fifty-two short story ideas for what will be the third installment of American Darkness, but all I need is fifty. Puberty X Piracy: yea or nay?

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Hmm, that's an interesting question Garrison. I know you were asking the group as a whole but if it's okay could I ask the mods about this?

[Garrison]

That's who I was directing the question at to begin with.

[Garrison]

Hey, everybody. Port Orchard is expecting winds up to 60 MPH, which means the power could go out today like it did last night at two in the morning. If you’re wondering why I’m not online, that’s probably why. Just giving everybody a heads up.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Garrison wrote: "That's who I was directing the question at to begin with."

Okay, I will try to get an answer soon.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Garrison wrote: "I’ve been a member of this group since 2013 and can count the number of contests I’ve missed on one hand. Throughout those four years, I’ve pushed the envelope of good taste with some of my stories..."

Okay Garrison I spoke to the mods. It looks to us that some of the themes are just a little too controversial even for this group. I would say it would be better not to do that in this such case and do the short-stories you have been suggesting.

[Garrison]

Thank you for the answer, CJ. It feels good to have a definitive verdict. American Darkness 3 it is!

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

You are welcome Garrison.

[Garrison]

Since American Darkness 3 is the next long-term project for me, I’d like feedback on my ideas for the future publication’s subtitle. I tried posing this question to my Face Book friends, but nobody responded, so I figured Good Reads would be the next best place to ask. I compiled a list of eleven ideas for American Darkness 3’s subtitle and I’d like to know which one you guys think is the most appropriate or coolest sounding. If none of these list items appeal to you, I’d be open to suggestions for others. Here’s what I have so far:

1. Blackheart Democracy
2. Bloodstain Circus
3. Dagger Club
4. Fifty-Headed Dragon
5. Scumbag Agenda
6. Shock and Roll
7. Slaughter Society
8. Slay the Giant
9. Teardrop Republic
10. Urban Damnation
11. World in Chains

[Garrison]

In all of my time of writing American Darkness 3, I just now noticed some repetition in the characters’ names spread throughout the various stories. For example:

I have three people named Tony:

1. Anthony Robertson (disgusted patron from Down with the Sickness)
2. Toni Mathews (home invasion victim from Crow Cop)
3. Tony Battles (detective from Air Pain)

Three people named Matthew:

1. Matt Ramirez (biracial boyfriend from Escape From Kentucky)
2. Matt Singleton (serial killer from Dark Skills)
3. Toni Mathews (again)

Two people named Marcus:

1. Marcus Crow (talk show host from Age Against the Machine)
2. Marcus McKnight (MMA fighter from Code Breaker)

Two people named Vikki:

1. Vikki Colt (lounge singer from Duct Tape Princess)
2. Vikki Peters (student girlfriend from Don’t Tell Me Who to Love)

And finally, two people named Daniel:

1. Dan Stone (radio show DJ from Defamation)
2. Daniel Burn (jock bully from B-Shirt)

The next story that will be written in this series, Food Stomp, almost featured a guy named Matt Wolf, so I changed his first name to Mike. I should start changing these other names too. They’re about as common as saggy jowled dogs in Poison Tongue Tales.

[Garrison]

One day while going out to lunch with my dad and brother, the clerk who made my sandwich called me Garrish instead of Garrison, which my dad attributed to my poor handwriting when I placed my order. Dad and James joked that Garrish sounded like an Eastern European name, but it turns out it’s a real English word, albeit spelled with one R instead of two. Dictionary.com defines it as “tastelessly colorful”, like the Hawaiian shirts I used to wear back in my twenties. You learn something new every day, folks.

[Guy]

:-)

[Edward]

garish to rhyme with air-ish, of course.

[Garrison]

Naturally.

[Garrison]

I’m currently downstairs babysitting Maggie and one of the things I’m doing to keep myself entertained is creating a list of Gary-Stu names. Yes, I know Gary-Stu is a literary pejorative for a character who is too flawless for his own good. For the longest time, I had a Gary-Stu barbarian that my audience loved named Deus Shadowheart. He was muscle-bound, tough as nails, and more powerful than his first name suggests. He has since been recycled into a Poison Tongue Tales story called Deus Ex Machina, where being a Gary-Stu works to the story’s advantage. And that got me thinking, what other Gary-Stu names can I come up with? Well, here’s the list I’ve compiled:

1. Atlas Killshot
2. Bruce Black
3. Bryan Gravestone
4. Cecil Cross
5. Derrick Venomcore
6. Edward Buzzsaw
7. Graf Coldheart
8. Ivan Deathscream
9. Jordan Acid
10. Kael Skullthunder
11. Markus Demonfreak
12. Michael Bloodbath
13. Mitch Hellseeker
14. Rhys Fireking
15. Simon Dark
16. Trent Zeal

[Garrison]

(I posted this on Face Book and thought it would be a good idea to post it here as well.)



If you watched a lot of horror-themed TV shows in the 1990’s, then I’m hoping you can help me identify an episode of either X-Files or Millennium (I can’t remember which one). Near the end of this episode, a circle of hooded monks are pinning down a small child named Charlie and painting runic symbols on his chest with bird feathers. Midway through this ritual, Charlie growls at the monks like some kind of monster and then at the end yells, “Stop it! It hurts!” I didn’t watch the rest of the episode, but it’s generally understood Charlie died after that disturbing scene. I have no intention of rewatching this mysterious TV episode, but if someone can identify it for me, I’ll take the research from there. I personally researched an episode of Millennium called “A Room with No View” and now I have a WIP novel called Beautiful Monster loosely based on that episode. Maybe this Charlie scenario will lead to another novel idea, at least that’s what I’m hoping for. I could always use new ideas.

[Garrison]

I just found the answer a few minutes ago. The episode was called "The Calusari" and it was from The X-Files. The monks were trying to exorcise a demon from Charlie's body, which would explain the constant growling. Now I just need to know how to make a novel using this as inspiration.

[Garrison]

***GOODBYE MAGGIE***

Tomorrow afternoon, Dale and I are going to the vet to put our dog Maggie to sleep. She has lived to be sixteen years old, much older than normally expected for her breed. During the final moments of those sixteen years, she’s had a litany of health problems that justify euthanasia. She was blind, deaf, weak, incontinent, physically unstable, and an all around sick dog. She’s constantly in pain and there’s only so much we can do for her before having to make this ultimate decision.

Maggie came into my life in 2005 when her owner, Dale, married my mom in his original home state of Wyoming. She was accompanied by another Springer Spaniel dog named Molly. The two of them would bounce, play, and wrestle happily together all the time. Maggie’s favorite toy was a blue ball that she would fetch while Molly’s was a leather Frisbee. I’ll always remember Maggie and Molly getting in a tug-of-war over the Frisbee and Molly would get an unfair advantage by shaking her head.

Three years ago on Father’s Day, Molly passed away due to lung cancer and it was a death that hit all of us hard, especially Dale. Three years later, here we are again in the month of June having to watch Molly’s adopted sister Maggie be put to sleep. Sixteen years. Sixteen fucking years and it’s all over. Given her declining health, it was a foregone conclusion, but that doesn’t soften the blow that our family will no doubt feel.

There isn’t a whole lot left to say except for goodbye to our elderly ray of puppy sunshine. Rest in peace, Saggy-Maggie. You will be missed dearly.


***LYRICS OF THE DAY***

“If they say who cares if one more light goes out? In a sky of a million stars, it flickers, flickers. Who cares when someone’s time runs out? If a moment is all we are, we’re quicker, quicker. Who cares if one more light goes out? Well, I do.”

-Linkin Park singing “One More Light”-

[Garrison]

I'm trying to liven up the unused threads, but I don't have a whole lot of ideas for this one in particular, so I'm just going to post a nice little quote:

"We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing."

-George Bernard Shaw-

[C.P., Windrunner]

I've been having a bit of a hard time, so I thought I would share some of it here. One of my horses died unexpectedly last Wednesday and it has been devastating. She was only 21, which isn't super young but isn't very old either, and she was in great shape. It was shocking and I am always asking myself what I could have done.

I know logically that there wasn't anything I could have done, but logic isn't always easy in these situations. My horses are my best friends, my family, so this has been very difficult. I'm trying not to let it drag me too far down, but it's hard sometimes.

[Garrison]

My condolences for your lovable horse, CP. Losing animals is always a hard thing to go through. I lost two cats and a dog last year, so I feel your pain. Take comfort in knowing you've given your horse the best life she could possibly have.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Aww. Sorry to hear about your horse. I know she was happy being in your care at least. Don't blame yourself though. Things sometimes just happen.

Even people who are in the best shape die out of the blue in similar circumstances. It's weird but it happens. Might be like that.

[C.P., Windrunner]

Thanks guys.

[Garrison]

I made this post on Face Book a few minutes ago and I'd like to make it here too (verbatim):


So…another round of edits has been completed for my newly christened Emilio & Marigold story. I’ve added more details to my story and I’ve all but eradicated the words “little” and “sweet” from the pages (it hadn’t dawned on me until now how frequently I used those words). In an attempt to get multiple perspectives, I’m asking if there’s anybody here who would like to beta-read what I’ve written so far. I’ve already used my allotted three rounds with Marie and Aurora (I’m suddenly reminded of Little Bunny Foo-Foo getting three chances, hehe!). I’ve also paid someone from Writer’s Digest to critique it. Before that I had my good friend Mario take a look at it. All of these sources of critiques were insightful to listen to, but again, multiple perspectives are necessary, especially if they’re unfamiliar with my writing. The main thing I want to focus on is adding even more details to the story and where it’d be appropriate to do so. So…is anybody up for the challenge?

[Sarah]

Is it a Goodreads link or something? Sorry, still unfamiliar with all Goodreads can do, so I learn as I go. It does not help that, despite being a “technology native,” I’m more of a “technology immigrant.”

[C.P., Windrunner]

I think Garrison would send you the file if you wanted to beta read.

[Sarah]

What is beta reading?

[C.P., Windrunner]

It's when you're given a copy of a story to read through and look for continuity errors and things of that nature.

[Sarah]

Ok

[Garrison]

Hey, everybody. I’m sure you all have seen me write this post before, but it bears repeating. So many times my family and I have put off scrubbing mold off of my bedroom ceiling and painting my walls light blue. I can’t guarantee it won’t be cancelled again. But if for some reason I’m ghosting on social media whether it’s Good Reads, Deviant Art, or Face Book, you now know the reason why: because this home improvement project will get done one way or another. Part of this project includes unplugging my computer and moving my desk away from the wall, along with my bookcases, chests of drawers, and bed. Moving the furniture around is the only part of this job I actually dread. The scrubbing and painting aren’t so bad. Wish me luck! I’ll try to post pictures once everything is said and done.

[C.P., Windrunner]

Hope all goes well with the improvements, Garrison!

[Garrison]

Thanks, CP! :)

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Just a passing thought what does everyone think of this year's Goodreads Choice Awards nominees??

Some people think they completely avoid certain authors out of bias I don't know... but I always am interested at what's coming out year by year though there's a huge chance I might not get to read any of the ones mentioned.

It's funny though I haven't read Stephen King in years I voted for his book in horror. I don't know why exactly I guess I thought it was the most interesting.

[C.P., Windrunner]

I'm never very impressed with the lists for the awards. The way they categorize things is always odd and the timeframe for when things releases doesn't make a lot of sense.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Yeah you mean where sometimes it's a little older of a book for the "year" its covering? But the good thing is me and other readers will probably expand their "to read" list even more just because these nominees are given some spotlight.

[C.P., Windrunner]

I'm actually more thinking too many of them release too close to the voting. Some of the books for the YA category just came out this month. Not enough people have had the opportunity to actually read them. But then they aren't eligible next year.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Yeah I see your point now. True. I guess the site sees a lot of people on here are faster than a speeding bullet when it comes to reading the latest works, lol.

[C.P., Windrunner]

I guess that's true. The awards have just bugged me in the past. Like with the Fantastic Beast screenplays winning in fantasy categories...what? I don't understand why anyone would even vote for that in these types of awards.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

It might just be what's popular at the time gets automatic nominations by the site because they hope to drum up excitement for votes. Media does that a lot when they want attention or to create hype for whatever they are "selling."

[C.P., Windrunner]

Right, which is why I tend not to like awards, haha.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Ok? I guess I'm slow at learning of this. I was trying to make a new shelf on here and it said I could make it a tag OR a shelf. What's the difference?

[C.P., Windrunner]

Not sure. I've made loads of shelves, not sure I've made any tags...

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

It seems to be for mobile tho haven't tried it with pc yet.

[C.P., Windrunner]

Interesting.

[Garrison]

I posted this on Face Book and thought I should post it here too:


So…the more I think about my constant mental exhaustion, the more I’m inclined to think that I’m burned out on writing. You’re probably asking what I have to be burned out about since I don’t post my writing projects online as often as I used to. Well, it’s not just the act of writing that burns me out. It’s building my entire life around it. I wake up in the morning, I think about writing. I go to bed at night, I think about writing. Every hour of every day is spent wracking my brain trying to think of ways to improve my writing. In short, there’s no balance between my work life and my personal life since they’re always intertwined. When there’s no healthy balance, it can easily lead to burnout, which in turn causes mental exhaustion. So in order to ride out my low energy days, I’ll simply find other things to do that don’t involve Beautiful Monster, Poison Tongue Tales 3, poetry, or blog entries. That’s why I gravitate towards photography and drawing so much, because they’re my vacation from the writing grind. So is hanging out with my brother James. So is going to the Regal Cinemas. So is putting together Lego sets. Shit, there’s a whole world outside of Beautiful Monster that’s waiting for me to engage it. I started my temporary sabbatical yesterday and I’m already in a better mood. Funny how a fresh coat of paint can change everything!

[Guy]

Garrison wrote: "I posted this on Face Book and thought I should post it here too:


So…the more I think about my constant mental exhaustion, the more I’m inclined to think that I’m burned out on writing. You’re pr..."
Most excellent, Garrison! Although I may be biased, in that I have been on a writing sabbatical for a few years now. My last blog entry was Feb 2016, I think.

All the best with the break. And all the best with 2020.

[Garrison]

You have a good 2020 yourself, Guy. Keep being awesome! Come back to writing only when you're ready to and not a moment too soon. :)

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Garrison wrote: "I posted this on Face Book and thought I should post it here too:


So…the more I think about my constant mental exhaustion, the more I’m inclined to think that I’m burned out on writing. You’re pr..."

I agree with Guy too.

I also wanted to say this and forgot about it till now. I know it's good to give yourself a break (even a brief one) because there is always the risk of "burn out" if you don't. I remember writing a story week after week for maybe five or so contests straight but if I stopped I'd never get back to it. I just think the best things to do if you don't have a story prepped and ready to go is to read. Reading is like a cleanser (or even helps revitalize writing).

There was some guy that was quoted on the wall of a book store that I'll never forget. I don't totally believe this but he said something along the lines of: "I don't trust someone who has written more than he has read." It's true if you want to be a writer (maybe in this specific case it was about "trusting" a person who would state they know truth in life or something). But I think it makes some good sense as a person who likes to write anything as well!

[Garrison]

CJ, both of those paragraphs have a lot of truth to them. I just read the most recent chapter of my current book and I feel refreshed already. I'm doing something that's important to me while simultaneously recovering from burnout. That's a victory no matter how small, in my opinion.