Writing Prompt #4

Changing and developing characters gradually is an art form, and one that many writers do well.
One of the reasons I'm deeply interested in certain TV shows is because of the development of the characters I love.
Starting with a character who is set in their ways, and making them change drastically for no reason is a mistake I've seen many TV/Film writers make.

Having a stand up, well adjusted character devolve into miserable, desperate ones can be a quick process. It can either be a series of several events, or one big event. Breaking down a character mentally needs to be creative. Why do these events affect them so much? This especially needs to be thought of if it's a series of several small events. 

Making miserable characters develop into less miserable characters is a more delicate process. Feeling like crap is harder to undo than feeling good, but it's both fun, and rewarding. 
Describe what a character who never or rarely smiles feels when s/he smiles just a little. The way the muscles around their mouth are a little stiff. The way their heart/ chest/ shoulders feel lighter.

Makeup?

So over the years, I've changed what "I want to be" more times than I can count.
The one constant thing is that I want to work in film... Or at least make my own films.
Right now, doing makeup and set dressing is easier than writing screenplays... it's also a bit more rewarding.
The thing is, I can't seem to get up the money/courage to go to any sort of school, so I'm simply testing things out on myself.

This is the one I did today. It's supposed to be a fawn. Unfortunately I don't have the makeup I need in order to learn the techniques I need.

Take care of yourself~

Also on my list of being a better person is taking better care of myself and my body. I made a list for that, too.

Daily:

• Drink 10 cups of water
• Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and as few sugary snacks as possible. (make sure a lot of your food is vegetables)
  
• Get some form of exercise. Even if it's just stretching.
• Rid yourself of stress. Whether it's by cleaning, knitting, getting work done, taking a walk, or meditating
• Wash your face gently, use a clean towel every time.
  
• Brush your teeth and floss properly. 
• Brush your hair. 
• Write in a journal. Write out your feelings rather than keep them bottled up. Or write down your dreams. 
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep, but 8 - 10 is preferred.
  
• Be kind to yourself.

Weekly:

• Change your sheets/pillow cases.
• Do your laundry.
• Take note of what you accomplished in the last week. Be proud. Don't beat yourself up if you didn't accomplish every single thing you meant to. 
• Clean your room/house.
• If you're working out to a goal, make sure to track it. Feel proud, even if you see no change. You will get there if you keep going. 
• Be kind to yourself. 

Again, since writing this list, I've managed to be consistent with a few of these things.

Act as if you are the person you want to be~

So there's this motivation image on Pinterest that I've printed out and put up on my wall next to the things that make me feel happy.

Another thing that makes me happy and far less anxious is to make lists. So in putting those two things together, I've made this list:

The person I wanna be is:

• Responsible
• Kind/sweet
• Soft spoken, unless she needs not be
• Tough
• Honest
• Stable
• Down to earth

What she does:

• Makes sure she has all of her chores and work done.
• Does her very best at her job, and doesn't half ass anything.
• Doesn't overreact, or give in anxiety or fear.
  
• Eats healthy.
• Works out regularly.
• Does her best to make herself and others happy.
• Reaches her goals in a way that isn't self destructive. 
• Makes time for herself, but doesn't dis her loved ones to do so. 

I still have to print this out so I can see it every day, but so far I'm already making progress. 

Writing prompt #3

Let's talk about quirks and details.

We all know the struggle of making a new character. It's like the start screen of a new game of the Sims. They're blank and naked, and you have to change them. Dress them, add layers, make them whole.

People are complicated, and although we all know that things in real life, such as speech patterns do not translate well into writing, people will always be complicated.

Lately I've been altering the personalities of some of my characters, giving them better rounded behaviors and motives (which is talked about in the previous post), as well as more details.

I will use one of my main protagonists as an example:

His name is Nye. Usual fantasy character. Elven (well, my specialized race of elf like people) prince, leader of a rebel army against the dark forces, in love with a girl who doesn't feel quite the same. All of these things are well and good, until you actually begin writing (or fill out one of those character development sheets).
Until you realize that, wow... he's kinda dull without any "human" qualities.

So I gave him allergies.

An an interest in music.

And an odd, lovely little laugh that he does only for his friends.

Throughout the day (or several) I wrote down different little human quirks, and qualities, and little details. Some of them fit his personality/character, some of them didn't.

And of course, you don't want to give the character TOO many quirks. That would be rather too much if they had more than what could fit their personality. Especially since some quirks and details are bigger and more noticeable (such as drumming their fingers on any surface they can) than others (such as the way their eyes crinkle at the corner when they smile). 

I advise watching people (and yourself). They generally blend into someone's personality, but if you really watch, you can pick up little details that many people have.

Here's a list of some examples-

• Speech patterns- such as mispronouncing something, or saying only a single word in an accent or with an inflection every time: An American saying croissant with a thick and exaggerated french accent. 
• Physical tics/habits - Sometimes people get nervous and have to move or do something to get their energy out: Tapping their fingers (in a certain pattern), chewing their hair, adjusting their clothes, rubbing the back of their neck, cracking knuckles.
• Physical details -  Generally this comes in when you're creating your characters overall look. But not always. Perhaps your character hasn't smiled honestly at anyone up until a certain point in your story, and then they do and there are details: crooked smiles, crinkles around the eyes when smiling, little nose twitches when they think too hard, purses their lips/sticks their tongue out between their teeth when concentrating, "reads" the air when inventing or thinking hard, sighs a lot to clear the lungs of unwanted breath, their glasses fog up when they blush. 
• Misc details and quirks, which don't really fit into certain categories (or I can't think of any because it's 2:30am and I'm tired): Not so good with babies, allergies, have to have their blankets/pillows a certain way, glasses, places their pens and pencils in a certain order, always have to have something to write with/on with them, likes going into office supply stores for no reason, likes cute things, likes dark things, will only drink a certain brand/color of soda. 

Also think of the type of character you're trying to create/recreate. Are they cute? Why? Are they dark and moody? Why?

But also on a side note, remember that your character, even if they fit into a certain genre, doesn't have to conform to that genre. Say you have a brooding, muscly, goon. What if his favorite flavor of ice cream is strawberry and he likes it in a cone with rainbow sprinkles?
What if your cute little teenaged girl character likes Norwegian death metal and listens to it on her pretty pink iPod? 

Writing Prompt #2

Now, usually I try REALLY hard not to write a character's overall behavior/mood/disposition before their history. However me trying hard means that I've succeeded in creating their history first, and disposition after.... very few times.

So lately, when faced with a character who already has dialog/involvement in a story, especially one who is quirky (seemingly for no reason), I've been asking myself:

Why?

Why does a character behave this way? Why do they have the quirks? 

For example: A young female character, 17 - 20 years old, hates the main protagonist, for seemingly no reason. Why? Why does she hate him? She's never met him, so why the negative feelings?

Well maybe she's had bad experiences in the past with boys. Maybe he reminds her of a boy who broke her heart. Or of a brother who abandoned her. Maybe she is afraid of strangers. This character would not simply be a "bitch" for no reason.

Happy characters, sad characters, the way they dress and speak and hold themselves. Who they trust and don't. Why they treat others a certain way. 

Ask yourself: Why? What in their past has made them act this way? 

Write down possible reasons. Any reason you think of. Good or bad, always write it down.

Character study idea 1: drawing

I have never been satisfied with the way I draw. Like, ever.
But not being satisfied, and therefore not drawing, is setting me back farther than I would be if I just muddled through being frustrated.

Anywho...

I just recently drew a character that I like very much. She's traditional; crimpy/curly hair, freckles, wide eyes, curvy/chubby body (besides the fact that she's got a mermaid's tail). But I very much enjoyed drawing her.

So my next thing is to try to draw her again. And again.

There are plenty of memes on DeviantArt for this, but I'm writing it out anyway.

If you have a character drawn out in a certain pose or position that they always seem to be in, try doing a drawing of each:

• front facing
• side profile
• 3/4 profile
• back

Draw in the little details, or just the outline. 

This also works well for fashion and costume designers to get an almost 360 degree angle. 

Once you know your character well enough, you can try different, more difficult angles. 

Personal writing assignment #1

Kinda like the writing prompts, this is just recording my thoughts/ideas, but hey, if anyone else wants to do it, carry on.
Mostly for fanfiction at the moment, but I want to progress into original writing.

Expressions-
Pick out a scene or a gif or still from a show (I'm using Supernatural, of course) In which the character's emotion/reaction/etc is understood, then watch their face. Gifs are good if you know the show really well and can tell from a glance what scene it's from, since they repeat and you don't have to keep rewinding.
Once you've watched them for a second, set to describing their expression.
It's pretty much like sketching an expression, but with words.

....you get what I'm saying, right?

In any case, it'll help with writing. Especially fanfiction and screen writing.

Writing Prompt #1

I keep having these ideas for writing about things that aren't a. My book or b. a Fanfic, just practicing. So, to keep them all in one place, I thought I'd post them here, and maybe someone else might want to use them. They're pretty much prompts/assignments.

Prompt:
Go to an old farm, an antique store, or into the attic of an elder's house. Look at one item that looks like it has had much use. An old plow, for example, or an old rocking chair. Extra points if it's broken. Think about the people that used that item, what their lives must have been like. If need be, do research on the time period. Name these people (or not), describe their daily lives, their favorite things, were they married? Where did they get such an item? How did they live and die?

Book: 101 Things I learned in film school

I went to the library yesterday and found (well, my mum found) this awesome book. It's called 101 Things I learned in film school by Neil Landau with Matthew Frederick. And it's AMAZING. (I stayed up rather late last night reading it) Let me tell you why.
Most books about film making that I've read are overly detailed, very advanced, or obscure in their references. Not that that isn't a good thing, it's perfectly fine if you're completely immersed in film culture. This book, however, gives very plain and simple suggestions and tips. Ranging from camera angles, to timelines, to how to pitch your script to a filmmaker. Along with the, at most, two paragraph pages, are drawing examples which are really helpful (who says drawings are just for kids?). Another thing I love is that it doesn't take the art too seriously.
Anyway, it's a very good book for those just starting out their interest in film making, as well as those who are deep into the art. Parts of it could also be good for novel writers.

...

Life sucks, it's always going to, but when it does you simply have to beat it to the ground and laugh in its face.

Listening to Alex Day's music helps.

Word of the day

Waldeinsamkeit (German) The feeling of being alone in the woods. Can be described as wonderful, poetic, peaceful, calm, relaxed, at one with the universe, infinite, free, loving, meditative.

Songs to have in your head when angry

I always try to have something else to think about when at work. Whether it be Destiel fics, listing places and times I'd go if I traveled with the Doctor, or (when annoyed) specific songs, which are listed below:

* I Can't Decide (if you should live or die)- Scissor Sisters (you may recognize it from Doctor Who. But certainly not a good song to sing under your breath)
* Kill Everybody - Skrillex (yeah, sometimes I'm angry...)
*Maxwell's Silver Hammer - The Beatles. So cute, so creepy. 

I'll add more when I think of them, but those are the main ones. ^*^

Word of the day

Chilblain n. A painful, itching swelling on the skin, typically on a hand or foot, caused by poor circulation in the skin when exposed to cold.

Origin - mid 16th century

(Normally I'd post a word like this in the dead of winter, but it's a good word, so...now...)

Ana's guide to being a (decent) customer

(a.k.a. Things I'd like to say to people I have to deal with)
1. Don't be impatient if there are other people in line, or your order isn't given to you the moment you step through the door. It is NOT the end of the world if you don't have the coffee NOW.
2. Don't cut in line. If you cut in line, I will ignore you and serve the person you cut in front of.
3. For the love of god - if you've given me money, I've rung up the order and am getting your change, DON'T suddenly give me coins. I am not good at maths and I will just give you back your coins with your change. Don't get mad at me when this happens, it's your fault. (Yeah, a rant, because this happens ALL. THE. FUCKING. TIME. and it pisses me off.)
4. Don't be rude to me if I say "have a nice day" or am polite to you. I don't WANT to be polite, it's part of my JOB, it's what I'm paid to do and I get in trouble if I don't. If I had my way, I'd just keep my mouth shut and give you your coffeel. (seriously, today some old guy told me to "Not fucking tell him to have a nice day" *sighs*)
5. If you are nice to me, I will give you the best bread and pastries. I can't help it, it's just how it works.

Yup. So...yeah...People aren't half as polite as they should be. So if you don't want me to beat you with a stale baguette....Be nice to your barista.

Word of the day:

Malapert: adj -archaic- Boldly disrespectful to a person of higher standing. n. An impudent person. -or- adj. Clever in manners of speech.

Costume challenge idea

So...well, a LONG while ago, I though of a cool costume challenge to do (probably in the winter), so I thought I'd try to perfect the idea and put it on here. I'm going to make sort of levels for it. I mean, it's not like a video game or anything, you don't have to go through 1 to get to 2 or 3, it's just ideas of the level of challenge.
ANYWAY! The idea was to sew (or make in some way) clothing from the past, using the methods and materials that people of that time period would use. For me the most challenging part of that would be getting materials that fit the standard, so that isn't TOTALLY necessary.
What sparked this idea was the thought of times before we had sewing and knitting machines. Common knowledge that they made everything by hand, I know, but for some reason it never struck me to actually *try* costuming in that way.

So, Level 1: Sew a simple garment by hand. It could be a medieval coin purse, a victorian handkerchief, a pair of colonial dress pockets, whatever. Just make sure that the way you go about making it is the same way that they did back then. (even if the cloth you're using is from an old sheet XD)

Level 2: Try making something bigger. A simple small toga, a medieval hood, etc.

The levels just keep going up with the size and complexity of the item being made. So like,  level 3 would be a pair of gentleman's pants from the 1900s or a traveling cloak from the 1700s. 4 could be a full medieval under dress or a long victorian tail coat. You could also try making shoes or hats. The point of this exercise is historical appreciation. It's easy enough to whip up a full 3 layer Renaissance court dress complete with hoopskirt and full undergarments when you've got an electric sewing machine and an iron that can be plugged into the wall rather than being heated on the stove. I'm constantly trying to experience thing in the way that people in the past did, so this seemed like a good idea.

(bit of a side story, sorry. Another thing that added to this idea was using my sisters foot powered sewing machine from the 1800s. I totally fell in love with that thing, it made the best sound and the stitches all came out perfect.)

Another variation (and a more difficult one) would be actually MAKING the fabric or yarn or leather with which you're working.

So anyway, those levels are just examples using my own plans for costumes. If you wanna try this, feel free to use those or write your own with challenges that feel right.

[EDIT: I'll be posting a list of costume supply stores that have historically accurate materials, probably tomorrow.] 

Ana's guide to being a (decent) barista:

About a month ago I started working as a barista (coffee maker, to anyone who doesn't know), I'm not the biggest fan of the job, but it pays for the rent (as well as fabric and yarn). A lot of other baristas have made blogs for ranting and advice (which you may see more of), so I thought I'd share this short list of things I thought of at work. The approach I take to this job is only my way, everyone has their own style of dealing with things. (Personally, I like being polite, but I won't take any shit from anyone either)

1. Say hi to everyone; ask them how their day is. I mean everyone: customers, other baristas, dishwashers, bakers... People like it when you show interest in them and their lives.
2. Be as polite as possible, even if the other person is being rude to you. However, if someone is being needlessly cruel to you, or acting inpatient at the fact that you hadn't finished their extremely complicated order in 3 seconds, just ignore them, it's just coffee and they need to calm the fuck down. Be polite, but NOT submissive. (but also, if someone is actually giving you shit or yelling at you, it's your right to defend yourself, they don't own you and have no right to yell.)
3. If anyone looks like they're struggling, ask if you can help. Same goes for if you have a free moment and don't need a break, ask what you can do to help. Just like asking how people are, it shows that you are on top of things.
4. Make sure everything is well stocked. Seriously, this seems like it should be a simple thing, but apparently some people don't get it.
5. Be generous, but don't be self sacrificing.
6. If you make a mistake in an order, don't beat yourself up about it, it's just coffee and usually people will understand. If they don't, it's their mental issue and they need to (as stated above) calm the fuck down. If you make a mistake involving money (which I have), deal with it, apologize, offer solutions, be polite. Dealing with your boss in regards to money is pretty terrifying, but if you remain honest and level headed, they'll see that you're not stealing from them or what have you.
7. If you're unsure about something - ask questions! It's better to make absolutely sure about something and risk being thought of as forgetful, than possibly messing something up. This especially goes for complicated drink orders. Even if the person gets annoyed, it's better that they have the right drink, rather than you having to make it again.
8. If someone "higher on the foodchain" makes a mistake, but expects you to apologize for it, (seriously, this happened to me today) Don't. It's their mistake, you have no reason to say sorry.
9. If someone does something for you, thank them. If someone gives you a tip, thank them. Again, being polite is paramount.
10. (And I hate it when people tell me to do this, but it's necessary) Smile! A lot. At everyone. Interact with the customers, laugh at their jokes. Most of all, don't take things too seriously, it's only a job.

So there... I guess it's not that short. And I repeat stuff a lot...but whatever. If you find it helpful, yay! If you don't, well, try someone else's blog, or write your own.

Word of the day

Asexual (adj): Without sex or sexuality in particular. (without sexual feelings or associations) The example in the dictionary is this: "she rested her hand on the back of his head, in a maternal, wholly asexual, gesture."

Now, let me explain why I like this word (or idea) in particular (and try not to offend anyone).
As whoever allows me to speak long enough to start talking about TV and/or character relationships knows that take issue with people making a HUGE deal about physical contact between characters of opposite sex. Take Bones, for example: Any time that Bones and Booth made any kind of physical contact (hugging, holding hands, the occasional kiss on the cheek) the camera zooms in or the characters themselves say something as if the event was strongly significant. Mind you, I'm sure that the film makers were just trying to draw attention the apparent sexual tension and feelings.
Now, then, take Doctor Who: The Doctor and Rose are together through two regenerations and are extremely close, but not like that. Any time they hug or hold hands (which is rather often) or even kiss, there is no huge focus, it's just a thing that happens, whether for comfort after a frightening encounter or simply showing affection for one another. It's the same with Donna Noble, 10's third companion. They were simply best friends, nothing more.

Anyway, I just really like the idea that two people of the opposite sex can make physical contact and be affectionate without any romantic or sexual expectations.

(And, by the way, this is an extremely difficult thing to write into stories.)

Inspirational Videos

I wanted to share some great videos with...well...my one reader.
Here they are:

• Don't break the chain - Charlieissocoollike A very nice video with a great method for keeping consistent.
• Invocation for Beginnings The first video of Ze Frank's new vlog, it's very inspirational and amazing. It's advisable to watch all the others as well. 
• Life in a Day-Alex Day The part is actually at 3:11, but the whole video is funny. I like the idea of regulating certain negative habits, especially using something simple like a bracelet.

I might do some more of these posts in the future.