Sunday, March 23, 2014

Confessions of a Fan Fiction Writer




I have a tiny confession to make:


I used to write fan fiction.


Yes, you've read it right, fan fiction. Back in my junior high to high school days, I would waste hours in front of my desktop computer in my bedroom, craft plots about my favorite "fandoms" (Harry Potter and some TV shows/novels), read other fanfics, and have a ball with my fellow fans who are so into the fandom as much as I do. The rush you get when people like your fanfiction is indescribable. It makes you feel that you're not alone in this craziness, and there are a lot of unseen online people who share it with you. Getting lost in the world of fan fiction writing is so addicting and fun.



But some things must come to an end. Along with my going away for college, I had to let go of some of my fangirl ways. I missed it for a while, but along with that, my mind cleared up and had lots of realizations. Not just with my fandom world, but with writing and life in general.


Here are some of them:




1. Good writing is always a must.



Whether you're writing your class essay or your fluffy fanfic about Harry and Ginny, good writing with clean format and right grammar is always appreciated. A lot of kids these days don't really pay attention to the technicalities of writing such as these, and yet, these are a reflection of your writing skills. Whatever you write about, make it right and easy to read. This will garner you more views for your fanfic/story and help you out in your future writing endeavors.




2. Give and take relationships.


What I learned from fanfic writing is not to let it revolve around only yourself. Read other works and give good feedback. Most likely, they will come to your page and check out your stories as well.

This is applicable with your high school friends as well. Learn to have a two-way communication of giving and taking, and these can make your friendships a success. It's more about bonding and showing compassion, more than what you can get from each other.


3.Once in a while, go out.


There's more to life than getting caught up in the world of fandoms and fanfic writing. It doesn't hurt to log out of the computer and go out. Make time with friends, do something else, or take a walk. This prevented me from getting too obsessive with my interests, as it made me realize that I don't want to be that kind of girl who doesn't have a life of her own.


Sometimes, you do fangirl because you feel bad or sad about something in real life. Fangirl for a while, but find ways to deal with your problems in a healthy way.



So there you have it, some basic realizations and things that fan fic writing have taught me. Everything in moderation, as with anything else. The important thing is, you're having fun in a good and clean way while learning.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Why I Read




My peers used to say that being seen with a pile of books beside you makes you a nerdy bookworm.

I say otherwise, because reading can help you grow and fill up your mind. It doesn't make you a nerd at all (whoever said it is so shallow-minded). Rather, reading gives you a pleasant respite from the doldrums of daily life as you escape and enter a magical world. In this world, you can be anything you want to be, and experience beauty, suffering, and success along with your favorite character/s.

I read to escape for a while. But I also read to help me deal with the realities of life.

I read for the purpose of exploration without having to leave my room.

I read not just to update myself with popular literature-turned-movies, but to see what the buzz is all about and what I can pick up from there.

I read to inspire myself in writing about my own worlds. Creative writing doesn't only end with fan fiction. Write your own story, and see how far you can take it from there.

Most of all, I read just for the sake of enjoyment.

I read because of endless reasons. But most of all, I read because I love to.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

A Spring In My Step





I can't wait for Spring to happen! I'll be saying goodbye to the wintry cold and look forward to the magnificence that is Spring: warmth, rebirth, colors, and stepping out into the sun.

I remember my spring rituals as a child. I may be a little grown-up now, but this doesn't mean I can't enjoy the spring season, but in a rather different way now. Here are some scenes from my childhood during spring season:

1. Easter get-away

Whenever it's the week forward to Easter Sunday, my family and I would pack our bags and head off to our grandparents' farm. There are a lot of things I did there, like riding horses, churning corn, running around the farm, and baking with my grandma. I spent a great deal of time there in the farm every year, until I reached high school. My grandma may have passed on, but we still make it a point to visit our farm with my grandpa, uncle, aunt, and cousins. I just like the fresh air and the laid-back atmosphere.


2. Sun dresses

I would always have a hand-sewn sundress every spring, courtesy of my aunt (who also lives in the farm!). My favorite was a mint green sleeveless dress, which I like to pair with strappy sandals and a straw hat with an orange sash around the brim. I got the dress as a 13-year old and wore it a lot during spring. Until now, the dress is still with me, but it feels a little tighter now (no thank you, college-related pounds!).


3. Nature in bloom

I love the colors of spring. Pink, yellow, white, blue, and most especially, green. It's a far cry from the wintry cold, and a delight for the eyes, whenever you see spring in full bloom.


Now that I'm a little older, this list had additions:


4. Spring-themed nail polishes

I'm planning to get something this year in a happy shade of peach. Even if I just color my nails sans the nail art, a pop of color will make my hands prettier.


5. Spring fashion

This Spring Break, my friend and I plan to go thrift shopping and get some nice clothes without breaking our bank. You can dress up in the moods of spring minus splurging on pricey clothes.


6. Spring break!

Last year, we went to a music festival. This year, another cheaper music festival, but with a roadtrip and staying over at my friend's farm. We plan to ride horses, roast smores around a campfire, and tell stories. Girl bonding at its finest.


Here are some of my favorite spring activities. Spring really makes me happy and upbeat!