Friday, November 2, 2012
LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Preparing For NaNoWriMo
Once again, sanity has forsaken me as I look forward to National Novel Writing Month this November.
My goal for this year is finishing the novel I started last fall, Steampunk Apocalypse (title pending). I only got about 12,000 words in last year, and I've only written about 3,000 since then. Time to beef it up by another 50,000!
This will be my fifth year and (hopefully) my third victory. My first year (sophomore year in high school) I wrote Psychic, my first novel (2008). I loved writing it, but I hated (and still hate) the ending, so that'll have to be re-written at some point in time. Psychic was actually inspired by my Freshman-year Power Rangers phase, believe it or not. The main character, Bridge, was very much based off of the Bridge from Power Rangers SPD (and was the reason I never really looked to get it published--I don't really want to get in a copyright battle with Disney). It was so much fun to write, and I still have my notes and scribbles, as well as the self-published bound volume of the original draft! Psychic was about a police cadet with psychic powers who ends up being taken in by an academy of other psychics in Romania and helping them with their fight against the hostile supernatural.
My second novel (2009) was Continuity, the story of Agent Annabel Lee of the United States Secret Service, and the bodyguard of Madam President. While exasperated by her employer's childishness and overall disregard for rules and formality, Annabel still thought she had a pretty great job. The story begins with a day where a Nuclear bomb is detonated in Washington DC, and it's Annabel's job to get Madam President out of danger and then find a way to survive herself and find out what's happened. I really loved writing this one--this was inspired by my Secret Service phase and by two TV episodes: a History Channel special on what would happen if a 10-tonne nuclear device did detonate in DC and by an episode of my then-favorite TV show, "Surviving Disaster", about this same scenario. I never finished this one, I couldn't figure out where I wanted it to go. But it's about seventy percent done, so I'll finish it one way or another!
2010 was a mixture of bits and pieces of stories and novels that I wanted to finish but didn't. There were three bits to this one: Continuity, and two new fanfics--a Naruto one titled I Didn't Name You based off of the names of the Akatsuki members translated into Chinese (be me) and how those characters reflected on them (inspired by the song of the same name by the band called 'Ellie Come Home') and a VOCALOID one called Voicebox, which explored a sort of Maximum Ride look at VOCALOIDS, if they were real and had mechanical voice boxes implanted in them in labs. The prospect was something I just thought up one day and really got interested in.
Last year, 2011, was the first year for Steampunk Apocalypse--and this year it will be finished! A little bit about the actual story: it takes place in a post-apocalyptic Earth, where the remains of the planet are ruled by "the Agency". Here's the official NaNoWriMo summary I wrote up yesterday (I'm too lazy to summarize all over again):
In the distant future, the post-apocalyptic remains of Earth are ruled
by a single organization referred to simply as "the Agency". Within the
Agency are 26 Agents (one for each letter of the Roman alphabet), humans
engineered to carry out the tasks and will of the Agency. Though
they're genetically engineered, the Agents consider themselves to be
perfectly human--but when the Agency announces a series of upgrades in
the near future, that one belief is compromised. With these upgrades,
they will become faster, smarter, stronger, quicker to heal--and more
ruthless and unquestioning. Is it worth it to live without your
humanity or is it better to die as yourself? These two are the only
options the Agents have.
So that's that for my NaNo history! Next month will no doubt be filled with chocolate, Dr. Pepper, all-nighters and lots and lots of ibuprofen. To those who are also participating: good luck, and may all your plot holes be filled with pudding.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Of Novels and Cheez-Its
You know, I used to post on here fairly frequently--I haven't done that in a looong time. I'm not quite sure why I don't anymore; maybe it just doesn't have the novelty it used to, or because it's kind of like ranting to myself (really the only comments I see on here are Chinese spam one-liners with no context to what I actually wrote--not that I'm trying to guilt-trip people into commenting, you guys can do whatever the crap you want *shrug*), or maybe I just don't have that much to say anymore. Although I certainly hope that I haven't just run out of witty comebacks to things--that would be fairly distressing to me.
But what the hell, I guess I'll try writing stuff again, if only for the sake of killing time (please note that this should be read as "procrastinating"...why doesn't Blogger have footnotes?)
I'm starting my third week of my sophomore year of college...I hate college. I grew up on campus, so there wasn't really that "novelty" to me; I sat in on lectures when I was like six, there's no "mystique" to any of this...maybe I'm just sick of it (hardly surprising). I'm still an Asian Studies major and studying Chinese and Japanese. I'm really out of practice in Chinese (I haven't had a Chinese class in a year now), so I currently know a lot more Japanese--but I just love Chinese in a way that I don't really feel for Japanese. Chinese was the first language I started studying (of my own volition; elementary-school Spanish does NOT count), and I've invested so much time and passion into it over the years. I love the sound of Japanese, but when I hear Chinese--even when I don't understand it--it just feels like home. But I couldn't get into the 201 class for it, so I'm in Japanese 102 for now.
I'm also taking a sewing class--three hours a day, twice a week. It's really frustrating and time-consuming, but I HOPE it'll be worth it; I spend enough time and effort (and money) on cosplay costumes that I think I can justify it...maybe.
I'm living in the dorms right now--my roommates are both really awesome (both with 'K' names), and I love the apartment and everything...I just hate the 30-minute uphill trek up to campus. THAT sucks.
I haven't gotten much writing done in...a while. I haven't ENJOYED writing in a while, either, which worries me. When writing becomes a chore, something is the HELL wrong. Same with reading, which is REALLY freaking me out. So no progress on any novels or fanfics (which is very frustrating, because I hate disappointing my reviewers so much TT.TT) These past few weeks have been grueling, and I really want a few days to just RELAX...unfortunately, this will not happen. BYU doesn't BELIEVE in fall break. Or spring break. Or humanity and goodness and violence (which can SO be grouped together, thank you very much).
Plans for this fall: I'm in the middle of making cosplay costumes for Anime Banzai 2012: Juvia Loxar (the short hair/when she enters the guild outfit and a dance outfit from a chapter cover) and Haku Yowane (whom I ADORE, but the costume is a little annoying...mostly those stupid stripes on the pants). That's really all I'm up to lately; watch anime instead of doing homework, scramble to finish homework, waste time and then curse that there's not enough time to finish my essays, and then back to Naruto, One Piece, and Cheez-Its. Oh the joys of higher education.
But what the hell, I guess I'll try writing stuff again, if only for the sake of killing time (please note that this should be read as "procrastinating"...why doesn't Blogger have footnotes?)
I'm starting my third week of my sophomore year of college...I hate college. I grew up on campus, so there wasn't really that "novelty" to me; I sat in on lectures when I was like six, there's no "mystique" to any of this...maybe I'm just sick of it (hardly surprising). I'm still an Asian Studies major and studying Chinese and Japanese. I'm really out of practice in Chinese (I haven't had a Chinese class in a year now), so I currently know a lot more Japanese--but I just love Chinese in a way that I don't really feel for Japanese. Chinese was the first language I started studying (of my own volition; elementary-school Spanish does NOT count), and I've invested so much time and passion into it over the years. I love the sound of Japanese, but when I hear Chinese--even when I don't understand it--it just feels like home. But I couldn't get into the 201 class for it, so I'm in Japanese 102 for now.
I'm also taking a sewing class--three hours a day, twice a week. It's really frustrating and time-consuming, but I HOPE it'll be worth it; I spend enough time and effort (and money) on cosplay costumes that I think I can justify it...maybe.
I'm living in the dorms right now--my roommates are both really awesome (both with 'K' names), and I love the apartment and everything...I just hate the 30-minute uphill trek up to campus. THAT sucks.
I haven't gotten much writing done in...a while. I haven't ENJOYED writing in a while, either, which worries me. When writing becomes a chore, something is the HELL wrong. Same with reading, which is REALLY freaking me out. So no progress on any novels or fanfics (which is very frustrating, because I hate disappointing my reviewers so much TT.TT) These past few weeks have been grueling, and I really want a few days to just RELAX...unfortunately, this will not happen. BYU doesn't BELIEVE in fall break. Or spring break. Or humanity and goodness and violence (which can SO be grouped together, thank you very much).
Plans for this fall: I'm in the middle of making cosplay costumes for Anime Banzai 2012: Juvia Loxar (the short hair/when she enters the guild outfit and a dance outfit from a chapter cover) and Haku Yowane (whom I ADORE, but the costume is a little annoying...mostly those stupid stripes on the pants). That's really all I'm up to lately; watch anime instead of doing homework, scramble to finish homework, waste time and then curse that there's not enough time to finish my essays, and then back to Naruto, One Piece, and Cheez-Its. Oh the joys of higher education.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Fun Things~
I'm a big fan of Puella Magi Madoka Magica (espeically Kyoko!!!) and tonight, I found cosplay wigs and pictures of genderbent PMMM characters! This made me unbelievably happy ^^ Those of you who haven't seen this show, GO WATCH IT. Soooo good! And because this made me so happy, I thought I'd share :3
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Winter Semester Blues
Ugh.....*siiiiiiiigh* Where to begin...
I'm three weeks away from finishing up my winter semester at uni, and I can't hate it more. Oh well. I got a surprise visit from my best friend this week (got to keep her for a full 7 days!) and am now done with midterms. At BYU, unfortunately, "Spring Break" is nothing but a myth TT.TT I also have a terrible cold. It's really bad -.- (Just when I'd recovered from my stint in the ER! It's always something...)
On a lighter note, I have been introduced to the wonders of Cabin Pressure and Sherlock. The BBC is truly a wonderful thing =w= I also saw The Hunger Games today and absolutely loved it! It was fabulous!! I have also been rewatching (read as "re-becoming seriously obsessed with") the Star Wars movies. Of course, this means watching the movies, reading the novels and series, playing the Phantom Menace card games, watching YouTube tributes, playing hours and hours of Lego Star Wars...you get the picture.
I've had zero artistic inspiration lately and am feeling pretty dang depressed. All in all, I can't wait for summer break, where I can just relax, read books, listen to my music, and work on costumes and props.
Monday, January 9, 2012
College Update
I figure I should actually start posting about my LIFE again -.-
So this is the first full week back in college after the Christmas break, the beginning of my second semester. This semester I'm booked up with Japanese 101, Film, Irish Dance, and American Heritage (bleah!). I'm not that happy to be back, but it sure beats sitting around and doing nothing, so I guess I should enjoy it or whatever.
Sigh. Anyway, I haven't been getting ANY writing done lately. I have ZERO inspiration or motivation for my fanfics (my poor readers! TT.TT I'm trying, really!) and I'm totally stuck on my novels (both, unfortunately). My best friend was SUPPOSED to come out to UT and hang out (and help me write!), but unfortunately...she went to Disneyland instead. Can I blame her? No. Can I try? You betcha!
In other news, we got a puppy! Her name is Liesel and she's about 2 1/2 months old. She's a border collie mix and VERY cute.
Props, Props, Props!
Awright! So for some of my costumes this year, I'm going to making some serious props. These be them!
Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy XIII) AKA my dream costume
Survival Knife
Used mostly by Hope (squee! such a cute lil angst muffin! XD). A gift from Light's sister Serah.
Pauldron
Lights up, issued by GC (Guardian Corps), who Light used to work for.
Necklace
Actually omitted from some cutscenes; forgotten? Shouldn't be too hard!
Blazefire Saber
*siiigh* holy &)(_*^%%&^%&^. That about sums it up. Because I'm an overachiever with this stuff, my friend Alyssa and I (thank frickin heavens for physics majors with interests in prop work!) are trying to make it so it actually transforms. It'll be a real challenge!
Juvia (Fairy Tail) She's such a riot!
Umbrella
Yeaaaah, I can't imagine me using this either -.- Oh well! In cosplay, nobody cares about who you REALLY are! XD
Maka (Soul Eater) The one I need the quickest!
Scythe
Yeah, this one shouldn't be too hard. I've already got it planned out, actually ^^;
Costumes? Ugh. One thing at a time TT.TT
Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy XIII) AKA my dream costume
Survival Knife
Used mostly by Hope (squee! such a cute lil angst muffin! XD). A gift from Light's sister Serah.
Pauldron
Lights up, issued by GC (Guardian Corps), who Light used to work for.
Necklace
Actually omitted from some cutscenes; forgotten? Shouldn't be too hard!
Blazefire Saber
*siiigh* holy &)(_*^%%&^%&^. That about sums it up. Because I'm an overachiever with this stuff, my friend Alyssa and I (thank frickin heavens for physics majors with interests in prop work!) are trying to make it so it actually transforms. It'll be a real challenge!
Juvia (Fairy Tail) She's such a riot!
Umbrella
Yeaaaah, I can't imagine me using this either -.- Oh well! In cosplay, nobody cares about who you REALLY are! XD
Maka (Soul Eater) The one I need the quickest!
Scythe
Yeah, this one shouldn't be too hard. I've already got it planned out, actually ^^;
Costumes? Ugh. One thing at a time TT.TT
Friday, December 9, 2011
2012 Cosplay Plans
Sooooo, I know I just barely did a cosplay post, but this is my serious list.
ANIME SALT LAKE 2012: Maka Albarn
Maka is a meister, a fighter at the DWMA (Death Weapon Meister Academy/Shibusen) who wields the magic scythe Soul Eater (the guy in the first picture with the white hair). She's really awesome!
Non-Event Planned:
FEM!PRUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I. LOVE! PRUSSIA!!! Fem!Prussia? TOTAL WIN!
Madam Red (Angelina Durless)
SUCH A BOSS! She's from Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji, and is actually Jack the Ripper :3 I love her!
Rin Okumura
My first actual crossplay. RIN IS SO AWESOME!!!! If you've never seen Ao no Exorcist/Blue Exorcist GO WATCH IT!
ANIME SALT LAKE 2012: Maka Albarn
Maka is a meister, a fighter at the DWMA (Death Weapon Meister Academy/Shibusen) who wields the magic scythe Soul Eater (the guy in the first picture with the white hair). She's really awesome!
Non-Event Planned:
FEM!PRUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I. LOVE! PRUSSIA!!! Fem!Prussia? TOTAL WIN!
Madam Red (Angelina Durless)
SUCH A BOSS! She's from Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji, and is actually Jack the Ripper :3 I love her!
Rin Okumura
My first actual crossplay. RIN IS SO AWESOME!!!! If you've never seen Ao no Exorcist/Blue Exorcist GO WATCH IT!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Anniversary
Soooo as of today, I have had diabetes for TEN YEARS. Very weird...
I was diagnosed in the third grade, and this is my freshman year of college. I remember the doctors saying "oh don't worry, we'll have a cure by the time you get into high school."...I was a skeptic even when I was eight years old. Good thing, too, since I don't see a cure coming out any time in the near future. *Sigh* Oh well, it did get me out of six years of P.E! And serves as a very good excuse for many things.
So in honor of having diabetes...Imma gonna go eat chocolate now.
I was diagnosed in the third grade, and this is my freshman year of college. I remember the doctors saying "oh don't worry, we'll have a cure by the time you get into high school."...I was a skeptic even when I was eight years old. Good thing, too, since I don't see a cure coming out any time in the near future. *Sigh* Oh well, it did get me out of six years of P.E! And serves as a very good excuse for many things.
So in honor of having diabetes...Imma gonna go eat chocolate now.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Writer's Woes
Well, I'm going to finish up all the fanfics I started in the past. People have started begging for new chapters ("hey, Batali, you haven't updated in two years! What the crap?!"), so that's the new goal. From most popular downwards is the order I'll finish them.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Steampunk!
Okay, so I've begun writing a steampunk novel! It's very cool! If you'd like to know more about it, go to the official blog!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Cosplay
It's been a year since my last cosplay post, so here's a new one! Cosplay Plans: 2011!
1. Belle (Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: the Crystal Bearers)
2. Madame Red (Angelina Durless)(Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler)
3. Yui Hirasawa (K-On!)
4. Haku Yowane (Vocaloid)
5. Eruka Frog (Soul Eater)
6. Lovina (Fem!Romano) (Hetalia: Axis Powers/Hetalia: World Series)
*She's the one on the left
7. The Courtesan (Fiora Cavazza) (Assassin's Creed Brotherhood--Multiplayer Mode)
8. Lavi (D. Gray-Man)
9. Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)
10. Yin (Darker Than Black)
1. Belle (Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: the Crystal Bearers)
2. Madame Red (Angelina Durless)(Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler)
3. Yui Hirasawa (K-On!)
4. Haku Yowane (Vocaloid)
5. Eruka Frog (Soul Eater)
6. Lovina (Fem!Romano) (Hetalia: Axis Powers/Hetalia: World Series)
*She's the one on the left
7. The Courtesan (Fiora Cavazza) (Assassin's Creed Brotherhood--Multiplayer Mode)
8. Lavi (D. Gray-Man)
9. Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)
10. Yin (Darker Than Black)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Steampunk Apocalypse
My summer project is writing a steampunk novel! It's titled Steampunk Apocalypse,and it's a lot of fun! So, as a special treat, here's the character profiles!
http://www.polyvore.com/steampunk_apocalypse/collection?id=941502
Enjoy, my minions!
http://www.polyvore.com/steampunk_apocalypse/collection?id=941502
Enjoy, my minions!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Top Ten Must-See Animated Movies
1. Tangled (2010)
As a general rule, I hate and despise all things Disney. But Tangled was amazing; I've seen it three times already--in theaters. It details the adventures of Rapunzel and thief/guide Flynn Rider on their way to see the lantern festival in the capital city. On the way, they are pursued by Flynn's enemies (both within the law and without) and Rapunzel's adopted mother, Gothel. It's a musical, I know, but it was so well-done that I really don't mind.
2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is my new favorite movie of all time. I love it to the point of unreasonable-ness. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a hopeless Viking teen; he can't lift a hammer, he can't swing an axe, and he can't kill dragons. But as he becomes the first Viking to ride one, he discovers a whole new side of dragons that Vikings have never seen before.
3. xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Nights' Dream (2005)
I'm not gonna lie--my love for xxxHOLiC biases me slightly on this issue. But I love this movie; as in the series, the movie deals with human vices and their consequences. Kimihiro Watanuki works part-time at a wish-granting shop owned by the eccentric Yuuko Ichihara. As part of their work, they travel to the mansion of a collector.
4. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl is about a plain young hat-maker named Sophie Hatter who is cursed to be an old woman. Leaving behind her home, she acts as the cleaning lady for the exotic wizard Howl in his moving castle.
5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
A puppet-animated comedy about a fox who can't stand to be second-best. I've never read the book, but I love this movie. George Clooney acts as Mr. Fox with Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox. Mr. Fox decides that he wants to pull off one last heist--against the three meanest farmers in the state.
6. Toy Story (1995)
I'm not a fan of the sequels, but the original Toy Story is amazing. It's funny, it's dramatic, and it's just plain GOOD. You can't beat the original here. Woody and Buzz and toys of a kid named Andie; but Buzz is quickly replacing Woody as favorite, and Woody has a few things to say about it.
7. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
The sole fact that Mr. T is a main character in this movie settles the issue of greatness here. Flint Lockwood is an inventor in a town where nobody wants to deal with him. But when he invents a machine that turns food into water, it's a different story...
8. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
A group of whack-jobs is trying to resurrect the most dangerous lab rat in Midgar's history. Standing in their way is a group formerly known as AVALANCHE. The key player in AVALANCHE, Cloud Strife, is nowhere to be found as he works out his own issues on the side. While Cloud annoys me, Tifa is amazing. Tifa Lockhart, Cloud's childhood friend, is now the proprietor of Seventh Heaven, a bar and meeting place for AVALANCHE. She cares for two orphans named Denzel and Marlene and has an awesome fight scene (she's a martial arts expert). The music is great, the animation is superb, and the fight scenes rock.
9. Robin Hood (1973)
Come on...it's a classic. You know you love that fox.
10. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Outcast Ashitaka travels to a village of iron where the animals in the nearby forest are revolting. Caught in the middle of the two (humans and animals), Ashitaka must bring peace between the two before they destroy each other.
As a general rule, I hate and despise all things Disney. But Tangled was amazing; I've seen it three times already--in theaters. It details the adventures of Rapunzel and thief/guide Flynn Rider on their way to see the lantern festival in the capital city. On the way, they are pursued by Flynn's enemies (both within the law and without) and Rapunzel's adopted mother, Gothel. It's a musical, I know, but it was so well-done that I really don't mind.
2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is my new favorite movie of all time. I love it to the point of unreasonable-ness. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a hopeless Viking teen; he can't lift a hammer, he can't swing an axe, and he can't kill dragons. But as he becomes the first Viking to ride one, he discovers a whole new side of dragons that Vikings have never seen before.
3. xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Nights' Dream (2005)
I'm not gonna lie--my love for xxxHOLiC biases me slightly on this issue. But I love this movie; as in the series, the movie deals with human vices and their consequences. Kimihiro Watanuki works part-time at a wish-granting shop owned by the eccentric Yuuko Ichihara. As part of their work, they travel to the mansion of a collector.
4. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl is about a plain young hat-maker named Sophie Hatter who is cursed to be an old woman. Leaving behind her home, she acts as the cleaning lady for the exotic wizard Howl in his moving castle.
5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
A puppet-animated comedy about a fox who can't stand to be second-best. I've never read the book, but I love this movie. George Clooney acts as Mr. Fox with Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox. Mr. Fox decides that he wants to pull off one last heist--against the three meanest farmers in the state.
6. Toy Story (1995)
I'm not a fan of the sequels, but the original Toy Story is amazing. It's funny, it's dramatic, and it's just plain GOOD. You can't beat the original here. Woody and Buzz and toys of a kid named Andie; but Buzz is quickly replacing Woody as favorite, and Woody has a few things to say about it.
7. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
The sole fact that Mr. T is a main character in this movie settles the issue of greatness here. Flint Lockwood is an inventor in a town where nobody wants to deal with him. But when he invents a machine that turns food into water, it's a different story...
8. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
A group of whack-jobs is trying to resurrect the most dangerous lab rat in Midgar's history. Standing in their way is a group formerly known as AVALANCHE. The key player in AVALANCHE, Cloud Strife, is nowhere to be found as he works out his own issues on the side. While Cloud annoys me, Tifa is amazing. Tifa Lockhart, Cloud's childhood friend, is now the proprietor of Seventh Heaven, a bar and meeting place for AVALANCHE. She cares for two orphans named Denzel and Marlene and has an awesome fight scene (she's a martial arts expert). The music is great, the animation is superb, and the fight scenes rock.
9. Robin Hood (1973)
Come on...it's a classic. You know you love that fox.
10. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Outcast Ashitaka travels to a village of iron where the animals in the nearby forest are revolting. Caught in the middle of the two (humans and animals), Ashitaka must bring peace between the two before they destroy each other.
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