F. P. Dorchak

Speculative Fiction (New Weird) Author

Writing

A Little Recap. Would You Like Some Tea—Or Prozac?

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William Bendix and Martin Balsam in "The ...
William Bendix and Martin Balsam in “The Time Element” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Holy crap.

Things have been quite weird the past couples weeks—actually since mid-December, to be honest. I’d started (and since finished) an autobiography on someone I’ve followed throughout most of my life, and though elements of the book had been somewhat “annoying,” other elements of the book really hit home in unexpected ways. Which got me to thinking…why is it that some people get what they go after in life and others don’t? Even when they do all the right things, think the right thoughts, live the right life?

I know I wax philosophical and get all high and mighty, sometimes, but I try not to. I try to be open and understanding and all that. But I do have my opinions, just like many of you out there. Basically, I try not to be a jerk. And though I do believe that we all create our own lives, our own realities (I don’t believe Anyone else creates it for us, God, All That Is, or some powerful Universal Turtle), I don’t have to always understand every little minutiae associated with it.

And, apparently…I don’t.

I believe God, All That Is, and that powerful, Universal Turtle provide the support system (perhaps in the case of the Turtle, literally…) for us to this have other stuff, but I believe They want us to create our own lives and to take responsibility for it. I believe They do not want us to blame or fall back on Them for our lives. We have to step up to our own lives, our own responsibilities. But, whatever, this is not my point and I’m not gonna debate it, cause we all have our beliefs, so more power to all of you for what you believe in.

But, weird things have since happened to me, one that is life impacting, and I’m not going to go into, here (or yet). Other things followed, like massive computer problems. It seems every time I try to get into this new manuscript of mine, some weird shit happens, seeming to always try to keep me from continuing to get into it. Like the computer problems…and some other issue that I really really want to vent on but won’t, because it’ll get me into trouble. But…I’ll be (and am, now…) okay. I just took a sucker punch, a haymaker, and an upper cut (in that order) and it got me a little on the ropes. A bit dazed and confused.

So, good God, there isn’t enough time in the day…it’s ticking away…and I’m in some massive Twilight Zone warp of change and whatnot. I can’t please everyone, I try to entertain some, try to learn some, try to be good person, and try to have some fun along the way.

Sun’s up…moon’s setting…and the day is begun.

I’m looking forward to a nice walk/hike later.

Zachary Lin, Graphic Artist

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Zachary Lin (© Zachary Lin)
Zachary Lin (© Zachary Lin)

Zachary Lin, of Zachary Lin Graphics, is a young, up-and-coming graphics artist who created my Silver Man graphic on my Reality Check blog site. I’ve known his family for a few years, and when his name came up, thought, yeah, I should use his services! After having dealt with him for a couple weeks on the graphic design, I found him to be great, detail-oriented, easy to work with kinda guy, and wanted to get his name out there and interview him.

So, ladies and gents, here is Zachary Lin!

Tell us a little about yourself, Zach.

In 2011 I graduated from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design with a BFA in Graphic Design. Subsequently, I worked for YS, a regional magazine, designing ads and illustrations. Since then I have been a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, working mostly with writers.

How did you get into the graphic art business?

In my last couple of years in high school I got into drawing in the style of manga (Japanese comics) and considered going to school to become an illustrator. I scanned my sketches into the computer, where I discovered how much I love working with software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. I decided to major in graphic design, because I felt it would give me the greatest education in working with these programs.

Early Silver Man Sketch (© Zachary Lin)
Early Silver Man Sketch (© Zachary Lin)

What type of work do you take on?

I take on anything from logos and branding collateral to entire page layouts for novels. Since the beginning of 2012, I’ve also worked regularly on vector illustrations. I enjoy telling stories with illustrations.

What kind do you not take on?

I have worked with websites before, providing branding, layouts, and color concepting. Coding the sites is something I don’t take on that frequently, though. In the future I would love to learn more about coding, however, right now I enjoy collaborating with professional coders.

How do you describe your work?

Most of my illustrations include a humorous, comic element to them. Most of my illustrations are vector illustrations made in Illustrator. Illustrator makes it easy to move lines and points around, while resizing. It also allows for sharp lines and smooth gradients that I find give a nice clean look to the finished pieces. I like to use bold colors most of the time to make the image “pop.”

Midway Silver Man Graphic (© Zachary Lin)
Midway Silver Man Graphic (© Zachary Lin)

What are your short and long-term goals in the business of graphic art?

At the moment my goal is to find a workplace were I’m able to collaborate with other designers on a variety of projects that will give me experience in many different media, so I can continue to expand my skills. This would also serve to show me what I enjoy doing most, and help me out, deciding where I want to be in the long run.

I hear you like acting. True?

I have “acted” in several student films created for video editing classes. They were fun to make and film is a great way to tell a story. I personally enjoy telling stories about how they were made. For example, I once got punched in the face—twice—and slowed it down for a scene.

Full Video, titled “Rollover”:

The Making of “The Punch” Scene:

Ouch. Have any other videos we can share?

In 2012 I started to screen capture my process while working on certain projects. Here is a video showing my process on one of my most detailed vector illustrations (warning: don’t have had too much coffee before watching this one [just sayin’]—FPD):

You can view all of my process videos at www.youtube.com/zacharylindesign

What else do you have your hands in?

I’ve been working part-time at a grocery store to help pay the rent and keep myself fed.

Well, we all gotta eat! Can you let us in on three surprising things about yourself (uh, that are legal!)?

I enjoy painting. Unlike most people I’ve asked, I prefer oils to acrylics because I enjoy having the time to work with the paint on the canvas for a little while. Acrylics dry too fast to do that.

I have a very messy room but I keep very organized computer files.

I live mostly on chicken strips, quesadillas, and Oreos.

What’s your life’s goal, my friend?

Final Silver Man Graphic (© Zachary Lin and F. P. Dorchak)
Final Silver Man Graphic (© Zachary Lin and F. P. Dorchak)

I would like a steady graphic design job where I will always have opportunities to continue to improve my skills. I’d like to be able to afford a house and a family.

Noble. What do you like to read, and what are ya currently reading?

I enjoy reading manga and graphic novels. I enjoy visual storytelling. I’m currently reading Naruto, Gantz, and One Piece.

If you were to have a gravestone, what would you have engraved upon it?

I’m not sure about what words, but I think it would be pretty cool to have a personal logo I designed on it. Symbolizing my life as a graphic designer with a symbol.

Thank  you so much for your time, Zach! And thanks, again, for doing the graphic for Silver Man! It has been a pleasure, and we wish you all the best in your burgeoning career!

To contact Zach:

Website: http://www.zacharylin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zacharylindesign

E-mail: zacharylindesign@gmail.com

Spreading the Love—A Liebster Blog Award

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Spreading The Love!
Spreading The Love!

This past Saturday, I got up, opened my e-mail, all manner of chores needing to get done today rattling through my head, not to mention trying to fit in some novel writing time (which, realistically, rarely ever happens on a Saturday [and didn’t]—Sunday, maybe, but rarely Saturday—because I try to catch up on blogs I follow, maybe post one of my own, that kind of thing…), and find out I have been nominated for the Liebster Blog Award, by fellow blogger, Samir Rawas. This is my first blogging award, and I am truly honored! Reading Samir’s work (and his fellow Cecile’s Writers) and trading comments is often provocative, always informative, and, yeah, just plain fun, so, to have a peer award like this is, well…sehr cool. Thanks again, Samir!

This is how it works, though not sure about sticking to the fewer-than-200-followers guideline:

The Rules

  1. Post the award image on your blog. There are several varieties. Google them and find the one you like the most.
  2. List 11 random facts about yourself.
  3. Answer the 11 questions asked by the person/people who nominated you.
  4. Make up 11 questions for those to be nominated.
  5. Nominate 11 people to receive the award. They should have fewer than 200 followers on their blog.
  6. If you’re nominated, your name and/or link will appear at the bottom of this post. Follow the same script and spread the love.

11 Facts About Myself

  1. I’m far more spiritual (not religious)…philosophical…than many may think.
  2. I love iced tea, slightly sweetened.
  3. I have been my own ghost.
  4. I love comedy—Seinfeld, four!
  5. I love nature and being out in it.
  6. Most cats and dogs love me. The feeling’s mutual.
  7. I love the sound of wind.
  8. I can talk to anyone who’ll talk back. Even some who don’t.
  9. Sure, I can be a bit critical, have definite opinions about things…but, then I throttle back when I catch myself being that steamroller I can be. I mean well…but it’s the analytical part of me that jets off ye old starting block now and then….
  10. I never hold grudges…ever…but also realize some people and situations simply cannot be “revisited”; I wish them peace on their journeys.
  11. I rarely give a straight answer.

Answers to the Questions Asked

  1. Do you prefer literature or entertainment fiction? I have to admit to not reading a lot of literature, lately, so I guess I’d have to go with entertainment fiction. Or cereal boxes.
  2. Introvert or extrovert? Ambivert. I’m both. I’m always in my head, but I can extro with the best of them, should the situation call for it. You should see me when I’m beside myself.
  3. If you could promote (and succeed) in one cause, what would it be? Realizing that we all create our own realities. That creating a better life for everyone starts with each of us. Don’t blame world events…war, poverty, inequality (a recent topic I’ve been involved in)…on someone else. Those events exist because we all allow that kind of mindset and behavior to exist. From pacifist to warrior. Examine all of your own actions and thoughts, how you treat people, the movies and shows and books you read and watch. The material you write. The words you speak. The thoughts you think. The actions you propagate. Wanna world change? Look in the mirror. But do it with LOVE. Don’t hate the object of needed change, love the needed change. BTW, I’m far from perfect and have many cracked mirrors.
  4. Movies or books? Mooks? Boovies? Maaan, I love both! These questions are hard. Okay, books. Except for an exceptional movie. But, then again…
  5. Which writer’s books can’t you stand (please be honest)? I’d made a promise to myself I would never do something like this to an author in public, so, with all due respect, I must keep that promise. Es tut mir leid.
  6. What’s your favorite cuisine? All roads lead to lasagna. All of them, my friends! I knooow…I picked a food, not a “cuisine,” but you can extrapolate, right? Anyway, when I talk lasagna (I could go on for hours), I’m talking the meaty kind, not the eggplant, the soybean, the veggie versions. I feel all your non-meat-eater pain, but, sorry, none of those are lasagna…not as God intended. :-]
  7. Can you tell the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? I was a bad boy. Years ago (I’ve since learned better…), I had been working with someone, who, in my at-the-time-not-so-humble opinion, simply was not doing a great job of it. I was so pissed (can I say that on-air?), I was venting it to some at work, when out pops this person from around Cubicle Land, having heard every word….
  8. Dreamer or realist? Dreamer. People may think I’m largely a realist, but I’m always dreaming, even when punching that clock and “gettin’ business done.” I know certain things need to “be” when living life in the corporeal existence, but that doesn’t keep my dreaming at bay. I’ll be dreaming til the day I die…and beyond. In fact, I’m doing it right now.
  9. Who inspires you? In writing, oddly enough, I can’t seem to come with up anyone! Growing up and through my thirties it used to be Stephen King. For my current conspiracy action/adventure manuscript, I get inspired with X-Files reruns, but for my other work…I really don’t have an inspire…er. This question gave me real pause for thought. Huh. Dammit, Samir! Now, in life in general, top of the list is my wife (please, geeze don’t tell her…). She inspires me to be a better person, to better express gratitude (to myself as well as others), and to better feel what others are going through. See 11 Facts About Myself #9, above. She brings me down to Earth when needed. My parents also inspire me. All their words of wisdom always come back to haunt me—I mean fill my head when—oh, who am I kidding, they come back to haunt me….
  10. Favorite sport? Baseball. I’m not a gonzo fan, don’t quote stats, but love the feel and Zen of the stadium on a summer’s day, the smell of food, the murmur of the crowds, the beautifully manicured field, how far removed it is from my daily life, and, ahhh, the crack of the bats….
  11. The perfect Saturday night is…? Being with my wife, enjoying whatever it is we’re doing…whether staying in or going out…or spending it with close friends and family. Life gets so busy, working a day job and writing and chores and the gym and what have you. It’s nice to just relax with the ones you love. No judgment, just laughter and conversation and…lasagna. :-]

11 Questions for my Nominees

  1. Do you prefer hiking or biking?
  2. Do you prefer electronic tablets (not “stone”—I just know someone’ll go there) or hardcopies?
  3. What would you do with a sickeningly large sum of moo-lah?
  4. What is your favorite childhood memory?
  5. If you were to play a musical instrument (still answer if you actually do play one), what would it be, and why?
  6. How do you feel when you look at a blank wall?
  7. Do you kill spiders…or relocate them?
  8. What do you see as Humanity’s greatest challenge?
  9. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done (keep it legal)?
  10. If a train leaves a station at 12:03 p.m., and you start walking toward it 5 minutes later, half a mile away, what kind of animal do you see yourself as, and why?
  11. If you were to have a gravestone, what would you put on it?

11 Bloggers I Nominate Are:

  1. Shadow and Substance
  2. Seeker of Truth
  3. Abominations
  4. Saturday Morning Post
  5. Thinking Banned Thoughts
  6. The In-Between
  7. Sisters of the Quill
  8. Chiseled in Rock
  9. Wine And Roses From Outer Space
  10. I’m Just Sayin
  11. Belle Grove Plantation

The First Book of the Rest of Your Life (In a Nutshell)

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It's Been A Wild Ride. (Photo credit: NASA's Vomit Comet. Wikipedia)
It’s Been A Wild Ride. (Photo credit: NASA’s Vomit Comet. Wikipedia)

On January 12, 2013, at 11:15 Mountain Time, I completed the first draft to the first new novel manuscript I’ve written since 2008. This is the first in an action/adventure X-Files-like conspiracy series.

I’ve written before as a guest blogger that I’ve been in a slump, trying to understand WTF, and all. Well, since that time, I’ve been giving it the ol College Try and finally, after almost five years, have completed a full manuscript. It’s full of holes and after having analyzed the content, my content timeline and storyline the past couple weeks, I realize have much work to do with…but I have much work to do with it!

Isn’t that great?

After all this time I have a project in-hand, and it’s written out, warts and all! Sure, I’ll butcher and maim the hell out of it, but the material is there. In novel-length format. It’s not something I’d written years ago and shelved, not a short story, but a full-blown book. I’m sure many writers operate the same, but my second drafts are the toughest efforts, most rework-heavy drafts, but when I get into the mode of initial, first-draft writing, I just vomit it out. This manuscript was actually a little different, more a series of brutal dry heaves early on, but once I found the Zen, it became one big Vomit Comet for the finish line. I intentionally ignored some of the subplots and just wanted to get the basic story out. I don’t usually do that, but I did not want to lose what momentum I had going (given, you know…), because I’d tried that on this manuscript, and felt the moment start to suck wind. So, I forewent my usual M.O. and did things a little differently. No matter how good the process, it seems every book I start is different in some manner.

So, I’ve been pouring over the storyline, finding holes, finding issues, and think I finally have what I need to begin the actual rework (I actually began rewriting yesterday). And…I’m actually quite excited about it. They’ll be my “conspiracy books,” my nod to the X-Files and some other shows (I’d like to add Twilight Zone in there, but don’t know that I’m much of an O. Henry/Rod Serling kind of writer, I’ve finally admitted to myself…but you never know…). You know, if I can actually sell them. But I love the idea, the characters, and it has potential for an on-going series beyond three books. It could well become, well…

Yes, it could become a thing.

From my POV, anyway.

As much as I still want to write everyday life weird and paranormal, there’s still this other side of me that wants to do X-Files kinda work, and now I have this outlet to do so. And I’m real happy about it. I’m happy I have some meat to work with. I’m happy to have new energy out there. New work. And it’s already getting in the way of responding to e-mail, posting blogs and tweets, and getting household chores done.

So, yes, I had a huge dry spell there for a bit, but things appear to be looking up.

Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell” is playing on Pandora right now (love this band, and this tune—which epitomizes much of my series’ tone). It’s germane to my series. So, I leave you with an important stanza that sums the series:

“We chase misprinted lies We face the path of time
And yet I fight
And yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home.”

Related Article:

My New Goal In Life

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Since we’re into winter, and I can’t always head out into the park I leave nearby to get my hikes in, and since I don’t want bulky exercise equipment again taking up interior home space, I’m getting back into rope jumping.

Yeah the very same jumping of rope we all did as kids.

Over the years, I’d also done “heavy rope” jump rope, which was, literally, a heavier rope (I think the rope was about an inch in diameter), and I got pretty good with it. But after some serious use, the handles kept coming apart. I never understand how manufacturers never dealt with obvious equipment flaws like this, or perhaps they did so on purpose to get you to buy another—but that makes no sense to me, cause if’n it broke the first time, I’m certainly not going to buy another. And I haven’t.

So, I bought a new speed rope, and I began using it—and quickly found out, wow, it’s, uh, been a while. Not only in technique, but in cardio fitness level. It looks easy, not much effort whipping that rope around you with simple flicks of the wrists, but let me tell you, it takes good cardio to do that for any length of time, the way it ramps your heart rate up and in no short order. But there’s also technique. I thought my cardio was in “decent” shape, given what I currently do, but, it’s not the same. So, I’m quite looking forward to getting back into this, and if you are too, check out this site for some great tips on buying a rope and using it.

But this guy, man, he takes it to a whole new, over the top trick-jumping level!

Now, I could (Karen L.!) make all kinds of allusions to rope jumping and writing, in that both need development of a “cardio system,” and the building up of that “system” into a well-honed, well-oiled machine. That writing and rope jumping are all about “baby steps,” small steps, few leaps (except for the few exceptionals who can produce “trick jumping,” as illustrated above), constantly picking at the effort every day to get better and better; about both involving larger, greater issues at hand, like overall fitness levels and huge manuscripts and complex story lines, emotional intricacies, and that all begin and are created with small steps (“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time…”). That both involve learning and mastering techniques. Becoming “One” with the medium. And that both are fun in the pain that comes with the burn….

But, nayyy…I won’t bore you with all that.

Enjoy the video.