Things I write

[Ben D]

hello people

I'm just going to post some really random things I write daily:

Life is for the living.

Death is for the dead.Yet it seems the two can be confused with at times.

We laugh at those who are in danger of dying.

Yet give them our emotions once they have passed on.

Why?



Is life truly something that cane be laughed at?Is it that one life is inconsequential to others?

Or is it that in our fear of death we make jokes to pretend it won't ever come?

That we will be safe for the rest of eternity?

Is the myth of immortality truly that appealing to most people?

Why?



We want all things to end eventually.

We want our school and work days to end.We want wars to end.

We want diseases to end.

We want hate to end.

Yet we fear the ultimate end.

Is it that we won't see friends any longer?Won't we have to come face to face with enemies and the sickness the world has everyday?

Everything ends eventually.



And then things start again.

We make friends.

We lose friends.Friends can become enemies at any moment in life.

Does society truly wish to see this cycle go on time and time again?True there are many sad things about growing up.

But without those sad things, what is the point to growing up in the first place?



We grow up so we can cherish the life we lived, the happiness we've seen.

So we can look back at the mistakes we made and recognize them as mistakes.So we can see just how much the world can change in so little time.

So we can see how little it takes for a life to be ruined.So we can see feats of great perseverance.

Sometimes we take part in these things, both good and bad.



When the most famous people fall from grace what does society do?Help?As if.

We mock them. Make them feel as if their entire state of being is simply something to be laughed at.



The drug addicts. The pornstars. The felons. So many others.

Rarely does an encouraging word go out to them, just a form of hatred and mockery.

Who cares if they live? Who cares if they will ever recover?

And if they do indeed recover, will we lend support?

Ask them what helped them on their journey so we could teach others following their path?



It seems that happens rarely.Never is compassion the expected.

Why?



Do we simply want more people mocked in their time of suffering?

Or do we not care either way?That is the question I am looking for.

Does society truly care about life and death?Do we care about either of those things?Or do we just not care at all?

If one was to ask me, I would tell them that I don't think society cares about those things.Please, if you read this try to prove me wrong one day.And everyday after.

[snarkbunny]

So where do you write them Ben? Notebooks, post-it notes on bathroom mirrors, on walls?

[Ben D]

So where do you write them Ben? Notebooks, post-it notes on bathroom mirrors, on walls?

On my laptop when I'm extremely bored/wondering about the universe.

[snarkbunny]

On my laptop when I'm extremely bored/wondering about the universe.

I think you should write them with chocolate... and then eat them.

[Ben D]

The story starts out with the three Green Lanterns from the planet Earth, Sector 2814, returning home from a long mission. They seem to be having a fun conversation, as if they are truly brotherly. Things will not continue to be great for them however, as a mysterious force is following them. As they go to Earth, it reveals itself to be none other than Starro, the Conqueror! The creature duplicates itself too fast for the Lanterns to strike back. Soon they are outnumbered and the Starros gain control of them. The starros then take them to some unknown part of the universe.

This causes a big stir among the Green Lantern Corps. Some members say that a squad should be created to go after the humans while others say it's too risky and they should simply get replacements. The Guardian of the Universe, Ganthet manages to create a compromise that will slightly appeal to both sides of the argument. Ganthet will search the planet Earth for a worthy candidate of the Green Lantern Corps and a special task force will be sent to look for the Lanterns from Earth. This task force is made out of Kilowog, Arisia, Salaak, and Boodika.

The squad first goes looking through Sector 2814 but can't find any sign of the Starros. A message from Arisia's sector partner suggests that the creatures they are looking for may be in Sector 2815. The group looks through there but finds nothing.

The person whom this compromise affects the most however, Kyle Rayner is completely oblivious to this fact. As far as he knows he's just a guy walking home from a friend's party. Suddenly he sees a falling star. It appears to landing near New York City. Yet however far Kyle walks...it looks like its following him, somehow. Then he hears a strange voice calling his name, talking to him.

“Kyle Rayner. You are a being with the ability to overcome great fear. Throughout your lifetime you have shown bravery, courage, and light in the darkest of situations. For these feats you are rewarded with the honor of being inducted into the Green Lantern Corps, the intergalactic peace keeping army of the Universe. You will come with us immediately to train on how to use your power ring what to do during dangerous situations.”

Kyle doesn't believe what he's hearing. Yet instead of simply hearing a strange voice, Kyle now sees a strange blue midget dressed up in robes offering him a green ring. Either Kyle has gone through one heck of a party or he's actually seeing this. The ring suddenly goes from Ganthet's hand and begins to travel to Kyle's hand.

Meanwhile, the group continues to search through Sector 2815 and have found the enemy, Hal, Guy, and John who are mind controlled by Starro the conqueror. A quick battle happens ending with Kilowog and the others also being mind controlled.

Kyle and Ganthet are now traveling to the planet Oa for Kyle to begin his training as a Green Lantern Cadet. Ganthet then gets a message that he doesn't like-the squad has been captured. Though he may have a rookie with him, Ganthet decides to take things into his own hands and go after the entire group. He and Kyle go to Sector 2815 and see where the others are being kept – an asteroid field with dozens of Starro creatures. It looks like things are going to be tough. Ganthet asks Kyle to put the ring on and to use it in this fight.

Ganthet makes a big entrance in front of the Starros, distracting them. They all go after him, while Kyle goes after the main, gigantic Starro that appears to be in charge of the group. Things don't go well for Ganthet however, as he begins to be overwhelmed with both the Starros and the Green Lanterns. It's now up to Kyle to end this. Kyle goes straight to the main Starro, full blast.

Suddenly, he enters a very strange mind zone. It doesn't even look like he's in space anymore, but more of a magic land where a gigantic Starro hangs above in the sky, watching all under it. Kyle, insecure of his new power uses this as a retreat from battle and decides to ignore things. Suddenly he sees something that totally changes his mind. The OTHER Green Lanterns appear to be in this mind scape as well, who tell Kyle to keep trying. The only way to get out a ditch is with help; They all bind their wills together and decide to go after the huge Star in the sky, allowing themselves to escape the hold of the Starros.

The group suddenly goes to rescue Ganthet, who's overloaded with Starros. All of these enemies are going after him and its obvious that he's nearing defeat. The group creates a border around Ganthet, protecting him from any blasts. Finally, the group all let out one huge burst of energy scaring many of the Starroes off. What this show of power doesn't do however, is scare off the main, gigantic Starro who attempts to attack them all. Using team work to make a perimeter around the Starro, the Green Lanterns win the day.

The story ends at the planet Oa, the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps. This squad is rewarded for their efforts and Kyle is told that he will have to go through Green Lantern Boot Camp in order to become a full fledged Green Lantern.

One thing at the very end of the issue that could be included is either a one page pin up of the Green Lantern Corps, or a history of the Green Lanterns.

I'll admit it's rough around the edges, but I hope you like it.

I think you should write them with chocolate... and then eat them.

Um, okay then.

[snarkbunny]

re: Plot - is it supposed to be a single comic, a 30 minute show, or what format?
Also, is this supposed to be in continuity or a brand new continuity? Is the audience already familiar with the Green Lantern Corp?

Um, okay then.

Ah I confused you. I believe that words and thoughts have power. They influence the way you think, what you believe, how you feel, and how you live.
Your random thoughts are about how the world works and they are important enough to you to write down. So they may influence how you see and deal with the world. Some are bright, some are dark. Making the words in chocolate and then eating them is a way to consciously consider the thoughts and decide if you want to incorporate or reject them.

[Ben D]

re: Plot - is it supposed to be a single comic, a 30 minute show, or what format?
Also, is this supposed to be in continuity or a brand new continuity? Is the audience already familiar with the Green Lantern Corp?

Single, kid friendly comic like the line Marvel Adventures. I'm currently at odds with myself over whether to write a Wonder Woman comic, Batman Inc Comic, New Gods comic, X-men Fairy Tales or Green Lantern comic, all of which would be kid friendly.

The only thing I hate about it though is that I really, really suck with dialogue. A terrible story can be made up for with good dialogue and a good story can be made terrible with bad dialogue.

Ah I confused you. I believe that words and thoughts have power. They influence the way you think, what you believe, how you feel, and how you live.
Your random thoughts are about how the world works and they are important enough to you to write down. So they may influence how you see and deal with the world. Some are bright, some are dark. Making the words in chocolate and then eating them is a way to consciously consider the thoughts and decide if you want to incorporate or reject them.

I completely agree with that statement. I truly believe that language, above technology, was the greatest thing ever invented, whether it was on purpose or was randomly and accidentally created by cavemen thousands of years ago.

I hope to one day become a novel creator, but I will fully admit I am not exactly a good writer or even an okay writer. At the moment I only consider myself a writer (which is at the bottom (Brilliant writer, great writer, good writer, okay writer, writer))

[snarkbunny]

Single, kid friendly comic like the line Marvel Adventures. I'm currently at odds with myself over whether to write a Wonder Woman comic, Batman Inc Comic, New Gods comic, X-men Fairy Tales or Green Lantern comic, all of which would be kid friendly.

Okay then my first comment on the ploy if it is the start, then you need to start at the beginning. Look at the first two episodes of Justice League cartoon, or the Avenger's Earth Mightiest Heroes, where writers introduced each character and set up the environment they are working in.

Your issue 1 doesn't explain who are the GLC, why they exist, who the other earth GLs are or what they are like, and why there are so many from Earth. The basis plot isn't bad, but it's not an issue one sort of story. You don't have to start with origin stories, but you can't start with a whole bunch of assumed knowledge either.

Also, for a single 20 page comic, too complex. You have 10 scenes in your plot summary plus a pinup page, so how would this all fit?

[Ben D]

Okay then my first comment on the ploy if it is the start, then you need to start at the beginning. Look at the first two episodes of Justice League cartoon, or the Avenger's Earth Mightiest Heroes, where writers introduced each character and set up the environment they are working in.

Your issue 1 doesn't explain who are the GLC, why they exist, who the other earth GLs are or what they are like, and why there are so many from Earth. The basis plot isn't bad, but it's not an issue one sort of story. You don't have to start with origin stories, but you can't start with a whole bunch of assumed knowledge either.

I'm going to try to put that to the dialogue. The scene with Kyle getting the ring from Ganthet would explain the corps and things. Some of the members sent on the squad would be explained, or at least named (Kilowog in particular) but most would be more of Easter eggs for readers of the main in continuity stories.

Also, for a single 20 page comic, too complex. You have 10 scenes in your plot summary plus a pinup page, so how would this all fit?

If I could someday become a full fledgling comic book writer, I would try to write compact yet plot filled stories, like many Golden and Silver Age stories. If they had the amount of decompression comics in our have, some of them would be year long epics.

[snarkbunny]

If I could someday become a full fledgling comic book writer, I would try to write compact yet plot filled stories, like many Golden and Silver Age stories. If they had the amount of decompression comics in our have, some of them would be year long epics.

Which didn't have subplots for the most part, typically had a linearly story arc with minimal POV switches, etc. Golden Age stories can be wonderful, but they focused their stories.

I'm going to try to put that to the dialogue. The scene with Kyle getting the ring from Ganthet would explain the corps and things. Some of the members sent on the squad would be explained, or at least named (Kilowog in particular) but most would be more of Easter eggs for readers of the main in continuity stories.

So have you laid this story out? Broken it into panels and pages? You don't have to be able to draw (stick figures will work) but if you want to write comics, I think it would be good practice for you to put it into a comic script format from the beginning.

[Ben D]

Which didn't have subplots for the most part, typically had a linearly story arc with minimal POV switches, etc. Golden Age stories can be wonderful, but they focused their stories.

So have you laid this story out? Broken it into panels and pages? You don't have to be able to draw (stick figures will work) but if you want to write comics, I think it would be good practice for you to put it into a comic script format from the beginning.

I've written a script but have not yet made it into a script. I'm going to try now though.

[snarkbunny]

I've written a script but have not yet made it into a script. I'm going to try now though.

Cool. I can tell that you see it as a comic and you know how you want it to look, and I'm curious to see your vision.

[LewMoxinsghost]

I hope to one day become a novel creator, but I will fully admit I am not exactly a good writer or even an okay writer. At the moment I only consider myself a writer (which is at the bottom (Brilliant writer, great writer, good writer, okay writer, writer))

That's one way of looking at it, I suppose. But one observation I've made is that most writers on the other end of your spectrum don't generally see themselves that way. At least they don't while they are in the act of writing. When they go on tour, they tend to put on their showman hat a bit.

It makes sense to think of yourself in terms of "brilliant" and "okay" only if it helps you gauge how much pressure you want to put on yourself to produce. Too much pressure will break you, not enough will make you write things like a lot of the new 52 titles. (I keed, the worst ones still aren't that bad).

To be honest, I'm a little skeptical if this thread is sincere... but it might be because my formal training as a writer is sketchy at best. (no pun intended).

[Ben D]

That's one way of looking at it, I suppose. But one observation I've made is that most writers on the other end of your spectrum don't generally see themselves that way. At least they don't while they are in the act of writing. When they go on tour, they tend to put on their showman hat a bit.

It makes sense to think of yourself in terms of "brilliant" and "okay" only if it helps you gauge how much pressure you want to put on yourself to produce. Too much pressure will break you, not enough will make you write things like a lot of the new 52 titles. (I keed, the worst ones still aren't that bad).

Well when I said I was simply a writer (perhaps hack would have been a better word to get my point across) I meant that I have to prove myself as a writer before I can really call myself great.

And I personally dislike when a writer calls their own work great or brilliant. Let it up to the reader to decide, don't tell them what the level of quality will be like since that's really a subjective topic.

To be honest, I'm a little skeptical if this thread is sincere... but it might be because my formal training as a writer is sketchy at best. (no pun intended).

Well if anyone is wondering why I didn't simply create a blog or post this as facebook notes it's because A) CBR is my facebook. If I'm on something connected to the internet I go to CBR B) I've made so many blogs then forgotten about them the next day, it's not even funny C) Knowing the age group of most of my facebook friends, I assumed CBR would be the best place to find legitimate criticisms instead of comments like "AWESOME! I'D READ THAT" or "stupid." If I didn't make this clear before I'll say it here: This thread isn't a love fest or me just randomly blurting my thoughts down. This is me putting pieces of literature on the table to be looked at and talked about in a mature way.

[Ben D]

Monster Land Original Graphic Novel:

Plot:

Bob Ferringer is a normal American man. He has a loving wife, two great kids and a lot of friends. Life seems great for him at the moment. His job, that of being a plumber, while not always great, can give his family an affordable apartment. Both of his parents are dead, but both were granted sleeping deaths so they felt little pain in their final moments. On the weekend of June 17, 20-- he and his family go to the park one day in order to have fun. Play catch, eat picnic food and then watch the sunset. Things are going well. Then all of a sudden, Bob begins to have a headache. It doesn't bother him much at first, but then it keeps going on, for days. He sees a doctor who has no idea what is causing the pain. Finally, he goes to sleep one day. It will be a normal night he thinks, except for the headache.

He is very wrong.

Bob wakes up. The first thing he notices is that his wife isn't with him. In fact, he seems to be in an entire other room. Has he been kidnapped or something? Is his family alright? He begins to run out of the room, trying to see if he can figure out what's going on. Instead of getting answers, he gets more questions. All sorts of creatures are walking around. Some are big, some are small. Some are human like, some aren't. All look strange though. He goes running to find a spot to think, to be alone. He finds one in what looks like a strange library. He goes to the corner and beings to try to realize what the hell is going on.

“Maybe this is just a dream. Yeah, probably just a dream. I mean what else could this be? Not something like those silly comics my daughter reads. I'm not in some random dimension or something.”

Bob suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder. Actually, not a hand but more of a tentacle. Trying to imagine what the heck this could be, Bob turns his head. It's a gigantic monster that looks like the Hydra or something.

“Actually, that's pretty accurate. This is another dimension, different from your own. Here, all looks different from any other dimension. Everyone is a strange creature. Everyone is a weirdo. Don't worry though, that's just the law of the land. Being a weirdo is a good thing a lot of the time you know.”

Uh-huh. Great. So not only is this nightmare not ending, but now Bob is being told that in order to be part of the pack here, he'll need to be crazy. A loon. Worse than a Hippy or a member of the Tea Party. He needs a new place to think, some place where no one will be around to read his mind. He goes running yet again, and finds an empty building. The building itself has a bit of weird architecture, but it seems that no one is inside. He sits inside and tries to think about things. Maybe this is real. Maybe he is in a land of weird creatures. A land in which things are always out of the ordinary. But then why is he in here? He's never been weird in his life. Never been bad either. Okay yes, there was one time when he stole a comic from the comics shop but he was in eighth grade when that happened and he hasn't done anything since. Really.

Of course, as the law of the land here seems to be weird, something weird happens. The building that Bob is in begins to start shaking. Then it seems to being moving. Bob tries to get out of the building, but it's too late. If he tries to leave, he will fall out. What he does notice though, is that there is a porch on the very top. He walks up to try to see what's going on and is given one hell of a surprise.
“Why are you standing on my eye?” A loud voice said. Bob realized that this loud voice had to be the building itself. Maybe it was alive. Bob had already seen enough crazy things here to believe it. “Don't just stand there and believe I'll know your thoughts, answer me!”

“I apologize. I didn't realize I was hurting you. Is there any part of you that I can stay in without hurting you?”

“On the roof.”

Bob went to the top floor and climbed up some stairs leading him to the roof. It seemed that this place was wonderful – there was a beautiful tree growing that was as lush as possible, though of course it was colored differently then most other trees and didn't seem to be a member of any species that Bob knew about. It didn't matter, he needed to talk and decided that whatever this building was called was going to give him the facts that he was looking for.

“My name is Jerfik, the 2,995th youngest of the Sentient Buildings. I come from a dimension in which my kind is the normal, and everything is about building buildings, much how everything in your universe seems to be about creating other humans, or something like that. The reason that we are brought to this dimension is that some above creator wishes us to complete missions for him. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Um, what missions?”

“Oh, well you and I are going to go on one right now, actually. To the dimension of Julistice, where everything keeps getting remodeled, to the point of redundancy.”

“......what?”

The building began to walk to a wormhole that opened out of nowhere. Others walked towards it as well. One looked like something out of Greek Mythology, like that thing called the Hydra. Another looked like a gigantic toy. Another, a soda can. Once he and the building were inside the wormhole, Bob felt a large pull on his body and suddenly he was in a dimension of creatures whom looked like vampires. He heard in his head “This dimension has been infested with invaders from another dimension, killing the best warriors in the land. Fix this with three days.”

End Part One.

That's just something I'm working on. Only a rough draft, and yes the title will be explained eventually in the story.