To Sum it Up

This will be the last of my blogs for my Digital Story Telling class, but I realize now that blogging will be playing a big role in my future.

Why?

I'll give you three good reasons.

1.) Blogging is easy. I can't think of an easier way to keep a digital log of my progress as a writer and artist. Both BlogSpot and Wordpress are excellent sites with a number of intuitive tools for digitalizing creativity, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon.

2.) Blogging is fun. It's one thing to post a blurb on Facebook or Twitter, but blogging is something else. Something..."other." It is at once personal and public, and the creativity and flexibility it grants the user is presently unmatched (IMHO) by any other player on the Social Network scene. 

3.) Blogging is fast. It takes no time at all to blog a story, personal experience, or project. In the time it takes me to boil a pot of oatmeal, I can share my morning's novel progression with friends, family, and anyone else who might care!

It was a joy and a privilege to work with you all in this class. I admire each of your strengths as story tellers, and I wish you all nothing but the best in your future endeavors. You will be hearing more from me...I believe that with certainty. I am more certain of my life goals now than I have ever been. My first order of business will be to digitalize my children's book. Then, I will get a website up and running on Wordpress. A good friend of mine has promised to give me a crash course in Photoshop, and I will apply the skills he teaches me to getting a weekly comic strip up and running. All this in addition to finishing my novel will ensure that my hands are always full...better full than empty!

Thanks for a great semester, Professor Schutze. Have a great holiday.

Heavy, Heavy Stuff...

For the last month or so I have been feeling heavy. Not overweight. Just...heavy. I never wanted to make a blog to whine and complain on. In fact, when I wrote my first blog, I was filled with enthusiasm and optimism. Now, I must admit...I'm a little bummed.

I took too many courses this semester, and I am constantly feeling weighed down by the heavy course load. This is my own fault for choosing so many classes. I do realize that. BUT, that realization doesn't do much to relieve my stress, or to lighten the weight of the boulder that is presently crushing my sternum and rib-cage.

I have been writing a lot...but not the stuff I need to be writing. My novel is progressing at a snail's pace. My children's books are on hold. I have been writing lots of essays, though. I've also been editing some work for my wife and a friend. I love writing. I love playing with words, rearranging them, finding different ways to say the same thing. I love the whole thing, and I know that it's my life's calling, it's just that...I need to focus. I need to take some time once this semester has finished, collect myself, and reevaluate my goals as a writer. I have a target for my novel (which I would rather not divulge...had a bad experience doing that last time :) ) I have a very cool classmate who offered to help me bring my children's book into a digital realm, and I'm a working student with a roof over my head, food in my belly, and a beautiful wife by my side.

Well...when you put it that way, I guess things are pretty great!

I'm feeling lighter already.



P.S. Here's a link to the Voice Thread Project I did last semester, when I err...didn't exactly "pass" the class (cough...sniffle...) It's stupid, it's obnoxious, it's annoying, and I hope you enjoy it :)

http://voicethread.com/share/1984825/

A Boy and his Bird.

Several months ago I created a children's book. It started out as an assignment for my "Children's Literature" class at ESC, but evolved into the realization of a personal dream. I have wanted to be a children's book author and illustrator for years, and I took that particular course to get a feel for the process. I imagined a light course load...a figurative skip through a field of daisies.

It was grueling.

I never imagined the extent to which history, psychology, philosophy, and economics influenced children's literature, including gender issues, multicultural considerations, and a child's sense of self to name just a few. I read a ton of children's books, and found something admirable in just about every one of them. Some were written beautifully but had terrible illustration. Some were illustrated masterfully but had hollow writing. I would try my hand at it...and this is what I came up with:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/57341259@N06/sets/72157625646508520/

(The story is written in rhyme under each image in the comments section)

I sent it out to a handful of publishers and heard nothing. That doesn't matter though. What matters is that it's a complete story! I can't tell you how tremendously satisfying it was for me to create and complete this thing, and no matter what anybody thinks of it, it's mine, and that is a good thing.

Now, the reason I brought this up on a Digital Story Telling Blog is that a very good friend of mine from Turkey has recently started a company...a Digital Story Telling Company (how was that for a smooth transition?) and has asked me to provide children's stories to be digitalized and turned into interactive applications. Isn't that cool?! Here is a link to their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/M%C3%B6rdak-Creative-Solutions/185242354840388

So, I will keep you all posted with my progress in turning my story book into an interactive digital story book.


P.S. My lovely grandmother passed away this week. She was 97 years old. Her name was Irma Montanez, and I loved her dearly. I'm not good with mourning (I haven't had much practice) but I'm trying to stay upbeat. She lived a long, full, and beautiful life, and she was the most beautiful person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is with my grandfather now, Juan Montanez, the love of her life and husband of 70 years. My abuelita will live on in every creative project I ever do.

Excuses, Excuses

Hello digital storytellers,

Is it really that time again already? It's hard for me to believe how much time has passed since my last blog. There is a lot that I hoped to have finished before writing this third blog, but most of my goals have been put to the side for now. Why, you ask?

(Ahem...)

Jonathan Heilig's List of Generic Excuses:

1.) I just have a lot on my plate right now
2.) Things have been really crazy with work and school
3.) I'm so stressed these days
4.) I'm so depressed these days
5.) The economy is bad
6.) There is still no peace in the Middle East
7.) City Life is so chaotic...I'm just trying to maintain my sanity.
8.) I've been taking some "me" time.
9.) I'd rather take the time to do things the right way...

10.)      (Insert excuse of your choosing here)


So that's where I stand right now. I'm not happy with the way things have been going for me creatively as of late. I went to Cogdogroo and found a funny little cartoon tool though, and I made a video based on excuses! Here's the link:

http://goanimate.com/movie/0Z2GiNRwCQYk?utm_source=linkshare&uid=0ShBUe3xGmk0



I suck. Yes...yes I do.

Xtranormal...and fear.

After searching through Cogdogroo's list of tools and programs, I came across Xtranormal. I instantly recognized it, because I've seen some hilarious videos made with the site's movie maker on Youtube. I decided to give it a shot, and was very surprised with the final result.

I came up with the idea for "English Breakfast" immediately after noticing that Xtranormal's voice generator had both British and American English accents. I'm a huge fan of accents in general, so I though it would be funny to have two little ragdolls, one British, the other American, meet in random space and have a chit-chat.

Xtranormal's movie maker is easy to use. It took me less than an hour to make the short. The site uses a "point" system as currency. Movies, including set pieces and characters, are purchased with points before they have clearance for publishing. I wasn't crazy about having to pay for a 2 minute ragdoll movie, so I tweaked some of the settings and was able to publish with the 300 points they gave me for signing up.

"English Breakfast"
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12565864/english-breakfast?page=1

In other news, my novel's 2nd draft has slowed to a snail's pace. I'm scared, and I know that now. Why? Because of criticism. I am a harsh critic, and I'm fearful of the possibility of the people I allow to read it being just as harsh as me. I'm working my way through it, and I know that if I'm not able to overcome this fear, I might as well give up on writing all together.

Hopefully, the next blog will bring with it the news that My 2nd draft is finished, has been constructively criticized, and has evolved into a nearly complete 3rd and final draft. Wish me luck.

Starting Over

Hello to everyone in my Digital Storytelling class! As you will see if you take a look at my earlier blogs, I have had this thing going for a while now and have...well, neglected it. I started this blog the first time I took DS, and when I wasn't able to pass the course (completely my own fault, by the way...) I sort of ran out of steam.

Well, I'm back. The best way to put things right is to stop dwelling on past mistakes, and start putting things right!

My blog will be a personal peek into my creative storytelling process, both in regards to course work and my own pursuits. I am working on my first novel, and it's a biggie. Currently in its "second draft" stage, I'm tinkering with the nuts and bolts and trying to mold it into a single, cohesive tale. I love the story, I love working on it...I just have to learn to love the hard work that is necessary for its completion. I also have a children's book currently swimming out in the sea of publishers, but its been many, many months and I haven't heard anything (not even a rejection letter). But I haven't lost hope. I can't lose hope, EVER. I will publish it one way or another, and the same goes for the novel.

I look forward to sharing my work with all of you, and I can't wait to see yours!

A story

There once was a dragon that terrorized the land.
It was a cruel beast, indiscriminately capturing maidens and hoarding treasures that weren't his.
One day, a knight was ordered by his king to put an end to this by slaying the dragon, rescuing the maidens, and a generous portion of the stockpile of pilfered treasure would be his reward for completing the mission.
The knight traveled on horseback to the mountain cave where it was rumored the dragon had been dwelling.
"Come out, vile beast!" shouted the knight into the cave. "I have come to kill you."
The dragon emerged from the cave and faced the knight.
"Why do you wish to kill me, brave knight?" asked the dragon.
"You have brought much suffering to my land, claiming things that weren't yours and storing them for yourself."
"Why does your king not come and face me himself?" asked the dragon.
"It is beneath a king to do the work that belongs to his subjects." said the knight.
"I see." said the dragon, "Very well, then, you may have my head if you can answer me one question. If you fail to answer, I will scorch you with flames, just as I have done to countless others before you."
"What is your question, beast?" asked the knight.
"What makes a man brave?" asked the dragon.
"A man who undertakes a trial selflessly and ignores his own fears." said the knight.
"You have answered correctly." said the dragon. He lowered his head to the ground and the knight cut it off with one blow from his sword.
On returning to the castle, the knight returned the maidens to their homes and presented the head of the dragon to the king.
"You have done well, brave knight." said the king. "I shall give you your reward from the treasure you have recovered."
"I have not recovered the treasure, my king." said the knight. "I have already distributed it among the homes of the poor of your kingdom."
At that, the knight took his sword and killed the king, took his crown, and placed it on his own head. He stood before the fallen king's subjects and said:
"A kingdom without a brave leader is at the mercy of dragons."

A Writer's Struggle

A lot has been written about the difficulties of being a writer. It has been said that it is the lonely man's craft, a labor of love that is almost as much of a burden as it is a calling. There are many obstacles standing in the way of the writer, every day life being the most daunting of these, with scary things like "writer's block" and the ever-lingering possibility of alienating everyone whom you have ever loved, or has ever loved you. It's all very epic and dramatic and intimidating and...

...and, it's all part of the mystique of being a writer. It's all partially true, but is it really as bad as all that?

Well, I guess it can be. It's all a matter of perspective, and it's really up to the writer him or herself just how completely this mystique will affect their writing, and eventually their life. Personally, it is my hope that I will always be able to maintain a level head on the matter. I am a writer, and I will face difficulties, but then again, we ALL face difficulties, regardless of our chosen occupation (or divine calling, depending on your philosophy of life), and it's really up to us as individuals to make sure that our passions don't wreak havoc on the rest of our lives.

Woe is me...the tortured writer...

Researching Research...

I often struggle with research. Whatever I'm writing about, I usually choose topics that require as little private study as possible. Research is dull, boring, stale, dry, and dusty...

Or is it?

The story that I am currently working on is set in a very lively period of history, and the research required for adding believable detail to this world is actually...dare I say it? FUN!

As a result of my research, I've learned about 17th century sword smithing, the social and political structure of the Ottoman Empire, the extravagant daily life of a Sultan, the mystical tradition of Muslim Sufis, and countless other points of interest that I would, without this self-motivated study, be completely ignorant of.

As important as research is, though, it should always remain a compliment to a story. When the historical details and factoids become the focal point of a narrative rather than the supplement they are intended to be, things can get very mechanical and uninteresting. It is a delicate balance, and the writer must be the master of the research, not the other way around.

The Long First Draft

Last year, I began work on my first official novel. It's an epic, ambitious work of historical fiction, and I promised myself that I would have the final draft completed by right around this time. Well, not only did I miss that deadline, but I also haven't even finished my first draft.

Why?

There are a lot of reasons, I suppose. I have told myself again and again that I would push my way through the inevitable bouts of writer's block, but I didn't. I have read several inspirational books and articles that document the ups and downs of the writing process, but none of them helped me to meet my deadlines. Why, then? Why is it that after a year and three months, I still don't even have a rough first version of a manuscript for a story that is practically bursting its way out of my soul, aching to be written, read, and enjoyed?

I don't know. I honestly don't know. But there are a few things that I do know, and maybe jotting them down on this blog will help me to gain the perspective needed to get my story complete. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. I love my story idea.
2. I believe that I am fully capable of writing it.
3. I have researched the historical time period in which it is set.
4. I have friends and family who support me and believe in me.
5. I have a little over 40,000 words written, and I've got lots more to say.
6. I know that every day, EVERY DAY, has ample time for writing.

Excuse me...I've got writing to do.

Off to the publishers!

After months of kicking around my artwork and tinkering with my manuscript (kindly edited by my father), I have finally put together seven submission packets. Why seven? No particular reason, really, but I plan on making three more for a nice, round ten. Among the list of publishers are some big names, some small names, and some tiny names, but I will be happy with even an acknowledgment by any of them. All of the books on publishing have prepared me for rejection. I'm ready for it, but I refuse to take no for an answer. Someone will publish "The Sun Is Hiding", I just know it.

The Sun Is Hiding

About a month ago I put together my first attempt at a "dummy" of what will be my first children's book. In the world of children's books, a book dummy is a first draft of sorts, but with the same approximate page dimensions of the final product (or at least, what you hope will be). I have never produced anything even remotely resembling a complete book before, so this is quite a big step. The story started out as a proposal for my creative final project in a "Children's Literature" course that I took last semester (I am a student at Empire State College's "Center for Distance Learning"). From the outset, I figured that since I would be essentially putting together an entire book, there was no reason why I shouldn't do it with publication in mind. So, now I have a complete manuscript (edited by my father, who happens to be the most amazing writer/editor you haven't heard of), 18 illustrations (painted in basic watercolor with the help of my lovely wife Ipek), and a burning desire to get it published. It will happen... I know  it will, and I will keep the good followers of this blog posted on my progress throughout the course of the journey. And believe me...if I can do this, ANYBODY can. ^_^    

First Blog in Life

So this is the thing they call 'blogging'. I have heard so much about you, and yet never before have I attempted to step foot on the earth of your vast territory. This will be the first of a projected 14,736,922 blogs. That number has been carefully calculated, so please take it seriously.

The theme of my blogs will be "Adventures in the Mind of a Soon-to-be-famous Author". I hope that doesn't sound pompous or overly ambitious, but if it does, well...it's probably because it is.

"Oh, great." you say. "Another fame-seeking fool who thinks he's going to be the next Shillington P. Wilcox the third"

First, let me just make clear the fact that there will never be another Shillington P. Wilcox the third, because to my knowledge, there never was a Shillington P. Wilcox the first, and thus it would be illogical to have another of a person that never was. The question then must become: Will I be the first Shillington P. Wilcox? This remains to be seen...but I do remain hopeful.

Thank you for joining me on my journey through the realms of absurdity and obscurity. Please fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be a bumpy ride.

-The Blog's Boy