I like to play guitar now and then and if there’s something that’s a lot of fun to mess around with, it’s Van Halen. You probably remember Jump and the Top Guntheme as some of his more memorable pieces. One of my favorites is Panama. But have you heard him play this number?
The first 1:40 of that video is his guitar solo titled Eruption. Those who play guitar know how ridiculously complicated that solo is.
That’s why she won the internet.
Meet 14-year-old girl Tina, who can play Eruption like it’s not big thing—like the effort kind of bores her. Keep your hands under your eyelids in case those eyeballs pop out, and press play.
Well done Tina! I hope you go on to be the female rock star that trumps all rock stars.
What did you think of the video? Impressed? Had you heard Eruption before today? Who’s your favorite guitarist?
I have a substantial amount of hobbies in addition to writing. I like to play the guitar, to ski, to travel, to learn about cultures and languages, drawing comics—the list goes on and on. And even amidst all that, I make time for a social life too. Some of us may be in a position where we think, I’ll have a social life after I’m published. Or maybe there are those of us wishing we could somehow get out of family and social obligations to write.
I’ve heard some authors say at writers conferences it’s okay to neglect family for the sake of writing. You can always make it up to them, they say. But I’m of the mind that no success outside of the home makes up for failure in the home. That’s why this quote appealed to me so much, from David Brin:
If you have other things in your life—family, friends, good productive day work—these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.
Sometimes those things we think are interfering with our writing are actually enriching our writing. Being a parent, a friend, a co-worker, etc. can and usually does feed our inspiration. Sometimes I also wonder whether or not it would be a good thing to only do writing full time. It seems like you gain experiences working the day job that you may not gain any other place.
And speaking of David Brin, he’s got some fabulous advice for writers on his site. I’ll admit, I haven’t read any David Brin. Sounds like I need to. One line I really like from his advice was: If you really are a writer, you will write! Nothing can stop you. How right he is.
Do you believe your relationships, whether at work, home or with friends influences your writing? Were you able, would you only write full time? Have you read David Brin? Would you recommend his books? Do you agree that if you’re really a writer, nothing can stop you? Let us know below.
Time for an update. Woot! Okay, not that kind of woot. Just a general let’s get this done woot.
SHADE – I finished my most recent round of editing on my novel. It was a major change again, like the one I did over the summer, but I think it’s stronger for it. My Pitch Wars mentor Marieke said she’d take another quick look at it (I’m guessing just the parts that have changed). Hopefully I’ve made much improvement. I know there’s more to be made, but I need a break and so I’ve been letting it get cold. I’m pleased with its progress thus far, however, and there are a few scenes I’m particularly proud of. I’ll probably take parts of it to writers group and bother a few of you peeps for feedback soon. But like I said, break needed.
QUERY – This is what I should be working on right now, but I’m still in recovery mode from Pitch Wars I think. But this is next on the docket. I’ve got a decent-ish one now, but Marieke gave it a once over and now I need to fix it up again—which I’m fine with. I’d rather have a query that kills than a query that chills.
CONTESTS – Unfortunately I heard back on my Gotham Writers contest and it was a no win. *shrug* I still have the Writer’s Digest coming up which I entered my short story Trick or Tree into. I should know about that at the end of February or so. I’ve got Cupid’s Literary Connection running next week, at least the “bouncer” round of it. If I get a “you’re in!” then I move on to the agent round. I’ll be sure to update you on that progress.
There’s a few other short story ones I’m looking into, but first the query. If you’re interested in trying to write short stories, I recommend reading a lot of them from either Ray Bradbury, Ernest Hemingway, or Anton Chekhov. A lot of Anton’s are available online for free. I wasn’t sure about being able to write short stories (I’m long-winded) but after reading a few dozen of these I started to get a feel for how the story flows when it’s short. Plus these are all great writers and they’ll help make your own writing better for being exposed to them.
BOOKS – Right now I’m reading Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. It’s a lot of great stuff on getting your plot and characters to as he calls it, a breakout level. Some of it is similar to Story by Robert McKee, but obviously more novel-focused. I had wanted to read On Writing by Stephen King next, but my bro let me borrow The Wiseman’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, and I’m probably going to look into that next. It’s thick—real thick. But hey, can’t be any longer than Atlas Shrugged, right? Right?
GUITAR – I did get my replacement guitar, for those who remember my previous post. It’s been a lot of fun. Too much really. I go back and forth between softer songs and hard rock. I’m getting close to nailing the timing on Thunderstruck and Johnny B. Goode. Apparently most of the Top Gun theme is ridiculously easy. I’ve also been messing with Danger Zone (another easier-than-I-thought piece). I usually get home from Kung Fu around 9ish and play until 10 (don’t want to tick off the neighbors). I really hadn’t been playing guitar that often before the electric. It’s interesting what a little change will do for your habits.
What about you? Making lots of progress in writing and otherwise? Any contests you’re waiting to hear back on? And you’re looking into entering? What movies are you most excited for?
Oh, and I should also mention one more thing. Kid History finally came out with another full episode. *grin* I’ve posted it below. Enjoy!
Today I’m going to play catch up with blog award nominations because I appreciate the friends who nominated me and since I haven’t had the time previously to do these posts, I’ve gathered them all here in one fail swoop. Most of these require me sharing 7 random things about myself. But since I’ve been asked to share 7 random things 7 times, I’m not sure if I can come up with, nor if you want to hear 49 things. So let’s do 20 and call it evensies.
VERSATILE BLOGGER NOMINATION
Let’s start with the nominations that include 7 random things. I’ll get to the other award(s) after that. First up we have the Versatile Blog award, my nomination by Heart of Paradise. Thank you Heart, I’m glad to know you and to keep getting to know you. It was fun reading through your 7 random things. I heart most things Disney too. And I’m proceeding cautiously optimistic with Disney’s new purchase of Star Wars. It will be a day long remember, whatever happens.
For the Versatile Blogger Award I nominate Ryan King, who inspires me to keep going on my own goals with Row80, whether related to writing or not. And he’s a genuine guy I’m glad to know.
ONE LOVELY BLOG NOMINATION
Next up is the One Lovely Blog Award, which I’ve been nominated for before by Daphne. This time the nomination comes from the lovely Amal who blogs over at the Misfortune of Knowing. Thanks Amal! I envy your ability to read 2-3 books per week. Maybe it’s because I’m reading quite a thick one right now. Probably it’s because I’m a slacker. But I’ll strive to live up to your example. 😀
For the One Lovely Blog award, I nominate Chelsea over at the Jenny Mac Book Blog. I’m sure she’s been nominated for this award before as she has a substantial readership, but when I thought of lovely blogs, hers came to mind and there you have it.
BEAUTIFUL BLOGGER NOMINATION
Jen Adams nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award. She revealed she loves to snowboard, and so do I. Or rather did. Don’t hate, Jen, I recently switched back to skiing. The thing is I live within 45 minutes of 7 major ski resorts and the top resort in the nation, Deer Valley, only takes skiers. Plus the BFF is a hard core skier, so there you have it. But I still have my fond memories of snowboarding. Thanks for the award!
For the Beautiful Blogger Award, I nominate El of Running From Hell with El. She has a beautiful story of how she rose from a very troubled childhood and depression to a more positive and better place. She still struggles, but she holds strong, an inspiration to all those who follow her blog.
Lit and Scribbles with Jae 