Adventures in Adulthood

Hi everyone. After a long absence (and ongoing affair with Tumblr), I’m back. I turned 18 recently, and that, plus the start of a new year, has compelled me to pursue my freelance writing career in earnest. Now Phantasma will be narrower in focus than it used to be. I’ve moved all my content and ramblings about gaming, music, and the like to my tumblog, Eidolon. Phantasma is now the chronicle of my budding writing career. In the future, I will post links to articles I post online.

I recently signed up for a user-generated content site called Hubpages, which is apparently quite popular and treats its writers well. (I have an account on Yahoo! Voices [formerly Associated Content], but that site has gone downhill since the Yahoo acquisition.) I’m excited! My plan is to publish at least 1 article a week, which I think is doable, barring a crap-ton of schoolwork. My ultimate plan is to write for Game Informer.* But that is a long time coming–until then, Hubpages it is.

What hit me a few days ago for the first time is that I’m an adult now. I have to get out in the world, make myself known, make money, and learn how to wash dishes. It’s scary. But there’s no way around it. I knew adolescence would have to end sometime, so there’s no use whining about it. I’m going to apply for a part-time position at Gamestop to make some money for driving lessons, and I’ll see where that takes me.

Music Monday–Cut Copy (Hearts on Fire)

Cut Copy is a retro electronic band from Australia with a talent for dreamy dance beats. I found them a long time ago but only now bought one of their albums–In Ghost Colours. It’s an album unlike any I’ve ever heard before. Each song runs into the next, forming a cohesive narrative. And while most of the songs aren’t immediately catchy, I was hooked after a few listens.

Hearts on Fire is one of my favorites, along with Out There on the Ice, Feel the Love, and Lights and Music.

Music Monday–Bruno Mars (Marry You)

This is the most adorable song I’ve ever heard. It’s so cute it’s almost sickening. But, to its credit, it’s wonderfully sweet and catchy. Bruno Mars has a fantastic voice.

I don’t use this song for my writing (kind of hard to write a decapitation to this), but when I want my mood lifted, this is the first tune I visit.

This novel is my zombie apocalypse

I recently started a writing journal. A lot of writers recommend it, and I figure Camp NaNoWriMo is as good a time as any to start. I know I’ll enjoy looking back on my entries after they’re written–to reconnect with my passion or snicker at my naiveté. This entry is taken directly from the journal.

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This novel is kicking my ass right now. Or maybe I’m kicking my own ass. The image in my head is so perfect and deep and sorrowful and epic that I’m terrified of doing it an injustice. Perfectionism. That’s what this is. And here I thought I had kicked that.

Music Monday–Panic! at the Disco (Do You Know What I’m Seeing?)

I recently listened to all of Panic! at the Disco’s Pretty. Odd. and beat myself up for not listening sooner. I love it more than their first album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. This song is one of my favorites–it’s lighthearted and relaxing, but funny and clever. Every song from Pretty. Odd. is unmissable, though. Also check out The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know and Mad as Rabbits.