... No title.

Well... I'm pretty much bored right now. I was trying to watch my favorite movie, but I can't. I personally think The Uninvited is the best movie like out there... Doesn't really matter how many movies come out; nothing can ever top this one. Back to the point... IM BORED. I finished my homework, but I have nothing to do. I'm just here singing in my room listening to some music.... Not sure why... Although I love to sing, and by the way I really can... (Before someone asks.) I love singing.!

Yay... I made the basketball team today... I'm pretty much happy about it. I was kinda nervous going into like tryouts, and such but I guess I did pretty well. Now I get to order the pretty sweats, and stuff like that :) I had my face 2 face with Kauffman, and it was pretty interesting. We talked about colleges, careers, friends, and normal Kauffman things. Then I went to physical therapy today too... It was pretty fun... I learn some new exercises to help with my knees, and ankles.

My grades aren't really what I want them to be right now... Sadly, I have four B's.... Pretty disappointed with that. I guess that's just me. I'm hoping to get those B's up before the quarter ends, but I'm not sure if I'll have time... Let's see... I think I can play in the blue and silver game tuesday (since I'm on the team), but I'm not sure yet....

Well I'm off to watch The Uninvited.... Goodnight :)

Day Thirty

Today is the final blog... I'm almost sad to see that Project Cinderella is almost over, but I won't miss the blogging AT ALL. It was pretty fun at times, but it's not something I would want to do on a regular basis. I think after this I might just stop blogging, or maybe if I'm inspired I'll blog about something. I love writing, so this was definitely one of the easier aspects of writing. It was really helpful that we had a prompt to write about too because without out that I don't think I would've wanted to do it, but surprisingly I made it do day thirty! I'm proud of myself...

Honestly, I never thought I was good at blogging so I detested it for awhile; well I still do. I just have a different reason for it now; don't get me wrong... I enjoy writing, but sometimes it can be very time consuming! Well... I guess that's pretty much enough about the blogging, and things of that nature.... Again, it was good, but I'm really glad it's over for the time being because I'm starting to get a lot of homework from other teachers :/

What's left now? Let's discuss the book... Shall we? I'm pretty much done with the writing, but I might do some editing; maybe add or change some things. I'm not sure yet... I'm in a good place though, and the pictures are the only thing on my mind right now. I might draw them today! How exciting? Well... Not really, but it's apart of the book.... Yay for the book :)

Well... Here's to another short blog from me :) I'm surprised I didn't write more... But here's to the last blog.

Enjoy :)

Day Twenty-Nine

I've actually learned a lot from doing Project Cinderella; it has taught that even though I don't like kids, but I can still write a decent book for them. It makes me think that maybe one day I could write a book, and get it published (of course it would be for the grown ups though, sorry kids!) I've actually rediscovered my love for writing short stories, and things of that nature. I've also noticed that I write pretty detailed; sometimes I'm too detailed about things, which isn't always a good thing. That's always been one of my weaknesses; I like everything to be logical, and sound correct all the time.

I don't think it's a bad thing though, but I guess I'll have to work on that. My strengths would definitely be the writing, and blogging because things like this just come naturally to me. I enjoy reading, and writing a lot; it's one of my favorite past times. I've actually come pretty far in this process although normally I was pretty much on top of things from the start, and I'm done with all the writing of the book. Now, I'm starting on the illustrations; I really don't feel like drawing them... Maybe I could get someone to draw the pictures for me :) Any volunteers?

I didn't really like commenting on other people's blog, but it was something I had to do to get my grade. I liked all the comments I got although they were none with anything bad to say... Well not bad, but a way to reconstruct my drawings. I'm guessing that meant I'm doing a great job! I've done a some research about the Philippines, and found some interesting things. I'm actually intrigued about the Philippines, and look forward to visiting one day :) I hope that the children will like my book, and actually enjoy listening to it. I think I've pretty much accomplished everything I wanted to in this project.

I'm not sure about my weaknesses, and strengths... Well... Let's see. I'm a good writer, and it comes natural to me. I had trouble writing a child's level of thinking though, but I've adapted a little better than I thought I would've. I might struggle with drawing the pictures at the beginning, but it'll come eventually. I was pretty punctual with the blogs, and things. I exuded a good use of time management skills, and helping people. Not to sound like arrogant or anything, but I can't really find many weaknesses on this project. Well... I guess doing the presentations were hard for since I'm shy, and all. In the end, I believe I've doing pretty well at this point :)

Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Eight

I've been thinking about the dedication for the book for awhile now, and I think I know who I'm going to dedicate it to. Dedicating a book to someone is one of the most important things about writing a book right? Writing a book just screams... Dedicate it to someone right? :) Well... I have some people in mind; maybe my mom, or my brother, even my father. I could dedicate it to MY kids, but I don't have any! I wanted to stay away from dedicating it to my immediate family members because everyone does that. The person I chose is still in my family, but they mean a lot more to me. (Still love the family though... No hard feelings.)

It's important to acknowledge those who help you life because without them; you could make it anywhere. Having inspirational people in life isn't always guaranteed, but when you find someone like that; you should show respect to them. I know I'm rambling about who to dedicate the book to, but it was actually a pretty easy decision once I thought about it. I've had help from my mom, and my brother, and even his girlfriend on writing my book, but it's something they usually do; which means that I'm happy they helped. I don't think it's worth dedicating a book to them though because they help me no matter what.

Back to the point though... I'm dedicating my book to Michael, and no not the Michael in our class. I'm talking about my Uncle Michael, who died back in 2001. Is it weird that I'm dedicating my book to a deceased loved one? My reasoning is because he was always there for me, and we were really close back in the day. It's been almost 9 or so years since he's been gone, but I've never really gotten over it. I don't want it seem like I'm too emotional about this because it's just a children's book, but he was always my inspiration. I mean he wasn't killed or anything; he just had heart failure I believe. He was the one that everyone wanted to be like, and hang out with; he was always wanted around. I guess I'm really just dedicating it to him because he was my biggest role model, and he was an aspiring artist too. I figured why not dedicate the book to another artist, so there's why I'm dedicating it to him. I might make a little side-note dedication to the readers (kids) because they're important too.

Just to make things clear... I'm dedicating it to my Uncle, and I didn't mean to make this blog seem so sad; it just came out that way I guess. Don't get like emotional or anything please... It wasn't intended for it, but if you didn't... Disregard this message :)

Forgot to mention... A special dedication for the class.

Hmm... I'm guessing that's all for today's blog. Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Seven

First off... Happy Birthday to Me :) I'm Finally 16.!

I've been dreading this blog for the longest, but I knew it was coming eventually. I haven't been able to come up with a title at all. The original story's title was The Mirror of Matsuyama. That title fit the story because it's about a special that was brought back to the Mother before her death, and became a sentimental object to the little daughter. It seems like the perfect thing for the story, but I never figured out why it was the "of Matsuyama" because it was never mentioned in the folktale. It provides a mystery to the story; I'm assuming, or something of that nature.

The title can't be that long, or else it'll be over dramatic... I think I'll try, and keep it as short as possible. Coming up with a good title is going to be hard, and difficult. It's going to be manageable though, but coming up with five is quite... I'm not sure yet. I've only come up with one so far. I planned on mimicking the original title, and changing the words to fit the Philippines. Get it? Now I'm going to list the titles, and give their importances (significances.) I think I want the boxing gloves included in the title, or maybe not (And no there's no obsession with boxing gloves... Jarelle :) Just thought I'd put that in there.)

Possible Titles:

• The Boxing Gloves from the Philippines...
•  Benjie...
• Overcoming Circumstances...
• Twelve rounds... (Since it has something to do with Boxing; I figured it could work.)
• Getting in the ring with destiny!

I think my titles are pretty somewhat decent, but none of which I really like... I'm thinking of going with the first, or second title. I chose the first one because it goes with the original story, and I didn't want to change too much of the story. I think that title fits the story right? Choosing Benjie for a title was somewhat of a given thing because he's the main character, and it just seems cool to give reference to his name. I think that might be the title for the book, let's see what happens though.

The last 3 titles were pretty much random, but still have meanings. "Overcoming circumstances" is one of the themes of the story, and I think it would be a good title to use. There were a lot of circumstances that had to be overcame by the characters in the story. Using that for a title would be put a good inference on that factor. "Twelve rounds" came from the simple fact that there's boxing in my story... I think you get the point of it, so there's no explanation needed. 

I really like the last title "Getting in the ring with destiny" because it incorporates boxing with the family issues, and what he was destined to overcome in the story... It fits the story without giving too much away, but it keeps the kids tuned in to the story. I'm considering the first, second, and fifth title... Let me know what you think about the titles... Give some input on it also! I think was one of the weirdest blogs... It feels weird doing work on my birthday :/ Anyway... That's all.

Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Six

In this blog it appears that we have free reign... I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me because I like to write A LOT. The only problem is I'm not really sure what to write about in the blog... Let's see. My story is coming along pretty well; although I should probably start writing it again. I think it's a good start for right now, but does anybody know when the final draft is due? I guess that isn't a valid question since nobody would know anyway... But you can't blame for me asking right? I'm actually enjoying the writing the process, and the things that come with writing the book. Doing this assignment really got me thinking about writing an actual book to be published for the world to read... Do you think I could do it?

I'm not sure what else to write about... It's day 26, and it feels weird because project Cinderella is almost over! It's been a long going process of each blog. I think I've done a good job of writing each blog, and gave each aspect of my story to the best of my abilities. Coming up with the names would probably be the second hardest thing, and I know I'm going to have a tough time with the title... Possibly. I'm not sure, but that's the next blog for today I believe. I think this a good place to stop with this blog because I'm not feeling very creative right now because it's early in the morning, and I'm tired. I was trying to enjoy my birthday today, but oh well... I saw the two blogs, and got kind of angry.

Despite that, I've enjoyed doing the blogs... I was actually surprised to see that I kept up with doing the blogs on time, and was never really late on doing one. That makes me proud, and my grade reflects that... Well this is pretty much the blog for today. It was designed to keep you posted on my writing process. Enjoy! To sum things up... My story is coming along, and it's almost ready to be published. The only things left to do is the title, and finish up the writing. Again... Enjoy!

I think I did this blog right... Tell me if I did... :)

Day Twenty-Five

I actually enjoyed reading my manuscript, and it was pretty fun to do. It felt weird to read through something that I had written myself, but I liked it. I'm usually not a fan of wanting to read my own work because I never think it's good enough. It's always good when I'm writing it, but when I read it; it just doesn't seem to sound right. It's not that I'm like conceited or anything, but I would think I'm a perfectionist. I'm really hard on myself sometimes even when it's good, and people say that. I can't accept the compliments sometimes... Weird right? Back to the point... I think they was great flow to the story, but there were some minor problems (setbacks.)

I believe that the book I'm writing is too detailed; which isn't bad, but it's too grown up for the kids. Then I think they aren't little kids, but they're in the fourth grade. I think they're able to comprehend such word uses, and other things that will be used in my book. Maybe simplifying some things in the book will be a good idea, but that's what editing is for right? Eventually I'll get to that part... For the most part, the place I'm at seems to be a good spot to start at. I was actually surprised to hear my voice when I read... If you know me then you know that I'm not much of a talker, but when I read something; I think I sound very articulate, and professional. I think I want to do like the whole voice changes for the characters, but I'm not sure yet; it would add a good thing to the book though!

Reiterating, the flow was pretty good for where I'm at; it could be better though. I'm not sure too sure on what the style would be, but I think it's my style type of writing (If I can say that?) I'm typically a good writer, and it comes easy for me. I'm definitely proud of myself for writing this; doing so well with the blogs, and writing the book. Putting the book in more simpler terms is my next step, or maybe I should leave it like it is... Leaves some things to be thought about. Overall... I like the work so far, but I need to put some changes into action :)

Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Four

This blog seems pretty easy to write... I'm happy about that after the blog yesterday, which was pretty tough. Back to the point though, my climax is pretty self explanatory all  in itself. I think we're supposed to use the list of the things Prier gave us, and tell which climaxes fit our stories. I just found out that my story really fits most of the criterion on his list. I was actually surprised to see that... Now let's list out all the climaxes of my story, then I'll give an explanation for each.

Climaxes for my story:

1. Greatest challenges met or failed.
2. Personal problems overcome by character's own efforts.
3. Bad influences outfaced.
4. Unpopular or unusual hunches or ideas proved correct or incorrect.
5. Relationships made or mended or finally discarded.
6. An apparent weakness turns out to be a strength, or vice versa.

It's almost impossible to say that a story could have so many climax possibilities right? Well... I guess my story is pretty much different then, now let's get to those explanations. The "greatest challenges met or failed" fits in my story because the whole point of the story is bring people together. The challenges were  bonding the males in the story, and bringing the family together. Eventually those things happened, but they occurred very slowly. "Personal problems over by character's own efforts", this fits because Benjie goes through a lot of personal problems to find out who is, and who he wants to be. He is able to get over his insecurities, and build a relationship with his father, and soon after his stepfather.

The third, and the fourth climaxes fit my story; they are similar, so they are going to be explained together. Benjie is able to get over the somewhat bad influence of Andres, and they are able to build a somewhat decent relationship. This won't be displayed much in the book, but it's something you should know! The thing about the "unpopular or unusual hunches or ideas proved correct or incorrect" is also a huge factor in my story. Andres comes in, and gets the notions that Benjie is attempting his life. This isn't at all true, and his assumptions will be put to rest after Angel, and Benjie talks about his reasons for boxing. It almost makes the whole Andres thing seems pointless, and a waste of time. But that's another issue to determine!

"Relationships made or mended or finally discarded", I would have to say that this is the BIGGEST CLIMAX OF MY STORY. My whole book is focused on the relationships of the family, but specifically the relationship of Benjie, and Ramon (father, and son.) I think I've clearly focused on the relationships a lot, and I think you get the point of that right? Enough of the relationships... The last climax to discuss is "an apparent weakness turns out to be a strength, or vice versa." This is important because their lack thereof (which is relationships.... respect... all things basically.) I'm not sure exactly how to explain it at this point, but it's key to something in my story. I just haven't figured that out yet.

The climax of my story will be when Ramon dies... I think that's a good point for the suspension to build up, and the story will change from that point on. I'm not sure... I think it can't be when Angel leaves because it's too soon in the story, and enough suspension hasn't been built up. Definitely... The climax will be when Ramon dies, and Andres is introduced into the picture. I like that point in the story... I think I've said that before... Now I think I'm just rambling! Well... Let's get it straight before the blog ends. The climaxes that fit my story are listed above, and my climax is when Ramon (the father) dies, and he takes up boxing for personal reasons..... To add to that, another factor of the climax will be the introduction of Andres. I think that's it for this blog. I've identified the climaxes, and my own personal climax!

That's pretty much it... Climaxes... Climaxes... Climaxes... Enjoy! Below I've placed a picture... See if you can guess why. I'm assuming it's an old movie, or something. Can you guess why I've included it on this blog? It's easy to figure it out... Again... Enjoy :)

Day Twenty-Three

I must agree with everyone, this blog is definitely the toughest one yet. I'm really not too sure on what Prier meant by the social responsibilities. I think I get it, but at the same time I don't. Make sense? I'm actually pretty confused on what to do really, but I'll try to understand so I can write the blog. Well now that I've read it over, and over again; I think I get it. Social responsibilities are very important to a children's story.

Each character will have their own social responsibilities, but the characters will also share same of the same. Let's break this down by characters... Shall we? The main character is Benjie of course; his social responsibilities will be "Obeying his parents", and "Keeping up good grades, and being active." I think those are things that kids should know about because listening to your parents is just the right thing to do. Getting good grades, and being active is also important because it just seems important right? Saying all this, I think I could tie "Always do the right thing, no matter what" into this because it seems like that's what Benjie tries to do. I'm going to convey these responsibilities by the way Benjie acts, and treats the people around him. His overall attitude, and demeanor will do the talking for him!

Next character up... Ramon (The father), his social responsibilities include being a good parent, and an understanding father. His role in the book is to set an example of how fathers should be, and how they should nurture their children. I think his responsibilities tie into Benjie's responsibilities because their relationship will be on display most of the time. I'm using their relationship to show Ramon's social responsibilities in being that good father figure (even though technically... He's the actual father.)

Next... Next character up... Angel (The mother), her only true social responsibility is her tremendous work ethnic. She is dedicated to her job, and she does it well... A mothering skills may need work at times, but despite her glitches; she's a wonderful mother. Andres... Andres (The stepfather), I'm not really sure what his social responsibilities will be. He's just an antagonist character for the most part, so I don't think he has real responsibilities. I guess I'll have to think of his sooner, or later. 

To make things easier.. Here's a list of all the social responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

1. "Obeying parents, or any elders in life."
2. "Doing what is right no matter what, or who is watching."
3. "Being active... Just because."
4. "Having a good work ethic can get you places a lot faster..."
5. "Perseverance is the key to success."

I think that pretty much sums up the blog for today... Let me know if I did it right. I'm not entirely sure. Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Two

The theme of my story is somewhat complex to explain, but not really when you think about it... It's a theme that you would have to think about to really get it. The theme is "Keeping faith in family no matter what", and "Family is the most important thing." I think those are good themes to use in the story because it's something kids need to learn about; wouldn't you agree?

Events in the Story:

• Angel goes on the trip to the states; forcing Ramon, and Benjie to bond.
• The trips get extended for more time.
• Benjie begins boxing training with his father... (The bond shared between the two.)
• Ramon passes down his legacy to Benjie (in the form of boxing gloves, and his life knowledge.)
• Ramon dies, and Andres comes into the picture. 
• The family (Angel, Benjie, and Andres) being able to overcome the obstacles, and become happy again!

I think the main focus to silently interject the theme into the book is by showing the relationship between Ramon, and Benjie growing each day. I think should be a big factor in showing off my main points, and themes. I don't really think I could explain it any better than I have on this blog, but I'm definitely going to shift more of the focus on the relationships within the family; also the family as a whole. If this blog wasn't helpful... Feel free to go back to my day thirteen, and read from there because I might have explained things a little better on there. I think another moral/message/theme could be, "You never know what you have until it's gone." That was one of the lessons Benjie had to learn the hard way... Continue to read my blogs, and my book (when it's done) to find out why!

That's all for now... I've posted a link to my day thirteen below if things aren't really clear to you on this blog. I personally think I explained things a lot better on day thirteen, but it's up to you if you want to read it again. Remember, the choice is yours.... May the force be with you! Enjoy :)

Day Thirteen

Day Twenty-One

Opening lines.... Opening lines... I knew this would come up sooner or later, but I really haven't given much thought to it. I know what I want to say, but I'm not sure how to say it. Make sense? I don't want anything too dramatic to open with because the beginning of the book is going to be something more happier, and something to reel the readers in. The only problem is I'm afraid the happy opening will come off as a little too cheesy; I get it's for fourth graders, but some things are just too cheesy for them right? In retrospect, I've read a lot of books that has those cheesy beginnings that just made me want to put the book down, and never pick it up again. I definitely don't want my book to start off like that.

I'm not too sure on what the first line will be, but believe the picture will be absolutely great. I'm thinking the first picture should be something family oriented, or maybe just a glimpse of those magnificent boxing gloves I've been raving about for so long. Again, this will be decided when I come up with the opening line; this shouldn't be so hard! I've been flipping through very books hoping to get some inspiration for my opening line, but sadly I haven't found any. I would go with the "once upon a time" thing, but that's so unoriginal by now... I think almost everyone is using that line. Leaving me to think of another alternative, but what exactly could be used?

I'm seriously considering using a one a word opening line like "Family", or something like "One word... Boxing, the only thing that could bring a family back together after unexpected tragedy struck." I think that's a good start to a great opening line, but I'm not entirely sure yet. "Benjie punched the bag with all his might; as he tried to forget about all his troubles, and remember the happier times in his life..." I think that's the happiest opening line I've come up with thus far. Now that I've come up with some concise opening lines; I'm definitely seeing the first picture being boxing gloves, and a punching bag. Something close to that nature, just to set the scene.

I think those are good opening lines because they foreshadow events to come, and they just sound good for an opening line right? Personally, I think so... I'm not too sure though, but it's not too shabby for a opening line. These lines provide some sense of mystery, yet it alludes to the things to come; just like I mentioned before. Well... I think that's pretty much it for this blog. Let me know what you think of my opening lines, I'm open to all suggestions :)