Different Worlds Begin With Different Languages

I've always been fascinated with different cultures and their languages. 

They're not the same even if they have similarities. Each language is beautiful in its own way whether its a soft sounding one or a harsh sounding. A language in its own sense symbolize what each culture and world means.  Despite all the bad things one culture or race is associated with, I like to believe there is some good in there too.  Just because one individual or a group did something terrible doesn't mean we must shun the rest of the culture and close off ourselves from actually looking at what it could provide us.

The reason why I bring this up is because I just took a crash course in not only Irish but Arabic as well (I came in halfway unfortunately) and I've once again fallen in love.  As much as I love to learn and speak new languages, I've been deemed useless in speaking it and tend to excel in the reading and writing prospects. In other words I tend to suck at speaking them but I love learning about languages regardless.

I would have visit and sat in for the other various languages such as Chinese, Yiddish, Japanese, Russian, Welsh, Portuguese, etc etc but there simply wasn't enough time for me to attend all of them fully, besides some had already finished their run -- like Welsh.

Still I think if we all learned each other's language we could better understand one another.

And the world would be a better place.

Maybe, just maybe . . .

The Story That Is UNIVERSAL LIVES

Quick update, I really should be studying for my Celtic Studies Mini-Test tomorrow but ... THIS JUST SIMPLY COULDN'T WAIT. 

[insert dramatic music here]

I've opened up a secondary blog to dedicate it to a project solely as what I call UNIVERSAL LIVES. 

Now you're all probably wondering -- WHAT THE HELL is UNIVERSAL LIVES???

Well . . .

I'll give you a hint.

. . . it's a story.  o_______o"

An on-going Online Blog Restricted Story. 

Full of funny moments, crazy adventures and ridiculous antics by five chilldhood friends, narrated namely by Theodore 'Theo' DeGrant who runs the blog with the others adding their own unique style to it. 

Mainly detailing of their misadventures while in university -- sometimes paralleling my own and those around me.  Yeah, I do take inspiration from real life (doesn't EVERY author?) and like Theo, I'm usually at the wrong place at the right time to capture such events.  Or I hear of them.

There's also another reoccurring character that could (and MAY) serve as the sixth member of the gang. 
But that's another story.

So why am I doing this?

Because I've been hearing and thinking about how there's not really any books or a genre that deals with age 19-27 protagonists and whatnot.  There's like a HUGE gap of a leap between Young Adult and just plain Adult.  So I wanted to create a unique way to go about it.  And remembering my favourite comic strip 'For Better or For Worse' by Canadian Lynn Johnston and rewatching/reliving the episodes on youtube, made me reminisce and begin to think about the story that became UNIVERSAL LIVES. 

What if there was some sort of story that could be followed along for the laughs, tears, and the sheer craziness that makes university/college life -- university/college life. [laughs]

I'm not funny, according to my younger brother, but I will try my best to make the adventure enjoyable.  I'm not quite sure exactly when I'll be updating it, but it will be constant and weekly.  They're like short stories or rather short snippets of the lives of Theodore DeGrant and his buddies as they navigate the new world that is adulthood and university. [insert evil laughter here]

You can find the first post here: http://universallives.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!  And let me know what you think!

Magpie~ <3

*

Regarding the Next J.K.Rowling . . .

Lately, ever since the Harry Potter series came to a 'supposed' close, everyone keeps whispering and wondering who'll will take on the famous authoress for the prestigious Literary Throne in bid to become the next J.K. Rowling?

Writers desperately try to live up to the rising success and popularity that J.K. Rowling has created for herself with the help of Harry Potter and his magical world of witchcraft and wizardry.

As Publishers scramble in a desperate bid against time and effort in hopes of securing what will become the NEXT big thing.

While Readers await anxiously for the next big thing that will spellbind, capture their hearts, and enchant them and irrevocably knock them right off their feet, making them laugh and cry along with the story.

As a big fan (Its been what? Nearly 11 yrs now?) of the series, I'll admit my curiosity has been peaked several times whenever I hear or read people either shouting excitedly or screaming with glee: "[insert author's name here] as the NEW J.K. Rowling!" just to see who can possibly match her, if any.

I can't help but think:

Are we putting too much pressure on WRITERS in general?

This question has haunted me for a while now, and as an aspiring writer myself, I'm worried and concerned about this possible revelation.

I would love to be praised in that light myself but I can't help think it would also be insulting to me, especially since I've heard the child cry wolf or, in this case, people cry new J.K. Rowling. To get one's hopes up only to be flatten is terrible. However to be on par with the world's greatest authors would be a lifetime achievement of epic greatness for me.

And as a vivid reader myself, I've strayed away from the popular books or rather I remain ignorant of it until I hear all the praise and show for it. Then I usually or generally get curious and read it. But I find sometimes I rather dislike it or think, 'it was okay, I guess'. But then every once in a while I'll discover a book that is so wonderful and magical and enchanting that I just simply wonder why haven't people been reading THIS instead?

Of course, I've read most of the REALLY popular stuff, like Twilight (I can't really stand it because of Bella, but the writing was nice . . . somewhat) and The Hunger Games Trilogy (left me in tears but haunted me too much that I can't seem to bring myself to reread it fully again) or The Inheritance Cycle (I remember starting it then stopping, then picking it back up one day and finishing it).

However I discovered the Percy Jackson books before it got popular (I just SIMPLY LOVE these books!). I remember doing a book report on it in 9th Grade. And I remember vividly everyone being enthralled and attentive when I can my spiel on it. Even my teacher asked about it and thought he'd give it a try.

Now not to toot my own horn, but I have an incredible knack for picking out good books, and when I mean good -- I mean EXCELLENT. My skill hasn't let me down yet. But the only time when I feel bored or discouraged about half of the time is when I go and see/read what all the commotion over said book is about. Half of the time I like/love it, while the other half is dislike/hate it or HOW THE HECK THIS CRAP GET PUBLISHED????

Still I think it’s unfair to try and match every possible good book to the popularity that is Harry Potter or [shudders] Twilight or any other popular series.

After all publishers, I know you mean well, but you might send something back that could have been great.  Then publish something not so great just because it's on the bandwagon.  Now when I say bandwagon, I mean THEE bandwagon like Vampires in general.  Sorry Twilight, but you're REALLY easily to get picked on for this. Ever since Twilight rose to its stardom (should I even call that?) it’s been NOTHING but Vampire this, Vampire that – a whole Vampire takeover invasion (with a few werewolves on the side to do some damage control it seems). 

I've gotten fed up with it to the point whenever I hear the word Vampire or anything dealing with them, I flee. I want to hide yet I can't. All because the stuff is EVERYWHERE.  Vampire Dairies, True Blood, Blood Ties, etc etc.  I'm sure there's more than that but I don't really care because I'm just tired of it all.  Exhausted really.  And personally I would be glad to hear the word again in 10 yrs time but right now I just look forward to Twilight ending on, hopefully, a peaceful note -- not a screamin' one by fangirls. [sighs]

Personally I LOVED her other book The Host. WAAAAAY better in my opinion. And best of all, NO VAMPIRES to worry about!

Anyway I'm getting off topic here, sorry.

I know, in the wise words of my mother and grandfather, it’s the matter of hitting the editor/publisher right in the face at the right time for it to blossom into something wonderful.  Which is why I have up-teen many book plots and series stored away either in my head, in the notebooks in my backpack/pocket/closet/floor of my room, or on my laptop or merely telling it to another person willing to listen to my nonsense that seems to enchant them one way or another.

One day I do hope -- don't get me wrong -- to be on par with the famous J.K. Rowling (who shares my one of middle names, which is so cool in a geektastic way of course!).  But I think that's still lightyears away now.  Right now I'll just continue writing until I find the 'right' one that publishers will scream for and demand more hopefully and continue to be on the lookout for the next big thing whether it’s another book from J.K. Rowling herself or something else.

Never stop looking, reading nor believing.

I know I won't.  8DDD

Magpie~ <3

School Blues & Sky Tunes

Sometimes I really wish I was like the sky -- so carefree and forever traveling and seeing new places and worlds.

But I digress.

It's already been a week and a half since I started my 2nd year of university -- and, I'm sure you've heard of this before, I'm exhausted.  The readings aren't too bad and the essays (yes, I'm starting them early dispite being due in Nov/Dec) are not too bad.  It's more of all the time being spent and I have to be in several different places at once.

Yet in the mist of it, I still get my plotting/planning done for my debut novel -- or rather what I hope will become my debut novel. 

A little background to this story, which I am currently juggling between two different titles that would suit the story either way.  I have had this story sitting in my head for nearly two years now, always bugging me every once in a while and now I think I should write it -- especially after reading The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.  It was a fairly good book, while it did make me laugh a couple times and almost cry other times, the words are beautifully written.  But I think I missed what everyone was raving about.  Still I liked it meaning I can't wait to see the next book by Jandy Nelson.

Now I'm getting a bit sidetracked -- going back to what I was saying earlier, this story has been holed up and bubbling in my head for nearly two years since graduation.  I can remember each part vividly as if I'm watching the movie version of the story which is pretty cool.  And now I'm finally going to get the chance to actually do some work on it and I have -- which means if you guys are still following me, will see snippets of as well as teasers. 

I'll probably do them on .... Fridays though.  Actually I'm not really sure when I should do them but so far my goal is to write a chapter or two a week so that's about 4/8 chapters a month, which means by the time its the end of the year I should have it pretty much done.  This is without factoring in the fact I have essays and studying and reading to do for classes, but they seem pretty light at the moment luckily.

I'll update more about this on a later day.

What's up with search for thee PERFECT Romance?

Lately I've been frustrated over the whole idea of a great romance. 

In my 19 years of being alive I've never experienced love other than what I've seen or read about.  While there were a few close calls -- I've seemed to stray away from it.  Have I wondered about it? -- Hell yes.  Dreamed about it? Hell yes.  Like many girls waiting for their prince charming or the residental bad boy to come along -- I've always been waiting for the right guy to appear.

Enough about me though, I'm not here to discuss my non-existant love life (although my friends try to usher me into it). I'm here to talk about what could be--please note the COULD BE--thee BEST romance?

There's movie loves, video game loves, book loves, tv show loves -- even real life love but what's the BEST kind to see or know?

There's always two sides of this debate:
guys vs girls,
the young vs the old,
the puppy vs the experienced,
and
the cynical vs the optimistic.

Personally there's many different kinds of love as many as there are different cultures.  It is vibrant and beautiful while it can be down right ugly and rocky.  There's laughter and smiles, sadness and comfort, anger and troubles -- like with every day relationships with family and friends but on a more intimate level.  And those of you who think I'm talking about THAT level of intimaticy GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE GUTTER (or that just me?).

Regardless I always thought a love should be slow and sweet -- er, perhaps more of the thoughtful side as the two parties being to acknowledge one another whether they got off on a bad start or not.  Then slowly and gradually grow to like the other.  Then again other times I think there's should be an instant connection.  Not to coin the phrase 'Love At First Sight' but it has happened before (not to me but those whose love stories I heard about from).  I think its sweet and daring but sometimes makes us forget what we could be getting ourselves into -- 'Love can be blind'.


However love comes in many different forms -- not just the physical and emotional ties. There's many different ways to portray love and to describe it -- a gentle caress, a passionate kiss, a loving embrace. And there's always many paths it can take -- marriage, best friends for life, lovers and whatnot.

Anyway I have to stop there for today and head to class.

Laters!

Of Dreamless Creations

[looks around]
Erm, is this thing on yet?
[blinks] It is? [eye widens]
[scrambles to get her thoughts together and some lame excuse to persuade you to stay]

Hullo, I'm fairly new at this -- as if THAT wasn't obvious -- and hope to detail my journey as a fellow aspiring writer. 

And before I forget -- I'm usually called Magpie, which stems from a childhood nickname that seems to stick to me today.  This is also the explanation for some of my creative phrasing or phrases like ' EPICALLY AWESOME'.  It's been dubbed as Magpie-Speak, so if you don't think you've ever heard of such a saying or laugh at my poor attempt at deadpan humour -- THIS IS WHY. [laughs]

Besides that, I think the major question I'm asking myself today is why the heck would I do this a day before classes start? 

Well, I've been brooding on the subject of having my own blog.  For years I've either adored or loved reading blogs about other fellow writers, book reviewers and whatnot.  It's an exciting journey and task to undertake, especially to hold readers' interest.

To warn you, in the long run, I tend to ramble -- whether its a good thing or not -- I just thought you would like to know that.  This tends to happen when I'm either really really happy or really really fustrated or feeling mighty philosophical (ARGH I simply HATE that word sometimes) or poetic.  It really depends on the mood I guess. [shrugs]

So what I hope to do with this blog? 

Like I told you earlier, I hope to detail my journey as an aspiring writer even though I might take a while to get published and whatnot.  (Note: I tend to like saying 'and whatnot' so beware!) 

Perhaps I should tell you a bit about myself:

I'm entering my 2nd Year of University as an English Major.  I'm fairly short.  Often mistaken for a 11-14 year old when I'm already 19. [winces]  But no worries about that -- it just means my Youth Exilir is working. [insert evil laugh here]

And now my favourite past-time loves in my life besides my family and friends:

VIDEO GAMES, VIDEO GAMES, VIDEO GAMES!! <3
I've been a gamer since 2nd Grade when I received my first gaming system N64 and it still works today -- Man! Do I ever feel old! -- and played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.  That is just simply ONE of my favourite games of all time (no pun intended).  So I haven't played as much as I used to but I still enjoy duking it out on Brawl, fail horribly in Halo, or traveling with Donald, Goofy and Sora as we try to save the worlds from darkness (Kingdom Hearts). 
Currently I'm playing Portal 2 and just ADORE IT. <3

MOVIES ARE JUST WONDERFUL FUN. <3
I have so many movies that I don't know what to do with them other than cycle through and watch them over and over and over again.  I have favourites of course, but I'll address this in a later post. ;]

And MAINLY I JUST SIMPLY LOOOOOOVE BOOKS.  <3
Heck, my whole room is littered with them.  I've read all kinds of genres -- mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, thriller, romance, dystopian, historical, suspense -- you name it, I've probably have read something in that genre.  I've also read TONS and TONS of books so if you ask me about a certain book, chances are I've read it and can still recite a good portion of the book back to you.  Try it.  I always love remembering various types of books and talking about them.

Lastly I LOOOOOOOOOOVE TO WRITE. <3
I've spent a good majority of my lifetime just simply writing, beginning as early as 1st/2nd Grade.  I know this because my friends would often ask for suggestions on what to do and explore today for recess and of course I'd create something on the spot. Whether its traversing an unknown world or raising a sword to save the world -- we did that.  Now writing serves as my drug. [laughs]  I probably shouldn't say it like that but what can I say? I LIVE TO WRITE. :]

So feel free asking me about any of the above whether its books, video games, movies, tv shows, or simply writing. (I just love it when people ASK me about my writing!)

Anyway I think this first post is getting a weee bit too long (this was what I was saying about the rambling curse I have) and will stop here for today.

I dunno if anyone would read this but if you do -- GREAT! You've JUST made my day.
If you comment -- AWESOME!! You've JUST made my day.
If you ask a question -- EPIC!!! You've JUST ABSOLUTELY MADE MY DAY.

Okay, now I'm just getting ridiculous.  But really I just love it if you just drop by to say hullo.  I tend to worship any given  comments/opinions/feedback and whatnot.  Not to sound desperate but really I just LOVE/ADORE hearing from you.

And now I just rambled on more ... again. [sighs]

Until next time!
~Magpie <3

PS.
I just TOTALLY forgot to talk about what I'm currently working on -- oh well. 
That'll be the second post for this blog.
Hopefully I'll see you then!