Frustrated is an understatement!!

Hi folks.

I know it's been longer than a while since I posted so I thought I would come and vent a little.

Since handing in my dissertation at the beginning of May, I've been applying for jobs non stop but do you want to know the frustrating part? When I constantly get rejections stating:

"Thank you for your application however at this time you haven't been successful because there are other candidates who have more/better experience than you"

Whenever you receive emails or letters like this, you start to think about giving up on the whole job search thing - right?! Well I've had tons of people around me telling me not to give up on my job search because there is a job out there for me.

What most of these companies don't realise (but will in the near future) is that they missed a great opportunity to hire a hard working, highly organised, bubbly personality and enthusiastic team player/worker to work for them because this girl right here is GOING PLACES!!

Signing off until next time...

kingdomCitizen xo

Say 'NO' To Bullies

Sitting in a room full of people who had their own fair share of problems finally gave me a sense of clarity. I had heard countless stories like these before, but the one being told at that very moment was as my subconscious had crawled into my head, parked a chair, and began reading my thoughts.

The Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of the word ‘bully’ is a person who is ‘a person who uses strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker’. In my experience, I’ve learnt that this type of person isn’t always someone who doesn’t know you, but rather is most likely to be someone who you’ve known and trusted for many years. Begrudgingly, my mind went back to the fateful day I learnt this lesson the hard way.

This particular day started off as any other normal day. I had just come back from school with my two best friends and we were relaxing in my bedroom. My phone made a sound telling me I had a text message. My eyes began to water as I started to read. Even as I was remembering this fateful day, my subconscious had now made herself extra comfy with a box of popcorn as if she knew the story was getting ‘good’. My best friends noticed that I had gone quiet and asked me if I was alright. I said nothing but passed the phone for them to read themselves.

“Everyone knows that Matt never really liked you and was just flirting with you as part of a bet,” Melissa began to read.

“He would never be your boyfriend because he thinks that you’re nothing but a fat, pathetic, ugly and desperate wannabe,” Sarah read out.

“There isn’t a single person who isn’t glad that you’re not here,” Melissa finished.

“Why can’t they just leave me alone?” I whispered, finally regaining the ability to speak.

“I’ve left the school, I’ve left my neighbourhood and I’ve even left the damn town so why won’t they just leave me in peace?! I whispered fiercely.

A single tear rolled down my left cheek.

“Aww Grace please don’t cry,” Sarah said slowly rubbing my back. “Whoever sent this is the one who’s pathetic! I mean you left that school, what, a year ago and their sending this now?! They obviously have nothing better to do with their time.”

“Do you recognise the number the text came from?” Melissa enquired.

“That’s the worst part. It’s from a person I grew up with. Someone I considered to be a big brother.” I replied shaking my head.

My subconscious’ lower lip was now trembling, the popcorn long forgotten.

The organiser of the meeting spoke up, bringing my mind back to where I was.

“Thank you for sharing Lisa. Who would like to go next?” he asked.

Bravely, I put my hand up.

“Hi, my name is Grace and I’m a victim of bullying.”

Bye Bye Education (For Now...)

Well it's official...
I'M GRADUATING THIS YEAR!!!! Thank you JESUS!
I had my very last undergrad lecture 2 weeks ago and I must admit it was a bittersweet feeling.
Strangely, I know I'm gonna miss going to uni for lectures and seminars. But the things I definitely won't miss are the essays and most definitely the annotated bibliographies (I HATE those things btw).

After I had that last lecture, the common saying "Shit just got real" popped into my head and I started to panic.
I have just 4 weeks to complete all of my assignments. They include:

1. Dissertation; 7,000 words creative piece with 3,000 word essay and annotated bibliography
2. 2,000 word specimen chapter with synopsis, critical commentary and annotated bibliography for my non-fiction module
3. Work placement report on the success/failure of the annual Middlesex University's North London Literary Festival

All of this has to be submitted on May 3rd.

I hate being a last minute .com sort of person when it comes to my work, however it's not easy to write when you have a severe case of writer''s block AND you can't seem to work out where you need go next - especially when you're writing what I am.

I know that I should not fear because I have God on my side but that doesn't give me the right to waste time and do what isn't important.

If there is one thing I do know, it is that by the special grace of the Almighty God, I will be walking across that stage with my head held high.

Signing off until next time...

kingdomCitizen

x

Sisters

Growing up, I had always dreamed of having either an older sister or a younger sister. There were times when I’d even beg my parents to give me a sister. I wasn’t naïve, I knew all about the birds and the bees (as Americans so aptly put it), but I was willing to cope with having the gross image of my parents burned into my brain for eternity if it meant that I would get a sister. Out of all the birthdays I’ve had, I remember my tenth the most. After all the guests at my party had left, I remember my dad sitting me down and telling me that my mum was pregnant. The first thing out of my mouth wasn’t a delightful scream (as one would expect), it was “Couldn’t you have waited until tomorrow to tell me this? Are you trying to ruin my birthday?!” My mum was too tired to react, but my dad sure as hell did! I was sent to my room and not allowed to have a party bag from my own party. Eventually I got used to it and my baby brother was born in the summer of 2000. Oddly enough, I spent a lot of my time babying my brother and spoiling him rotten – all the things I had planned to do with my sister (if I ever got one). It wasn’t until I was seventeen, my older brother was twenty-one, and my baby brother was seven that we finally welcomed a baby girl into the family. When my mum told me she was pregnant this time around, her and my dad were convinced it was going to be another boy however I had my suspicions that this time round, my dream of having a baby sister was going to come true. When I received the phone call from my dad to tell me that my mum had delivered, my suspicions were confirmed. I was ecstatic! I remember receiving the phone call from my dad telling me it was a girl, and me punching my fist in the air whilst shouting “I knew it!” Naturally when my mum came home with my sister, I spent all day holding her and gazing at her just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I did all of this before very stylishly rubbing it in my mum’s face that I was right and that her and my dad were wrong. Everything was going perfectly until my sister learnt how to talk. By the age of three, she was talking fluently and had developed the habit of speaking her mind. She became exceptionally rude and didn’t respect anyone apart from my older brother. She even began to tell everyone to “shut up”. She would even say “whatever” to my parents if told off. I found myself wondering “what happened to my cute, sweet baby sister? The sister who couldn’t pronounce words or letters properly?” I finally came to the conclusion that she didn’t exist anymore.

Goodnight One Tree Hill...

I've had to leave a whole day before I could write a post about this.

As some people may know, the great show that is One Tree Hill ended on Wednesday 4th April 2012. Now I know that there are some people out in the world who would be saying "Yeah so what if it's ended", and to them I would say that they don't know the true impact watching a show like One Tree Hill can have on a person's life.

I've been a proud member of the OTH Family since it started in 2003, and I wouldn't change it for anything!

One Tree Hill has brought me joy, laughter, tears on some occasions and most importantly, it has taught me a lot of things about life.

The original cast of Chad Michael Murray, Bethany Joy Lenz, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, Antwon Tanner, Lee Norris, Craig Sheifer, Barry Corbin, Barbara Alyn Woods, Paul Johansson and Moira Kelly have been the BEST cast to portray the characters of:

Lucas Eugene Scott
Haley James(Scott)
Nathan Scott
Peyton Sawyer
Brooke Penelope Davis
Antwon 'Skills' Taylor
Marvin 'Mouth' McFadden
Keith Scott
Coach Whitey Durham
Deb Scott
Dan Scott
Karen Roe

Even though I fell in love with the original cast members and characters, it was easy to fall in love with the new ones that came along, such as:

Stephen Colletti (Chase Adams)
Jana Kramer (Alex Dupree)
Millicent Huxtable (Lisa Goldstein)
Julian Baker (Austin Nichols)
Clay Evans (Rob E Buckley)
Tyler Hilton (Chris Keller)
Shantel Varsaten (Quinn James)
Jackson Brundage (Jamie Scott)

All in all, my favourite aspect of the show was and always will be how close knit all the friends and the people who live in the town of One Tree Hill are.
I love the fact that they went to high school together, and that even after graduation, they still remained the best of friends.
I love how they trust each other with their children and their businesses (not counting the time Millie & Victoria cost Brooke Clothes over Bros).

One Tree Hill is just such a phenomenal show, and even though I'm heartbroken to see it go, I will NEVER EVER forget it!!

I want to say a massive THANK YOU to Mark Schwahn for creating my all time favourite tv show, and for giving us the fans & the actors I'm sure, the chance to say a proper goodbye to the town and show we love so dearly.

"Mark Schwahn was gonna change the world, and he didn't even know it"

Goodnight One Tree Hill, I will miss you from the depth of my soul...

:'(

Signing off until next time....




kingdomCitizen x

Its Been A While...

Okay, I know I started this blog as a mandatory thing for my screenwriting module but I figured I can still make use of it - right?

Anyway, it seems as though my brain is in belief that 2nd year has finished already - even though I've still got 2 months left
[Yes it's true - 2 MONTHS left, not a typo]

I've got 3 more stories to write, a synopsis AND a portfolio to create. All of this must be done by the first week of May. However it seems that my brain wants me to go on holiday NOW instead of after my final assignments are submitted!

Can someone answer me this - how is a writer/student on a writing course meant to write ANYTHING resembling a story if their brain DOESN'T WANT TO CO-OPERATE??!!

:(

Guess its time for me to go on my knees in prayer to God, because I WILL kick ass with my final assignments, in Jesus' name

;-)


Until next time...
(and I promise it won't be another 2 months before I post again)


kingdomCitizen x

Say Goodbye to Screenwriting (For Now)

Well it's all over for screenwriting this year.
12 weeks have come and gone and I will no longer be having any seminars or workshops to do with Screenwriting: The Short Film.


I wouldn't say that I'll be sad to see it go, but at the same time I wouldn't say that I was happy to see it go either.
It was a good experience for me and I have definitely taken valuable things away from the seminars and lectures.


At least now I know how to write a script full stop so in the future when you see me winning Oscars, Screen Writers Guild Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmys and BAFTA's, don't be surprised.


Don't worry David Coitus and David Heinemann, I'll mention you both in my acceptance speeches ;-)




Signing off until next time... 






kingdomCitizen x

Blowing Hot and Cold

In today's final screenwriting seminar, I got the chance to have the 2nd draft of my script read through out loud.

To my ears (although what I'm about to say may sound biased in a way), it sounded like a perfectly reasonable short film
However, my lecturer pointed out that to him it sounded like a story for a long film instead.

The 1st draft I did was accepted with extremely good criticism, extra ideas and feedback. Today unfortunately I had the feeling that people were blowing hot one minute then cold the other (so to speak).
One minute the script idea is perfect, the next minute it's not!

I've decided not to let this get to me though. It's too late to start changing the idea - especially since its due on the 20/01/12 and I don't have any other ideas.
The only thing I will change as suggested by one of my peers today is the title, frankly because I don't want to sound like I'm some cold-hearted bitch to the audience.


Signing off until next time...



kingdomCitizen x

Not So Critical Anymore...

So thanks to my lecturer, I'm not panicking about how or what to write for my critical essay about my script.
Now I'm just panicking about whether I can do 1500 words on it, and if I can remember how to do the annotated bibliography correctly (yikes!)

Did I mention its due this Friday, and I've only done just over 100 words...? Oh dear...

Well here's hoping that I get inspired and that I actually READ the suggested screenwriting textbooks to help me write both the essay and bibliography!

Wish me luck (I'm gonna need it)


Signing off until next time...



kingdomCitizen x

Screenwriters for TV Need To Step Into The Real World

Right, so the Christmas episode of Eastenders this year was intense, but at the same time STOOPID!!


Let me just start with the writers of the Boxing Day episode...

1. They just allowed everything to drag way too long!
2. They made it UNREALISTIC!
3. They probably ended up pissing the whole of the audience that were tuning in to watch it!

I can definitely say that if I had written this episode, people would be praising me (and I ain't being big-headed - it's a FACT).

The only good thing to come out from this episode is that the devil a.k.a Yusef Khan is FINALLY DEAD!!!

Anyway, signing off until next time....

kingdomCitizen x

Critical Situation

Does anyone remember how to write a critical essay?? Cos I sure as heck DON'T!


I've finished the first half part of my screenwriting assignment, but the second half is proving difficult...
I'm supposed to write a 1500-2000 word critical essay with annotated bibliography.
First of all, I've forgotten how to write a critical essay, let alone one that has to be almost 2000 words long! Secondly, annotated bibliography?? I seriously thought I would NEVER have to do one of those again after first year.


To be fair, the major issue is that our lecturers expect us to write this big critical essay on all that we've learnt in 12 weeks (that's how long the module is by the way, 12 WEEKS!!). Please can someone tell me how on earth we're supposed to cram 12 weeks worth of seminars/workshops into our brains that easily??!!
I personally think it's ridiculous and unfair for them to ask us to do this length of an essay.


There are only two upsides to the end of this module.

1. I've finished my script and it's FABULOUS - even if I do say so myself ;-)
2. I'll only have to go into Uni 3 days a week from the start of next year/term :D

Anyway... I've got to try and get on with some of my other assignments.

Signing off until next time...

kingdomCitizen x

Historical Fiction (Childrens Writing)

Today's seminar was a continuation of our discussion about Historical Fiction.

Here's the writing exercise we did. It's meant to be someone coming from a past historical period to the 21st Century:

She came out of nowhere. If I believed in magic, I would've said that she was some sort of witch using magical powers - but I don't believe in magic. She did however look rather familiar... It wasn't until she spoke that I knew who she was. Standing before me was none other than Queen Elizabeth I.

"Bow before your Queen!" she demanded

"Sorry lady, but I don't have to bow before anybody," was my reply

At that I took out my phone and snapped a picture. After all, I had to have proof that would make my friends believe me when I told them later.

"What is that strange object?" she asked

"What, this?" I asked holding up my phone

"Yes."

"This, is a mobile phone," I replied

Her Majesty looked rather baffled and tried to take it from me. I pulled my arm out of reach and she stumbled.

"Woah there! Nobody touches my phone - nobody. Do you have any idea how much this baby costs?!" I said

"I thought you said it was a mobile phone..." the Queen replied confused

"It is a mobile phone, but it's my baby," I replied gently stroking it

"You mean to tell me you have birth to that ghastly thing?!" she said with a hand on her heart

I stared blankly at her for a moment before bursting into laughter

"Lady, you're crazy."

"Do not laugh at your Queen! I shall have you executed!"

This just made me laugh all the more


So... What do you think?? Leave comments please or @ me on twitter: @_Imma90sBaby

Signing off until next time....


kingdomCitizen x

ACCEPTABLE IS THE ANSWER!! :-)

*Does EXTREMELY happy dance*
MY SCRIPT WAS A HIT!!
If I had known that writing about my life's experiences would've been such a success, I would have done this idea first!


I always thought that writing about MY personal experiences was bordering on the verge of TOO personal, so I always shied away from it. Well not anymore!
Now I understand why I'm writing a novel about my life already - because other people have been through something similar.


You know something? Writing is REALLY good therapy! Here I was thinking that the only type of therapy for releasing/controlling anger was ironing. Boy was I wrong!


I don't think anyone could understand just how happy I am that my script was such a success.
Of course there were some ideas given from others, and if I'm being fair, majority of them WILL be incorporated in my final draft of the script. In fact, I've already started to make the amends!! :-)


So I can kinda relax now, because I know that my script will be over and done with before the end of 2011 (which was what I wanted to achieve).




Signing off until next time....






kingdomCitizen x

Karma.... Acceptable, or Unacceptable... That is the question...??

Today is the day where we workshop our scripts... *she says with an anxious look on her face*


I finally finished the writing of my script last night, now whether or not it will be accepted by my class of cynics is another kettle of fish :/


To be honest, the only opinion I care about is my lecturer's. He knows what he's talking about because he has experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being nasty or mean or whatever, I'm simply saying it as it is.


I'll let you know how it goes -___-


Signing off until next time...
(Well, later on today lol)




kingdomCitizen x

Short Stories for Children

I need to write a 2,000 word short story for my children's module.
The age-band I've decided to do is teen/young adult. The thing is, it's not easy writing a short story for a teen or young adult :/
When it comes to writing a short story for a child between the ages of 4 and 10, it's not so much of a big deal.
I would've chosen that age-band because it is easier I suppose, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I didn't.

The genre is going to be historical, because so far, we've looked at animal, adventure, fantasy and historical children's books.

I can't do animal genre because I don't like animals, and I'm not an animal person.
I can't do adventure because the idea that I had for the adventure genre is too long and impossible to cut down to a 2,000 word short story.
And finally, I can't do fantasy because I simply do not like fantasy.

So historical it is!

I have the idea, and I'm going to set it in 'The Swinging Sixties'. I know what you're thinking, but the 60s is historical as far as I'm concerned - haha!

Anyhoo... Back to the writing I go :-)

Signing off until next time...



kingdomCitizen x

The School Story

Oh how I wish all of you reading this could've been a fly on the wall in my fiction seminar today!!

Throughout the whole term, todays class by far has been the BEST!! Working with my fellow writers MJ, Simone, and Liam was a true experience, and one that I enjoyed thoroughly!

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was the topic of discussion today. Although (I'm ashamed to say) I didn't read the book like I was supposed to (lack of resources), it was explained in great detail by the group who were assigned to do the presentation.

After going through the themes of the book:
Fantasy
Betrayal
Friendship
School
We divided ourselves into small groups and tried to come up with a similar story using two or more of the above themes.

I initially thought no-one was going to beat my groups idea because it was both HILARIOUS and had some form (even if slightly incomprehensible) of truth to it. However, ours was beaten by a beautiful 'Secret Garden'/'The Little Princess' idea by another group, which I have to say would make a FABULOUS children's story!

Doing this writing exercise today has urged me to read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie all the more!

Signing off until next time...



kingdomCitizen x

Unicorns, Dragons, Magic & Portals

After that seminar, I can safely say that I DO NOT LIKE FANTASY!!

Sadly, I do have to write a 1,000 word short story on it :|

On the bright side, I know which type of fantasy I'll be writing.... Or at least I think I do -.-
It's gonna be either Portal Fantasy or Intrusive Fantasy.

Honestly I believe I can see myself writing the intrusive rather than the portal. Maybe I'll surprise myself and my lecturer lol.

Once I've thought of a more solid idea, I'll report back. Until then...

Signing off until next time...


kingdomCitizen x

Fantasy... Believable or Unbelievable??

This week, we had to read a fantasy book for the fantasy part of this module (Genre). The title was 'Anansi Boys' by Neil Gaiman.

Let me just start off with WTF?? Granted, I'm not used to reading fantasy books but still, WTF??!

I won't go into details about what the book is about because that's what Wikipedia is for. All I will say is that if you have a similar personality to me - you won't enjoy it either.

I did however feel sorry for the protagonist Charlie, especially since he had a prick of a brother.

I guess my reason for not liking fantasy, especially this one is because I don't find it believable. I know, your probably thinking "But it's fantasy, it's not meant to be believable". Well to that I say that's your opinion. Anytime I read a book, I normally am able to visualise everything as its happening. With this book, it didn't happen. Therefore I resolved myself to immediately not liking it! :-)

Signing off until next time...

kingdomCitizen x

Blog Content...?

Right so I'm in my screenwriting workshop and our lecturer is showing us examples of 1st year students' blogs. Can I just say OMG! I didnt realise exactly how much detail we were supposed to pt into it! :/ Looks like I'm gonna have to 'go back in time' so to speak and talk about practically everything we've talked about since we started the module :( God help me!! Signing off until next time... kingdomCitizen x

Rejection Makes You Stronger!

So I had my screenwriting seminar yesterday and during the class, our lecturer told us to sit in a circle and go around, each person saying what their idea for their 10 minute short film was. In smaller words, he wanted to hear our pitches.


First of all, I would just like to point out that our Monday screenwriting class is meant to be a SEMINAR, where we talk about things like scene, sequence etc. Our Tuesday screenwriting class is meant to be the WORKSHOP where we bring our ideas, discuss among ourselves and receive feedback - be it positive or negative.


So we got into this circle right, and we went around saying our ideas. Then it got to my turn. (Now I would also like to point out that 2 weeks before, I had taken this idea to the workshop class and my lecturer had said it was a good idea, BUT I would have to cut it back so that it incorporates the short film criteria. Fair enough). I said my idea and what happened...?


NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE


That's all I was hearing. It got to a point where I just wanted to curl up into an invincible ball. My class is a bunch of CYNICS! Who says that bad people always get away with things they've done wrong?? It's not always the case. The idea for my short film as far as I'm concerned is for those who have FAITH! (And don't go thinking, "Oh no, she's going religious")


Yes I am a religious person. I'm a Christian and damn proud of it!! And if I want to incorporate bits of my belief into my writing, then I will jolly well do so!


I must admit though, I did feel disheartened and I did start to panic because my mind was completely blank (apart from that idea obviously). I want to write this script before the new year because this is the one I'm most worried about, AND I've got other assignments that are due around the same time.


My motto for coursework/assignments is: "Do the hardest or most challenging ones first, then you can sort of relax with the more easier ones"


Anyway, after talking to my mum, I've realized that I'm NOT going to throw the idea out the window. I'm gonna keep it, and when it gets made into an award-winning short film or whatever, I'm gonna have the last laugh! ;-)


The good news is: I've come up with a new idea - thank God!


Signing off until next time....


kingdomCitizen x