Happy Birthday Quinton!!

Today is a very special day for one of our team members. It is Quinton’s birthday, and my present for him is that I am going to post something special for him. Birthdays can get crazy and I don’t think that anyone should have to meet a deadline, or worry about something like posting on a blog on their most special day of the year. We’d love comments to help us celebrate this day. So readers, this is for Quinton.

Birthday Wishes

When it comes to birthdays,
everyone is told to make wishes
when they blow out the candles on their cake.

I would like to make some birthday wishes for you,
without candles, just so that
you can know that you were in my thoughts on your special day.

I wish that life will flow smoothly,
But I know that things are often rocky,
so my wish is that you know that you have friends to lean on in times of need.

I wish that exams or finals will be easy,
and that you make time for fun.
I hope that you make many new friends,
but still cherish the ones from the past.

I wish that writing would be easy for you,
That your muse doesn’t run off,
Or that times don’t make it hard for you to be creative.
I wish that there will be many reasons to smile every day.

I hope that you are happy with everything that life has given you,
And I hope that the Bengals have a good season this year.

These are my birthday wishes for you.

I am not sure if our readers are aware but Quinton is a lot of the reason our blog is still up and running. He was the one who invited me to be part of the team. He’s the one who changes the sites appearance, and often reminds the team when it is their day to post. He’s invested a lot of his time, and this is to honor all of his hard work.

Far but yet so near;
you are there no matter what,
only a text or IM away.

Always willing to do what you can to help,
all the friends that you hold so dear.

You created a great way for writers to start
sharing their creations, a place where everything gets praised,
a place where a few imaginative people
would create a make-shift family.

Thank you for taking on the stressful job of keeping things going,
when life gets tough, and inspiration is out of mind.

I've Given Up

Hey everyone. This will be my first post in three weeks. Sorry for the delay. Classes have been a little hectic lately, and Columbus hasn't been much kinder.

I haven't been able to write very much on the creative end due to all the work I'm putting into a research paper and an article I'm working with The Pulse (more information on the later) to publish. However, a week or so ago I wrote a small piece about something very relevant to me. Sorry if it's not the greatest, but emotions can seldom pick or choose their quality. Here's my life put into words.

I:

“Giving In”

My eyes,
        they gaze.               
                They see the truth
        held solemnly
within her mind.

She sleeps.
        She eats.
                She starves all the same.
        Her heart
destroys all nourishment that comes her way.

I stay
        I bleed.
                My intentions are pure.
        Yet, she’s blind
to the fallacy before her.

He cheats.
        He beats.
                She still falls at his feet.
        I defend.
Now I’m the villain.

“My heart,
        My love,
                It’s all for you!”
        Her ears
reject my good intentions

We fight.
        We shout.
                She abuses me with hate
        Her tongue
spits acid at my face.

I stand.
        I leave.
                She’s far from me.
        My regret
falls like liquid wonder

These eyes,
        they cry.
                I no longer want to care.
        I’ve tried.
These times leave me lost.

Her eyes.
        His lies
                fall perfectly these days.
        All those
who care have given up.

“Given Up”

Bring me back
        to the place I once knew.
Take me back
        to when I still loved you.

Man the gates
        or run from the scene
Emotions flow regardless
        of how little I mean.

Days on end
        I’ve sat here and thought.
Would you believe
        your eyes see solely what I’m not?

Beauty was you,
        in the most classical way.

Sorry my words
        weren’t enough to make you stay.

I wish things
        were as happy between us
                as they had been way back when.

Now my mind
        must forget your emerald eyes;
                stop hoping you’ll leave him.

Carpe diem et provehito in altum.

~Alex



What I Should've Done

Here is a poem for you all today! I don't know what's up with the other authors, but at least you have me this week. Hopefully I'll remain, but finals are approaching fast and I may have a freak out moment this year. But don't stop coming to the blog for a look at the latest and greatest!

What I Should've Done

Behind this smile
are a million tears.
Behind these optimistic eyes,
is a dreadful pessimistic fear.
Behind these words I speak,
so carefully chosen and

articulated with a plan,

are the ones I left unsaid,

the ones that describe 

indescribable fathoms of thought.

The ones that tell the depth

of a bottomless pit,

the ones that show colors

to a blind man,

and the ones that blend

all the seasons together

to create

a summer that snows while

leaves fall and turn shades of red

and new buds begin to bloom.

The words that say how I really feel.

And what I should've done

is begin to try.

I should've started the sentence with "I"

and I should've just gone on from there...

~Anora Anakaya~

Mea Culpa

Happy Halloween!

Konnichiwa!

Headlining DC's Reboot, Can Justice League bring in new readers to this famed franchise?

Happy Halloween guys! So today we will be starting the November schedule today, as such I will be taking the point. So I'm afraid I have no treats for you today, but very soon I shall be reviewing four different comics starting at issue 1 for each one. The comics I shall be reviewing will be: Ultimate Spider-Man, Static Shock, Teen Titans, and the Justice League. I may also add both Wolverine & The X-Men and Uncanny X-Men later on. Until then, I will review each issue, telling you how I felt about the art, story, and character development throughout each issue, and giving an overall grade based on that. I chose these comics because each one is going through a major change at the moment. Justice League headlines DC Comics 52 reboot, trying to generate a perfect spot for new comic readers to jump in. Teen Titans brings in a certain niche of readers and is growing increasingly popular with the public. Static Shock is one of DC's more underused characters that comic book fans have been demanding to give more limelight then he typically gets. Lastly, Marvel's Ultimate Universe has killed off many of Marvel's top characters, including Peter Parker aka Spider-Man. I shall be reading the new comics of his replacement Miles Morales and seeing where Marvel intends to take this new Spider-Man. I will be posting the reviews for Static and Teen Titans next week, and Spider-Man and Justice League the following week. Until then see you guys later and Happy Halloween!

~APLIW~

Discussion: Line-Up for Teen Titans Movie

Konnichiwa!

Alrighty guys, so Ania won't be posting today, so in her stead, I shall be opening a new discussion!

Now for those of you who don't know, I am a huge comic book fan. I love comics, especially DC Comics Robin, Batman, and the Teen Titans. So when I found out that Mark Verheiden were making a Teen Titans live action movie, I literally ran around my dorm in excitement. The Teen Titans house some of the all-time greats on their teams with a load of potential characters to use. Which brings me to the topic for today: What line-up should they use for the movie?

Would this be the ideal line-up for Mark's new Movie?

For those of you who don't know who the Teen Titans are, they are a team of superheroes from the DC Universe, formed mostly of teenage or younger then 21 members. Most of it's members are sidekicks to more famous superheroes( Robin, Aqualad), others are stand alone heroes of their own right(Starfire, Cyborg), or were even members of other teams(Beast Boy was a member of the Doom Patrol prior to the Teen Titans). Many people don't realize that the Teen Titans from the TV Show weren't the original members. In fact, the TV show does what I think is a horrible representation of the comic itself. With that said, it has brought Teen Titans to life and given a them a huge following. But if you ask me, I don't feel that the show's line-up would be the best. Mostly because I don't think that that version of Robin would be the best to use.

I personally think that the line-up they should use is: Tim Drake Robin, Superboy, Impulse(Kid Flash), Wonder Girl, Static, and Ravager. Now while this team was never all together at the same time, it's pretty close to an canon group. (Robin was the only member who wasn't currently there, and there were actually many other members.) Many think the best course of action may very well be to go with thee Teen Titans that those outside the comic book world would recognize. I say this group would work best for the following reasons:

Tim Drake may very well go down in history as the greatest Robin of All time

If you ask the comic world, many would argue that Tim Drake was the best Robin ever(Yes there are multiple Robins). I would be one of those people. While I loved watching Dick Grayson grew from the little boy acrobat learning the ropes, to the man who took over the mantle of Batman in Bruce Wayne's leave, Tim Drake was a deeper character and instilled the same emotion his mentor did. Sides, he's Robin and every knows one of these variations anyway.

Connor Kent, also known as Superboy, is a clone of the Almighty Superman and Lex Luthor, who was first introduced into the world of Young Justice. Harboring an unparallel story of having to deal with a world when you are just the shadow of the greatest hero in history, the same hero who barely acknowledges your existence. Superboy hasn't had much screen time until the recent Young Justice TV Show aired on Cartoon Network, but would be an great addition regardless.

Impulse would be a great balancing point for the more serious nature of both Tim and Connor, as he would provide the much needed Comic-relief to the series. Think of him as Human Torch of the team in terms of personality, except way more challenging. However, Impulse greatest drama is the fact that he repeatedly is fighting for the respect of his mentor Wally West, or the third Flash, who has publicly stated that he doesn't believe his student has what it takes to amount to anything. Impulse may very well be the most powerful and brilliant Flash ever as well, so the story of how he chooses to use his skills could play in very well into the story.

Wonder Girl is a character I actually know very little about, mainly because I rarely read Wonder Woman comics. What I can tell you is that she brings her own issues and provides the powerful woman's touch that is never bad to have. Not to mention she would make great eye-candy to counter the Black Widow if nothing else. (She would be in her twenties if this was canon so stop freaking out).

Next would be my favorite superhero ever, Static Shock. Now I will admit this would fulfill be more to feed the fanboy in me, but it would make sense as well. It would add diveristy to the group, give someone from the poor projects of dakota, and add a Superhero who is super smart in his own right. Add the fact that he is extremely popular amongst the public, and many of the comic book world have been calling for him to get more attention, it would be a fantastic idea that would be a smart decision for Mark.

Lastly is a comic exclusive character Ravager. Ravager, or Rose Wilson, is the daughter of Deathstroke(Slade for tv show viewers) who is a deadly assassasin with limited precognitive powers, that is probably twice as strong as Robin. Honestly, she could probably fight on equal ground with Batman himself. Viewed as a killer amongst her peers, despite wanting nothing but to protect them from any harm.

Well this is my position on this issue, but what do you think? Do you think they should go safe with the more known line-up? Or should they mix it up? Give us your thoughts! This discussion will be open on facebook as well so don't be afraid to jump in!

~APLIW~

L.I.F. Challenge: Look Into Lyrics

Konnichiwa!

So Terra won't be posting today, so I shall post a challenge for you guys!!! The challenge is to create either a song or a poem using the lyrics of your favorite songs. You have to use at minimum three songs. How long, how you arrange it, and what songs you choose are completely up to you. If you send a copy of your writing, I will gladly post it. Just send it to reallifeinfiction@gmail.com and I will post the as many as I can on my day next week. This is open to everyone who wants to participate, be it fellow bloggers, professionals, or some random kid down the street. Well, until next week, take care and remember to Always Put Life Into Words.

~APLIW~

Who Are You?

Konnihiwa!

So Anora will be on break for a bit, so either I or one of the other bloggers will be posting on her days. So, as you can see, the blog has recieved a huge overhaul. This is one of many changes that the blog will be experiencing. We shall soon be getting the Life In Fiction Youtube page underway, where every now and then I shall be posting videos of reviews on books, movies, and evern some comics! :D

On a more serious note, I am currently diving deeper into my identity everyday, searching for the me I lost ages ago, hoping that he's still alive deep down inside. Want this means for you is that you will get another series of writing from me. Some of them will also be part of other pieces, e.g. Dream Chronicles, Chapters from any of my three novels, or just poems. You will also see work dedicated to the series alone. As of right now, there isn't a name for the series, but as the series goes along it will gain one. At the moment, I will simply refer to this as Project Searchman. (Megaman pun) Now, here is the first story of the series, which is from a book that some of you may recognize. Enjoy!
====================================

Unhealthy Happiness

I walked over to the balcony, pushing my hair back in the cold November breeze. The stars danced in the midnight sky, and random clouds were scattered across the sky. I paced around the wide balcony outside the third floor of the Gwinnett Center. Dressed in an all-black tuxedo and a red tie, I was sweating profoundly despite being below freezing outside. After a few moments, I leaned on the railing, staring at beautiful stars gazing down upon me. I closed my dark-brown eyes.

“At least you guys find me good enough to stick around.” I said to the distance suns.

“That’s cause you can’t run from them.” An adolescent female said.

I opened my eyes, and flipped around to find a dark-skinned girl in a zebra after-five dress, and 5-inch heels. I averted my gaze from hers which I could feel shooting a mix of emotions at me, predominantly concern.

“You okay?” she asked me.

“You want me to lie to you?” I replied harshly.

“No need to be a jerk.”

“Well you asked me a stupid question Christina.”

“Excuse me for caring for you. Some people are just crazy enough to flip over an entire chocolate fountain on two people, but I thought you didn’t fall under that category. Not to mention it’s a little sketch when someone does it to their girlfriend.”

“She wasn’t my girlfriend Christina.”

“Well she obviously likes you.”

“Oh I’m sorry; I didn’t realize you swap spit with a guy you just met when you obviously like another guy.” I leaned back against the balcony, and stared up at the sky as Christina gave me a baffled look.

“She did what?!??! That fucking slut!!! Hell no I’m going to—”

“…do absolutely nothing.” I said eyes closed again.

“You can’t be serious? Why not?”

“Well, excluding the fact that I have already sprayed her down in chocolate, it was my fault that Liana went for him in the first place.”

“What hell what you think that?”

“If I was better…”

“Oh don’t start with that nonsense, she fucked you over because…”

“The spark that guy gave her in five minutes was obviously greater then what I gave her all this time anyway.”

“Sweetie…”

“It’s the story of my life Christina. You see these lights the sky?” I said pointing upwards, “These lights are kinda like me. They don’t care how far I go, they will still be there. They don’t care who I am, they will shine for regardless. They don’t care if I disappear for a years on end, they will be right there when I get back. Waiting. Just there to be used when need be…”

“Any girl would love to have you…”

“But every girl would love to have better then me.”

“Sweetie I know that you are having a hard time believing me, but any girl would love to have you; you’re sensitive, sweet, funny, and a great listener.”

“Thing is all it takes is one good looking guy to come along and all that would be negated.”

“You’re good-looking too sweetheart.”

“If that was true you would have mention it first, Christina.”

“That’s not all girls care about…”

“Oh no, it’s not even close. Girls see beyond that, and that’s how I know I’m doomed. If a guy doesn’t see your value, it’s because they aren’t looking for it. If a girl doesn’t see value, it’s because it’s not there…”

“Sweetie,” Christina said, placing her hand on my cheek,“Despite what girls try to say, we’re always right. Otherwise we would never let a guy like you go.”

“That’s funny… that’s exactly what Liana told me.”

Christina dropped her head, and I began to walk away. Before I made it through the door, Christina turned towards me.

“Any girl would love to be with you Rey!” she screamed, causing me to stop. I tilted my head towards her with fully turning around.

“Would you?” I asked.

She gave me a shocked look, and then dodged my direct gaze. She crossed her arms, and I walked over and gave her my tux jacket.

“She gave me that same reaction when I first asked her out, after saying the same thing you just said.” I said, covering her shoulders.

“I know you feel like things are hopeless right now but you can’t give up on love.”

"Too bad love has given up on me..."

"It obviously isn't love if she is with another guy."

"Not quite. All it means is that I'm not the right pick for her. The world tells you how great it is to be in love with someone, what they don't tell you is how much it hurts when they don't love you back."

Christina just looked at me, and I turn to leave for the door, mumbling to myself.

“Worst thing is, I'm still genuinely happy for her.”

================================

~APLIW~

A Testimony

My poem today comes from an unexpected inspiration. Throughout my life I have been the victim of bullying like many others. The saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" was a mantra I repeated daily throughout my early childhood. Everyday I repeated it, praying that it would hold true. Sometimes it did, other times it didn't. However, looking back I can see how being subjected to such torment made me stronger and less caring of others' thoughts. The poem that follows takes a twist on my mantra. It shows how strength did come to me even though words did hurt me. 

Enjoy.

Sticks and stones build my thoughts
No, my bones they did not break.
I built my mind upon their strength
and the words that would never hurt me
pierced like needles through the cracks
They seeped through and poisoned a solid stone.

Here’s to the words that other’s claim to be naught
Here’s to the words meant to hurt and kill
Here’s to the words that were to destroy me:
Yes you did damage what once was a solid place
But you filled the cracks between the stick and stone
and like mortar held me together.

Here’s to the words that first pierced my heart:
I’m still here, even stronger than before.

~Anora Anakaya~

Good ole days

Sooo i wrote some lyrics called Midnight Memories.


_______________________________



We're looking straight down
from the water tower
above the grove
where the sweetest flowers
grow.

And we'll lay down
in the middle of the field
where the sun always shows
and at night we'll watch in awe
as the fireflies start to glow

(Chorus)
And we're, out past midnight
in this old country town
we were up to no good I'm sure
cause those nights are a blur

(post chorus)
And we'll talk all night
under the soft moonlight
sing our songs of love
as we gaze at the stars above

And here we are again
Looking straight down
above this old town
watching people come and go

And here we stay
as the faces fade away
you and I alone
our memories, set in stone

(Bridge)
Lets burn down, this old town,
grab our coats, lets go,
they won't hear a sound.

________________________

Lemme know what you think!

-Joseph W.

Always Be Considerate

It is said that:
People live and learn; However most
take far more than is earned, and are never satisfied
with what we have.
Treasures are to be cherished, but it is often forgotten to
honor the great things in life.
Give thanks for blessings, and never speak foully to a fellow human.
We all make mistakes, and we all have flaws.

Something that has become apparent to me in the last couple weeks is that many people don’t understand the great things that they have been given in life. People are quick to talk badly about a fellow friend or coworker, and often put others down for things that they could not do better themselves. For me, a rule I try to follow by very closely is to not scold or put another person down for anything. I always try to find a more productive way to handle the struggles that others go through, and hope that they will extend the same kindness to me when I struggle. I also never comment on a job that I could not have done better myself. When I believe I could have done better, I offer a suggestion of how I would have handled the situation, or what I would have done differently. I try to give advice, and other options so that the next time. My goal for this post is to help readers to realize that everyone messes up sometimes, and I hope that those who read this will be less harsh when mistakes are made. I think that people need to put themselves in the other person’s shoes and think about how they would want to be treated when things come up short. It would help to make society a little nicer.

Always Considerate,

Terra

Several Poems. Same Girl.

        Over these past few weeks I've been settling into my nice, comfy dorm room at The Ohio State University. Columbus is definitely different than my old residence, but for the better. At least, I think so. While most of my attention is being focused on school work, studying, athletic band, and continuing the first draft of my novel-in-progress, definitely expect to see at least one piece of work weekly from me for a while.
        While at OSU, I've met quite a few new, interesting people here. These next few poems are derived from the mixed inspiration coming from two girls I met on the first day.


       "Silent Eyes"

Give way to stark emotions,

     your emotions are too cool to hold back.

See the eyes glaring from the darkness;

     they see all that you want the most.

Someone to match your coolness,

     something tho love your silent soul.

Simply believe

     that I can be solely myself.

All will be better

     when your confidence

          creates my smile.

"The Sun"

Shoot me a glance

or a smile,

    so sweet.

The sun

is brightest

    in your felicity's wake.

     "Shooting Stars"

A thought becomes a wish

    as I ponder so heavily

         tonight.

Clouds, dark and gray,

    surround those that are

         light and pure.

Clarity seeps into my sleepy eyes as I wonder

         how to make my wish come true.

Learning is for those who

    wish to accept "the truth,"

         but my lies seem more valid.

Each thought,

                    each wish,

                                   is my reality,

                                                     my star-crossed fatality.

"Listen"

Voices echo through the darkness.

Words drop like flies.

People run about with madness.

They sprint to lies.

Provehito in altum et carpe diem

~Alex