At last, advice I actually take.
. . . Actually, I should probably take this advice less . . . .
Anyway, today's topic is sidekicks. I'm talking the Robin to your Batman. The Ron Weasley to your Harry Potter. The Sam to your Frodo.
Let's start with why I love sidekicks. Think about your favorite movie. Or book. Or whatever. Think about who your favorite character is. The one you could write an entire novel about describing all the reason they're the best literary masterpiece ever created.
Nine times out of ten, it's not the main character.
Me, I like Fred Weasley more than Harry or even Hermione. I like Finnick more that Katniss, Gale, or Peeta. I like Robin way more than Batman. I like Merry and Pippin more than Frodo or Sam.
Why?
Maybe part of it is because we see sidekicks through the eyes of the main character. And while it's easy to see faults in ourselves and therefore in the narrator, it's hard for us and the main character to see anything but obvious faults in other people. We see sidekicks as the narrator sees them, and that's in a rosy light. (Usually. Sometimes we just see them in a more interesting light.)
Or maybe it's because sidekicks don't carry the burden of the entire story/plot. Fred is here to make us laugh. Pippin is here to be generally adorable. Pepper Potts is here to kick butt and take names without taking the spotlight. We can have more fun with the sidekicks because they don't have to be burdened with the typical angst/frustration that the main character faces.
Whatever the reason, it's clear we love our side characters. So let's make sure that when we write, we give them plenty of love.
Make your characters rich and engaging. I need more sass and more flair always. I need more characters with surprisingly deep backstories once you get to know them always. I need more characters with huge flaws always. I need more characters filled with undying loyalty and more characters who just follow the strongest side always.
I need thieves, rogues, and scoundrels just as much as I need pranksters, snarky kids, and love interests. I need Kronks as well as Luna Lovegoods.
I need more Lois Lanes, more Kate Bishops, more Phil Coulsons.
Give your B-list more spice, and you'll be surprised what it does for your story.
Plus, you know at least this reader will be about five hundred times more interested. ;)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Easy Eggplant Parmesan
1 Egg plant cut into slices
3 c. mozzarella
2 c. Red Pasta Sauce
2 c. White all purpose flour
1/4 c. garlic butter seasoning (I buy from costco)
3 eggs, scrambled
1/2 c. olive oil
First heat the olive oil in a pan on a low setting. White its heating cut half egg plant in slices, I cut half the egg plant in smaller bit sized pieces to snack on the fried eggplant while the rest is baking :D. In two separate bowls, mix the flour and garlic seasoning. Roll the egg plant in the flour till it is covered, next dip it in the egg, then into the hot oil.
Once the eggplant is fried, set it aside on a paper towel. Once they are done lay the egg plant in your choice of glass pan, I use a 9x13. Cover in your pasta sauce and cheese. Fresh basil is also a good addition.
Bake for 15 minutes at 360. Viola!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Defining "Good"
Have you thought about what being a good photographer entails?
Being good. Scary concept sometimes. We set out to be "good" at something, and it's kind of hard to measure when we get there. Is it the number of Likes on your Facebook page? Or the content on your blog?
I always thought that there was a "type" of person or style you had to be. Like you had to work to become similar to the other photographers out there.
But overall, being "good" is what you make it. Failing and succeeding is all in the journey.
I always thought that there was a "type" of person or style you had to be. Like you had to work to become similar to the other photographers out there.
But overall, being "good" is what you make it. Failing and succeeding is all in the journey.
Now don't get me wrong; there are going to be people who critique your work or who do not like your style. That is okay! When it comes to creativity, you have to be brave and put your big girl (or guy) pants on. We get knocked down, but you need to stand right up again.
Coming up with your own style is key!
Be able to distinguish between constructive criticism and someone just disagreeing with your style. Be willing to take in the critiques! Chances are, they were in your position not too long ago.
One of the biggest keys to success is taking chances! All the great creators of the world were once thought to be crazy, right? I mean, look at Apple. 30 years ago, if you had told someone that there would be a device that fit in your pocket that could carry all information known to mankind, they would have thought you were insane. Here we are today, though, with iPhones and all kinds of SmartPhones that allow us to access loads of information in seconds. Maybe you will be the next Steve Jobs of photography!
There are a lot of skills that you will need to develop to help you become successful and "good," but we all are still learning.
So "good;" throw that word out. Be willing. Be daring. Just be YOU! Because that is good enough.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Story Time About Collaborations
Okay, so I always figured I was never ever never going to write anything with another person. Like, I tried it when I was fourteen/fifteen (I don't know exactly when; it was that age when my writing was self-apologetic and overly dramatic), and it didn't go over all that well. I wanted the story to go all super cool plot and she wanted it to go all emotional resonance.
It lasted a couple chapters, if I remember correctly.
Anyway, I'm 23 now, and I got an invitation in my inbox for a collaboration. Not a big book that would be published in New York or anything, but a fun little exercise, just to share with the Internet for free and for fun, in which we'd write a 24-author 24-tribute Hunger Games/Marvel Universe event. Every Tribute, Mentor, Capitol Escort, stylist, everybody, would be a Marvel character of some kind.
My inner fangirl was thrilled.
I ended up getting to write the character of Kate Bishop (look her up; she's amazing) and went about my business writing my part of the chapter.
It was all business as usual. I mean, after all, all I had to do was write a lone wolf archer, just write my chapters and turn them in on time, right?
And then, the chatting started up.
Little introverted me was all "Oh, that's fun. All the authors are getting together and talking. I should probably introduce myself."
Oh no. Oh no. Bad road. I got sucked in so fast.
Next thing I know, I'm reading rough drafts of everyone's chapters. I'm swapping scenes with people to get constructive feedback and giving feedback on their ideas and possibilities and characterizations.
Next thing I know, I'm already swapping ideas for upcoming chapters that haven't even been assigned. I'm discussing possible future interactions with other characters for my character.
Next thing I know, the time comes for all 24 characters to be in the Capitol, and we can't go fast enough chatting with each other about possible interactions and costumes and all sorts of ideas.
I've got a conversation in my inbox that lasted at least 30 different chats with just me and a fellow writer going back and forth basically having a conversation as our characters.
I've got hilarious little snippets of other people's characters from both their chapters and mine.
I've got little sneak-peeks of what's to come from these amazing authors.
I've got tips and tricks on how to improve from other writers reading my rough drafts.
Seriously, this is the most fun I've had in ages. This is the most supportive, wonderful, amazing group of writers, and we're all taking the time out of our usual writing schedule and our busy lives to just have fun.
This is the best. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to write in a group, do it.
Well, y'know, do it if the company's good ;)
It lasted a couple chapters, if I remember correctly.
Anyway, I'm 23 now, and I got an invitation in my inbox for a collaboration. Not a big book that would be published in New York or anything, but a fun little exercise, just to share with the Internet for free and for fun, in which we'd write a 24-author 24-tribute Hunger Games/Marvel Universe event. Every Tribute, Mentor, Capitol Escort, stylist, everybody, would be a Marvel character of some kind.
My inner fangirl was thrilled.
I ended up getting to write the character of Kate Bishop (look her up; she's amazing) and went about my business writing my part of the chapter.
It was all business as usual. I mean, after all, all I had to do was write a lone wolf archer, just write my chapters and turn them in on time, right?
And then, the chatting started up.
Little introverted me was all "Oh, that's fun. All the authors are getting together and talking. I should probably introduce myself."
Oh no. Oh no. Bad road. I got sucked in so fast.
Next thing I know, I'm reading rough drafts of everyone's chapters. I'm swapping scenes with people to get constructive feedback and giving feedback on their ideas and possibilities and characterizations.
Next thing I know, I'm already swapping ideas for upcoming chapters that haven't even been assigned. I'm discussing possible future interactions with other characters for my character.
Next thing I know, the time comes for all 24 characters to be in the Capitol, and we can't go fast enough chatting with each other about possible interactions and costumes and all sorts of ideas.
I've got a conversation in my inbox that lasted at least 30 different chats with just me and a fellow writer going back and forth basically having a conversation as our characters.
I've got hilarious little snippets of other people's characters from both their chapters and mine.
I've got little sneak-peeks of what's to come from these amazing authors.
I've got tips and tricks on how to improve from other writers reading my rough drafts.
Seriously, this is the most fun I've had in ages. This is the most supportive, wonderful, amazing group of writers, and we're all taking the time out of our usual writing schedule and our busy lives to just have fun.
This is the best. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to write in a group, do it.
Well, y'know, do it if the company's good ;)
Friday, February 13, 2015
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day from the ladies of Ographies!
We hope you are surrounded by those you love! Make today beautiful!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Get Yourself a Social Media Platform
Full disclosure: I'm basically like Alice in Wonderland. I give very good advice, but I seldom ever listen.
Okay, so you wrote a book. Or maybe you wrote an article. You wrote something.
First of all, congratulations.
Second of all, I'm so, so sorry. Nobody told you, but your work has only just started.
Now comes the part we don't like to talk about. The part where you get other people to read what you've written.
If you're like me, this is ridiculously hard, because you don't want to be seen as bragging or pushing things in people's faces (I'm looking at you, friend who is a Mary Kay salesperson and thinks I don't mean it when I say I don't need any more makeup).
If you're like me, it's hard, because this is the part where you have to (gasp) talk to people and leave your bubble and why the heck would you do that?
Well, you could not do that...
You could, instead:
1. Get an author Facebook page. (Full disclosure: I still don't have one of these, but Ographies has one, and I'm learning how to run a page so I can get one of my own.) That way, your Facebook friends can see what you're up to writing-wise.
Oh, and make sure you post regularly. Maybe once a week, maybe once a day, depending on how much you have to say.
2. Get a Twitter. (Oh yes, finally advice I actually took.) And don't just tweet about your writing. Tweet funny things. Be yourself. Connect with other writers or other friends or just people. Just connect. And be yourself.
And post regularly. Once a week, once a day, whatever you're comfortable with.
3. Get a blog. Blogger, Wordpress, whatever. I myself have two (not including Ographies), and while I definitely stink at updating regularly, I have divided them into writing and personal. One blog has little snippets of stories, the other has my own little ramblings.
And post regularly. Oh wait, are you starting to see my pattern?
4. Get a Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, or whatever suits your style. Me, I'm a Tumblr geek. I have a fandom tumblr and a writing tumblr, and I mostly just use the fandom one. But maybe you like Instagram better for showing off your character sketches. Or Pinterest for cute quotes. I don't know, I don't care, just get out there and do it, okay?
Now, off you fly, my pretties! Go blog!
Okay, so you wrote a book. Or maybe you wrote an article. You wrote something.
First of all, congratulations.
Second of all, I'm so, so sorry. Nobody told you, but your work has only just started.
Now comes the part we don't like to talk about. The part where you get other people to read what you've written.
If you're like me, this is ridiculously hard, because you don't want to be seen as bragging or pushing things in people's faces (I'm looking at you, friend who is a Mary Kay salesperson and thinks I don't mean it when I say I don't need any more makeup).
If you're like me, it's hard, because this is the part where you have to (gasp) talk to people and leave your bubble and why the heck would you do that?
Well, you could not do that...
You could, instead:
1. Get an author Facebook page. (Full disclosure: I still don't have one of these, but Ographies has one, and I'm learning how to run a page so I can get one of my own.) That way, your Facebook friends can see what you're up to writing-wise.
Oh, and make sure you post regularly. Maybe once a week, maybe once a day, depending on how much you have to say.
2. Get a Twitter. (Oh yes, finally advice I actually took.) And don't just tweet about your writing. Tweet funny things. Be yourself. Connect with other writers or other friends or just people. Just connect. And be yourself.
And post regularly. Once a week, once a day, whatever you're comfortable with.
3. Get a blog. Blogger, Wordpress, whatever. I myself have two (not including Ographies), and while I definitely stink at updating regularly, I have divided them into writing and personal. One blog has little snippets of stories, the other has my own little ramblings.
And post regularly. Oh wait, are you starting to see my pattern?
4. Get a Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, or whatever suits your style. Me, I'm a Tumblr geek. I have a fandom tumblr and a writing tumblr, and I mostly just use the fandom one. But maybe you like Instagram better for showing off your character sketches. Or Pinterest for cute quotes. I don't know, I don't care, just get out there and do it, okay?
Now, off you fly, my pretties! Go blog!
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Parmesan Alfredo Pasta
Any one who knows me knows that I don't cook. It is time consuming and I would rather use that time doing something fun! That is why sometimes I am grateful for THRIVE foods from Thrive Life. This recipe can be found on the side of the THRIVE Farfalle Pasta as well! I made a few adjustments to what I had in our kitchen or didn't have.
From start to having food dished on the table was only 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
2 c. THRIVE Rainbow Farfalle Pasta
1 tbsp. garlic
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. water
1/2 c. THRIVE Broccoli (can substitute for THRIVE Asparagus)
3/4 c. THRIVE Mushroom Pieces (optional)
2 tbsp. THRIVE Chopped Onions
1/2 c. THRIVE Bechamel Sauce
1 tsp. THRIVE Chef's Choice Seasoning Blend
1/2 tsp. THRIVE Italian Seasoning Blend
1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. cream or milk
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
3/4 c. THRIVE Tomato Dices (reconstituted)
Directions:
Cook pasta until al dente: set aside. Saute garlic in butter until lightly caramelized. Deglaze with water, then add sauce, seasoning blends, and all veggies except tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice, cream or milk, and parmesan cheese and simmer lightly for 1 minute. Fold in tomatoes (do not drain after reconstituting) and pasta, and cook another minute.
Makes 4 servings.
About Us
Briana V.
Known as the crazy, fun one.
Briana is a print designer for an In-House marketing department. Her hobbies are gardening, design, drawing, crafts, a touch of photography, and trying to make the world a little prettier. In November of 2014, she married Carlos Valencia and they are madly and ridiculously in love. Briana dreams of working from home as a full time mom and designer. She is accepting free lance jobs and fresh flowers.
Rebecca S.
Known as the caring, sweet one.
Rebecca has always been intrigued by the arts. Her main focus is on photography and DIY crafts/projects. She fell in love with photography shortly after graduating high school and has continued to develop her talents and abilities. She loves to catch candid moments of brides and grooms on their wedding day or to catch the moment a mother looks into her child's eyes. She has been married since March 2013 to a loving husband, Matthew. In her free time, she enjoys long walks on the beach, sunsets, and cheesy chick flicks!
Shelby L.
Known as the smart, nerdy one.
Shelby started writing when she was five years old, back when all her stories were about fairy princesses saving the day. Come to think of it, that's still what she writes about. Now, she lives in Georgia with her husband, Matt, who lovingly supports her in her at-home editing and writing work (because starving writers are a thing, guys). She has published two books, Lady Thief and Birthright Unknown, and hopes to get an agent for a new series, Halfsie. When she's not writing, she's playing Zelda, drawing Disney princess versions of her characters, or binge-watching Marvel movies.
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