I don't consider myself a singer, but people tell me I don't have such a bad voice and I can at least carry a tune. I've been writing lyrics for a while and I've been active on a forum occasionally, and someone approached me about recording something of theirs, so I decided it was time to start making demos. So I made one. A really rough one.
You can listen to it on my soundcloud here:
cover - Little Talks
I sang "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men. In retrospect, it was a really hard song to cover. There are both male and female parts to the song, which meant that there were different ranges, and the band is Icelandic, so some of the lyrics are a bit hard to fit in without the help of their beautiful accent. It just sounded kind of weird in an American accent, to be honest. I should probably record a song where I actually sound good. I don't have any voice training at all, this is all raw. I should also probably sit farther away from my computer next time...
If anyone has any suggestions of songs to cover, let me know!
Brave at Heart now has three chapters! Woohoo! I've got a little over a week until I move into university, so I'm hoping to crank out another chapter before then.
xxx
Laurel
Monday, August 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
On Blogs
Currently listening to: Phantom Limb by The Shins
Currently reading: House of God by Samuel Shem (well, I'm starting it tomorrow)
Blogs are a weird thing, really. They all do it: ironic hipsters and self-proclaimed fashion gurus and sports fanatics. You go ahead and you spill your heart out to anyone who happens to read your page and guess what: nobody cares. It takes a good deal of introspection to realize that nobody cares what you're doing every second of the day, even though your latest profile picture change may seem like the world to you. It's like Twitter, in that regard. Okay, so you went to get coffee. Big deal. You read a book. Big deal. But sometimes people pretend to care, or sometimes they sympathize, and sometimes they start commenting on everything you write... and then where does that get you? Now, tens of other people care about the mundane aspects of your day. Is that a feat we should all strive for? I guess, what I'm trying to say is, why do we blog? For some people, they like the attention of strangers commenting on their day-to-day doings. For others, they actually have something to say. For the rest of us, it's probably a therapeutic thing. I'm not attention-thirsty and I don't actually ever have anything to say, so I'd probably fall into that third category. After spilling my heart out to complete strangers over the internet (how much creepier can you get?) I usually feel... clean. Done. And I guess that's why I blog.
Currently reading: House of God by Samuel Shem (well, I'm starting it tomorrow)
Blogs are a weird thing, really. They all do it: ironic hipsters and self-proclaimed fashion gurus and sports fanatics. You go ahead and you spill your heart out to anyone who happens to read your page and guess what: nobody cares. It takes a good deal of introspection to realize that nobody cares what you're doing every second of the day, even though your latest profile picture change may seem like the world to you. It's like Twitter, in that regard. Okay, so you went to get coffee. Big deal. You read a book. Big deal. But sometimes people pretend to care, or sometimes they sympathize, and sometimes they start commenting on everything you write... and then where does that get you? Now, tens of other people care about the mundane aspects of your day. Is that a feat we should all strive for? I guess, what I'm trying to say is, why do we blog? For some people, they like the attention of strangers commenting on their day-to-day doings. For others, they actually have something to say. For the rest of us, it's probably a therapeutic thing. I'm not attention-thirsty and I don't actually ever have anything to say, so I'd probably fall into that third category. After spilling my heart out to complete strangers over the internet (how much creepier can you get?) I usually feel... clean. Done. And I guess that's why I blog.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thought Catalog
Currently listening to: Spellbound by Doves
I recently came across a website called Thought Catalog, a "place for relevant and relatable non-fiction and thought." Each day, a wide number of contributors post articles about jobs, relationships, family, humor, and overall life. Just as it says, almost all of the articles are somehow relatable to almost everyone, which I find incredible. Now, I check the blog every day for new updates. Here are a few of the articles that have touched me or made me laugh:
Why I Write
Questions I Have for People In Relationships
Tips For Being the +1 At A Wedding
Where Does Love Go When It Dies
Have a look around the site, I know you'll find something you like.
In other news, I've been working on Brave at Heart, my Harry Potter prequel, and even though it's slow, the work is steady. I've finished chapter 2 and I'm working on chapter 3! Here's a short excerpt from 2. Definitely not the most exciting part of the chapter, but I still need to work on the wording for the climax. This chapter takes place at Lucius and Narcissa's wedding:
Regulus
stepped on his foot. “Shut up!” he hissed.
I'm a premed student, and for the past few weeks I've been shadowing a surgeon--one of the reasons my writing has been going so slowly. I come home and I'm exhausted. It's been such an incredible experience, but I think I'll give it a post of its own.
So, did you find anything on Thought Catalog? Comment with your favorite articles! Props for anyone who actually submits anything! I'm working on a short piece that I may or may not submit, about my time at the hospital.
I recently came across a website called Thought Catalog, a "place for relevant and relatable non-fiction and thought." Each day, a wide number of contributors post articles about jobs, relationships, family, humor, and overall life. Just as it says, almost all of the articles are somehow relatable to almost everyone, which I find incredible. Now, I check the blog every day for new updates. Here are a few of the articles that have touched me or made me laugh:
Why I Write
Questions I Have for People In Relationships
Tips For Being the +1 At A Wedding
Where Does Love Go When It Dies
Have a look around the site, I know you'll find something you like.
In other news, I've been working on Brave at Heart, my Harry Potter prequel, and even though it's slow, the work is steady. I've finished chapter 2 and I'm working on chapter 3! Here's a short excerpt from 2. Definitely not the most exciting part of the chapter, but I still need to work on the wording for the climax. This chapter takes place at Lucius and Narcissa's wedding:
Evidently,
his cousins had spotted Lucius, also. “Look
at him, won’t you?” Lenore Crabbe said with a look of pure enthrallment. “My father is
old friends with Abraxas Malfoy. If only they had waited another few years—”
“You’re
talking about Lucius? Well I think he
tries just a little too hard,” Regulus said, crossing his arms, which made
Sirius smile. At least he wasn’t alone in thinking that Lucius Malfoy was a
stuck-up prick. “I mean really, he needs an occasion like this to make contacts
at the Ministry?”
Lenore
Crabbe looked sour at that comment, but Evan and Rabastan both nodded.
“You
jealous?” Sirius muttered into Regulus’s ear. He knew Regulus fancied Lenore.
I'm a premed student, and for the past few weeks I've been shadowing a surgeon--one of the reasons my writing has been going so slowly. I come home and I'm exhausted. It's been such an incredible experience, but I think I'll give it a post of its own.
So, did you find anything on Thought Catalog? Comment with your favorite articles! Props for anyone who actually submits anything! I'm working on a short piece that I may or may not submit, about my time at the hospital.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
At A Crosswinds
Currently reading: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Currently listening to: Crosswinds by J. Tillman
This song is dedicated to my (now) past boyfriend. He is a wonderful human being. We were best friends before we were together--I had no idea he even liked me. We were both seeing other people at that point. He had ended things with his girl for a while, but just as he ended it with her, I started seeing a guy who lived near us, and then he got back together with his girl... but eventually he broke it off and I realized how much he liked me and that I actually might like him as more than my best friend. The story of how we ACTUALLY got together is quite hysterical - although I'm not going to post it here, so comment if you want to hear it and I'll tell it to you over email or some other way :) Seriously, this stuff doesn't even happen in movies, it's so funny and awkward. Anyway, we had to end it finally because of distance after study abroad was over. Both of us wish we didn't have to end it, because we both still love each other, but we knew this was the only way to preserve our friendship.
Is there someone you think about every day? Is there someone who makes you realize that everyone has their flaws, but theirs is that they care TOO much? Is there someone who forces you to open up, yet makes you feel that you never have to go out of your way to impress them, because they're impressed with you just being you?
It's been a little hard lately, we've both accepted that we're going to have to move on, at least for a little while (I plan on moving to the city he lives in after college, because a lot of my family lives there) and we can still visit maybe once or twice a year during school, but I think he's moving on a bit faster than I am. I went through this long period where all I could think about was how much I missed him, and I couldn't sleep, I couldn't write, I couldn't do anything. I'm doing better now, I'm keeping myself busy, but whenever I have a chunk of down time, I find myself getting sad over him again. If anyone has any words of wisdom or advice, for me or for others, please share :)
In other news, Great Expectations has been good so far. I'm about halfway through, but the one thing I noticed about Charles Dickens is that he has a real sense for human character. He not only gets physical appearance, but he describes how that appearance is affected by the person's personality and history, and how that affects their mannerisms and role in the story. It's really interesting to read.
The song I posted is Crosswinds by J. Tillman. The lyrics are sparse, but I think it's some of the most beautiful songwriting I've heard. "We'll find each other where we promised." This line rings true to my life right now--that's how I imagine my boyfriend and I working out. In my head, we'll be separate during college, I'll move to his city for med school, where I plan to go as long as I get in, and we'll take it from there. Everyone wants to meet "the one," but it's so awful that I've found that person so soon in my life, because now I know nobody will be able to compare.
Oh, and I shopped away my feelings. I did get some pretty cool finds though, from one of my favorite haunts: the Nordstrom Rack. These Sam Edelman Karla Boots, Born Crown wedges, Cole Haan Air Whitley boots (a little risky fashion-wise, but I think I can pull it off) and Free People hoodie were all at least half off. Not so bad, eh?
Also, I'm pleased to announce that I more or less have a plot for "Brave at Heart," the working title of my Harry Potter prequel, book 1! I'm halfway through writing chapter 2, I should probably actually be doing that right now... but I have it completely outlined up to chapter 7, and then somewhat outlined the rest of the way through. I won't post it here yet, but if you want to see it let me know, I can send it by email. Check the Harry Potter page, because I'll be adding excerpts from time to time. I also added pictures of my characters. Look or don't look, it's your choice!
Well, that's all for now. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to chatting with you!
xxx
Laurel
Currently listening to: Crosswinds by J. Tillman
This song is dedicated to my (now) past boyfriend. He is a wonderful human being. We were best friends before we were together--I had no idea he even liked me. We were both seeing other people at that point. He had ended things with his girl for a while, but just as he ended it with her, I started seeing a guy who lived near us, and then he got back together with his girl... but eventually he broke it off and I realized how much he liked me and that I actually might like him as more than my best friend. The story of how we ACTUALLY got together is quite hysterical - although I'm not going to post it here, so comment if you want to hear it and I'll tell it to you over email or some other way :) Seriously, this stuff doesn't even happen in movies, it's so funny and awkward. Anyway, we had to end it finally because of distance after study abroad was over. Both of us wish we didn't have to end it, because we both still love each other, but we knew this was the only way to preserve our friendship.
Is there someone you think about every day? Is there someone who makes you realize that everyone has their flaws, but theirs is that they care TOO much? Is there someone who forces you to open up, yet makes you feel that you never have to go out of your way to impress them, because they're impressed with you just being you?
It's been a little hard lately, we've both accepted that we're going to have to move on, at least for a little while (I plan on moving to the city he lives in after college, because a lot of my family lives there) and we can still visit maybe once or twice a year during school, but I think he's moving on a bit faster than I am. I went through this long period where all I could think about was how much I missed him, and I couldn't sleep, I couldn't write, I couldn't do anything. I'm doing better now, I'm keeping myself busy, but whenever I have a chunk of down time, I find myself getting sad over him again. If anyone has any words of wisdom or advice, for me or for others, please share :)
In other news, Great Expectations has been good so far. I'm about halfway through, but the one thing I noticed about Charles Dickens is that he has a real sense for human character. He not only gets physical appearance, but he describes how that appearance is affected by the person's personality and history, and how that affects their mannerisms and role in the story. It's really interesting to read.
The song I posted is Crosswinds by J. Tillman. The lyrics are sparse, but I think it's some of the most beautiful songwriting I've heard. "We'll find each other where we promised." This line rings true to my life right now--that's how I imagine my boyfriend and I working out. In my head, we'll be separate during college, I'll move to his city for med school, where I plan to go as long as I get in, and we'll take it from there. Everyone wants to meet "the one," but it's so awful that I've found that person so soon in my life, because now I know nobody will be able to compare.
Oh, and I shopped away my feelings. I did get some pretty cool finds though, from one of my favorite haunts: the Nordstrom Rack. These Sam Edelman Karla Boots, Born Crown wedges, Cole Haan Air Whitley boots (a little risky fashion-wise, but I think I can pull it off) and Free People hoodie were all at least half off. Not so bad, eh?
Also, I'm pleased to announce that I more or less have a plot for "Brave at Heart," the working title of my Harry Potter prequel, book 1! I'm halfway through writing chapter 2, I should probably actually be doing that right now... but I have it completely outlined up to chapter 7, and then somewhat outlined the rest of the way through. I won't post it here yet, but if you want to see it let me know, I can send it by email. Check the Harry Potter page, because I'll be adding excerpts from time to time. I also added pictures of my characters. Look or don't look, it's your choice!
Well, that's all for now. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to chatting with you!
xxx
Laurel
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Back in Action
Currently reading: Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Currently listening to: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
I usually try to post a song a little out of the immediate mainstream just so you guys might find some new music you like, but this song has literally been stuck in my head for a week straight now. When I first heard it, I was convinced it was by Peter Bjorn & John. Even though the verses have that mellow indie vibe, the chorus is catchy and infectious enough for the song to make the top charts, and I'm glad! It was even featured in the final episode of Homeland, a one-season show I've been watching recently about a marine sergeant held captive for eight years and finally returned home, amidst accusations and rumors of terrorism and infidelity. It's really very good.
Yes, you read that right, I've been reading Hamlet in my free time. I'm going to be a college First Year in the fall, and if I don't major in English, I'm going to minor in it. Since I didn't get a lot of classic literature at my high school, I figured Hamlet would be a good place to start. And I'm actually enjoying it!
So by the fact that I'm actually posting something real here, you guessed it... I've returned from my world travels! It was absolutely the most incredible year I could ever have had, and I recommend to everyone to do a gap year or even study abroad while still in school. It's just an incredible feeling to get used to living in a foreign place with a different language and culture, and to find yourself becoming immersed. I would go to markets, underground bars, art fairs, and take buses and trains wherever they led me. I felt so free this year, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to literally do whatever I wanted.
Now that I'm back to real life, I'm also back to writing! I'm working on the outline for my Harry Potter prequels again, and I'll be ready to resume writing soon. I have a few holes I still need to fill, though, before I can do anything. (If you're interested to know more, comment, write in the c-box to the right, or email me at laurel.firemeup@gmail.com! I'd even be happy to show you my outline, maybe you'd have some suggestions for me.)
I'm so glad to be back! I really hope people are reading this blog. PLEASE, comment if you see this - even if you haven't read the post or don't have anything to say - just to say hi and let me know you're reading! I get kind of discouraged when I think no one is reading, because I still do get some views on here.
If you have anything you'd like me to talk about on the blog, let me know! I can do anything from reviews of music, tv, movies, books; fashion, advice, personal anecdotes, and I can even share a story of yours! So comment, c-box, or email me with anything!
xxx
Laurel
Fun links:
The Fresh King of Gondor
50 Practically Free Ways to Decorate Your Dorm Room
Online Polaroid Creator
Currently listening to: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
I usually try to post a song a little out of the immediate mainstream just so you guys might find some new music you like, but this song has literally been stuck in my head for a week straight now. When I first heard it, I was convinced it was by Peter Bjorn & John. Even though the verses have that mellow indie vibe, the chorus is catchy and infectious enough for the song to make the top charts, and I'm glad! It was even featured in the final episode of Homeland, a one-season show I've been watching recently about a marine sergeant held captive for eight years and finally returned home, amidst accusations and rumors of terrorism and infidelity. It's really very good.
Yes, you read that right, I've been reading Hamlet in my free time. I'm going to be a college First Year in the fall, and if I don't major in English, I'm going to minor in it. Since I didn't get a lot of classic literature at my high school, I figured Hamlet would be a good place to start. And I'm actually enjoying it!
So by the fact that I'm actually posting something real here, you guessed it... I've returned from my world travels! It was absolutely the most incredible year I could ever have had, and I recommend to everyone to do a gap year or even study abroad while still in school. It's just an incredible feeling to get used to living in a foreign place with a different language and culture, and to find yourself becoming immersed. I would go to markets, underground bars, art fairs, and take buses and trains wherever they led me. I felt so free this year, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to literally do whatever I wanted.
Now that I'm back to real life, I'm also back to writing! I'm working on the outline for my Harry Potter prequels again, and I'll be ready to resume writing soon. I have a few holes I still need to fill, though, before I can do anything. (If you're interested to know more, comment, write in the c-box to the right, or email me at laurel.firemeup@gmail.com! I'd even be happy to show you my outline, maybe you'd have some suggestions for me.)
I'm so glad to be back! I really hope people are reading this blog. PLEASE, comment if you see this - even if you haven't read the post or don't have anything to say - just to say hi and let me know you're reading! I get kind of discouraged when I think no one is reading, because I still do get some views on here.
If you have anything you'd like me to talk about on the blog, let me know! I can do anything from reviews of music, tv, movies, books; fashion, advice, personal anecdotes, and I can even share a story of yours! So comment, c-box, or email me with anything!
xxx
Laurel
Fun links:
The Fresh King of Gondor
50 Practically Free Ways to Decorate Your Dorm Room
Online Polaroid Creator
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Germany and Czech Republic
Currently Listening to: Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Prague and Berlin! Prague is a magical city. The streets remain stone and rocky, with old lampposts and original building facades. The shelter of the country during the Communist regime was very evident. Everyone sounds like they came straight out of Dracula and sometimes they look it, too. I definitely found a lot of inspiration for my Harry Potter prequel. My friends kept saying they felt like they were walking around Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. Some of the highlights included Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, the Charles Bridge, the Lennon Wall, the Choco-Story chocolate museum, Petrin Hill, the Communism Museum, and the Beer Museum (it was really a bar, where you can taste different flavored beers--including chocolate and raspberry! We tried over 20 flavors during the span of the week.) Traditional foods ranged from goulash, fried cheese, to hot wine, but we found ourselves eating Mexican a lot. Next, we traveled to Berlin for two days. It immediately got snowier and quiet a bit colder! We went to the Olympic Stadium and saw a few different monuments and museums about the Berlin Wall and World War II. I think the coolest thing I saw was the East Side Gallery, which is part of the wall that is covered in graffiti. Most of it is actually artwork, I think. Look it up, it's incredible. This part of the trip was really cool for me because my grandma and her whole family are from Germany, so I got to experience a lot of what she has always told me about.
In other news, I've been a bit too busy with that stuff to really pay enough attention to my stories. I'm going to an army training week tomorrow, then I'm off for a two week vacation before I finally settle in my new home in the desert. Hopefully, once I get there, I'll have loads of free time to devote to my works!
Two Polyvores for you:
Prague
Berlin
Fun links:
Where Harry Potter and Mean Girls Collide
Fairytale Princes Gone Sexy
How To Overcome 10 Types of Writers Block
Cheers!
Laurel
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hipsterama
Currently listening to: O Valencia! by The Decemberists
Hey guys! As I mentioned before, things in my life have become a little... hipster. Maybe it's me being tired of everyone always being, looking, and acting the same, maybe it's me being bored with life, or maybe it's just the influence of my boyfriend (who can be seen walking the streets in skinny jeans and a pulled back beanie)... who knows. Anyway, it's been quite fun. I'm not actually a hipster, but things have been leaning that way. The other day, I was in class and I get a text from my friend who was hanging out in my dorm asking what the heck I was doing with an anthology of British Literature... there I am for you! I've been rereading some of my favorites.
One of my all-time favorite poems is The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot. There are so many parts of the poem that I love, but I'm always a sucker for descriptive words (especially about nature) that flow off the tongue... like the first part of the stanza. I love it.
When I write, sometimes I find myself rushing the action. I try to remember that it's important to slow down and write descriptions that will paint just the right amount of a picture for readers. If I notice myself skipping through the descriptions, I try to take a break and come back to my writing when there's less pressure to finish quickly and when I'm more relaxed--that way I give myself more time to think of just the right wording for my descriptions: alliteration, personification, similes and metaphors can all work together to make a great descriptive passage.
Some Cool Links:
The best way to write an essay: Written Kitten
What I wore today... on my polyvore!
Indie Rock Cafe: lots of free downloads here!
Weird writing habits of famous authors
Best closing lines of books
Updates: I've been in contact with my betas and I started working on my stories again! Well, mainly my Harry Potter prequel series. Yay! I am working on posting the new prologue on my blog, so click on the "Harry Potter" tab and find the prologue link!
Hey guys! As I mentioned before, things in my life have become a little... hipster. Maybe it's me being tired of everyone always being, looking, and acting the same, maybe it's me being bored with life, or maybe it's just the influence of my boyfriend (who can be seen walking the streets in skinny jeans and a pulled back beanie)... who knows. Anyway, it's been quite fun. I'm not actually a hipster, but things have been leaning that way. The other day, I was in class and I get a text from my friend who was hanging out in my dorm asking what the heck I was doing with an anthology of British Literature... there I am for you! I've been rereading some of my favorites.
One of my all-time favorite poems is The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot. There are so many parts of the poem that I love, but I'm always a sucker for descriptive words (especially about nature) that flow off the tongue... like the first part of the stanza. I love it.
| April is the cruellest month, breeding | |
| Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing | |
| Memory and desire, stirring | |
| Dull roots with spring rain. |
When I write, sometimes I find myself rushing the action. I try to remember that it's important to slow down and write descriptions that will paint just the right amount of a picture for readers. If I notice myself skipping through the descriptions, I try to take a break and come back to my writing when there's less pressure to finish quickly and when I'm more relaxed--that way I give myself more time to think of just the right wording for my descriptions: alliteration, personification, similes and metaphors can all work together to make a great descriptive passage.
Some Cool Links:
The best way to write an essay: Written Kitten
What I wore today... on my polyvore!
Indie Rock Cafe: lots of free downloads here!
Weird writing habits of famous authors
Best closing lines of books
Updates: I've been in contact with my betas and I started working on my stories again! Well, mainly my Harry Potter prequel series. Yay! I am working on posting the new prologue on my blog, so click on the "Harry Potter" tab and find the prologue link!
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