I'm Just Spitballing Here...

I know I just left another wonderful rant about something you might not care about anyways, the original intent of that last post was supposed to lead into how the e-mailing and the friend's story helped to motivate me to write again. Guess I got pretty carried away, huh?

I was also very much motivated last Saturday at the family reunion in Angola, Indiana, where a family member shared an interesting book for her part in the Talent Show. It's called The Shack, and the premise was interesting enough for me to ask for one of the extra copies she had with her. Either way, having the book there with me to look at here and there helped inspire me enough to work on a little diddy of a story involving practically every main and favorite character of mine. I can't say this one will EVER be published of course, but hell, it's fun enough I'd like to go somewhere with it.

As for other story news:

• The Dyn-O-Mite comic is on extreme hold-mode, for whatever reason...
• The Sakai Trilogy is still someplace that I can't seem to grasp hold of it long enough to continue a decent amount of writing for it
• since my friend mentioned earlier is also a good fan fiction nut, I seem to have realized how badly I left my Oblivion fan fiction sometime last summer. I probably need to start it up again...

That's pretty much the biggest concerns for me at the moment. Gotta say there's a lot on my hands here...Actually, there always is...

-Kelifer

Ps. I'm also considering doing some real money-involved commission work, considering that my mom does have a PayPal account set up and I have been getting some requests from people. If anyone's interested in commissioning me for...anything, check me out here (please regard the fact that I will be changing the rules here soon enough so that I will be charging drawings in the very near future):

MardukIvanKalium's Rules for Trading
MardukIvanKalium's Current Status on Requests

E-Mail Makes Me Feel Corporately Important

I didn't realize how much fun it is to actually send and receive e-mails! Sure, I get about a thousand a month from those pesky college admissions offices (not that I'm really complaining), and eventually I find a funny message here and there from friends and family, but honestly I feel so much more important receiving e-mails than I do anyother form of communication! It's almost like I'm a real adult on an internet adventure: you send off a message to someone whom you have no idea if they'll even get it soon or not, but when you get a reply back it's like you don't feel so alone in the world anymore! On Facebook, it's like vultures praying off eachother's own happenings to alleviate themselves of their own boring existences, constantly on the ready to see if someone has updated their status to simply reply "LOL" or some other generic greeting.

I think what seperates e-mails from the typical sites like Facebook and Myspace is that we have a chance to write like we feel and not what we want to be distributed across the internet into other people's browsers. On those networking sites, you feel obligated to write something funny because everyone else did but instead of pouring out your heart and your feelings you shorthand yourself and quite literally your vocabulary until it's almost nonsense and abbreviations. In e-mailing, you're given a beautiful body to scribble your mind's musings and ponder and reflect upon your day and that of your recipient. You are also given the chance to share information between each other in attachments and images that otherwise would clutter your notes and ramblings in Facebook and Myspace, and even quite possibly confuse the other millions of people who are bothered by the incessant "back and forth" movement of the message itself.

Almost an hour ago, I worked up a detailed review of my friend's premier chapter to her new novel she's currently working on. However, it took me nearly half-an-hour just to write down what I thought about it all, and in the same time I was able to manage the essay into a formatted work of my emotions perfectly described, without the abbreviations and the ramblings and the fear of what others would think. It was a personaly and deeply-thought narrative between me and my friend only, rather than everyone reading in on the conversation, and everyone being involved with what I had to say to her alone, and everyone this, and everyone that. For all I was concerned, my friend and I were the only two in the whole world that matter at that moment and the information we shared was that of a friendship and an effective business matter.

You see, to me the internet has become so bent on being fast and easy and quick and cheap, but nobody really benefits from that. There's no...passion, or love in those messages, just a quick send and reply to get a point across to someone else in their friend box. Messaging by computer is a romance of information and storytelling for friends and family to share their days and to get multiple points across without losing the integrity of those messages.

Certainly instant messaging and our favorite networking sites allow for us to display our inner feelings and thoughts and hobbies and other such things quickly and for all to see...but what does that mean for us as individuals? What does that do to our ability to become more acquainted with another on a seriously personal level?

E-mailing allows for us to be more personaly with our recipient and make them feel as though the message they receive is just for them and sincerly important. Everyone can access a person's profile in the ever more public domain of Facebook and Myspace, but only so many people are granted access to their own personal address to which we can travel down toward understanding our friend across the other line. Only through this electronic mailing system can one person send a gift that only they are capable of. You don't send a message to everyone on a list because you will be rewarded, but to a few select people with which you know their address better than anyone elses, to share an experience you know they will personally and mutually enjoy.

The internet that we see today isn't necessarily one of advancement, but rather a detraction of the values our more mature adults once shared and that of an impatience in today's generation. For that I say, take a break from this fast paced...bull honkey. Sit down, and send a message to someone long lost in your address book and tell them how your day was, or ask for advice...or just thank them for simply being there to receive your letter and wish them the best of luck in whatever it is they're doing that day.

I bet you more often than not that you'll feel much better doing so.

-Kelifer

Cause I'm--TNT! I'm Dynamite!

I'll keep it brief, but I started a new comic recently, a little more than a month ago. It's called Dyn-O-Mite, which is a reflection of how much I love architecture and construction work. It's pretty far into Chapter One as far as the roughs go, but otherwise I've only officially finished 2 full pages and some chapter pages in between.

For more information, I'll leave you a link to my personal art profile at DeviantART.com and the Official Dyn-O-Mite journal I have posted there, too.

MardukIvanKalium at DeviantART.com

Official Dyn-O-Mite Journal

My Composition Notebook Pulled a David Copperfield

I really think this is how it happened. For the longest time I've been looking for these notepad pages that I wrote for a side chapter way back over Christmas Break, but for the life of me I couldn't find them. I really thought I'd lost them for good. Well, I wanted to put the story I was writing in to an official composition notebook so they'd be in an actual "book" and would also be much harder to lose (how ironic). Last week, I managed to find an unused notebook to use for this.

Well, yesterday, while beginning to re-write the chapter in my new notebook, I realized there was a pretty big space in the middle of it. When I flipped to the center of the notebook, my three pages were there! I don't even remember at ALL that I'd might have put them there, so I think my notebook pulled a David Copperfield and "magically" made them reappear.

I may have to consult this notebook more often...

That was kind of my funny story for the past two days. As for the chapter, I've become pretty motivated to start writing it, and I've actually finished two lengthy pages (on one of those giant yellow pad things). I had to stop writing though, because if I got too far, it'd almost seem pointless to re-write it in the composition notebook. I like to mainly right in those kind of notebooks because I actually like crossing stuff out and writing useful comments here and there. Makes it more nostalgic, and looks like I actually put effort into it.

I may try writing again tonight. I'm kind of torn between studying for my programming test tomorrow in study hall (granted we don't have ANOTHER two hour delay), or going through some of my Home Show findings and depressing myself because I don't work in an Architecture firm yet, or even a Home Depot. If anything, I can try to motivate myself with thoughts of finishing something to show A when we got to Winterfest later this month.

-Kelifer

Wow

God I'm such a whore for my Internet messages!

Taking a break from updating my Myspace page...expecting something interesting to show up, I remembered with satisfaction that the only thing left to do now while I wait for the batteries to recharge (for my Wii's remote sensor thingie which when fully functional again, I can once again pown Legend of Zelda) is writing more of my story. How is this good news? Cause last night, I actually ACTUALLY wrote down an interesting scene between two characters. Why? I don't know. It actually started with Gizen's story, then somehow remembering a frightfully mad scene in the second book of my Trilogy, I just randomly started thinking up dialogue and exposition for it.

I'm rather proud of it. Mostly because Ben, a very important character within the series, makes a smart ass comment to the other character featured, and the whole situation is just perfect because of it. Who says a writer can't incorporate her own little witticisms in her story, eh? Heck, the funny ramblings and ingenious dialogue/quips are really things I'd be "smart" enough to say if the chance arrived. It's all so awesome putting my own humor into my story.

Well, now that you all have had to listen to my own inflated ego spurt random nonsense about my genius all over this web page, perhaps it's time to put this random excerpt to the test, shall we?

[Book Two, ending scene from chapter something or another]

"Listen, Rimujin. You must understand that any business that goes on here..."

Ben threw up his hands. "Yes, I got it. What happens here stays here. Gizen himself told me. But what I don't get is why it's such a big fuss. It's more like a personal matter rather than business, isn't it?"

Yuri nodded slowly. "That is true. I'm glad to see that you are on the same page as we are."

"Me, too," Ben replied weakly.

They stood silently for a moment.

"Well?" Ben asked.

" 'Well' what, Rimujin?"

"Are you going to explain what just happened back there?"

Yuri shook his head. "No, I do not have the right to."

The answer was all to obvious, Ben thought. "Of course not," he said, rather annoyed.

Folding his arms, Yuri said firmly, "It is not my right because it is, indeed, Lord Kalium's personal affair. If you are to are so inclined to be informed on the matter, he will gladly give you all the details. Until then, you are to act as though nothing ever occured here, tonight. Clear?"

Forget what happened? It would be easier said than done. But Ben figured it'd be even harder to get Yuri off of his back unless he agreed.

"Rimujin?"

"It's clear," Ben said.

"What happened tonight?" Yuri asked seriously.

"You didn't see it? The circus was in town."

Yuri glared dangerously.

Mentally scoring another win on behalf of himself, Ben quickly added, "But aside from that, I don't remember seeing a thing; I brushed my teeth, relieved myself, went to bed." Then, adding emphasis, he concluded in mock frustration, "I still can't see why you barged in here to ask me that. What am I? Public enemy number one?"

Yuri grunted, perhaps trying to see past Ben's acting. He eyed him cautiously, then closed his eyes and nodded. "Fine. Get some sleep, Rimujin," he said tiredly. He turned on his heel and headed down the end of the hall.

Ben shut his door, sighing heavily. I guess we'll see about that...

[end]

If there was an image of my emotion after that, I'd gladly show it, but I don't have one that perfectly defines the epicness of it all.

[laughs]

-Kelifer

Depression Much?

I realized there aren't many good photographs of me, pretty much anywhere. There are a lot of photographs of me, just not many good ones. It's kind of disheartening. I think it's the braces...and the stupid dimples my face makes when I smile at all...

The other sad stuff I have going on is that I meant to start typing up my second chapter in Gizen's story, considering I have it all written out and for the most part finished. But, this damned internet freaking distracted me (yes, I'm blaming the internet with no guilt whatsoever). Worst of all, I don't even have my best friend to discuss it with. Heck, I don't remember the last time I really talked to her...I feel so lonely...

Other unfinished business seems to include my amigurumi work. I started a doll for Ryu, but I only got as far as the head, and then I needed more supplies, which are currently at my mom's. I then started a new doll, which I'm hoping to make a little series of, but I don't have absolutely everything to finish him. And again, I want to do certain things with his body, but I don't think I can, cause I don't know if I have the right techniques for it, but I don't want to start it, get half way through, and realize I screwed it all up. It's so time-consuming...ughhh...

These are times when I'm glad I'm on vacation. All this stress wouldn't help me if I had school work to tag along with it. But it's still hard. I don't know what I'm supposed to do next, especially with all these things in front of me...

-Kelifer

Trilogy Characters and More

Been a while, eh?

Yeah, I know I don't ever post anything practically anymore, but here I am, so be happy.

I've recently gone back to drawing, of course it's always predestined for me to return to my first love, no matter how much he breaks my heart...time, and time again.

This time, I ventured out and did some ACTUAL drawings of some of my story characters (with Gizen and a few others as exceptions, of course). These particular few, however, are vital at this stage because they mark the beginning of my ability to overcome some of the fears that have plagued me all of my drawing life. Most notable of these fears is my will to draw characters that I otherwise would cringe to do so, mainly because I worry that I will not give them the ultimate respect they deserve from me, the artist and creator.

But, after this wonderful breakthrough, I feel more free than ever in my drawing! I often think of Hiroyuki Takei and some of the drawings he's done for Shaman King; believe me, there are some really rare moments where his characters are stranger than ever, but he drew them nonetheless! With that in mind, I feel confident as an artist again.

The main concern, now, that seems to be growing, is how well I've actually adapted to his style. I checked through some old volumes yesterday, and I realized how much I need to touch up on my muscles and clothing. But those are technical matters; the best step was overcoming the haunting fear of drawing characters from the most epic of all my stories, and finally "putting a face to a name", if you will.

If thought some issues or mistakes persist in each of these drawings, they're are the best of my abilities at this point, the pinnacles of my talent thus far.

-Kelifer

PS:

I also realized that I haven't put of my drawings of the Dakah'Ra (new character, about a month old, maybe?) Unfortunately, my excitement over him is kind of flushed, and there isn't really a lot of space left in this entry, so here are some links to my DeviantART account (and I realize there are a bazillion other cool drawings I probably should post here, too...) :

Gizen Kalium_Rules With an Iron Fist
Dakah'Ra
Dakah'Ra_Cursed Hunter
Dakah'Ra_Perched Above
Dakah'Ra_Power Fist
Heroh
Kodan
Slain
Priestess_Her Beads
Priestess_Quick Fix
The German
Super Human




Doon Hosogai: Technically a blue-pen sketch I did last week at the library, which is what has sparked this imagination fiesta...

I can't say he's perfect, especially that face of his, but it was a great start.



Doon Hosogai: Now here's the real deal! Originally the main antagonist of my entire saga, he served to be the biggest bad ass in the three-book prequel to my Trilogy. As the son of a tyrant madman, Doon was abandoned in the deserts of his people, left to die. However, he miraculously--or rather, easily--survived, managing to amass his own army to take over his father's throne.

In the years of traveling, he created his army, made the beautiful Dharma his wife, and ravaged the lands in search of the greatest warrior, Daniel Sakai, the most revered warrior in the continent. However, upon finding his father, weak and old in his kingdom, Doon asked him where to find Daniel so that he may make himself the greatest warrior ever known. His father, Cyrus, informed mockingly that he had killed Daniel not too long before Doon was even born, twenty years ago. Angered, Doon kills his father, taking his rightful seat as the king of his people. But despite being the only living warrior capable of unknown destruction, he continued to unleash his power across the deserts and the fertile fields of their crippled, rival nation...unsatisfied, waiting for a worthy combatant to emerge...



Doon: I had this awesome idea in mind to have smoke billowing off of him like he'd just been attacked. As you can see, it's in pen, so I didn't really have room for saving my mistakes...

Oh well.


Dharma Hosogai: Doon's powerful and beautiful wife. Along his campaign through the deserts, Doon arrived in a town burning with the hate and the madness of thieves. Although his own people, Doon refused to have his kingdom in such disarray, allowing his men to sweep through the settlement to disengage the menace. Inside of the fiery infernos, Doon found Dharma passed out on the ground, partially wounded. He rescued her (with a strange kindness, I'm sure you're all wondering), and eventually she recovered fully as he and his army traveled. Of course, within time she and Doon grew fond of each other, and he made her his queen.

Dharma is the only woman, if not the only living creature, in Doon's mind who deserves to understand the confines of it. She is by no means a tactician, but she guides Doon with motherly advice in any decision he may make. But although she deeply loves him, his mind always seems set on other things, particularly is goals for conquest and defeating Daniel Sakai...




Cyrus Hosogai: Doon's father, and the previous king of the deserts. He's long-going madness created a monster within his mind, inspiring him to conquer any lands surrounding his own. When he realized that his armies could take the rival nation of his own, he immediatey sent both kingdoms into a hellish war that lasted decades. In the final years of the war, he was faced with his rival, Daniel Sakai, whom he later tricked his brother, Ramsey Sakai, into betraying him. But despite conquering and ravaging the once proud warrior nation, Cyrus fell ill and suffered for the remainder of his life until the return of his enraged son, Doon.

[NOTE]: This is truly one of my favorite drawings. I really enjoyed drawing the face, which was a HUGE first for me style-wise, and then the posture is just...well, it's just purely epic. As for his character...he's one of my top least favorites, just cause he's a bastard and all...



Cyrus: I was hanging out at a friend's house last week during a half day, and so inspired by the awesomeness of Cryus' kick ass drawing above, I thought I'd try his face from a different view. Overall, it turned out alright (body wise), but it still seems weird and "stressed"...



Beast No. 1: I have an extreme tendency to draw random creatures and beasts, cause when you do that, there's really nothing to hold you back from drawing them; you have a whole range of features and designs (granted there's a difference between originality and fan art, mind you all). Making creatures are just plain fun for me.



Beast No. 2: This is one of my newest favorites. I particularly like him just cause of his entire head, his torso, and just the way he's standing. I don't normally EVER do sideways drawings like this one, so it's really neat.

Gorilla Beast: I was at this kind of "club" you could say called The Moose if anyone knows what I'm talking about, and while drunken morons were singing karaoke, I drew this bad boy. I don't really like him (it's the face) and I forgot to finish his hand (oopsie), but he's still...okay.

Monkey Beast: Probably the worst of my creatures (at least design wise). I didn't really do a great job trying to make him look good, but I actually have a second drawing that I like better and is inked in more.