Week 8 Reading and Writing

 This week's reading and writing really allowed me to analyze my own work, thus allowing me to see areas that need improvement. Looking back at my assignments, I can see that I can do a good job with my writing, however, it could have been made better. Overall I am satisfied with my blogs and website. I do want to make the website more interactable and enjoyable so that way it is more memorable to the audience. In concern to my stories, I believe choosing the option to stick with my imagination and made up stories is working in my favour. This allows me to have a more creative process in my writing. I have noticed throughout my weeks in this course, that I need to improve on my peer review and final drafts. I can do a better job at making sure grammatical errors are gone. Overall I feel like I have been making slight improvement in y writing ability. My favourite reading so far has to be the story of Rama and Sita. This story was able to showcase what brilliant plot and theme look like. This class has shown me a very strategic style of writing when it comes to reading. I use the author's notes in my reading to help analyze inner thoughts. I believe this has helped me improve both my reading and writing skills. I look forward to more interesting readings in this course. I want to analyze themes and deeper meanings behind these stories and make a serious connection of that theme in my revisions. 

Rama

This picture above shows a bold picture of Rama from the stories mentioned in the readings. 

Week 7 Story:

Never Enough

    Timothy, a college teenager who has found himself in a tough situation. After being sacked from multiple jobs, Tim finally admitted to himself that he needs to start taking life seriously. He needed money to live his day to day life. He had no food, and not enough money for rent and bills. One day, his good friend Bryson comes into town with an idea. He tells Tim of this game at the casino called 21. Bryson explains to Tim that there is a method to win the game every time, and it guarantees you money. Trusting Bryson with all his might, Tim and Bryson made their way to the casino. The casino was filled with money-hungry men and women. Timothy grew with excitement to the sound of bells and whistles of contestants winning. Not only did Tim decide to bring every penny to his name, but decided that this would be the day he gets his big break. Bryson explains to Tim how the game works, and that the trick is to stop playing once you triple or double your profit. This was the only simple instruction Bryson gave Timothy before he leaves him to go play some games of his own. Timothy waited patiently in line to play the game. Each contestant that played left with a good sum of money. Finally, it was Timothy's turn to take his crack at the game. He started off with a solid $100 to start off to get a feel for the game and how it worked. After seeing how easy it was, he decided to add all of his money into the pot. It was a total of $500. He won small amounts at first but ended up with a total of $2000. People behind him in line grew with rage as Timothy would not leave the game, as greed for money grew. Timothy is fuming with excitement as he won plenty of money to make do for a little. Bryson sees the line for the game in the distance and Timothy playing. He makes his way over to the game to find out that Timothy had gone way over the limit, and did not stop at the appropriate time. Timothy takes one final greedy take on the game; where he finds himself in an even bigger hole. Timothy's greed and hunger for money resulted in a loss for everyone. Timothy went home with utter sadness and rage. He blamed Bryson for his own mistakes and did not learn from the lesson. He was too stubborn and too hot-headed to take the time to understand and own up to his mistakes. 

Gambling Addiction

Authors Note: For this week, I chose to rewrite my own version from the concept of "The Gambling Match". In this section, the story concerns Duryodhana fighting with the Pandavas. This was due to the gambling game performed with dice. Shakhuni was a character that was very skilled in this game. Knowing that the game had no certainty on a win, they decided to take the risk. In this version of mine, I want to add a scheme in my plot where the character learns from not knowing his limits. 

Bibliography: PDE Mahabharata. The Gambling Match

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Notes Part D

 Reading Notes Part D: The Mongoose

For this week's reading notes part D, I chose to write my notes over "The Mongoose". I chose this part of the story because it introduces a new character to the plot that added much meaning. The mongoose was found entering the city with a half golden body. The mongoose spoke up with a beautiful story. The story was of the Brahmin. The man lived off the farm with his wife and kids and eventually, hunger took over due to them only eating corn once a day. They were always hungry, yet they were never greedy. They even fed a guest with their small portion of food. The family fed all their food to the guests to please their appetite. This mark did not go unnoticed as the gods saw this and pleased the family with the blessing of living a worry-free life. They were gifted with the ultimate saving of heading to heaven. The mongoose turned to gold shortly after telling this story. This story shows caring, giving, and praise. The family was kind enough to put their own desperate hunger aside to please some random guests. This good service in return was blessed, thus showing that kindness does not go unnoticed. Be a kind person in the world, and you can change much more than just one life.  

Golden Goose

Bibliography: PDE Mahabharata

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part C

READING NOTES: PART C 

For this week's reading in the Mahabharata, I chose to stick to the plot in the story, where the setting was in the forest and the introduction of Krishna's visit. In this section, you will find Yudihishnthira goes about his destiny into the forest. He had a battle with the brahmins. They were to fight through tough battles with creatures, and better yet hunger. They were to survive on their will to live. The gods play a huge role in this story. The sun gods help Rajah and Yudhishthira in their journey. The sun gods provided them with the gift of food, enough for 12 years to survive with their wives. They did not take the help of the gods easily. They went praying and sent offerings to the gods at temples numerous times. 

Krishna finds his way into the forest with the Pandavas. Krishna was served with the possession of a slave. The slave begs to ask for forgiveness and saving. It was not the job of the husband to save the wife, which is what happened. Draupadi was not saved as she wept. Draupadi questions the gods as to why they would let this happen. This led to war with the demons and how a husband would not look out for his wife and his love. Draupadi wants nothing but revenge. However, Arjuna fights back with the weapons in the collection. Krishna plays a key role in the plot where he tries to find an equal balance between Pandavas and the Kauravas. Krishna attempts to bring them together. 

Lord Krishna's Funeral Vs Lockdown Time Deaths

Bibliography: PDE Mahabharata

Week 6 Lab: EmpoWord

This week I decided to go with the story lab, and find an art in the EmpoWord. I was advised to read Chapter 2: Telling a Story. This was an interesting read and very knowledgeable and detailing. Here are several bullet points that made a key impact in my reading experience that is worth taking notes over....

Chapter Two: Telling a Story Notes:

• Initial introduction of narration is given, as it serves as a stem to the story and leads to engage audience. 
• Part one shows the description, narration and reflection side of the story. 
• The dynamic of characters play out a role in a great story. 
• The ability to have different level of role in character in order to have the spectrum of dynamic, flat, round or static characters. 
• Any story has a mood or emotion that usually follows a plot line. (think of this when writing)
• It is also important stay in the same point of view or tense (past, present, future). 
• Plot obviously is an important part of any story, which is why different techniques are key. 
• Three elements to consider are scope, sequence and pacing. 
• Scope refers to the "boundaries of your plot", while sequence and pacing is all about the timing of the plot and when and where something takes place. 
• You have to make a good flow and balance in your story. 
• Chapter two also touches on a strong introduction starting with action or drama. Media res refers to this as an antagonistic, imagistic, and exciting scenes. 
• Always thinks of ways to build your character along with your plot.
• Much like sequencing and spacing your plot, you need to know when not to escalate as well. This is important especially when approaching the end of your story. 
• Explore different techniques of story telling and observe the impact on the audience. 

Types of Characters

This picture above shows visual representations of the different types of characters you can build in your story from static, flat, dynamic and round. 

Reading Notes, Mahabharata Part B

 Part B of this reading was an interesting plot twist and showed great dramatic tension between characters. I chose to write notes over "The Gambling Match" as it caught  my attention. The plot thickens with the Pandavas brothers and the conflict with Duryodhana. He os overwhelmed by the power of the brothers and the conflict. Later the gambling games is introduced as Shakuni shows a bright future in the game with loaded dice. The gambling match was held at the pavilion after much debate. Many gathered to watch the match. The match rules were set by Yudhishthira. Duryodhana works greatly with the stakes while his partner Shakuni throws the dice. This did not settle nicely with Yudhishthira due to it not being a normal playing style. Yudhishthira's greedy playing style forced him to gamble away a lot of his belongings. He lost many vial playing cards such as his slaves and even kingdom. He set himself up for utter failure. This is a never ending cycle, as Shakuni was once a slave to the trade game. The story ends with Draupadi taking a win by Duryodhana. The winning included many slaves, which was ordered to come and sweep the chambers with others. Vidura was not happy with this idea and says that the Draupadi was not to be his slave due to Yudhi. Final ending showed the Duryodhana was cursed and the birth of a royal slave occured. 

Shakuni

Bibliography:  Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part A

This was most definitely an interesting read as many new characters and setting take place in the plot. You are introduced to many characters such as King Shantanu, Goddess Ganga, Vyasa, Devavrata, Bhishma, Pandu and many more. 

I chose to focus on the story "Pandu" as the title "The Sons of Pandu" caught my attention. In this story, it introduces the story of Pandu and his wives and sons. Pandu was known to have multiple wives and sons. The sons were supposedly the Gods creations and not Pandu's blood. The story also introduces Kunti the mother of Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, whom was seed to Dharma, Vayu and Indra. Later the two additional introduction of two more sons, Ashwins. These five became the princes known as the Pandava brothers. 

King Pandu had a difficult life ahead of him. He one day met Madri, who was a wife of Pandu. As he enjoys his time with her, he finds himself in a sunken place as the brahmin foretold his tragic death. The Pandava brothers arranged the funeral of the mighty Pandu. His soul was to reach heaven one day. At his funeral, his wives must pick which one of them has to "follow her lord to the region of the dead". Both Madri and Kunti volunteer, however with the terms of the brahmin, Madri must be sent to the realm of the dead. 

This was an interesting plot line and showed great taste of character and drama. I feel like this would make for a great story piece to rewrite and show some creativity. 

Dhritarashtra, Pandu , Vidura and theirs wife Gandhari, Kunti, Sulabha

 Bibliography: PDE Mahabharata by Arnold, Besent, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore. Source. Pandu

Week 5 Story: Heart Beatdown

 Heart Beatdown

Portfolio Link

     In a kingdom with two alpha males and only one queen's heart on the line, Raj, a mighty warrior with a royal heart, and Roshan the trickster with a whole wild mind of his own. Roshan kidnapped the beautiful queen named Asznee. She has always had a unique eye and fond of Raj, as Roshan offers her the supremacy of holding all fortunes in the world. The question is who is bold enough to fight for the heart of the one Asznee. 

    Raj grew with rage at the fact that he has not been able to hold his dear Asznee in his arms. He ran wild to the point where he talked to the Gods for superpowers. The Gods granted Raj with the special ability of superhuman strength. Roshan hears of this news from his kingdom messengers. Roshan is a trickster that uses his own special ability of shapeshifting. He was quick and slick with his transformation. Roshan is aware of the fact that Raj acquired superpowers, however, he is yet to know what kind of superpowers. Raj being the smart and tactical warrior that he is decided to keep his powers lowkey. 

    Roshan loves the chase, but in order to get the others to chase, he urges his enemies and victims. He has taken many lives with his ability and he will fight till death if he has to. On a dark cloudy day, Roshan transforms into a horse and made way to Raj with his servants. Meanwhile, Raj is meditating and praying in his kingdom. Raj being a royal persona, he has security and bodies surrounding his perimeter constantly. It is not an easy task to approach Raj without alerting him. However, Roshan is a shapeshifter that can transform into any being that has 4 extremities (arms and legs). Roshan sneaks his way past his guards and servants in Raj's own kingdom in the shape of a frog. Raj is clever enough to set traps around his house to identify any being entered in the premise. He was alerted as soon as Roshan crossed into his house. Raj keeps his head calm and collected as he speaks to Roshan loudly, and yells, "Face me like a man first". Roshan immediately transforms into his human self and tells Raj that he is no match for him. 

    Raj looks at Roshan with sharp eyes and tells him two words, 'she's mine", as he charges Roshan with full force and speed. The quick-thinking Roshan transforms into the king of the jungle, the mighty lion. Roshan leaps with his strong powerful legs and takes a dive onto Raj. The two bodies collapsed to the ground with a hard thump sound. Moments later, Roshan thinking he won, Raj picks up a whole lions body and slams Roshan to the ground, sending shockwaves through the kingdom. 

    Raj ended up with the girl he was fighting for but realized his worth, and his suffering is not worth a queen that does not see his heart as fortune. 

Who Killed Ravana

This picture shows the battle scene of Ravana and Rama which ended with Rama shooting Ravana with an arrow. 

Authors Notes

    This story was inspired by the story and the scene between Rama and Ravana where they get into a gruesome battle. In this version of my own unique story, I was able to show how Rama (Raj) and Ravana (Roshan) both have a taste for Sita (Asznee). It also shows the ultimate fight where Rama and Ravana fights, which resulted in the death of Ravana (Roshan). I changed up the characters and the ability of the persona from the original version of the reading. I was able to have the same outcome in terms of two different characters and different fighting plotline. 

Bibliography: Myths of the Hindu and Buddhist: Ramayana by Sister Nivedita. 1914. Link

Reading Notes... Divine Archer Part B

 The second portion of the reading "The Divine Archer" by F.J. Gould was short and packed with interesting details about characters and plot. For example we discovered Hanuman's ability to shape shift, which many people found fascinating. Many other actions take place such as the battle between Sugriva and his brother Vali. Rama enters the scene to kill Vali with an arrow. Hanuman is able to make a play and track down Sita in Lanka. Hanuman witnesses Sita have a conversation with Ravana, the trickster. Hanuman finds Sita and informs her that Rama is looking for her. Eventually the two sides end up at war with each other. Rama is able to gather an army and force his way into Lanka. Hanuman joins the army in order to help, as he surely was when he saved Lakshmana's life. Rama is faced with the help of Indra and he was given a plethora of weapons. Rama is able to defeat Ravana and Sita was proven innocent the whole time. It was an ideal ending to the story, and was very much predictable. Once again the voice of the common people made Sita get exiled due to her statue of innocence. Sita leaves the kingdom to give birth to two boys. who meets Rama as he understands his mistakes. 

Rama and Hanuman

Bibliography

"The Divine Archer" (1911) by F.J. Gould.

Reading Notes.. Divine Archer Part A

 This weeks notes is based off the reading "Divine Archer" by F.J. Gould. This was a very interesting read for sure as the author had a great descriptive writing style. Gould enjoyed explaining situations in the writing especially setting the environment and plot. Here are some bullet points that highlighted the reading for me. 

Part A

• Rama and his brothers were born, and Rama proved to be the best among them.
• Rama is put up to the ultimate task of fighting demons along with Vishvamitra.
• Rama meets the love of his life, Sita.
• Shiva put Rama through a challenge. 
• Rama goes to his limit to win Sita over by completing the challenge of bending a bow. 
• Rama is put through more challenges in life as his achievements made enemies such as Paras mad. 
• Rama completes his tasks with Paras as well, and earns their respect. 
• Rama wants to become a King. 
• Rama ends up exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. 
• The king was forced to relieve a curse. 
• Sita tries to leave with Rama but is not allowed to. 
• King Dasharatha soon dies after the exile of Rama. 
• Bharata is introduced as the son of the issue. 
• Bharata finds Rama and tries to return him to home.
• Rama has other plans and declines the offer. 
• Rama is put through a forceful marriage by a witch or demon. 
• Ramas brothers come for the rescue as they fight the drama. 
• Rama is tricked by Ravana. 
• Ravana kidnaps Sita to mess with Rama. 
• Rama and Sugriva team up to talk to Vali. 

The story was overall great, and exciting to read. It showed a great plot line and drama that made the reading adventurous.

Rama and Bharata

 Author: Cornelia Blakemore Warner Fund, Date: 490, Description: Divine Archer, Divine Archer.

Storybook Plan

 Storybook Plan

Initially I was going to create a storybook following a theme around Roman and Indian Gods and mainly use Zeus as the backbone of the storybook. But more thinking got me on board with the portfolio idea. I feel more comfortable with the more open minded approach and the freedom I have to create a website with several stories either in the same theme or individual stories. 

So Far in this portfolio I have a rewritten a story from the Ramayana stories. I have gathered several stories from Hindu and Greek mythology which focuses on little stories about Hindu and Greek mythology and the Gods. I am between the idea of having an open portfolio where I could have individual stories or making a theme such as morals, which I found was a common theme. I found myself lost in the rewriting these stories and allowed my imagination to run wild. This was a process I genuinely enjoyed. 

Stories in this portfolio could include relationships like Krishna and Kamsa and the Greek Kronos and Zeus, The two Gods of Thunder between the two mythologies, Holy Trinity and The Greek Holy Trinity, and many more little stories that tie in together. 

I would like my portfolio to follow a unique theme that would allow me to get the most amount of freedom. I believe choosing the theme about morals would serve me well as most of the stories shared in the Hindu and or Greek culture follows a pattern around morals and life lessons. I have also found that most often, these messages are not direct as it is hidden under the subtext of the stories. 

Strange Similarities Between Greek And Indian Mythology

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Week 4 Lab: Writers Write

 For my week 4 lab, I decided that it would be a good idea to explore the Writers write page and find articles that might catch my attention. A lot of articles caught my attention, however the articles on "5 Things to Remember while writing a Novel" and "The Edit" stood out to me the most. 

5 Things to Remember while writing a Novel

This post focuses on a few important rules to keep in mind when writing a novel. Writing a novel is a time consuming task and requires a lot of patience and attention. This article focuses on 5 basic yet important rules when writing a novel. First rule is to gather a complete thought or idea to base the novel off of. Your plot could change any second, it is important to stay goal oriented and focus on a certain idea or goal. The second rule is to pay attention to time. Your masterpiece requires time, and this is important. Having a set schedule might help your writing process go smoothly. Number 3 is to have a game plan. Having your plot lines planned out before you write is a great way to stay organized and not jumble your mind with last second ideas that might mess up a perfect plot. Staying in a focused route and having a determined mindset is important as well. Rule number 4 is an unique idea that many authors fly right over. It is to know your audience and your genre. Stick to something of your skillset, this will help you get the most optimal writing to your audience. Finally the post focuses on a very important step, editing. This is a step that every writer will need to master in order to go from a good writer to a great writer. 

The Edit

This short article or story focuses on the steps after you have finished writing a book or project. It helps you ask yourself questions such as have you written the best version of your book, or have you made any mistakes? Editing is a very important role in writing as it helps you catch mistakes you might have previously made. The article explains how "the Edit" is the last step in the process. 

Having an editor is a great start to a writing career, as having an editor allows you to have fresh eyes on a project at all times, thus negating any minor mental errors. Someone else is more likely to catch your mistakes rather than yourself. The article explains how there are different forms of editing, such as developmental editing, proofreading, open communication and more. Either way at the end of the day, editor just want to make you a better writer and only looks into improving your skills. 

Editing is so hard