My First Job

Indeed. I work at a place in Creedmoor called Silent Forest. It's basically an outdoor haunted house, but it's a really fun place to work at. I only have one night left as I write this, but it's awesome. I, the undertaker/mortician, creep out of my little shack, bang the tin roof with my scythe-stick, and say darkly humorous things. We don't get payed until the first week of November, but it's a decent sum: $200, more or less. I'm guessing $203. My plan is to put half of it into savings, and use half of it for whatever I will (probably books).

I know this was a short post, but I'm tired.

Goodnight!

English Journal #2 - Technological Dependence

* In the book Anthem there is a lack of modern technology. Think of two inventions of technology you could not live without. Why? How do they make your life easier and more enjoyable?

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I'd say that one thing I need to make my way through life would be a computer. This is because of my habitual tendency to type up stories. I find this faster and easier than writing things by hand. I am not saying that I am opposed to writing things by hand; that is how I originally wrote this entry. It is merely simpler to type. The other thing I feel to be a necessity would be a phone. If I become lost, or if there is an immediate emergency, I find calling to be much more useful than mail or birds.

I'm sure I could adapt without these--I am relatively hardy--but they both make life easier.

L*M*W

[Not in journal] This reminds me of something I so often wonder: Have the vaccines and medicines that have strengthened us against disease also weakened our immunities? What I mean by this is that we might be pampering our health. If somehow we did lose our technological advancements, would we all die from weakness? For example, lions eat raw meat. The germs (usually) do them no harm. But if we ripped into an antelope, we might catch something awful. Basically, with all this medical help, our bodies might not think that they need primitive defenses, and lower them. We may be spoiling ourselves. This last paragraph here was sparked by something Tom Monteleone wrote on the side in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel. Just something to chew on...so to speak.

Of Pirates and Ninjas

Today, my school had us dress as either pirates or ninjas. Unfortunately, I was able to do neither: I had a tricorner hat (Jack Sparrow's, to be exact), but left it at my mother's house. I saw several of each, however, and felt envy for much. I could tell the ninjas I saw were really only costumes. Figure it out.
They are both interesting subjects, yet neither have I written of. Why? I really do not know. Perhaps I have not submerged myself properly. I dearly love the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, and await the prequel. I don't know much about ninjas. I ought to read up on both and then create tales; I think they would do well.
I told a friend that I might try to make up by being a pirate some other time, to which he replied: "You'd get beaten up." I questioned this, and he said: "This is high school." True, this is high school. But that's the thing! We should be over our childish squabbles by now. People seem to be very ignorant that different does not equal bad--not necessarily. Sure, I acted up in elementary and middle: the former because I was a kid and the latter because I did not agree to school rules (they were baloney). But now, I'm making a mark--one that shall last into my adulthood. These years matter. All years do, but these are crucial to success from what I hear. Yet, I see kids acting like toddlers left and right. Am I just more mature than most people my age? I do like to have fun, but psychologically I like to analyze things from various angles. That is why I do not think we should have God for a Judge; He would be inclined to His own perceptions of good and evil, and those are just points of view.
The whole religion thing fascinates (and infuriates) me, but I'll save it for another post.

For Horror Writers

I found this interesting: http://writinghood.com/writing/10-cliches-horror-writers-should-try-to-avoid/

English Journal #1 - Utopian Society

In all of the books we will read this semester, all of them contain the theme of a utopian society. What in your opinion are the characteristics of a perfect utopian society?

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First of all, I would like to address the matter that each individual has his or her own concept of a perfect world. As commonly stated, "If you try to please all, then you will please none." My world and yours are as different from one another as they are from any other. Humans are seldom, if ever, satisfied with perfection. Such is our nature.

My utopia would be be, at least in part, an oneiric and hauntingly nostalgic abode littered with bookshops and Key-lime soda fountains. Each said bookshop would be unique: one location might have a store cat, another a second-story balcony from which to watch the sunset, and yet another might sport marble pillars. Classics would boast leather covers with silver or gold lettering. I would live in a large brick house with a family of my own and several pets. These animals would include cats, dogs, rats, mantises, fishes and other aquatic animals, frogs, scorpions, millipedes, tarantulas, beetles, chameleons, pythons, corn snakes, turtles, tortoises, exotic birds, and crows, as well as a horse range and a goat and cow in front to keep the grass short. You can tell I'd run a mini-menagerie, and seeing as it's my world, I would even keep crocodiles. I would ride horseback as opposed to driving and dragons, giant eagles, or gryphons for aerial journeys. I would make a living by writing poems, novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, essays, journal entries, blog posts, and book reviews.

My utopia would be a peculiar one--one bizarre creatures and settings, such as signposts with faces, a sky below the ground, and doors leading to different time periods. There would be angels in the sky and serpents beneath the ocean's frothing waves. My mind would weave reality itself as seen fit. Life would be a dreamscape.

My home would have three stories (excluding the basement) and a large backyard with a stream. The house would feature at least one study piled high with books, maps and globes, astronomical instruments, perhaps a bust or two, and a large desk to sit at. In the foyer would be a stone fountain and a good-sized tank housing sharks, rays, and eels. A garden would reside at one side of my house: one containing flowers, trees, shrubs, rocks, and a koi pond. Since I am a fantasy lover, I would keep an armory with different makes of sword, shield, and other things of assault and defense.

You mustn't think I intend harm; the armory and archery range are purely for display and enjoyment. Peace would be abundant. Hate and war would be things of fiction. There would be no judgment, prejudice, or stereotypes of any sort. Love and kindness would always come first.

All things, living and inanimate, would retain the ability to communicate. Intellect and wit would be valued over strength. My favorite books would forever remain in print. I would meet many famous persons, alive or deceased on Earth. However, I would not wish to be all-knowing; I like mysteries. I would never run out of ideas for stories, but always have few enough at a time to write. These are among my utopian visions.

Hello!

My name is Lewis Mason Winter, and this is to be my new blog. I had one before, but I somehow got locked out of my email and now I am restarting. L.M. Winter is actually my pen name.

Now, a bit about myself:

I am an avid reader, writer, and moviegoer. I enjoy mostly fantasy, horror, and science fiction, but I will read, write, or watch anything as long as it interests me. My favorite books are the Inheritance series and my favorite movies are all of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. I enjoy a great variety of music. I am not into sports. My writings, as well as things I aspire to write, include:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Poetry
• Essays
• Scripts
• Journals
• Articles
• Letters
• ...and blog posts!

So, this is my first post. I should have more soon.