The best writing gifts ever.

The perfect combination. I have a neon green Leuchtturm1917 hardback, a TWSBI Vac-700 filled with Noodler's Green Marine, and a new story to write. I have tried several different books and none are suited better for writing a story than the Leuchtturm1917. Table of contents, 249 numbered pages, dates at the top of the page to keep track, and stickers to label it when it is finished. It happens to also be the cheapest fountain pen friendly hardback book I have found. Too much good in one picture. Time to write.

Just finding my way

Safe Passage is not an option.

Support system

There are days when you question the direction you are headed. Then there are days like today. I have been working hard on research for my next story while editing two others. It was a much bigger rabbit hole than I anticipated to get this information. I went out to mow the yard and came back to this random note.

Today is a good day. I am pretty sure I have one of the best families in the world. I am glad she didn't forget John Green in the context. 

create

Create

The drive to create is amazing. It can cause every emotion to flood your senses. Joy at a characters good fortune, sadness at the demise of a character you liked but was destined to reach a horrible fate. Painters, sculptors, artists of every ilk find these same things throughout history. Does that mean the artist is more emotive, or just better at putting those feelings into something. I have heard mechanics talk to a car while working on it, the same for gardeners and their plants. I think it is more a matter of medium and self-expression. If you find words your strength, then by all means put them down, even if you never show anyone. That is another topic. Paint grand cathedrals in the sky, draw a unicorns first experience with a flower, or talk to your plants as you water and care for them. Everyone has a talent, everyone can create something. Whether it is good is subjective. You will find a million trolls to the one beacon of hope on the internet. In the end only your own feelings for the creation really matter. Every other pair of eyes comes with it's own prejudices, experiences, and bias. Go, create, and in the end, if it makes you happy, good job. Do it again.

Why I Write Strong Female Lead Characters

I was not a product of the 1950's and so I was not raised in a house where there was such thing as the woman taking the back seat. My daughter is a powerful girl soon to be woman in her own right. I hope that these characters and stories reflect the inner fire I see in her everyday fighting a still male dominated world. She impresses me everyday with her ability to jump into male dominated subjects and clubs and take them on full steam ahead. I am proud of her work in the Robotics club, and even more for starting an Anime club when she didn't find one. Both areas are very controlled by the belief they are male subjects. She is out to prove the world wrong and I can't wait to be on the sidelines cheering as she proves they are a human subjects anyone can be good at and love. — feelingproud. 

Charles Colp Kyleigh Colp and Logan Colp Muppet fountain

Something touched my soul

Something touched my soul today, I am proud to say that it is something I wrote. My character "Sprite" found herself where I would put myself if I had the opportunity. Home. I have lived all over the world and all over the United States. I have tried to make a home of so many places. Even after I had a family of my own to care for, I still dream of the one place I felt at peace. the one place that could fill me emotionally with a sound, a smell, a sight. When I have taken care of anything that being a good parent requires, I have resolved to take my beautiful wife and move back home. I know that I should do it sooner, it would probably fill my children with the same love I have for the place. Unfortunately not all decisions are mine to make right now. When they are once again I will be doing whatever it is I have to do to get my family to my home. I will be doing them a great service, seeing their father happy and content is just as important for them as it is for me. My wife is completely behind this plan. Yet another thing that makes her so wonderful. If I gave her a date she would mark it on a calendar and put an app on her phone to count down the days. In the end, you have to stay true to yourself. If you have to try making yourself happy in a place. you don't belong there. I can't wait to step on the beach again, to put on a hoodie because the breeze from the ocean is cool on an August morning. I also can't wait to inhale the tranquility, view the spectacle, and hear natures song. Hopefully soon...

Monterey Waves

It all connects

Something that I struggle with, and so do many others from meeting many writers, is diet and exercise. I never know what to eat and when I do it is usually bad for me. Like frozen burrito in the microwave bad. I am also blessed to have some pretty diverse and amazing friends that I have made over the years. One of whom is a competitive swimmer. She really knows what she is talking about and has the knowledge and experience to share with us contributors to the national waistline. Follow her new blog on food and deciphering the tons of half true information out there.

Being in better shape, means less carpal tunnel, less back pain, more comfort while writing, better sleeping habits. I am sure at least one of those applies to my writing friends.

Deciphering the mountain of misinformation in food and diet

Migraines and writing

Writing new content Especially original stories is a very cerebral experience. If you also suffer from migraines it can get nearly impossible. Something I have found to help is cutting down the screen brightness, and very importantly I use my Gunnars. They are for video game playing. But work just as well for computer screens and phone screens. I wouldn't trade them for anything and they have turned otherwise impossible tasks into something merely difficult. I don't work for them, I don't get paid by them. What I do is support their product because it freaking works. So if you suffer from migraines but still have to find a way to keep working, try a pair and see the difference.

http://www.gunnars.com/#.