Forgive me blog its been two months since my last confession... I mean blog post. In my defense 2012 has been a crazy year so far. I landed myself a short term teaching post in a year 4class and to say its been an eye opening experience is an understatement. In just 6 weeks I 've learnt more than in the past 18 months and I have a fantastic class to boot who'll jump through hoops for me. This, however, will end in just over a week which leads me onto the next reason for a crazy start to 2012...
In Feb the truely unthinkable happened, my wife was made redundant from Orange, something people were telling her couldn't possibly happen. Well it did and as a result we are upping sticks and moving out of Bristol. Just today we found a house in the lovely town of Crewkerne in south Somerset. We move in 10 days!
To ease a little of the pressure, well not really, Ruth starts a new job on March 12th. She also using her spare time to promote her business www.littlesprinkles.co.uk where she provides cakes, biscuits and sweets for ALL occasions. She's already booked in at some wedding fairs (you can thank me later honey for my prmotional efforts)
So as you can imagine writing has truely been put on the back of he back burner and the resolutions I made with such good intentions are seemingly a long way off. I refuse to give up though. The move has reinvigorated me across all areas. I'll be joining the local library and a local film club - my other passion.
On the reading front I am literally half way through The Hunger Games Trilogy and it is EXCELLENT, just can't put them down. I've actually read quite alot more so far this yeara nd have no intention of slowing down. 5 books down 25 to go!
Oh and I almost forgot the new series of A Game of Thrones starts in just over a month. I'm salivating with excitement!! Cold winds are rising!
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Monday, 27 February 2012
Friday, 30 December 2011
Stu vs 2012 (Resolutions for Next Year)
2011 has gone by in a blur and was filled with ups and downs. More on that another time. However by far the best part of 2011 was watching my son go from this:
To this:
Anyway onto 2012. Usually new year resolutions are either made to be broken or are so ludicrous that we have no hope of actually achieving success. I've thought long and hard over the last few weeks about what I actually want to achieve next year and believe my resolutions are actuslly achievable. Some of this determinations comes from reading about my wife's aims for 2012. Please feel free to read about her passion for all things sweet related at http://little-sprinkles.blogspot.com/
Next year I intend to:
1. Read more (My bookshelves are filled with books left untouched). Please look to the left for more on what I intend to read in my 2012 Reading list.
2. Push on with my Writer's Bureau Children's course. I started last May and am currently bogged down with assignment 2. By this time next year I want to be booged down with assignment 6.
3. My lifelong passion is to become a published author. Next year I intend to finish my first children's Book and publish it via the Kindle. So watch out for Captain Cosmo: Space Adventurer on a Kindle near you.
4. Finally get a fulltime teaching position and do away with all this unpredictable supply malarky.
5. Spend more quality time with the family (anyone who knows me knows how much I depend to technology and my gadgets. In 2012 I promise to use these less. Ironically I'm typying this out on my IPad - lol.
6. Lose a little bit of weight. Tone up a little.
Well that's it. Not too far fetched I hope. Anyone else care to share thier own?
To this:
Anyway onto 2012. Usually new year resolutions are either made to be broken or are so ludicrous that we have no hope of actually achieving success. I've thought long and hard over the last few weeks about what I actually want to achieve next year and believe my resolutions are actuslly achievable. Some of this determinations comes from reading about my wife's aims for 2012. Please feel free to read about her passion for all things sweet related at http://little-sprinkles.blogspot.com/
Next year I intend to:
1. Read more (My bookshelves are filled with books left untouched). Please look to the left for more on what I intend to read in my 2012 Reading list.
2. Push on with my Writer's Bureau Children's course. I started last May and am currently bogged down with assignment 2. By this time next year I want to be booged down with assignment 6.
3. My lifelong passion is to become a published author. Next year I intend to finish my first children's Book and publish it via the Kindle. So watch out for Captain Cosmo: Space Adventurer on a Kindle near you.
4. Finally get a fulltime teaching position and do away with all this unpredictable supply malarky.
5. Spend more quality time with the family (anyone who knows me knows how much I depend to technology and my gadgets. In 2012 I promise to use these less. Ironically I'm typying this out on my IPad - lol.
6. Lose a little bit of weight. Tone up a little.
Well that's it. Not too far fetched I hope. Anyone else care to share thier own?
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Stu vs. Christmas
Well folks as 2011 comes to an end I have actually found time to reflect on a few things. The first of which is Christmas. Now this is the first proper 'Copping Christmas' I've been involved in for 8 years. The last few times I've spent Christmas with my side of the family we've been in Florida. Although I had not forgotten how hectic it can get and how we are always swimming in presents, this was my wife's first taste of it all. It didn't disappoint.
This was our son's first Christmas and days before my brother and wife brought us the gift of a niece, Lyla. We were very excited to get to see her too. My wife is very organised so there was no last minute present dashes for people. Although on Christmas Eve-eve-eve (yes that is its official title) I was putting the last finishing touches to a present and in doing so destroyed my laminator beyond repair. This little mishap meant Ruth had to shoot into work on her day off to complete my awesome present for Dad.
Our journey to the parentals was slow but uneventful and we managed to fit presents et al in the car along with a moses basket for our little niece. My brother's car was a little more chocka (I will try and find a hilarious photo of this which had my sister-in-law wedged in the back).
So Christmas Eve arrived and the presents mounted. I thought we were quite reserved. My other family members had other ideas. For example my aunt dropped off 11 (yes 11) bags of presents just from her. Hence the tight fit in my brothers car. Strangly enough no-one seemed to get too hammered that evening. I think we were just too knackered.
I was up early on Christmas Day in anticipation for my son's early rise... It never came. He slept right through leaving a tired Daddy come breakfast time. TYPICAL. Now for as long as can remember we've haven't done traditional stockings at Christmas. Instead everyone get's everyone else a present or two that cost £1. This usually means an obscene amount of crappy presents that get lost on the way home. I was however suprised with my hall this year. Out of the 10 I received I think I've kept over half. My favourite being a map of Discworld. Bargain.
This went on until midday. We started at 10. When most people have ripped of paper and packaging and getting to play with shiny new toys our fun is just beginning. Now this went on until 4ish when we stopped for 'lunch' and then carried on once more until 10pm. I got a huge number of children's books which I intend to plough through this year, along with some PS3 games and a few Blu-rays which should also keep me entertained until my birthday in May.
I was more shocked with Nathan, who took in his first Christmas with awe. He wasn't too interested in presents, that I'm sure will happen next year, but he behaved excellently and monopolised his Grandad throughout the day. He got some excellent bath toys that we've already tried out.
Boxing Day was spent setting up my Mum's new IMac. I want one now, they're awesome. There were also more presents to open and lots of food to eat and I was all to happy to oblige. We then headed home on the 27th with more stuff than we came with.
That was out Christmas in a nutshell. It was great to spend it with family and see old friends (Bex your son is great). I've already read about other people's Christmas' and it looks like everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves this year.
Here's to a cracking 2012!! Happy New Year readers
This was our son's first Christmas and days before my brother and wife brought us the gift of a niece, Lyla. We were very excited to get to see her too. My wife is very organised so there was no last minute present dashes for people. Although on Christmas Eve-eve-eve (yes that is its official title) I was putting the last finishing touches to a present and in doing so destroyed my laminator beyond repair. This little mishap meant Ruth had to shoot into work on her day off to complete my awesome present for Dad.
Our journey to the parentals was slow but uneventful and we managed to fit presents et al in the car along with a moses basket for our little niece. My brother's car was a little more chocka (I will try and find a hilarious photo of this which had my sister-in-law wedged in the back).
So Christmas Eve arrived and the presents mounted. I thought we were quite reserved. My other family members had other ideas. For example my aunt dropped off 11 (yes 11) bags of presents just from her. Hence the tight fit in my brothers car. Strangly enough no-one seemed to get too hammered that evening. I think we were just too knackered.
I was up early on Christmas Day in anticipation for my son's early rise... It never came. He slept right through leaving a tired Daddy come breakfast time. TYPICAL. Now for as long as can remember we've haven't done traditional stockings at Christmas. Instead everyone get's everyone else a present or two that cost £1. This usually means an obscene amount of crappy presents that get lost on the way home. I was however suprised with my hall this year. Out of the 10 I received I think I've kept over half. My favourite being a map of Discworld. Bargain.
This went on until midday. We started at 10. When most people have ripped of paper and packaging and getting to play with shiny new toys our fun is just beginning. Now this went on until 4ish when we stopped for 'lunch' and then carried on once more until 10pm. I got a huge number of children's books which I intend to plough through this year, along with some PS3 games and a few Blu-rays which should also keep me entertained until my birthday in May.
I was more shocked with Nathan, who took in his first Christmas with awe. He wasn't too interested in presents, that I'm sure will happen next year, but he behaved excellently and monopolised his Grandad throughout the day. He got some excellent bath toys that we've already tried out.
Boxing Day was spent setting up my Mum's new IMac. I want one now, they're awesome. There were also more presents to open and lots of food to eat and I was all to happy to oblige. We then headed home on the 27th with more stuff than we came with.
That was out Christmas in a nutshell. It was great to spend it with family and see old friends (Bex your son is great). I've already read about other people's Christmas' and it looks like everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves this year.
Here's to a cracking 2012!! Happy New Year readers
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Stu vs. 25 Books in 2011: An Update
Well as we near the end of 2011 and think about what's in store for us in 2012 (I'll deliberate that later) I thought I would revisit my reading challenge. Looking back this challenge was flawed and doomed to fail from the start. The reason: I didn't actually own all the books on the list. Yes, I intended to but them all eventually but never got around to getting all of them.
Now I'll admit I'm a slow reader but I honestly thought 25 books in a year was doable. I managed to finish... 6! Yes just six. I blame A Dance with Dragons tbh. That book alone took me over three months to get through. Since then I finished a fair few others. My latest conquest being the first book in the Warcraft: Ancients trilogy.
So the list to the left will be altered to 30, yes 30, books in 2012. I'm going to remove those I've finished and add a few more. To quote Yoda, 'Do or do not, there is no try.'
This will probably be my final post pre-christmas, so I will take this opportunity to wish my readers a Happy Christmas. Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Now I'll admit I'm a slow reader but I honestly thought 25 books in a year was doable. I managed to finish... 6! Yes just six. I blame A Dance with Dragons tbh. That book alone took me over three months to get through. Since then I finished a fair few others. My latest conquest being the first book in the Warcraft: Ancients trilogy.
So the list to the left will be altered to 30, yes 30, books in 2012. I'm going to remove those I've finished and add a few more. To quote Yoda, 'Do or do not, there is no try.'
This will probably be my final post pre-christmas, so I will take this opportunity to wish my readers a Happy Christmas. Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Stu vs The Christmas List
Well folks, it's that time of year again and at the grand age of 29 am finding it harder and harder each year to come up with things for people to get me.
However my father is having no such problem. His list last year was comedy gold, this year its almost as good, so good I thought I'd post iton my blog. ENJOY!!
THE CHRISTMAS LIST
By John
2 weeks at the Almond Beach and Spa in Barbados. Please do not scrimp Ocean view room on the 1st floor and upgrade to business Class on the flight. (I will pay for the stay at Holiday Inn the night before). Budget for around £7,000
2 Weeks in a villa at Sunset Lakes Orlando. (Please check with me first and I will send link to book villa direct). Again, upgrade on the flights please. Do not scrimp on the car hire....Cadillac Seville. If you shop around allow for £5,000 (how cheap is that?)
10 days in a villa at Competa. Unfortunately no flight upgrade available so be generous with the car hire. Well worth £3,000 which should give me some spending money if comparing with above.
ALL DATES SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH LAINE
May have to steer clear of Christmas next year as we seem to be gathering a collection of Grandchildren
The biggest Apple Computer costs a lot and does things I will never understand but bugger me does it look good. Since he bought his laptop, sorry Mac book, Jamie can advise on additional software.
Conn Iggulden...Conqueror. Amazon £8.55
George R R Martin...Dance with Dragons. Amazon £12.50
Nils Lofgren...Favourites 1990 – 2005. Amazon £7.49
Apparently you can buy credits for WII games to buy ‘on line’. Now that we have rescued this from Alex and Lisa best check with Stubag to see how this is done. You can borrow my ‘idiots guide to all things gaming’ that Stu wrote for me last year if you needed, should you wish to try yourself.
As mentioned last year I get great satisfaction killing things, they should invent a game with Politicians as the main protagonists, how much fun would that be? Oh, I digress; speak with Stubag to get an idea of what I can cope with.
I have asked Stubag and Barmy to come up with ideas for me, as and when they do I will add to list therefore please check regularly for updates.
All I'm hoping for is a few books (shock horror) and a couple of other bits and bobs. Here wishing all readers a Happy Christmas.
However my father is having no such problem. His list last year was comedy gold, this year its almost as good, so good I thought I'd post iton my blog. ENJOY!!
THE CHRISTMAS LIST
By John
2 weeks at the Almond Beach and Spa in Barbados. Please do not scrimp Ocean view room on the 1st floor and upgrade to business Class on the flight. (I will pay for the stay at Holiday Inn the night before). Budget for around £7,000
2 Weeks in a villa at Sunset Lakes Orlando. (Please check with me first and I will send link to book villa direct). Again, upgrade on the flights please. Do not scrimp on the car hire....Cadillac Seville. If you shop around allow for £5,000 (how cheap is that?)
10 days in a villa at Competa. Unfortunately no flight upgrade available so be generous with the car hire. Well worth £3,000 which should give me some spending money if comparing with above.
ALL DATES SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH LAINE
May have to steer clear of Christmas next year as we seem to be gathering a collection of Grandchildren
The biggest Apple Computer costs a lot and does things I will never understand but bugger me does it look good. Since he bought his laptop, sorry Mac book, Jamie can advise on additional software.
Conn Iggulden...Conqueror. Amazon £8.55
George R R Martin...Dance with Dragons. Amazon £12.50
Nils Lofgren...Favourites 1990 – 2005. Amazon £7.49
Apparently you can buy credits for WII games to buy ‘on line’. Now that we have rescued this from Alex and Lisa best check with Stubag to see how this is done. You can borrow my ‘idiots guide to all things gaming’ that Stu wrote for me last year if you needed, should you wish to try yourself.
As mentioned last year I get great satisfaction killing things, they should invent a game with Politicians as the main protagonists, how much fun would that be? Oh, I digress; speak with Stubag to get an idea of what I can cope with.
I have asked Stubag and Barmy to come up with ideas for me, as and when they do I will add to list therefore please check regularly for updates.
All I'm hoping for is a few books (shock horror) and a couple of other bits and bobs. Here wishing all readers a Happy Christmas.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Stu vs The Illnesses
Wow, I haven't blogged in a few days. Why you maybe asking, well viruses, colds, flu, tonsilitis and generally not nice things have been passed around my house affecting me, my wife and most unfortunately my son Nathan. This has meant many sleepless nights trying to get him back to sleep (every violent cough seemed to wake him). This coupled with his total lack of appetite has meant a stressful week in the Copping household. We seem to be over the worst of it though.
This week has also marked the end of my short term work in a reception class. Yes it only lasted 3 weeks but it hsa felt like forever and I feel like I was really making strides where I shouldn't have been. I'm really going to miss that class of little horrors. So it's back to waiting by the phone next week from 7-9am in hope that some poor teacher somewhere will phone in sick. Roll on Tuesday!
I finally decided to bite the bullet this week and officially gave up on Nano but it has given me a fire that I haven't had in months. I think I will finally start Assignment 2 for my Children's Writers course. I'm just getting a bit muddled when looking at plot and synopsis. Argh!
I'm also going to try and finish my book and Little Big Planet 2 this week during my 'off' hours.
This week has also marked the end of my short term work in a reception class. Yes it only lasted 3 weeks but it hsa felt like forever and I feel like I was really making strides where I shouldn't have been. I'm really going to miss that class of little horrors. So it's back to waiting by the phone next week from 7-9am in hope that some poor teacher somewhere will phone in sick. Roll on Tuesday!
I finally decided to bite the bullet this week and officially gave up on Nano but it has given me a fire that I haven't had in months. I think I will finally start Assignment 2 for my Children's Writers course. I'm just getting a bit muddled when looking at plot and synopsis. Argh!
I'm also going to try and finish my book and Little Big Planet 2 this week during my 'off' hours.
Monday, 14 November 2011
Stu vs. NaNoWriMo Day 13: A Bit of Description
Looking at my stats page on the Nano website isn't making me feel that great. My average words stands at around 300 and I am way below the diagonal line. Finishing seems like a distant dream and I blame life an work getting in the way.
However this mamouth undertaking has given me a drive to write. i've worked on my story more in the last 13 days than I have in the last few years. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist. I edit as I go and like nothing I write dismissing it as cliche, boring or just not good enough.
Today I've been working on my second chapter which involves a lot of description. I would give you a sample but my latop has decided to have a midlife crisis and it won't connect to the internet. Thank the lord for Mr IPad, here to save the day. I promise my next excert will be up tonight. I really want some feedback on it.
However this mamouth undertaking has given me a drive to write. i've worked on my story more in the last 13 days than I have in the last few years. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist. I edit as I go and like nothing I write dismissing it as cliche, boring or just not good enough.
Today I've been working on my second chapter which involves a lot of description. I would give you a sample but my latop has decided to have a midlife crisis and it won't connect to the internet. Thank the lord for Mr IPad, here to save the day. I promise my next excert will be up tonight. I really want some feedback on it.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Stu vs The Synopsis
I'm never one to just jump right in or am I organised enough to actually plan to far ahead (strange as I'm a teacher but I digress)
So this morning I knocked up a quick synopsis for my NanoWrimo (I love saying that, it just roles off the tongue) novel. Yes it probably has more holes in it than Julius Caesar's corpse but it's a start and I'm sure it will change as I progress.
If anyone is interested here it is in all it's glory:
Synopsis
As a comet breaks up over the land of Etheracea, Traemidan, the last surviving Elf has a vision of a bleak future where mana once again fuels desires and strange creatures are laying waste to their lands.
He wakes to find his King has died and with Prince Garaan far off in the north he is unsure who to trust on the Council of Eldars. He dispatches his son's to take word to the Prince of his father's death and bring him home.
Upon his return and after the coronation Traemidan tells Garaanand the Council of what he witnessed in his dream. However they do not share his concerns and is removed from the council. The newly crowned Garaan Declares that under his rule the realm will be united once again and the garrisons of the north are to prepare for his arrival as he intends to lead a raiding party into the Tesseras Mountains and bring back the comet shard that fell there.
Not about to give up Traemidan sets out for Tarak Isle, where the king's brother, Wrain, commands the Eagle Riders, hoping for a better reception.
Traemidan's sons, Eliyan and Vrai, accompany the Garaan into the mountains where they come up against the Orgalath clans who have claimed the comet shard for themselves. Something in the rock has changed some of the creatures physiology and the Etherans' are crushed in the mountain passes. Garaan, Eliyan, Vrai and small group of soldiers are captured but not before word is sent to Tarak Isle where the Eagle Riders mount a rescue attempt.
The rescue is a success and the Etherans' make off with a part of the comet which is given to the Eldars for study. This research leads to the discovery of mana in the rock and begins to corrupt the Eldars who in turn begin to lead Garaan down a dark path that involves the capture of Traemadin and his sons. King Garaan then holds a series of tournaments in his own honor where Eliyan and Vrai witness the death of their father but are rescued along with the mysterious Flo'Rina by the Eagle Riders.
Now I have work this afternoon but I really want to have written my prologue by tomorrow. I'm feeling very ambivolent about this whole project right now.
So this morning I knocked up a quick synopsis for my NanoWrimo (I love saying that, it just roles off the tongue) novel. Yes it probably has more holes in it than Julius Caesar's corpse but it's a start and I'm sure it will change as I progress.
If anyone is interested here it is in all it's glory:
Synopsis
As a comet breaks up over the land of Etheracea, Traemidan, the last surviving Elf has a vision of a bleak future where mana once again fuels desires and strange creatures are laying waste to their lands.
He wakes to find his King has died and with Prince Garaan far off in the north he is unsure who to trust on the Council of Eldars. He dispatches his son's to take word to the Prince of his father's death and bring him home.
Upon his return and after the coronation Traemidan tells Garaanand the Council of what he witnessed in his dream. However they do not share his concerns and is removed from the council. The newly crowned Garaan Declares that under his rule the realm will be united once again and the garrisons of the north are to prepare for his arrival as he intends to lead a raiding party into the Tesseras Mountains and bring back the comet shard that fell there.
Not about to give up Traemidan sets out for Tarak Isle, where the king's brother, Wrain, commands the Eagle Riders, hoping for a better reception.
Traemidan's sons, Eliyan and Vrai, accompany the Garaan into the mountains where they come up against the Orgalath clans who have claimed the comet shard for themselves. Something in the rock has changed some of the creatures physiology and the Etherans' are crushed in the mountain passes. Garaan, Eliyan, Vrai and small group of soldiers are captured but not before word is sent to Tarak Isle where the Eagle Riders mount a rescue attempt.
The rescue is a success and the Etherans' make off with a part of the comet which is given to the Eldars for study. This research leads to the discovery of mana in the rock and begins to corrupt the Eldars who in turn begin to lead Garaan down a dark path that involves the capture of Traemadin and his sons. King Garaan then holds a series of tournaments in his own honor where Eliyan and Vrai witness the death of their father but are rescued along with the mysterious Flo'Rina by the Eagle Riders.
Now I have work this afternoon but I really want to have written my prologue by tomorrow. I'm feeling very ambivolent about this whole project right now.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Stu vs NanoWrimo
Tomorrow is November 1st, for most it is just another day for pinching and punching and a few white rabbits. For me it will be this and more with the start of National Novel Writing Month. I've got an idea for the story I'm going to attempt. I'm in the process of writing a quick plan. Yes I know I should have done this already but I've been busy with stag do's and a best man speech which I delivered with a few laughs on Saturday. It may just have been the most nerve racking moment of my life to date.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Stu vs Life
Well it's been almost a month of nothingness. Very little to report on all fronts, with steady work coming in and a more mobile son to look after all else has faded away into the miasma that is my mind. However this may change next week as it is half-term. I'm not commiting to anything though.
However in a few weeks November begins in ernest bringing with it My Novel in a month challenge.
I did have a funny moment in school today. A child asked me what my favourite book was as a child. Obviously I came up with Brian Jacques' Redwall (a book I have a lot of history with). I also mentioned I own a lot of children's books due to the fact I want to become a children's author. They asked me whether I new any publishers to make me famous. Alas I said no. She then replied I should make some friends become publishers so I can become famous, so Ican come to school in a leather jacket and shades and walk with a swagger. Apparently all famous people do this...maybe I should be practising.
However in a few weeks November begins in ernest bringing with it My Novel in a month challenge.
I did have a funny moment in school today. A child asked me what my favourite book was as a child. Obviously I came up with Brian Jacques' Redwall (a book I have a lot of history with). I also mentioned I own a lot of children's books due to the fact I want to become a children's author. They asked me whether I new any publishers to make me famous. Alas I said no. She then replied I should make some friends become publishers so I can become famous, so Ican come to school in a leather jacket and shades and walk with a swagger. Apparently all famous people do this...maybe I should be practising.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Stu vs A Novel in November
Challenge accepted!
Regular readers may know a few months back I joined a writers group on the The Book of Face, and although not a regular poster I put my two cents in every once and a while. Well while trawling posts I found a link to a website celebrating National Novel Month (if anyone hasn't guessed it already it's next month.
So I've signed up and accepted the challenge of writing 50,000 words in a month. Now considering I've written precisely 0 in the last two months this seems a little daunting. Hovever with the challenge being non-genre specific I thought I could get a move on with my childrens novel that I can only describe as Rugrats in Space... intrigued I hope so.
Stay tuned for regular (hopefully!) updates on my progress and maybe the odd excert.
Regular readers may know a few months back I joined a writers group on the The Book of Face, and although not a regular poster I put my two cents in every once and a while. Well while trawling posts I found a link to a website celebrating National Novel Month (if anyone hasn't guessed it already it's next month.
So I've signed up and accepted the challenge of writing 50,000 words in a month. Now considering I've written precisely 0 in the last two months this seems a little daunting. Hovever with the challenge being non-genre specific I thought I could get a move on with my childrens novel that I can only describe as Rugrats in Space... intrigued I hope so.
Stay tuned for regular (hopefully!) updates on my progress and maybe the odd excert.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Stu vs Character Profiles 3
Well here it is finally after over a month, my final character biography for Assignment 1 of my Writers Bureau course. This little guy is the main character for my 5-7 age range.
Biography - Cosmo (Captain Cosmo Adventures)
Name: Cosmo
Nick-Name: Captain Cosmo (his alter ego)
Age: 6
Sex: Male
Nationality: Tarakian
Appearance: Short, piggish nose, has a bionicle eye, always has grazed knees and little cuts and bruises over his face and arms
Hair Colour: Short blonde hair (kept shaven),
Eyes: Green
Voice: Loud, excited, commanding
Features: Bionicle eye, carries around a F12 blaster replica,
Favourite Colour: Gunmetal grey
Favourite Food: Plotho Balls
Least Favourite Food: Tarakian Sprouts
Best Character Trait: Friendly, fearless
Character Flaw: Forgetful
Personality: Pretends he is Captain Cosmo Space Adventurer, outgoing, fearless
Likes: Aliens, exploring the ship, his robot toy - Bal-4
Dislikes: Curfus
Habits: Day dreaming, getting lost, getting into trouble
Pets: None
Best Friend: A sentient robot toy Bal-4
Worst Enemy: The Scurge - bad aliens
Secret Desire: To become Captain Cosmo: Space Adventurer
Biography - Cosmo (Captain Cosmo Adventures)
Name: Cosmo
Nick-Name: Captain Cosmo (his alter ego)
Age: 6
Sex: Male
Nationality: Tarakian
Appearance: Short, piggish nose, has a bionicle eye, always has grazed knees and little cuts and bruises over his face and arms
Hair Colour: Short blonde hair (kept shaven),
Eyes: Green
Voice: Loud, excited, commanding
Features: Bionicle eye, carries around a F12 blaster replica,
Favourite Colour: Gunmetal grey
Favourite Food: Plotho Balls
Least Favourite Food: Tarakian Sprouts
Best Character Trait: Friendly, fearless
Character Flaw: Forgetful
Personality: Pretends he is Captain Cosmo Space Adventurer, outgoing, fearless
Likes: Aliens, exploring the ship, his robot toy - Bal-4
Dislikes: Curfus
Habits: Day dreaming, getting lost, getting into trouble
Pets: None
Best Friend: A sentient robot toy Bal-4
Worst Enemy: The Scurge - bad aliens
Secret Desire: To become Captain Cosmo: Space Adventurer
Friday, 15 April 2011
Stu vs. The IPad
So I've been after an IPad since it's unveiling last year but a lack of camera and word processing tools left me somewhat unconvinced. So fast forward 12 months and Apple released it's IPad 2. To cut a long story short I succumbed and am actually writing this blog using it. What can I tell you about Apple's thin box of tricks that you don't already know? Well my only disappointment is that it doesn't have a USB slot. The apps are great, a mobile version of Apple's IWorks is great too.
I'm still playing with other bits but suffice to say I'm happy and can't wait to take it on holiday next week and do some writing.
On a completely different note I have received my course materials from the Writer's Bureau and am already getting stuck in. Prepare to see some character profiles up soon
I'm still playing with other bits but suffice to say I'm happy and can't wait to take it on holiday next week and do some writing.
On a completely different note I have received my course materials from the Writer's Bureau and am already getting stuck in. Prepare to see some character profiles up soon
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Stu vs. 25 Books for 2011
If I want to be a children's writer I need to read more modern children's literature. So I decided to do a reading list for this year. I'm setting a target of 25 books for this year. Now I may read more but I do read quite slowly and not as often as I would like. Here's the list in its full glory, though not in any partcular order.
NB: Current book - Swallows and Amazons (a book I've wanted to read since I was a kid and never got around to it)
1. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
2. Beast Quest: Book 1 - Ferno the Fire Dragon
3. Dance with Dragons (released July - can't wait!)
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
5. Inheritence (released September)
6. The Subtle Knife
7. The Complete Spiderwick Chronicles
8. The Edge Chronicles - Beyond the Deepwood
9. The Bromliad
10. Assassins Apprentice
11. Royal Assassin
12. Assassin's Quest
13. How to Train Your Dragon
14. The Amulet of Samarkind
15. Tom Trineheart and the Land of Dark Stories
16. Inkdeath
17. Brisingr
18. The BFG
19. The Wyrmling Horde - Sum of All Men
20. The Warcraft Anthology
21. Tales From Earthsea (this book is really four stories in one and I have read the first)
22. Warlock of Firetop Mountain (technically an adventure book, but I want to return to the books of my childhood).
23. The Subtle Knife
24. Scott Pilgrim: Book 4
25. Scott Pilgrim: Book 5 (yes these last two are graphic novels but I still need to read them)
Well there you have it readers; my mammoth reading list for 2011. These will hopefully open my mind up so I can write some more.
P.S. I am currently working on my top 50 films of all time. This list will be up shortly and I'm sure I'll have some controversal titles.
NB: Current book - Swallows and Amazons (a book I've wanted to read since I was a kid and never got around to it)
1. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
2. Beast Quest: Book 1 - Ferno the Fire Dragon
3. Dance with Dragons (released July - can't wait!)
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
5. Inheritence (released September)
6. The Subtle Knife
7. The Complete Spiderwick Chronicles
8. The Edge Chronicles - Beyond the Deepwood
9. The Bromliad
10. Assassins Apprentice
11. Royal Assassin
12. Assassin's Quest
13. How to Train Your Dragon
14. The Amulet of Samarkind
15. Tom Trineheart and the Land of Dark Stories
16. Inkdeath
17. Brisingr
18. The BFG
19. The Wyrmling Horde - Sum of All Men
20. The Warcraft Anthology
21. Tales From Earthsea (this book is really four stories in one and I have read the first)
22. Warlock of Firetop Mountain (technically an adventure book, but I want to return to the books of my childhood).
23. The Subtle Knife
24. Scott Pilgrim: Book 4
25. Scott Pilgrim: Book 5 (yes these last two are graphic novels but I still need to read them)
Well there you have it readers; my mammoth reading list for 2011. These will hopefully open my mind up so I can write some more.
P.S. I am currently working on my top 50 films of all time. This list will be up shortly and I'm sure I'll have some controversal titles.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Stu vs. First Post
I am a cheater. I've been faithful for two months but no longer. I have cheated on my other blog with this one. The main reason: this one looks better and more people seem to use it, good old Google. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not normally into the aestetics of things, though I do have my DVD's in alphabetical order and books arranged on shelves in height order but that's just my crazy personality and nothing to do with aethestics...right?
Well suffice to say the tools surrounding the designs of blogspot are much better than those over at blog.co.uk so I switched, just like someone who switches credit cards for the interest free periods or brands of baked beans for the taste.
So why did I decide to write a blog in the first place. Well I'll tell you... I started as a way of making sure wrote something everyday, no matter how small (and Twitter isn't my cup of tea just yet). However this quickly changed to writing every few days. I want to get published as a children's author: not for money or fame but because I have a wild imagination and there's too much in my head not to share it around. I thought a blog would help my channel my thoughts, posting snippets of my adventures here for all to read and get opinons from you the outside world.
I intend to do this write here with the help of the Writer's Bureau Children's Course, something I have just enrolled in. I will post my mini assignments here to get your views.
Now it won't all be about my ability/inability (delete as appropriate) to write. I will also use this blog to air any thoughts I have on other things. For example I am in the process of succumbing to the purchase of an IPad 2 and will surely, once I receive it, make some comments here. I fully intend to use it for writing purposes and not for games. I have a PS3 for that.
Throughout this blog you may find out things about me... you may not. I hope you enjoy my subsequent posts and feel free to leave any comments you wish.
Well suffice to say the tools surrounding the designs of blogspot are much better than those over at blog.co.uk so I switched, just like someone who switches credit cards for the interest free periods or brands of baked beans for the taste.
So why did I decide to write a blog in the first place. Well I'll tell you... I started as a way of making sure wrote something everyday, no matter how small (and Twitter isn't my cup of tea just yet). However this quickly changed to writing every few days. I want to get published as a children's author: not for money or fame but because I have a wild imagination and there's too much in my head not to share it around. I thought a blog would help my channel my thoughts, posting snippets of my adventures here for all to read and get opinons from you the outside world.
I intend to do this write here with the help of the Writer's Bureau Children's Course, something I have just enrolled in. I will post my mini assignments here to get your views.
Now it won't all be about my ability/inability (delete as appropriate) to write. I will also use this blog to air any thoughts I have on other things. For example I am in the process of succumbing to the purchase of an IPad 2 and will surely, once I receive it, make some comments here. I fully intend to use it for writing purposes and not for games. I have a PS3 for that.
Throughout this blog you may find out things about me... you may not. I hope you enjoy my subsequent posts and feel free to leave any comments you wish.
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