I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be required to write using a writing starter about writing starters. (WS-ception?)
Anyways the writing starters this semester have varied substantially form one another. Some, of course, were more useful than others. Still, there's no pin point advice I can give on how to improve them. The fact that each can vary so dramatically from one another is what makes them affective at helping people discover new ways to write creatively and practice the skills that need to be trained.
I also find it incredibly difficult to generalize what writing starters were more "effective than the others. For an example, I am not very keen on writing dialogue, thus i found the writing starters revolving around dialogue more stressful. Then again, These also helped me to become a better writer in these aspects. this too also seems to not be absolute either however, not all dialogue writing starters were stressful nor difficult. The recent writing starter The Devils Stewardess (which is still a work in progress) was one of my most enjoyable to write.
The Writing starters that I found the most enjoyable were the ones that allowed for a completely free story to be made, ones that vaguely describe a theme or setting. My favorite would be the one that prompted my story Arrival which ever one that was. I even turned it in as my sci-fi story. on the other end of the spectrum, the "love letter project was far too restricting, it was asking us to participate in a specific project, writing starters like this I would usually skip.
All in all, the benefits of the writing starters far outweigh the negatives. The only real issue that they create is conflict with the assignments were had to work on. usually they would drain time, and distract from the story I would currently be working on, this was an issue. This however, is a small price to pay for the daily exercises that help influence our writing abilities. perhaps I would suggest that during certain periods of the semester, writing starts should become assigned bi-daily.
Anyways, It's been fun, and I'm kinda sad to see no longer get to see what the "Next" starter will be, you should continue them for future years. create some new ones, and change there format (oh yea, and fix your website....that shit don't work bro) thanks for the enjoyable semester, and this shall be my blogs farwell for it.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
WS66: A Disgusting Society.
""Damn it all to hell, I'm finished with all this shit!" Gabe, the lead field observer, exclaimed as he burst through the double doors to General Alexanders room.
The General, just finishing the stack of papers he was to issue in the morning, lacked any real energy to show a returning conviction. He looked up to the Irate little man, took a sip from his mug, and set it back down on his desk before acknowledging the scientist. "What is it Munford?" he let out his statement as half question, half sigh.
"They're disgusting, Fuckin' disgusting!" Gabe revealed
Untouched the general replied in his same tiring, I really don't have time for this, tone. "Dr. Mumford,You understood that the subject civilization may have a culture that vastly differs from ours, and promised to keep an open mi-"
"They eat Animals sir!" gabe blurted before The general could finish his sentence, not only technically against military protocol, but also completely out of character of the normally reserved man.
There was a moment of awkward silence as the General remained leaned back in his seat. he let out an exhausted sigh and adjusted his posture. He put his elbows on his desk, and took off his reading glasses. folded his hands in front of him, and returned his gaze to Gabe. "What?" he bluntly asked
"They eat animals sir." Gabe continued "plants too." he finished for a second to observe his superiors response. the General hardly moved, but the fact that he was still listening meant that something had stuck him "I mean at first I thought it was just a joke some of the males were spreading around, eating their 'steak' and puting dressing on their 'salads' but once their supper time arrived their meals were just-just-Ugh!" He finished his frantic rant with a small gag, and turned his face away in disgust.
once agian there was an awkward silence as the general just sat their, as cold faced as ever. "did you eat it?" He calmly asked after a beat or two
Gabe met Alexanders gaze, still worked up, visibly stressed, unkempt, and somewhat hyper ventilating. he pulled a C-cig from his still stained lab coat pocket. once again this was uncharacteristic of him, being the health nut he is Gabe never smoked, especially not from one of the knockoff cartilage brands."can you give me a light" Gabe requested, in an almost certain tone, as if it was more of an order than a question.
The General awkwardly stared at him once more before sighing, cracking his neck to the left, and opening the top right drawer to his desk. he took out a brand of Bones, and handed the matches to his lead scientist.
Gabe snatched the pack from him and lit himself his cigarette. he exhaled the smoke into the Generals quarters, once again completely ignoring protocol "We had to assimilate." Gabe let out visibly more relaxed, still frantic, but considerably less. "some of my men refused and would starve," he continued before taking another hit "some would try to find means of obtaing traditional food, surprisingly these-"" gab paused for a second trying to look for the right phrase "Savages" he blurted forcefully, before having a nervous chuckle and continueing once more
"heh, they actually frown upon our system, they actually incarcerated many of my men for 'crimes against humanity'"Gabe took a third hit form his cigarette, already almost burnt to a crisp with the rate he was inhaling, he coughed into his shoulder, "those that made it back, did what we had to, to survive." he finished as he flicked his C-cig into the trash.
The general stared at the mess of a man that lay before him, obviously deeply conflicted with what he had done. "I see" he calmly expressed as he stood up to turn around and open the cabnet that had been on the wall behind him "I'm sorry you had to be exposed to such an enviornment" he continued as gabe stood still, nervously tapping his foot "Let me pour you a drink, I have a bottle of the most expensive O+ on the market." he turned around holding a bottle and two glasses "why don't you take a seat" he suggested as he filled the glasses.
Gabe looked away for a second, he could use the break but was almost reluctant to. "okay" he answered, more quietly and defeated than before. he took a seat in the comfy lounge chair in front of the Generals desk.
The general handed Gabe the his glass "this comes directly from some of the oldest monks that live in some of those mystical, dojo, mountain ranges." the general boasted "it ain't caffeinated like my mug of AB- over there, but it'll still give you quite the kick."
"Thanks" Gabe quietly muttered as he took sip.
"Now" the General adressed as he leaned against his desk, with a glass in his hand as he explained looking down to Gabe. "Here's what I'm going to do, You and any of your eggheads that returned will receive an honorable discharge form their service if they wish, medals will be handed out for you valor and will to survive in order to get this valuable information to us." the general took another sip as Gabe looked up to him.
"Furthermore, any needed medical and therapy services will be paid for by the brass. If you wish to return to service once you feel recovered promotions, raises, and more benefits will be handed out." there was a short pause as the general finished his proposal "Is that okay Dr. Mumford"
Gabe now looking into his lap, and grasping onto his now empty glass replied "yes, sir" visibly exhausted.
"okay, you may return the presidential chambers to rest up, I'll send someone for you in the morning" The General informed.
"okay" Gabe nodded as he stood up and slothed his way to the doors, as he grasped the handle he turned around to adress the General once more "Sir, what will come of the newly found civilization?"
Genaral Alexander, looked up once more once agian sitting behind his desk "Appropriate measures will be taken to stop them from spreading, or keeping their barbaric ways." He bluntly replied as he took out the papers for formal declaration of war.
The General, just finishing the stack of papers he was to issue in the morning, lacked any real energy to show a returning conviction. He looked up to the Irate little man, took a sip from his mug, and set it back down on his desk before acknowledging the scientist. "What is it Munford?" he let out his statement as half question, half sigh.
"They're disgusting, Fuckin' disgusting!" Gabe revealed
Untouched the general replied in his same tiring, I really don't have time for this, tone. "Dr. Mumford,You understood that the subject civilization may have a culture that vastly differs from ours, and promised to keep an open mi-"
"They eat Animals sir!" gabe blurted before The general could finish his sentence, not only technically against military protocol, but also completely out of character of the normally reserved man.
There was a moment of awkward silence as the General remained leaned back in his seat. he let out an exhausted sigh and adjusted his posture. He put his elbows on his desk, and took off his reading glasses. folded his hands in front of him, and returned his gaze to Gabe. "What?" he bluntly asked
"They eat animals sir." Gabe continued "plants too." he finished for a second to observe his superiors response. the General hardly moved, but the fact that he was still listening meant that something had stuck him "I mean at first I thought it was just a joke some of the males were spreading around, eating their 'steak' and puting dressing on their 'salads' but once their supper time arrived their meals were just-just-Ugh!" He finished his frantic rant with a small gag, and turned his face away in disgust.
once agian there was an awkward silence as the general just sat their, as cold faced as ever. "did you eat it?" He calmly asked after a beat or two
Gabe met Alexanders gaze, still worked up, visibly stressed, unkempt, and somewhat hyper ventilating. he pulled a C-cig from his still stained lab coat pocket. once again this was uncharacteristic of him, being the health nut he is Gabe never smoked, especially not from one of the knockoff cartilage brands."can you give me a light" Gabe requested, in an almost certain tone, as if it was more of an order than a question.
The General awkwardly stared at him once more before sighing, cracking his neck to the left, and opening the top right drawer to his desk. he took out a brand of Bones, and handed the matches to his lead scientist.
Gabe snatched the pack from him and lit himself his cigarette. he exhaled the smoke into the Generals quarters, once again completely ignoring protocol "We had to assimilate." Gabe let out visibly more relaxed, still frantic, but considerably less. "some of my men refused and would starve," he continued before taking another hit "some would try to find means of obtaing traditional food, surprisingly these-"" gab paused for a second trying to look for the right phrase "Savages" he blurted forcefully, before having a nervous chuckle and continueing once more
"heh, they actually frown upon our system, they actually incarcerated many of my men for 'crimes against humanity'"Gabe took a third hit form his cigarette, already almost burnt to a crisp with the rate he was inhaling, he coughed into his shoulder, "those that made it back, did what we had to, to survive." he finished as he flicked his C-cig into the trash.
The general stared at the mess of a man that lay before him, obviously deeply conflicted with what he had done. "I see" he calmly expressed as he stood up to turn around and open the cabnet that had been on the wall behind him "I'm sorry you had to be exposed to such an enviornment" he continued as gabe stood still, nervously tapping his foot "Let me pour you a drink, I have a bottle of the most expensive O+ on the market." he turned around holding a bottle and two glasses "why don't you take a seat" he suggested as he filled the glasses.
Gabe looked away for a second, he could use the break but was almost reluctant to. "okay" he answered, more quietly and defeated than before. he took a seat in the comfy lounge chair in front of the Generals desk.
The general handed Gabe the his glass "this comes directly from some of the oldest monks that live in some of those mystical, dojo, mountain ranges." the general boasted "it ain't caffeinated like my mug of AB- over there, but it'll still give you quite the kick."
"Thanks" Gabe quietly muttered as he took sip.
"Now" the General adressed as he leaned against his desk, with a glass in his hand as he explained looking down to Gabe. "Here's what I'm going to do, You and any of your eggheads that returned will receive an honorable discharge form their service if they wish, medals will be handed out for you valor and will to survive in order to get this valuable information to us." the general took another sip as Gabe looked up to him.
"Furthermore, any needed medical and therapy services will be paid for by the brass. If you wish to return to service once you feel recovered promotions, raises, and more benefits will be handed out." there was a short pause as the general finished his proposal "Is that okay Dr. Mumford"
Gabe now looking into his lap, and grasping onto his now empty glass replied "yes, sir" visibly exhausted.
"okay, you may return the presidential chambers to rest up, I'll send someone for you in the morning" The General informed.
"okay" Gabe nodded as he stood up and slothed his way to the doors, as he grasped the handle he turned around to adress the General once more "Sir, what will come of the newly found civilization?"
Genaral Alexander, looked up once more once agian sitting behind his desk "Appropriate measures will be taken to stop them from spreading, or keeping their barbaric ways." He bluntly replied as he took out the papers for formal declaration of war.
WS65: Infinity Island
"well I'll be damned, it's not just a volcanic pit of doom" Justin's british voice protruded through the silence that had been set since the beginning of the voyage. I shook my head awake, and looked up to see our final destination.
I let out a short yawn before I forced my self up out of my seat for a better view. The trip must have been long for it was nearly sunset. "Jesus what time is it?"
Justin placed his arm in front of him "Shit" he sighed.
"what is it" I asked
"my bloody watch is broken" he answered as he threw his arms down in an aggressively, dismissive motion. "Chelsea is gonna be pissed"
I let out a small chuckle at my friends misfortune, I gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Yea, well she forgive you when she wakes up to see the paradise we bought for five freaking dollars" I assured him. He let out a small grin, then gave me a curt nod before he sat back in his seat.
I turned to our Spanish captain "Yo Pedro, what's the time"
(I seem to have hit a fit of writers lock recently...I'll return to this story sometime after the semester ends...other WS still need to be completed)
I let out a short yawn before I forced my self up out of my seat for a better view. The trip must have been long for it was nearly sunset. "Jesus what time is it?"
Justin placed his arm in front of him "Shit" he sighed.
"what is it" I asked
"my bloody watch is broken" he answered as he threw his arms down in an aggressively, dismissive motion. "Chelsea is gonna be pissed"
I let out a small chuckle at my friends misfortune, I gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Yea, well she forgive you when she wakes up to see the paradise we bought for five freaking dollars" I assured him. He let out a small grin, then gave me a curt nod before he sat back in his seat.
I turned to our Spanish captain "Yo Pedro, what's the time"
(I seem to have hit a fit of writers lock recently...I'll return to this story sometime after the semester ends...other WS still need to be completed)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
WS64: Antropods and shit
As humans we always strive for ways to improve ourselves. One modern example of this, is the attempt to build a functional Exoskeleton. An exoskeleton could serve many purpose, such as; assisting the disabled, increasing strength, and extra protection. However, if humans were anthropometric, meaning we would naturally come with exoskeletons, this would most likely negat many of the beneficial effects.
Sure we would no longer have to deal with paper cuts, however, naturally these exoskeletons would be weak. This is because we naturally, our bones are weak. sports would be the same, for everything still has the same protection form forces from breaking bones and organs. fashion would change slightly however this is only because we would have evolved to find exoskeletal features to be more attractive.
we could still attach an additional exoskeleton to assist the disabled, however, all in all, it would change little.
Sure we would no longer have to deal with paper cuts, however, naturally these exoskeletons would be weak. This is because we naturally, our bones are weak. sports would be the same, for everything still has the same protection form forces from breaking bones and organs. fashion would change slightly however this is only because we would have evolved to find exoskeletal features to be more attractive.
we could still attach an additional exoskeleton to assist the disabled, however, all in all, it would change little.
WS62: Six Bars of Sin
I live in a world of limits
Rules, restrictions, and permits
still I dream my self a free plane
so call me insane, call it inane
But I will strive for the stars
And in my life, I plan to make it to mars
Rules, restrictions, and permits
still I dream my self a free plane
so call me insane, call it inane
But I will strive for the stars
And in my life, I plan to make it to mars
Friday, January 10, 2014
FPP.
Name: Slagathor King of the Sea
Creative Writing
Final project proposal
1. A collection of six related short stories narrated form the point of view of Death. If I can write it correctly it should only be obvious that the stories are related to each other in subtle ways.
2. Because I just got the idea and it sounds pretty fun....yea. You said you wanted this to be 3-5 sentences. I made this 3-5 sentences.
3.
Main characters: Death, An astronaut, A politician, A prostitute, A doctor, A soldier, A False prophet. all hailing from different era's
Setting: varies between each story....it will be mostly on earth though...one story on mars
Flaw of main character: varies form each person. Death is callous though.
Quest:to find out what makes humans deserving of death.
Lesson: Everyone probably deserves to die for one reason or another, yet no one believes that they should. Only once humans are able empathize and sympathize can we conquer death. understanding the world around you is key to survival. the reasons to die.
4.
Summary:
Death grows bored one day, and decides to pick 6 random people from time who experience death in order to find out what makes humans deserving of death. through each story you experience the faults of human behavior, and Deaths judgments. only once reading all six stories will the reader understand the full picture.
Creative Writing
Final project proposal
1. A collection of six related short stories narrated form the point of view of Death. If I can write it correctly it should only be obvious that the stories are related to each other in subtle ways.
2. Because I just got the idea and it sounds pretty fun....yea. You said you wanted this to be 3-5 sentences. I made this 3-5 sentences.
3.
Main characters: Death, An astronaut, A politician, A prostitute, A doctor, A soldier, A False prophet. all hailing from different era's
Setting: varies between each story....it will be mostly on earth though...one story on mars
Flaw of main character: varies form each person. Death is callous though.
Quest:to find out what makes humans deserving of death.
Lesson: Everyone probably deserves to die for one reason or another, yet no one believes that they should. Only once humans are able empathize and sympathize can we conquer death. understanding the world around you is key to survival. the reasons to die.
4.
Summary:
Death grows bored one day, and decides to pick 6 random people from time who experience death in order to find out what makes humans deserving of death. through each story you experience the faults of human behavior, and Deaths judgments. only once reading all six stories will the reader understand the full picture.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
WS61: The Devil's stewardess
Finally row 6 seat B, first class might be expensive, but if it means I only have to sit next to one other passenger plus comfy chairs and extra leg room; It's totally worth it. I take my seat, and watch awkwardly as everyone else struggles to put away their luggage bags. I packed light, no point in bringing the old life I'm trying to escape with me.
My seat partner still hasn't arrived, perhaps I might get lucky and have the row to myself. The ride is going to be long, payed with the last of my money for this one way ticket out of this god forsaken country and getting myself to a new life in paradise. I go to grab a magazine, as I retrieve I am met by a figure in the corner of my vision. I look up to meet a woman.
Not just any woman, but a solid 10/10. perhaps not in the most traditional sense but I was always more into the alternative style in women. Tall, pale, short red hair, and smooth skin. She was wearing skinny jeans, with sexy black boots. A tank top riddled with some black gibberish ink, and a necklace with a black stone the size of a walnut, which matched her two black earnings.
After a short while she apparently was finished letting me ogle her for free and spoke.
"Row 6, Seat A?"
just being pulled out of the trance I was in, I was kinda confused at first. "huh? oh-yea, let me stand" I got up and let her take her seat.
This was an unheard of amount of airplane luck, if I pull my cards right the luck might not end there....I stop for a moment to think about what I just thought, ironically. My self respect was already to low to criticize myself for being so assumptuous right off the bat, but still I doubt a woman of her caliber would be interested in an unkempt guy like me.
It's not that I'm ugly, hell I like to think myself as fairly attractive. short cut, red hair, bent slightly back . I'm tall and thin, fairly in shape, no strong man for sure, but still respectable. It's just that I can barely take care of my own life, add that to my natural awkwardness and you get an unattractive combination. Speaking of awkward, I'm still standing, I should sit before someone says something.
I take my seat again, and buckle the little lap belt. Soon the pilot came on the speakers, said his speal, and the stewardesses do their little charades, and we were off. I continued to read the magazine until I had finished every story, puzzle, and game of every page. I stuffed the magazine back into the seat in front of me and cluelessly look around for a second. There's no way I could ever fall asleep on a plane, I always envied those who could.
I look back to the girl to my left, she was just staring out the window, evidently looking at the clouds. perhaps I should try to strike up conversation, anything to pass the time, Right?
"I'm Alexander by the way" I blurt out, only now realizing how awkward it sounds to say my full first name, I should have gone with Alex, or something shorter. She turned around with a slightly inquisit
My seat partner still hasn't arrived, perhaps I might get lucky and have the row to myself. The ride is going to be long, payed with the last of my money for this one way ticket out of this god forsaken country and getting myself to a new life in paradise. I go to grab a magazine, as I retrieve I am met by a figure in the corner of my vision. I look up to meet a woman.
Not just any woman, but a solid 10/10. perhaps not in the most traditional sense but I was always more into the alternative style in women. Tall, pale, short red hair, and smooth skin. She was wearing skinny jeans, with sexy black boots. A tank top riddled with some black gibberish ink, and a necklace with a black stone the size of a walnut, which matched her two black earnings.
After a short while she apparently was finished letting me ogle her for free and spoke.
"Row 6, Seat A?"
just being pulled out of the trance I was in, I was kinda confused at first. "huh? oh-yea, let me stand" I got up and let her take her seat.
This was an unheard of amount of airplane luck, if I pull my cards right the luck might not end there....I stop for a moment to think about what I just thought, ironically. My self respect was already to low to criticize myself for being so assumptuous right off the bat, but still I doubt a woman of her caliber would be interested in an unkempt guy like me.
It's not that I'm ugly, hell I like to think myself as fairly attractive. short cut, red hair, bent slightly back . I'm tall and thin, fairly in shape, no strong man for sure, but still respectable. It's just that I can barely take care of my own life, add that to my natural awkwardness and you get an unattractive combination. Speaking of awkward, I'm still standing, I should sit before someone says something.
I take my seat again, and buckle the little lap belt. Soon the pilot came on the speakers, said his speal, and the stewardesses do their little charades, and we were off. I continued to read the magazine until I had finished every story, puzzle, and game of every page. I stuffed the magazine back into the seat in front of me and cluelessly look around for a second. There's no way I could ever fall asleep on a plane, I always envied those who could.
I look back to the girl to my left, she was just staring out the window, evidently looking at the clouds. perhaps I should try to strike up conversation, anything to pass the time, Right?
"I'm Alexander by the way" I blurt out, only now realizing how awkward it sounds to say my full first name, I should have gone with Alex, or something shorter. She turned around with a slightly inquisit
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