Nekodra K.D. LaCroix's Stories & Art Blog

"Our Milky Way Galaxy is but an atom of dust in an endless mansion, that in all of existence, has never been dusted." -Nekodra K.D. LaCroix


Showing posts with label Asking for Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asking for Advice. Show all posts

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Giddy Delusions of Dreams

Remember last post, Passionate Guilt of a Writer, where I started off talking about Luminescence in the Darkness? Well started with a quote, which I am actually quite fond of.  

Seth Meyers (Image found using Google)
"Sorrow for what I did to a world I created before I delved to image it's beauty, but to preserve the planet would mean the story never happen." -Nekodra

Is that too egotistical to be proud of/attached to my own quotes? I also rather love:

"Our Milky Way Galaxy is but an atom of dust in an endless mansion, that in all of existence, has never been dusted." -Nekodra

“I am an Immortal Soul, locked in mortal skin, fearing I'll never be free again.”-Nekodra

Anyways, in Passionate Guilt of a Writer, I talked about how I am an idiot for not watching SNL actively till now? Well, I was going to start from the very beginning (which I have watched the first 5), but I am being a fan girl for Bill Hader and Seth Meyer (Seth has the most wonderful smile *Swoon*) and (Bill is so hilarious when doing game show hosts/suits are uber sexy, well he is sexy. Also Stefon is just adorable. Yes, I completely ship Stefon and Seth Meyers from weekend up >.> *cough* ) Also it was Bill Hader's birthday the other day and I am sure he won't see this but, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

So anyways, I am watching more recent episodes. I do plan to go back to the later years at some point. I want to also go through Jimmy Fallon's years, because enjoy Late night with Jimmy Fallon and the episode he hosted was good times. When people talk about Justin Beiber, I laugh because I will forever only ever see Jimmy Fallon's Justin impression. You know, Jimmy is pretty fine looking himself. I wouldn't mind a hug from those three, Jimmy, Bill, and Seth. And being Comedians, I bet they are fun so hang out with. But anyways, all episodes are good times (that I have seen), not every skit, but on the whole- Awesomesauce. I started watching an episode with Jim Carry the other night, loved that guy since I was a kid and I just remembered I never finished watching it. I had to go to bed, early alarm for work. I am sad the current season is over, but breaks are needed, totally understandable. I bare no ill will, just want to watch more. I have no new shows to watch till fall, everything I watch has ended. Though there are a few new summer shows that look promising.

Spoiler for Shows Warning:

Corbin Bernsen (Image from)
Psych:
T.T I am so worried for Henry! That was such an evil cliff hanger for the summer. I keep consoling myself that its Psych, they are not going to kill off a main character, right?! Right!?? And just because he is at filming, doesn't mean he is alive, because there are almost always flashbacks. And did you see the shirt Corbin Bernsen wore? Mean, taunting and mean. Lol. I know its to get hype and all that, and I know they end seasons like this to make sure you want to watch next season- BUT no, no you don't, those who love the show don't need a cliff hanger to want to watch next season. We already will want to, sure it makes us anticipate it, but still. I love the show don't get me wrong, just worried for Henry. I have my top favorite crush characters Shawn and Lassie, and then I have my top favorite Boss character which is Henry. I believe I mentioned this before in Shadows of Unwavering Blue, I think he is a wonderful father. Him and Lucien LaCroix from Forever Knight are the best fathers.

Doctor Who:
It wasn't long ago that over twitter Karen announced that our wonderful Amy and Rory Pond filmed their last episode. I am sure when it airs I will ball my eyes out. I am also super curious about the new companion, I saw her in the Titanic mini series that aired this last April, and she seems like a lot of fun and a perfect fit for a Doctor Companion. I am torn between wanting to see this new companion, but not, because seeing the new companion means we have lost Amy and Rory. Makes me tear up thinking about it.

Red Dwarf X:
I remember reading somewhere that while it would be ready to air this summer, of course it won't actually air till fall. *table flip* But I am eager to see it, from all the spoiler free reviews on those who got to see the filming. I hear its going to be great and still very classic Red Dwarf style. Yay! Arnold J. Rimmer, can't wait to see him again. I may have to go re-watch it on Netflix again this summer before it airs.

Vampire Diaries:
I finally watched the season finale the other day. I nearly had a heart attack when for a moment, no more then once they made it seem liked Damon was going to die. I also nearly cried because he was going to die alone because Elena chose the other brother. But you know what, she can have him, that means Damon is free for the taking. ^_~
Bill Hader as Stefon and Seth Meyers on SNL

End of Spoilers.

Side note on SNL:
You know you've watched too much SNL when you began writing various monologue ideas for various possible scenarios of how/why your getting the amazing chance to host SNL.

(Quick edit: Did I mention I also wrote a skit idea that made fun of my own stories? >.> )

My Book Projects:
Bill Hader as Stefon on SNL
I also started working on a movie script idea for a Vampire Romantic Comedy with my dream cast staring, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and David Tenannt (As Vampires of course). Then also Timothy Omundson (not as a vampire only because there needs to be some humans). Still only the very bare bones of plot ideas, so there aren't many characters, yet. There is also the lead lady, who I will foolish dream about playing but I know it won't happen, hence the more minor character that will be involved enough to get a scene or two with each dream cast male actor >.> *cough* But as gun-ho as I feel about it; because it feels like being on the set with those guys would be so fun and I would finally have gotten a chance to be on a movie set, but I must be realistic in my dreaming.

WOVaN is priority one, because I want to publish it first. I also want to get Modern Magic book 1 flushed out enough to seek a professional editor. So the Vampire Romantic Comedy will be very side project, but I need to research writing scripts. So if anyone has any good tips about writing scripts, toss them my way if you have a moment. It seems like it would be easier to write scripts, because its not full detailed writing like a book, but that will probably actually be harder for me and I still need to find out how they are formatted.

Back to WOVaN:
 Is coming along wonderfully! I almost have Vol. 1 ready to seek a professional editor. All but two stories are complete, and those that are complete are also as flush out as I can probably get them. Then the two stories that are left, still need an ending. >.< but what is written is pretty/mostly flushed out. So once I can think of an ending, I think its time to hunt for a professional editor. The cover has been commissioned, but I haven't gotten a rough sketch yet to approve, but I am patiently and eagerly waiting. Its being done by my awesomely talented friend, Miha, her DeviantArt. I did however sketched what will be, I guess the best description is icon for the series. A stylized version of the titled. I think its boss if I do say so myself. Once I get my new laptop and can flush it out more on the computer, I will show it off. I also have a few stories started and roughly written for WOVaN Vol. 2.

(Little edit: A few hours after this post was initial made, I finished up those two stories. Yay! So if anyone has advise on finding an editor, I am all ears. I have just never done this before and I will admit, I am really nervous. But, I must grow skin like stone and see how this turns out- once I find an editor of course.)

I know I haven't posted a short story in a few posts. Bad blogger, bad! I know its a pathetic excuse, but I have been so focused on my current projects that its hard to pull my mind away and write something completely random, but for you, My Dear Readers, I will try. This is going to be something completely off the top of my head, free writing, lets see if I will let myself post if after seeing what happens:

For Evergreen
by Nekodra K.D. LaCroix

She stared out the water beaten window out at the evergreen trees, the amply source nickname of the state. Evergreen they are, and they have the house surrounded and isolated. The rhythm of the relentless rain was reassuring, relaxing, and for a moment she closed her eyes and let the heavy pounding of the sound carry her away down a calming river blanket of warmth. Nothing else existed but that sound and meditated silence of the world. A clap of thunder and everything swirled downwards, an interrupting sound, breaking her trance. Not that she had anything wrong against a good thunderstorm, it was just unexpected. She looked out at the trees again, baby birds just learning to fly fluttered from branch to branch with frenzied excitement, or trying to find a branch to shelter from the rain.

"Have you come to a decision yet?" He came from the front room, his golden eyes blazed in hunger. The door banged loudly against the wall, surely leaving yet another mark on the scarred wall. He growled like the wolf he was, cornering his prey.

"I already give you my answer." She stubbornly continued watching the green dance in the wind, taking it the hundred of subtle shades from bright lime to deep forest and everything in-between.

"And I am giving you a chance to be the smart girl I am beginning to think doesn't exist." He stomped almost comically like a drama queen, but he was a guy who is nothing but serious and cold.

"I guess you were mistaken." She knew those words would begin today's list of regrets, but she was reaching the point of no return. The break in her sanity people jokingly believed she reached years ago.

His hand gripped his chin, forcing her to look at him. Claws digging wounds into her cheek, which tried to rapidly heal themselves but the freshly populated skin cells found themselves blocked by the hard cold talons. The skin protested and cried in panic and that hurt worse then the initial tear and he knew it.

"Haven't you realized its hopeless? He never cared about you, if he did, he would have taken you with him."

"He assumed you'd follow him, rather then be petty by going for me. But, I guess he never calculated your stupidity."

"Whats that suppose to mean?!" He tossed her face away with a disgusted, causing her to hit the window with a sickening crack, spider rivets snaked out from the center of impact along the once smooth surface of the glass, but she hid the relief of her wounds now able to heal.

"If you had taken a moment to actually think, you would have followed him and do you want to know why?" She smirked in a taunting sing-song voice, pausing for his answer.

Uncrossing his arms, he pulled back his hand to slap her across the face. The sound echoed in the small cement room, "Stop with you condescending tone and tell me!"

"Then you could have caught up with him and dueled him on a more even playing field-"

She didn't flinched as her face suddenly splattered in his dark cold blood, a silver stake protruding from his chest, only inches from her face.

"Sweetheart, be careful, don't let any of that get in your mouth." Peering out from behind the shocked dying form before her.

"-You see, he never actually left town, in fact he was counting on you being petty. Ironically to stab you in the back." Carefully wiping blood away from her mouth.

He choked, mouth flapping open and close, unable to form any words, but he had clearly understood hers by the angered shock, the murder in his eyes, they then rolled up, as he crumpled to the floor with a last spasm before stiffening in death.
(The end)

Actually wow, interesting. I actually kind of like it. It actually- I caught myself off guard when it crossed my mind to have the blood suddenly splatter across her face. I hope that made up for the lack of short stories I posted.

Aright, I think that is it for the blog today. I am off to work of WOVaN and Luminescence in the Darkness. Please while feeling free to share this with friends, I did write this story, quite literally in 30 minutes, so remember it was written by me. Thank you. Enjoy!

If you want to read more short stories:
Short Stories Guide
WOTDS Guide

~Nekodra K.D. LaCroix
Nekodra-Blog@Hotmail.com
@Nekodra



Saturday, May 19, 2012

Little Advice/Help

Asking for Advice:

I would like to ask for advice/help from any independent authors who come across this blog post.
While the books I would like to publish through Amazon at some point are not done, I am trying to make sure I understand the process before I finish one of the books so I am ready when they are.

Question 1: I was reading through Amazons page on KDP, and such, it mentioned that I have to have exclusive rights to my book to publish them. Do I have to do anything special, pay some company in order to claim I own my book- as in copy right or something- or is it by default mine unless I sold it to a publishing company?

Question 2: What about commissioning the cover of the book? I have commissioned it from a friend and she knows I want it for a book cover. Am I golden to use it as the cover with amazon, because I have permission from the artist?

Question 3: Is there a link you can give me to a good source for independent publishing, in case I have any other questions about the process?

Question 4: What do you suggest about editing? I know there will be errors that I won't catch and I would like to fix that, what do you suggest for getting a story edited before publishing?

Thank you so much, for anyone who helps me to answer these questions!
I have read various tips and such in blogs, but it never hurts to have a nice large rang of advice on a topic.

-
About WOVaN Project & Modern Magic:

The search is finished! I did find the story. I also found a whole bunch of old crappy stories I wrote 11 years ago as well. I did find a few old Floppy's which could have more stories. I am glad my parents haven't gotten rid of their old tower yet, we have a new one, but the old one is still nearby and it has a floppy drive, at some point I will boot that old puppy up and about a half hour later I can pop in the floppy and see what is on it, assuming they still work.

WOVaN is coming together nicely. If you haven't guessed yet, WOVaN is going to be a collection of short stories. It will be a series- I have MANY short stories. The first won't have too many, a small collection. There is a completely new story-ish, the first paragraph is from an old story I found, but after that is all new that I have been working on. I think it's at 3,000 words, it might end up as a Novelette and be the focus story of the collection and then a couple shorter stories. We will see how it goes. One story you may recognize from here, but I changed and edited it. Then some older stories I wrote years ago- fixed up and edited.

One of many Shrimp we caught. Big suckers.
I am still working on Modern Magic too, right now its sort of just typing up notes from when I didn't have a laptop (which is a LOT) and then trying to organize them in the proper storyline order. Kind of a daunting task at the moment.




How I am doing:

Started my new job last Tuesday! I work 4-10. Yeah, that is right, three day weekends baby. I think I am going to love this job! NDA doesn't let me talk details, but I work for Microsoft thru Volt, game testing. Don't look to me for leaks, I want to keep my job. XP Lol, but I am enjoying it. Bugging and Crashing a Natal (Kinect) game. Fun, fun. The people I work with are so much fun. I have finally found the perfect work environment. I don't want to leave this job anytime soon!

Me and a Shrimp. See! Big suckers.
Also speaking of fun, that last weekend with that super warm and sunny-ness- while me and the sun don't get along, I had a fun and packed weekend.

Friday- I went shrimping with my dad, grandpa and uncle Scotty. Spent time on my grandpa's boat from 6am to about 5pm. Good times. I am happiest on a boat. I want to have my own boat one day and just spend hours out on the water, perhaps a few nights. I love laying down on a boat and rocking in the waves. So calming. I can't describe how relaxing being on a boat is for me. Being on a boat rids me of nausea, that's how relaxing it is.

Cute little Dwarf Cuttlefish.
Saturday- I went to Pike Place Market for the first time- I know, whats wrong with me? I have lived near Seattle my whole life and I had never been to Pike Place. But I enjoyed it, and now that I have a job I want to go back and buy things. Several things. I will go back sometime later this summer. Me and my mom also went to the Seattle Aquarium. I love that place. I love getting to see all sorts of sea life, so beautiful. Also cute. I think my favorite part of the Aquarium is the Octopus and the Harbor Seals. Then- is it horrible that I went to the aquarium, loved and enjoyed seeing all the sea life and then I went to have dinner at Ivar's? <.< I love sea life both to observing and also eating. yum. ^_^


Oh, lets go to Book corner for a moment:

 I still have so many books I want to read, I have over 120 samples waiting to be read and about 34 books I bought or found for free waiting to be read. I recently finished reading Gunship by John Davis. (The links are for Amazon) I believe the third book is due to be released soon, but I am not sure when. I haven't read the second book yet, Glimmeria, but it is on my list- in fact I should grab the sample to remind me. I did rather enjoy the book. It had a nice Firefly feel to it. I can match parallels to some of the characters. While the format of the books was hard to get used to, it was a great story. You grow to like the characters and so you want to continue to see how they are, if they are okay. If you enjoyed the show firefly, you will surely enjoy Gunship.

Right now I am currently catching up on Asimov magazine and then I will be back to reading Blood Skies by Steven Montano () Which I HIGHLY recommend. I haven't finished it yet, I am only on chapter 3, but I have to say: The world Steven Montano has eloquently painted with words is breathtaking & marvelous.
Me at Snoqualmie Falls on Mothers day

I don't know if this really fits into book corner, its a blog. I stumbled across @Suzisquared on twitter last night and by proxy I found her blog - Vampire Sexual Secrets. I have read a good deal of it by now and I will read more later tonight. But I have fallen in love with her blog and her Vampires. Ideal. That is the best word I can use. I have been seeking out Vampire since I was 4- so ever since I can remember I have gotten my hands on anything Vampire I could and while I will enjoy them on some level, some not, some I do love, but more often then not I would feel something is missing. Her Vampires, are probably the only ones that have made me feel- 'I finally found it.' Like I can take a breath and relax because I have found what I have been looking for all my life. I can't wait to get to the actual story, I am so excited. I have been reading through the other parts of her blog, which talk about her Vampires, the characters, and explaining things. Then I will read the actual story, which I am antici------------pating. Sorry, Rocky Horror Picture Show, can't help it.

Oh, and have you seen the English trailer for Kingdom Hearts? I am so excited to play! Can't wait! Already pre-ordered at Gamestop, and there will be a collectors edition through Gamestop, so when that is pre-orderable I will upgrade to that. Release date is nearly here! 7/31/12!


Alright, I think I have talked enough. Sorry for the lack of Short Story or a WOTDS. Had a busy first week of work, still getting used to it and I am feeling a little off. So what writing I can do I am putting towards WOVaN right now. This blog post- I have been slowly working on since last week. So my apologies, next post I will see what I can put together for you to read. For now, if you haven't read some of my other stories here is the WOTDS Guide and Short Stories Guide. I will leave you with that and back to editing WOVaN for me.

~Nekodra
Nekodra-blog@hotmail.com
@Nekodra