I've been seeing this flying around the blogosphere for a while and thought I'd give it a shot. For those not 'in the know', What's Up Wednesday is a fun little meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin L. Funk where you discuss....basically.....what's 'up' with you.
What you're reading, writing, etc.
So, here goes....
What I'm Reading
Save The Cat, by Blake Snyder. I've been hearing a lot about this book from a lot of different people, so I decided to pull the trigger and buy a copy. I've just started reading it, but have found some great information already. Even though it focuses on screenwriting, a lot of the advice can also be applied to novel writing, as well. Who knows, maybe it will inspire me to write a screenplay or something. Anyway, it also gives me another reason to play with my new Kindle Fire HD. That'll be a post for another day...
What I'm Writing
I'm still working on my super-heroic western tale, Last Chance. Even though the progress is slower than I'm liking, it's steady progress....which is better than no progress. I'm still doing character backgrounds and world building via longhand, along with random ideas and things like that. I've been toying with the idea of making it my NaNoWriMo project for this year. Again...that'll be a post for another day...
What Inspires Me
Honestly....not much. The world seems to be in a very sad state and times are looking grim. Of course, I think that could be said for almost anytime in our history, so I'll have to buck up and keep looking to the skies. While doing a Google search today, I have to admit their 'doodle' gave me a smile.
As I mentioned, the wife and I treated ourselves to a Kindle Fire HD (she wanted one and, when I started fooling with it, decided I "needed" one..) and I made the mistake of downloading the game Tiny Castle. I wish I hadn't!
[Sidenote: As I went in search of a webpage for this game, I got sidetracked by a browser game with the same name and spent fifteen minutes playing it!! Sheesh. Oh, yeah, the link (to get you hooked too!) is HERE. I'm too easily disracted.]
Seriously, though, it's a fun little "time management" game and can really suck you in if you're not careful. It's a nice distraction from looking for full time work (my job is still only part time, alas) in a crappy job market.
So, how about you? What's up on your Wednesday?
25 comments:
I got myself a Kindle Fire last year, I love it :)
I still need to decide what I'm going to do for NaNoWriMo this year, I have a lot of ideas!
Hooked on games already!!
Save the Cat is my favorite writing book. The fifteen beats are awesome.
I'm still working on my novel, too. I am a bit stuck at a critical plot point at the moment. Having to stop and do some research on the internet, as well as some Quality Thinking about how I want to handle this issue. Feels like this happens a lot...
I think the "bleakness" is part of getting older. At 40 I already feel disconnected from the zeitgeist of our culture. I already realize TV shows and movies aren't generally aimed at me anymore. And I know it will get worse. I'm sure, like my parents, I'll end up watching the kind of shows my kids will shake my head at. I think its because we've seen most of it before. Look at Summer Blockbusters? Pacific Rim is a hard sell because it's new, but Grown-Ups 2 is an easy sell. People don't like new, no matter what they say. I'm avoiding politics because I'm dissatisfied with our Government as a whole on every level. I don't care about the parties. They're all criminals. Its a shame most of us who want to be "informed" just want to travel in pack and try to prey on the opposition.
What an awesome Google Doodle. Your superhero western sounds good already!
@Laura: It is pretty spiffy, isn't it? :) An idea, especially if you have multiples of them, is a great start!
@Alex: I know, I'm terrible and, yes, the beats are pretty awesome!
@Robin: As long as you keep working, though, that's the important part :)
@Mark: Preach on, brother....preach on! I can, especially, identify with your idea of the culture disconnect. I look around and wonder "What happened?".
@Maurice: Thank you! Yes, I thought it was a pretty good one, too.
Hi Mark .. I've got a Kindle Fire - but don't use it as much as I should!
Your book "Save the Cat" is I understand a really good read - I bought a copy .. another one piled up or lined up for me to read! Can't seem to do reading any which way!
I do read .. but need to build in books.
Age and life .. there's so much going on that doesn't seem to get resolved ... I do look to the positive ..
Cheers Hilary
i am in the start of my art/design book tour... trying to find steady work and juggling my three sites.
i love my ipad games, though i have wiped out most of the angry birds games... looking forward to the next game in september.
I want a kindle fire. So much. Ah, well, some day.
Honestly we're all sick. Again. Not much writing this week as I clean up regurgitated food and head out for doctors visits.
Enjoy! Oh, no...Castle looks cool~
I have that book and need to read it~
Thanks for sharing and the reminder :D
My son put Dr. Mario on my phone-I'm very scared. I use to play this game with hubby in our son's room, while he slept-volume turned down. lol
Hang in there Mark and keep writing!
I hope to get a kindle upgrade over the Christmas Holidays. Glad you're still progressing with your writing and distractions are everywhere.
I refuse to get any of those games- I know you wouldn't see me for days. It would be like Zelda all over again!
I wanted a Kindle Fire, but decided to get a Galaxy Tab instead.
Still need to read Save the Cat.
I found STC to be very helpful. I even did a blog post about my experience.
http://melissamaygrove.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-plot-thickens.html
LOL- Yeah, you gotta watch those Kindle games. Little time-suckers they are. The hubster's favorite is Angry Birds. Of course, if you can muster the strength, you can punch 'remove from device.' :P
I checked Save The Cat out of the library and found it very helpful, no matter what you write. I think it may be a "to-buy" book as well.
I love my Kindle-- haven't got into the games too much. But do cruise the internet way too much on it!
Although I'm Canadian, my husband keeps a close watch on American politics. I feel sad and fearful for my neighbors to the south. You guys need a break.
p.s. What's up Wednesday sounds like a cool little idea.
I have a plain Kindle then got a kindle fire and I just use my Fire now. It's awesome!
Nas
@Hilary: Come on...if you're behind me, you're really behind :) Seriously, though, I hope you get a chance to read STC soon...hopefully on your Kindle Fire :)
@Jeremy: Sounds like you have a pretty full plate, even without working! Having a job always helps, though, so good luck!
@S.P: We hemmed and hawed a bit, but it was on sale, so... :) Hope you all start feeling better soon.
@Ella: I know! Fear the games or, as I call them, time sinks! :) Thanks and I'll keep plugging away!
@Sheena: Yes, they are and I hope you do manage that upgrade :)
@Melanie: I know what you mean...my poison was the original Final Fantasy game....sheesh. I spent hours on that!
@Misha: I've heard good things about those, too. It's a pretty enlightening book, I have to admit.
@Melissa: I'll have to check that post out, thanks!
@Julie: Yes, I seem to use Twitter more there than on my laptop, lol.
@Wendy: Truer words were never spoken...thank you :)
@Romance: I used to have a plain kindle, which I liked fine enough. I'm spoiled now, though :D
Sounds like you just found yourself another time trap. LOL
I want a Kindle Fire- but it will have to wait. Not in line with the budget right now...since buying school clothes and sneakers for three tween girls is going to make us just about have to remortgage the house. :)
I empathize with your lack of inspiration. I feel much the same way.
I hope you get that full time job soon . . . but at the same time, I hope you have time to finish that book! I want to read it!
I liked Save the Cat, although like all writing books I found some parts more useful than others.
KindleFires are fun, but I only keep one game on mine . . . and I hardly every play it. I get addicted to games too easily.
Happy Writing!
I'm inspired by plenty, but lack the energy of late to do much about it.
And don't get me started on the crappy job market. I've gone ahead and started collecting my social security. Doesn't pay much, but it beats working at some life-draining time-sucking job that pays minimum wage. Wish I could find a decent income doing something productive. Good luck on your search.
Lee
Tossing It Out
I've had to delete some games and apps from my phone, I was spending way too much time on them and not enough writing and planning.
The internet certainly has its pros and cons!
It sounds like you have been busy. That is nice that your book is moving forward, even if it is slow. As you said, slow progress is better than no progress.
I hope you keep enjoying your Kindle Fire! I've heard lots of great things about them. (I have the basic Kindle and Nook, which is probably good because if one can get games for the more advanced versions I'd never get anything done.)
woot! for save the cat!
and yeehaw for the cowboy wip! git along on that wouldja!
love/hate those online games! great for a break, just cant overdo...
happy hump day!
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