Invader Stim Homerpants

Things I Did in Brisbane

So yesterday, I returned home. Despite how well I slept yesterday (Suncorp Stadium is an exhausting building) we got up groggy and tired. Other than that, the airport was quite easy on us.

First, let’s talk about Queen & Adam Lambert. First of all, it rained pretty hard, so I felt sorry for the field audience. Second, WHAT an experience. Dr Brian May and Roger Taylor are as great as ever, and Adam Lambert is a force to be reckoned with when he’s right in front of you.

There was one section where Brian performed a guitar song with all the planets aligning and forming in deep space. I have to say, the effects were so captivating that my mouth hung open the whole performance.

There were these lasers which lit across the stadium, as well as the rain. They GLISTENED, which made the experience that bit better. And what can I say about the performance itself? Despite the storm, and water all over the stage front, it was too perfect for words.

THAT was the last thing before returning. Here’s other stuff I found so interesting.

I was sick in the street the day before, but that didn’t stop us going to Manly Beach. Now, Wynnum-Manly was probably my favourite place to be. I felt like I’d been to the beach before, but only in a dream. It’s such a charming place, and I feel Brisbane tourists miss out on these little places.

Loved what little of Indooroopilly I saw. It’s big, but it also has little places. My shoes fell apart on arrival, but I found even cooler ones at an independent op shop for $8. Across the way is the mall, and what I loved was the variety. Not only was there high-end stuff, there were places I’d always dreamt of – Uniqlo, and Lush.

We don’t have these in my city – my city is too boring/pricey for cool and independent things. I saw so much local business in Brisbane (at least, places we visited) and it was such a breath of fresh air.

Uniqlo had such an air about it. I walk into other fashion stores and find myself bored with what they have. I don’t like the materials they use for modern fashion, and I don’t like how girly it is, and I don’t like floral patterns. Uniqlo had simple stuff all over, but it also had practical clothing, and anime/video game designs. Bring me more of this!

I also found a 20pc pack of Bristol board, which I’ve been looking for all over. It’s fairly expensive, but worth buying. I need it for my copics.

We went to Queen Street Mall after Manly. It’s REALLY high-end, including Louis Vuitton and other big names. The next day, we found out LV was broken into with a few things stolen.

The food was great. If you’re looking for a good Chinese restaurant and you’re in Fish Lane, check out SiXi. The service is quick, and their menu is fresh and handmade. I had the beef and noodle soup. The noodle was made with love, and the broth wasn’t super salty.

Please, check out Brisbane. Be careful of the CBD, but everything else is a journey of a lifetime.

Home

I’m back from Brisbane. It was a helluva time! I saw Manly Beach, so much street art, a Lush store, and best of all, Queen in concert!

Not only were there ups, but there were a few downs too. And as fun as it was, I’m glad to be home and able to rest a while.

Once I’m in better health, I’ll get writing. There’s also the Curious Cat, which I couldn’t set up on my phone without Twitter. That might get handled later tonight or tomorrow, depending on my mood.

Packing My Bags

I’m not leaving! Don’t worry.

Tomorrow morning, I’m flying South for a holiday – god knows I need it. Last year was HELL, so I can’t wait to hop on a plane and enjoy my time in a big scary city.

I’ll keep you updated, and perhaps you’ll get a sneak peek of Twelfth Meridian 😉 It’s on the cards. If I don’t, you’ll get mad at me. My question is, what would you like to know regarding 12M?

IN THE MEANTIME

*cough cough cough* I made a Curious Cat. Follow me, ask me a question about ANYTHING*, and I’ll be right there.

*Anything excludes book spoilers and private matters. If you ask along those lines, I’ll delete the question.

Considering Curious Cat

I don’t have many followers, but when I get a decent following, I might make a Curious Cat for general questions. But it’s only a consideration for now. I don’t want to make decisions on a whim.

Naming my novel was different. After idle thought I only realised what kind of story it was, and that’s factoring in my search for the perfect title (10+ years). It also changed my perspective on the plot, and gave Karu a motive.

Once I’m sober, I’ll get stuff done.

Working Title Reveal

For those of you who have followed for a while, you’ll know I’m writing a novel. I’m now ready to discuss details, after a strong thought tonight.

The working title is: Twelfth Meridian

It’s a Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy novel, focusing on our main character, Karu Hajji, and his sidekick. Karu is deemed an ordinary retired musician until strange things happen around him. It makes him wonder – what’s really out there in the universe?

“… Answers,” he said.
“You’ll need more than that.”
Karu lifted his head. “To life itself. Everything in the universe- don’t say forty-two. People argue the existence of humans, but if they’re not real, where do all these “Hollywood” movies come from?” His gaze shifted from the horizon to the night sky. “And if spirits aren’t real, am I delusional to pass their messages to strangers? No one knows that shit!” His last sentence echoed, as if calling to faraway galaxies. It caught him off guard, closing off his throat. “That’s why I want answers.”
An excerpt

Of course, there’s more to it. What causes him to express these thoughts? What happens next? What is a Twelfth Meridian? Find out when the first chapter is released.

Backstreet’s Back (Updates)

Last night, after I sent that request for reads, I did my own research into Wattpad. The search was short-lived – I found a site named Inkitt!

It offers a lot, including publishing opportunities (and they sell your ebook on Amazon). Romance is a favoured genre, coincidentally the genre I skip over. But that won’t discourage me! I’ll write that sexy book, no matter what!

In the meantime, I’ll continue drafting. The first chapter is halfway done, and missing bits in the middle. May upload it in a few weeks after getting three other chapters outlined.

Looking for Quick Reads

Here I am, writhing in pain. Also tired, and because of that I haven’t made progress on my novel for weeks.

On another note, I’m looking for flash fiction and short stories. It might help to pick up the habit. If you’ve followed me long enough, you’ll know I’ve been planning this. My dad is an avid reader, but he likes proper novels – I don’t have that patience.

So here’s my question: what would you recommend? I’ll read online stories or paperback, as long as it’s a quick read. Wattpad is on my list, but many would agree it can get iffy in some spots.

Flash Flooding

These past few months have left my region with drought and bush fires; it’s been hot as Hades and now it’s pissing down.

This started in the last week and we already have flash flooding. I’m grateful! But if we have another fucking flood I will have a fit. We’re still recovering from last year’s, so I hope the floods are short-lived this time.

If the rain spread, it would be even better. Other regions suffered more than us, and I’m sure farms and cattle stations will rejoice. The other concern is rebuilding for thousands to millions of people, and emotional support.

Why can’t the weather be moderate?

A Project for Fun

If you read my Script Draft series, you’d know I had a little script project happening. The truth is, I just used the example lines in a little project. (Like, five minutes ago)

Along with my novel (on hiatus ;n;) I’m writing some fan fiction based on the game A3!: Act! Addict! Actors! One character (Tsumugi) looks and sounds like Marth and I couldn’t resist making a fic based off it, but with different characters.

Right now, it’s 6 pages (about five minutes long), and five characters have been introduced (not Marth yet). I have plans for certain dramas and romance, but who knows when that will kick in (lol).

No big details except for Marth’s not in it yet. Will update sometime!

How to Write Millennial Characters: My Least Favourite Trope

Have you ever watched a show where they portray a millennial or younger as the same stereotype:

Doesn’t know what a vinyl record is
Doesn’t know what a VHS tape is
Only cares about themselves and people their age
Trendsetters, using strange terminology older people don’t understand
Dumb-coded, unless it’s the latest technology

I hate this. Not only does this paint the youth as terrible people, but it’s such a generational chain we all need to break. The phrase “children are the future” suddenly has no weight.

There is some truth, but the portrayals are so extreme they offend. I noticed this in new Simpsons episodes, where all college students were overly sensitive. It happens, and the evidence I have is extremist environmental protesters (I believe certain things but not all of them).

On the news this morning, university students yelled at a drag queen for joining childrens’ activities at a library. I’d share my thoughts on this, but that would derail the article, but it’s a glaring example which turns our opinions of subcultures.

Doing It Right

Here’s the concrete truth: all people have been through at least one of these phases. It stems from refusal to learn, or simply not knowing, and it’s a rift between all generations. We shouldn’t be ashamed of asking what something is, but refusal to learn something bigger and better causes problems.

That said, everyone’s different, and one must consider the hobbies and culture your character grew up in. Country bumpkins, city slickers, history buffs, you name it.

But Stim, this doesn’t sound like a millenial. Where does it come in?
Probably you, the reader

The millenial part comes into age, and once again, culture. We have recent subcultures which define our age: K-Pop, anime, social media, video games, and memes.

It may be a common assumption that we follow trends, but the psychology is looking for something different. Fortnite and Minecraft are great examples. Minecraft is self-explanatory, but Fortnite is derived from older games. Its gimmick is colourful design and fun dances, which attracts a younger demographic.

Don’t make your character too extreme in some way. Even Lisa Simpson was once just a smart 8-year-old girl.

Some of us grew up with vinyl records, VHS, and old cars. It’s worth knowing how an individual works, or older generations will find us cold towards them.

PS: I’m a Gen Z, having grown up with CDs and VHS before ever getting DVDs when I was about 7. I played SNES and N64 having no idea what a Playstation was. Our car only took cassettes and we’d listen to them on the way to grandma’s farmhouse. Mum and dad told me countless stories about the technology they used.

We have documentaries, radio, and websites within our grasp where we can do the research. Please, stop underestimating millenials and spreading rumours.