Since the release of my flash fiction anthology, Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less), I’ve spent the last six months striving to perfect my craft in my next goal: SCREENWRITING.
 
Way back in 2011 when I began trying my hand at comic script writing, I also purchased Screenwriting for Dummies.  I wrote two silent short film scripts, but I never seriously worked on professional screenwriting format or story structure… until now!  Since March, I’ve been writing and editing multiple screenplays, studying the scripts of some of my favorite movies, engaging in writer communities, such as CoverflyX, to give and receive feedback on scripts, and absorbing whatever info I can find in various blogs, such as Screencraft and the Script Lab, and YouTube channels like Film Courage​.

​Additionally, I’ve also been entering my work into multiple screenwriting competitions.  I’ve had little success so far, but I’m learning what to tweak in my scripts as I go and I’m trying to gradually understand what it is that industry professionals look for in a screenplay.

As I stated in previous blogs, I am drawing much inspiration from Freaky and Fantastical 500, expanding on the mythology and characters of some of the worlds I established in the book and combining certain themes and storylines.  While my flash fiction anthology began as only an experiment in self-publishing and an exercise in writing for me, it has compelled me to challenge myself so much more than I expected.  Stories like “Love, Machine” and “Married to Murder” have already been adapted into short and feature-length screenplays by Yours Truly, and looking back at my book, I am growing more excited for the possibilities of what other cinematic story ideas I’ve already crafted. 

Working on my script “Titania”, one of my original stories not featured in the flash fiction anthology, has also motivated me to create a novella.  While movies are collaborative and very difficult to get made, I still plan to continue with writing books and comics to make sure my stories are told in some form.  I have high hopes for “Titania” to be one of the scripts that will launch my screenwriting career, but I am also working backwards, converting the script into a novelette or novella for kids as well since I wrote it as a nod to classic Disney films (a princess + magic + monsters/villain + friendship & adventure = classic Disney).
From submitting short stories, to developing comics, to self-publishing and screenwriting, it has been a very fun experience in my writing journey.  I’m still flexing creative muscles I never knew I had and finding interests in things I thought would bore.  With each new challenge I am also finding better ways to tell my stories.

And with that, I just want to say that Chimera Revolutions: The Nue Gaea Chronicles will be released soon!  Hopefully within the next six months at most, but it is on its way…  I am also working on scripts to expand on the stories of the Chimeras I’ve had rattling in my head for more than a decade so hopefully people can read about the world of Nue Gaea and view it on the small screen if things go accordingly!

So, I think I’ve rambled enough now already.  Got everyone caught up on what I’ve been up to for the last half-year…  Lots of projects in the work for the screen and print.  I may be creating some new pages on the site or at least updating lots of segments of current pages soon, but I will post the changes as they come…  And you already know there is more to come!

​It’s been one long journey, but here we are, finally at the end of the road for the Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less).  It’s been a good, productive three months so there is plenty more to share and I’m actually happy to be finished with this reflection on my first trip into self-publishing.  So without further ado, here is the review of the last six pieces from my anthology.
 
“My Flesh and Blood” is a story I’ve had in my mind for some time.  I developed a full story but what is presented here is a single scene from that tale of humans surviving in a world overrun with bloodsucking and flesh-eating monsters.  I intend to have the full story told in visual form, either as a screenplay or comic.  I know, I know… vampires and zombies are overdone, but it’s just a matter of how the story is told…
 
“The Power of Words” is a pretty straightforward piece.  I can really say no more to add to the message of this story.  Enjoy!
 
“Unusual Tastes” is also rather straightforward, but there was a twist.  The story is meant to show how people can humanize an animal, or in this case an alien, but also have no aversion to consuming those animals.  We have certain attachments to pets, and people all over have animals of every kind as pets in their homes.  Pets can substitute for children in some homes. But there is a food chain, and one person’s “child”, could be another person’s meal.
 
“Seventh World Problems” is a story about limitless imagination, acceptance, and world peace.  Worlds without borders blend into a perfect world where the power of the spirit and mind create something special but also eventually destroy it.  It describes several universes that once existed as one but only remain as memories, myths, and legends that inspire future generations.
 
“Crafty as a Fox” is another favorite of mine.  This is my own original fable based on the tricksters of various cultures.  I may develop this story further one day in another form of media as well.  I think it is a great tale about competition between friends and rivals that can sometimes get out of hand and it demonstrates the roles of tricksters in every form.
 
And… as a bonus: the final piece in this book, “In Short: Think For Yourself” is a poem and a call to action.  There are enough problems, critics, and consumers in the world.  At least, that’s what I think. 
 
I think people were placed in the world to create new things and share experiences with each other, make legacies.  This book is just one of the things I want to add to my legacy.  It was only an experiment for me, but it is also a template for future works.  I hope that the ideas I’ve shared in only 500 words or less actually resonated with someone.  There are only 99 shorts in this book but hundreds of ideas rolled into it.  Sharing my ideas in words is one thing I do well, but that is not where my skillset ends.  And the last page of Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less) is not where my story ends…  There is always more to come!

Welcome back for the second-to-last installment in the Freaky and Fantastic 500 (Words or Less) review.  It’s been a long three months covering this so you should already know what it is by now if you’ve stuck it out and if you don’t then still feel free to jump in and see if my ramblings pique your interest in my book!

​“A Collector’s Price” is a story about a man who lies, cheats, and steals from multiple people including those closest to him in order to obtain some rare, magical objects.  This story was written with the question of what would someone sacrifice to gain material wealth and is it worth it in the end?  I myself am guilty of always desiring to have a full set of something, whether I need a set or not, whether it’s a set of coins, an evolutionary line of Pocket Monsters, or rare cards that were in limited print.  I may never use these things, but in my mind the value is greater when you have it all… But I would not condone what the man in this story does.
 
The short narrative poem “Last Wish” is dedicated to one of my best friends.  I basically wrote a conversation we had about what his dying wish would be and what lengths I might go through to fulfill it.  As crazy as this piece might sound, it kind of makes you wonder how far a friend would go to honor you, dead or alive.  In the end, this poem is about leaving behind your past sorrows and moving forward with life no matter where you find yourself.
 
“The Standout” is probably a story that we’ve heard or seen too many times… But you know what?  I WROTE IT ANYWAY! Pretty much every story is about a protagonist who lives a simple life by society’s rules only to receive a call to action or just wake up and make a decision to be great, no matter the consequences.  That is really all this story is.  So, accept the call to action, and be great!
 
“Evolution” is probably one of the oddest stories in the book, but I thought it was worth including because it was written with the idea of the creator’s relationship with the creation.  It’s about a son’s acceptance of who he is, but also aspiring to be like his father and understand him, just as humans possess curiosity about our existence and the desire to be greater.  The story is about passing on a torch, from teacher to student.  It is also modeled after God and Jesus… obviously.
 
“Roadtrip” is another cautionary tale about how the benefits of technology can also be dangerous.  While machines are manmade there are some things in the universe, such as time and space, people shouldn’t tamper with.  I explicitly state in the story how our culture has become more interested in instant gratification, but I also imply in the end how accidents can reveal opportunity.  (SPOILER /MAN-SPLAINER ALERT: If it is not clear, in the end the elderly people see an opportunity to stop their own aging process so that they can essentially live forever.)

And that wraps up this bit!  Only 6 more stories to cover and more fun to be had in my reflecting on this first book of mine.  Check it out here and come back for more ramblings, because of course there is always more to come!

​Back again for another installment in the Freaky and Fantastical 500 blog series.  While there are roughly only about 2 or 3 more of these to go following this, I admit that reflecting on the stories has probably been a greater exercise than actually writing them, but I can appreciate the stories more as a result.  So let’s get into it.
 
“Beast of Corruption” is a story that I had rattling in my head for a while and even parodied in a one-page comic titled “The Devil Made Me Do It” (finished, but not a priority on my publishing list).  This is a story about an interdimensional monster that is only able to speak to, but not physically affect living beings.  When the people of one world are able to finally bind this beast, they blame it for every evil action committed by mankind and proceed to torture it.  This is a very dark story, but it is intended to put a mirror up to humanity, and show how easily we villainize others before taking responsibility for our own sins.
 
The next story, “The Tortoise and the Hare”, is a sci-fi/fantasy sport retelling of the old fable.  I think I did well enough in conveying the original moral --“Slow and steady wins the race”-- and it was fun playing with the names of the characters.  Personally, I’ve never been interested in racing, but I’ve always enjoyed combat racing video games such as Mario Kart and Twisted Metal (even though there is no racing really involved in this one), and Aesop’s “The Tortoise and the Hare” is a fable that always stuck with me.
 
“Warm Heart, Cold Feet” is a sci-fi love story that I am particularly proud of and hope to retell in other forms of media in the near future.  As the title suggests, it is about the fear of commitment and the desire to be with someone you love despite that fear.  In this story, the featured alien race literally gives their crystal heart to their spouse-to-be, which can ultimately lead to a lethal and literal “heartbreak” if the recipient cannot endure the secret memories and emotions of the heart they receive.  Because of these deadly consequences, it is even more understandable why someone would be afraid to jump the broom.  This story demonstrates the uncertainty and the sacrifice that I believe a lot of people face prior to getting married.  While it may take some people years or decades to fully understand their spouse, the beings in this story instantly understand the best and worst of their significant other in the exchange of the hearts, and though receiving an actual part of someone and risking your life to be with them could cause cold feet, it ultimately works out… for some.
 
“Sleepwalkers” is a concept I developed for a larger story, but I thought it was fun to use on a smaller scale here.  In this story, a detective attempts to piece together a case involving multiple people demonstrating acts of vigilantism while they sleep with no recollection of their actions and no knowledge of the people they deliver justice to.  While I don’t provide answers to the overall question in this story, just think of Freddy Krueger as a superhero and you could probably understand how this could develop further.
 
Finally, “Beauty or Beast” is a story of a witchy woman scorned and a womanizer who gets his comeuppance.  It is about perception of ourselves and others and how we treat others based on physical attraction alone.  It’s also kind of a women’s empowerment story for any ladies out there who have been heartbroken by a player…
 
And that is it for this five-parter!  Check out the Freaky and Fantastic 500 (Words or Less) anthology now if you haven’t already or at least leave a review, whether you liked it or not!  And check back here for the last few posts I have in this review series!  There is always more to come.
 

​Still nearing the end of the Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less) review journey!  Time to jump into the next five-parter.
 
“So Ordinary” is a story about appreciating who you are and what you have, because despite how mundane or meaningless things seem to you, it may be fascinating and valuable to others.  It is about an “undesirable” finding purpose and acceptance in a place he never intended to be.  And that is often how life works out!
 
“Shirts and Skins” is a fantastical story about finding opportunities.  Every business is meant to provide a service or product that people want or need.  In this story, one woman seizes the opportunity to create the perfect line of protective wear and establish a lucrative business, however the clothing still possesses a life of its own.  I could probably go further with this idea, but there is already a funny anime called “Kill La Kill” that has done something similar.  We will see if this is something worth revisiting at a later time, though.
 
“Selling Dreams” is another fantastical story inspired that weird kid you probably avoided in grade school who grew up to be a success and those annoying infomercials you are used to seeing, especially on late-night T.V.  This story points out our aversion to things that we think of as weird or different, even if it is designed for our specific needs.  So often people hold to the belief that they understand something/someone and are unwilling to attempt learn more about the thing or person, possibly due to fear of being proven wrong or any number of things.  However, sometimes people need to connect with the thing they try to avoid in order to resolve their immediate problem.
 
“Rooted” is a body horror story inspired by the fungi of the Orphiocordycep genus (I hope I spelled that correctly) which inspired the video game “The Last of Us”, which I’ve never played, but heard great things about.  The fact that there are already things in nature that can turn other beings to real zombies is scary and exciting.  In this story, the residents of a small town are put into some very uncomfortable and terrifying positions when they learn they’ve been affected by a cloud of spores that cause people to exhibit strange behaviors.  I also took inspiration from other zombie stories such as “World War Z”, but I highly recommend that people take the time to research the mind-controlling fungus.
 
Lastly, “Inheritance” is a funny little story about a man receiving his first pet, which turns out to be more than he wanted but just what he needed.  Kids might want a pet either because their friends all have one or they want the companionship of a new, living toy, but no kid will ask for the responsibility that comes with it.  The main character in this story actually gets a monster dog as his inheritance from his late father who denied him the chance of having a pet in his childhood, and despite his father’s original thoughts on having an animal around, there are other benefits found in having a fantastic beast in his charge.
 
That completes another round for this week!  There will be more to come  soon.
 
 
 
 
 
 

​Now we’re three-quarters of the way to the end of the Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less)review journey!  I’ve got a few other projects I’ve completed and started that I would love to talk about too, but the focus is on the book for now, so let’s get to the next five-parter.
 
First, “Peerless” is a story about an arrogant brat in a school for psychics who believes he has attained the peak of his education… until he meets the new girl.  This story is built on the moral that no matter how great we believe we are, there is always going to be someone better.
 
“Metal Versus Mutants” is a flash fiction piece I included in this book which is actually a world-building story tied into one of my first published short stories, “Xeros”.  I’ve played with “Xeros” a bit and continued to add more over the years, using the very first story as a first chapter.  I thought of making a novella out of it, showing the progression of the tragedy that results in this era of “forced evolution” and exodus and I’m even playing with the idea of making it a comic or screenplay (more on this at a later time).  This story doesn’t add a whole lot to the original short, but it does give readers an idea of where I intend the story to go.  You could find “Xeros” in Megabook 2, available on Balloon’d, My Digital Comics, and DriveThru.
 
The next story, “Spiritual Teacher, Warrior”, is also a snapshot from a series I’ve been playing with for some time called “Ascension” (working title, of course).  In a world where the angelic Empyreans fight the demonic Hadeans in a war invisible to humans, the rules are about to change, and humans champions will soon be more involved in the struggle for their very souls.  I think that last sentence, actually sums up everything quite nicely!
 
“Rock, Paper, Scissors” is a story about a love triangle.  I used the concept of the game to tell a story and relying on a little word play I hoped to convey the concept, but the title would give it away, so… yeah.
 
Finally, “Married to Murder” is a story that I think came to me in a dream, and I loved it so much I used it as a flash fiction piece here and even wrote a screenplay with it!  It is a story about a hitman who has assignments transported into his mind via telepathy.  Unable to remove the visions of his targets until he completes his assignment, he struggles to commit to a family life.  Besides the psychic intrusions, being a contract killer does him no favors either, but his loving wife deals with it.  This concept had so many possibilities, I actually enjoyed rewriting it as a screenplay more.  There is plenty of potential to build on it and I’m excited to see what else I can find once I take the time to evaluate this story further.
 
And that is all for now, folks!  Another post down, and another five stories covered!  Because I have been slack on here I will continue this series of posts with the five-parters for the next two weeks, so check back soon!

We’re nearing the end for this Freaky and Fantastical 500 journey, but there is so much more to cover so I will just get into it.

​“Connected Lives” is actually a concept I was playing with for a few years with a project to be titled “Missing Links”, about a race of powerful interdimensional beings that would ultimately take control of the Earth from mankind.  In this story it is more of a reflection on mankind’s propensity for violence against one another from these creatures’ perspective.
 
“Majestic Pride and Death” is a royal revenge story.  One prince discovers the truth of his paternity and the wickedness of the man he thought to be his father.  However, in this revenge plot, the king decides to go out on his own terms and condemn the prince in the only way he can.
 
“Evergreen” is another alien invasion story, but with a happy twist.  In this tale, Earth’s conquerors are a benevolent race of plantlike beings that actually come to aid humanity and the environment rather than enslave or eradicate the people.   The aliens provide mankind with more efficient ways of living and more advanced technology.  I probably wrote this on Earth Day, now that I think about it…
 
“Nothing Special” is a story about a world where shape-shifting beings are a norm.  When a lone gunman starts to terrorize shoppers in a mall, one young man steps up to protect everyone with his less-than-unique gift.  I guess this story could be kind of a preview for the "Chimera" series, even though it was not my original intention for this to be established in that universe.  And on a side note, I wrote this some time last year, but I understand if due to the recent string of gun violence this story would turn some people off, despite the lighter tone of the narrator.
 
“Soul-Searching” I think is one of the more relatable stories in this anthology, especially for someone with successful siblings.  It follows a young man who is trying to decide on a career path while also feeling inferior to his other talented siblings.  Every pessimist deserves an optimistic guide/friend.  Even when I have low moments, more often I find myself telling someone to consider what they want/can do instead of focusing on what they do not want/cannot do, which is how I came to write this story.  It is about finding encouragement and passion in the unlikeliest of places and overcoming defeatism.
 
This is all for today.  So much diversity in this set of stories and so much inspiration abounding!  It’s nice to reminisce on how each story came to be and to even revisit the sources of inspiration.  Please check out these stories in Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less) today.

So after a week off, we’re back again with another five-parter!  It is disappointing that I’m not keeping with my intended schedule, but I’m not disappointed in what I am accomplishing for the future.  On that note, I want to again thank you all who have already purchased and recommended Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less.  While this was just an experiment in idea generating and publishing for me, I appreciate the support.  With all of this said, onto the five features for the day!

​The first story, “Ego and Heroism”, is another story making fun of superheroes.  In a world where supermen are actually grown in a lab, equivalent to cloned humans with shortened lifespans, despite their powers.  These beings are used as superweapons, deterrents of international aggression in place of nuclear weapons, and champions of their native countries meant to resolve international conflicts, while preserving human life.  But when peace is established on Earth and more threats arrive from beyond our solar system these superhumans become more valuable.  However, when the demand for these artificial heroes begins to outpace the supply of quality goods, one doctor decides to take it upon himself to attempt to become the hero the world needs—or die trying—in the most common comic-book way.

“Discord” is a story about a girl who is literally overcome by her personal demon.  In an effort to gain the power to protect her family, she makes an unholy deal.  When the righteous heart is corrupted by a lust for vengeance and mayhem, the former person dissolves, losing sight of who she wanted to be and wanting to kill everything she used to be.  This story sums up what I think a lot of people feel when they compromise themselves for others or even try to do something bad for the sake of good.

“Afraid to be Alone” is a horror story about a man being hunted by a monster that only attacks a person when no one else is around.  The story follows the man in his normal routine of trying to keep company around him only to eventually find himself isolated.

“The Town of Rumplestiltskin” is a new take on the old story of the eponymous character.  It is more of a legacy story instead of an isolated incident as the original was, following generations of people blessed with good fortune in exchange for one child from their town every year.  Of course, I reversed the ending, but in stories where children are taken, I usually prefer a happy ending.

Finally, “Fantastic Detectives” is another story made completely with dialogue, following two detectives with names that oddly resemble a famous detective from literature and his doctor-sidekick.  There isn’t a deeper meaning to this story, other than reimagining this detective in a fantasy world and playing with funny dialogue.

​That covers it for this go-around.  Five more down, and plenty more to go.  I didn’t expect to finish these features until June, so I will continue to crank these out by the twos and fives as necessary.  Be sure to check back, because (obviously) there is more to come!  And go on and buy, rate, and recommend Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less if you haven’t already!

Hello again and Happy Friday!  I'm finally getting to round 57 and 58 in the stream of Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less features.  If you've been with me for the last 56 story talks, you know what it is and I commend you for still dropping in.  If you're just joining me, then you still picked a decent time to read my thought process and commentary on the stories in my first sci-fi fantasy anthology, now on Amazon!  Today I will cover the stories "Ascension" and "Untamed Fears".

"Ascension" is a story that essentially reminds us to be careful what you wish for.  It's told from the point of view of a man who has attained what he thought was the immortality he desired.  He is practically a godlike being, able to observe and influence people , but to never actually feel pleasure or have real human interaction.  His gift of this power becomes a curse for him when he realizes he is basically alone in the world because his existence cannot be perceived or appreciated no matter how much he may do.  Perhaps that is one way to look at how God feels about unbelievers...  I am actually currently playing with a similar concept to be made into a horror movie script, which I will discuss more once I complete this book promo series.

"Untamed Fears" is kind of a Pacific Rim-type story, involving military forces and emerging kaiju, but focusing more on people having a supernatural bond with the giant monsters.  If multiple monsters started arriving from beneath the earth and from the depths of the sea, but a select few were able to control them, what kind of world would it be?  Would the monsters be used to bolster military power?  How would the two-way bond affect the human's daily life?  If it were you, could your own family even deal with the odd behavior you would exhibit being one half of a force of nature?  This story is told from the point of view of a mother whose own daughter begins to act strangely when she is bonded with a monster.

These two stories could really be told from different perspectives and be fit into multiple genres as we've already seen in mainstream media.  If I were to look back at them some more, I may end up recreating them in other formats with a completely different spin, but that remains to be seen for now!  Until next time, folks, read on in Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less and look for more ramblings here because there is always more to come!

I'm getting into the rhythm once more on the blog but I will continue with the double posts, and this time from Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less  I looking at the stories "Doorway" and "Frenemy".

"Doorway" is a story about family bonds and how artists gain immortality as a result of their creations.  Art in any form--music, poetry, books, movies, etc.--creates a legacy and keeps the artist relevant and alive in the memory of generations forever.  Family is also a part of our legacies, preserving the history and traditions we pass down.  This particular story focuses on the bond of a famous painter thought to be dead and his granddaughter.

"Frenemy" is probably one of the more realistic stories in this book.  It is simply a revenge story.  A story of two women who became best friends only to eventually grow apart, developing a rivalry that becomes too toxic for one of them, and pushes one to become a murderer.  It is a story of tragedy and madness grown from heartbreak.

That is all there shall be for now.  There is more to come of course and I hope none of you miss out on these stories and others offered in Freaky and Fantastical 500 Words or Less!