Jamais Jochim
Bio
I'm the guy who knows every last fact about Spider-man and if I don't I'll track it down. I love bad movies, enjoy table-top gaming, and probably would drive you crazy if you weren't ready for it.
Stories (296)
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Prepping For Different Environments
Different preppers take different approaches to prepping. One of the more interesting variables is the environment in which preppers find themselves; these environments can help define the limitations and advantages that an individual prepper has to deal with. In some cases, the very environment may present specific challenges that need to be overcome for successful prepping, but it may also come with some inherent advantages. By recognizing those pluses and minuses, a prepper can make their job easier.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Lifehack
Do You Show, Tell, or Both?
One of the biggest problems writers have is the show vs. tell problem. The problem is that it's too easy to just tell the story, especially as we're used to thinking that we're, well, telling a story. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it does mean that there are a lot of places to slog through; this practice encourages plenty of exposition and exploring characters' thoughts and emotions, as well as adding commentary. While some of this is needed, the problem is the delivery system.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
The Difference Between Critics and Fans
I absolutely love "Battle Beyond The Stars" (1980). However, as a reviewer there are quite a few problems with the movie. Due to that dichotomy, I thought it would be interesting to look at the movie, from the viewpoints of both a fan and a critic to show how different those viewpoints can be when it comes to reviewing movies, showing that reviewers are fans but with a different perspective.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
AI Art: How It Does What It Does
Interestingly, one of the major issues with AI art is that the technology has advanced to such a point that some of those most affected by it don't know how it works. Too many artists are a little behind the curve when it comes to the technology and it shows in the discussion regarding AI art; as such, it puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to discussing the potential effects of the technology as well as its legal ramifications. In order to get up to speed, it may not be a bad idea to take a step back and look at what it does.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Art
The Importance of Representation
t's interesting that one of the strongest markers of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be the career of Nichelle Nichols. As the story goes, she was debating quitting "Star Trek" but Dr. King was able to convince her to stay. There is no question that her career has inspired plenty of women to be their best possible person, and that a lot of black women would not be who they are without her example.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Critique
Keeping The Art Simple
Different artists have different methods of drawing. Some prefer the block-of-wood method: They don't know what they are going to draw, but they'll know when they start drawing. Others take a more ordered approach and talk it out until they have an idea of what they want to do. And others just draw whatever they want, hoping it will fall into place. Some of these strategies are better than others, and you need to develop a strategy that works for you.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Art
More Time Travel, Less Silliness Part 2
Time travel is one of those things we all play with at one point or another but few of us really think the implications through when we sit down to write. Worse, some tropes have inherent issues when you think about them too much. Here are some thoughts on some popular tropes and how to have fun with them.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
More Time Travel, Less Silliness Part 1
People have been writing about men traveling back in time for so long that even Mark Twain wrote a book using it as a plot device. However, while there are a lot of things that make it interesting to read, especially in the hands of someone who loves it, there are also lots of ways to mess it up. Generally, the person who messes it up usually doesn't bother with the "science" part of science fiction; they actually hate science and/or just want to deal with philosophical aspects using the tropes as metaphors. However, by looking at time travel more analytically, more ways of exploring things may be uncovered.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
Action is More Than the Verbs
The demon appeared before them in a pillar of fire. Douglas unsheathed his sword and adopted a defensive stance. The pillar disappeared in a cloud of embers. The demon charged him. He swung his steel down. The demon dodged. Douglas adjusted for the demon's new position. The demon smiled. Douglas lunged. The demon parried the blade. Douglas pulled it back. The demon clawed at him. Douglas parried the talon, then stepped into the strike. He brought his sword across the demon. The demon split into two. Each half fell to the ground and melted into lava. Douglas allowed himself a moment to breathe.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
The Necessary Balance Between Light and Darkness
A Sailor and A Husband Consider if you will Odysseus and Darth Vader. Odysseus was a great person: He was loyal to his wife; he was able to maintain a love for his wife over 20 years. He was able to figure out clever solutions to hard problems, and there's no doubt that his crew was willing to follow him no matter where he would lead them. There's no question the guy was a hero.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
Taking a Machine Gun to Your Darlings
Every so often, you're going to find yourself in a situation where you're going to write something you really, really love. And then realize that it really, really doesn't work for what you're writing. You're going to have to figure out what to do with it and no matter what you decide it's going to hurt: You're either going to have to put it away in a dungeon, possibly to never to see light again, or send it to oblivion. Neither choice is easy.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in Writers
