Comic: Those Darn Pine Trees

It's likely that only people who have had a mowing job will get this, but it was fun to draw anyway. I've been in a real comic-drawing mood lately. I wish I could just force myself to do an epic 12-page fantasy graphic novel using Knight Guys, but that just leaves me frustrated. In the meantime, enjoy!

Battle Cards Spotlight 2: Design

Part 2: Design

The attributes of our cards evolved over time, just like any project that adds on to itself. But we were able to basically divide the types of cards we manufactured into some simple categories that stuck. Each card contained one of these symbols in the upper-right corner, signifying its element or function:

The Hero's Journey

When I was taking my Creative Writing course in college two years ago, I learned about something called The Hero's Journey that changed my life. Or at least the way I look at life and stories. Basically, the Hero's Journey (or Monomyth) is a formula that Joseph Campbell came up with that maps out what makes good stories good, and shows a distinct pattern in the sequence and characteristics of every story ever written.

Writing Center Infomercial

Done! Check out what I've been working on for the past month or so. Most of the work was finding people to cast in it, but it's finally done. I work at the Writing Center and our old video was... lacking in luster, to say the least... so I thought this one would be both entertaining and informative. It was a lot of fun to write the script, direct the filming and voice acting (in an actual recording studio too!), and edit the footage in the end.

A big thanks to all the actors (both willing and unwilling), the Writing Center Staff, Peterzach Power for the logo and color scheme input, my little brother for the wastebasket shot, and the infomercial that inspired me, Orgreenic Cookingware (don't buy it, but it is a convincing infomercial).

AustinCraft Pics up

I finished revamping AustinCraft after the big update that separated the files, and I just added a bunch of screenshots to show samples of the game. I realized I hadn't really done that much.
So if you're a Minecraft player, go check it out! I really think you'll enjoy it.

And I am working on a project, I promise. It's actually for my work, so I'm getting paid for it. It'll be done later this week and you Pretzel-Lectern watchers will be the third group to see it! (Right after my actual work staff members and the VIP showing for the volunteer actors, and right before Facebook)

Minecraft: Search for The End

Creative Writing Inspiration

Yesterday, I got to go to a book signing of my second-favorite author of all time, Brandon Sanderson, who signed my number-one favorite book trilogy of all time, Mistborn! That checked off an item on my Bucket List I forgot was even on there! (I really need to actually write down my Bucket List)
Branderson, as I will refer to him henceforth, is an epic fantasy writer renowned for his non-cliché fantasy settings and incredibly clever magic systems. I’ve read most of his mainstream adult novels, and expect to read his teen books as well. Going to his book signing was an energizing experience, because I got to have a taste of the inner mind and soul of the author I have come to admire in the past three years. Branderson is a champion writer; his passion for writing made me remember my own fiery resolve to write stories that has mainly fizzled out. He read some raw passages from his upcoming novels straight from the word processor on his laptop to us. One of the passages he had written that very day!