Cloud activity

I didnt want to use my own story for this technique because I am unsure if I want to add a scene still or just expand on the scenes I already have, so I made up a character and a quick plot. There is Tom and he just found out that he has a super power, but it isn't a very cool one. He can turn objects into meat. Like chicken, ham, hamburger, steak, any object into any kind of meat. There are a lot of emotion that go along with finding that out. After settling with the fact that his power is completely lame and useless, he finds his importance in life:

"I don't know Mary, maybe I'm not so special after all." Tom said with a shrug. Tom and Mary were walking to the arcade downtown. Mary shrugged too, "Yeah, I don't know, maybe not, but you still are the only person I know that has a special ability Tom. That has got to count for something right?" Tom let out a sigh, "Why couldn't I fly or move objects with my mind or something cool. Why cant I be like Superman or Spidey or something? Whatever, I guess you're right, it's better then nothing."
They turned down 78th street. Tom and Mary started walking a little faster. Before they left, Tom's mother told them not to take this way. It was a big shortcut, but his mom said that it can be dangerous. Tom figured what was the worst that could happen? Besides, if they were going to be able to spend all of the free credits his uncle gave him, they needed all of the time they could get. Up ahead they saw an old man on the sidewalk. Mary grabbed Tom's hand, "Should we go the the other side?" Tom looked to the other side. Tom also knew that they were only supposed to cross at lights, and there were lots of cars coming from both ways. Tom tried sounding confident, "No Mary, it'll be no biggie c'mon lets keep going."
They were passing the old man and Tom started thinking that it really was going to be no biggie when the old man quickly grabbed Mary's arm. The old man smelled of old whiskey and garbage. The teeth he still had were brown and crooked and his breath reached out to the kids and slapped them across the noses. Mary let out a little squeal and latched onto Tom. The old man could barely open his eyes and asked, "You too little lads got any spare change?" Tom yanked Mary away from the man's grasp and said with a shaky voice, "No sir, no money at all sorry." That made the old man mad and he opened his eyes fully. Tom and Mary were both shocked and scared at how red his eyes were. "Don't lie to me now, I know your rich mommies and daddies wouldn't let you two out of the house without a little spending cash. I haven't eaten all week and if you don't give me some money to feed myself, I think I might just have to make a meal of you!"
The old man whipped out a butter knife and raise it towards Tom. Tom quickly reached out and grabbed the garbage bin on the sidewalk and turned it into a giant turkey. The old man and Mary both looked in shock and Tom grabbed Mary and began running with here, hoping the old man would focus on the turkey and not them. Without turning back, they heard the old man yell, "It's a miracle!" and it was then that Tom knew his purpose in life.

Okay, that was really corney I know, but I have just started watching the TV series Heroes and it inspired me to write something similar. This didn't turn out very well, but the clouding exercise was interesting.

Cutting up our paper

I'm not sure what I was supposed to see by cutting my story all up and taping it back together and reading it. The only thing I really noticed was that whenever Earl's name came up, Carson's was usually immediately after, and vice versa. But that is really it, I don't know what I should have seen really.

plotting and making conflict

I just chose one of the examples and tried to expand on it, I hope that is ok.

An eccentric substitute teacher subverts the 2+2=4 universe of her fourth grade students by introducing them to “substitute facts” (such as 6 x 11=68), Egyptian cosmology, and the curse of the Hope Diamond. One afternoon she explains the use of Tarot Cards, and predicts the early death of a particular student. (Charles Baxter’s “Gryphon.”)

What is at stake? The student's, Suzy, life is at stake, but if it gets saved, you risk upsetting the balance of the universe.

"Alright students now watch carefully." Ms. Shinebocker started mixing the Tarot Cards. This would be the last lesson she would have a chance to teach her class. Their regular teacher was going to be back tomorrow so she had to go out with a bang. The lights dimmed, but nobody touched the light switch. The desks scraped across the floor in a circle, but there was nobody there to move them. Ms. Shinebocker stared wildly at the cards in the center of the room as they begun to smoke.
With a shaky voice little Suzy was the first to speak up, "Ms.Shinebocker, are you ok? I don't like this."
Ms. Shinebocker's wild stare was then diverted to Suzy. With eyes wide she pointed at her, "it is you! You are the one little Suzy! You are going to be dead before the week is over!"
The class gasped. The lights went back to normal and the smoke emitting from the cards was beginning to clear. Ms. Shinebocker's eyes closed, and when they opened back, she looked determined. "Alrighty kids, what did you think of that? The world is a magical place indeed isn't it? Ok now, how about we get our desks back in their rows and do a little reading huh?"
All the kids looked around at each other. What just happened? Jim was about to find out. See, Suzy was Jim's sweet thing and he always protected her against everything, and Ms. Shinebocker would be no different. He raised is hand, but before Ms. Shinebocker even called on him he yelled, "What do you mean Suzy will be dead before the week is over?"
Ms. Shinebocker waved her hand, "Oh Jim, so valiant even at such a young age, but even you will not be able to save her. It is the future Jim, it is meant to be. If it is to be changed, then the balance of the entire universe could become upset. I sure am sorry little Suzy, but it is your destiny. It is hard to see it now, but your early departure from existence is meant to be for the greater good of things. I am truly sorry though my dear."
Jim had to do something, but Ms. Shinebocker seemed too set in her ways to help him. He had a plan, "Yeah right, hah, I bet you just made all of that stuff up huh? You really have been a funny sub Shiner." Ms. Shinebocker looked shocked, good Jim thought it's working. "What does this future of yours look like huh? How does little Suzy die? You can't see that no way!"
"Oh little boy! I can too see the future and everything I have shown you all has been real. Don't think you are going to fool me that easy though boy, I will not tell you how Suzy dies, as I have said, the fate of the universe depends on her death. You screw that up, who knows what the future could turn out like. I am not putting that up to chance, I am not going to be the one to screw up the balance."
Jim thought he had done it but he failed. He couldn't imagine a life without Suzy. He couldn't let her die.

Five helpful writing websites

My top five writing websites in no particular order:

http://resourcesforwriters.suite101.com/article.cfm/online_games_for_writers

www.writing-journey.com/internet-writing/178-internet-writing-tips

www.writersdigest.com

www.michaelcrichton.net

http://duotrope.com/

Rewrite of scene from movie

I chose the movie 300 thinking that some of its scenes fit really nicely with some of the mythical story telling structure things, then after watching it, I realized that it followed the structure very closely. Also, I love the movie, probably top 3 or 5 for me. While watching it, I typed up notes on the scenes that went along with the different patterns, then I chose a scene and tried story telling it. While I was typing my notes, I figured that was exactly what they were going to be, but now thinking about it, I figured I would just paste them in my blog. Being how I thought they were notes just for me, they are a little graphic and strange.

Ordinary world- Entire intro to movie showing how Spartans are made

Call to adventure- When the Persian comes into Sparta asking for submission and King Leonidas is a badass and kills him. Really sets tone for entire movie, Spartans are badasses.

Refusal of the Call- Oracle sends Leonidas away frustrated and torn.

Meeting the Mentor (Wise Old Man or Woman)- His wife convinces him of what he already knew and wanted.

Crossing the First Threshold- Leonidas gathers 300 men and leaves disregarding the rule of the gods and tells the prophets that he isn’t engaging in war. Leaves behind wife and child

Test, Allies, Enemies- From early on in their journey/march, disfigured dude follows asks Leonidas if he can join and Leonidas declines him, ultimately leading to his downfall. Arcadians join as allies. Possible first test- reach burning village, young boy speaks of immortals, Arcadians are scared, Spartans are confident and keep marching on. Other possible test- Black guy comes to talk to a leader and sees that Spartans have built a wall of their peeps, and Spartans act like the badasses that they are and show the dude what’s up. Crippled dude shows himself telling about a back way to get to the Spartans and Leonidas stays cool and talks to him. But ultimately tells him that he cannot help them. Test being the hidden passage to the back of the Spartans that will ultimately lead them to their doom.

Approach to the Inmost Cave- 300 Spartans and weak Arcadians start whooping some ass and killing different waves of Persian warriors. First Persian gets spear thrown at him and the battle begins, the Spartans are incredibly badass. Defeat many waves with practiced precision. Astinof dies.

Supreme Ordeal- Cripple dude gives away hidden path. Leonidas tells many to leave and keeps a handful to die a beautiful death. Final showdown with Zerxies, Leonidas gets plan that seems like he can’t refuse.

Reward (Seizing the Sword)- Leonidas refuses to submit to Zerxies and proves that even a god-king can bleed at the cost of Leonidas’ life.

The Road Back- One eye guy went back to Sparta to tell the story of what happened and gather more troops. Everybody is sad that they all died.

Resurrection- A year later, one eye guy is the ruler of a huge army of 10,000 Spartans and 30,000 Greeks formed to revenge the 300 soldier’s deaths

Return with the Elixir- Assumed that since the 300 Spartans whooped so much ass, that 10,000 should have no problem doing work.

Call to adventure-

It started as normal a day as any. Leonidas was about finished with his Spartan lesson to his boy. Today was an important on; respect and honor. Little did Leonidas know that the events that would take place next would set up the events that would cement his story in history. Leonidas saw the concerned look in his wife’s eyes as his most trusted soldier and friend approached them.

“A Persian messenger awaits you.”

Leonidas knew this day would be soon to come and it didn’t worry him. The Spartans have gone long without a serious war and he knew the Persians were growing in number conquering numerous countries. It was a matter of time before they would be at the gates of Sparta.

As Theron, Sparta’s most respected councilmen, and the Persian approached Leonidas, he already knew the outcome of what was next to come. He could see that this Persian was arrogant and greedy just like the rest. He was dawned in fancy fabrics and rare stones and metals, and rode with the skulls of the kings of the other conquered countries in a bag on his horse. This made the blood start to pump through his veins just a little faster. He was getting angry, but excited. Leonidas found it disgusting how seeing Theron made him feel the same way. They were both snakes.

As the Persian messenger opened his mouth, Leonidas interrupted him, letting him know that in Sparta, no amount of disrespect is allowed, even from just a messenger. The next words out of the simple Persian’s mouth were simply, “Earth and water.” It upset Leonidas that this Persian would ride all the way her to waste his time with games and riddles.

As the Persian continued about the God-king Xerxes and how vast and powerful his army is, Leonidas didn’t even hear him. He knew it was time for Sparta to take on its most powerful adversary yet. The more the Persian spoke, the faster the blood began to flow in Leonidas’ veins. The word “submission” came out of the Persian messenger’s mouth. This stupid Persian, Leonidas thought, doesn’t he know that Sparta bows down to no man? That Sparta is where warriors are born and bred? The Persian messenger did not choose how to speak to Leonidas very carefully and he would pay, but the time had to be right.

As Leonidas began speaking, that snake of a politician, Theron, began interrupting him, telling him to be diplomatic. Now Leonidas’ blood was really pumping, and he continued on with the Persian. Until he was cut off.

“Choose your next words wisely Leonidas.” This stupid arrogant Persian didn’t get it. The adrenalin was fully working in his body now. Leonidas could feel the cool breeze running across his feet and wrapping around his broad chest. He gazed as his countries vast hills and land, knowing that it very well could be one of the last times he would get to appreciate its beauty before he engaged in war. He looked at the children, women, and men around him, knowing that true Spartan blood ran through them all, and they were waiting for Leonidas to take care of this Persian.

As Leonidas pulled his sword to the unsuspecting Persian, all of his men around him did the same. The Persian was completely shocked; like for some reason he thought he could come into Sparta and behave and say whatever it is he wants without any consequences. The Persian was backed against the sacrifice pit.

“Earth and water, well you will find plenty of both down there.” His teeth were bared, he could taste the kill coming, “You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. You insult my queen. You threaten my people with slavery and death. Oh, I have chosen my words carefully, Persian. Perhaps you should have done the same.”

Leonidas gave the Persian one last long look. He knew that his next action meant war for Sparta. He looked over to his queen for reassurance. As she nodded, the Persian’s eyes widened. With a strong kick to the chest, and yell in for Sparta, Leonidas sent the messenger flying backwards solidifying his decision for war.

character we drew

"Heel boy. What was that?" His horse's ears perked up; he had heard it too. THWACK. There it was again. Dirk unsheathed his sword. Dirk knew all too well the dangers on the trail to Yermton. The trail always looked very calm and peaceful, especially today. There was vast cornfields on the south side of the trail and leafless trees along the north side. The slight breeze ran all the way down Dirk's back, chilling his spine. THWACK! They were appoaching the sound cautiously. The stream ahead was the most dangerous part of the trip. THWACK! Dirk knew his horse would sense his unease, but he couldn't help but tense up. THWACK! They came around the corner and saw a man, no more than four feet tall. THWACK! The man's hammer slammed against the poorly put together cart on the back of his mule. With every swing of the hammer, it looked like it was about to fall further apart.
"Would you like a hand?"
The man turned around quickly and scowled. "No boy mind your business!"
Dirk put away his sword and approached the man. "I have more tools in my satchel, let me lend you a hand, this is no place to be hanging around."
The man approached Dirk looking intense and fierce. "Boy what do you know!" Dirk could smell the man's foul stench from four feet away. "I don't need the help of a baby hands little boy and I can handle myself."
The man's scowl showed what few teeth he had were quite crooked and brown. Even the man's mule reeked. Dirk desperately wanted to help, but if this man was going to be this stubborn and stupid, he deserved to be let behind. Dirk turned to his horse and whispered, "Alright boy, if this man want's to be left alone out here, let's leave him be."
"I'm not alone boy! I have my horse and my friends right here!" Surprised, Dirk looked around and saw nobody. There was no movement or anything. He lowered his voice even lower, "Besides, this man is crazy." The man jerked his head back, and he stared fiercely at Dirk. There was no way the man heard that Dirk thought. As Dirk started walking away, he looked back and caught the bitter old man looking at him walking away. Dirk couldn't tell it for sure, but he thought there was a glitter on the man's cheek that could have been a tear. He just kept on his way.

blue moon

"This is a once and a lifetime opportunity, we gotta do this." It seems like nothing ever good comes from that sentence. Usually whenever you hear it's a once and a lifetime opportunity, it is a lot like hearing this is a limited time offer, order now. Just gimmicks and ploys to make you go along. This however was different. This time, my life was actually changed from the experience. And not even in a bad way.
We were deep in Sumatra. I don't even to this day know how Vegas, my best friend through life that got me in more trouble than I care to remember, found this place, this guide, even this island, but he did. Vegas had a friend that had found something incredible and wanted me and Vegas to be the first ones to see it. We are reporters. And some of the best ones in the world. Through our intense competition to the top of the reporting world is how we met and became friends, but that is a story for a different day.
Three days of walking across a jungle path that, at best, was wide enough for us to follow single file, and we finally arrived. Vegas and I were expecting something grand and spectacular, especially by how excited the friend was, but we had arrived to what looked like nothing more than a small opening in the ground, barely large enough for a man of reasonable size to fit through. The guide spoke very little English, but from what I understood at the time was that we were going to be a little uncomfortable. And that was a very large understatement, especially for anyone who is even a tiny claustrophobic.
It seemed like an eternity at the time, but looking back, it couldn't have been more than an hour or so of wiggling our way through the very small hole. It wasn't pleasant at all, there were things living in the hole first off, and there was just barely enough room to take a full breath. We were all exhausted by the end of the tunnel, and I remember very clearly being overwhelmingly relieved to be out of that cramped space, even though I had fallen out of the tunnel, into an underground pool, that felt more like one of the Great Lakes. Looking back, I don't know how the situation got better, but at the time it didn't matter. Somehow we managed to make our cramped tired bodies follow the guide to a shore where he shot off a flare. The cavern was immense, and so was the underground pool we just got out of. We appeared to make it to some sort of island. We set up camp and rested. The guide told us that we had a lot of walking to do.
The island was strange, but our destination was stranger. The ground we walked on for turned from sharp and ragged to flat and smooth. Also, the cavern began getting lighter. The closer we got to the light, the more movement there was. You could hear the bats above, and see the ground moving below. Then the source of the light. A whole way above in the cavern ceiling. No bigger than a football field. It gave enough light for sparse vegetation even. The guide pointed to a very large rock. Or what looked like a rock.
"You guys made it!"
It was Vegas' friend, he came from around another rock that we hadn't even noticed. There were tons of these rocks, all around, even where we came in, somehow we hadn't noticed them. As if that all wasn't enough, there was more. We heard a bark from behind us. It was a dog, but none like we had ever seen before. It was completely bald, and ghostly white, almost see through. Oh ya, it also had no eyes. It didn't even seem to notice. Vegas bent over to pet it and it's tale wagged.
"Guys, there is an entire society down here, undiscovered, this is their leader. They even have their own language down here, I have been trying to figure it out, and I've been getting pretty good. Oh, they don't shake hands, they fist pound. Ha cool huh?"
The man that he was standing next to was very short, no more than five foot, and he too was not only completely naked, but also 100% white. He still had eyes, but they were barely the size of pennies, and completely black.
Vegas and I stayed down there for a while and learned about the new society. It was hard to believe, too hard. That is why we decided that it was our duty to leave these people be. If we released the information we got about them, it would ruin them. They would become every scientist, every anthropologist, shit, everybody's little scientific experiment. We couldn't bring all that publicity to those people, so we left them be. I'm a writer though and writing is what I do, so here it will stay, on this blog for nobody to see.