Rabbat
Rabbet is a word in the English language. It is a world that I had not encountered before embarking on this insane endeavour! It is also a word that the blogspot dictionary is unaware of - though blogspot is coming up as a misspelling as well - so I guess that that isn't saying much.
Rabbet, according to faithful wikipiedia is:
A rabbet (also known as rebate) is a recess or groove cut into the edge of a piece of machineable material, usually wood. When viewed in cross-section, a rabbet is two-sided and open to the edge or end of the surface into which it is cut. - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbet)
There you are. You lean something new every day - too bad its of no use whatsoever - unless you happen to be a carpenter. By the way a carpenter is someone who works with wood. It is not someone who paints cars.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Writer's blog 2010-06-08
Sometimes when the inspiration to write is absent I search for writing advice on the Internet. This is doomed to fail. The reason being that one website's must do is another's absolutely must not do but I found something that was actually useful a few weeks back.
"If outlines don't work for you, don't do them. Don't worry about finding the mountain. Just put one foot in front of the other and start climbing." JMS - http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22356.
This is what I have found I've tried the planning thing and it doesn't work - for me. To paraphrase Douglas Adams you don't need to know the history of the East India company to make a cup of tea. I think that some background for characters is necessary but you don't have to know every single thing - nor should you know nothing.
Oddly different things I've written seem to work in different ways. So my fantasy novel is one long flowing document - my sci-fi novel is split in chapter sections. So whatever works.
And now for do as I say not as I do - carry a notebook wherever you go. If you want to be a writer inspiration can come from anything and everything.
"Never surrender dream," JMS - http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1662.never_surrender_dreams
"If outlines don't work for you, don't do them. Don't worry about finding the mountain. Just put one foot in front of the other and start climbing." JMS - http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22356.
This is what I have found I've tried the planning thing and it doesn't work - for me. To paraphrase Douglas Adams you don't need to know the history of the East India company to make a cup of tea. I think that some background for characters is necessary but you don't have to know every single thing - nor should you know nothing.
Oddly different things I've written seem to work in different ways. So my fantasy novel is one long flowing document - my sci-fi novel is split in chapter sections. So whatever works.
And now for do as I say not as I do - carry a notebook wherever you go. If you want to be a writer inspiration can come from anything and everything.
"Never surrender dream," JMS - http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1662.never_surrender_dreams
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Writer's Blog 2010-06-06
If you've read the latest Dictionary Story I know what your thinking - 'He's gone mad' well you're wrong I was always mad. That was sort of the point of doing these stories just to see what came to mind. So I have proven that my mind is insane.
Taking of insanity I was in town yesterday (Cardiff) no not for the match. In fact I didn't actually know there was a match on so the craziness was a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless despite the noise and the drunk people it was a fun night out.
If anyone is reading this feel free to leave comments. Thinks you'd like to see - things you wouldn't like to see. I am still writing every day but have taken a step back a bit in one of my novels - my bad. The other one however is going well.
'I got nothing...yet' Samantha Carter - Stargate SG-1
Taking of insanity I was in town yesterday (Cardiff) no not for the match. In fact I didn't actually know there was a match on so the craziness was a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless despite the noise and the drunk people it was a fun night out.
If anyone is reading this feel free to leave comments. Thinks you'd like to see - things you wouldn't like to see. I am still writing every day but have taken a step back a bit in one of my novels - my bad. The other one however is going well.
'I got nothing...yet' Samantha Carter - Stargate SG-1
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Dictionary Stories 2010-06-05
Quack
"Quack, quack quack," the teacher said.
"Quack, quack quack," the class repeated.
"Almost," she said, "its a very subtle language. Let's break it down in to the three words. Quack - quack - quack."
The class repeated.
"Excellent," the teacher said, "now I believe our guest speaker is here. Alice would you open the window?"
Alice pushed away her table and crossed to the window and opened it. As soon as the gap was large enough a white duck flew in and landed on the teacher's desk.
"Hello," the duck said, "I understand you've been learning our language. It is most subtle and one of the hardest languages to learn. Just be glad your not learning chicken!"
"Quack, quack quack," the teacher said.
"Quack, quack quack," the class repeated.
"Almost," she said, "its a very subtle language. Let's break it down in to the three words. Quack - quack - quack."
The class repeated.
"Excellent," the teacher said, "now I believe our guest speaker is here. Alice would you open the window?"
Alice pushed away her table and crossed to the window and opened it. As soon as the gap was large enough a white duck flew in and landed on the teacher's desk.
"Hello," the duck said, "I understand you've been learning our language. It is most subtle and one of the hardest languages to learn. Just be glad your not learning chicken!"
Friday, 4 June 2010
Writer's Blog 2010-06-04
Well the road to hell is coming along nicely. By that I mean I have the intention of writing on here, in some fashion, everyday. Obviously I haven't! No real explanation other than stuff gets in the way. Here I am anyway.
The impetus of my novel writing is continuing on course and although I have gone back and done some editing again, I know bad bad, the word count is edging forward like ants with heavy shopping. I've also been reading the Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson - on the third book now. An excellent space saga series. There are many characters and short chapters. Now in writing my own science fiction novel I find myself emulating this style as it seems to be most effective. So if you want something to read over the summer I thoroughly recommend this series.
By my calculations today my university results should be on their way to me to day. At least its been twenty-eight working days so here's hoping!
I'll be back later in the week/day with more stuff. Feel free to leave comments about pretty much anything!
'There's no normal life Wayatt/Michael there's just life.' Tombstone/Babylon 5
The impetus of my novel writing is continuing on course and although I have gone back and done some editing again, I know bad bad, the word count is edging forward like ants with heavy shopping. I've also been reading the Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson - on the third book now. An excellent space saga series. There are many characters and short chapters. Now in writing my own science fiction novel I find myself emulating this style as it seems to be most effective. So if you want something to read over the summer I thoroughly recommend this series.
By my calculations today my university results should be on their way to me to day. At least its been twenty-eight working days so here's hoping!
I'll be back later in the week/day with more stuff. Feel free to leave comments about pretty much anything!
'There's no normal life Wayatt/Michael there's just life.' Tombstone/Babylon 5
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Dictionary Strories 2010-05-11
Pace
Pace. That was the key. If a good pace was kept up then he would be able to reach the finishing line. He told himself that he would not ever stop rather he would simply slow to a walk if he require a rest. As his tail moved from side-to-side he was glad of it being a good day for the marathon. He was sweating in the thick coat. He looked at the orange fur of his body and sighed. He was given the impetus to break into a run as a man dressed as a cigarette passed him. They must have been working for the NHS promoting non-smoking. As the cigarette-man passed him he slowed to a walk once more.
"Why," he asked himself, "why did I have to run dressed as a cat. Why when there were plenty of other cooler choices in that costume shop!"
Pace. That was the key. If a good pace was kept up then he would be able to reach the finishing line. He told himself that he would not ever stop rather he would simply slow to a walk if he require a rest. As his tail moved from side-to-side he was glad of it being a good day for the marathon. He was sweating in the thick coat. He looked at the orange fur of his body and sighed. He was given the impetus to break into a run as a man dressed as a cigarette passed him. They must have been working for the NHS promoting non-smoking. As the cigarette-man passed him he slowed to a walk once more.
"Why," he asked himself, "why did I have to run dressed as a cat. Why when there were plenty of other cooler choices in that costume shop!"
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Writer's Blog 2010-05-01
Hi everyone.
I know I've been away for a long time. Sorry about that. I hope to be back now and hope to be putting up posts regularly. Anyone who's at university will now how assignments come in at this time of year. Mine are almost finished and I guess I need to get a job.
On the subject of jobs does anyone know a good answer to the question, "Why do you want this job?" When I hear that all I can think is: 'Because in a capitalist society money is required for the exchange of goods and services!" I mean seriously.
I know some jobs are very important. If you are a doctor, nurse, fireman, soldier, airman, sailor, police officer or some such it can probable attached to ideas of honor or what not. But if you are applying to be a cashier or a burger flipper you can't really claim that its what you've wanted to do all your life. So interviews must know that the answer to that question will be, mostly, a load of BS - so why do they ask it.
You may not believe this, since I've only uploaded a quarter of a novel, but I consider myself to be a writer. A job is simply a means to an end. I want money to be able to buy that DVD or CD to be able to take a girl out sometime. (Thought for the latter all I find out is that I'm a great guy but...And the girl, lets call her Cerys, didn't think it was a date. I will not use the term friend zone, I will not use the term friend zone, I will not use the term friend zone)
All this is made worse by the media. They seem to think that those on the Dole, sorry Job Seekers allowance, but I'm going to go with Dole are lazy. While this may be true for some it certainly isn't for all. I looked for loads of jobs in the two years but nothing. Had a few interviews but never got to the final getting of the job.
Okay I did get one but that was terrible. Should we therefore except a terrible job? Even if it is underpaid?
So good luck to all those hardworking job seekers those who are really trying to get their job. I know it sucks. My advice, I know I'm not speaking to anyone here, find a hobby. Writing is quite good, thought it doesn't get you out of the house. Maybe take up an instrument, a martial art, running, cycling or any sport. A friend of mine, lets call her Nicola, said she was so bored when looking for work. She sent out hundreds of applications and eventually got something. However it sounded that there was nothing else going on for her without employment.
No answers I suppose but I am almost free of university now and will be uploading stuff on a semi-frequent basis. Thank you for sticking this long rambling aside out. I shall end by a shameless promotion.
Vote Lib dem on May 6th. For students they will cut your debt!
I hope to be posting another dictionary story latter today so watch out for it.
"Let me explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up." Inigo Montoya - The Princess Bride.
I know I've been away for a long time. Sorry about that. I hope to be back now and hope to be putting up posts regularly. Anyone who's at university will now how assignments come in at this time of year. Mine are almost finished and I guess I need to get a job.
On the subject of jobs does anyone know a good answer to the question, "Why do you want this job?" When I hear that all I can think is: 'Because in a capitalist society money is required for the exchange of goods and services!" I mean seriously.
I know some jobs are very important. If you are a doctor, nurse, fireman, soldier, airman, sailor, police officer or some such it can probable attached to ideas of honor or what not. But if you are applying to be a cashier or a burger flipper you can't really claim that its what you've wanted to do all your life. So interviews must know that the answer to that question will be, mostly, a load of BS - so why do they ask it.
You may not believe this, since I've only uploaded a quarter of a novel, but I consider myself to be a writer. A job is simply a means to an end. I want money to be able to buy that DVD or CD to be able to take a girl out sometime. (Thought for the latter all I find out is that I'm a great guy but...And the girl, lets call her Cerys, didn't think it was a date. I will not use the term friend zone, I will not use the term friend zone, I will not use the term friend zone)
All this is made worse by the media. They seem to think that those on the Dole, sorry Job Seekers allowance, but I'm going to go with Dole are lazy. While this may be true for some it certainly isn't for all. I looked for loads of jobs in the two years but nothing. Had a few interviews but never got to the final getting of the job.
Okay I did get one but that was terrible. Should we therefore except a terrible job? Even if it is underpaid?
So good luck to all those hardworking job seekers those who are really trying to get their job. I know it sucks. My advice, I know I'm not speaking to anyone here, find a hobby. Writing is quite good, thought it doesn't get you out of the house. Maybe take up an instrument, a martial art, running, cycling or any sport. A friend of mine, lets call her Nicola, said she was so bored when looking for work. She sent out hundreds of applications and eventually got something. However it sounded that there was nothing else going on for her without employment.
No answers I suppose but I am almost free of university now and will be uploading stuff on a semi-frequent basis. Thank you for sticking this long rambling aside out. I shall end by a shameless promotion.
Vote Lib dem on May 6th. For students they will cut your debt!
I hope to be posting another dictionary story latter today so watch out for it.
"Let me explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up." Inigo Montoya - The Princess Bride.
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