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William

William Redd


Last Updated: 11/18/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 30
Sign: Cancer

City: WILMINGTON
State: North Carolina
Country: US
Signup Date: 6/7/2005

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Thursday, November 05, 2009 

Current mood:  tired
I have a few words about these first two days of NaNoWriMo, but first I need to say a few things about...

Halloween:

Now, like most of you, I grew up loving Halloween. I used to love getting dressed up, going Trick or Treating around the neighborhood and coming home with a ton of candy that would slowly diminish over the course of the next few weeks (probably quicker than it should have). But, as time went on, the magic went away.

It became a hassle to have to think of some awesome costume to wow the crowd and walk around begging for candy.

Then came college.

College, where the sole theme of Halloween was: "Girls, dress slutty and get drunk while the guys dress like idiots and also get drunk." Unfortunately, this was no fun for me because I don't drink. I was taking the intellectual high ground of "why in God's name would I want to do any of that?"

The last time I really did anything of consequence was when we made a trip to Chapel Hill on Halloween to walk Franklin Street (a yearly tradition of drunken debauchery and costumed shenanigans). Even then I just opted for my Silent Bob "costume" (a trench coat and a backwards hat) and walked around enjoying the madness.

Last year I stayed home editing Five Minutes 'Til on Halloween. Oh, and running to pick up the director of the aforementioned short from the drunk tank at 4 in the morning.

This year, however, has definitely topped even my childhood memories for the Best Halloween EVER!

And here's why:

That's right players at home, Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues made an appearance in Downtown Wilmington this year, and lo did they have a blast.

We hit up a few parties, then went downtown. Most of Front Street was slammed with people, so we went to the Browncoat Pub and Theatre. And there, amongst characters like Betty Boop, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, the Warriors, Penny Lane, She-Ra, Erin the E-Surance girl, Ash Williams, Lady Gaga, the Dude, Silent Bob, a marshmallow covered Ghostbuster, Bubba from Night of the Scarecrow, and a cast of hundreds Jake and Elwood hopped up on stage and performed "Soul Man."

There's video of this momentous event, and I'll post it here as soon as it's uploaded.
Without that costume and my amazing friend J alongside me as Elwood, it never would have happened. Something opened up in me that night, and a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

And it was just in time, because Sunday was November 1st; the first day of NaNoWriMo.

For the uninitiated. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Every November, thousands of writers throw caution to the wind and attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in a month's time.

Are we crazy? Maybe. Are we determined? Hell Yeah!!

I tried NaNo last year and didn't even start writing. Unmitigated failure? Oh yes. And I don't think I truly recovered. It's why I've had trouble writing (well, it's one of several reasons I've had trouble writing). Maureen Johnson's BEDA (Blog Every Day April) was the start of a long process of getting into the habit of writing. After BEDA, I started slipping. Life got in the way (tired excuse, I know, but what can you do?) and there was no light at the end of the tunnel (will the cliches ever end!?).

But, something seems different. After Saturday night, I have some new drive that's actually keeping me active and on the ball. Am I changed? Did that performance release something that's been lying dormant all this time?

I hope so. I really do.

For the love of Pete, just look how much I wrote in this blog! If I can keep this intensity going all month, I'll have no problem reaching 50,000 words.

As it stands, I'm a little behind on the daily goals, but I haven't really had time to sit down and do nothing but write. Tomorrow will be a writing day, so we'll see how far along I am.

Currently, I'm sitting on 1,253 words (based on averages, I should have something akin to 4,000 words by now). We'll see where things stand tomorrow.

Now, I'm off to bed. So tomorrow I may write!


William the Bloody Changed Redd
Currently reading:
Writing The Popular Novel: A Comprehensive Guide To Crafting Fiction That Sells
By Loren D. Estleman
2:57 AM 
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009 

Current mood:  bouncy
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
First, for all those interested, I've said the things that needed to be said and I think things are better.

At least, it seems that way to me.

Tonight, I finally went to see Where the Wild Things Are. SUCH A GOOD MOVIE!!!! I mean, I had faith, of course I did, but I was still a little blown away by it.

The look of the Wild Things was PERFECT! I remember reading the book way back when and later comparing the Wild Things to Jim Henson's monsters (considering them essentially the same type of fantastical beast), so seeing a combination of practical "man in suit" character design mixed seamlessly with digital effects for facial expressions makes these beasts seem completely real to me.

Then there's the story. While I always loved the story from the book, I did wonder what they were going to add to make the movie stretch out to a feature length. Because, let's be honest, it's a really short book. But, leave it to Spike Jonze to find all the right stuff to add.

Just like all of us, the Wild Things deal with depression, loneliness, anger, fear, and love. However, unlike most of us, they have a unique way of dealing with these issues. Mostly, they fight, bite, slash, claw, dismember, and even devour each other to solve their problems. This makes sense, they ARE monsters after all.

It's funny, I forgot how much I had in common with Max growing up. While I didn't run around in a wolf costume "causing mischief", I did (and still do) a lot of things that only seemed to make sense to me. Even other kids my age didn't really "get" me. I can't say that I blame them, there are a few things that I did (and, again, still do) that make sense at the time, but moments after even I would think "what the hell was THAT about?"

I've always been one of those "seemed like a good idea at the time" kinda guys.

I also still have quite a bit in common with Max, and the Wild Things.

Of course, I think we all do.

I mean, that's the point, right?



William the Bloody Wild Thing Redd
Currently listening:
Briefcase Full of Blues
By The Blues Brothers
Release date: 2008-08-26
5:11 AM 
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Friday, October 23, 2009 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Life
My God! 

Has it really been that long since my last blog? 

I can't believe I let things go this long. 

Well, the drought if officially over, I'm back. Right now, I'm just looking for something to keep my mind occupied because I can't sleep. The problem is, I don't know why. 

There are some things going on that are causing me some concern, but nothing that I would think would keep me up at night. At least, I didn't think so. 

Yet, here I am, awake at 4:45 in the morning after not being able to get comfortable in my bed and returning to my laptop to find some sort of solace online. And I sit here writing, with nothing in the world to talk about (because my concerns can't really be expressed right now, even if I could find the words, quarter to 5 is not the proper time). 

So much is up in the air right now. I wish there was someone I could talk to about my whirlwind mind, but all the sane people are busy sleeping. Having dreams of better things (possibly some of worse, statistically speaking there would be a few nightmares in the mix). Even when awake, I tend to keep my troubles to myself, not wanting to bother anyone with my seemingly small issues. 

Maybe they aren't small, but my lack of confidence tells me they are to other people, and so I don't share because I don't want to bore or annoy. 

Self-loathing and self-doubt, two of the worse enemies a body could have, especially when they tag-team you into submission on a regular basis. 

I just wish I could get out of my head for a while. Just turn off the ol' melon and do something mindless. Unfortunately, as much as I try to shut out all thoughts, they just keep slowly filtering back in. Even when I'm trying to focus on something like my reading, I find myself suddenly thinking of something entirely different. 

Also, I haven't been writing. I've tried (or, I've tried to try), but nothing has come of it. I have plenty of ideas, too many ideas, I just can't start writing. This is the first thing I've written that isn't a private thought never to see the light of day in weeks. I'm hoping this is a sign that my creative energy is going to be directed back to the proper avenues.

If you see more posts from me, it would appear that is the case, if not... 

I almost shudder to think what happens if I stop writing again. 

NaNoWriMo starts in just two weeks. Gotta start getting in the habit of writing daily to prepare for the challenge of writing part of a novel every day of the month. Part of the problem there is I have several ideas for plot lines, but no idea which one to write! 

Maybe I could just start writing on November 1st and we'll see where it goes.


Here's hoping I post something... ANYTHING tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day... 



William the Bloody Optimistic Insomniac Redd
Currently reading:
Writing The Popular Novel: A Comprehensive Guide To Crafting Fiction That Sells
By Loren D. Estleman
5:26 AM 
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Friday, August 01, 2008 

Current mood:  eccentric
Category: Life
For there are two certainties in life, this I know:
Charlie don't surf, and William don't text.


I don't understand text messaging.

I'm sorry to those of you that love it and can't live without it, but to me it seems like a waste.

I have at least five e-mail accounts, three myspaces, a facebook, a blog, twitter, and whatever instant messenger I happen to be fascinated with this week. I don't need yet another form of textual communication. Especially text from a phone.

It's time everyone knew this, because I think I might be missing out on some communications from folks. I have text messages blocked from my cell phone because I don't use them. So please, if you want to get in touch with me with your cell phone, CALL ME.

Or, if you must use text, sign up for twitter and "follow" me (their term, not mine). You can update twitter from your cell phone, so it's just like texting. Or, perhaps there's an IM program that you can access through text. If so, let me know and I'll sign up for it so you can keep in touch with me.


I know, it sounds crazy, but it's just one of my little quirks. By God, I'm eccentric.


William the Bloody Quirky Redd
Currently watching:
M*A*S*H - Season Six (Collector's Edition)
Release date: 2004-06-08
5:26 AM 
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008 

Current mood:  weird
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural
I don't know how many of you have read or seen "The Golden Compass", but if you have you know that every one on that world has a daemon. The daemon is that persons soul given form. I always thought that was an awesome idea, and now I have my very own.

Check her out:



Based on the personality quiz they make you take, I'd say Athenestia fits me pretty well.



William the Bloody Daemonized Redd
5:55 AM 
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008 

Current mood:  excited
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
So, I've been submitting "Taboo" to film festivals and I'm proud to announce that it's been selected for two!

First up, we're in the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival which takes place this very weekend (May 2nd through the 4th). "Taboo" is playing Sunday at 4p.m. during the 4th short block at City Stage. All the Wilmington folk or anyone else interested, head on out.


Next, it will be playing at the Sister City Film Festival (formally the New Bern Independent Film Conference) on Saturday, May 10th. The day long festival will be held in New Bern (obviously), downtown in the Athens Theatre, 414 Pollock St. Starts at 10a.m. and there's no fee. So come on out and watch some quality films by some quality folks.

[EDIT: I've just been informed that the festival will probably start closer to 11 or 11:30]

Not only can you see "Taboo", but both of these festivals have accepted "The Reel Thing". This is a short directed by Daisy Faith that I shot and edited. "The Reel Thing" plays during the 2p.m. short block on Saturday at City Stage.

I'm really kind of excited about this. I also plan to submit "Taboo" to some other festivals in the coming months.

Here's hopin'!

William the Bloody Excited Redd
10:30 PM 
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Monday, March 03, 2008 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Web, HTML, Tech
The 5 Regular Guys have made a new short!!! And we've entered the Youtube Sketchies contest this year with it.

This is our video for Round One. If we are chosen as one of 20 finalists in this round, we get to make another video. Then, if that video is chosen, the people of the interweb (that's you) get to vote for their favorites.

But, one step at a time...



And, please, if you like this, go to our Youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/the5regularguys

Rate and Comment on our vid, and if you play the youtube viewer game, subscribe.

We thank you for your support.

Oh, and... we love you...


William the Bloody Anxious Redd
Currently reading:
Red Dragon
By Thomas Harris
Release date: 18 May, 2000
7:08 PM 
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Saturday, March 01, 2008 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Podcast
So, as most of you know, I've been working on a project on Youtube where I and our little film group, the 5 Regular Guys, attempt to create a video a day.

This project was inspired by John and Hank Green, two brothers who decided to communicate solely through video blogs and phone calls. We weren't the only project inspired by the vlogbrothers

One group, known as the fiveawesomeguys (notice the subtle similarity in our names, and we've been using ours since 1999! But it's alright, we're not bitter...) has become incredibly popular because they are made up of many well known Youtubers.

One of their members, Todd, created a degree in something he calls "Toddology". He provided three requirements for people to accomplish in order to receive this degree, and I've just finished the third requirement.

Because, as some of you know, I collect degrees like I used to collect comics and still collect movies. What can I say, I like to be learned...

Anyway, here are my three requirements for my degree in Toddology:

Part 1 (in which one is required to dress up and dance to a groovy song):




Part 2 (in which one is required to go out on the street and film yourself telling a joke to somebody):




Part 3 (in which one is required to get five people to tell Todd why one deserves this diploma):



I'd like to thank everyone who helped me get all these videos made, especially my "Why I deserve a degree in Toddology" video. So, thank you so much to Jason, Jenkins, Jonathan, Toler, and Jennifer! You are all so incredibly AWESOME!

So, there you go. All three requirements met.

Challenge complete!


William the Bloody Accomplished Redd
Currently reading:
13 Little Blue Envelopes
By Maureen Johnson
Release date: 26 September, 2006
10:14 AM 
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Saturday, January 19, 2008 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
So, you've seen what I consider some of the best movies out there. Now, here's the bottom of the barrel.

Part 1:



Part 2:



I have to thank TheCinephile of the Nerdfighter ning site and my friend Ryan for reminding me of two of these that I'd successfully blocked from my memory.

Also, thanks to TheLisa for asking the initial question that prompted all four of these videos.

Enjoy.
Currently listening:
Chinatown: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
By Jerry Goldsmith
Release date: 07 November, 1995
6:49 AM 
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Friday, January 18, 2008 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
So, TheLisa, a friend of mine on the Nerdfighter's ning page, asked what my top 10 best and worst movies were. So, I decided to answer with a pair of videos. Here are the movies that, for the moment, I consider to be some of the best out there.

Part 1:




Part 2:




So, there you go. I have to give a big thank you to Joe and Carolyn, because a few of those picks are because of them.
Currently watching:
Airplane 2 - The Sequel
Release date: 24 October, 2000
7:59 AM 
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