Category Archives: Updates

Kendra's Thoughts, Updates

Pushing Your Boundaries And Setting Ever Higher Goals

Leave a comment

I finally completed a full story. Yes, it’s all still in a rough draft form, but people on the internet have read it and I’ve gotten decent reception for it. At least, decent if you go by the fact I get few visitors and even fewer likes.

Either way, it was a huge win for me. For several people, maybe even many, my goal of finishing just one story may have seemed small. I imagine that for people who have been writing for a long time, people passionate about writing whether they’ve ever published anything or not, they fully understood my desire for a completed story and perhaps once had a similar struggle.

The whole reason I set that simple goal was because I was scared. I was terrified that I would never see any of my ideas to completion, doomed to forever begin an engaging and exciting story and stop just as things were starting to take shape.

Taking Back the Kingdom was my first completed story, mostly because it was so easy to write. I gave myself a prompt and, while the story evolved heavily away from it, knowing the goal I was after in the beginning really helped me develop the characters and the story line better than I’m used to.

This is also one of very few stories that I’ve started specifically from a prompt, rather than other stimuli. In fact, most of the stories I begin come to me as ideas I have based off of dreams I remember. I have three different projects I want to work on right now that are also based on either dreams or daydreams.

That brings me to setting a new goal, a bigger goal. You see, while one of those three projects is likely one I won’t start at all, the other two I feel have potential. The tricky thing for me is that they both feel like multi-book projects. Hell, one of them is already a minimum of seven books if I do it how I want to. The other one I currently only have ideas for two books for, but that project is a much more vague concept to me.

Now, as I work on either of these projects, I’m not sure if they’ll end up on here at all. They’re much larger and more involved, and the writing I’ve done for the seven book project has been more fragmented than things I’ve posted here have been. In fact, I already have segments written from four of the books.

I’ve currently titled that project “Hero’s Spirit”, though that’s certainly subject to change. It’s set to follow a total of six teens in as they grow, and possibly save the world. I know, not the most original description, but I don’t want to give too much out about it on the internet. I think I’ve already given a few descriptions of it on the blog, but I think I’ve kept them relatively vague.

The reason for that vagueness is that I intend for these to actually be books, books that I publish and sell. While I’ve been a bit slow to fully work on the project, I’m allowing myself to focus more on it now that I’ve finished another project.

Now, that’s not to say that I won’t be working on any other projects in the meantime. For example, I would like to revisit and possibly finish my Minecraft fanfiction, Journey in a Strange World (or whatever the hell I called it) at some point in the near future. Originally, that was going to be a journal that was entries long. It was also originally started as a National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo/NaNo) project, and my goal was to write about an entry a day for it. We see how well that went.

I think trying to stretch that out to 30 entries is going to be slow and tedious at this point, so I’m probably only going to need a few more entries and the epilogue to actually finish that story. But, that is another goal I have, to finally finish off that project.

Likewise, I will in time be revisiting Nameless, another NaNo project of mine. Much like Taking Back the Kingdom, that one started as a prompt, and I still think it would be a fun challenge to finish.

Revisiting both of these is going to take time, however. I need to evaluate where I can go from where I ended with them, decide if my plans for them need changing, or if I feel like I can truly finish them in the way they deserve. In the mean time, I might try a short story here or there to give the blog a little more variety, and I do intend to start a few more Monologued Dialogues before long as well.

I’m also toying with the idea of donation incentives, should someone wish to offer monetary support to Short and Scorch. Specifically, I’m considering setting it up so that if someone donates, they can request that I do a short story for a specific prompt they give me, within reason. There are certain things I’m not knowledgeable to write about, and others that I simply refuse to write about. I would also have to work out if this would be a donation for things to be posted to the blog only, or if I’d allow the option to have them submitted privately to the donator.

I also have to contend with the fact that I, quite frankly, don’t know that I’m talented enough that anyone would even pay me money to write them a short story. Likewise comes the problem that, should someone actually pay me to write a story for them, how easy would it be for them to try to pass it off as their own if I allow the option to give them only to the donator?

Between the confidence issue and the logistics, it’s likely an idea that won’t happen unless I begin to really get popular for some reason. It’s more likely that I finally get my act together and start producing videos for the TikTok account I created for the blog. I have plenty of ideas for it, just nothing I’ve actually taken the time to make yet. (If I do make videos, they’re not going to be about my stories unless they’re updates. They’ll just be me and Shorty, and probably some representations of struggles from the past few years as I battle depression and self-image issues.)

Really, this has all been a long and ranty way of saying: Now that I’ve completed one big thing I’ve been worried about never doing, I’m looking at doing bigger and better things. I’m no longer thinking about projects in terms of “If I can finish it” but instead of “When I finish it.” Hero’s Spirit and the other multi-book project, which I’ve currently dubbed “Rose Queen,” are both projects I know that I can finish. Rose Queen might not ever come to fruition only because I’m not as settled on how good of a story it would actually be, not because I don’t think I can do something as ambitious as multiple books for the same series.

I would be willing to bet that, should I ever publish anything as a full book, it will likely be my Hero’s Spirit project. And while I likely won’t post it on the blog as I have other stories, I don’t see why I can’t give updates on it and possibly post excerpts as I work on it, so my readers can get a sneak-peak on what kind of project it is I’m working on.

So, as I proceed to set bigger, loftier goals, I hope that those who have come back again and again and shown support through following the blog or leaving a like on various posts will continue to enjoy my stories, reviews, and discussions with myself. I have a couple of posts I’m working on now that I think people will enjoy, including a far overdue review of Nerd Fitness Academy and a new Monologued Dialogue.

Thank you to those who have been here for any of the journey to my first completed story, and to those who have given me a chance to entertain them so far. I hope you like what I have yet to come.

Kendra's Thoughts, Taking Back the Kingdom, Updates

Taking Back The Kingdom Reflections, And What Comes Next

Leave a comment

With the official end of TBtK written and posted, I wanted to take a quick look back at the process of writing it, and to talk about what might come next.

First, I want to thank everyone who read and enjoyed my first completed story project. I may decide to edit and publish it one day as a book. All I currently know is I have no intention of a sequel to this project. I really didn’t ever intend one, and I didn’t give myself much setup for one.

I want to talk briefly about the process that creating this story took. It started with a prompt: What if the hero we follow is actually the villian?

As readers will note, that premise did not hold through the book. I could have kept our main character antagonistic to the king, but it just didn’t feel like it fit the young man I’d written. I may revisit that prompt one day, I may not. It was a lot harder to try to write convincingly than I thought.

The reason it took me so long to finish was my difficulty I’m deciding how to end it. Much like our main character, I had several paths to choose from. He could have simply returned home and bowed out. Or, I could have had him single-handedly talk down the rebels. That felt like such a cop out, and very unbelievable, so I ditched it pretty quickly. Eli could have died I’m the fighting, or fought for the king and become a war hero. Ultimately, I did choose this route, but I decided to leave his fate to the readers. That also felt like a cop out, but a more satisfying one.

I’m personally satisfied with the ending of the story, and how I got there. Each chapter was written and posted without any major editing or anyone reviewing it first. That alone was pretty intimidating, as I had no way of knowing how anyone would receive it. I just wrote what felt most correct and fitting at the time and rolled with it.

As for what’s next, I’m not 100% certain. I’ve got a couple of potential projects to work on, and some on here I’d like to continue. I don’t know just how frequently I’ll be posting for a while as is. Life’s pretty busy at the moment, and what free time I do have to devote to projects will likely be dominated by the biggest project I’ve ever attempted, which I don’t intend to put on the blog in its entirety.

That project is currently planned to be 7 books in total. I don’t want to go into too much detail about it here, but it will be a book based in a world of magic, interdimensional travel, and an upcoming war.

I will be trying to finish off the Journey story this year, however. I know how I want that to end, I just have to get it there.

I want to seriously thank all of my readers and my handful of followers. This has been an amazing accomplishment for me, someone who’s been writing since they were 7ish yet never finished a full story. I hope some of all of you will stick around for more of this journey, and support me as I continue to grow as a writer.

Let me know what you thought of TBtK. I’d love to hear thoughts on the ending and the story as a whole. Did you read it from the start? Did you find it part way through and go back? Was the ending satisfying for you, as a reader? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for sticking with me. Let’s hope the next projects are just as fun!

Updates

Deadline Extensions – Or, An Update

Leave a comment

I started a new job in August, and it’s been a bit hectic for me. So, I haven’t had a chance to write much or post anything here, so here’s a quick update.

(It’s also my birthday, so there’s that.)

Taking Back the Kingdom’s deadline for completion is being pushed back to December. I’ve been too busy to work on it at, though I at least know how I want to end it now. I just haven’t been able to prioritize writing lately. Now that my schedule is starting to settle, I should be able to find time to write.

My next project after I finally finish TBtK will be a long one, and I’m not yet sure if I’ll be posting any of it here. I have seven books planned so far for this project, making it my largest project I’ve ever planned. I may post updates about it or excerpts, but I’m not sure about the whole thing.

I’m considering starting some TikTok videos for shorter Monolouged Dialouges, but I’ve yet to decide or determine how I’d do it. All I know is that, if I do, there will be a specific TikTok account linked to the blog.

As for blog projects, after TBtK I plan to try to finish Journey. That was originally meant to be 30 days long, but I don’t think I can stretch it that far without it getting boring to both read and write. I know exactly how that one will end, just need to sort out a few final details of filler scenes.

Life Is Super is on indefinite hiatus while I ponder what I want to do with it. Originally, I wanted it to be a comic. As I can’t draw for beans and have no money to hire an artist, it will either have to wait or I’ll need to rethink the medium and how I present it. If it goes to comic format, I’ll probably upload it to Webtoons.

For my other works on the site, we’ll see what I decide with them. I’ll of course be writing new Dialouges and mental health posts as I can, and maybe some reviews. Past that, we’ll see.

And as for the paranormal site, that’s also on indefinite hiatus. Neither of these sites are currently making any money, let alone enough to live on, so work and self-care have to come first.

Thanks for following, and look forward to more!

Updates

Achievement Unlocked: 500 Total Views

Leave a comment

Hello, my wonderful readers! We’ve met an awesome goal for a small blog like this, and I was so excited I wanted to share it with you guys!

We hit 500 total site views yesterday! As of the time of writing, we’re sitting at 503 views.

I want to take this time to thank those that have come back time and again to read my stories, reviews, and ramblings. It’s repeat viewers and readers that tell me I’m doing something right. We’ve been live for about a year and a half, and I’ve certainly been more active over the course of about a year.

Looking to the future, I want to explain some goals I have for this site.

The first is to finish Taking Back the Kingdom by the end of November, specifically my birthday. How I want the story to end isn’t as perfect as when I started it, so while I’m feeling out how it’ll go from here, I’ll be working on other projects.

I also want to start integrating some of my work with other media. The only definite plan I have right now is my annual charity livestream on Twitch, where I plan to do some gaming and some writing. More details will come later on that plan. I’m still looking at turning the Monolouged Dialouge into a video series or podcast one, but haven’t decided for sure on that yet.

If I can plan out what my incentives will be, I also plan to start a Patreon at some point. Once I have some art of me and Shorty, I’ll consider looking into small merch items if I have a bigger following.

I am also planning out a novel series… ish. I don’t want to spoil too much of it, but the project will be 7 books total by my current plan. I don’t know how long it will take and if I’ll try to find a publisher or self-publish, but I’ll figure that out as I go. I’ve already started work on the stories, and I’ll give any important updates here.

I do have plans for my next review, after I’ve used the tool I’ll review more. For those curious, the tool is currently called Campfire Blaze, though the name will be changing soon. I also still need to do reviews of the individual Nerd Fitness programs, so be on the lookout for those!

I’d love to have some more reader interaction, so if you have any suggestions for things I should check out and review, let me know! I’m also considering doing short stories for commissions, so hit me up via the contact page if you’re interested.

That’s all I’ve got for today, so thanks again for your readership and stay awesome!

Updates

Thoughts, Insights, and Ideas

Leave a comment

Hey all! I know this is titled kinda how we do Monologued Dialogues, but this is just from me! Just a quick check in on a couple things going on, and a couple things that might be in the works.

First, updates. I don’t remember if I mentioned it, but I had a goal of finishing Taking Back The Kingdom by my birthday, in late November. I feel like there’s, at most, three chapters left to that story, so if I can keep up my pace and decide how exactly it ends, we’ll have that goal crushed. It’ll be great for my self-confidence!

But, that does bring me to something I know I haven’t mentioned on here before: Everything I’ve posted on here is first take, first drafts, and definitely not polished. I may go back and edit when I find a typo or something, but that’s really all I fix. None of the stories posted have been reviewed by more than a test reader or two, and none of them were edited much from that point. So, if you have suggestions for something in one story, or something doesn’t make sense, or there’s a plot hole? Don’t be afraid to point it out! You can post about it in the comments of the post, or you can message me using the “Contact” page of the blog.

Admittedly, that also applies to The Monologued Dialogue series, but those are also slightly different. Those are me talking to… Well, me. And I like to try to keep those relatively authentic. All that gets edited for those is format, to make it flow more similarly to a real conversation. It’s still an artificial structure, of course, but have you ever listened to people talk? It’s hard to truly replicate that in text if you aren’t just transcribing a conversation. It’s really kinda neat how I do those, and I really do learn a lot about myself by doing them. I can explain it sometime, if people are interested, but I don’t know how easy it will be to explain.

Now, speaking of those particular posts… I’m thinking about re-creating them in another format. Either as a podcast, or as a short video. (I’m not yet sure if I’ll do Shorts on Youtube, or if I’ll just do TikToks. I’m not even sure if I want to do vidoes yet!) The only problem I’m having with those is 1) What Dialogues do I re-create? and 2) How do I best represent Shorty?

For those who don’t know yet, Shorty is literally just me personifying a part of my subconscious and personality. The personification is based on my… Well, I guess she’s my OC of sorts. She started as a Naruto OC that’s kinda transcended from that plane of existance. Now, she’s getting her own culture and religion, her own world to live in. It’s kinda neat. Heck, I’m even creating a language for her people to use. (It’s difficult and I didn’t realize there were tools some creators use for this until I already had a couple hundred words. I’ve just been using Excel and my brain lol)

She also started as a version of me my child self wanted to be when she grew up. Now… She’s me setting an end goal for various things I want to do. I want to improve my fitness, build muscle, and learn certain skills that she has. I intend to turn myself into a fusion of the two of us, in the long run. But, of course, all of that makes representing her in a “real world” form difficult. She’s basically me, after all. But, if I decide to do videos (or people really want them and ask me to start them) I’ll figure it out.

I do have a few other ideas, though, that I’ll share here. I’m considering actually trying to publish Taking Back The Kingdom, though I’m not sure how much interest there is in it. It turned from a sort of challenge for myself into a “don’t judge a book by its cover” moral for the story. Once I finish that story on the blog, though, I will most definitely be looking at Journey again, since that one seemed pretty popular.

Originally, Journey was a National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, or NaNo for short) project that was going to cover 30 days of this adventure. As I work on it, though, I would just be falling into the “filler” trap if I continued to push it to 30 days. So, instead, I’m going to try to just make it make sense for when it ends. I don’t know how well I’ll do, but that’s alright. That one won’t ever get a book form, anyway- It’s just my first (and only) fanfiction, and I’m quite proud of how it started. (Also, I totally love the end I have planned.)

I’m also working on a larger project, as I’ve mentioned recently, that I don’t intend to post to the blog directly. If I get it completed to a point I wish to publish it, I may decide to post excerpts to hype up the publication, but I probably won’t. I am quite excited with this project, and I hope that people will enjoy it as much as I already do.

I’ve also considered starting a Patreon, to help me make a little bit of money to help with bills. It’s hard to find time to write on this when I’m working two jobs to make sure I can afford food, bills, and my car. I just don’t know what I can offer to people as a subscription bonus, unless it’s glimpses into my writing process, private livestreams on Twitch, or what have you. If anyone is interested and wishes to make suggestions, feel free. (I have dabbled with the idea of, while my fan base is small, a “birthday prompt” short story type deal, where you give me a prompt and I give you a short story, preferably sometime in your month of birth. I don’t know yet if it would be a one-time deal, or a yearly event per person.)

If I do make a Patreon, one of my subscription bonuses might be sneak-peeks of stories. For example, I have later parts of Life Is Super written, just not published as they aren’t the part I want to post next. I might share one of those a month with Patreon subscribers, or parts of my big project. I might also share small dabblings, ideas that I’m not sure I’ll follow through with. Basically, a sneak peek of what might come, and also a chance to test read some of my ideas I’m not so sold on.

Now, I mentioned NaNo earlier, and I intend to participate this year. Last year, while I didn’t do some whole novel, my project was to get the first chapter of Life Is Super done and written. The only thing with NaNo this year is: I have no idea what I’ll do. Normally, I have a prompt that I intend to use, though I refuse to plan much or write anything until November. (In the spirit of the event!) This year, though, I don’t even have a prompt planned out.

So, if you have a prompt you’d love to see me tackle? Feel free to send it to me! You can comment on this post, or you can use the “Contact” page. And if you have opinions on the video, podcast, or Patreon ideas, feel free to leave them below! Would you check out the varied content? Would you consider subscribing to Patreon for me? Let me know, and thanks for reading my content!

Updates

A Brief Update

Leave a comment

Things have been hectic lately, but I assure you I’m not idling. I started a second job to help build up my finances more, and I’m working on a relatively massive new project. When all’s said and done, if I actually bother to finish this project, it’ll be a grand total of 7 books covering two stories and up to six different view points.

Granted, that’s if my brain doesn’t get more grand ideas and increase the number of books somehow. Originally, it was to be six books, with the second story being only from one person’s point of view, but… Well, that didn’t happen. I decided the second story would be better from two points of view.

I’m also hashing out a couple ideas for other content for the site. I’ve so far considered, though not deeply looked into, a podcast and a patreon account. I’m also considering turning The Monologued Dialogue into a TikTok series, but I’m less sure about the potential for that. While it would lend itself well to a video format, if I figure out a good way for both Shorty and I to be shown, I’m not nearly as sure about TikTok, its tools, and its audience. If people seem to want it, though, I’ll continue to look into it.

And, several old projects will be coming back. Some have had delays due to writer’s block, some due to lack of time, and some… Well, Life Is Super is kinda in suspended animation at the moment because I would like to get it drawn as a comic, perhaps on WebToons, but I’m not very good at drawing and haven’t had much luck in finding an artist willing to work for whatever can be made off the comic. Considering that could end up being just notice, I don’t blame them! I wouldn’t want to work for someone for just notice.

I have written a couple more parts for Life Is Super, it’s just that they’re out of order of what should come next, and I haven’t decided if I care or not. This might be a “jump around” series for now, and later be compiled in a real timeline. It also might not. I know one of the parts I’m working on won’t be out for a long time, as it’s end of the timeline stuff. (Not saying that things might not continue after that part, it could end up being “end of arc” rather than “end of series” but we’ll see.)

Soundtracking will also be coming back when I get the time to write it up. I have a list of songs for it, just haven’t had a chance to get them typed up and explained! So be prepared for a mega post for that later!

As for the paranormal site, things have been busy enough I haven’t had a chance to post my review of the Missouri State Penn yet, nor my first Cryptid posting, but they’ll be up as soon as I can find the time! I’ll also be doing a review over there of the Elms in Excelsior Springs, MO, as I’m going there soon!

To close this little update out, I’d like to say that I have a goal for the blog: I want to finish out one story (Taking Back The Kingdom) before my birthday this year. I feel like that one’s rapidly drawing to a close, and I’ve started the next chapter already. I think maybe three more chapters max on that one to round it out. This will be the first story I’ve finished since I was in school, and the first story I’ve finished that wasn’t a short story. I think it’ll be the confidence boost I need to start closing out some other projects, so I’m shooting for it!

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy my content as it evolves and grows!

Updates

Project Updates

Leave a comment

Hey all, Kendra here with some updates!

I’m here too!

Yes… Shorty’s here as well. Anyway, we just wanted to give some quick updates on the status of various projects.

To start with, the Soundtrack project is still rocking along, but we haven’t had time to do the next post. That’s right, we- I’ll be helping out with the next soundtrack update!

Furthering joint projects, we’re working on some more Monologue posts, but we just haven’t had the time at the present. We’ve also been planning what we’ll be talking about on our new site. You’ll find that link at the bottom of this post.

As for individual projects, I’m working on a couple of media reviews for the media corner- Audible and a movie called “A Silent Voice” that you can find on Netflix. All I’ll say about that one now is, if you haven’t seen it, it’s really worth a watch. But it’s an emotional rollercoaster, so be prepared.

For my projects, I have a few to update you on. First, “Life is Super” will be coming back, I promise! I’m working on episode 2 now, it’s just hard to decide where to go in episode 2. I know what kinds of things I want for future episodes, but I need this one for a gateway to those.

Those gateways, am I right?

Quiet you. Likewise, “Journey” will be returning! I don’t know how soon on that one, as my intentions with it have changed a bit. Originally, it was going to be a thirty day journal, but thirty days just don’t feel right. Admittedly, that was also when it was originally being written as a NaNoWriMo project.

That’s “National Novel Writing Month” for the uninitiated. A big writing event held every November! Just in time for Kendra’s b-day.

And yet I’m more excited for games at that time of year… Anyway, I’m not sure the status of “Taking Back the Kingdom” or “Nameless” at this point, as I’m really blocked on those two right now. I am, however, working on two new projects that might eventually find their way to the site! The first is a story of change, in the broadest strokes. The other… Well, there’s not much I can say about it without giving too much away. If the second one, which I’ve currently dubbed “Heroes Spirits”, is flowing well enough, it might be what I officially publish as a book, or rather books, first in my career.

Yeah, she’s got some big plans there. But posts and stories aren’t the only plans we have!

Not at all! Some returning viewers may notice we have a new image on the homepage. That’s my, admittedly lackluster, attempt at our first sort of logo! I’m also working on getting some art of the two of us around, though I’m having a friend help with that. While I can draw what I did for the homepage, I am not an artist with anything but words.

She could be if she tried, I’m telling you. She’s getting better at drawing faces!

My drawings are crap, hush. But, if my friend has time to help me get images up, they’ll be going to the “About” page and in a few posts on the site, to help give you a better feel for the two of us!

We’re working diligently, but this is just a side-gig at this point, not something we’re making a living (or money) off of. That’s why updates are pretty sporadic, some weeks are busier than others, and things can only be published when Kendra has the time, given she has the hands.

Tell ya what, find your own body and somehow become a real person, and you can publish on your own time.

Ouch. Harsh.

I can be. Anyway, that’s all we’ve got for you for now! Any questions? Projects you’re curious about that we didn’t mention? Ask in the comments below, or by contacting us through the “Contact” page!

Want to check out our new site? Find it at http://supernatural.shortandscorch.com! Thanks, and we hope to see you again soon!

Updates

No Foolin’ – The Supernatural Site Is Live!

Leave a comment

Alright, I was hoping to avoid launching the site on April 1st, because duh, but that’s how things lined up. Already, you’ve got two posts to read over there: The intro to the site, and my own history with the supernatural.

Go check it out, if you’re into the paranormal, cryptids, UFOs, and similar! I can’t wait to share my adventures with you!

You can find it at supernatural.shortandscorch.com!

Updates

A New Adventure, or Rather… Sharing An Old Adventure – New Site Coming Soon!

Leave a comment

It’s a little late in the year already for a “New Year, New Us” mentality, but dang if we don’t have a new project coming to you soon!

Kid’s right, we’ve got a new project in the works. It’ll mainly be her show, but I’ll be popping in to assist where I can. Mostly, in analysis.

Ah, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves! Allow me to introduce our next new project: Supernatural Short and Scorch! No, this is not a “Supernatural” fan site. I actually haven’t seen the show in years.

I haven’t seen it at all, myself.

No, instead, this is where we’ll share our thoughts, experiences, and analysis on a host of supernatural phenomenon and evidence. We’ll even share reader stories, if they’re submitted.

Kendra’s been into the supernatural for a good chunk of her life. She’s seen and heard ghosts, and thinks she’s seen a UFO. Sadly, no cryptid sightings for her.

Though cryptozoology will be a part of the site. I’ll share my own ghost hunting adventures, as my mother and I are paranormal enthusiasts ourselves, and experiences I’ve had of other ghostly phenomenon. While I only have the one UFO experience, and it was pretty tame, I’ll share that as well.

And we’ll both share our thoughts and analysis on photos and videos of ghosts, cryptids, and UFOs. Neither of us make a living off this kind of thing, so it will just be amateur opinions, but we are interested.

I do want to note that, when it comes to the cryptids, that will be a sharing of research on cryptids, and shining a spotlight on lesser known cryptozoological entities. At the end of each article, I will give my opinions on the likelihood that a given cryptid exists, but do keep in mind that 1) I am not a cryptozoologist, biologist, or expert in any way. I can, and likely in some cases will, be wrong. I will simply be sharing my own thoughts and research on the matter. 2) Just because I don’t believe in a certain cryptid doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t.

We aren’t all-knowing. And we don’t condone telling others what they’re allowed to think or feel, how they should assign their beliefs. That isn’t our job, and really no one should be told what they can and can’t believe.

We won’t be judging any cultures or individuals on their beliefs. Hell, we’re both on the spectrum of weird or crazy where some people are concerned due to our own beliefs.

Hell, the kid’ll be arguing with a voice in her head. In writing. In public. She’s not allowed to judge anyone based on their own thoughts and feelings.

Not allowed to? What are you, my mother?

No thanks, I’ve got enough kids as it is.

Right… Anyway! Join us soon, when we unveil our new adventure, starting with my own paranormal journey!

Updates

United We Stand

Leave a comment

This isn’t my normal style of post. Nor will it be anywhere near my internet comfort zone. As a rule, I don’t discuss politics or current events that are heated online. I find that the internet just isn’t usually a conducive place to have a constructive and polite conversation about such things, so I avoid it in such a forum.

However, things have taken a decidedly different turn from normal. Days are becoming bleak, and the outlook is getting very concerning.

Allow me to preface with a brief description of myself. I am in the Midwestern United States. As a 27 year old female, I have an interest in hunting, the outdoors, guns and knives (mostly swords, really), and a lot of geek culture. As one could gather from my blog, I am an author. Depression and anxiety are constants in my life, but manageable ones. My only “babies” are four cats that range in age from 8 to under 1. My best friends are either high school besties, or the bestie I met on Neopets in elementary school and have since basically adopted as my, like, third or fourth sister at this point.

Religiously, I am a Christian. I don’t go to church or regularly read the bible, but I try to live how I feel the good Lord wants me to. Some of my friends live opposed to how some Christians feel they should, and that’s fine by me. They’re happy and healthy, and that’s more important to me.

Politically, I like to call myself decidedly independent. I really couldn’t tell you what my political leanings are, but I can tell you when I agree or disagree with something someone’s doing.

This is all background so you see how I see myself. I feel like I’m coming from a pretty neutral ground, though you may feel otherwise. As I have no other real description or background of myself on this site, I feel this is vital so that you may read my thoughts on the current situation in the country in the light I see them in.

In recent times, an unarmed, potentially innocent man was killed by a cruel police officer while other cruel officers stood idly by and watched. This unarmed man was already restrained, already in handcuffs and under control, and was of no threat to the officers on the scene. This man pleaded for his life, and instead it was taken from him.

I hope the Lord has a safe, comforting place for his soul to rest, and that he does not watch what has unfolded since.

It took several days for the officer responsible for the arrest to be arrested and charged for the death. This is reprehensible. Many, all across the nation, have said so. Many officers across the nation have said as much, of the entire situation.

We don’t like what happened, at all. We agree, this needs to change.

Naturally, the protests begin. People have begun exercising their First Amendment rights. This is the way to change. Many in history have done just this, peaceful gatherings and marches for their causes.

Unfortunately, some have corrupted these peaceful gatherings. Looting and rioting have begun, across the nation. Innocent people are being hurt, killed, in these protests. Officers who are only trying to keep the peace are falling in the line of duty. Business owners with no stakes in the game other than being American citizens are having their shops ransacked, their livelihoods ruined just because their place of business was there and not heavily guarded enough.

In other areas, either officers in charge or politicians in charge make terrible decisions to use unnecessary force on peaceful protests. Innocent people get gassed, shot with rubber munitions, and beat on. It reminds me of the reactions to marches for the Civil Rights Movement.

Yes, I capitalized that. It was important. That was a huge part of American history, and we need to learn from it.

Our protests need to be peaceful. It makes our message more sincere, and harder to deny. They can’t use those who are violent or use the protests for criminal activity to sully the meaning.

At the same time, the opposition needs to be peaceful as well. History will look back and see how cruel we are to each other now. Future generations will see it, and be sickened and disgusted by the police attacking peaceful protesters, the rioting and looting during what should be a sincere and honest protest, and the absolute civil unrest.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We are seeing this right now. Worse, everyone has easy access to cameras and video recorders now. This will be even better documented than in the past. We must correct our course now, before we fall prey to our own hatred, viciousness, and evils.

To close, I have a message not just for my fellow Americans, but for the world. Because as 2020 continues to rage out of control, peace, love, and unity are more important than ever, and I feel this message is just as important to the world as it is to the country:

United we stand, Divided we fall.