Random Thoughts about Writing...in Meme Form

Yeah, I got bored and this is what I came up with. Enjoy! 😎

Random Fish Thoughts

My Long Awaited, Triumphant Return...

..or maybe not so much.

So, I have been away for almost a year. I thought about delaying this post till the 15th, but decided I've neglected this site too long to pull a cheat gimmick. So I post today!

Now, there has been good reason for the lack of activity over here. The great muse had chosen me to bless with her attention, and I had a good 7-8 months of crazy writing nirvana. Every time I sat down, something spilled out onto the page. It was beautiful. Then, one day without warning, she decided to piss off and take a vacation. Really? At work, they make you put in for the time and approve it. Nope, not her. Off she went, leaving me screaming, "Get back here, you bitch!" So, I've switched from writing woman to editing woman.

About a month before my last post here, I started working on my novel. So far, I have the first seven chapters in the scary, messy throw it at the page quick before it all disappears, draft zero phase. I have molded the first 4 1/2 into a decent first draft, and I've plotted out the rest. I've also jotted down scenes and dialogue to use in other chapters. It's coming together nicely, though some of the research questions have left people a bit perplexed. (Advice, never look at a writer's internet history. It will make you question a great many things.)

Along with that blessing of the muse, I also completed nine shorter works in the fiction, creative non fiction, and essay categories. One piece has so far made it to the released out into the world stage. Reel Rundown picked it up, and it has been receiving much love:

• The True Tao of Tarantino: Salvation in the LA Underground

The others are in various points of life. Hope to have news on their existence soon, and will post updates as they happen.

I have also dipped my toe seriously into the YouTube thing. I have a number of projects that are in development. The one that has made it past the finish line at this time is my list of Cult Classic faves. Or at least the hidden gems. Here is Part 1:

So, this is the update is now done. I will be getting back to all of my creations needing my attentions. Until next time, love ya more than my luggage. TTFN!

And I'll leave your with a Yuna picture, because it's the internet...and cats...and she's mine.😎😎😎

Writing with Your Cat

Fun with World Literature II: Offer to Brad Pitt of the Role of Cleante in Tartuffe

Here is a blast from the past that I got a kick out of and enjoyed revisiting. Written back in 2014, it was not only a fun piece to write, it is an interesting time capsule. 

Dear Mr. Brad Pitt,

            I am the director for the new film version of Tartuffe.  After careful consideration of each role, as well as your choice of roles in movies like 12 Years a Slave, I feel that you would be a great fit for the role of Cleante.   As a current resident of France, I am sure you are familiar with Moliere’s work.

            Cleante is a man of great reason, who believes in the good of mankind, of Christianity and of those would wish to do the good work of the church.  He does not suffer fools or charlatans well.  One thing that you have been known for recently is your charitable work and you have been a champion for the people and the rebuilding of New Orleans, even when most have moved on from the disaster.  You have been a voice of reason and good to bring attention to your causes. Cleante tells to Orgon to “Look for simple goodness-it does exist.” just as you do (Moliere 59).  From your personal character, I can just hear your saying line such as “”Judging others live is so unfair. Heaven seems to say ‘live and let live,’ and our task, I believe, is to forgive.” (Moliere 49)

                This role, in a way, also harkens back to one your performed in the 90’s; the character of Louie from Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire.  Louie was the tortured moral center of the film.  He questions how vampires can be allowed to exist within society when they view humans as prey.  Louie points out the hypocrisy of his and other vampires’ existence; he feels like a fraud.  Cleante points out these same qualities in Tartuffe.  He first attempts to appeal to Orgon first, stating “You have been corrupted by your friends, you know of whom I speak. Your thought depends on people who are blind and want to spread it Like some horrid flu…I see thing clearly. And what I see is loud lip service, merely…” (Moliere 23)  When he cannot convince his brother-in-law, he then confronts Tartuffe himself, declaring, “Yes, everyone is talking and each word diminishes your glory, rest assured. “ (Moliere 48)  You would once again be able to play the part of conscience, yet without all the torment.

            Last, but not least, your real life role as a father and fiancé would make you a great fit for this role.  This is Cleante’s family this imposter has infiltrated, and he takes his nefarious actions against the people he loves very seriously.   When Orgon disinherits his son for trying to get his father to see the truth about Tartuffe, it is Cleante who comes to his defense.  He confronts the false holy man with his complicity in what has happened, stressing “…But you decided to just sit back and watch him be exiled from his own father’s house. Were he a child, then, really, would you dare to treat him so?” (Moliere 48) His love of family is something any parent can relate to.

            As you can see, much thought has been put into offering you this role.  Please let us know of your decision as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

The Director

24 Hours in the Life of Me the Writer

Welcome to the Video Age!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Not a lot getting posted here. Well that should soon change. I have some new stories to tell from a demented but imaginative gent. I will be sharing his rantings tales soon enough. Be prepared. 😈

On the news front, today The Mighty Aquarian has gone to the digital age of promotion and creating. I've started a YouTube channel. It will primarily be for my writing projects. I might do a random thing there every now and again. (If the fact that I would get random confuses you, just check out the name of this site.) The link to the channel is in the "My Pages" section over to the side. Here's the intro video for your viewing pleasure.

Hope to have more stuff soon.

Some Not So Random Quotes About Hell

Yeah, I know I haven't posted for a bit. That is a tale for another post...

So I have been recently writing a few essays. One is discussing Frankenstein and personal hell.  Fun subject, I know. Anyhoo, part of my research involved looking into personal philosophies of what personal hell is. I found more than I need for the piece, but found them too profound not to share.

• “Every man is his own hell” H. L. Mencken
• “We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.” Oscar Wilde
• “So this is hell. I'd never have believed it. You remember all we were told about the torture-chambers, the fire and brimstone, the "burning marl." Old wives' tales! There's no need for red-hot pokers. Hell is—other people!” Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit
• “Hell isn't other people. Hell is yourself.” Ludwig Wittgenstein
• “Hell isn't merely paved with good intentions; it's walled and roofed with them. Yes, and furnished too.” Aldous Huxley
• “I think hell is something you carry around with you. Not somewhere you go.” Neil Gaiman, Season of Mists
• “Hell is just a frame of mind.” Christopher Marlowe, Dr. Faustus
• “When you're in hell, only a devil can point the way out.” Joe Abercrombie, Half a King
• “But she's wrong about hell. You don't have to wait until you're dead to get there.” Susan Beth Pfeffer, Life As We Knew It
• “Hell is truth seen too late.” Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan

Food for thought...