What are you reading and how is it?
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
What are you writing?
How is that going?
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Is that just an excuse?
Really?
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
How are things in the rest of your life?
Anything you feel we should know about?
What are you reading and how is it? Just about to start 1927 by Bill Bryson, but flicking through The Killing Joke before I do.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? Got the most recent Jess Vincent album for my birthday, that’s real purty music.
What are you writing? Been a tough month for inspiration, but finally back writing a piece called Gumshoe, which is noir with a Neo twist.
How is that going? Could be better, could be worse.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? Work mainly. I have some very tight deadlines coming up. Plus the family like to drain my time.
Is that just an excuse? Isn’t everything?
Really? It’s all a matter of perception.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Everybody constantly judges everybody else. The trick is not to care what that judgment is.
How are things in the rest of your life? New (work) car picked up this week, so that was nice. First brand new car I’ve ever had.
Anything you feel we should know about? 40% of the human race did not survive past their first birthday.
What are you reading and how is it? I'm reading an Edgar Allan Poe collection. My city does a city-wide read program through The Big Read and this is our book. There are book discussions and events all through the month related to the book. It is pretty much awesome.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? I watched The World's End this week. Why did I not watch it sooner? Also, I have discovered the magic of audiobooks for my long commute to work and when I'm running.
What are you writing? Odds and ends right now. A contest entry related to the Big Read. Toying with an outline for my next novel.
How is that going? It's going well.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? I'm a casual long distance runner (meaning I love to run far but I'm too slow to be competitive) and my time for running in decent weather is coming to a quick end. I'm spending a lot of free time getting in my miles.
Is that just an excuse? It's cyclical. By November I'll be elbow deep in writing again.
Really? I hope so.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Oh, I'll make an ass out of u and me if I want to.
How are things in the rest of your life? I think The World's End gave me an identity crisis. I feel like an employed version of Gary King.
Anything you feel we should know about? I'm supposed to run a 50K race (31 miles) in about ten days. I'm not feeling it right now...I hope I get some enthusiasm for it between now and then.
Jenn: World's End is amazing! I saw that movie multiple times in theaters and still have the ticket stubs. I too identify with Gary King more than I probably should. Simon Pegg is the man.
What are you reading and how is it? Well, seeing as I just moved, I'm currently fulfilling my weird tradition of rereading Catch-22. It's just what I do. New city, new copy of Catch, new time through. It's just as brilliant as the last six billion times.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? I'm not really into anything new lately but I just got a pothead into the surrealist movement. It was pretty fucking rad and I think he appreciated it.
What are you writing? A new novella, an old novel and the same short story that I like to play with here and there.
How is that going? Um, when I actually write it goes pretty well.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? I have been busy as fuck and when I'm not busy as fuck I'm rather tired and since my style of writing is to typically do it all in one fell swoop, I haven't had it in me to get much done. Because I'm lazy.
Is that just an excuse? Oh, most definitely, yes.
Really? Yesh.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Don't tell me what to do, bitch.
How are things in the rest of your life? If you read, you'll judge.
Anything you feel we should know about? Yeah, where the above quote came from. It's basically the easiest thing in the world to guess but still whoever guesses first gets, I don't know, a cyber handjob or something.
What are you reading and how is it? I start vacation tomorrow and plan to jump back into that book up in my status line after not having read for pleasure in months (soooo many short-story crits).
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? The Knick (Showtime) has been my jam of late. Awesome show, like "E.R. 1900." Really looking forward to new AHS: Freak Show and Homeland this week.
What are you writing? Just drafted four stories for the Palahniuk class.
How is that going? Only had time to spend a couple days on each, which is not how I envisioned presenting my work to the most famous person who'll probably ever read it. But my concepts were intriguing and he gave great suggestions, so they should become decent tales later when I have time to flesh out their bones.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more? This question will be more appropriate in the coming month when I'm not. Wanna catch up on some reading.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Judge away; I don't mind.
How are things in the rest of your life? It's a good week to be a Kansas City sports fan. Some very late nights Mon, Tues, and Thurs. Pumkin e'rything. Teaching myself new video editing software.
Anything you feel we should know about? A little e is all that separates biotech from biotch.
What are you reading and how is it? Perfidia by James Ellroy, who can do no wrong in my eyes. Also reading How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran, which is a lot of fun.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? I've become obsessed with Sion Sono and in the past 2 weeks, I've seen nearly every movie of his that's available in the states. I've never really been into Japanese cinema but Sono is different. There's really nobody like him.
What are you writing? Crazy stuff. Writing in a journal as well. Longhand.
How is that going? It's re-invigorating.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more? Real life.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? It's funny you say that, lately my mantra has been the more ridiculous the better. I tend to be shy but since I've been telling myself that, it's been different. Anytime I worry someone is looking at me or I'm being too loud, I tell myself that. Like yesterday when the lady and I dragged a ruined couch loudly down the stairs and across the parking lot and into the dumpster. It must have looked ridiculous and surely lots of people saw us but I didn't care. It was fun.
How are things in the rest of your life? My head is spinning and I don't know what's next. Might just be the meds though. ;)
Anything you feel we should know about? What's the difference between memory and imagination? Which comes first? Which is more powerful?
@Aud F
Don't tell me what to do, bitch.
I was asking, hence the question mark.
What are you reading and how is it?
Judas Unchained by Peter F Hamilton. His stuff is fuck-ass long but for me it's the reading equivalent of wrapping myself in a comfort blanket. Plus I'm going to a signing for his latest book next week so I'm hoping to get up to date by then.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
I still need the final episodes of Breaking Bad, and I like Game of Thrones but I've promised myself I'll try the books before I watch series 3. Think I might start playing Dead Space 2 this weekend, only 2 years after buying a copy.
What are you writing?
Same as last month, still working on Ghost of the Navigator and that's likely to be the answer until at least next March.
How is that going?
Passed the 40,000 word gate and this time something tells me I'm going to end up around 200k by the time I'm done. Content wise I'm up to some pretty cool stuff which is why I'm saving tonights ideas for tomorrow morning, because I write best first thing after waking up. Friday night is for drinking.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
I'm writing plenty but I'm actually enjoying my day job at the moment, which drains a good deal of my energy Monday to Friday.
Is that just an excuse?
Yes, but try being a ranger for a week. You'll make the excuse too. Trust me. Ever taken 9 year old school kids on a nature walk? It's brilliant but exhausting. Ever used a chainsaw and cleared up the resulting logs? Those things are heavier than they look even when you're physically fit. Somehow I'm still managing to go for 7 mile runs after work. Excuse me if that story can wait.
Really?
Oh yeah.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
I'll judge back. Always worked for me.
How are things in the rest of your life?
Pretty damn well at the moment.
Anything you feel we should know about?
I go to a creative arts club on the first wednesday of every month. This week I just plain forgot to go. Didn't even realise until two days later. Wonder why.
What are you reading and how is it?
Peckerwood by Jedidiah Aryes. It's cool. Also have a copy of Burnt Tongues I want to start soon.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
I am bouncing off the ceiling excited for AHS: Freak Show!!! Also watching Wentworth Prison which is nice and gritty, Under the Dome which is meh, and Boardwalk Empire which I love the subtle humour of.
What are you writing?
A lot lately. I've got a lot of stories to revise. A novella sitting on the back burner, and I'm trying to figure out an idea for a Halloween/horror story.
How is that going?
I'm a little burnt out, but it's been good.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Yeah yeah I know.
How are things in the rest of your life?
A little stressed. But mostly good
Anything you feel we should know about?
Nup :)
What are you reading and how is it?
Swamplandia! Kinda meh, but promising.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Pushing daisies is an awsome quirky show, watch it. As far as music goes, Primus is always neat.
What are you writing?
A crime short story about two hitmen.
How is that going?
Pretty musch down hill.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Lazy and tired (suffering from insomnia).
Is that just an excuse?
Totally.
Really?
Yep.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
That ain't gonna happen. I'm swedish.
How are things in the rest of your life?
I'm unemployed and lives in the city with one of the highest unemployment rate in sweden, so go figure.
Anything you feel we should know about?
I bake some badass cinnamon buns.
What are you reading and how is it? - I am currently reading Spiderwick Chronicles. I'm about half way finished with it.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? - I've mainly been listening to a mixture of Thomas Hardy poems, and various techno bands. Sometimes I enjoy listening to Williams Wordsworth.
What are you writing? Currently I'm weighing the merits of either rewriting Mechanic Slave, a time travel dystopia rewritten as a virtual reality short story, or extending the final chapter into seven chapters in Nymphs Of Winter Fire.
How is that going? Well I'm a 3rd of the way through Mechanic Slave, and already noticing a mixture of positive and negative changes. Like for example, because I've learned better writing habits, I'm starting to use those to rewrite my old work. I'm thinking of plotting differently.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? - Well when I wrote my last novella, I injured my wrist and developed a bad case of carpul tunnel. Then I've been having to build back up the late night habit, writing every day mixed with beer in order to get the 1,000 words a day I was doing at one point.
Is that just an excuse? Depends on how you feel about wrist injuries.
Really? Well, what do you think?
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Yea I got that.
How are things in the rest of your life? I'm finally thinking of spending less time online overall. I'd like to get to the point where it's like television. I haven't watched it in so long because I started hated stupid shows, that now I'm like "Well who cares what's on TV?" It rots your brain anyway.
Now I sound like a grandma. I'm not.
Have you tried transcription software?
I think I might consider that. It only seems to bother me while typing, hand writing is fine. Just not sure how good the software is.
Edit: Yea I think I just might, as my wrist is the only stupid reason I can only get to 5,000-10,000 words. Even then it's a shared world collection.
What are you reading and how is it?
Kinda put that on hold lately
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Finally got into game of thrones with the Mrs. And MitiS.
What are you writing?
Same as last time.
How is that going?
It has its ups and downs
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Because I'm not binging
Is that just an excuse?
Probaly not
Really?
I don't think so
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Why? Did they stop being human?
How are things in the rest of your life?
Three year olds ruin lives until they're four. I hope.
Anything you feel we should know about?
Unless the IRS "generously" (so some qualify it) agrees to wave it- catching a baseball at a baseball game is considered taxable income.
How are things in the rest of your life? If you read, you'll judge.
Anything you feel we should know about? Yeah, where the above quote came from. It's basically the easiest thing in the world to guess but still whoever guesses first gets, I don't know, a cyber handjob or something.
Kurt Cobain. On his journal or something like that.
So... cyber handjob, eh?
@Thuggish
Me -
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Thuggish -
Why? Did they stop being human?
Nope, just that almost no one cares.
Congratulations, Thuggish! You're clearly a man who knows stuff about stuff! Instead of giving yourself a pat on the back, I do believe you should totally give yourself a hand in the genital region. You deserve it! If you need any help in your congratulatory endeavors, Google is always there for you, man. Enjoy!
^You're about an hour late on that recommendation.
What are you reading and how is it?
Just started James Ellory's Perfidia, but I'm half way through Joe Nesbo's the son as well.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Waiting for Alien Isolation to pop through the post and scare the poop out of me, been enjoying the last season of boardwalk empire, the driver on bbc1 has been good with david morrisry in it, and watched Gone Girl the other day, defo not a first date movie.
What are you writing?
12 Chapters in the first draft of my first book, I have got an idea for an end point. Just got no idea how I'm going to get there at the mo. Did a plan up to about chapter 15 but things have changed as I've written it out and put meat on the bones.
How is that going?
It's my first attempt at a novel so no idea, it's all a learning curve.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
I'm doing this at work
Is that just an excuse?
No
Really?
Yes
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Err ok
How are things in the rest of your life?
Same old, Same old. Work is mental, me and mine are all ok so yeah not bad.
Anything you feel we should know about?
Right here, right now no. No i can't....
What are you reading and how is it?
"The Hardboiled Wonderland and the End of the World" by Haruki Murakami. It's great. Quite a mindbend, but I think I've figured out the ending already.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
I'm trying to catch up on "Orange Is the New Black", which makes me bloody guffaw every single time, and I'm always into "Welcome to Night Vale".
What are you writing?
I'm fleshing out a dark fantasy/sci-fi novel.
How is that going?
Like eating a grapefruit. Seriously, I just can't avoid making it a mess.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
I've just started university and I do theatre. And I'm searching for freelance gigs without much of prior experience. Yeah.
Is that just an excuse?
It's a very elaborate excuse.
Really?
Really.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
If you say so.
How are things in the rest of your life?
Weird and kinda stressful, but satisfactory at the same time.
Anything you feel we should know about?
I can walk on stilts.
What are you reading and how is it?
Los Angeles by Peter Moore Smith and L.A. Noir by James Ellroy. I found both books tucked away in a corner of one of the local used bookstores. I like Los Angeles pretty good and I haven't read much of L.A. Noir yet.... just a couple of chapters in Blood on the Moon.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Been running up the YouTube views counter by playing The Weeknd's "Often" over and over.
What are you writing?
Nothing currently. I left my writing group (about an hour drive out-of-town) due to vehicle issues. Last thing I wrote was a text to myself while on break at work about a story idea. Strange when listening to a song and a thought of your ex pops in your mind and that lightbulb appears.
How is that going?
It went fine. I looked like I was texting a novel to someone. Co-workers probably thought I was arguing with someone over text message or playing a game. (Silently, they judge me. Silently, I judge them.)
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Work, looking for more work, watching YouTube vids.
Is that just an excuse?
Yes to the vids. No to work. Need to eat, peoples.
Really?
Nah.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Okay.
How are things in the rest of your life?
Good. Loving the Autumn weather.
Anything you feel we should know about?
My coffee is cold, but I'm too lazy to warm it up in the microwave.
What are you reading and how is it?
Just finished Daughter of Smoke and Bone... quite unexpected...
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Hmm... mostly classic rock and 80's hair bands as of late! Which seem to be one and the same anymore... when did they start playing Bon Jovi on classic rock stations??? Oh I guess I'm getting old. Can't wait until the grandparents are listening to Gangster's Paradise!
What are you writing?
Some short stories and the 5th draft of my book.
How is that going?
Ummm... The new stuff okay it's been a struggle lately but thanks for asking. The 5th Draft? Better than the first 4 drafts?!
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Why are you always asking me that question???
Is that just an excuse?
No it's just a general statement...
Really?
Totally!?
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
OMG I wasn't... now I'm paranoid... who are these judgy bastards???
How are things in the rest of your life?
Getting better
Anything you feel we should know about?
The CDC has issued a Zombie Apocalypse comic book pretty awesome!!! {Check it out!!!}
http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/documents/11_225700_A_Zombie_Final.pdf
What are you reading and how is it?
Doing a study of Bret Easton Ellis' work, so just about everything of his. Making compartive notes of Less Than Zero and Imperial Bedrooms for both inspirtational and educational purposes. Started The Bell Jar earlier. And stories in the workshop.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
I've been getting into a lot of BBC stuff on Youtube. Nevermind The Buzzcocks, Great Big Quiz of the Year, Mock the Week. The comedy stylings of Russell Brand, Noel Fielding, Jimmy Carr, Richard Ayoade, etc. Downloaded The Double, a movie Richard Ayoade directed but haven't watched it. And The Canyons. One reason is that Ellis wrote it, but I'm also curious to know if it's as bad as everyone says it is. And audiobooks. There's something very meta and wonderful about Andrew McCarthy reading Imperial Bedrooms.
What are you writing?
A semi-autobigraphical novella. And these words as I type them.
How is that going?
The novella is going spectacular, but I'm juggling typing and pepperoni rolls as I type these words right now.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
I write a lot, mainly at night, every night, and anywhere from three to eight hour sessions.
Is that just an excuse?
Seriously?
Really?
Yes. Seriously?
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Fuck em
How are things in the rest of your life?
Pleasant. Things are pleasant. And I like that.
Anything you feel we should know about?
It's happening in China, people. Walking lanes for people who can't stay off their cell phones.
What are you reading and how is it?
Rereading Snuff by Palahniuk, good stuff, people usually seem to hate on it, but I think it's very well-crafted. Just finished Jesus' Son, which was something else, to say the least. Next up will be a reread of Now is the Hour by Tom Spanbauer, which was the first Spanbauer book I read, so I want to reexperience it.
Also analyzing The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie, Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell, and Hills Like White Elephants by Hemingway to get ready for my English 101 midterm.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it?
Every Wednesday I watch as much of American Horror Story: Freakshow as I can. That clown is so good. The show too, but that clown. Holy crap.
What are you writing?
Making baby steps on a short story, unnamed as of yet. Just submitted the first three paragraphs to Edit my Paragraph for a bit of feedback.
How is that going?
Ya know, baby steps. I don't always know what scenes need to be in the story, which makes for a lot of monkeying around. Writing, cutting, rewriting, cutting more, swapping scenes, etc.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)?
Work and school mostly. Plus, I don't want to force anything. Or else my anxiety will just shred every word to pieces.
Is that just an excuse?
Yup, prolly. Oh well.
Really?
Yes, really. Shit's percolating.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay?
Okay. :(
How are things in the rest of your life?
All over the frickin place.
Anything you feel we should know about?
My buddy just moved to Vegas, which sucks. Now I gotta find someone else to distract me from myself. haha
@R.Moon: Noel Fielding is comedic gold. I love his insane, surreal sense of humor. Ever checked out his Luxury Comedy? The first season was WAY out there, but he's grounded it more for season 2 and it's pretty good. He pokes a lot of fun at himself.
@Redd: Yeah, that shit is fucking weird. I watched one episode (not sure if it was Luxury) about him being cool and they all had like their own cool music and cool walks and he wasn't cool. I had to step outside, gain my bearings before I could watch any more. He's great on Buzzcocks, though. The two episodes of Big Fat Quiz with him and Russel Brand paired up is fucking amazing. The wit those two bring is through the roof.
I love those two together! Brand's so sharp and quick, and Noel just kind of floats in the clouds, stringing the most unexpected things together.
Haha, that cool one is actually from the second season of Luxury. And that's him grounding the project more to a plot and premise. The first season was so whacked, almost everything just happened for absolutely no reason.
What are you reading and how is it? Fat Man and Little Boy. Only 60 pages in---but interested still.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? The Knick. T Rex.
What are you writing? Short stories about medicine and east germany. Separate stories
How is that going? I wish I were more talented, harder working, etc.
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? I have to work to pay the bills.
Is that just an excuse? No---I am actually very productive (for me---I don't write quickly) when not at work.
Really? It could all change.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? *sigh*
How are things in the rest of your life? Fine.
Anything you feel we should know about? US native grapes taste funky when vinified. Foxy.
What are you reading and how is it? Well I was going to read Gone Girl by Flynn but I had to take it back to the library so now I am going to finish Alleiegant and I will be honest for how short those books are that series is taking me way to long. I like Roth's writing in general but I think because of the recommendations i got I expected a lot more out of the series than ithas given so far. I am also queued up to start Choke some time soon (my MIL and me are going to read it like a book club at the same time) I know my reading list is somewhat dated. I just finished IT but I try to read in as broad a range as possible and change authors after every book no matter how good they are. Since finishing IT in September I have also discovered an interest in Harry Potter fan fiction. I read my first fan-fic about his son James and really liked it. It's sad that since it is fan-fic it will never get much recognition because it is quite good. (I dont plan on reading a lot of fan-fic but like I said diversify). I plan on reading more this winter.
What other music, shows, movies, or various media are you into? How is it? If I am behind on books then I am way behind on other media. I really only have Netflix because I share an account and I pirate my internet signal. I still haven't finished Breaking Bad (no spoilers please) and I am only half way through season 4 of The Walking Dead. I did get to go to the movies with my wife this month and saw Annabelle. (We were kind of disappointed.The Conjuring was way better.)
What are you writing? Actually the reason my reading has slowed so much is because me and my wife are doing a 4th edit and putting the final touches on my novel for the HNFP contest deadline.
How is that going? I have been working on this book since December 19th 2012. I really love the story characters and everything about it but I can't wait to be finished. I have drafted it 3 times and now my Beta Reader is combing over it. (Nothing is better in life than having a partner!)
Well, why aren't you writing / writing more (in general, not this very second)? Like I said I am editing. It takes a lot of my time and energy. I love to write fresh material way more. I think if I was writing more this week I would actually be doing myself a disservice.
Is that just an excuse? No. Quit judging me.
Really? It is kind of...OKAY. I waste time like everyone else. I need to focus more and bear down. Every day I try to improve my skill in some way. I love this craft and will never not want to do it.
Stop assuming everyone is judging you, okay? Yeah...sorry about that.
How are things in the rest of your life? Good except kids are sick and now wife is feeling under the weather. I am going to have to make a lot of soup this week I can already see it.
Anything you feel we should know about? It is very hard for me to review. I have feelings of inadiquacy. I feel like if I give a suggestion than it is not just wrong but laughable. I really need this support network right now in my writing. I am very happy being a part of this writers workshop and the few friends I have made I really value. I hope to make more friends and I hope my reviews aren't as worthless as I see them to be. Everyone has considered them helpful and such and I have even been given good advice and some praise but my mind likes to work against me and well uh...you asked.
Thanks, Lynn E.
I feel like American filmmakers don't know how to do proper horror. They never scare me, they're always just kind of silly.
That is kind of how I feel about foreign horror (except a few English films).
Meh nothing really scares me anymore. So I have to hope for a little shock scare and a good plot and all that stuff.
@Adam
Anything you feel we should know about? 40% of the human race did not survive past their first birthday.
Woah, what? Really?
