Writing Limits

Writing Limits 06/24/2009

I'm kind of jealous right now. I'm jealous because I need only to cast my eye as far (near?) as Heather's blog to realize how little I've been able to write the past few days. Even Obsquatch has been a good blogger. Ibrahim, who I've finally added to my must-see blogs in the sidebar, posted a "Not So Emo Poem" recently.

Usually, I need only turn a squinty eye at my brother's blog to find inspiration for my own writing ... but--obviously--recent events have prompted me to give him a pass. I'm not the only one who just lost a father. And although a similar courtesy was not extended to me, thanks to some good advice from my sister, I will remain passive and indifferent towards him. (Quick raise of hands, though: who here has ever been accused of being a demon-possessed, religion-hating asshole the day after your dad died? Anyone? Anyone?? Not that the religion hating is untrue--for the most part--I suppose it would be offensive if it wasn't so goddamned amusing. Pun intended.)

Seriously though, there's gotta come a point when you just sit back and smile at how ridiculous it all is. I might not be there right now, but I'm working on it. On an interestingly positive note, I must applaud Jason for applying his writing skills (hm, abilities?) to something a little more appropriate. Allow me to recollect a conversation I had with him when we were actually on speaking terms:

It was at dinner with the parents (the only times we ever are face-to-face) and Jason was, as ever, trying to figure out a way to make a buck on the books he writes ... without actually getting them picked up by a publisher. I recall these moments because for so long I had been the outcast son and this was one of the first times I truly felt the tides change. Not that either one of us had to be the outcast son, mind you, but it was memorable to have the parents--especially my dad--side with me on an argument. It was kind of a big deal.

Anyway, my argument was simple: if you want to brand yourself on the internet, you need to write FOR the internet. You can't just adapt a novel. And if you want to write--truly, TRULY write as in a career--then you have to write for mediums that people embrace. In other words, if you want to brand yourself on the internet, write for the internet. Write videos and series for youtube, write webcomics, write blogs, write whatever people are reading. Don't limit yourself before you even get started.

Well, at the time, Jason really wouldn't have any of it. He said he wanted to write his books and have nothing to do with anything else.

Flash-forward to today and not only has Jason ventured into writing and producing videos for youtube, he's also managed to produce a regular webcomic.

Is this an appropriate time to say I was right?

It's like the saying goes: a writer writes. I may not be writing much these past few days in the blog, but I have managed to pound out some new Zaphod Zombie scripts that I'm pretty happy about.

And I guess if there's a moral to the story, it's that you should never limit yourself to any medium. Writing is literally the root of nearly all creative endeavors. A movie can't be made, a comic can't be draw, and a song can't be sung without someone--somewhere--putting pen to paper (or finger to keys, as the case maybe).

With that in mind, think about this: stay creative.

NOTE: Do keep in mind that my commentary about my brother's PRODUCTION of comics and videos is NOT indicative of the quality of said creative work. That being said, you only have to look at my own Comics page to see how extraordinarily shitty my own early work was.

Comments

LupineLooPine link

06/24/2009 10:47pm

Usually times like these tend to bring family closer, for they're all sharing the same bad experience and simultaneously are closest to each other. This tends to open flood gates of communication. It should have largely been a comforting experience with family with the exception of "the one". Your brother is a work of art.. he really is. I don't think he's the kind of person who can say or write anything of value, philosophical or otherwise. Anyone that narrow minded, who sees life exclusively through the lens of his religion (the indoctrinated perception of his religion rather), is not going to be of any use to himself or others, except through some fluke (some kind of divine intervention perhaps).

With that being said.. I am DYING to experience your brother - the creations and the creator. Yes, my imagination has painted this Jordan Krumbine look-alike who is completely opposite in nature, talent and beliefs, and that will be pretty god damned funny to experience. Can't wait to see his videos and comics. "Jesus and the neophytes" .. a hilarious comic book on the Lord and Saviour and his cooky n00by clan of slick talking wannabes. My imagination I'm sure can't do justice to his creations.

As far as telling him you were right, you know there will be no point in dealing with a mind like his. He'll find a cop-out. He'll claim that necessity of some kind.. or the changing times caused it, and his arguments at the time of the.. argument, was perfectly valid. In fact, I know he will say this, as this is one of the few, if not the only, argument that a person can use to seem right when they are wrong (in his situation). It could be some slight variation of this.. but in essence the explanation will mirror what I said.

Don't waste your time on him Jordumbine (cool nick?) ... except in writing hilarious stuff for your blog where he's the monkey on the leash of course. Can't get enough of those leashed monkey stories. Ahh.. I can almost hear those cymbals clanging. Tee hee hee, you threw an apple at him!

krumbine

06/24/2009 11:10pm

Lupine:

You continue to honor me with your comments. And your timing is impeccable. You posted this comment right after I finished writing a reply to the email my brother wrote to me tonight. I know: shocking, isn't it?

I wasn't expecting the email and I probably could have done without it, but it also provided an opportunity to speak my mind to him about what's gone down the past few weeks. Ultimately, however, you're right. I fully expect him to come back at me with every excuse in the book that justified is every action (or lack of actions, as the case may be) ... despite my efforts to dispel the big ones before he even mentioned them.

At any rate, I'm fired up and angry and everyone's already asleep in my house and your humor has gone a long ways to bringing a smile to my tired face.

I've linked to his website in earlier posts, but he's easy to find at jasonkrumbine.com. And if his comics were what you described, I would TOTALLY be a fan. Those sound awesome.

Jordumbine OUT.
(worst nick EVER:)

Spazzy McSpazatron link

06/25/2009 7:49pm

"demon-possessed, religion-hating asshole"

Is that a new title for you ;)

krumbine

06/25/2009 7:53pm

Well, first I paraphrased and second ... I took my titles/labels off my channel description!!! What to do??

Heather Maria Lueck

06/30/2009 8:53pm

Even though it may be more often, I've been writing about silly things like chickens and frogs. So cheer up krumbine! You have substance to offer. Posts we can sink our teeth into and devour like Mr. Loopine on a comment spree.

So hows it feel to have that little inner voice yelling "I told ya so!"?

(Oooo.. can I do that? Make an exclamation mark at the end of dialogue then add in a question mark? Oh well I did it anyways.)

And today (again) I'm dedicated my viral existence to you Krumdan. (Okay that nickname sucks too, but hell ... it's better then Jordumbine. No one wants a nickname with the word dumb in it. Although if Obs really wants to spite you for the Obsy move... he could capitalize on Jordumbine for sure).

I was talking about something important I think... damn obsquatch distracting me again...oh yeah... the episodes I owe you.

I've been feeling very much like just embracing my darkside lately, including all the things about me that seem to get more attention then I'd like. Boobs, openly sexual content and yes... the smoking. I figure... fuck it. No more bitching or hiding. Instead I'm going to capitalize on this shit. I have boobs. Nice boobs even. I am openly sexual. And I smoke. So I'm redoing all the episodes today with this new enlightening sense of power.

Like you said. If you're going to brand yourself on the internet... make it FOR the internet.

I know first hand exactly what the internet likes and so these darksider series... are going to be epic.

*runs off to find push up bra
*adds in some lines about having sex with krumbine
*grabs her pack of cigarettes

Bring it on. Bring it motherfucking on.