Prologues

I'm sure many of you readers have toyed with the prospect of writing a book. I never have been one for this time consuming activity but I love writing the beginnings, the prologues. The mystery gives ideas that can grow and blossom into things of beauty. So I'm sharing this for your ideas. Please, read and enjoy.

        "Humans have always been a curious race. They tend to be young, reckless and primitive but they possess something that is unique. It’s found within the “hearts” of these beings. It’s known as hope. The basic principle of this “hope” is that even in the face of defeat, they will still try, no matter the cost or the consequence. They will give all they have until there is nothing left to give. This is what makes humans dangerous, it’s what gives them an edge that no other race has. This is why they will survive."

Mysterious you see. Aliens? The future? That's your story to write, so you better get started.

A Scene from my Life

I was running through the darkness, tripping and stumbling my way through the trees. Though light filtered through the canopy above me, the darkness enveloped me. I could barely make way through the twisting, winding path. The mulch beneath my feet was still soft from being freshly placed. The air was thick. It felt as though I swimming through it and I was drenched. The heat was incredible but rapidly falling. A veil of gray clouds was casting a shadow that feigned nightfall.

Then I broke from the forest's edge. The ominous glow of the veiled sun hinted to an incoming storm. Thundered roared and rumbled in the distance. I broke from the trail to the cold, hard, unforgiving cement and raced toward cover. Then the heavens broke loose. Rain and lightning struck and lashed the earth with extreme ferocity. My first run on the Coach Dupe Trail had been cut short.

Reading response: Gifts and Reading Log

            So, in relation to this weeks choice of reading material, I found myself feeling much like last week. I was so confused but so interested at the same time. The book was Gifts, and though the description and title seemed straight forward enough, the book was anything but. The description made this book seem like an adventure into the unknown for two young "gifted" children. I was expecting a much more fast paced exciting tale but what I got was a in depth look into a young boys life and the way it has been twisted by the dangerous and terrible power he possesses. This is the point at which this book totally confuses me. It starts and ends in the present. Its all just one, enormous flashback on this boy's whole life. The author creates a link between reader and character only to cut it short with the length of the book. There is no definitive plot which infuriated me to no end but the message the book sent and the quality of the writing made up for it. I finished dissatisfied but i still enjoyed the ride.
            This book raises a question: what do I look for in good book? As I picked this book, I had this question in mind. The author is known for her excellence in writing so I thought maybe if I payed attention I could find what I looked for in a good book. Sadly, I found what I'm not looking for. I don't want a mysterious ending unless there is a second book and nor do I want to get attached to a character to get slapped in the face. I don't want to watch the characters destroy themselves. I just want a exciting book that makes relationships and ends them well. I want something meaningful but i don't that meaning to destroy the plot. Picky as I might be, a good book is worth more than you can imagine.

Reading Log

Gifts, Ursula K. Le Guin
8/22- 30 min 8/23 -1 hour 15 min 8/24- 2 hours
Total-3 hours and 45 min    pg. 1-279

Various News Articles, Bing
8/25- 30 min


 

An Introduction

An Introduction

For those of you who haven't met me and are wondering what I'm like in and outside of English class, this is for you. So, in English class or rather as an English student, I tend to be a strong reader. When I have a good book in my hands and I get really into it, I've been known to read 120 pages in an hour.  I'm mainly a fantasy man. I like being introduced to whole new worlds and escaping from the real one. Lately though, I've been trying to get into new genres. I read a horror book recently that was set on the moon which I found to be a welcome change but I have had zero luck with much else but the journey has been... interesting.

I excel at reading but I try to keep my writing skills on the down low. They're not something to brag about (sometimes). My critical thinking... well let's just say it needs a little work, but I have had some luck  with creative writing due to my reading habits. I even tried my hand at a few fantasy books but they lead to the great, dark abyss of, "I swear I'll do it.... tomorrow." So, reading is a twisting, broken path to good writing and apparently I'm taking my sweet ole time getting to the end.

What am I like outside of class? That comes with time. Conversation is key.  

Reading Log

172 Hours on the Moon, John Harstead
8/12-50 min., 8/13-1 1/2 hours, 8/14- 2 1/2 hours
Total-4 hours 50 min. Pg.1-340 Finished

Every Day, David Levithan
8/15-1 1/12 hours, 8/16-3 hours
Total-4 1/2 hours, Pg.1-300 Finished

Reading Response- Summertime

As I was reading, I found myself to be utterly confused but somehow I was strangely intrigued. 172 Hours on the Moon was one of those books that made you hungry for more information. It gave you a piece of information at a time and I found myself reading the book just because the pretense held my interest. Honestly, I didn't really care about the characters. The author didn't spend enough time on each character so no bond was made and therefore when they passed away (most everyone died because it was a horror book) there wasn't much feeling. This problem was overcome by ensuring that the reader stayed interested in the plot line itself. The thought of having a horror story on the moon was absolutely incredible. The author also made the "hunters" within the story extremely mysterious until the end, when we realize who they are and the danger they present.

So, the author held my attention throughout the book and made sure there wasn't a  sentimental bond to the characters. This, I later realized, was most likely a good idea considering the ending. It started with a slow beginning and moved to strange build-up. Though this made a great, fast-paced climax, I was extremely disappointed with ending (unless the author is planning on a second book).