Friday, December 10, 2010

I've been Asked About Traffic

Yes. Its true, some people are wondering how to get traffic to their own blog.

I'm tired of the emails. Thats really not what I'm about. Good content will bring readers.

If you need something to boost you up in times when you have the block, try this Link Exchange.

5th Short Story Finished for the Year

Finally, I'm complete with my first iteration of 3 short stories. If you just started reading (and I know, I'm sporadic at best); then this was my plan:

Firstly, I would write three short stories, each one focusing on a different part of my writing style that I think I needed to develop.

1) Voice: I wanted to define the mood and overall disposition with which I executed my writing. My voice constantly changes, but has some core fundamental concepts that are 90% of the time, homogeneous in my writing. A friend who read a short story stated that it reminded her of Film Noir. I would like to think that my voice alternates between that, action-intensity, and epic description typical of High Fantasy.

2) Conflict Resolution: More of a technical aspect. I've become better acquainted with myself as a writer. I'm now able to develop a source-sheet for a project, to prevent me from going on tangent, while at the same time, not being restricted to whats down in the outline.

3) Theme: A big one. My work must pass-along a greater message. Something deeper than the text itself, appealing to emotion, deep intellect, or even something more. Very small target, but I think I'm getting there in  my own way.

Then, after this first series of three is complete, I would try to sum them up in one project:

4) A project that tries to combine all aspects of the first three short stories into one.

Following this; I would execute two more projects to tackle stylistic elements that can be attributed to any genre; although I would argue that the result would be a new genre or sub-genre. Both of these style elements are common in my chosen genre(s) [if it can be considered that I have one].

5) Satire. Using humor in my writing to make a social or political statement.

6) Dark. Unfortunately, far too much of my work ends up being 'dark' and my heroes find defeat easier than they do victory. If thats my standard, I shudder to think what my 'dark' is.

And finally, just a 7th project to wrap it all up.

7) Last Project. My choice. Just an open-ended project.

Now that I've finished project #3; I'm going to begin work on the Satire Piece, and maybe start sourcing for Project 4. However, I've had a concept sheet for a novel laid out for about 3 months now, and that is begging of my attention, so I may opt to start it, and work on projects 4, 6, and 7; when writer's block strikes.

Thanks for reading! Now I'm off to mail this to F&SF Magazine. Wish me luck

Thursday, November 4, 2010

UFOs, Aliens, and More!!!

Oh My!

Taking a Short Break; probably just until tommorrow (for a total of one week), before I begin work on my 3rd Short Story for the fall. This one is a much more in-depth character story with deep focus.

However, I don't want to get too much into that.

Are you bored? Check out my Alien Abduction Site, currently, I'm running a story, as related to me by a man in Florida, who has been having strange encounters. The episodes are revealed through regressive hypnosis, and the transcripts seem genuine (thus why I run them). So stop on by, if you can!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Gearing up for my 3rd Short Story

Once again, this one is already written, as I've gotten extensive notes on it in my scratch book. The story focuses heavy on the element of theme, and emotional appeal to readers. The plot is very simplistic, and though set to a science fiction backdrop, could easily happen in any setting/genre. The idea is that a man returns to Earth (his home) to attend his father's funeral, and face personal demons.

This is quite the turn about for me, as I've never been one so serious about melodrama, but I came up with a theme that I think all people can identify with. That I know all identify with. We all want to be successful, and the vast majority fall short of what we define as such. In the end, success has an internal definition.

I think it should be a very entertaining read, and maybe more likely to be picked up because of its character focus, rather than its battle/world focus.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

One More Story Bites the Dust

Okay, so I finished my second short. This one is concentrated on  the concept of clear establishment of conflict, and defined resolution. While the plot and theme aren't to complex, it was an easy and enjoyable write, and has very interesting action sequences.

It takes place in Kiev, and the antagonists are...Giant Ants! If it gets picked up, I'll make sure to let you guys know!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Sons of Anarchy

Okay, while I'm working on my next short story, I thought I would write about this. Anyone here watch Sons of Anarchy? Its a show about an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in Northern California. Its got elements of action, but is really centered on the inter-character drama that happens within the gang, and focuses somewhat on the criminal element of the gang.

I love the show, but it reminds me of a quote I read recently. "People read books for company, not for plot." While SoA has a great plot, and could be potentially a great action piece, or great crime bit, in only touches on those issues. In exchange, it focuses on the development of the characters.

I'd love it if it took a more Active bent, but I understand why they made it like it is. After all
, it is high-up there in ratings. However, they could achieve a better mix if they had a higher budget (BattleStar Galactica, after all was a decent mix of an active plot and drama, and was critically acclaimed). But I'm starting to think thats not where Kurt Sutter is wanting to go with this.

Still, I'm addicted.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Happy

I'm about to get a soda from the store, and work on my next short story project. Hopefully have it finished before Monday morning. I think this one will be a good story.

Its focused on the Conflict & Conflict Resolution aspect that I need to develop, it has a really defined concept, and an especially defined conflict. The narrative flows like water, logically so far, and will end in a way that will support the protagonist.

However, I've already written the outline for the third project. And this one may be a bit unusual, but I had to think really hard to get a story with theme in. I came up with a theme, a very deep-seated personal one. Its conflict is not so clear cut, and no violence is involved in the story. Hopefully it will show my depth and breadth as a writer, and some publisher will pick it up.

Really...I hope all of my stories will be picked up. :) I'm confident though, there are a few gems in the rough here and there.

Lastly, on a personal note, I'm happy with life. I've had some personal problems, but I finally feel recovered from them, and that I've moved on successfully. I will soon out-pace anyone who had their chips against me.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Short Story Projects

After thinking this through, I'm going to go ahead and tell you my three Short Story projects, that I have in mind to help me develop my writing. Each one is dedicated to a different aspect that I feel I personally need to work on.

Also, I would like to apologize for not updating this blog often enough, but I will make more attempts now.

Project 1: Voice

Related to my novel concept that I've written, I wrote a short story about a Necromancer who will appear in the novel. Its sort of his Origin story. It's already been written, and submitted, however, I'm doubtful if it will be accepted. I would be delighted if it was, and I shall post the results here, of course.

Project 2: Conflict/Conflict-Resolution

One of the clear things in my novels, is that sometimes I lack a clearly defined conflict for my stories. I've noticed this in at least two of my works, so I will be writing a simple short story, involving ants. I've taken, recently, to outlining the plot elements of a story, to ease in the writing process. In fact, after this blog post, I will begin working on the outline for this Short Story, in the hopes of writing it this weekend.

Project 3: Theme

My stories are generally very one-dimensional, in that they lack any themes beyond what is given directly to the story. I want to develop this very clearly, and though my writing style (and the voice I've started to define) is clearly different from Mr. Liu's; he was my inspiration to consider this.

Boss Battle 1: Combination

You like that title, don't you? Yes. I will be writing a forth short story, combining all those elements I had developed before. No, I have no clue as to the plot yet; or even the setting. But overarching plots and especially settings are my strong points.

After these are completed, I also plan a few more very specific projects, before I can feel assured that I'll do justice to the Plot/Setting that is mind for my novel.

Project 4: Chara Development

I plan to make one story very character-centric. Maybe centric on a few of them; and I shall focus on developing them as characters. As above, I have no idea what this story will be about.

Project 5: Emotional Attachment

A second story, character-centric. This one will be about providing the reader with company, as opposed to providing them with plot. It will still be fully developed, but I will be focusing on making sub-themes for the characters, that hopefully tie-in to a larger theme.

Final Boss Battle:

A last story, hopefully that I will complete and submit by January 1st, 2011; which will combine the elements which I will struggle to obtain through the next two months. After submitting this, I think I will be ready to begin work on my new novel.

While I would like some commercial success with these six works (and hopefully will at least see one published); I am not set upon it. Even if the works aren't picked up in their independent state, I will consider it a victory just to have written with focus on one topic in each project. Thus, I will go on to begin my novel, come hell or high-water. I have no clue when I'll finish the novel, though it should be much more expedient than my 'grinding' on my first zombie novel, as the plot and major conflict (as well as chapter layout) has already been done.

In truth, I expect to write a few short paragraphs for the novel even while I'm working on these smaller projects, if only to break some of the boredom. However, while I'm writing the novel, I shall continue to turn out shorter stories as I enter periods of writer's block.

Thats really all I had to say. I wrote this as much for me as for you guys. I think I'm very creative, and some of you who've read my RPG settings, know this. I want to translate this into literary ability.

Feel free to subscribe here, or subscribe to my Alien Blog. But from now on, this blog will be devoted to my efforts in writing. Hell or High-Water.

Short Stories

So I just finished reading Ken Liu's Literomancer in the Sept/Oct Issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine. Its a very compelling, moving piece, and I thought I would share that with you guys.

Yes, I'm still working on my writing career, and yes I still want to do something in Movies/Television. Currently, I'm studying at GSU, while at the same time taking any spare time I have to network, and write my own short stories.

I've decided to set aside my Zombie Novel, after coming to an impasse in the story. I realized I had no overall plot arch, no theme, and my voice was ill-developed as an author. So, I'm returning to Short Stories as a means to develop my style and my voice.

I'm hoping in time that I come into my own. I have a great concept (including a plot layout and char sourcing sheets) for my first novel work. I plan to make a novel and screen play out of it, but before I attempt to do that, I'm tackling three Short Stories, each dealing with a major issue I want resolved.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Alien Blog

Hey Guys! Check out my New Alien Blog!

If you have interest in anything paranormal or the like, visit it. Im trying really hard to pull if off the ground.

The first case covered?

The Guaraparinga Human Mutilation Case. As you can see the site is definately not intended for youngin's.

If you have a comment to make about the blog, send it here, please format it though, as it will be autoposted to that blog and one other!

Thanks for all your support guys!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Zombie Project Update

Heya guys and girls!

Decided I would give yall a tiny update upon the future of my zombie project. You can see the original here.

Well, I am now debating whether or not to make this into a series. So I need as many votes as possible.

Here is the concept:

World Apocalypse leads to Zombie Infection; which results in a survivor society/colony springing up. The Web Series would focus upon the survivors, and their struggle for survival. My influences, rather than being Resident Evil, would be, instead...The Colony...The Road...Night of the Living Dead...

Does this appeal to you guys?

Please leave comments. I really need you guys advice.

Also, check out this blog.

Monday, August 9, 2010

New Zombie Film

Alright, so my newest project is complete. We are currently looking for funding and sponsors, so if your thinking you have something that could be advertised via something so counter-culture and cool as a zombie survival web series; hit me up via email:

Emperor@CrimsonStarEntertainment.com

Here is the movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC81uu9Ksk8

About that time...

Despite several delays, I'm finally at the point to where I'm ready to release my short film to the world. I will admit though, more than anything, I am horrified at the possible range of reactions and emotions that this could illicit; everything from embarrassment over the production, to people not recognizing my talent for what it is.

Its one of those things though. I have to bite the bullet...if I don't...if I play it safe, I'll never know what could've been.

I'll repost in a few hours with the link to the uploaded video.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Searching for a Comic Artist

So here I am waiting on my distribution channel for my new movie to fix itself up. They finally just got the materials in, so its only a matter of days.

So...its time for me to build the website! Yikes! Its been like...four years since I've put together more than something basic. This will require a good bit of thought on my part.

Also, I'm looking for comic book illustrators. If you're interested in being apart of a new project, please lemme know!

And, here is a referral link for Game Fly. It gives you guys a free month for signing up. I just thought I would share it with you!

Buy One Month, Get One FREE!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Movie Completed

Okay guys. My short zombie film is finally complete. I'm currently holding onto it, until I get the distribution channels set up nice and good. Expect it in a few weeks or so.

So please, make sure to keep up here. Subscribe if you can/want.

I appreciate you guys bearing with me through all this!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Long Time

Hey Gang!

I know, I know, its been a horribly long time since I've posted. I was just taking my sweet time. But boy do we have a lot planned for this summer.

Firstly, I'm going to start off this blog with a press release.

We at CSE, are making another movie. If you are familiar with our previous affair; you might be ready for a short film of admittedly; horribly low quality.

But thats not what your in store for!

Rather, Biohazard Zero is going to be a Short Film about the depth of human emotion; and how it can quickly turn against you in the fight for survival. The entire film is designed to be an examination of male machismo from inception, to its surprising end.

So make sure to keep on the look out!

Dont worry; I'll post again in a matter of days!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Doing those things...

...you say you'll do.

I've always been the type to want to do something, and put it off forever. Well I can finally mark one thing that has been on such a list, for at least a year, if not a year in a few months.

I finally drove myself up to Trion, GA, and visited Corpsewood Manor. I even got some good pictures. Check my Ghost Blog if your interested.

But I just want yall to know, I never forget. I never quit. And I never give up if the only thing stopping me is myself. I always find a way.

So to that end, I will finish my novel. I will make CSE a major enterprise. I will bring jobs to those who need them.

I suppose now, the only thing left to worry about, is what will I do when other people quit on me...seems to be a recurring theme in my life.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Wasup?

Hey everyone, Im about to try, over the next two days, to revamp my website, so check back. An advisor of sorts informed me hat it probably isn't as clear as it could/should be, therefore I plan to revamp it to boost my sales ratios. Want to help?

Buy my book!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Revamping CSE

Continuing my work on the novel, and working a few new deals out to get CSE a more solid foundation. Right now it feels very amatuer. Trying to fix that now. Should be a good summer for us. I will be finishing the novel this month, or towards May.

I will be able to fund alot more stuff for CSE from personal finances. Things are getting much better. :)

I hope you guys will stick with us! Im looking to pull a few new artists for work with us.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Horror Film Contest

Unfortuately, things didn't go as planned. Didn't really get the outpouring from the community I wanted, but thats alright. Im going to try to re-attempt this contest over the summer, after we put out our Zombie Short Film.

Its funny, I can sense the lack of motivation from my team, as I progress, and in turn, it causes me to be un-motivated. I have to find a way to remotivate my team, and get things going again. Its like hittng a wall when your running, you have to push through it, and finish the next lap, even if its one step at a time.

Okay, so what is new? I saw Cabin Fever II. In my opinion its not even worth your purchase, everything about it is so week, and not worth the money. The plot-line is cliche, and most of the acting is bad. Sometimes it seems like that some parts of the movie were intentionally made for nudity and sexuality. Its almost funny, but it never reaches that point, and frankly, it just sucks. I'll put the link up, just in case your interested...or sadistic.

About the only redeeming quality to the whole film is the main actor. I can't remember his name, but he plays his role really well. I hope he gets picked out of ths, and goes on to mke other things.

What else? Still reading my zombie steampunk book, and working on my own. Horrible bit of anti-motivation now...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Crimson Star March

Heya guys and gals. Dudes and dolls. Just a relaxing Wensday Afternoon for yours trully, the Emperor.

Okay, a bit about what is going on,and what we are doing. Firstly, the second film in the Haunted Atlanta Series, focusing on the Historic Village Inn Bed & Breakfast, has reached a major block. The owner/manager of the building doesn't seem to answer their emails often. Im going to send one more email, to try to connect with them.

Alright, so whats going on with my book? Its making good time. Currently Im conducting a little bit of research., while writing over the part that I need to research. I have a very strict deadline, being April 15th, my birthday. Hopefully Ill coplete it by that time.

What else? We are currently in the sourcing phase for our first fictional short film. I can't tell you too much about it, in muh the same way that I can't tell you guys about my book. But stay tuned, and you will get to see it this summer!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Boneshaker

Haha, if you've been keeping track for some months, you know that as part of my efforts to energize my creative writing potential; I keep a very substansive reading list. For some tme now, the book "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, has been on the second position for said list. However, I picked up the book as a Christmas Present, and have been reading it (albeit slowly) for two months.

Now half-way done, I can give you a small peak into what I think. Its a great book, thus far. The first chapter started off a little slow; and even confused me a little bit. However, once you get to the point that the characters start their adventure into depopulated zombie-infested section of Seatte; its picked up quite nicely. Id recommend it as a read for any fan of Steampunk or Zombie-Fiction.

Lets see, what else is new? Haven't worked too much on the novel this week. Going to pick up tommorrow. Trust me on that. I've been playing Entropia Universe a bit, where I've restarted my Society. More to come on that.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Horror Film Contest

Okay, so I was watching Dawn of the Dead this weekend, to try to inspire me to contine working on my novel. This month, March, I will be taking it through to completion, hopefully by Mid April, I will be finished.

Anyhow, I was watching Dawn of the Dead, and then I watched a low-budget movie that I picked up from a walmart about a year ago. And a spark of brilliance hit me, I want to have a Short Film Contest.

I call it "Two-Minute Screamer". The contest begins on March 1st, and Ends on March 15, 2010. Here are the conditions, you are to make a short film, two minutes long, of a scary/horror concept. However, youare restricted to only using props and products around the house, and volunteers as labor (if any).

Its essentially a zero-budget film, with one exception. Anything related to the actual purchase of the camera, batteries, electric bills, etc.

So what does the winner get? An autographed copy of our Four-Roses Film mailed to you, and publishing of your short film on our website! Its all the motivation any film-maker should need!

Email all questions and entries here.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Four Roses DVD now available!

Get your copy here!

It will be super supportive to our company and our Four Rose Foundation (a charity we are trying to start to save the Rufus Rose House). Thanks for being a Crimson Star Fan!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Updates

It seems the second half of winter is a bit of a slowing period for the company. Alot of people have returned to school, but Im still slowly but surely grinding forward to make things work. The biggest thing though, is that are budget is stretched entirely too thin.

Im still in the process of writing the novel. As I've stated many times, my goal is to be finished or close to finished by the end of March. Once again I still have the monumental task of shopping the manuscript around even after I finish it.

Given my current luck trying to get published, I'm wanting to make this manuscript as good as it can be. Though I know it is a numbers game.

Anyhow, if you want to support us, check out the website. Look at our comic and movie, maybe even buy something???

Thanks Yall

Friday, February 12, 2010

Emperor is Sick

Hey all. So this weekend, I went to Ft Gordon for some Super High Intensity Training. Yeah, some of you got that. Anyhow, they gave me a shot, supposedly for Swine Flu (for the 3rd time). And now I'm sick.

So I dont have too much to say. Can't write any today or this weekend.

I do need players for a new online game I've started.

Click Here

Otherwise, wait for next week! Thanks!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Civilization

Just got back from a little bit of army goodness. Had some training to do. About to go back to do some of my freelance work tommorrow, and hopefully write another chapter or two in my book on thursday.

I just wanted to inform all interested parties about new potential for an online roleplaying/strategy game that I plan to run. Its a combination of Civilization and Dungeons & Dragons. If this sounds like something you wanna be apart of, check out the site.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Novel Work

I've gotten on a roll writing. I usually put in one or two hours per day, three to four days a week, of writing. It works out fairly well. Of course, the hard part will be shopping it to potential publishers. So stay tuned with me on that front.

The Rufus Rose Charity has raised $12 so far, and I thank you, if you've contributed! Remember, your donation will go to the incorporation of the charity organization. The charity itself will go towards the preservation of the Rufus Rose House. We are tentatively calling it the 'Four Rose' charity, though this is dependent upon whether or not this naming convention is registered already with the secretary of ga.

Wish to donate?






Can't donate? Take a look at our short film, and make sure to tell your friends!!! Please stumble this post to get some traction built!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Sometimes you Fail

Kinda struggling this week. I've been more upset by my inability to get the VA to move on my case, and now recently, I've gotten two 'NATT's which is my little acronymn meaning "Not at this time." Aka, when I send a story to review at a magazine, they reject it on one ground or another.

Needless to say, feeling a little beatin' down this week.

But sometimes thats what happens. As authors we have to realize, that the vast majority of our attempts will fail. But its worth it for those stories that do get published. Hopefully I will have a victory in the coming month, to temper the feeling of failure I have.

But even if I dont, I won't quit. Never quit.

Crimson Star Entertainment

Crimson Star Updated




Okay, so finally added The Roman's sculptures to the main blog. After getting a second NATT from a magazine publisher for the same story; I've decided to release it online. Its $2.99, and will be sent to you as a PDF file. Its a very good story, but was far too niche to be acceptable in a magazine. However, I think the second story I sent out, will probably be accepted. Its much more artistic and much more personal.



To see some of Ed's Art, click here.

To buy my short story, click here.

The story itself is high fantasy, about a criminal waging a one-man war against an empire. But his reasons for doing so are not clear, as the investigator who arrives is further confused by his actions. Its a great beginning for a new series!

The setting is Eavton, the same as my Knight Spectre Comic, an agrarian nation of halflings and men headed by an all-powerful Emperor who shares divine lineage. A proto-typical "Righteous" nation, their society is well-structured and organized, to the extent of having huge social controls on their people. However, now, a new threat is growing in the North.

Like the idea? Read the short story. Soon I will be starting a novel and a sourcebook for the setting!
Here are some previews of his sculptures, for you guys to look at online.




Interesting, right?


Email me here if your interested in buying.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Starting a Charity Organization

Just putting up a blog post before I return to trying to continue writing my novel. If you've been keeping up with this blog you know about the novel, or, in so much as I will tell you. However, if you are new, the Novel is going to be an apolitical view of an outbreak of a deadly aggressive disease in a special world. There is another great twist, but I don't wanna give that away. I think though, it should have some positive response from the publishing industry.

If you like this idea, please comment or stumble this blog!

However, as to other news, I'm in the process of incorporating my own charitable organization. Our mission statement is to preserve certain historical landmarks in downtown Atlanta (notably the Rose House; see the film we made), provide some economic benefit to the community, and donate any proceeds from the process to charity.

Using the funds raised, we will not only start a cultural awareness campaign for the Rose House (website), but we will attempt to buy or lease the home, restore it, and commercialize it. Commercial ideas include a downtown Ghost Tour; A Bar; and a special option for renting rooms in the 'haunted' house. All proceeds from these actions, minus a reservation for expansion and emergency of 30%, shall go to local Atlanta Foodbanks and Homeless Shelters.

So we could definately use any support that you could give!

If you want to contribute at this early stage, in either administration or a direct contribution, email me at emperor@crimsonstarentertainment.com. Im definately looking for someone who can offer some help in the formation of a 501(c) charitable organization.

This same email is my paypal address, should you wish to make a direct contribution. This is my personal account, and any money gained this way is earmarked directly for use in forming the 501(c) organization. After that, we will start a seperate paypal, etc, and should have full information about what is and is not a tax deduction.

Currently, I'm looking to $250 for the use in formation of the corporation. I will update this blog as that becomes reality.

Poetry

Had inspiration. So I wrote. I decided I would share it with you. Pretty raw, don't judge me.

-Depression clings to the air around him,


-He is dead on the inside, like so many of his kin.

-His once youthful physique now strained, and his ego subsides,

-His motivation gone, acquiescent to his loss of drive.

-The proud heir to Kingdoms long forgotten,

-Kingdoms burnt down by those closest to him.

-His forehead has lines of tension and stress,

-His heart filled with losses and betrayals still fresh.

-His eyes glaze over, and he is lost in thought,

-Lost in former glories, and treasures once had, now lost.

-He gives up the fight, passing it down to his seed,

-But his line is lost, and only he will grieve.
(C) CSE 2010
Who is it about? Who do you think its about?

Friday, January 29, 2010

Real Life Superheroes

I should be writing. I definately will write a good bit more this weekend. I just caught an interesting piece this morning, about people who dressed up and masqueraded as 'Real Life Superheroes'. Anyone have any information on this phenomenon?

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Four Roses

Hey guys! Finally finished the blooper reel for the Four Rose project, and now can return to working on my novel again. The projects never stop though, so I have to learn how to dedicate a portion of my time to new projects and my novel, all at the same time.

Anyhow, it will soon be available on Amazon for purchase.

Want to see the Four Rose movie for free? Click Here

Also, support my book on Amazon!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

State of the Union

Hey everyone. Just took a break from working on the blooper reel for Four Roses, to watch the State of the Union. I found it very moving, definately the best one I've seen since I've been watching them.

Times are tough. But it's getting better.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Civilization IV

In my quest to better understand Civilization IV, so that I could develope a mod for it, this weekend, I've been playing it, with a vengeance. Including, and especially, the Fall from Heaven Mod and Orbis Mods. If you are at all familiar with what I'm talking about, you already know.

Anyhow, hopefully by tonight, I will have made some more progress on the blooper reel, and by Wensday I hope to finish another 4k words for my novel. If not more so.

For more info on Civ:
Here

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Secondary Projects

I trully believe one of the best cures for writer's block, without a loss of productivity, is having an established list of secondary projects. These projects should be completely seperate entities, from the project your trying to overcome. Thus, blogs, marketing, and other associated material will not help you overcome writing block on a project.

I recently wrote another nice Short Story, and mailed it today (with any luck I will be telling you who picked it up in a few weeks). But I've noticed that it has re-invigorated me towards working on my novel. Why does this happen? Why do our brains work like that?

I think one good thing, is when you write something else, or work on another project, you start to identify with that project, and maybe come up with good bits for it. And sometimes you might be able to apply those bits to another project. For instance, I found a really good chapter opener which I plan to modify and re-use in several other writing projects of mine. Thats just an example.

However working on another project should never take the place of exposing yourself to other media or works by other people. You need those alternate points of view, because frankly, you will never get them anywhere else. But projects do not reduce your productivity, because you can always use those for something. I find myself writing several short stories while working on the novel, and if only 25% of them get picked up, that might be close to a $1000 I wouldn't have otherwise. Plus, in the future, I still have the other shorts, and I can either self-publish them, or try to market them to other magazines.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

They Came from the Woods

Im working on a great new Short Story. I've titled it, "They Came from the Woods". It should be a decent read, I'm really enjoying writing it. Its a modern horror story, with some fantasy elements. Its a unique take on the concept of the 'Unseelie Court'.

I'll keep you guys informed when it gets picked up. Go ahead and follow my blog!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Daybreakers

Okay, so its been a good bit of time since I've posted a movie review. I only do this, as according with my philosophy, I believe movies and other people's creations are a great way to break writer's block. Even if you don't neccessarily enjoy what you watched. You can check out my archive for an article about this from October 2009.

Anyhow, Daybreakers. Where to begin? Firstly, I didnt like it. I didn't dislike it either. It was mildly entertaining, but I wouldn't neccessarily pay money to see it. Certainly not as good as Avatar, which I suppose I will do a review of tommorrow.

Essentially its a movie about Vampires ruling the world, and using the Humans as a food supply. They apparently drain the humans too quick, and the humans begin to die. Thus, they now have a crisis with their blood supply.

Its a thinly veiled commentary about oil consumption. And really not all that impressive of one either. There are several logical flaws that quickly come about.

Firstly, are you telling me a society of vampires would be too stupid to control their population growth, or more importantly, to only drain safe amounts of blood from a person? The average 150 pound person can be drained of a quart, if in medical environment, and survive, and replenish it within 10 or 11 days. So drain 1/12th of a quart of blood per day from each human, just to be on the safe side. The city of Stone Mountain has some 12,000 people, thats 1000 quarts of blood drained per day.

But we can excuse this lack of logic for the sake of the message they try to convey? In all honesty, I don't believe so. The parallel is flimsy at best. Oil is a need for our society, but in terms of daily consumption, we can vastly reduce the amount of daily consumption of petrol. And even if one day all the petrol 'stopped', which it will, we would face massive unrest, famine, and probably war. But in truth, we would probably replace just in time shipping with coal-powered train shipping. Most people would be paid far less. Standards of living would drop. But life would go on.

So, see it? Only if you like poorly constructed Vampire movies. Seriously.

What should you see in its place?

Four Roses

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Four Roses

Okay, so I've finally done it! We've completed our short film, it is 5 minutes long, and is a creative documentary. That being said, it clearly defines some history behind the location, the Rufus Rose House, but takes some artistic liberty with telling parts of the story. It should be clear what liberties have been taken.

However, for the most part, everything here is either based on Fact, or personal observation from Ghost Hunts I've done at the House. I hope you guys enjoy!

Four Roses

So now you ask, whats next? Well, I've got to get the comic updated this month, we are a bit behind. I'm also returning to work on my novel, and hopefully, I am begginning planning on a modification to the game Civilization IV, based upon my Fictional Setting.

So, stay tuned!

Please, check out the Film! Click above!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Sedallia Volume 2

Well, ladies and gentlemen, firstly, I want to thank you for reading my blog. It has been a great launchpad for my other blogs, and a great tool for explaining and promoting new projects at Crimson Star. I hope many of you are coming to trully like the free comic we offer at the site, and many of you will become fans. If it isn't an inconvenience, please show your support by signing up for our mailing list.
Also, if it is of interest to you, we now have Volume 2 of Sedallia: Land of Sails, for sale on Amazon!

Click Here To Get Your Copy!

Sedallia: Land of Sails


Also available, signed copies.



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Monday, January 4, 2010

My Struggle with Writer's Block Continues

Im determined to battle my way through it. I certainly have alot on my plate with the various projects and the freelance work I, occassionally, do. However, I don't want my writing to suffer for it. But more importantly, I dont want my readers to suffer for it either.

So today, I have no shooting to go to (most this weekend I was involved in shooting, in downtown Atlanta and in Dunwoody). Really I'll I have on my plate is to update my blogs, do a little bit of markeing, and write. I have a feeling, however, tht my writing will not be so good. I feel an incredible lack of connection with the story.

So, I plan to watch a zombie related movie (Diary of the Dead) and then I will force myself through my current break. Hopefully, tommorrow, I will post something success oriented!

-Emperor