Mystic Monday: In the pursuit of a trope

    Most works of fiction rely on the use of tropes to convey the story to readers. Whether it's a broad theme like "man vs. nature" or a specific characterization like "The Chosen One". These tropes play a crucial role. In my work in progress, Æther, I'm focusing on a few tropes that I'd like to explore.

    Let's start with Accismus, a rhetorical trope where someone pretends to refuse something they actually desire. While commonly found in fictional narratives, this trope can also be applied to real-life situations to add humor, playfulness, or intrigue to interactions. Here are a few examples:

1. Invitations: Instead of simply accepting a party invitation, you could employ Accismus by responding with a playful refusal, such as, "Oh, I don't know if I should go. Parties are usually so much fun, and I wouldn't want to have a great time with awesome people. But okay, I guess I'll make an exception this time!"

2. Compliments: When someone compliments you, you can respond with an Accismus-infused reply to downplay your achievements or appearance. For instance, if someone says, "You look stunning today," you could respond with a lighthearted refusal like, "Oh, stop it! I just happen to accidentally put together a decent outfit from time to time."

3. Gift-giving: If someone offers you a gift, you can show appreciation while employing Accismus. You might say, "Wow, this is amazing! I definitely don't need another snow globe. My house is just overflowing with snow globes, but I suppose I could make room for this one. Thank you so much!"

4. Requests for assistance: When someone asks for your help, you can playfully refuse using Accismus. For example, if a colleague asks for assistance with a project, you could say, "Oh, I'm not sure if I'm the right person for the job. I'm terrible at public speaking! I might accidentally make things worse. But if you're desperate, I'll give it a shot!"

    In my story, this last example serves as the jumping-off point. The main character resides in a town, knowing they have something more to offer the world. They yearn to be asked to venture forth but seek permission to break free. Through acts of refusal, they hope others will help them shed their chains. They search for support in their closest family and allies, seeking the confidence to accept their desires. The desire itself is a crucial aspect of Accismus. The manner of refusal carries significance—whether it's haughty, cocky, humble, lighthearted, or scared. Fear plays a significant role in the main character's denial, leading them to underestimate themselves and their abilities. This theme of wanting to do more while grappling with guilt over potentially abandoning those in need becomes the focal point of the first section of my book. I hope it resonates with readers who have experienced similar emotions and allows them to identify with the character.

    The overarching arc of the first part revolves around leaving home and discovering a shattered world. By emphasizing trepidation and fear in the main character, I aim to create a protagonist who doesn't immediately garner unwavering support from the audience. He will have to earn their affection and loyalty. I believe in the philosophy that readers shouldn't blindly side with a character simply because they are introduced first. Therefore, I plan to introduce this flaw at the beginning of the book, starting the main character with a negative balance. He will have to work hard to climb out of this character hole and earn his way into the readers' hearts.

 I'm excited to delve more in to tropes and character development in this blog and hope that my three pillars are able to keep people entertained and talking! Thanks for stopping in for writing exploration on Mondays!

Savory Saturday: Boil em' Mash em' Stick em' in a stew

    When it comes to an easy meal, nothing beats the mighty potato. Mash it for the most amazing side dish, dice it and fry it as the perfect burger companion, or bake it as is—well, you get the idea. The potato is incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Today, I want to explore five quick and delightful things about this humble ingredient and share why it holds a special place in my family's heart. So, let's dive into a savory Saturday!

    First and foremost, we have the easiest of potato dishes—the simple baked potato. It was a staple back when I was first living on my own, and it remains a favorite alongside anything cooked on the grill. You can wrap it in foil and toss it in the oven or on the grill, or simply poke a few holes in it and microwave it for convenience (remember, don't use foil in the microwave). Enjoy it plain or elevate its flavors with some delicious extras! The most commonly agreed-upon add-ons include butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives. While I'm not a sour cream fan myself, there are moments when I'll indulge in a dollop!

    Second is the beloved mashed potato—a favorite among my wife and children! My son particularly enjoys when I shape them into tiny mashed potato snowmen by rolling them into little balls. The most common way to prepare mashed potatoes is by boiling them without skins and then mashing them with a beater or a hand masher, adding some milk and butter. Some people like to enhance the flavors with ingredients like rosemary, garlic, or Parmesan. Personally, I prefer mine with just a bit of salt and pepper, but I love adding corn whenever we're having it at the same time!

    Moving on to the third dish, we encounter one of the most debated creations at picnics or cookouts—the potato salad (duh duh duhhhh). Truth be told, there are countless recipes out there for potato salad, but I'll share my simple version. Start by boiling some eggs, peeling them, and removing the cooked yolk in a separate container. Boil the potatoes until they are thoroughly cooked but not mushy (smaller pieces work better). Dice the egg whites and combine them with the cooked potatoes. Add diced black olives and regular salty pickles to the mix. Here's where opinions diverge. I believe a potato salad should have a predominantly salty flavor, while others prefer a sweeter touch. Some recipes even include cranberries and raisins or opt for sweet pickles instead of salty ones. Not in this house! I like to mix mayonnaise and mustard with the yolks to create a creamy mixture. Combine everything in one bowl, folding gently until all the ingredients are well combined!

    Our fourth dish pays tribute to our dear friend, the French fry (with an honorable mention to the hash brown). French fries are an absolute staple in the fast food world, and they have also found their way into high-end dining establishments, often topped with a plethora of delicious fixings. You can't visit many barbecue joints without encountering a French fry loaded with pulled pork! I once had the pleasure of visiting a five-star restaurant that served "Potato frites with an Asiago and Parmesan dusting, accompanied by a creamy hollandaise sauce." Translation? Fancy fries with cheese and mayo. No matter how many stars you give them, everyone loves fries! The hash brown, a close cousin to the French fry, is prepared similarly but with smaller pieces and a crispier crust. And if these two potato delights had a gangly second cousin, it would be the almighty tater tot—a personal favorite among children and bar-goers alike!

    Finally, for our fifth dish, I've decided to feature a lesser-known potato creation, or at least one that I don't often see: potato soup! Classic, creamy, and undeniably delicious, potato soup is perfect for a cool evening or as a hearty meal to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Adding a portion of cheddar cheese and bacon to the soup takes it to another level of flavor. You can include many of the extras typically found with a baked potato, with the exception of parsley. As a creamy soup companion, parsley often makes an appearance to add visual appeal, but not much else! I've always like having a thicker, creamier soup at a lunch that is primarily soup and salad. Creamy soups are usually a bit heavier and very satisfying alongside a cool crisp salad! They also pair well with grilled white meats as they can add a bit of extra salt to the meal without having to add extra to the main dish.

    And there you have it—our five potato dishes. Since this isn't a full-fledged food blog, I haven't included specific recipes. However, if that's something you'd like to see in the future, please let me know, and I'll be sure to include them. I promise to avoid the clichéd practice of starting the post with a lengthy, heartwarming tale about my connection to these dishes (apologies for the slight gag reflex—I can't stand it when food blogs do that!). But I did promise to explain why they hold meaning for my family, and the truth is, they are affordable, versatile, and budget-friendly. With just under ten dollars, you can gather all the ingredients needed to create these fantastic potato-based meals. As for why I'm including this topic in a lifestyle blog about my journey to write a book? Food plays a significant role in our lives, and I want to ensure I have a good understanding of food and cooking to bring authenticity to my writing. I aim to make this story fantastic yet relatable, and nothing is more relatable than our dear friend, the potato! So, let's celebrate the potato (you can even raise a glass of vodka made from potatoes), and I hope everyone enjoys a savory Saturday!

Setting a Schedule

    I've learned from past experiences that setting a schedule is crucial for keeping myself on track. With that in mind, I'm excited to announce a revamped approach to my blog. Starting this week, I'll be dedicating specific days to discussing the three major aspects of my life: Fatherhood, Food, and Fantasy. By organizing my blog posts around these topics, I hope to share my experiences, insights, and passions with you in a more structured and engaging way.

Thursdays: Fatherhood Findings     On Thursdays, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the successes and challenges I face as a dad throughout the week. I'll delve into various parenting topics, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned. Together, we can explore the joys and complexities of fatherhood and parenting to engage in meaningful conversations about raising children in today's world. There are a million places to go to talk to other parents and I hope here is becomes a space where people are comfortable to share!

Saturdays: Fun With Food!     Food has always held a special place in my heart (and stomach), and on Saturdays, I'll be diving into the realm of the delicious. I'll share my culinary adventures, whether it's a show I recently watched, a thought-provoking podcast I stumbled upon, or a delightful recipe I've tried or plan to attempt. Get ready for tantalizing discussions about flavors, cultures, and the joy of preparing and savoring delicious meals. Hopefully this one will bring along pictures and inspire some people to share their favorites too! I'm always willing to try a new food or recipe!

Mondays: Fantasy Realms and Writing Updates     As an aspiring writer, Mondays will be devoted to my fantasy world-building endeavors and progress on my book. Join me as I explore the vast landscapes of imagination, discuss writing techniques, and share insights from the writing community. We'll delve into tropes, character development, world-building, and anything else that captures the essence of the fantasy genre. Together, we'll embark on a journey to unleash our creativity and craft compelling stories. Sometimes a spark is all you need to unleash an inferno of inspiration!

    I'm excited to try and refresh this blogging journey, and hope to make a community around parents that share my interests and passions! I'll be sharing my experiences as a father, my culinary explorations, and my deep passion for writing and fantasy. Through this revamped schedule, I aim to provide you with engaging, thought-provoking content that reflects a diverse set of interests. I invite you to join me on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays as we delve into the realms of Fatherhood, Food, and Fantasy. Let's embark on this adventure together, discovering the joys and challenges of life's rich tapestry.

The call of the sea!

     My inspiration for writing today came from the ocean itself. There's something about the sea that's both awe-inspiring and terrifying, offering the opportunity for adventure and freedom, but at the same time, it's so vast and open that it can be intimidating to find a place to start. The sea has always had a powerful impact on humanity, from inspiring seafarers to explore new lands and embark on epic voyages, to serving as a symbol of the unknown, the uncharted, and the mysterious.

    In many ways, the sea is a metaphor for life itself. Just like the ocean, life can be vast, unpredictable, and at times, overwhelming. But at the same time, it's full of possibilities and opportunities for growth and discovery. It's a reminder that we should never be afraid to set out on our own journey, even if the path ahead seems uncertain or intimidating.

    This theme of adventure and freedom is something that I've been exploring in my writing recently. In fact, it's the basis for the story I want to share with you today. It's a tale of three friends who, like many of us, find themselves at a crossroads in life. They're all facing different challenges and struggles, but they share a common desire for something more, something that can only be found by leaving behind the familiar and setting off into the unknown.

    And so, one day, under the catalyst of their once safe home losing it's protection, they make a decision. They decide to leave everything behind and embark on a journey across the sea. The chance to find a way to bring protection back to their now vulnerable home becomes a fire that is ever growing. At first, the sheer size of the ocean seems to hold them back, but eventually, they find their way, with a rag tag group of fallen mercenaries showing them the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

    As they journey across the sea, they encounter all sorts of challenges and obstacles, from treacherous storms to fierce sea creatures. But they also experience moments of wonder and awe, discovering new lands and cultures, and forming deep bonds with each other and the crew. Hope in the face of hopelessness and discovering why the land they live in is scarred becomes an epic that goes beyond just protecting their home.

    In the end, their journey across the sea represents a triumph of the human spirit. It's a testament to the power of adventure, the freedom to explore, and the courage to face the unknown. And it's a reminder that, just like the ocean, life is full of possibilities and opportunities, waiting for us to take that first step and set off on our own journey of discovery.

The next chapter!

    As I sit down to write this post, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Yesterday marked the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of a new one. After spending several years working at a bank, I decided it was time to leave and focus on what really matters to me - my family.

    It's not an easy decision, but it's one that I've been thinking about for a long time. The corporate world can be soul-sucking, and while I enjoyed my time at the bank and learned a lot about finance and corporate structure, the pay didn't match the amount of work I was doing. The cost of Daycare outpaced what I would earn. When that happens it just makes sense to spend the time with the kids instead of time barely making any money away from them. I am excited to spend more time with my kids and give my wife more flexibility with her free time. Being able to support my family and give everyone an amazing life; that's where my decision to become a stay-at-home dad comes in.

    As a father of two young kids, I've always wanted to be more present in their lives. However, with the demands of my job, I was spending nearly 50 hours a week away from home. %0 hours a week not getting to see the kids that I love so much. I would have them for an hour in the morning and barely two in the evening. The thought that most kids with two working parents barely get to see their parents breaks my heart. The care system in the states is broken, and it has really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to truly enjoy our lives when we are so beholden to the massive work week that eats our time. With all that in mind I took the leap and decided to quit my job to become a full-time dad. It's a scary decision, but I know it's the right one for me and my family.

    Of course, there are challenges that come with this decision. There will be days when I miss the structure and routine of a traditional job, or days when the kids are especially challenging. The loss of a set income will be one of the hardest but we plan to offset that with gig work and rideshare services. But I'm ready to face those challenges head-on, knowing that the rewards of being there for my family are well worth it. I also am not taking for granted one second that this is a blessing. Not many people in their 30's have an opportunity for someone to stay predominantly at home.

    My other hope is that this gives me an opportunity to work more on my book. Stealing a moment or two to write while the kids are down will be amazing! I'm beyond excited to finish this project and at some point this year I just might! In this next chapter of my life, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights as a stay-at-home dad. I'll talk about the joys and struggles of raising young children, the lessons I learn along the way, and the ways in which I'm able to continue pursuing my passions while taking care of my family. these learning experiences will help me make more human characters as I meet and talk with other parents and learn more about a side of life that I've never experienced before. It's a lot of fun opportunities to find something fun on the way to the book!

Two weeks notice..

    Sorry for the hiatus but there have been a few personal developments lately. I've put my two weeks in at my job at the bank. It's a big decision that has been both scary and thrilling. Something that has led me to taking time off of my other hobbies. Focusing on finishing up strong is important to me. The whole reason I got a job at the bank was for stability. Now I'm heading in to the unknown with anything but a certain future. While my time at the bank was valuable in many ways, I've come to realize that it wasn't the right fit for me.

    Don't get me wrong, the job itself was fine. I learned a lot about finance and the corporate world, and I'm grateful for that. But I also learned that banking isn't a field that aligns with my passions. At its core, banking is about making money, and while that's true of most jobs, it can be hard to reconcile with a desire to help people. When you are constantly restricted with items that could greatly help people, you start to become a bit jaded with the system you're working within.

    I've always been passionate about helping others, whether it's by showing them how to solve a problem, protecting them from fraud, or celebrating their financial milestones. Those are the things that light me up, but unfortunately, they often got buried under the paperwork, sales goals, and regulatory trainings that came with the job. That monotony really killed the drive to come to work each day. It made the little flickers of success seem ever encumbered in shadow. It is really difficult to reconcile the fact that the bank makes money off the backs of people who could least afford it. Seeing fees waived for wealthy clients while struggling families paid a steep price just didn't sit right with me.

    But the biggest reason for leaving? Family. My wife and I have young children, and the looming cost of daycare was threatening to eat up my entire paycheck. Long hours and missing out on precious time with my family just isn't sustainable. Why work 50 hours a week to not be able to contribute to bills and miss out on family time? The answer is it doesn't make sense. The fact that childcare is so expensive is the only reason I'm being forced out of the traditional workforce.

    So, I've decided to take a leap of faith and try my hand at gig work. It's a scary prospect, to be sure, but I'm excited about the opportunity to spend more time with my family while still contributing financially. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, there will be challenges. But I'm ready for them. I know that this is the right decision for me and my family, and I'm excited to see what the future holds. Hey who know this book thing might even work out and I'll be able to pay the bills that way!

In to the unknown!

    As some one who is trying to be a writer, creating a vivid and engaging setting for your story can be a daunting task. Whether it's a fictional fantasy world or a familiar city street, the setting can make or break a reader's immersion in your story. That's why I've found searching out landscapes online from travel blogs to be an incredibly useful tool for inspiration. Social media algorithms work in such a way that once you start digging into travel and landscapes, you'll see more of it, so let the wormhole begin!

    The internet offers the ability to virtually explore places that you may never have the opportunity to visit in person. Travel blogs, social media, and photography websites offer a plethora of images and descriptions of stunning natural landscapes, bustling city streets, and quaint towns all over the world. Even if you're not planning on traveling, these resources can provide a wealth of inspiration for your writing. It's an inspiring journey to traverse the mountains on one page and then dip into the waters of a beach on the next.

    When trying to plot out the path of my book, I found myself struggling to create a vivid and engaging setting for the story's climax. I knew that I wanted it to take place in a natural landscape, but I wasn't sure what kind of environment would work best. That's when I turned to travel blogs and started browsing images of different landscapes. I was searching high and low for something that would spark a fun idea for a chase scene.

    That's when I came across a breathtaking photo of the Grand Canyon, with its winding river and towering red rock formations. Suddenly, I could picture my characters navigating the treacherous terrain, hiding from their pursuers behind towering rocks, and ultimately making their escape down the winding river. The landscape became a character in its own right, adding depth and complexity to the story. It painted a path to where I want my first book to end. Pairing a chase scene with the finale of a book creates a sense of accomplishment and success, leaving readers triumphant and wanting more.

    Using travel blogs for inspiration provides a variety of different types of landscapes to fit any story or mood. If you're writing a romantic story, you might search for images of beautiful beaches or quaint European towns. If you're writing a horror story, you might search for images of abandoned buildings or creepy forests. The possibilities are endless. For me, it's a lot of oceanside and mountains that are taking me on Nordic and Sicilian voyages!

    Of course, inspiration is not the same as imitation. While you may be inspired by a particular landscape or setting, it's important to make it your own and incorporate it in a way that fits your story. Use the images and descriptions as a jumping-off point, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. It'll be what makes your work have its own flavor and style.

    Searching out landscapes online from travel blogs can be an incredibly valuable tool for writers. It can help you create a vivid and engaging setting for your story and provide a wealth of inspiration for your imagination. So the next time you're feeling stuck on your setting, take a virtual trip around the world and see what landscapes inspire you!