Writing 101: Writer's Block

The reason this is being posted so late is simple, writer’s block. I had absolutely no idea what to write about, so I figured I’d tackle it head on. So, you sit down at your computer desk. Microsoft Word is open, you probably have some snacks by you, and you’re munching away while trying to figure out what you want to say. The words aren’t coming out so you log onto some form of social media in hopes of finding an idea but you only end up distracting yourself more. Eventually you give up and go play Candy Crush or Farm Frenzy.

            

    Woah, let’s rewind. Giving up is the easiest choice, but it’s never the best. You have A LOT to say, you just aren’t spitting the words out as easily.

    Well, Anna, since you seem to know my struggle, what do I do?

I have a few tips and tricks that may help you, actually.

1)      Look at what is in front of you. What do you see? Write it down in as much detail as possible. For example, talking about the smooth texture of the desk may spark something. Maybe the smooth texture somehow relates to the characters or setting of your new novel.

2)      Grab a piece of loose leaf. Sometimes all it takes is having a pen in your hand to motivate you to write.

3)      Once you have the paper or your laptop ready, write anything. I mean ANYTHING. Any single word can lead to the next best-selling novel, you never know.

4)      Take a break and come back later. Everyone needs a break sometimes. You may be putting too much pressure on yourself. Clearing your head will definitely benefit you.

5)      Take a nap. Did you know that Stephenie Meyer got the idea of Twilight from a dream she had?

6)      Eat some food, you’ll work better.

7)      Look up some writing prompts online. There are so many websites dedicated to this. Free writing can lead to something much bigger.

8)      Watch a movie. Sometimes the distractions really are necessary. The plot of a movie may inspire you to write something similar, or maybe even strikingly different [because you hated it so much].

Here are eight tips that may help you with your writer’s block. While I’m not guaranteeing that any of these work, you will come out a stronger writer by free writing and your body and brain will thank you for the break. Thanks for reading and happy writing!

It's Showtime! WWE Live Event.

        This is a new segment that I am going to use to review sporting events, concerts and others of the sort. Over the weekend I attended a WWE live event. It was a Road to WrestleMania show, meaning that basically it was a house show. House shows differ from RAW, Smackdown and pay per views because they aren't televised. Un-televised events are much less crowded, lack special effects like fireworks, and also don’t have any announcers at the announcer table. Despite the lack of glamour though, house shows are amazing. They strip down the usual theatrics and really focus on the in ring action. I’m all for the drama of WWE, but it is refreshing to see wrestlers in the ring for ten plus minutes (including those who weren't scheduled for the main event!) really showcasing their talent. Another great aspect of house shows are how the wrestlers interact with the fans. Besides WrestleMania Axxess and autograph signings, house shows are a great way for fans to get some one on one attention with the superstars and divas (well, that is if you can get seats in the front). Even if you aren’t sitting in floor seats though, superstars and divas take the extra effort to include their fans by starting chants, talking directly to the entire stadium, or even asking them to cast a vote.     

      

       This house show was no different. I had a blast trying to guess which superstar would come out next, who would win and of course chanting “Let’s go Cena!” along a chorus of “Cena sucks!” One highlight of the show that particularly stood out to me was a match starring Titus O’Neil. He claimed he could beat any superstar who came out. Do you know who came out? No days off Darren Young! He ran down, pinned Titus in a matter of minutes and slid out of the ring. The match wasn't over though, Titus shouted that the referee messed up and he would no doubt beat the next person to come out. The world’s strongest man, Mark Henry, came out to the blaring of his theme song. Instantly, Titus tensed up and exclaimed something along the lines of, “I wanted to fight Darren again!” The match commenced and of course, Mark Henry dominated. Suddenly there was another theme song, this time belonging to “Bad News” Barret. He claimed that he was the original opponent of Titus, rushed into the ring and attacked Mark Henry! Titus joined in on the assault on poor Mark Henry! Hundreds of gasps and cheers came from the audience as Darren Young slid back into the ring to help the world’s strongest man. But wait, it doesn't end there. Yet another person came out and addressed Titus directly. It was none other than the general manager of RAW, Brad Maddox. He pointed out that Titus didn't lose once, but twice making him the biggest loser of the night. He then asked the audience whether or not we’d want to see Titus have the opportunity to lose again, this time paired up with Barret. Maddox didn't leave without encouraging the audience to call Titus a loser any time they saw fit throughout the match.  With Titus’ luck, the winner was obvious, Mark Henry and Darren Young. The match was both comical and exhilarating. It included the fans in all of the action as well.

Titus O'Neil being called out by RAW General Manager, Brad Maddox

       That was just one of the match-ups that night. I strongly recommend that if you’re a wrestling fan, you venture out and see a house show. I hope you enjoyed reading this. Leave a comment and share this post! Next post will be up on Wednesday! 

Outlast Game Review [PS4]

Today I present you with another game review. Today, I will be reviewing Outlast for the PS4. It is also available for the PC, but I have only played the console version. I actually completed a full play through, earning all but two trophies on the PSN.

Outlast is a straight up horror game. If mutated creatures jumping out at you is not your thing, then I suggest you drop the controller. I have to say, it may be the scariest game I've ever played.

Picture from the Outlast trailer.

You play as a journalist who is going into an insane asylum to document the horrible experiments done on the patients. The game is first person, so you can only essentially see what the character sees. You never actually see what the main character looks like, other than his arm. It gives the illusion that you are in fact the one exploring this abandoned hospital. The first scene is an excruciatingly slow drive up to the building. You are given a video camera with night vision capability, a folder to hold case notes and some batteries. Depending on the level of difficulty you choose, the amount of batteries your camera can hold changes. The camera itself will never turn off if you run out of batteries, but you will not be able to use night vision, which in a dark building will prove difficult to venture through. When you finally reach the actual building, the front gate is locked. If that’s not any indication to leave, I don’t know what is. Instead, you are prompted to find an alternate entrance. The first mistake of the protagonist.

Tip: Once inside the building, you should never put your camera away. Leave the night vision off when there is enough light to see. The camera captures events that will in turn give you notes that will not only give you an achievement for completion but also gives you more insight of the story.

            The mutant people in the asylum are hideous. Seeing a person walk around the building is enough to make you run in the other direction. You can’t actually fight the creatures who come after you, making the game all that scarier. When you actually get up close and personal with the patients, the details seem to be lacking, but not enough to take away any fear from the game. While Outlast is considered an escape game, you are not trying to solve any puzzles to leave the building. The gameplay in this sense is pretty straightforward in which all you have to do is find your way through the building and everything else will fall into play.

            Play Outlast with the volume turned all the way up and the lights off. If you want the full experience, make sure you play at when you won’t mind finishing the game in a full sitting (there is no saving in insane mode for those of you horror fanatics). I played it in portions and still found the gameplay frightening and satisfying but playing in one sitting gives you the feeling that you’re trapped in an asylum and can’t get out. Also, playing with friends around is really fun. I played the game with my brother, and we passed the controller around after every part. The excitement of Outlast is that you’ll have fun watching the game as much as you’d have fun playing the game yourself. In fact, if you don’t have a PS4 and don’t want to buy the game on PC, I recommend watching gameplay videos because some of the player’s reactions are golden.

        

            You don’t have to be an experienced gamer to play Outlast. The gameplay is simple, you have to find your way out of the building with the occasional running away from a crazy mutant patient. Like I mentioned before, why not have a party and invite even some of your non-gamer friends? Outlast has a great story and enough fright to keep everyone entertained. Lastly, for you horror buffs, the attention to detail in certain parts of the game is amazing. Keep an eye out for bloody puddles. Step in those and you’ll be leaving red footprints.

            In short, Outlast is a horror game. There is no fighting your attackers, so you better find the best hiding places. The detail gives you the feeling that you’re actually trapped in an asylum and not just playing a video game. The story and scares are enough to warrant a play through, but if you rather not spend the twenty dollars on a game that is only good for one initial play through (once you know when all the scares happen, it isn't quite fun anymore, unless you’re going to try insane mode) then I strongly recommend watching the walk-through online. There isn't much more that I can say other than, give Outlast a try because I guarantee that it is unlike any other game you've played before.

I hope you enjoyed my review! Let me know in the comments below. Next post is on Friday, stay tuned!  

Meeting Two 'Total Divas'

              Thursday afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting two Total Divas, Natalya and Summer Rae. For those of you who are unfamiliar with these two ladies, they are wrestlers on WWE. They are now a part of a reality series called Total Divas that airs Sundays (The season premier is tomorrow night actually).  I had to make a special post today off of our normal schedule to let you know how it went.

               

                I picked up my phone to check twitter that morning which I don’t usually do. Finding out that these divas were going to be signing free autographs later on that day, I ran up to my room to change my outfit. I just had to find my Fandango shirt to impress Summer Rae! The signing was right near where I was going to be and I happened to have finished class early that day, which was awesome.  I rushed over to NBC with my friend and after getting some food and parting ways, I lined up and waited for the divas to get there. I was there at around 12:30 pm and the signing didn’t start until 2:30. I got there pretty early so I would be guaranteed a wrist band and let into the signing. Being there early had its perks because I was right in front of the make shift barricade, meaning I was in a few feet from Natalya and Summer Rae.

              

                 As for any signing, we were told that we should have our camera ready and be prepared to be rushed through if the crowd got too big. Luckily for me, it was a Thursday afternoon when everyone was either at work or school, so the crowd wasn’t relatively large. Natalya and Summer Rae took some glamour shots for Total Divas and conversed with some fans in the front before starting the signing. Somebody called out to Natalya about her almost win on Main Event for the Divas title the prior Tuesday in which she replied with a smile, “Hey, I’m keeping her on her toes!” (Referring to the current Divas Champion AJ Lee).

                

                 I nervously stood on line and waited for my turn to come. Since there was not a lot of people, the line went relatively slow and I didn’t mind at all. I was enjoying watching Summer Rae and Natalya converse with their fans one on one. It was nice not being pushed through a line before even getting to say hi to the person you waited two hours to see. Natalya was especially grateful to her fans, knowing most of them from prior events which I thought was really cool.

               

                Finally my turn came and I was on the point of hyperventilating (But keeping up my poker face of course). I got to shake Summer Rae’s hand and Natalya smiled and asked how I was doing.  I told her I was doing great and then I was reminded of the conversation I had with one of my friends while on the line, telling me to let Natalya and Summer Rae know how big of a fan of theirs she was, which I did. She couldn’t make it to the event, and being my go to wrestling friend, I couldn’t let the opportunity escape. Natalya and Summer Rae were gracious and Natalya asked what my friend’s name was. When I told her, she personalized an autograph just for her and told me to tell my friend it was a gift from her and Summer Rae (which my friend was extremely surprised and excited about).

                

               After that, I had a chance to have a conversation with the two (I had apparently bought myself two extra minutes with the divas while they signed my friend’s autograph). Summer Rae did notice my shirt and told me she loved it, which I was ecstatic about, having spent the extra ten minutes in the morning looking for it. After they were done with my friend’s autograph, they signed one personally to me as well. I couldn’t think of anything to say to the two because I was so shocked to be standing in front of the them in the first place so I started to discuss my friend’s obsession with Emma and how torn she was between the two dancers, which Natalya thought was absolutely adorable and Summer Rae called, “a good problem to have”. After that, I got to take a picture with the two and I said my goodbyes.

I forgot to mention that the person running the event had my camera the entire time and literally was snapping away throughout my entire conversation with the two which I’m actually very pleased with. She even captured me mid handshake with Summer Rae and having a conversation with the two where they look genuinely interested in what I had to say, how cool is that? The staff at NBC were actually great. There was really no need for the guards to do anything but watch the crowd because we were really tame (as compared to other wrestling events I’ve been to). The person taking my photo was phenomenal and not once did I feel like someone was pushing me along and telling me to hurry up. With the relatively small crowd, the organized staff at the NBC store and the two incredibly kind and amazing divas, I had a fantastic time and I can't wait for the next wrestling related event I get to be a part of! 

Hope you enjoyed reading this! The next post is on Wednesday! Stay tuned! 

Funny Superstitions

So it was raining on Monday and I forgot to bring an umbrella. I was drenched. And my hair was on point that day.

My life, people.

Anyway, just wanted to let those of you who don't carry umbrellas with you everywhere you go because you think its stupid and who think looking at the sky and seeing the sun peeking out under the clouds means that it isn't necessary to bring an umbrella to school know that you are not alone.

Unless I'm the only one. Sigh.

Okay, enough about my sad life.

Don't step on that crack! It'll break your mother's back!

I'm sure we've all heard this one before. This is probably the first superstitious thing I heard as a child. From the first time I heard it in like a television show or something, I was so scared to break my mother's back that I jumped over cracks altogether and you can imagine how strange it looks to see a kid taking giant steps or leaping like a kangaroo nonstop. This is going to sound pretty stupid, but I still sometimes find myself subconsciously trying not to step on a crack. TO THIS DAY.

Sigh. Some things never change.

Other things that are pretty well-known are not to break mirrors or open an umbrella indoors or you'll be facing seven years of bad luck. And let's not forget that black cat that's apparently evil or something. I'm convinced this stigma of the black cat has to do with the short story "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe, but I'm not too sure.

I don't know about you guys, but my family is incredibly superstitious. I'm from the Caribbean and it seems that these people are ridiculously superstitious about literally everything! My mother is the perfect example for this. One of her crazy superstitions include not putting bags on a bed because that means whoever sleeps on it will get sick. Another is that if you dream about somebody being happy, that means something bad is going to happen to that person and vice versa if you dream about somebody dying, that means good luck will come to that person. So I guess that nightmare with Grandma getting shot wasn't something to be afraid of.

Thanks Mom.

Sooo, I looked up some funny superstitions that I found on the interwebs. Y'know, just because.

- A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after a slice has been cut from it. (Oops)

- If a friend gives you a knife, you should give him a coin, or your friendship will soon be broken. (Why the hell is he giving me a knife to begin with???)

- Don't sleep with your legs crossed, it attracts the devil. (......)

- Witches fly around 1 to 2 o'clock in the morning. Make sure not to be awake at this time. (.................)

- If your nose is feeling itchy, it means someone wants to kiss you. (FINALLY)

Yes, I'm well aware it is not Friday the 13th. It is the 14th. But, well, I don't care. Blah.

This is just a few of many weird ones that I found. I don't know, this superstition stuff is pretty questionable. If you believe in them, more power to you. If you don't, you're cool just like me.

Hehe, just kidding. Maybe.

Comment any superstitions you have. I'd love to hear 'em!

Subscribe and follow this blog for posts every Wednesday and Friday!

Anna's Art Class: Making an Over the Shoulder Messenger Bag

Welcome Class! Please be seated! Today we have the very first installment of Anna’s Art Class.

     I am going to teach you guys how to make a messenger bag. Last year at a convention, I cosplayed for the first time. I wanted to be the spitting image of the character and for that to be done, I needed a pink messenger bag. There was no way I was going to dish out a bunch of money for a bag I was only going to use for a few days. I decided the best way was to make the bag myself, so through trial and error I present to you my revised instructions on how to make your very own over the shoulder messenger bag!

What you need:

• Fabric (I used a T-Shirt but if you’re looking for a sturdier everyday bag, I would suggest using something like canvas or a thicker fabric. Just make sure that you can put a needle and thread through it)
•  A needle and some thread (The thread can be any color, because you will be sewing it from the inside)
• Thick rope (I used thick yarn. If you are looking for a more durable bag that can withstand some weight, I would use rope.)
• Duct tape (The color that you want the inside of the bag to be)
• Scissors
• Chalk (Optional. This helps mark  the measurements on the fabric and can come off easily)
• Fabric Paint/Markers/Spray (Optional. You can decorate your bag anyway you choose)

Note: The bag I made withstood three days of nonstop use at a convention. The bag I am going to teach you how to make is flat and not a bag that will stand up if placed down.

If you’re using a T-shirt, note that the bag will probably not be able to withstand as much weight as a thicker fabric.

Step One: You are going to be cutting out three pieces of fabric. The first two pieces should be of equal length. These are going to be your front and back of the bag, so make it as big as you want the bag to be. Leave a little extra fabric that you pull in when you’re ready to start sewing. The third piece you are going to cut out should be smaller than the other two. Line it up against one of the other pieces, it should be of equal width (from left to right) but shorter length. This is going to be the flap, so the length depends on how much you want the opening of the bag to be covered. I made it a little less than half the length of the original piece.

Step Two: Choose one of the two pieces of equally cut fabric. This is going to be the back of the bag (For this purpose we’ll call it back fabric). You should fold the flap over the top of the back fabric so that you can preview how the bag will open and close. You are going to sew the back side of the folded over flap around the bottom, and up the two sides for the cleanest seams.

Step Three: Once that is done, lay the cut pieces flat on the work surface. You are going to cover one side of each completely in duct tape, leaving a small border bare so that you can sew them together (except for the flap which is already sewn on). Also, make sure to leave some empty space on the top left and right corners of the back fabric. The duct tape is what makes the bag sturdy. When the bag is complete, the duct tape will be the inside of the bag. Therefore, choose whatever color you want for the inside of the bag.

Step Four: You will start sewing the two bare sides of the bag together. Make sure that the two duct taped sides are facing outwards (be mindful of the flap that you attached in step three, you do not want to mess up those seams). When you have sewed those, flip the bag inside out and you should have a messenger bag without straps.

Step Five: Take the string and measure it to the size strap you would use. Then, take two other strings (cut to equal sizes) and braid it with the first string. The braid ensures a strong strap that will hold the weight of your items. If you desire, you can sew left over fabric around the braid. I used hot glue which was equally as effective. Recall the space that you left in the upper corners of your bag. Cut out a single hole in each space. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the braid. Slide the braid into the hole and tie it in a sturdy knot.

Step Six (Optional):  At this point your bag should be completed. If you want to add your own personal touch, you can add a logo, your name or even a quote. I made my bag solely for a costume, therefore my design is in felt. Felt will probably peel off in the long run so avoid it if you’re going to use your bag more than once. You cannot iron anything on because of the duct tape, so if you must have a design ironed on, do so before you tape up the bag. You can decorate your heart out with fabric paint, spray paint and markers. I suggest looking online for templates if you want a professional looking design.  You can design the bag however you want. Some ideas for decorating the bag are:

· The first letter of your name. Use templates for a cleaner design.

· A logo of your favorite show or movie. Make sure it can easily be drawn.

· Vines, hearts or stars that can be lined around the bag like a border.

· Animal Print

· Checkers/Stripes

Here is my completed bag:

                                          

I hope you enjoyed making your bag! Class is now over. If you want to “enroll” in my art class, you can follow this blog (on the right) to be the first to find out when new lessons are out. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!  

Why Hello There Good Lookin'

So a few weeks ago I was watching a Knicks game with my father one night and this was of course a very stupid thing to do seeing that the New York Knicks absolutely suck this season, but I was bored so I did. Anyway, I was watching it until the first half was over and it's about twenty minutes or so until the second half starts so the commercials came on and normally I flick through the channels during the commercials because, let's be honest, who actually sits through and watches the commercials? So I'm flicking through and through until I get to an old African-American sitcom, Good Times. I sat and watched the episode because for the last two or three years or so, I've really been getting into old sitcoms from the seventies and the eighties and this show was really funny. 

I cannot remember which episode it was, but I do remember one of the main characters, J.J., a real flirt and not so attractive guy, but a womanizer nonetheless, try to pick up a girl with really outdated smooth talking. I found his poor attempts to flirt highly amusing and even though the girl totally rejected him, I was interested to know more about corny pick-lines that guys think works on girls.

When my father switched the channel back to the Knicks game, I wasn't even paying any attention to the heartbreaking blowout the Knicks were facing, I was too busy spurting out cheesy pick-up lines. 

Here are some of my favorite ones and my immediate responses to them.:

- No wonder the sky is grey today, the blue is in your eyes. (My eyes are brown, but thanks).

- Your body is 65% water and I'm thirsty. (I don't get it. Just kidding).

- Hershey's makes millions of kisses a day...all I am asking is a kiss from you. (To which I would respond, I do not like chocolate. So I don't have a kiss. Sorry).

- Do you live in a corn field, 'cause I'm stalking you. (I would totally use this).

- Can I borrow your cell phone? I need to call animal control, because I just saw a fox! (But I live in New York).

- If a thousand painters worked for a thousand years, they could not create a work of art as beautiful as you. (I'm going to die single).

- Hey, somebody just farted...let's get out of here. (It was me).

Of course, guys don't really say these things, at least I don't think they do. Most guys make it really hard to tell if they like you, but some do make it pretty obvious. Contrary to a lot of girls I know, I would love if a guy told me a corny pick-up line! It would be cute and funny and I'd get a laugh out of it.

Problem is, sometimes I don't get. 

Well, anywho.

I guess this'll be a good place to introduce myself. Hi! I'm Shannon, Anna's partner and the other blog collaborator. Anna posts on Wednesdays and I on Fridays.

Hope you enjoyed and don't forget to read our other blog posts, follow, subscribe and tell your family and friends!

And use one of these corny jokes. Seriously. And if you do, let me know how it goes in the comments!

Byeeeee.

Final Fantasy 13 Review

     Today I’m going to give a brief video game review. I’m going to focus on the game I am currently playing, Final Fantasy XIII. Final Fantasy XIII is one of the most talked about of the series. It has mixed reviews. Some people love the game and some hate it. One of the critiques I read was that the game wasn’t enjoyable because the amount of cutscenes dominates the actual gameplay. Cut scenes, simply, are scenes in between gameplay that fill you in on the story. To me, this isn’t a problem at all. In fact, when looking for games to play, I’m drawn in more by the story and graphics then just solid gameplay. I am almost positive this is because I’m a writer. I love to unravel stories. Video games are like interactive books to me. Similar to movies, televisions and books, video games have a lot to say. With that being said, I think the story of this game is amazing so far, and I can’t wait to finish it. It focuses on six characters that you alternate playing as, Lightning, Snow, Hope, Vanille, Sazh and Fang. Each has their own story that somehow intertwine with each other. The plot isn’t so simple to follow at first because it takes place in its own universe. If you’re looking for a realistic game, Final Fantasy 13, and in fact many Final Fantasy games are not for you.  Simply put, these six people are tasked with completing their focus (a goal given to them) in order to avoid becoming a c’ieth (a monster). If they complete their focus, they turn to crystal and are given an eternal life. Each person has a reason that they’re in the situation to start with but I’m not going to get too much into the storyline because I don’t want to ruin the game for you if you plan on playing.

     The gameplay itself is based a lot on strategizing. It isn’t your standard fighting game. It didn’t take me too long to catch onto the mechanics of the game, but upgrading and equipping the perfect gear can be intimidating without the help of google. Right now, I’m pretty far into the game and have maxed out two weapons thanks to some walkthrough articles I read on line. Seriously, don’t be afraid to google a walkthrough. It’s much better to get passed the part with someone’s help than to leave the game untouched for years because you can’t figure out how to beat it. The fighting is pretty stationary, meaning you choose attacks and the characters will move on their own. You don’t get to move out of the way of incoming attacks which can be frustrating to some. The Crystarium system of upgrading stats is very simple.

      
    All in all, I was willing to drag through boss battles that were extremely difficult just to see how the story would progress. The quirks with the gameplay were balanced out with the beautifully detailed cutscenes. All in all, I’d recommend this game to anyone who loves a good story and a strong female lead (I didn’t mention this before, but the girl on the cover, Lightning, is pretty hardcore and in no way a Damsel in distress. She can definitely hold her own in battle). I look forward to finishing the game.

Here is the official website if you want to know more about the game (it came out in 2010, better late than never) : http://archive.na.square-enix.com//ff13/#/content/Home/0

Picture from the Final Fantasy X111-2 Trailer

What do you guys think of the game? What is your favorite game? Do you prefer addicting gameplay over immense cut scenes? Have a game recommendation for me? Let me know in the comments!  

Our Beautiful New Logo

Hey everyone! I hope all is well. We have just incorporated a logo into our blog. It was created by Yvonne Chow. If you like her work, you can email her at yvonnechow@gmail.com. When creating this blog, I knew that I wanted a logo to represent us, and Shannon agreed. Yvonne contacted me and I'm glad she did because I couldn't be any more satisfied with the logo she presented to us. If you didn't see the logo (which I'm sure you did, its pretty hard to miss) and you don't want to scroll up, here it is: 

 The next post will be on Wednesday from me again, and on Friday Shannon is debuting her first post. If you like our blog please comment and share it with your friends! The support is greatly appreciated. Thanks again Yvonne for the incredible design!

                                                                                                                 

Hello!

                Who are we?                          

     My name is Anna and my partner’s name is Shannon. To put it simply, we are two college girls who love to write. Here’s a little background: Shannon and I have been friends since high school. It wasn’t until junior year that we discovered each other’s passion for writing. Senior year, we were both accepted into a creative writing course and became inseparable for those ten months. We became each other’s biggest critics and proof readers. Most of all though, we became each other’s support systems. Now, it’s hard to believe that we haven’t been sharing writing our entire lives. Writing is almost as natural as breathing to us, and we hope to share our passion with you.

                

               Why a blog? 

     Why not? With social media booming, there isn't a better time to blog. We have things to say, and thanks to blogs, we can deliver it to our fans directly. By fans we mean people who take the time to read what we write and enjoy it. One day I want to be writing a post that ends in, “This is all thanks to the support of my fans!” Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. Basically, we love to write and blogs give us the chance to.

                Why should I read your blog over the countless other blogs on the internet?                                 

     I can’t promise you anything. This is all new to us. What I can tell you is that we’re going to write what we feel like writing. We haven’t set out on this journey with a specific topic in mind. That is exactly why you should stick around and see what we have to offer. You never know what you’ll read about next. Plus, Shannon and I have very different voices in our writing, but we’re meshing them together to see what hilarity ensues. What could be more fun?

                Okay, I understand you don’t have a specific topic in mind but at least give me a hint about what I’ll get to read.

     A hint? You can probably expect to read about video games, nail polish, and some other "nerdy" stuff because those are some of the things I love. I don’t know exactly what Shannon will write about but I can tell you Harry Potter will be mentioned once or twice at least.

              How is this going to work with two authors? Is one person writing and the other in charge of the blog?

     Shannon and I are both writing this blog. Like I said before, we have two very different voices that are shown in our writing. Each of us will make our own posts and launch them into the vast internet on our assigned days. For example, I may post every Wednesday and Shannon every Friday. On special occasions we may actually collaborate and write something together. Also, this isn’t set in stone and a lot of surprises are going to be thrown into the mix to keep you guys on your toes. Get ready because this is not your average blog.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, and I hope you continue reading our work.