Bunny Goes Back to School
First, a bit of housekeeping. For whatever reason, I’ve been getting a lot of spam signups to this newsletter. Most of them sit ignored without verification, some complain (valid, tbh), but a few have actually fully subscribed. So… hi! I appreciate your presence and don’t blame you if you leave.
Anyway: it’s fall, and that’s usually when students go back to school. So, I did. The local community college sent a catalog of continuing education classes and I figured, why not. I am 30 or 40 years old and I do need this. I need to learn things.
I think fencing might be my sport. (Inasmuch as I have one; I’m still a homebody nerd in rubbish physical shape.) 20+ years since I last picked up a bow and arrow and I’m finding the groove again, though it hurts my fingertips. And I’m trying to get more direct and specific aide with my writing, including a class specifically focused on writing dialogue. I’m not quite stretching myself as much as I’d like to, but there’s always next semester. Maybe I’ll learn soldering.
What else has been going on? A lot of settling in to the new house, a lot of querying out Vapormage and getting rejected. Same old same old. I’ve been wanting to do video again, focused on writing rather than video games like last time. But, y’know. Ideas, time, energy, fear of rejection, all my old enemies come out. I need to fight them if I’m gonna make things and actually put them out there. I don’t think an épée is gonna help me there.
Look at these things
Currently reading: True Blue Kangaroo by Curtis C. Chen. Yes the book just came out. This is my brag that I got an advance copy. If you want a sci-fi thriller, here ya go.
Currently listening: Expanses by The Green Kingdom. If you recognize track 2, then I’ll remind you that Hotline Miami 2 is almost a decade old. So.
Currently playing: UFO 50. There’s so much video game in this video game.
A little story
That class about writing dialogue? It’s specifically for stage and screen. So here’s the first bit of “homework” that I’ve done for that class, a small two-page scene focusing on character voice. And, the first bit I’ve actually written down about the non-Vapormage version of Chapalu.
INT. BACKSTAGE - BINGLEY LITTLE THEATER - NIGHT
CHAPALU paces around, dressed in his performance outfit, minus the top hat.
CHAPALU
Right then, Chappy, two minutes. You can do this. You've mastered the steps, one two one two, you have your coat, your tails, your--
(patting his head)
Hmm, yes, my hat...
ENTER BRUCE, wearing CHAPALU's hat.
CHAPALU
Ah, Bruce, lovely! If I may--
CHAPALU reaches for the hat. BRUCE backs away.
CHAPALU
The hat, my good man?
BRUCE
S'my hat.
CHAPALU
But you never wear a hat.
BRUCE
S'mine.
CHAPALU
(patiently)
Bruce, would you be so kind?
BRUCE
How 'bout you apologize first?
CHAPALU
Apologize? What for?
BRUCE
For makin' me look a bloody fool, for starts.
CHAPALU
When have I ever-- Is this about our performance yesterday? Bruce, you agreed to participate.
BRUCE
I agreed to stand there, not to look t'fool.
CHAPALU
Bruce, it is not embarrassment. It is theater. It is what I do, you know it is what I do. And I shan't do it without proper attire. Not for this audience.
BRUCE
Who you think cares? We're in Bingley. Maybe London's got singin' dancin' cats on every corner, but not here. Folks'll clap for any ol' get-up. You don't need this thing.
CHAPALU
Well now, I thought you wanted me to apologize.
BRUCE
Apologize or admit you ain't the big time. Either works.
CHAPALU stares at BRUCE. At the CLOCK. The band starts to strike up.
CHAPALU
In that case, Bruce, I am deeply sorry for embarrassing you, and I promise it will not happen again. Very good?
CHAPALU approaches BRUCE and grabs the hat. Puts it on, EXIT.
BRUCE
(to himself)
Right, knock 'em out, then.