R.I.P Jeff Hanneman

Usually I don't post anything regarding the deaths of celebrities. But, when such a death occurs to someone who I feel was inspiring to me in any way, I must take the time to show my concern and appreciation. Today Jeff Hanneman, one of the lead guitarists from the Metal band 'Slayer', passed away due to liver failure. I grew up listening to Slayer. Their fast, aggressive, yet melodic style to me was the epitome of what a metal band should sound like. Jeff's songwriting abilities were completely ahead of their time. Riffs from songs like 'Angel of Death', 'Tormentor', and 'Postmortem' still make me bang my head! Needless to say, the Metal community and music in general was dealt a serious loss today. R.I.P Jeff

Cambria and everything else in between

Recently I had the privilege to go to the small Californian city of Cambria. It was quaint, but I thought it was nice. Very picturesque and I loved both cemeteries that were there. While up there, I also visited the Hearst Castle. To those who haven't been there, Its a modern day castle in the city of San Simeon created by William Randolph Hearst, a successful newspaper publisher, and Julia Morgan, a world renown architect. I really do love spontaneous trips. I feel that you get so much appreciation out of life by taking them. This Halloween I'm supposed to go to the city of Salem, Massachusetts. Hopefully, that goes well. Speaking of Salem, I just viewed the movie 'The Lords of Salem' the other day by director Rob Zombie. While it has gotten less than favorable reviews, I thought it was very entertaining. I also had the experience of finishing my 30th short story 'The Loss of Heaven' the other day. Life has been positively eventful to say the least.

   

The Novel is Finished!

Alas, it is done! I have finished my first novel "The Road to Nowhere(The Demons of Mabel Chimes)". Three months to the day! I really find it amazing. Not one single period of writer's block. Nothing, aside from the daily interruptions of life, that would make me lose long sessions of time. The same repetitive actions on a day by day basis. I can testify to how much work goes into a book someone really puts effort into. I must admit that I've had harder times writing short stories. As far as writing itself goes. this was definitely a positive experience the whole time.

Almost finished!

As of right now I have reached over 100 pages on my novel. That means very shortly I will be finished. I can't believe its been less than three months. I know that writing a book is roughly a third of the effort it takes to make one successful, but still. I really felt the magic working while I wrote this one. It's like I was meant to write this, I think. If only the rest of my literary efforts could be as smooth!

2/3 of the way done!!!

When I say that this book is essentially writing itself, I really mean it!! I'm already two thirds finished with it, and it's only been a little more than two months. Its like there are some sort of strange forces at work and I am simply a fleshly vessel. I mean, I have this kind of experience every time I write a short story, but never to this extent. The words, the themes, the characters, etc. They are all coming along by themselves. It's very odd. But, no complaints from me at all. The most important aspect of this story, and every single one that I write by the way, is the originality. I consider plagiarism to be a cardinal sin. One that is totally unforgivable. That is why I have no patience with hacks, or critics who are only interested in what the public feels is popular. If things keep going the way that they are, I should be done before the end of next month!

Half of my Novel done!!

Well, I must say that I'm amazed that I have already completed half of my first novel. Considering that it has only been two months since I started it and my short stories usually take me several months to finish, I am definitely at a loss for words. Because of the progress that I have been making with it, it makes me wonder if something otherworldly is, in fact, assisting me. This story just flows from pen to paper. While I have had that sort of experience before, it was never like it is with this book. If this is the case, I hope the rest of processes involved are just as easy!

Interruptions

I really hate interruptions when I'm working on something, anything. Every person involved in the creative process has to get themselves to a certain state, if you will. A state where every thought makes sense in terms of what you are working on. With stories, that state basically means that words just flow out of you to paper. When an author gets to this state, anything can derail them. So, we have to be careful of putting ourselves in an environment that isn't very distracting. That can be tricky because life just doesn't start and stop at our leisure. But, anyone who attempts anything important and has to deal with several interruptions a day probably knows exactly about the frustrations I'm talking about!!