Video Editing

Lately on my FaceBook account, I have been "sharing" some of my old videos (namely my Harry Potter 7-2 Trailer rehash "War" and the Doctor Who "End of Time" trailer, which I'm still proud of to this day).

Because of this sharing, I have had several friends ask me why I gave it up.  This brings back memories of my mom saying I have a gift with timing the music to videos...

It has been nearly a year since I last edited a video.  I made this post last August giving some detail as to why I was giving the hobby up.  However, as the year has gone by, I've come to realize some things regarding this hobby that was nearly 10 years in the making...

To start off, the reason I think I loved it so much was because I am a visual learner and have always been fascinated with movies.  And we all realize the power music has in movies--it defines so much, especially the mood/emotion of the scene.  Because I am a visual learner, and things visually appeal to me, when I listen to music I can see images in my head as though I'm watching a movie.  If I can then take what I see and give it physical dimension, it's like a dream come true.  I find it incredibly satisfying.  Not to mention how when I sat down at the computer to edit, the hours just FLEW passed.  I would sit down at 3 PM and the next thing I knew, it was 12 AM and I had forgotten to eat dinner!!  It was truly amazing and I have yet to find something that interests me as much or makes the time fly as quickly as editing did...

No, not even my writing can compare...

On top of that, when I became fascinated with movie trailers (especially its music), I was thrown into a whole new world.  Prior to movie trailers, I had been making music videos--videos to an entire song with lyrics.  But this new development (spawned by seeing the Spider-man 2 trailer and hearing the song "Lacrymosa") threw me a new curve ball.  I then made it a pursuit to make movie trailers, and for a while that was my dream job.

Then reality hit me.

Could I really see myself sitting at a computer editing a movie trailer once I married?  Had kids?

No, I couldn't.

And as I was editing in 2010, I kept having impressions that I needed to be doing something else with my time (especially since I did--and still do--want to get married and have a family).  Therefore, something needed to be done.  All the hours spent ripping footage, editing, and cursing software amounted to absolutely nothing.  What did I have to show for all my hard work?  A mere 2-minute video.  Wahoo...

I was naive enough to believe that if I gave up my hobby, my social life would instantly improve.  Well, it did for a little while (see this post).  But then it fell flat again.

Video editing was not my problem...

And it's taken me nearly a year to realize what the problem truly was:  Just like with any hobby, my video editing simply needed to be balanced with other things.  My problem was learning how to balance it, hence the reason I believed I needed to give it up.

Even at that time, I didn't say, "I will never edit again" but rather, "I may get back to editing one day, but right now I need to do something else."

And what has happened in this last year?

I have expanded my social circle, I've read more books, and I've done a whole lot more writing!!

Will I ever go back to editing?  Possibly.  I'll admit, I would absolutely love to do my wedding video (you know how they show videos at the reception of the bride and groom and engagement photos?  That's what I want to do!).  My biggest problem is I currently do not have a computer that can handle the software I would need.  My big PowerMac finally died (I fried the motherboard... lol!  That's the third computer I have killed, and I blame my editing) and I'm currently in no hurry to replace it.  If I ever did get another computer, I would probably buy the latest Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects because they have been my dream programs ever since I started editing.

Yes, I would like to see myself get back into editing, but do it with more balance in my life.  Use it as a reward rather than an escape.

Even now, I still can see "videos" in my head, or I get inspiration to make a trailer, but then I remind myself that I "can't."  But in all actuality, I CAN, it's just a matter of priorities.

As much as I love editing, making trailers, and timing music to video footage, I am resigned to the fact that there is still more for me to learn before I pick up the hobby once again... otherwise I would have already done it.

In the words of my hero:

"Tunnels end in light"

And this is my tunnel...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Also, for those interested, here is the Spider-man 2 trailer that altered my world. "Lacrymosa" starts at 0:40, but really takes off at 1:48 and gives me shivers.

Fall = Book Season!

As I was writing my last book review, it dawned on me how many books are being released this fall that I can't wait to read!  This list continues to grow!  Most of these books are out in September (nearly a new book every week).

Title: Tiger's Destiny
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: Tiger's Curse
Number in Series: #4 out of 5
Release Date: September 4, 2012

I cannot WAIT to read this book!!!  The Tiger's Curse series is stunning and it'll be interesting to see what the movie turns out to be like!  But I have enjoyed the journey with Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan very much and I look forward to this book with great anticipation.  I'm hoping to re-read the other three before its release to get everything fresh again.

On a side note, Colleen Houck has announced that this is the book that will break the curse, but there is still one more book left (Tiger's Dream).  Makes me wonder what that book will be about!

I am so happy I was able to meet Colleen and have my books autographed!  I have a feeling life will become very busy for her (especially after the movie's release) and she might not be able to do as much touring.

Title: After Hello
Author: Lisa Mangum
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 12, 2012

Lisa is my favorite author!  She wrote the Hourglass Door trilogy, which is stunning!  I have also met her in person (being a local author) and she is way nice and personable.

I look forward to this new adventure about Sara and Sam!  Here's the description available:

What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadwa y show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Title: Entice
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Number in Series: #2
Release Date: September 18, 2012

A continuation of the book I just reviewed, Embrace.  I suspect I will read it... just to know what happens.

Title: Casual Vacancy
Author: J. K. Rowling
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 27, 2012

How can I pass up the amazing talent of J. K. Rowling?  The story sounds interesting, though definitely different.  We'll see how this turns out!

When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Seemingly an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

Title: Finale
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush Saga
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012

The final book of the Hush, Hush saga!  This has been a crazy emotional ride for me.  Hush, Hush was the first angel book I picked up three years ago!  One of the biggest things I love (and hate) about Becca's writing is the incredible cliff-hangers she leaves with every book.  I just about died with the cliff-hanger of book two, Crescendo.  I couldn't wait to read the next one!  And now, the stakes are even higher seeing as Nora has just become the leader of a Nephilim army and has to make decisions that will lead to a war between Nephilim, Archangels, and Fallen Angels.  Yep, it's going to be quite the ride!

Title: Inheritance
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: Inheritance Cycle
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012

Yes, it is the paperback version.  But this is because the other books I own from this series are also in paperback, and me being my OCD self, have to have them matching.  I look forward to reading this final book (as I have not read it before).  I'm excited to see how everything ends for Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh.









All in all, this fall will be quite busy!  Not only do I have several new books to read, but I will also be busy with school.  I suppose it's a good thing I'm trying to save my money this summer... for I will not have much of a paycheck come September...

"Embrace" Book Review

Woohoo!  Two book reviews in a row!  I'm on a roll!

Title: Embrace
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Number in Series: Book #1
Copyright: 2010; Sourcebooks, Inc. / Artwork 2012
Genre: Young Adult Fiction: Supernatural / Romance
Pages: 369
ISBN: 9781402268403
My Rating: 3.5 / 5
Content Rating: PG-13 (for swearing, some alcohol use, and implied sensuality)

First of all, I have noticed a trend in the YA fiction.  Of course we started with vampires and then slowly moved to more werewolves.  I often found myself asking the question, "What will be the next 'big thing'?"  We've already covered wizards (Harry Potter) so what was the field going to do next?

I'll tell you.

Angels.  Yep.  I have seen so many angel novels it is starting to get redonkulous (oh yes, I did just go there!).  However, seeing as I myself am writing an angel series, I have an invested interest in the genre and have read several of these angel novels that are currently "popular."

Here is what the book states on the inside flap:

It starts with a whisper.

"It's time for you to know who you are..."

Strange dreams leave her with very real injuries and there's a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms.  The guy she thought she could fall in love with just told her he's only half-human--oh, and same goes for her.  And she keeps hearing a distant fluttering of wings.

Violet Eden is having a very bad 17th birthday.

But if angels seek vengeance and humans are warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden...

Personally, now having read the book, the flap does not accurately describe what's going on.  It's too vague.  Plus there's absolutely no reference to the love triangle (that's so very popular these days).  Here is the text from the book trailer.

Violet turns 17 today.

And finds she is more than human.

The boy she loves will betray her.

Her enemy will defend her.

In a timeless war, where angels seek vengeance, and humans are the warriors...

It will end with a choice...

Who will she... "Embrace"?

That's a little better, in my opinion.

Now, like with all other angel books I have read, 17 is the age their "powers" are revealed to them.  This story is no different.  However, the way Shrvington went about it was different.

Instead of simply finding out she is half-angel, Violet learns she has powers to become what is called a Grigori (half angel, half human for lack of a better definition).  You see, her own mother died shortly after giving birth, and there are forces at work that if either parent dies within 12 days of birth, the child's aura allows an angel to impart a portion of its essence.  These powers are then awoken at the age of 17 and the child gets to choose whether to "embrace" these new powers and fight a war, or to choose to go back to their own life... unprotected.

Shirvington also goes into great detail talking about dark and light angels (not exactly "good" or "bad" for they have a little bit of each).  She also explains that what we would call "fallen angels" are actually "exiled angels" that have chosen this life over their angel life--either for the sake of power (they are always thirsty for power) or to simply experience the world as we humans do (with the five senses).  They then can take human form however, the longer they are in that form the more their power slowly deteriorates.

There continues to be a great war between angels and exiles, for the exiles want to destroy all Grigori for they are the ones protecting humanity.  Grigori defend themselves by sending back the exiles to the angel realm or turning them completely human.  Not to mention the battle between the light and dark exiles themselves (for light an dark do not get along very well).

Violet's powers are such that she is unique.  She doesn't know which rank of angel she comes from (for there are nine different ranks classified by strength, and then a tenth unclassified rank called the Sole), and all her senses are ignited when an exile is near (most Grigori only have one or two senses triggered).

So welcome to Violet's world.

Her desired "boyfriend" is Lincoln, who just happens to be her Grigori partner but they are forbidden to get close--for their powers start to drain (sounds like Hancock to me).  He's extremely loyal and sweet... perfect boyfriend material!  But they are forbidden to be together and the secret he has kept from Violet for over two years causes hurt feelings whens she finds out the truth.

Enter Phoenix.  He's mysterious, dark, and extremely powerful.  Also... an exile.  If Violet is to embrace her Grigori powers, Phoenix would become her enemy.  However, she is drawn to him because he has been truthful with her about her questions regarding this new life she had been thrown into.  There appears to be no dishonesty (unlike with Lincoln).

So what will she choose?

If she stays human (chooses not to embrace her Grigori powers) she will become vulnerable to the exile's attacks, but she can be with Lincoln.  If she embraces, she not only can't be with the one her heart belongs with (Lincoln), but the one she desires most will become her enemy (Phoenix).

Overall, I found this story entertaining and unique--especially the part about the creation story with Adam (it gave the story a unique spin, but obvious clues were dropped during that scene, which solved a big mystery of the book for me--making it rather predictable when the moment of truth arrived).

One of the biggest things I had a problem with was the swearing.  There's quite a bit more than I would like to see in a YA novel.  That I am certainly not fond of.

My other issue has to do with the arc of the story.  Now, normally a book will start out low and then gradually climb with little climaxes that accelerate the story to one final climax, at which point it will taper back down.  However, the way Shirvington did it, there were "smaller" climaxes that seemed too large, and when the story continued on--to build toward another climax--I almost had to stop and take a breath.  Because of this, when the final climax did occur, it was shadowed by the previous ones and therefore losing its luster.  I personally would have liked to see the final climax more dramatic, more memorable.

Also, by the end of the book I didn't feel like the story had ended.  Granted, I know this is a series, but even with a series there needs to be a sense of closure at the end of each book.  There were far too many loose strings to even possibly pass for a rounded story.  If you're going for the cliff-hanger, do it like Becca Fitzpatrick did with Hush, Hush series and really give us a cliff-hanger of an ending...

Overall, the concept of the story was unique enough in its own way to stand out, however the story arc needed some more work: making the truly "epic" moments more epic so they stand out in brilliant color next to the rest of the story.

Is this a book I'll read over and over again?  No.  Will I continue the series?  Possibly.  Depends on what's in store for book 2 (out later this year in September).  If anything, I'm just interested in what Phoenix is going to do next... (I have a thing for the "bad boys").

To summarize, I feel the following quote is very applicable and sums up this book very nicely:

"At some point, we all have to try to have a little faith that, even in the chaos, there's a purpose." - Griffin, p. 362

"The False Prince" Book Review

I will admit right now, I haven't done a very good job at reviewing the books I read... So, there's nothing that says I cannot start now and try again, right?

Title: The False Prince
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Series: The Ascendance Trilogy
Number in Series: Book #1
Copyright: 2012; Scholastic Press
Genre: Young Reader Fiction: Action / Adventure
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780545284134
My Rating: 4 / 5
Content Rating: PG (for some mild intense scenes involving action and blood)

To start off, just LOOK at this amazing cover art!!  The picture doesn't do it justice--for it is much more beautiful in real life.  Cover art is key for striking interest when book browsing.  If the cover is boring, who is going to pick it up and look at it?

So, now that I have picked up the book because of the cover, what is the story about?  Well, I will let my friends at Barnes & Noble tell you:

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Who doesn't like a good adventure book filled with lies, deceit, treason, and a hidden truth?

Overall, I found this book interesting, yet with some predictable moments.  However seeing as the age range for this book is 10 - 14 year olds, perhaps what I call "predictable" a 13-year-old would not.  Speaking of which, this is the type of book I would have loved to have read at that age!  The thought of someone becoming more than who he/she is (a hidden destiny, perhaps) was something I would have found entertaining at that age.

My only complaint about this book was that towards the end the author switches POVs.  Up until that point in the story, the POV had been told in first person.  Then there is one chapter where it is completely third person, with no Sage in sight!  Granted, the author probably did this for suspense reasons (and it worked) however I feel once you pick a POV it needs to stay that way.  If the author had done more of these POV switches through-out the book, it wouldn't have bothered me so much.  But to have one chapter done in third person...

In the end, I finished this book rather quickly (with it being a fast and easy read) and was happy with the ending.  It has a nice "rounded story" feel to it, yet you can sense the story continues on.  How the sequels will be done, I am not sure.  Will I read them?  Probably.

Finally, would I recommend this book to you?  Yes.  Especially if you are looking for an easy read.

On Writing, Pt. 2

Writing.

It shouldn't be that difficult, right?

Well, when you haven't done it for a while, it can be.

You see, back in May I was able to write in my series nearly every day.  I was writing long-hand mind you (filling two college-ruled notebooks in the process), but I was able to write every single day.  However, as finals for that semester drew near and the homework load increased, my time was focused more on school.  Once I survived that, I dove right into my next semester (having only a weekend for a break).  For reasons I am still unaware of, my writing simply stopped.  I wanted to write, but I simply couldn't.  When I would sit down with pen and paper, nothing came to mind.  This is not to say that I wasn't thinking about my story, heavens no!  I live in my story.  But I struggled.

Then I became sick.

And when one is sick, one doesn't feel like doing much of anything at all...

So I've been watching British comedies and reading...

However, I was not writing.  I haven't written anything creative the entire month of June.

Now that it is July (holy cow!!) I suddenly find myself with inspiration and a desire to write again.  This may be in part due to my vivid dream last night (I was apparently a knife thrower and there was a major war going on my grandparents' backyard!  Crazy, I tell you...).  However, the knife throwing reminded me of my character Jade--who happens to be amazingly skilled at lethal tactics. =D

Anyway, I decided to sit down and try to write.  Pulling out my little Netbook "Pakki," I started up Wordpad...

...And stared at the blinking cursor.

Don't you hate that?

Picking a random scene in my head from my story (one I had not considered even writing, but thought it would be fun to experiment with Jade's point of view), I began to write.

It was awful.

Terrible.

So I deleted it and started again.

This time, the words came a bit easier though still plenty awkward.  They didn't flow right... they didn't feel right.

But I pushed through.

And--like with anything else in life--after persevering for a little while, things started to become a little easier.  The dialogue seemed to flow of its own accord.  The scenery became more vivid in my mind, allowing for more detail to be allotted.

After a while, I had a scene written.  A scene that I may be able to use in my series.

One of the greatest blessings I have received from reading the Inheritance Cycle is that of the value of POVs, especially in third person.  Originally, I was thinking of doing a limited third person POV for my story (allowing the reader to experience the story with the character; the mystery of events pulling them in, like with Harry Potter).  But now, having written several scenes from other characters POVs, I'm thinking I might branch out and take a broader approach to my writing.  I think it will make for a more entertaining adventure.

Not to mention the fact that I thoroughly enjoy writing from my villain's point of view!  (Not that there will be a lot of scenes from their point of view--if any--but they will certainly be fun to write!)

So, here is my goal: Write a little bit every day this week.  It doesn't even have to be on my Destroyer Series, but just write something.

We will see how I am doing by the week's end!

Hopefully I can learn a bit more discipline and perseverance than I currently have... and this is one step to reaching that goal.