Saturday, December 29, 2007

Oops...

It's a brand new year (well, almost), and I've been very bad. I have neglected to provide new content for this blog for quite some time. I beg your forgiveness.

Rather than looking back at all the surprise endings 2007 held in store, let's look forward. What will 2008 look like personally, professionally, politically (cue the "approaching danger" music), culturally...you name it?

I do not usually participate in the Waffling Resolution Game that accompanies a new year, but I do have a few goals in mind for 2008.
1.) Get a job where more is required of me than to know where the bathroom is
located.
2.) Actually write something! After all, you can't be a writer if you never write.
3.) Become a more thoughtful, gracious, kind, and generous person (hey, if a list of
virtues worked for Benjamin Franklin, maybe it will work for me).

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

I Wonder...

I read in the news the other day that astronomers in Switzerland have discovered a "second earth," twenty light years away. Apparently, the conditions are favorable for life (i.e. a temperature similar to ours, an atmosphere, a star comparable to our sun). I've never believed that there is intelligent life on other planets, but obviously it is an interesting and plausible enough thought to produce the Science Fiction genre.

If I were to attempt a piece of scifi, I think I would focus on the human reaction. Many times writers focus on humankind's immediate response to alien life in urgent situations (think War of the Worlds). What if we had time to process the discovery? What if these scientists in Switzerland found proof of intelligent life on this "second earth" tomorrow, without there being threat of imminent attack? How would you react/think/feel?

If you were writing scifi (focusing on alien life) what angle would you be most interested in exploring?

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Title Explained...

I was thinking about the title of this blog, and thought perhaps I should share why I chose Pseudo Profundities and Other Laments. We all use cliches in our conversation--they're safe, we don't have to be creative, and most everyone will automatically agree with you.

Example: I want world peace.
Yes, most people want world peace, but the statement itself is naive. There's no consideration for the larger political/cultural/religious entanglements that lead to violence and discord. How much of ourselves are we willing to sacrifice to attain this goal?

I consider cliches to be pseudo profundities. On the surface they sound fine, noble even. But we forego the actual thought process in order to be agreeable during conversation. One of my favorite personal experiences with this occurred in our local Target. Last Christmas, I was purchasing some toys for my nieces and nephews. The cashier rather blankly looked at me and said, "I always find that it is better to give than to receive, because when you give you also receive." How could I possibly disagree with that? And, I believe there are deeper insights buried in that statement, just read Acts 20:35. But the tired and robotic way in which the cashier said this struck me as the ultimate pseudo profundity. She didn't have the energy to come up with a new thought of her very own.

I'm not knocking this woman for using a cliche; as I said earlier, we all do it. It's just that we rely on these exhausted truisms to cover our own vapidness. To me, this is lamentable. I must confess, I am no conversationalist. My brain works at roughly half the speed as most people's, making it quite difficult to chime in with inspired thought. However, when I write, I try not to be lazy. My intention is to craft a considerate and deliberate piece, which will encourage deeper reflection and insights. At times I fail miserably to live up to this standard, but I try.

What are your favorite pseudo profundities? Or your most cringe-inducing?

Monday, October 22, 2007

Random Pseudo Profound Thought for the Day...

(Note: Don't steal my work. It's not cool, and I will find out who you are. Intellectual property is just like physical property: you steal it, there are consequences.)

It is the solitude of a place that can be one’s most ardent supporter, or one’s most devious adversary. For in solitude a simple contemplation can become quite a grandiose idea, a wellspring of innovative thought. Yet under similar circumstances, with a darker temper or a sinister disposition, one senses an unpleasant melancholy dreadfully dangerous to the human soul. The extent to which solitude affects a person, whether for benefit or harm, is determined by reasons unknowable and utterly dependent upon one’s susceptibility to the temptations of those quiet whispers that speak to unguarded hearts…

Sunday, October 21, 2007

It's Been So Long...

Sorry for the long absence. Blogging is fun, but requires a good deal of time and attention. I've been otherwise occupied with a job that, though I am grateful for the employment, I do not particularly enjoy. In fact, I've written a letter to my employer to express my distaste for some of their business practices. Because I am a coward (and in need of an income), the letter has been languishing in the purgatory that is my computer's hard-drive. I will share it with you here, although I am changing the name of the company to avoid further pecuniary difficulties (namely, I don't wanna be fired). Enjoy!

Diversion Vestibule’s Overall Performance Problem Report:

To Whom it May Concern,

In keeping with Diversion Vestibule’s practice of demeaning workers’ efforts to be good employees by issuing “Daily Performance Problem Reports,” here is a report on the company’s performance as an employer.

1) Lack of Proper Training: The training process provided by Diversion Vestibule leaves much to be desired. It was made clear to the store manager who hired me that I had no prior experience with a register. Despite this information, the “training” consisted of a one-hour observation. Information is given on a need-to-know basis as issues, problems, and questions arise. This creates a highly stressful work environment, especially for employees new to this type of work.

2) Arbitrary Pricing and Sales: Much to the chagrin of employees and customers alike, Diversion Vestibule does not clearly mark the prices of many items. This causes a great deal of confusion among all involved, and often leaves employees with no choice but to guess at prices based on comparable items. The situation is compounded when merchandise is on sale. The advertisements often say, “such and such an item is on sale, AND MORE.” What exactly does the “and more” include? It would be helpful if Diversion Vestibule were more concerned about specifics with pricing and less concerned about specifics with minor mistakes made by new employees.

3) Archaic Technology: Hi, Diversion Vestibule, welcome to the twenty-first century! Incredible new technologies exist to make businesses run more efficiently and effectively…namely, the scanner. Rather than forcing employees to key in the price of every item and sale, the scanner would allow prices to be entered electronically with sale price already tabulated! This would eliminate the hassle of “over-rings” and allow customers and employees to know the actual cost of merchandise. Not to mention, customers would have less wait time at the register. Seriously, my parents used the same type of registers currently used by Diversion Vestibule stores when they were working comparable jobs in the 1970s.

I do appreciate that Diversion Vestibule was founded upon Christian values. It seems, however, that those values have been lost in the translation from ideals to business practices. An extra measure of grace (particularly with new employees) would go a long way in creating a positive, high-morale, lower stress work environment. If a little more time were invested in the proper training of employees, fewer DPPRs would be issued (saving paper would be an added bonus!). If pricing and sales were clear, customers would be less likely to become angry and leave the store without purchasing any items. Finally, if the technology used by the company were more relevant to the time in which we live, I believe Diversion Vestibule’s profits would greatly increase, because there would be no more guessing at prices or sales mistakenly given.

I have every confidence that Diversion Vestibule is capable of improving its performance as an employer, if these measures are taken.
Sincerely,
A Frustrated Employee

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Writing 101

Sometimes a thought will hit you like lightening and produce a whole litter of ideas, which turn into a brilliant page or two. Other times, you have to toil and sweat over every word, each phrase.

I began writing a story about a month ago, and have not made it past the first page. The problem is that the moment of lightening genius is exactly that, a moment. Where do I take the story from that point? Who are the characters, what is interesting about their lives? Why would they have something important to say, or a job that requires attention? I suppose my best bet at this point is to do some serious brainstorming. With the demands of life staring blankly into your face 24 hours a day, however, it can be difficult to sit and ponder an unreal world that carries no actual consequences.

What do you suggest for moving beyond that lightening moment?

P.S. New! For You!
I've added a few more links and whatnot, so feel free to click away! Or if you have any suggestions on how Pseudo Profundities and Other Laments can be improved please submit them in the comments section.

Thanks!

Blogger Book Club

Hope everyone is enjoying "Hard Times," by Charles Dickens. It is interesting to note that compared to current vernacular, Dickens' works can be challenging to read and comprehend. Yet, at the time he was writing Dickens was one of the most popular writers in England. Many of his classic works were first written as series for magazines, which hooked people into the storyline by only giving them a tidbit at a time.

If you have questions or comments please feel free to post them in the comments section. Also, if you have any additional guiding questions you would like to add to our current list, please submit them.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

A Memoriam

The anniversary of the 9/11/01 tragedies brings with it a flood of memories. That day is indelibly stamped in my mind like a fingerprint that can never be erased, and it shouldn't be.

I was in a math class, my freshman year of college, when the first airplane was guided by terrorists into the World Trade Center tower. No one came to the classroom to bring the news of the tragedies, most likely everyone in the building was similarly unaware or glued to their television screens in utter disbelief of what their eyes beheld. After that class, I walked to my car and dialed the radio to a favorite station of mine. What I heard wasn't the usual rhythmic beats or soothing voices, I heard panic. It was still early at this point and reports were confused, no one seemed to have a clear picture of what was taking place. During the ten minute drive home, I started to think that the radio broadcast was a sketch, similar to Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds." When I arrived home, however, I found my Mother in front of the television, crying, trying to process the hideous scene that unfolded before the world.

As the hours trudged on and more speculations were being offered as facts, I could hardly tear myself away long enough to attend my health class. Once in class one could immediately sense a different mood in the lecture hall than was normal. Several young men declared their intentions to be a part of the battle against Osama Bin Laden and his evil minions. Their safety, security and sense of innocence was lost in that one tragic morning. I have no way of knowing if any of them actually fulfilled their hastily made promises, but I know that many men and women did honor their promises.

Now six years later, I still have a hard time believing it wasn't all part of some nightmarish radio broadcast. America changed that day and hasn't been quite the same since...we've lost family and friends, we've lost our feeling of isolation from the dangers of the world, and we've lost our naive belief that America is big enough to keep us all safe.

I am immensely grateful to live in this country and enjoy the freedoms that accompany citizenship. But, I don't put my hope in the elusive idea of a country or a governing body. Instead, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that through Jesus Christ alone can we find ultimate peace and freedom.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Cue the Trumpets!

Ladies and gentlefolk, we have a winner! The official name of our Book Club is Blogger Book Club. If you are just joining us, we are in the process of reading "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens. If you do not own a copy, you can download it free (and legally) if you follow the link for the novel listed under "favorite books." It has a bit of a different flavor than most Dickens works, but is still concerned primarily with social justice issues: poverty, disparity of wealth and power between the classes, and prejudice.

On another note, I have recently created (or more accurately, one has been created for me) a myspace page. I will occasionally transfer posts over there as well. Be sure to check back regularly for updates! My myspace address is
http://www.myspace.com/profoundnovice.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Somedays You Just Don't Want To

We all have those occasional days where we just don't want to write, or go to work, or go to school, or whatever it is that's required of us. A kind of melancholy feeling sets in, and the world seems too big to take on that day. Staying in and hiding under the covers sounds infinitely more do-able than living up to the demands and pressures that hound us day in and day out.

Of course, it is those very demands and pressures that lead us to live life, seize the day, do more than simply exist. I am in the process of making some decisions about where to go next in life. I've had many days recently where I thought it would be easier not to deal with any of it, but ultimately I would feel about as useful as a toothache if I didn't have some stress upon my shoulders. I hope that these feelings of uncertainty, trepidation, and excitement spur me on to write more, and write well.

I will keep you updated as developments occur.

P.S. Don't forget to submit a name idea for our Book Club!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

New

New stuff for You!
I added some new songs and websites that I find interesting. I'll try to keep those updated fairly often.

Busy, busy, busy...

It's incredible how one moment you feel like you have nothing to do, and the next you can barely "hold on to your hat" for everything you have to do!

Since Kelly is the only one who voted, we will be reading "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens. This is one of Dickens' shorter works, but no less profound or progressive. It is a neat juxtaposition of the plight of the poor and working class against a backdrop of comfort and financial stability. As you read consider the following questions as a guide, but also look for themes and ideas others may have missed. We will continue to discuss the book at least once a week until it is finished.

Questions:
1) "Hard Facts" are the teaching of the day, but how does this philosophy play out in the lives of the main characters? Do they benefit, are they harmed?

2) Emotion, on the other hand, is downplayed as unimportant--the poor man's way of coping with the world. In what ways and to what extent are the characters moved by emotion, or devoid of it? What other conclusions can be inferred from their choices?

3) What motivates the characters to act, think, and feel in certain ways?

4) What do the characters' names say about Dickens' view of their character and purpose?

If you have other questions please submit them in the comments section, as well as any observations you have about the book. Enjoy!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Notes

Just thought I would point out that most of the information/lists on the right side of the screen include links: just click away and find some interesting sites.

Also, if you want to be a part of the Book Club please do two things in the comment section.

1) Submit the name of a book you would most like to read and discuss
2) Submit your idea for a jazzy book club name (the most interesting and unique will win!)

Thanks!

Musings

From the comments on yesterday's post several thoughts arose: 1) writing about your passions and inspirations is certainly a good starting point, but 2) writing about only those topics with which you are comfortable does not challenge your imagination or your talent. Obviously a good research ethic is important to presenting a taught and viable plot; however, there is much to be said for permitting the creative "juices" to flow in the direction that seems most organic to a particular story. I firmly believe that it is often sheer laziness that drives authors to a formulaic or oft-used plot point, rather than stretching the bounds of their originality and ingenuity. (Of course one could also argue that societal myths and values dictate the flow of a fictional piece, but that is another post). Let me know your thoughts, arguments, viewpoints, etc.

Friday, August 31, 2007

What Works for You?

For the past six years I have been in college and graduate school. This means an average weekly output of 2-5 papers per week. Obviously a demanding schedule like this does not allow much time for creative writing. I've found myself rather at a loss when it comes to penning interesting, unique, or creative stories--which got me thinking: What kinds of things lend themselves to the creative writing process?

I remember using visual prompts in high school, which stimulated some good material. But, my all-time favorite prompt came from a decidedly not-favorite professor. Clearly a leftover hippie, who often paired rainbow colored socks with Birkenstocks, she left much to be desired as an instructor. However, her one shining moment was an audio prompt that became a wellspring of inspiration. The prompt consisted of brief clips of music from around the world (African tribal, Native American ceremonial, European classic, etc.), and we were to write words or phrases that came to mind, without worrying about cohesion or lucidity. After some time to process the thoughts and words which came to mind, we were then to write a short story based on our experiences of the music. I loved the story that flowed out of this project, but alas I have lost it.

What other kinds of things do you find helpful for stimulating the creative processes?

Inaugural Address

To commence a journey is a thing both wonderful and frightening. Wonderful because the adventures that lay ahead are still unknown and unimagined. Frightening because it is those same adventures that often lead to trouble, and can change the course of a life. With due respect to a fresh journey, let us begin things properly--with an introduction.

Welcome to Pseudo Profundities and Other Laments. My purpose for this blog is threefold: 1) to seek all available avenues into the literary world, 2) to remain in practice with writing, and 3) to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Though the focus will be documenting my evolution as a writer, and (I hope) my eventual pursuit of publication, other topics will appear occasionally. Above all, my intention is that this blog will serve as a way for others with similar interests to connect and share ideas. I am also interested in creating a Book Club segment, so if anyone is interested please let me know.