Writtenwyrdd

Your bucket list?

Sandra Cormier had an interesting post the last month about her bucket list, and it has had me thinking, off and on for the past few weeks, about what use a wish list like that can be to a writer. 

I can think of a couple of things.  First, make your list items pay for themselves.  So, if you want to learn to fly a helicopter, figure out a story plot that requires some knowledge of helicopters, and take a class.  *You can write it off. 

Second, use your bucket list for inspiration.  It may not cost you anything to do or learn or experience the thing on the list, but obviously you have some attraction or enthusiasm for that item, so it has some emotional attraction for you.  Use that in your writing to either infuse your character(s) with interest for you, or to give you an excuse to research the thing you have never gotten around to doing.  (This is similar to the above, but a different focus.)

In any case, what is on your bucket list?  And, more importantly, what have you done that you have always wanted to do and dreamed of doing?  I think it's vastly more important to acknowledge good things and challenges met than most people realize.  So recognize your achievements.

My bucket list is currently short:

• Get 3 novels published before I die
• Do an RV conversion from a box van
• Travel through Eastern Europe
• Visit Italy

But what I've done that I always wanted to do?  Quite a few things, actually:

• Learn to ride a motorcycle
• Visit the UK
• Go down the Colorado River/see the London Bridge in AZ
• learn to scuba dive
• Drove across country by myself
• Take horseback riding lessons
• Join the Army
• Get a college degree
• Get a job I love with a retirement plan
• Own a house (I own two now.)
• Live in San Francisco
• Other things I cannot think of at the moment.

A few things fell off the list, though, as life experience taught me I no longer was interested.  For example, although I wouldn't mind learning to fly a helicopter, I don't have the time or interest in spending the money.  And it isn't logistically possible where I currently live.  And I don't like heights and decided against learning to parachute for that reason. 

It's interesting to contemplate what you thought you'd like to do on paper and then what you later on have changed your opinions about.

What's your Bucket List?

 *Check the IRS or your nation's rules on that first, though.  There are lots of codicils, I am sure.

Musical Monday is NSFW

John Scalzi tweeted this link a few days ago.  Hi-larious.  And definitely encouragement to, ahem, enjoy science fiction.  Yeah.

Musical Monday is Electronica

I don't know about you all, but in the 90s there was this song that had Buffy Saint Marie saying "little fluffy clouds" over and over and over.  I remember my then boyfriend being driven crazy by the song, which I thought was okay.  Well, I've been wondering lately who did that song and wanting to hear it.  Well, it's by The Orb, on "the orb's adventures beyond the ultraworld."

Musical Monday: Literal Videos

Have you heard about the phenomena that are literal videos?  No?  Well, watch this beauty, a literal video version of Total Eclipse of the Heart.  And then you can check out a whole bunch of them here.

Musical Monday: Goth metal bonanza!

Some interesting Goth metal for your perusal:

Wolf's Voodoo

Poisonblack's Rush

Unsun's Whispers

Sirenia's The Path To Decay - which is my new favorite band because I like the lead singer's voice.  She's their third lead singer of three albums, but Ailyn's got some pipes on her.  I suspect the consistency of the music from album to album varies, but I do like the album I have, The 13th Floor.

And yes I have an insane love of goth metal, death metal, etc. of the dark musical variety.  Seems sort of incongruous for a gal who's nearly 50!  But then, I was a metalhead as a kid, so maybe it's normal?  ;)

Writing a post-apocalyptic story? Here's your soundtrack!

Tom Lehrer again (sense a theme?) tells us about pollution.

Jozin Bazin for Musical Monday

Whatever the heck that means, I got it from a mention Sherri Cornelius made a while back on Facebook.

Musical Monday: Bodies!

Here's some mood music for the Zombie Apocalypse.  Drowning Pool's song, Bodies. 

Mathical Musical Monday

Tom Lehrer explains why I can't do math.

You write science fiction, you should have this one memorized: Musical Monday does the elements

Tom Lehrer again.  Enjoy.

Musical Monday says Dr. Demento isn't dead

Here's a lovely old song about pigeons...by Tom Lehrer.  If you haven't heard of him, be afraid...be very afraid.  Enjoy it here.

Have a very nerdy Christmas

I give to you the Brett Domino Trio!

You really should check out some of their YouTube videos.  I first heard about them via John Scalzi's blog some while back.  And there's a rather interesting charm to Brett Domino.  After watching several of his videos, I begin to think he's milking the nerdiness, just a little...  But I still love their stuff in all its geeky splendor.

Musical Monday with Rain

Because he's so darned pretty and is now starring in a movie.  I hope it's good.  I love martial arts movies.  I think my favorite is Beyond Hypothermia, but there are so many good ones.  Rain's singing Sad Tango in the video here.  The kid can dance. And he's so pretty--wait, I said that already, didn't I?

Musical Monday without the tunes

I have this double album, "Stranger Than Fiction," which is by a group called "Don't Quit Your Day Job" and is comprised of a bunch of writers, to include Amy Tan, Stephen King, Normal Mailer, Tananarive Due, Dave Barry and many more.  They redo a number of classic rock-and-roll and country songs, plus a few new ones, like "Tupperware Blues" and "Happy Birthday, Mitzi Gaynor."  It's amusing and witty and not bad musically, either.  And it's also amusing that best-selling or Pulitzer-winning/-nominated authors are up there doing their things, and are actually pretty good. 

I think my favorite song is Tupperware Blues; but the whip cracking in Amy Tan's version of "These Boots Are Made For Walking" still has me snickering.  And where else would you hear the line, "bacon flavored vaginal gel" -  found in "Happy Birthday, Mitzi Gaynor"?

This is a funny album, and proceeds are donated to charity. (However, I believe it's out of print now and you can only obtain used copies.)

Musical Monday wink and nod.

I could watch this again, and again, and again.  And I have. 

Cute Overload provides again.

(We're going to call this Musical Monday, because there IS a toot involved.)

Book trailer for Musical Monday

Found a cool thing for you guys for Musical Monday: Suvudu's 'homemade' trailer for a new Star Wars universe novel, Death Troopers byJoe Schrieber.  There's a contest for best video, too--and those are attached to this one.  The heavy death metal sound track almost makes it count, right?  Am I right?

Read Suvudu's explanation here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ915aEA1oA&feature=player_embedded#

Musical Monday & a birthday shout out!

Here's a catchy one on the top 40 that goes out to my Mom, because it's her birthday:  Michael Franti &  Spearhead doing "Say Hey (I Love You)."

Musical Monday

Here's a video that's very funny, "Please Don't Leave Me" by Pink.  Talk about words and imagery meaning the opposite!

PS, does anyone know how to make these widescreen videos fit like the narrower ones used to?  I'd really prefer to embed them on the blog!

The Killers for Musical Monday

Here's a link to the Mr. Brightside video, which has a very clear storyline for a video. 

Katy Perry for Musical Monday

One of my new favorite artists, Katy Perry.  I think she sang this song, "Waking Up in Vegas," on American Idol, and when she came out she had a cape that had Adam Lambert written on the back.  it was hilarious, she paraded that cape around so everyone could read it and then dropped it before beginning her song. 

Kitchen done!

I got the whole thing painted, and it took until 9 last night.  Which means it ate my whole vacation, because I have to go back to work this morning.  I'm going to hang the cupboard doors tonight, so I'll have a picture up in a day or so.  In the meantime, you can enjoy this reprise of Hera's "Feels So Good" for Musical Monday, which, because I feel like it, is on Sunday this week.

Musical Star Wars geekery

From Liana Brooks' blog, I give you an sf geek with a decent singing voice and way too much time on his hands.  (I loved this, actually.)

And because I love you guys, today's a two-fer.  This second one is rather long, but it's Star Wars dancin', and the third one's the charm!

Snarky humor for Musical Monday

As I don't want to pay for a premium plan and thus enable me to widen the page to accomodate the new widescreen YouTube videos, we are back to links for musical mondays.  This one is courtesy of Janet Reid, and I must echo her comment: Don't piss off creative people!

Wierd Al for Musical Monday

"Craigslist," by Weird Al, is a tribute to The Doors.  Really good music, and as always Al surprises me with his singing ability and his ability to mimic other performers.  This is Hi-Def, so it takes forever to load.  But it's really cool, so check it out!

Also, for vast amusement for little effort, you can follow Al on Twitter.  The guy's just funny. 

Musical Idol Monday

I bring you bad video quality, but it's my favorite clip from this season's American Idol, because it stars my two favorites from the show: Adam Lambert and Allison Irehita. (I hate the widescreen overlap so I've removed it.  Drives me crazy.)

Have your Cake but don't eat it...for Musical Monday

Discovered a cool band, Cake, who were out for quite a while during the 90s but may not actually be together any longer.  Anyhow, I give to you, Comfort Eagle.  The video is just the music, but this song has a really cool groove. Rather hypnotic. 

Also, I may be doing more links and fewer embedded videos as they are now widescreen and overlap the righthand column on the blahg.

Solid potato salad, boys!

A musical Monday song and dance-a-thon, as suggested by Al Yankowic on a Twitter tweet a while back.

Race Card for Musical Monday

I'm not a fan of rap, but I like Ice Cube.  Here's a good one.

Musical harp guitar Monday!

I love guitar music, but I know very little about the various guitarists.  I know more about guitars than the guitarists because my mom owned a music store for nearly 25 years; I got a little bit of exposure to the equipment musicians use.  Alas, my bad wrists meant my guitar playing attempts died a rapid death in my early 30s.  Sigh.  I would love to be able to play guitar...

Anyhow, via John Scalzi's Whatever blog, I bring to you Michael Hedges on the harp guitar!  (Take it away, Mr. Hedges.)

Spinnerette for Musical Monday

Spinnerette - Ghetto Love

Moody rock where you can understand the lyrics. 

Musical Monday

Thanks to Moonrat a while back, I bring you Wormburner. Just click this link and pick a song. The clip she shared originally is Breaker Breaker, which I love.  So I share it, too:

Off color musical Monday

This guy has a problem...Not work safe:

Forgive me, I know this is completely tasteless humor...but this cracked me up so much I had to share.  And if you want more of The Lonely Island's weird whiteboy rap, go here.  I kind of like "I'm on a Boat."

Musical Monday

Laid by James.  Courtesy of Cindy Pon's mention and link via Facebook.  I'd never heard this artist before to my knowledge; and this song is quirky/weird enough (especially the video) that I went out and ordered the CD.  I do that sort of thing.

NomNomNomilicious

Stolen from Cute Overload a while ago, the NomNom Song! 

And now, Elvis has left the building.   Thankyevehrymuuuuch!

Oh, you will LIKE this one!

Found via Tara Maya's link to Liana Brooks' blog. 

Musical Monday link

Check out this cool Fatboy Slim video for Right Here, Right Now.  It's Evolution in 3 minutes, thirty six seconds. 

They also brought us the wonderful dance video starring Christopher Walken in Weapon of Choice--which I've already linked to previously.  Still one of my favs ever.

Musical Monday

An Errol Flynn meets Lord of the Rings music video.  You'll have to click the link for this one. Thanks to Tara Maya for the linkage. 

After a lengthy hiatus, Musical Monday is back...until I run out of enthusiasm again.  I will try to get back to the Opportunity Thursdays again soon, too.

Basic human needs in your novel (and Musical Monday)

Franz Ferdinand - This Fire (Official Music Video)  (I replaced the embedded video when I realised it kept playing an ad.  Sorry for the annoyance if it did that to you, too.)

1001 Things to do Before You Die has an amusing sf-related rant about the lack of fire departments in futuristic movies.  He has a point: I don't offhand recall any movies set in the future with a fire department, in action or otherwise, shown on screen. 

Which reminded me of something I've long thought:  Sometimes failure to mention certain obvious human needs or institutions can draw attention to the lack and work against the author. 

For example, how many times have you read a book and thought, don't they ever go to the bathroom?  In instances where the facilities are an issue, such as being tied to a bed for three days with no indication the poor victim has soiled him or herself or of their having been taken out and allowed the use of the facilities, it can look pretty lame.  Or when a character must sit for an entire day and yet is allowed no breaks, such as in a courtroom.  As an example of a piece that distracted me, I just read a book I really liked where the heroine had to sit during a festival for about 12 hours with no mention of a potty break.  Yes, she was a high lady of her people, but she still had to pee sometime!  The mere mention of a couple of breaks when the author mentioned giving the woman water and food would have kept me from being distracted; no need to mention she actually used a bathroom, just the opportunity.  As it was, I kept thinking, She's up there how long?  When does she go to the bathroom? Which spoiled this momentous scene for me somewhat.

In such cases, the story clearly requires at least an allusion to the base needs of life, or of basic human institutions like a fire department. (Well, no fire department for someone tied to a bed...unless it really was that messy.  But you know what I mean.)

And sometimes shit needs to be mentioned because it's expected or the scene won't feel right.  If you drop a character down the oubliette, a mention of fecal matter is pretty needful, it being part of the (for lack of a better word) ambiance. If, however, your character is going through daily regular life, it's not always necessary.  An occasional mention of using the bathroom instead of a wholesale avoidance might be good as a reality builder or it might be TMI (too much information); but the lack, if it doesn't call attention to itself, is okay.

And don't get me started on epic fantasy quests where the characters don't have any money, pack animals or wilderness experience.  Puhleeze.  You need lots of water, grain for your horses, more food than you think--and you have to give the animals a break once in a while.  I'm no expert on horses and endurance trail riding, but I do know you can't keep a horse going forever without dealing with foot problems, like worn or split  hooves, especially when they are not shod, exhaustion due to not enough time to feed themselves (grain will only go so far) and adequate rest and time without carrying extra weight.  There was a reason knights never rode their war horses except during battle: so they were fresh. 

And then there's the walking forever in the same set of shoes and no foot rot.  If they get wet feet, trench foot can occur.  Boots that are soaked will wear out faster.  Wet leather pants (or bustiers) will CHAFE.  (Personally, Epic Fantasy Girl finds her chainmail bikini quite comfortable even after riding Dawnstorm, my mare, for 900 miles straight over the Plains of Kathuselum with neither saddle nor bridle nor pad, neither kit nor bedroll nor coat... but then I'm Super Epic Fantasy Chick and YOU'RE--excuse me, got carried away there--WE are not.) 

There are a lot of areas in stories where basic facts are glossed over, and I think most of the time this is wise compression on the part of the author.  Occasionally, however, a judicious nod to the facts of life like pack horses and their vulnerabilities, human waste disposal, weevily bread and trench foot need to be considered. 

Continuing the Korean Pop theme...

Ello linked to a wonderful Wonder Girls video last week, and Paca linked to a Colbert/Rain dance off in response.  Which got me looking at Rain's videos on You Tube.  This one seems to be a bit zombie apocalyptic, and I liked that.  Enjoy.

As a side note, I really love good music from other countries but have little time to look for it.  I mean, if you don't speak or read the language, it is difficult to find the things in the first place.  So I'm liking this video thing that's been going on.  (Mental note to self:  Look up old Shonen Knife videos to share.)

Musical Monday

Robin has a cool site she shares on her blog, Dance a Day.  Her daughter's uni has some art students who have decided to post a dance a day on the blog, and they are dancing to classic rock (so far).  No telling what's next!  Check it out and spread the word.  Details on the project here, on Robin's blog.

Musical Monday segues into web shows

I'm really not here posting this.  Like the next 2 weeks, I am auto posting with occasional drop ins to read comments and favorite bloggers' haunts.  My living room and bath floor are being redone, I'm painting, I guarantee my back hurts, and I'll be moving in a week.  Whew! 

At any rate, I wanted to introduce you to American Heart, which Zombie Reporting Center gives the thumbs up to.  Brains!  Braaaaains!!!  I know it's not a music video, but I really think the moaning and wailing of zombies sort of counts.  Sure. 

Musical Monday

A fitting sentiment for the season, from my friend Beth in PA:

Musical Monday...sort of

Lacking time or inspiration, I point you to Paca's blog post of "The One Semester of Spanish Love Song," which, I must say, cracked me up.

Musical Monday with Dr. Horrible

Musical Pugs

Really this is all about silliness and music.

Sebastian II

Haha! Fooled you!  This is 'merely' another Goth rock song.  Charles Gramlich was blogging about mood in writing last week.  Mood is extremely important for dark stories in particular, I feel.  And Goth music does inspire that I Need To Slash My Wrists Now feeling of impending doom, gloom and despair and the serious need for alcohol. 

Works for me! Seriously, I do find the right mood music is conducive to evoking the proper feelings in the scene I'm trying to write.
And if you have high speed internet, you might find you like streaming radio. There are a number of sites out there, but I like this site. Pandora rocks! Create various radio stations of your very own. Tell it when you don't like a song and when you do, and it will offer up similar tunes for you.

Musical Monday - Catfight!

Dancing with blindfolds for Musical Monday

These guys have too much time on their hands, dancing with blindfolds to OK Go's "A Million Ways."

And then there's the wallpaper version of "Do What you Want" by OK Go.  (Typepad is being glitchy, so the link should get you there if the embed doesn't work.)

Musical Monday - Candy Man

It's amazing what you can find if you google lollipop.  Much of it is sexual, like this video.  Although I think the band doesn't speak English, so who the hell knows...  Let it be said, Aqua is a weird band. (Remember Barbie Girl?)  'Nuff said!

Musical Monday!

I have to confess, this one isn't about the music, it's about the pecs.