Growing up I never really had an issue with pimples. Sure I got the stray bump while going through those awkward teenage years, but it was never so bad as a problem. My skin, aside from the various scars I've acquired from the follies of youth, has always been mostly blemish free.
Why am I telling you this? Perhaps because it's three a.m. Thursday night, or if you prefer early Friday morning. I'm of the belief that it's not the next day until you've gone to sleep and awoke on the other side of the hours past. Although, if that were true with my insomnia I'd be living a year behind everyone (time travel is possible!)
But the other reason I mention my very limited experience with pimples, is that I'm currently sporting two on my forehead greeting my hairline. Granted in a few years my hair will have retreated away from this point on my head. They're small, inconspicuous bumps most people probably can't notice but I sure as hell do.
I'm pretty much hoping they are in fact the result of spider bite for the simple fact that the alternative suggests that stress is the cause. Those who know me well, know I am not one who stresses. Things roll off my back with ease, and I can find the good in almost any situation.
So what is it at this point in my life do I have to stress about? Hopefully just spiders in the bed. Sleep well readers.
Following the journey of award winning author, Alex Azar, as he travels the publishing world and all things interesting. To reproduce or publish any material found within this blog, please contact me at azarrising@hotmail.com
Showing posts with label Free Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, April 4, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Free Thoughts 3/24/14
I recently went to a concert at the Stanhope House. It's basically a large bar that has a stage. Apparently, it's mostly a Jazz/Blues venue, but I went with my brother to see Pharoahe Monch, a rapper. And because he's a rapper, the opening acts were also hip-hop... all of them. There was 8 opening acts, each performed 3-4 quick raps and were gone. I would have much rather had 2-3 opening acts with longer sets, but as it was there was a good variety, by which I mean more white rappers in a single room than the 8 Mile movie auditions.
The M.C. of the night was also the first emcee of the night, an overweight Irish rapper with a vibrant red beard... and he was impressively good. There was also an angry ICP (look it up) reject with red and white face paint on. Even more interesting was his hype man was garbed in all black and wore a chromed out baby mask. His hype man wore a mask and couldn't say anything! Not sure they understand the point of a hype man, but I will say he provided the comedy for the night when he turned his back to the crowd so he could lift up his mask and drink from his beer while Face Paint continued with the show.
My real reason for writing about this night is to acknowledge how hard it must be to get on stage and perform your art like that. I was watching as one particularly bad performer was on stage, and despite not having a good flow or even decent lyrics, he worked the mic like he owned it with a confidence that's needed in this world of music. No matter what type of music or the size of the venue, these musicians (whether good or bad) are putting themselves on display in a way other artists typically don't have to.
Authors, we write privately, edit our own work, then facelessly submit our work online to a publisher we'll likely never meet, who accepts or rejects us in an email, usually in what's called a 'form letter', which means they basically copy and paste the same rejection they gave the previous author. Then we, as authors, make some adjustments and send it on to the publisher. Rejection for an author is a faceless infraction that usually results in a better piece after more editing.
Musicians on the other hand, have to preform face to face and look their audience in the eyes as they either cheer or boo. Even their practice rounds have to be live for feedback on whether or not their getting better or not. I practice on a sheet of paper, and if I'm not happy with it, I can crumble it up and throw it away (sorry recycle).
All this to say, I'll always respect musicians for performing regardless of quality while I sit here behind my pad and a pen.
The M.C. of the night was also the first emcee of the night, an overweight Irish rapper with a vibrant red beard... and he was impressively good. There was also an angry ICP (look it up) reject with red and white face paint on. Even more interesting was his hype man was garbed in all black and wore a chromed out baby mask. His hype man wore a mask and couldn't say anything! Not sure they understand the point of a hype man, but I will say he provided the comedy for the night when he turned his back to the crowd so he could lift up his mask and drink from his beer while Face Paint continued with the show.
My real reason for writing about this night is to acknowledge how hard it must be to get on stage and perform your art like that. I was watching as one particularly bad performer was on stage, and despite not having a good flow or even decent lyrics, he worked the mic like he owned it with a confidence that's needed in this world of music. No matter what type of music or the size of the venue, these musicians (whether good or bad) are putting themselves on display in a way other artists typically don't have to.
Authors, we write privately, edit our own work, then facelessly submit our work online to a publisher we'll likely never meet, who accepts or rejects us in an email, usually in what's called a 'form letter', which means they basically copy and paste the same rejection they gave the previous author. Then we, as authors, make some adjustments and send it on to the publisher. Rejection for an author is a faceless infraction that usually results in a better piece after more editing.
Musicians on the other hand, have to preform face to face and look their audience in the eyes as they either cheer or boo. Even their practice rounds have to be live for feedback on whether or not their getting better or not. I practice on a sheet of paper, and if I'm not happy with it, I can crumble it up and throw it away (sorry recycle).
All this to say, I'll always respect musicians for performing regardless of quality while I sit here behind my pad and a pen.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Free Thoughts 10/10/13
Late last night I returned to NJ from a trip to San Francisco and here are a few takeaways I have from my first time to the city. I'm a fan. New Orleans is still my favorite vacation spot, but I really enjoyed my time in San Fran. Everyone is so laid back, even in the Financial District, not something I'm used to from the East Coast.
I spent some time at the Fisherman's Wharf, where off the coast Alcatraz resides. Everything was just beautiful, even the loud as all hell seals chilling off the pier. It was all a little too commercial for me, but certainly worth a visit if you're ever in the area.
My main reason for heading out there was to see my first 49ers game. I don't speak of sports too often here, but I'm a lifelong Niners fan, but never had the chance to see them live. This season also happens to be the team's final year at their historic stadium, Candlestick Park, and it was a goal of mine to visit before it was demolished.
After being there for a game I can say, it's about time. This stadium is horrible. The PA system is barely audible, there are obstructed view seats, going to the concession stands means you can't see the game (not even a live feed of the video), and it's in the middle of nowhere. There are no bars around the park, it's accessible by a single highway that becomes over crowded during game time, and the only convenient parking is a 15 minute walk away, but I loved every minute of it.
The team will remain the San Francisco 49ers, however the new stadium will actually be in Santa Clara. I'm not big on that idea, but if it grants them a better stadium, one they deserve, I'm all for it.
My biggest complaint of the trip, is that I didn't stay long enough. I had flown in on Sunday, landed about 2:30 pm, then left Wednesday at noon. Next time i head out there, I'll be sure to make it for at least a week, but for a quick trip, it was absolutely worth it... especially since the 49ers won 34-3 against a team, that was supposed to be a bigger threat.
Until next time, remember to keep reading and have a good one.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Free Thoughts 6/14/13
Although I may be a car owner and driver I long for the days when children ruled the road. When yelling "car!" was the universal 'time-out' meant to get everyone to wait on the curb until someone else shouted back "game on!". I'm not a fan of the deep retrospect of 'it was a simpler time' but it really is the truth. Technology has changed so much in the way we develop, infiltrating our childhoods that the newer generation couldn't possibly relate.
I don't intend this to be a tech bashing post, for one reason, I simply wouldn't be able to write this, or you read this, if it weren't for the technological advancements made since we were children, and more importantly I would most likely not be a published author if it weren't for the same or similar technologies.
This is directed to the disconnect that's created for children that is going to change interactions as they grow. And there are plenty of studies already out there and still be conducted about the difference in socializing from then and now and what it might mean in the future.
This is clearly not one of those studies. This is just my observations of parents shutting their children up with tablets, teens listening to their iPods or texting at the dinner table instead of participating in actual conversation. Surely at this point I sound like a crotchety old man, but I'm only 30 years old (not helping is the fact I used crotchety)
The peak of this, and one of my most shameful acts with the fairer sex (and trust me there's plenty) came when I actually asked a girl out on a date through a text. This is something I'm vehemently against, however I hadn't seen or spoken to this particular girl in any form for months. Still no excuse, but I convinced myself that since we've never spoken on the phone before, it'd be too awkward to actually call her for the first time after so long of no communication to ask her out. After pressing 'send' before she replied I really hoped she had enough morals to not say yes to a guy who couldn't bother to put himself on the line and at the very least call her. And I can let you know she did in fact say no. Now, I have no way of telling whether that was because of how I asked or because she had no interest (come on, we all know that can't be the case... right?) but I'm content in believing that she had more respect for herself than that.
This is compounded with the knowledge that I was recently broken up with via text. As upset as I was about the break up, my real issue was with how she went about it. And I know in the long run I won't care how she did, but as it stands, especially immediately after it happened, it really bothered me. This was a relationship that technology played very little in the development of. I'm sure the amount of texting we did helped expedite us getting together, but it was inevitable anyway. We weren't, nor currently are, 'friends' on Facebook. We never Skyped or anything like that, so for her to break up with me like that was a cowardish move and I told her as much... in a text. While part of me does believe you can be friends with an ex, not that I am with any, her and I do not talk, and I think a large part of it, is because of her method of doing so.
Why put out those embarrassing stories? Mainly because I have much worse ones already out there and I have no shame, but also to illustrate the fact that even as someone who grew up yelling 'car' I'm subject to the negative effects technology has on our socializing and implore you to teach those growing up after us to learn to shout back "game on!"
I don't intend this to be a tech bashing post, for one reason, I simply wouldn't be able to write this, or you read this, if it weren't for the technological advancements made since we were children, and more importantly I would most likely not be a published author if it weren't for the same or similar technologies.
This is directed to the disconnect that's created for children that is going to change interactions as they grow. And there are plenty of studies already out there and still be conducted about the difference in socializing from then and now and what it might mean in the future.
This is clearly not one of those studies. This is just my observations of parents shutting their children up with tablets, teens listening to their iPods or texting at the dinner table instead of participating in actual conversation. Surely at this point I sound like a crotchety old man, but I'm only 30 years old (not helping is the fact I used crotchety)
The peak of this, and one of my most shameful acts with the fairer sex (and trust me there's plenty) came when I actually asked a girl out on a date through a text. This is something I'm vehemently against, however I hadn't seen or spoken to this particular girl in any form for months. Still no excuse, but I convinced myself that since we've never spoken on the phone before, it'd be too awkward to actually call her for the first time after so long of no communication to ask her out. After pressing 'send' before she replied I really hoped she had enough morals to not say yes to a guy who couldn't bother to put himself on the line and at the very least call her. And I can let you know she did in fact say no. Now, I have no way of telling whether that was because of how I asked or because she had no interest (come on, we all know that can't be the case... right?) but I'm content in believing that she had more respect for herself than that.
This is compounded with the knowledge that I was recently broken up with via text. As upset as I was about the break up, my real issue was with how she went about it. And I know in the long run I won't care how she did, but as it stands, especially immediately after it happened, it really bothered me. This was a relationship that technology played very little in the development of. I'm sure the amount of texting we did helped expedite us getting together, but it was inevitable anyway. We weren't, nor currently are, 'friends' on Facebook. We never Skyped or anything like that, so for her to break up with me like that was a cowardish move and I told her as much... in a text. While part of me does believe you can be friends with an ex, not that I am with any, her and I do not talk, and I think a large part of it, is because of her method of doing so.
Why put out those embarrassing stories? Mainly because I have much worse ones already out there and I have no shame, but also to illustrate the fact that even as someone who grew up yelling 'car' I'm subject to the negative effects technology has on our socializing and implore you to teach those growing up after us to learn to shout back "game on!"
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Free Thoughts 6/1/13
I recently went to a Fall Out Boy concert, two nights ago to be exact, and while most everything I say in this post will point to the contrary, the fact is I really enjoy going to concerts. The problem is there's so much that bothers me about them.
The major thing that gets me is this:
Didn't we first build walls so we wouldn't have to cram together like this? It's unnatural, it's not fun in the least, it's not comfortable, and honestly it can't be too healthy either. I don't understand the concept of squeezing as many bodies as physically possible to try to listen to the band/singer over the throngs of people screaming around you. God forbid you want to piss or get a drink.
Which brings up two different issues. No where are bathrooms filthier than at concert venues. I'd rather poop at a McDonald's in Times Square than at a concert venue.
And while I understand a venue charging an obscene amount for drinks, I can't fathom the point of actually spending so much on alcohol that your body is just going to sweat out of you before you can feel any affects.
God forbid if you show up only five minutes before the doors open, now you're stuck either sitting on speakers rendering you deaf for the next three days, or you're behind a pillar and can't even see the stage, meaning you just spent a minimum of $50 to listen to a live album you could have heard on youtube.com.
For all the concerts I've been to (and it's been a good amount) I can't remember a single one where the average age of attendees was over 18, let alone over 21... Correction, I went to a DJ show with Q-Tip and Jazzy Jeff and that was a more mature crowd, and ironically none of the complaints I have here did I have to deal with then.
Also at this Fall Out Boy concert, something that's boggled me at nearly every other concert I've been to, is females crowd surfing in the most inappropriate clothing. I'm talking about tube tops, spaghetti strapped tank tops, and/or skirts. I'm a hetero guy, I enjoy seeing the naughty bits of (most) females, but if you're going to get upset about becoming exposed, have a little more common sense (I know, I know 'sense is no longer common' but come on) and dress the part if there's even a chance you might crowd surf.
Aside from FOB and the opening act, New Politics, putting on really good shows, the best part of the show (and I wish I had video of this) was watching the already packed crowd shift towards the front in waves. Then throughout the show you can watch the ripples of one person move to the right cause the entire section to sway with them. I looked down from my balcony perch in scientific amazement believing scientists could study the effects of the moon on the tide simply by watching a crowd at a concert.
The temperature of the room was absurd, so hot to the point security at the front of the stage was actually giving away free bottles of water the entire show. I saw two people carried off, presumably because of heat exhaustion. The effects of which were only made worse in my elevated position an arm's length away from the speakers. My goal after leaving the concert was to take my pants off as soon as legally possible.
Which reminds me, no one looks good after a concert. Can't wait for the next one.
The major thing that gets me is this:
Didn't we first build walls so we wouldn't have to cram together like this? It's unnatural, it's not fun in the least, it's not comfortable, and honestly it can't be too healthy either. I don't understand the concept of squeezing as many bodies as physically possible to try to listen to the band/singer over the throngs of people screaming around you. God forbid you want to piss or get a drink.
Which brings up two different issues. No where are bathrooms filthier than at concert venues. I'd rather poop at a McDonald's in Times Square than at a concert venue.
And while I understand a venue charging an obscene amount for drinks, I can't fathom the point of actually spending so much on alcohol that your body is just going to sweat out of you before you can feel any affects.
God forbid if you show up only five minutes before the doors open, now you're stuck either sitting on speakers rendering you deaf for the next three days, or you're behind a pillar and can't even see the stage, meaning you just spent a minimum of $50 to listen to a live album you could have heard on youtube.com.
For all the concerts I've been to (and it's been a good amount) I can't remember a single one where the average age of attendees was over 18, let alone over 21... Correction, I went to a DJ show with Q-Tip and Jazzy Jeff and that was a more mature crowd, and ironically none of the complaints I have here did I have to deal with then.
Also at this Fall Out Boy concert, something that's boggled me at nearly every other concert I've been to, is females crowd surfing in the most inappropriate clothing. I'm talking about tube tops, spaghetti strapped tank tops, and/or skirts. I'm a hetero guy, I enjoy seeing the naughty bits of (most) females, but if you're going to get upset about becoming exposed, have a little more common sense (I know, I know 'sense is no longer common' but come on) and dress the part if there's even a chance you might crowd surf.
Aside from FOB and the opening act, New Politics, putting on really good shows, the best part of the show (and I wish I had video of this) was watching the already packed crowd shift towards the front in waves. Then throughout the show you can watch the ripples of one person move to the right cause the entire section to sway with them. I looked down from my balcony perch in scientific amazement believing scientists could study the effects of the moon on the tide simply by watching a crowd at a concert.
The temperature of the room was absurd, so hot to the point security at the front of the stage was actually giving away free bottles of water the entire show. I saw two people carried off, presumably because of heat exhaustion. The effects of which were only made worse in my elevated position an arm's length away from the speakers. My goal after leaving the concert was to take my pants off as soon as legally possible.
Which reminds me, no one looks good after a concert. Can't wait for the next one.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Free Thoughts 4/26/13
A few days ago I was listening to music, can't remember if it was my headphones or while driving, but it really doesn't matter. What's important is that whatever song it was had the phrase "straw dogs" in it. And the reason this is important, or at least important to this train of thought I'm expressing, is that it made me think of the movies entitled... yup you guessed it "Straw Dogs". This created two questions in my mind 1) what the hell 'straw dogs' means. I'm sure I could do a quick Google search and find a definition of the term, if it is in fact a term. And 2) why are some movies titled what they are, but this really isn't limited to movies. The same could be asked of certain books, plays, and Lord knows how many songs have senseless titles.
Mind you, I have a smart phone and put it to use on a daily, if not hourly, but sometimes I prefer to learn things the old fashioned way. I know I can easily search for the reason the movie is actually called what it is, but I'd rather watch it (eventually) and learn that way.
I extend that preference in other ways as well. I still have reference books on chemistry, psychology, kinesiology, and an encyclopedia of dictionaries, that has a bible dictionary, a crossword dictionary, medical dictionary, synonyms and antonyms. It's a great source for pretty much anything you could ask for... prior to 1980. Again, all this information could be found on the internet with a few clicks and keystrokes, and that's great for what it's worth, but sometimes I just really enjoy the hunt for knowledge and all the peripheral facts you pick up during your search.
Addressing the second question, there are just some movies/books for the life of me I can't think of the meaning behind the title. My favorite book for instance, "A Clockwork Orange", the title is never used in the book (or movie) and I'm pretty sure the word 'clockwork' was never used. I've recently searched for the meaning, and found that Anthony Burgess has given multiple reasons and meanings behind the title, but none of them are explicitly described in the book. Same goes for "Reservoir Dogs", none of the characters ever refer to themselves as such, nor is the word reservoir nor dogs ever used in the movie.
I'd like to think that the titles I use not only make sense, but are explained within the story, even the abstract ones.
If you have any other examples of oddly titles books/movies mention them in the movies...
Mind you, I have a smart phone and put it to use on a daily, if not hourly, but sometimes I prefer to learn things the old fashioned way. I know I can easily search for the reason the movie is actually called what it is, but I'd rather watch it (eventually) and learn that way.
I extend that preference in other ways as well. I still have reference books on chemistry, psychology, kinesiology, and an encyclopedia of dictionaries, that has a bible dictionary, a crossword dictionary, medical dictionary, synonyms and antonyms. It's a great source for pretty much anything you could ask for... prior to 1980. Again, all this information could be found on the internet with a few clicks and keystrokes, and that's great for what it's worth, but sometimes I just really enjoy the hunt for knowledge and all the peripheral facts you pick up during your search.
Addressing the second question, there are just some movies/books for the life of me I can't think of the meaning behind the title. My favorite book for instance, "A Clockwork Orange", the title is never used in the book (or movie) and I'm pretty sure the word 'clockwork' was never used. I've recently searched for the meaning, and found that Anthony Burgess has given multiple reasons and meanings behind the title, but none of them are explicitly described in the book. Same goes for "Reservoir Dogs", none of the characters ever refer to themselves as such, nor is the word reservoir nor dogs ever used in the movie.
I'd like to think that the titles I use not only make sense, but are explained within the story, even the abstract ones.
If you have any other examples of oddly titles books/movies mention them in the movies...
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Free Thoughts 8/21 (my 30th birthday)
In honor of the greatest day of the year let's take a look at some of the history of the AzarRising blog this past year:
Obvious places like US and Canada rank as some the most frequent visiting countries, with some surprising spots in the top 10 like Latvia, Sweden and Israel.
Also worth noting are some of the odd Google searches that resulted in a visit; "Azer Uma Rising" (not even sure what they were looking for but they spelled my name wrong) "Alex Azar wife" (either someone knows something I don't or I've got a secret admirer) and my personal favorite "Azar sexy" (and mind you this was searched more than once)
That's it for now, I'm going to return to my stress free birthday, but stick around there's plenty of reading material. As always keep reading, and enjoy.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Free Thoughts 8/15
I turn 30 in six days and I'm sick, if that's not some cruel reminder that I'm getting older I don't know what is. Mind you, I'm laughing as I type this so don't take this too seriously. Since I started doing these Free Thoughts I flirted with the idea of writing about my birthday, but I don't want it to come off as mopey or emo, but now I feel like crap and am ok with however it comes off as.
I'm happy with where my writing is, I've had nine short stories published to date, and I have another two coming in a single anthology due out in October. That will actually be the first time I have two stories in a single anthology, and I'm very excited about that. Late last year I published in two anthologies that my good friend was also in, which is the closest we've come to being published together, so far.
I'm working on a novel that's taking a lot longer than I had anticipated. Initially I planned on having finished my first full novel by the time I turned 30, but that's not going to happen. I've taken comfort that I'll finish at the age of 30. The major draw back of writing a novel after working on short stories for so long is that I don't have that (near) instant gratification. I've actually been tempted to post samplings of the book here on the blog, but don't want to spoil it or rush a sample before the novel's even finished.
Aside from the writing, I have a well paying job, although it's just that, a job. My career is and always will be as an author, I just don't really make money off of it yet. My company has had me at some great locations in NYC, such as; Columbia University, Rockefeller Center, The Chrysler Building, and currently in the middle of Times Square.
People ask me how I feel about turning 30, and while I joke about it, I'm actually ok with it. I would rather not be single, especially when I see 80% of my graduating class is already married with kids...
...I just reread what I've typed so far and it really sounds like a personal add for an online dating service, so let me switch it up. I may be turning 30 in 6 days, but my body feels 10 years older, and my mind is 15 years younger. So, in my opinion I'm ahead of the curve, ladies apply within ;)
I'm happy with where my writing is, I've had nine short stories published to date, and I have another two coming in a single anthology due out in October. That will actually be the first time I have two stories in a single anthology, and I'm very excited about that. Late last year I published in two anthologies that my good friend was also in, which is the closest we've come to being published together, so far.
I'm working on a novel that's taking a lot longer than I had anticipated. Initially I planned on having finished my first full novel by the time I turned 30, but that's not going to happen. I've taken comfort that I'll finish at the age of 30. The major draw back of writing a novel after working on short stories for so long is that I don't have that (near) instant gratification. I've actually been tempted to post samplings of the book here on the blog, but don't want to spoil it or rush a sample before the novel's even finished.
Aside from the writing, I have a well paying job, although it's just that, a job. My career is and always will be as an author, I just don't really make money off of it yet. My company has had me at some great locations in NYC, such as; Columbia University, Rockefeller Center, The Chrysler Building, and currently in the middle of Times Square.
People ask me how I feel about turning 30, and while I joke about it, I'm actually ok with it. I would rather not be single, especially when I see 80% of my graduating class is already married with kids...
...I just reread what I've typed so far and it really sounds like a personal add for an online dating service, so let me switch it up. I may be turning 30 in 6 days, but my body feels 10 years older, and my mind is 15 years younger. So, in my opinion I'm ahead of the curve, ladies apply within ;)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Free thoughts 7/5
I know I'm not the only one who plays out conversations in their heads. What I find interesting are the inspirations that I have during these conversations, many of which are arguments (go figure). For the most part these inspirations are in the form of a line or snippet of conversation that I later feel the need to work into a story.
A prime example of this is from a number of years ago: I don't recall exactly what i was thinking, but I remember explicitly getting the image of my head of some guy hugging a tombstone while crying in the rain and he yells out "I just want you!" to the thundering sky. The image played so heavily in my mind I ended up working it into the story I was working on about a super hero trying to quit the life to live with his new wife. With the scene I created a back story of how he had already been married but his arch-villain had killed her awhile ago.
The addition to that one scene added so many elements to the story that I hadn't previously thought of and took it from a short story to a novella. Because of that scene and how it so affected the development of the story I've made sure to keep track of all of these inspirations I have talking to myself in an app on my phone (yes, there's an app for that), like the recently added "I will shit on your grave!" That was inspired by me thinking back to the movie of a similar name "I will Spit on your Grave" and wondering what other levels the sentiment could be taken to.
There are a couple of these lines that I've been trying to find a suitable home for them but they come off too forced for any of the given situations I'm already writing, like a humorous/disturbing line about possible non-consenting sex. (fear not, the intended line implies the deed was not done because of it's illegality.)
And although this is a day late, Happy Birthday 'Merica!!!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
OK that's enough of that, hope you enjoyed your booze, fireworks, and at least slightly burned food
A prime example of this is from a number of years ago: I don't recall exactly what i was thinking, but I remember explicitly getting the image of my head of some guy hugging a tombstone while crying in the rain and he yells out "I just want you!" to the thundering sky. The image played so heavily in my mind I ended up working it into the story I was working on about a super hero trying to quit the life to live with his new wife. With the scene I created a back story of how he had already been married but his arch-villain had killed her awhile ago.
The addition to that one scene added so many elements to the story that I hadn't previously thought of and took it from a short story to a novella. Because of that scene and how it so affected the development of the story I've made sure to keep track of all of these inspirations I have talking to myself in an app on my phone (yes, there's an app for that), like the recently added "I will shit on your grave!" That was inspired by me thinking back to the movie of a similar name "I will Spit on your Grave" and wondering what other levels the sentiment could be taken to.
There are a couple of these lines that I've been trying to find a suitable home for them but they come off too forced for any of the given situations I'm already writing, like a humorous/disturbing line about possible non-consenting sex. (fear not, the intended line implies the deed was not done because of it's illegality.)
And although this is a day late, Happy Birthday 'Merica!!!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
USA!!!
OK that's enough of that, hope you enjoyed your booze, fireworks, and at least slightly burned food
Friday, June 29, 2012
Free Thoughts 6/29
When I started doing these Free Thoughts I said I wanted to do at least one a week, and now it's Friday and I haven't done one yet. Thing is I don't even have a prompt for me to go into a tangent about. Not knowing what to write, but still putting words down on paper (or in this case the screen) can easily turn into ramblings of a long digression. That's what makes picking a certain topic a great tool for these kinds of things.
It's also a great practice in regular prose writing. When I find myself stuck on where a story should go I typically begin writing random things about a main character. This fleshes out the character in a way you, as the author, don't plan ahead of time.
In the book I'm working on now, in just such a moment I spent numerous paragraphs detailing the character's morning routine when getting ready for late after waking up early, which led into overly descriptive paragraph of his belt-buckle and socks. Reading this description of those descriptions undoubtedly leads to disbelief of the entertainment value of reading such explanations but those few short paragraphs dig deeper into the character than any average fundamental paragraph would.
The reader comes away with a better understanding of the character and makes them more vested in the outcome of his story, however it's a delicate balance of enjoyable deviation and tedious diatribe. Furthermore, if it is a successful exposition, as an author, you have to refrain from using this tool to explain every detail. Too much of this informative digression slows the progression of the story and your words end up like reading a dictionary.
Another useful tool, one that I'm just really getting into using after switching from short stories to a novel, is section breaks, not to be confused with chapters. This also take a balancing act to use properly. Too many breaks and you're once again slowing down the narrative, not letting scenes develop fully. Not using enough, or any, can make a story feel too rushed, or the reader can feel they're being bombarded with too much information and not enough time to muse over it all.
When writing any scene know where you want to go with it and how it should end. Begin writing that, and obviously changes will happen during the process, but once you get to the desired end scene... section break.
It's also a great practice in regular prose writing. When I find myself stuck on where a story should go I typically begin writing random things about a main character. This fleshes out the character in a way you, as the author, don't plan ahead of time.
In the book I'm working on now, in just such a moment I spent numerous paragraphs detailing the character's morning routine when getting ready for late after waking up early, which led into overly descriptive paragraph of his belt-buckle and socks. Reading this description of those descriptions undoubtedly leads to disbelief of the entertainment value of reading such explanations but those few short paragraphs dig deeper into the character than any average fundamental paragraph would.
The reader comes away with a better understanding of the character and makes them more vested in the outcome of his story, however it's a delicate balance of enjoyable deviation and tedious diatribe. Furthermore, if it is a successful exposition, as an author, you have to refrain from using this tool to explain every detail. Too much of this informative digression slows the progression of the story and your words end up like reading a dictionary.
Another useful tool, one that I'm just really getting into using after switching from short stories to a novel, is section breaks, not to be confused with chapters. This also take a balancing act to use properly. Too many breaks and you're once again slowing down the narrative, not letting scenes develop fully. Not using enough, or any, can make a story feel too rushed, or the reader can feel they're being bombarded with too much information and not enough time to muse over it all.
When writing any scene know where you want to go with it and how it should end. Begin writing that, and obviously changes will happen during the process, but once you get to the desired end scene... section break.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Free Thoughts 6/20
The countdown has begun and in two months I'll be turning 30, which got me thinking about my legacy. I know this is a topic everyone has talked about from comedians, politicians, to philosophers, but I've got something I'd like to share, a story in fact:
It was my 21st birthday and while most people would go to a bar or club for the first time legally, the majority of my friends were a year younger so instead I had a party at a friend's "frat" house at Rutgers. It was a great time, I drank plenty of shots, drank plenty of beers, drank plenty of pretty much anything put in front of me, as any good 'twenty firster' should. Needless to say I got pretty drunk, and unsurprisingly don't remember some of that night. However, after blacking out, I came to around 3am and had a moment of clarity while watching everyone around me. I had seen a group of Hispanic people talking in a group, my white friends talking together, even the 2 black people at the party were together. Suddenly my drunken Arab ass felt out of place at my own party (this is probably the only birthday I've ever spent without any family), so I decided to look for Arabs and walked out and away from the house. If you know anything about Rutgers, the first place you go for Arabs is the grease trucks spot. This is a parking lot filled with more than a handful of food trucks specializing in 'fat' sandwiches in which you can pretty much put whatever you'd like in it. Most, if not all, of the cooks/drivers of the grease trucks are Arabic, but they're not open at 3am. Now, I'm not sure when they close I know full well they wouldn't be open that late.
Feeling completely dejected I sat down (while I remember more of this night than I probably should, I can't recall if I sat on a bench, grass, or in the middle of the parking lot) and thought to myself for some time. Eventually, I looked at the building in front of me and saw it to be the "Asian Culture Studies Building" or some such name, and thought Well Arabs are technically Asians, maybe there's some Arab's there. Again time held no meaning to me at this point.
Speaking of which, at this point in reading you may be wondering what this has to do with legacy, trust me I promise this digression is building towards that.
Heading towards the building I was actually facing the back of it, and tried the rear door, but unsurprisingly it was locked. Refusing to be deterred, I went around to the front, and while the lights in the lobby were on, the doors were...locked. On the verge of giving up on my epic quest (yes it was epic and only gets better) I once again sat down, this time I do recall there being a bench that faced the lobby doors. After a couple minutes, a janitor walked by the doors. I will still fight to this day that he was in fact a janitor despite the building being locked, the fact he was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, and had no giant ring of keys, simply because he was pushing a rolling garbage can. In any case, upon seeing him, I asked for him to open the door, and after a quizzical look he obliged, and I finally entered the building.
I searched throughout the ground floor which consisted mostly of lecture halls and no Arabs. I had systematically searched each floor (not seeing the janitor again) without seeing anyone else. While on the 4th (and top floor) the alcohol had begun taking over more than just my brain and I needed to urinate. Deciding now would be the most opportune time to use a females bathroom, I did so. Now the reason for mentioning this is to validate while surely moronic, I am not insane as a friend was able to verify the layout of the building (a building I had never entered before or since) I described including the leaky faucet in the restroom.
With all that said and done I had still not found what I was looking for so I decided to head back to the party. And what greeted me as I exited the building? Cops. Now I had no idea what they were there for, but in my inebriated state it had to be for me, and couldn't be good. So I did what any irrational drunk would do, I ran. Thankfully, they were still in the squad car, and I was running through the quad. I believe I was able to lose them through some bushes that exited at a dimly lit side street which I promptly ran up.
Running as fast as I could, which is quicker than my body shape would imply, I made good distance until I came to a small building that resembled a large house, but what stopped me was a statue standing on the lawn. I have no idea who the statue was of, and that could be because he was an obscure campus figure, or I was too drunk to read the plaque/ recognize the face. All I did know at that moment is that I wanted to do something in my lifetime to deserve a statue. I became lost in speculation of what this man did to deserve a statue (again for all I know the statue could have been of George Washington or Batman, the two most deserving men on statues, but that's not the point) and that contemplating led me to reflect on what I had done in my life. Granted at the time I had just turned 21, and life hasn't expected much of me, but here I was drunk in a town I don't know being chased by the cops. That realization reminded me that there were cops after me, and I began my dash for freedom again.
Moments after literally being thrown into the house, the cops drove by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. I spent the rest of the early morning hours sleeping in a bathtub, which was just fine for me at the time.
9 years later and I remember details to that story that truly are irrelevant but I still have the desire... nay the NEED to have a statue of myself commissioned and constructed, it doesn't even have to be gold, I'll settle for bronze.
What's your legacy going to be? And how do you want it immortalized?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Free thoughts 6/13
Earlier in the year I began working on a novel and it's coming along pretty well, although at this point there's no real end in sight. But because of this I don't have the chance to write and publish short stories like I've been over the past year, depriving you (my reading fans?) the opportunity to read more of my writing. So I decided every little bit, at least once a week I'm going to write free thought on this blog. It'll give you (still there?) a chance to see part of my writing process, learn some of my motivations for writing, and basically hone my skills. Speaking of skills, this isn't an exercise in proper grammar, so if I forget a comma or the like don't worry, that's what editors are for.
As you may, or not, know I'm a big comic book collector, but I had recently decided that I wanted a new hobby to collect, something I could display. I first chose to get a painting anywhere I visit, but after missed chance in New Orleans added to the fact I don't really travel too much, I decided against that. Next, I thought about getting wooden death masks, and while I still really like that idea I've settled on something even better. For each of the stories I have published I'm going to buy something that represents an important scene within it. I'll freely admit that this idea occurred to me while watching an Oddities marathon (can't wait for Oddities San Fran) Right now I have nine stories published and I'm working on ideas for the different things to get. If you have a favorite story, or a good idea for me to get, comment below.
What'll be interesting is when the two stories that I have accepted but are waiting to be published are finally published they're going to be in the same book. Depending on what the items will be it'll be interesting to see how I'll display them, or if I can find one item that fits both stories, but that seems unlikely.
These two stories are in an antho with a 'spring fever' theme, basically anything spring related. Ironically both of them are apart of my alphabet project. The first one was accepted over a year ago so technically the rights have reverted back to me, but the second is newer and still under contract with the publisher. I'm thinking if by next March the antho still hasn't been published I'm going to pull both my stories out, I never liked the idea of breaking up the Alphabet Project. I feel like it'll work best as a book in itself, and even better if it's the first time any of the stories have been published. I like the publisher that they're currently under contract with, but it's a non-paying market, and I feel as a whole the alphabet project deserves more than that.
This publisher in particular has put out 4 of 9 of my stories but I've relegated them to a back up from other paying publishers for works that I can't find a home for elsewhere.
Thanks for letting me ramble, and remember to keep reading!
As you may, or not, know I'm a big comic book collector, but I had recently decided that I wanted a new hobby to collect, something I could display. I first chose to get a painting anywhere I visit, but after missed chance in New Orleans added to the fact I don't really travel too much, I decided against that. Next, I thought about getting wooden death masks, and while I still really like that idea I've settled on something even better. For each of the stories I have published I'm going to buy something that represents an important scene within it. I'll freely admit that this idea occurred to me while watching an Oddities marathon (can't wait for Oddities San Fran) Right now I have nine stories published and I'm working on ideas for the different things to get. If you have a favorite story, or a good idea for me to get, comment below.
What'll be interesting is when the two stories that I have accepted but are waiting to be published are finally published they're going to be in the same book. Depending on what the items will be it'll be interesting to see how I'll display them, or if I can find one item that fits both stories, but that seems unlikely.
These two stories are in an antho with a 'spring fever' theme, basically anything spring related. Ironically both of them are apart of my alphabet project. The first one was accepted over a year ago so technically the rights have reverted back to me, but the second is newer and still under contract with the publisher. I'm thinking if by next March the antho still hasn't been published I'm going to pull both my stories out, I never liked the idea of breaking up the Alphabet Project. I feel like it'll work best as a book in itself, and even better if it's the first time any of the stories have been published. I like the publisher that they're currently under contract with, but it's a non-paying market, and I feel as a whole the alphabet project deserves more than that.
This publisher in particular has put out 4 of 9 of my stories but I've relegated them to a back up from other paying publishers for works that I can't find a home for elsewhere.
Thanks for letting me ramble, and remember to keep reading!
Alex Azar
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