Holy crap Winston (Lamorne Morris) from New Girl was totally on The Guild!
I thought he seemed familiar but yeah! (4th time through season 5....)
-- In other news! I should totally get back to writing...
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Yay Accomplishments!
So, I just finished up a couple chapters of my project. Still a work in progress but coming along. Check it out here: http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/300387-what-i-m-working-on
Even though this started off as an intended graphic novel it began to take shape as an actual novel. So gonna work at it like that now!
I am also super happy to say that I finished setting up my router, which means super fast internet times! Anyways, I am going to get back to writing/reading, since I'm on a bit of a kick. Can't let this blog keep me from being productive ;)
Even though this started off as an intended graphic novel it began to take shape as an actual novel. So gonna work at it like that now!
I am also super happy to say that I finished setting up my router, which means super fast internet times! Anyways, I am going to get back to writing/reading, since I'm on a bit of a kick. Can't let this blog keep me from being productive ;)
Friday, May 4, 2012
Things That Are Keeping Me From Keeping Busy!
So I'm doing that thing where you are kind of being productive but you're really not... but I at least have a legit excuse! My grandparents are visiting from out of state so I've been spending time with them. I also had big things like the Avengers and getting super excited for Free Comic Book Day... So I haven't been working on my projects like I should. However I have been keeping up on my Twitter and my Goodreads book clubs! (Vaginal Fantasy and Sword and Laser)
So far I have my general storyboards mocked up for my graphic novel, however I still need to work out a few hiccups in the actual script/story. (whatever you would call it...) I'm really looking forward to reading "If You Want To Write" by Brenda Ueland, and also "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty. I'm hoping that I can get some more instruction on plot structure and arcs from those. I also use reading as an excuse to research and improve my writing. As far as the artwork goes, once I get some finished drawings I will post them for some feedback. (Dick Blick I need my Letraset markers! Ship faster dammit!)
Right now I would like to just get something short and simple completed and work my way from there. I would love to do illustrations for comics or graphic novels but I know that would be quite a ways off. However as I mentioned in my Goals post, I am starting small and working my way up.
Anyways I'm burning the 2am oil here, contrary to my blog which thinks I'm on west coast time. I need to fix that eventually... Until later!
<3 Chloe
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| Example of my art style. I love to work with pencil and inks. I got the inspiration for this from a book on the Crime Noir art style by Chris Hart. |
Right now I would like to just get something short and simple completed and work my way from there. I would love to do illustrations for comics or graphic novels but I know that would be quite a ways off. However as I mentioned in my Goals post, I am starting small and working my way up.
Anyways I'm burning the 2am oil here, contrary to my blog which thinks I'm on west coast time. I need to fix that eventually... Until later!
<3 Chloe
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
A Moment of Thanks
Before I get really going with this blog, I wanted to write a few words of thanks to those who have encouraged me to get off my butt and do it. There are a few people in this world who really have been a positive influence on me. Some are close friends that I have known and loved for many years. Others are people who I have never met, and probably never will.
Among those who I know, my loving fiance who always believes in me and my goals. The other night I was telling him about an idea for a graphic novel spin-off, and he said it was a great idea and to just start it. "Forget if it works out or not, just go for it! You can at least try!" He always supports whatever I aim to do. If you find a support like that hang onto it!
And for those whom I do not know, there is one person in particular who I've always admired - Felicia Day. (Seriously, if you don't know her just go here now.) Being a geek girl I can always identify and appreciate other women who have paved their way into the primarily men's world of geek subculture. However Felicia Day started off with an idea and made it happen, despite many obstacles along the way. What started off as work on a small web series (The Guild) has exploded the wall open into multiple seasons, comics, TV guest appearances and the new Geek & Sundry. I've made it a point to follow whatever she does, because it always proves to be awesome. I truly find the extent of her dedication to her work incredible. Really, she has made a huge difference in my own confidence to accomplish what I set out to do. She's helped me believe that if I put in the time and effort I can make my ideas become a reality. At that I'll stop because I don't want to seem too stalkeresque, but thanks Felicia for being a huge inspiration to me!
So with that being said onward with the endeavors! Unfinished projects here I come!!!
Setting Goals
"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it." - Jordan Belfort
The above quote sums me up perfectly. It's easy to make excuses. There will always be a reason not to do something, but there are probably a thousand and one reasons more to do it.
Goals are essential to getting things done. I'm a big fan. But what I've come to learn over the years is that simply setting goals is not enough. They take serious forethought and consideration. They need to be far enough that you have to work to reach them, but not so high that it's impossible or discouraging. So, here is a few tips to setting goals!
- Be specific! If you're goals are vague, then you have a harder chance of reaching them. The more detailed or specific you can get, the easier it will be to visualize the outcome. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, set a specific number, not just "I want to get skinnier." Or, if you are working on a novel, art project etc., set out to write a set number of pages everyday, or to draw for a set amount of time. If you set out knowing exactly what you need to do, it will be much easier to accomplish it.
- Set a deadline. When we leave plans open ended we lose focus. However, setting a hard deadline to when we want to finish something, say, painting the kitchen by the end of the weekend puts a nagging reminder in our minds. We are more likely to push to get something done than if it had been open-ended.
- Be Realistic. Setting goals unrealistically high can be discouraging. Each time we fail to complete them becomes a black mark on our record, a failure, a setback. So when it comes to setting goals we need to make sure they are attainable. Something that is within our abilities, but also keeps us reaching. Only you know you're own limits so look at yourself honestly. What have you accomplished in the past and what have you tried to set out to do but not quite made it? Base future plans off of past examples.
- Long term Vs Short term. When you have an aspiration, keep it in mind. Long term objectives are essential for reaching far off plans. But instead of keeping it at a distant far off future, set short term goals that will help you reach them. The more you work towards that ultimate future, the easier it will be to reach.
- Write it down! When we see something in writing, especially if we physically put it there, we are more likely to remember it and act on it. Same with goals. After you decide what your plan is, write it down, including the deadlines. Keep consistent on updating shorterm goals, and make a plan to go back and review your progress every 3-6 months. If you see that you are struggling in a certain area make the necessary adjustments to get back on track. Keep your goals in a place where you will see them each day!
- Reward yourself. Finishing something that you set out to do is worth celebrating. Help keep yourself motivated and focused by setting rewards along the way. Buy yourself some new Chopic markers after you finish that art project. If you are making an effort to read more, set aside money for a Kindle or a nice collectors edition of your favorite book. If you are just trying to be more productive overall, buy yourself a nice organizer or something that will help you along the way. The little things like that will keep you working and moving forward.
No one said it will be easy, but by planning effectively you will be able to reach your goals. You can do whatever you set out to. But you have to believe it! So no more bullshit! Get going! Kick procrastination in the ass!
<3 Chloe
The above quote sums me up perfectly. It's easy to make excuses. There will always be a reason not to do something, but there are probably a thousand and one reasons more to do it.
Goals are essential to getting things done. I'm a big fan. But what I've come to learn over the years is that simply setting goals is not enough. They take serious forethought and consideration. They need to be far enough that you have to work to reach them, but not so high that it's impossible or discouraging. So, here is a few tips to setting goals!
- Be specific! If you're goals are vague, then you have a harder chance of reaching them. The more detailed or specific you can get, the easier it will be to visualize the outcome. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, set a specific number, not just "I want to get skinnier." Or, if you are working on a novel, art project etc., set out to write a set number of pages everyday, or to draw for a set amount of time. If you set out knowing exactly what you need to do, it will be much easier to accomplish it.
- Set a deadline. When we leave plans open ended we lose focus. However, setting a hard deadline to when we want to finish something, say, painting the kitchen by the end of the weekend puts a nagging reminder in our minds. We are more likely to push to get something done than if it had been open-ended.
- Be Realistic. Setting goals unrealistically high can be discouraging. Each time we fail to complete them becomes a black mark on our record, a failure, a setback. So when it comes to setting goals we need to make sure they are attainable. Something that is within our abilities, but also keeps us reaching. Only you know you're own limits so look at yourself honestly. What have you accomplished in the past and what have you tried to set out to do but not quite made it? Base future plans off of past examples.
- Long term Vs Short term. When you have an aspiration, keep it in mind. Long term objectives are essential for reaching far off plans. But instead of keeping it at a distant far off future, set short term goals that will help you reach them. The more you work towards that ultimate future, the easier it will be to reach.
- Write it down! When we see something in writing, especially if we physically put it there, we are more likely to remember it and act on it. Same with goals. After you decide what your plan is, write it down, including the deadlines. Keep consistent on updating shorterm goals, and make a plan to go back and review your progress every 3-6 months. If you see that you are struggling in a certain area make the necessary adjustments to get back on track. Keep your goals in a place where you will see them each day!
- Reward yourself. Finishing something that you set out to do is worth celebrating. Help keep yourself motivated and focused by setting rewards along the way. Buy yourself some new Chopic markers after you finish that art project. If you are making an effort to read more, set aside money for a Kindle or a nice collectors edition of your favorite book. If you are just trying to be more productive overall, buy yourself a nice organizer or something that will help you along the way. The little things like that will keep you working and moving forward.
No one said it will be easy, but by planning effectively you will be able to reach your goals. You can do whatever you set out to. But you have to believe it! So no more bullshit! Get going! Kick procrastination in the ass!
<3 Chloe
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Finding Motivation
You can't. Not as long as there are kittens and bunnies in the world. That said, you can use it to your advantage. Instead of getting off track on the web, try using your "wasted hours" in a productive way. Look up articles on methods of organization. Scour Pinterest or WikiHow for DIY projects or inspiration for current works. However, the only way to make these things work are to get off the computer, to get offline.
 |
| A great idea - Phones go into the basket when you have friends over! |
A month or two ago my phone started acting up. It took a few days for them to send me a new one, so I went without for the time being. At first, it felt like I was missing a limb, but after awhile it was kind of liberating. I had no idea how often I checked my phone without even realizing it. (Until I caught myself reaching for something that wasn't there.) Being untethered was a great experience. That being said, I was relieved to have my phone back, however I have changed one thing. When I'm out with people, the phone goes off. Not on silent, but totally off. If I know I won't be around anyone during the day, I make a point to avoid my phone for an hour or two. It lets me be in the moment and be inspired by the world around me, not just an instagram photo of the world around an iPhone in Southern Cali.
Try and find something in your own life to be motivated by. Take a walk, cook a meal, try one of those crafts you read about on that cool blog earlier. Even though you may feel enlightened by something online, you won't ever get anything done until you step away from the keyboard and do it. I speak from expierience. There are so many times I got caught up in a cool idea, did all the research yet never took the time to go out there and make it happen. I either got sidetracked by something else or said I'd get to it later. (Cough... Procrastinated..Cough...)
To sum it up - Every action has a reaction. The more you do, the more you'll want to do.
<3 Chloe
Monday, April 30, 2012
Welcome!
Happy May 1st everybody!
It's 2:04 am and I'm currently on a motivated kick!
Welcome to the Girl Vs Procrastination blog! I'm Chloe (aka Girl) and I'm a procrastinator. It's a problem for many, I know. But unfortunately it has kept me from achieving, well anything, for too long! Thus I christen this blog to aid in the fight against laziness/add/lackofconfidence!
A little bit about me... I am a huge geek. And I know it sounds kinda cliche' or fake to say that nowadays but it's true. I was always into video games and my dad's old Iron Man comics and sci-fi and books and... well all of it. The older I got the nerdier I became. It worked out well though, as I met the best guy ever, and he was plenty happy with my love of The Elder Scrolls and Firefly. (He may have fueled my geekiness, I'll admit.) So, because I love all things in that subculture, I get on my kicks. I will get super into something and then get A.D.D. and lose interest or get into something else. I eventually come back to whatever I was on originally, which at least makes me know that it isn't superficial, just unharnessed energy.
To give you an idea, here is the (partial) list of projects either started or looked into over the last few years.
- A music review site
- Several short stories
- Several comic books/graphic novels
- Painting w/ Acrylics
- Drawing (black and white, mostly with pencil or ink)
- Learning Guitar, Piano and Bass. (I also wanna learn sax, drums, violin, flute etc...)
- Cosplaying/Costume Making
- Various Crafting (from vinyl record bowls to making coasters)
- Candle making
- Graphic Design
It goes on, but I'll spare you. The point is, I have a hard time keeping focused on my projects. The ones I stay on long enough to get rolling show me that I actually have some talent. (I'm decent at drawing and painting, I just never put in enough time.) However, I get overwhelmed or start to lack confidence in what I'm doing. I decided that I'm done with that. This blog is here to help me organize and focus my efforts to complete the projects I start, and to bring to fruition my ideas. Along the way I'll share my progress, vent frustrations and share the methods I'm using to battle the beast.
The fight is on... Girl Vs Procrastination. Who will win?
It's 2:04 am and I'm currently on a motivated kick!
Welcome to the Girl Vs Procrastination blog! I'm Chloe (aka Girl) and I'm a procrastinator. It's a problem for many, I know. But unfortunately it has kept me from achieving, well anything, for too long! Thus I christen this blog to aid in the fight against laziness/add/lackofconfidence!
A little bit about me... I am a huge geek. And I know it sounds kinda cliche' or fake to say that nowadays but it's true. I was always into video games and my dad's old Iron Man comics and sci-fi and books and... well all of it. The older I got the nerdier I became. It worked out well though, as I met the best guy ever, and he was plenty happy with my love of The Elder Scrolls and Firefly. (He may have fueled my geekiness, I'll admit.) So, because I love all things in that subculture, I get on my kicks. I will get super into something and then get A.D.D. and lose interest or get into something else. I eventually come back to whatever I was on originally, which at least makes me know that it isn't superficial, just unharnessed energy.
To give you an idea, here is the (partial) list of projects either started or looked into over the last few years.
- A music review site
- Several short stories
- Several comic books/graphic novels
- Painting w/ Acrylics
- Drawing (black and white, mostly with pencil or ink)
- Learning Guitar, Piano and Bass. (I also wanna learn sax, drums, violin, flute etc...)
- Cosplaying/Costume Making
- Various Crafting (from vinyl record bowls to making coasters)
- Candle making
- Graphic Design
It goes on, but I'll spare you. The point is, I have a hard time keeping focused on my projects. The ones I stay on long enough to get rolling show me that I actually have some talent. (I'm decent at drawing and painting, I just never put in enough time.) However, I get overwhelmed or start to lack confidence in what I'm doing. I decided that I'm done with that. This blog is here to help me organize and focus my efforts to complete the projects I start, and to bring to fruition my ideas. Along the way I'll share my progress, vent frustrations and share the methods I'm using to battle the beast.
The fight is on... Girl Vs Procrastination. Who will win?
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