Growler's Random Thoughts...

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When I read or watch a story these days I try look for the protaganist.

Who's the main character that we're going to follow through the story? What emotional and physical change will they go through in the journey?

Does the story stir your emotions?

Do you empathise and/or sympathise with the main character?

Do you feel anything at all?

Is there a good reason for the main character and the antagonist to conflict and play off each other?

Does the main character's actions and decisions drive the plot of the story?

I wasn't always aware of these and other questions but I've recently discovered the keys of what makes a great story, in my opinion.

Looking back at the stories that stuck long in the mind after they had finished, I found that they were always character driven.

They made you care about the characters and want to keep turning the page or keep watching to see what happened next and wonder how the story would end!

A lot of stories are produced these days but the great ones always stand out.

Superhero, supernatural, sci-fi and fantasy stories greatly benefit from strong character portrayals. Recent examples have been seen in the first season of Heroes, The Lord of the Rings movies, The Dark Knight, Twilight, New Avengers written by Brian Bendis.

As I continue to craft and research my own stories for the GrowlerVerse I know I've got a hard task ahead of me to produce quality stories but I'll learn as I go along.

Making sure I enjoy the process and let the passion shine through.

A great story can inspire and motivate you.

That's why I love stories.

I write this on the day that Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States.

No matter what your political views, and we all have them, no one can deny the extraordinary achievement that has taken place.

What better vindication of pursuing your hopes and dreams by witnessing historic success!

Everyone can and should be inspired by this. The journey is often more important than the destination and we often overlook how much a person has to do and how long it takes to breakthrough and succeed in any walk of life.

Persistence is key and never give up hope.

Whatever you want to be or to do in life, you can. 

Spent some time with a good friend and it's amazing how a good long chat can really cheer you up and brighten the mood.

Whilst there I took some time searching for a song which I first heard as the ending theme tune of the anime Naruto.

I was determined my friend had to hear it!

Anyway, after a long search I finally found the amazing video for the song Harumonia sung by the female singing duo, Rhythem.

Sit back and enjoy this mellow, feel good tune (in Japanese).

Business Stripped Bare by Sir Richard Branson.

A great source of optimistic and positive achievement which helps me to keep motivated and on track with my goals and dreams.

A challenging 2009 lays before all of us. It's crucial to stay positive and seek positive encouragement for whatever it is you want to do in life.

Constantly re-evaluating and keeping focussed on your goals and dreams.

I recently read and enjoyed two different articles, here and here, which help to do just that.

Both written by highly creative entrepreneurs with differing degrees of success.

After much guessing, the new Doctor Who has been announced as Matt Smith.

I've seen the 26 year old actor in the fantastic BBC political drama series Party Animals and, I believe, the best British sci-fi show (Doctor Who), in my opinion, is in for a treat.

Coupled with Head Writer Steven Moffatt at the helm, the future of Doctor Who looks bright!

Sometimes in life, opportunities come out of nowhere.

Major, life changing opportunities.

Sometimes from many miles away.

You just have to grab them if they fit with your values and overall plan for life.

My values are helping people and enjoying life.

I will be going through and enjoying change whenever it compliments those values.

All the while keeping positive and stimulating progress.

I went to a meal in Finchley Central with some members of one of my Chinese meetup groups which ended in a brief party at a friend's place nearby.

It was a great chance to meet new people who shared my love of learning Chinese and to have a bit of fun. A good time was had by all.

The following day I introduced a friend (who's also learning Chinese) to my Chinese teacher/student as way for new friendships to be created and an opportunity for both of them to practice speaking.

The session went well and I'll be doing a few more as time goes by.

I had my radio debut recently. I was a guest on Chinese Youth Radio which airs every Thursday morning between 10am to 12pm on SW1 radio station.

It was the first time I had ever set foot in a radio studio.

I basically talked about why I enjoy studying Mandarin Chinese. The experience was a good one though I was very nervous.

Following from that session I'd quite like to do some media training in radio and TV as those skills are quite useful and I could use them to enhance the whole GrowlersWorld experience.

It's got me thinking about doing podcasts for this site.

Watch this space.

Coming soon...

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