Writing!

Writing..It's a thing you do with a paper and pen, right?  Sadly, not for most people.  In today's world, technology can distort what writing and creativity is all about.

Typing a fiction story on the computer can trigger a much different outcome than starting with a blank sheet of paper in front of you.  With a computer and the Internet, you can get creative ideas from somewhere outside your thoughts, whether it be character names, location, or help with a time period, the Internet is at your fingertips to whatever you want to research.  It is amazing how instant our lifestyle is today.  However, the computer screen can be a big distraction.  Once you start looking up, say clothes in the Renaissance era, you are soon on the Pa Renaissance Faire website and planning a family trip.  The Internet can suck you into its vast field of information.  If you are serious about writing a story, my advice is to limit your time researching the Internet for ideas.  Try to hold off on switching away from your word processor program.  This way, more of your own knowledge and experience will appear in your writing, allowing it to feel more personal and you will be much prouder.

I admire Tolkien and other great writers from our past who never had the Internet.  They relied on their own mind and received inspiration from their surroundings and happenings going on around them.  The entertainment they give in their stories are much more appreciated then any modern story.

There is something so simple with having a piece of paper and a writing instrument, and its effect is massive.  You will dig deeper for your thoughts, and your writing will truly showcase you in your words.  I feel proud now that I can write a few paragraphs here without wanting to google similar topics regarding writing and see what others think about this same notion.  I didn't want anything to skew with my opinions or direction in this column.

I am definitely open to receiving inspiration, especially when travelling.  It is always when I am not looking for an idea, that I am blessed with it.  New sights, crazy weather, exotic color patterns, an array of talented people; these are the things that can give you the knowledge and experience for a better story.

Russell Stover vs. Whitman's Chocolates

Who can be disappointed in chocolate?  Me!  Okay, it was still delicious, but here's how it went down.  I bought some Valentine's Day candy for 50% off the day after.  I picked out two heart boxes of assorted chocolate. The two covers that caught my eye were "You're Cool! with Snoopy and "You're my #1 Draft Pick".  I noticed that they were from two different companies: Whitman's Chocolates and Russell Stover.  I never know which one to pick out of these two, but know they are both good.  I decided to buy both and do a comparison.

I opened the boxes and wah-la! - They did not look much different.

I picked one from each box that shared the same shape and color.  It was the same dense caramel filled chocolate and both tasted the same!

My partner hesitated to tell me what was found on the internet, and told me I wasn't going to like this news.  Whitman's was bought by Russell Stover in 1993!  So I bought chocolates from the same freakin' company.  I was really looking for a better comparison, but I did proclaim a winner.  Starred are the unique chocolate flavors.

Russell Stover: They provide more unique options over Whitman's.  I made my best guess on what they are, but this box was the hardest to figure out what is what!  8g of Fat for 3 pieces, less fat, but a bit more sugary taste - 28g.  Calcium is found in this box probably because of the more Nougats and Marshmallow cremes.

• Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Molasses
• Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
• Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Cream*
• Milk Chocolate Butter Nougat*
• Dark Chocolate Almond Nougat*
• Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
• Milk Chocolate Roman Nougat*
• Dark Chocolate Coconut
• Milk Chocolate Chocolate Creme*

Whitman's Chocolates: No big surprises on what was in these chocolates.  More fat = yummier.  7g for 2 pieces, 17g sugar

• Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
• Two Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Molasses
• Signature Solid Milk Chocolate*
• Two Dark Chocolate Coconut
• Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
• Milk Chocolate Almond Nougat

Winner: Whitman's Chocolates, by a close margin.  Snoopy, their classic feel, and signature solid chocolate sold me.  When buying a box for a gift, it would still be a toss-up for me, and I would probably find the most relevant box design.

My Decision Rant

Can't make up your mind?  I often second guess my decisions and feel like I need to validate its accuracy beforehand.  My introversion expresses this by not giving anyone feedback until I've thought it over and then doing so quietly.  Whether I am mulling it over by myself or with a friend, my mind wants to please myself, plus everyone else.  While I'm caught up in trivial worries, most people have made up their mind.  I'm not talking about work or big life decisions - those are easier than these small ones.  These are the inferior, daily decisions we face regarding the type of food you are going to eat, what you are going to plan to do after work, or what movie you are going to see.

I am logical, however I still hold on to the "what if I make the wrong choice" worry that I take forever in deciding if I want chicken or beef on my nachos.  Of course I'm striving for self happiness, but it is not worth the tedious thought process, especially if it impacts the plan of others.  It can be a complete waste of time waiting for someone for something so trivial.  People rely on other people and I cannot be so passive 100% of the time.  It is one thing to be introverted and to not contribute to a social situation, but to be this held back about making a small decision is a bit unhealthy.  Confidence is something achieved overtime, and it helps to have reassurance from others.  It makes it harder when I get negative feedback about something I've already decided.  If they are not directly involved in the situation, I try my hardest to ignore it!  I'm getting better at making decisions quicker and sticking with it.  I do a little happy dance when the outcome is positive!

So, what is a good salad ingredient to bring along for a party, or the correct choice for dinner tonight? (Yes, always thinking about food)  Is it right to dwell on these decisions?  I say not to an excessive degree, but I cannot help my worries.  What if no one takes a helping of baby corn for their salad?  Is this even a topping for salad?  I've seen these at select salad bars, but does anyone but me take some?  These are just some thoughts that roll around in my mind, but in the end it does not matter.  The baby corn was loved after all by at least 1/4 of the group.  Even if it was just me digging in to my own ingredient, at least there will be more for me.  Optimism is hard to keep up, but it ultimately helps in social situations.

So my gut reaction of baby corn for the salad party and beef nachos for dinner? YES!  Go with what you know and like!  The key is to stick with your interest and be confident in it.  There's a good chance that others will like your decision too.  Making a quick and accurate decision boosts future confidence and also leaves room for more fun in your free time.

You have to pick your battles with yourself because you do not want to get tripped up on whether you want to wear a polka dot or blue shirt today.  You'll be late for work!  Focus on what is most important in life and embrace it.

Science Fiction vs Fantasy

   While searching for new books, I gravitate towards the science fiction section.  On particular books found in the library, there is a "Fantasy" sticker on the spine on those in the sci-fi area.  What makes these stories fantasy?  Where is the boundary between science fiction and fantasy?

   "It is said that science fiction and fantasy are two different things. Science fiction is the improbable made possible, and fantasy is the impossible made probable."
-Rod Serling, 1962

Here are my comparisons between the two genres:

Science Fiction	Fantasy
Technology	Magic
Scientific	Supernatural
Facts in real life	Imaginary
Aliens	Wizards
Robots	Unicorns
Space	Middle Earth
A world that could be	Good vs Evil

     Science fiction offers a scientific rationale for the phenomenon.  There is some kind of technology, whether it's possible or impossible in real life, that alters our known world.  In Fantasy, a unicorn will just appear, and yay, that’s just the way things are.  There are alternative realities and worlds, where you can live in an enchanted forest or a cursed castle.  Most of the time, the conclusion of a science fiction story is a new way of doing things.  In fantasy, the good, from its good vs evil theme, wins.

     This started to make me think of certain story examples.  Where would Star Trek and Star Wars fit in?  Science fiction - Most things are based on a technology or aliens from different planets.  The only thing I had a hard time accepting it is science fiction is The Force.  It is a paranormal ability which is altered in a human or creature, but it could be mistaken for magic.  A few other issues, such as shapeshifters not being technologically explained would be fantasy.  Elements could be used in both genres.  What about time travel?  Science fiction.  Ghosts?  Gods?  Fantasy.

The more I read or watch these stories, the better I can pick out which category they fall into.

Source: Difference Between Science Fiction and Fantasy, Prabhat. and updated on July 28, 2011 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net

photo credit: balt-arts via photopin cc

photo credit: Gilderic Photography via photopin cc