Things I Am Learning--and Have Learned

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1. So that's what that means.

Multi-published author sartorias has finally cleared up for me in simple language what a Mary Sue/Marty Sue character is, and why such a character is a creation to be avoided.

A dead-on Mary or Marty Stu is the center of the story's universe because the author tells us so, either outright in the narrative, and through the subsidiary characters cheering ordinary or even stupid actions. Ever read a story in which the lead does dumb stuff but everyone claps and coos, "how clever" or the protag acts annoying, but everyone goes on and on about how funny--stylish--endlessly fascinating s/he is?

NOW I get it. This makes sense. Why didn't it before, you ask? Because I have always made original characters, and all mine were a part of me--couldn't see a thing wrong with that. So, I've been quite unclear where the line is drawn between okay and unacceptable, aka a Mary Sue. I don't think I've written any characters that could be classified as Mary Sue/Stu's. Based on Sherwood's paragraph above, I would be thoroughly disgusted with such a character so why would I write one? No thanks.

Check out the entire post--and the comments--for more thoughts. If you haven't visited Sherwood's lj before, and write or are interested in fantasy, you should look through her other posts. Good stuff in there, and in the comments. I'm always learning something new. Mary Sue Who Are You?

2. The Silent Treatment

Going on week 2 now that our admin, Stephnie, has inflicted The Silent Treatment on us all. I am so sick of petty, childish behavior I could scream. I have never seen someone with such a huge angry chip on her shoulder, not in my entire life! I have worked with her for three years now. I have tried, again and again, to befriend her, to be nice to her, to understand her passive-aggressive behavior, her quirks, her often inexplicable behavior and complaining. At times I feel I've succeeded, and things are relatively normal, but then it all plunges into the depths of wherever she wallows and stews and comes up again with new and imagined grievances. It is bizarre.

I have given up. I am done. If she cannot perform the simplest courtesy of returning a hello, or answering me like an adult when I ask the apparently horrid question, "How was your weekend" (she turned away from me) then I am done. As I told my boss it is not my job to make her happy, or the opposite. But she sure acts like it is.

3. Acorns

I like them, I realized today. Very much. They make me happy, acorns do--the ones on the ground that is. This time of year, the fall winds knock quite a few off between my office door and my car, and I take great pleasure apparently in crunching them beneath my shoes. Almost as fun as popping seaweed on JB's beach. Almost.

4. Quiet

Quiet days are nice, but I am not really enjoying it today.

5. Shakespeare

I am enjoying this show, Search for Shakespeare, quite alot. I'd recommend it not just for those who are fans of Shakespeare, but for anyone interested in that time period. The show is chock-full of information re: the society and times, politics, religion (Catholicism vs. Protestantism), battles and the everyday lives of the people.

6. Couch to 5k

I have new running shoes, and a goal--to run the Zoo Fun Run 2010 (April)--and now I have the program to get me there. www.coolrunning.com is the website where the program is located, and if there is anyone else crazy enough to do this with me, holler. :) (And I already know you are, momebie)

Why run? I don't know. I have a hard time finding mind-peace, and walking is awesome for that, so perhaps running would be even better? I don't know. I just feel the need to push myself physically, to get stronger, the clock's ticking and I worry if I don't get strong as I can now, when will I? I am 47, finally at a decent weight and feel and look pretty damn good, but that isn't enough. I am not strong.

I fear weakness, I fear being old and helpless, dependent on others. Getting strong as I can now will, I hope, and must believe, keep that possible future far, far away from me. I don't want to be like my MIL, I don't want to be like my dad's wife. I want to be Amazing. I've already come so far, but it is just not enough.

7. September

I will be glad when this month is over, quite honestly. For Nick. It's been a rough month, though he's done amazing, but if I could cloak him in a protective bubble so he could get his thesis done in peace and without stress, I would.

8. My claws have been popping out all day long, and I've had to fight hard to keep them sheathed. It has been difficult. Patience has not been my companion today!

9. Storms

Better post this before I lose it all. Storms, AGAIN!!! Got my candle lit, just in case. (We are so GREEN for this time of year...it is insane. Last year when Nick was here the world was brown and beige. Makes me sad he isn't here now, makes me very sad indeed).

Comments

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

LOL! That makes me smile for some reason. Yes, that means 'thousands.' LOL!