Famous Last Words: Week 15

This week I finally finished my novel!!! It seemed like I'd never make it to 50,000. I stayed up all night finishing it, but it's done. I can't really describe how relieved I feel. It'll be nice to read over it and edit during Christmas break. Now that I don't have deadlines for it, I think I'll be able to actually enjoy it.

I'm done with classes, but I have work until the 16th. Then I'm free! I hope everyone survives finals week. Luckily, as a writing major, I don't have any finals. I just have tons of writing. I finished my novel, wrote my last storybook entry, and now all I have left is a 15-page paper.

The paper is for my Arthurian Legend class. I'm doing a report on the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. In reality there is no reason why the paper should be 15 pages long. I could easily tell you everything you'd ever want to know in about 8, but those are the requirements. Honestly though, 15 pages is nothing after writing a novel. I find it easier to write academic papers, because (for me) it takes less mental energy. It's exhausting when I do creative writing.

Now that I'm done with my novel I can concentrate more on my internship. I write blog posts for a website called HelloHappyness.

My author's bio
(Personal screenshot)

The purpose of the site is to bring a smile or a laugh to peoples' days. Click on the link above if you'd like to check out my author's page on the site. It would be amazing if I could get a job writing these types of posts after I graduate. I like the idea of creating my own schedule and I already watch these types of videos so I might as well get paid for it!

Week 15 Review

My favorite thing from today's announcements was The Tunnel. As the semester draws to a close I can't think of a more apt picture. 

Light at the End
(Source: The Tunnel)

Reading

I really enjoyed the Biblical units. I read about Noah and the Ark, but my favorite stories involved Adam and Eve. It was cool to see stories about them that weren't from the Bible, which were the only version I'd heard of them.

I found it easiest to write comment for my diaries as I read the stories, because I would forget little parts and moments that I enjoyed. I think that the class did a good job of creating a balance between reading, writing, and commenting. I did feel like a storytelling post each week was a little overwhelming, but I was also doing a lot of writing in my other classes so it might just have been me.

I would suggest that future students look ahead and decide which units they want to explore. Not only will it make each week easier to start, but it will also get you excited for the coming weeks.

Reflections

I'm pleased with how fun and interactive this class was. I'm proud of the storybook I was able to create. I think it's awesome that this class has given me something that will last long after the semester is over.

I liked learning about all sorts of myths and legends. I was able to re-read some stories, but also finally read some classics, like Beowulf.

I can see myself better utilizing legends and famous stories as spring boards for my writing in the future. I didn't realize how fun it could be to re-imagine and give my own spin on classic stories.

Google Timer Tech Tip

I had never heard of the Google Timer before today. I know that my roommate always times himself for assignments, but it has never really appealed to me.

(Screenshot from my writing session)

I tried using this timer for a short bit of writing I had to do today. I set the timer for 20 minutes and went for it. Surprisingly it actually did help a little bit. It helped to know that I probably shouldn't look at my phone or text a friend for the next few minutes because I was on the clock. I can see this being something I use in the future.

Extra Reading Diary: Hans Christian Andersen

Extra Reading Diary: Hans Christian Andersen

I have heard of Hans Christian Anderson, but I don't actually know much about him. It looks like I've read or been read some of his stories before, but it's been a long time. I look forward to getting reacquainted with his work.

The Princess and the Pea: I read this story when I was younger. I remember it fairly well, but this might be a different version. I'm excited to find out. This wasn't the version that I read. This one was much more direct and simple. There wasn't a lot to the story, but it obviously provided a good base for people to write from.

Princess On Her Bed
(illustration by Dulac)

The Wicked Prince: Wow, I've never read anything quite like this story. In the beginning the story had a very realistic feel to it, until the Prince decided to try and kill God. It's a very interesting concept. The story didn't proceed or end like I thought it would. How the mighty was brought down by a single sting.

Week 14 Review

My favorite thing on the announcements this week was the Phonetic Etymology section. I thought the graphic was funny and clever. My favorite one was the pylon!

Phonetic Etymology
By John Atkinson, at his Wrong Hands blog

To look at more of these, go to John Atkinson's blog, Wrong Hands.