Trying SO hard to focus...

I'm trying to organize my notes this evening; attempting to bring order to chaos... and it's impossible!

I've struggled this week, with focusing on anything but eating, sleeping, and watching Doctor Who. I'm finding it difficult to read, write, and even think! 

So I have to be strict with myself – which is never fun – by forcing myself to focus... which it's probably healthier than being a chesterfield vegetable...

So, I got bored of note organizing (rather quickly) and drew this:

Doodle!

Nothing soothes an unfocused mind like doodling! I'm sure this picture is full of hidden meanings (since doodling is a great way to unlock the subconscious mind). Maybe the Tin-Man-ish character at the bottom means I'm heartless. 

Hmmm, it's probably best not to over-analyze it...

So, I'm currently attempting to go through my notes for the second time this evening...

Which brings me to the next topic of the post: book recommendations for potential novelists!

I may not be a successful novelist (I'm working on it) but I'd love to recommend two, special books that can help anyone get pointed in the right direction:

The Elements of Style – William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Almost every source on novel-writing, or writing in general, recommends this book. There's a reason for that... it's flippin' amazing!

The Elements of Style teaches usage, composition, form, commonly misused words and expressions, and style. Most importantly the tone of the book is humorous, or sarcastic; which helps keep the subject matter interesting!

It is a must-have for potential writers, or anyone who simply loves the English language (and how complex it can be).

Write a Novel: And Get it Published – Nigel Watts

This is the best book on novel writing I've ever read; and I've read a lot!

Published in the Teach Yourself series, this book covers everything a potential novelist needs to know, straight from a celebrated professional (who knows what he's talking about!).

Nigel Watts was a successful novelist who, later in life, decided to teach novel writing courses.

I love how concise and organized his book is! No frills or useless information! 

Absolutely recommended!

So, there you have it!

If only I could focus long enough to write something fictional! I'd settle for the ability to organize my notes... or my thoughts!

Gah, back to my notes... poo.

My bedroom...

I would like to take a second to give you a quick tour of my bedroom!

It's a small bedroom with no closet, and not much room for anything but my bed and bookshelf...

These pictures make it look bigger somehow...

Having a small bedroom isn't too bad. It's really cozy and easy to decorate. Of course, most of my belongings are stuck in storage because of the lack of space... but I'm learning to live with less stuff.

I caught Geethy making friends today! He's becoming a very sociable rat!

Now, I must go watch Doctor Who... or maybe continue reading The Lovely Bones... or maybe try finishing my FanFiction... or maybe just have a nap!

FanFiction linkage...

I don't think I've shared this link on my blog before. It takes you directly to my Alice in Wonderland FanFiction, The Wonderland Haunting, written under my pen name Ervin Fielder.

The story's a bit strange. I'd love to finish it, but I don't know what direction to take it in.

I started this FanFiction as a warm-up exercise for my more serious writing. I received some nice reviews, so I kept writing more chapters. It'd be great to finish it now, and get it off my mind!

So, here's the link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4421008/1/The_Wonderland_Haunting

I hope you enjoy!

I'll leave you now with an image I once used as Ervin Fielder's avatar on FanFiction.net. It's a mini canvas painting I did back in the day, when I used to have the patience to use acrylics.

Announcements and such...

I am pleased to announce that my blog has two new segments for me to update regularly!

New Segment #1:

I'll now be writing book reviews! I try to read a novel every month anyway, so why not blog about what I've read? I'll be kicking off this segment later in this post, by listing 10 of my all-time favourite novels/series.

New Segment #2:

Last month I was buying sock monkey supplies with my friend (alias: Oprah), when I discovered the most amazing creature waiting for me in a clearance bin: a furry rat I named Geethy!

He's the best fake pet ever! My pride and joy!

My living pets want to eat him, so he sleeps on my bookshelf, out of reach.

I want to start a segment showing pictures of Geethy doing things, going places, meeting friends... And who knows, maybe you'll all grow to love Geethy as much as I do!

Ladies and Gentlemen, here he is, the rat himself – Geethy:

Now, here are my choices for "Top Ten Novels/Series of All Time" (in no particular order):

1. Harry Potter Series – JK Rowling
2. Cirque du Freak Series – Darren Shan
3. Shutter Island – Dennis Lehane
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
5. Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking-Glass – Lewis Carroll
6. The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
7. The Reader – Bernhard Schlink
8. The Five People You Meet in Heaven – Mitch Albom
9. Stardust – Neil Gaiman
10. The Shadow of the Wind/The Angel's Game/The Prince of Mist – it's kinda cheating to squeeze them all in, but I love anything written by Carlos Ruiz Zafon!

If anyone is reading this, I'd love to see your top 10 list!

And to celebrate the beginning of my book review segment, here is Geethy's first adventure: