Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nano Nano: 50K Words and the Elusive Polite Society

Well, writers, how did you do during November? 

Nanowrimo is marathon-running for the creative mind. The imagination is exercised by creating new characters, charting a destination, building a fantasy world, and writing everything in-between. It can feel like running an actual marathon. 

This year, I committed to writing Sacred Homicide. Unfortunately, I only wrote halfway to the goal of 25,000 words, due to constant interruptions in my environment. With an industrial air cleaner, laundry machines, and noise-cancelling headphones, you would think I could find the quiet time necessary to write. In normal circumstances, I would agree, but the peanut gallery who live around me believes that their ruckus is far superior to any neighbor's need for privacy. This entitlement to other people's time, energy, and property is a symptom of the me, me, me culture. 

Not sorry, but living out loud ends at my property line. I don't owe you anything. The time that is wasted by acting like out of control juveniles for my attention is time I can never get back. Theft comes in all forms, and stealing someone's time, energy, and the use of their private space is one of them. 

But you are living on stolen land! That is incorrect, where I live the land was purchased from the country south of our border. Not stolen: bought. Not once, but twice, did the landholder sell to the United States in the American southwest: The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildago and The Treaty of the Gadsden Purchase. 

But, but, but...!!! I wish people would stop acting like their heads are in their butts. That would be most helpful. 

Stolen land, reparations are excuses to behave like situational victims, when in fact, other people haven't inflicted any course of action against you. Stolen land was hundreds of years ago. Reparations were over a hundred years ago. So, it appears the only person victimizing you is, well: YOU. Then you take that angst, attack your neighbor for their skin color and the lies of "social justice." Social justice in my day meant: vigilantism, and that domain was left for comicbook movie characters. There is no justice without a fair trial, and I preface that statement with being unbiased, uncensored, and politically neutral. 

If you truly wanted justice, then if your family was denied their reparations: it's called a lawsuit. It's not for politicians to hand you taxpayer money. You have to make a real evidentiary case out of why you deserve what was denied your ancestor. Until someone can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this occurred and is a descendant, then why is this being used as emotional blackmail on other Americans? The court system is for Americans to redress their grievances, especially against their government. Go redress them, if you believe that you have a case.

Instead of doing the right thing, we have manufactured a culture of "karens." Karen is defined as someone who has to insert themselves voluntarily into other people's lives and then cries victim. I have an entire neighborhood full of karens. From playing loud music; drunk/disorderly parties; neglecting their children; loud, heavy bass vehicles; revving noisy engines at midnight; or anything else that creates undue attention to themselves, as long as the spectacle places them in the spotlight. Then these karens complain when you tell them to shove off and start acting like mature adults and responsible parents. 

But... but... but, here we go again. It's my culture. It's for my community. As an American? Nope, I don't think so, and it's embarrassing. Cultural appropriation of another nation's holidays and rites of passage is reprehensible. But, my grandmother came from the old country. You didn't, so what is your excuse? Don't say: stolen land, because you never owned this entire parcel of land. You only own your property. Just like me.

So which is it? Live your life in your front yard and middle of the street, which then your dirty laundry is open to public criticism. Or, live your life like respectable adults, and keep the shitshow away from public view? 

I rather keep my private life my own, so I can write, create digital art, and do community service... if it's all the same to you. 

Therefore, I uploaded another writing project to Nanowrimo that I have been working on: The Town Santa Forgot. It's complete, except for placing the correct word count on that site. Editing is done, but I am still polishing here and there for publication later on this month. 

The book cover is finished. There is a Cover Reveal Party this weekend online. I hope to see everyone who loves books participate.

And remember that being a good person who lives with others in peaceful harmony is more than a choice: it's how a society prospers. Without an auspicious society, we have no culture. No culture, and there is no need for creative writing, art, or community service. In a collectivist society, those expressions are hijacked for spreading propaganda. Be an individual and let your imagination become unleashed!

It's something to think about.

Have a great rest of your day.

_____

A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet. 

 Keep up with her activities by subscribing to her monthly/quarterly A Novelist Idea Newsletter.




Wednesday, March 22, 2023

A Novelist Idea Newsletter Spring Dreams 2023 Quarterly

A new season, and astrological year, has begun.  

Just like spring:

Undawnted has some growing news for this season. We are alive with the sound of flowers and butterflies! Our Spring Dreams (Seasonal Reads Program) lasts from March 1st to May 31st of each year, in which we offer selections that help you break from the shell of convention.

This season we are adding to “Become the Characters” with “Be Your Own Hero” as we find the creator within and grow our imaginations with thoughts of bees buzzing, flowers dancing, and birds soaring into our hearts. We use this season to begin our year, seeding in our mind’s eye with the accomplishments we want to pursue. We will use events and parties to celebrate living in the moment. And, we invite our community of subscribers to participate along with Team Undawnted.

Join A Novelist Idea and receive all the latest events, news, and updates from Team Undawnted. 

 Learn. Grow. Master... with Undawnted.


 

 

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

A Novelist Idea Newsletter's Theme for 2023 is the Hint of the Divine

Did you miss last year's A Novelist Idea Newsletter debut? Then miss no more. Undawnted began a new cycle with the theme: Hint of the Divine. 

We are looking for archetypes in all the in between spaces. 

If you act now, and sign up for this free newsletter, you will begin on the ground floor of this exciting, intelligent, and creative experience. Not only will you be updated with the latest in Undawnted's news, DL Mullan's publications, and exclusive releases, parties, prizes, and book events, you will receive a thought-provoking, intuitive, and top shelf education in the imagination. 

Open your mind to a larger landscape. 

DL Mullan has been a creative leader in the writing community for two decades. Join A Novelist Idea Newsletter for the pure joy of community, and programs that expand the mind. Or, you could participate and earn a Certificate of Completion at year's end. 

Whatever road you choose, Undawnted will satisfy those inner creative cravings you long to satiate. 

A Novelist Idea Newsletter Sign Up

Have a great and wonderful day, 

Team Undawnted


________________________________

About Undawnted

Undawnted is the home of novelist, DL Mullan. Ms. Mullan has a varied and remarkable background, from her educational pursuits (Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, also see About Undawnted), as well as learning from the best in novelization, science fiction, horror, fantasy, and scriptwriting (Communication PrĂ©cis). From her award-winning poetry and scifi fantasy digital artwork to teaching honor's curriculum with her college's coordinator (Professor Emeritus), participating in panel discussions at conventions, or directing her community poetry group, she has the innovative vision, creative passion, and hands-on experience that lends itself to success. 

Check out her growing Curriculum Vitae on her Undawnteum site (updated regularly) for details on her extensive formal and self-procured education, real world experience, and application in the arts. 

Become a true Fearless Phile and join DL Mullan on the creative journey that is: Undawnted.

Join our community today!

 
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If you have a request, or question, for Undawnted be sure to use our Contact page.  

 

*Undawnted's sites and schedules are subject to change without notice.


 

 

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Would you like to be a Blog Tourist? Or, Blog Tourateur?


Team Undawnted is looking for Blog Tourateurs, or Blog Tour Hosts. 

We like to review Indie Creators, and in turn receive a review or marketing time on your blog. Would you like to become part of our Blog Tours?  

_____

It’s easy to become a host:

  • Do you have a blog or website for creative endeavors?

  • Do you like being a part of a team?

  • Do you enjoy art, poetry, and prose?

Then you qualify to become a Blog Tourateur for Team Undawnted. 

We supply all your needs with an Advance Review Copy (ARC in PDF form) for you to peruse, and/or our marketing materials such as:

  • Articles

  • Links

  • Reviews

  • Marketing Images

A Blog Tour Host just needs to put the items together on their blog/site and publish! It is that simple. 

Become a Creative Connoisseur!

For further information on how you can sign up as a Blog Tour Host, fill out and send your request in via our Contact Undawnted form.

Thank you for your interest,

Team Undawnted

 

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Blog Tour Hosts Wanted

Team Undawnted is looking for Blog Tour Hosts for the 2023 New Year. We are content creators for Undawnted. Our articles and promotions will drive more traffic to your site.

It’s easy to become a host:

  • Do you have a blog or website for creative endeavors?

  • Do you like being a part of a team?

  • Do you enjoy art, poetry, and prose?

Then you qualify to become a Blog Tour Host for Team Undawnted. 

We supply all your needs:

  • Articles

  • Links

  • Reviews

  • Marketing Images

A Blog Tour Host just needs to put the items together on their blog/site and publish! It is that simple.

For further information on how you can sign up as a Blog Tour Host, fill out and send your request in via our Contact Undawnted form.

Thank you for your interest,

Team Undawnted

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Undawnted's Newsletters are Expanding

Recently, Undawnted began A Novelist Idea, then added the forthcoming WordWalker, professional writer's courses. 

As an added bonus: Undawnted's resident creative spark, DL Mullan has a newsletter of her very own. She is a gifted polymath. She can discuss the topics of the day as well as many other subjects from news, medicine, arts, dyi, science, spirituality, and much more. 

Join her on her epic journey as a student of the universe.

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Mythology is an Oral Tradition for Many Cultures in Our World, Not Just for Humans

Before there were tablets and parchment, humans passed down history in an oral fashion through storytelling (mythology) and music (poetry/bards). 

In our haste to be the top apex predator and maintain that crown, we forgot that humans are not the only intelligent life on the planet. To illustrate, Mother Earth is the most obvious intelligent life that we live on. Our own living guardian spaceship careening through a galaxy. Some people rant and rave about how people are the cause of this and that, but fail to give Mother Earth any credit whatsoever. She has survived cataclysmic events: asteroids that have cracked her crust, magnetic pole reversals, and hot magma on her surface for millions of years. Mother Earth gave us this bounty to use for our survival. If we screw it up, she will continue on. Promise. 

From what I understand, 500 nuclear detonations have been carried out after World War II. The Earth is still here. You are still here.

So why do humans keep running around screaming: me, Me, ME! Humans did this! Humans did that! It's the end of the world as we know it! Stop everything. We need to tax the air!

Well, immaturity. Without knowledge, wisdom, and discernment, a person cannot see beyond themselves and that is the true tragedy of living in a psychological bubble. That is why we must always seek out information. Most un-researched, un-studied, and un-sung data is often just gibber-jabber fed to us for our entertainment. Knowledge is messy. Wisdom is experiencing the world through that knowledge. Discernment is taking that knowledge and wisdom to create a better way to live. 

In humanity's quest to find their own discernment, we come to remember that we share this planet with other beings. I have lived with birds, dogs, and cats. Many humans have shared their lives with Mother Nature and her creatures. 

Have you ever thought how you are incorporated into an animal's life story? 

On March 16th, 2014, I became a part of a hummingbird's family story. A hummingbird made a nest high up in my gazebo to sit on her two little eggs. April 3rd, the eggs hatched. April 21st, baby hummingbird graduation day as they learned how to fly.

That is the data. The story is something different. The hummingbirds knew I existed and watched me every day. I interacted with my felines and greeted them. For over a month, I was this giant walking around the front patio. 

Graduation day turned into one for both of us to remember. I walked out of the house, and the babies were flying with their mother. One zoomed over to me. I offered my outstretched hand and open palm. The baby greeted me: see what I can do? I was so happy to see the babies hovering, but the one who came to me turned and zoomed too fast away. The baby hummingbird hit the patio wall and bounced around until the baby slammed onto the concrete floor.

I was stunned. I was, but not my feral cat, Irene. She snatched that baby into her mouth without hesitation. I stepped to Irene, pointed at her, and said: no, three times. She released the baby. I then grabbed the baby into my hand. The baby hummingbird was scared and confused. I petted the baby's head and spoke softly. I pushed over a chair, stood on it, and placed the baby back into the nest. 

I waited. After the coast was clear, the mother hummingbird returned and calmed her frightened baby down. I watched, but the two birds did not move until the next day. 

Without fanfare, the hummingbirds departed, never to return to their nest. The nest still sits empty. It awaits another fearless mother.

A nice story... for me to retell, but what about the hummingbirds? These small creatures can live 5 to 7 years. So 2014 plus 7, and the mother hummingbird is most likely deceased and so are her babies, who I befriended. The grand babies and their babies, well that is a different story. 

Every year from springtime through autumn, I hear hummingbird calls in my yard, especially by my kitchen window. I still receive visits. So the babies have communicated to their offspring about the giant who lives in the huge mushroom. 

To them, I am a character in their storytelling. Their oral tradition has passed down graduation day and how one of theirs was saved. I am now a living myth. 

How long will the story be passed down? Who knows? 

All I know is that every turn to the warmer seasons, I am greeted by the sweet tweets of hummingbirds, who are telling me as part of their ongoing living history.

The lesson here is that we must turn off the noise and get back to what is real. Turn off the news, sports, and entertainment. Is that real? 

Or, are we being fed a pseudo-reality in order to convince us of a mythology that someone else would like us to believe? What myths are being passed down to you?  What is being re-tolded? Re-imagined?

Not all mythology is taught to better humanity. Some stories we are told are created to control how we think. Do you know of any stories that we are not allowed to tell? Who we are not allowed to follow? Are these stories, fact and figures, relegated to the realm of forbidden knowledge? If so, why? And who determined what information, stories, and people are harmful to our mythology?

Maybe without the noise, we can read the classics and discern for ourselves which mythological stories makes us stronger. And which mythology creates the illusion of reality...

The hummingbirds can visit me anytime and see that I am real. 

Do you know what is real?

 

Have a great and wonderful day. 

 

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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Have Anthology Will Submit

I am in a submission mood. 

If you have a poetry anthology that needs some more poetry, then post your submission guidelines url on my Facebook page: Dawn Leslie Mullan

And, remember to Like my page! You get updates from every blog/website that I write for! So that's journalism, news, art, poetry and creative writing. What a deal! 

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Have a great and wonderful day!


Thursday, March 19, 2015

Plastic Grocery Bags, Love 'em or Hate 'em

The debate has come to the Valley of the Sun: ban plastic grocery bags!

How about ban the fascists? Are we allowed to do that? I think we need to start considering it.

When I piped off on our local news's Facebook page, I read another person's comments that said: grocery bags have been biodegradable for the last twenty years. Twenty years? I had to check it out.

Low and behold, I find this company: Alibaba in  China. It is true. Then why the issue? Cities and towns do not want to spend the money to recycle these bags properly so the campaign begins to outlaw them.

Can you say stay out of my beeswax?

Governments should not be legislating my light bulbs or grocery bags, politicians should be doing the people's business, not trying to parent us.

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