Sunday, September 18, 2016

Feedback Focus

Reading Out Loud:

So I tried this technique out by reading to my dog. I made a point to read it to my dog since I typically like to proof read out loud anyways, but I wanted to make it more direct than just reading to the open air. I found that by doing it this way, I was focusing more on the inflection in my voice and attempting to make the story run smooth. I was able to read the passages and notice more about the flow of dialogue compared to just general reading. Definitely a 5 star on my ranking for how to stay focused with reading passages. It helps to jot notes while reading to you dog, fish, cat, whatever. They won't mind, I promise. :)

Copy-and-Delete:

For this technique I actually put the text of 'What Makes Lightning' into Written? Kitten! I liked this source by the way because it generate a new image as you write. But in terms of paraphrasing after each paragraph, I noted that I don't form complete sentences. I see that I try to cut down the authors writing. This is a good way to take notes of someone else writing if you are trying to provide feedback, such as if the author is staying on topic, if the character developed and emotional change, and just noting general notes of a story's progress. This will be a good way to take notes for weekly readings for a variety of different classes and being able to recall information without having to reread a paragraph or story. This isn't a good focus tool for proof-reading your own writing, but great for taking notes of others. 4 stars.

Use a Timer:

I didn't like this method what so ever. I caught myself paying more attention to the timer than to the readings. It may be my inner ADHD and useful for others, but I am not a fan. This is good for cutting corners on reading and getting the general gist of stories, but I don't find it useful for retaining focus on your own writings or providing a good way to give feedback. 1 star.

http://writtenkitten.co
2016

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Reading Notes: Sindbad (Part A)

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-first-voyage.html- 2016
Young and foolish character with a fortune with a heart for sailing and adventure. Explain a little more about his merchant bargaining past. Purchases boat with fortune with a buddy of his to set sail around the world trading merchandise. Think about where he gets his passion for the sea and sailing from. His Father? Brother?

*Que Shipwreck* Possibly the Kraken?

Come up with a cool island name that relates to future plots. *Think KONG Island*

Meets the head honcho of the island. Possibly a tribe leader or a king?
Brings home riches from a successful trip of trading. Brings joy to his family, purchases land and slave. (Place: Bagdad)

Grows idle in life and seeks adventure. Gets marooned on an island by his crew, finds riches and gold galore, but not successful at leaving the island.

Need to come up with a cool way for him to leave the island.
He could be left stranded on the island for many years until he is found again and trades some riches to be rescued. Keeping the rest of the island hidden.

Steals a ship and comes back to find the island underwater/ruined by nature?
Maybe it has not been inhibited by a variety of venomous snakes that are huge in size.

Bibliography:

The Voyages of Sindbad comes from the story source 'The Arabian Night's Entertainments' by Andrew Lang.
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-first-voyage.html

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Tech Tip

Today's Tech Tip is brought to you in part by:



https://www.bitmoji.com - 2016
What is it?

Bitmoji is a emoticon that you create based on your own looks. It's your own personal emoji!
It comes with a wide array of different stickers that let you express frustration, sass, optimism, happiness, sadness and many other emotions! The app is completely free that you can download onto a iPhone/iPad.





Where can you use it?

Bitmoji is capable of being used on Google Chrome, Snapchat, Facebook, Android devices, Apple Devices, etc!




What's the best part?

Although the app is free, there are in-app purchases for theme packs, like GhostBusters, Kim Kardashian, XMen, Food, Blingmoji, movie themes and so much more!





Question? Comments? Concerns?

If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll get back to you!







Reading Notes: Sindbad (Part B)

Illustration by G. Dore
http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/sindbad-fifth-voyage.html
Sindbad: Part B

Thinking about doing a story about a boat that sales the oceans and never reaches a port but stumbles upon an island. Find a huge bird egg or a mysterious pit / volcano. Bad thing happens as people of the ship engage with it. People are left stranded on island. Finds something joyous to do on the island. Someone else finds joyous activity and it becomes a competition. The activity may actually become a resource that they compete over and take advantage of.
Another boats comes and saves the man. Displays arrogance and a lack of understanding in his continuous travels that are life threatening.

Embarks on his last voyage, possibly to set sail for life in the Indian Ocean?

Bibliography:
The story source of The Voyages of Sinbad comes from The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang.
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-voyages-of-sindbad.html

Friday, September 9, 2016

Tech Tip: How to use Giphy.com

This week tech tip is brought to you in part by: Giphy.com
http://giphy.com - 2016
Giphy.com is an EXCELLENT choice if you are looking to give your tweets, FB posts, blog or any other social media post a boost!

For those who are unaware, GIFs are like animated stickers. They came in a variety of different categories and display actions, wrote movies/TV shows, contain art and design, and so much more!
http://giphy.com/categories - 2016
If you're looking for something more specific, you can always use the search bar located at the top of their website.

BUT AUSTIN, HOW DO I USE THESE WONDERFUL ANIMATED STICKERS CALLED GIFs?!

Easy!

1.) Find the Gif of you choice that conveys what you are looking for.
          *I'll attach my favorite GIF at the end of this post :)
2.) Click on the image
3.) Select the Iframe Embed and copy it. 
          *You can push the [Command] + [C] keys to shortcut copy the text.

http://giphy.com/gifs/justin-beyonce-slay-i-3o6gb7cN7bwDxAbnS8 - 2016
4.) Paste the selected text in the social media platform you choose to use.
5.) Experience glory as you have posted your first gif!

Authors Note:

This is my favorite GIF ;)



"Cause I Slay" - Song: Formation by Beyoncé Knowles


Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Reading Notes: The Story of Beowulf

Creative notes on the Epic:

Try to remember what you've read of Beowulf in the past.

Themes: Individual Identity vs. Family Reputation/Heritage

A lot of bravery, strength and courage is deemed necessary and almost the foremost goal to be a hero as told in the Epic.

Examines the difference between a warrior and a king.

** Creative Note** Think about making this into a modern day military story. Focus on the family "Military Brat" that transitions into upholding the family name/lineage as a military man/woman.
-Make note to demonstrate the high authority and ranking of the M.B. father to emulate in sorts the difference between a warrior and a king (or, a Lt. Colonel and a private).
-Make note to demonstrate that the M.B. finds passion in community efforts, sympathy & emotion while the father is cut-throat, demanding and stiff.

Symbolism to focus on:
The 3 monsters Beowulf fights - what does each monster represent
Grendel: Think resentment to people, not remorseful ; demonstrates Beowulf's superhuman strength
Grendel's Mother: Revenge, perhaps? ; the use of the sword (dying strength)
**Creative Note** Think in the defense of M.B.s fellow private, the ongoing struggle to protect his fellow starts with hand-to-hand combat and then grows in intensity/or/start with weapons and move to h-t-h to keep in modern.
Dragon: Fully loaded protection and weaponry (demonstrates Beowulfs aggression, age, and his greediness for the Dragon's treasure...DING DING * Drop in values) Killed the Dragon Obvi, but died of wounds.
**Creative Note** The M.B. can die in battle after amending through the ranks/or/die a good man that amended through the ranks and retains the noble and perfect association as the Epic's hero.

The Golden Torque - a bond from one family to another
** Creative Note** Think about the M.B. in battle with a fellow private and attempting to save his fellow man. Receives a token of their appreciation for his efforts in war. (Finding comfort in another families home and lifestyle?????)

Keep in mind that Beowulf represents this idea of the perfect hero in the Epic.
-Pay attention to the growth of Beowulf into a more perfect hero (think values)
-Hrothgar is the person who helps develop Beowulfs maturity and creates this stability with the Epic's hero. (Think M.B.'s Mother?? perhaps another relative or friend?)

Bibliography - The Story of Beowulf
Author: Strafford Riggs
Link: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/search/label/Unit%3A%20Beowulf

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Feedback Thoughts

I like to think that I have a pretty thick skin when it comes to reading feedback and comments on my writing. As a students under the Gaylord College, I am very accustomed to writing and having a variety of different people read, judge, critique and provide feedback of my works.

One thing that I've always noted about doing feedbacks myself is that nobody likes a grammar nazi, but people do appreciate the help as needed. When people go crazy correcting grammar, they typically aren't actually reading and absorbing your story because their soul focus is correcting you.

I enjoy feedback when it displays an interest in the story or the writing. I try to find interesting points in other people stories, especially characters. If I find an interesting character or want to know more about a character I will be sure to note it.

I cope with negative feedback by remembering that  everyone has different viewpoint to their own creativity. When I have had other people who are very negative in their feedback after a view comments I will quit reading them.
Image result for feedback
Ways to give feedback
http://www.tipsforlawyers.com/young-lawyers-feedback-or-not/