Good-Bye, 2023! Happy-Ish New Year

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Sure we’re all busy doing something.  So, enjoy the humor, celebrate safely, and hopefully ‘see’ everyone around next year.  (All images found in Google Image Search.)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Final Goal Post of 2023

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Well, here we are on the last Saturday of the year.  I’ve had a week to get some final goals completed and I may have made some progress.  Since it’s holiday break, I did as much resting and biking as I could.  The weather knocked me on my butt a bit along with a day where I got hit with a bout of stress-induced blahs.  Guess my anxiety wanted to remind me that it didn’t get erased completely.  So, what happened?

Surprisingly, I did accomplish all of the goals I made last week.  I built the new headboard and needed some help because it became a two man job.  Can’t hold a heavy piece of furniture in place, hold a bolt in place, and wrench it in when you only have two hands.  I tried to do the first part with my shoulder, but nearly broke my neck and the headboard in the same move.  It was all done before lunch and I was happy to test out the light . . . All 16 colors!  Why do I need purple?  They had a strobe function too, which is insanely fast and should have a seizure warning sticker.  I’m only going to use the normal light for when I want to read before bed.  Got more shelves too, which is why I bought the Lego plant set for decorations.

I managed to finish Darwin & the Joy Path outline and that kind of took most of my creative juices.  The weather threw me off and another thing happened that caused an erasure of my hope and positivity.  I had to keep working on a ‘Demon Slayer’ puzzle to distract myself enough to get some oomph for ‘Phi Beta Files’.  I managed to get all of the supporting cast designed, but I didn’t get to the first story event list.  Maybe I’ll do that on Monday after I drop my son off with his mom.  Either that or I’ll start editing Darwin & the Fate Bracelet.  Torn on what to do and it might be determined entirely by my general mood.

My hope was to finish the year with more of a smile, but certain things happened to make it hard to accomplish.  Things started off good in January even though I had the sleeping issues.  Then, bumps in the road formed and I thought I could act the same way as someone else, but that didn’t work out.  Guess I’m not a chosen one who can get away with certain activities.  Then, the ‘life event’ started up at the same time I began a new school year and my son entered high school.  I struggled with that alongside working towards a sleep apnea diagnosis, which can after all of the other health things.  Remember the drug-based heart test I was put through instead of a treadmill?  I still twitch when I think about that incident.  I’d like to say 2023 was a mixed bag, but I feel like it has more raisins than chocolate pieces.  Don’t like raisins.

Going back to the week, my time with my son started Wednesday night.  Of course, we had the usual onslaught of appointments on Thursday.  There’s always one day during my part of a break where the two of us have appointments.  Anyway, we managed to get a little Pokemon Go in even though we were exhausted.  Friday was relaxing in the morning and hitting up a nearby museum that has an old-school arcade running for the break.  My son ran around trying a bunch of games.  I beat ‘X-Men Arcade Game’ and ‘Golden Axe’ while trying out a few others.  If I had 30 more minutes, I would have beaten ‘The Simpsons Arcade Game’.  It’s unlimited continues with these things too.  Next time they open it up, I’ll have to try again.  Keep hoping to find ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time’ during one of the events.

Not much else happened last week and next week is all about getting back into the swing of things.  I go back to work on Tuesday and my son does the same with school.  It shouldn’t be too crazy a week, but the early wake ups are going to suck for a bit.  The week after will be mayhem with my son having All County Chorus rehearsals until 8 PM and then he gets to tackle homework.  Praying that he doesn’t have any tests that week, but most of his classes either finished a unit before the break or will be finishing it next week.  2024 is not starting off kind and gentle.

Honestly, the entire month of January is looking to be insane.  All County, ‘life event’ appointments, medical appointments, and whatever usually comes with the work/school life.  This is making me think that I shouldn’t even try to tackle Darwin & the Joy Path until February.  Maybe use my weekends to edit Darwin & the Fate Bracelet, which I’ve already gone over twice.  This is a final run to tighten things up for when I publish later in the year and to make sure I remember stuff for teasers and posts.  I already had my alpha reader look it over, so I won’t be doing that again.  Not sure if there is anything else I can do with it.  Showed a few other people scenes and Darwin’s actions seem to throw people off because he’s not always logical, calm, and mature.  He isn’t a brave and stalwart hero.  Darwin is a halfling who just got his magic and doesn’t always think things through.  Really hoping people like him when he debuts.  Lots of room for growth.

I did finish watching ‘Almost Paradise’, ‘Blue Eye Samurai’, and ‘Legend of Vox Machina’.  Got through the newest ‘Invincible’ episodes too.  First two shows were okay, but I kept losing interest and had to take a break.  The other two were a lot of fun.  Surprised by how much I loved ‘Legend of Vox Machina’, but it is based off a DnD game.  Nice to see someone succeed with what I attempted to do with Legends of Windemere.  Guess they did have the web series on it first.  Oh well, that didn’t exist when I donned the guise of Luke Callindor once or twice a week.

So, what are the goals for the week?

  1. Enjoy New Year’s Eve with my son.
  2. Put together Lego sets.
  3. Start editing Darwin & the Fate Bracelet.
  4. Finish February blog posts.
  5. Start March blog posts.
  6. Biking
  7. Read the ‘Fairy Tail’ volumes I took out before they’re due.
  8. Tinker with ‘Phi Beta Files’ when I need a break from editing.
Posted in Goal Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

My Hopes for 2024

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Google Image Search

What do I hope for in 2024?

  1. Take at least one father/son trip.  Be nice to do two, but the summer looks like it’s going to be rather short for me.
  2. That my son has fun with the rest of 9th grade and ends on a great note.  Honor roll would be nice, but I know he has a lot on his plate.
  3. That I can start publishing The Slumberlord Chronicles at some point.  I have the first 5 of 9 books written.  I hope to write more of them too.
  4. That I can finish outlining ‘Phi Beta Files’ and start a notebook section for another of my team series.  Not sure which one that will be since I have to dust off all of my old notes.  Used to be able to rattle off all of my series without fail, but now I struggle to organize them in my head.
  5. Get the ‘Life Event’ over with and hopefully not have to deal with a lot of fallout.  It’s going to be rough for a while.
  6. Improve my sleeping habits and really work on losing weight.  I say that last part, but it feels like I do well and then backslide every time Daylight Savings Time hits in November.  I’m trying to bike more often and eat better, but I seem to only make progress when I’m too stressed or ill to eat anything.  That can’t be healthy.
  7. Buy and finish the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons Lego set.  Saving up my money and discounts for that.
  8. Relax with more puzzle time and anime.
  9. Have a fun and exciting summer with the Life Skills kids.  I enjoyed doing that this year for the first time and look forward to another 6 weeks of adventures.
  10. Continue posting on this blog . . . I really want to keep my streak going, but I’m running out of topics.  Definitely out of ideas for Tuesday because teasers don’t mean anything to people.  Maybe I’ll just post a random promo post with a cover and link to one of my books.  Add in the blurb and it’ll be fairly simple.
  11. Really should work on laundry.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Poetry Day: Haiku Collection 2

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

(Other half of the haiku collection.)

Wicked

It is an old phrase

There’s no rest for the wicked

I must be evil

 

Soul of the Broken Body

Each step filled with pain

Your body only wants rest

The soul pushes on

 

You Really Can’t Take It With You

One day all will end

The future will be no more

Unused wealth shall rot

 

Make the Sun Get Up First

Why should I wake up?

Before the sun has risen.

Why does it sleep in?

 

Passing of the Acquaintances

How many people

Have you passed throughout your life

Making them your past

 

Bound to Happen One Day

Laugh at doomsayers

For the sun will always rise

Until the last day

 

You’re Not Helping

The ones who critique

Are the same ones in my way

Why should I listen?

 

Legacy

What will you leave here?

After you have passed away

Are you remembered?

 

Lung Shot

Sudden pain in chest

Gasping for air and wheezing

Unsure what happened

 

Internal Tremors

Rumble from below

Forcing one to wail and moan

Regretting last meal

 

Wind Lion

Invisible cat

Who roars and shakes my window

Angry at the world

 

Nearing New Year’s

Coming to year’s end

With all goals gone unfinished

Even though I tried

 

Constant Motion

Hustle and bustle

You have no time to slow down

Racing against time

 

Mirror Image

You see me coming

Closing distance between us

Why won’t you give way?

 

Haiku for Haikus

Poem with three lines

Simple form when time is short

And I yearn to write

 

Forced to Look Forward

Looking up or down

Or swiveling side to side

All ways give me pain

 

Another Elements Poem

The four elements

Written of since early times

You knew I had to

 

Falling Apart

Sour stomach day

Following a migraine night

Yet I cannot rest

 

Cut the Tether

Mind drifting away

With a mental string to hold

Should I cut my line?

 

Shivering Awake

Waking up with chills

Violent quakes to my bones

I hate this season

Last of the Buffalo

He wanders alone

Majestic king of the plains

Fading from the land

 

Foiled Again

Acts I wish to do.

I dream of every night

Bring on distractions.

 

That Can’t Be Good

I heard the loud crack

Before I felt the great pain

This cannot be good

 

I Have No Standards Here

Red wine or white wine

I have whatever’s at hand

When I wish to drink

 

Vertigo

Spinning and swirling

The world is slightly tilting

In the oddest way

 

You Cannot Crush the Defeated

Broken and beaten

I sit here without a hope

Yet you still attack

 

Nocturnal Cries of Pain

He whimpers all night

And I cannot ease his pain

I can only watch

 

Clock Watching

The final hour

Whether it be in work or school

Lasts for days and days

 

Interruptions

I think I have time

With others watching the child

I find him alone

 

Trapped in Mist

My eyes cannot see

Beyond the veil of white air

Moving like a ghost

 

Standard Bearer

Who made the standards?

The ideals that we hold high

Without questioning

 

Go to Hell, Hangover

Evil beat in skull

With a mouth full of cotton

Fuck you, Hangover

 

Need for Silence

My thoughts are secret

You have taught me not to speak

Because you lack care

 

Separate Beds

Lovers in two beds

Ancient quirk of the sitcom

It may have merit

 

No Traction

He takes off running

His baby feet hit the ice

Sliding to the drift

 

Silverback

Ruler of the band

Pounding on his mighty chest

To ward off danger

 

Anti-Social Gathering of Friends

They sit together

Yet they never say a word

As they type away

 

I Don’t Bend That Way

The imp takes my arm

He tries to drag me forward

Also to the left

 

Human Wasteland

Bodies limp and still

Strewn across this dead planet

Their use expired

 

Lonely Snowflake

A single snowflake

Silently falling by me

Where are your brothers?

 

Dying Young

It struggles to move

Growing older by the day

Obsolete at five

 

Harshest Brew

Raspy alcohol

Shredding up my throat and gut

But so worth the taste

 

Death of the Three Day Weekend

Day one gone to waste

Day two gone to family

Day three is defeat

 

Dementia

Memories held tight

As they twist and fade away

Leaving us confused

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Thoughts on 2023

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Google Image Search

I’m tempted to leave this post as the above.  This started off as a rough year, took a slight turn in some direction, made an abrupt spiral, went up a bit, and then managed to go south and north at the same time.  In other words, I’m just going to do a good/bad list to cover everything because I can’t make a general concept.

  1. Bad– I began having anxiety attacks at night.  At least, I thought that’s what it was since I woke up gasping for air.  This led to me attempting a few anxiety meds with different levels of fail.  Somehow, blood pressure meds were added to the list and that met with the same levels of fail.  This health-based circus went from January to October.
  2. Bad– This one health event does deserve it’s own space.  I was sent to do a heart stress test because things looked a little off.  They always have.  I expected the treadmill like last time.  Instead, I was put into a scanning machine and injected with a medicine to simulate intense exercise.  This is done for people who can’t use the treadmill, which isn’t a category I fall into.  I was told the medicine would wear off fast, but I was feeling miserable for hours afterwards.  Still don’t know exactly why this was done to me instead of the other test.
  3. Good– I finally got re-evaluated for sleep apnea . . . in August.  Seems that was probably the reason I kept waking up feeling like I nearly died.  The anxiety attack joined in a few minutes after that because I assumed it was responsible.  My favorite part of the evaluation was after the I did the sleep test at home and mentioned I did it with an oral appliance designed to reduce apnea events: “Wait.  You had 199 events per hour WITH the appliance? The CPAP company will contact you as soon as insurance clears it and they will clear it.”
  4. Good– I got a CPAP machine and I’m acting getting quality sleep for the first time since maybe 2009 or 2010.  Consistent quality sleep at least.  I no longer wake up feeling sick and the fatigue I feel at the end of the day is regular instead of severe exhaustion.  Hey, that’s a good thing.  My blood pressure is better and the bad weather days aren’t battering my sinuses as much before.  Just have to work on the weight loss and I’ll be golden.
  5. Bad– THE LIFE EVENT!  This really just colors the whole year even though it started at the end of August.  It’s going to continue in 2024 too, so I’m not having much hope for the future at this time.
  6. Good–  I got to publish for the first time since December 1, 2021.  Do I Need to Use a Dragon? was fun to finally complete.  Did it sell a lot?  No, but I don’t think sales are in my future as an author.  Lack of marketing funds, contacts, and time makes that impossible.  I’d have to be discovered and promoted by someone who has all of that, but that doesn’t happen these days.  Maybe in the future.
  7. Bad–  I caught Covid for a second time in April.  This prevented me from taking my son to a cosplay contest.  It was rougher than the first time only because I didn’t get the meds until I had to go back in worse shape.  I missed my tenure celebration too.  At least I got a picture of my students with the poster for me and they saved the thing for me to take home.
  8. Good– I had a great summer with the life skills kids.  Sure, there were plenty of chaotic days for various reasons.  It was still a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to signing up for another.
  9. Good–  I get to be 100% Life Skills this school year.  Testing Center was fun at first, but I really like this type of schedule.  Noticing that I’m dressing down a bit with no more dress shirts.  This is really because I take two of our students to woodshop during 9th period and I need to be able to roll my sleeves up.
  10. Good– My son graduated from middle school with a few awards.  He got honor roll for 8 quarters straight too.  Then, he went on to start high school, which has been about as smooth as one would expect.
  11. Bad– Not liking how the world is looking these days.
  12. Good– The Lord of the Rings Lego set.  That was a fun build and totally worth the money and space.  Next year is going to have a 50 year anniversary Dungeons & Dragons set, so I’m going to start saving up for that now.  My son isn’t into Lego much these days, which means I’ll use the bonus points.
  13. Bad– No sales worth talking about in terms of books.  I didn’t get as much writing and outlining done as I wanted too.  This was mostly because of the health stuff and then, after I got that handled, the LIFE EVENT!  So, it did feel like this year was out to stop me from writing.

The score is 7-6 with GOOD winning, but I have to admit that I stretched a few things.  I also condensed some of the BAD into one thing.  Technically, the health stuff should have been divided up more with the medication stuff getting it’s own category.  As much as I want to say that this was a 50/50 year, the LIFE EVENT pushes 2023 into the bad category.  I mean, it threatens 2024 and could even cause issues with 2025, 2026, and 2027.  Not sure about after that.  Yeah, I’m not really liking how this year turned out and I actually still have November and December to go here.  I wrote this early because I figured it couldn’t get better or worse.  Any additions will be put below.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

What to Do With Tuesdays?

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

I’ve been treading water on Tuesdays for a while because I haven’t had any really good ideas.  Not having a release coming up, I can’t do any promotional teasers.  It’s hard to find new teasers in the old books too.  Mostly because it’s been so long that I don’t remember all of the juicy parts that would work.  I wish I had a book I had no intention of publishing in order to post it here.  Sadly, I only have Darwin’s adventures and those are to be published one day.

I can’t ask what characters people want to see teasers about.  The same names always come up, so nothing new gets added to the blog.  The same problem goes for the books because there are a handful of favorites among my small audience.  For example, Ichabod Brook gets mentioned a lot even though his story collection barely sold when it was a big debut. So, what exactly can I do?

What do other people do on their blogs when they want to post?  Are there any interesting new ways to promote books?  I’ve used teasers, basic ‘buy it now’ posts, character interviews, and behind-the-scenes.  Figure there has to be something I haven’t tried yet.

Potential ideas:

  1. Future story ideas such as Phi Beta Files, a necrocaster concept, etc.
  2. Promote books for other authors or myself if nobody submits.
  3. Keep grabbing older teasers and posting them until I figure something else out.
  4. Questions 3 that relate to my books.
  5. Cry in the corner until an idea comes up.
  6. Use holidays to promote my books?

Before anybody says it, telling me to just keep the day blank and that I don’t have to post every day isn’t going to help.  Honestly, maintaining this blog’s posting streak is turning out to be one of the few things that give me a sense of accomplishment.  Is there anything fun I can do with Tuesdays?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

Merry Christmas Memes

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

The title speaks for itself.  Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates.  Congratulations on surviving the onslaught of music, lights, and jolly specials to all of us who just want to make it to December 26th.  Seriously, it seems to get more extreme every year.  Anyway, enjoy this holiday about a magical immortal who brings joy to others by reading a book about a magical immortal who . . . gets into violent brawls.  Check out War of Nytefall: Loyalty!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Happy Last Minute Shopping Day!

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Can’t say I’m surprised that Christmas Eve is also ‘Last Minute Shopping Day’.  Well, I hope everyone hasn’t fallen into that category.  That way, you can just relax at home and rest up for whatever happens at night.  I assume the tree covered in lights comes to life and you have to survive its wrath until Santa Claus comes down the chimney with a milk-and-cookie-powered flamethrower to save you.  I’m guessing the wreath creates a protected room you can hide in and the presents act as tripping hazards for the enraged tree?  Anyway, enjoy the funnies.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Goal Post: Let the Break Begin!

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Made it through the last week of work and now I get a week of Holiday Break.  It was a little touch and go halfway through in terms of health.  Don’t know why, but the final push towards this break always comes with a chorus of coughs and sneezes.  I probably caught a small cold near the end, but I’m already feeling better.  Mostly, I needed more sleep and fluids.  We’ll see if it stays away.

The week wasn’t that exciting because it was before the break.  My son had a bunch of schoolwork, so I did that and Pokemon Go with him.  The first part of the break he’s with his mom, which meant spending as much relaxing time with him as possible.  Last weekend was tons of Pokemon Go, including a brave trip to the mall during the holiday season.  Yeah, that game was the key event since we couldn’t do much else with the remaining time after homework.  The ‘life event’ got worked on too, which resulted in a lot of painful inner analysis.  I’d love to talk about that, but I can’t because it’s too personal and could cause trouble.  At least I have 5 days to think and get other stuff done.

Writing didn’t happen.  I tried, but the outline for Darwin & the Joy Path has collected some dust.  I’ll try to finish that this weekend.  I want to dig into ‘Phi Beta Files’ and try to get through at least the supporting cast and the first book.  Still leaning towards short stories that connect to create a whole tale.  Would episodic be the way to describe this type of book?  Either way, I’m going to try my best to work on that since January already has some projects waiting.  The writing of Darwin & the Joy Path and the editing of Darwin & the Fate Bracelet.  2024 should be productive even if other areas of my life are going to be painful.

As usual, my life has been fairly boring in terms of writing.  Didn’t play any video games or do any February blog posts.  When your goal is mostly to make it to the end of the week in good health, you don’t do much.  Sleeping with the CPAP machine is going really well.  I had one rough night due to stomach issues, but not enough that my score went lower than a 97.  Looking at this as a video game helps me keep it going.  I’m hoping to ween myself off the Zzzquil I’ve been using since January too.  Last night was a full dose, but I’m going to try a half or 3/4 dose tonight.  Wonder if I could just not use it and see how long it takes for exhaustion to reset my system.  Probably not a good idea, so I’ll be happy to get it to a half dose by the end of the break.

Today, I’m not going to be doing any outlining until later.  It really depends on how long it takes for me to build this:

This is a headboard that has LED lights and a phone charging station.  For over 13 years, I’ve been using an old headboard my dad made when I was in high school.  It’s good, but untreated wood and doesn’t span the whole bed.  The height on that one isn’t good because my head goes into the shelf unless I stuff pillows into it.  So, I found this one on sale and it’s been sitting in a box in my room all week.  A nice building project should be a nice way to start the break.  I’ll tinker with the outline once I’m done.  Mostly, I’m happy to have lights, so I no longer have to get out of bed to turn off the ceiling light when I’m already comfortable.  Small things in life.

Beyond the headboard and outline, I’ve got very little planned.  My friends are either far away or with their families.  I don’t get time with my son until Wednesday night, so we’ll have some plans for after that.  Local museum has their ‘Video Games through the Decades’ arcade set up, so we can go play there for a few hours.  Mostly, I just want to relax and enjoy myself.  January is going to be busy and brutal with a lot of things already planned out, especially in regards to the ‘life event’.  To be honest, I’m already dreading 2024 and hoping for 2025 to be better.  Doesn’t say much, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s not going to be a pleasant 2024.

Let’s just dive into goals of the week:

  1. Build headboard.
  2. Finish Darwin & the Joy Path outline.
  3. Work on ‘Phi Beta Files’.
  4. Sleep well.
  5. Bike every day.
  6. Puzzle work when need quiet.
  7. Watch the rest of ‘Almost Paradise’ and then ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ and ‘Vox Machina’.
  8. Laundry.
  9. Maybe buy a Lego plant set to decorate the new headboard.

In case I don’t remember tomorrow or Monday, Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates.

Posted in Goal Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Art of Accidental Intimidation

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Charles Yallowitz

Google Image Search

This is another one of those topics that I had on my list and totally forgot what inspired it or where to go.  Yet, I do feel compelled to write about it.  Not because I have a lot to say, but I’m curious as to what people think.

We all know that intimidation is when a person threatens another person into submission or some kind of activity.  This is typically done without using physical force, but that isn’t a standard.  In fiction, it’s more common for a character to do this through words, facial expressions, posture, or their reputation.  Intimidating another character is a sign of strength and general toughness.  They get what they want because they know how to push people the right way.

Then there are times when a character is intimidating by accident.  Most times this is done for comedic effect.  The intimidating character is there to do something benign or unrelated to what the others are up to.  Yet, their presence makes a villain think twice about acting or even blurt out a secret.  There might some actions being taken that are threatening when taken out of context.  For example, the intimidating character picking up a knife at a store could make a villain think they are about to attack, but they’re really out shopping for a birthday present.  Again, this is for comedy.

I’ve seen a few scenes where the physical intimidation is mixed with verbal, which takes a lot of skill.  The character will talk either directly to the unintentional target or to someone else in a vague way, which can be taken as threatening.  You need to get very good at writing sentences that can have two meanings depending on the situation.  I’m still trying to get the hang of that, which is why I’ve never attempted this.  I think adding a verbal effect helps in selling the accidental intimidation too because it touches on more than the target’s sense of sight.  Now, they’re hearing things that make them scared.

Another aspect of this type of thing could be the character’s physical appearance.  I noticed that they tend to be big, muscular, angry face and sometimes scars.  They don’t always look intimidating, but they happen to be in a mood during the scene.  I think I remember this happening in ‘Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’ when at least one of his teachers showed up and accidentally scared Kenichi’s opponents.  The guy was big, muscular, scarred, etc. and was giving off an angry aura without meaning to.  I think that’s how it went.  All I really remember is that he was confused on why people were afraid of him, which tends to be a big part of the punchline.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or examples of this type of minor plot twist?  Any that aren’t done for comedy?

Posted in Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments