Trying to Manage 2 Blogs & Starting to Watch Supernatural & Friends (in 2019)

Hello folks,

I hope you're doing well.

Things have been crazy on the tramway called life. Last weekend I might have stretched myself a little too far trying to manage my work, homework and other projects.

This past weekend I helped run a tailgate at a soccer game with my school's Campus Activity Council. We served hot dogs, chips, Hawaiian Punch, let people make posters (I made one for this blog, which was sort of a fail at advertising) and had supplies to "spray" their hair purple and white, our colors. It was a lot of fun, and our Men's Soccer team did well, winning 6-0.

Facebook Pages 

So a few announcements: I've recently made two Facebook pages for my Blogs. You can find the pages below, if you'd like to meet up with other people in the Tug & Tram or The Occasional Express Community.

Tug & Tram Blogging

www.facebook.com/Patrick-Webbs-Tug-Tram-Blogging-115978946451247/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARCdaac6wleA2hvI_ZN9VL4CvnfhwUHxHmmbBcaJ7tR2EO9zWa0-X45sOK--fH3yIEUs7oDO4HDyUzs8 

The Occasional Express

@TheOccasionalExpress (if this' easier to search with)

www.facebook.com/TheOccasionalExpress/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARCbg0a4Kie37rOfjSSqJ-DkTvO-Z3N3ubrgd0pOuxPfnpdnRJTGu9XOBJSoCspRskVVfxY13u-D1Cz7 

I realized that a lot of writers on Twitter in the #WritingCommunity have Facebook Pages; I decided it was about time I got one of my own. Please note that The Occasional Express will be just about trains, while Tug & Tram Blogging's Facebook page will be about my writing in general, along with posts I make about Pop Culture, Pat Pitches, History of Characters, etc., so feel free to just follow the one you're interested in.

So far, I only have a small amount of likes on either page. This week I focused more on getting people to like The Occasional Express (who weren't friends) because I know most of my friends on Facebook aren't interested in trains.

I am glad that I have a new platform to interact with my readers, but I'm also worried it might be too much of a distraction from my writing. I guess that's something I'll have to work on figuring out as I go forward. If you're a writer with a FB page, and have some advice, I'd love to hear it.

Trying to Manage 2 Blogs

As I mentioned before, I think I'm starting to feel the time strain of trying to manage 2 blogs, along with their Facebook pages. Both blogs don't have schedules yet (unofficially most T&T posts come out on Friday, usually around 5 PM Eastern, and The Occasional Express is whenever I can get an article).

I have been enjoying working on both, don't get me wrong. Tug & Tram blogging has helped me reach out to you guys, gals, and nonbinary pals, which I'm very glad for. I also really enjoy the blog format, it's given me a way to share my thoughts and my love for pop culture, such as my history posts of forgotten characters or Pat Pitches.

However, with that in mind, I haven't written as much recently, since I have to manage my blogs, fun writing (ex: films, novels, etc.) and most important of all my school work. I think what I need to do is sit down and plan out a schedule for when I post on each blog, and set aside some time for my other writing.

Writing Updates

Before I go onto my next topic, I feel I should mention where I'm at with my writing. I haven't worked on The Bethany Galactic Railway Chronicles in a while, because I got swamped with work last week, and was dealing with some personal stuff. The heat didn't help any.

As for my other projects (Lady Luck, Royal Scot) I haven't done a lot with them in a while. Lady Luck is ready for some peer review/editing from a second person, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. My go to editor (Cristina) is pretty busy right now helping another friend (CC) with their Senior Projects. I don't need to really start the project until next year (since I'm currently a Junior) but I feel I should get some editing done sooner rather than later, given how big Lady Luck Vol. 1 is.

As for Royal Scot, I think I'm going to sit on that one for a while, and go back to it after I take some film classes. I'm sure I made a LOT of mistakes in the formatting of a script, so I should fix that first before showing it to anyone for serious editing. (Maybe I'm also a little anxious about that, who's to say? 😅 )

All right, onto the next topic.

Starting Supernatural & Friends (in 2019) 

So as stated in the name of the blog, I've decided to start watching Supernatural and Friends.... in 2019.

Now you might be wondering: Why? 

A few reasons. Let's start with Supernatural. My friend Cristina (mentioned earlier) is a big fan of the show, and we were talking at supper a few days a go about how the show is finally coming to an end after the 15th Season. I know a little bit about the show (my older sister is also a big fan of the show). I'd seen her watching some episodes a few years ago, but it never interested me.

At the time I was biased towards horror, which I'm working to overcome. I asked Cristina if it was worth starting the show, and she said yes. I decided "Why not?" So far I'm three episodes into the series, and I'm really enjoying it. It's a nice mix of mystery, horror and action, which keeps me entertained.

It's also fun to see the older technology in the show's first season, such as the flip phones and giant computer screens. Sam and Dean have really been around for a while, haven't they? I think my favorite part of the show is Sam and Dean's interactions. They really feel like siblings, such as how they get on each other's nerves, but also have each other's backs.

The only criticism I have is that the show has a dark color pallet which was popular around 2005 when the show started. Ah yes, gotta love that 2000's look: everything is somewhat drained of color.
While I'm not a personal fan of that aesthetic (especially in superhero shows, but that's a post for another day) it does fit the tone of Supernatural, so I'm willing to give it a pass.

I doubt I'm going to catch up in time to see the final season (it's 14 seasons after all) and I'm not really into binge watching super long shows. I will definitely make my way through it. So no spoilers!!

Next, Friends. Unlike Supernatural, I have seen a fair share of Friends episodes on reruns on the CW during their comedy block back at home. While I added it to my list of shows to watch on Netflix, I never felt motivated to start watching it from the first episode.

However, that changed for a few reasons. 1) Friends is leaving Netflix for HBO Max, Warner Bros./HBO's new streaming service. (YAY!!! Another streaming service 😒) and 2) I was talking with a friend at lunch about the show, while it was playing in our cafeteria. I decided "Well, why not? I could use another comedy show to watch."

I was watching Cheers a while ago, but I binged through the first season, and need a bit of a break. So I started Friends, and have watched two episodes. I understand why everyone loves the show a little better now. It's really funny, and the chemistry between the cast shines through.

I was concerned the show hadn't aged well, since it was made in the 90's. However, it certainly holds up pretty well. The show also handles Ross' ex-wife being a lesbian pretty well. They use the situation to make some jokes without mocking the characters being lesbians. However, since I'm a heterosexual male, maybe there's something I'm missing. Hopefully any members of the LGBTQ+ community who watch Friends are able to enjoy it still.

All right, that's about it from me today. I should get back to more "productive" work, like practicing Spanish on Duolingo. Or watching Friends and Supernatural on Netflix. 😜 I will try to keep posting weekly, however midterms are around the corner, along with the grand jewel event on campus: Kickoff, which I'm working at, so I might not have a lot of time to write.

If you'd like to connect with me, I'm on Twitter @ConductorPat, and as mentioned before have a Facebook page titled "Patrick Webbs Tug & Tram Blogging." Thanks for reading everyone. Keep writing, and I'll see you on the Tramway!

New Blog Announcement & Pat Pitches Future Fiction & The Dark Stars Trilogy

Hello Star Tugs,

I hope you are all doing well.

Today I would like to announce my new blog: The Occasional Express. Since my train article posts were super popular, I decided to try out another blog. My reasoning behind this is:

A) Trains aren't a big interest of all my readers, so to best serve my audience, I've split up my posts so that people don't have to wait too long for posts they are interested in.

B) I'm in an Entrepreneur class this semester, which inspired me to take a risk. Who knows how successful it will be? I won't unless I try.

Now I should note the reason why it's called the Occasional Express. Tuggin' & Trammin' Blogging will still be my main blog and will have more updates than Occasional Express. Another point I should make is that if I'm talking abut a writing project which includes trains, it will stay here.

That's all for the Occasional Express, if you're interested you can find the blog here: https://theoccasionalexpress.blogspot.com

I also have a Social Media page set up on Facebook for The Occasional Express, which you can find here: www.facebook.com/groups/445304499527314/?ref=group_header

Pat Pitches

All right, let's get to the main topic of the post. Today, I want to delve into a topic I've been meaning to discuss for a while, but haven't had the time to. This will probably be a lot shorter than my History of Yankee Girl post, as this' me sharing my opinion on what I've been reading, what I'm gonna read. (Shout out to my Weekly Wackadoos/Weekly Planet Podcast fans who get that reference).

Unrelated note, this' my first blog post written on my "new" computer. (I switched from one Windows 10 to another one that was less used, so put that on your trivia quiz!)

Today on Pat Pitches, where I pitch a thing I've read, seen, etc., I will be discussing two science fiction books. These are Future Fiction and the Dark Stars Trilogy.

DISCLAIMER: There will be some minor spoilers for both, read at your own risk. Or go read the books, then come back here.


All right, let's get to it!

Future Fiction 

Future Fiction: New Dimensions in International Science Fiction is an anthology collaboration between Bill Campbell's Rosarium Publishing, famous for their anthology Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism & Beyond, and Italian publisher Francesco Verso.

The stories in Future Fiction are mostly written by International Writers, and provides readers a look into fiction from other countries. They deal with Global superpowers (America is mentioned a lot in the stories, and not always in a good light, which gives American readers such as myself a look at how our country is perceived in other countries).

Future Fiction includes stories which deal with artificial intelligence, weather control, media consumption, people with mutant powers to pull life from people and to give it, and.... VR Panda Sex. (That last one is more complicated, basically: scientists use a VR controlled panda robot to teach Pandas in captivity how to have sex).

I need to mention that it's been a while since I read Future Fiction, which was the original sole subject of this post. But that Panda VR Sex...... it's stuck with me folks, I can't get it out of my mind!!

Jokes aside, I really enjoyed all of the stories in Future Fiction. Each felt different from the last, and they all kept my attention. Not only that, each short story in Future Fiction develops its world quickly and very entertainingly. They all feel like they could be the first chapter or expanded into a full on novel, which I would love to see.

Future Fiction also gives international writers a boost. Bill Campbell helped to translate several of the stories into English, to expand their readership. If you want to read stories by more international writers, than give Future Fiction a read. I'll leave the link for it on Amazon here:

www.amazon.com/Future-Fiction-Dimensions-International-Science/dp/0998705918

All right, let's go to the next book!

The Dark Stars (Book 1): Crystalline Space

The Dark Stars trilogy is written by A. K. Duboff, and follows a group of civilians living in a galactic government, where worlds can be reset using an ancient crystal system. However, when a darkness begins to corrupt the crystals, the civilians are saved from limbo and reprinted with more advanced bodies that allow them to use magic and the magical artifacts needed to save the galaxy.

The Dark Stars trilogy is written in the 1st person perspective of Elle, a young woman who wanted to become a Space Ranger, but accidentally got an injury that stopped her. Elle is a very relatable character who is a lot of fun to follow. She's bold and willing to do whatever it takes to save her home world and family from being trapped in an eternal limbo.

The Dark Stars trilogy has 4 main characters, known as the Dark Sentinels: Elle, Kaiden, a cool boy magician who reminds me of Alucard from Castlevania, Toran, the giant brawler with a gentle soul, and.... Maris, another magician.

Maris is added later into the book, and is personally my least favorite character. She complains a lot and comes off as annoying, and only reluctantly helps the others. However, she does grow a bit, and towards the end is less annoying.

I really like the world building that Ms. Duboff does in book 1. There's a good mix of fantasy, video game and sci fi elements. The Dark Sentinels all feel like character types you would see in a Dungeons & Dragons game, you have the magicians (Kaiden and Maris), the brawler (Toran) and skilled fighter (Elle).

The series feels like it has influence from The Matrix, because the characters quickly develop fighting skills once they're given their new bodies.

I also find the idea of (again, minor spoiler) the Dark Sentinels' new bodies being printed. I'm not sure why, the visual idea of that, perhaps inspired by The 5th Element, sounds really cool to me, that's the stuff I want to see in Science Fiction.

I'm currently reading Book 2, A Light in the Dark, after a small break in between Book 1. I definitely recommend you give the entire trilogy a read. I'll leave the Amazon link below.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HHCHQYZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i7

You can also find A. K. Duboff on twitter here: https://twitter.com/AmyDuBoff so go give her a follow on there.

Okay, so since writing this blog post out initially, I've been reading more of A Light in the Dark.....and I'm almost finished. Wow!!

A. K. Duboff's writing is so smooth and inviting that it's hard to stop reading, which is definitely a testament to Ms. Duboff's skill. I wouldn't be surprised if I finish the book before this' published. (I did).

Book 2 also takes a lot more risks and halfway through completely changes the game and the plot. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm not even going to hint at what the book does. You need to read this for yourself.


All right, that's all for me today. Have you read either of these books? What're your thoughts? Let me know here on Blogger or on Twitter, my username is @ConductorPat. Thank you for checking out my blog and my blog series Pat Pitches. I hope you enjoyed both.

Thanks for reading. Remember to Keep Writing and I'll see you on the Tramway!

Yankee Doodle Dandy! The History of Yankee Girl: The (Forgotten & Somewhat) Forgotten Golden Age Superhero

Hello Star Tugs,

Welcome back to the Tuggin' & Trammin' Blogging blog. If this' your first blog post you've read from me, welcome! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

Today, I will be doing another "The History of" blog post, where I discuss, as the name implies, the History of my topic. Today's topic is Yankee Girl: The (Forgotten & Somewhat) Forgotten Golden Age Superhero.

If you've read my blog for a long time you'll know that I'm a bit of a lover of Golden Age and public domain characters. (You can check out my blog posts The History of Lady Luck and the Do's and Don'ts of Public Domain Characters for reference).

A lot of the characters I have learned about from the Golden Age (including Lady Luck and today's subject) are due to the Public Domain Superhero Wikipedia. Without this great source, these characters would be forgotten. I'll leave a link if you'd also like to explore the public domain superheroes, and maybe even get your own inspiration to use a character. Go wild! https://pdsh.fandom.com/wiki/Public_Domain_Super_Heroes

(But make sure to check out my Do's and Don'ts reference page as well, to help you along and avoid a lawsuit)

So today's character (or should I say characters?) we will be digging into the history of is Yankee Girl. Now I say characters because there's actually TWO Yankee Girls.



The Public Domain Superhero Wikipedia lists them as Yankee Girl #1 and #2 (left to right respectfully). Confused yet? Don't worry, sit back, put on a podcast, or Yankee Doodle Dandy if you want to make me laugh (if you take a video of you playing Yankee Doodle Dandy and show this blog post I will give you a shout out on Twitter).

Now to keep this chronological, I'll start with Yankee Girl #1, who came first.

Yankee Girl #1 (Kitty Kelly)

Yankee Girl #1, or Kitty Kelly, first appeared in Punch Comics #1, published in December 1941. Unfortunately, Yankee Girl's creator is unknown. The creator, according to comicbookplus.com, might possibly be Ann Brewster, but this' unconfirmed. Kitty Kelly/Yankee Girl doesn't first in the magazine-like comic. Her story can be found on Page 28. You can read the entire comic on comicbookplus.com, which  I will link here to Kitty's first story. https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=69658 

Kitty Kelly's main job is an air hostess, who sometimes work on trips for the US Army during WWII. Her story in Punch Comics #1 is not clear. In her first story, Kitty deals with Japanese saboteurs, and as you can see on page 29 (or 31 for you at home reading on comicbookplus.com) Kitty does not fall into the stereotype of the damsel in the distress. Though she does call for Ned's help on Page 28. And he wants her to wear and apron and be his wife. So there is that.

The artwork of Punch Comics #1 isn't exactly ground breaking, and some elements, mostly the portrayal of the Japanese, is very stereotypical. One thing that is worth praise in this story is that Kitty is very active in the story.


Kitty Kelly doesn't seem like a superhero in this first issue, she's more of a secret agent or traditional hero. One thing's for sure, as you can see in panel 4 on the above page, if she wanted to do the can can, well oh boy she can! 😎

All right, I promise that's the last pun I'll make.

Kitty Kelly doesn't appear to have been as popular as Punch Comics' publishers, Chesler Feature Syndicate (according to Punch Comics #2 Page 42), were hoping for. Kitty Kelly's story is pushed farther back in the book in Punch Comics #2 to page 42. Once again Kitty Kelly shows herself to be a badass.


Kitty Kelly did not come to play.

Kitty Kelly is somewhat inspirational. She gives the young Lieutenant the courage to step up to their enemies (unfortunately here portrayed as a Muslim stereotype). The story has definitely not aged well. While I have no idea what the numbers were for Punch Comics' sales, I do know that Kitty Kelly was removed from the comic after #2.

Kitty Kelly was relocated to Captain Flight Comics, and where she first appeared in Issue #6. However, if you're looking for a new story, then you're going to be disappointed. The story is a reprint from Punch Comics #2, but has a different cover.


Punch Comics #2 (on the left) and Captain Flight Comics #6. See the resemblance?

Kitty Kelly didn't appear in Captain Flight Comics #7. Why? I'm not entirely sure. I do have a suspicion that the writers decided to give Kitty a "reboot" if you will, but needed time to recreate the character. As you can see on the image of Captain Flight Comics #8, we now see how Kitty became called Yankee Girl.

Captain Flight Comics #8 Page 29



Here Kitty, finally Yankee Girl, gets a costume, which is pretty uninspired. A few things I've noticed right off the bat:

1) Kitty's work is now a receptionist. Why the change? No idea. Maybe she was tired of getting shot down.

2) Kitty inexplicably has powers, such as hypnotism, and I assume strength, since the chair didn't seem to harm her.

I guess that Captain Flight Comics attempted to erase Kitty's first two stories, but kept the name to keep her original readers reading her story. So, how does this story perform versus the first 2?



Well, as you can see, it's not a whole lot better. Instead of fighting stereotypes of Japanese or North Africans, now she fighting stereotypes of the mentally ill! Oh the 1940's were a... special time for comics weren't they?

Also, some idiot forgot to color in Yankee Girl's bottom part of her costume, which is kind of hilarious. These comics weren't exactly being made for the art, as you can see here. As the story progresses, Yankee Girl appears to possess the power of flight and invulnerability to bullets.

Moving on, in Captain Flight Comics #9, Kitty is pushed to the back of the book, and now the title is "Kitty Kelly: Yankee Girl." And she's back to being an air hostess.

Kitty was once again bumped to another book, and appeared in one issue of Red Seal Comics, #17. In this issue Kitty gains a different superhero costume, which was seen above. Which includes children dying...😐😐 YAY.

This issue also finally explains how Kitty Kelly's powers work, allowing her to become Yankee Girl. When she's under distress, Kitty's powers kick in.



We also finally get some proper superhero action from Kitty, and some changing fan service. I'm starting to notice a trend in these 1940's comics, which definitely hasn't stopped entirely.

Despite her versatility and ability to jump around to different books, Kitty's luck came to an end. Kitty's last original appearance was in Wonder Boy Comics #18, published in July 1955.

So how does Kitty's last story go.

 😳

WAIT A MINUTE!!!! 

That's right folks, they reprinted Punch Comics #2's story for a SECOND time. This' a really sad ending for Kitty's career.

And that is the sad ending of Kitty Kelly/Yankee Girl. The real question is, does she count as a Public Domain superhero? Technically.... yes, however she only appears as a superhero in a few stories, and even then the continuity of those stories is very confusing.

When I began researching this blog post I didn't expect a lot from Kitty Kelly, my main interest is in our next subject. However, I was pleasantly surprised with an interesting change of costumes and that hilarious reprint.

All right, now onto the main reason why I decided to write this blog post.

Yankee Girl (Lauren Mason)


Yankee Girl, alias Lauren Mason was created by Ralph Mayo and published by Harry A Chesler.... wait a minute. Chesler, as in Chesler Feature Syndicates. Huh. I guess the Yankee Girls are more connected than I once thought.

Anyways, Yankee Girl (#2) first appeared in Dynamic Comics #23 in November 1947. Lauren's powers, unlike Kitty's, are much more clearly defined. In Dynamic Comics #23, Lauren gains her powers by saying the phrase "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Yankee Girl's powers seem to include flight and strength, but she can still be easily knocked out by a common thug.

Yankee Girl's next (and last) Public Domain appearance was in Danger #16. And for the first time, Yankee Girl is on the front cover!



Yankee Girl's costume changes yet again, she looses the yellow leggings, replacing them for red boots, and her cape has less stars on it. The stripes on her costume have also decreased. This would be the last story where Yankee Girl would appear under the legacy of Harry A Chesler.

HOWEVER, this was not the end of the character's career!

AC Comics 

 Image (C) AC Comics. Used under fair use.  https://accomics.fandom.com/wiki/Yankee_Girl

AC Comics, a lesser known comic book company, decided to bring back Yankee Girl. Because the company which published Yankee Girl went out of business, Yankee Girl fell into the Public Domain. Which means that anyone, including AC Comics, were able to use her.

Yankee Girl had a solo run under AC Comics, and was also apart of AC Comics' team FemForce, created in 1985. According to AC Comics' website, Yankee Girl still has new stories as of 2012 with the publication of Yankee Girl: Stars & Stripes Forever #1.

AC Comics also gave Yankee Girl's costume a redesign, which you can see above. Personally, it's nice but very objectifying. It's not the most objective costume mind you, but doesn't sit with me that well in all honesty.

Yankee Girl has also appeared in a short animated film by Nightveil Media, who have some connections with AC Comics. Which states that it's not for kids... and has her fighting a mostly naked Communist looking woman.... 😕

The animation doesn't appear to be of a big budget, and in all honestly... doesn't look good. I can't pass judgement, since I haven't seen it, and have left a link if you're curious and want to buy it, but don't personally recommend it. And now for some Fun Facts!!

Fun Fact:

Despite being called Yankee Girl by the Public Domain Superhero Wikipedia, Kitty Kelly's first title card doesn't read Yankee Girl! On Page 28 it actually reads Kitty Kelly.

Kitty Kelly doesn't appear in a true superhero costume until her 6th appearance in comics.

Kitty Kelly/Yankee Girl's last appearance also has Phantom Lady, a character most people may recognize from DC, where she has new comics made.

Within Danger #16 Yankee Girl's boots change from red on the cover to blue in the book. (I know that's not so great, bare with me, I'm struggling to find Fun Facts)

AC Comics publish a series with Golden Age, Public Domain superheroes like Yankee Girl, called Golden Age Greats. If you're curious and want to buy the series, you can check my sources below.

Conclusion

Yankee Girl is probably the best example of how a public domain character can be given a second lease on life thanks to the public domain. From her humble origins as a Air Hostess, to a Superhero in an all female team, Yankee Girl's history is very ranged. Not all of her stories (past or present) are good, but there is a certain charm to this character.

If you asked me which version I prefer, I would say Lauren Mason. She has a much more interesting costume, and does a lot more superhero-ing.

And now for a new section I like to call

How I'd Use the Character

Personally, I would try and use both Yankee Girls, and maybe have them have a friendly rivalry. I'd probably keep Lauren Mason as Yankee Girl, and change Kitty Kelly to something else. I likely wouldn't change the costumes a whole lot, but would make some changes to make them more unique. I'd keep Lauren's yellow leggings but make the boots a different character.

Will I ever use Yankee Girl? Whose to say. But I will say, Luck be a Lady...

And that is all I will say. Thank you for reading this very long blog post. I hope you enjoyed it. If you'd like to read more blog posts in the future, follow me here on on Twitter, @ConductorPat, where you can also interact with me. If you'd like to, let me know how YOU would use Yankee Girl. And which version do you prefer?

Thanks for reading everyone. Remember to keep writing, and I'll see you on the Tramway!

Sources:

Captain Flight Comics #6 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=23757

Captain Flight Comics #8 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=40267

Captain Flight Comics #9 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=28443

Chesler/Dynamic Comics. https://comicbookplus.com/?cid=823

Danger #16 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=15231

Dynamic Comics #23 https://digitalcomicmuseum.com/preview/index.php?did=12669

FemForce https://comicvine.gamespot.com/femforce/4060-27873/

Golden Age Greats. https://accomics.com/product-category/golden-age/gollden-age-greats-spotlight/

Punch Comics #1 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=69658 

Punch Comics #2 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=27297

Red Seal Comics #17 https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=40862

Yankee Girl (Kitty Kelly) https://pdsh.fandom.com/wiki/Yankee_Girl_(1)

Yankee Girl (Lauren Mason) https://pdsh.fandom.com/wiki/Yankee_Girl_(2)

Yankee Girl: Stars & Stripes #1 https://accomics.com/product/yankee-girl-stars-and-stripes-forever-1/

Yankee Girl Vs. The Colossal Crossack

www.nightveilmedia.com/downloads/yankee-girl-vs-the-colossal-cossack-download

Exploring Script Writing (& The History of my Oldest Project)

Hello Star Tugs!

Happy Labor Day to my US readers, and to everyone else, Happy Monday. I hope you're all doing well. I'm currently taking a break between homework and class to get write a new blog post.

I know I haven't been able to write a lot recently because of class starting back up again, but I did want to give you all an update on what I'm doing with my writing.

Recently I started to explore writing scripts, which took me from my normal form of novels. This was most likely inspired by many of my friends who are Film Majors. Another inspiration was my idea for a sequel to one of my favorite 80's movies The Wraith. (I'll leave you to google it if you're interested, or maybe I'll do a Pat Pitches or history blog, but that's a subject for another day).

I decided to start with an original project versus attempting to write a sequel for a little known 80's movie. I wanted to make my film script different from my other projects and not based on anything I'd written before, to keep it standalone. However, a certain element from almost all my projects sneaked in. You know what I'm talking about. (Unless you're a new reader, if so, hello! All will be explained soon).

While planning my film, an idea struck me: "What if I did a chase film, set on a train?" I also wanted to use the project to give attention to a steam locomotive I'm quite fond of, which isn't well known outside of the UK and the Train Enthusiast community. And thus the film script Royal Scot was born.

Royal Scot is a chase film where the Royal Family and Royal Protective Service (RPS) must escape to France from a giant conquering army using Royal Scot, a preserved steam locomotive, because all electronics in the UK are wiped out.

I began writing after doing a few googles of how to write a film script, and began to write my script. Unfortunately I lost motivation to work on the project and left it idle while pursuing new projects.

So backtrack a few weeks, and I decided I needed to finish projects I had started. So I returned to Royal Scot and decided to power through until I finished the film script. Which I did!

Don't get too excited Chase fans. My first draft is definitely a rough one, and I have no idea when I could pitch this to studios to be made into a movie. I will have to consult my Film Major friends on how to do this. (Ps. If you're an Executive send me a message on Twitter @ConductorPat and I'll send you my email.)

My other project is much older, though not in it's current form. Which takes me back to when I began to write. Back in around 2008 I stumbled across this video, which literally changed my life www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqwXBNSAPH4. The name of the character at the end of this video, Johnny, stuck with me. Probably because I watched Short Circuit and liked the main character, the loveable robot Johnny Five.

I thought to myself "I can create a character to!" And thus Johnny the V3, later the Bethany Railway Chronicles, was born. Essentially, imagine Thomas but a bit more adult, at least in its later form. Originally I planned the Bethany Railway Chronicles to be a novel series. However, I ran into the problem that I struggle to describe what the locomotive characters look like.

I also had trouble with the world building of the location. Originally I started with an island, then changed it to an island chain so that no one could say I was ripping off Thomas. Despite this, I was still struggling to develop this fictional island chain.

My friend CC, who I've tagged on here before, suggested that I set the series in space. While they mostly meant it as a joke, the idea stuck with me. So the series became the Bethany Galactic Railway Chronicles.

Treading back to Royal Scot, after I finished the first draft of Royal Scot, I got to thinking about making the Bethany Galactic Railway Chronicles into a TV show. I always imagined the series as a TV show, mostly because of Thomas & Friends, but I also thought of funny comedic breaks in between the stories.

Taking my Snowflake Outline that I created for my newest book draft, I tweaked it and wrote the pilot episode, and finished the first draft in 2 days. I personally find script writing a lot easier than novel writing because my main strength is dialogue, and not so much description. So who knows? Maybe my novel projects will turn into film or tv scripts.

I do have a lot to learn, and if anyone has any advice on how to write scripts better, please let me know, I'd love to learn more. Well, that's all for me today, I should get back to some homework. Thank you all for reading, and I hope I'll be able to write again soon. If you'd like to keep in touch, you can follow me on Twitter @ConductorPat.

Thanks for reading. Remember to Keep Writing, and...... Keeeeeeep Tuggin!