Blogging – Page 8

Categories: Blogging, Entertainment, Me, Model Monday, Music

Model Monday #05: Prince of Persia

I was going to do a post on Soundtracks and was playing Prince of Persia’s soundtrack on the background … of course, that would be one of the soundtracks mentioned on the post … then, since there are so many more things I like about Prince of Persia, why not to give it its own post?

So here it is.

Um, let me tell you. This is going to be one very long post, not because of the text, but because of the pictures and videos. Believe me, I’ve trimmed it down. My will was to include dozens of pictures and dozens of videos.

It is that good!

To learn about Prince of Persia (if you don’t know and I can’t believe you don’t know!), you can visit their website or Wikipedia.

The Forgotten Sands is the name of the latest game

Where to begin?

Perhaps from the beginning? Duh!

Prince of Persia started as a game, a 2d game for MS-DOS, and I was about 10 years old when it went out. I played it at that time. And it was AWESOME!

This is how it was.

The Prince of Persia brand grew and became a franchise. A big one.

PoP first developer is called Brøderbund (now extinct). Today, the franchise belongs to Ubisoft (the same game developer of Assassins Creed, another game I enjoy).

The franchise grew and Ubisoft began releasing a new version of PoP every couple of years–each time improved, of course, following the available technology.

The latest game, released in 2010, is called The Forgotten Sands.

This is how it looks right now:

Better, uh?

What I like about Prince of Persia ins’t only the fact that it’s an awesome game. I like it all.

The story behind the game, the magic, the characters, the setting.

The Prince’s character (note that in the games he doesn’t have a name. he is called Prince. Period). He is serious, focused, charming, good-looking, hot, a silent bad guy. A tortured hero. And he is a master when it comes to fighting. He is “the man.”

Pictures from several game versions

I know, you’re gonna tell me I’m obsessing over a drawing. But, come on, he is a hot drawing!

And, if I want to give him a face, I can think of Jake Gyllenhaal (scroll down if you’re impatient and want to see him).

Here are some videos about the latest game:

Then, they made the movie.

Ah, the movie.

I went to watch it at the theater. I’m a movie lover and usually I like the movies I go see. But this one, I don’t what happened, my hubby and I left the theater and I asked to go back, to buy another ticket and go see it again. Seriously.

Of course, my hubby thought I was kidding and we went home.

Do you know what I did home? I wrote the whole outline for an epic fantasy novel that reminded me of the setting and the emotion of Prince of Persia. That night, I even drew the map for this new world.

I downloaded the movie soundtrack and began writing. I wrote 120,000 words in 2 weeks. That’s how inspired and excited I was.

However, I didn’t finish that story. Yeah, 120k words and not finished. That’s why I stopped. I would end up with a book of 200k and then would have to cut half.

So I chose to give it some time, let it simmer in, then go back to it and re-write the whole thing.

I’m still waiting to go back to it lol To give that MS some time, I started another. When I finished that one, I already had an idea for another. So I wrote it. And that’s how it went. And that’s how it has been.

I’m waiting for the day I have more time to go back to my epic fantasy, cause you know, epic requires major brainstorming time. But I love it. I love my idea. My trusted beta-reader said it was my most original and exciting story so far lol

Just FYI, my epic fantasy is not like LOTR or Game of Thrones, with many plots and subplots and characters. I like to think of it more like Graceling and Fire—less characters, fewer plots, a main romance, but similarly exciting.

Anyway, back to the movie.

I love it. I truly do.

It has action, a noble cause, a hot prince, a fearless princess (or high priestess), bad and powerful guys, romance. It’s perfect. Everything in the right dose. Perhaps only the romance could have been upped a little, but I’ll take it the way it is ;)

And now videos to keep us entertained!

Finally, the topic that inspired this post: SOUNDTRACK.

I love writing while listening to soundtracks, and Prince of Persia is a great one.

It’s exotic and magical. Just like the game. Just like the movie.

So, to finish this post, here are some songs from the movie’s soundtrack:

Did you watch the movie? Did you like it?

Hope you enjoyed my *obsession* of Prince of Persia =)

Cheers,

Categories: #ROW80, Blogging, Me, My writing

ROW80 Check-in #02

Here we are, the second check of Round 4.

If you want to know about my goals, you can click here.

Exercising:

Still waiting for doctor’s permission. If you missed what I’m talking about, you can click here and read the whole story.

Blogging/Twitter:

I had a post out on Thursday, plus this one. So that added to 5 posts this week.

I’ve commented on other blogs to the point of losing count … and I kept commenting lol

And twitter … I’m on twitter all the time ;)

Speaking of twitter: I’m trying to follow all ROW80 members on twitter—yay for writers’ support! So, if I didn’t follow you yet, let me know.

Reading:

I’m still reading Matched by Ally Condie. It’s not capturing my attention. I hate when that happens. Normally, I devour a book within hours. Not this one =(

Writing:

Thursday: Four #1k1hr, plus some writing at night, to a total of 5031 words.

Friday: Wrote 3075 words, worked on a query and polished a first chapter for submission (ah!)

Saturday and Sunday are family time over here, but something unexpected happened: my husband had to work this weekend. That left us a problem: I’m in no condition to take care of my daughter alone (because of my leg), so my mother-in-law spent the weekend with us and took care of my daughter. I tried to stay clsoe to them, but they didn’t stop! When they went to the neighborhood’s playground, I was left alone with time in my hands. I read, I wrote 2 blog posts, I researched and I wrote. So:

Saturday: Wrote a blog post, researched, did one #1k1hr and wrote 1700 words.

Sunday: Did two #1k1hr in the morning and got 1593 words down. I plan to write more at night, so my word count will be higher when the day is done. UPDATE: I did one #1k1hr at night and got 1456 down. Total for the day: 3049 words! Woot!

I think things are going well over here—but it’s only the first week … I hope I can keep this up till the end =)

How about you? Are you having fun yet?

Cheers,

Categories: #ROW80, Blogging, Me, My writing

ROW80 Check-in #01

My first #ROW80 check-in! Woot!

It’s been only 3 days, but it’s been wonderful and exciting so far! I’m very happy and excited about meeting so many fellow writers. I bet I’ll meet even more until the end of the challenge =)

So, where to begin …

Let’s start with EXERCISING

Well, I haven’t been doing any of that, orders from the doctor (that’s why on my goals it says after the doctor okays it).

However, I decided to explain a little about that here to my fellow ROWers (I’ll try to be quick). If you aren’t interested in this topic, feel free to skip to the next one.

Last year, in May, I ruptured two feet ligaments and had to quit ballet. Lots of physical therapy later, the doctor said I had to try and go on, enduring the pain, or would have to go through surgery. But, no ballet for me. I went back to normal life, but exercising was not fun anymore. I wanted to dance ballet. Anyway. A month ago, my ligaments started hurting again, out of nowhere. I didn’t twist my ankle or hit it anywhere. The pain started spreading through my whole foot and my shin—and the numbness started.

It hurt so bad, I went to the ER. They doc there said I had to see a foot specialist. However, he said that, because of the numbness, it was probably related to the spine. He gave me meds and sent me home, where I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, Dr. S., the foot specialist who treated my foot last year. Four days later, I went to his office and he too told me it looked like spine. A spinal disc herniation, to be more precise. He ordered a MRI of the spine first and scheduled a MRI for the leg later, in case it was not the spine, but he was 99% sure it was. Meanwhile, total bed-rest.

Some days later, I did the MRI on my spine. A couple of days later, I got the results. It said I have a Schmorl’s Node on my spine and that could cause, in the future, a disc herniation, but it can’t be whatever is causing the pain and the numbness on my leg. And let me tell you, it’s getting worse. I’m taking some heavy painkillers and still I can barely sleep at night because of the PAIN!

Anyway, now, I have leg MRUI scheduled for next Monday, the pain is killing me (lol) and I’m still resting as much as I can.

So, that’s my reason for not exercising. Yet.

I hope to find out whatever is causing the pain (and the numbness and the inside-out burning sensation), treat it, and go back to exercising.

Since I can’t dance ballet, I’m thinking about trying Yoga or Pilates. Let’s see.

Next topic, BLOGGING and TWITTER

I blogged more than expected. And I have another post coming up tomorrow.

I also commented on many blogs of our ROWers friends. And some other blogs that I usually read/follow.

And Twitter … well, that thing is addicting! Evil being! I’ve been tweeting for a long time, but, damn, I don’t want to turn it off! LOL

On to READING

I’m reading Matched by Ally Condie.

I’m about 40% in and, let me tell you, so far I’ve been forcing it. I read so many reviews, heard so many people raving about how wonderful this book would be, that I think I was expecting more.

Well, I’m not done yet, so I’m hoping things will heat up ;)

Finally, WRITING

That department is going well.

Monday and Tuesday I wrote a little over my quota (2k per day).

But today was awesome. Today alone I did four #1k1hr and got down around 4k words. And I plan to do one more tonight lol

This #1k1hr is addicting too and I plan to participate on them whenever I can.

Gosh, I wrote a longer post than I intended to. Sorry, friends!

To finish, I just wanted to let you know I’m very excited and happy to be a part of round 4 of #ROW80. Having loads of fun so far!

I hope you all are doing great =)

Cheers,

Categories: Blogging, Contests, Entertainment, On Writing, Reading

YA Confidential

A new blog about Young Adult was launched three weeks ago. It’s called YA CONFIDENTIAL and it has been great so far!

The differential about YA CONFIDENTIAL is that authors work with real life teenagers, who share their experiences and their likes and dislikes about today’s YA books. It’s different and it’s efficient!

From their blog, here’s a sample of a weekly posting schedule:

Monday Mission Briefings: Each week an operative will choose a YA-related mission and break it down.

Teen Spy Tuesdays: Everything teen. Roundtables. Critiques. Thoughts on books and craft. You name it, our teen spies will cover it.

Undercover Wednesdays: All things YA book-related!

From the Vault Thursdays: Answer our question of the day and get entered in our weekly contest. Winners are allowed to select a book from THE VAULT.

Fun Fridays: Exactly what the name implies…

Doesn’t it sound awesome?!

And right now, they are hosting a Launch Celebration Giveaway with lots of great prizes, including agent critiques and ARCs!

Head over there and join this fun community!

Cheers,

Categories: Blogging, Entertainment, Me, Model Monday

Model Monday #4: World of Warcraft

I love epic/high fantasy.

I even have some ideas and outlines to write one (or two, or three), but, because of the complexity, I always end up delaying it …

Today’s post will be short on purpose. I could rave about World of Warcraft, which is IMO the best game ever, well, forever though I’m certain nobody will read me rambling about it forever =)

I was addicted to WoW, very bad.

Unfortunately, now I don’t play it anymore … if I start it again, I won’t be able to stop, so I keep it away from my computer lol

It is that good!

Here I give you the cinematic trailers for the game and the 3 expansion sets.

Note: just because I don’t play it anymore, doesn’t mean I don’t know what is happening in that world ;)

World of Warcraft Cinematic:

Burning Crusades Cinematic:

Wrath of the Lich King Cinematic:

Cataclism Cinematic:

The graphics are perfect, the soundtrack is topnotch, and the plot is compelling and engaging.

Now tell me, by watching those, don’t you want to dive in? To be a part of it? To play it? To write about something like that?

I do!

Cheers,

Categories: #ROW80, Blogging, My writing

A Round of Words in 80 Days

A few months ago, I was introduced to A Round of Words in 80 Days by Elizabeth Ann West, whom I met through blogging.

As it’s written on the blog:

A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.

The 80-days challenge happens 4 times per year and the next one, round 4, will start October 3rd.

This community is actually more like a big cheer squad. You set up your own goals for the 80 days, anything so as it is measurable. If needed, you can change it as your life changes …

Since I’m all for encouragement and gathering with other writers, I signed up for round 4 (click here if you want to signed up too).

To view my goals, click here.

Cheers,

Categories: Blogging, Entertainment

Versatile Blogger

I’ve got another blog award! This time it was from Jani Grey and Jenn. Thanks ladies!

The rules for accepting the award are:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it.

Number 1 was done above, but I’ll repeat it here: Thanks Jani and Jenn for the award!

Number 2—share 7 things about me:

I danced ballet from 3 to 19 yo. I went back to it last year, but then ruptured 2 tendons on my right foot. And now I can’t dance anymore =( Worse of all is that my foot started hurting again last week. I’ll have to go to the doctor soon.
When I was around 5 yo, my parents had 10 dogs at our house. Big dogs. Bigger than me.
I’m Brazilian but I lived in the US from 2004 to 2009. I miss it. There are plans to go back, but nothing definite yet.
I have a BA in Art Studio with emphasizes on Graphic Design. And I’m a terrible Graphic Designer lol
I became a reader at an early age and I thank my mother for that. Looking back, I can’t remember her without a book on her hands. I hope to pass this habit on to my daughter.
I’ve been diagnosed with Orthostatic Intolerance. I’m not kidding.
I’m tall and I don’t like it. I’m 5’9″ (1.75m) and I love high heels. If I could choose my height, I would be 5’7″ (1.70m). That way, I would be able to wear my 4 or 5 inches heels and wouldn’t feel bad about it.

Number 3—passing on the award:

For now I’m citing only 11 blogs. If I remember more, I’ll add accordingly.

And I encourage anyone who wants to promote their blogs to post the link at the comments below.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cheers,

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