Wishing you all a safe and Happy Halloween filled with ghoulish delights and frightfully good times!
All hail the Pumpkin King!
xx, Rach
Category Archives: Posts
A Look Back on September
What is that saying about best laid plans?
Oh, yes. They often go awry. And so went the month of September.
A seemingly simple change to my work schedule for the entire month put a huge crimp in my plans. I wrote very little, and the longing I feel to be creative and get lost in my imaginary worlds is palpable, like an ache in the center of my being. This is an oddly nice reminder of the fact that I truly have found my calling. That being said, I didn’t come remotely close to finishing my planned rewrite, I ignored my blog almost completely (Sorry, everyone!), and even the fanfic got the cold shoulder and I’m right in the middle of the juiciest bit.
Not to mention a slew of other things that got pushed to the wayside. A whole month passed by and I have so very little to show for it. Even the change in the work schedule offered little result.
And finally, amidst the monotony, I received word that my pilot was not advancing in the first contest I submitted it to. I swear, if that amateur hour mistake cost me moving forward…
((Sigh))
Sometimes I can’t help feeling as if I’m swimming against the current. There’s a whole lot of energy being expelled with little in the way of development, and I’m kind of at a loss of what decision I can make in order to achieve a more promising outcome. I wonder from time to time how many hours I’ve wasted looking for another job I don’t really want instead of investing that time in the work I actually want to do. I take that back. I really don’t want to know that number.
It’s that kind of thought that compels me to write wherever and whenever I can. Every little step helps, right? Tuesday night, instead of being compelled to do “busy work” after the one table I had (yes, you read that correctly – one), I wrote. I actually sat down at this tucked away little table and wrote. It was fan fiction, because that is the only thing I seem to be able to concentrate on at work, but I wrote…and I wrote a lot of it.
It felt good. I’ve missed it. And it was the nudge and spark of creativity I needed.
Can you believe there are only three months left to the year? Those goals I set for myself are drawing ever closer, and if I want to keep the promises I’ve made to myself, I have to get crackin’. The comforting thing about goal setting is that they can be adjusted to fit your needs/time table. There were a couple of deadlines I was hoping to make, but my overall goal of having my portfolio ready for the new year is still attainable. ((Crosses fingers))
Okay. Now that I’ve reflected on the nonsense that was September, it’s time to look forward to October and what the rest of the year has in store. With the holidays fast approaching and the time sucking that inevitably happens, we’ll have to be even more diligent with the time we have.
Even this big setback had a silver lining – I know I won’t be satisfied with doing anything else.
I’m open to suggestions for how I may best move forward and would love to hear what your goals are for the rest of the year.
Wishing you all the best in your creative endeavors!
Opportunities for Writers
When I find a writing opportunity, I like to share.
If you’re not following Aerogramme Writers’ Studio yet, you definitely should! Like right now. Go. I’ll wait. 😉
Okay, now that you’re back, let’s get to business.
Aerogramme sends regular monthly emails with opportunities, and then a number of other emails throughout the month when they discover something new. Now you don’t have to waste your time not writing because you’re looking for avenues to showcase your work, they’ll come to you.
Here are two, for example:
- Kathy Fish Fellowship for Flash Fiction Writers via SmokeLong Quarterly. Applications will be accepted until September 15th which is only a week away, but there’s no entry fee (although a $5 donation is suggested) and they accept unsolicited material all year round.
- Buzzfeed’s 2nd Annual Emerging Writers Fellowship is open until October 1st. The winners will spend four months being mentored in either NY or LA and win $12,000 to financially support themselves while they learn. There is a great deal of work required to enter this one (a resume, a personal statement, 5 writing examples, and 3 letters of reference), so if you’re interested, get crackin’!
Wishing you the very best in all your endeavors! Good Luck!
Gishwhes 2016
As if I wasn’t aware already of how fast time goes by, it’s been a month since I participated in the craziness that is “gishwhes“. This was the fourth year The Sis and I challenged ourselves in the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen, and as always, it was the creative boost I needed.
For those of you unfamiliar with the hunt, it was started by actor/philanthropist Misha Collins. He plays the angel, Castiel on Supernatural. The week long adventure includes making things, doing things, finding things, and taking pictures or video to document your achievement.
The Sis and I are part of Team Falkor, and always will be! This year our team was comprised solely of amazing women who are among some of the best people I have never met. As the scavenger hunt is international and online, I have yet to meet some of my teammates, although the friendships formed despite this last a lifetime. The group is encouraging, supportive, and just plain awesome all year round (a few of them were my beta readers for my pilot).
It would be amazing to win just so we could all get together, and yes, a desperately needed vacation to a foreign land would fantastic as well. 😉
It is surprising what you can accomplish in a week, and what people are willing to help you do. There were about 175 items on this year’s list, and while some are easier than others – repurpose artichokes, there are some that seem almost impossible – one included NASA. The Sis and I are usually on our own, moving has not been overly helpful to creating a core group of fellow geeks who can help, but together we were able to accomplish 14 items and had 2 more we were so, so close to finishing.
The hunt always includes good deeds among the crazy antics, and for the geek in us, there are always a couple Star Wars themed items, one usually includes a stormtrooper. Most of our team members are
devoted Whovians, so we always include at least one Doctor Who reference. This year was a freckle constellation. The Sis and I like taking our time on items, so we generally choose those that take planning and effort and then go out and snapshot like 8 in one day. We have one team member, fondly nicknamed “The Hammer”, for her sheer mind-blowing ability to hammer out multiple items every day. I think her name was on 35 items this year.
She’s awesome.
Gishwhes is one of those rare things that brings people together to have fun and do good deeds. It’s an event that you look forward to all year and plan for by saving random things you think could be useful for an item. It helps to break you out of your shell by having you approach strangers for hugs while covered in chocolate, or helps you overcome a fear, like jumping out of an airplane, or giving blood, or even being buried in popcorn. With roughly 175 items each year, you can imagine the possibilities.
It’s also one of those things that makes you a little more brave and leaves you with good feelings that you want to maintain the rest of the year. You may be willing to try new things and continue those good deeds because being a part of gishwhes makes you a part of something bigger. You’ve become part of a group of similarly minded people who will support you and encourage you and in turn, you will want to do the same.
I know, all that from a scavenger hunt…you’d be surprised. Click the link above to learn more, and hopefully you’ll be a part of the fun next year!
An Anniversary, A Thank You, A Quote, and A Farewell
Happy 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.
Amidst 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.
Find your happy place and do great things!
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
I’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:
Wishing you all the very best in your endeavors!
Miss Jean Louis
There 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.
Instead 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
As 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.
Luckily, 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?
This 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
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! 😉
