Lady K's Blog

November 1st! NaNoWriMo time!

And I'm so completely braindead and tired and sick and ugh. BUT I'M GOING TO TRY SO HARD TO WIN THIS YEAR!

Good news I trick-or-treated for the first time in my life tonight; it was fun and yay candy. Maybe that will help me a bit. <3

It's so weird for me to finally return to Tachi and Komas...but I hope I have a blast! Good luck to you guys as well!

...so see y'all in December? :'D

LETS DO THIS THANG

can someone please remind me how it is to sleep? That thing where you close your eyes and don't have really bad nightmares or body aches? I am so dadgumed tired. Even when I'm not worried about college, those health issues keep me from falling into the right REM sleep.

You guys. Don't take sleeping for granted. I remember a few weeks back I slept normally and it was the most wonderful thing ever. Do you guys seriously do that almost every night?

The term 'taking for granted' has been on my mind a lot. I've bumped into a lot of people who just complain or think their life is horrible. I usually hate it when people say "it could be worse" (because you don't want to think about how much worse could this be), but the basic premise is true. I'm a hypocrite, but sometimes I just cringe when I see people like that. It's selfish. It's selfish because you're all busy with yourself when you could be helping someone in a worse circumstance; and along the way it could solve your problem as well.

Learning over the years, 'problems' vary from person and location. One bad grade for a kid is no big deal; for the other it's traumatizing because this means she'll lose her scholarship. You hate school. Well, at least you can go--so many kids out there will never get a proper education, and many will work beyond their ability to get one. I could go down the list, but it can be vise-versa. We're all different people, we handle things differently. A break-up might seem silly to over-worry about in high school, but for that girl or guy who is beyond lonely and they think that's their only option to get rid of it--it is. Whether the intention is good or bad, it's always good to take a step back and view it.

What qualifies your life to be bad? Did your little sister break a LEGO set of yours? Hate eating carrots? You got in a fight with your parent? Bad teacher? Sometimes those things are placed in front of us for a reason. Maybe to help you learn patience, understanding, or just how stupid people are and it’s not worth getting frustrated with.

Instead whining, go out there and try to solve it. Do something, don’t just sit there. Find a person who has it worse than you and learn from them, or try to even help then. One amazing remedy to your own bitterness is being selfless. Trust me, it works. Not just helping others to feel good...when you get to that point when you help someone, and later realize that it made you feel good, you've come a long way. No, you're not running away from your problem, you're facing it. Don't bottle up your emotions either. If you need help, go get it! There are always options to solve things, no matter how grim your life may be. Find a few friends to talk to and get opinions from them about your dilemma. Getting different views can help more than you know.

You may have a terrible dilemma and it takes years to solve, but in the end it will make you stronger, and more knowledgeable to help others with the same issue. For the ‘smaller’ ones, you’ll open your eyes more, see what’s really important. You should feel blessed that you didn’t experience what you thought you were experiencing. In a way, a problem or your own ignorance is a blessing.

Nothing is wrong with having a pity-party or just being grouchy about some silly problem. But watch out…are you doing it because you really need that attention, or you want it because it makes you feel important? Don’t lie to others or yourself.

There's this balance, and I really hope more people find it. I swear it isn’t that complicated, I’m just giving you a hard time with my rambling. Maybe some of this requires practice. I sure did. We’re human. We got the bad in us, but we also have the good in us to counter it as well. Trying is better than doing nothing and moping.

Compassion, tolerance, and love are really important in times like this. We need to go out there more. While our world is expanding, we're also becoming more isolated in our gadgets, our worlds, our problems. Not only is that bad, but it makes us extremely closed-minded and many will never even conceive it. I'm not trying to make people guilty, or complain about complainers, I'm sorry. But someone needs to talk about it, yah know? This is more. I've seen so many people hurt through this confusing mess on both sides and I just want it to stop.

So, the moral of the story is I need some chocolate and to go to bed.

SO EXCITED. Why can't it come sooner? I might just end up being a NaNo rebel...

I asked before, asking again. Who's joining me in this madness, even if you're not aiming for 50k? I'm hoping to get some things done; the arts/writing is only the few things that keeps me from falling apart these days (even though I don't do enough).

Like last year, I'll make a list of all the BZPers! Is anyone also on the website? (I'm almost certain B6 said we could talk about it as long as we don't link it...sorry if I misunderstood) I'd love to know about y'alls ideas and stalk your word count. I just wanted to bother everyone with this, I'm trying to get my mind off other things.

NANOWRIMO YAY!


the crazy folk joining me in this!
ChocolateFrogs
Eyru
Skullkid
Krayce
TNTOS
Vezok's Friend
Sakaru Krom
Arpy
Disky

Hey guys, the winners and some honorable mentions! I was going to post earlier, but I was hanging out with Skullkid for the day (-finally-..and speaking of which, if you go check out his blog, you'll find the latest WIP drawing from me). Had a lot of fun, but didn’t get much homework done today…ah well…yay for fall break!


The three winners!
These characters will be given a fairly major role in the story as a supporting character.

• Grokk – created by Nuju Metru
  Grokk…a mercenary type guy…but a secret dream to make a theme park? His personality and depth is outstanding! I absolutely loved him the second I read the bio.
• Cadash Ohaniel – created by Lloyd: The White Wolf
  Interesting, destiny-hating, but deadly and powerful businessman. Can’t have a modern city like Jiahk without one. He’s sure to stir up trouble with the agency!
• Iavo – created by Toa_Velox
  What I liked about this mercenary type was that…well, he’s brutal. He has a lot of quirks you might expect, but others as well you wouldn’t—he’s a type that could send shivers up your spine. Not a guy I’d like to meet in a dark alley.

Three honorable mentions!
These characters will be given a small cameo role.

• Los Vog – created by Skullkid
  I just liked this guy’s down to earth persona. Not some handsome exciting Toa—just a gaudy cook/broker…Deviled Squid and Grits...I think Niihlus will stick with coffee, however.
• Kako – created by Eeko
  Sometimes, simplicity is best—Eeko pulled this off. Love the character and her ‘eccentric’ personality.
• Kadina – created by Muharax makuta of insanity
  Quite a dangerous gang leader that’s stirring up trouble in the streets of Jiahk…not to mention she’s a female Makuta!

It was so hard to decide, really guys, thank you all for entering! I was very impressed with all the amazing characters. <3

For the winners, I’ll be PMing you shortly so I can ask/explain/etc (without trying to spoil) where your character will show up, among other things. There were also some close finalists that I will be PMing as well because I really liked some, but will have to come at a much later date/was conflicting with another character.

And so, for NaNoWriMo I shall be working on the sequel…this means the story should emerge in December! An official date will be announced later. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to enter. Hopefully the story will be enjoyable! Feel free to congratulate these guys, ask questions on them/the story, or whatever you like.

I'm in this finicky state where I should go to bed, but I don't want to. I'll have to force myself to, but I can make a entry in the meantime.

A lot has been going on these past two weeks:

• eleven hours on a Friday to the wedding, then eleven back on Monday...at least I saw my nephew!
• missed a paper deadline 'cause I was stupidly sick, and I'm having a lot of trouble with citations. agh.
• I got into a small car accident because I was stupid again and just had to hit the breaks. Thankfully nothing got messed up except for two tires, and I'm back on the road.
• then on that same day my sister had one too in the van. Ironically, the only decently working vehicle is our ancient truck?
• got addicted to my PS3 again, specificlly Mirror's Edge and Final Fantasy XIII. This is the blame for lack of results for the contest.
• I've also been sick, that's kept me from things...me? Sick? I know, right.
• commissions are going at a decent pace. I should be uploading the drafts sometime this week.
• EXTRA TIME YAY FALL BREAK YAY
• trying to sort out plans to move out just keep getting more complicated...
• but I have started drafting plans on that webcomic. I really hope I can spare the time to do it.

Finally (this deserves it's own paragraph) National November Writing Month is starting in just a few weeks!! I would have posted a entry earlier, but been busy...anyhow, I want to know who is doing it it! If not, you really should! I'm still trying to decide what story to do, I have so many ideas.

Oh. And the contest results. Tomorrow, I swear. Sorry for the delay. You guys just had to give me a hard time with so many awesome characters? Geez.

Stay coolio everyone. <3

BRB, heading off to North Carolina for the weekend in a few hours (oh I so do not want to leave at 5am). One of my sisters' is getting married, and we'll hang by the beach for the extra day. Too bad we can't stay longer, boo. I love the area where my sis lives.

Oh but ahaha very funny family, since my two oldest sisters' are already married, apparently I'm next in line? Good luck waiting for that to happen.

Gunna be offline for the weekend and a few days after that 'cause of college/work. To those who have my number, feel free to reach me like that. I'll hopefully get some homework done and get drafts of commissions ready to scan when I get back. Sorry about not being on top of review requests and PMs btw, been really busy and sick as usual.

Don't forget that the deadline is in two days! (I feel like I forgot about what else to say?)

I'm studying. I swear. But my mind is like "DO SOMETHING WITH THIS IDEA NOW RAWR". All right, fine, you win!

Simple question: what would guys think about a [web]comic involving Human Bionicle characters? I have some cool plot ideas I've been wanting to use for a long time, but I'd love to hear what BZP wants/likes/dislikes/etc. Thankees.

Doing a comic has been something I've dreamed of doing since I got 'truly' interested in art when I was around 10 or younger. It's now or never. I will continue to work on commissions (which is going fine, but may be a slight lag because of the scanner agggh sorry) and GitS. Am I putting too much on my plate? Yes. But sadly, that's what artists do and it keeps my inspiration pumping. I mean, I can't promise this project will come out tomorrow, but maaan this is a craving worse than my desire for chocolate. That's a big craving.

Back to studying about studying...(I really don't get this class??)

I decided to extend the deadline until the October, 10th! That means people who haven't found the time to enter, or ones who already have, can get some time to enter and edit their entries. Good luck!


Last year I held a Glitch in the System contest, and its theme was to design one of my characters--this time? The purpose of this contest is to create a character that will show up in the upcoming epic. If you win, the character will be considered canon in the GitS universe. You guys have been so kind to me with this story, so I feel I should repay you by getting the community a bit more involved. Now then, let’s get down to details.

This is not an ‘only art/story/moc’ contest. You guys get a lot of free reign in this. The purpose is to simply come up with a character of your liking, tell me about him/her in a format similar to RPG templates, and that’s it. However, it is strongly recommended that you do art/MoC so I can picture him/her clearly. The more details and depth, the better chances you have at winning (this doesn’t mean you have to have super long info, though).

Need tips on creating a character?
• The character has to fit into the theme of GitS. My story focuses a lot on a ‘cyberpunk’ theme. This epic is mainly in a city called Jiahk with the classic gangsters, funky politicians and lots of guns and explosions.
• While Toa are always nice, try to be extra creative. Do you have an idea for a spunky Matoran reporter? A mysterious diplomat? Some evil crime lord? Be creative, surprise me!
• If you’re still unsure about what to do, think of the characters in stuff like NCIS, Star Gate, The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, or other crime/adventure series.

General information and rules:
• Follow all BZP rules and guidelines.
• One entry per person.
• I’m going by a judging system, not voting. I am not judging by ‘who drew the best looking character/etc’; I want originality, not necessarily artistic talent.
• There will be three winners.
• Remember: if you win, that means I have full control over that character. No, I won’t make him/her be stupid, and you will have full credit of creating him/her—but be aware that this is my story, do not back-seat drive (but feel free to give me ideas or things you do not want me to do with said character).
• Please make sure the format of your entry is readable and organized. Otherwise, I’m not picky.
• I am NOT going to answer super basic questions on the story for you. If you expect to get a character in, I expect at least for you to read my story.

Q&A:
Q: ….what is Glitch in the System?
A: Glitch in the System is a Bionicle epic that is about a Toa named Tachi and her Partner named Komas. It’s set in a slightly futuristic setting. You can read it here.

Q: What’s the deadline?
A: OCTOBER 10TH, 2010, 11:59PM CNT. I know, it’s only two weeks, but I must begin working on this story soon. I may be flexible, though.

Q: Can the character be an alias of me/my bzp persona?
A: If you really want to. Just make sure that character will fit logically in my story.

Q: So, I can make a MoC, piece of art, or even a sprite of my character?
A: Yes. There are no limitations on this.

Q: Can my character be part of Toa Niihlus’ agency?
A: Sure. Any faction you remember, you can create a character to be part of it. You can also create your own.

Q: If I win, how important will my character be? Are there other prizes?
A: It depends. It will most likely be more than a cameo, but otherwise it depends on what the story needs. Besides getting your character canon, I am considering some cool other prizes…but still working on that.

Q: I don’t understand this in the story/I’m not sure I can do this/etc.
A: If you need any help, just ask here or PM me.

-----
Aaaand I think that’s it. What are you still here for? Go create that character for me!

(oh and if you want to spread the word/advertise, that would be nice.)

If you guys ever have spare money, I vote for supporting a fellow artist. I recently got someone on dA to do a drawing of my cat Gibbs for me and I am blown away.


I can't get over how awesome it is!

and no, this isn't about my commissions at all, this is about all artists in general. Even if you can't afford a drawing, still give 'em some love! I just felt compelled to post this because I forget how grateful we should be to artists--not only people who draw, but musicians, actors, writers, MoCists...any kind! Heaven forbid a world without art.

<3

6AM: Wake Up
7AM: Be out the door to make it for class
8-9AM: Intro to Visual Arts
10-11AM: Quick stop at home to get reorganized and make a lunch
12-1PM: Work
2-5PM: Grueling Studies Class
7PM: Drag myself home and hope I can sleep decently

I do not like Thursdays. It could be worse I suppose, it's just all the driving is tiring and gas eating blaaah.

anyhow, some random updates:

• I got a 16GB Zune! I got it on sale (hence why I didn't get iPod), and I'm really loving it. <3 No qualms so far...I'm not a app person, but I wish it had a few more (something to read documents would be nice). I just wish I could have afforded the 32GB haha, I already filled mine out.
• I got my hands on the last Harry Potter book! I'm rather afraid to finish it...
• I got a 98 on my history test a 100 on my essay! Now about my Visual Arts result tomorrow...?
• Why is trying to find a place to move out and getting a car so flusterating?
• Only one slot left in my commission list, though I may accept one or two more...either way, hurry before I close it and start on the art!
• Speaking of art...scanner still hates me. *cry*
• Planning on extending the contest for another week, to those who are feeling rushed.
• Audiobook recording should began again this week, next week at the latest.
• I'm also considering dying (not permanent) my hair purple and dressing up as the Major from Ghost in the Shell for Halloween...hmm.

Okay, break time over...gotta finish some homework for class tomorrow. *headdesk*