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An Anniversary, A Thank You, A Quote, and A Farewell

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RainbowCakeHappy Monday, my friends!

Last week flew by in a blur.  Trying to fan the flames of that new creative spark I’m cultivating, I made a rainbow cake (avert your eyes from the Grand Canyon sized crack that happened during delivery) for a friend.

I then did a bunch more baking, worked on a screenplay, watched Stranger Things*, and finally ended the week going to see Suicide Squad* – mostly all positive things.  *To be discussed later.

Happy-AnniversaryAmidst all this was the third anniversary of my blog.

I can’t believe I’ve been at this for three years already…I may slack off from time to time, but this has been the most devoted to a “diary” I’ve ever been, and that has a whole lot to do with all of you.

So Thank You !

You all hold me accountable, and make me want to show up.  Like when I’m away from my own writing for too long, I feel guilty.  I’ll keep trying to do better!

Now, as it’s Monday, we need to start this week off right.  In light of the so many negative things out in the world right now, as writers and creatives we’re lucky that we have our minds to escape into.

ImaginationVsReality

Find your happy place and do great things!

WillyWonka

And finally, a farewell.

As I was looking for the image of the cake, I learned of the passing of Gene Wilder, an icon who had a huge impact on my youth.  I don’t often comment on the passing of celebrities, that’s not what this space was intended for, but because there are some people who have been a part of our lives (for as long as we can remember), whether we knew them personally or not, we feel compelled to take a moment and thank them for their contribution.

From Willy Wonka to Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein to Silver Streak, The Producers to Haunted Honeymoon and so many more, he always stole the show and we were lucky to have him.  His is an enduring legacy, and I know my generation is grateful.  RIP.

xx, Rach

Fear of Success

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QuestionMarksI’m certain I’ve talked about this subject in the past – the idea that even if our lives are chaotic and unsatisfying, we’re comfortable with what’s familiar, what we know.  Sometimes while striving towards a goal, the unknown can be cause for fear, even if subconsciously.

How do I know this?

I’m pretty sure I created an act of self-sabotage this week, of course without any thought.

I wrote an original TV pilot to add to my portfolio, and I have to say, I’m proud of it.  It took some time to get everything in order, it’s sci-fi with aliens and distant worlds, etc. but when I got into it, I had tons of ideas and I really wanted to spend more time with these characters.

Writing the pilot is among the most satisfying writing I’ve done.  I had a clear image in my head and I wrote it.  I made minor adjustments, but honestly, within five drafts I felt it was ready to be seen.

I sent it to my readers, got positive feedback, and then found a contest to submit it to.  I wasn’t looking for any contests, it was my plan to get everything in order for the beginning of the year, but there was a pilot launch contest from Screencraft and the deadline was fast approaching.

So, why not?!

The Sis went through the script with a fine tooth comb and found all my little grammatical errors and one thing she thought needed changing – the name of a fairly inconsequential character.  Agent Six as he had been called, reminded her of something, and it was my goal to not have anything (names, places, expletives) sound too similar to those things I had been inspired by.  If that makes sense.

I had named him Six in honor of my favorite Cylon, but upon a search, Agent Six is a pretty big character on a current running TV series, so I felt it should be changed.  I didn’t have a lot of time to make the change and I got sidetracked during the process…I’m sure you can guess what happened.

I hit submit, got ready for work, and an hour later on my drive it hit me – I hadn’t caught them all.

The Beastie Boys song “Sabotage” has been playing on repeat in my head for days now. (The fan made Rogue One trailer hasn’t helped matters.)

Was this an act of self-sabotage?  Am I afraid of getting what I want?  For all my talk about going after your dreams, am I just putting on a façade?

I am so angry with myself, still.  Yes, it’s a small error, but when you’re hoping to be a professional, the best, most perfect representation of your work should go out into the world.  Does this error deter from the story?  No.  It’s near the end and takes up a fraction of the page, but it’s there, and I know it, and I know they’ll see it.

Sigh.

And now a new deadline lingers on the horizon, and in the back of my mind I have to wonder, am I capable of setting myself up again?  I truly hope not.

I’m not sure how to spin this to be helpful, except maybe to say, “make sure you have the time and focus to rewrite your work.”  Deadlines are great motivators, but let me be an example of what not to do.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  Don’t worry about something inconsequential – it can be changed later if there’s concern.  Plan ahead.  And, I suppose, this quote sums it up perfectly:

Don't be too hard on yourself

Wishing you all the very best in your endeavors!

Miss Jean Louis

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MJLThere are a number of rumors circulating about the elusive Miss Jean Louis, and as we all know, rumors are generally based in fact.

There are also a number of questions in regards to her true nature and why she has taken on the the monumental task of babysitting Misha Collins.

To tell this tale, like any good story, we must start at the beginning…

Miss Jean Louis was born on July 28, 1887, and the fascinating thing about this date is that according to records, nothing of significance happened on this day.  Nothing at all, except for the seemingly innocent birth of this soon to be revered woman.

A confident, independent, and adventurous spirit, Miss Jean Louis soon bored of the tedium of “regular” life and dedicated herself to finding someone else in the world who could see it as she did.  She needed a partner in crime, so to speak, and so she set off on what can only be described as an odyssey in the vein of Homer.

She would have to wait many years, more than she imagined, for the stars to align and bring about the birth of a similarly minded individual.  In that time, she would experience a full life, one of which most people would not believe, nor could be discussed in polite society.  What she did not know, could not know, was what was in store for her by seeking out such a kindred spirit.

MishaSockMonkeyInstead of finding someone with whom she could share a life designed to keep the mundane at bay, she found a cyclone encapsulated in human form, one that needed structure and oversight.  Not one to give up, no matter the odds, Miss Jean Louis decided to help her newfound ally.  She would guide him, and offer him her sage wisdom of a life well lived, knowing that eventually, together, they would do great things.

History will remember them fondly, for if they do not, Miss Jean Louis will be there with an encouraging word to ensure it.

How to Recover from Burnout

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SherlockBoredAs many of you are aware, I like my routine, but something about it recently has created the side effect of “burnout”.  I’ve had little motivation to do much beyond what is absolutely necessary, and even those things have taken great effort.

I’ve been tired.  I don’t feel compelled to write anything.  I haven’t done those responsible things you’re supposed to as a grown up, and it sort of came out of nowhere.

I feel that some of the blame can be placed on the vicarious living I’ve been doing through books and gaming, even my own stories.  All these characters are having adventures, meeting new people, and are seeing amazing sights, while I sit on my butt.  The other day at work, it was yet another slow night and I was writing notes for my fanfiction when the cook asked me if I was writing about my own life.

I couldn’t help but laugh, like a big hearty laugh.

I told him I write fantasy and science fiction, so that didn’t really apply, and then I waved my hand about the bar/restaurant as an explanation.  This is my life, well, my working life any way, and it blows.

We moved back to a city I don’t like to get back on our feet, and all we’ve done is struggle.  I was unemployed in LA for two years, and since taking this current job a year ago, all I’ve done is job hunt, so I feel like I’ve been perpetually searching and sending out resumes for a good job (to no avail) forever.  This in turn affects my writing.

I think it’s this cycle that has caused the burnout.  I’m just frustrated and bored with my life.

Falkor2014Luckily, I do have one thing to look forward to, and it couldn’t be more timely, Gishwhes is upon us.

The Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen begins tomorrow morning.  This will be the fourth year The Sis and I take part on Team Falkor.  It is a crazy week of creative endeavors, acts of kindness, nearly impossible tasks, and sometimes utter nonsense that brings together a group of people from around the world with one purpose – to make a change – for ourselves and for others.

So, what does this have to do with recovering from burnout?

The routines we rely on, the normal day to day that sometimes wears us down is something we occasionally need a break from.  This is why vacations are so important for overall well being – they tend to relieve all those internal and external pressures we put upon ourselves and bring us back to our equilibrium while reinvigorating our passions.

But…sometimes we are constrained by our circumstances, and yet we need to find avenues we can explore that inspire and invigorate us.  Gishwhes, for me, is the perfect example of that.  It’s challenging and creative, makes you think outside the box, and for the most part, costs very little to be a part of.  Also, the feelings of creativity, inspiration, and kindness last long after the hunt is over.

I’ve been trying to find inexpensive means of enjoying things in my current city, and you’d be surprised what you can do as a local.  Often times museums, shows, even restaurants offer special deals for locals.  Some movie theaters offer specials on a certain day of the week – here in Vegas we have $5 Tuesdays.  Some communities offer a number of free events through the county government, the library, or the arts district, you just have to do a little searching.

It’s no vacation to a tropical island or London, but it’s a step in the direction of doing something different.

If you’d like to a little break from the monotony, and maybe escape the threat of burnout, Team Falkor is always looking for unofficial team members.  Sometimes, an item calls for a specific landmark somewhere in the world, or the use of technology most of us don’t have access to, or something so random we have no idea how we’ll accomplish it, and yet, you could be the answer.

Next week will be a little unconventional, so keep an eye out for the unusual requests, and if you’d like to help, let me know, and join me in saying goodbye to burnout!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Why Are Series Endings So Hard to Get Right?

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HappyilyEverAfterThis post is in regards to shows that know they’re coming to a close, not shows that are cancelled mid-season or not renewed thereby leaving us with a wonderful cliffhanger to ponder for the rest of eternity, or dozens of unanswered questions that will haunt us on our death beds.

After watching the series finale of Dexter, way back in 2014, I wrote a rant.  You can read it here in its entirety, but what it boiled down to was giving the audience a “satisfying” ending while staying true to the characters.

You may be wondering why I’m on another rant.  I’ve finished a few shows recently, all terrible endings, and it got me wondering:

“Why can’t I get a satisfying end?”

*Be forewarned, there will be spoilers ahead for shows Dexter, True Blood, and Lost Girl!  

Let’s take a look at Dexter.

This one still bothers me, years later.  After some time recollecting on Dexter as a character, I don’t think his character arc found justice in the end.  Dexter was an amazing character to watch grow into a fully realized human – something he didn’t think he was capable of.  After all that time invested, on both sides, to leave him on his own in some podunk town without his family, no less?  Nope.  Wrong.

What would have made a satisfying ending for a serial killer?  Well, clearly there’s a moral gray area here.  Dexter, generally, killed people according to his code, does that mean he should walk free?  Not exactly, but it’s a show.  We watch it for entertainment value, not reality.  I wanted to see him reunite with his son and the woman he loved.  Simple as that.

Then there was True Blood.

True Blood ended in 2014 and I was an avid viewer of the show.  About three episodes into the final season, they killed a character off in such a way, I was turned off completely from finishing the show.  Two years later, finally having access to HBO again, The Sis and I decided to finish it.

What a let down.

From episode one on, Sookie is generally at the center of whatever conflict is happening, but they wrapped the show up in a nice little bow as if nothing bad would ever happen again.  We’ve had 7 seasons of crazy, people.  So what, it was like, they’ve done there time and have earned their peaceful Thanksgiving dinner?  Please.

They killed off a main character, they let another character revert to his old ways, and then, to top it all off, they gave Sookie that normal life everyone thought she deserved – pregnant by a faceless human husband.  She never dated a human in the entirety of the show because (I want to shout) she can hear their thoughts.

So what would have been a more satisfying ending, you might wonder?  Well, first of all, they should have listened to their characters.  Don’t send them on these unique journeys, only to put them right back at the beginning.  We didn’t hit the refresh button.  What I wanted, was to see these characters 20 years down the road.  It’s a vampire show.  There’s longevity involved.

Finally, there’s Lost Girl.

This Canadian import had a unique premise, and although I felt there was so much more they could’ve done with the show, it was a fun watch.  The show’s premise was the all-encompassing world of fae, centering on the character of Bo, a succubus, who uses her power to help human and fae alike as a sort of detective/champion.  The show was episodic, but had an overall theme each season.

After multiple seasons with hints to her power, we were treated to about 5 mins in the series finale of her going nuclear, but not quite all the way, and then they wrap it up a short time in the future.

Another let down.

As the fae on the show live for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, I would’ve really liked to see these characters in the future, not just hinting at an old foe just recently beaten.  Bo was in love with two people on the show, Lauren, a human, and Dyson, a shifter.  Dyson’s character could love others, but could only truly give his heart to one person, and he chose Bo.  Bo chose Lauren in the end.  As human lives are relatively short in comparison, I would’ve liked to have seen a reunion of Bo and Dyson in the future.  He was a wonderful character, and I feel he should’ve received his happily ever after too.

I’m not looking for just “happily ever afters”, but I am looking for satisfying endings.  As TV shows go, I understand there are multiple writers and that stories progress in different ways as seasons continue, but in these examples, I’m not sure they did right by their characters.

What do you think?  Did you like any of these endings?  What other shows annoyed you with their finales?  Which shows ended well?

I’ve been thinking about this in regards to my own original series I’ve been working on, wondering what would be the most satisfying finale.  I may not be in control of that in the end, and that sort of makes me nervous, but it doesn’t mean I can’t hope for the best.  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Goal Review

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set and reach goal concept

It’s June 21st.  Can you believe it?!

We’re about midway through another year, and it’s probably time to reexamine our goals and see what needs tweaking.

For the new year I listed four things I wanted to accomplish, let’s see where I’m at…

  • I’d like to get my screenwriting portfolio in order…finally.  This, as always, will be a work in progress, but I’ve set myself up for the next 6 months with calendars on my wall for visual goal keeping.  This, unfortunately, has been tweaked a few times already, but, I am happy to report that I’ve completed the pilot and written tons of new fan fiction* (the first three chapters are up now, if you’ve been following along, here).  I’ve made notes for the rewrites, and hopefully by the end of the year, it’ll all come together.
  • I’d like to learn to sew in order to make my first cosplay outfit.  I looked into classes, but haven’t made the effort…yet.  I still have 6 months to accomplish this. 😉
  • I’d like to travel somewhere new.  I still, yes, still haven’t found a new job.  It’s getting kind of ridiculous at this point, so vacation having will have to wait.
  • I’d like to read more.  As I shamefully admitted previously, I didn’t read a single book last year.  How did that happen?  No idea.  I accepted a challenge through Goodreads to read at least 12 books this year (a modest goal) and I’m happy to say I’m nearly done with #9.  I’m ahead of schedule!

Besides finding a new job, I wanted to lose 10 lbs. I don’t have a scale, but I fit in my clothes again, so mission accomplished!  I’ve been working out regularly for the past 6 months, something I haven’t done since my 20s, so there’s that.

All creatives learn that accomplishing our goals does not come easy, nor quickly.  We have to put in a lot of time and effort to reap any reward, but if we keep persevering, we’ll get there!

Goals are meant to be changeable and attainable, so if you accomplish even a small goal, celebrate it and keep up that momentum!  If you need to make alterations, make adjustments that best fit your schedule, but keep going.  Achievements need to be recognized to keep us sane and motivated, so if you want to do a little dance or need some words of encouragement, let me know in the comments and I’ll dance with you!

Wishing you all the very best in your endeavors!  Keep your chin up!

*You may be wondering how the fanfic works into my portfolio as a screenwriter, but for those of you who have been following me for a while now know, I want a job at Bioware! 😉

Don’t Go Anywhere

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I’m in the midst of a transitional period and have a few things happening at the moment.  I’m not going far, but I’m taking a little break to get everything in order.

So stick around!

UnderConstruction

I wish I could say I were heading off to sink myself into a sandy beach marinated in mojitos, because that would be good for the soul, buuuut…hopefully one day soon. 😉

Keep working towards your goals and see you all soon!

xx, Rach

The Rise in Shock Value

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CapHydra

The internet, and myself included, were all in a tizzy this week with the announcement that in a new comic series, Steve Rogers #1, Captain America is actually an undercover Hydra agent.

Nope.

No.

Not having it.

Fans were quite rightly upset and for good reason.  Captain America has stood as a moral icon, defending the defenseless against tyranny and oppression, and choosing the right path, regardless of personal cost, for 75 years.  He’s the good guy, with no hints at all to his character to the contrary.  Many fans believe this is just a publicity stunt, shock for shock value alone, and I agree.

With his rise in popularity due to two wonderful films in the MCU, I can imagine that there was a meeting in which execs and writers came up with a few “what if” scenarios, but as a fellow writer, I can attest to the fact that not all ideas are good ones.  I can’t fault a writer for wanting to take a risk, especially with a character of Cap’s reputation, but taking a character with such a strong moral code and turning that on its head without any warning is just feeding into the mentality that the only way to be relevant is to be shocking.

We, as a people, continually exposed to all manner of craziness via the internet and the rise in dramatic, stunning television, I think, are the reasons behind such bold moves.  In order to be noticed, we’ve resorted to becoming the one-uppers.  Shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and American Horror Story, among others, have risen the bar in the way of surprising their audience, and I thank them for it, but at the same time wonder if it’s not hurting us as well, overall.

We now expect so much more from all our media-going experiences, and this is forcing writers to do the unexpected often without reason.  A scene like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones had a great deal of build up.  It wasn’t an out of left field surprise, although yes, it was upsetting.  The stage was set, long before we arrived, with bread crumbs left along the way that led us to such an inevitable conclusion.

GoT

This is something as writers we need to be aware of.  We can’t throw in a shocking twist just because – there has to be a reason, motivation, there has to have been set up.  Audiences want to be satisfied, they also want to feel clever, and this is done by offering them morsels and insights they can piece together before the big surprise.

This offers us, as writers, a great challenge to think about the nuances needed to tell our story more effectively.  If we look at the big picture, how can we impress upon our audience what is to come with a little foreshadowing?  Is there a metaphor that could highlight the impending dilemma?  Is there a phrase said by a character early on that offers such insight?  Think of social media and how people dig into their favorite scenes, stories, characters, etc. to find more depth and hidden meaning (I have discovered a number of memes and the like showcasing foreshadowing I missed myself) and think of how happy it will make our audience if we can offer that to them.

I found this writing tip via Helping Writers Become Authors that offers the good and bad reasons to kill a character, but I think it can be utilized in regards to any plot device.

KillingCharacter

Let us not short change our audience.  Let us give them the surprises they deserve; those that mean more because we cared enough to think our story through, and not just another tactic or ploy meant to incite emotion or a reaction.  Let us also not short change our work or our characters.  Be true to them.  They deserve no less…and so does Cap.

Happy Writing!

The Burden of Being Single

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SingleNotAvailThere’s this weird thing that happens when you find yourself as one of the last single people among your friends, or when you reach a certain age and are shockingly, still unmarried.  Suddenly there’s something wrong with you.  There’s a huge hole in your life.  You’re now being judged by the person that five minutes ago found someone not completely repulsive on a dating website.

There’s this weird thing that happens when people couple up.  They discover they have a pitying facial expression that automatically pops up when they meet a singleton.  They develop this superior attitude as if they’ve discovered some ultimate secret and are now determined to “help” you.

The other night, I had these two older male diners making small talk, asking if I was married, blah blah blah, and when I said I wasn’t seeing anyone, one of them had the audacity to ask what was wrong with me.  The other asked if I was happy.

Really?!

Yes, I am happy, as surprising as that may be.  I’m content being on my own at this point in my life.  I don’t need a man to feel complete and fulfilled, etc.  But clearly you’re just looking for some explanation as to why you’re not, as you’ve made multiple comments about being unhappy in your 25 years of marriage.  Honestly, I was a bit put off by the whole exchange and was happy to see them leave.  Why do people, strangers even, think it’s okay to say something they have absolutely no right or knowledge to comment on?  Side note, this is the same problem I have with social media and the lack of filter most people seem to possess nowadays.

WalkThisWorldAlone

Two of my heroines never married – Elizabeth I and Jane Austen.  Both were single in a time when it wasn’t exactly acceptable for a woman to be, and yet here they are, hundreds of years later, respected and revered for such brave decisions.  So why in this day and age is my choice to not enter into a time sucking and emotionally draining relationship so unusual?

My last serious relationship was with a deceitful, manipulative philanderer.  After a physical confrontation of a break up, I was turned off by the whole idea of dating, and for a while after, it made me reflect on my own faults at having been so twisted to suit his will.  I didn’t think I could be so easily swayed, but clearly that’s what had happened and I doubted myself for some time afterward.

Now, I’m looking for something extraordinary.  I don’t want to just date randoms.  A) I don’t have time for that, and B) Take this as you will, I want more.  You’re probably thinking, but how will you find that “one” if you’re not dating?  Like I said, I’m okay building the kind of life I want on my own.  I’m not high maintenance, but at this stage in my life, I am who I am, and it would take someone with a particular understanding of this to add to my life, and I haven’t met the one that offers that.  This is probably why I write romance – so I can live vicariously through my characters.

This is a post of solidarity to my fellow singletons and a message to those of you who have coupled up and feel it your obligation to pair off everyone you know:  Unless we say otherwise, we’re okay on our own…

Although, I am tempted to get some sort of sign for future reference – #TallGirlProblems 😉

TallSign

Have a great weekend!

Wayne Newton Kissed Me Twice

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Yes, you read that correctly.  Twice.

WNThursday night I had the opportunity to see Mr. Las Vegas perform after a five year hiatus.  I don’t remember seeing him in my youth, but he was such a staple here, I have this particular image of him in my mind as if he were an old friend, that I felt it a necessity to see him given the chance.  And it was free.  Bonus.

Side note, on my way to the theater, in true Vegas fashion, I met an Elvis impersonator in the elevator.  Nice guy, but even in street clothes, so obviously a pseudo Elvis.  Of course not the young, hot version, but the older, a little heavier-sequined jumpsuit-era version.  My friend asked if I gave him my number.  First of all, it didn’t come up.  Secondly, umm did you hear me when I told you what version of Elvis he was impersonating…?

The room sat maybe 100 people, and the seating was first come first serve.  The room was already full when my friend and I arrived, but an usher offered to seat us – three feet from the stage.  Thank you, sir.  We were seated across the aisle from his wife, and seated in front of a former Lt. Governor, while country music legends sat in the back.

Why does this matter, you may ask?  My friend knew the former LG and didn’t want to pull out the flask from her purse to spike her drink.  We also knew we wouldn’t be able to sneak out early, if we wanted to.

Wayne entered from the back of the room, and made his way down the aisle on which I was seated.  As he passed through, he shook hands and kissed cheeks, and you know I wasn’t going to miss that chance.  He greeted me with a big smile, said hello, and kissed my cheek.  My friend was jealous.  I just giggled.  I mean c’mon, it’s Wayne Newton.

We didn’t know what type of show to expect, he’s in his 70s now.  He started strong, singing and making jokes, saluting the military officers and veterans in attendance, and offering a glimpse at the old Vegas showmanship, but then the show took an unexpected turn.  It became “this is your life”.  His wife joined him on stage and asked him audience questions while he recounted his nearly 7 decades in the business, seriously, he started around the age of 4.  I found it interesting because I learned a great deal about him, but had I paid the steep ticket price, I would have been a little upset.

Despite the lack of actual performance from him, I was glad I had the opportunity to see him in person.  As he made his way off the stage, I knew he was going to pass us again, and my friend pushed me out of the way to get a little action herself.  He still made a point to kiss my cheek again.  Haha!

One thing I took away from the Las Vegas legend is that he doesn’t seem to have lost himself or changed to fit a certain idea.  He is still just as kind, charming, and funny as he always was.  He’s stayed true to himself.  A good life lesson.