What Halloween Can Teach You About Writing

 

HALLOWEEN TIP

WRITING TIP

Plan ahead, with your costume, with whatever party, parade, event you’re attending Test run your makeup; make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin, make sure the colors are right Stay hydrated, nothing is worse than being in full Elphaba cosplay and feeling sick  Powder your face or your makeup will drip off throughout the night  Stick with a buddy, don’t be out late at night alone

Plan ahead, with your assignment, with the points you’re trying to make, with the evidence you’re going to use  Test run your assignment with a draft; make sure it’s coming together, make sure the concept is strong  Stay hydrated, nothing is worse than trying to concentrate on your paper, but getting a dehydration headache  “Powder” your paper; proofread and edit before it’s set to submit  Have a buddy read your paper, it’s good to have another perspective

Take a Break and Listen to a Podcast

Good afternoon lovely students,

It is very important to do your classwork, make sure you're learning, and getting the most out of your education here at DCAD, but...sometimes you just need a BREAK. I'd even say it's even more important to take breaks so you don't get burned out or exhausted. 

STORYTIME: (I'll get to the point, be patient)

In 2012, I worked a summer in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee as "bear patrol." No, it was not meant to protect people from bears but rather bears from people. Bear protector! Anyway, around that time, as I was riding my bike in circles around the park, I started listening to NPR and other public radio shows. And then in 2014, when I worked on a conservation crew in Missouri, we started listening to the podcast "Serial" and I've been hooked on them ever since. My point is, sometimes you need something to listen to as you're working on a visual assignment or sometimes you need to take a break without it turning into a 3 hour nap. Give podcasts a chance! 

Here are some I've been listening to recently:

1. Uncover: Escaping NXIVM...if you're into cults, this is the podcast for YOU. NXIVM is a weird, weird cult, but super fascinating. This podcast focuses on one woman who left and led a mass exodus, Sarah Edmonson. 5/5 would recommend

2. Sibling Rivalry (with Bob the Drag Queen and Monet X Change)...if you love drag queens and drag race, Bob and Monet are two of the best to come out of the franchise. They are really funny and warm, listening to them makes me happy. 5/5 would recommend

3. Why Won't You Date ME (with Nicole Byer)...need I say more, Nicole Byer is so genuine and funny and just a total goof. It's definitely a good podcast to listen to if you need to just relax and enjoy something or go on a walk. 5/5 would recommend

4. The Loser's Club (a Stephen King podcast)...are you a nerd? This is a great podcast for you, whether you love Stephen King or not. These folks go deep into King's works, resulting in 2-3 hour podcasts. This one is for a long walk or long break, but worth it. 5/5 would recommend

5. Crimetown (Season 1)...THE ITALIAN MOB and the Patriarca crime family. This podcast is so captivating and as a Bostonian, something about hearing Providence accents is comforting to me. A deep dive into organized crime in Providence with interviews from former mobsters. 5/5 would recommend. 

*If you want any more recs, I am obsessed and will gladly help you to become obsessed as well*

The moral of the story is this; take care of yourself. You deserve it. 

-Emma

Something to smile about

I know this isn't related to writing, but here are some photos of my old girl to put a smile on your face today.