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.
