Hey Everyone! I have great news!!
I am quitting my job.
Not yet, mind you. But that's the plan.
August 21st, 2015. That's the date. Why then? Well, first off, it's a Friday. Gotta have that weekend. Second, it is a little after my 5-year mark, which is when the company says you're "invested" and you get to keep your retirement money they contribute. And lastly, well, because that day has been planned since I was 16.
Not the day specifically, mind you, but I have always planned on owning my own business. It has always been my "Plan A". In high school and college I had planned on having my own computer business. Having a small, in the wall place where I work at a desk fixing computers for people's homes. It'd expand and I'd hire on some helpers. Later the plan changed to be my brother and I, just working back to back in a small office. Sure, it'd be cramped, but working on computers and being able to bounce ideas off one another, have lunch every day, catch up, be best friends, man that'd be the life. It didn't work out exactly the way we wanted, but that's OK. I have a stable job in the IT field and he is a dad and has a job elsewhere.
And even though I no longer want to work in the IT field, the idea of making my own hours and producing my own work is still something I want and I won't have it any other way. And now that the project has made some amazing headway the past few months, I can actually see it being something towards the end of the year, which means I have something close to 8 months of saving and funding and planning in order to do it on my own without a bi-weekly paycheck.
Most importantly, it will be something *I* want to do.
I don't have it all figured out, I know that. There is still a lot to get done. But I now have a deadline.
The other thing is just the stress that's been lifted.
Now, when I say stress, it isn't with the job itself. My job is rather easy, I have time to do side, personal projects (like writing this currently) and a lot of the tasks are repetitive and easy. But the company itself is just falling apart. Every day I feared of being let go, desperately searching for a job to make sure I have an income, Every day our boss would give us a new "time filler" task because our Utilization was low that month and our new parent company didn't like the numbers. It is just a high stressed environment with the motivation of, "Do it or your fired." But not anymore. I don't need this job anymore. I'll do my best damn job this year, but only because I have an end to it.
The next thing I'll talk about is the project. I knew you were waiting on an update, don't lie. The project is something that continuously impresses me. We've gone from a good idea to something that is becoming real. We have character templates, and schedules, and planned meetings. We now not only have an animator, but a special effects guy who seems eager to help.
I have some artists dubbed as colorists because of their school schedule, others have just finished finals and are on Template duty again. I had one artist in specific who was tied up in the work/school combo and couldn't help for a few months, but has recently chimed in and said he's back in full force and wanting to do the storyboard. After a few days of impatiently waiting I messaged him and he responds the same day with, "I have some stuff done, but I've redone it 15 times to make it better." And that is just something that... I dunno, it's like a compliment that you just know is genuine. Just makes you feel good.
Speaking of feel good, my older brother Jeremy came over to my moms for Mothers Day and I got to sit with him and talk with him, which I don't get to do often enough. But I got the time that day and I sat with him and told him about my project and showed him a few screenshots from the Group, and he was as happy to hear it as anyone would I imagine. One of those, "I'm impressed! But that's not what I'm into." Kinda like a really cool model train set. Only super impressive when other train model enthusiasts come to visit. Anyway, I showed him and I guess he sensed my excitement and listened to my plans of the show, potential comics and other side stories involved.
What really made me feel good was the text he sent the next day. "Was really cool to see your dream start coming to life like it is!"
I think it just says a lot. It shows he was thinking about me the next day, he's not criticizing, and he realizes how much this means to me. It's the words of encouragement behind the message of compliment, a win-win, a genuine feel good message. And I loved it.
Thank you for Reading, and I'll see you next time.
~Just a thought.
The first step before anybody else in the world believes it, is you have to believe it.
There's no reason to have a Plan B because it distracts from Plan A.
-Exerpt from Will Smith
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
One Hour Unbelievable.
I'll admit, I really really want to talk about the project. It is going along swimmingly. Lately we have been making great progress as we're pushing toward the Storyboard and animation side of things. We're still in early stages of development, but man oh man. There's something special to see other people who are working with you take up the reigns and give that silent nod saying, "I want this to happen." It's just amazing. I honestly think that I'll be keeping in touch with some of these people for a long long time. It is strange to think that I'm working with people literally all over the globe. From Vietnam, to Indonesia, to Mexico. There are a few here in the UK and US as well, truly incredible. Thank you Internet.
But enough about the project for now... Cause there are a few other things I can talk about.
My personal life has been pretty grand, the house is set up minus a few rugs we want to find. It took four months, but I'm not worried. We're finally in a routine where we are keeping the entire place cleaned up. Maybe after I get some of my yardwork done we can host a party of some kind. Close friends and/or Karaoke friends. There are a lot of people whom I haven't seen in a while.
The gym is a semi-regular thing now, not on a schedule, but I don't disdain going. I want to go, I want to beat myself up and lose this weight I know I can lose. The only thing I still need to get back into my life is hiking. Linux loves his backyard, but I am sure-shootin' that he is missing the long trails and walks he used to get regularly.
Speaking of Linux, I have officially decided that dogs will always be involved in my life. Kristi and I went to the Renaissance festival this year and we stopped at one of the shops who makes you a custom coin necklace. Basically you choose two of their designs and the guy there essentially hammers the design into each side and you get a rather unique necklace.
It took me forever to choose my designs. I wanted one, but I wanted one that really spoke to me. Then I saw a paw print labeled, "Dog" and I just felt that I needed to have it. I couldn't decide on the other side of the coin to be honest, because none of them were going to fit me so well. I was stuck between a wolf howling at the moon, and the Thor's hammer (The Norse God version). I settled on Thor's hammer, cause it was more interesting and it represented strength and power. But every time I wear the necklace, I love that paw. So much so, I want to get a tattoo of it on my chest.
I only have one tattoo, and I've always planned on getting more, but I want to make sure I get in shape before that happens to help maintain it. My chest is looking better, and I continue to improve it, so here soon I do want to get a paw print there. At first I was going to go with a plain brown, but now I'm thinking I want something a bit more, maybe a texture of red, blue, and teal. Just a bit of color thrown in. I dunno quite yet, but when I do figure it out, it'll be etched into my skin.
Aside from my animation project and my personal life, I have one additional "yay!" that is going on. A fellow DA member is making a graphic novel and requested a writer. I signed on and gave her one of my written works. She liked it and chose it to create a graphic novel out of her school's final project. She sent me her templates that she was doing for the characters and villains, and it is looking great. I told her honestly that I didn't imagine the villains being very much because I wrote the story rather quickly ( an itch in the brain that wouldn't go away), but now looking at her drawings I can really see them being evil. She appreciated the comment and said she'd keep me in the loop of the progress, and that she would not only give me credit for the writing portion, but send me the completed version. I'll be sure to share it once it is completed.
Even though life has its struggles (which I try to refrain from talking about intentionally) Life is going great. I couldn't really be happier. I mean, afterall, I couldn't ask for much more. Except, you know, maybe a beer with a few friends I haven't seen in a while. And if that's the only wish I need to ask for, then it is going pretty spectacular to me.
So what's going on with you guys? I know I haven't heard from half of my readers in the past two weeks. So message me, update me. Let me know how you're doin'. Say hi, hello, hey, or hola. Keep in touch, I want to hear from you, learn about your story of life. Because no one is as unique as you.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde.
But enough about the project for now... Cause there are a few other things I can talk about.
My personal life has been pretty grand, the house is set up minus a few rugs we want to find. It took four months, but I'm not worried. We're finally in a routine where we are keeping the entire place cleaned up. Maybe after I get some of my yardwork done we can host a party of some kind. Close friends and/or Karaoke friends. There are a lot of people whom I haven't seen in a while.
The gym is a semi-regular thing now, not on a schedule, but I don't disdain going. I want to go, I want to beat myself up and lose this weight I know I can lose. The only thing I still need to get back into my life is hiking. Linux loves his backyard, but I am sure-shootin' that he is missing the long trails and walks he used to get regularly.
Speaking of Linux, I have officially decided that dogs will always be involved in my life. Kristi and I went to the Renaissance festival this year and we stopped at one of the shops who makes you a custom coin necklace. Basically you choose two of their designs and the guy there essentially hammers the design into each side and you get a rather unique necklace.
It took me forever to choose my designs. I wanted one, but I wanted one that really spoke to me. Then I saw a paw print labeled, "Dog" and I just felt that I needed to have it. I couldn't decide on the other side of the coin to be honest, because none of them were going to fit me so well. I was stuck between a wolf howling at the moon, and the Thor's hammer (The Norse God version). I settled on Thor's hammer, cause it was more interesting and it represented strength and power. But every time I wear the necklace, I love that paw. So much so, I want to get a tattoo of it on my chest.
I only have one tattoo, and I've always planned on getting more, but I want to make sure I get in shape before that happens to help maintain it. My chest is looking better, and I continue to improve it, so here soon I do want to get a paw print there. At first I was going to go with a plain brown, but now I'm thinking I want something a bit more, maybe a texture of red, blue, and teal. Just a bit of color thrown in. I dunno quite yet, but when I do figure it out, it'll be etched into my skin.
Aside from my animation project and my personal life, I have one additional "yay!" that is going on. A fellow DA member is making a graphic novel and requested a writer. I signed on and gave her one of my written works. She liked it and chose it to create a graphic novel out of her school's final project. She sent me her templates that she was doing for the characters and villains, and it is looking great. I told her honestly that I didn't imagine the villains being very much because I wrote the story rather quickly ( an itch in the brain that wouldn't go away), but now looking at her drawings I can really see them being evil. She appreciated the comment and said she'd keep me in the loop of the progress, and that she would not only give me credit for the writing portion, but send me the completed version. I'll be sure to share it once it is completed.
Even though life has its struggles (which I try to refrain from talking about intentionally) Life is going great. I couldn't really be happier. I mean, afterall, I couldn't ask for much more. Except, you know, maybe a beer with a few friends I haven't seen in a while. And if that's the only wish I need to ask for, then it is going pretty spectacular to me.
So what's going on with you guys? I know I haven't heard from half of my readers in the past two weeks. So message me, update me. Let me know how you're doin'. Say hi, hello, hey, or hola. Keep in touch, I want to hear from you, learn about your story of life. Because no one is as unique as you.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
The scratch of an itch.
I continue to stare at my screen, watching Youtube videos but wanting to write. I just cannot find the drive to be creative at 5AM. Since my partners and I started heading to Paradise Bakery every Sunday afternoon, the need to write while at work has died down a bit. But this project has become an itch that I just cannot scratch. I absolutely love writing, I just love it. Creating a world, creating the scenario, the problem, the creative solution, the cliffhanger, it is just a drug. I am as much as in love with my characters as I was when creating them.
That being said, tonight, I was reading through some of my old work and it really hit me. Almost every piece of fantasy setting that I have written has lead me up to this project. I unknowingly was writing this series I am currently making. The scenarios differed slightly, but the similarities were astounding to me when I reread them. And it made me happy. It kind of feels like it has always been there, ready to be brought to light. And now it is, slowly but surely.
Even though I cannot share with you my actual story just yet, I would like to show you what I read that almost seemed to correlate with what will eventually happen in my story. The one that brought me joy tonight. It is rough, unpolished, and unedited. I thought about dashing it up to make it a better read, but I have decided to appreciate the rough version better. I fixed one grammatical mistake, but that was it. So again, be gentle with the judging as it is unpolished, but this was probably the very first step into the light that is my project. This was created probably in 2011 when I did not regularly practice, and even still two of the characters in this story made it to what is now my animated series. I hope you enjoy this super sneak peak.
--
So that's it. I appreciate you reading, and I am happy to be back at the blog. I haven't written here since... Oct 2013, yep, that sounds right, that's when the project really took off for me. I appear to have been bragging a bit. No one responded to my written offers, but that's OK. No harm no foul.
Writing is my passion. What is yours? What is your passion?
"A lot of guys just don't want to lift those weights, a lot of the guys just don't wanna do it. But you know what? Your blessing in life is when you find the torture you are comfortable with ... That goes with Marriage, it's kids, it's work, it's exercise, not eating the foods you want to eat. Comedy is a torture I love."
- Jerry Seinfeld
That being said, tonight, I was reading through some of my old work and it really hit me. Almost every piece of fantasy setting that I have written has lead me up to this project. I unknowingly was writing this series I am currently making. The scenarios differed slightly, but the similarities were astounding to me when I reread them. And it made me happy. It kind of feels like it has always been there, ready to be brought to light. And now it is, slowly but surely.
Even though I cannot share with you my actual story just yet, I would like to show you what I read that almost seemed to correlate with what will eventually happen in my story. The one that brought me joy tonight. It is rough, unpolished, and unedited. I thought about dashing it up to make it a better read, but I have decided to appreciate the rough version better. I fixed one grammatical mistake, but that was it. So again, be gentle with the judging as it is unpolished, but this was probably the very first step into the light that is my project. This was created probably in 2011 when I did not regularly practice, and even still two of the characters in this story made it to what is now my animated series. I hope you enjoy this super sneak peak.
--
Jaraq walked off his ship as his
soldiers around him took the supplies off and set up camp. He walked around
this little shore, feeling the sand crunch under his boots. It had been
fourteen years since he set foot on these familiar shores. He looked ahead
toward the path on the hill and noticed a familiar giant standing on top.
General Veraf. Once he was noticed, the general made his way down the slope. Jaraq’s
personal guard placed their hands on their hilts, but Jaraq stepped forward, “I
hope you are not all that is left to fight Veraf.”
Veraf put his hands up above his
waist, “I come in peace prince, for lack of a better word.” And extended a
hand.
Jaraq accepted, “How is my father’s
finest general? And how is his lands?”
“The land is well and ready for a
new harvest. Though rumor has it the heir has returned to take the crown after
the kings passing. It has split troop’s loyalty. Between the third son and the
first. You look well prince.”
“As do you.” Jaraq replied. Though
fourteen years had passed, Veraf looked like the man Jaraq remembered when he
was seven. His hair was graying on the sides, and wrinkles of wisdom and war
were seen more clearly on his face, but other than those two features he looked
the same, “And where does the General stand on this rumor?”
“If the heir has returned to claim
his place, then I’ll see to it that he has the army to do so.”
Veraf looked beyond Jaraq and
noticed three more ships on the horizon, “And it looks like you have Jaraq, son
of King Strivian IV. And who do they hail from?”
“From my friends and allies who
wish to see me king. It was their convincing that brought me here. Not my own
pride. They are led by Captain Tria from Carsonis and Commander Karthos from
Copperhold.”
Upon hearing their names, Tria and
Karthos approached from the shore, “And,” Jaraq continued, “My brother,
Strivian V”. Strivian walked off the boat upon hearing his name called. He
froze for just a second, seeing the stranger with his father’s crest on his
chest, Jaraq motioned him down, “He will be a prince when I am king, as he
should have been when we were exiled.”
Veraf shook Strivian’s good hand
and looked toward the other, “That arm still lame?”
“Always will be.” Strivian said.
Veraf nodded. He looked toward
Jaraq once more, “I have a gift.” Veraf said. He released a belt on his chest
and reached behind him. The General took out king’s sword and presented it toward
the prince, “Flash this sword in front of the Crimson men and they will follow
you into battle. Jaraq took it and placed the belt around his waist. “General,
you have an army to lead if you are fit.”
Veraf stood and nodded, looking at
his new allies, “So it is then. The six people who choose to hold the balance
of the world. Jaraq the Heir, Tria the Captain, Karthos the Commander, Strivian
the Brother, and Veraf the General.” Veraf smiled, “Are you ready to shape
history?
--So that's it. I appreciate you reading, and I am happy to be back at the blog. I haven't written here since... Oct 2013, yep, that sounds right, that's when the project really took off for me. I appear to have been bragging a bit. No one responded to my written offers, but that's OK. No harm no foul.
Writing is my passion. What is yours? What is your passion?
"A lot of guys just don't want to lift those weights, a lot of the guys just don't wanna do it. But you know what? Your blessing in life is when you find the torture you are comfortable with ... That goes with Marriage, it's kids, it's work, it's exercise, not eating the foods you want to eat. Comedy is a torture I love."
- Jerry Seinfeld
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Shepsus Entertainment
So, last post I made was in July. It is now October... LATE October. I'll be honest, I'm not sorry. I've been crazy busy with a lot of other stuff. Personal stuff and work aside, I've been writing. A lot of writing.
Back in my last post, yes, in July, I made a mention of gathering people together to create a an animated show. Well, I've done what I wanted accomplished so far, and it has been looking better and better.
I welcome you to...
I've got a total of 5 artists, 3 voice actors (myself included) with family and friends willing to help out along the way, 1 musician and web expert, and a writer, which is me. I'm still looking for an editor or two, and then animators. The show is called "Cardisia", but will be just the beginning of what Shepsus Entertainment will be. I promise you that this will become its own production company, or I am gonna get broke trying.
As of right now, here are the latest updates on the show itself. The details about the show will come later, once some concept art is finalized, along with maybe the intro music and voice acting is coming along.
But the technical parts:
-I am just about done with writing episode 6. Episodes 7 and 8 have been Outlined on paper, Episode 9 has been outlined in my head. I plan
-The office is being setup next week with desk, recording booth, marker boards and story board.
-Music is still being worked on and edited, it is becoming something beautiful.
-The Website is being put together nicely. Mike and I spend a good time discussing things back and forth, sending e-mails and screenshots. I couldn't be happier how patient he is with me when it comes to arguing about what we see the site as. As of right now, we are on draft three or four, and he's writing the HTML code for it within the next couple of days.
-Artwork has been sent, edited, and sent again within our group. Nothing yet finalized, but I have a few artists I just brought on that should do the trick.
-As soon as all this is finalized, I will be setting up a Kickstarter to help the financial side of things, and we'll see where we go.
Beyond this particular project, several of my artists have feigned interest in working on other smaller projects for both online and traditional comics. My heart has always gone out to web comics and I've always wanted to make one, but my drawing skills aren't worth bothering with. I am excited to start those as well, but please know that the web series is my main and most focused goal.
I really see this coming together. Even this morning I realized I was getting ahead of myself with some of this project. I got a lot on my plate, it is a project within projects. But this is something special, this is something worth doing and something worth creating. Just you wait. You are gonna want to be there when this takes off. You will have the wonderful opportunity to say "I remember when..."
Much love to everyone. I have more to post, but I'll leave it here for now and let me drive home from work.
-Brandon "Shepsus" Hoffman
You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act. - Barbara Hall
Back in my last post, yes, in July, I made a mention of gathering people together to create a an animated show. Well, I've done what I wanted accomplished so far, and it has been looking better and better.
I welcome you to...
I've got a total of 5 artists, 3 voice actors (myself included) with family and friends willing to help out along the way, 1 musician and web expert, and a writer, which is me. I'm still looking for an editor or two, and then animators. The show is called "Cardisia", but will be just the beginning of what Shepsus Entertainment will be. I promise you that this will become its own production company, or I am gonna get broke trying.
As of right now, here are the latest updates on the show itself. The details about the show will come later, once some concept art is finalized, along with maybe the intro music and voice acting is coming along.
But the technical parts:
-I am just about done with writing episode 6. Episodes 7 and 8 have been Outlined on paper, Episode 9 has been outlined in my head. I plan
-The office is being setup next week with desk, recording booth, marker boards and story board.
-Music is still being worked on and edited, it is becoming something beautiful.
-The Website is being put together nicely. Mike and I spend a good time discussing things back and forth, sending e-mails and screenshots. I couldn't be happier how patient he is with me when it comes to arguing about what we see the site as. As of right now, we are on draft three or four, and he's writing the HTML code for it within the next couple of days.
-Artwork has been sent, edited, and sent again within our group. Nothing yet finalized, but I have a few artists I just brought on that should do the trick.
-As soon as all this is finalized, I will be setting up a Kickstarter to help the financial side of things, and we'll see where we go.
Beyond this particular project, several of my artists have feigned interest in working on other smaller projects for both online and traditional comics. My heart has always gone out to web comics and I've always wanted to make one, but my drawing skills aren't worth bothering with. I am excited to start those as well, but please know that the web series is my main and most focused goal.
I really see this coming together. Even this morning I realized I was getting ahead of myself with some of this project. I got a lot on my plate, it is a project within projects. But this is something special, this is something worth doing and something worth creating. Just you wait. You are gonna want to be there when this takes off. You will have the wonderful opportunity to say "I remember when..."
Much love to everyone. I have more to post, but I'll leave it here for now and let me drive home from work.
-Brandon "Shepsus" Hoffman
You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act. - Barbara Hall
Saturday, July 20, 2013
My freedom has been restricting.
So. Hi.
It has been a while since I've blogged. I haven't had much to write about, nothing too significant anyway, so I have refrained. Now that I am sitting here, I realize I have a lot to talk about. Ironically, it goes with my title. I realize I have so much to write about, I don't know where to begin. So let's talk about the topic first.
The previous post I wrote about being overwhelmed, and that is what I am talking about here, in a sense, and in a better sort of way.
My freedom on my projects has restricted me. It happens to everyone, and it pleases me I have realized it so. Let me give you an example.
How many times have you been on the internet, with nothing to do?
Or on Netflix, with nothing to watch?
And yet, when someone gives you an idea, gives you something to latch onto, your ideas seem to flourish. Like, say, if someone wanted to show you a funny clip on Youtube, suddenly you can think of at least five things to show your friend, because you've been narrowed down to funny.
It doesn't have to be an idea though, I mean what does every student say in high school when it comes to school projects? "I did it at the last minute, because that's when my thoughts just come together." When your time is not infinite, suddenly you are motivated to work.Or, when you are studying you can't seem to remember anything, but when you are taking the test, you are given the questions, you suddenly know the answers.
Being given an idea helps ideas, and in this sense, freedom is restricting.
I talked to my brother Dylan about my constant writers block I was having a few weeks ago. He is currently enrolled in an online school and does all of his work at home on his home PC. I asked him how he did his work with all the movies, TV, and games he has at his disposal on the very same computer. And he said the same thing every student does, "Honestly, I usually wait till the last minute, and then throw something together." Then he said something else that clicked with me, "But, it is the deadline that makes me work on it. Without the deadline there is no reason for me to finish the work." Again, his lack of freedom forces him to produce something.
Now, for school work, probably not the best way to work on things in my personal opinion.
However... Maybe for writing it is. Authors generally have multiple deadlines to progress their books. And maybe that is what I need on my projects. (I'll talk about all my projects in a few seconds.)
When Dylan and I were talking, I told him that that was probably key, the deadline. So he gave me a deadline to write 1500 words by the end of the week. I didn't accomplish this goal that week, but on the other hand I knew he wouldn't follow up. I also truly believe that if he gave me a deadline again, or if Kristi gave me a deadline, I probably wouldn't make it, because their "punishments" would be nothing. I may disappoint them, sure, but nothing would come of it. I think I need to be clever with myself and get something else going. Kristi believes if I get an artist for my comic, and I see a drawn picture of "Drave" I will be motivated, and that is very true, I may be. But until I get something concrete down with my artist friends, I need something for my writing...
Two ideas come to mind:
The first would be get a numerous amount of readers asking for my work. If I had that, then it might be motivation Or, get a few readers to edit different parts, and have them ask for more. Have the want be greater than the supply.
The other is a reward of some kind, maybe I can get a friend who likes my work to reward me with... I dunno, a free beer, or free lunch of some kind if I complete the task in a timely manner. I'd hate for my friends to have to pay me with food to work, but it's just a rough idea.
We'll have to see, Maybe I just need to get a Planner and use some self-discipline? :)
As for my writing projects. The first being my actual writing situation.
I have a desk!! It took a LOT longer on my part, because the desk I was originally gonna receive was small and I didn't like it much. Kristi and I found a desk that works perfectly for me.
I also have a marker board I am going to use for ideas, story boards, and possibly deadlines. It is magnetic, so images can be put on there as well, as well as prints of the story, covers, etc. It is 6'x4; a nice large board for anything I'll need. I made it myself, cost about $50 total. Which is an amazing price, considering anything remotely that size from Office Depot, Amazon, or Staples runs closer to $200. I'll post some pictures when we get it hung up. It will be hung up this week, I will make sure of it, because everything we have to get it hung up is in the office. I just need a second layer of adhesive on the magnetic metal and then it is GOOD TO GO.
Now, for the writing material. Each "--" is a writing project.
--I have two Anthologies for Drave. The first is pretty solid, but a few changes will be made to make sure it lines up with the actual story. The second is in a real rough draft stage and will probably be scrapped. Maybe it will be added as an extra for no reason other than I find it interesting to write about a story from a different characters perspective, but don't hold your hopes on that...
--I have three rough drafts of the actual story Drave that I want to see made into comics. Well, two and a half. The first Drave is complete, second is complete, and third is about 70% done.
--I have a 5-page story called "Faery" I will be submitting to Venomous Concepts Year-book collection. It has been written, heavily edited by Kristi, and I need to re-write it, I just haven't gotten around to it quite yet. I hope to get to it this week to make sure I can submit it.
--I am attempting a script for an anime I want to create. This idea came from a new RoosterTeeth launch called RWBY, and Kristi's desire to voice-act. We've talked about ways she can practice her voice-acting skills, because she has a desire just unknown as to "how to start". But, I decided that if she wanted to voice-act, I'll give her a character. In my honest opinion, she has a beautiful voice and I would love to hear her dialogue come from my writing. The first three episode outlines written out as to what I want to have happen. As well as where I want the characters to go. As for the scripts themselves, I am about half way done with the first one. I actually just stopped writing it to start writing this post, which had been itching at my mind. Anyway, after the scripts are done, I will be reaching out to anime artists for concept art and then possibly to amateur animators to possibly get some of this done! I am very lucky to have RWBY come out at the same time, because they have come out with their process and it makes sense and I know I could do it to with the help of some people.
--Lastly, I have several other short stories I have written and completed. They are unedited and will always be nothing but a document, so if you feel the need to read something interesting from my works feel free to let me know.
If you'd like to read them, the list is below:
"ROOSTER" about four soldiers in super suits
"The Estate" about a Duke, Ranger, and Warrior accepting their fate of death
"Faery" A prayer to the Faeries and the consequences of love.
"Drave Anthologies Part 1 & 2" they are a bit messy as they are unedited, but able to read if you have the desire to get a feel as to who I am writing about.
"Dwarven Hillside" Two Dwarves fighting a bear.
and "Heroes" A long story of a hero and his strange friends he meets along the way.
Anyway, that's about it in a nutshell. I will post about working out if I feel the need, but write now I am pretty content in that regard and there isn't any real updates on it.
Oh, one more thing whilst I am here. If you know how to draw, write, edit, and/or animate and are interested in any of this, feel free to comment below or e-mail me at brandonmhoffman@gmail.com
Show me some work, if you live in Phoenix and want to get together, we can definitely do that as well.
~Just a thought
“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” - Leonard Bernstein.
It has been a while since I've blogged. I haven't had much to write about, nothing too significant anyway, so I have refrained. Now that I am sitting here, I realize I have a lot to talk about. Ironically, it goes with my title. I realize I have so much to write about, I don't know where to begin. So let's talk about the topic first.
The previous post I wrote about being overwhelmed, and that is what I am talking about here, in a sense, and in a better sort of way.
My freedom on my projects has restricted me. It happens to everyone, and it pleases me I have realized it so. Let me give you an example.
How many times have you been on the internet, with nothing to do?
Or on Netflix, with nothing to watch?
And yet, when someone gives you an idea, gives you something to latch onto, your ideas seem to flourish. Like, say, if someone wanted to show you a funny clip on Youtube, suddenly you can think of at least five things to show your friend, because you've been narrowed down to funny.
It doesn't have to be an idea though, I mean what does every student say in high school when it comes to school projects? "I did it at the last minute, because that's when my thoughts just come together." When your time is not infinite, suddenly you are motivated to work.Or, when you are studying you can't seem to remember anything, but when you are taking the test, you are given the questions, you suddenly know the answers.
Being given an idea helps ideas, and in this sense, freedom is restricting.
I talked to my brother Dylan about my constant writers block I was having a few weeks ago. He is currently enrolled in an online school and does all of his work at home on his home PC. I asked him how he did his work with all the movies, TV, and games he has at his disposal on the very same computer. And he said the same thing every student does, "Honestly, I usually wait till the last minute, and then throw something together." Then he said something else that clicked with me, "But, it is the deadline that makes me work on it. Without the deadline there is no reason for me to finish the work." Again, his lack of freedom forces him to produce something.
Now, for school work, probably not the best way to work on things in my personal opinion.
However... Maybe for writing it is. Authors generally have multiple deadlines to progress their books. And maybe that is what I need on my projects. (I'll talk about all my projects in a few seconds.)
When Dylan and I were talking, I told him that that was probably key, the deadline. So he gave me a deadline to write 1500 words by the end of the week. I didn't accomplish this goal that week, but on the other hand I knew he wouldn't follow up. I also truly believe that if he gave me a deadline again, or if Kristi gave me a deadline, I probably wouldn't make it, because their "punishments" would be nothing. I may disappoint them, sure, but nothing would come of it. I think I need to be clever with myself and get something else going. Kristi believes if I get an artist for my comic, and I see a drawn picture of "Drave" I will be motivated, and that is very true, I may be. But until I get something concrete down with my artist friends, I need something for my writing...
Two ideas come to mind:
The first would be get a numerous amount of readers asking for my work. If I had that, then it might be motivation Or, get a few readers to edit different parts, and have them ask for more. Have the want be greater than the supply.
The other is a reward of some kind, maybe I can get a friend who likes my work to reward me with... I dunno, a free beer, or free lunch of some kind if I complete the task in a timely manner. I'd hate for my friends to have to pay me with food to work, but it's just a rough idea.
We'll have to see, Maybe I just need to get a Planner and use some self-discipline? :)
As for my writing projects. The first being my actual writing situation.
I have a desk!! It took a LOT longer on my part, because the desk I was originally gonna receive was small and I didn't like it much. Kristi and I found a desk that works perfectly for me.
I also have a marker board I am going to use for ideas, story boards, and possibly deadlines. It is magnetic, so images can be put on there as well, as well as prints of the story, covers, etc. It is 6'x4; a nice large board for anything I'll need. I made it myself, cost about $50 total. Which is an amazing price, considering anything remotely that size from Office Depot, Amazon, or Staples runs closer to $200. I'll post some pictures when we get it hung up. It will be hung up this week, I will make sure of it, because everything we have to get it hung up is in the office. I just need a second layer of adhesive on the magnetic metal and then it is GOOD TO GO.
Now, for the writing material. Each "--" is a writing project.
--I have two Anthologies for Drave. The first is pretty solid, but a few changes will be made to make sure it lines up with the actual story. The second is in a real rough draft stage and will probably be scrapped. Maybe it will be added as an extra for no reason other than I find it interesting to write about a story from a different characters perspective, but don't hold your hopes on that...
--I have three rough drafts of the actual story Drave that I want to see made into comics. Well, two and a half. The first Drave is complete, second is complete, and third is about 70% done.
--I have a 5-page story called "Faery" I will be submitting to Venomous Concepts Year-book collection. It has been written, heavily edited by Kristi, and I need to re-write it, I just haven't gotten around to it quite yet. I hope to get to it this week to make sure I can submit it.
--I am attempting a script for an anime I want to create. This idea came from a new RoosterTeeth launch called RWBY, and Kristi's desire to voice-act. We've talked about ways she can practice her voice-acting skills, because she has a desire just unknown as to "how to start". But, I decided that if she wanted to voice-act, I'll give her a character. In my honest opinion, she has a beautiful voice and I would love to hear her dialogue come from my writing. The first three episode outlines written out as to what I want to have happen. As well as where I want the characters to go. As for the scripts themselves, I am about half way done with the first one. I actually just stopped writing it to start writing this post, which had been itching at my mind. Anyway, after the scripts are done, I will be reaching out to anime artists for concept art and then possibly to amateur animators to possibly get some of this done! I am very lucky to have RWBY come out at the same time, because they have come out with their process and it makes sense and I know I could do it to with the help of some people.
--Lastly, I have several other short stories I have written and completed. They are unedited and will always be nothing but a document, so if you feel the need to read something interesting from my works feel free to let me know.
If you'd like to read them, the list is below:
"ROOSTER" about four soldiers in super suits
"The Estate" about a Duke, Ranger, and Warrior accepting their fate of death
"Faery" A prayer to the Faeries and the consequences of love.
"Drave Anthologies Part 1 & 2" they are a bit messy as they are unedited, but able to read if you have the desire to get a feel as to who I am writing about.
"Dwarven Hillside" Two Dwarves fighting a bear.
and "Heroes" A long story of a hero and his strange friends he meets along the way.
Anyway, that's about it in a nutshell. I will post about working out if I feel the need, but write now I am pretty content in that regard and there isn't any real updates on it.
Oh, one more thing whilst I am here. If you know how to draw, write, edit, and/or animate and are interested in any of this, feel free to comment below or e-mail me at brandonmhoffman@gmail.com
Show me some work, if you live in Phoenix and want to get together, we can definitely do that as well.
~Just a thought
“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” - Leonard Bernstein.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
This recipe is not for cooking.
I've stacked a lot on my plate recently and have become
slightly overwhelmed. Not in the sense of "overworked," but in the sense
of "too much". I just stopped working on it. I want it to be done already, instead of getting it done.
------Fast forward five nights ---
So I made a post on my FB on March 8th that I felt a Blog post coming on, but I did get distracted with Glee and spending time with my lady. So now we're here on March 13th. I gotta tell ya, my original idea for this was to write about my stress. But I talked it over with Kristi and then my good friends Mike G and JBoom. I gotta tell ya, keeping stuff bottled inside is such a hassle compared to talking it out. I don't think I could talk to anyone as easy as I have been able to with Kristi. She's amazing.
But this blog's about me. Nyeh!
I still feel this overwhelmed sensation, but after talking it through with her I have a clearer head as to what to do about it. I'll try to break it down without being too revealing. Mysterious is sexy, is it not?
I took on not only A Literature Circle, but A Cooking Circle, Hiking videos, and 5k runs to make and edit. I didn't do it right away, because work got a bit busy with work, and at home, well, Netflix was just easier. But no one else will edit them but me.Not only would that happen, but in order to post them I felt I needed a good logo, so I needed to create logos for both ALC and ACC, along with a new one I am trying to put together... After I created the logos I would be just wiped and started watching Netflix instead of actually editing videos. To be honest? I still haven't edited videos... But after a long talk with Kristi, I have intentionally put that on a back burner till we get our office set up for us to both work together. And that has just taken a load off my back. I am getting a new desk to put in the office this week, where I can set up my laptop in a semi-permanent location, so Kristi can have her desk, and then we'll work side by side on the projects.
The idea of trying to write professionally has manifested itself to the back of my mind, and I am seriously considering it. That idea also overwhelmed me, because I have an idea on how to do it as well, to get my name out there. And with that came the idea of pictures and/or artists, partner writers, marketing, traveling, the production, the website, the demographic, the AAHH. But, again, I talked with Kristi and I was able to take a step back and think. Before the pictures, people, marketing, selling, and the business, I need to do one simple thing.
I need to write.
I do not have enough solid content to consider a book. I don't have enough of my stuff to consider the big picture. The one thing great actors do to for a role is prepare. I need the preparation before the movie. I need the script before the picture. I need my ideas to be there to be presentable before they can be presented. And that's what I'm gonna do. I've even decided to prepare my preparation. I've written out a timeline for "Drave" starting with "Year 0" for the first story and I like how it is going to progress. (Don't worry, Year 0 is just for my sake, I'll give a solid timeline for said stories.)
For those who haven't read "Drave", there is about a twelve year gap between story 2 and story 3. Well, I am slowly filling that gap with one or two stories.
So write.
I am going to write and write and write. That's my plan.
And, then someday, you will see something. I know I have the talent, I am developing the skill, and I am learning the how-to.
I think I got the proper recipe.
Not ~Just a thought
What do you desire? What makes you itch? What sort of a situation would you like if money was no object?
When we finally got down to something, I will say do that, and forget the money, because, if you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living, that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing, which is stupid. Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way.
--Excerpt from Alan Watt's speech.
The
only thing that I have been doing is writing, and even that has been on
and off. I had a friend suggest that I should try writing as a
profession, which I would absolutely love, if I could do it for hours on
end without getting distracted. I am starting to think that I need
someone on me to get stuff done, which kinda makes me disappointed in
myself (as I finish this, Kristi is watching Glee, and keeps yelling at
me to write my blog).
Anyway, I'm thinking about putting stuff on the back burner, but which ones?
------Fast forward five nights ---
So I made a post on my FB on March 8th that I felt a Blog post coming on, but I did get distracted with Glee and spending time with my lady. So now we're here on March 13th. I gotta tell ya, my original idea for this was to write about my stress. But I talked it over with Kristi and then my good friends Mike G and JBoom. I gotta tell ya, keeping stuff bottled inside is such a hassle compared to talking it out. I don't think I could talk to anyone as easy as I have been able to with Kristi. She's amazing.
But this blog's about me. Nyeh!
I still feel this overwhelmed sensation, but after talking it through with her I have a clearer head as to what to do about it. I'll try to break it down without being too revealing. Mysterious is sexy, is it not?
I took on not only A Literature Circle, but A Cooking Circle, Hiking videos, and 5k runs to make and edit. I didn't do it right away, because work got a bit busy with work, and at home, well, Netflix was just easier. But no one else will edit them but me.Not only would that happen, but in order to post them I felt I needed a good logo, so I needed to create logos for both ALC and ACC, along with a new one I am trying to put together... After I created the logos I would be just wiped and started watching Netflix instead of actually editing videos. To be honest? I still haven't edited videos... But after a long talk with Kristi, I have intentionally put that on a back burner till we get our office set up for us to both work together. And that has just taken a load off my back. I am getting a new desk to put in the office this week, where I can set up my laptop in a semi-permanent location, so Kristi can have her desk, and then we'll work side by side on the projects.
The idea of trying to write professionally has manifested itself to the back of my mind, and I am seriously considering it. That idea also overwhelmed me, because I have an idea on how to do it as well, to get my name out there. And with that came the idea of pictures and/or artists, partner writers, marketing, traveling, the production, the website, the demographic, the AAHH. But, again, I talked with Kristi and I was able to take a step back and think. Before the pictures, people, marketing, selling, and the business, I need to do one simple thing.
I need to write.
I do not have enough solid content to consider a book. I don't have enough of my stuff to consider the big picture. The one thing great actors do to for a role is prepare. I need the preparation before the movie. I need the script before the picture. I need my ideas to be there to be presentable before they can be presented. And that's what I'm gonna do. I've even decided to prepare my preparation. I've written out a timeline for "Drave" starting with "Year 0" for the first story and I like how it is going to progress. (Don't worry, Year 0 is just for my sake, I'll give a solid timeline for said stories.)
For those who haven't read "Drave", there is about a twelve year gap between story 2 and story 3. Well, I am slowly filling that gap with one or two stories.
So write.
I am going to write and write and write. That's my plan.
And, then someday, you will see something. I know I have the talent, I am developing the skill, and I am learning the how-to.
I think I got the proper recipe.
Not ~Just a thought
What do you desire? What makes you itch? What sort of a situation would you like if money was no object?
When we finally got down to something, I will say do that, and forget the money, because, if you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living, that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing, which is stupid. Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way.
--Excerpt from Alan Watt's speech.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
And a Happy New Year!
And so it begins the new year of 2013. The Mayans were wrong and the world didn't end. And I guess that means some New Year Resolutions. How did you do on your last New Year Resolutions? Good I hope, but if not, just start cracking the whip now! I had a friend post that she doesn't make New Year Resolutions because she doesn't want to fail and that made me sad and kind of upset at the same time. She is a fantastic person with a ton of potential, she has overcome quite a bit in her life and I can't imagine just choosing not to find ways to at least TRY and better yourself. Even if you fail, at least you said you tried... But I digress.
Resolutions! yes... Another quick side note actually - Resolution means both "determination" and "to resolve". I have the resolution to see through to the resolution of my resolutions... Least that is my resolution. =P I made myself giggle.
Resolutions! Yes. along with the few that are the same, I have decided to make a few more resolutions for this year. Let me break it down list-style.
Health
-Physical
-Mental
-Emotional
I am actually hoping for some type of "pack" on my stomach and less of a "keg" if you catch my drift. I've been told that requires quite a bit of cardio, which I'm not looking forward to. But hey, I gotta do what I gotta do!
Health (Food)
-Try Juicing
-Eliminate soda from my diet altogether.
-Eliminate alcohol from my diet except in certain situations.
In conjunction with the above two, I am going to look into getting something in the direction of nutrition. I want to learn more about it and with the encouragement of my friends, girlfriend, and family, I have decided that going back to school is a necessity and will be done in 2013.
Work to be happy
That sounds like a funny resolution, but that is the best way to put it in my mind. Overall, I am a happy person, but I get lazy because I'm comfortable. I am comfortable with my job, I honestly work very little and it pays well, but it is not challenging. I am comfortable with my current weight, I want it to be better but overall I am in the best shape I've been in near 3 years.When I worked on A Literature Circle (which is still in progress btw) it was the hardest, most difficult thing I had done. I wanted it to look good and the editing was a bitch. But when I was done with it I was happy, satisfied. When I couldn't upload it to Youtube, I was mad. I felt that my hard work basically didn't pay off. It will, once I get it situated and break it up. But I haven't gone back to it because it isn't a comfortable seat to sit in. 2013 it will be something. Kristi and I have tickets for Vidcon in August and we will be there and we will have something to show for it for sure.
Speaking of A Literature Circle. I'm not sure if I ever talked about it much, but Kristi and I have big plans for not only that, but another wide variations of "Circles." Something I adopted before realizing that G+ uses it similarly... But I'll deal with that later.
Here are a few ideas we have bounced back and forth. I have a few others I haven't really discussed with her, but they are more down the road. All of these Circles (and yes, again, I know, G+ did it first) will be comprised under one conglomerate as "Three Point One Four". I think it is terribly clever.
Here they are below:
A Literature Circle Our very own webcast bookclub, two videos have been done, but they aren't yet uploaded... Here soon I promise!
A Cooking Circle Learning how to cook healthy on a budget. Healthy is the key. It isn't impossible and it will taste better than greasy food. This particular Circle will probably get its own post in a few weeks, but this one is the one I am most excited about. There are a few celebrity inspirations and a few regular people who I know that would enjoy learning how to cook healthy while it fitting into a budget.
A Gamers Circle This one is obvious. Nothin' but games. Video, board, card, tabletop, you name it. I think this one will be fun if I can get my brothers on board a little bit more. I even think I'll do just a podcast to talk about games themselves.
A Writers Circle I've thought of a few ways I could go about this one. I want to discuss, recommend, edit and otherwise talk about writing. Professional and Amateur, Scripts and Stories. But the other thing I think I'd like to do is actually get some actors and other people to participate in short clips and videos. I think that would be hilarious to do. I actually have one in mind, but it isn't mine, so I am waiting to see if I can use it. But that part will come later I'm sure.
I have one more in mind, but I'll keep it in the dark for now just because I am not sure how to do it and make it humorous quite yet.
So that is about that... I think, I don't really have much else to write right now. I am just aiming to be happier than I was last year and the year before that.
Resolutions! yes... Another quick side note actually - Resolution means both "determination" and "to resolve". I have the resolution to see through to the resolution of my resolutions... Least that is my resolution. =P I made myself giggle.
Resolutions! Yes. along with the few that are the same, I have decided to make a few more resolutions for this year. Let me break it down list-style.
Health
-Physical
-Mental
-Emotional
I am actually hoping for some type of "pack" on my stomach and less of a "keg" if you catch my drift. I've been told that requires quite a bit of cardio, which I'm not looking forward to. But hey, I gotta do what I gotta do!
Health (Food)
-Try Juicing
-Eliminate soda from my diet altogether.
-Eliminate alcohol from my diet except in certain situations.
In conjunction with the above two, I am going to look into getting something in the direction of nutrition. I want to learn more about it and with the encouragement of my friends, girlfriend, and family, I have decided that going back to school is a necessity and will be done in 2013.
Work to be happy
That sounds like a funny resolution, but that is the best way to put it in my mind. Overall, I am a happy person, but I get lazy because I'm comfortable. I am comfortable with my job, I honestly work very little and it pays well, but it is not challenging. I am comfortable with my current weight, I want it to be better but overall I am in the best shape I've been in near 3 years.When I worked on A Literature Circle (which is still in progress btw) it was the hardest, most difficult thing I had done. I wanted it to look good and the editing was a bitch. But when I was done with it I was happy, satisfied. When I couldn't upload it to Youtube, I was mad. I felt that my hard work basically didn't pay off. It will, once I get it situated and break it up. But I haven't gone back to it because it isn't a comfortable seat to sit in. 2013 it will be something. Kristi and I have tickets for Vidcon in August and we will be there and we will have something to show for it for sure.
Speaking of A Literature Circle. I'm not sure if I ever talked about it much, but Kristi and I have big plans for not only that, but another wide variations of "Circles." Something I adopted before realizing that G+ uses it similarly... But I'll deal with that later.
Here are a few ideas we have bounced back and forth. I have a few others I haven't really discussed with her, but they are more down the road. All of these Circles (and yes, again, I know, G+ did it first) will be comprised under one conglomerate as "Three Point One Four". I think it is terribly clever.
Here they are below:
A Literature Circle Our very own webcast bookclub, two videos have been done, but they aren't yet uploaded... Here soon I promise!
A Cooking Circle Learning how to cook healthy on a budget. Healthy is the key. It isn't impossible and it will taste better than greasy food. This particular Circle will probably get its own post in a few weeks, but this one is the one I am most excited about. There are a few celebrity inspirations and a few regular people who I know that would enjoy learning how to cook healthy while it fitting into a budget.
A Gamers Circle This one is obvious. Nothin' but games. Video, board, card, tabletop, you name it. I think this one will be fun if I can get my brothers on board a little bit more. I even think I'll do just a podcast to talk about games themselves.
A Writers Circle I've thought of a few ways I could go about this one. I want to discuss, recommend, edit and otherwise talk about writing. Professional and Amateur, Scripts and Stories. But the other thing I think I'd like to do is actually get some actors and other people to participate in short clips and videos. I think that would be hilarious to do. I actually have one in mind, but it isn't mine, so I am waiting to see if I can use it. But that part will come later I'm sure.
I have one more in mind, but I'll keep it in the dark for now just because I am not sure how to do it and make it humorous quite yet.
So that is about that... I think, I don't really have much else to write right now. I am just aiming to be happier than I was last year and the year before that.
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